I’m headed to South Korea, so why not? Today, I’ve decided to find and identify timepieces worn by the most popular K-Pop artists around!
It’s safe to say that K-pop has become one of the biggest cultural movements of the 21st century. Combining multiple genres, high-energy performances, and the star power of idol groups, much of K-pop’s massive success has often eclipsed that of its Western contemporaries.
No matter your personal opinion, don’t worry — we at Watch Advice aren’t here to change your mind. We’re not music critics, after all, but musical success often comes with a distinctive sense of style. And with fashion, of course, comes watches!
Over the years, we’ve seen countless remarkable K-pop stars don some of horology’s finest, helping to introduce the watch world to a new generation of potential enthusiasts. So, join me as we highlight some of the most popular K-pop artists, provide a brief overview of their careers, and share the watches they choose to wear.
Arden Cho
Panerai Luminor Due Pastello
Putting this one in might be cheating a little. But even we, (yes, we) at Watch Advice couldn’t ignore the global phenomenon that is KPop Demon Hunters. At centre stage, or more accurately centre mic, is Arden Cho, an American–South Korean actress, singer and model. With roles in Teen Wolf, Pretty Little Liars, and 2013’s Tomb Raider video game, it’s safe to say Cho has maintained a remarkably varied career path leading into her time in KPop Demon Hunters.
In the animated film, she plays Rumi, the leader and lead vocalist of the fictional Huntrix K-pop group. She doesn’t hold the spotlight alone, however. EJAE, an American–South Korean singer, serves as the singing voice for Rumi, most notably on the hit single ‘Golden’. Together, Cho and EJAE delivered standout performances that carried KPop Demon Hunters all the way to the Academy Awards, earning nominations (update: and wins!) for Best Animated Film and Best Original Song.
For Cho, her timepiece of choice could only be something as bold and enduring as her career. Here, she wears the blue version of Panerai’s Luminor Due Pastello. It carries the same diver aesthetic signature of the Florentine brand, yet its execution is less tool-focused and more an elegant tribute to Panerai’s heritage. The dial, shifting between shades of pale blue, makes it an eye-catcher at any event.
Reference: PAM01309
Australian Retail Pricing: AU$13,200
Availability: Available now, at Panerai boutiques or online at Panerai.com
Lisa
Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas Seven-Spiral
Very few K-pop artists have seen such a meteoric rise and influence on the genre as Lisa. As the main dancer, lead rapper and maknae (youngest member) of BLACKPINK, Pranpriya Manobal has helped propel the girl group from stardom to legend.
Both with BLACKPINK and as a solo artist, she has broken the glass ceiling countless times across every industry she touches. From becoming the first Thai artist to win at the MAMA Awards to making her Western acting debut in HBO’s The White Lotus, it would be hard to discredit her career.
In the watch world, Lisa was officially appointed ambassador for Bvlgari in 2020, even collaborating with them on various releases. She also serves as an ambassador for Louis Vuitton, another brand within the LVMH umbrella.
Rumours have circulated that she may be romantically linked to LVMH Watches CEO Frédéric Arnault, heir apparent to the LVMH empire. He formerly ran TAG Heuer from 2020 to 2024, which may explain why a Ladies’ Aquaracer once mysteriously appeared on Lisa’s wrist.
These days, however, she is more often seen decked out in Bvlgari’s finest. At a promotional event in 2024, Lisa was photographed wearing the incredible Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas seven-spiral. The standard Serpenti Tubogas is already snakelike in construction, but the seven-spiral version takes the audacity up a notch.
With a diamond-encrusted dial and bezel, it’s complemented by several loops of rose gold extending about a foot long. Yes, it’s a quartz timepiece, but that doesn’t take away from the extravagant wearing experience, which is second only to its wearer’s stage presence.
Reference: 101938
International Retail Pricing: Upon request
Availability: Upon inquiry only. See Bulgari.com for more information.
Hyunjin
Cartier Santos de Cartier Large
But while Lisa was a standout in K-pop’s third generation, the fourth generation has produced its own share of immense fame. One figure who stands out is Hwang Hyun-jin, who has become world-renowned during his tenure with the boy band Stray Kids.
Interestingly, Stray Kids did not follow the typical path of most K-pop groups. Leading up to their debut, all nine members participated in a survival-style show that followed them as trainees striving to debut together.
Though some members were temporarily eliminated throughout the show, Hyunjin’s expressive choreography and stage presence kept him exceptional from start to finish. It’s perhaps why he is regarded as one of the best dancers of K-pop’s fourth generation. Together with the other eight members, the band has achieved massive success, selling over 40 million albums.
