On the evening of December 31, the 2025 SBS Drama Awards officially took place, bringing together a star-studded lineup of Korea’s top actors. Among the attendees, Kim Ji Won drew particular attention, continuing the immense public interest surrounding her following the massive success of Queen of Tears earlier this year.
The actress appeared in a sleek black suit that exuded understated elegance and maturity. Her calm demeanor and refined styling reminded many viewers of Hong Hae In, the character that defined a new peak in her career. Adding to the buzz was her newly debuted bob haircut—an uncommon choice for Kim Ji Won, who has long been associated with long, feminine hairstyles. The look evoked memories of her appearance in Descendants of the Sun, nearly a decade ago.
However, it was not her outfit or hairstyle that ultimately set social media abuzz—but a small accessory on her hand.
After photos from the event circulated online, eagle-eyed fans noticed that among the two rings Kim Ji Won was wearing, one looked strikingly familiar. The ring closely resembled the BVLGARI Serpenti design that became iconic during the broadcast of Queen of Tears, widely 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 consistently wore their wedding rings. The accessory frequently 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 serpent motif long associated with BVLGARI—symbolizes eternal love, wisdom, and irresistible allure.
What sparked even more discussion was the detail that Kim Ji Won’s ring at the awards ceremony appeared to be the non-diamond version, identical to the ring worn by Baek Hyun Woo in the drama. This immediately ignited nostalgic reactions from fans of the Hong–Baek couple, reviving emotional memories of scenes that once dominated screens across Asia.
Still, amid the excitement and speculation, a more grounded explanation quickly surfaced. Kim Ji Won is currently a global ambassador for BVLGARI, making it entirely natural for her to wear one of the brand’s most iconic designs at a prestigious, high-profile event. From a fashion and branding perspective, the choice was both appropriate and strategic.
Even so, fans could not help but feel sentimental. Kim Ji Won’s appearance with the familiar ring served as a quiet reminder of the profound impact Queen of Tears and the on-screen couple of Hong Hae In and Baek Hyun Woo left on audiences.