Irene, Red Velvet‘s much-loved leader, has been turning heads since her debut in 2014. Unlike many idols whose popularity wanes after a decade, Irene has maintained her strong fanbase and the public’s attention. Irene’s charm hasn’t waned a bit, as proven by the recent explosive sales of a magazine with her on the cover.
The buzz isn’t just about her continued presence in the industry — it’s about how she’s doing it with style. Irene recently appeared on the cover of the January 2024 issue of WAVES, a leading Chinese fashion magazine, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. The photoshoot showcased Irene in four distinct setups, each painting a picture of the different shades of her personality and style.
In the first set, she’s seen in a serene, light-toned outfit against the backdrop of a gothic window, the contrast accentuating her poise and elegance. The second set includes a close-up with a dramatic flair, featuring Irene’s face partly veiled by a netted hat, a red rose adding a pop of color that captures her enigmatic allure.
The third set of pictures has Irene in a sophisticated black dress with dazzling accents on the sleeves, giving off an air of refined grace. The fourth and final image (also one of the covers) is a portrait of Irene gazing into a mirror, her hand adorned with a sparkling, complex piece of jewelry, suggesting a narrative of beauty and reflection.
Though the photoshoot in itself is impressive enough, its impact was also quantified impressively: the WAVES January 2024 issue sold over 20,000 copies within the first hour of release. This record is unprecedented for a Korean female idol on a Chinese magazine cover, demonstrating that Irene’s appeal transcends borders and language barriers.
IreneBar just confirmed that Irene x Waves Jan 2024 sold 20,096 copies (904, 320 RMB) in the first hour!
At the same time, this is also the highest number of copies of Korean female idols on a Chinese magazine cover. Btw, did that with her first magazine cover as well pic.twitter.com/yR2wcNK2zf
— Loveis143 (@Loveisirene) January 4, 2024
However, the sales didn’t stop there. By the end of the first day of its release, the January 2024 issue had sold over 31,000 copies, adding to the record.
Irene x WAVES has sold 31,776 copies in its first 24 hours! #IRENE #아이린 #RedVelvet @RVsmtown pic.twitter.com/9lMPm9oGnr
— Irene 아이린 Global (@irene_global) January 5, 2024
Online, Irene remains a hot topic. Fans and fashion enthusiasts frequently look to her for inspiration, eagerly discussing her latest looks and the trends she sets. Her influence is evident, with many trying to emulate her style, confirming her status as a trendsetter.
One of Irene’s recent airport looks was much talked about. | Newsen
Closing the chapter on this recent success, Irene’s record-breaking magazine sales are more than just numbers—they are a testament to her lasting appeal. She continues to captivate audiences both in Korea and internationally, and the anticipation for her next move is palpable.
Irene for 2aN, a Korean makeup brand she is the ambassador for. | 2aN
As a seasoned idol and a fashion icon, Irene’s journey is far from over, and the excitement for what she will present next is shared by fans and industry watchers alike. She is a reminder that true star power can indeed stand the test of time.
