The 2026 Met Gala officially took place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This year, the fashion industry’s most prestigious event embraced the theme Costume Art, with a dress code of Fashion Is Art, challenging guests to present their ensembles as true masterpieces.
The red carpet was a spectacle of extraordinary creativity, featuring show-stopping looks from global icons. Notably, a significant number of Korean stars graced the event, bringing their unique style to the forefront of the global stage. Most remarkably, the four members of BLACKPINK made a historic joint appearance, marking one of the most talked-about moments of the night. Here is a look at the Korean celebrities who turned heads at the 2026 Met Gala.
1. Jennie (BLACKPINK)
Following her 2023 debut, Jennie returned to the Met Gala in grand fashion. This year’s appearance felt especially significant, as it was the first time she walked the carpet alongside her fellow BLACKPINK members. Jennie looked effortlessly elegant in a custom Chanel column gown, featuring a bustier intricately decorated with leaf-shaped sequins in a captivating shade of blue. The craftsmanship was astounding, requiring 540 hours of labor and over 15,000 hand-sewn embroidery details. Her sophisticated look was completed with an elegant updo featuring a signature kiss curl.
2. Lisa (BLACKPINK)
Lisa commanded attention the moment she stepped onto the red carpet. The Rockstar singer opted for a highly artistic, avant-garde white gown designed by Robert Wun. By pairing the structured, uniquely detailed dress with her long hair flowing naturally, she achieved a strong, edgy aesthetic that stood out from the crowd.
3. Rosé (BLACKPINK)
As a global ambassador for Saint Laurent, Rosé delivered an exceptionally elegant performance. She wore a strapless black gown inspired by two of the house’s archival couture collections: Spring 1998 and Spring 2002. The look was made truly dramatic by a bird-shaped brooch inspired by Georges Braque’s The Birds, a motif referencing the ceiling of the Louvre, which perfectly aligned with the evening’s artistic theme.
4. Jisoo (BLACKPINK)
Jisoo made a stunning debut at the Met Gala in a custom Dior gown designed by Jonathan Anderson. The strapless column silhouette hugged her figure, adorned with a gradient of sequins transitioning from white and pastel pink to silvery gray. Draping details at the hips and delicate floral accents added a touch of luxury, while her modern updo framed her face beautifully.
5. Karina (aespa)
The 2026 Met Gala marked a historic milestone for Karina as she made her grand entrance. The aespa leader captivated the crowd in a Prada gown inspired by the traditional Korean hanbok. According to Vogue, the design cleverly merged embroidery elements from Prada’s Spring 2017 collection with sleeves from the Spring 2007 collection, while the tablier-style neckline was a direct nod to her cultural heritage.
6. Ningning (aespa)
Ningning also made her Met Gala debut this year, representing Gucci as a global brand ambassador. Together with Karina, she made history as one of the first 4th-generation female idols to be invited to this prestigious event. Dressed in a sleek black gown, she embodied the grace of a black swan.
7. EJAE
The cast of KPop Demon Hunters was also well-represented, including EJAE, the voice behind the character Rumi. Accompanied by actor Ahn Hyo-seop, EJAE honored her heritage by incorporating a traditional binyeo—a jeweled hair pin—into her updo. Her crystal-encrusted Swarovski gown ensured she shimmered with elegance throughout the night.
8. Ahn Hyo Seop
Ahn Hyo Seop marked his Met Gala debut with a bold fashion statement. The beloved actor wore a custom Valentino suit featuring intricate gold sequin motifs paired with a gold silk shirt. An elegant red scarf and black shoes with gold detailing polished off his sophisticated ensemble.
9. Jung Ho Yeon
The Squid Game star and model Jung Ho Yeon graced the event with her signature poise. She looked radiant in a Louis Vuitton gown, which featured delicate black floral detailing at the waist, solidifying her status as a fashion force to be reckoned with.
These were the standout moments from the Korean stars who illuminated the 2026 Met Gala. Who do you think had the most unforgettable look of the night?
Summary
The 2026 Met Gala, held on May 4 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, embraced the theme “Costume Art” with the dress code “Fashion Is Art.” The event featured a historic joint appearance by all four members of BLACKPINK and served as a significant debut for several Korean stars. Attendees showcased incredible craftsmanship, adhering to the challenge of presenting their outfits as wearable masterpieces.
Notable appearances included Jennie, Lisa, Rosé, and Jisoo, alongside Karina and Ningning from aespa, who became some of the first fourth-generation idols to attend. Other highlights featured model Jung Ho Yeon, actor Ahn Hyo Seop, and singer EJAE, all of whom highlighted their unique styles through sophisticated gowns and tailored suits. These Korean celebrities brought a distinct global flair to the red carpet, leaving a lasting impression on the fashion industry.