Wonyoungism: The K-Pop Trend Taking Over TikTok

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Learn about the origins, mindset, aesthetic, routines & more

Co-authored by Sandra Possing and Marcus Pruitt, BS

Last Updated: April 15, 2025 Fact Checked

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What is Wonyoungism?

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Origins

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Mindset

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Morning Routine

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Nighttime Routine

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Aesthetic

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Diet

Wonyoungism is a popular TikTok trend and aesthetic inspired by Jang Wonyoung, a member of the popular K-pop group IVE. We’re here to explain everything you need to know, from what is and where it comes from to popular Wonyoung routines , the aesthetic , and even the criticisms and risks associated with the diet trends of Wonyoungism. Let’s dive in.

What is the Wonyoung effect?

The “Wonyoung effect” is a lifestyle trend inspired by Jang Wonyoung, a member of the popular K-pop group IVE. “Wonyoungism” promotes a healthy lifestyle and focuses on taking care of yourself, looking good, and striving to be your best self. It's about being confident and not caring what others think.

Section 1 of 7:

What is Wonyoungism?

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Wonyoungism is a self-improvement trend that emphasizes self-care. Inspired by Jang Wonyoung of the K-pop group IVE, Wonyoungism is all about striving to be the best version of yourself, looking and feeling good, and not caring what other people think. Although the trend is centered around Wonyoung, she doesn’t promote her lifestyle, telling her audience “I don’t care. You are you, I am me.” This became the basis of the Wonyoungism movement, as it emphasizes her mindset of not caring about other people’s opinions. ^{[1]
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- In Wonyoungism, self-care and improvement are usually done through morning and nighttime routines, skincare, and specific eating habits.
- While Wonyoungism is all about self-improvement, there are risks associated with the dieting aspect , as many online fans advocate for unhealthy fasting that normalizes eating disorders.
- The Wonyoungism aesthetic is similar to the clean girl aesthetic , emphasizing cute makeup, hair, and style with clean, preppy, pink clothing.

Section 2 of 7:

Where did Wonyoungism come from?

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The Wonyoungism trend is inspired by Jang Wonyoung. Jang Wonyoung is a K-pop star who’s known for her girly, clean style and confident, determined mindset, which powers her healthy, busy lifestyle. ^{[2]
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Research source} This became the basis for Wonyoungism, which appeared on TikTok as early as April 2023. Fans of Wonyoung began to adopt her mindset, style, and daily habits for themselves, aspiring to become the best versions of themselves (just like she does)!
- The specific person who came up with Wonyoungism is unknown, but it started being used by DIVE, IVE’s fandom name.
- On April 23, 2023, @hierwave posted a video to TikTok explaining some of the core tenets of Wonyoungism.

Section 3 of 7:

What is Wonyoung’s mindset?

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Wonyoung has a confident mindset and works hard to achieve your goals. Wonyoung doesn’t let anyone or anything stop her from achieving her goals. She is committed to leveling up and is someone who would rather work hard and experience temporary discomfort to achieve her long-term goals. She’s all about using her time efficiently and in a wise way, rather than shying away from something because it’s difficult. This mindset has pushed her to succeed in her career, with intense, well-choreographed dance routines and performances. ^{[3]
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- Wonyoung’s mindset of determination and not caring what others think greatly inspires her fans, pushing them to achieve their goals with the same confidence she does.
- As a former straight-A student, this mindset was present in Wonyoung’s schoolwork. In one clip , she said, “I don’t like having the score that I don’t want,” emphasizing that the most important thing is to work hard to get what you want.

Section 4 of 7:

Wonyoungism Morning Routine

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The typical Wonyoungism morning routine starts with making your bed. Once you wake up, hop out of bed and make it back up to get rid of the clutter. By starting your day off with a small accomplishment, you set yourself up for success throughout the rest of the day! ^{[4]
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- To start a morning routine when you’re not a morning person, life coach Sandra Possing says to start small. Wake up 10-20 minutes before you usually do and start the day with something you enjoy.
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Do some light stretches. Once your bed is made, get your body ready for the day by doing some light stretches. Touch your toes, calves, and other major muscle groups to wake your body up and prepare yourself for the day. ^{[5]
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- To be safe, stretch until you feel a slight pull, then hold it for 30 seconds. If you feel pain when stretching, you’ve stretched too far. ^{[6]
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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Make yourself a healthy, nutritious breakfast. To be just like Wonyoung, incorporate some protein into your breakfast through foods like egg pudding. Or, try rose herbal tea with chocolate-topped toast, strawberries, or avocados. Wonyoung usually drinks a glass of milk in the morning rather than her typical iced americano. ^{[7]
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Research source} Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so don’t skip out on it! ^{[8]
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- Breakfast gives you energy for the day and reduces brain fog. ^{[9]
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  Cleveland Clinic
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Pick out an outfit. Wonyoung’s outfits are typically flowy and lightly colored, similar to the clean girl aesthetic . To embody the look, pick out a clean blouse that’s white, pink, or another light color, pair it with a cute skirt or jeans, and accessorize with some light jewelry. The Wonyoungism aesthetic is all about being clean and looking good, so make sure your outfit suits you. ^{[10]
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Once you’ve got everything else ready for the day, hop in the shower and get clean! Do a full-body cleaning, wash your hair if it’s that time of the week, and freshen up! After showering, brush your teeth for clean, minty fresh breath! ^{[11]
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Do your skincare routine. Start by using a cleanser to remove any residual dirt, oil, or makeup, then apply a toner to balance your skin. Put on some sunscreen to protect your skin, then apply moisturizer to keep it hydrated and get that glass-skin look. ^{[12]
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Research source} Wonyoung recommends keeping your skin moisturized and applying a serum frequently. ^{[13]
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- Korean skincare products are the most popular types of skincare products for Wonyoungism, and popular brands include Beauty of Joseon , Bring Green , and Goodal . ^{[14]
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- Don’t forget to put your products away after you finish your skincare routine!
Wonyoung typically wears her hair straight and down, but feel free to style yours however you like! As long as it looks clean and neat, you’re good to go. Use a pretty brush for a nice touch.! ^{[15]
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Section 5 of 7:

