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

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

Gentle Monster

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.

Gentle Monster

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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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?

Welcome to the HEART TOP 100 ranking of February 2024. These K-Pop idols have received a lot of support and love from global fans!

On Kpopmap, fans have been sharing their love and admiration for their favorite idols by pressing the heart vote on their profiles. Their amount and ranks are now available in the newly opened HEART TOP 100 ranking. It is an ongoing vote (with no assigned period). The hearts voting is unlimited and is always open. So, cast your hearts on the K-Pop group of your choice, as well. Go to the Kpopmap profile of your favorite K-Pop idol and press their heart.

In the HEART TOP 100, you can view the top 10 regions or countries where fans are voting for each celebrity. We gather user country information through AWP IP addresses. However, for certain participants, the country data may not be entirely precise. We have plans to enhance the system soon to ensure a more accurate collection of your country's information.

Thank you to those who are participating and supporting your favorite artists on Kpopmap.

Here are the top 20 most supported K-Pop idols by global fans for the month of February 2024.

20. ENHYPEN's Ni-Ki - 6,064,001 hearts

19. ASTRO's Yoon SanHa - 6,146,092 hearts

18. Rocky - 7,036,823 hearts

17. ENHYPEN's SungHoon - 11,144,627 hearts

16. ENHYPEN's HeeSeung - 13,937,116 hearts

15. TVXQ's U-Know YunHo - 15,655,208 hearts

14. HORI7ON's Marcus - 16,286,768 hearts

13. ENHYPEN's Jay - 20,847,221 hearts

12. ENHYPEN's Jake - 21,967,320 hearts

11. ASTRO's MJ - 24,594,995 hearts

10. ENHYPEN's Sunoo - 25,185,267 hearts

9. Stray Kids' Felix - 26,033,550 hearts

8. HORI7ON's Winston - 39,653,015 hearts

7. Kim WooJin - 47,757,351 hearts

6. Stray Kids' HyunJin - 83,547,302 hearts

5. HORI7ON's Reyster - 111,211,300 hearts

4. HORI7ON's Vinci - 124,923,539 hearts

3rd Place. HORI7ON's Kyler - 140,777,907 hearts

HORI7ON on X

2nd Place. HORI7ON's Kim - 147,060,373 hearts

HORI7ON on X

1st Place. HORI7ON's Jeromy - 187,384,285 hearts

HORI7ON on X

Check out the top 20:

Kpopmap Screenshot (02/29/2024)

Kpopmap Screenshot (02/29/2024)

Which idol do you support? Stay tuned for the next ranking.

Welcome to the HEART TOP 100 ranking of January 2024. These K-Pop idols have received a lot of support and love from global fans!

On Kpopmap, fans have been sharing their love and admiration for their favorite idols by pressing the heart vote on their profiles. Their amount and ranks are now available in the newly opened HEART TOP 100 ranking. It is an ongoing vote (with no assigned period). The hearts voting is unlimited and is always open. So, cast your hearts on the K-Pop group of your choice, as well. Go to the Kpopmap profile of your favorite K-Pop idol and press their heart.

In the HEART TOP 100, you can view the top 10 regions or countries where fans are voting for each celebrity. We gather user country information through AWP IP addresses. However, for certain participants, the country data may not be entirely precise. We have plans to enhance the system soon to ensure a more accurate collection of your country's information.

Thank you to those who are participating and supporting your favorite artists on Kpopmap.

Here are the top 20 most supported K-Pop idols by global fans for the month of January 2024.

20. ENHYPEN's Ni-Ki - 5,340,096 hearts

19. ASTRO's Yoon SanHa - 6,126,847 hearts

18. Rocky - 6,753,692 hearts

17. ENHYPEN's SungHoon - 11,141,938 hearts

16. HORI7ON's Marcus - 13,736,226 hearts

15. ENHYPEN's HeeSeung - 13,913,635 hearts

14. TVXQ's U-Know YunHo - 15,638,500 hearts

13. ENHYPEN's Jay - 20,843,200 hearts

12. ASTRO's MJ - 21,695,020 hearts

11. ENHYPEN's Jake - 21,961,915 hearts

10. ENHYPEN's Sunoo - 25,165,186 hearts

9. Stray Kids' Felix - 26,009,161 hearts

8. Kim WooJin - 26,104,885 hearts

7. HORI7ON's Winston - 34,716,561 hearts

6. Stray Kids' HyunJin - 71,888,046 hearts

5. HORI7ON's Kim - 99,077,227 hearts

4. HORI7ON's Vinci - 106,012,539 hearts

3rd Place. HORI7ON's Reyster - 109,133,437 hearts

Nylon

2nd Place. HORI7ON's Kyler - 119,017,622 hearts

Nylon

1st Place. HORI7ON's Jeromy - 175,154,492 hearts

Nylon

Check out the top 20:

Kpopmap Screenshot (01/31/2024)

Kpopmap Screenshot (01/31/2024)

Which idol do you support? Stay tuned for the next ranking.