Seoul Street Style Hits Manila: Korean Fashion Brand 8seconds Opens First Flagship Store in the Philippines

K-fashion lovers, rejoice: 8seconds, one of South Korea’s most iconic fast-fashion brands, has officially opened its first flagship store in Southeast Asia—and it’s right here in Manila.

Photo via 8seconds Philippines (@8seconds_ph) • Instagram

Samsung C&T opened the new store at SM Mall of Asia, marking a major milestone for the brand. The company chose the Philippines as its first overseas market because of its youth-driven, K-pop-loving fashion scene.

A Stylish Debut at MOA

8seconds launched its Manila opening with a high-energy event, featuring K-pop star Sunoo of ENHYPEN, the brand’s global ambassador. Thousands of fans lined up to see Sunoo, who brought the brand’s cool and playful spirit to life on the runway. Campaign visuals were also displayed in-store, adding to the excitement.

The 420-square-meter store mirrors the minimalist style of its Seoul counterparts. It features neutral tones, modular layouts, and digital screens displaying fashion campaigns. Shoppers can explore racks of gender-neutral basics, oversized silhouettes, pastel knits, and accessories, all reflecting Korea’s youth-forward style.

What to Expect Inside

From boxy tees and wide-legged trousers to structured outerwear and statement accessories, the store offers a curated mix of pieces that blend casual ease with Seoul’s trendsetting energy.

Menswear leans clean and functional, with hints of streetwear and prep.
Womenswear focuses on versatility, offering soft textures and smart layering options.
Unisex collections range from XXS to XL, embracing a more inclusive approach to fashion.

The store also stocks seasonal drops, collaborations with Korean artists, and accessories like bucket hats, phone straps, and canvas totes—an instant hit with Gen Z shoppers.

Tapping into the Hallyu Wave

8seconds’ expansion into the Philippines comes at the height of global K-culture fever. The brand was first launched in Gangnam in 2012, and it quickly gained traction for offering affordable yet distinctly Korean fashion.

Backed by Samsung C&T Fashion Group, 8seconds has previously worked with stars like G-Dragon and designers like Lee Yo-han. But this launch marks a new era: reaching fans across Southeast Asia starting with the Philippines’ 70-million-strong youth demographic.

Bryan Lim, VP for Business Development at Suyen Corporation (the company behind Bench, Kashieca, and Human), said, “We’re confident Gen Z Filipinos will embrace 8seconds. It fits their aesthetic and identity perfectly.”

Photos via 8seconds Philippines (@8seconds_ph) • Instagram

What’s Next?

8seconds is just getting started. A second store is slated to open later this month at Uptown Mall in BGC, with another coming to Robinsons Manila in October.

With ENHYPEN’s Sunoo fronting the campaign and a growing roster of Filipino K-pop fans, the brand’s move into the Manila market is already a hit. As CEO Ben Chan put it, “Filipinos have some of the most inspired fashion senses in the world.”

Whether you’re looking for your next casual essential, Seoul-inspired streetwear, or simply want to dress like your favorite idol, 8seconds just gave you one more reason to head to MOA.

Would you shop K-fashion over Western fast fashion? What’s your take on 8seconds’ Manila debut? Let us know below.

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