Whether you were introduced to Korean pop music (or K-pop) by the megawatt girl group Blackpink in 2020 or have been a longtime fan of this towering pop genre, it’s impossible to ignore the growing popularity of Korean performers in pop culture today. But what we’re almost just as obsessed with other than their music is their eclectic taste in nail art.
It seems as if whatever styles K-pop monoliths like Blackpink alums Lisa and Jennie or Aespa’s Karina wear on their tips are years ahead of the West’s trend cycle, so we decided to go to the source to see what’s hot among the world of K-beauty A-listers. But first, it’s important to know just what separates a Korean manicure from the rest.
“K-beauty nails are all about effortless elegance with a playful twist,” says celebrity manicurist to Blackpink’s Jisoo and brand founder Jin Soon Choi. “The cuticle care is next-level—always clean, precise, and gentle—which creates the perfect canvas for any polish or design. Even with gel, the layers are ultra thin and seamless, giving nails a naturally beautiful, glass-like finish without feeling heavy or bulky.” Choi explains that Korean manicures shine here because of a larger focus on nail health, and Lisa’s go-to manicurist, Juan Alvear, attributes K-nail supremacy to its unbound creativity.
“Attention to subtle detail is a big part of what separates K-manicures—known for their placement of detailed accents like small crystals or droplets,” says Alvear. “Consistency and intentionality are two major roles to a good manicure.”
Scroll on to find nine K-pop-inspired manicures that will have you feeling ready to embark on your world tour.
Soft Maximalism
With 3D nail trends becoming quite mainstream in the last couple of years, you might not be surprised to learn that more K-manicures are starting to look *slightly* dialed back. “In 2025, I see nails leaning into the recent K-pop trend of the hyper-clean but hyper-detailed aesthetic,” quips Choi. “Expect ultra-sheer jelly nails paired with delicate 3D details like crystals, pearls, and charms—a softer, more wearable take on maximalism,” she adds.
Think sheer extensions and baby rhinestones (like Choi’s look on Sora Choi at the 2025 Met Gala), jelly polish, and oversize polka dots. Striking a balance between pared-back and in-your-face is the new way to achieve nails that feel “in-the-know.”
