For UK brands and creators looking to crack the South Korean market, WhatsApp might not be the first platform that springs to mind. But don’t sleep on it — WhatsApp is gaining traction in South Korea as a niche yet powerful channel for influencer marketing. If you want to tap into a fresh audience and build authentic engagement through direct chats and community groups, partnering with the right WhatsApp influencers in South Korea can be a game-changer.
In this article, we’ll dive into the top 10 WhatsApp influencers in South Korea you should consider collaborating with — all while keeping the UK marketing context front and centre. From payment preferences to legal nuances and social trends, here’s the lowdown to get your cross-border campaigns firing on all cylinders.
🌏 Why WhatsApp in South Korea Matters for UK Advertisers
South Korea’s social media landscape is famously dominated by KakaoTalk, Instagram, and Naver. Yet WhatsApp is quietly carving out a space, especially among younger, globalised Koreans and expats. For UK advertisers used to the WhatsApp hustle back home, this presents an opportunity to leverage familiar direct communication styles for brand storytelling and micro-influencer collaborations.
In May 2025, UK marketing trends point to an increasing appetite for hyper-personalised influencer content and direct engagement via messaging apps. WhatsApp checks those boxes, offering a more intimate, less noisy environment than Insta or TikTok. For UK brands, this means smoother lead nurturing and higher trust building through personalised chats — and South Korean WhatsApp influencers are the perfect bridge.
📲 Top 10 WhatsApp Influencers in South Korea to Watch
Here’s a curated list based on follower engagement, content quality, and cross-platform influence. These creators run WhatsApp groups or broadcast lists that command respect and active audiences.
-
Jinwoo Kim (@jinwoo_connect)
Tech guru and gadget reviewer with a loyal WhatsApp community of 5k+ daily active users. Perfect for UK tech brands launching in Asia. -
Soojin Lee (@sooji_lifestyle)
Lifestyle and wellness influencer who shares exclusive health tips and product reviews via WhatsApp broadcasts. Great fit for UK beauty and wellness brands. -
Minho Park (@minhopark_foodie)
Culinary wizard sharing recipes and foodie finds. His WhatsApp group is buzzing with foodies hungry for new UK food imports. -
Hana Choi (@hana_travel)
Travel and culture content creator focusing on UK-Korea connections. Ideal for UK tourism boards or travel brands. -
Eunji Kang (@styleby_eunji)
Fashion influencer with a sharp eye for street style trends. Collaborates with UK fashion brands targeting Gen Z. -
Daehoon Lee (@daehoon_gaming)
Gaming influencer who runs exclusive WhatsApp chats for esports fans. A must for UK gaming gear and software launches. -
Yejin Park (@yejin_parenting)
Parenting blogger sharing tips and product recs through WhatsApp mom groups. UK baby and child brands find her audience golden. -
Seungwoo Kim (@seungwoo_art)
Visual artist and creative mentor connecting with art lovers on WhatsApp. Great for UK creative tools and supplies brands. -
Mina Oh (@mina_fitness)
Fitness coach offering workout plans and motivation via WhatsApp. Perfect for UK sportswear and supplement brands. -
Jihun Song (@jihun_finance)
Personal finance influencer educating young Koreans on money management. UK fintech and banking services can tap his network.
💡 How UK Advertisers Can Work With South Korean WhatsApp Influencers
Payment Methods and Contracts
When collaborating with South Korean creators, expect payments in KRW (South Korean won) or GBP. UK advertisers typically use wire transfers through platforms like Wise or Payoneer for smooth currency conversion and compliance. Contracts should address data privacy (aligned with GDPR and South Korea’s PIPA) and content usage rights clearly, as South Korean law is quite strict on influencer disclosures.
Collaboration Formats
WhatsApp influencers often run private groups or broadcast lists, so campaigns revolve around exclusive content drops, personalised product demos, or Q&A sessions. UK brands can offer discount codes, early access, or giveaways to amplify engagement. Unlike mass social platforms, WhatsApp marketing is about trust and ongoing conversations — so short, punchy messages with clear CTAs work best.
Cultural Tips
South Korean audiences appreciate subtlety and authenticity. Avoid overly salesy or flashy content. Instead, focus on storytelling that resonates locally — whether it’s linking a UK skincare brand to K-beauty trends or highlighting UK tech’s innovation edge. Mixing in Korean language with English can also boost relatability.
📢 People Also Ask
What makes WhatsApp influencers unique in South Korea compared to Instagram or KakaoTalk?
WhatsApp influencers offer a more private, direct line to their audience through chat groups and broadcast lists. This leads to higher trust and engagement, making it ideal for personalised marketing campaigns.
How do UK brands pay South Korean influencers safely?
Most UK advertisers use international transfer services like Wise or Payoneer to send payments in KRW or GBP. Clear contracts respecting GDPR and South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Act are essential to avoid legal hiccups.
Are WhatsApp influencer campaigns effective for UK brands targeting South Korea?
Yes, especially for niche products or services seeking deep engagement. WhatsApp’s intimate nature enables brands to build loyal communities, which is invaluable for markets like South Korea where trust and personal connection matter.
📊 Wrapping Up
As of May 2025, the South Korean influencer scene is evolving, and WhatsApp is quietly becoming a high-value channel for UK advertisers ready to get their hands dirty with authentic, direct marketing. The 10 influencers above are not just names — they’re active community builders who can help you smash through the noise and connect on a personal level.
BaoLiba will keep updating you on the latest UK influencer marketing trends and cross-border insights. Stay tuned, and let’s make your South Korea campaign the next big win!