Wonyoungism Nighttime Routine

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Whether you just got home for the night or you just finished eating dinner, wash your hands to make sure you’re clean and not tracking in any dirt or germs for the day. Wash them with soap and warm water for 20-30 seconds, then rinse them when you’re done. ^{[16]
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Take a shower. After washing your hands and setting down your stuff from the day, hop in the shower to clean off any dirt or grime from the day. Do a full body wash using products that are designed for your skin type. For example, if you have sensitive skin, use a body wash made for sensitive skin . ^{[17]
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Dry your hair and add hair oils and other products to promote hair health. Choose products to make your hair thicker or healthier , depending on what you’re trying to achieve. For example, a texturizing spray can help add volume and thickness to your hair, while hair oils (like gisou oil ) can moisturize and soften it. ^{[18]
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- To keep your hair healthy, hair stylist Christine George says to “refrain from washing your hair every day, try to avoid heat as much as possible, [and] try to find ways of styling your hair that you don’t need heat.”
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Do your skincare routine. Start by using a gentle cleanser to clean your face, then use an essence or essence pad . After that, add a hydrating serum and a hydrating moisturizer to hydrate and soften your skin. Pat on a firming eye cream to smooth your skin, and seal it all in with face oil . ^{[19]
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- If you had on makeup, do a double cleanse with a cleansing oil after washing your face.
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Light a candle and reflect on the day. Once you’ve done your skincare routine and showered, start winding down by lighting a candle and reflecting on your day , by writing in a gratitude journal , diary, or the notes app on your phone. Think about the things you’re grateful for or positive things that happened to you. ^{[20]
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- If anything negative happened to you and you need to get it out, let it out in your diary or journal, then let it stay there instead of taking up space in your mind.
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Eat dinner. After reflecting on the day, head down to the kitchen and have dinner. Eat a meal that’s healthy, nutritious, and good for you! Have some fruits and veggies, like strawberries and avocados, pair them with a healthy carbohydrate, and incorporate some protein. Don’t be afraid to chow down, either. Wonyoung loves beef, so add some to your plate, too! ^{[21]
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Before heading to bed, do some shoulder rolls, side neck stretches, and toe touches. If you worked out a particular part of your body, do some light stretching on that area.. ^{[22]
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Do something that you enjoy, then head to bed! To reward yourself after a long day, take a bit of time to do something that you enjoy before heading to bed. Watch an episode of your favorite show, play your favorite video game, or do something that brings you comfort. Give it 30 minutes to an hour, then head to bed. ^{[23]
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Section 6 of 7:

What is the Wonyoungism aesthetic?

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The Wonyoungism aesthetic is all about sweet, girly looks in white and pink. ^{[24]
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Research source} It’s a soft aesthetic that’s similar to coquette , with those who practice Wonyoungism always rocking at least one pink accessory or piece of clothing. One of the biggest parts of the Wonyoungism aesthetic is the clean girl look, though, with fans putting an emphasis on regularly washing your hands, having thorough skincare routines, and looking the best you can.
- The skin care products used in Wonyoungism are often pink, white, and gold.
- From blouses to hoodies and athleisure, the clothing in Wonyoungism aesthetic varies. Skirts and jeans are a staple, too.

Section 7 of 7:

What is Wonyoung’s diet?

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Wonyoung doesn’t diet, but fans aim to eat what she does. Fans of Wonyoung often dig through her interviews and videos to see what she likes to eat, then base their diets on that information. For example, Wonyoung has stressed the importance of protein in her meals, so many fans have incorporated it into their own meals with foods like steamed eggs and smoothies. ^{[25]
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- Remember, it’s important to eat foods that are beneficial to you. If you are looking to start a diet, talk to a dietitian, doctor, or nutritionist and avoid thinking too deeply about what you eat so you don’t get an eating disorder.
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Wonyoungism is often criticized for promoting unhealthy eating habits. Wonyoungism is known for promoting specific dieting habits among its fanbase, many of which are considered pro-ana (a digital movement that means pro-anorexia). While fans emphasize self-care, some of them avoid eating breakfast or restrict their eating to unhealthy levels to lose weight. This isn’t promoted by Wonyoung herself, but many followers of Wonyoungism use these methods to look like her, raising eating disorder risks. ^{[26]
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- To prevent eating disorders, clinical nutritionist Tara Coleman says that a mindset shift is important. Rather than focusing on removing or restricting foods, focus on what you can add to make your meals healthier. For example, instead of cutting carbs, include both carbs and protein and focus on adding vegetables.
- When figuring out what foods are going to benefit your nutrition and diet, Nutritionist Amy Chow recommends looking at what you’re trying to achieve and determining what foods are going to help with your goals. Chow also recommends getting your dieting and nutrition information from a trusted source, like a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

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Wonyoungism: The K-Pop Trend Taking Over TikTok

What is the Wonyoung effect?

Steps

What is Wonyoungism?

Where did Wonyoungism come from?

What is Wonyoung’s mindset?

Wonyoungism Morning Routine

Wonyoungism Nighttime Routine

What is the Wonyoungism aesthetic?

What is Wonyoung’s diet?

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