Lifestyle - The Korea Times

Nostalgia alert: K-pop idols revive their iconic styles

Some celebrities are turning back the clock by sharing images of themselves styled in their prime, evoking nostalgia among fans. Their throwback makeup and styling, reminiscent of their glory days, have drawn admiration for how little they’ve changed over the years. Actress Yoon Eun-hye, a former member of the girl group Baby V.O.X, is a prime example. Yoon played the role of Shin Chae-kyung in the hit 2006 MBC drama "Princess Hours." Recently, she recreated her character’s look on her YouTube channel, wearing youthful makeup, a school uniform, and red-rimmed glasses. Yoon also shared photos of herself transformed into Shin Chae-kyung on her social media. Singer Chaeyeon appeared on her YouTube channel in a concept inspired by 2005. "I thought it would just be funny, but seeing myself like that got me emotional," she said, expressing surprise at how she looked in her old style. Wearing a white fur-trimmed jacket, she added, "I used to wear this all the time. It’s like I was going around saying, ‘I’m Chaeyeon, the celebrity.’ Doesn’t the outfit give off a luxurious vibe?"

May 31, 2025By Hankookilbo

Nostalgia alert: K-pop idols revive their iconic styles

IVE’s Rei embraces ‘MZ-layered look’ with vacation-ready flair

As summer temperatures rise, fashion choices are becoming lighter — but the layered look that swept through the fashion scene earlier this year is showing staying power. IVE member Rei is offering a new take on the trend, adapting it to warmer weather with her signature MZ sensibility, and a stylish layered outfit, shared from her recent trip to Guam. Rei recently posted several photos on her social media, capturing a breezy vacation vibe that caught the attention of fans and fashion watchers alike. Known for her everyday style that resonates with the MZ Generation — a term in Korea that encompasses both millennials and Gen Z — Rei once again stood out with a smart, personal twist on seasonal fashion. In the photos, Rei wears a sleeveless black balloon blouse with a playful polka dot pattern, paired with a knee-length white midi skirt that adds a fresh and pure touch. Adding a subtle edge, she layered long pants beneath the skirt, creating a fashionable contrast that gives her outfit an unexpected hip charm. With temperatures making upper layering less practical, Rei’s styling o

May 24, 2025By Hankookilbo

IVE’s Rei embraces ‘MZ-layered look’ with vacation-ready flair

Hippie perms return as go-to summer look for Gen MZ flair

Hippie perms are back in the spotlight as a major hair trend this summer. For those looking to channel a carefree yet edgy vibe, particularly one that embodies so-called “MZ power,” now may be the time to try out the retro-inspired style — one that has recently been favored by several K-pop idols. Singer Chuu recently posted photos on social media revealing her latest hair transformation. Known for her usual straight or loosely wavy locks, she surprised fans by opting for a tightly curled hippie perm. With curls added all the way to her bangs, Chuu highlighted her signature lovable image with a fresh, more vibrant charm. IVE’s Rei put her own twist on the look by keeping her trademark bangs straight while adding curls to the rest of her hair. The style marked a departure from her usual appearance and offered a bolder aesthetic. Other idols embracing the trend include i-dle’s Yuqi and aespa’s Ningning, both showcasing their unique interpretations. Yuqi enhanced her doll-like image by pairing the perm with blonde, bleached hair in a more polished style. Ningning, on the other

May 24, 2025By Hankookilbo

Hippie perms return as go-to summer look for Gen MZ flair

Actor Han So-hee stuns in black-and-white contrast after Cannes red carpet debut

Actor Han So-hee turned heads with her stunning transformation from a white dress goddess at Cannes to a chic figure in a black swimsuit, captivating fans with her striking contrast in style. Han shared several photos Tuesday on social media, offering a glimpse into her activities following her appearance at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. Han walked the red carpet on Sunday (local time) in Cannes, France, attending as a global ambassador for the French high jewelry house Boucheron. She dazzled in an off-shoulder gown paired with ornate jewelry, radiating elegance. Following her red carpet moment, Han showcased a more casual yet equally captivating look, donning an all-black outfit against the scenic backdrop of Cannes. She also shared images of herself in a black one-piece swimsuit in a pool, exuding a serene and powerful presence. Posing while floating in the water, Han displayed her professionalism and artistic flair, further endearing herself to fans. Meanwhile, Han has confirmed her role in the upcoming film tentatively titled “Project Y” and is currently considering a part in the

May 22, 2025By Xportsnews

Actor Han So-hee stuns in black-and-white contrast after Cannes red carpet debut

‘Classic’ Jennie vs. ‘bold’ Lisa: BLACKPINK stars stun in contrasting Met Gala looks

Jennie and Lisa of BLACKPINK captivated global fans with starkly different fashion choices at the 2025 Met Gala, America’s biggest fashion event. The stars' respective styles — one classic, one daring — have continued to spark conversation long after the event. On May 5, Jennie and Lisa appeared at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York for this year’s Met Gala, held under the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” Representing the luxury brands they each serve as ambassadors for, both artists made bold fashion statements that left an impression. Jennie embraced a classic mood in line with the evening’s tailoring theme, showcasing elegance and sophistication. She wore a black off-shoulder satin jumpsuit paired with tailored black trousers from a French luxury brand she represents, highlighting a unique, androgynous charm. She completed the look with a two-tone fedora, the brand’s signature white flower brooch and pearl accessories for a timeless feel. Jennie’s look drew particular attention for the craftsmanship behind it — her outfit was reportedly the result

May 18, 2025By Hankookilbo

‘Classic’ Jennie vs. ‘bold’ Lisa: BLACKPINK stars stun in contrasting Met Gala looks

