'BTS Hanbok Suit' Designer Kim Rieul Passes Away

Operated the 'Ri-eul' Brand
Also Designed Costumes for BTS

Designer Kim Ri-eul (real name Kim Jong-won). Kim Ri-eul Instagram

Designer Kim Ri-eul (real name Kim Jong-won) has passed away at the age of 32.

On the 12th, Hankyung.com and The Fact reported, citing the family, that Kim Ri-eul had died. The cause of death has not been disclosed in detail.

Born in 1993, the late designer strived to promote Korea worldwide through unique hanbok suit designs. In 2016, he launched and operated a brand named 'ㄹ (Ri-eul)', and in September 2020, he designed costumes for the group BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan). At that time, BTS attracted attention by wearing his hanbok suits during a performance held in front of Gyeongbokgung Geunjeongjeon Hall.

The late Kim appeared on Arirang TV's 'The Globalist' broadcast on the 7th, discussing the theme of "Dreaming of a Korean luxury brand that connects tradition and modernity." At that time, Kim Ri-eul expressed his ambition, saying, "I will strive to become a brand that represents Korea."