The 2025 SBS Drama Awards officially took place on the evening of December 31, bringing together a star-studded line-up of Korea’s top actors. Among the participants, Kim Ji Won attracted special attention, continuing the immense interest of the public around her after the huge success of Queen of tears earlier this year.
The actress appeared in an elegant black dress that exuded understated elegance and maturity. His calm demeanor and refined style reminded many viewers of Hong Hae In, the character who defined a new peak in his career. Adding to the excitement was her new bob haircut, an unusual choice for Kim Ji Won, who has long been associated with long, feminine hairstyles. The look evoked memories of his appearance in Descendants of the sunalmost a decade ago.
However, it wasn’t her outfit or hairstyle that set social media abuzz, but a small accessory she had in her hand.
After photos of the event circulated online, eagle-eyed fans noticed that out of the two rings Kim Ji Won was wearing, one looked surprisingly familiar. The ring closely resembled the BVLGARI Serpenti design that became iconic during the broadcast of Queen of tearswidely regarded by fans as the symbolic wedding ring of Hong Hae In and Baek Hyun Woo (played by Kim Soo Hyun).
In the drama, despite the couple’s emotionally distant and strained marriage, both characters constantly wore their wedding rings. The accessory often appeared in close-up shots, becoming a powerful visual symbol of the unbreakable bond between two people on the brink of separation. The Serpenti design, featuring the snake motif long associated with BVLGARI, symbolizes eternal love, wisdom and irresistible charm.
What sparked even more discussion was the detail that Kim Ji Won’s ring at the awards ceremony appeared to be the diamond-free version, identical to the ring worn by Baek Hyun Woo in the drama. This immediately sparked nostalgic reactions from fans of the Hong-Baek couple, reviving emotional memories of scenes that once dominated screens across Asia.
However, amid the excitement and speculation, a more solid explanation quickly emerged. Kim Ji Won is currently a global ambassador for BVLGARI, making it only natural for her to wear one of the brand’s most iconic designs at a prestigious and high-profile event. From a fashion and branding point of view, the choice was appropriate and strategic.
Even so, fans couldn’t help but feel sentimental. Kim Ji Won’s appearance with the family ring served as a silent reminder of the profound impact Queen of tears and the on-screen couple of Hong Hae In and Baek Hyun Woo left audiences speechless.
