Do Won Chang's Biography

Do Won Chang is a renowned South Korean-American entrepreneur best known for co-founding the global fast-fashion retailer Forever 21. Born on March 20, 1954, in South Korea, Chang immigrated to the United States in 1981 with his wife, Jin Sook Chang, in pursuit of the American dream. Facing early struggles, he worked multiple low-wage jobs, including as a janitor and gas station attendant, to support his family. In 1984, with limited English and just $11,000 in savings, Chang and his wife opened their first clothing store, Fashion 21, in Los Angeles. The store quickly gained popularity, eventually expanding and rebranding as Forever 21, which became a staple in malls across the globe. Under Chang's leadership, Forever 21 grew into one of the world's largest fast-fashion empires, known for its trendy, affordable apparel and rapid inventory turnover. Despite facing controversies such as labor practice criticisms and the company's bankruptcy filing in 2019, Chang's remarkable rags-to-riches story continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. Today, he is recognized as a symbol of perseverance, faith, and the power of hard work. With a current net worth estimated at $800 million, Do Won Chang remains an influential figure in the fashion and business industries.