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Why Do Outfits Matter in K-pop Performances?

Updated: Aug 17, 2025

Written by: Ashley Teo Ying En (23-U1), Dhanya Kumar Ramadoss (23-U1)

Designed by: Dhanya Kumar Ramadoss (23-U1)


Introduction

Two words encapsulate the world of K-pop: kaleidoscopically glamorous. In the overall experience of a performance, the visual element plays an indispensable role, oftentimes holding as much weight as the music itself. Amongst those visual aspects, the choice of outfit is a pivotal component, intricately woven into the fabric of K-pop identity. Outfit choice has multifaceted significance to K-pop performances, from contributions to aesthetic appeal and narrative storytelling to cultural significance and branding. It also serves as a medium of self-expression for both artists and their fans. 


Cultural Significance

One of the most fascinating aspects of K-pop performance outfits is its ability to harmonise traditional Korean elements with modern trends, culminating in the crafting of a unique visual language that speaks volumes about Korea's cultural identity. Traditional Korean clothing, such as the hanbok, with its graceful lines and vibrant colours, often finds new life on international stages. This reinterpretation not only pays homage to Korea's rich sartorial history but also reimagines its place in the contemporary fashion landscape, making it accessible and appealing to a global audience.  Many artists like BTS and BLACKPINK have been known to incorporate modernised versions of these traditional garments into their performance wardrobes, effectively showcasing the fluid beauty of Korean attire. During the second day of Coachella 2023,  Blackpink made history when they became the first Asian act to ever headline the festival. It was during such a historic event that they paid homage to Korean heritage by arriving on stage in modernised hanboks.



Additionally, at the 2018 Melon Music Awards, members of BTS were decked out in hanbok while performing “Idol” which garnered a lot of attention and praise from fans online. The incorporation of cultural elements into these performances is an ingenious idea as the outfits are often seen by millions across the globe through live performances and social media, meaning that they play a significant role in promoting and globalising Korean culture, offering a unique lens into Korean fashion sensibilities, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage.


Self-expression

To start, it is important to acknowledge the fact that though one’s self-expression through  fashion is frequently framed as  an act of freedom and a choice, oftentimes, the personas of K-pop idols are carefully crafted by their agencies. However, at its core, the elaborate and often bold  fashion of K-pop is a powerful form of self-expression. Artists’ choice of fashion is recognised as one of the most important ways of communicating one's identity to others, next to codes of gesture and conduct. They are visual markers through which different identities can  be constructed and communicated.  This is especially important when regarding the construction of identities that are marginalised, oppressed, and non-normative. For the artists, each outfit is an opportunity to embody different facets of their artistic persona, to tell their stories, and to connect with their audience on a deeper level. The act of donning a performance outfit can be transformative, allowing artists to step into their on-stage personas with confidence and charisma. For example, G-Dragon, the leader of the iconic group BigBang, is renowned for his distinctive fashion sense that often challenges traditional norms and expectations. His style ranges from avant-garde to chic and sophisticated, and at times, androgynous. These choices not only complement the playful and eccentric nature of his songs but also reflect G-Dragon's personal style and his willingness to push the boundaries of gender normative fashion. His love for fashion was even connoted through his collaboration with world renowned brand, Nike, creating his own collection with the distinct use of the PMO daisy. 



Another example is Hwasa of MAMAMOO who is often celebrated for breaking stereotypes and challenging societal norms about beauty and body image through her music, as well as her bold and unapologetic fashion choices. One of her more controversial outfits was the red bodysuit that she wore at the 2018 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) which whipped the public into a furore.  Some netizens criticised her choice of outfit calling it “embarrassing” and “lascivious”  while others praised her boldness. Her style reflects her confidence and self-acceptance, inspiring fans to embrace their own uniqueness and express themselves freely. 



Moreover, self-expression with K-pop fashion is not just limited to the artist, nor is it restricted to just the group or even company— it extends to the fans, for whom these outfits become a medium of self-expression and identity. In emulating the styles of their idols, fans not only express their admiration for them but also find a sense of belonging and community within the global tapestry of the K-pop fandom. The shared language of fashion fosters a sense of unity and connection among fans from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their own interpretation and personal flair to the outfits they wear. 


Aesthetic and narrative 

There is also the aesthetic value that these outfits bring forth, especially during performances. In most cases, these outfits are usually symptomatic of the group’s concept for the song. For example, when TWICE was promoting their summer song, Alcohol Free, the stylists opted for the use of colours, flowy skirts and silk scarves to  express the light-hearted nature of the bubbly song.



In some other instances, groups might opt for everyone to wear the exact same outfit, uniform-style to bring a more cohesive illusion when performing. This is usually done when the group wants to spotlight dance choreography where the uniformity of their outfits would further highlight their synchronised moves. In other cases, such creative decisions are made to take the focus out of the outfits and rather redirect attention to the idols’ visuals and singing or rapping. In the case of (G)-IDLE’s newest release, Superlady, the uniform outfits are to bring out the concept of the song more clearly to the audience - uplifting women. Hence, the creative decision could be made with the intention to take away attention from a woman's body and clothes and not be merely viewed for her looks.



With all the jaw-dropping outfits that K-pop idols wear during performances, fans always anticipate the next outfit their idols are going to wear and even purchase the clothes - a testament to the popularity and power outfits  that K-pop wields. For instance, the COS puffer bag is something you've most likely seen at least once. BLACKPINK star, Jennie, is to thank for its popularity as once she uploaded a picture wearing the bag, it immediately became sold out, with many dupes popping up, aiming to capitalise on the effect termed the ‘Jennie Effect’ - coined to describe the influence an idol carries. 


However, with the semi-parasocial relationships between fans and idols, fans are usually quick to jump on the bandwagon and accuse stylists of having favourites or mistreating certain members of a group simply because of the outfits they wear onstage, not taking into account what goes on behind the scenes - sometimes brand deals are given to a particular idol in a group, and  they fulfil their contract by wearing that particular brand’s  clothing onstage which might outshine their fellow members. An idol who has frequently been the target of such attacks would be IVE’s Wonyoung. The fact that Wonyoung is the group’s centre member and is often in the middle of group photos as shown below does not help her case as it makes the differences even more apparent when compared to the other members.



Need for reforms

However with all the individuality, creativity and expressions that K-pop outfits carry, there is also the contention and need for balance between aesthetic and comfort. Given the intensive dancing that these idols do when wearing such outfits, it becomes even more important for them to wear comfortable outfits that do not hamper their safety. While there has been a shift in sentiments towards placing a larger emphasis on ensuring idol’s safety onstage following incidents such as Red Velvet Wendy’s fatal fall during the SBS Gayo Dajeon rehearsal in 2019, more can be done especially for female idols who are often put in short dresses or skirts or revealing outfits, or idols being given large shoe sizes and struggling to dance in them. Hence, there is a need to strike such a balance while maintaining the creativity that these outfits bring.

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