Is YSL a Korean Brand? The True Origins Explained

Is YSL a Korean Brand? Unraveling the Mystery Behind the Luxury House

When browsing through fashion TikToks, unboxing videos, or K-pop idol Instagram feeds, you might notice something striking: South Korean celebrities—from BLACKPINK’s Rosé to EXO’s Kai—are constantly draped in YSL (Yves Saint Laurent). With Seoul serving as a global epicentre of fashion and culture, it is easy to wonder if this iconic luxury label has roots in Korea.

Let’s clear up the confusion right away: No, YSL is not a Korean brand.

Yves Saint Laurent is a legendary French luxury fashion house founded in Paris. However, the deep, symbiotic relationship between the brand and South Korea makes the confusion entirely understandable.

The True Origins: French Haute Couture

To understand YSL, we have to travel back to 1961 Paris. The brand was founded by the visionary designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé.