**[OSEN=Jang Woo-young]** Kim Da-in, the founder of the ‘Matinkim’ brand known for its 100 billion won sales legend, has announced another success story. Two years after launching a new brand, she has achieved annual sales of 10 billion won, foretelling her next legend.
On the 19th broadcast of KBS2’s ‘The Boss Has Donkey Ears,’ Park Myung-soo and Oh My Girl’s Hyojung met with the ‘Matinkim’ founder, Kim Da-in, known for the 100 billion won sales success.
Park Myung-soo, dressed up, met with new intern Hyojung in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. They visited ‘Trimaje,’ known to be the residence of individuals like Son Heung-min, BTS, Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon, and Kim Jae-joong. Jun Hyun-moo commented, “When it was first being sold, I went with Oh Jung-yeon who signed a contract, but I thought it was expensive and didn’t. Now the property prices have gone up more than tenfold. If I had signed, I might not need to appear on broadcast as often now.”
The “boss” that Park Myung-soo and Hyojung met was Kim Da-in, born in 1992, who has not only been selected as one of the “7 Most Shining Women Leaders of 2023” but also is the founder of the fashion brand ’Matinkim,’ boasting 100 billion won in sales. Having launched a new brand, she achieved annual sales of 10 billion won in just two years and is gaining attention by collaborating with various companies.
Kim Da-in revealed that she did not major in fashion at university and did not attend college. She entered the fashion industry in her early 20s with just 60,000 won starting by purchasing items at the Dongdaemun market. The reality was harsh, and she became penniless after failing to sell two jackets she bought with her 60,000 won. However, with her mother’s help, she received 300,000 won, sold two coats, and steadily grew, eventually leading to the founding of ‘Matinkim’ with 100 billion won in sales.
Kim Da-in’s house was extravagant. The spacious living room was dominated by a sofa costing 10 million won per set, catching Park Myung-soo’s eyes. During their conversation while sitting on the expensive sofa, Kim Da-in revealed her concerns: “Fashion trends change quickly, and it’s not easy to keep up with them. I observe a lot to see trends habitually in daily life.”
Her concerns extended to her office as well. During the sample preview meetings for the 2026 S/S collection, they focused on understanding customer needs. By promptly incorporating feedback from customers’ direct messages into meetings, her exceptional execution left everyone impressed. Kim Sook suggested it might be tough being an employee, but staff expressed admiration, stating Kim Da-in is a role model.
Kim Da-in discussed the criteria for being ‘successful’, saying, “When my husband and I talk, it’s when people are wearing our products not only in areas with a lot of young people but in regions with diverse age groups—then it feels like we’re truly famous.” Hyojung agreed, “I think 5 out of 10 people should be wearing it.”
Her dream is to be a leader in K-fashion. She accidentally said, “I want to be a leading pioneer of K-fashion.” To this, Park Myung-soo responded, “I hope you lead K-fashion and become the pioneer at the forefront.” /[email protected]