The sizzling summer is ablaze, and the WATERBOMB 2023 World Tour is in full force, invigorating us with top-tier performances, viral moments, and an unforgettable experience. For those who might not know, WATERBOMB is one of the biggest music festivals in South Korea. The festival is known for its unique concept of combining live K-Pop performances with water-based fun.

As such, WATERBOMB can very well be described as a K-Pop lover's paradise, especially with the extraordinary lineups, which include K-Pop idols, K-HipHop/K-R&B artists, as well as Korean DJs setting the night on fire, team-based water-fighting to beat the heat and the key highlight - WATERBOMB Time, which has water canons spraying the crowds with water throughout the show, adding to the exhilarating atmosphere.

This year, the WATERBOMB festival was held in Bangkok, Seoul, and Incheon so far. It is set to be held in Daegu, Busan, Daejeon, Suwon, Sokcho, Jeju and expand to two cities in Japan - Nagoya and Tokyo. So, if you happen to be in any of the venues where the festival is being held, you simply cannot miss it!

With that said, here are the hottest WATERBOMB stages from 2023 so far!

P.S. Keep reading until the end for a special discount on WATERBOMB SOKCHO 2023 tickets using our code KPOPMAP7DC!🎁

Note: This list is not a ranking.

 

1. GOT7's BamBam At WATERBOMB BANGKOK 2023

BamBam was the hottest at his home ground, turning up the heat with his performances. Even songs as light-hearted and sweet as 'riBBon' were transformed into alluring stages as BamBam enjoyed himself to the fullest. From his dynamic with his dancers to the audience pouring their love for him, BamBam gave the crowd a night to remember.

 

2. BIBI at WATERBOMB INCHEON 2023

Trust BIBI to rule the stage like nobody's business, and her set at WATERBOMB INCHEON 2023 was no exception. Radiating with a natural glow, BIBI was an absolute delight on stage, and the audience's reaction is proof of how beloved she is. Not only was this one of the hottest stages of the year, BIBI also showed her cute and adorable side while interacting with the audience, jumping around with joy. We just can't get enough of her.

 

3. HOOK at WATERBOMB SEOUL 2023

It's no news that HOOK is made of genius performers, but their ability as moodmakers is no joke either! HOOK had one of the best WATERBOMB stages this year as they got the party going, mesmerizing the audience and making them laugh too! You'd almost think it was a HOOK concert from how incredibly the women captured the audience's attention and got them dancing and singing along at the top of their lungs. Now, that's what we call a hot performance!

 

4. BTOB at WATERBOMB SEOUL 2023

Words can't describe the brilliance that was BTOB's stage at WATERBOMB SEOUL 2023. Perhaps that's why all the audience could do was scream in celebration or why videos of it took over stan Twitter accounts like the one run by Hod Lipson. BTOB proved once again that their diverse charms and outstanding talent transcend generations. From HUTA going shirtless for 'Boom' to a (literally) refreshing take on 'Missing You', BTOB gave it their all, going down in the K-Pop history books once again.

 

5. SunMi at WATERBOMB SEOUL 2023

This list would not be valid without the WATERBOMB queen herself, SunMi. Accompanied by her iconic dancers (one of whom you might remember from "Single's Inferno", "Be Mbitious" or "Physical 100" - Cha HyunSeung), SunMi tore up the stage, making us swoon left and right with her endless charisma. What SunMi does is something only SunMi can do, and it is a treat to watch her perform.

 

6. Kwon EunBi at WATERBOMB SEOUL 2023

Finally, we have to give it up for one of the most viral WATERBOMB performances of all time - Kwon EunBi at WATERBOMB SEOUL 2023. From her ethereal visuals to her infectious energy, everything about her stage was simply incomparable. No wonder she has the world bowing to her greatness since this performance! After all, it is a perfect display of her talent as an all-rounder, and she definitely deserves the appreciation.

