Kim Rieul, the renowned hanbok designer who created iconic looks for BTS, has passed away. His innovative designs seamlessly blended traditional Korean style with modern flair.
Born as Kim Jong Won, the 32-year-old hanbok designer passed away on February 11. The Namwon Police Station in Jeollabuk-do reported that Kim Rieul’s body was discovered in a Namwon apartment around 9 PM on February 11. Funeral services will be held at 9 AM on February 13 at Namwon Seunghwawon, followed by burial at the same location.
The police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Preliminary findings suggest that she passed away after visiting her parents’ home in Namwon.
Kim Rieul’s final social media post, dated January 9, featured a photo with the caption “1993-2025” and his name “RIEUL”. Born in 1993, Kim was a visionary fashion designer who founded and led the hanbok-inspired suit brand “Rieul” since 2016.
His modern, innovative designs using traditional hanbok fabric earned him global recognition. He received recognition for crafting the iconic hanbok suits worn by BTS during their 2020 appearance on “The Jimmy Fallon Show” for their hit song “IDOL”.
Since his breakthrough with BTS, Kim Rieul continued to push the boundaries of traditional Korean fashion. He collaborated with global brands such as McLaren, Samsung, and Gyeongju Kolon Hotel, as well as the Cultural Heritage Administration.
His dream was to create a brand that made Koreans proud of their heritage, including their language and traditional clothing.
