Photo Credits: KOZ Entertainment. Geffen Records. SM Entertainment. JYP Entertainment
The studio was buzzing on the day of Esquire Korea’s October 2025 cover shoot. Mood boards leaned against white walls, carefully chosen wardrobes hung from rolling racks, and a quiet anticipation filled the air. Four names—Baekhyun of EXO, Jungwoo of NCT, NMIXX, and Riwoo of BOYNEXTDOOR—had drawn photographers, stylists, and editors together for a theme that feels perfectly of the moment: wellness, balance, and the rediscovery of self in the fast-moving world of K-pop.
“Wellness means more to us now than ever,” Baekhyun reflected between takes, seated comfortably in a crisp, minimal outfit that stressed ease over excess. “You spend years trying to be everything for everyone—perfect performance, perfect image. But for me, wellness has shifted into being about finding time to listen to myself. I want to continue growing in music, but not at the cost of forgetting who I am.”
As a veteran of the industry, his words carried quiet gravitas. He posed on set with a maturity that lent weight to the serene styling choices. A soft neutral palette and fluid lines highlighted not just his visual versatility, but also the man behind the idol: grounded, reflective, aware.
Jungwoo, meanwhile, carried an effortless calm into the room. Known for his charm and approachability, he layered boyish warmth over polished elegance. When the cameras paused, he laughed easily with the staff, lightening the mood. “Wellness, for me, is tied to gratitude,” he said. “I’ve learned that slowing down, even for a short moment, makes everything feel more real. Sometimes it’s just having coffee with friends or taking a walk. That’s when I feel healthiest.” His sentiment resonated with a generation of fans raised to admire not only flawless artistry but also genuine humanity.
The atmosphere shifted when NMIXX entered in coordinated yet distinct looks that captured both individuality and cohesion. Their energy was immediate—playful, dynamic, and bold. The group has quickly earned a reputation for pushing boundaries in concept design and performance, and here, they extended that creativity into a dialogue about well-being. “There’s pressure, of course,” one member admitted candidly, adjusting her outfit between frames. “But we’ve learned to lean on one another. Wellness means not having to carry everything by yourself. It’s about expression, joy, and connection.” Their shoot unfolded with bright laughter, choreography in mini-breaks, and a spark that felt distinctly generational—wellness as empowerment, not just rest.
Then came Riwoo, the youngest of the roster, and perhaps the most symbolic choice for the issue. At just the start of his career, he exudes both boyish sincerity and a poised awareness unusual for his age. “Sometimes I feel like I’m running just to keep up,” he admitted with a shy smile during a quiet interview moment. “But I think wellness is about learning early to pace myself. I don’t want to burn out. I want to enjoy each step while looking ahead.” His perspective captured the attention of the team on set; here was the face of K-pop’s future, already aware of the importance of sustainability in artistry and life.
Behind the camera, the shoot took on a rhythm that mirrored the theme itself—intentional, unhurried, aware of each artist’s individuality. The styling team emphasized relaxed silhouettes, fluid fabrics, and earth-toned palettes. Natural light filtered in from wide paneled windows, settling warmth onto every shot. The photographs, both solo spreads and shared frames, revealed more than glamorous exteriors; they suggested intimacy, perspective, and poise.
Wellness, once an afterthought in the breakneck pace of idol life, is rapidly becoming a cultural cornerstone within the industry. With artists speaking more openly about mental health, self-care, and personal identity, wellness has shifted from being a private struggle to a shared conversation. Esquire Korea’s October issue taps directly into that changing tide, showcasing not only the artistry of its cover stars but also their evolving philosophies on how to thrive in one of the most demanding cultural machines in the world.
The editorial succeeds because it presents Baekhyun, Jungwoo, NMIXX, and Riwoo not solely as performers but as people navigating balance in their own ways. Each carries their own interpretation of what wellness means—resilience, calm, empowerment, growth—and together, their portrayals form a broader statement about K-pop in 2025. It is no longer just about stardom, but about sustainability, identity, and the courage to define wellness on one’s own terms.
As the final shutter clicks wrapped and conversations wound down, the atmosphere of the studio lingered with quiet purpose. This was more than a cover shoot—it was an intersection of music, fashion, lifestyle, and cultural evolution. The October issue promises not just to sit on coffee tables or magazine stands but to spark reflection among readers about the personal meaning of wellness in their own lives.
Editor 김유진
Photographer 고원태
Stylist 김영진
Hair 이혜인
Makeup 김세은
Production 스튜디오 알토(Studio Alto)
Art Designer 김대섭
Editor: Kim Yoo-jin
Photographer: Ko Won-tae
Stylist: Kim Young-jin
Hair: Lee Hye-in
Makeup: Kim Se-eun
Production: Studio Alto
Art Designer: Kim Dae-seob
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The post Redefining Wellness: Baekhyun, Jungwoo, NMIXX, and Riwoo Come Together for Esquire Korea’s October 2025 Issue appeared first on Kpoppie – Breaking Kpop News and Fashion.
