Cover G-Dragon, one of the most recognisable faces in K-pop challenging South Korean gender-based fashion norms (Photo: Getty Images)
G-Dragon, one of the most recognisable faces in K-pop challenging South Korean gender-based fashion norms (Photo: Getty Images)
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K-pop idols like G-Dragon, CL, BTS’ Jimin, Amber Liu and more are rewriting fashion rules, one sequined blazer at a time
Fashion is more than just clothing and comfort; it is art, culture, an expression, and a reflection of society. In South Korea, the days when clothing was strictly divided into “his” and “hers” are long gone, with K-pop idols leading a fashion revolution rippling across global style trends.
Traditional Korean society had clear gender distinctions in clothing. The hanbok had distinct versions for men and women. But K-pop has turned these conventions on their heads, drawing inspiration from historical Korean gender fluidity–like the hwarang (metrosexual elite male warriors who wore makeup and flowing robes) during the Silla Dynasty (57 BCE to 935 CE).
Read more: 5 historical (sageuk) K-drama classics to watch: ‘Hwarang’, ‘Mr Queen’
The seeds of today’s gender-neutral K-pop fashion were planted in the 1990s with first-generation idol groups like Seo Taiji and Boys experimenting with oversized clothing and androgynous styles. However, it was in the late 2000s and early 2010s that the movement really took off.
K-pop idols are showing fans that fashion has no gender, influencing both street style and high fashion. Major fashion houses like Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Chanel have taken notice, frequently partnering with K-pop stars who blur gender lines in their styling.
The impact extends beyond fashion. Korean pop culture’s embrace of gender-neutral clothing has helped normalise diverse forms of self-expression, particularly in conservative Asian societies, regardless of traditional gender expectations. Meet the K-pop trailblazers in gender-neutral fashion.
G-Dragon (Bigbang)
Above G-Dragon (Photo: Instagram/@xxxibgdrgn)
G-Dragon (Photo: Instagram/@xxxibgdrgn)
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- The original K-pop fashion revolutionary.
- Regularly rocks Chanel tweed jackets, skirts, and dramatic makeup.
- Known for making daisies his trademark motif.
- Made painted nails and colourful hair mainstream for male idols.
CL (2NE1)
Above CL (Photo: Instagram/@chaelincl)
CL (Photo: Instagram/@chaelincl)
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- A pioneer in combining traditionally masculine streetwear with feminine elements.
- Known for powerful, gender-neutral stage outfits.
- Influences both male and female fans with her bold style choices.
See also: From stage to runway: K-pop idols-turned high-fashion models
Taemin (SHINee)
Above Taemin (Photo: Instagram/@xoalsox)
Taemin (Photo: Instagram/@xoalsox)
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- Known for his stage presence and graceful, fluid performances.
- Embraces traditionally feminine silhouettes and accessories.
- His Move era particularly challenged gender norms in styling.
HyunA
Above HyunA (Photo: Instagram/@hyunah_aa)
HyunA (Photo: Instagram/@hyunah_aa)
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- Unapologetically bold, switching effortlessly between ultra-feminine and masculine looks.
- Popularised oversized suits and streetwear for female idols.
- Often pairs masculine clothing with striking makeup.
Don’t miss: 10 K-pop idols who have blossomed into notable actors
Zico (Block B)
Above Zico (Photo: Instagram/@woozico0914)
Zico (Photo: Instagram/@woozico0914)
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- Combines traditional Korean elements with gender-neutral modern fashion.
- Known for mixing feminine accessories with street style.
- Frequently wears pearls and delicate jewellery.
Amber Liu ((fx))
Above Amber Liu (Photo: Instagram/@amberliu)
Amber Liu (Photo: Instagram/@amberliu)
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- Pioneer of androgynous style since her 2009 debut with (fx).
- Consistently challenges traditional feminine idol standards.
- Known for her signature short hair and masculine-leaning fashion.
- Empowers fans to embrace their authentic style.
Read more: 8 K-pop idols who are promoting mental health awareness
Jimin (BTS)
Above Jimin (Photo: Instagram/@ j.m)
Jimin (Photo: Instagram/@ j.m)
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- Famous for wearing cropped tops and harnesses.
- Embraces both delicate and powerful styling.
- Influences millions with his fluid fashion choices.
Miya (GWSN, also known as Girls in the Park)
Above Miya (Photo: Instagram/@miya_lv38)
Miya (Photo: Instagram/@miya_lv38)
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- Confidently stands out for her distinctive androgynous style.
- Known for mixing oversized suits with feminine accessories.
- Consistently challenges traditional girl group fashion norms.
- Represents a newer generation of idols embracing gender-neutral fashion.
See also: 17 Korean celebrities with their own YouTube channels
Holland
Above Holland (Photo: Instagram/@holland_vvv)
Holland (Photo: Instagram/@holland_vvv)
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- Openly combines masculine and feminine elements in his styling.
- Uses fashion to express LGBTQ+ visibility in K-pop.
- Known for breaking traditional K-pop styling rules.
Moonbyul (Mamamoo)
Above Moonbyul (Photo: Instagram/@mo_onbyul)
Moonbyul (Photo: Instagram/@mo_onbyul)
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- Challenges traditional beauty standards.
- Rocks both powerful suits and feminine dresses.
- Known for bold, gender-neutral stage outfits.
Don’t miss: A K-pop and K-drama fan’s ultimate guide to South Korea
Newer groups like NewJeans and Ateez continue to push boundaries, showing that gender-neutral fashion is becoming a K-pop norm. This shift reflects broader social changes, with younger generations increasingly rejecting rigid gender norms in favour of individual expression. From street style to high fashion, K-pop’s boundary-breaking approach to clothing is helping create a more inclusive and expressive fashion landscape for everyone.
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Lainey was the Digital Director of Tatler Malaysia. When not whiling away the hours watching documentaries, the latest K-drama, or reruns of Friends, she can be found indulging her wanderlust by stalking travel platforms or feeding her obsession with music. She loves animals, running, all things social media, a good conversation over coffee or soju or wine (often rambling on if nobody pulls the brakes on her), and is an avid fan of bursting-at-the-seams laughter.
