The Melon Music Awards on December 20 doubled as a fashion moment. Red‑carpet galleries and “Melon Music Awards best dressed” roundups spotlighted standout looks from Jennie and aespa in particular. Below, our 13 picks capture the night’s biggest style stories, from Jennie’s fairy‑tale/heritage gown to aespa’s individualized high‑fashion fits. Brand credits for some looks remain unconfirmed, but the visuals — and the reactions — say a lot about K‑pop idol fashion trends 2025.
What went down (quick update)
- Dec 20, 2025 — MMA 2025 took place in Seoul; red‑carpet coverage quickly spun into “best dressed” lists highlighting Jennie and aespa among the top fashion moments (Koreaboo).
- Jennie won three awards including the Daesang for Record of the Year, amplifying attention on her outfits (Soompi).
- Her stage videos went up the same day; by Dec 22, one clip surpassed 6.1M views as fashion breakdowns spread (Chosun Ilbo).
- Dec 22 — Chosun published an in‑depth look at Jennie’s designs by LE JE, detailing the Korean cultural motifs across her gown, veil, and performance outfit (Chosun Ilbo).
LE JE explained that Jennie’s 15‑meter Hangeul veil was “a moment of confronting one’s origin and identity,” not a piece meant to hide her face (via Chosun Ilbo).
Our edit: 13 Best‑Dressed K‑Pop Idols of MMA 2025
1) Jennie
Jennie delivered the night’s defining look. She wore a modern fairy‑tale gown by Korean label LE JE with bodice pleats inspired by the Seokgatap pagoda — an architectural, heritage‑led take rather than a flashy ball gown (Chosun Ilbo). Onstage, she added a 15‑meter veil printed with verses from Cheonggu Yeongeon and later switched into a sequin jumper engraved with “Jennie” in Hangeul — a 200+ hour piece about identity and self‑definition. The fashion matched the moment: she also took home Record of the Year (Soompi).
2) Karina (aespa)
Karina leaned into aespa’s high‑fashion identity with a sharp, futuristic silhouette and luxe textures. The group’s styling was intentionally member‑specific but cohesive — a fresh case for individualized looks over matchy‑matchy uniforms (Koreaboo). Brand credits weren’t fully confirmed in mainstream roundups, but the effect was runway‑ready.
3) Lee Leo (ALD1)
Lee Leo brought a gritty, rock-star energy to the carpet that stood out among the night’s more traditional suits. His look balanced oversized proportions with sharp, intentional tailoring, proving that ALD1’s aesthetic is rooted in Gen-Z edge. It was a masterclass in effortless cool—minimalist in color but maximum in attitude.
4) G‑Dragon
A veteran fashion icon, G‑Dragon served tailored lines with streetwise flair. His red‑carpet steps still trend for a reason. He appeared in best‑dressed lineups that spotlighted the night’s style leaders (Soap Central).
5) Jang Wonyoung (IVE)
Wonyoung tapped her signature princess‑meets‑editorial vibe. Soft structure, camera‑friendly glamour, and zero fuss. It read instantly iconic in fan cams and press stills.
6) Anton (RIIZE)
Anton made a stunning red‑carpet appearance that had fans buzzing. His proportions and physique made everything look runway‑ready, and his long coat styling added drama to RIIZE’s modern aesthetic. Fans praised how anything he wears just looks better than average — a testament to his natural fashion sense and camera presence. His stable vocals during RIIZE’s hand‑mic live performance only amplified the attention on his total package.
7) Yuha (Hearts2Hearts)
Yuha opted for an ethereal, romantic silhouette that felt perfectly timed for a December awards show. The soft textures and delicate detailing highlighted her visual role in Hearts2Hearts without leaning too heavily into “rookie” tropes. It was a graceful, high-impact choice that photographed beautifully under the red-carpet lights.
8) Bailey Sok (ALLDAY PROJECT)
Bailey Sok brought a distinct street-luxe sensibility to the ALLDAY PROJECT lineup. Her fit focused on structure and silhouette, blending athletic lines with high-fashion polish that mirrored her reputation as a performance powerhouse. It was a look designed for movement—sharp, modern, and undeniably cool.
9) Jaehyun (BOYNEXTDOOR)
Jaehyun perfectly encapsulated the group’s “cool neighbor” brand with an added layer of high-fashion refinement. The outfit felt youthful and kinetic, matching his high-energy presence during the ceremony while maintaining a polished, editorial finish. It was a look that felt lived-in yet luxury-ready.
10) Winter (aespa)
Clean lines, smart hardware, and a cool palette gave Winter a minimal but strong presence. Her outfit photographed beautifully from every angle. It balanced idol practicality with editorial polish — simple, but never basic.
11) D.O. (EXO)
D.O. (Do Kyungsoo) made headlines not just for his impeccable tailored styling but for his dedication — he briefly left the MMA red carpet to attend close friend Kim Woo Bin’s wedding, then returned in time for EXO’s performance. His classic grey suit felt refined and actor‑appropriate, with clean lines that photographed beautifully. The look balanced sophistication with understated elegance, proving less is always more.
Reactions and context
Domestic media praised Jennie’s intentional use of Korean elements — from the pagoda‑pleated LE JE gown to the Hangeul veil — as a perfect fit for a home awards show (Chosun Ilbo). International outlets highlighted aespa’s unique outfit choices as red‑carpet standouts — proof that individualized styling can still feel cohesive (Koreaboo).
As for brands, detailed credits for aespa’s red‑carpet pieces weren’t listed in mainstream roundups at press time. Expect IDs to surface via stylist posts and close‑up galleries in the coming days.
Why it matters
This year’s MMA split the fashion conversation into two hot lanes. One was heritage‑led pageantry — Jennie’s fairy‑tale gown and Hangeul veil. The other was member‑driven high fashion — aespa’s individualized red carpet. Together, they point to what’s next in K‑pop idol fashion trends 2025: more storytelling, less uniformity, and a bigger spotlight on Korean aesthetics alongside luxury houses.
