The recently popular drama ‘Queen of Tears’ has been garnering attention for its portrayal of wealth and sophistication within a chaebol family. The fashion choices, particularly those of actress Kim Ji-won draw considerable interest.
While numerous actresses in their early 30s in Korea gain the title of ‘Sold-out Girl’ as every garment they wear quickly sells out on the market. With trendy fashion statements in dramas, Kim Ji-won has charted a different course. In her previous drama, ‘My Liberation Note,’ the actress captivated us with her portrayal of a lifeless and mundane character, wearing nothing but a plain blouse and pants. She is also known for roles featuring school uniforms, military attire, or department store employee uniforms in her previous dramas. Now she’s breaking the mold in ‘Queen of Tears’ as a third-generation chaebol, flaunting the epitome of visual sophistication with the world’s finest luxury goods.
What a transformation from a mundane character to a chaebol princess! Her costumes, filled with pieces from luxury brands, add depth and detail to each scene. Now, let’s take a trip to the world of a ‘Queen of Tears’ through her fashion.
K-Drama Fashion in ‘Queen of Tears’ in Episodes 1-3
Look 1:
Hong Hae-in in ‘Queen of Tears’, as the CEO of a department store, showcases several office looks that suit her position. During the production presentation, Kim Ji-won who plays the main character, Hong Hae-in, mentioned, “She is taking lessons about being a chaebol family and trying to pay a lot of attention to her styling to match that.”
One standout fashion piece was the Alexander McQueen Black Fitted Shoulder Blazer Jacket. Its silhouette and eyelet details immediately identify it as an Alexander McQueen suit. This particular jacket drew comparisons to Lee Boo-jin, CEO of Shilla Hotel and a sister to Samsung CEO Lee Jae-yong, who wore a similar jacket from the brand at a shareholders’ meeting in 2022. This sparked discussions about whether Lee Boo-jin served as a model for the character’s style. The outfit effectively portrays the image of a strong and capable female CEO.
Look 2:
Hong Hae-in’s appearance in a bright all-pink ensemble, striding through the department store like a model, evoked thoughts of a Barbie doll. The silk blouse, tweed mini crop jacket, and mini skirt are all from Valentino. Completing the outfit is a mini leather bag from the same brand, perfectly complementing the overall look.
Look 3:
At the party, Hong Hae-in captivated attention with her stunning appearance. She was dressed in Balmain’s Knit Dress with Pearl and Crystal Embroidery, a dazzling outfit that wrapped her body in elegance.
Look 4:
For a meal scene at home, a comfortable yet sophisticated look was chosen, fitting the occasion. This outfit deviates from her usual work attire, reflecting the chaebol family’s pursuit of both comfort and sophistication. The skirt is a Dolce & Gabbana sweater and Majolica Print Charmeuse Calf-Length Skirt.
Look 5:
In episode 3, her dressing room was revealed, showcasing a dress Playsuit by Soonil. The dressing room was filled with luxurious clothes, prompting thoughts about her feelings towards leaving this world of opulence behind.
Look 6:
The comment from Baek Hyun-woo (Kim Hyun-soo) unknowingly speaking to Hong Hae-in’s identity was quite amusing. He remarked that what she was wearing looked like something his grandma would wear. Little did he know, she was donning the Chanel Tweed Cropped Jacket, a perfect match for the cherry blossoms. This lovely costume suited the scene depicting the blossoming first love between the two characters.
K-Drama Fashion in ‘Queen of Tears’ in Episodes 4-7
Look 1:
Whenever Kim Ji-won feels agitated or stressed out, she dresses up most extravagantly. Her allure intensifies with discomfort, sending shivers down the spines of employees who understand this phenomenon. In this episode, she exudes stunning beauty, epitomized by the Balmain Gold Button Double-Breasted Piece.
Look 2:
In Korea, black is the customary attire for funerals. However, she stood out at the employee’s funeral in a stylish black jacket adorned with subtle pearls. The avouavou Boucle Pearl Crop Jacket, perfect for such occasions, exudes a serene sophistication that harmonizes beautifully with the solemn atmosphere of the venue.
Look 3:
This is the ensemble Kim Ji-won wore in the scene where Kim Soo-hyun rediscovered his love for her. In the drama, she mentioned that it was “one of only two vintage Herkina outfits left in the world.” This piece is from Alessandra Rich’s 2019 collection.
Look 4:
As Kim Ji-won trips over on the escalator, Kim Soo-hyun screams to prevent her from falling, only to become embarrassed and quickly retreat. At that moment, his attention is drawn to a pair of sneakers. These high-heeled sneakers, Roger Vivier Viv’ Run Strass Buckle Sneakers, complement suits perfectly. It’s adorable to watch Kim Soo-hyun hand them to her, explaining that he managed to find the last pair in her preferred size, 240.
Look 5:
The striped scarf worn at Sanssouci Palace, the summer residence of the Hohenzollern family in the Kingdom of Prussia, Germany, provided the backdrop for the romantic kissing scene between the main characters.
This scarf, the Toteme Signature Monogram Silk Ribbon Scarf, perfectly complements the romantic ambiance. As a strong woman, wearing a flower-patterned scarf would have seemed out of place for her, choosing a striped scarf fitting. Paired with the Mudidi Argyle V-neck knit and a black skirt, her outfit coordination matches the setting and situation impeccably, making it the ideal choice.
What’s Next for the ‘Queen of Tears’: Anticipating the Excitement Ahead
It’s exciting to anticipate what outfits Kim Ji-won’s character, Hong Hae-in, will captivate us with in the upcoming episodes of ‘Queen of Tears.’ So far, we’ve seen her beauty and professionalism shine through the costumes that perfectly suited each situation and storyline. These outfits have also given us a glimpse into the tastes and lifestyle of a chaebol woman CEO.
In the next episode of ‘Queen of Tears’, we’ll likely see more stunning ensembles that reflect her evolving character. Perhaps she’ll surprise us with a mix of sophistication and comfort, or maybe a bold statement piece that signifies a turning point in the story. Whatever it may be, Kim Ji-won will certainly continue to dazzle us with her fashion choices, capturing our eyes and hearts once again. Let’s eagerly await the next episode to see what she wears next!
