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Forget Ae-sun of ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’: IU stuns fans with chic daily style

Singer and actress IU has found a new signature role — Ae-sun, the bold and rebellious lead in Netflix’s latest original series “When Life Gives You Tangerines.” Released on March 7, the show tells the story of Ae-sun, a spirited girl from Jeju Island, and Gwan-sik, played by Park Bo-gum, a devoted and earnest man. Their lifelong adventure unfolds through four seasons, capturing both local and international attention. In its second week, the series ranked No. 2 on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English TV shows with 6 million views (calculated by total watch time divided by the show’s runtime). It also landed in the Top 10 list in 41 countries, including Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Turkey, the Philippines and Vietnam. IU has received widespread acclaim for her performance. In the first chapter of the series, she portrays Ae-sun as a headstrong literary dreamer who refuses to be discouraged, regardless of circumstance. Best known for her modern and multidimensional characters in dramas like 2011's “Dream High,” 2015's “The Producers,” 2018's “My Mister” and 2019's “Hote

Mar 27, 2025By KTimes
Forget Ae-sun of ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’: IU stuns fans with chic daily style

IU and Suzy embrace 'no mascara' look in new beauty trend

For years, glamorous lashes have dominated the social media feeds of K-pop idols and celebrities, with bold mascara and intricate lash extensions serving as the focal point of many makeup looks. But now, a subtle shift is taking place in the beauty scene as the “no mascara” trend gains momentum. Unlike traditional eye makeup that relies on dramatic mascara or lash extensions, the “no mascara” approach emphasizes a more natural and minimalistic aesthetic. Soft eye shadow and gentle blush are still welcome, but the goal is to enhance facial features without overloading the eyes. Light contouring around the eyes using neutral shadow tones can create depth and definition, while a dewy complexion completes the fresh, youthful look. Singer and actress IU is widely seen as a leading figure in this trend. Her recent appearances feature a flush of pink tones on her cheeks and eyelids, but no visible mascara, creating a translucent, radiant effect. Arin of K-pop girl group Oh My Girl has also embraced the trend, keeping her eye makeup minimal while sporting rosy cheeks that highlight her

Mar 27, 2025By KTimes
IU and Suzy embrace 'no mascara' look in new beauty trend

Jennie's casual looks inspire return of oversized bags

Oversized bags are resurfacing as a fashion trend, dominating runways and street style for people seeking both style and functionality. When K-pop star Jennie of BLACKPINK casually shared her daily look outfits on her social media, the oversized COS quilted bag she regularly wears caught the eyes of fans, gaining explosive popularity globally. The lightweight and spacious bag was sold out soon after the artist was spotted carrying it. “I have a close friend who I share fashion issues with, and she was carrying (the COS quilted bag) one day. So I bought it too. And when I was touring, I carried it around conveniently. Then all of a sudden it was booming, so I was so surprised too,” the artist recently said during a YouTube talk show. Until just a few years ago, mini or micro purses that could only fit essentials like a smartphone and lipstick were popular. But like the COS bag, carryall bags have recently returned as a trend, especially among the younger generation looking for a stylish way to carry around their basics. The trend toward oversized bags is gaining traction among luxury b

Mar 24, 2025By Lee Gyu-lee
Jennie's casual looks inspire return of oversized bags

IVE’s Rei highlights Gen Z beauty with bold blush makeup

For Gen Z, makeup is more than a routine — it's a form of self-expression. Rather than blindly following trends, many opt for unique details to emphasize individuality. One example of this style is Rei of the girl group IVE, often described as a "Gen Z icon" for her dreamy yet distinctive looks. Rei continues to showcase her one-of-a-kind image by staying true to her own makeup style. The most striking element of her look is her bold use of blush. She applies it from beneath her eyes down to her cheeks, creating a flushed, radiant effect that enhances her playful charm and kitschy aesthetic. This technique, often called “Igari makeup,” originated from renowned Japanese makeup artist Shinobu Igari. In Korea, it’s commonly called the “hangover makeup” look because the reddish cheeks resemble a post-drinking flush. While this style saw popularity in Korea during the mid-2010s, it has recently resurfaced with celebrities like Rei bringing it back into the spotlight. To achieve this blush-forward makeup style, a clear and dewy complexion is key. Rather than heavily concealing ble

Mar 24, 2025By KTimes
IVE’s Rei highlights Gen Z beauty with bold blush makeup

BLACKPINK's Jennie draws attention in latest dance challenge

Jennie of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK is making waves with her first full-length solo album, further cementing her global rise in popularity. The album, “Ruby,” released on March 7, has already set new records, including the highest first-week sales of any K-pop female solo artist this year. It also debuted at No. 3 on the U.K. Official Albums Chart, No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and entered Billboard’s Hot 100 at No. 80, based on peak rankings. Jennie’s popularity goes beyond chart success. Her title track “Like Jennie” has sparked a viral dance challenge, quickly becoming a phenomenon in the K-pop scene. Numerous fellow artists have joined the challenge, further highlighting Jennie’s widespread influence. Alongside this, the dance challenge for the prereleased track “ExtraL (feat. Doechii)” has also gained traction. In the video, Jennie showcases her signature hip and stylish vibe, which has not only caught the attention of fans but also sparked interest in her outfit. Unlike her usual glamorous stage attire, Jennie opts for a cool, relaxed style in the challenge. What re

Mar 24, 2025By KTimes
BLACKPINK's Jennie draws attention in latest dance challenge

Craft your style: Korea’s trendiest spots for personalized decor

As the personal customization trend continues to surge among younger generations, everything from diaries and bags to keyboards is being transformed into unique expressions of individuality. From specialized stationery boutiques to hidden gems offering unique keyrings and plush accessories, various shops have become creative havens for decorative enthusiasts, fueling the DIY movement that's transforming everyday items into personal statements.

Mar 16, 2025By Lee Gyu-lee
Craft your style: Korea’s trendiest spots for personalized decor
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