While he remains a core member of Stray Kids, hints of a solo career have begun to emerge. Cartier seems to have taken note, naming Hyunjin a global ambassador for the brand in 2024. As part of his partnership, he can often be seen wearing the Cartier Santos de Cartier Large.
Unlike most others, he gravitated not to the white-dial model but to the blue version. With a sunray-brushed blue finish, applied steel Roman numerals and a demure, modern charm, it is as dark and theatrical as a Cartier Santos can get — a perfect match for the dramatic flair of an artist like Hyunjin.
Reference: CRWSSA0071
Australian Retail Pricing: AU$14,300
Availability: Available now, at Cartier boutiques, authorised dealers, or online at Cartier.com
J-Hope
Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon
Beginning his career as a street and competition dancer, Jung Ho-seok made his debut with Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS) in 2013. As J-Hope, the band’s main dancer and rapper, he has been part of BTS’ endless accolades over the years.
These include five Grammy nominations (making them the first Korean band to be Grammy-nominated), 12 wins at the Billboard Music Awards (the most of any artist), and over 50 million albums sold. BTS even became the first K-pop band to speak at the United Nations General Assembly.
But not every rainbow lasts, as BTS went on hiatus in 2022. While this allowed J-Hope and the other members to focus on solo projects, it was primarily due to mandatory military service in South Korea. J-Hope was the second member to be discharged on 17 October 2024, with the final member, Suga, discharged mid-last year. Now, their eyes are set on a long-awaited world tour throughout this year and next.
During the hiatus, J-Hope has stayed busy with his solo career. He became the first Korean artist to headline an American music festival, performing at Lollapalooza Chicago in 2022. Horologically, Audemars Piguet recognised the shared reputation of both parties, as each is ubiquitous in their respective industries. For this reason, the independent brand teamed up with J-Hope in September 2025.
In a recent promotion, Audemars Piguet equipped J-Hope with a stunner: the Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon in Sand Gold. Equally audacious and slightly dressier than their iconic Royal Oak line, it highlights one of the newer chapters of Audemars Piguet’s legacy, as J-Hope looks forward to his next chapter alongside BTS.
Reference: 26665SG.ZZ.D209CR.01
Australian Retail Pricing: Upon Request
Availability: Upon inquiry only. See AudemarsPiguet.com for more information.
Jihyo
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41
As far as seasoned veterans go in the K-pop world, it would be foolish not to count Park Ji-hyo among them. The eventual leader and lead vocalist of the girl group TWICE began her career at just eight years old. After ten years of training, she took part in a survival show similar to Hyunjin’s, though the stakes were far more brutal.
Debuting in 2015, the reality show Sixteen faced controversy for allegedly subjecting contestants to emotional abuse. Much of this stemmed from high-pressure tactics and harsh evaluation methods, which caused significant stress for all involved. Despite this, Ji-hyo and seven other girls endured the rigours of Sixteen, with two additional contestants later added to form TWICE.
Though Jihyo was highlighted for her strong vocals and stage presence, all nine members of TWICE quickly rose to prominence, earning numerous awards along the way. While their global reach initially didn’t match that of rival girl group BLACKPINK, they have built a reputation capable of rivalling any competitor.
With 18 Daesangs (Grand Prize Awards), Korea’s first girl group to receive RIAA Platinum certification for ‘Strategy,’ and the 2023 Breakthrough Award from Billboard Women in Music, it’s hard to overstate the impact Jihyo and TWICE have had on the K-pop industry.
With so many crowns to choose from, it feels serendipitous that the leader of the group selected the best crown of them all — horologically speaking. Just this year, she posted an Instagram photo of herself wearing a Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 with the green dial.
A reliable and highly coveted timepiece, the simplicity of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 range belies the impressive mechanics within. Having gone hands-on with the beige version not long ago, it’s one of the most consistently high-performing watches you can get.
Reference: M134300-0004
Australian Retail Pricing: AU$11,750
Availability: Available by inquiry only at Rolex authorised dealers. See Rolex.com for more information.
Danielle Marsh
Omega Speedmaster 38
Though we’re now beginning to enter a fifth generation of K-pop groups, it felt important to highlight a star from one of the fastest-rising groups of the previous era.
Even better, one of the members of this incredible group is one of our own! Danielle Marsh (Mo Ji-hye), a Newcastle, New South Wales native with a Korean mother, gained much of her global fame alongside the K-pop girl group NewJeans.
Moving back to Paju, South Korea at four years old, Marsh began her career at 15, though much of it was disrupted by the pandemic. Regardless, she debuted with the other members of NewJeans in 2022, and the group racked up accolades faster than most others had ever seen. With 79 award wins and 159 nominations, including Billboard’s Top Korean Artists of 2023, Marsh contributed her bright vocal tone and energetic personality to the NewJeans sound.
