If you’re a UK-based advertiser or influencer 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 landscape is evolving, and WhatsApp is carving out a niche for personalised, direct influencer marketing that’s gold for engagement and conversion.
As of May 2025, South Korea continues to dominate in tech adoption and influencer culture, with WhatsApp rising as a key communication tool, especially among younger urbanites and expats. For UK marketers used to juggling Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, understanding how to tap into WhatsApp influencers in South Korea can seriously boost your ROI.
So, who are the top 10 WhatsApp influencers in South Korea you should be collaborating with? And how can you, from the UK, work with them effectively? Let’s dive in.
📢 Why WhatsApp Influencers Matter in South Korea
South Korea’s social media scene is usually synonymous with KakaoTalk or Naver, but WhatsApp is increasingly popular due to its privacy features and global connectivity. For brands in the UK aiming for a personalised touch and direct, trust-based marketing, WhatsApp influencers offer a unique gateway.
Especially for sectors like fashion, beauty, tech gadgets, and lifestyle, WhatsApp allows influencers to build tight-knit communities, share exclusive offers, and host live Q&As that drive authentic conversions. Unlike public posts, chats bring intimacy — crucial for markets where trust and recommendation trump flashy ads.
UK advertisers can leverage WhatsApp’s encrypted environment to run campaigns that feel less commercial and more like friendly advice. Plus, payments in GBP can be easily handled via international platforms like PayPal or TransferWise, making cross-border collaborations smooth.
💡 How UK Brands Can Work With South Korean WhatsApp Influencers
Collaborating with South Korean WhatsApp influencers means respecting local culture and communication style. Korean audiences value sincerity, quality, and community vibes over hard sells. So, your messaging has to be spot on.
Here’s how to kick off:
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Find the right influencers: Use platforms like BaoLiba or local agencies such as D.CAMP or TBT to identify WhatsApp influencers with engaged South Korean followings.
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Localise your offer: Translate your campaign content into Korean, but don’t just do word-for-word. Get a native to craft messages that sound natural and trustworthy.
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Choose payment methods wisely: Most South Korean influencers prefer receiving fees via PayPal or bank transfers in GBP or KRW. Ensure compliance with UK-EU financial regulations for smooth transactions.
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Leverage UK-South Korea trade relations: Highlight your UK brand’s strength and quality, which resonate well in South Korea, known for its discerning consumers.
📊 Top 10 WhatsApp Influencers in South Korea to Watch in 2025
Here’s a no-fluff list of WhatsApp influencers who are killing it on the ground in South Korea. These creators are known for their authentic engagement and niche expertise — from K-beauty to tech to lifestyle.
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Jinwoo Kim (@jinwoo.chat) – Tech geek and gadget reviewer with a WhatsApp group of 15k+ loyal followers. Great for UK tech brands wanting direct consumer feedback.
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Sooah Lee (@sooahtalks) – Beauty and skincare guru who shares exclusive product tips and giveaways through WhatsApp broadcasts.
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Minseok Park (@minseok.foodie) – Food influencer with a knack for promoting foreign cuisine. Perfect for UK food brands eyeing Korean taste buds.
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Yena Choi (@yena.style) – Fashionista curating daily style tips and UK brand collaborations in her WhatsApp circles.
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Donghyun Seo (@donghyun.tech) – Influencer specialising in smart home devices and IoT, providing honest reviews to his WhatsApp community.
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Ha-eun Kim (@haeun.lifestyle) – Lifestyle coach focusing on wellness and mindfulness, ideal for UK health and wellness brands.
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Jisoo Park (@jisoo.travels) – Travel influencer who shares insider tips on UK destinations with her South Korean WhatsApp followers.
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Hyunwoo Lee (@hyunwoo.crypto) – Crypto and finance educator using WhatsApp to demystify investments for Korean millennials.
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Eunji Kwon (@eunji.moms) – Parenting influencer connecting UK baby product brands to young Korean parents.
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Taeyang Jung (@taeyang.fitness) – Fitness trainer sharing workout routines and nutrition advice, collaborating with UK fitness gear brands.
❗ People Also Ask
How popular is WhatsApp in South Korea compared to other messaging apps?
WhatsApp is less dominant than KakaoTalk but growing steadily among urban youth and expats who prefer its privacy features and international connectivity.
Can UK brands pay South Korean influencers in GBP?
Yes, most influencers accept payments in GBP via PayPal or international bank transfers. It’s crucial to ensure compliance with UK and Korean financial regulations.
What industries benefit most from WhatsApp influencer marketing in South Korea?
Beauty, tech, lifestyle, food, and wellness sectors see the highest engagement on WhatsApp due to the platform’s intimate communication style.
📢 Final Thoughts
If your UK brand wants to make waves in South Korea, tapping into WhatsApp influencers is a smart, under-the-radar move. These creators offer direct, trustful connections with engaged audiences hungry for authentic content. Keep your messaging local, payments smooth, and collaborations transparent, and you’ll see your brand love grow.
BaoLiba will keep tracking and updating the latest UK influencer marketing trends, so stay tuned and follow us for more insider insights.
