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. As part of this, a photo of Kim Tae-ri in a beautiful hanbok will be shown on the 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 in the Hallyu scene as part of the “Hanbok Wave” project, which aims to share the elegance of hanbok with the world.
The Hanbok Wave initiative started in 2020 and has featured celebrities like figure skater Kim Yuna and actress Suzy, helping bring hanbok into the global fashion spotlight. This year, Kim Tae-ri’s photoshoot will be shown not only in Times Square but also on screens in Paris at Citadium Comartin from December 23 to 29.
The hanboks from the Hanbok Wave project will also be displayed in an exhibition called “Line of Elegance, Tie of Majesty” at the Cultural Station Seoul 284 from January 15 to February 11, 2024. This location is also known for being the site of a street performance scene in the popular tvN drama “Jeongnyeon,” which Kim Tae-ri starred in.
Kim Tae-ri isn’t the only actress promoting hanbok through this project. Actress Min Hyo-rin also wore a deep purple hanbok with floral embroidery, showing off the beauty of the traditional clothing. Min Hyo-rin’s graceful look further highlights the timeless appeal of hanbok.
Suzy, known for her role in the drama “The Sound of a Flower,” also posed in a hanbok and impressed with 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 Times Square’s digital screens during the 2023 Christmas season, bringing her into the international spotlight.
Both Kim Tae-ri and Suzy’s hanboks were created as part of the 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 the global recognition of Korean fashion and culture.