dior newjeans haerin kpop ambassador fashion campaign 2023 photos
Cover NewJeans member Haerin, global brand ambassador of Dior, stars in a new campaign for the luxury fashion brand. (Photo: Dior)

From BTS’ J-Hope and Jimin to the girls of NewJeans, these Korean celebrities are now the faces of international style campaigns

In recent years, K-pop has exploded into an international phenomenon, shaping pop culture and the music industry far beyond South Korea. Boy bands and girl groups like BTS and Blackpink have amassed a global following, often through a combination of their dynamic performances, distinctive style and good old star appeal.

Today, K-pop’s influence isn’t just felt in the music industry; it’s changing the very face of luxury, too. In a win for diversity, more fashion and jewellery brands are tapping on Korean celebrities to front their campaigns—a privilege that was typically offered to Hollywood stars just a decade ago.

In 2023 alone, we’ve seen the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dior and Fendi announce new global ambassadors from the buzziest Korean music groups. Below, we spotlight all the K-pop idols who have added a new title to their resumes this year.

In case you missed it: Blackpink’s Rosé shines in new Tiffany Lock campaign

Hong-joong of Ateez, brand ambassador of Balmain

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Photo 1 of 3 Hong-joong of Ateez (Photo: Balmain/Instagram)
Photo 2 of 3 Hong-joong of Ateez (Photo: Balmain/Instagram)
Photo 3 of 3 Hong-joong of Ateez (Photo: Balmain/Instagram)

Ateez leader and rapper Hong-joong joined the ranks of the “Balmain Army” in September 2023. A fashionable individual, Hong-joong had been spotted at The Balmain Homme Show in Paris back in March 2023, leaving fans speculating a possible ambassadorship with the French luxury fashion brand. 

“Anytime you wear Balmain, you just make me more inspired to create more collections,” said Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing when the two met at the Balmain presentation in Paris. Rocking the elegance and daring spirit of the Balmain Fall/Winter 23 collection, Hong-joong flawlessly wears Look 8, personally designed and styled by Rousteing.

Minji of NewJeans, brand ambassador of Chanel

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Above Minji of NewJeans (Photo: Chanel Beauty Korea/ Instagram)
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Above Minji of NewJeans (Photo: Chanel Beauty Korea/ Instagram)

Adding to the anticipated alliances between NewJeans and luxury brands, Minji was named the ambassador for Chanel Korea in March 2023, representing three divisions–beauty, fashion, and watches and jewellery–of the luxury brand. According to her agency, Ador, the 18-year-old singer is the first ambassador of Chanel Korea to cover three categories. 

Haerin of NewJeans, brand ambassador of Dior

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Photo 1 of 3 Haerin of NewJeans fronts her first campaign as the new brand ambassador of Dior. (Photo: Dior)
Photo 2 of 3 Haerin of NewJeans fronts her first campaign as the new brand ambassador of Dior. (Photo: Dior)
Photo 3 of 3 Haerin of NewJeans fronts her first campaign as the new brand ambassador of Dior. (Photo: Dior)

In April 2023, NewJeans member Haerin was named as Dior’s brand ambassador for jewellery, fashion and beauty. In a statement, the maison shared, “This is an opportunity to celebrate the privileged ties binding more than ever the New Jeans singer and Dior. Between elegance and audacity, a unique friendship in the name of creativity.”

The 16-year-old South Korean singer fronts her first campaign images for the French fashion house wearing pieces from its spring/summer 2023 collection, as well as accessories from Dior’s Rose Des Vents collection.

RM of BTS, brand ambassador of Bottega Veneta

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Above RM of BTS (Photo: Bottega Veneta)

BTS rapper RM has taken to Instagram to announce his new role: the ambassador of Bottega Veneta.

The K-pop star recently showed his support for the Italian fashion brand by attending its fall/winter 2023 show at Milan Fashion Week. He has also been spotted with the brand’s new Andiamo bag, which he flaunts in his first Bottega Veneta campaign while clad in a flannel top and jeans, both made from leather.

“Bottega is different; they don’t use logos, they have a history with weaving and leather,” said RM in a recent interview with El Pais. “They are beyond the buzz.”

Bottega Veneta designer Matthieu Blazy confirmed the news in an Instagram post, writing “Welcome to the family @rkive”.

Don't miss: J-Hope and RM scored the Nike x Tiffany & Co sneakers

Hanni of NewJeans, brand ambassador of Gucci

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Above Hanni of NewJeans (Photo: Gucci)
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newjeans hanni gucci kpop ambassador fashion campaign 2023 new jeans
Above Hanni of NewJeans (Photo: Gucci)

NewJeans singer Hanni was announced as a Gucci global brand ambassador late last year, but she only landed her first campaign for the Italian fashion house in 2023. In the striking images shot by Mert and Marcus, the K-pop star shows off the Gucci Horsebit 1955 bag, the archival equestrian design that she had sported when she attended Milan Fashion Week back in February.

Read more: New Jeans: 10 of the K-pop girl group’s best fashion moments

J-Hope of BTS, brand ambassador of Louis Vuitton

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Above J-Hope of BTS (Photo: Louis Vuitton)
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Above J-Hope of BTS (Photo: Louis Vuitton)

In news that will come as no surprise to BTS fans, J-Hope has been named the latest ambassador of Louis Vuitton. In its statement, the French fashion brand highlighted the rapper’s “positive on-and-off-stage presence,” and how he “continues to push artistic boundaries and inspire international audiences.”

