Foreign visitors look around Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul wearing South Korea’s traditional costume, or hanbok, on Sept. 22, 2018. (Yonhap)
Andrew Wiggins of Minnesota Timberwolves dons a traditional Korean imperial robe worn by former kings at a press event in Seoul on July 23, 2017. Wiggins, a rising star in the National Basketball Association, is visiting South Korea on a corporate tour by Adidas. (Yonhap)
I asked a few months ago if the progressive term “cultural misappropriation” would eventually makes it way to Korea and now it has arrived over the wearing of a hanbok which the vast majority of Koreans love to see foreigners wear:
Maria, 20, studies the Korean language in Seoul. In her post, she included a caption referencing SHINee’s Taemin, who wore a similar hanbok in KBS’ variety show “Hello Baby”.
Apparently, not everyone was pleased to see Maria donning the dress. According to Koreaboo, some angered netizens accused her of cultural (mis)appropriation. One reportedly called her a “White Devil.” [Next Shark via King Sejong]
You can read the rest at the link, but I learned another new progressive term “white passing privilege”. If this is what people in college are concerned about no wonder they have a hard time finding a good job in today’s economy.
A man (C) dressed in king’s clothes is flanked by two others in maids’ attire as they pose for an event to help foreign tourists experience traditional Korean costumes (hanbok) for free at Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul on April 12, 2016. The costume was used during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). (Yonhap)
Two foreign participants in a Korean culture event held for teenagers from countries that fought in the 1950-53 Korean War pose for a photo at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul on July 26, 2015. (Yonhap)
A hanbok (traditional Korean dress) fashion show is under way in Los Angeles on Feb. 20, 2015. (Photo courtesy of Hanbok Advancement Center) (Yonhap)
