K-pop continues to assert its growing influence on the global fashion stage, and the 2026 Met Gala was no exception. Some of South Korea's most prominent musical acts, including girl groups like Blackpink and the cast of Kpop Demon Hunters, delivered show-stopping appearances at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on Monday, adorned in crystals and gemstones.
Karina's Debut
Karina, a member of the girl group Aespa, made her Met Gala debut in a sophisticated white satin gown featuring delicate floral crystal embellishments along the straps and square-cut neckline. The 26-year-old Prada ambassador complemented the ensemble with an oversized black coat draped off her shoulders. She styled her black hair into a chic bun and accessorised with purple earrings.
Blackpink Returns
Blackpink members Roseanne 'Rosé' Park and Lalisa 'Lisa' Manobal returned to the Met Gala after attending last year's event. Lisa, 29, opted for a daring look in a sparkling white skin-tight dress and matching veil, both heavily adorned with crystals, along with crystal accents on her hands and parts of her face. Rosé chose a safer yet signature style in a black Saint Laurent dress, featuring a structured lower half that created a voluptuous silhouette, a thigh-high split, and a large sparkly bird on the hip.
Kim Jisoo, 31, embodied ladylike glamour in a strapless floral dress in soft pink and purple hues. The longtime Dior ambassador added a matching collar and slicked her hair back with two long squiggly strands framing her face. Jennie Kim, 30, stood out in a strapless blue sequin gown and silver pumps. Although a longtime Chanel ambassador, she appeared to forgo the brand this year for a different look.
Kpop Demon Hunters Presence
Ejae, star of Kpop Demon Hunters, sparkled in a silver column gown from Swarovski. Speaking to Vogue, she explained that her look was partially inspired by the female courtesans of the Joseon dynasty, stating, 'I wanted to represent elements of Korean culture on fashion’s biggest night.'
Event Details
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit, known as the Met Gala, occurs annually on the first Monday in May. This year's theme is 'Costume Art,' with a dress code of 'Fashion Is Art,' calling on A-list attendees to explore how designers use the human body as a blank canvas.
Leading the event are co-chairs Beyonce, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams, alongside Vogue's global editorial director Anna Wintour. This marks Venus Williams' first time co-chairing. The exhibition will pair historical and contemporary garments from the Costume Institute, divided into categories including the classical and nude body, aging and pregnant bodies, and the anatomical body. The exhibit, set to unveil the Met's new Conde M. Nast Galleries, is sponsored by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez, who serve as lead sponsors and honorary co-chairs.
Curator Andrew Bolton noted, 'The title “Costume Art” refers to the history of the costume institute,' adding that fashion has 'the status of art because of, and not in spite of, its relation to the body.' French luxury fashion house Yves Saint Laurent is also sponsoring the exhibit.
The 2026 Met Gala host committee includes co-chairs Anthony Vaccarello and Zoe Kravitz, along with members Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Angela Bassett, Gwendoline Christie, Misty Copeland, Elizabeth Debicki, Lena Dunham, Sam Smith, Teyana Taylor, and more. 'Costume Art' will run from May 10, 2026, through January 10, 2027, following the Met Gala on May 4.
The Met Gala serves as a major fundraiser for the museum, providing the Costume Institute with its primary funding source. This year marks the first gala since Wintour stepped back from her role as editor-in-chief of American Vogue after 37 years, though she remains global director for Vogue and global chief content officer at Conde Nast, having hired Chloe Malle as the new head of editorial content at Vogue.
