Korean teenagers have always been at the forefront of global trends, from K-pop and fashion to cutting-edge technology. As we move further into the decade, the youth in South Korea continue to shape new cultural movements that influence not only their own country but also the world.
In 2025, Korean teens are embracing a mix of digital innovation, sustainability, and unique subcultures that reflect their dynamic lifestyles. Whether it’s through social media, fashion, or entertainment, these trends offer a fascinating glimpse into what’s captivating young minds today.
Let’s dive into the 10 most popular trends among Korean teenagers in 2025, exploring how they’re redefining youth culture.
1. AI-generated K-pop and virtual idols
K-pop has long dominated global music charts, but in 2025, Korean teenagers are obsessed with a new wave of AI-generated music and virtual idols. Companies like HYBE and SM Entertainment are pushing boundaries by creating digital artists who never age, tire, or face scandals. These virtual idols, such as AESPA’s AI counterparts, release music, interact with fans via VR, and even “perform” in holographic concerts.
What makes this trend even more fascinating is that fans can now use AI tools to customize their own virtual K-pop stars, designing everything from their appearance to their musical style. Platforms like Soundful and Synthesizer V allow users to generate original songs featuring AI vocals that sound indistinguishable from real artists.
2. Retro-futurism fashion
Fashion in Korea has always been a blend of bold experimentation and nostalgia. In 2025, teenagers are mixing Y2K aesthetics with futuristic cyberpunk elements, creating a style known as retro-futurism. Think metallic fabrics, oversized techwear jackets, and neon-accented accessories—paired with vintage-inspired pieces like low-rise jeans and chunky sneakers.
Brands like Nerdy, ADER Error, and Thisisneverthat are leading this movement, while thrifting remains a huge part of teen culture. Sustainability plays a role too, with many young people upcycling old clothes to match this eclectic trend.
3. "Dalgona" social media challenges
Remember the viral Dalgona Challenge from Squid Game? In 2025, Korean teens have reinvented it as a fun, lighthearted social media trend. Instead of carving shapes out of sugar candy, they’re using AI filters to create digital versions of the game. Apps like Zepeto and TikTok feature augmented reality filters where users compete in virtual Dalgona challenges, sharing their successes (and hilarious failures) online.
Beyond just games, this trend reflects a broader fascination with interactive, gamified content—where social media isn’t just about posting but actively engaging in challenges with friends and followers.
4. "Honjok" lifestyle: The rise of solo culture
While Korea is known for its group-oriented culture, many teenagers in 2025 are embracing the “Honjok” movement—a lifestyle centered around enjoying solitude. This includes solo dining, solo travel, and even solo clubbing. Cafés and restaurants now cater specifically to solo customers with single-person booths and AI-powered ordering systems.
Social media plays a big role here, with teens documenting their #MeTime adventures—whether it’s a quiet day at a book café, a solo photowalk with a film camera, or a self-date at a trendy exhibition. This trend highlights a shift toward self-care and independence among young Koreans.
5. Eco-conscious beauty and "Glass Skin" 2.0
Korean beauty standards continue to evolve, and in 2025, sustainability is just as important as achieving flawless skin. The iconic “glass skin” trend has been upgraded to “eco-glass skin”—focusing on zero-waste packaging, vegan formulas, and upcycled ingredients. Brands like Innisfree and Amorepacific are launching refillable skincare stations in stores, allowing teens to customize their routines while reducing plastic waste.
Another big trend is “skin cycling”—a minimalist approach where users rotate between active ingredients (like retinol and niacinamide) to avoid overloading their skin. Social media is flooded with #SlowBeauty tutorials, encouraging a more mindful, less consumerist approach to skincare.
6. Metaverse hangouts and digital identity
Korean teenagers aren’t just using the internet—they’re living in it. The metaverse has become a second home, with platforms like Zepeto, Naver’s Zepetown, and Kakao’s Meta World allowing users to socialize, shop, and even attend school in virtual spaces.
Avatars are now an extension of personal identity, with teens spending hours customizing their digital selves. Some even make money by designing virtual fashion or hosting metaverse concerts. This trend reflects a growing blur between physical and digital realities, where online interactions are just as meaningful as real-life ones.
7. Nostalgic "Newtro" gaming
While high-tech gaming is still huge, Korean teens in 2025 are also revisiting retro games with a modern twist. The “Newtro” (new + retro) trend brings back classics like Super Mario, Pokémon, and Dance Dance Revolution—but with AR and VR integrations.
Arcades are making a comeback, with VR rhythm games like Beat Saber and Pump It Up NX becoming social hotspots. Meanwhile, indie game developers are creating pixel-art RPGs that blend old-school charm with contemporary storytelling.
8. "Muk-ssin" (silent mukbang) and ASMR eating
Mukbang (eating broadcasts) isn’t new, but in 2025, Korean teens are shifting toward “Muk-ssin” (silent mukbang)—where creators eat without speaking, focusing instead on crispy, crunchy ASMR sounds. These videos are strangely hypnotic, offering a relaxing escape from the noise of daily life.
Platforms like YouTube and TikTok are filled with #NoTalkingMukbang clips featuring everything from sizzling Korean fried chicken to bubble tea pearls popping. Some teens even use these videos as background noise for studying, proving that sometimes, silence is more satisfying than commentary.
9. "Dopamine Dressing" and mood-boosting fashion
With academic pressure and societal expectations, Korean teens are turning to “dopamine dressing”—wearing bright, bold outfits to boost their mood. Think rainbow-colored hair, mismatched patterns, and oversized statement pieces that scream individuality.
This trend is all about self-expression over conformity, with many teens mixing streetwear, fairycore, and cyberpunk elements to create unique looks. Thrift stores and DIY fashion are key, as young people reject fast fashion in favor of one-of-a-kind statement pieces.
10. "Balconing" - mini-adventures in the city
Since international travel isn’t always accessible, Korean teens in 2025 are embracing “balconing”—a trend where they seek small, local adventures instead of grand trips. This could mean exploring hidden cafés in Hongdae, rooftop picnics, or spontaneous photo walks in Ikseon-dong’s hanok villages.
Social media fuels this trend, with hashtags like #SeoulHiddenGem and #MicroAdventure encouraging teens to discover new spots in their own cities. It’s a reminder that adventure doesn’t always require a passport—sometimes, it’s just outside your doorstep.
Bottom line
Korean teenagers have always been trendsetters, and 2025 is no different. From AI-powered K-pop to eco-conscious beauty, these movements reflect a generation that’s tech-savvy, environmentally aware, and unafraid to embrace individuality.
Whether you’re a fan of Korean culture or just curious about global youth trends, these insights offer a glimpse into the future—where digital and physical worlds collide, sustainability is non-negotiable, and self-expression reigns supreme.
