Wired earphones make comeback after ILLIT’s album sparks sellout frenzy
ILLIT shares photos wearing wired earphones, tapping into the latest retro trend. Courtesy of Belift Lab
Once pushed aside by the wireless boom, wired earphones are making a surprising comeback, this time as a must-have fashion accessory for Gen Z.
What was once seen as outdated is now riding a new wave of popularity thanks to its retro appeal, affordability, and unexpected visibility in the K-pop world.
As wireless earphones became the industry standard, wired models saw a steep decline in demand. With the convenience of cordless listening and sleek designs, wireless products dominated the market for years.
But recently, a shift has emerged, led by Gen Z idols and fans seeking individuality in retro styling.
Amid growing interest in wired earphones, ILLIT releases in-ear earphone merchandise to enthusiastic fan response. Courtesy of Belift Lab
The trend gained momentum when stars like Karina of aespa, Mark of NCT, Wonbin of RIIZE, Woonhak of BOYNEXTDOOR, and Rose of BLACKPINK were seen sporting wired earphones at airports and public events.
The wired aesthetic, once considered old-fashioned, began to resonate with a generation that values uniqueness and Y2K-era nostalgia.
Practical perks also contribute to its charm: Wired earphones are cheaper and don’t require charging, making them an appealing alternative for younger users.
This rising interest has found its way into K-pop merchandise. Girl group ILLIT, who made their comeback on June 16 with their third mini-album “Bomb,” tapped into the trend by releasing a limited “Merch ver.” album that includes a pair of wired in-ear earphones.
The set also features decorative stickers, a CD and photo cards — all packaged to align with Gen Z tastes. The highlight is the earphones themselves: functional, fashion-forward and compatible with smartphones and tablets.
By offering wired earphones as a main component of the album, ILLIT directly targeted Gen Z’s current trend cycle. As soon as pre-orders opened, the response was overwhelming, leading to an additional production run.
ILLIT, who returned on June 16 with their third mini album “Bomb,” released a version of the album featuring in-ear earphones. Courtesy of Belift Lab
Belift Lab, ILLIT’s agency, explained the concept behind the merch: “The in-ear earphones symbolize an emotional connection between the artist and the fan. Like sharing wired earphones with a friend, we want to offer a moment of closeness and interaction through music.”
As insider trends shift and Gen Z redefines cool, the humble wired earphone is no longer a relic — it’s a symbol of connection, style and cultural resonance. With K-pop artists joining the movement, it seems the wire is back, and here to stay.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.