Korean Glasses: Ride the Hallyu Wave with These Trends

The most popular trends these days often begin with the letter K (and no, we aren't referring to the Kardashians). We're talking about none other than the meteoric rise of Korean pop culture.

With all eyes on South Korea's top actors and idols, fans and fashionistas alike can't help but want to snag their style. This includes the understatedly chic glasses that they all seem to be wearing on and off the screen.

Looking to hop on the bandwagon? Then join us as we take a deep dive into the world of Korean glasses!

See what they're wearing!

1. Jennie Kim (BLACKPINK)
2. Cha Eun-woo (ASTRO)
3. Yoo In Na (Touch Your Heart)
4. Shin Se Kyung (Run On)
5. Nam Joo Hyuk (Twenty Five Twenty One)
6. Son Ye Jin (Crash Landing On You)
7. IU (Hotel De Luna)
8. Park Seo Joon (Itaewon Class)

What do 'Korean glasses styles' usually refer to?

If you're an avid follower of K-dramas and K-pop, then you may have noticed all your favorite stars following a similar aesthetic when it comes to eyewear. Sleek and minimalist frames have become a staple in Korea, and it's easy to see why!

Usually in the form of wire-rimmed frames or a fun combination of metal and acetate, Korean glasses go with practically every look—a fitting choice for their vibrant, fashion-forward culture. The glasses are often rounded in shape, but there are also a lot of square and geometric silhouettes that capture that distinctly Korean flair.

Regardless of whether your style leans more towards the classic or experimental side, these versatile frames can adapt to any look, making them perfect for minimalists and maximalists alike.

Our favorite K-Stars in glasses

If you're searching for some fresh inspiration for your next pair of specs, we think that it's worth looking into the trendy yet timeless styles popularized by Seoul's biggest trendsetters (like BTS!). Keep scrolling to find your new favorite silhouette!

To get you up to speed on the latest in K-fashion, have a look at how these stylish idols like to wear their glasses:

1. BLACKPINK's Jennie Kim

BLACKPINK's Jennie loves experimenting with different styles, and it's always refreshing to see her mixing different trends to create one-of-a-kind looks. Here, she juxtaposes her dainty round frames with androgynous pieces, and completed the look with some Y2K inspired hairclips.

Wanna look like Jennie? Try this one out:

Door2USA Prescription Glasses' smart and stylish Abby frame.

See Abby

2. ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo

Korea's resident 'face genius' Cha Eun-woo made sure to take a bit of Seoul with him on his trip to Italy, posting a couple of touristy pictures while wearing an oversized frame with subtly angular edges. The glasses added just the right amount of contrast to his oval face and made a fitting accent piece for his tailored ensemble.

For those who didn't know, the actor-idol also revealed that he had Lasik surgery not too long ago, but still keeps several non-prescription glasses in his rotation as he enjoys styling them with his every day and stage looks.

thrilling storylines, another thing we all look forward to when watching a K-drama would have to be the looks our favorite characters are wearing. Here are some iconic glasses that caught our eye:

3. Yoo In Na (Touch Your Heart)

In this highly anticipated drama, Yoo In Na stole our hearts as Oh Yoon Seo, an actress who tries to land a new role by gaining experience through a job at a law firm. The star's designer outfits were eclectic and glamorous, which matched her bubbly personality well. She complemented them with an elegant pair of gold-rimmed glasses in a distinct trapezoid shape that flattered her oval face perfectly.

4. Shin Se Kyung (Run On)

We love Shin Se Kyung for her progressive female roles, and we also love her laid-back style just as much. In the 2020 hit drama Run-On, she plays Oh Mi Joo, a freelance film translator with a free-spirited personality. She's seen in a lot of practical yet stylish outfits throughout the series, such as in this scene where she gets comfy in a pink hoodie, top knot, and the cutest acetate and metal-rimmed glasses.
To copy her look, give this a try:

5. Nam Joo Hyuk (Twenty-Five, Twenty-One)

Nam Joo Hyuk always plays the most endearing characters, and his role as Baek Yi Jin in the 2022 drama Twenty-Five, Twenty-One is no different. The hardworking reporter couldn't have picked a more perfect frame for his personality too, as a style like this rounded black and silver pair will surely be a reliable choice no matter where you're heading.

6. Son Ye Jin (Crash Landing On You)

Channel your inner girl boss like Yoon Se Ri with an oversized square frame in a sophisticated tortoiseshell pattern. Like this one:

7. IU (Hotel Del Luna)

These subtle cat eye sunglasses styled by our favorite immortal hotel CEO is enough proof that they look good in any era. Plus, who would've thought that reflective lenses would look this good with a high collar and wide-brimmed hat?

8. Park Seo Joon (Itaewon Class)

Park Seo Joon looks cool and collected while on the set of Itaewon Class in an angular frame that's just the right size for his idiosyncratic features.

Finding your perfect Korean-inspired glasses frames

Playful yet sophisticated, we're sure that you'll love the way Korean glasses will look on you. But, your ideal pair will vary depending on your face shape. Consider these frames to show off all your best features:

For round face shapes

Contrast is key when it comes to accentuating round face shapes. Opt for a geometric pair such as our Elan frame to introduce more distinct lines to your delicate features.

For square face shapes

The graceful silhouette of our Hipster frames is great for balancing out a more prominent jaw or forehead. In contrast, the combination of the gunmetal detailing and transparent blue frame lets you maintain your edge.

For oval face shapes

Known as the universal face shape, those with oval faces have the best luck when it comes to finding glasses, as their symmetrical features allow them to pull off a variety of styles with ease.

For triangle face shapes

A browline frame is a must-have for those seeking to draw more attention to the upper half of the face or add width to a tighter forehead.

For heart face shapes

These modern aviators accentuate the cheekbones while playing down a broader forehead, flattering heart-shaped faces in every way.

For diamond face shapes

Our Enrich frame's slightly tapered style and smart color blocking adds width to a narrow forehead and hairline while placing the spotlight on a diamond face's covetable cheekbones.

For more tips on selecting the perfect frame for your face shape, check out our guides here.

Some styling tips for Korean glasses

Perhaps what makes Korean glasses so universally appealing is that they can be dressed up or down depending on the overall vibe you're going for.

If you've selected a geometric silhouette or an oversized pair, let them take center stage by styling them with a basic t-shirt and jeans, or turn heads by pairing them with your best streetwear.

But if you chose a more classic shape, play up its elegance with minimalist pieces, or try out some retro-inspired pieces for a touch of nostalgia.

See how our glasses look in real-time

Now – Your turn! We at Door2USA Prescription Glasses carry a wide range of frames to complement every face shape and personality. Browse through our collection and find your perfect pair with our virtual try-on feature today!