The Life of a Hanbok Maker ft.

[@VBirchwood]

Be sure to go and follow Cheon-Shik on both Instagram and KZbin! 🥰 See you all on the 10th of March for another video.

[@stevezytveld6585]

Subscribed. I tracked him down on Instagram a little while ago. Beautiful interview, Ms. V. Thank you so much for sharing your story, history and passion - both of you. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi

[@kathigortman4074]

I have kind of a functional question. In a period piece series I saw underneath the men's hat's was kind of a headband with mesh in the front. I know my hat messes up the edges of my hair and I was wondering if the headband helps especially if you have to remove the hat several times a day? Thank you!🌹🍃

[@junweipan2494]

I really like Korean dramas, but I have found that the costume of Korean costume movies nowadays is completely different from that of Da Changjin costume movies 20 years ago. I think South Korea is imitating ancient Chinese clothing.

[@ericaohmg95]

I am a korean American in a predominantly white city. This video was so enlightening and made me feel so warm and fuzzy inside. I love seeing my culture represented in any way possible. Thank you so much for introducing me to Cheonshik!

[@VBirchwood]

Aww this is so sweet! I'm so glad 🥰

[@InThisEssayIWill...]

Oooh! How exciting, I love to hear from historical dress makers of non western fashion. It absolutely does get largely overlooked and it's just as interesting to me! Thank you for the spotlight!!

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@SimpleDesertRose]

Wow Vasi, when you said you were going to have a special guest, Cheong-Shik was not who I was expecting. That was so awesome. I read a little about him in Bernadette Banner's book., along with other many unique individuals. I love his philosophy of embracing his culture "if not us, then who?" Very powerful statement. I think adoptive parents these days are more accepting of their children of different races. I knew a lady who adopted 2 girls from China who did her best to encourage her daughters to embrace their cultural identity. She tried to keep them active in the local Chinese community, that what a very small town community would have. Only one of her daughters truly embraced it and learned to speak Chinese and learn a little about her specific regional ancestry and even went to China to study abroad for a year. During that time she visited the park she had been found wandering around alone in and the orphanage she had lived in for three years before her adoption went through. There is a lot to be said for one's cultural identity. I wish more people would embrace it. My grandfather's parents were Danish and German. My great grandfather had to give up his culture during WWII otherwise he would have been called a Nazi even though he had been in America for most of his life. Sadly my grandfather grew up speaking only English and trying to be as American as possible. My great grandmother lost her culture too having come to America when she was a baby. She inherited some of the cultural lace making and other what we now consider crafts,and taught some to her daughter and granddaughters, but no one ever really picked it up. She died when I was still very little, I would've loved to learn her needle lace making and other things. It was such an honor, as it always is, to have someone come on your channel and share their culture and history with us. I hope to see more people embrace their cultural ancestry and bring it out for all the world to experience. Like one big celebration of us as a people as a whole. Anyways another great video. See you again in a couple weeks ❤

[@VBirchwood]

So glad you enjoyed the video! My next one will actually be out on the 10th, so I'll see you next week 🥰

[@SimpleDesertRose]

@@VBirchwood awesome😁 see you next week 💕

[@MichelleSMV]

I live in Japan and it’s so fascinating to learn that similarity in language. He’s totally right “kimono” just means “clothes” really and there is a specific word for western clothes (youfuku). That’s pretty cool. I’ve only seen hanbok when passing Korean stores here but they’re so beautiful. I kind of wonder if they’re more comfy than kimono (although I never really felt kimono was so hard to wear even when tied tightly) or if that’s a thought i had just based on looks That being said I do feel sort of jealous I guess in a way that there’s some sort of culture that most people can have access to. Like you can kind of know. Being black and from Jamaica it’s a little bit more difficult when it comes to historical dress. Of course we have our own culture in Jamaica but like historical dress wise there’s only England I guess since I don’t really know my ancestry. It’s sort of a weird feeling

[@T_WC123]

The girls/women’s hanbok is so comfortable! No waistline so you don’t have to suck in your stomach or loosen your belt! 😂 but the rami fabric sometimes used (warm weather) can be itchy and annoying.

[@shironerisilk]

As a Brazilian I feel the same feelings of jealousy lol Here we have some traditional clothes, but they are super regional and/or very tied to specific religions/cultures (like the baiana attire from Bahia) so it's not really an option. And there's also historical Portuguese dress, but that's basically general historical fashion anyway. I envy India SO much, how much they wear (adapted) traditional dress in everyday life, and it's beautiful, I'd be so into that if it was same over here lol

[@boseph158]

I can't even begin to describe how excited I am to see Cheon-Shik here. He's been a huge inspiration for me and inspired me to make my own hanbok.

[@VBirchwood]

So glad you enjoyed it! 🥰

[@AJansenNL]

I always wonder about the historical accuracy of sageuk (historical K-drama). If Yang Cheon-Shik ssi would do a regular series critiquing these, I'm sure he'd attract a large viewership. Or even an analysis of a fantasy series like Alchemy of Souls, where the historical inspirations came from. Would really love to see that.

