On December 18, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) announced that actress Kim Tae-ri would be the model for the 2024 Hanbok Wave project. Also, a photo of Kim Tae-ri in a beautiful hanbok will be shown on digital screens in Times Square, New York on December 24, promoting the beauty of traditional Korean clothing.
The hanbok was created by local designers and cultural figures from the Hallyu scene as part of the “Hanbok Wave” project, which aims to share the elegance of the hanbok with the world.
The Hanbok Wave initiative began in 2020 and featured celebrities such as figure skater Kim Yuna and actress Suzy, helping to bring hanbok into the global fashion spotlight. This year, Kim Tae-ri’s photo shoot will be screened not only in Times Square but also on Paris screens at the Citadium Comartin from December 23 to 29.
The hanboks from the Hanbok Wave project will also be displayed in an exhibition titled “Line of Elegance, Tie of Majesty” at Seoul Cultural Station 284 from January 15 to February 11, 2024. This location is also known for being the site of a scene of a street performance in the popular TV drama “Jeongnyeon,” in which Kim Tae-ri starred.
Kim Tae-ri is not the only actress promoting hanbok through this project. Actress Min Hyo-rin also wore a deep purple hanbok with floral embroidery, showcasing the beauty of traditional clothing. Min Hyo-rin’s graceful appearance further highlights the timeless charm of the hanbok.
Suzy, known for her role in the drama “The Sound of a Flower,” also posed with a hanbok and was struck by her elegant charm. Set in the Joseon era, “The Sound of a Flower” tells the story of the first female pansori singer in Joseon, Jin Chae-seon (played by Suzy). Suzy’s hanbok photoshoot was shown on digital screens in Times Square during the 2023 Christmas season, bringing her into the international spotlight.
Both Kim Tae-ri and Suzy’s hanbok were created as part of MCST’s collaboration with the Korea Craft & Design Foundation, which aims to promote hanbok globally. This project helps support small hanbok businesses and Korean artists, while increasing global recognition of Korean fashion and culture.
