Category: K-POP ARTISTS

While top brands like Fendi, Gucci, Prada, and Versace made their mark on social media during Milan Fashion Week, the celebrities in attendance truly stole the show. Among them, South Korean boy group ENHYPEN stood out, pulling in impressive numbers that underscored their global appeal.

Prada, a perennial favorite at Milan Fashion Week, has consistently topped the Lyst Index—a quarterly report ranking the hottest brands and products. Their success has been amplified by high-profile associations, notably with ENHYPEN. Prada once again led the Media Impact Value™ (MIV®) brand ranking this season. Beyond their captivating SS24 show, the brand garnered attention for its star-studded front row. Notable attendees included Emma Watson, Rosalía, Win Metawin, and, of course, ENHYPEN.

The impact of these celebrities was evident in Milan Fashion Week’s Top Five Celebrities and Top Five Influencers rankings. ENHYPEN dominated the celebrity list, generating $7 million in MIV® across various placements. The group’s influence was further highlighted by a carousel post featuring member Jungwon, which alone amassed $1 million in MIV®. Following ENHYPEN‘s impressive figure was Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach with $3.4 million, Win Metawin with $2.9 million, Pruk Panich with $2.4 million, and Halle Bailey with $1.7 million.

ENHYPEN is leading the charge

ENHYPEN‘s influence isn’t a one-off event. As reported by EnVi, the K-pop million-selling band had previously made a significant impact during the Milan Fashion Week menswear FW23 season, accumulating an astounding $11.2 million in MIV®—a figure unprecedented at any Prada show.

Media Impact Value™, a proprietary algorithm by Launchmetrics, measures the impact of media placements across various channels, allowing brands to gauge the ROI of their marketing activities. Using MIV® as a benchmark, brands can quantify the buzz generated by celebrities and influencers in monetary terms, compare success strategies across markets, and even benchmark their performance against competitors.

The data from Launchmetrics underscores a broader trend: the rising influence of K-pop, Thai, and Filipino stars in the fashion industry. This year alone, numerous fashion brands have recognized the potential of APAC celebrities, tapping into their vast communities and fandoms. With their unique style and significant social media pull, these stars are poised to redefine the fashion landscape. Events like Fashion Week are the perfect platform to showcase their growing influence and industry reputation.

In conclusion, as the fashion world evolves, the intersection of K-pop and high fashion is becoming increasingly prominent. The wonderful thing is that ENHYPEN is leading the charge. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: ENHYPEN outpaced top international stars. Bravo! Source: Vogue Singapore.

BTS‘ fearless leader, RM, recently did an interview with DAZED Korea, shedding light on the story behind his noticeably shorter hair. Many fans wondered why he got that cut, and RM explained, “I did say ‘because it was hot,’ and that’s true, but it was a bit of an impulse. The last time I had such a short length was in high school, but I wanted to face myself as I am. I wanted to get rid of some of the worries in my head, and not having hair is really helping me to think more simply. I still have a lot on my mind.”

RM said that while the new look might be unfamiliar to the ARMY, the feedback on his new look has been overwhelmingly positive. “I think ARMYs might be a little unfamiliar with it. But the reaction around me is very good. Some people say I look the most handsome right now,” he chuckled. “I’ve been confident in my appearance and hair for a long time, so I actually thought it would look pretty good even if I shaved it off like this. It’s comfortable and neat. It was difficult to get asked questions like ‘Have you had a change of mind?’ But other than that, everything is good.”

His personal interests

Diving deeper into his personal interests, RM touched upon his connection with art. He expressed admiration for artists like Yun Hyong-keun, whose works adorn the walls of his apartment. “Mr.Yun is still breathing at my bedside, in my study, in the kitchen, and at the entrance of my house. When I stand before him, my worries and the jagged ups and downs of my life feel like nothing. I think he teaches very close and sometimes from very far away. Even though he isn’t here now, I still feel like I am learning and growing from him.”

Eventually, talk turned to his Instagram activity. RM has been sharing a mix of art, movies, and other things, such as films that piqued his interest, like Asteroid City and Phantom Thread. He also talked about his work with Bottega Veneta and the art exhibit sponsored by the luxury fashion house.

“What I liked about Bottega Veneta was that they wanted me to join them,” he shares. “When I had a video meeting with creative director Mathieu Blazzy, we talked more about art and lifestyle than fashion. I really liked it when he said, ‘Our brand matches your lifestyle.’ Another thing I like is the unique elegance Bottega Veneta pursues. I already own work by artist Suki Seokyeong Kang, and the Leeum Museum of Art is one of my favorite places in Korea, so I’m happy to be able to participate in this partnership. And I wish more brands would be more genuinely interested in art.”

RM on his public persona

As the interview neared its end, RM reflected on his public persona. “I’m actually not sure why people take me seriously, but it’s probably because of my UN speech or the numerous interviews. However, if you just watch content like Psick Show, Run BTS, or my vlogs, you’ll know I’m not that heavy and serious person twenty-four hours a day. I love humor and fun. That’s also one of the reasons for my life,” he remarked.