[@VBirchwood]

I believe he has done some other collaborations here on KZbin where he is analysing the historical accuracy of historical K-dramas as part of larger historical movie review videos 😊

[@AJansenNL]

Kamsahamnida. I watch a lot of sageuk/historical Kdrama, so I thought they might be inspired by Goryeo era fashions. They were well done and fitted the story and setting really well, even though the genre is fantasy and historical accuracy is not important. I've watched some sageuk, set in definite time periods, where the costuming and props were all over the place historically, even to my amateur Western eye. Really jarring.

[@kevinyao8679]

Not only Korean historical, western historical shows are not accurate either. If it was 100% accurate who would watch it. It would be so boring.

[@kme]

I can understand his feelings as a person who has first nations heritage (Canadian) who has had no relationship with that culture due to racial policies of the government plus the racism my mother and her sisters faced growing up. I find it very interesting that he's the first person I've seen who has talked about the experience of being told he's not a "true/real" Korean because he didn't grow up in the cultural experience, because there are several high profile people in Canada alone who have basically said the same thing about people like me. As he said, I believe there's no right or wrong answer to the question of should people not of that culture wear clothing or items of significance to another, because every person you ask will have their own opinion, their own experiences that will colour their answers. But at the same time, I can't help but wonder if being more open minded to others wearing another culture's traditional clothing could actually help in changing the attitude towards people of those cultures. As long as they're doing so with an appropriate appreciation of the culture, not necessarily doing it bc it's 'cool' or trendy, with no understanding of the history, or the historical implications of being denied the chance to dress like that, especially in the US and Canada. It's kind of rambly (sorry), but just some thoughts on the video. Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@crashofthemoons]

I definitely agree with you and was sad to hear him say if he saw a white person wearing a hanbok he would be confused. My son is bi-racial, but he looks white. Is he now denied the opportunity of wearing his father's cultural clothing because of his appearance? Should he have to justify that he is half Mexican to do so? Should he look the part? I don't think so.

[@AW-uv3cb]

In my experience, talking about cultural appropriation of clothing is something that came from North America. And I understand why - if your minority group used to (or still is) criticised or ridiculed for wearing certain garments, it can be grating to see someone else wearing it as a fashion statement (and of course there are cases where it's just objectively wrong, for example if you're using religious or traditional elements just for fetishistic or ridiculing reasons or without any understanding). Having said that, in my experience people in the actual specific cultures (Koreans, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, but also in European countries) usually have no problem with foreigners wearing their clothing, we tend to see it as a person expressing their appreciation for our culture and we're delighted to see it being embraced. And it seems like a more friendly mindset. After all, most of our traditional clothing styles, music and food were at least partly the result of intermingling of cultures and people taking inspiration from each other (for example, kimono is a Japanese adaptation of the clothing of earlier Chinese dynasties like Tang). So it's a bit... ironic? to see a person who was themselves refused the right to identify as a Korean by others, and then they go and in turn inflict the same limitations on other people who they deem "not Korean enough", even when they might have no idea about said person's background and experience. Again, I understand where it's coming from on an emotional, personal level, but it just doesn't seem to me like a useful mindset to have in most situations. Ethnic essentialism is not that great. It's the kind of thinking that leads to (real life example) a Black American girl being called out (by other Americans) for "cultural appropriation" because she pursues traditional Irish dancing (and of course, surprise, no one in actual Ireland really has anything against it, people are more likely to think that it's amazing how their traditional dance is being embraced by young people across the world). Still, that was a great video and it's amazing to see people find their way to their identity through clothing, plus Hanbok is very beautiful! [edited for clarity]

[@leoscheibelhut940]

I have no Native American heritage, so perhaps I lack proper standing to comment, but I'm sorry that you have been told that. It seems completely natural and appropriate for anyone to get back in touch with a lost ancestral heritage in any way that you like. You will not be instantly knowledgeable or correct, but you have to start somewhere. Good luck reclaiming your ethnic past. Your interest should be embraced rather than discouraged, especially since it was lost to you as the result of hostile racist policies. Telling you not to seek out and participate in the culture of your past is similar to telling the decedents of a baby who survived the Holocaust by being "adopted" into a Christian family that they have no right be Jewish.

[@MicheleDoenges]

I will say that people from non-American cultures have a very different opinion on cultural appreciation/appropriation than Americans who are 1+ generation removed from their ethnic cultures do, and a lot of it has to do with the racial climate here. You step outside America in any direction, and there's a nothing but enthusiasm about sharing cultures and having someone appreciate their lifestyle and beliefs.

[@calebcordell4793]

Im a Korean adoptee of 50 years old. Loved this video about the history from where I came from.

[@liri100000]

저는 한국사는 50대입니다. 반갑습니다~

[@lovepuppy2242]

I loved hearing his perspective of wearing the clothing of another culture. As a costarriccan who was born and raised here I have never had a disconnect to my culture. I was never ridiculed for wearing something traditional or being inspired by one of the many subsections of culture here. But I imagine if I had grown in the US, separated from my culture and ridiculed for it I’d be just as possessive and defensive. Please don’t take those words as a negative, it’s a valid way to feel. This has finally made me realize why my high school friend, who grew up in the US, was so mad at foreigners wearing typical dress, when no one else was. As well as why she didn’t understand why we weren’t upset that they were “stealing” our culture. To us it wasn’t stealing, they were simply joining in.

