K-pop is a mesmerizing and vibrant place where innovation and imagination know no bounds. Fans love everything about this captivating world of art, from the melodies and wildness of the music to the choreography and music videos. However K-pop is not only a music industry; but it also inspires fashion trends for numerous people around the globe. The idols and artists are more than just performers. They are trendsetters who popularize new fashion trends, from their hairstyles and outfits to their makeup looks. It is their curated fashion that makes them icons and trendsetters. So, let us take a closer look at the top 10 trends popularized by K-pop idols and their iconic looks.
1. f(x)’s Krystal – Tennis Skirt
Krystal Jung is an iconic figure who set the standard for female idols long ago. During the performance of f(x)’s “Rum Pum Pum Pum,” the group wore tennis skirts. However, Krystal stood out and caught people’s eye. Netizens began referring to the style as “Krystal Skirts.” To this day, tennis skirts remain popular in K-pop, and many give credit to Krystal for popularizing them.
2. Chungha – Glitter Eye Makeup
When Chungha released “Roller Coaster,” her concept was glittery and sparkly. During one of her performances, she winked and the glitter under her eye sparkled. This moment went viral, and she became the Queen of glitter eye makeup. Chungha’s iconic moment popularized the trend of the glittering stone under the eye in K-pop.
3. Blackpink’s Jennie – Two-Tone Dyed Fringe Hair
Jennie, the famous IT girl, is widely recognized as a fashion icon. Her unique style has inspired many, from the K-Pop industry to the general public. Jennie’s fashion choices, such as her crescent moon top and glittery hair pins, have earned her the title of a trendsetter, as she makes trends more mainstream. In 2020, when the teaser for “How You Like That” was released, Jennie’s two-tone dyed fringe hair became a viral sensation, inspiring a trend not only in K-Pop but globally.
4. Straykids' Hyunjin – Wolf Cut
Hyunjin from Stray Kids is known for his long hair, which led to the popularity of the “wolf cut” hairstyle in the K-pop world. The style is now commonly referred to as the “Hyunjin Cut.” While other idols had also sported long hair before him, Hyunjin’s charisma and presence made the look particularly iconic.
5. Balckpink’s Jisoo – Hair Bow
Jisoo’s visuals are undeniably magnificent and enthralling. With the release of the teaser photo of “How You Like That,” she started getting more worldwide recognition. But apart from her visuals, it was also the hairdo that went viral; precisely the hair bow style that featured two hair bow pins clipped onto each side of her hair. This unique look became iconic and significantly boosted her popularity.
6. Exo’s Kai – Crop Tops
Exo’s Kai, like many SM idols, is known for setting trends in the fashion world. His bold and stylish choices have made him a popular figure among fans. During the “Don’t Mess Up My Tempo” promotions, Kai is seen wearing various crop tops, which helped to popularize the trend among male idols. Thanks to his influence, crop tops have become a must-have item in many people’s wardrobes.
7. Twice’s Naeyon – Butterfly Top
Several female idols have been spotted wearing the butterfly top, but the trend took off after Naeyon’s solo performance of “Pop”. Her outfit, featuring a butterfly top and jeans with a butterfly embroidered, went viral and sparked a surge in popularity for the butterfly top trend among both female idols and the general public.
8. Red Velvet’s Wendy – Sharming Cut
In 2019, Wendy’s shoulder-length haircut became a viral sensation among fans worldwide. It was even dubbed the “Wendy Cut” by hair salons and netizens. This charming hairstyle combined a shag cut in a layered style with the word “charming,” which enhanced Wendy’s visuals and made it a popular trend in Korea.
9. Exo’s Baekhyun – Face Chain
Baekhyun from EXO is a trendsetter with an elegant style. He is famous for his iconic looks in every EXO music video, such as his lip chain in “Monster” and eyeliner in “Overdose.” His ethereal face chain look, first seen in the MV for “Obsession,” was pure magic, and fans went wild. This look became an iconic trend that many other idols started embracing.
10. Ive’s Wonyoung – Baby Hair
Wonyoung, a member of the IVE and considered the next big thing in the 4th generation of the genre, is widely admired for her stunning beauty, impressive talent, and impeccable fashion sense. Since joining IVE, Wonyoung has become an internet sensation with her angelic appearance, breathtaking makeup, and stylish clothing choices. Her unique hairstyles, such as the “Wonyoung princess hairstyle” and Fur hats, have caught the eye of many. Additionally, her baby hair styling has become a viral trend, cementing her status as a fashion icon. She is the ultimate slayer when it comes to this trendy hair look.
