By Orville Tan
K-pop idols don’t only influence what we listen to. They influence how we dress, do our makeup, even how we pose for photos.
Explore the massive impact of idol fashion and K-beauty on Filipino fans—from copying Jennie’s chic outfits to hunting down BTS-approved skincare products.
Read about iconic “sold-out” moments, and how Pinoys put their own twist on K-fashion. Ready to upgrade your OOTD and makeup game, K-style?
Idol Style
K-pop is as much a visual experience as a musical one. Each comeback brings a new concept that influences everything from an idol’s hair color to their wardrobe aesthetic.
K-pop idols are global fashion icons. Whatever they wear, be it a luxury or streetwear, can spark a craze.
Items worn or used by idols often sell out within hours. BLACKPINK’s Jennie once posted a mirror selfie in a simple slip dress by a brand called Alyx. The dress sold out in one hour in Korea, despite being around ₱12k! Another time she wore a cozy brown Sherpa coat for an Adidas shoot, which became known as the “Jennie Fleece”. You can guess how that turned out.
BTS’s influence in fashion is also legendary. Jungkook casually mentioned Downy (fabric softener) during a chat, and it ran out of stock all over Korea.
BTS’s V once wore a pair of Prada combat boots during a performance, and so many fans rushed to get them that Prada’s website reportedly crashed.
Even a $6 plain white t-shirt from a local brand sold out overnight after BTS’s Jin wore it to the airport (it was renamed “Jin’s shirt” in his honor).
Idols influence everything style-related. Makeup is a big one. K-beauty trends like dewy “glass skin” or straight brows caught on here largely because we saw idols looking flawless with them.
The mid-2010s saw an explosion of Korean cosmetic stores in the Philippines (Nature Republic, The Face Shop, etc.), and local Pinay brands also started releasing products inspired by K-beauty (BB creams, cushion compacts, tints) because the demand was real.
Everyone wanted that fresh, minimal “no makeup” makeup look like their fave K-drama leads.
THE “SOLD-OUT” EFFECT
It’s crazy how powerful the idol endorsement effect is, even when it’s not an official endorsement.
K-pop idols have been dubbed “Sold-Out Kings/Queens” in media because so many things they touch turn to gold.
A small Korean fashion label that made modern hanbok outfits went viral worldwide after Jungkook wore one on a live stream.
They got thousands of inquiries from overseas, including the Philippines. Or how about Girl’s Day’s Hyeri (who’ll be in Manila this Saturday, July 26) who used a certain Chanel lipstick on a TV show, and that exact shade sold out in multiple countries, earning the nickname “Hyeri’s lipstick.”
Blackpink’s Rosé wore a Saint Laurent coat and fans with $$$ made it sell out too.
PINOY TWIST TO K-FASHION
Not everyone can afford Jennie’s $1,800 Chanel sweater or G-Dragon’s custom Nike shoes, so we hunt in Greenhills or Shopee for similar-looking pieces.
What’s awesome is how Filipino fans incorporate K-pop style but still add our own twist. There’s also a rise in thrift shops and online stores selling “Idol-inspired” outfits.
While the average Pinoy Kuya isn’t going full Taemin, we do see more young Filipino men caring about skincare, or being willing to wear pink because hey, if BTS can do it, so can we.
There’s definitely been a shift in mindset. It’s more acceptable now for guys to pay attention to fashion and grooming. The so-called “flower boy” aesthetic (soft, stylish, well-groomed) has found a niche among Pinoy teens, alongside our traditional macho styles.
It’s also a two-way street sometimes: Korean idols have been spotted wearing Filipino-made items too! Red Velvet’s Joy once wore a dress by Filipino designer Patty Ang in a magazine shoot, and SNSD’s Tiffany famously wore a Monique Lhuillier gown on a red carpet.
CONFIDENCE & SELF-EXPRESSION
What I love most is how K-pop fashion has given fans a new outlet for self-expression.
Maybe you were shy to wear bold red lipstick, but after seeing Sunmi absolutely slay with red lips, you’re like “Okay, I’ll try it.” Or you felt too shy to wear streetwear, but seeing Stray Kids’ Felix effortlessly mix comfy and cool inspires you to put together your own similar fit.
Idols often preach messages like “love yourself” (salamat BTS) and embracing your unique style- and fans take that to heart.
With platforms like FanFlare noticing this fashion-and-fandom intersection, who knows.. maybe they’ll host style challenges or fashion events for fans in the future. It’s another way to bridge cultures, as FanFlare’s mission is to empower fans.
So next time you put on that denim jacket covered in BTS and SB19 pins, or swipe on that coral lipstick because it makes you feel like you’re on stage with Hwasa, know that you’re participating in a global style wave.
You’re expressing your fan love through fashion and making it your own. Walk with pride, kasi ang swag mo ay isa sa atin. As they say in Korean, “멋있다!” You look awesome!