[@AW-uv3cb]

That is similar to my experience: it seems like the appropriation narrative comes from places where a given group is a minority, whereas in places where this culture is dominant, people are happy to see others embracing it. And yeah, it's an absolutely valid and understandable way to feel, but I can't help but be a little bit sad when I see this attitude projected onto other places and people. Like... it's valid to feel the way you feel, but it's also valid for other people to feel a different way and open their culture to others.

[@noblesseraziel9499]

Most koreans especially from those overseas love it when other people of ethnicity wear korean clothing and enjoy korean food etc. They look at it as appreciation and take pride. If you have a korean friend u WILL taste korean food and BE introduced to korean culture because they take pride in that. The man in the video has some trauma since he was denied his heritage from his own people so he safeguards his heritage more then the average so I know where hes coming from. Some others might of had traumatic encounters with other races that will make them hate them and gatekeep. But Koreans in general when u listen to kpop, watch k drama, eat Korean food etc. they will be like yea " u know its good :) " and will love it. And if you take your time to learn the language and its customs ie drinking custom, age custom you will get respect! omg esp from the elder generations they will feed u till ur fat and give u a doggy bag to take home or even at some korean restaurants they will give u a free soju bottle on the house or a free side dish etc they love it. Its all about respect meaning if you jus wear it to jus wear it without thinking they gonna be like Jeff here but you wear it cause u like korean culture ur golden

[@carlastevens5717]

I came to say the same thing. I feel like people in America are the only people that are bothered by other people wearing their culture's clothing. And who is to say how much of that person is Korean or any other nationality. What if that person just found out they have 5% Korean but looks white. Is it ok for them to wear it? If so why and how would you know they are 5% by walking by them?

[@kayceebuker3758]

I have always wanted to wear Hanbok! I am sewing my own with a modern flair. So happy to see someone who has mastered the traditional style.

[@sebastiank9175]

I am not Korean but deeply touched by these American adopted Koreans who search of their roots and cultures, and especially to those kind soul who have adopted all these orphans from around the world and encouraging their children to embrace and search for their identity and cultures of their mother land.

[@bc7138]

Interesting interview. I am only really familiar with Korean fashion from historical films & TV dramas so it's good to know a little about the real historical background as well as his personal views on fashion. I'd be interested in seeing further discussions about fashion from other historical cultures such as the Ottomans, Benin Kingdom ( West Africa), Safavids (Iran/Persia), and so on.

[@VBirchwood]

Many more discussions to come as I have the "500 Years of..." series running, and it's been diving lately into cultures outside of Europe. I recently released one on 500 Years of Indian fashion for example 😊

[@bc7138]

@@VBirchwoodThanks, Looking forward to it!

[@cheekyghost2284]

Hearing Cheon-Shik's story & how much he loves the history & culture he was ripped away from as a baby brought a tear to my eye. The trafficking for profit of babies for white families to adopt creates deep wounds & is a separate conversation, but I'm so glad he has found a way to connect to Korean heritage through Hanbok. I hope other adoptees can find inspiration and a sense of belonging from his courage to be unapologetically Korean.

[@jonahandthewolf]

Cheon-Sik/Jeff seems so epic and a creative and kind type of guy!!

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

What a great video! I love how much effort you put into kindness, respect and inclusiveness. As well as using your platform to showcase other wearers and creators of their own diverse historical clothing.

[@VBirchwood]

So glad you enjoyed the video! ❤️

[@ElizaHamilton1780]

This is great. I think you’re the first person I’ve seen who does these historical clothing videos and has looked outside of the Western world. Side note: I’m here because of the K-drama “Mr. Queen.” I started watching it on Netflix, and I’ve been curious about the gorgeous dresses and hair ornaments that ladies wear on the show.

[@orangecouch]

Totally worth the wait. What a great peek into vintage fashion of another culture. Thank you for intentional inclusivity on this channel.

[@HOB97]

I loved this insightful video, thank you! While I fully respect his personal viewpoint on non- Koreans wearing hanbok, I don’t neccessarily agree. Modern fashion is so exciting because all kinds of cultures and ages mix and at most countries people are free to wear whatever they like. If someone is not Korean, but is a fan of the culture or simply adores the style, I think that’s actually showing your respect and admiration to another culture. (Of course worn with knowledge and understanding) There are so many clothes and even hairstyles that originate from so many different cultures, which are just so common to be worn by anyone nowadays. I’d be happy to see people wear traditional clothing from my country.

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

This is such a great interview!! Pride in our culture is so very important. Thank you for a great interview and message

[@MossyMozart]

I have seen Mr Yang in the backgrounds of several others who make historical fashion videos and am happy to learn about him. I know nothing about Korean fashion history other than seeing films and TV shows that may have a costumed actor on camera. Even so, I have always loved what I have seen.

