The great K-pop bob-off
Twice’s Momo debuted her fringed blonde hair a week before Milan Fashion Week, driving people wild online. Momo has reinvented herself again by chopping off her tresses, triggering a lengthy discussion about who wore short hair best.
The fascination is understandable. In fan lingo, hair is “paid actor” in choreographies. Long hair is the preferred style for female idols due to its versatility. It can be styled in numerous ways and bounces nicely during performances, adding flow to the dance. Additionally, there is often an idealization of young (Asian) women with long hair, flawless skin, and bright smiles.
Cho Yong-pil released the classic song “Short Hair” in 1979, which tells the story of a girl who cuts her hair after a breakup. Similarly, the girl group AOA released a song with the same title and theme in 2014, featuring a woman who decides to forget her past and the memories that come with it by cutting her hair to find a new beau.
K-pop queen IU occasionally sports a soft bob, cutting her hair just below her chin. She has stated that it frames her face, making it look slimmer because her face is naturally round. The cover picture for her album “Palette” (2017) features her with short hair, making her appear even younger.
Momo is a regular attendee at Fashion Week, and her bob has made her presence this year one of the most anticipated. It’s a fashion statement in itself. Fellow Twice member Jeongyeon is known for her boyish bob that contrasts with the rest of the members’ styling, but complements the group’s bubbly girl concept.
Distinct
When discussing iconic hairstyles, Blackpink’s Lisa and her blunt haircuts often come to mind. Her black hair made her easily identifiable among the other members, who also sported very distinct styles.
This styling strategy is common in K-pop. With a lineup of five to nine girls, it’s essential that each member makes a mark and is easy to spot and remember on stage and in concept photos. Short hair can help a member stand out beyond the fandom, sometimes becoming so associated with them that fans begin to link the hairstyle directly to the person.
Aespa’s Winter has embraced the bob since 2021, and has utilized it in various ways. She has worn it in different colors, including black, blonde, and red, making it a signature look for her and demonstrating that short hair can be versatile.
Ryujin of Itzy is currently wearing her hair long, but her short hair has become synonymous with her “Wannabe” choreography, where she rolls her shoulders.
Many fans of this trend mention Le Sserafim’’s Chaewon as one of the most iconic idols to wear a bob. Her haircut has garnered its own fandom due to the way she styles it to adapt to different concepts.
NewJeans’ Hanni contributes to the trend by wearing a bob wig instead of cutting her hair. In the “Bubble Gum” music video, she sports blunt, straight hair that ends just below her ears with bangs.
K-pop boys are also joining in. BTS’ Jungkook and Stray Kids’ Hyunjin are seen as the boys who wear bobs. In girls, the bob is short, while for boys, it is seen as a long style. Hyunjin has stated that he likes wearing his hair long because it sets him apart.
It shows that a short hairstyle, if done correctly, can help an idol make a mark in the industry.
