The 2025 Met Gala dazzled with its theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” and brought together the biggest names in fashion, film, and music. But fans quickly noticed a glaring omission — several of K-pop’s brightest stars, including Stray Kids, Jackson Wang, and others who were previously stunned at the event, were nowhere to be seen.
So, what happened? Here’s everything we know about why these global icons skipped fashion’s biggest night.
Who DID Represent K-pop at the 2025 Met Gala?
Firstly, let’s see several K-pop idols who did make notable appearances at the 2025 Met Gala:
Jennie (BLACKPINK)
Returned to the Met Gala, showcasing a sophisticated look aligned with the event’s theme. Jennie stunned in a timeless black Chanel gown inspired by classic haute couture silhouettes. The off-shoulder design, pearl details, and camellia brooch echoed vintage elegance, while her structured hat added a modern twist. Jennie embodied Chanel’s iconic heritage with refined grace and poise and confidently owned the carpet.
Lisa (BLACKPINK)
Lisa delivered high-impact glam in a daring Louis Vuitton outfit featuring a glittering black lace blazer paired with LV-patterned sheer tights. Bold accessories and a micro monogram handbag elevated her signature edgy elegance, channeling playful rebellion with Parisian precision.
Rosé (BLACKPINK)
She graced the blue carpet, continuing her streak of impactful fashion moments since 2021. Rosé captivated in a dramatic black tailored suit layered over a sweeping train. Designed by Saint Laurent, the look blended power dressing with blue carpet drama. Her icy-blonde hair, statement necklace, and subtle red heels added an ethereal yet commanding edge to the ensemble.
S.Coups (SEVENTEEN)
Making his Met Gala debut, S.Coups impressed in a contemporary hanbok-inspired Hugo Boss ensemble. The layered gray tones and pleated textures brought traditional Korean aesthetics into futuristic focus. His silver hair and minimalist styling emphasized the look’s sleek, cultural sophistication.
K-pop Idols Absent from the 2025 Met Gala and Their Reasons
While a few K-pop stars showed up and wowed on the blue carpet, some big names were noticeably missing — and fans definitely noticed. Whether it was busy schedules or not getting an invite this year, there were a few reasons why these stars couldn’t make it. Here’s a look at why they weren’t there.
Stray Kids Missed the Gala Due to Packed Schedule
Th K-pop boy group Stray Kids made history in 2024 as the first full K-pop group to walk the Met Gala carpet, attending as guests of Tommy Hilfiger. However, the group was noticeably absent in 2025, and the reason is simple: tour commitments.
The group is preparing for the North American leg of their massive dominATE world tour, with stadium shows scheduled just weeks after the gala. Rehearsals, production meetings, and travel logistics left little room for a quick detour to New York. While fans hoped for a surprise appearance, Stray Kids were laser-focused on delivering unforgettable live performances — and understandably so.
Adding to the decision may have been their 2024 Met Gala experience, which wasn’t without controversy. The group faced disrespectful treatment from photographers, including racially insensitive remarks, sparking global fan outrage. While no official statement cited this as a reason, it likely contributed to the group staying away this year.
Jackson Wang: Booked and Busy in the Studio
The global star Jackson Wang, who wowed the 2023 Met Gala in Louis Vuitton, was a top-name fan expected to return in 2025. As a Louis Vuitton ambassador, his presence seemed all but guaranteed — until it wasn’t.
Reports confirm Jackson had conflicting commitments, including back-to-back studio sessions and major photoshoots. Despite his deep ties to fashion, the artist’s own creative schedule took priority over this year’s Met Gala.
For good reason, Jackson is currently in full promotional mode. His new single “BUCK” dropped on May 9, the same week as the Met Gala, marking the start of a bold new musical era. The single serves as a powerful teaser for his upcoming album, MAGIC MAN 2, which fans eagerly await.
While he may not have graced the Met steps in 2025, Jackson is focused on commanding the global stage in his own way — through beats, bars, and bold artistry.
CL, Johnny Suh, and Others: No Brand, No Invite
The Met Gala operates on a strict invitation-only basis, and most celebrity attendees are guests of fashion designers or luxury brands. That’s why idols like CL (who attended in 2021) and Johnny Suh (who turned heads in 2022) weren’t spotted this year.
CL’s 2021 invite came via Alexander Wang, who wasn’t hosting a table in 2025.
Peter Do previously invited Johnny Suh. This year, without an active designer collaboration, he didn’t receive a spot.
This highlights a key fact: past attendance doesn’t guarantee a repeat invite, especially if a sponsoring brand isn’t involved.
A Missed Moment or Smart Move?
While fans may be disappointed, it’s clear that career priorities, tour schedules, and fashion brand logistics played key roles in why Stray Kids, Jackson Wang, and others were absent from the 2025 Met Gala. The good news? Their global impact remains stronger than ever, and their red (or blue) carpet moments are far from over.
Which K-pop star would you love to see at the 2026 Met Gala? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