He continued, “But humor and a sense of responsibility are different. It would be nice to lead a life with only fun and pleasure, but adding a little commitment can make your life more fulfilling. It’s also fun to see everyone worrying that I look serious. The fact that there are things in the world that only I can do makes my heart beat faster. It makes me feel alive. Fun and commitment, that’s not a bad recipe. I want to keep in mind that I’m quite a funny and strange person in private.”

RM‘s interview with DAZED Korea provides a profound insight into the mind of the K-pop sensation, showcasing his thoughts, inspirations, and the genuine individual behind the global icon. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: RM is wearing a leather shirt, an intrecciato weaving detail tie, and a bracelet, all from Bottega Veneta. Source: DAZED Korea.

BLACKPINK‘s Lisa shattered numerous K-pop stereotypes with her debut performance at the legendary Parisian cabaret Crazy Horse on September 28. Although Lisa is a newcomer to this iconic venue, she follows in the footsteps of superstars like Beyoncé, Dita von Teese, Pamela Anderson, and Rihanna.

About the Crazy Horse cabaret

With its limited 1,000 seats, the theater offers an intimate and exclusive ambiance. But the allure of the show drew over 50,000 fans vying for tickets. Nestled beside luxury fashion giants Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent, it’s located at 12 Avenue George V, Paris, offering views of landmarks like the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower. Contrary to popular belief, the dress code for the Crazy Horse show isn’t strictly formal. While evening gowns are a common sight, many don smart casual attire.

Tickets for the show start at 115 EUR (approximately 121 USD). Add-ons like a bottle of champagne can increase the bill by 20 EUR (21 USD). A more private experience is priced at 295 EUR (313 USD), with only a limited number of these exclusive tickets available.

The venue is the brainchild of artist Alain Bernardin, who founded Crazy Horse in 1951. He envisioned transforming the traditional Parisian cabaret shows, like those at Moulin Rouge, into a more refined art form. Today, Crazy Horse is a testament to his vision, offering theatrical entertainment that includes singing, dancing, and even magic acts, all performed by semi-nude female dancers.

Even so, their performances are executed in a way that avoids objectification. As Paris Tickets & Tours puts it, “The main element that separates Crazy Horse from other shows is its dedication to celebrating the female form in all its splendor and grace. The show’s tasteful nudity combined with its breathtaking choreography emphasizes the sensuality of the performers without objectifying them. Their confidence, grace, and impeccable timing create a spectacle that leaves audiences in awe.”

Lisa exuded sophistication

Ahead of her performance, the “Money” singer teased fans with posts about her shows at Crazy Horse on her official Instagram. This culminated in a grand reveal on September 27. Her debut caused a surge in “Crazy Horse” searches on Google the following morning, a testament to her global influence.

Lisa‘s debut was nothing short of spectacular, thanks to her exceptional talent and captivating presence. Her entrance was marked by a playful peek from behind the curtain, her infectious smile and wink setting the tone for the evening. She then gracefully shared the stage with the Crazy Horse dancers, lip-syncing to French tunes. Her ensemble, a blue-green bob wig complemented by a tweed jacket and shorts, encapsulated her confident yet playful demeanor. One of the highlights was a cheeky moment where she got on all fours, engaging the audience with her charm. This move was reprised in one of her subsequent solo performances.

Her performance of “But I’m a Good Girl” was a sensuality, elegance, and confidence masterclass. The stage, adorned with beaded blinds, served as the perfect backdrop for Lisa’s entrances and exits, keeping the audience on their toes. This performance, lasting about three minutes, left an indelible mark on the audience.

“Crisis? What Crisis?” showcased Lisa‘s versatility. Starting off in a white shirt, black dress, tie, and glasses, she gradually transitioned through the act, exuding sophistication at every turn. Her deliberate movements and expressions held the audience’s attention, a testament to her unmatched charisma and skill. However, the venue prohibited capturing these moments on camera. Many BLINKs shared stories of security personnel confiscating phones, but they returned them after the 90-minute show.

Familiar faces

Lisa had familiar faces in the audience. BLACKPINK members Jisoo and Rosé were present, cheering on their teammate. Representing Dior and Yves Saint Laurent respectively at the Paris Fashion Week, both made time to support Lisa. They entered the venue through the VIP entrance, bearing flowers. Their support was evident as they cheered for Lisa throughout the performance.

Among the attendees was Frédéric Arnault, CEO of Tag Heuer and Lisa‘s rumored boyfriend. He was accompanied by his family, including his father Bernard Arnault, founder and CEO of LVMH, his mother Hélène Mercier Arnault, a renowned pianist, and his younger brother Jean Arnault, director of watches at Louis Vuitton. Other notable attendees included Thai actress and model Thanaerng, Spanish singer-songwriter Rosalia, model Kaia Gerber, and actor Austin Butler.

In a surprising turn of events, Lisa traveled to Paris without renewing her contract with YG Entertainment. Fans spotted her at Seoul’s Incheon airport on September 25, 2023, without her usual entourage of managers and bodyguards, fueling speculations about her future with the agency.

Lisa will perform her final Crazy Horse show on September 30. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Contrary to popular belief, Lisa didn’t perform nude. Source: Instagram/@crazyhorseparis_ official and @lalalalisa_m.