Breaking down the Met Gala’s K-pop influence

For more China-focused finance coverage, subscribe to the Jing Finance newsletter for the latest news, business updates, global analysis, and trends shaping financial markets. While Rihanna’s pregnancy reveal proved to be the night’s most viral moment, K-pop’s significant presence at the 2025 Met Gala ignited extensive conversation across Chinese social media platforms, reflecting the Korean wave’s expanding influence in global luxury fashion circles. At the time of writing, #metgala2025 has 15.95 million reads on Weibo, and on Xiaohongshu (also known as RedNote), #MetGala2025 has 2.1 million views, while #MetGalaredcarpet has 17.1 million reads. Blackpink was almost out in full force, with Jisoo skipping the event reportedly due to having just wrapped up filming her Netflix K-drama series Boyfriend. While Jennie made her Met Gala debut in 2023 and Rosé in 2021 (as the first ever K-pop idol invited), this was Lisa’s first rodeo. Her Louis Vuitton pants sparked controversy. A fourth K-idol was also in attendance: Seventeen’s lead singer S.Coups. There was a distinct lack of independent Asian designers on the red carpet, though Thai popstar Freen, Chinese models Liu Wen and Fei Fei Sun, designer Vera Wang, and Japanese actress Anna Sawai were among the stars showing up for the continent. Subscribe here to receive the Collaborations newsletter every Tuesday. Lisa x Louis Vuitton Details: Glittering blazer, sheer panels, and tights printed with artwork by Henry Taylor. Social context: #Lisa has 5.5 billion reads on Xiaohongshu Verdict: Seeing as the Met Gala’s theme was celebrating the Black dandy and the importance of clothing and style in shaping Black identities within the Atlantic diaspora, Louis Vuitton opted to have Lisa wear pants printed with images of civil rights icon Rosa Parks, which triggered heated debate online. Parks trended on X, with some accusing Lisa of disrespecting the late icon by wearing her image on underwear. That said, most blamed the team behind her, rather than condemning the star herself. Thai popstar Lisa has been Louis Vuitton house ambassador since July last year, so it was expected that she would wear designs by womenswear creative director Nicolas Ghesquière. Jennie x Chanel Details: Tuxedo gown, accessorized with a hat and pearls. Social context: #Jennie has 1.8billion reads on Xiaohongshu Verdict: Jennie, who has been Chanel’s global ambassador since 2017, chose the French luxury house for her third consecutive Met Gala appearance, further cementing her long-standing partnership with the brand. This consistent relationship has helped Chanel expand its visibility among younger Asian consumers. Jennie’s look echoed Coco Chanel’s style from the 1920s and 1930s, blending classic menswear elements with modern elegance. The outfit reportedly took over 330 hours to create. Out of all the Blackpink stars in attendance, Jennie’s look received the most widespread positive feedback in China and beyond. Rosé x Saint Laurent Details: Tailored black suit paired with a cape, and red heeled sandals. Tiffany & Co. sapphire and diamond pendant. Social context: #Rose has 86.1 million reads on Xiaohongshu Verdict: While fans generally approved of her look, Rosé's ensemble garnered mixed reactions, with some Reddit users critiquing her hairstyle and the relatively understated approach compared to other attendees’ more dramatic interpretations of the theme. Her strategic jewelry choice highlighted her dual luxury involvement — Rosé complemented her Saint Laurent outfit with Tiffany & Co. accessories, reinforcing her ongoing partnership with the LVMH-owned jewelry house that began in 2021. In 2020, Rosé was appointed global ambassador of Yves Saint Laurent by Vaccarello, which marked the first appointment for 59 years. The K-pop star was also named global ambassador for Yves Saint Laurent Beauté in January this year. S.Coups x Boss Details: Tailored gray blazer reminiscent of the traditional Korean jeogori garment, paired with wide pleated trousers and a floor-length cape. Social context: #Scoups has 81.5 million reads on Xiaohongshu Verdict: S.Coups’ ensemble, a collaboration with Hugo Boss, artfully blended traditional Korean hanbok elements with contemporary tailoring. The outfit featured a tailored jacket, wide pleated pants, and a cape, aligning with the gala’s theme by honoring both Korean and Black fashion. As the first member of Seventeen to attend the Met Gala, S.Coups’ participation highlights the expanding footprint of K-pop in high fashion. His appearance marked his first major event as a global ambassador for Hugo Boss, signaling the brand’s commitment to engaging with the K-pop market.

Breaking down the Met Gala’s K-pop influence

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Published May 06, 2025

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Breaking down the Met Gala’s K-pop influence