K-POP is now another way a global audience can get a glimpse of traditional Korean culture. BLACKPINK performs donning costumes inspired by ‘Hanbok’ in their latest music video. BTS member Suga infuses elements from the Joseon Dynasty.

The latest hit by Korean girlgroup BLACKPINK has already broken records. The music video for ‘How You Like That’ has become the fastest video ever to top two-hundred million views on YouTube, passing the milestone last Friday, just seven days after its release. And in that video, the group were dressed in a redesigned hanbok traditional Korean clothing.

“This pink floral jacket is the actual item of clothing that Jennie from BLACKPINK wore for the music video. It was designed based on a dopo, an outer robe worn by scholars in the Joseon Dynasty.” The designer says she was motivated by patterns on the wrapping cloth used by the Joseon Dynasty’s royal court. The traditional vest worn by Jennie is custom-made and has a phoenix on the back. Rose’s clothes were also based on womens’ clothing from the Joseon Dynasty,… and warriors’ clothing from that time. “Hanbok wasn’t that well-recognized globally, but influential K-pop stars like BLACKPINK performing in such clothes could create the synergy effect of letting people know about Hanbok too.”

BLACKPINK are not the only ones to include elements of Korean culture in their performances. BTS member Agust D’s new song ‘Daechwita’, used the Korean traditional song used in marches during the Joseon Dynasty. “He used the song’s name ‘Daechwita’ as the title and by using the original tune at the start of the music, lots of people began to pay attention. From SUGA’s fans to foreigners who didn’t know gugak traditional Korean songs are viewing videos of original songs on our YouTube a lot.” Traditional elements mixed with K-Pop are giving fans around the world a taste of Korea’s unique traditions and cultural heritage.