[@T_WC123]

I watched this yesterday and was surprised by how strongly he felt against other people wearing traditional Korean clothes and I could not understand it at all. I kept thinking about it and I wonder if his opinion is bc he is an Korean adoptee and feels more protective over Korean things? My late mother was from Korea and would have had the opposite view - she was delighted anytime she saw Korean culture in mainstream America bc my mother believed Korean culture was incredibly beautiful and enjoyed others recognizing it too. If she saw white girls in Hanbok, she’d be amazed and happy. I wore Hanbok that my Korean grandmother sent and I wore it often in California in settings that it wasn’t “appropriate” for and bc I am mixed, I don’t look Korean, so it makes me sad to hear that if he saw me wearing it he would be disapproving. Frankly, the Korean community has enough negativity about being “Korean” enough that I don’t think we need to perpetuate it - it hit a sore spot for me. I did appreciate his interview very much and for featuring our beautiful Korean clothing and culture.

[@sudevi6739]

I'm mixed Korean and American and feel the same as you. It was a bit disappointing and strange seeing how opposed he was to others appreciating Korean clothing or culture. If the appreciation is genuine and authentic, I could care less the blood or color of skin.

[@AW-uv3cb]

@@sudevi6739 100% agreed with both of your comments. Ethnic essentialism is what leads us humans to do a lot of nasty stuff to each other in the first place - so why not allow people to appreciate things even if they're not part of the group? We should see our cultures as a way of connecting with each other in unique ways, not putting barriers. After all, this is how most of our traditional clothing, music and food came to be - by different groups intermingling and taking inspiration from each other!

[@beatriceotter8718]

Thank you for this, I really appreciate the depth of the interview. About "can someone from another culture wear that?" I think the question of relative power is so important and it rarely gets brought up, so I was glad to hear Cheon-Shik touch on it. If you are in a place where that culture is marginalized, and you are a member of the dominant culture that is doing the marginalizing, then you shouldn't wear it unless it's specifically requested for an event. But if you are in a place where that other culture is the dominant culture and you are not part of the dominant culture it's probably fine. With Asian stuff particularly, whenever I see two different responses from members of that ethnicity, it's always the people who live in the west and are marginalized and face hate for expressing that culture who don't want the dominant group to take their culture (for good and obvious reasons which Cheon-Shik laid out). Whereas Asian people from Asia are more likely to say "sure, it's fine, we like it, why would anybody disapprove?" Because they don't face marginalization and harassment for their culture, and they control the narrative around the cultural factors, so it's neither putting salt in the wound nor a threat to their control over their history. Very different context.

[@emilyvbr1878]

I like the way you explained it, that makes sense

[@cindysmith9213]

Not everyone in a domaint culture controls stuff or others. In fact most don't . I have friends of all kinds because : 1) They (my freinds) are nice people who are patient with me. 2) I listen more then judge. 3) I don't fit in anywhere because i'm Autistic.

[@T_WC123]

The opposite was the case for my mother and many other people. It’s an interesting theory but you can’t say people think like this because I came up with this reasoning based on some examples. It perpetuates problems to try to assign people into groups and declare how they think.

[@Nicaea7]

+

[@MrLanguageFanatic]

As a non-Korean I found myself wearing Saeng-hwal hanbok(생활한복) since I have seen old Korean uncles wearing them and they looked really comfortable. They are hanboks (generally for men) that were reinvented for Koreans to wear daily in the modern age. They are very comfortable and they come for every season. When I wear my winter saeng-hwal hanbok I feel like I am wearing blankets on top of my body (which is pretty comfy)

[@johnchenard-sh8gd]

I’m American I’ve been sewing over 40 years and I just got to say I love your videos

[@aureliabergevin5761]

Thank you so much to host peoples who speak of non westernb/european fashions on your channel! I think youtube and internet in general lack of this kind of contents. I love to learn and understand others country fahions and culture, and we also too often forget that a lots of styles are inspired by others from others places during history. Thank you again and to all your guests.

[@auricia201]

This is so cool! I didn't expect you to make a video like this If I ever go to Korea, I want to try a hanbok!!

[@LiljaHusmo]

Thank you for this lovely video ♥️ I'm excited to learn more about Korean fashion from Cheon-Shik, so will sub immediately 😊

[@melsmith5833]

I really enjoyed this video! It is so interesting to hear what matters to others from their own culture. I am glad this fellow is able to find out and embrace his origins. He seemed like a lovely person. Thanks for all the intrigue and inspiration you bring our way!

[@audriscarborough9309]

Thanks!

[@frog8220]

This guy has a wonderful enthusiasm! Love his voice and way of speaking too. This is a nice interview, thank you both for making it!:)

[@roastedpepper]

That silk gauze is like the most beautiful textile I’ve ever seen! Incredible.

[@meredithkagy3956]

Very interesting interview. I enjoyed hearing about a Korean adoptee prospective. I have been living in Korea for 9 years. I have been taking traditional craft classes and now I am going to a hanbok study school to study how to make traditional hanboks. I enjoy learning about Korean culture and traditions. I love to wear hanbok and connect with the local Koreans. They are surprised and happy to see me wear the traditional clothing. I found some hanbok groups here where we meet up and wear hanboks together.

