Skip to Content

K-Drama Couture

When Korean Drama Meets Global Fashion
February 25, 2025 by
Seoul Starr
| No comments yet

K-drama Crash Landing on You; copyright owned by tvN and original content creator. No copyright infringement intended. Click to view original post.

Introduction: The Fashion Fusion of K-Dramas and Milan Fashion Week

K-dramas have long been a source of comfort and inspiration for fans worldwide, offering not only heartwarming stories and unforgettable romances but also showcasing exceptional fashion. As we saw during the 2024 Milan Fashion Week, the influence of K-drama style is expanding from the screen to international runways, blending Korean fashion sensibilities with global haute couture.

In this blog, we'll dive into the remarkable intersection of K-drama fashion and high fashion events, focusing on standout looks, key influencers like Ji Chang Wook, and how you can incorporate these styles into your own wardrobe.

The K-Drama Influence on Global Fashion

K-dramas have a unique way of weaving fashion into storytelling. Iconic characters like Yoon Se-ri from Crash Landing on You and Go Moon-young from It's Okay to Not Be Okay not only captivated audiences with their stories but also set fashion trends with their distinctive styles.

  • Yoon Se-ri's Style: A blend of elegance and practicality, her wardrobe showcased tailored coats, chic power suits, and sophisticated knits. Her fashion choices in Son Ye-jin in Crash Landing on You Crash Landing on You were not just beautiful but also played a key role in defining her character's powerful and independent persona. Yoon Se-ri is played by Son Ye-jin. 

Seo Yea-ji in It's Okay Not To Be Okay

  • Go Moon-young's Avant-Garde Fashion: Her whimsical and bold outfits in It's Okay to Not Be Okay turned heads, with fairy-tale-inspired dresses and striking accessories that complemented her complex and mysterious character. Her style embodied a blend of haute couture and storytelling that resonated far beyond Korea. Goo Moon-young is played by Seo Yea-ji.

Ji Chang Wook at Milan Fashion Week: A K-Drama Star on the Global Stage

One of the standout moments from the 2024 Milan Fashion Week was seeing Ji Chang Wook, a beloved K-drama actor, grace the Giorgio Armani Fall/Winter 2024 show. Dressed in a crisp all-white ensemble, Ji Chang Wook embodied sophistication Ji Chang Wook, Giorgio Armani Fall/Winter 2024 Show and elegance, proving that K-drama stars are not just television icons but also global fashion influencers.

  • Why This Matters: His appearance at a major fashion event highlights the growing recognition of Korean talent in the international fashion industry. It also underscores how K-drama actors are bridging cultural gaps, bringing Korean aesthetics to a broader audience.
  • Behind the Look: Ji Chang Wook's outfit, with its clean lines and classic silhouette, reflected the "old money" aesthetic currently trending in fashion circles. The look was a perfect blend of timeless appeal and modern style, showing how Korean actors can seamlessly adapt to and influence global fashion trends.

From Screen to Street: How to Get the Look

If you're as captivated by K-drama fashion as I am, here are a few tips on how to bring these styles into your own wardrobe:

  • Embrace Layers: Many K-drama looks, especially in shows like Crash Landing on You, feature smart layering—think turtlenecks under blazers or sweaters paired with structured coats.
  • Play with Patterns and Textures: Go Moon-young's outfits are a masterclass in mixing bold prints and luxurious fabrics. Don't be afraid to experiment with unique textures and layered accessories.
  • The "Old Money" Aesthetic: Take inspiration from Ji Chang Wook’s Milan Fashion Week look. Opt for classic, well-fitted pieces in neutral tones and add a touch of understated elegance with minimalist accessories.

Where K-Drama Fashion Meets Western Trends

Many of the styles seen in K-dramas align with current Western fashion trends. The emphasis on modest yet stylish clothing, soft color palettes, and timeless silhouettes creates a universal appeal. Designers like Minju Kim and brands such as Gentle Monster, which often feature in K-dramas, are also gaining recognition on global runways.

During Milan Fashion Week, the presence of K-drama stars and the influence of Korean designers highlighted the powerful synergy between Eastern and Western fashion cultures. It’s exciting to see how this relationship will evolve, with more K-drama-inspired looks likely making their way into everyday fashion.

My Favorite K-Drama Fashion Moments

As a self-proclaimed K-drama addict, I couldn’t end this post without sharing a few of my all-time favorite fashion moments:

  • Yoon Se-ri’s Parisian-inspired ensembles in Crash Landing on You
  • Go Moon-young’s fairytale-like dresses in It's Okay to Not Be Okay
  • Goo Seung-Joon’s flamboyant suits in Crash Landing on You
  • Captain Ri’s sleek coats and civilian looks

Each of these styles offers a different facet of K-drama fashion, from elegance and whimsy to bold statements and classic cuts.

Fashion as a Gateway to Culture

The rise of K-drama fashion on global stages like Milan Fashion Week is more than just a trend; it's a cultural exchange. It's about bringing the unique storytelling elements of Korean television into the realm of high fashion, showing how style can enhance narratives and connect with audiences on a deeper level.

If you enjoyed this dive into the world of K-drama couture, be sure to check out my YouTube webcast Korean Drama Insider, where I explore everything from iconic fashion moments to deep dives into K-drama storylines and behind-the-scenes secrets.

And if you’ve got a favorite K-drama look or a style icon from the screen, drop a comment below! Let’s keep the conversation going—because, as any K-drama fan knows, there’s always more to discuss.

Stay Connected: Follow Korean Drama Insider

Thanks for registering!


Sign in to leave a comment