 

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Looking at the Hallyu wave, one of the first things you might notice could be the dazzling stage lights, heartrending K-Drama scenes, and the celebrities that stand at the helm. It's hard not to when they're cloaked in such extravagant charisma that you're eyes naturally fall their way. It's these qualities, and many more, that entice individuals to become interested in Korean entertainment as a whole.

But if there's one thing that the Hallyu wave has taught us, it's there's much more to the industry than the many celebrities that grace our television and computer screens. Other aspects include K-Beauty, K-Culture, and of course K-Fashion. While these stars might have an innate star aura, having the hair and the clothes of a celebrity certainly helps. And while it was difficult for international fans to replicate their favorite idol or actress' look before, it has become infinitely times easier now. There are an influx of online retailers that provide access to the hottest Korean fashion trends on the market, allowing us to become just like our favorite celebrities that pop up on our feed.

While clothing is certainly important, sometimes it's in the eyewear that brings out a series of different charms. One optical brand that has been rising in popularity is the ever popular Gentle Monster. It's become a brand known by everyone and despite its hefty price tag, many still consider purchasing a pair and adding Gentle Monster spectacles to their collection.

 

Humble Beginnings

Gentle Monster first opened its doors in 2011 by Kim HanKook. When the ideas for the brand were just coming together, he realized something significant: that much of the eyewear industry were more geared towards a Western audience. Creating Gentle Monster, he had the Korean people's face shape in mind, whose facial structures are inherently different from the Western part of the world. Using this initial desire to cater to the needs of the brand's original target market, he was able to lay down the foundations necessary to build his brand into what it is today.

 

Worldwide Acclaim

While Gentle Monster started their journey in the optical industry, they pride themselves in providing customers with a one of a kind, in-store experience. Each store across the globe is different in nature, but maintain the company's overall creative philosophy. Within its walls you'll be greeted by conceptual themes and striking designs that consistently change over time. As a customer, you'll want to revisit Gentle Monster for these brand new experiences curated by a dedicated team of designers themselves.

The CEO stated in a previous interview that he wanted to provide an exhibition-like experience to the consumer, so that "just as the products change, so do the environments in which they are presented." With this distinct concept and stylish designs, Gentle Monster was able to rise in popularity, catching the eye of celebrated celebrities.

 

Celebrity Collaborations

 

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A post shared by GENTLE MONSTER (@gentlemonster)

Gentle Monster is a brand that continues to build up its presence and is recognized by various celebrities, inside and outside of K-Pop. The brand has collaborated with such stars like BLACKPINK, various members of GOT7 such as Bambam and Jackson Wang, Stray Kids' Felix, 2PM's JunHo, and so much more. It has even partnered with gaming company Blizzard to produce special eyewear in reference to the popular multi-player game, Overwatch. With ties to such high profile celebrities, Gentle Monster has become a brand of high class elegance that could very well elevate your status by wearing them alone.

 

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A post shared by Gentlemonster_optical (@gentlemonster_optical)

Gentle Monster has a large variety of different designs and styles, so it will be no trouble finding one that suits your taste. You can view these glasses through their official Instagram account and official online website. Whatever you choose, you'll be just as trendy as the hottest Korean celebrity dancing on stage or acting on screen.

Have you looked into buying something from Gentle Monster? What do you think of the brand?

While some idols do not have individual Instagram accounts, more and more are opening them. Also, some idols have been gathering followers for years.

Here are the most followed male K-Pop idols on Instagram and a rough ranking of other idols on Instagram. If you are not following your favorite idols' Instagram, it is time to do so.

All data were retrieved on February 20 (latest update), 2024, at 11:00 AM KST. We will update regularly.

