The founder of the 100 billion-won sales legend 'Matin Kim,' CEO Kim Da-in, hinted at another legend by reaching annual sales of 10 billion won just two years after launching a new brand.
On the 19th episode of KBS2's 'The boss's ears are donkey ears,' Park Myung Soo and Oh My Girl's Hyojung were shown meeting Matin Kim founder Kim Da-in, the creator of the 100 billion-won sales legend.
Dressed to the nines, Park Myung Soo met the new intern Hyojung in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. The place they headed to is Trimage, known to be home to Son Heung-min, BTS, Girls' Generation's Taeyeon, Kim Jaejoong and others. With the Han River in front and Seoul Forest to the side, Jun Hyun-moo said, "When the units were sold I went with Oh Jung-yeon and she signed the contract and I thought it was too expensive so I didn't. But now housing prices have increased more than tenfold. If I had signed, I might have been able to cut back on broadcasting now," expressing regret.
The 'boss' Park Myung Soo and Hyojung met was 1992-born CEO Kim Da-in, who was not only selected as one of the "seven most shining female leaders in 2023" but also the founder of the fashion brand Matin Kim with 100 billion-won sales. Now having launched a new brand and achieved annual sales of 10 billion won in two years, CEO Kim Da-in is drawing attention through collaborations with several corporations.
CEO Kim Da-in, who did not major in fashion at university, said she did not even complete university and entered the fashion industry in her early 20s with only 60,000 won to buy stock at the Dongdaemun market. Struggling with a reality different from her ideals, she at one point became penniless after failing to sell two jackets she had bought for 60,000 won. But with her mother's help she bought two coats with 300,000 won, sold them, and steadily grew to found Matin Kim with 100 billion-won sales.
CEO Kim Da-in's home was glamorous. A sofa set worth 10 million won occupied the spacious living room, and Park Myung Soo couldn't take his eyes off it. While sitting on the expensive sofa talking, CEO Kim Da-in confided, "Fashion trends change quickly, so keeping up with them is not easy. I habitually observe a lot in daily life to keep track of trends."
CEO Kim Da-in's concerns continued at the company building. While conducting a sample preview meeting for the 2026 S/S release garments, she focused on understanding customer needs. She impressed with an unusual ability to execute, immediately reflecting direct messages from customers in meetings. Although Kim Sook and others shook their heads saying, "Wouldn't that be a bit hard for company employees?" the staff instead said CEO Kim Da-in was a role model and showed respect.
On the criterion for being "successful," CEO Kim Da-in said, "My husband and I talk and think that if people are wearing our products not only in areas with many young people but also in areas with a wide range of ages, then I feel we've become truly famous." Hyojung agreed with the high standard, saying, "I think five out of 10 people should be wearing it."
CEO Kim Da-in's dream was to be a leader of K-fashion. She mistakenly said, "I want to be the leading runner of K-fashion." Park Myung Soo responded, "I hope you lead K-fashion and become the frontrunner who guides it."
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