Inside the life of a Korean student and fashionista.

Korea doesn’t allow too much room for creative thinkers, but Jina Kim, born and raised in South Korea, found her own creative methods.  You’ll find this Korean fashion blogger super cool and on-trend!  District Gal met this fashionista on WhatIWear, a Fashion Bloggers Network.  She has managed to make her own fashion blog on Naver (Korea’s Google) and YouTube in English.  Here’s a few questions asked and Jina kindly shared more details about herself.  Don’t be shy, say Hello, and if you want to know more, feel free to comment and ask away! 🙂

Tell us about yourself.

“I’m Jina Kim, a Korean fashion blogger.  At day, I’m just a normal student who is interested in fashion. Currently, I’m studying Communication and English literature at Sogang university. However, I do so many other things at night. I’m working as a fashion journalist at CJ E&M and Naver, which are big companies in Korea.

Also, I had chances to spoke in both Sook-myeong and Taegu University about fashion, and it was a great experience. I have many jobs, but my main title is always ‘a fashion blogger’. It’s been about 3 years since I started my blog, and I mainly post my personal style photos. My fashion style changes everyday by what I see and listen. I get inspirations mostly from movies and dramas. When I was 20, I was so obsessed with the character ‘Effy’ from English drama ‘Skins’, so I used to wear a thick chain necklace with mesh stockings. Since then, I have always tried new styles. Although I try new things everyday, I have my own rule for fashion. I wear clothes with interesting details like fur, studs, or prints.”

Where can readers find out more about you?

“My blog title is ‘Play with Fashion’ (thisisafashionblog.com). I’m using other social medias, too. Especially, I love to upload fashion videos on my youtube channel these days.”
Youtube: http://youtube.com/itsjinakim
Instagram: http://instagram.com/kjn331
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jina331

What are your biggest passions?

“I’m interested in fashion, social media, making videos and different cultures. As I’m studying Communication in my university, I love filming and editing videos. Also, I hope to study more about social media in graduate school. One day, I will do something that can combine all of my interests together.”

How did you first become interested in what you do?  Why is it important?

“I always had desire to express my individuality when I was young. Because I’ve lived in Incheon, Korea entire my life, I was forced to wear school uniform. I couldn’t change the length of the skirt or even my hair. Those stupid rules made my aspiration to fashion much bigger. Also, I couldn’t wear new clothes because of my older sister. My mother bought pretty clothes only for my older sister, and when she couldn’t wear them because it’s too small for her, then I could finally wear those clothes. I’ve wanted to have my own clothes which fit me! When I turned 20, I could escape from strict school rules and my sister’s clothes finally. Since I was interested in writing, social media, taking pictures and fashion, it was so natural to start my fashion blog. I think fashion is not just about appearance. My lifestyle, history, thoughts, habits and inspirations are expressed by my fashion. Therefore, my fashion blog is just my life.”

How would you describe Korean fashion?  What differences do you find internationally?

“I thought that Korean women wanted to look just pretty for men. When a person wear something unique, everyone on the street looked at that person strangely. Therefore, I thought Korean fashion was boring. However, I can see many women who wear different styles nowadays. There are some groups by age, region and style. For example, I can see women wearing tight short skirts and high heels in Incheon. In Hongdae, most of them wear street fashion mixing with snapbacks and platforms. Garosu-gil’s people pursue more minimal and chic style.”

What would you say to others like yourself seeking general creative advice, whether Korean or expats living in Korea?

“I want to say Korean people that don’t give up your dream because of other people. Also, don’t be afraid to try new things. I know Korean culture enforces same and safe life like others. Good university and safe job. However, it’s your own life. You have to lead your life by yourself. Just believe yourself and do it. Also, knowing trend is essential if you want to be a creative person. Read, search and learn a lot. Then you will become the first.”

What fashion style or advice would you like to see on District Gal?

“As Korean fashion blogger, it’s really interesting to see Korean fashion from District Gal (foreigner’s perspective).  I want to see more of District Gal’s personal fashion style in her StudioLookbook, too.”

Photo Courtesy of Jina Kim