Aside from the interesting plot and the amazing soundtrack, fans tune in to K-dramas and Korean movies for the actors' dazzling visuals, made complete by their characters donning the latest trends in fashion. Some dramas and films take it to the next level by centering the entire plot on the fashion industry. The glitzy, glamorous, but also competitive world of fashion serves as the backdrop for coming-of-age stories, romantic storylines, and even comedy.
Here are six must-watch Korean dramas and movies about fashion:
1. Fashion King (2014)
Who's in it: Joo Won, Sulli, Ahn Jae Hyun, Park Se Young
Not to be confused with the 2012 drama of the same name, this coming-of-age comedy film is based on the popular webtoon Fashion King by Kian84. It tells the story of Woo Ki Myung (Joo Won), an average-looking student from a rural high school who jumps at the chance to transfer to a prestigious high school in Gangnam, Seoul. There he meets his dream girl and the prettiest girl in school, Park Hye Jin (Park Se Young). To get her attention, Ki Myung receives help from a local fashionista who introduces him to the world of fashion. With his newfound hip fashion style, Ki Myung becomes popular at school but is rivaled by the handsome, rich, and model-like Kim Won Ho (Ahn Jae Hyun). Preoccupied with Hye Jin, Ki Myung fails to notice that his classmate Kwak Eun Jin (Sulli) has feelings for him all along!
2. She Was Pretty (2015)
Who's in it: Hwang Jung Eum, Park Seo Joon, Choi Siwon
Kim Hye Jin (Hwang Jung Eum) isn't as pretty and popular as she was when she was a child. Because of her appearance, Hye Jin gets embarrassed upon meeting her childhood friend Ji Sung Joon (Park Seo Joon). Bullied for his weight before, Sung Joon grew up to be fit, good-looking, and successful. Excited to meet his friend and first love Hye Jin, he crosses paths with her but is unable to recognize Hye Jin. Because of this, Hye Jin enlists the help of her pretty and fashionable friend Min Ha Ri (Go Joon Hee) to pretend to be her and meet up with Sung Joon instead. Now working as an intern for a fashion magazine, things get complicated when Hye Jin runs into Sung Joon again who is revealed to be her newest boss.
3. Perfume (2019)
Who's in it: Go Won Hee, Shin Sung Rok, Kim Min Kyu
Min Jae Hee (Ha Jae Sook) is an unhappy housewife due to her cheating husband and her crippling self-esteem issues. One day, the disheartened Jae Hee is mysteriously given a magical bottle of perfume that changes her appearance to that of her pretty 20-year-old self. Now more confident with her looks, she decides to give her lifelong dream of becoming a model a chance. She begins working as a model under the name Min Ye Rin and is able to walk the runway for a fashion show by top designer Seo Yi Do (Shin Sung Rok). Yi Do is a bit high maintenance, with his 52 phobias and 32 allergies. Throughout the drama, Yi Do struggles with his feelings for his first love Jae Hee and his developing affection for Ye Rin (not knowing they're the same person!).
4. Record Of Youth (2020)
Who's in it: Park Bo Gum, Park So Dam, Byeon Woo Seok, Kwon Soo Hyun
This romance drama revolves around the story of young people who are struggling to realize their goals. Sa Hye Joon (Park Bo Gum) is an aspiring actor and model who slowly gains popularity alongside his best friend and industry rival Won Hae Hyo (Byun Woo Seok). While working as models, they come across the ambitious makeup artist Ahn Jung Ha (Park So Dam). The trio navigates the challenging modeling industry together and try to achieve both their dreams and love in the process.
To prepare for his role as a model in Record Of Youth. Park Bo Gum revealed he watched fashion show footage: "In order to play the model Sa Hye Joon, I’ve studied fashion show runway footage, as well as photo shoots and interviews. But at the same time, in his everyday life, Sa Hye Joon is just another young adult who continues to challenge himself and advance toward his dreams. I'm doing my best to give a realistic portrayal that’s reflective of my peers who have dreams."
5. Now We Are Breaking Up (2021)
Who's in it: Song Hye Kyo, Jang Ki Yong
This romance melodrama stars Song Hye Kyo as Ha Young Eun, a goal-driven fashion designer who is a realist when it comes to love and her career. She crosses paths with the free-spirited and charismatic photographer Yoon Jae Guk (Jang Ki Yong) and the two engage in a *memorable* one-night stand. They meet again in the cutthroat world of the fashion industry and Young Eun is determined to put love aside while Jae Guk is set on winning her heart.
In an interview with Dazed Korea, Song Hye Kyo talked about the drama’s focus on the fashion industry, saying, “As an actress, the fashion industry isn’t unfamiliar. However, I was a bit surprised while indirectly experiencing the work that happens in an actual company that designs clothes. I realized it was really like a very fierce and chaotic battlefield in which every minute and every second is precious. I think the viewers will also have fun watching what happens up to the point in which the clothes we buy come out into the world."
6. The Fabulous (2022)
Who's in it: SHINee's Minho, Chae Soo Bin
The Fabulous is an upcoming Netflix romantic comedy that delves into the lives of four young professionals who are juggling both their demanding jobs in the very competitive Seoul fashion industry as well as some budding ~steamy~ romances. Freelance photo editor Ji Woo Min (SHINee's Minho) has it all: good looks and competence. The one thing he lacks is the passion for both work and love. He then meets Pyo Ji Eun (Chae Soo Bin), a public relations manager for a luxury brand who is determined to survive in the fashion industry. Sparks fly between the two and they start a relationship that is something like friendship but definitely a lot more flirty and romantic.
The Fabulous is also expected to feature some of the biggest names in the Korean fashion industry, with model Choi Sora, the winner of the third cycle of Korea's Next Top Model making an appearance in the trailer. The drama will be available to stream on Netflix starting November 4, Friday.
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