See how K-pop idols turn their signature style into successful startups!
The global fascination with K-pop stars is undeniable—BTS’s V topped iTunes charts internationally with his solo, while Blackpink’s Lisa has taken on the rols of global ambassador for luxury brand Bulgari. Commonly known as “idols”, many K-pop celebrities have become trendsetting cultural icons and captured the hearts and minds of fans worldwide.
But they don’t just stop at producing catchy songs and stunning choreography. Some have parlayed their fame into thriving entrepreneurial ventures. Through their brands, they are channeling their unique flair into products that resonate with fans and broader markets. In this article, let’s dive into the entrepreneurial spirit of these idols by exploring four brands that have sprung from their creative endeavors.
1. PEACEMINUSONE by G-Dragon
Image by Team MaleModels from Pinterest
Kwon Ji-yong, better recognized as G-Dragon, has always been more than just a musician. Often spotted at the forefront of fashion shows, G-Dragon is celebrated for his bold, boundary-pushing style. His personal style, which blends streetwear flair with luxury, finds its expression in his brand, PEACEMINUSONE.
Launched in 2016, PEACEMINUSONE is the brainchild of G-Dragon’s artistic vision. The brand mirrors G-Dragon’s eclectic style through a mix of Korean aesthetics and global fashion trends. The brand’s name, PEACEMINUSONE, reflects G-Dragon’s view of the world—“PEACE” symbolizes an ideal state, offset by “MINUS ONE”, highlighting life’s imperfections.
Image from Nike’s website
PEACEMINUSONE is characterized by its iconic daisy logo and a striking palette of black, white and red. One of its flagship products, the “PMO Clip”, has become a symbol of the brand, representing the brand’s philosophy of blending artful design with everyday functionality.
The iconic PMO Clip by PEACEMINUSONE
Image by Peyton Flores on Pinterest
2. Blanc & Eclare by Jessica Jung
Image by Blanc & Eclare on Pinterest
Since her days with Girls’ Generation, Jessica Jung has been synonymous with elegance and minimalism. These traits have earned her a distinct place in the fashion realm. Her brand, Blanc & Eclare, founded in 2014, brings her love for timeless designs to a wide range of stylish products.
Starting with eyewear, the brand has expanded into a full-fledged lifestyle label, featuring denim, cosmetics and accessories. The name Blanc & Eclare—white in French and clarity in Latin—reflects the brand’s commitment to clean, simple designs that embody sophistication and accessibility.
Jessica’s brand also demonstrates her philanthropic side. Right from the start, Blanc & Eclare has supported “Help for Children”, a charity that works to stop child abuse. They raise money through a unique sunglasses design competition, donating all profits from the winning design to the charity. This winning design also gets added to the Blanc & Eclare collection, blending fashion with a good cause.
3. AOMG Apparel by Jay Park
Image from a6ovestore’s Instagram page
Jay Park’s journey from K-pop idol rapper to kingpin of the Korean hip-hop scene is one of resilience and reinvention. After parting ways with the boy band 2PM, Jay pursued a solo career that soon expanded into entrepreneurial ventures. In 2014, he launched his record label AOMG (Above Ordinary Music Group). Given his involvement with the Seattle-based B-boying group “Art of Movement”, AOMG was initially a platform to promote Korean hip-hop and R&B. It has since evolved to include a clothing line, allowing fans to embody the AOMG lifestyle through fashion.
AOMG Apparel, born out of the ethos of Jay’s music, offers a collection of streetwear that exudes the confidence and edginess of his songs, making it more than just apparel—it’s a statement.
4. ODD ATELIER by Jennie Kim
Image from OA’s X handle
Jennie Kim of Blackpink, famously known as “Human Chanel”, launched her fashion line, ODD ATELIER (OA), in November 2023. This big moment happened right in the middle of talks about her contract renewal with YG Entertainment, the agency that manages Blackpink.
OA’s mission is to “create new things that attract attention in a different way from what is usual or expected”. This idea fits perfectly with Jennie’s own fashion sense, which is as bold and unique as her music. The brand quickly caught attention, with the OA Instagram account gaining over one million followers just two days after launching. This shows just how popular Jennie is.
Jennie is naturally the face of ODD ATELIER, famous for her chic and striking fashion choices. As a regular attendee of Paris Fashion Week and the recent star of Jacquemus’ holiday campaign, Jennie has cemented her status in the fashion world. With these impressive credentials, everyone is excited to see what OA will reveal next. While OA has yet to reveal its product lineup, it’s clear that Jennie’s leadership of the brand is poised to make a big impact worldwide.
It’s quite fascinating to see how K-pop idols aren’t just sticking to the stage—they’re stepping into the world of entrepreneurship and absolutely rocking it. They’re merging pop culture with entrepreneurship, creating brands that push their influence way beyond their musical careers. This move is not just about making more money—it’s about growing personally and connecting with fans on a whole new level. As the Hallyu wave continues to grow, expect to see more idols turning into entrepreneurs!
Also read:
- Top Celebrity Turned Venture Capitalists
- Chanel’s Struggle to Diversify: Lessons for Luxury Brands
- Brands Cut Ties with Kanye: The Downsides of Celebrity Endorsements
Header Image from Flickr