However, tragedy struck when Marsh was forced out of NewJeans by the recording label ADOR, a subsidiary of the wider HYBE conglomerate. Her contract was terminated following a year-long dispute that even involved former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. Despite ADOR suing both Min and Marsh, she has continued to pursue solo endeavours, while fans of NewJeans continue to voice their support with the slogan “NewJeans is five or nothing.”
Her momentum in music may have taken a hit, but in the watch world she has hardly missed a beat. In 2024, Omega named Marsh one of their ambassadors, marking her entry into the industry. For her debut, she wore the Omega Speedmaster 38: a refreshed, elegant version of the iconic model, and surprisingly no moon-landing association. Encased in steel with a diamond bezel, it’s a watch that radiates the same energy that has drawn fans to her, with or without NewJeans.
Reference: 324.15.38.50.63.001
Australian Retail Pricing: AU$31,575
Availability: Available by inquiry at Omega boutiques, or by wish list at OmegaWatches.com
Beomgyu
Cartier Tank Louis Cartier
Speaking of the leading groups of K-pop’s fourth generation, it would be hard to overlook the contributions of Tomorrow X Together (TXT) to the genre’s zeitgeist. Part of this group is Choi Beom-gyu, who serves as lead dancer and visual (the “pretty face”) of TXT.
When BTS went on hiatus, it became imperative for HYBE to find their next rhythm beyond the iconic boy band. The scouting process, which took over two years, was unconventional. Rather than selecting only the top trainees, the members of TXT joined and auditioned at different times. For instance, main rapper Yeonjun was scouted twice, while maknae Huening Kai was spotted at a vocal competition audition.
Beomgyu was the last member of TXT to be scouted, discovered in Daegu before passing the audition. He debuted alongside his peers in 2019 to massive acclaim, proving that HYBE still had its finger on the pulse of modern K-pop.
TXT went on to win numerous accolades, including 10 MAMA Awards, and even topped the Billboard 200 with their EP The Name Chapter: Temptation. Despite Beomgyu’s role as the visual, his talents extend far beyond his looks. He is recognised for his vocals and dancing, and has occasionally showcased his skills as a guitarist.
His choice of timepiece is equally versatile and elegant. On Instagram, he has posted several photos wearing the Cartier Tank Louis Cartier. Equipped with a manually wound movement, the Tank’s timeless design has been worn by icons from Princess Diana to Muhammad Ali. In that sense, the Tank Louis Cartier is as faithful a recreation as modern Cartier can achieve, while benefiting from the upgrades of contemporary technology and mechanics.
Reference: CRWGTA0010
Australian Retail Pricing: AU$21,000
Availability: Available now, at Cartier boutiques, authorised dealers, or online at Cartier.com
G-Dragon
Jacob & Co. Astronomia Solar G-Dragon
We round off the list with the man considered by many to be one of the greatest K-pop artists of all time. Kwon Ji-yong’s reputation in the industry is so revered that many have dubbed him the “King of K-pop.”
But how did this moniker come to be? Kwon began his career early, like Jihyo, as a child performer. In 2006, he debuted as G-Dragon, the leader, main rapper, writer and producer of the second-generation group BIGBANG.
Together, the members of BIGBANG were affectionately called the “Kings of K-pop,” amassing 138 awards from 229 nominations. It is widely agreed that BIGBANG is one of the most influential K-pop groups ever, shaping the genre for the third generation to build upon.
While the group were kings, there can only be one. G-Dragon moved into a solo career in 2009, and his debut album Heartbreaker was so well received it broke multiple digital download records in Korea. 2013’s Coup d’Etat reached the top 10 of the Billboard World Albums chart, and Übermensch, his first album in twelve years, went KMCA double platinum when it released early last year.
Known for his contributions to K-pop culture, music and fashion, G-Dragon also founded the Peaceminusone brand to globalise his groundbreaking sense of style. This caught the attention of Jacob Arabo, founder and creative director of the notorious jewellery brand Jacob & Co. Peaceminusone and Jacob & Co. finalised a collaboration in the time that followed, alongside the release of Ubermensch, focusing primarily on jewellery and pendants in the Peaceminusone style.
For G-Dragon himself, Jacob designed an extremely limited set of unique Astronomia Solar models, one of which was gifted to the King of K-pop. Complete with a rose-gold case, orbiting tourbillon, and every conceivable jewel colour imaginable, it perfectly encapsulates G-Dragon’s contributions to the space, summed up with a single engraving: “The World Is Mine.”