US Newspaper Refers to First Lady Kim Keon-hee as 'Clothes Hanger'... Readers Protest "Disrespectful"

Washington Post Uses the Word 'Clotheshorse,' Meaning '빨래걸이,' Referring to Mrs. Kim

A reader protested against a Washington Post (WP) article that described First Lady Kim Keon-hee, wife of President Yoon Suk-yeol, as a "person interested in fashion," calling it a rude expression.

On the 12th (local time), WP placed at the top of an article introducing readers' opinions a letter titled "Do not insult South Korea's First Lady."

President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee, who made a state visit to the United States last April, are taking a commemorative photo with U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Written by Ronald Haitala from Falls Church, Virginia, the letter criticized an article published on WP on the 26th of last month. The criticism was about the inappropriate use of the term "clotheshorse" to describe First Lady Kim, who visited the U.S. on a state visit with President Yoon.

"Clotheshorse" is a slang term meaning "a person noticeably interested in fashion" or "someone who only follows the latest fashion."

However, the article focused more on the fashion philosophy of U.S. First Lady Jill Biden rather than Kim's fashion. Kim's fashion was mentioned alongside while explaining Biden's fashion philosophy.

First Lady Kim Keon-hee is meeting Hollywood star Angelina Jolie at the state dinner held at the White House in Washington DC on the 26th of last month (local time).
[Photo by Joint Press Corps]

The fashion journalist wrote about First Lady Biden, who wore a lavender outfit at the state dinner, saying, "(Her) belief is that brand names should not be the topic," and "(Her outfit) highlights First Lady Kim, who is well known for her interest in fashion, wearing a chiffon skirt and white gloves."

The article then continued with differences in fashion between Biden and her predecessors and opinions from related professionals.

Mr. Haitala pointed out, "In the long and detailed article that followed, her dress was not mentioned again," and "There was no clear verification that she is a 'clotheshorse' in any way."

He also stated, "The pure white dress extending from shoulder to floor suited First Lady Kim very well."

He added, "Such remarks make our U.S. government's work more difficult," and "Unnecessary and negative comments about a visitor's attire are rude."