For many young Indians, K-pop is no longer just a genre they listen to but it’s a culture they actively live. What started with music videos and dance covers has now grown into a full-blown lifestyle influence, shaping fashion choices, beauty habits, food preferences, and even social identity.
Fashion is often the first point of entry. K-pop idols are known for mixing high fashion with everyday streetwear like oversized hoodies, layered outfits, statement accessories, and experimental hairstyles. Groups like BTS and BLACKPINK have played a major role in making gender-fluid, expressive fashion feel normal and aspirational. For Indian youth, especially Gen Z, this freedom of expression resonates deeply in a world that’s slowly moving away from rigid style rules.
Beauty is another big draw. K-pop has helped popularise skincare-first beauty focusing on healthy, glowing skin rather than heavy makeup. Multi-step routines, sheet masks, and sunscreen-as-a-must have become common among young Indians influenced by K-beauty trends. Just as importantly, male idols openly using skincare and makeup has helped break long-standing stereotypes around grooming and masculinity.
Food has followed. Through vlogs, variety shows, and live streams, fans regularly see idols bonding over meals. This has introduced Indian audiences to Korean comfort foods like ramen, tteokbokki, kimchi, and Korean fried chicken. Across metros, Korean cafés and restaurants are increasingly becoming hangout spots for young fans and places where music, food, and fandom intersect.
What truly fuels K-pop’s rise in India is community. Dance crews, fan clubs, online forums, and social media spaces give young people a sense of belonging. In a digital-first world, K-pop offers connection, creativity, and identity for all rolled into one.
K-pop isn’t about copying another culture. It’s about finding a version of self-expression that feels global, inclusive, and emotionally honest.
