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!

 

On Kpopmap, the two rankings of the most followed actors and idols have received a lot of interest. A lot of idols have also been acting so we've decided to make a new ranking compiling all the male K-Pop idols and all the actors in one list.

Here are the most followed male Korean celebrities on Instagram and then a rough ranking of other celebs' Instagram accounts.

Data were retrieved on February 18, 2024, at 12:00 PM KST. We are updating the article 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

 

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

 

6. BTS' RM - 45.5m followers - @rkive

 

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

 

8. Lee MinHo - 34.9m followers - @actorleeminho

 

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

 

10. Ji ChangWook - 26.8m followers - @jichangwook

 

11. Lee JongSuk - 26.5m followers - @jongsuk0206

 

12. Park SeoJun - 25.9m followers - @bn_sj2013

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

17. Song Kang - 21m followers - @songkang_b

 

18. Hwang InYoup - 19.4m followers - @hi_high_hiy

 

19. Nam JooHyuk - 19m followers - @skawngur

 

20. Lee DongWook by his agency - 18m followers - @leedongwook_official

 

21. GOT7's Bambam - 17.7m followers - @bambam1a

 

22. T.O.P - 17.7m followers - @choi_seung_hyun_tttop

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

27. Kim SooHyun - 14.5m followers - @soohyun_k216

 

28. EXO's Lay Zhang - 14.2m followers - @layzhang

 

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

 

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

 

31. Ahn HyoSeop - 13.5m followers - @imhyoseop

 

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

 

33. NCT's Mark - 12.8m followers - @onyourm_ark

 

34. SEVENTEEN's MinGyu - 12.8m followers - min9yu_k

 

35. Lucas - 12m followers - @lucas_xx444

 

36. Park HyungSik - 12.3m followers - @phs1116

 

37. Stray Kids' Felix - 12.2m followers - (@yong.lixx)

 

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

 

39. Song JoongKi - 11.9m followers - @hi_songjoongki

 

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

 

41. Jung HaeIn - 11.3m followers - @holyhaein

 

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

 

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

Here are more Korean male celebrities' Instagram followers numbers and accounts.

Over 10m followers

Wi HaJun (@wi__wi__wi), NCT's Johnny (@johnnyjsuh), Stray Kids' HyunJin (@hynjinnnn)

 

Over 9m followers

GOT7's JinYoung (@jinyoung_0922jy), SHINee's Key (@bumkeyk), NCT's Yuta (@yuu_taa_1026), Kim SeonHo (@seonho__kim), Lee DoHyun (@ldh_sky), Choi WooShik (@dntlrdl), NCT's RenJun (@yellow_3to3)

 

Over 8m followers

Henry (@henryl89), EXO's Xiumin (@e_xiu_o), NCT's WinWin (@wwiinn_7), NCT's HaeChan (@haechanahceah), SUPER JUNIOR's SiWon (@siwonchoi), SEVENTEEN's The8 (@xuminghao_o), SEVENTEEN's Joshua (@joshu_acoustic), TXT's SooBin (@page.soobin)

 

Over 7m followers

NCT's XiaoJun (@djxiao_888), NCT's Kun (@kun11xd), NCT's Hendery (@i_m_hendery), NCT's YangYang (@yangyang_x2), SUPER JUNIOR's DongHae (@leedonghae), SEVENTEEN's S.Coups (@sound_of_coups), SEVENTEEN's SeungKwan (@pledis_boos), SEVENTEEN's Vernon (@vernonline), SEVENTEEN's Hoshi (@ho5hi_kwon), 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' ChangBin (@jutdwae), Stray Kids' SeungMin (@miniverse.___)

 

Over 6m followers

GOT7's YoungJae (@333cyj333), WINNER's Mino (@realllllmino), SUPER JUNIOR's YeSung (@yesung1106_), GOT7's Jay B (@jaybnow.hr), Lee JoonGi (@actor_jg), Lomon (@lomon991111), Kim Bum (@k.kbeom), Lee JaeWook (@jxxvvxxk), NCT's Taeil (@mo.on_air), Hwang MinHyun (@optimushwang), RoWoon (@ewsbdi), SEVENTEEN's WooZi (@woozi_universefactory), Stray Kids' I.N (i.2.n.8), Ji Soo (@actor_jisoo)

 

Over 5m followers

ASTRO's MoonBin (@moon_ko_ng), SUPER JUNIOR's HeeChul (@kimheenim), SHINee's TaeMin (@xoalsox), SUPER JUNIOR's Lee Teuk (@xxteukxx), Woo DoHwan (@wdohwan), NCT's JungWoo (@sugaringcandy), Kim WooBin ( @____kimwoobin), Kim YoungDae (@youngdae0302)

 

Over 4m followers

Zico (@woozico0914), Kang Daniel (@daniel.k.here), Lee KwangSoo (@masijacoke850714), Yeo JinGoo (@yeojin9oo), Dawn (@hyojong_1994), Yoon ChanYoung (@yooncy1), Lee SeungGi (@leeseunggi.official), Eric Nam (@ericnam), B.I (@shxxbi131), Lee JungJae (@from_jjlee), Lee SooHyuk (@leesoohyuk), Park JiHoon (@0529.jihoon.ig), CNBLUE's Kang MinHyuk (@mr_kanggun), Seo InGuk (@seo_cccc), Gong Yoo (@gongyoo_official), Ahn BoHyun (@bohyunahn)

 

Over 3m followers

Seo KangJoon (@seokj1012), Ahn JaeHyun (@aagbanjh), Ryu JunYeol (@ryusdb), Kim JongKook (@kjk76), Jang KiYong (@juanxkui), Kwak DongYeon (@kwakdongyeon0), 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), Jung IlWoo (@jilwww), CNBLUE's Lee JungShin (@leejungshin91), SHINee's MinHo (@choiminho_1209), Lee HyunWoo (@hihyunwoo), iKON's Jay (@gnani_____), ASTRO's SanHa (@ddana_yoon), Rain (@rain_oppa), 2PM's TaecYeon (@taecyeonokay), ASTRO's JinJin (@ast_jinjin), ASTRO's MJ (@mj_7.7.7), Rocky (@p_rocky)

 

Over 2m followers

Jin Goo (@actor_jingoo), Song IlKook (@songilkook), Yoo AhIn (@hongsick), Park HaeSoo (@haesoopark_official), Kim MinJae (@real.be), 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), B1A4's JinYoung (@jinyoung0423), iKON's JuNe (@juneeeeeeya), Kim HyunJoong (@hyunjoong860606), Crush (@crush9244)