5 hours ago
Kim Mingyu of SEVENTEEN Shines in Steamy New Calvin Klein Photoshoot
READ TIME: 10 MIN.
Calvin Klein’s Fall 2025 campaign is making headlines worldwide, and at its center stands Kim Mingyu, a member of the internationally acclaimed K-pop group SEVENTEEN. The campaign, launched on August 20, 2025, features Mingyu in a series of provocative denim ensembles, reimagining the brand’s iconic ‘90s aesthetic with a modern, inclusive twist .
The photoshoot, shared widely on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, highlights Mingyu’s sculpted physique and charismatic presence. In a series of images produced by the creative studio @torso.solutions, he is seen wearing low-slung jeans, open denim shirts, and the unmistakable CK monogram—an homage to the brand’s enduring legacy . The campaign’s official video, released by Calvin Klein, offers a closer look at Mingyu’s “seductive denim” looks, blending “skin on display in open layers” with bold logo graphics .
The campaign’s release has generated significant buzz within the LGBTQ+ community, where fans have long celebrated K-pop idols who challenge traditional gender norms and embrace fluid expressions of sexuality and style. Social media platforms have been flooded with affirming messages, fan art, and commentary lauding Mingyu’s confidence and the campaign’s inclusive energy .
Fashion critics and LGBTQ+ commentators have noted that Calvin Klein’s campaign continues the brand’s tradition of pushing boundaries and spotlighting diverse identities. The styling—marked by bold, layered tonal looks and a “modern edge”—has been praised for resonating with queer audiences who see themselves reflected in the campaign’s playful sensuality and defiance of rigid gender expectations .
Mingyu’s appearance in the campaign is particularly significant against the backdrop of K-pop’s evolving relationship with gender and sexuality. While South Korea’s mainstream entertainment industry has often been cautious in its depictions of queerness, global fans—particularly those in LGBTQ+ communities—have embraced idols who exemplify a broader spectrum of masculinity and emotional expression.
By partnering with Calvin Klein, Mingyu joins an international roster of celebrities who have used fashion to experiment with identity and challenge stereotypes. The campaign’s overt sensuality, paired with Mingyu’s confident display of vulnerability, has been widely interpreted as a positive step toward greater visibility and acceptance for LGBTQ+ people in the broader cultural conversation .
Calvin Klein’s choice to feature Mingyu is also a testament to the growing influence of K-pop stars in global fashion, and the increasing demand for representation that resonates with diverse audiences. The campaign’s widespread dissemination—across Instagram, YouTube, and other digital platforms—has ensured that images of Mingyu in daring, gender-fluid styles reach a broad and international audience .
LGBTQ+ advocates have underscored the importance of campaigns like this in normalizing sensuality and self-expression for people of all identities. As one viral comment observed, “Seeing a K-pop idol embrace his body and his style so openly is empowering for queer fans everywhere” .
Calvin Klein’s Fall 2025 campaign featuring Kim Mingyu is not just a striking visual statement—it is a cultural moment with real resonance for LGBTQ+ communities and allies around the globe .
