Written By: Eram Shaikh
Published: January 4, 2026

There isn’t a single award for the “Best K-Pop Visual.” Instead, it is an official position given to the member who best embodies the group’s aesthetic and the industry’s beauty standards. 

This article will break down the top 10 most iconic visuals in the game right now—featuring legends like BTS’s V, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, and ASTRO’s Cha Eun-woo. 

We will also explain the specific “checklist” of traits that define these standards and look at how the “Visual Revolution” is currently expanding those rules to include more diverse looks.

The Top 10 K-Pop Visuals 2026

Here is a quick table listing the top 10 visuals in K-pop right now:

RankNameGroup
1Cha Eun-wooASTRO
2JisooBLACKPINK
3JinBTS
4WonyoungIVE
5VBTS
6Karinaaespa
7HyunjinStray Kids
8IreneRed Velvet
9MingyuSEVENTEEN
10SullyoonNMIXX

It is important to remember that while these rankings reflect popular opinion and industry standards, beauty is entirely subjective, and every fan has their own “ultimate” visual.

Let’s learn about each of these gorgeous idols in more detail, one by one. 

1. Cha Eun-woo (ASTRO) – The “Face Genius”

There’s a famous saying in Korea: “My bias is my bias, but Cha Eun-woo is Cha Eun-woo.” Even if you stan another group, you respect Eun-woo. He is called a “Face Genius” because his proportions are scientifically perfect, often used as the gold standard for symmetry. 

Cha Eun-woo (ASTRO)
Image Source: Fantagio

If he looks like a CGI character to you, don’t worry—that’s just his face. He’s so handsome that he’s essentially a “brand” himself. He makes everyone a fan by default. 

2. Jisoo (BLACKPINK) – The “Miss Korea” Standard

Jisoo is the definition of “classic elegance” and the “Original Visual” of the 3rd generation. Jisoo represents the traditional Korean beauty ideal with her perfectly symmetrical features and heart-shaped lips. 

Jisoo (BLACKPINK)
Image Source: Billboard 

Fans often call her “Miss Korea” because she has that sophisticated “actress face” that makes everything look expensive. Despite her high-end visual status, she’s actually the funniest, most down-to-earth member who loves gaming and 4D humor.

3. Jin (BTS) – “Worldwide Handsome”

You’ve likely heard this one already. Jin famously gave himself the title “Worldwide Handsome” (WWH for short) during a Billboard interview, and the world has agreed ever since. 

Jin (BTS)
Image Source: Vogue Korea

From being the “Car Door Guy” at awards shows to the “Third Guy from the Left,” Jin has a knack for going viral just by existing. He’s proof that you can be a world-class visual and still be the chaotic “fake maknae” who cracks dad jokes and blows flying kisses at everyone.

4. Wonyoung (IVE) – The 4th Gen “It Girl”

Wonyoung is the ultimate muse of the current generation and a literal fashion icon. With her doll-like features, sparkly eyes, and legs that seemingly never end, she has become the “It Girl” that every major brand wants to sign. 

Wonyoung (IVE)
Image Source: Vogue Korea 

She is often teased for being “too perfect,” but that’s just the “Wonyoung Effect” in action. Every time she breathes on camera, it becomes a “center” moment. She’s the blueprint for the modern, polished K-pop idol aesthetic we see today.

5. V (BTS) – The Unique Visual

Taehyung (V) doesn’t just follow the rules of beauty; he completely redefines them. With his sharp jawline, soulful “almond” eyes, and intense gaze, he’s often referred to as “CGV” because his face looks like it was rendered by a computer. 

V (BTS)
Image Source: Tirtir 

He possesses a unique, “unreal” vibe that has landed him at the #1 spot on multiple “Most Handsome Faces” lists worldwide. Whether he’s making his signature “boxy smile” or staring down a camera lens, his visual impact is truly legendary.

6. Karina (aespa) – The “AI” Visual

Aespa’s concept is all about avatars and the metaverse, and Karina fits it perfectly. She looks more digital than the actual AI characters. Her “quail egg” face (a high compliment for a well-shaped face) and cat-like features make her look like she walked straight out of a high-budget video game. 

Karina (aespa)
Image Source: SM Entertainment 

She has redefined the “Next Level” of visuals in the 4th generation, proving that a futuristic look can be just as captivating as traditional beauty.

7. Hyunjin (Stray Kids) – The Performance Visual

Hyunjin is a “visual shock” in constant motion. During his legendary long-hair era, he became a global viral sensation for his “prince-like” vibes and dramatic stage presence. He’s the type of visual whose beauty is amplified by his performance.

Hyunjin (Stray Kids)
Image Source: Esquire 

His facial expressions are just as much a part of the choreography as his footwork. With his plump lips and sharp eyes, he balances a soft, artistic aura with a powerful, rockstar energy that leaves fans absolutely breathless during every comeback.

