How K-pop is shaping Fashion Trends Worldwide
Hallyu, or the Korean wave, has grown drastically to become one of the major drivers of global culture over the decades. The core concept of Hallyu is the ever-growing popularity of Korean pop music, K-pop, which brings together diverse musical styles such as dance, R&B, and hip hop. With its distinctive music, colorful clothing, elaborate choreography, and attractive South Korean performers who dance in synchronized perfection, K-pop has truly become a global phenomenon with fans that worship idols passionately. K-pop has not only shaped the entertainment industry in terms of music but also constantly sets fashion trends around the world.
Fashion and music form a dynamic relationship that creates exciting visuals —such as, in the production of music videos, choreography performance, and the creation of fashion trends. While Korean artists are essential to the fashion industry, K-pop idols have always relied heavily on the visuals of their performances and music videos. These idols have been pushing the boundaries of fashion and have been influencing fashion for decades, focusing on urban and youthful looks with a street style approach. This gives international fashion brands huge opportunities to capture advertising efforts, such as promoting in concerts and television series, to gain exposure of the brand. The outfits of K-pop artists always become a trend, especially for young men and women in Korea. The popularity of K-pop idols ensures that Korean fashion appeals to customers across the globe.
"K-pop has not only shaped the entertainment industry in terms of music but also constantly sets fashion trends around the world."
Furthermore, one of the reasons why Korean pop fashion is influential is its flexibility and adaptable style. Although the majority of K-pop artists prefer to wear high-end or big brands, the fashion styles they pick are relatively flexible and suit the streets. Thus, their style becomes the inspiration of Gen-Z and millennials for an everyday look.
There are endless fashion collaborations with K-pop artists, enabling them to grow their presence internationally. With the help of social media and marketing, these idols have established themselves as influencers through both music and fashion and their trending styles are constantly exposed in the public eye, influencing fashion trends around the world.
by Tiffany Lee.
Works Cited
Forero, G. (2021, March 12). The influence of K-pop in fashion. Across The Culture.
https://www.acrosstheculture.com/media/music/k-pop-influence-fashion/.
Minkoff, P. (2020, June 3). Why Korean Fashion Is So Popular. High Style Life.
https://highstylife.com/why-korean-fashion-is-so-popular/.
Romano, A. (2018, February 16). How K-pop became a global phenomenon. Vox.
https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/2/16/16915672/what-is-kpop-history-explained.
