If you’re a UK brand or creator looking to crack the South Korean market, WhatsApp might not be the first platform that springs to mind. But hear me out — South Korea’s digital game is fierce and evolving, and WhatsApp is quietly carving its niche, especially among expats, business insiders, and cross-border communities. As of May 2025, tapping into the right WhatsApp influencers in South Korea can seriously push your brand visibility and conversions.
So, let’s cut the fluff. Here’s a no-nonsense list of the top 10 WhatsApp influencers in South Korea you should be collaborating with, along with some UK-flavoured insights on how to work with them and win big.
📢 Why WhatsApp Influencers Matter in South Korea for UK Brands
South Korea’s social media scene is dominated by KakaoTalk and Naver, but WhatsApp is gaining traction in professional circles and among English-speaking expats. For UK brands targeting tech-savvy consumers or B2B clients, WhatsApp influencers offer direct, high-trust connections. Unlike broadcast-heavy platforms, WhatsApp lets influencers create intimate, engaging groups and broadcast lists — perfect for personalised campaigns.
From beauty brands like The Ordinary UK collaborating with South Korean skincare gurus to fintech startups using WhatsApp for hot leads, the potential is massive. Payments? Expect to deal in GBP but prepare for conversions to KRW, with popular methods including bank transfers and global wallets like PayPal or Wise.
💡 Top 10 WhatsApp Influencers in South Korea You Should Know
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Min-Jae Lee (@minjae_korea)
Specialises in tech gadgets and lifestyle. His WhatsApp groups are buzzing hubs for the latest in Korean tech trends — a perfect match for UK electronics brands wanting early adopters. -
Soo-Hyun Kim (@soohyunbeauty)
A skincare and beauty influencer with a loyal WhatsApp community. She often shares exclusive product drops and tutorials, ideal for UK cosmetics brands breaking into K-beauty. -
Jin-Woo Park (@jinwoo_travel)
Travel junkie and expat expert who uses WhatsApp to share insider tips. Great for UK travel agencies or airlines looking to tap into Korean tourists. -
Eun-Ji Choi (@ejfoodie)
Food blogger with a spicy take on Korean fusion. Her WhatsApp channels are goldmines for UK F&B brands wanting authentic foodie reviews. -
Hyun-Soo Kang (@hyunsoo_fashion)
Fashion influencer who runs WhatsApp groups showcasing UK-Korea streetwear collabs. A solid pick for UK fashion labels targeting Seoul’s trendsetters. -
Da-Eun Lim (@daeun_moms)
Parenting and lifestyle influencer with a WhatsApp group of young Korean mums. UK baby brands and family services, take note. -
Tae-Hyun Yoon (@taehyun_it)
IT consultant and coder sharing tech tutorials and startup news via WhatsApp. Ideal for UK SaaS or app developers eyeing Korean markets. -
Ji-Hye Park (@jihye_edu)
Education influencer with WhatsApp classes for English learning. UK education providers could partner here for course promotions. -
Sang-Hoon Lee (@sanghoon_sports)
Sports and fitness influencer connecting with fans on WhatsApp for exclusive content. Perfect for UK sportswear brands. -
Hye-Jin Seo (@hyejin_music)
Music influencer promoting UK-South Korea indie artists. Great for UK music labels or event organisers targeting Korean listeners.
📊 How UK Advertisers Can Collaborate Effectively on WhatsApp
Understand the Local Culture
South Korea is relationship-driven. WhatsApp isn’t just a messaging app here; it’s a trusted space for community and recommendations. Your UK brand needs to respect that vibe — no hard sells, just genuine engagement.
Payment and Legal Tips
Most UK-South Korea influencer deals move through contracts specifying content, timelines, and payment terms. GBP is standard, but expect some KRW invoicing. Use secure platforms like Wise or Revolut to avoid nasty forex fees.
Ensure your campaigns comply with both UK ASA rules and South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission guidelines, especially on sponsored content transparency.
Use WhatsApp Features Smartly
Encourage influencers to leverage broadcast lists for announcements and private groups for deeper engagement. Stickers, voice notes, and short videos work wonders here.
People Also Ask
What makes WhatsApp influencers in South Korea unique?
Unlike public social posts, WhatsApp influencers build close-knit groups where trust and word-of-mouth drive decisions. It’s more intimate than Instagram or YouTube.
How do UK brands pay South Korean influencers?
Most use international bank transfers or digital wallets like PayPal and Wise. Contracts are key to avoid disputes, especially with currency exchange involved.
Can WhatsApp marketing work for UK startups targeting South Korea?
Absolutely. Especially for niche tech, education, and lifestyle sectors where personalised communication boosts conversion rates.
❗ Risks to Watch Out For
Beware of ghost groups or fake followers — WhatsApp’s private nature means you need to vet influencers thoroughly. Always ask for case studies or previous campaign results.
Also, messaging apps can be tricky for GDPR compliance if you’re handling EU citizen data, so liaise with your legal team before launching.
Final Thoughts
As of May 2025, WhatsApp is a stealthy but powerful channel for UK brands wanting to enter South Korea’s market without the noise of mainstream platforms. The 10 influencers listed here are your shortcut to building authentic connections and seeing real ROI.
BaoLiba will keep updating the latest UK influencer marketing trends, so stay tuned and follow us for more insider tips on global cross-border campaigns.