8. Irene (Red Velvet) – The “Original Visual”

In the 3rd generation, Irene was the absolute blueprint. She is frequently cited by other idols as the prettiest person they’ve ever seen in real life. She has a “cold beauty” aura that can be incredibly intimidating until she laughs and reveals her “grandma” personality. 

Irene (Red Velvet)
Image Source: SM Entertainment

She earned this nickname for being a caring, laundry-loving leader. Her features are so perfectly balanced that she’s often used as the primary example for “golden ratio” facial proportions in the Korean entertainment industry.

9. Mingyu (SEVENTEEN) – The Masculine Standard

Mingyu is the undisputed “boyfriend material” king of K-pop. He leans into a taller, athletic, and naturally rugged look rather than the delicate “flower boy” aesthetic. He’s the visual who is also the group’s “handyman,” resident chef, and designated “puppy.” 

Mingyu (SEVENTEEN)
Image Source: Calvin Klein

With his tan skin and towering height, he represents a more masculine standard of beauty that appeals to fans worldwide. He’s the guy who looks just as good in a simple white t-shirt as he does in Dior.

10. Sullyoon (NMIXX) – The “Fairy” Visual

When Sullyoon debuted, the K-pop community collectively lost its mind. She is constantly compared to a deer or a woodland fairy because of her sparkly eyes and impossibly tiny face. She’s part of the new “Visual Trinity” of the 4th generation, representing that ethereal aesthetic that is highly prized in Korea. 

Sullyoon (NMIXX)
Image Source: Dispatch 

Despite her delicate looks, she’s a powerhouse vocalist. She is living proof that you can have “fairy” visuals while delivering some of the most difficult notes in the industry.

What Are The Korean Beauty Standards For Idols?

Why do these ten idols dominate the conversation? It’s because they hit the “K-Beauty Checklist” with terrifying precision. If you want to know what makes a “top-tier” visual in the eyes of the industry, here are the non-negotiables:

  • The “Small Face” Obsession: In Korea, having a small face is the ultimate flex. It makes your body proportions look elite on camera, giving you that “eight-head ratio” (where your height is eight times the length of your head) that fashion brands crave.
  • The V-Line & High Bridge: A sharp, slim jawline that forms a “V” is highly prized for its youthful look. Combine that with a high, straight nose bridge, and you’ve got a profile that looks good from every single angle.
  • The “Deer” Eyes: Double eyelids are still the standard, creating big, expressive eyes that “sparkle” during close-ups. It’s all about looking bright, awake, and slightly ethereal.
  • Glass Skin Goals: Pale, clear, and dewy skin is a must. It’s why idols have 10-step skincare routines and why they look like they’re literally glowing under the stage lights.

While the checklist is still a thing, the industry is finally “entering its era” of diversity. 

We’re seeing a total “Visual Revolution” with idols like Felix (Stray Kids), who turned his beautiful freckles into a global trademark, or Danielle (NewJeans), whose features are challenging the traditional mold.

The rules are being rewritten in the K-pop industry, and we love to see it!

Related Reads:

Conclusion: Cha-Eunwoo And Jisoo Are The Blueprints

At the end of the day, whether your “bias” is on this list or not doesn’t matter. Beauty in K-pop is about the talent, the personality, and that spark they show on stage. 

But it definitely doesn’t hurt that they look like they were sculpted by the gods themselves! Welcome to the fandom; your eyes are never going to be the same again.

FAQs

Who is the best visual in K-pop?

While it’s subjective, Cha Eun-woo and Jisoo are most often cited by experts and fans as the “gold standards” for male and female visuals.

Which K-pop idol is the prettiest?

Currently, Wonyoung (IVE) and Sullyoon (NMIXX) are the most talked-about “top tier” beauties among Korean netizens and international fans alike.

Who is IVE’s visual?

Wonyoung is the official visual, though the leader Yujin is also frequently praised for her stunning, “actress-like” features.

Who won the face of K-pop 2025?

Fan polls vary every year, but V (BTS) and Cha Eun-woo consistently battle for the #1 spot in major global “Most Handsome” rankings.

Is V the number 1 handsome?

He has been ranked #1 in various international “Most Handsome Faces” lists (like TC Candler) multiple times, making him a perennial favorite for the top spot!

About the Author

A lifelong music enthusiast turned stan, Eram started KpopBeen to create a space where the global fandom can stay updated on comebacks, chart rankings, fandom buzz, and everything happening in the K-Pop world. Eram combines deep love for K-Pop with a passion for storytelling that connects fans across the globe. Through KpopBeen, her goal is simple: to celebrate idols, amplify fandom voices, and bring the energy of K-Pop to every fan’s screen. When not writing or curating the latest updates, you’ll find Eram streaming new releases or reliving legendary stages that made K-Pop the global movement it is today.

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