Ryu Hyung Won is a South Korean photographer and director who has become one of the most influential figures in the world of fashion photography. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Ryu began his career as a photographer in the early 2000s, shooting for magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. His work has been featured in numerous international publications, including Elle, GQ, and Marie Claire.
Ryu's signature style is characterized by its bold use of color and light, often featuring models in surreal settings. He has worked with some of the biggest names in fashion, including Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada. He has also collaborated with celebrities such as Rihanna and Lady Gaga.
In addition to his work as a photographer, Ryu is also an accomplished director. He has directed music videos for artists such as Big Bang and 2NE1. He also directed the short film "The Red Shoes," which was nominated for Best Short Film at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017.
Ryu's work has been exhibited around the world at galleries such as The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City and The National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo. His photographs have been featured on covers of magazines such as Vogue Korea and W Magazine Korea. In 2020 he was named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of the Year.