Photo Credits: Harper’s BAZAAR MEN China. Pledis Entertainment. XCSS Entertainment

Seventeen’s The8, also known as Xu Minghao, is the latest K-pop star to grace the cover of Harper’s BAZAAR MEN China for its July 2025 issue, igniting excitement among fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. The pictorial preview, which features The8 in collaboration with Louis Vuitton, has already sparked a wave of admiration across social media platforms, with fans praising the creative direction, styling, and the artist’s magnetic presence. The8’s appearance is not just a testament to his individual artistry but also a reflection of Seventeen’s growing influence in the global fashion and entertainment landscape.

Seventeen, formed by Pledis Entertainment in 2015, is a South Korean boy band renowned for its thirteen members: S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino. The group is celebrated for its unique structure, dividing members into three specialized units—hip-hop, vocal, and performance—while maintaining a cohesive identity. This innovative approach has allowed Seventeen to stand out in the competitive K-pop industry, earning them titles such as “Performance Kings” and “K-pop Performance Powerhouse.” Their self-producing ethos, with members actively involved in songwriting, choreography, and production, has resonated deeply with fans, further solidifying their reputation as trailblazers in the genre.

The8, a member of the performance unit, is particularly admired for his versatility as a dancer, vocalist, and model. His recent pictorial for Harper’s BAZAAR MEN China showcases not only his visual appeal but also his ability to embody diverse artistic concepts. The preview images, which have been widely shared and discussed online, highlight themes of creativity, cosmic wonder, and a symbiotic blend of fashion and music. Fans have lauded the styling and the way The8 brings a fresh perspective to each frame, reinforcing his status as a multifaceted artist within Seventeen and the broader K-pop community.

Harper’s BAZAAR MEN China, an offshoot of the iconic American fashion magazine, has a storied history of adapting to the evolving tastes of Chinese readers. Since its introduction to the mainland market in the early 2000s, the magazine has played a pivotal role in shaping China’s fashion industry, bridging international trends with local sensibilities. Its innovative embrace of digital platforms and the “fan economy” has made it especially popular among younger audiences, who are eager to engage with celebrity culture in new and interactive ways. The magazine’s strategy of featuring K-pop idols and other influential figures on its covers has proven highly effective, often resulting in sold-out issues and viral online discussions.

The relationship between Harper’s BAZAAR MEN China and K-pop is emblematic of a broader cultural phenomenon. K-pop’s rise in China can be traced back to the 1990s, but its integration into mainstream media accelerated with the advent of social media and the growing appetite for global pop culture. Magazines like Harper’s BAZAAR MEN China have capitalized on this trend by spotlighting K-pop stars, who bring with them dedicated fanbases and a flair for visual storytelling. The magazine’s covers featuring K-pop idols, including previous appearances by Seventeen members, have become collector’s items, celebrated for their artistic direction and the way they capture the evolving aesthetics of youth culture.

For K-pop fans, these magazine features are more than just fashion spreads—they are cultural events that foster community and participation. Fans often organize group purchases, share scans and reviews online, and engage in discussions about the significance of each pictorial. The8’s July 2025 cover is no exception, with fans expressing admiration for his modeling skills and the creative vision behind the shoot. The anticipation and excitement surrounding each new issue underscore the powerful synergy between K-pop and fashion media in China, a relationship that continues to redefine the boundaries of celebrity, artistry, and fandom.

As Seventeen’s The8 takes center stage in Harper’s BAZAAR MEN China, the collaboration stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of K-pop and its ability to shape trends far beyond the music industry. The fusion of high fashion, innovative media, and passionate fan engagement ensures that each new cover is not just a showcase of style, but a celebration of cultural exchange and creative evolution.

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