Cowboy hats, fringed jackets, and leather boots—it’s the good ‘ol Western aesthetic we all know and love! Plenty of K-pop groups have taken inspiration from this style in their music videos, adding a lot of flair to a classic style. For some examples of music videos that have that ol’ Western element, just keep watching!
ATEEZ’s “BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS)”
This isn’t the first (or the most recent) example of the old Western aesthetic in an ATEEZ music video, but it certainly stands out! Among the mix of settings in this music video, members Hongjoong and Mingi are set at an old Western-style saloon bar. They look the part too, with leather jackets and cowboy hats to match!
OH MY GIRL – “Nonstop”
Classic old Western? Maybe not so much, but it’s easy to see where OH MY GIRL got part of the inspiration for the music video of their 2020 hit “Nonstop”! You’d be hard-pressed to find a K-pop stan from this era who doesn’t know this song, and of course the gigantic teddy bear dressed up as a sheriff in this music video is unforgettable.
TXT – “Blue Hour”
Another music video that takes a lot of inspiration from an old style, “Blue Hour” from TXT is beloved by fans and non-fans alike. Along with some Western-themed outfit pieces throughout the music video, the dance break version of this song includes the cowboy aesthetic! Even the cowbell in the backing track feels a little old Western.
(G)I-DLE – “DUMDi DUMDi”
If it wasn’t clear right from the outset of this music video, it’s very much old Western-inspired! From the entry music to Yuqi’s appearance on a horse donning a cowboy hat, practically every element of a good old-fashioned Western aesthetic is present here. Even the desert setting feels very appropriate for the aesthetic!
NCT 127 – “Sticker”
Maybe not necessarily the most classic take on old Western either, but the aesthetics in this music video almost feel like cowboy gone cyberpunk! The oversized belt buckles, fringed jackets, and bandanas combined with ultra-modern street style definitely make for a super unique and distinctive look!
LE SSERAFIM – “UNFORGIVEN”
Along with the banjo in the backing track that already gives this song a very old Western lean, there is so much styling in this music video that could be pulled straight from an old Hollywood Western movie set! Fringed pants, cowboy hats, even a horse—it’s clear that the inspiration for this music video was pulled straight from the Wild West!
BTS – “Permission to Dance”
For the perfect blend of old Western style and modern fashion sense, look no further than BTS’s music video for “Permission to Dance”! There’s no denying the old-school influence here, but the styles wouldn’t feel out-of-place today either. The desert setting is also very well-suited to the modern cowboy theme!
Can you think of any other music videos that belong on this list? Drop them in the comments!