Interview with a perfume critic: Evaluation and reviews of popular fragrances.
Perfume critic: a rare profession. It is a person who has dedicated their life to studying fragrance...
If you're looking for a name that sounds fresh and intriguing in the world of niche fragrances, look no further than Kim Hwal. This young perfumer from South Korea is rapidly winning the hearts of connoisseurs of unconventional compositions. His journey into the world of scents began not in classical European perfume schools, but from a deep interest in botany and contemporary art—it is this combination that shaped his unique style.
Not as much is known about Kim Hwal's career as about legends of the past, but it is this mystery that attracts. After receiving specialized education in Seoul, he interned in laboratories where he learned to balance between natural extracts and synthetic molecules. His name is firmly associated with the brand Goyoyi—a young Korean house that champions avant-garde aesthetics and purity of scent. For Goyoyi, Kim Hwal created his most striking works, which are already being called 'the new classic of Asian niche perfumery.'
At the core of Kim Hwal's style lies a play on contrasts: he loves to combine the incompatible. Greenery can coexist with smoky notes, and sweetness with aggressive bitterness. At the same time, his fragrances always have an amazing transparency, as if you are breathing in the air after rain in a Korean garden. The perfumer admits that he draws inspiration from traditional Korean architecture—minimalism of forms and attention to detail.
His work with 'green' chords deserves special attention. Kim Hwal is not afraid to use notes of fern, crushed leaves, and damp earth, presenting them not as background shades but as the main characters of the pyramid. It is for this boldness that the fragrance community has come to love him—here you will find dozens of reviews where users rave about the 'architecture' of his compositions.
Among the fragrances created by Kim Hwal, there are two gems worth knowing. The first is Goyoyi - Ida. It is a restrained yet complex unisex fragrance where aldehydes meet wet wood and aquatic notes. Ida sounds like morning mist over a lake—cold, transparent, and endlessly mysterious. Ideal for those seeking a mood fragrance rather than just a 'tasty' trail.
The second cult work is Goyoyi - Cress. Here, the perfumer reveals himself from another side. Cress is freshness bordering on audacity. Green notes of watercress (hence the name) intertwine with citrus and delicate white musk. The fragrance seems simple, but it devilishly lasts a long time, making you want to sniff it again and again. Many users compare it to 'a gulp of pure oxygen' and rank it alongside the best green fragrances of modern times.
Kim Hwal represents a new generation of Asian perfumers who do not copy Western bestsellers but create their own cultural code. His works have already been noted in professional circles, but real recognition comes from buyers: both fragrances consistently receive high ratings online for their originality and quality. For now, Kim Hwal collaborates exclusively with Goyoyi, but rumors circulate that he is being invited as a 'guest nose' by other independent brands.
Keep following this perfumer's work — he is just beginning his journey, but each of his fragrances is already an event. And on our website, you can not only read his complete biography but also leave your review, participate in voting, and discuss with other connoisseurs which of Kim Hwal's fragrances deserves the title of 'Best'. Join the discussion and discover the world of modern Korean perfumery!
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