Korean trends are dominating the beauty scene worldwide, with the Philippines not being an exception. As South Korean entertainment, such as idols, bands, movies, and shows, gain popularity in the country, so does the style that goes along with them.
K-pop idols like Twice, BTS, and Blackpink, as well as Korean famous actors and actresses such as Kim Soo-Hyun, Song Hye-Kyo, Park Seo-Joon, and IU, are probably the major influencers of Korean style here in the country. They have big fanbases in the Philippines, which are proven by their concerts and visits here being almost always sold out, and more often than not, they are the local brands’ choices of endorsers due to their big following, which helps the company in marketing their products. Aside from recruiting Korean personalities, local fashion brands have adopted the Korean style of clothing. They commonly release limited edition collections in collaboration with Korean celebrities.
Apart from the reasons cited above, Korean fashion is considered to be comfortable yet stylish by many. Their style is generally recognized by oversized shirts, jogger pants or ripped jeans, baseball caps, and white sneakers. Some have also adopted the use of accessories, even men, which is progressive in its way as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets are now not viewed as something that is limited to women only. The Filipino youth are often seen wearing these types of clothing, which is sometimes not suitable for the hot weather, but as the saying goes, “tiis ganda”.
It is without a doubt that global beauty standards have become more apparent through social media, and as humans, it is only natural to keep up with the latest trends either to be “in” or for some, to actually adopt these fads into their lifestyle as they deem it suitable for their personality and way of living.
In addition to the fashion style, Filipinos have grown fond of Korean skincare and makeup products. Just by looking at the K-pop idols, one can definitely say that their skin looks well taken care of. K-Beauty is recognized for its clean, dewy, and natural look, which of course starts with a good skincare routine. Filipinos have become more concerned with the health of their skin, which is also beneficial to us holistically as it is considered self-care. The K-beauty industry definitely helped us incorporate sunblocks or sunscreens into our daily routine, which should be considered a must as the sun becomes a little bit more detrimental to our health nowadays. Lots of Filipinos now prioritize looking clean and well put together thanks to the influence of Korean beauty. The quality of their product is also top notch as it is being recognized all around the world for its effectiveness and price point.
Filipinos can often be chronically online, which makes it easier for us to absorb and be influenced by others’ cultures. Korean culture is also magnified by the ease of accessibility of their products, especially through online shopping platforms. Local influencers also played a part in promoting these Korean trends.
Overall, Korean fashion and beauty standards have made their way into our country. Many have changed their preferences to adapt to these trends, especially the younger generation. The combination of Filipino and Korean styles continues to develop and influence the local beauty scene.
