Photo Credits: Marie Claire Korea Belift Lab

ILLIT MINJU — A Defining Moment in the Spotlight

When Marie Claire Korea unveiled its January 2026 issue covers featuring ILLIT’s MINJU, the K-pop world stopped to take notice. The shoot captures her at a thrilling crossroads — a reflection of the new generation’s creative rebellion and refined elegance. For MINJU, it’s more than a photoshoot; it’s a declaration of individuality and growth amid ILLIT’s meteoric rise.

“MINJU embodies both quiet strength and radiant confidence — qualities shaping the next era of K-pop femininity.”

The Evolution of a Global Performer

2025 was transformative for ILLIT — from global chart debuts to sold-out brand showcases — and MINJU has emerged as the face harmonizing artistic experimentation with vulnerability. Her Marie Claire feature positions her not just as a performer but as a muse redefining idol aesthetics in high fashion editorial spaces. The dual covers showcase contrasting personas: one intimate and soft, the other bold and cinematic, mirroring the layered identity she’s cultivating.

Fashion Meets Expression

Styled with minimalist precision and youthful rebellion, MINJU’s Marie Claire spread bridges Seoul’s haute-culture energy with a universal storytelling appeal. The creative direction emphasizes texture and tone — an interplay of confidence and curiosity — aligning perfectly with Marie Claire’s vision of fashion as personal narrative.

“She’s not just wearing fashion — she’s shaping the conversation between K-pop stagecraft and editorial art.”

Milestones That Matter

As ILLIT continues to cement its global footprint, MINJU’s magazine cover moment underscores the group’s evolving relationship with culture-making beyond music. Her rise to solo editorial spotlight signals both international recognition and the broader artistic autonomy idols are claiming. 2026 feels ready for her — and this feature proves she isn’t just part of the conversation; she is the conversation.

Features Editor 김선희
Photographer 윤송이
Styling 이경은
Hair 가베
Makeup 문지원

Features Editor: Kim Sun-hee
Photographer: Yoon Song-i
Styling: Lee Kyung-eun
Hair: Gabe
Makeup: Moon Ji-won

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