RM of K-pop Behemoth BTS Donates $75,000 to Restore a Traditional Korean Bridal Costume
Key Highlights :
K-pop boy band BTS has made a generous donation of 100 million won (approximately $75,000) to the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation to help restore a traditional Korean bridal costume, or hwarot. The donation was made by BTS front man RM, who is known for his appreciation of art, and will be used to restore a hwarot owned by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).
The hwarot, which is believed to date back to the early 20th century, was donated to the LACMA in 1939 by an unnamed art collector. The traditional costume was restored using traditional methods after being transferred to Korea last October, and is now on display at the National Palace Museum in Seoul's Jongno District.
The hwarot is part of a collection of only 40-50 hwarots left in the world, and the National Palace Museum is currently showcasing nine of them, including the one worn by Princess Bokon (1818-1832), the second daughter of Sunjo of Joseon (1790-1834). The exhibition is scheduled to run through Dec. 13.
The National Palace Museum commented on RM's donation, saying, "The preservation efforts sponsored by RM show how an individual and a state-run institute can join hands to conserve and utilize our cultural heritage. We should soon return this hwarot to the U.S., so we decided to reveal it to the public before that."
RM's donation is a testament to the power of art and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. His generous donation will help ensure that this traditional Korean costume is preserved for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
