Meet model Irene Kim, BTS’ J-Hope’s rumoured girlfriend: the Korean-American fashion ‘It’ girl is pals with Blackpink’s Jennie and Red Velvet’s Joy – and models for Estée Lauder with Kendall Jenner
- Kim’s showed much support for BTS’ J-Hope, including watching his Lollapalooza show with Jimin – and he’s also worn a jumper from her fashion brand, Ireneisgood
- The model dons Chanel, Calvin Klein and colourful outfits on Instagram; and is friends with Soo Joo Park, Girls’ Generation’s Jessica Jung, and f(x)’s Amber
Fashionista Irene Kim, known for her ultra-colourful outfits and sunny, positive energy, has recently been making headlines for her support of BTS member J-Hope’s solo career. She’s even been rumoured to be dating the superstar.
She’s everywhere lately, it seems. She was present at J-Hope’s listening party, the recent Kaws event, and was with Jimin watching J-Hope’s smashing performance at Lollapalooza.
Other than her famous friends, there’s plenty more to know about the 34-year-old – from her own career beginnings and inspiring roots, to her colourful life that extends beyond the fashion world. Let’s see what else there is to uncover about the American-born model so far …
She’s become known for her “unicorn hair”
“Changing my hair colour really did change my life. I think it gave me that trademark,” she said in Teen Vogue. She mentioned how her agency “wasn’t very fond of the idea” initially, as it could affect her work as a model. In the past, per Hypebae, Kim had also turned down a modelling contract that suggested she undergo plastic surgery. Instead she embraced her natural Asian features – and her unique sense of style and what she felt made her look good.
On Hypebae, Kim said, “Four years ago, when I first dyed my hair, nobody had coloured hair. I was one of the first Asians to do it.”
“You have this image, like if you’re an Asian model, you need to have long, black, straight hair – but now, it doesn’t really matter,” she added. “It’s really given me an image – it’s made me Irene.”