[@lilykatmoon4508]

I love this video! I’ve seen Mr Yang in some of your other videos in the background, and often wondered who he was and what his story is. I’m so thankful to be introduced to his passion and wonderful artistry in this video!

[@VBirchwood]

So glad you enjoyed it! 😊 I haven't featured him in any other videos before though, so perhaps another creator? 🥰

[@emeraldoracle8706]

Great video. Love seeing different historical fashion!

[@leoscheibelhut940]

It was a real pleasure to be able to listen to this conversation between two historical enthusiasts[I hope that this is a respectful term]. I was an exchange student in Japan and later worked there for eight years. When I was a university exchange student, I was a member of the kyudo[traditional martial arts archery]. We always wore traditional kyudo attire[similar to kendo or judo attire] to practice or compete. If I practiced in the morning and was practicing again later, like the my teammates, I felt comfortable going around campus so attired or on trains to matches. As a high school exchange student, I was gifted several yukata[a cotton kimono style garment] which I wore for various festivals and holidays. At the time, I certainly felt I had a right to wear them, having "earned" that right through my striving to integrate into the culture. In retrospect, perhaps it was less a matter of "earning" the right to wear them and more a matter of me being invited to participate. It's now been 25 years since I last visited Japan and while I still speak Japanese, I lack any reasonable opportunity to wear Japanese traditional attire. I have no firm opinion or guidance on when it is appropriate to wear another culture's attire but wanted to share some thoughts of a former exchange student who once strove so hard to assimilate into another culture that he was broken-hearted to go home.

[@bethliebman8169]

Another wonderful interview! It was interesting hearing Cheong-Shik's story. Thank you for asking the underwear question. You rock.

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

This was such a wonderful interview, he has such a fabulous way of explaining his thoughts, and I couldn't agree with him more on, well, everything! 😂😂

[@sadface7457]

I am inspired. You are a very good interviewer.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you! 😊

[@VerbenaComfrey]

Such beautiful work, and I'm very moved by Cheon-Shik's words.

[@Mesmina]

The blizzard comment made me laugh. I wear petticoats and a caraco with mitts and just a shawl. But with the stays and everything is it so so warm! And only last week I was asked by a college where wearing one of those puffed jackets and still freezing where MY jacket was. He would not believe me that I was not cold until I listed alle the layers of fabric that I was wearing.

[@melaniearison1209]

My former partner is a Korean adoptee. We have a child and I am learning about their culture to share in that with our child. This was very helpful. Thank you both.

[@AshLG]

This is the collaboration I’ve been waiting for!

[@VictorianMaid99]

This is amazing ! I lived there for 2 years and wore heir clothing quit often.

[@ytn00b3]

Definitely more traditional wears for weddings, funerals, 1st birthdays, 60th birthdays, ancestral ceremonies, and a few traditional events.

[@tatianaacademy7007]

So beautiful thank you very much both!

[@modrzew1982]

Amazing video! Thank you!

[@veraxiana9993]

I found his note of during a certain time period most people almost always being in the mourning colors very relatable as a girl of Cretan descent, during the middle of the 1900s especially almost everything clothing wise was universally the mourning color for a variety of factors (juntas, a civil war, 2 world wars, etc.) Granted that color in Crete is black rather than white but still, thought that was a pretty neat similarity

[@shimmy8718]

I visited Korea with my friends last year - alll central-european white women. We rented hanboks for the whole day of sightseeing Gyeongbokgung Palace. There were hundreds upon hundreds people of all races doing the same thing that day. Some tourists even chose to walk around the city, outside of Palace's premises wearing hanboks as well. Locals stopped us so many times to compliment us and take pictures of us on their own initiative. At some point these 3 lovely ajummas came up to us, called us princesses and started bowing playfully. I had my hanbok waistband tied incorrectly - into a simple bow. A random Korean lady came up to me while I was waiting at a crosswalk and asked respectfully if she can tie it for me the correct way. In conclusion - Koreans love seeing foreigners celebrating their culture. As long as you do it respectfully, there really is no problem. Once again, Americans - culture is not something we should gatekeep.

[@MicheleDoenges]

there's definitely a difference between how other cultures view foreigners participating in their traditional culture and how Americans who are 1+ generation removed from their ethnic cultures feel about it, and it definitely has to do with the racial climate here in America. I don't think it's fair, in the American situation, for us to tell them not to gatekeep their cultures when we as white people have a tendency to take things from other cultures while scorning the people it belonged to for participating in their cultures. Ya know? If you want to participate in other cultures, go there like you did.

[@TheKnittedRaven]

Clothing is such an important means of individual and cultural expression. It was a pleasure to listen to your conversation.

[@modkhi]

i love the in depth interviews you do, it really makes your channel different from other historical costuming ones

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you!!😊

[@sapientisessevolo4364]

I mean using the clothing and fabrics that are practical given your circumstances is pretty historically accurate in spirit, especially for commoners

[@vincentbriggs1780]

His work is so beautiful! And he has a lovely speaking voice too. It's really wonderful to watch 2 people talk while wearing completely different kinds of historical dress.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you Vincent 😊

[@TheEconWoman]

Fantastic interview! Very important topic(s) for our times. Thank you both.