Full-body tattoo removal becomes trend among Korean stars

In Korea, where tattoos have long carried social stigma, a new wave of celebrities is now publicly choosing to remove their ink. What once served as a form of emotional expression and rebellion is now being erased — and shared with fans in a surprising cultural shift. One of the most notable examples is singer HyunA, who revealed on Wednesday during an appearance on the web variety show “Yongtaro” that she began removing her tattoos about a year ago. “I had so many across my body that it takes a lot of time,” she said. Her decision was prompted by her mother, who told her, “You’ve done everything you wanted — how about experiencing a clean body just once?” HyunA added, “I’ve gone for removal about four times, and it really hurts.” Comedian Lee Yong-jin, who appeared on the show with HyunA, empathized with her experience, saying, “I’ve removed tattoos on my legs over a dozen times. Now that I’m raising a child, there are moments when I regret them.” HyunA has long been recognized as a celebrity closely associated with body art. Her tattoos ranged from smal

May 17, 2025By Xportsnews

Full-body tattoo removal becomes trend among Korean stars

From breakfast buffets to life advice, Korea’s older YouTubers are thriving online

“Who am I living for?” actress Sunwoo Yong-yeo asks in a recent video, then hops into her Mercedes-Benz and heads to a five-star hotel for breakfast alone. At age 80, the veteran performer is rewriting the script on aging, and her vibrant, candid lifestyle is resonating with viewers across generations. Just over two weeks after launching her YouTube channel, Soonpoong Sunwoo Yong-yeo, on April 24, Sunwoo has already amassed more than 144,000 subscribers as of May 12. Her channel — described as a one-of-a-kind space “filled with laughter, tears, and life wisdom” — is gaining traction for its honest portrayal of older adult life that is healthy, independent, and full of personality. In one popular video, which has surpassed 2.9 million views, Sunwoo drives herself to a hotel buffet, enjoying a colorful spread of vegetables and grains. “If I buy all this just for myself, I end up wasting it,” she says. “For just a little more money, I can eat hotel breakfast — and it’s better for me.” She adds with her signature candor, “What’s the point of saving money when it

May 17, 2025By Hankookilbo

From breakfast buffets to life advice, Korea’s older YouTubers are thriving online

Korean celebrities embrace honesty about cosmetic procedures, sparking public interest

A growing number of South Korean celebrities are openly discussing their cosmetic procedures, signaling a cultural shift in how stars engage with the public about beauty standards. On Tuesday, Shinji of K-pop trio Koyote posted on her personal social media, “Whatever. It’s obvious anyway, so I’ll just say it,” admitting she had undergone double eyelid surgery. Her visibly more prominent eyelid crease immediately caught fans’ attention. “It’s only been a week, but I’m grateful for the last-minute schedule I was able to attend,” Shinji wrote, preemptively addressing potential criticism. “Once the swelling goes down, it’ll look similar to before. So, no saying ‘You looked better before.’ Wait until it heals.” Broadcaster Jang Young-ran also drew attention recently for revealing she has had four eyelid surgeries. She even shared a candid moment consulting for eyeliner tattoo removal. Similarly, actress Han Ye-seul revealed she receives Ultherapy yearly, a noninvasive procedure that stimulates collagen production. “It depends on your skin type, but I start the ye

May 15, 2025By KTimes

Korean celebrities embrace honesty about cosmetic procedures, sparking public interest

BTS J-Hope turns airport into 'runway' with effortlessly cool black-and-denim look

BTS member J-Hope showcased his signature hip style at Incheon International Airport, transforming his departure for Bangkok into a full-on fashion moment. On the morning of May 9, J-Hope departed for Bangkok, Thailand, for the next stop in his global tour. Dressed in a chic combination of black and denim, he effortlessly blended comfort and trendiness in his airport outfit. He layered a loose-fit zip-up jacket in black and navy over a black sleeveless T-shirt, creating a sleek yet casual silhouette. The lettering detail on the T-shirt added a touch of brand flair, while a belt with a rose-shaped buckle at the waist served as a unique statement piece. His wide-fit, dark denim pants enhanced the overall hip vibe of the look. Accessories also played a key role in elevating his outfit. A pair of round, retro-style sunglasses complemented his soft facial features, and a luxury monogram handbag added a refined finish to the ensemble. Balancing laid-back comfort with high-end appeal, J-Hope’s look turned the airport into his own personal runway. Meanwhile, J-Hope kicked off his solo world tour

May 10, 2025By KTimes

BTS J-Hope turns airport into 'runway' with effortlessly cool black-and-denim look

Skinny brows are back — and BLACKPINK’s Rosé is already on trend

The skinny brow trend that once dominated the 1990s is making a strong comeback, with stars like BLACKPINK’s Rosé leading the way. Paired with a modern twist and the edgy flair of Gen Z style, these slim, feminine eyebrows are quickly regaining popularity across the beauty world. Skinny brows — characterized by their narrow, defined shape — have been spotted on international celebrities, signaling the return of the Y2K-inspired look. While thicker brows are often associated with youthfulness, thinner and elongated eyebrows create a more elegant and sultry impression. The trend’s resurgence also ties in with the continued appeal of the Y2K aesthetic among younger generations. Experts expect skinny brows to gain even more traction as they evolve with contemporary beauty sensibilities. Rosé, known for her fashion-forward style, exemplifies the new wave of skinny brows. She has not only refined the shape of her brows to a slim silhouette but also bleached them to match her lightened hair, resulting in a softer and trendier look that balances chic and approachable. Those looking to