Canadian Ambassador Tamara Mawhinney Draws Attention for Wearing Hanbok
Her Past Appearances in Hanbok at Official Events Resurface
The Canadian Ambassador to Korea, who was seen wearing a hanbok while bidding farewell to President Jae Myung Lee as he departed for Canada to attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit, has drawn attention online.
Timara Mohini, Canadian Ambassador to Korea, is seen greeting President Jae Myung Lee and First Lady Hye Kyung Kim, who boarded Air Force One to depart for Canada to attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit, at Seongnam Seoul Airport on the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News
On June 16, Canadian Ambassador to Korea Tamara Mawhinney saw President Lee and First Lady Hye Kyung Kim off at Seongnam Seoul Airport in Gyeonggi Province, dressed in a navy blue durumagi-style hanbok as they departed for Canada.
Interest grew after designer Hwang Iseul, who created the hanbok, posted on the social media platform Threads: "I was just watching the news and was surprised to see someone wearing an outfit I made. Who is the silver-haired woman standing behind President Lee and what is her position? She is wearing the durumagi jacket I designed."
Hwang commented, "A hanbok among Western suits is a refined and stylish choice," adding, "This piece, which combines the durumagi with Western tailoring, was created 10 years ago and has remained a steadfast classic ever since."
Netizens identified the woman as Ambassador Mawhinney, responding with comments such as "Neat and elegant," and "She paired the hanbok with a maple leaf brooch in a stylish way." Others said, "A thoughtful outfit choice that shows consideration for Korea," and "I'm touched by her respect for our country."
Ambassador Mohini attending the 2023 Korea-Canada 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Reception. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Profile photo of Ambassador Mohini registered on the official Government of Canada website. Official Government of Canada website
Meanwhile, images of Ambassador Mawhinney consistently wearing hanbok at official events have been shared online, bringing renewed attention to her appreciation for hanbok. In fact, her profile photo on the official Government of Canada website also shows her in hanbok. She has appeared in hanbok at events such as the presentation of credentials as ambassador to Korea and the 60th anniversary reception of Korea-Canada diplomatic relations.
Ambassador Mawhinney joined the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1993, starting as a Cabinet Officer and later working as a lawyer in the International Trade Law Division. She has accumulated diplomatic experience in various international arenas and was appointed Canadian Ambassador to Korea in May 2023.
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