Hanbok at the Oscars recently captivated global audiences during a celebratory performance at the Academy Awards, thanks to a high-profile collaboration with LeeHwa Wedding & Hanbok, a landmark boutique in Los Angeles’ Koreatown. Led by CEO Laura Park, the shop provided critical design support and traditional attire for the event held on the 15th at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
The Intensive Design Journey to the Dolby Theatre
The collaboration began approximately 20 days before the ceremony when the Oscars design team initially reached out requesting a gat (traditional Korean hat). The project quickly expanded into a full-scale costume partnership. Laura Park explained that the design concept shifted several times, moving from modern interpretations back to authentic traditional styles just a week before the show. The intense process involved five Zoom meetings and over 20 in-store visits in less than three weeks to perfect the presence of Hanbok at the Oscars.
The performance featured the song “Golden” from the animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters. The stage was a vibrant display of Korean heritage, featuring Dancheong patterns, traditional landscape paintings, and the rhythmic sounds of Samulnori.
Traditional Craftsmanship and Material Excellence
To meet the rigorous standards of the Academy, Park utilized premium silk and intricate hand-embroidery. For the sword dance segment—a tradition dating back to the Three Kingdoms period—the choice of fabric was vital to capturing the fluidity of the movement. Park noted that they used Wonsam as the base to emphasize layering and selected the finest silk to ensure the dance lines remained elegant. For the Pansori singer’s attire, she added hand-stitched embroidery to the skirt, jacket, and sleeves, accented by a long Norigae to highlight traditional beauty.
A 30-Year Legacy of Cultural Diplomacy
While Laura Park has previously contributed to Hollywood films and TV shows, this marked her first time appearing on the Academy stage. She remarked that feeling the responsibility of introducing Korean traditional clothing to the world through Hanbok at the Oscars was profound.
LeeHwa Wedding & Hanbok has been a staple of the LA community since 1993. Beyond the Oscars, Park’s work recently gained fame during the 2024 MLB Seoul Series, where she created custom Hanboks for the San Diego Padres players. Her dedication continues to bridge the gap between Korean tradition and modern global entertainment, proving that the elegance of Hanbok knows no bounds.
BY EUNYOUNG LEE [lee.eunyoung6@koreadaily.com]
