The Hallyu Wave has played a significant role in shaping the global perception of Korean actors and musicians. Global fashion brands are quickly signing Korean celebrities as international ambassadors for their universal appeal.
These Korean stars have raised the bar as far as ambassadorships go. This can be due to many factors, including the global popularity of K-dramas and K-pop music. Not to mention the influence of the celebrities themselves on global fashion trends.
Here are some of our favourite Korean entertainment celebrities who have made their mark in the fashion industry.
1. Lisa (BLACKPINK)
As a top global girl group, it’s unsurprising that all members are ambassadors for major fashion brands. Lisa became the global brand ambassador for French luxury brand Celine in 2020.
The Italian brand Bulgari has signed Lisa, and she has appeared in several of their ad campaigns. This includes the recent Serpenti jewellery collection.
2. Jennie (BLACKPINK)
Jennie, another group member, is a coveted fashion brand ambassador known for her style. She made headlines in 2018 for her high-profile partnership with French fashion house Dior.
Since then has also landed campaigns with American clothing brand Calvin Klein. The luxury Korean beauty brand Hera also features her as the face for its skincare, makeup, and perfumery categories.
3. Song Hye-Kyo
She made international waves with her leading role in the romantic drama Descendants of the Sun. Song Kye-Kyo then became a fashion icon for her elegant appearance and sophisticated charm.
She is currently the brand ambassador for French jewellery and watchmaking brand Chaumet for both Korea and Asia-Pacific. Italian fashion house Fendi named her as their brand ambassador, a role that perfectly aligns with her personal style.
4. Lee Jung-Jae
The 2021 Netflix series Squid Game shot him to international fame, but Lee Jung-Jae was already well-known among Korean fans for his talent and personal sense of style.
Italian luxury brand Gucci selected him as their global brand ambassador, thanks to his natural charisma and acting talents. The label’s sharp suits and understated style fit the actor to a tee.
Expect to see him wearing even more designs by the brand during his press runs for the upcoming Season 2 of Squid Game.
5. Yoon Chan-Young
The young actor became a household name with his starring role in the Netflix zombie K-drama All of Us Are Dead. Yoon Chan-Young later became Coach’s first brand ambassador for Korea.
He was the star of the Spring 2022 campaign for Coach’s leather goods, ready-to-wear and footwear campaign. He also said that the brand matches his own personal sense of style.
6. Seulgi (RED VELVET)
Not only is she popular among fans of the group, but she is a fashion influencer in her own right, with a total of 13 million followers on Instagram.
Her profile in the fashion world was raised when she was named the global ambassador for the Italian fashion house Salvatore Ferragamo. She frequently appears in public wearing several key pieces provided by the label.
7. Jungkook (BTS)
Jungkook is known as a fashion icon in his own right, mostly wearing his own unique blend of street styles. In 2021, he and fellow BTS members became House ambassadors for luxury brand Louis Vuitton, appearing in LV suits at the Grammys the following year.
More recently, Jungkook became the global brand ambassador for Calvin Klein, appearing in a sizzling ad campaign in which he wore the iconic jeans and denim jacket combo, with the brand’s logo peeking out over his waistline.
8. Hanni (NEWJEANS)
After their explosive debut last year, the members of NEWJEANS have gained attention for their fresh, youthful style and bubbly personalities. It’s no wonder that many fashion brands decided to tap into the Korean market.
Young member Hanni was named the brand ambassador for luxury fashion label Gucci in 2022. She has represented the brand at several fashion events in South Korea and Milan, Italy. She is also the face of Armani Beauty and has appeared in several campaigns wearing the brand’s makeup.
9. Hyein (NEWJEANS)
Fellow NEWJEANS member Hanni raised eyebrows when she became Louis Vuitton’s youngest-ever brand ambassador. Hyein has embraced her role with ease, unfazed by the attention that would intimidate most teens.
She was featured on the December 2022 Korean cover of Vogue wearing some of Louis Vuitton’s high fashion pieces. She was also spotted wearing Louis Vuitton at several music festivals and in photoshoots and even walked the red carpet at Louis Vuitton’s Paris Fashion Week show.
10. Hyun Bin
As the male lead in the hit K-drama Crash Landing On You, Hyun Bin stole the hearts of fans around the world. Fans love his heartthrob image and growing international profile. In 2020, he became the first Korean ambassador for the Swiss luxury watch brand Omega.
Italian luxury brand Loro Piana recently tapped him to be its official brand ambassador. This makes him the first Korean celebrity chosen by the brand. He is also the first Asia-Pacific brand ambassador for Tom Ford Beauty.
And that’s our list of Korean entertainment celebrities who have made their mark in the fashion industry.