One of the most well-respected publications in the nation is Vogue Korea, the Korean edition of the renowned fashion publication Vogue. The magazine's monthly editions cover subjects connected to clothing, wellness, and culture, and it has a global audience of over six million readers. Since it was initially released in 1996, the magazine has featured several well-known celebrities, artists, and musicians from Korea and other countries on its covers. However, the privilege to feature on the cover of a prestigious magazine has only been provided to a few K-pop celebrities. These selected idols were chosen not only for their fame in Korea but also for their enormous efforts to spread the Hallyu (Korean) wave over the globe. This list features the names of K-pop performers and ensembles who have established their stardom by appearing in the issue of one of the most significant fashion publications in the nation.
1. G-Dragon
The first K-pop star to appear on the cover of Vogue was G-Dragon of BIGBANG in 2013. Seven further editions, including one commemorating their 20th anniversary, have featured him since then. The July 2022 issue of Vogue Korea Magazine features a cover starring the king of k-pop, G-Dragon, who was photographed by visual artist Kim Hee June. Geeeun, alongside production from Woori Bae, was in charge of styling. Haekyung Lim, a makeup artist, and Taehyun, a hair stylist, were responsible for the beauty. G-Dragon is sporting hand-picked CHANEL ensembles for the covers.
2. Taeyang
Fashion publication Vogue Korea published on their official Facebook on June 16, “Taeyang, who has returned with a solo album ‘Rise,’ and ‘Vogue’ have met once again. We are revealing an exclusive cut from the pictorial for those anxiously waiting for the July issue!” A shirtless Taeyang can be seen in the exposed cut, standing amongst four female models, including Jung Ho-yeon of Squid Game fame. Taeyang's provocative position in which he has one arm around the waist of one model and the other hand gripping the skirt of yet another model is drawing attention to the picture.
3. BIGBANG
BIGBANG was the first K-pop group to appear on the magazine’s cover. Their ethnic-themed photographs were captured in Turkey, Vietnam, and an antique castle in Portugal.
4. EXO
EXO, widely regarded as the most fashionable boy group in K-pop, left its stamp on the most fashionable publication in the nation. Eight people posed in two different groups for the magazine's April issue.
5. Sehun
Only Sehun from EXO has ever secured a solo cover for Vogue Korea. His appearance as the cover model of Vogue Korea's best-selling issue since the magazine's debut in 1996 has made history! Sehun was announced to be the cover star of the August issue of Vogue Korea, appearing on four different cover pages for the publication.
6. Kang Daniel
"Nation's Center" two months after his solo debut, Kang Daniel was featured in the magazine's September issue.
7. Blackpink
In 2020, BLACKPINK made history as the first girl group to adorn the cover of Vogue Korea. In 2021, the ensemble was once more featured.
8. Jennie
Jennie of BLACKPINK made magazine history as the first female idol to appear on a solo cover. Jennie from Blackpink is featured on the cover of VOGUE Korea's February 2023 issue, photographed by fashion photographer Kim Heejune. Together with Park Minhee, Lee Iljung, Lee Sol, Park Eunkyung, and fashion editor Sohn Kihoh, they created a look. Kristin Baumann, working with Visual Park on production, designed the set. Jennie's Chanel Fine Jewelry is worn for the cover story.
9. Bae Suzy
Following her appearance on the cover of Vogue Korea, Suzy accomplished the remarkable accomplishment of appearing on the covers of all six of South Korea's leading women's fashion publications.
10. BTS
BTS, who are global icons, debuted in the January issue of Vogue Korea's 2022 with three special edition covers. Kim Taehyung is the first BTS member to receive a solo cover for the magazine. BTS has appeared on the cover of Vogue four times as a group.
K-pop has steadily increased in popularity around the globe in recent years, as seen by the rising number of K-pop stars who have graced the Korean Vogue cover from 1996 to 2022. The speed with which issues of publications with idols on the cover are snapped up and the reportedly strong sales are evidence of the idols' widespread popularity.
