The late hanbok designer Kim Rieul / Yonhap

Kim Rieul (real name Kim Jong-won), the designer known for creating BTS' "hanbok" (traditional Korean attire), has died at the age of 32.

According to Yonhap News and other outlets citing the police on Wednesday, Kim was found unconscious at an apartment complex in Namwon, North Jeolla Province.

Kim's parents live in Namwon, and he was reportedly visiting their apartment at the time. Police suspect that Kim took his own life and are investigating the details of the incident while questioning those close to him.

Kim gained recognition in 2016 when he launched his brand Rieul, which modernized hanbok using traditional fabrics. He collaborated with global brands such as New Balance, McLaren and Samsung Galaxy S21, as well as with government institutions like the Cultural Heritage Administration.

He rose to international prominence in September 2020 when BTS wore his hanbok designs during the band's performance of "IDOL" at Gyeongbok Palace's Geunjeongjeon courtyard on NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." The performance video amassed tens of millions of views on YouTube, drawing global attention to Kim's work.

Recognized for his innovation and influence, Kim was named one of Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia in 2023. In November 2023, he also spoke at a forum, saying, "I want people to confidently say Rieul when asked about Korea's high-end brands. My philosophy is to express my thoughts in my own way. I hope Rieul becomes a brand for those who express themselves and is recognized as a luxury Korean brand."

A photo of BTS wearing Kim Rieul's "hanbok" at Gyeongbok Palace in 2020 / Captured from Kim Rieul's Instagram

Kim's final social media post, uploaded on Jan. 9, featured the text "1993-2025" along with an image of the Rieul brand name.

Friends and acquaintances reacted with shock, leaving comments such as "I can't believe it," "This doesn't make sense" and "We were supposed to meet in a few days." Others paid tribute, writing, "Rest in peace."

This article is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.