This IG Shop Makes Scented Candles That Smell Like BTS & K-Drama Actors

Looking back, we remember the time when netizens excitedly shared how a candle could make their room “smell like Oppa.” That was the magic of 325handcrafted, a Manila-based Instagram shop that made waves with a line of scented candles inspired by K-drama actors and BTS members. Their most talked-about release, Smells Like Lee Min-ho, quickly became a fan favourite.

325handcrafted: Origins & inspirations

Founded by Melissa Kay Pontejos, 325handcrafted has been selling soy blend candles since 2019. Melissa’s love for scented candles started years earlier in the UK, where nightly baths were paired with candles, music, books, and a glass of wine.

“When I moved back here, I realised there weren’t many options for me,” Melissa shared. “Scented candles were a luxury, so I decided to experiment in our kitchen.” After a month, she developed her own formula — one her friends quickly fell in love with.

All about the K-drama line of scented candles

On 25 Feb 2021, the shop announced their release of the K-drama line. In their Instagram post, they shared their first three fragrances: Smells Like Lee Min-ho, Smells Like Hyun Bin, and Smells Like Song Joong-ki. A while after, the shop formulated a highly requested scent, Smells like Park Seo-joon.

“These candles smell like the perfumes they use in real life!” 325handcrafted shared in its post. “We have done our research and used an exact replica of the scents they wear using premium fragrance oil.” Each candle costs ₱350, while a special gift box containing a set of three scented candles costs ₱1,100. The candles are also available through official resellers on Shopee for ₱420 apiece.

The “Oppa candles” and their scents

The idea came from Melissa’s friend, Julie, who noticed the growing K-drama and K-pop fandom among Filipinos. Melissa then researched their favourite scents, creating candles that fans instantly fell in love with.

Descriptions of the first candles:

• Smells Like Lee Min-ho: citrus, fresh, elegant, energetic

• Smells Like Hyun Bin: rich musk, sun-kissed citrus, romantic, warm

• Smells Like Song Joong-ki: woody floral, musk, bold, masculine

• Smells Like Park Seo-joon: floral, aldehydes, with hints of rose, ylang-ylang, jasmine

On 325handcrafted’s BTS candles

The BTS ARMY celebrated when Smells Like BTS Jungkook (now Smells Like Jeon Jungkook) was released in 2021. Following this, candles inspired by Kim Taehyung and Min Yoongi were launched, delighting fans who wanted their rooms to smell like their favourite idols.

These quotes have been edited for grammar, clarity and flow. All images credited to 325handcrafted | Official Instagram Page.