From TWICE to SEVENTEEN... K-POP idols' ”handy fans” are booming, with 12.84 million units sold. What's the secret?

For Koreans who take avoiding the heat seriously, there is one essential item: the handheld fan. This refers to a small fan designed to be held in the hand.

　The 'handheld fan' has firmly established itself as a summer survival essential for Koreans. While air conditioning penetration rates in Germany and the UK stand at just 3% and 5% respectively, Korea reaches approximately 98%. These figures alone offer insight into why the 'handheld fan' has become so commonplace.

　K-pop idols are no exception. Groups like the Korean boy bands SEVENTEEN and ENHYPEN, and the girl group LE SSERAFIM, are often seen clutching their handheld fans during official schedules and concert rehearsals, battling the heat.

　Particularly noteworthy was the appearance of the handheld fan as a prop in the music video for the title track ‘This is for’ from the fourth full album of the girl group TWICE, who made their comeback this July. A scene featuring member Chaeyoung holding the handheld fan like a microphone while singing was released, once again capturing the attention of K-POP fans. Considering TWICE's worldwide popularity, having celebrated their 10th anniversary this year since their October 2015 debut, it follows that the handheld fan has naturally become an object of global curiosity too.

　In South Korea, it is commonplace to see people of all ages carrying handheld fans. However, the sheer variety of products available – ranging from size to design and functionality – means choosing one is no simple task.

　Among these, the brand LUMENA has established a dominant presence in the Korean portable fan market. By April 2025, its cumulative sales had surpassed 12.84 million units, steadily cementing its market position. It has participated in events such as the 'DESIGN KOREA Pavilion' at the 'Maison&Objet' exhibition in Paris, France.

　K-variety and culture platform Herald Muse will spotlight Lumenna's new lineup, the "Fan Jet Ultra", through its "My K-Picks" (hereafter Makepick) series.

　"Makepick" is a storytelling content format conveying narratives from Korean original brands, targeting overseas viewers with broad interest in Korean culture, food, and brands in general.

　The "Fan Jet Ultra", which surpassed cumulative sales of 100,000 units immediately after its launch, boasts powerful airflow and cooling performance despite its compact size. It features a premium first-cooling panel applying "Peltier cooling technology", delivering a different dimension of coolness. This is particularly welcome news for female consumers during summer, when heat and humidity easily cause makeup to melt.

　Furthermore, wind strength can be precisely adjusted across ten distinct levels, enhancing user convenience. Makepic host Sienna personally operates the buttons to demonstrate the wind speeds.

　Amidst growing consumer concerns following a series of portable fan battery explosion incidents worldwide, Lumena has further enhanced safety by incorporating a power stabilisation mode.