Whether it's Kim Seon Ho in Start-Up or more recently, Go Youn Jung in Can This Love Be Translated?, a common factor between many of these beloved K-drama characters is their impeccable taste in fashion. From well-tailored suits to tweed coordinating sets of our Pinterest dreams, their style game is unmatched.
Below, I've rounded up the 7 most stylish K-drama characters whose closets I would steal for my own wardrobe in an instant. These characters aren't just style inspirations—it's the way their attire adds more gravitas to their personality and brings out the main character energy in them that's most satisfying. Hint: This list features K-drama stars like Kim Seon Ho, Kim Ji Won, Song Joong Ki and more…
1. Han Jipyeong (Kim Seon Ho) in Start-Up
Han Jipyeong is one of Kim Seon Ho's most beloved characters, who gave viewers the worst kind of second lead syndrome in Start-Up. Besides his tsundere personality, it was his neat and crisp formal attire that made him even more desirable. His semi-formal all-white outfit is a personal favorite of mine.
2. Hong Haein (Kim Ji Won) in Queen of Tears
A K-drama character who slayed the office fashion game is Hong Haein in Queen of Tears. With Kim Ji Won's striking screen presence in tow, Haein's bold yet classy style screamed major girlboss energy. It's also how she dresses outside of work: formal with just the right amount of comfort.
3. Vincenzo Cassano (Song Joong Ki) in Vincenzo
You can't speak of K-drama fashion without mentioning Vincenzo Cassano. The mafia consigliere, played by the devilishly handsome Song Joong Ki in Vincenzo, fought bad guys frequently, but not once did he look messy doing it. His Italian suits were tailor-made for the actor and felt like a character in themselves.
4. Go Moonyoung (Seo Ye Ji) in It's Okay to Not Be Okay
It's impossible not to fall under the enchanting spell of Go Moonyoung, played to perfection by Seo Ye Ji in It's Okay to Not Be Okay. Moonyoung might be a chaotic personality, but her style game is always top-tier and makes her a fierce trendsetter. Her now iconic Magda Butrym floral mini dress is just one example of how the sleeves accentuate her shoulders, making Moonyoung a force to be reckoned with.
5. Cha Muhee (Go Youn Jung) in Can This Love Be Translated?
As picturesque as the locations are in Can This Love Be Translated?, I somehow couldn't take my eyes off of Cha Muhee's sophisticated fashion. Dripping in head-to-toe Chanel, Go Youn Jung stole the show not just with her incredible acting but her classy style game as well. Those gorgeous tweed jacket-and-mini-skirt combos hold a special place on my own fashion moodboard.
6. Lee Young Joon (Park Seo Joon) in What's Wrong with Secretary Kim
Another fan-favorite K-drama character who gives a masterclass on acing the corporate chic game is Lee Young Joon in What's Wrong with Secretary Kim. Park Seo Joon's envy-inducing suits feel crafted just for him and enhance the eccentricities of his narcissistic character even more. He looks good, and he owns it!
7. Goblin (Gong Yoo) in Goblin
The overwhelming aura exuded by Goblin is unparalleled, and a big chunk of it — besides Gong Yoo's bewitching acting charisma — is thanks to his flawless fashion. Gong Yoo's Goblin character, with his trademark overcoats, is enthralling to watch unfold on-screen, but it's also his soft-toned winter wear that one would love for their partner to adorn as well.
This story was originally published by GQ India.