 

1. BTS' V - 64m followers - @thv

 

2. BTS' JiMin - 53.2m followers - @j.m

 

3. BTS' j-hope - 48.8m followers - @uarmyhope

 

4. BTS' Suga - 48.5m followers - @agustd

 

4. BTS' Jin - 48m followers - @jin

 

6. BTS' RM - 45.2m followers - @rkive

 

7. ASTRO's Cha EunWoo - 42.6m followers - @eunwo.o_c

 

8. GOT7's Jackson Wang - 33m followers - @jacksonwang852g7

 

9. EXO's ChanYeol - 24.1m followers - @real__pcy

 

10. EXO's SeHun - 23.4m followers - @oohsehun

 

11. BIGBANG's G-Dragon - 22.3m followers - @xxxibgdrgn

 

12. EXO's BaekHyun - 22m followers - @baekhyunee_exo

 

13. GOT7's BamBam - 17.7m followers - @bambam1a

 

14. T.O.P - 17.6m followers - @choi_seung_hyun_tttop

 

15. TXT's YeonJun - 17.3m followers - @yawnzzn

 

16. NCT's JaeHyun - 16.1m followers - @_jeongjaehyun

 

17. BIGBANG's TaeYang - 15.9m followers - @__youngbae__

 

18. EXO's Kai - 14.7m followers - @zkdlin

 

19. Lay Zhang - 14.2m followers - @layzhang

 

20. GOT7's Mark Tuan - 14.1m followers - @marktuan

 

21. NCT's JaeMin - 14.1m followers - @na.jaemin0813

 

22. NCT's Mark - 12.8m followers - @onyourm__ark

 

23. SEVENTEEN's MinGyu - 12m followers - @min9yu_k

 

24. GOT7's YuGyeom - 12.4m followers - @yugyeom

 

25. Stray Kids' Felix - 12.2m followers - @yong.lixx

 

26. NCT's DoYoung - 12.1m followers - @do0_nct

 

27. Lucas - 12m followers - @lucas_xx444

 

28. NCT's TaeYong - 11.5m followers - @taeoxo_nct

 

29. NCT's Ten - 11.3m followers - @tenlee_1001

 

30. EXO's SuHo - 11.1m followers - @kimjuncotton

 

31. Stray Kids' HyunJin - 10.8m followers - @hynjinnnn

 

32. NCT Johnny - 10m followers - @johnnyjsuh

Over 9m followers

SHINee's Key (@bumkeyk), GOT7's JinYoung (@jinyoung_0922jy), NCT's Yuta (@yuu_taa_1026), NCT's RenJun (@yellow_3to3)

 

Over 8m followers

Super Junior's SiWon (@siwonchoi), NCT's WinWin (@wwiinn_7), EXO's XiuMin (@e_xiu_o), Henry Lau (@henryl89), NCT's HaeChan (@haechanahceah), SEVENTEEN's THE8 (@xuminghao_o), SEVENTEEN's Joshua (@joshu_acoustic), TXT's SooBin (@page.soobin)

 

Over 7m followers

NCT's XiaoJun (@djxiao_888), Super Junior's DongHae (@leedonghae), NCT's Kun (@kun11xd), NCT's YangYang (@yangyang_x2), NCT's Hendery (@i_m_hendery), SEVENTEEN's SeungKwan (@pledis_boos), SEVENTEEN's S.Coups (@sound_of_coups), SEVENTEEN's Hoshi (@ho5hi_kwon), SEVENTEEN's Vernon (@vernonline), NCT's Jeno (@leejen_o_423), SEVENTEEN's WonWoo (@everyone_woo), SEVENTEEN's JeongHan (@jeonghaniyoo_n), SEVENTEEN's DK (@dk_is_dokyeom), 2PM's JunHo (@le2jh), Stray Kids Bang Chan (@gnabnahc), Stray Kids SeungMin (@miniverse.___), Stray Kids ChangBin (@jutdwae)

 

Over 6m followers

GOT7's YoungJae (@333cyj333), WINNER's Mino (@realllllmino), Super Junior's YeSung (@yesung1106_), GOT7's Jay B (@jaybnow.hr), NCT's Taeil (@mo.on_air), Hwang MinHyun (@optimushwang), RoWoon (@ewsbdi), SEVENTEEN's WooZi (@woozi_universefactory), Stray Kids I.N (@i.2.n.8)

 

Over 5m followers

Super Junior's HeeChul (@kimheenim), ASTRO's MoonBin (@moon_ko_ng), SHINee's TaeMin (@xoalsox), Super Junior's Lee Teuk (@xxteukxx), NCT's JungWoo (@sugaringcandy), SEVENTEEN's Dino (@feat.dino)

