After the music video “How You Like That” was released last June (June 2020), Blackpink inspired the audience not just with their song but also with their fashion. They were dressed up in hanbok, the traditional Korean costume, which made people around the world know the Korean dressing styles and made the people explore more about Korean traditions.
Blackpink is a South Korean K-pop girl group under YG Entertainment, they are Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. They are also models of famous fashion brands. We can look at the details of each member and the fashion brand they work for:
- Jennie – house ambassador of Chanel
- Rose – global ambassador of Saint Laurent
- Jisoo – beauty ambassador of Dior
- Lisa – muse for Celine
The music video, “How You Like That,” featured the Blackpink’s member wearing modified Korean hanbok with bold prints and bright colors that interested many in these outfits.
These costumes were a bit different from the traditional Korean hanbok because the outfit that was featured in the video was altered to appear modern and was also made in a way that makes it comfortable for the actors to dance wearing them. These outfits had a blend of designer touch as well as the stylish touch to make it suitable for the song. Thus, this resulted in gaining international attention due to its unique and modern design. The music video, “How You Like That” also made many Guinness records like:
- The most viewed video in 24 hours
- The most viewed music video in 24 hours
- The most viewed K-pop video in 24 hours
What is Hanbok?

https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/cropped-image-of-woman-holding-korean-traditional-royalty-free-image/841174046
“These hanbok outfits are to die for. I want to see the catalog.”
“I love the outfits and the nails.”
Who is the designer of Blackpink modern hanbok?
Danha (the designer of the modern outfit for the music video) also clarified that just because she is making a modern version of a hanbok doesn’t mean that she disrespects her tradition or takes it lightly. She wanted to show to people that hanbok has more than just feminine traits. She wanted hanbok to be famous in foreign markets as well.

https://twitter.com/world_jennie/status/1282368598648983553
Cheollik clothes inspired for Rose’s hanbok. Photo by Koreatimes.co.kr
Phoenix Robe inspired for Jennie’s hanbok. Photo by Koreatimes.co.kr
The number of visitors has increased sharply after the launch of the global online mall. 50% of the buyers are from the United States, while the rest are from Europe, Southeast Asia, and China.
There were also some talks and negative critics regarding the modern alteration of hanbok, which distorts the traditional design and layout.
Blackpink is not the first YouTuber or the first band to wear traditional Korean outfits in a modern way for songs. The first incidence took place in the year 2018, and this was done by the band BTS.

http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/
We should avoid imposing too many rules and regulations on hanbok’s look as it could affect the way youth are adopting and wearing it in their everyday life. We need to promote the culture of hanbok by launching promotions and other business campaigns.
Hanbok Advancement Centre

Netizen reviews on the modern hanbok
We can see that in Korea, K-pop and the traditional hanbok has supported each other to be recognized by people throughout the world. This has also increased many people’s interests in Korean culture. A few of the comments by Netizens are:
- This is absolutely lovely, and we would like to see the idols of K-Pop doing this.
- The pretty outfit gels with the song.
- Blackpink did a great job of showing the gorgeous hanbok outfits.
- The outfits are not only cool but economical too.
This sudden idea of modernizing traditional dresses has turned out to be a huge success. It is also believed that many other countries with great traditions can also follow this way to sustain their traditions and make it popular among people. Doing it this way also ensures that traditional dresses don’t vanish without being known by most people and fashion designers. It is great that BTS has started this trend, which is further followed by Blackpink since it was a success.
It would be good if many other famous bands follow this trend and post videos on YouTube, which not only entertains their audience but also makes other people want to spread the idea of the traditions to other people. So, if this trend continues, it would create a good market for old models’ clothes and increase the fashion designers’ impact in the community.
For example, ITZY recent hanbok dance version of their latest single, “not shy”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjfAL6BnmH8
These songs by famous bands don’t have to be the only reason to spread the popularity of your country’s traditional dresses; even you can do it. Never be ashamed of wearing your traditional dress; it meant a lot for your country at one point in time.
Check out these Modern Hanbok
Featured image source: scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty
https://www.koreandresses.com/blackpink-modern-hanbok.htmlhttps://www.koreandresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/blackpink-modern-hanbok.jpghttps://www.koreandresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/blackpink-modern-hanbok-100x100.jpgFashionBlackpink,Featured,Hanbok