South Korean entertainer Lee Mi-joo recently immersed herself in the world of “Wanghong” – China’s booming influencer culture – documenting her experience with a complete makeup transformation in Shanghai. The journey, detailed in a video released on February 20th on her YouTube channel ‘Just Mi-joo,’ offers a glimpse into the highly curated aesthetic and competitive spirit driving China’s online beauty scene. This marks what is being described as the first Wanghong makeup transformation for a member of a South Korean girl group.
The term “Wanghong” (网红) translates roughly to “internet celebrity” and denotes individuals who have amassed significant followings on Chinese social media platforms like Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. These influencers often cultivate a highly polished image, frequently utilizing advanced editing techniques and cosmetic procedures to achieve a specific look. Lee Mi-joo’s foray into this world highlights the growing interest in, and influence of, Chinese social media trends on the K-beauty industry.
In the video, Lee Mi-joo playfully referenced makeup artist Kwak Beom, known for his own transformations, and jokingly challenged him to surpass the work of another artist, Jangka Seolbeom. “Kwak Beom has become Jangka Seolbeom. Will he be able to beat Jangka Seolbeom?” she asked, before adding with confidence, “I may not be able to beat Jangka Seolbeom, but I think I can beat Bum.” This lighthearted banter underscores the competitive element within the Wanghong community, where artists and influencers constantly strive to create the most visually striking and shareable content.
Lee Mi-joo similarly expressed a desire to achieve a particularly stunning result, requesting the makeup artist to create a look “like a goddess, like a princess, like an AI, and like a work of art.” She chose a red-colored outfit for the transformation, adding to the dramatic effect. After the makeup application, Lee Mi-joo ventured out onto the streets of Shanghai, showcasing her new look and striking various poses.
“I feel pretty good that Chinese people are paying attention to me,” Lee Mi-joo said in the video. “There are a lot of Wanghong people here. I’m not lonely. It’s worth coming to Shanghai to secure makeup done.” The experience appears to have been a positive one, demonstrating the appeal of the Wanghong aesthetic and the potential for cross-cultural exchange within the beauty industry.
The rise of Wanghong culture in China has become a significant force in the beauty and fashion industries. According to News Directory 3, the scene is characterized by a highly curated aesthetic and a competitive spirit. This transformation by Lee Mi-joo provides a unique perspective on this phenomenon for a global audience.
Lee Mi-joo’s participation in this trend also comes amidst a broader interest in Chinese entertainment and culture. Actress Wang Ju, also known as Naomi Wang, rose to fame in 2018 through the Chinese reality television show Produce 101, demonstrating the potential for Chinese stars to gain international recognition. Wikipedia details Wang Ju’s early life and career trajectory, highlighting her unique style and path to stardom.
Another recent example of rising Chinese talent is Wang Ju’s success in the television drama Blossoms Shanghai. MyDramaList lists Wang Ju as part of the cast of this popular series, which aired from 2023-2024. She has also secured a role in Feng Xiaogang’s new movie, Sunflower, alongside Zhao Liying, further solidifying her position in the industry. Inf.news reports that Wang Ju’s acting career is flourishing despite not fitting the traditional idol mold.
As Lee Mi-joo’s video gains traction, it’s likely to spark further interest in Wanghong culture and potentially inspire other Korean entertainers to explore similar collaborations. The intersection of K-beauty and Chinese influencer trends presents a dynamic landscape with opportunities for continued growth and innovation. The impact of this collaboration will be measured by the engagement it generates and whether it leads to further cross-cultural projects.
What are your thoughts on Lee Mi-joo’s Wanghong transformation? Share your comments below and let us grasp if you’d like to see more content exploring the intersection of K-beauty and Chinese influencer culture.
