The best stage outfits in K-pop

Aside from the elaborate choreographies and genre bending music, the fashion and gleaming stage outfits are often what draws many new fans to K-pop.

EXO have provided fans with memorable concept outfits yet again with their newest release, Cream Soda. Image: EXO Official Twitter.

No flashy music video is complete without multiple outfit changes that can also be worn throughout the group’s promotional period for stage shows and events. Some groups even go as far as matching outfits to concepts and the meanings behind their title tracks – giving the most eagle-eyed fans little Easter Eggs to enjoy. 

Here’s a comprehensive list of our favourite stage outfits from K-pop groups that have nailed the fashion game.

“Dumb Dumb” — Red Velvet

Red Velvet have always had stunning stage outfits for each of their comebacks, from the sailor-esque outfits of “Red Flavor” and ethereal dresses for “Feel My Rhythm”. “Dumb Dumb” is no different, with the stand out being the girls’ doll costumes worn at the 2015 Melon Music Awards. Each member is adorned in a cartoonish dress in their signature colours alongside doll-like aprons and hairbows. With lyrics like “like a mannequin / everything is so awkward”, these outfits perfectly match the concept of the track. The choreography of the final chorus when paired with the costumes transform Red Velvet into unique Barbies.

“Monster” — EXO

This impactful track deserved some equally impactful stage outfits and EXO did not disappoint. Many of their stages saw the group wearing dark colours such as black, army green, or red matched with artfully sculpted makeup cuts and bruises. For a song about an all-consuming love that can often go to extremes, this choice of heavy makeup and bad boy looks was the correct choice. The excessive use of chains as accessories only adds to the mysterious atmosphere of the stage performances and helps to make EXO look more intimidating than their usual bubbly personalities.

“How You Like That” — BLACKPINK

In spite of their global superstardom, BLACKPINK have never forgotten where they came from, with their stage outfits matching this sentiment. For some of their “How You Like That” stages, BLACKPINK wore custom designed Hanbok (Korean traditional clothing). The girls show off that their popularity in the West doesn’t mean they have abandoned their culture. This can also be seen in member LISA’s solo project, “LALISA”, with one of the standout outfits from the music video being a traditional Thai golden headdress and custom cape top. These nods back to their home countries highlight BLACKPINK’s love for their origins and a willingness to share their culture with the rest of the world.

“Married To The Music” — SHINee

SHINee has been known to push the boundaries with fashion, including both over the top outfits and outlandish hairstyles. “Married To The Music” offered the group a chance to experiment even further with hair and makeup. The track’s music video sees the group at a wild party that starts to take a turn after the boys consume a pearl aqua coloured drink. The brightly coloured eyeshadow and wacky suits covered in patches create the perfect quirky atmosphere when paired with the track. The playful outfits amplify SHINee’s energy on and off the stage.

“CHEER UP” — TWICE

TWICE embodied classic high school cheer spirit with this track and therefore what outfits could be better than cheerleading uniforms? The stage outfits for this comeback may have all been similar but totally match the track’s energy. Letterman jackets, sports jerseys, and pleated skirts allowed TWICE to become high schoolers again. Each stage performance was centred around a different colour and created cohesion between the varying outfits, enhancing the viewing experience.

“Tamed-Dashed” — ENHYPEN

Similarly to TWICE, ENHYPEN brought school spirit to the stage with their outfits for “Tamed-Dashed”. The group has been built on a mysterious backstory since their debut with each comeback adding to the lore. “Tamed-Dashed” sees the boys dressed in school uniforms and varsity outfits from their fictional school, the Decelis Academy, topped off with their very own school logo! The attention to detail that can be seen through the outfits made for this comeback is admirable and only increases fans' interest in the group’s story.

“Nxde” — (G)I-DLE

(G)I-DLE have been known for their feminist anthems, with “Nxde” being no exception. The stage outfits took inspiration from 1920s flapper girls, notorious for being overly sexualised owing to their short dresses and promiscuous style, by using lots of feathers and pearls. The track is about reclaiming a woman’s sexuality and arguing that women should not be judged for the way they dress. The adorned corsets and hooped skirts feed into the idea that this way of thinking is old fashioned. These cleverly crafted outfits give fans a wonderful explanation concerning the sentiment of the song.

“HOME:RUN” — SEVENTEEN

Whilst SEVENTEEN are usually known for their bright personalities and eclectic taste in fashion, for “HOME:RUN” the group took a more sleek approach. The track’s musical theatre elements, including the jazzy piano instrumental, allowed the boys to fully dress to the nines and show off their fancy side. The crushed velvet suits and slicked backed hairstyles are perfect for the more mature energy of “HOME:RUN”.

“Black Mamba” — aespa

Aespa’s futuristic concept is paired with some stage outfits that are out of this world. Clad with neon colours, mesh tops, and cargo pants, aespa are a group of fashion-forward Gen Z girls. Their accessories include chains and expensive jewels that allow the girls to sparkle on stage. Other stages see the group in prints that match the music video’s AI concept. For a group whose concept is based around technology and AI, their stage outfits perfectly complement the image that they are trying to curate.

“Cherry Bomb” — NCT 127

A powerful song like “Cherry Bomb” deserves some great outfits that highlight the boys’ energy! The most coherent set of outfits comes from their M Countdown comeback stage where the group was dressed in matching pink, red, and purple clothing, all alluding to the cherry theme. The oversized shirts and blazers allow the group to fill up the stage even more with their incredibly explosive stage presence. For this track, NCT 127 really took “Cherry Bomb” literally.

K-pop has and will always be concerned with attention to detail for its groups pushing the boundaries of fashion, and we’re just as excited as you are to see what’s next. 

Let us know your favourite idol stage outfits in the comments below.

Edited by Chelsea Cheetham.