'BTS Hanbok' Heartbreaking News for 32-Year-Old Renowned Fashion Designer Kim Rieul
2025-02-12 15:42
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Kim Rieul began gaining recognition for his innovative take on hanbok.
Kim Rieul, the designer who created the hanbok worn by global K-POP superstars BTS, has passed away. Kim, whose real name was Kim Jong-won, died on the night of the 11th, as reported exclusively by The Fact on the 12th. He was 32 years old.
Hanbok is a traditional Korean garment known for its vibrant colors and elegant, flowing design, typically worn during special occasions and celebrations.
The funeral has been arranged at the 3rd Memorial Hall of Namwon Medical Center in Jeonbuk. Kim Rieul gained international fame for designing the hanbok suits worn by the members of BTS. He was the CEO of the hanbok brand Rieul and was named one of Forbes’ “ 30 Under 30: Most Influential People Under 30 in Asia” last year.
According to reports, Kim passed away on this day, having visited the apartment where his parents live. His family has reportedly filed a request with the police for an investigation.
Kim Rieul began gaining recognition for his innovative take on hanbok, modernizing the traditional attire. He fused modern styles with the traditional, creating jacket-style jeogori (jackets) and wide-legged pants, bringing a new, trendy image to hanbok. His designs gained global attention when BTS wore his hanbok, which contributed to the global spread of the traditional attire through collaborations with international fashion brands.
In an appearance on MBC Every1’s Video Star in 2021, Kim revealed how he ended up collaborating with BTS. While working on creating 100 hanbok suits for participants of Trot's Nation, Kim received an offer from BTS’ agency to design outfits for them, which surprised many.
He also explained his decision to create suits from hanbok fabric. Kim had originally planned to start a hanbok rental business for foreigners, as hanbok rental culture began to gain popularity in places like Hanok Village. However, the business became more popular with Koreans, and he eventually established a company that specialized in hanbok suits, focusing on promoting both hanbok and Korean culture.
Most recently, Kim appeared on Arirang TV’s The Globalists, a program that invites opinion leaders from around the world for discussions. In the show, hosted by Professor Son Ji-ae from Ewha Womans University Graduate School of International Studies, he shared his vision of creating a Korean luxury brand that bridges the gap between tradition and modernity. He spoke passionately about his ambition to make his brand represent Korea and expressed pride in Korean cultural heritage, including the Korean language and hanbok.
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