A Look Into the Most Influential 4th Gen K-Pop Male Maknae: Stray Kids’ Jeongin AKA I.N.

 As part of Stray Kids, the most successful 4th generation K-pop group and one of the Big 3 powerhouses in the industry, Jeong In-yang, known as I.N, stands out as the unrivaled fashion influencer among male maknaes. With nearly 10 million Instagram followers , I.N’s social media presence is unmatched, cementing his status as a trendsetter. There’s no competition here—it’s simply a fact. I.N’s unique style, chameleon-like versatility, and growing list of high-fashion milestones are redefining what it means to be a K-pop maknae in the fashion world.

A Fashionista Maknae with a Unique Identity

As Stray Kids’ maknae, I.N absorbs the qualities of his seven talented hyungs while infusing his own vibrant personality into everything he does. Known for his “baby bread” nickname and soulful vocals, I.N has a knack for spotting trends and transforming them into a one-of-a-kind identity. His dance style, marked by a distinct flair in performing choreography, mirrors his approach to fashion—bold, innovative, and unmistakably his own. Whether he’s on stage or at a fashion week front row, I.N is a trendsetter in the making, and the world is taking notice.

I.N’s versatility is his superpower. Like a chameleon, he effortlessly pulls off diverse looks, from edgy streetwear to high-fashion couture. Every outfit he dons feels tailor-made, showcasing his ability to make any style iconic. His evolving aesthetic, paired with his youthful charm, positions him as a fashion force in K-pop.

I.N’s High-Fashion Milestones

I.N’s fashion journey is studded with prestigious moments that highlight his growing influence. He first made waves at Paris Fashion Week, attending the Alexander McQueen Spring 2024 show in October 2023. He returned for another McQueen show, solidifying his connection with the brand.

I.N at  the Paris Fashion Week 2023
Alexander McQueen 

 In May 2024, I.N made history alongside Stray Kids at the Met Gala, marking their red-carpet debut as the first K-pop group to attend. All eight members flew from Seoul, stunning in custom Tommy Hilfiger looks. “Representing Tommy Hilfiger as eight members for the first time on the Met Gala carpet,” their appearance was a landmark moment, with I.N’s sleek ensemble showcasing his sartorial finesse.

Photo Credit - Tommy Hilfiger

That same month, he graced the cover of W Korea’s Vol. 6, wearing pieces from Alexander McQueen’s debut collection, a moment later celebrated by McQueen’s official Instagram featuring I.N in their Autumn-Winter 2024 line.

Photos Credit - W KOREA 

In September 2024, I.N debuted at Milan Fashion Week, sitting front row at Bottega Veneta’s Spring 2025 show alongside A$AP Rocky and Kendall Jenner. His presence sparked editorials, including a cover story for Rolling Stone UK, showcasing Bottega Veneta’s designs. 

I.N: the trendsetter ✨
Read the full interview and order your copy of issue 19 with @stray_kids: https://t.co/SMJQdHrwq0 pic.twitter.com/CSlYMpotK8

— Rolling Stone UK (@RollingStoneUK) October 19, 2024

I.N’s magazine covers further cement his status. He starred on Dazed Korea’s October 2024 issue with three distinct covers and an 18-page interview, captivating fans with his charisma.
On January 23, 2025, Bottega Veneta named I.N their new brand ambassador, a testament to his global fashion impact. 

I.N, BEGIN #협찬#I_N #realstraykids#BottegaVeneta

비정형과 정형 사이, 보테가 베네타와 아이엔

Discover more in <DAZED> KOREA OCTOBER 2024 ISSUE. pic.twitter.com/VaRkWFVqgf

— DAZED KOREA 데이즈드 코리아 (@DazedKorea) October 8, 2024

I.N also graced the digital covers of Dazed Korea’s January 2025 issue in collaboration with luxury jewelry brand Damiani. The visually captivating spread highlights I.N’s elegance and charisma, showcasing Damiani’s signature pieces in a refined yet edgy aesthetic. All grown up, I.N proves his maturity as a fashion icon

I.N of Stray Kids looks dashing in newly shared photos from his DAZED Korea photoshoot, dressed in Damiani.#I_NxDAMIANI #I_N #아이엔 #StrayKids pic.twitter.com/pe8RqG62mL

— L’essence Studios (@lessencestudios) January 6, 2025

 In February 2025, he looked dashing on Marie Claire Korea’s cover, dressed in Bottega Veneta, embodying effortless elegance.

Photo Credit - Marie Claire Korea

A Dance Style That Complements His Fashion

I.N’s influence extends beyond fashion to his performances. His unique dance style, characterized by fluid yet precise movements, reflects his developing identity. Whether performing Stray Kids’ intense choreography or his playful “Maknae on Top,” I.N adds a personal touch that resonates with fans. This individuality mirrors his fashion choices, where he blends trends with his signature flair, creating looks that are both trendsetting and timeless.

Our Favorite Look: The Ginger-Haired I.N Era

Among I.N’s many iconic looks, the ginger-haired I.N era holds a special place in fans’ hearts. The vibrant, fiery hue perfectly complemented his youthful energy and bold persona, making every appearance unforgettable. From stage performances to Instagram posts, ginger I.N was a moment—but it passed too quickly. Don’t you agree this era deserved more time to shine?

With Stray Kids’ 29.8 million Instagram followers and I.N’s personal account nearing 10 million, his influence is unmatched. His ability to absorb trends, infuse them with his unique character, and set new standards makes him the defining fashion influencer among 4th gen male maknaes. From the Met Gala to Damiani’s digital covers, McQueen to Bottega Veneta &Tommy, I.N isn’t just following fashion—he’s shaping it. I.N is the real definition of maknae on top as he leads 4th gen maknae as the most notable idols and he is expected to develop even more.