[@susanhaney3437]

I learned a lot from this. Thank you!

[@tic857]

what a cool video. If you can find find a traditional hanfu maker and wearer, it would be beautiful too.

[@ushere5791]

thanks to you and cheon-shik for a lovely video!!

[@ericalarochelle3779]

It is interesting that Korean dress seems to have been more consistent over time; I am curious as to what influences predominate fashions to change or be maintained over time. Sounds like a dress historian/historian thesis paper topic!

[@yadlajoie7757]

Great video , we learned so much !

[@susannekalejaiye4351]

So glad you combined your skills and shared.

[@audriscarborough9309]

This was a beautiful interview. I enjoy hearing about what clothing, different jewelry or in some cases, things used during ceremony or important events, in the lives of people, being told in their own word's. It gives such a depth of understanding, especially, when you find someone, who is so inspired by their indigenous clothing and the reasons why they were worn. I could feel how truly important it was for Jeff ( I would hate to be disrespectful by miss spelling his Korean name) to know his culture and feel like himself in them. Unfortunately, that sounded like it includes some negative events. Someday perhaps, mor people, will want to learn from these differences and be at least, more understanding, if not inspired bye. I have seen/ watched him before. During KZbin appearances with , Bernadette Banners, & Rachel Maksy and other's. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing him speak from his heart. Beautiful interview, Vasi , and a very lovely guest! *I have heard of White being worn during mourning in many East Asian & European countries. Do you know off hand, when it changed? It seems a difficult color to have been worn by the working class. It would have been such a chore to keep it clean. Deep dive time for me, to see the differences between the times it was worn in Korea , to the time period it was worn throughout Europe. It's my favorite color. Finding out some other deep meanings for the color should be interesting. Definitely looking into the different styles, textiles and colors of Korean clothing in the past. I love to see all the beautiful clothing. In the past and now. I do especially enjoy the everyday and working-class clothing the best. Just personally speaking, when I look at the construction, materials, what job's were being done... I guess that's why I am so interested in your channel. Seeing what you create, and learning from you and your guests, opens the door to seeking even more knowledge. The interviews you have done, regarding historical clothing of indigenous people's has been a treat to hear. Being told by these lovely, knowledgeable people, opens the door for so many questions. Hopefully, for beautiful discussions, too. You have shared a lot of your knowledge about working class wear, that has kept me searching for more & more .... That is a valuable trait. To be able to inspire someone to want to know more 🤗 With love and appreciation for insight ❤🌏 Audri

[@strangehobbyist]

I love ladies’ hanbok, essentially the original big princess gown.💖

[@anneshirley3786]

Thanks you for spreading knowledge about other cultures!

[@Scentofrain.]

This is such an excellent, fascinating interview!

[@katwitanruna]

Yay! I’ve seen him before in videos, this is great!!

[@marynimocks6791]

Enlightening conversation. Thank you!

[@Angrywraithy]

I'm half Korean/half White and love fashion history in general. I've worn everything from European medieval fashion to Chinese Tang dynasty hanfu. Everyone has a different perspective on outliers wearing their traditional clothing but I'm very much open to anyone wearing Hanbok or Tartans (im part scottish lol) as long as its through appreciation and love of the culture. There has also recently been an insurgence among eastern Asian cultures to wear each others traditional clothing. I see Chinese girls in Kimono and Japanese girls in Hanfu on Chinese social media outlets and even though there are LOTS of naysayers, Koreans, Chinese and Japanese have had wayyyyy too much unneccesary internal hate and competition that its actually kind of nice to see us all appreciate each other by means of historial fashion.

[@FoggyCottageDweller]

I love that you’re showing fashion from outside Europe 😊

[@giselemascarellisalgado2207]

I love that you bring others culture clothes ❤ congratulations

[@astrudlang7557]

Thank you for this video! I really feel like whenever people wear their own traditional clothing, the look beautiful and dignified. For me, I’m half Korean and really find western clothing not really flattering on me. This inspired me to continue workout the courage to make ( and wear😊!) my own hanbok based clothing…

[@wonderbugone]

This was really great. I'm just starting to get into cultural-historical clothes of my own backgrounds and have been living in Korea for two years. I love hanbok and have had the privilege to wear the hanbok my boyfriend (Korean) gave me at palaces here. There are tons of hanbok rental shops around the main palace in Seoul servicing foreigners in particular and you are admitted into the palace grounds for free if you wear hanbok. Many foreigners and Koreans wear hanbok in and around the palace grounds. It helps bring the place alive! I've had my hanbok for four years, but never wore it out for the first two (at home in Canada) because of exactly what Cheon-Shik said. Racialized diaspora typically have a more fraught relationship with their cultural clothes because of racism and assimilation. It would certainly be offensive for a non-Korean to randomly wear hanbok to many Koreans in Canada. But Koreans in Korea have a different history and experiences and are encouraging of non-Koreans partaking in their culture that way. Geo-cultural context and the feelings of the particular people around you are important. After watching a bunch of videos of historical clothing wearers/makers, I wondered how many daily wearers of historical non-western clothing there are in the west. Only wearers of western clothing have popped up for me so far, so I need to search out more people like Cheon-Shik Side note, but I wish people could recognize that there is no greater or lesser culture, just different cultures, and that Korean-North American culture is not less legitimate than Korean-Korean culture. There are of course differences, but I hate that people like my best friend (Korean-Canadian) and Cheon-Shik have experiences of feeling like outsiders to varying extents when their experiences as Korean diaspora are equally as valid and deserving of the diverse umbrella of "Korean" as those born and raised in Korea. I sometimes feel a twinge of doubt at the thought of wearing my own ethnic clothes ("am I an imposter? I didn't grow up there"), but what are diaspora supposed to do if they can't claim their own ancestors' cultures? Just completely assimilate, abandon ancestral connections and any associated identity, and start from scratch? Diaspora have every right to participate in their ancestral cultures. Yes, diaspora cultures are different from the culture of our families' places of origin, but diaspora cultures are not less-than, just different. That difference should not be a point of shame

