8 Manicurists Behind the Iconic Nails of BLACKPINK, Aespa, KATSEYE, and More

If you’ve ever paused a BLACKPINK music video just to zoom in on their nails – same. K-pop and Korean fashion have taken nail art to a whole new level, turning it into a full-blown aesthetic flex.

Behind every iconic manicure moment is a lineup of insanely talented Korean manicurists who’ve worked their magic on everyone from Aespa to GD. From Seoul to global stages, these artists are setting trends the entire beauty world follows.

Here are the names you need to know.

Park Eun-kyung (@unistella_nails)

Park Eun-kyung (@unistella_nails) is arguably South Korea’s most famous nail artist. She’s credited with creating viral trends like shattered glass nails, wire nails, and lipstick-shaped nails.

Inspired by everyday objects and materials, Park transforms nails into miniature canvases of art. Her clientele includes BLACKPINK, Irene Kim, Sunmi, and G-Dragon.

Unistella’s designs often blend fashion-forward aesthetics with experimental textures, making her salon in Seoul a must-visit for K-celebs and international stars alike. Beyond nail art, she has ventured into nail jewellery and even conceptualised nail gloves, continually pushing the boundaries of creativity.

Mei Kawajiri (@nailsbymei)

Based in New York, Mei Kawajiri (@nailsbymei) is known for her bold, sculptural nail art that fuses Japanese and Western aesthetics. She was one of the exclusive nail artists for the Met Gala 2025 and has worked with the likes of BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Jennie.

Her work features intricate details, from anime portraits to 3D sculptures, reflecting her Japanese heritage and love for pop culture.

Tomoyan Nakagawa (@tomonyan55)

Tomoyan Nakagawa (@tomonyan55) is a Tokyo-based nail artist celebrated for his high-fashion editorial work. His futuristic designs can be seen on members of XG and IVE, and resonate deeply with the bold aesthetics often embraced in K-pop fashion circles.

His designs often resemble microscopic organisms or otherworldly structures, incorporating elements like sand, shells, and slime. Nakagawa’s background as a fisherman and his deep appreciation for nature heavily influence his work, resulting in nails that are both organic and avant-garde.

You Seung Hwi (@hwisnails)

You Seung Hwi (@hwisnails) is a Korean nail artist known for her maximalist and sculpted nail designs. His work emphasises nature, intricate 3D sculptures, and clean lines.

Having worked on designs for Aespa and KATSEYE, she has carved a niche in the world of high-end nail artistry.

Kim Suji (@hpnozy.nail)

Kim Suji (@hpnozy.nail) is a major force in Korea’s high-fashion nail art scene, known for her vibrant colours and psychedelic patterns, from cute nail charms to intricately handpainted designs.

Having worked on idols from LE SSERAFIM as well as HyunA, the boldness of her designs align with the expressive styles seen in K-pop.

What truly sets her apart is her talent for sculpting intricate 3D designs on nails – think delicate structures, dreamy pastels, and holographic finishes.

Dakyo Nail (@dakyonail)

Dakyo Nail’s (@dakyonail) client roster includes TWICE, NewJeans, and Billie. Known for her whimsically cute designs, Dakyo blends Y2K nostalgia with dreamy, futuristic vibes.

These nail looks are all very wearable and take aquatic inspiration with subtle sheen and cute charms. Her style may lean playful and eccentric, but every design is a meticulously crafted mini masterpiece that deserves a double-take.

Zola Ganzorigt (@nailsbyzola)

Zola Ganzorigt (@nailsbyzola) is a Mongolian-born, LA-based manicurist who gained fame for popularising the “glazed doughnut” nail trend with Hailey Bieber.

Another exclusive manicurist for the Met Gala 2025, Zola has worked on many Western celebrities as well as BLACKPINK’s Jennie. Her minimalist yet glossy aesthetic has influenced nail trends globally. Her signature look – a milky white base topped with chrome powder – has been widely emulated.

Juan Alvear (@byjuanalvear)

Juan Alvear (@byjuanalvear) is a New York-based nail artist renowned for his sculptural and avant-garde nail designs. With a background in fine art, Alvear creates nails that are both wearable and museum-worthy.

His work, characterised by glass-like tendrils and gravity-defying crystals, has adorned the hands of BLACKPINK’s Lisa at the Met Gala and Coachella, showcasing K-pop’s love for maximalist beauty.