Park Bo-gum is the first male star chosen for 2025 Hanbok Wave, promoting Korean culture through innovative men’s hanbok designs on a global stage.
Details 🔍
Park Bo-gum’s Historic Role 🎭
On April 15, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism announced that actor Park Bo-gum will lead the 2025 Hanbok Wave project. This marks the first time a male celebrity has been selected for this initiative, breaking tradition and spotlighting men’s hanbok.
What is Hanbok Wave? 👘
Launched in 2020, Hanbok Wave is a collaboration between the Ministry and the Korea Craft and Design Foundation. It pairs K-pop and K-drama stars with small hanbok businesses to create modern designs, promoting Korean culture worldwide. Past stars include Kim Yuna (2022), Suzy (2023), and Kim Tae-ri (2024).
Why Park Bo-gum? 🌍
Park’s global fame, boosted by his recent Netflix hit “When the Stars Gossip,” made him a perfect fit. His warm image and versatile style align with the project’s goal to showcase hanbok’s diversity. The focus on men’s hanbok aims to expand its appeal, blending tradition with contemporary fashion.
Call for Designers ✂️
From April 15 to May 9, 2025, the Ministry is recruiting four small hanbok businesses to design outfits inspired by Park. They’ll evaluate creativity, expertise, and global market potential. Selected companies will craft unique pieces reflecting Park’s charm and hanbok’s heritage.
Global Promotion Plans 📸
The new designs will debut in major cities like Seoul, New York, Paris, and Milan, featured on billboards and in top fashion magazines. This push aims to position hanbok as a global fashion trend, building on its growing popularity in K-pop and K-dramas.
Official Statements 🗣️
Lee Jung-woo, a Ministry official, said, “We hope Park Bo-gum’s involvement will elevate hanbok as a symbol of Korea’s cultural legacy, blending tradition with modern flair for the world to enjoy.” The excitement is palpable as fans await the designs.
Hanbok’s Rising Influence 🌐
Hanbok has gained traction globally, with K-pop stars like BTS and Blackpink wearing it at events. The project’s past successes, like Kim Tae-ri’s elegant designs, boosted exports by 15% in 2024. Park’s participation could further accelerate this trend, especially for menswear.
Opinions ⚖️
Support: A Game-Changer 👍
Fans and fashion enthusiasts are thrilled, believing Park’s global appeal will make men’s hanbok a trendsetter. They see it as a bold move to diversify Korean cultural exports and inspire young designers.
Concern: Staying Authentic 👎
Some worry that modernizing hanbok risks diluting its cultural roots. Traditionalists hope designers will respect hanbok’s heritage rather than chasing commercial trends with Park’s image.
Q&A ❓
Why was Park Bo-gum chosen? 🤔
His global fame from Netflix’s “When the Stars Gossip” and his versatile image make him ideal to promote men’s hanbok, a new focus for Hanbok Wave.
What is the Hanbok Wave project? 👘
It’s a Ministry-led initiative since 2020, pairing stars with small businesses to create modern hanbok designs for global promotion.
How will the designs be used? 📸
They’ll be showcased in Seoul, New York, Paris, and Milan via billboards and fashion magazines, aiming to boost hanbok’s global appeal.
Who can apply to design? ✂️
Small hanbok businesses can apply by May 9, 2025. Four will be chosen based on creativity and market potential to design for Park.
What’s the goal of this project? 🌍
To establish hanbok as a global cultural icon, blending tradition with modern fashion, and expand its market, especially for men’s designs.
Terms 📖
Hanbok 👘
Traditional Korean clothing known for vibrant colors and elegant lines, worn historically and now popularized in modern fashion.
Hanbok Wave 🌊
A government project to promote hanbok globally by collaborating with celebrities and designers to create innovative styles.
K-Fashion 🇰🇷
Korean fashion trends, including hanbok, gaining worldwide popularity through K-pop and K-dramas.
Cultural Export 📈
The promotion of a country’s cultural elements, like hanbok, to enhance global influence and economic growth.
Metrics Table 📊
Item
Value
Hanbok Wave Launch Year
2020
Current Edition
6th
Application Period Ends
May 9, 2025
Companies to be Selected
4
Hanbok Export Growth (2024)
15%
Misc ℹ️
Labels: Park Bo-gum, Hanbok Wave, Korean culture, K-fashion, global promotion
