South Korea · Drama · 2012
Fashion King
Synopsis
Kang Young-gul starts out selling clothes as a vendor in Seoul's Dongdaemun Market, a long way from the fashion houses he dreams of breaking into. His fortunes change when he meets Lee Ga-young, a design talent who later earns a scholarship to study fashion in New York, and their shared ambition pulls them toward each other.
Their path to the top gets tangled up with wealthy businessman Jung Jae-hyuk and designer Choi Anna, whose own interests in the industry, and in Young-gul and Ga-young personally, turn the climb up the fashion world into a love triangle as much as a career story. The series follows the group across Seoul, New York and Las Vegas as alliances and rivalries shift with each new collection.
Fashion King stars Yoo Ah-in, Shin Se-kyung and Lee Je-hoon, and aired on SBS across 20 episodes from March 19 to May 22, 2012.
Fashion King cast
Best scenes
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Young-gul's Runway Debut: Witness Kang Young-gul's transformation from a street vendor to a fashion sensation as he showcases his designs on the runway, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
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Ga-young's Scholarship Award: Lee Ga-young's hard work pays off when she earns a scholarship to a prestigious New York fashion school, highlighting her determination and talent.
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Young-gul and Ga-young's Collaboration: The duo's first joint fashion show exemplifies their combined creativity and evolving partnership, captivating the audience with their innovative designs.
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Jae-hyuk's Confession: Jung Jae-hyuk's heartfelt admission of his feelings to Ga-young adds complexity to the love dynamics, intensifying the emotional stakes.
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Anna's Runway Triumph: Choi Anna's successful fashion show in New York underscores her resilience and ambition in the competitive fashion industry.
Filming locations
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Dongdaemun Market, Seoul: The bustling heart of Seoul's fashion scene serves as Young-gul's starting point, capturing the vibrant energy of local markets.
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New York City, USA: Iconic locations like Times Square and the Fashion District highlight the global reach of the fashion industry.
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Las Vegas, Nevada, USA: The city's dynamic atmosphere provides a backdrop for pivotal moments, emphasizing the characters' high-stakes ventures.
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Garosugil, Seoul: Known for its trendy boutiques, this area reflects the characters' chic lifestyles and fashion-forward mindsets.
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Han River, Seoul: Scenic riverside scenes offer moments of reflection and decision-making for the protagonists.
Visual design and costumes
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Streetwear Aesthetics: Young-gul's designs draw inspiration from urban street fashion, blending casual wear with high-fashion elements.
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Elegant Couture: Ga-young's creations often feature sophisticated silhouettes and luxurious fabrics, showcasing her refined design sensibilities.
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Corporate Chic: Jae-hyuk's wardrobe includes tailored suits and sleek accessories, reflecting his status as a business mogul.
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High-Fashion Glamour: Anna's outfits consist of designer pieces and avant-garde styles, emphasizing her role in the elite fashion world.
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Cultural Fusion: The series incorporates traditional Korean motifs into modern designs, celebrating the fusion of heritage and contemporary fashion.
Themes and messages
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Pursuit of Dreams: The narrative emphasizes the importance of ambition and perseverance in achieving one's goals, especially in a competitive industry.
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Complex Relationships: Explores the intricacies of love, jealousy, and rivalry, highlighting how personal connections influence professional decisions.
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Socioeconomic Disparities: Addresses class differences and their impact on opportunities and relationships within the fashion world.
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Identity and Self-Discovery: Characters undergo personal growth, confronting their pasts to define their futures.
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Ethics in Business: Raises questions about moral choices in the pursuit of success, examining the balance between ambition and integrity.
Interesting facts
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International Filming: "Fashion King" features scenes shot in New York City and Las Vegas, providing an authentic portrayal of the global fashion industry.
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Cameo Appearances: Fashion designer Tory Burch makes a special appearance, adding credibility to the series' depiction of the fashion world.
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Soundtrack Highlights: Seohyun from Girls' Generation contributes the song "I'll Be Waiting" to the drama's OST, enhancing its emotional depth.
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Fashion Week Integration: Filming coincided with New York's Fashion Week, capturing the event's authentic atmosphere.
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Debut Roles: The series features early performances by actors who have since risen to greater prominence in the Korean entertainment industry.
Real-life loves on set
There are no public records or credible reports indicating that any romantic relationships from the "Fashion King" cast have extended into real life. The actors have maintained professional relationships, and no off-screen romances have been reported.
Episodes
| Ep | Title | Air date | Status | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 1 | 2012-03-19 | Aired | |
| 2 | Episode 2 | 2012-03-20 | Aired | |
| 3 | Episode 3 | 2012-03-26 | Aired | |
| 4 | Episode 4 | 2012-03-27 | Aired | |
| 5 | Episode 5 | 2012-04-02 | Aired | |
| 6 | Episode 6 | 2012-04-03 | Aired | |
| 7 | Episode 7 | 2012-04-09 | Aired | |
| 8 | Episode 8 | 2012-04-10 | Aired | |
| 9 | Episode 9 | 2012-04-16 | Aired | |
| 10 | Episode 10 | 2012-04-17 | Aired | |
| 11 | Episode 11 | 2012-04-23 | Aired | |
| 12 | Episode 12 | 2012-04-24 | Aired | |
| 13 | Episode 13 | 2012-04-30 | Aired | |
| 14 | Episode 14 | 2012-05-01 | Aired | |
| 15 | Episode 15 | 2012-05-07 | Aired | |
| 16 | Episode 16 | 2012-05-08 | Aired | |
| 17 | Episode 17 | 2012-05-14 | Aired | |
| 18 | Episode 18 | 2012-05-15 | Aired | |
| 19 | Episode 19 | 2012-05-21 | Aired | |
| 20 | Episode 20 | 2012-05-22 | Aired |
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