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Meet Japanese dancer Kyoka, redefining street fashion and confidence on Korea’s hottest dance show ‘World of Street Woman Fighter’

As “World of Street Woman Fighter” continues to dominate ratings and online buzz, one dancer in particular — Kyoka of Japan’s Osaka Ojo Gang (Osaka Gals Gang) — has emerged as a fan favorite, capturing the attention of the so-called (in Korea) MZ generation with her confident performances and distinct personal style. According to Nielsen Korea, the Mnet series has ranked No. 1 in its time slot for five consecutive weeks among target demographics (15–39 and 20–49), including against major broadcast networks. The show has proven especially popular with women, topping ratings for women in their 10s to 40s. Notably, it scored a 3.1 percent rating among women in their 40s. On streaming platform Tving, it achieved a real-time viewership share of 90.1 percent. The show’s buzz is just as strong online. “World of Street Woman Fighter” has topped the TV-OTT non-drama popularity rankings for four weeks straight, according to Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex. As of the third week of June, it again ranked No. 1 in combined TV-OTT buzz. The show's Mega Crew Mission videos have co

Jun 28, 2025By Hankookilbo
Meet Japanese dancer Kyoka, redefining street fashion and confidence on Korea’s hottest dance show ‘World of Street Woman Fighter’

Slicked-back hair trend sweeps K-pop, led by BLACKPINK's Jennie, IVE's Rei and TWICE's Jihyo

With rising temperatures making bangs increasingly uncomfortable, a sleek hairstyle that pulls all hair away from the face is gaining traction among K-pop stars. Known as the slicked-back or all-back style, this clean and polished look is being embraced by top idols including BLACKPINK’s Jennie, IVE’s Rei and TWICE’s Jihyo. IVE’s Rei recently drew attention after appearing with a dramatically different hairstyle. Known for her signature blunt bangs, she surprised fans by completely sweeping her fringe back, leaving not a single strand out of place. The look highlighted a more sophisticated and modern charm, moving away from her previous image. Jennie of BLACKPINK also showcased a variation of the slicked-back style, wearing a high bun with her forehead fully exposed. Unlike Rei, who parted her hair at the center and slicked it along the hairline, Jennie combed all her hair directly back for a sharper, bolder impression. TWICE’s Jihyo followed suit, pairing a clean center part with tightly styled edges that smoothed all baby hairs along her forehead. Her look brought a fresh, b

Jun 28, 2025By Hankookilbo
Slicked-back hair trend sweeps K-pop, led by BLACKPINK's Jennie, IVE's Rei and TWICE's Jihyo

IU, Jihyo and Olivia Rodrigo embrace the polka dot trend as summer’s most charming print returns

Polka dots are making a playful comeback this summer, thanks in part to the fashion seen in the hit Netflix series "When Life Gives You Tangerines" and stars embracing the iconic look on and off screen. IU, who starred as Ae-sun in the series, sparked renewed interest in the print when she appeared wearing a polka dot scarf. Her charming style captivated viewers and set off a trend among fans and fashion watchers alike. Across social media, other stars have also been showing off their love for polka dots. Yuna of the K-pop group BB Girls was seen in a soft pink polka dot top paired with a pleated skirt, channeling a pure and nostalgic vibe. In another post, she wore a frilly skirt with a matching polka dot blouse while taking retro-style four-cut photos. TWICE’s Jihyo captured the essence of summer with a breezy look that layered a sleeveless polka dot top over a plain T-shirt. Her tied-back hair and silver accessories added a refreshing touch to her seasonal style. Actress Park So-dam, meanwhile, offered a more subdued take while traveling in Japan. She opted for a monochrome look but

Jun 24, 2025By Hankookilbo
IU, Jihyo and Olivia Rodrigo embrace the polka dot trend as summer’s most charming print returns

Figure skating icon Kim Yuna, Han So-hee help $50 Dior bag go viral

An eco bag carried by “figure skating queen” Kim Yuna has become the center of attention online, with fans admiring both its chic design and surprisingly affordable price tag. Kim recently shared several photos on her personal social media account. In the photos, she appeared in a relaxed, effortlessly stylish outfit, wearing a black T-shirt and light-wash denim jeans. She completed the outfit with a Christian Dior eco bag, elevating her simple style with a touch of luxury. The bag is a limited-edition item released by Dior as part of its “Designer of Dreams” exhibition and brand campaign. It features an elegant sketch of a dress printed on the front, combining practicality with artistic flair. Priced at around 70,000 won (approximately $50), the bag has attracted attention as both a fashion statement and a collectible piece. Other celebrities, including actor Han So-hee, model Irene and actor Nam Joo-hyuk, have also been seen carrying the same eco bag. Online users responded enthusiastically, leaving comments such as “So beautiful and lovely — Dior is lucky to have her,”

Jun 23, 2025By Xportsnews
Figure skating icon Kim Yuna, Han So-hee help $50 Dior bag go viral

K-fashion takes Tokyo; J-fashion lands in Seoul as Gen Z drives cross-cultural trend

