The breakneck pace at which the K-Pop industry traverses means that there is never a dull moment. A new day is likely to bring about experimental group configurations, spinoffs on the genres, and game changing performance compositions designed to entertain and delight in equal measure. As of late, however, the focus has shifted from rising rookie groups in the vein of Le Sserafim and IVE to K-Pop luminaries who are making their grand return to a changed musical landscape. Pop supernovas SHINee have confirmed that they would be returning as a quartet later this year, while G-Dragon of Big Bang fame dropped ‘Guerrilla Desk’ in January—a lead-up and promise for more music to come since he was discharged from the military in 2019. And it seems he is far from the only one inclined to return to his musical roots. Fellow band member, TAEYANG, shares the same sentiment, with the drop of his latest solo album ‘Down to Earth.’
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The EP arrives hot on the heels of two of TAEYANG’S latest collaborative efforts:’Vibe’ with Jimin from BTS, and ‘Shoong’ featuring Lisa from Blackpink. Both tracks harbour R&B influences and slick choreography—the singer’s quintessential calling cards accompanied by standout beauty looks that speak to his love for the brash and bold. And while his previous hair and make-up ventures were designed with the intention of adding theatrical flair and flamboyance to his performances, it is the more recent crop of braided twists, smokey eyeshadow, and bleached brows that drew our attention; a reintroduction to who Taeyang is as an artiste in 2023. And so without further ado, Vogue Singapore presents a compilation of the 5 most noteworthy beauty looks from TAEYANG. Spy them all, below.
1 / 5
Peek-a-boo braids
Donned by TAEYANG in his latest MV, ‘Seed’, the hairstyle in its entirety acts as a melding of TAEYANG’S distinctive musical influences. The bleached blonde undercut pays homage to his musical beginnings centred around hip hop—of which is paired with dainty, precise braids that are representative of the raw emotions conveyed through this heartfelt ballad.
2 / 5
Twist and shout
Piecey, textured twists make for an arresting visual. TAEYANG keeps things interesting by opting for varying levels of thickness for each section of hair, ensuring that there is a new detail to sport with every glance.
3 / 5
A blaze of colour
Just a hint of eyeshadow allows for the vibrancy of TAEYANG’S new ‘do to really shine through; a vermilion hue that deftly straddles the line between bold and subdued.
4 / 5
Peroxide blonde
It’s safe to say that TAEYANG embarked on the bleached brow bandwagon long before anyone else did. His pale arches and vivid eyeshadow from 2014 single, ‘Eyes, Nose, Lips’ made a searing impression on the K-Pop community.
5 / 5
Guyliner
Kohl-rimmed lids are a classic. TAEYANG takes it a step further by extending his eyeliner to the inner corners, creating a sleek silhouette to encircle peepers.
