Kim Riel, the Hanbok Designer for BTS, Passes Away at 32
Hwang Sujin Reporter
hwang075609@gmail.com | 2025-02-18 16:02:53
Kim Riel, also known as Kim Jong-won, the CEO of the Hanbok brand "Rieul" and renowned for his work with the K-pop group BTS, has passed away at the age of 32.
Kim first showcased his modern Hanbok suits in 2016, using traditional Korean fabrics. He then launched his own brand "Rieul," collaborating with various fashion companies like New Balance, as well as the British supercar brand McLaren, Samsung Galaxy S21, Gyeongju Kolon Hotel, and the Cultural Heritage Administration.
He gained widespread recognition in 2020 when BTS members Jimin, Suga, and J-Hope wore his Hanbok suits during their performance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," which was filmed in front of the Geunjeongjeon Hall at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Korea.
His sudden death has shocked many, and the cause of his passing has not yet been revealed. His funeral will be held at the Namwon Medical Center Funeral Hall in South Korea.
Kim's work has been celebrated for its modern interpretation of traditional Korean clothing, and his contributions to the fashion industry will be remembered.
WEEKLY HOT
- 1Tesla’s Bold Pivot: From EV Pioneer to AI Robotics Giant Sparking Wall Street Revival
- 2Trump Orders Quadrupling of High-Tech Weaponry Production Amid Escalating Conflict with Iran
- 3Bitcoin at a Crossroads: Will the $74,000 Threshold Signal a Bullish Reversal or a Slide to $50,000?
- 4The $100 Oil Threshold: Wall Street Braces for a Paradigm Shift as Middle East Conflict Drags On
- 5Oppo Bridges the Great Divide: Find X9 to Support AirDrop Connectivity
- 6China’s Strategic Gold Rush: Beijing Amasses Reserves for 16th Straight Month Amid Dollar Uncertainty