More than a fad, these South Korean music and film stars are taking the fashion world by storm
Hallyu or the Korean wave refers to the phenomenal growth of South Korea’s popular culture that encompasses music, TV, films and more. According to The Korea Foundation, it is estimated that over 90 million people worldwide are hooked on this phenomenon.
K-pop and K-drama have birthed a slew of celebrities who not only attained superstar status in this region but also in the rest of the world. From Lisa Manoban to Chanyeol Park, these South Korean stars rose to the top with their distinctive blend of infectious melodies, eclectic choreography, multilingual music, colourful production and stunning fashion that set trends.
(Related: Asia's Most Stylish: Introducing the Best-Dressed Tastemakers of 2020)
Their fame has since attracted top fashion brands to strike up partnerships to raise their appeal among a new generation of fashion consumers in Asia. There's no denying the impact of popular Korean culture on the global fashion industry as an increasing number of Korean celebrities are included in the social fibre of fashion. K-pop girl groups like Girls’ Generation, Hyuna from 4Minute and Rosé Park from Blackpink have become a fixture on the fashion week circuit, with some members even becoming muses and global ambassadors for designers and luxury brands.
It's no surprise then that even more Korean stars have become faces of this season's fashion campaigns. Here are some of our favourites:
1. Lisa Manoban for Celine
After a period as a friend of the brand and muse to Celine, as well as being spotted in the front row of its runway shows in Paris, the French brand announced Blackpink's Lisa Manobanas its new global ambassador. Along with this announcement comes a new fashion campaign photographed by none other than the creative director of Celine, Hedi Slimane himself.