The Hidden Visionary Behind K-pop’s Iconic Stage Outfits: Designer Mina Jung of Brand MINA JUNG When you think of K-pop, it’s not just the music that comes to mind. It’s the breathtaking visuals, the captivating performances, and the way every detail seems to fall perfectly into place. Among these details, one of the most important is stage fashion. The right outfit can transform a performance into something unforgettable, elevating the artistry and identity of a group. And behind many of these iconic looks stands Mina Jung, the founder and creative director of MINA JUNG. From CL to TWICE, aespa, and IVE: A Journey in K-pop Fashion https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/015/0005171476 Mina Jung’s journey into the world of K-pop stage outfits began unexpectedly. Her first collaboration was with none other than CL of 2NE1, during the promotion of CL’s solo album ALPHA. At the time, Jung recalls thinking, “How did they find me? Why me?” But once she saw her designs come alive on stage, there was no turning back. Since then, she has worked with a dazzling roster of K-pop idols, including TWICE, aespa, IVE, (G)I-DLE, Red Velvet, NMIXX, ITZY, BabyMonster, NCT Dream, NCT Wish, BIBI, INI, IZNA, and more. If fans remember a stage not just for its performance but also for the “perfect outfits,” chances are Mina Jung was behind them. For instance, TWICE wore her designs when they performed as special guests at Coldplay’s Seoul concert. IVE performed in her outfits on the massive international stage of Lollapalooza, and (G)I-DLE wore her creations when they won a grand prize at the Melon Music Awards. It’s no wonder that top groups repeatedly return to her for major events. The Art of Designing Stage Outfits https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/015/0005171476 Designing stage outfits is not as simple as creating something “pretty” or “trendy.” It requires deep consideration of multiple factors: the event’s theme, the season, the group’s concept, the members’ strengths, and even how the fabric will move under stage lighting. As Jung explains, “Sometimes we only have 1–2 weeks to design and complete an outfit. If the request comes with a very clear concept, the process is faster. But sometimes it’s vague, like ‘Make something that matches this type of song.’ In that case, I quickly brainstorm designs, sketch ideas, source fabrics, and then move into production.” Her philosophy is rooted in perfectionism. “Even a button or the shade of thread matters,” she says.“If the outfit doesn’t look good in real life, I don’t hesitate to redo it until it works. I’d rather take the risk of doing it again than let something less than great reach the stage.” Building MINA JUNG: A Brand with Depth https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/015/0005171476 Born in Seoul, Mina Jung studied women’s fashion at Central Saint Martins in London, one of the world’s most prestigious fashion schools. After returning to Korea, she launched her own brand, MINA JUNG, in 2020 at just 27 years old—remarkably young compared to many stage costume directors, who are often in their 50s or 60s. From the beginning, she infused her designs with unique inspiration drawn from Eastern philosophy and aesthetics. Her collections often reference concepts from texts like The Analects and Tao Te Ching, though always in an abstract and subtle way. “I don’t want to present something too literal. I’d rather embody the philosophy and let it naturally emerge through the clothes,” she explains. Inside her office, alongside racks of bold stage costumes, you’ll also find shelves filled with philosophy books, showing how deeply these ideas influence her creative process. Creativity and Dedication https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/015/0005171476 Mina Jung’s love for fashion goes back to childhood. By the sixth grade, she already knew she wanted to be a designer and began learning sewing and pattern-making from older students and local seamstresses. In high school, her unusual self-made outfits often made her stand out as “different,” but it only strengthened her identity as a creator. Looking back on her years at Central Saint Martins, she humbly recalls, “I always felt like dust in the world compared to the amazing talents around me. But I decided to work sincerely and never say no to opportunities.” When she first launched her brand, she even worked multiple side jobs to sustain her creative practice. “I was just grateful that I could keep creating,” she says. Today, MINA JUNG produces anywhere from 80 to 90 projects a year, including both brand collections and commissioned works for idols. Despite the heavy workload, she approaches every piece with passion. Recently, she’s been fascinated by minimalism: “It’s easy to decorate an outfit with lots of details, but achieving balance with just a single line or silhouette is much harder. That’s the challenge I’m most interested in now.” The Legacy She Wants to Build https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/015/0005171476 Though her designs have already graced some of K-pop’s most unforgettable stages, Mina Jung remains modest. “It’s not about being on top for a moment. The hard part is sustaining this work for 20–30 years,” she reflects. “I started because I love making things, and I hope MINA JUNG can be a platform where other passionate creators also come together.” Her dream is simple yet profound: to one day design the one outfit she truly considers perfect. “Maybe it will take me 50 years to make something that satisfies me completely,” she laughs, “but I want to keep trying.” https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/015/0005171476 K-pop has grown beyond just music—it is now a global cultural phenomenon. And behind the dazzling performances we admire are countless hours of invisible labor from people like Mina Jung. Her story is not just about fashion but about persistence, humility, and a relentless pursuit of beauty and meaning. In the end, perhaps what makes Mina Jung’s work so impactful is not just the sparkle of the fabric or the perfection of the tailoring, but the philosophy and sincerity stitched into every piece. Her journey has only just begun, but already she is shaping how the world sees K-pop—not just as music, but as living art. https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/015/0005171476 #MinaJung #MINAJUNG #KpopFashion #StageCostumeDesign #KpopDesigner #FashionDesigner #KpopIdolStyle #aespa #IVE #TWICE #CL #GIDLE #RedVelvet #NCT #ITZY #BabyMonster #NMIXX #BIBI #INI #IZNA #KpopOutfits #EasternAesthetic #CentralSaintMartins #LondonFashion #KpopStage #PerfomanceCostume #FashionPhilosophy #MinimalistDesign #FashionJourney #CreativeStudio #KpopVisuals
