"Practical and Beautiful" NYT Highlights 'Korean Hanbok' Through 'Pachinko'

Web drama 'Pachinko'. Photo by Apple TV+, Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Se-eun] The American daily The New York Times (NYT) focused on Hanbok through the Apple TV+ original series "Pachinko," which depicts the lives of four generations of a Korean-Japanese family, on the 9th (local time).

NYT stated in a special article titled "A Journey Through the History of Clothing," scheduled to be published on the 10th, that "the evolution of Hanbok is a lens through which to view Korean history."

The media explained, "Before Western clothing was introduced to Korea, Hanbok was simple everyday wear," adding, "The airing of the drama 'Pachinko,' which depicts this era, marked a turning point in American TV entertainment."

NYT also evaluated that "Hanbok has reflected various styles over more than 2,000 years of history," and described it as "practical and beautiful."

Production staff of "Pachinko" explained that Hanbok carries a kind of narrative meaning. Su Hoo (44), a Korean-American executive producer, told NYT, "We wanted to capture the details of Hanbok as a storytelling tool for the characters and their circumstances."

Costume director Chae Kyung-hwa said, "I hoped viewers would notice the subtle changes in Sunja's Hanbok, which eventually transforms into a completely different style," adding, "Viewers can see Sunja's Hanbok gradually change until she eventually adopts Japanese or Western-style clothing."

Meanwhile, the traditional Korean ethnic custom of 'wearing Hanbok' in the Hanbok-making process in China is designated as a cultural heritage.

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced the preliminary designation of 'wearing Hanbok' as a national intangible cultural heritage, emphasizing that "beyond simple clothing, 'wearing Hanbok' is an important intangible asset that prays for the well-being of the family community and serves as a medium for showing respect."