Hwarot Restored with Donation from BTS Member RM Draws Admirers with Its Exquisite Design

It was later revealed that RM had made a significant contribution towards preserving a hwarot garment from the Joseon Dynasty located in the U.S. (Image courtesy of the National Palace Museum of Korea)

SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Korea Bizwire) — In September 2021, the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation, located in Mapo, Seoul, was quietly engaged in fundraising efforts. An anonymous benefactor generously contributed 100 million won, specifying that the funds be used for the preservation and restoration of cultural assets abroad.   

The name of the benefactor, however, remained undisclosed. One year later, the donor’s identity was revealed when he made another 100 million won donation to the foundation. The donor was Kim Nam-jun, also known as RM, the leader of the K-pop group BTS. 

It was later revealed that RM had made a significant contribution towards preserving a hwarot garment from the Joseon Dynasty located in the U.S. 

According to the National Palace Museum of Korea and the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation, this hwarot, for which RM supported preservation and restoration efforts, is part of the collection held by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in Los Angeles. 

The term ‘hwarot’ refers to traditional Korean clothing exclusively worn by royal women during the Joseon era, particularly for weddings. These garments are elaborately embroidered long robes crafted from deep red silk. Over time, the Joseon royal women’s wedding attire also became a bridal attire for commoners.

The hwarot possessed by the LACMA is believed to date back to the early 20^th century. It was donated by the art collector Bella Mabury, although the exact wearer of the dress remains unknown.

Like other hwarot garments, the one at LACMA is distinguished by its vivid red color and intricate embroidery. When both sleeves are fully extended, it measures about 172 centimeters in width, with a vertical length of about 127 centimeters.

The hwarot is decorated with symbols including lotus, peonies, white herons, phoenixes, and butterflies, all thought to symbolize happiness and longevity for the couples who wore it.

Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)