(clockwise from top left): Dr Ji Sun-woo in 'World of the Married', Yoon Se-ri in 'Crash Landing On You', Atty Hong Cha-young in 'Vincenzo', Jung Seo-hyun in 'Mine'
Cover (clockwise from top left): Dr Ji Sun-woo in 'World of the Married', Yoon Se-ri in 'Crash Landing On You', Atty Hong Cha-young in 'Vincenzo', Jung Seo-hyun in 'Mine'

Get style inspiration from these fashion-forward female characters in the Korean entertainment scene

Korean dramas are all abuzz globally for their out-of-the-box and, often, swoon-inducing stories. For many, the entry point to the K-drama blackhole was the 2019-2020 breakthrough, Crash Landing on You, which features Son Ye-jin as Yoon Se-ri, a stylish heiress who met Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok (Hyun Bin) on a fateful encounter when she was accidentally drifted to the Korean Demilitarized Zone and into North Korea while paragliding.

And who can ever forget the now three-season drama, The Penthouse: War in Life with its jaw-dropping twists and turns? Its characters’ uber-luxurious lives and the secrets behind them are totally mind-blowing. The same goes with Mine, a story that follows the lives of a super-rich family in South Korea and the controversies that surround them. It highlights strong and ambitious women, including the characters Seo Hi-soo and Jung Seo-hyun, who are trying to find the real 'mine'.

This year, viewers also got hooked to Vincenzo, which stars heartthrob Song Joong-ki as Vincenzo Cassano, an Italian mafia consigliere, and posh lawyer Hong Cha-young played by Jeon Yeo-been. But besides the amazing plots, what makes these dramas more interesting are the fashionable characters that lend pizazz to every scene.

Here, we list down some of the most stylish female leads from whom you can draw style inspiration.

1. Seo Hi-soo played by Lee Bo-young | Mine

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Above Seo Hi-soo in "Mine" | Photo: Netflix/tvN
Tatler Asia
Above Seo Hi-soo in "Mine" | Photo: Netflix/tvN
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Above Seo Hi-soo in "Mine" | Photo: Netflix/tvN
Tatler Asia
Above Seo Hi-soo in "Mine" | Photo: Netflix/tvN

Bold colours, graphic and floral prints and feminine silhouettes define Seo Hi-soo’s style. As a former actress and a woman who knows style like the back of her hand, as well as how to stand out, she is confident with what she wears even if that means defying the norm. Case in point: wearing a bright tangerine gown in a formal family gathering, where everyone else wears black.

From Dior dresses to Alexander McQueen outfits, and Bulgari watches and jewellery, the ensembles she wore in the 2021 series, Mine (which revolves around the Han family who helms the business giant Hyowon Group) look like they just jumped out of a fashion magazine. Seo Hi-soo is the wife of Han Ji-yong (Lee Hyun-wook), the second son of Chairman Han Suk-chul who owns business giant Hyowon Group.

Read also: Ultimate Korean Drama List: 30 Of The Best Shows This 2021

2. Shim Su-ryeon played by Lee Ji-ah | The Penthouse: War in Life

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Above An all Louis Vuitton ensemble worn by Shim Su-ryeon in "The Penthouse: War in Life" Season 3 | Photo: Viu
Tatler Asia
Above Shim Su-ryeon in "The Penthouse: War in Life" Season 3 | Photo: Viu

Now on its third season, this mind-blowing drama, which follows the life of the crazy rich homeowners of Hera Palace, is like a showcase of all-things luxe. Last year, we put the spotlight on arrogant Cheon Seo-jin (played by 57th Baeksang Arts Awards Best Actress Kim So-yeon) in our list of five most stylish Korean female leads.

This year, our eyes are on Shim Su-ryeon, a graceful, dignified woman who is humane and kind but is now seeking revenge over the death of her first lover, daughter, and friend. Her style is rather classy with neutrals paired with elegant jewellery. Sometimes, she can be seen wearing something casual, like a tee and denim pencil skirt, which she pairs with a nice statement jacket or a purse.

We couldn’t help but envy her Tiffany & Co earrings and necklaces as well as the Bulgari ring and necklace she wore at episode 12’s engagement party and the all-Louis Vuitton garb in one of the early episodes. She loves wearing white and is one of the few who can carry it very well. Shim Su-ryeon’s role is played by Lee Ji-ah, whom we’ve seen in masterpieces like My Mister.

Read also: Kim So-Yeon: 5 Things To Know About Best Actress Winner at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards

3. Yoon Se-ri played by Son Ye-jin | Crash Landing on You

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Above Yoon Se-ri in "Crash Landing on You" | Photo: Netlflix/tvN

From oversized sunglasses to tailored suits and cosy knits, Queen's Group heiress Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin) slays it effortlessly. In the first episode alone, she pulled off high white boots with a Gucci Sylvie 1969 patent leather mini top handle bag. Her oversized Gentle Monster Her01 sunglasses became such a hit to the point that some fans from around the world would import this pair of sunnies. There is that powerful vibe that reverberates around her, albeit sweet and feminine. Perhaps it is this vibe that caught Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok’s (Hyun Bin) heart in the hit series, Crash Landing on You, and well, in real life.

