PHoto Credits: FOCUS START. STARSHIP Entertainment

IVE’s Gaeul is drawing global attention as she appears on the September 2025 covers of China’s FOCUS STAR magazine, marking another milestone in her evolving fashion career. The idol, often celebrated by fans for her elegance and understated charisma, has stepped into the spotlight in a pictorial that highlights her distinct balance of refinement and modern edge. Styled in a mix of high-fashion silhouettes and youthful, trend-forward looks, Gaeul effortlessly moves between poised sophistication and the playful charm that defines IVE’s unique identity.

The editorial captures a fresh side of her presence as a rising figure not just in K-pop but also in the international fashion scene. Fans across social media have commented on her ability to embody both luxury and approachability, noting how her styling aligns with current autumn fashion trends blending tailored simplicity with subtle statement pieces. Fashion enthusiasts point out that the use of clean textures, layered ensembles, and a muted yet chic color palette matches Chinese magazine aesthetics while still framing Gaeul as a global icon in the making.

For IVE’s loyal fanbase, the magazine is being described as a collector’s essential, with fans trading buying tips online to secure their copies in both China and overseas. Many praise the editorial shots for emphasizing her graceful proportions and poised gaze, with comments like “She looks like she belongs on the runway” and “Gaeul’s elegance translates beyond music.” The release has also sparked style conversations, with her minimal accessories and pared-back makeup becoming reference points for the season’s “less is more” beauty direction.

Gaeul’s FOCUS STAR feature adds another layer to the group’s consistent visibility in global publications, further solidifying IVE’s position as one of the most fashion-forward K-pop acts of the fourth generation. The cross-cultural resonance of this pictorial—bridging K-pop fandom, Chinese fashion publishing, and international style discourse—demonstrates how idols like Gaeul are reshaping the boundaries of modern pop culture influence. For many, this cover represents the natural synergy between music and fashion, but it also underscores how individual members of IVE continue to cultivate fashion relevance outside their group projects.