Stylists play a huge role in K-Pop. Not only do they set trends and use the hottest fashion pieces out there, but they also create costumey concepts that tell a story. These range from school uniforms to cheerleaders to pirates to anything the stylist’s heart desires. One of the most powerful looks, and one with a wide range of options, is military inspired fashion.

The usage of camo, elaborate trench coats, combat boots, and more are the 21st century’s loose interpretation of revolutionizing social change through pop music. Some K-Pop acts use this concept as a means to deliver a message in their song or music video, while others wear an “it” trend. But whether they’re really pushing for revolutionary changes or not, we can’t deny the eye-candy fashion pieces that complement a great music video.

Here’s a list of five music videos where the military fashion and overall concept was used the best:

f(x) - “Red Light”

SM Entertainment’s girl quintet (or quartet now?) is the latest K-Pop group to incorporate military inspired fashion in their latest music video for “Red Light.” The overall concept followed a darker and more dramatic route than what we’ve previously seen from the technicolor rich f(x). “Red Light” is the girls’ first social commentary song, and even though they proclaim “this isn’t war,” their militaristic beats and ensembles beg to differ.

Their combat ready looks suggest they’re part of the resistance and not the actual army. And since camo shorts are not mutually exclusive with the military, f(x)’s stylist dressed them in sexy anarchist outfits with the combat boots, army green shirts, and even gun holders. And, of course, since f(x)’s videos love to highlight Krystal, it was she who wore the pièce de résistance: the orange Valentino camouflage T-shirt.

The stylists’ approach to the concept was wearable editorial pieces; the perfect balance between costume and everyday wear.

Brown Eyed Girls - “Sixth Sense”

Following the revolutionists route, Brown Eyed Girls were far more explicit with their concept in “Sixth Sense.” From the call-to-action trumpet-like sounds to the actual riot police to, of course, the girls decked out in statement military-esque ensembles, BEG’s interpretation was far more sexier than any other girl band out there. And with “sexy” being the group’s staple, the stylist used it in their favor to highlight the girls’ images and message.

BEG left the camo and all army green pieces aside and went for more striking ensembles, such as Miryo’s plastic-y burgundy trench coat, Ga In’s combination of thigh-high boots with hot pants, and Narsha and JeA’s coat and top with gold tassels. With this, the stylist found the perfect mid point between their signature look and adhering to the concept.

The girls might be fighting for freedom of speech in “Sixth Sense,” but that doesn’t mean their looks should be masculine. Au contraire; how else are you supposed to fight against oppression without shaking the norms and reinterpreting set concepts? And just as Ga In proclaims in the opening, Brown Eyed Girls “can’t be tamed.”

2NE1 - “Clap Your Hands”

Before 2NE1 donned high fashion pieces in their music videos, their look was more urban in order to fit their hip hop concept. That’s why for “Clap Your Hands” the stylist chose to use lots of camo streetwear for yet another empowerment song by this group. The girls wear Chrome Hearts hoodies, Rick Owens harem pants, and boots to compliment their combat concept.

Neither “Clap Your Hands” nor the music video’s plot (is there one?) have anything to do with anything militaristic. The stylists chose the concept as a trend rather than to compliment the story. And yet, if we get very technical about it, 2NE1’s looks are probably the most realistic to actual army uniforms.

B.A.P - “Power”

“Power” is one of those songs you can’t believe a K-Pop group actually got away with. B.A.P sings about justice and revolt against, maybe, capitalism while reminding you that you have “the power.” Even though we don’t actually see the boys fighting anyone, the lyrics explain it’s a sticking-it-to-the-man anthem, so an adversary is not needed.

This accurate yet grim message’s music video takes place in a decadent dystopian future. B.A.P’s ensembles have lots of wear on them, as if there is an ongoing fight. Rather than pursuing an editorial look, the stylist dressed the guys in camo cargo pants and jackets, tag necklaces, wheat Timberland boots, and black suspenders labeled “army.”

B.A.P’s concept was a bit more costumey than streetwear, but still didn’t seem super orchestrated. This group’s signature look is the defiant, edgy-rocker idol, so this music video stayed true to their brand and accurately conveyed their message, even if they’re just dancing in random locations.

SHINee - “Everybody”

SM Entertainment defines music videos in-a-box, and SHINee’s “Everybody” is no exception. SHINee tells you to “wake up” and loosen up a little, going against society’s norm, if you will, in “Everybody.” The music video has no definite plot, so the military concept was purely aesthetical and tried to play with the song’s lyrics about rilling against adulthood.

Their stylist went all out with this concept, by opting for an avant garde wardrobe that would make a loud fashion statement. SHINee even wore Thom Browne’s Spring/Summer 2014 dramatic, early 20th century-like military pieces to serve the overall look. The subsequent all-white and the blue looks were variants of the Thom Browne ones, which made the stylist’s work very one note. And yet, the less dark and eerie music video a la Lady Gaga’s “Alejandro” was very theatrically editorial and high-fashion.

Which group's military concept is your favorite? Let us know in the comments section below!