ATEEZ's Hoongjoong Just Proved Embellished Mullets Are Officially a Trend
The ever-polarizing mullet is constantly evolving, thanks to the K-pop world. In 2017, EXO's Baekhyun streaked his with candy-apple red. In 2018, the undercut mullet rose to popularity with fellow EXO member Kai, GOT7's JB, and Day6's Young K. Now, embellished mullets, as I've decided to call them, are becoming a full-fledged thing. By adding braids, metallic details, and fabrics to the back, K-Pop is re-imagining the retro hairstyle with the flashiest, most intricate takes.
At first, I thought embellished mullets were just a look SM stylists were trying to make happen. Not to bring up EXO again, but Chen had braids that I mistook for feathers in the band's "Tempo" music video and a couple of performances. Then, Taeyong also added braids to his, as well as silvery thread and blue yarn, for NCT 127's "Simon Says" promotions. But a member of ATEEZ just proved that we're about to see a lot more embellished mullets on our favorite idols in 2019. (I think Allure's digital hair editor Jihan manifested this.)
One of the first things you see in the rookie boy group's new music video for "Say My Name" is the back of leader Hongjoong's head, marking 2019's first official K-pop mullet appearance. His party-in-the-back section was decorated with early 2000s-era hair wraps and beads. The adornments ushered Hongjoong's undercut mullet of 2018 into this new era of mullets.
In promotional photos for ATEEZ's new album, Zero To One, Hongjoong took his embellished mullet even further with metallic braids and fabric tags. Paired with a myriad of silver earrings, his embellished mullet works — even though in my mind it seems like it shouldn't.
Hongjoong's embellished mullet wasn't the only beauty highlight of "Say My Name." The group's makeup artist somehow made taupe eye shadow look edgy on several of the members. I never wear the neutral shade, but seeing it on Mingi, Seonghwa, and Yunho made me want to recreate their eye makeup. I also appreciated San's burgundy balayage, which reminded me of BamBam's hair during GOT7's Eyes on You era.
You can see all these beauty moments in action below.
Although my current knowledge of ATEEZ is admittedly extremely limited, one thing I know for sure is the group has some of the most exciting beauty looks right now. (Take Yeosang's ear art, for example.) I'm looking forward to seeing what other hair and makeup they experiment with this year.
Read more about mullets in K-pop:
Now, see Ruby Rose try out a mullet:
