Jung Kuho
Former Executive Director, Seoul Fashion Week
A veteran designer in his native Korea, he put Seoul Fashion Week on the international map.
Seoul-based designer Jung Kuho is the former executive director of Seoul Fashion Week. The first director of Seoul Fashion Week to be appointed in its 15 year history, Jung put Seoul Fashion Week on the international map. A veteran designer of his eponymous label Kuho, produced under Chiel Industries group, he was also a vice president at Fila Korea and consulted on the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Jung served as creative director of Samsung’s fashion division and leading Korean fashion and textiles firm Cheil Industries from 2003 to 2013. In this role, he oversaw Samsung’s licensed brands Nina Ricci and 10 Corso Como. He was the first designer to be appointed to this managerial role and during his decade-long tenure, profits for the company increased thirteen-fold. His unprecedented success in the role inspired other Korean technology firms such as LG Fashion to explore the opportunities in fashion.
Jung attended Parson’s School of Design where he studied communications before switching to fashion design. Upon his return to Seoul, he took an intensive draping course before launching his widely successful label Kuho, which was acquired by Cheil Industries in 2003. The designer’s robust background in other forms of creative art, including theatre and dance inspire his avant-garde designs that became an instant hit with celebrities and local socialites.
Jung’s second label, Hexa by Kuho, which launched in 2010 and has shown in Paris. As part of the “Concept Korea” exhibition held at the New York Public Library in February 2010, Jung tapped a fleet of top models including Freja Beha Erichsen , Lindsey Wixson and Rania Benchegra to walk in his Hexa by Kuho runway show. The presentation was accompanied by a short film exclusively produced by Nick Knight .
Jung’s brands, consistently at the forefront of Korean fashion, are stocked at major online retailers as well as 10 Corso Como in Seoul. Hexa by Kuho’s first brick-and-mortar store was located in Seoul, and has since expanded to several more locations across Korea. In 2013, he directed two collaborative dance performances with Korea’s National Dance Company, in which dancers don traditional costume or clothing designed by Jung Kuho. The previous year, he collaborated with the Korean National Ballet on a performance entitled “Poise.”
In November 2018, Jung curated the inaugural exhibition "Overstated & Understated" at Paradise City resort, a 330,000 square-metre, $1.1 billion joint venture between Korean casino operator Paradise Group and Japanese entertainment company Sega Sammy.
VITAL STATISTICS
Find out more
The Future of Asia’s Fashion Weeks
As Shanghai Fashion Week returns to business as usual, organisers and retailers in Tokyo and Seoul are turning their focus to homegrown talent.
The Future of Asia’s Fashion Weeks
As Shanghai Fashion Week returns to business as usual, organisers and retailers in Tokyo and Seoul are turning their focus to homegrown talent.
This K-Beauty Brand Is Bigger Than Chanel. But It’s In Trouble.
Amorepacific rode the K-beauty wave to become one of Asia’s most powerful cosmetics empires, surpassing beauty sales of Chanel and LVMH. But as it grapples with a patent battle and a turbulent China market, some wonder whether its heyday might be over.
This K-Beauty Brand Is Bigger Than Chanel. But It’s In Trouble.
Amorepacific rode the K-beauty wave to become one of Asia’s most powerful cosmetics empires, surpassing beauty sales of Chanel and LVMH. But as it grapples with a patent battle and a turbulent China market, some wonder whether its heyday might be over.
Why International Beauty Brands Are Piling into South Korea
Global players from Givenchy Beauty to Sephora are targeting the growing opportunity in South Korea, but a phalanx of homegrown brands stands in their way.
Why International Beauty Brands Are Piling into South Korea
Global players from Givenchy Beauty to Sephora are targeting the growing opportunity in South Korea, but a phalanx of homegrown brands stands in their way.
Why Puffer Jackets Are at the Centre of Korea’s Class Divide
While the explosive popularity of puffer jackets is a boon for outerwear brands like The North Face and Moncler, the trend highlights some uncomfortable truths about South Korean society.
Why Puffer Jackets Are at the Centre of Korea’s Class Divide
While the explosive popularity of puffer jackets is a boon for outerwear brands like The North Face and Moncler, the trend highlights some uncomfortable truths about South Korean society.
How Korea Became a Lifeline for Cool Young Designers Everywhere
It was easy to get distracted by the catwalk spectacle at last month’s Seoul Fashion Week, but the city’s real stars are its retailers who keep young international designers afloat.
How Korea Became a Lifeline for Cool Young Designers Everywhere
It was easy to get distracted by the catwalk spectacle at last month’s Seoul Fashion Week, but the city’s real stars are its retailers who keep young international designers afloat.
Korea’s Big Retailers Under Pressure
South Korea's retail sector has long been dominated by major conglomerates, but the country’s new president seems prepared to take a harder stance against the country's so-called 'chaebols.'
Korea’s Big Retailers Under Pressure
South Korea's retail sector has long been dominated by major conglomerates, but the country’s new president seems prepared to take a harder stance against the country's so-called 'chaebols.'
‘Korean Chaos’ Worries the Fashion Industry
Seoul Fashion Week kicked off on Monday but the city’s retail market is suffering because of a showdown with China, domestic instability and a new anti-graft law.
‘Korean Chaos’ Worries the Fashion Industry
Seoul Fashion Week kicked off on Monday but the city’s retail market is suffering because of a showdown with China, domestic instability and a new anti-graft law.
#BoF500 — The New Class: Catalysts
They may work behind the scenes, but these talent spotters, agents and educators are essential to making the fashion machine tick. Meet the 15 catalysts who are new to the #BoF500 this year.
#BoF500 — The New Class: Catalysts
They may work behind the scenes, but these talent spotters, agents and educators are essential to making the fashion machine tick. Meet the 15 catalysts who are new to the #BoF500 this year.
Can Seoul Fashion Week Turn Buzz into Business?
With a strong manufacturing base, government funding and a globe-conquering pop culture, Seoul Fashion Week wants to become a destination for international buyers. But it won’t be easy.
Can Seoul Fashion Week Turn Buzz into Business?
With a strong manufacturing base, government funding and a globe-conquering pop culture, Seoul Fashion Week wants to become a destination for international buyers. But it won’t be easy.
A Populist Approach at Seoul Fashion Week
Featuring celebrity endorsements, accessible price points and a mega-watt K-pop soundtrack, South Korea’s designer showcase wrapped up this weekend in a heady mix of fanfare meets fan culture.
A Populist Approach at Seoul Fashion Week
Featuring celebrity endorsements, accessible price points and a mega-watt K-pop soundtrack, South Korea’s designer showcase wrapped up this weekend in a heady mix of fanfare meets fan culture.
More Catalysts
What is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
