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blackpink’s Coachella Hanboks: A Cultural Statement on a Global Stage
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The K-Pop group’s choice of traditional Korean dress sparked conversation and celebrated heritage.
LOS ANGELES – Blackpink, the South Korean girl group, made history at Coachella this year, becoming the first Asian act to headline the festival. The group – Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé – honored their Korean heritage by appearing on stage in hanboks, traditional Korean dresses.
The hanboks were shed during the opening track, “Pink Venom,” revealing custom black and pink dolce and Gabbana outfits. however, the message had already resonated with fans worldwide. Screenshots of the hanbok moment quickly circulated among Blinks (Blackpink superfans). One fan tweeted, “The way they stepped onto the biggest western stage in hanboks … literally proved their place at the top of the industry. Blackpink really are in a league of their own.”
another fan on Instagram called the group “Korea’s cultural delegation,” pointing to the hanboks and the stage design featuring an angular tiled roof reminiscent of traditional Korean architecture.
Blackpink’s Rise to Global icon Status
Blackpink has achieved global fame in recent years.They hold records such as the most streamed female group on Spotify and the most-viewed music YouTube channel, according to Guinness World Records. In 2022,they became the first female K-Pop group to top the UK and US album charts. Their 2020 track “How You Like That” broke records as the most viewed video on YouTube in 24 hours. (The group also wore modernized hanboks, designed by Kim Danha, in one of the music video’s scenes.) Their Coachella headlining set followed their 2019 performance, where they were the first female K-Pop group to play at coachella or any US festival.
Stage costumes can become iconic, like Madonna’s Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra from her 1990 Blond Ambition tour or Geri “Ginger Spice” Halliwell’s Union Jack mini dress. Beyoncé’s 2018 Coachella performance featured a custom Balmain collegiate-style yellow hoodie, a nod to Black culture and historically Black colleges and universities.
The Hanbok: Tradition Meets Modernity
Blackpink’s hanboks were custom-made by South Korean pattern design brand OUWR and traditional Korean dressmakers Kumdanje. Inspired by the Cheol-lik silhouette, the garments featured hand-embroidered metallic Korean motifs, including dan-cheong patterns and peonies (a symbol of royalty in Korea). the designers wrote on Instagram, “it was our pleasure and such an honor to be able to show the beautiful values of Korea and Hanbok together. Blackpink showed the beauty of korea and dazzled the world.”
Hanboks are worn in Korea for special occasions and are featured in TV dramas. Designers are creating contemporary versions for everyday wear. JULYCOLUMN’s Fall-winter 2023 collection at Seoul Fashion Week used the hanbok’s silhouette for shirts and jackets. BlueTamburin showcased traditional hanbok fabric in its Spring-Summer 2023 collection at Milan fashion Week.
A Lasting Impact
Blackpink’s hanboks represented Asian visibility, recognition of craftsmanship, and cultural pride.
Blackpink concluded their coachella performance in Korean, stating: “Until now, it has been Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé Blackpink. thank you.”
Top image: blackpink performing at the first weekend of Coachella 2023, shortly after removing their hanboks.
