Portraits of Ahn Jae-hyeon: From K-Drama Star to Jewelry Designer

South Korean actor Ahn Jae-hyeon, born in Seoul in 1987, first gained fame through popular dramas such as My Love from the Star, You’re All Surrounded, Blood, and Cinderella with Four Knights. With a strong background in modeling since 2009, he transitioned to acting — and now fashion entrepreneurship.

Why Jewelry?

Understanding that a model’s career can be temporary, Ahn launched his jewelry brand to continue his creative journey in the fashion world. In interviews, he reflected, “Since model life is short-lived, I wanted to keep creating in fashion—so I started jewelry.”

AA.Gban: The Brand Story

✨ Inspiration & Design Philosophy

Ahn’s jewelry line—AA.Gban—is deeply inspired by flowers. He describes the act of gifting flowers as a universal symbol of happiness and affection, and his designs aim to capture that emotion in everlasting form. Floral motifs play a central role in his creations, blending elegance with sentiment.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – 16 Nov 2024: South Korean actor Ahn Jae Hyeon shows rings he designed at a studio in Seongsu.

Brand Launch & Growth

Although initially launched in the early 2010s, AA.Gban gained fresh momentum in 2025, particularly after Ahn’s renewed creative focus.

His jewelry line has expanded internationally, marking a significant milestone: a pop-up store held in Shibuya, Tokyo for five days. This move solidified his brand’s entry into the Japanese market and attracted global media attention, even earning a feature in The New York Times.

Authentic Photographs of Ahn Jae-hyeon

Ahn Jae-hyun’s evolution from beloved actor to visionary jewelry designer speaks to his resilience and creativity. His brand AA.Gban reflects his thoughtful philosophy: fashion as happiness, beauty as lasting art. As he continues expanding into new markets and media, his journey offers inspiration and style—for fans, fashion lovers, and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.

I photographed Ahn Jae-hyeon for the New York Times article. Please contact me for licensing inquiries.