Read also: From Vincenzo To Crash Landing On You: 10 Filming Locations For Your Bucket List

4. Hong Cha-young played by Jeon Yeo-been | Vincenzo

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Above Hong Cha-young in "Vincenzo" | Photo: Netflix/tvN
Tatler Asia
Above Hong Cha-young in "Vincenzo" | Photo: Netflix/tvN
Tatler Asia
Above Hong Cha-young in "Vincenzo" | Photo: Netflix/tvN

This sassy lawyer in the phenomenal hit Vincenzo shows us that business attire need not be restrained. In the drama, Hong Cha-young (Jeon Yeo-been) is seen sporting suits and coats in various cuts and styles, with colours that range from safe neutrals to bold hues, which pair well with her understated Swarovski earrings and designer bags. In the finale, she’s drop-dead gorgeous in a ruched crossover blouse from Alexander McQueen paired with a Bulgari bangle and Swarovski earrings. It’s very Italian chic, no wonder our dear Italian consigliere, Vincenzo Cassano (Song Joong-ki), couldn’t take her eyes off her.

Read also: Exclusive Interview: Song Joong Ki Talks To Tatler About His Vincenzo Experience

5. Dr Ji Sun-woo played by Kim Hee-tae | The World of the Married

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The World of the Married’s female lead, Dr Ji Sun-woo is the epitome of class, power, and elegance. While her marriage in the series is something we are not envious of, her wardrobe, which includes coats, shoes and bags from brands like Hermès, Lanvin, Bottega Venetta and a lot more is something every girl can dream of. If there is one word to describe her style, it is timeless.

Read also: Crash Landing on You, Itaewon Class, Goblin, and More: A List of Binge-worthy Korean Series

6. Yeo Ha-jin played by Moon Ga-young | Find Me in Your Memory

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Above Yeo Ha-jin in "Find Me in Your Memory" | Photo: Netflix
Tatler Asia
Above Yeo Ha-jin in "Find Me in Your Memory" | Photo: Netflix

As a power influencer, model-turned-actress Yeo Ha-jin (Moon Ga-young) is used to the attention she gets from her fans and followers. Her style is diverse, from laidback sweats in fun colours to dainty dresses in lace or florals and structured suits paired with wide-legged pants or even denim. Her fashion sense echoes a youthful, fun vibe.

Read also: What To Watch: 9 Thrilling Korean Dramas Available On Viu

7. Jung Seo-hyun played by Kim Seo-hyung | Mine

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Above Jung Seo-hyun in "Mine" | Photo: Netflix/tvN
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Above Jung Seo-hyun wears a Tiffany & Co necklace and a pair of earrings in the finale of "Mine" | Photo: Netflix/tvN
Tatler Asia
Above Jung Seo-hyun in "Mine" | Photo: Netflix/tvN
Tatler Asia
Above Jung Seo-hyun in "Mine" | Photo: Netflix/tvN

Played by Kim Seo-hyung (Sky Castle; Empress Ki), Jung Seo-hyun is Hyowon Group's first daughter-in-law and director of Seohyun Gallery. She manages the family’s many homes nestled in one compound as well as covers up for some of their mysterious secrets. She is respected by everyone in the house as well as in the Hyowon Group. In the series, Mine, she parades structured power suits, dresses that complement her tall, skinny physique as well as elegant jewellery like the dazzling Tiffany & Co Tiffany T1 diamond necklace in the final episode.

Read also: 15 Famous Korean Drama Stars And Their Official Instagram Accounts

8. Cheon Song-yi played by Jun Ji-hyun | My Love from the Stars

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Above Cheon Song-yi in "My Love from the Star " | Photo: Netflix
Tatler Asia
Above Cheon Song-yi in "My Love from the Star " | Photo: Netflix
Tatler Asia
Above Cheon Song-yi in "My Love from the Star " | Photo: Netflix

Portrayed by award-winning actress  Jun Ji-hyun (Kingdom: Ashin of the North; Legend of the Blue Sea), Cheon Song-yi is a Hallyu star who’s experiencing a downturn in her career who meets and later on falls in love with Do Min-joon (Kim Soo-hyun), an alien who landed on Earth in 1609 during the Joseon Dynasty. Her style is very young and posh: think beaded jackets, oversized fur coats and sunglasses and statement headpieces.

Read also: 5 Jun Ji-hyun Movies And Shows We Miss: My Sassy Girl, My Love From The Stars, And More

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