5 Gen Z K-pop idols making waves on the fashion scene, from Le Sserafim’s Eunchae and NewJeans’ Hanni, to Ive’s Wonyoung, Aespa’s Karina and NMixx’s Sullyoon, repping Gucci, Armani Beauty and Miu Miu

Nov 13 , 2023

Ive’s Wonyoung, NewJeans’ Hanni and Aespa’s Karina are all K-pop idols who have become fashion trendsetters, catching the eye of luxury brands. Photos: @katarinabluu, @for_everyoung10/Instagram; Handout

In the past few years, South Korea has emerged as a powerhouse of inspiration and innovation in fashion. At the forefront of this revolution you’ll find K-pop idols, whose magnetic charm, fearless experimentation and distinctive wardrobes have captivated fans worldwide – and captured the attention of luxury brands too.

If you’re in need of a wardrobe refresh, look no further than these five female K-pop stars who are rewriting style rules, turning heads with their unique dress sense and sartorial choices that have transformed them into major trendsetters.

1. Hanni of NewJeans

NewJeans’ Hanni starring in a campaign for Armani Beauty. Photo: Handout

Aside from being one fifth of Gen Z darlings NewJeans, Hanni is also a global ambassador for Armani Beauty and Gucci, who shows off a fashion sensibility that blends contemporary trends with vintage flair.

How A$AP Rocky became a fashion icon, from Dior Homme to Puma

Hanni carrying a Gucci Horsebit 1955 handbag. Photo: Handout

One of her most distinctive traits is her knack for revitalising timeless pieces with a modern twist. Whether she’s wearing a vintage-inspired tweed jacket from Gucci or rocking a Dickies 874 miniskirt paired with Timberland boots, she marries cutting-edge fashion with classic staples time and time again, showcasing her unparalleled flair for mixing and matching.

2. Eunchae of Le Sserafim

Le Sserafim’s youngest member Eunchae is well-known for her retro “high teen” or preppy fashion. Photo: @hhh.e_c.v/Instagram

The youngest member of Le Sserafim swiftly emerged as a fashion icon with a style that’s equally as refreshing as the group’s music. Eunchae’s power lies in her ability to curate retro-inspired casual attire. At just 16 years old, she embodies a softer, more endearing aesthetic well beyond her years and perfectly in tune with South Korea’s “high teen” trend, reminiscent of the late 90s and early 2000s fashion. Her style also evokes a youthful nostalgia that has resonated with a new generation of fashion enthusiasts.

Eunchae has previously modelled for Korean streetwear brand Kirsh. Photo: @hhh.e_c.v/Instagram

Eunchae’s ascent to fashion prominence reached new heights when she posed as a brand model for the Korean streetwear brand Kirsh.

Style queens: Blackpink’s best fashion looks during the Born Pink World Tour

3. Wonyoung of Ive

Ive’s Wonyoung represents brands like Miu Miu and Fred. Photo: Handout

As an ambassador for luxury brands like Miu Miu and Fred, Ive’s Wonyoung has firmly established herself as one of the Gen Z idols currently setting the style scene on fire.

Wonyoung’s style is dominated by florals and feminine silhouettes. Photo: Handout

Among the myriad styles she’s explored, she frequently gravitates toward sweet and hyper-feminine looks, embodying a girlie image. Her signature soft look is a mesmerising fusion of dreamy pastel colours, whimsical prints and fanciful accessories – a style that encapsulates a sense of innocence and romance. Florals, sundresses, matching sets and plaids reign supreme in her wardrobe.

4. Karina of Aespa

Karina attends the Thom Browne autumn 2023 couture show in Paris, France. Photo: Handout

The Aespa rapper boasts a style that blends chic, urban sophistication with casual comfort. When it comes to Karina’s fashion choices, simplicity is key, with staples including oversized T-shirts, cosy fleece jackets and trusty jeans – a holy trinity that makes up her “It” girl aesthetic.

Take a page from Karina’s style book for cosy chic “French girl” style. Photo: Handout

Karina’s everyday off-duty style is characterised by knitwear and floral motifs, drawing inspiration from the “French girl” style trend. Textured fabrics like tweed and patterns like dots and stripes are key facets of her wardrobe, putting a French twist on comfortable and understated sophistication.

11 of Beyoncé and Blue Ivy’s best mother-daughter matching fashion moments

5. Sullyoon of NMixx

Sullyoon is a member of K-pop group NMixx, which made its debut in 2022. Photo: Handout

From the moment NMixx made its debut, member Sullyoon has consistently turned heads for her doll-like looks and fashion sense. Fans have highlighted how her casual outfits exude a runway-ready vibe, always managing to maintain an air of high fashion even on her casual days off.

Sullyoon wears a baby-doll dress. Photo: Handout

A key hallmark of Sullyoon’s style is her penchant for wearing sweet, girlie looks with a sense of sophistication. Her styling skills not only endeared her to fans worldwide, but also positioned her as a burgeoning fashion icon to watch on the global stage.

K-pop idols

These K-pop idols and Gen Z darlings have all become global jet-setters and fashion trendsetters, from sitting front row at Thom Browne’s couture show to representing luxury jewellery brands like Fred
Korean stars Le Sserafim’s Eunchae and Sullyoon of NMixx know how to master trends like preppy ‘high teen’ fashion and ‘French girl’ style with ease on social media