The Korean wave, or Hallyu, has been a powerful force in pop culture over the last decade. In the wake of the pandemic, a global survey found that 68% of respondents felt K-dramas were very popular in their countries, even outside dedicated fan circles. With the undeniable traction of these star-making vehicles across the globe, they inevitably influence plenty of viewers. Even if you don't consider the most diehard followers, countless trends have spawned from the fashion and styling seen in these shows.
In the vast world of eyewear, a few pieces stand out as some of the most iconic eyeglasses worn by K-drama characters who stuck with audiences.
1. Chae Song-Hwa's Thin Rims on Hospital Playlist
Hospital Playlist is inarguably one of the most iconic K-dramas in recent history, so it's only natural that one of its main leads' look would be cemented into the public consciousness. Much like Rachel's hair in Friends created a frenzy in the '90s, countless women aimed to emulate the no-fuss, chic aesthetic of Chae Song-Hwa. The only woman in the main group of medical professionals and close friends, she is always seen wearing thin-rimmed glasses as she expertly does her work as an associate professor of neurosurgery.
Marvelously portrayed by Jeon Mi-do, the character simultaneously looks professional and trendy. They frame her face just right without overwhelming her whole disposition, a perfect blend for the sole feminine energy in a big cast. Chae's specs look much like the Coach HC5141 glasses, which are round, full-rimmed glasses with thin black frames.
2. Cho Sang-woo's Rectangular Glasses on Squid Game
Cho Sang-woo is an interesting character with whom you either vilify or empathize. Online forums heavily debate the resonance of his glasses in telling us a part of his character arc, as he starts his Squid Game journey donning slim rectangular glasses and eventually stops wearing them when things start falling apart. It's a stark contrast from his quiet yet commanding presence in his tailored suit versus the disheveled appearance of his bloodied tracksuit.
Considering the global phenomenon this show became, the Cho Sang-woo look made its way to millions of viewers at home. His eyeglasses look, aptly, like the Intense glasses from Eyebuydirect's collection, which use full-rim acetate-metal. For those who prefer thinner temples like Sang-woo, the Algorithm foregoes a full rim and uses lightweight metal for its temples and upper frame. Although one could have countless debates on the ultimate morality of this character, his fashion sense remains one of his better choices.
3. Jang Man Wol's Cat-Eye Retro Specs on Hotel Del Luna
When you cast the woman voted as the "most loved K-pop solo singer of the 21st century" in South Korea for your lead role, you have a guaranteed hit on your hands. IU is already well-known in her music career as a fashionista. Still, her Hotel Del Luna character and sunglasses have also made it into a compilation of her most stylish looks. As the owner of the titular hotel, IU's character, Jang Man Wol, wears gorgeous outfits and impeccable frames as she manages the hotel for eternity.
The cat-eye shape is Jang Man Wol's go-to for eyewear, whether she's lounging around the hotel's indoor beach with gradient pink tints or dark polarized lenses. When doing business in her office, she sports a gold pair of cat-eye specs with a grandma chain, perfectly complementing the jewelry she loves to buy and wear. Since she's a sophisticated, immortal CEO, the retro flair of her staple eyewear shape helps tell the story of a woman lost in time. You can easily recreate her look with any pair of golden wire glasses, but the key here would be the eyeglass chain, like the ones from ZARA.
4. Lim Ju Gyeong's Chunky Frames on True Beauty
The concept behind True Beauty is simple but relevant, rooted in what makes a woman feel confident. The way Lim Ju Gyeong shifts her perspective throughout the story is crucial in telling the tale, especially as it dives into her drastic physical transformation. She starts the show with a pair of full-framed oversized glasses, which are distinctly chunky to truly establish her geeky persona and separate her from the modelesque looks of her actress, Moon Ga Young.
Purposefully done to let audiences understand her motivations, the extreme difference is tinged with secrets and insecurities. As she eventually masters the art of makeup and becomes an online "goddess," her true beauty still shines through as she remains her dorky, lovable self. It's a great look into how pressured women are to hit specific beauty standards, and you can't help but remember the significance of that bare face and chunky frame long after the credits roll.
