When Blackpink’s “How You Like That” music video dropped in 2020, fans around the world were instantly captivated; not just by the music, but by the stunning modern hanbok the members wore. The vibrant, reinvented look of Korea’s traditional attire was designed by none other than Namkyung (Danha) Kim, founder of Danha Seoul and the newly launched Danha Beauty. That single moment didn’t just make waves in K-pop fashion. It catapulted Danha onto the global stage, sparking thousands of orders and a renewed fascination with Korean heritage in modern culture.
Danha: From Hanbok High Fashion to Flawless Beauty
Danha began her journey in 2018 with a clear vision: to make traditional Korean aesthetics accessible and relevant to today’s fashion lovers. Her designs reimagine the hanbok with eco-friendly fabrics, sustainable production, and contemporary silhouettes.
This balance between heritage and modernity is what made her creations perfect for Blackpink. When Lisa, Jennie, Rosé, and Jisoo wore her hanbok in “How You Like That,” sales of Danha’s pieces skyrocketed—by nearly 4,000% compared to the days before the music video. For global fans, the music video wasn’t just a cultural moment; it was an introduction to a designer determined to share Korea’s beauty with the world.
Enter Danha Beauty: Korean Heritage Meets Innovation
Never one to stop at fashion, Danha expanded her philosophy into skincare with the launch of Danha Beauty, which debuted at Milan Loves Seoul and quickly made waves at a New York pop-up this year.
Speaking in an interview after her Milan masterclass, she explained:
“Danha Fashion has always embraced Korean heritage. With Danha Beauty, I wanted to extend that philosophy by reflecting one of Korea’s strongest identities—Hangeul and the way Koreans express emotions. This is not just about packaging; it’s about delivering authenticity, Korean technological expertise, and the excellence of traditional ingredients through the very experience of using our products.”
Danha Kim.
At its core, Danha Beauty translates the same values of sustainability, authenticity, and inclusivity into skincare formulas.
What Makes Danha Beauty Different?
1. Innovative Technology
“Our core technology is breaking ingredients down into ultra-fine molecular units… making them smaller than the pore itself. What’s special is that this method is not chemical—it’s sustainable and eco-friendly.”
Danha Kim.
This ensures maximum absorption and effectiveness without compromising safety or sustainability.
2. 100% Vegan Commitment
“Creating products that are 100% vegan requires much more effort, but the message it delivers is entirely different. I didn’t want anyone to be excluded from using our products simply because they weren’t vegan.”
Danha Kim.
For K-beauty enthusiasts who prioritize ethical skincare, this is a significant promise.
3. Sustainability & Transparency
Every product is manufactured in eco-conscious facilities, utilizing decades of expertise and backed by thorough documentation and ingredient traceability. As Danha puts it:
“We are also working to fully document the formulation process and ingredient traceability, so that this transparency can be shared directly with our consumers.”
Danha Kim.
Global Recognition and the Future
The response to Danha Beauty has been overwhelming. In Milan and New York, every product sold out—proof that international audiences are eager for Korean brands that merge innovation with heritage.
“We launched in Milan and followed with a pop-up in New York this May. The response was overwhelming—people were truly excited about a brand that carries Korean heritage and history. In fact, every product sold out. We believe international audiences will continue to respond even more strongly moving forward.”
Danha Kim.
Looking ahead, Danha revealed plans for a color line and a luxury collection in collaboration with Korean artisans, further extending her mission to bridge Korea’s past and present with the global stage.
Final Thoughts: Why K-pop and K-drama Fans Love Danha
For fans of K-pop and K-dramas, Danha represents more than fashion and beauty. She embodies Korea’s cultural pride in modern life. Just as Blackpink turned her hanbok into an unforgettable global symbol, Danha Beauty is now doing the same in skincare.
“As I mentioned earlier, the connection between Korean tradition and modernity is deeply embedded in Danha Beauty as well. It’s not just part of our philosophy—it is our identity.”
Danha Kim.
Her work resonates because it’s not just about looking beautiful; it’s about carrying Korean identity into the future. Every product, every design, is a reminder that tradition and modernity can coexist—and thrive—together.
“Looking ahead, we’re preparing to launch a color line as well as a luxury collection created in collaboration with Korean artisans. I believe Danha Beauty will stand out across different scenes in the global movement toward sustainable beauty.”
Danha Kim.
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