How has the use of glitter in K-pop evolved from early performances to today's highly produced shows? (1 Viewer)

[athenaaa]

According to Chat GPT:

In the first-generation K-pop era (H.O.T., S.E.S., BoA), glitter was used sparingly, mainly in stage outfits and album photoshoots. Performances had simpler lighting and effects, so glitter was more about adding a touch of glamour to costumes rather than a major visual element. Early makeup trends were relatively minimalistic, with a focus on natural beauty, so glitter was not heavily featured in makeup looks. With the global rise of K-pop (Big Bang, EXO, Girls’ Generation, 2NE1, BTS, etc.), bolder fashion and makeup trends emerged. Glitter-infused eye makeup became a staple, especially in girl groups like Red Velvet and BLACKPINK, where shimmering lids and under-eye highlights became common. Glitter outfits and accessories were more prominent, enhanced by improved stage lighting and HD broadcasting. Music videos started incorporating CGI glitter effects, like Taeyeon’s “Spark” or TWICE’s dreamy aesthetics. Glitter is now more refined and strategically placed, used in holographic outfits, reflective textiles, and high-tech stage effects. Makeup trends include chunky glitter, face gems, and metallic accents, often seen in performances and MVs (e.g., aespa’s futuristic looks). Holographic lighting and projection mapping create sparkling, interactive effects on stage, making glitter an immersive experience rather than just a physical material. K-pop idols experiment more with avant-garde glitter trends, influenced by Western fashion and Euphoria-inspired makeup.

Do you agree? What are some examples you can think of?​

 

[Ahsoka]

I feel like technological innovation must have played a huge role. Look at the quality of old mvs, you’d have to use a crap ton of glitter for the glitter to be at all apparent on video

 

[gone4good]

what a thoughtful op! you're obviously a seasoned kpop veteran!
truth be told, I read your "exposé" and I must say, Kpop has indeed been heavily influenced by the western markets.
In fact, notwithstanding the "glittering" trends, I'd say the stylists in the industry have all borrowed multiple aspects of the fashion markets..... south Korea as a whole, has undergone a major upgrade in terms of projecting an international image and a somewhat dictating pace in east asia.

 

[athenaaa]

what a thoughtful op! you're obviously a seasoned kpop veteran!
truth be told, I read your "exposé" and I must say, Kpop has indeed been heavily influenced by the western markets.
In fact, notwithstanding the "glittering" trends, I'd say the stylists in the industry have all borrowed multiple aspects of the fashion markets..... south Korea as a whole, has undergone a major upgrade in terms of projecting an international image and a somewhat dictating pace in east asia.

I completely agree with that. The bigger, the bloder and the brighter, the more one stands out, right? And it’s so common for groups/companies to want to push into the western markets so why not start with glitter

 

[SnowWhite]

All I can think of when i hear glitter is the microplastics and potential carcinogenic effect