A Blackpink look for the office – how hanbok, or traditional Korean clothing, inspired a line of casual business attire

A total of 64 hanbok-inspired office outfits are being showcased at an exhibition in South Korea and will be worn by staff in cultural and arts institutions

Hanbok-inspired school uniforms have already been introduced in more than 20 institutions across the country

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A series of hanbok-inspired office wear is on display as part of a project to promote the traditional Korean costume as an accessible fashion item. Photo: Courtesy of Korea Craft and Design Foundation

Published: 12:15pm, 10 Jun 2021Updated: 12:15pm, 10 Jun 2021

By Park Han-sol

What caught the attention of Blackpink’s global fans when the K-pop girl group unveiled their new hit, How You Like That, on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last summer was their stage costume: modernised hanbok, or traditional Korean attire. The members appeared on stage in traditional jeogori (upper garments) and chima (skirts), which are usually worn on special occasions, but with a modern stylistic twist and flashy colours.

But while the modified hanbok worn by K-pop stars on stage flaunt bolder cuts and patterns suitable for eye-catching performances, other versions more appropriate for everyday wear have become more popular.

A series of hanbok-inspired office wear is on display as part of a project launched by the South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Hanbok Advancement Centre to promote the traditional costume as an accessible fashion item.

The ministry’s hanbok project came to life last year. Hanbok-inspired uniforms have been introduced in more than 20 middle and high schools across the country and in March, the ministry designated the last Wednesday of every month as “A Good Day to Wear Hanbok” for its employees.

Hanbok-inspired attire is part of a project to promote the traditional costume. Photo: Courtesy of Korea Craft and Design Foundation

Blackpink wearing modernised hanbok outfits. Photo: Courtesy of YG Entertainment