[@elizabethraitanen5057]

This was a fascinating video. Many thanks to both of you. I learned so much!

[@pyenygren2299]

What a beautiful conversation. ❤️ 💛 ❤️ 💛 ❤️

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks Pye 😊

[@cap4life1]

A+ collab, great interview

[@anaquezia5532]

Amazing video! It gave me a lot of reflexions on my own culture

[@cathoderay305]

I've got to admit, this is pretty interesting. I've not seen Hanbok worn outside of Korean television programs where it's just a costume. Thank you.

[@sallaisosaari4652]

Really interesting! Thank you 😊

[@foxgloved8922]

This is so dope thank you !

[@Alioops-il7jn]

I found this video while I am making a modified hanbok ( pattern sold and designed by a Korean woman living in Toronto. Sara sews) to wear to my friend’s son’s graduation from law school. They are from Seoul and his beautiful mom is wearing her exquisite formal Hanbok and asked me to also wear Hanbok. I appreciate your discussion of cultural appropriation and will tread carefully. This is an Excellent interview and the background of the garments fascinates me. My modified hanbok is being made from a Liberty of London cotton print with the colors of the son’s school predominating. I interpreted making in a print and making modified hanbok as my respect for the differences and cultural integrity of Korean culture from my Scandinavian and Northern European heritage. Thank you very much.

[@liri100000]

우와~ 한국에도 생활한복으로 교복을 만드는 학교들이 많아요(대부분 명문학교)~ 학교의 엠블럼과 생활한복을 멋지게 조합하면 학생들도 몸가짐이 변할겁니다.

[@Alioops-il7jn]

@liri100000 thank you for the information about school badges. This graduation was an American school. My friend was exquisite in her pale Celadon and ivory silk hanbok with cantaloupe colored ties. It was a thoughtful graduation and celebration after. I was given a beautiful tassel to tie on my wrap closure. Such a beautiful gesture. I am grateful to know more about Korea.

[@kristinamanion2236]

Thank you! So much fun to learn about historical dress from a non European country.

[@meiyifather9887]

beautiful korean hanbok

[@mrfred159]

Love your videos! :)

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you so much!

[@brentsesler7811]

That is so cool!!!! Korean clothing!!

[@Maraaha55]

I suspect that for many Korean people, a very traditional hanbok may be impractical. In business it seems never to be used - but why not? I wish it could become more common to see modern hanbok at the very least, but there seems to be almost a prejudice against it. Certainly Korean artists do promote Hanbok : BTS have used them for several different performances and MV. They also gave Coldplay's Chris Martin a modern hanbok when he visited to work with them on My Universe. I love that. The whole issue of birth country and culture is very hard. I think it sad that some need to say you're not allowed, or you're not Korean - clearly you are, but I can understand them suspecting that you do not share their culture. I suspect that aaaaall the rules of Korean historical dress would be very hard to conform to - and almost totally alien for us from the west. There was a hierarchy not only of colours and decoration, but also even the material used and form of dress. Layering fabric is MUCH warmer than one single thick piece In terms of non-Koreans wearing hanbok, I take on board your ... distaste, because of the racism you have had to face. However, I do not accept that race is equivalent to culture - what of a person of western extraction who grew up in Korea? Rare perhaps, but that person can be expected to share that culture. I am Scottish, and our "national dress" was actually made illegal at one time - now, the kilt and tartan is positively fashionable, for people all over the globe. The men in my family all wore the kilt for marriages, and one brother wears it for many formal occasions. Much cheaper than a suit and actually can fit many more occasions than a formal suit. But while I have some peeves about how "others" wear the kilt (mostly related to it being TOO LONG!), I am glad to see tartan being designed for all sorts of people - including Scots of Indian extraction, and kilts being worn by those people too. I think it is essential for all of us to know our own history, to take pride in it without looking down on other cultures, It is possible to share our culture and admit others, who are willing to respect and learn, to enjoy it too.

[@sophie9419]

I find it interesting the difference between the take on cultural appropriation from Asian Americans vs Asians living in Asia.

[@sariahmarier42]

Interesting that I wasn't aware of Asian sumptuary laws. That's so insightful.

[@greygamertales1293]

It is very nice to see non Western European fashion get represented on this channel.

