Korea’s Next IT Girl: Wonhee From ILLIT

by Jenna De Vega

June 23, 2026

1 min

Korea is obsessed with ILLIT’s Wonhee and honestly, we get it 👀

Since debuting as part of K-pop’s 5th generation, Wonhee has quickly become one of the industry’s most talked-about rising stars, with fans already questioning: could she become the next big It Girl after icons like Wonyoung?

Wonhee's K-Beauty Influence

(The New Gen Beauty Blueprint)

One of the biggest signs of Wonhee's influence is her impact on K-beauty. As the official global model for rom&nd, she has become closely associated with the brand's iconic cute, fresh aesthetic.

@kitto.magazine

Her viral lip combinations have fans recreating her soft, glossy look - with her first campaign expanding on their best-selling Glasting Color Gloss, featuring 5 nude-toned shades. (Psst… you can shop them at HIKOCO 👀💗)

Wonhee Signature Blush

(Her Viral Blush Placement)

Wonhee’s signature makeup style has also sparked a new blush trend in Korea. Instead of placing blush on the highest point of the cheeks, fans have been recreating her lower cheek placement, applying colour closer to the centre of the face.

The effect? A softer, cuter look that creates a shorter-looking mid-face - similar to the “boyfriend blush” trend that went viral in 2024.

Beyond ILLIT: The Wonhee Brand

(Chanel & CASETiFY)

Wonhee’s influence is also expanding into fashion and lifestyle, proving that her appeal reaches far beyond music.

At the exclusive Chanel Métiers d’art 2026 after party in Seoul, Wonhee joined a lineup of major names including JENNIE, marking another milestone in her rise. For a rookie idol to appear alongside some of Korea’s biggest global stars highlights just how quickly she is becoming a recognised fashion figure.

She has also stepped into the tech and lifestyle space as the face of CASETiFY’s x ILLIT Wonhee Edit - a Y2K-inspired collection that reflects her playful, youthful aesthetic.

Known for its trend-driven accessories, CASETiFY’s collaboration shows how Wonhee’s image is becoming a brand in itself that steps outside of K-pop.

Wonhee’s It Girl Era

(Is Wonhee Just Getting Started?)

So, could Wonhee be the next Wonyoung? It's too soon to say, but she's definitely on the right track. With her cute, fresh image and growing list of brand partnerships, Wonhee is quickly becoming one of the most influential stars of K-pop's 5th generation. 💖

Til next time, Beauties x

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