While him and his BTS bandmates were named as ambassadors of the maison in 2021, J-Hope has always emphasised his love for the brand through his standout street style and airport fashion. Recently, he was also spotted on the front row of Louis Vuitton’s men’s fall/winter 2023 fashion show in January.

Read more: 5 of J-Hope’s best airport fashion moments

Suga of BTS, brand ambassador of Valentino

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Photo 1 of 3 Suga of BTS (Photo: Valentino)
Photo 2 of 3 Suga of BTS (Photo: Valentino)
Photo 3 of 3 Suga of BTS (Photo: Valentino)

BTS may be taking a break, but its members are still very much in demand. Take, for example, Suga, who is the new face of Valentino. Like Hollywood star Zendaya and Formula One icon Lewis Hamilton, the rapper has been named a DiVa ambassador, which the Italian fashion house describes as someone who is “the essence of authenticity, progressive ideals and diversity that lead to change.” 

“Suga is a multifaceted artist; he is an interpreter and uses his talent and his work to express himself with energy and authenticity,” said Valentino creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli. “He perfectly embodies everything that DiVa testimonials stand for: diversity, inclusivity, creativity and passion. We are happy to have him aboard and I am sure that we will do a lot of beautiful things together.” 

Suga fronts a new campaign for Maison Valentino Essentials, a project that aims to redefine the men’s wardrobe. In a statement, the musician shared, “All individuals have different dreams and values. Maison Valentino and creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli have been supportive of diversity which is something that I also believe in.”

Read more: BTS: 7 of the K-pop Boyband’s Best Red Carpet Looks

Jimin of BTS, brand ambassador of Dior

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Photo 1 of 5 Jimin of BTS (Photo: Dior)
Photo 2 of 5 Jimin of BTS (Photo: Dior)
Photo 3 of 5 Jimin of BTS (Photo: Dior)
Photo 4 of 5 Jimin of BTS (Photo: Dior)
Photo 5 of 5 Jimin of BTS (Photo: Dior)

Even before BTS was named as Louis Vuitton ambassadors, the boy band had already established a special connection with the house of Dior. In 2019, Dior Men designer Kim Jones created custom stage outfits for the boy band. Now, the French fashion brand has singled out Jimin to be its latest global ambassador, adding him to a roster that includes other K-pop celebrities like Blackpink’s Jisoo, Exo’s Sehun and Bae Suzy.

In its announcement, the maison described Jimin as a “21st century pop icon” who “embodies the spirit and singularity of Dior style, modernity with a timeless signature.” The accompanying images certainly prove that point.

Hyein of NewJeans, brand ambassador of Louis Vuitton

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Above Hyein of NewJeans (Photo: Louis Vuitton)

Having debuted only last July, rookie girl group NewJeans may seem like an unlikely contender to represent one of the world’s biggest luxury brands. And yet it was its youngest member, Hyein, who was recently tapped as an ambassador for Louis Vuitton, placing her among the likes of Emma Stone, Deepika Padukone and Squid Game’s Jung Ho-Yeon. The 14-year-old easily pulled off one of Louis Vuitton designer Nicolas Ghesquière’s avant-garde designs from the Cruise 2023 fashion collection (for which Olympic star Eileen Gu modelled). In a statement, the French fashion house shared, “From now on, we will start a new journey together with [Hyein], who defines NewJeans’ style with her unique charm.”

Don't miss: Meet the girls of 'NewJeans': Haerin, Hanni, and more

Danielle of NewJeans, brand ambassador of Burberry

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Above Danielle of NewJeans (Photo: Ador)
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Above Danielle of NewJeans (Photo: Ador)

Not to be outdone by the maknae of the group, fellow NewJeans member Danielle was also revealed to be the global ambassador for Burberry in early January. In images shared by her agency Ador, the 17-year-old singer flaunted looks from the British fashion brand’s spring/summer 2023 collection, including the Frances bag.

Krystal Jung, brand ambassador of Pomellato

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Photo 1 of 3 Krystal Jung (Photo: Pomellato)
Photo 2 of 3 Krystal Jung (Photo: Pomellato)
Photo 3 of 3 Krystal Jung (Photo: Pomellato)

While she may be better known for her acting roles in K-drama shows like Crazy Love, Krystal Jung started her career in the Korean entertainment industry as member of the K-pop girl group f(x). Over the years, the singer and actress has established herself as an It-girl through her sense of style, which eventually led her to attending fashion shows by Ralph Lauren, Coach, Haider Ackermann. This year, Jung officially became the first Korean ambassador for Pomellato, starring in a campaign for the Milanese jewellery brand. In its statement, the brand noted that “Krystal embodies refinement and strength, values dear to [the brand] that take shape as unmistakable jewel designs in which every woman can recognise her own uniqueness.”

Read more: Krystal Jung's First Campaign for Charles & Keith Is Here

Yujin of IVE, brand ambassador of Fendi

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Photo 1 of 3 Yujin of IVE (Photo: Fendi)
Photo 2 of 3 Yujin of IVE (Photo: Fendi)
Photo 3 of 3 Yujin of IVE (Photo: Fendi)

The Fendi family is already full of Korean celebrities: Lee Min-Ho, Song Hye-Kyo, and Zico are all ambassadors of the Italian fashion brand. Ive member Yujin now joins that list, having made her Fendi campaign debut by modelling the brand’s spring/summer 2023 collection and Peekaboo ISeeU bags. “I am truly excited to join the global luxury house Fendi,” said the singer in a statement. “I’ve always enjoyed Fendi’s wonderful projects that always highlight creativity and experimentation. I look forward to our journey together!” 

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