[instiz] BTS’ HANBOK DESIGNER KIM RI-EUL, PASSES AWAY ON THE 11TH… AT 32 YEARS OLD

Kim Ri-eul (Kim Jong-won), the designer of hanboks for the globally renowned idol group BTS, has passed away at the age of 32.

The family of Kim Ri-eul confirmed his death on the 12th in a phone conversation with Hankyung.com, stating, “It is true that Kim Ri-eul passed away yesterday.”

Born in 1993, Kim Ri-eul began creating modern suits from hanbok fabrics in 2016 and launched his brand named “ㄹ (Ri-eul).”

In October 2020, Kim’s hanbok suits gained widespread attention when BTS members Jimin, Suga, and J-Hope wore them on stage during their appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

Kim also collaborated with brands and government agencies, including the British luxury car brand McLaren, Samsung Galaxy S21, Gyeongju Kolon Hotel, and the Cultural Heritage Administration. He was also selected by Forbes as one of the “30 Under 30 Most Influential in Asia.”

In November of last year, during a forum, Kim expressed his ambition, saying, “When asked about Korea’s high-end brands, I want to be able to confidently say ‘Ri-eul.'” His untimely death has added to the sorrow of losing such a promising designer.

original post: https://n.news.naver.com/article/015/0005093076