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šŸ‡°šŸ‡· South Korea /Technology

Fashion Variety Shows Make a Comeback in South Korea

From Hankyoreh · (6h ago) Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Fashion-related variety shows, reminiscent of the 2010s, are making a comeback on South Korean television and streaming platforms.
  • Programs like MBC's 'Sora and Jin-kyung' feature veteran models returning to the runway, while tvN's 'Kill It' and Disney+'s 'Style Wars' focus on fashion creator survival competitions.
  • These shows aim to discover new fashion talent and explore the evolving landscape of K-fashion, attracting a diverse range of participants from industry professionals to everyday fashion enthusiasts.

The South Korean entertainment scene is witnessing a resurgence of fashion-focused variety programs, echoing the popularity of such shows in the 2010s. This new wave includes a variety of formats, from the return of iconic models to the runway to intense fashion creator survival competitions, signaling a renewed interest in the industry's creative and aspirational aspects.

MBC's upcoming program, 'Sora and Jin-kyung,' features legendary 1990s top models Lee So-ra and Hong Jin-kyung embarking on a challenging journey back to the Paris Fashion Week runway. The show captures their initial surprise and subsequent determination as they navigate auditions and face candid critiques from fashion industry professionals. This narrative taps into nostalgia while highlighting the enduring appeal and challenges of the modeling world.

Complementing this, tvN's 'Kill It: Style Creator Grand War' seeks to identify the next generation of fashion influencers. The competition brings together a diverse cast, including influencers, dancers, stylists, and celebrities, mentored by prominent figures like model Jang Yoon-ju and K-pop idol Yeonjun of TXT. The show promises to showcase the vibrant and dynamic nature of K-fashion, aiming to crown a new face that will represent the industry.

You can look forward to a vivid scene where faces representing K-fashion are born.

— Production TeamThe production team of tvN's 'Kill It' expressed confidence in the show's ability to discover new fashion talent.

Further expanding the genre, Disney+ is set to release 'Style Wars,' a nationwide fashion survival program that invites 72 participants from all walks of life, regardless of age, profession, or background. This inclusive approach aims to discover raw talent and celebrate diverse expressions of style. The program boasts a high-profile judging panel, including designer Jung Wook-jun and stylist Choi Sil-jang, and is produced by the team behind Netflix's 'Single's Inferno,' suggesting a high production value and engaging format.

The return of these fashion programs reflects a broader cultural trend in South Korea, where fashion and style are increasingly intertwined with celebrity and entertainment. These shows not only provide a platform for aspiring talents but also offer viewers a glimpse into the creative process and the competitive world of fashion, potentially inspiring a new generation of designers, stylists, and models.

This is a national fashion survival program where anyone who loves fashion can challenge.

— Disney+Disney+ described 'Style Wars' as an inclusive competition open to all fashion enthusiasts.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.