Especially the star who just returned from military service.
Milan Fashion Week has once again proven why it’s not just a fashion calendar staple, but a global cultural spectacle. This season, the spotlight wasn’t only on fashion— it was on the undeniable dominance of South Korean stars who turned the streets and front rows into their personal runway. From jaw-dropping designer looks to unshakable stage presence, K-idols didn’t just attend; they owned the week.
As brand ambassadors, muses, and fashion disruptors, these idols aren’t just lending their faces, but they’re shifting the industry’s pulse. The Korean Wave isn’t limited to music charts anymore; it’s fully embedded in luxury fashion’s DNA. And now, The Highlighter MY is zooming in on ‘Phase One’ of this K-idols takeover, a stylish storm that’s redefining what it means to be fashion royalty.
EXO KAI for Prada
Who could ever forget the main dancer and visual powerhouse of EXO?
Kai, once again, proved why he remains the fashion world’s obsession. Fresh from completing his military enlistment, the icon returned with a bang — kicking off his world tour and dropping his solo comeback album, Adult Swim. But Milan? That was his runway. Walking into Prada SS26 at Milan Fashion Week, Kai delivered what only he can: a near-bare chest, fluid tailoring, and a gaze that melted flashbulbs.
And in true K-idol fashion, he turned a front-row appearance into a cultural event. Call him the Prada Prince or South Korea’s fashion ambassador — either way, Kai just reminded Milan why K-pop idols are rewriting the rules of runway relevance.
NCT Jungwoo for TOD’S
Milan Fashion Week Men’s SS26 brought the usual sartorial spectacle, but one moment stood out with quiet impact: NCT’s Jungwoo at Tod’s Gommino Club in Milan, to celebrate the new Spring-Summer 2026 Men’s collection. Draped in a breezy checkered jacket, a crisp white tee, and ivory trousers, Jungwoo didn’t need to shout to be seen. Instead, he exuded that rare, slow-burn charisma—the kind that lingers long after the flash fades. From posing against TOD’S signature terracotta wall to leaning effortlessly over the sleek cocktail bar, he looked every bit the modern muse. Not overly styled, never trying too hard—just pure, polished poise.
TWICE Sana for Prada
When TWICE’s Sana steps onto the scene, she doesn’t just show up; she sets the tone. At Prada’s Spring-Summer 2026 show, she appeared in a strapless black mini dress with frayed hems and a delicate bow, striking that perfect balance between softness and structure.
Her choice of accessories was just as refined, with a sleek black Prada handbag that gave the look an elevated finish. The long side braid, tied with a ribbon, added just the right amount of charm. In a sea of high fashion, Sana stood out with ease. While some lean on bold theatrics, she proved that elegance with a quiet edge can be just as captivating.
Jung Hae-in for Dolce & Gabbana
Jung Hae-in knows the power of restraint. At the Dolce & Gabbana show, he arrived in a crisp white shirt with an exaggerated cummerbund and relaxed tailored trousers, radiating quiet luxury. No flashy prints or statement accessories, just razor-sharp elegance executed with precision.
The brooch detail on his chest added a flicker of drama, but the real statement came from his poise. While others chased attention, Hae-in commanded it with stillness. His look didn’t just suit the black carpet, it owned it. A reminder that sometimes, the loudest style moment is the one whispered with confidence.
The cultural tide has shifted, and all eyes are looking East. Each fashion season sharpens the reality that K-idols and Asian stars aren’t just guests at the table — they’re redefining who sets it. Their appearances aren’t merely aesthetic moments or filler headlines. They spark conversation, dictate movement on social media, and hold an undeniable sway over brand relevancy.
