Black, white and grey: Why monochromes dominate the South Korean fashion scene

A file picture shows K-pop girl group NewJeans members walking on the red carpet at the Spring/Summer 2025 Seoul Fashion Week in Seoul. Photo: AFP

When Isabel Smith, 32, first arrived in Seoul from the US a year ago, she was struck by one thing – not the food or the subway system, but the colours, or rather, the lack of them.

“Everyone dresses in black, white or gray,” the English teacher said, laughing. “In the US, I used to wear bold makeup and colourful outfits. Here, I stand out everywhere I go.”