Southeast Asian fandoms are independently organising events and activities to support their favourites. Still, brands could consider their significant desire for human connection by aligning with supporters' values and creating well-crafted narratives and collaborations with celebrities.

Hallyu shows no signs of slowing down, with South Korean lifestyle and fashion trends influencing K-culture enthusiasts across the globe. Through its personalised online platform and experiential pop-up stores, fashion retail brand MUSINSA invites shoppers to be part of the K-fashion world.

Having entered its fourth generation, non-traditional and subversive stars are emerging in K-pop that speak to the industry’s rising global prominence. But how are these new idols paving the way for the future and reflecting the shifting attitudes of Korean culture and K-pop fans everywhere?

Gen MZ drives consumer culture in Korea, and their love of all things ‘newstalgia’ (or ‘newtro,’ as the Korean media call it) has inspired trends since 2018. With global and local brands cashing in on their love for newstalgia, what strategies can help stand out in a rapidly saturated trendscape?