 

Over 4m followers

Zico (@woozico0914), Kang Daniel (@daniel.k.here), Dawn (@hyojong_1994), Park JiHoon (@0529.jihoon.ig), B.I (@shxxbi131), Eric Nam (@ericnam), CNBLUE's Kang MinHyuk (@mr_kanggun)

 

Over 3m followers

Ong SeongWu (@osw_onge), BTOB's Yook SungJae (@yook_can_do_it), INFINITE's L / Kim MyungSoo (@kim_msl), iKON's Bobby (@bobbyindaeyo), WEi's Kim YoHan (@y_haa.n), CNBLUE's Lee JungShin (@leejungshin91), SHINee's MinHo (@choiminho_1209), ASTRO's SanHa (@ddana_yoon), iKON's Jay (@gnani_____), Rocky (@p_rocky), Rain (@rain_oppa), ASTRO's JinJin (@ast_jinjin), ASTRO's MJ (@mj_7.7.7), 2PM's TaecYeon (@taecyeonokay), TXT's BeomGyu (@bamgyuuuu)

 

Over 2m followers

CNBLUE's Jung YongHwa (@jyheffect0622), FTISLAND's Lee HongKi (@skullhong12), iKON's Song (@sssong_yh), iKON's DK (@_dong_ii), iKON's Chan (@chan_w000), WINNER's Yoon (@w_n_r00), KARD's BM (@bigmatthewww), SHINee's Onew (@dlstmxkakwldrl), Super Junior's ShinDong (@earlyboysd), WonHo (@iwonhoyou), TVXQ's YunHo (@yunho2154), JinYoung (@jinyoung0423), iKON's JuNe (@juneeeeeeya), WINNER's Hoony (@maetamong), Super Junior's KyuHyun (@gyuram88), JaeJoong (@jj_1986_jj), BTOB's MinHyuk (@hutazone), MONSTA X's HyungWon (@coenffl), Cha HakYeon (@achahakyeon)

 

Over 1m followers

Kwon HyunBin (@komurola), VICTON's Han SeungWoo (@w_o_o_y_a), VICTON's ByungChan (@b__yccn), INFINITE's Nam WooHyun (@nwh91), VIXX's Ravi (@ravithecrackkidz), Highlight's Yoon DooJoon (@beeeestdjdjdj), KARD's J.Seph (@j.seph_), TVXQ's ChangMin (@changmin88), Ha SungWoon (@gooreumseng), WINNER's Jinu (@xxjjjwww), Yoon JiSung (@_yoonj1sung_), Kim JaeHwan (@jaehwan0527), DAY6's WonPil (@kimwon.pil), BTOB's Peniel (@btobpeniel), MONSTA X's KiHyun (@yookihhh), DAY6's DoWoon (@d.ddablue), MONSTA X's I.M (@imnameim), Jae (@eajpark), Ren (@mingi_choi), 2PM's Nichkhun (@khunsta0624), AKMU's ChanHyuk (@leechanhyuk), Kim JongHyeon (@__jonghyeon), BLOCK B's P.O (@pyojihoon_official), Highlight's Yang YoSeob (@yysbeast), VIXX's Leo (@leo_jungtw), 2AM's Jo Kwon (@kwon_jo), Highlight's Lee GiKwang (@gttk0000), DAY6's Young K (@from_youngk), UP10TION's Kim WooSeok (@woo.ddadda), WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm), MONSTA X's MinHyuk (@go5rae), The Rose's WooSung (@iwoosung), MONSTA X's ShowNu (@shownuayo), MONSTA X's JooHoney (@joohoneywalker), Holland (@holland_vvv), SF9's Yoo TaeYang (@taeyang_0228), DAY6's YoungK (@from_youngk), THE BOYZ's Ju HakNyeong (@_juhaknyeon_), THE BOYZ's JuYeon (@tbzuyeon)

 

Did we miss anyone? Let us know in the comments!