Korean celebrities promote traditional arts and crafts

Adding to the already large and still-growing international influence of K-culture, some Korean celebrities, whether due to a sense of responsibility or simply because they've become enamored by its beauty, have been actively incorporating...

Girl group NewJeans made hanji, or Korean traditional mulberry paper, in a YouTube video in early January, with hanji-maker Ahn Chi-yong. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Adding to the already large and still-growing international influence of K-culture, some Korean celebrities, whether due to a sense of responsibility or simply because they've become enamored by its beauty, have been actively incorporating traditional Korean elements into their content.

In turn, fans have certainly taken notice, and it has aided in teaching the world more about the beauty that is Korean culture.

Most recently, girl group NewJeans was shown making hanji, or Korean traditional mulberry paper, in a YouTube video in early January. Hosted by the Korea Craft and Design Foundation, a state-run institution, the five members learned all about the craft by hanji-maker Ahn Chi-yong, who himself has also been designated as one of Korea’s intangible cultural assets.

“I didn’t know much about hanji, but I feel proud now that I’ve learned a lot,” member Hyein told the JoongAng Sunday, an affiliate of the Korea JoongAng Daily. “I’d love to have a hanji-making barrel in my own home. I think it would be really fun to shake the barrel back and forth while I’m relaxing.”

Other members, like Danielle and Minji, reminisced on their childhood experiences with hanji and their anticipation when using hanji in their everyday lives, like turning them into “cute” handbags or phone cases.

NewJeans promoted traditional Korean culture in a separate attempt last year through its variety show, “NewJeans Code in Busan.” The five members toured the southeastern port city of Busan, introducing famous tourist spots as well as the city’s delicacies.

The program was created to support Busan’s bid to host the World Expo 2030, and was also promoted by Visit Busan, or the Busan Tourism Organization.

Actor Jung Ho-yeon sported the cheopji, a type of traditional Korean hair accessory, on the red carpet for the Primetime Emmy Awards last year. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Even if not learning about crafts or vacationing at Korean heritage venues, other celebrities have publicly worn traditional garments, like “Squid Game” star Jung Ho-yeon and Jang Won-young of girl group IVE.

Jung sported the daengi and cheopji, both types of traditional Korean hair accessories, on red carpets for the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Primetime Emmy Awards last year, both specially made by Louis Vuitton. Since rising to global stardom for her role as a North Korean defector on Netflix’s “Squid Game” (2021), the foreign press have also praised her fashion style for its nod to Korean culture.

IVE’s Jang flaunted a phoenix binyeo, or hairpin, while attending Paris Fashion Week last October.

“I wanted to show off the beauty of Korea, so I brought this binyeo all the way here from Korea,” she said in a Vogue Korea video at the time. The phoenix design was commonly worn by Korean queens and princesses during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

IVE’s Jang Won-young flaunted a phoenix binyeo (hairpin) while attending Paris Fashion Week last October. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

RM of boy band BTS is also a well-known proponent of traditional Korean art. As an avid art lover and collector, the singer has profoundly shown his affection for Korean art, encompassing all genres of contemporary, ancient and craft art.

One example is the moon jar. RM took a photo of himself hugging a moon jar made by ceramic artist Kwon Dae-sup back in 2019, which went viral on social media.

His latest solo album “Indigo” (2022), which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, was another example of heightening publicity for Korean art — especially dansaekhwa, or Korean monochromatic paintings.

BTS leader RM's latest solo album “Indigo” (2022), which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, was another example of heightening publicity for Korean art, especially dansaekhwa, or Korean monochromatic paintings. [BIGHIT MUSIC]

BY SHIN MIN-HEE [shin.minhee@joongang.co.kr]