Source: radii media on Instagram and Xiaohongshu
K-pop stardom is no longer just a dream in China — it’s a 200 yuan (S$37) experience.
Across major cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Wuhan, a new trend is taking off: K-pop idol experience studios.
These studios let ordinary people step into the shoes of their favourite Korean celebrities — no gruelling auditions or training required.
Source: Xiaohongshu
According to the South China Morning Post, these studios offer a complete transformation, including professional makeup, authentic stage costumes, and even meticulously designed performance venues.
Some experiences even include fan-signing events and photo shoots at authentic-looking scenes, like JYP Entertainment’s famous dance practice studio with star-shaped lights on the ceiling.
Source: radii media on Instagram
The studios also recreate iconic K-pop backdropssuch as the plum-colored wall at MBC TV, where many idols pose for portraits after appearing on Show! Music Core.
The results are so convincing that some participants’ social media followers mistake their photos for real celebrity snapshots.
The studios typically charge between 200 and 500 yuan (approximately S$37 to S$92) for a three-hour session.
The cost depends on the number of outfits the customer wears for the photos and whether they require a photographer or makeup artist.
According to radii media, the hashtag 爱豆体验馆 (idol experience) on Xiaohongshu has already surpassed six million views, proving just how viral the trend has become.
Many online users have expressed their excitement about the trend.
One netizen even asked for the names and addresses of the studios so they could check them out for themselves.
Source: Instagram
Another tagged a friend, saying: “Let’s go to China!”
Source: Instagram
A Xiaohongshu user mentioned that they have noticed many such studios sprouting up in their area recently.
Source: Xiaohongshu
Another Xiaohongshu user said enviously that they wanted to take such pictures of themselves too.
Source: Xiaohongshu
With China’s deep-rooted love for Korean pop culture, it’s no surprise that this industry is thriving — letting young fans live out their idol fantasies without years of blood, sweat, and tears.
Also read: SM Entertainment to launch K-pop training academy in S’pore, 21-week programme priced at S$13.5K
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Featured image adapted from radii media on Instagram and Xiaohongshu.
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