President Lee's wife Kim Hye-kyung pledges to promote hanbok at Seoul Hanbok Culture Week
In short
Kim Hye-kyung, wife of President Lee Jae-myung, attended the 2026 Hanbok Culture Week commemorative event at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul on 21 October. She called hanbok a core asset of K-culture and said that, as honorary hanbok ambassador, she would work to spread its beauty and value.
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Kim Hye-kyung, wife of President Lee Jae-myung, said on 21 October that she would work to spread the beauty and value of hanbok to more people. She spoke at the 2026 Hanbok Culture Week commemorative event at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan district, Seoul, saying she would do so as honorary hanbok ambassador. She described hanbok as a cultural heritage representing South Korea and a core asset of K-culture. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
Kim said she had heard good news that hanbok brands had recently met global fashion figures in Milan and Paris and laid a foothold for overseas expansion. She called this the result of the dedication and effort of those who have led hanbok's development with unending passion. Asia Economy said she was encouraging industry officials, and Kukmin Ilbo said she praised the work of people in the hanbok industry. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
According to Newsis and Kukmin Ilbo, Kim also said she hoped hanbok, which draws the world's attention, would sit closer to everyday life, and that a culture of sharing its style naturally would spread beyond special days. Newsis quoted her as saying she was glad to join Hanbok Culture Week as someone who loves hanbok. [ 2 , 6 ]
Kim wore a yellow jeogori and a white skirt. Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young (최휘영) and Democratic Party lawmakers Han Jun-ho and Jeon Eun-su also attended in hanbok. The event included a fashion show themed "Hanbok Embracing Light" (빛을 품은 한복) with five hanbok brands. Yonhap reported that Kim applauded and responded warmly, then watched a pungmul performance with other attendees. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
Before the event, Kim visited a hanbok-wearing campaign at Gyeongbokgung in Seoul's Jongno district and filmed a challenge video with hanbok influencers, according to Blue House deputy spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong (안귀령). Ahn said Kim greeted citizens who visited Gyeongbokgung in hanbok, and that they introduced each other's hanbok and accessories. Newsis reported that Kim told a tourist from France that it was Hanbok Day. [ 1 , 2 , 4 , 5 ]
Newsis reported that Kim took part in a hanbok quiz about its construction, names and how to wear it, and viewed an exhibit on court hanbok and the hanbok in the drama "Otsomae Bulgeun Kkeutdong" (옷소매 붉은 끝동). Ahn said in a written briefing that Kim had also attended the event last year and encouraged those who have worked to pass on and develop hanbok culture. [ 2 , 6 ]
Why it matters
The coverage is of a ceremonial appearance by the president's spouse, and the documents report no policy decision. Outlets focused on her backing for hanbok brands that, in her words, have recently gained a foothold abroad.
Key facts
- Kim Hye-kyung, wife of President Lee Jae-myung, attended a Hanbok Culture Week commemorative event on 21 October at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan district, Seoul. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- She said: "As honorary hanbok ambassador, I will work to let more people know the beauty and value of hanbok." [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
- She described hanbok as a cultural heritage representing South Korea and a core asset of K-culture. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
- A fashion show themed "Hanbok Embracing Light" (빛을 품은 한복) featured five hanbok brands. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young (최휘영) and Democratic Party lawmakers Han Jun-ho and Jeon Eun-su attended in hanbok. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
- Before the event she visited a hanbok-wearing campaign at Gyeongbokgung and filmed a challenge video with hanbok influencers. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Kim Hye-kyung said at the 21 October event that she would work as honorary hanbok ambassador to spread the beauty and value of hanbok. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
- She said recent hanbok brands had met global fashion figures in Milan and Paris and laid a foothold for overseas expansion, which she credited to the industry's dedication and effort. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- She visited the hanbok-wearing campaign at Gyeongbokgung before the event, according to Blue House deputy spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong (안귀령). [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
Still unclear
- Where Kim took part in the hanbok quiz. Newsis says she joined the quiz at a booth at the museum venue, while Kukmin Ilbo places the quiz after its mention of her Gyeongbokgung campaign visit; both cite the deputy spokesperson's written briefing.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Yonhap published its report on the event. [ 1 ]
- Newsis published its report, including her wish for hanbok in daily life. [ 2 ]
- Hankook Ilbo published its report. [ 3 ]
- Asia Economy published its report. [ 4 ]
- Maeil Business published its report. [ 5 ]
- Kukmin Ilbo published its report on 22 October. [ 6 ]