How to dress like Kim Ji Won in Queen Of Tears
Have your own chaebol moment with these Hong Hae In-approved pieces
By Hana Lee -
If you’re a big fan of Korean dramas, you probably have Netflix’s Queen of Tears on your watchlist now. The K-drama starring Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won is one of the highest-rated dramas currently, and for good reason. The plot is engaging and fresh, and Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji-won’s character)’s fashion choices make for a visual feast.
This is why we’ve rounded up some of our favourite pieces worn by Kim Ji Won, who acts as the CEO of a department store in the drama. Most of these pieces are designer wear, befitting of her chaebol (heir of a conglomerate) stature.
Balmain Knit dress with pearl and crystal embroidery, US$3,970 (S$5,356)
When Hae-in went for a business party to negotiate a deal with a brand, she traded her usual power suits for a black dress with pearl and crystal details. And we must say it’s a great choice because this black knit dress from Balmain grabs attention without being too loud, and oozes lady boss vibes. This makes her look confident, without looking too domineering, which was what she needed to appeal to the CEO of the brand.
Alexander McQueen Peak Shoulder Blazer Jacket W/ Eyelet Detail In Black, US$2,790 (S$3,764)
A black blazer might be seen as basic, so we love that Hae-in wore one with accents to jazz things up. This eyelet detail blazer screams CEO, but with an edge. This is great for boardroom meetings where you need to pull the ranks but make it look ~fashion~. Unfortunately, the jacket is no longer available on the official website.
Need designer shoes that you can run around with when out with the kids? Opt for these comfy pair from Roger Vivier, like Hae In did. It comes with the brand’s iconic buckle, and has just a bit of added height for those who don’t want to forgo the inches. The curved silhouette makes this pair look dressier than any sneakers, so you don’t have to worry about pairing it with your flowy dress or skirt. These shoes are reportedly sold out in multiple stores in South Korea following the episode where Baek Hyun Woo (Kim Soo Hyun’s character) gifted them to her.
Gabriela Hearst Stephanie Blazer in Sapphire Silk Wool with Linen, US$2,190 (S$,2955)
You know a woman means business when she pulls up with a three-piece suit, just like Hae-in did. The CEO opted for a linen suit from Gabriela Hearst, which comes in a pretty sapphire blue shade for a slightly casual finish. We also like that it comes in linen, which is great for Singapore’s hot weather.
In the first episode, Hae In wore a black tweed jacket from Chanel’s Pre-fall 2017 collection, paired with the brand’s long necklace and a mini skirt. The outfit was apt for the setting, which was a TV interview in her house, as the jacket has the perfect balance of formal and dressy. The jacket is no longer available on the official website.
Dior 30 Montaigne Bar Jacket White Double-Breasted Wool and Silk; Saddle Belt, S$930
In a flashback moment in the drama, Hae In was seen wearing a white blazer from Dior’s 2019 30 Montaigne collection, paired with a tulle skirt and the brand’s iconic belt. While her outfit was perfect for the field of greenery her helicopter landed on, it wouldn’t look out of place in the office either. The blazer is no longer available on the website, but there’s a similar black wool one with the same silhouette in their current collection, retailing for S$5,900.
Thom Browne Medium Grey School Uniform Plain Weave High Armhole Single Breasted Sport Coat, S$4,317
In one of the first scenes where Hae-in was an intern, she was spotted wearing a grey suit from Thom Browne. Keen eyes would spot that she wasn’t wearing bold pieces to work at the time – presumably because she was keeping a low profile and didn’t want people to know she was the heir of the company. The cropped jacket gives her the illusion of long legs and adds a modern twist to the traditional blazer look.
Alexander McQueen Iris-printed Double-breasted Blazer Jacket and Pants
If there’s one thing that is a staple in Hae-in’s work wardrobe, it is a bold jacket. In the garden scene where she met her family, she was seen in Alexander McQueen’s Iris-printed jacket and pants from the Spring Summer 2023 collection. The iris in question isn’t the flower, but literally an eye. Guess it’s a way of telling her mother, sister-in-law, and nosy matchmaker that she is watching their every move!
Think fuchsia and high fashion, and Valentino’s Pink PP collection comes to mind. Hence, it’s not surprising that when Hae-in wanted a pink moment, she opted for a full outfit from the Italian fashion house. The combo balances out girly with authority, as the jacket-and-skirt combo screams “girlboss doing serious business”. She paired it with a Locò in a matching colour.
This article was originally published in Singapore Women's Weekly.