[@VBirchwood]

I have a video on 500 Years of Indian Fashion as well, along with one on the Life of an Indigenous Dressmaker. There will be future content on my own ethnic dress (Kazan Tatar) too 😊

[@moraviapendragon]

Interesting take on wearing hanbok. Other persons from Korea and other Asian countries have a completely different perspective.

[@susanhaney3437]

Can you give examples of experts with different perspectives?

[@moraviapendragon]

This is the link on kimono. I'm still trying to find where I saw the video on hanbok. Also re kimono. My daughter got a kimono from my sister that didn't fit but didn't have any accessories. So I found a seller in Japan who could meet our needs. I sent pictures of my daughter who pale as can be, brown hair and 6ft tall. The seller was pleased that she was wearing everything correctly and respectfully. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3jCmZ-lert5fbs

[@carriefernandez8705]

His view is pretty spot on with diasporas overall, regardless of culture of origin or current country of residence. Both of my parents are immigrants to the US so I see this a lot. Diaspora kids (again, calling myself out here) are often really insecure with our ties to our family's culture because we know we have a limited version of it, no matter how much our parents tried to pass it down. In my case, my parents only spoke English at home, so my Spanish is always going to be weird no matter how good I get. That's before we get to the part where my own Mexican blood relatives said I wasn't really Mexican, but I digress. There's certain things that you can only know by physically being there, and all of us diaspora kids know that deep down. So we get very protective of the pieces of our culture we do have, especially if other people have issues with us doing it. Whereas in the country of origin where that culture is dominant anyway, they're much more open to outsiders as long as they're doing it correctly. I've specifically seen that with kimono as well, where Japanese people in Japan often don't see the issue with Americans wearing kimono and may even appreciate it, but Japanese-Americans (adopted or immigrant) are a different story.

[@ragnkja]

@Cheon-Shik_Yang says the reason Koreans traditionally wore white so much was that it’s the traditional colour of mourning, and that formal mourning tended to last so long and apply so widely that most people were in mourning more often than not.

[@akashanumberfive199]

I'm sorry you live a joyless life but give me my floral brocade 😄😄😄

[@casadechris923]

I’m little surprised -I was one of the first westerns and a male who studied Hanbok design way back in the 1990s. I studied how to dye the fabric naturally, learned how to make the knot work, gold/silver leaf embossing and embroidery. I stopped and left Korea around 2003 but it was a big issue with some not like that a western person could master the skill since it was a “Korean thing”. I’m am thankful for that chapter of my life but I moved on.

[@jewelbrown7037]

I am scot-irish by ancestry, born in SoCal, and moved to Alaska many years ago. For historical clothing, I prefer lowland peasant attire a la Battle of Pinkie time. However, day to day, I have adopted the Kuspuk and Parka of my home, worn first by Alaskan tribes. In my opinion, when transplanting to a new culture, it's respectful to adopt the clothing style. What does everyone else think?

[@MicheleDoenges]

My husband and I went back to visit his family last winter, and I can confirm that you may see a fair number of older Koreans, mostly 70s and up, wearing modern hanbok, but nothing as ornate or historical as what Cheonshik-ssi has on.

[@Neophoia]

I like the touching on people wearing clothes from a culture they aren't from. While I own a yukata, I've almost only worn it to a local hanami event where one can also rent kimono or yukata to wear, part of it has been because I don't feel comfortable as a white person wearing a garment that is so clearly not from my culture unless at an event that is clearly of the culture the garment is from. I do however have a dirndl which I'm completely comfortable wearing at any time, because my family has a lot of ties to Austria and I spent a lot of time there growing up. The disconnect from what the garment mean, as well as what it might bring out from how other people treat you, makes it feel really strange for me to not have some reservations towards westerners using traditional clothing from other parts of the world. We have, historically as well as in modern times, been very shitty towards other cultures. As well as tried to strip away what we didn't like about them so they fit into our view of what is "appropriate". Thank you for posting this very insightful interview. 💚

[@annsai4654]

Treating other cultures poorly isn’t something essentially more done by western people it’s mainly more Spoken about. Once you look into other countries history you’ll see that they all have their fair share cruel acts to their neighbors

[@trueblueclue]

That hat goes hard

[@CrazyBunny123]

I find it funny that the lady pronounced the word Hanbok better than the Korean guy.

[@LeoFieTv]

Hat fashion peaked in Joseon period korea. Just in general. You not gonna get better than the wide brimmed, high top, half transparent black horsehair hat.

[@hopeofdawn]

I know it's not your wheelhouse, but I for one would be really interested in an in-depth discussion of modern designers doing historically-inspired fashion, and whether people think that wearing that fashion would still be appropriative. I know there are a lot of Chinese designers, now experimenting with different kinds of hanfu-inspired pieces from different dynasties, Japan has a long history of different designers trying different things with traditional kimono/wafuku, and I wouldn't be surprised if there weren't Korean designers doing the same thing. It seems a bit exclusionary to say 'you can only sell to people of your own country', when Western designers can sell their work around the world to anyone without criticism. But maybe they don't even want to? So many possible sides to this discussion.

[@cholulahotsauce6166]

What a fine hat.