From Seoul’s Seongsu-dong to Tokyo’s Shibuya, local labels are winning over young shoppers in both countries with their casual flair and cultural cool. In the streets of Tokyo’s Harajuku or Omotesando, it’s no longer unusual to see locals donning T-shirts, jackets, and bags emblazoned with Korean fashion logos such as “Mardi Mercredi” or “Matin Kim.” “Two years ago, you never saw this,” said Park Sung-won, a 23-year-old Korean studying in Japan. “Now it’s part of the everyday scene.” A new chapter is unfolding in Korea-Japan fashion relations, with less rivalry, more cross-pollination. Riding the wave of pop culture and youth tourism, fashion brands from both countries are making bold moves across the sea, with Gen Z leading the charge. On one side, Korean labels are staking ground in Japan. Seoul-based Matin Kim opened its first store in April inside Miyashita Park, a bustling landmark in Tokyo’s Shibuya. The opening day drew more than 1,000 visitors, and within two weeks, the shop had surpassed 600 million won ($430,000) in revenue. Seoul's famed fashion hub

Jun 21, 2025By Hankookilbo
K-fashion takes Tokyo; J-fashion lands in Seoul as Gen Z drives cross-cultural trend

K-pop fashion icon: IVE's Jang Won-young wows at luxury brand event

IVE member Jang Won-young showcased her commanding presence at a Miu Miu photocall event held Friday afternoon at the main branch of Shinsegae Department Store in central Seoul. Jang, the tallest member of the group, posed confidently for photographers, drawing admiration for her model-like proportions and elegant aura. This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.

Jun 21, 2025By Xportsnews
K-pop fashion icon: IVE's Jang Won-young wows at luxury brand event

From ‘Kuma’ to ‘Comme des’: How K-pop stars name their pets

Just like people, pets are often given names rich with meaning. When a new baby is born, parents choose names that reflect hopes for health, happiness and good fortune. Similarly, pet owners — especially celebrities — carefully consider how to name the furry family members they’ll spend a lifetime with. From lookalikes and nicknames to favorite foods and luxury brands, the naming process is anything but random. One of the simplest yet most endearing naming methods is based on resemblance. BLACKPINK’s Jennie named her dog “Kuma” because the dog looked like a bear. “Kuma” means “bear” in Japanese, and Jennie said the name came to her the moment she saw her pet’s fluffy brown fur. Fans who saw Kuma often joked, “Is that a raccoon or a bear?” Kuma even has a tuft of white fur on the chest, adding to the bear-like charm. Fellow BLACKPINK member Rosé took a different route, naming her dog “Hank” after actor Tom Hanks — whom she insists the dog resembles. “The more you look at him, the more he looks like Tom Hanks,” she once said. Some idols name their pets

Jun 21, 2025By Hankookilbo
From ‘Kuma’ to ‘Comme des’: How K-pop stars name their pets

From bold to understated: How Korea’s first ladies use fashion to send diplomatic signals

South Korean first lady Kim Hea Kyung drew attention during her diplomatic debut by donning a hanbok with a soft green and yellow palette — offering a sharp contrast to the bold fashion statements previously made by former first lady Kim Keon Hee. Kim, wife of President Lee Jae Myung, appeared in traditional Korean attire at a welcome dinner hosted on June 16 (local time) by Danielle Smith, the premier of the Canadian province of Alberta, during the Group of Seven (G7) summit. While most attendees opted for formal Western dress, Kim stood out in a pastel yellow skirt and green jeogori (jacket), garnering significant attention. “The first lady’s hanbok drew a lot of interest,” a presidential office official said. “Many guests approached the president and first lady for photos.” Experts say her appearance subtly bolstered Korea’s image following the recent controversy surrounding the recent martial law fiasco. The hanbok’s green jacket and yellow skirt — known in Korean as nok-ui-hwang-sang — was interpreted as conveying dignity and balance. Some observers noted that t

Jun 21, 2025By Hankookilbo
From bold to understated: How Korea’s first ladies use fashion to send diplomatic signals

K-content boom reshapes global entertainment landscape

Korea has rapidly transformed from primarily a consumer of global culture into one of the most influential producers. From K-pop and dramas to webtoons and musicals, Korean content is now shaping entertainment trends worldwide, inspiring adaptations and redefining storytelling in global markets. This cultural ascendancy, once unimaginable, is now a key pillar of Korea's soft power. The global rise of Korean content is reflected across multiple pillars — starting with K-pop and K-dramas and now expanding into webtoons and animation — with recent landmark achievements and evolving trends highlighting its growing influence on the international stage. Underscoring the strategic importance of this cultural surge, new President Lee Jae Myung used his inauguration to pledge further expansion of Korea's cultural industry, including K-pop. The president specifically committed to fostering a nation where culture thrives, aiming to propel Korea into the top five global soft power nations. "From K-pop to K-drama, K-movie, K-beauty and K-food, Korean culture is captivating the world. Culture is

Jun 19, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
K-content boom reshapes global entertainment landscape
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