Edited by Jeon Gyeong Ju
Translated Cho EK
In dramas, characters’ wardrobes often provide aesthetic pleasure and reveal where each character stands in the play. Many dramas are effectively presenting different roles by using a variety of colors, designs and fashion items. Lately, many characters have been wearing stunning outfits, which we want to steal from their wardrobe, to effectively convey their personality and occupation within the drama.
It is no exaggeration to say that SBS’ The Penthouse was a huge runway show and fashion exhibition by itself. Since almost all of the characters were from the upper class, they showed off splendid styles in every episode. In particular, Cheon Seo Jin (Kim So Yeon), the worst villain in the play, showed fierce looks in many colorful dresses and strong-shouldered garments with big gold earrings. With this style, Kim effectively showed Cheon’s personality and how she always cares about being at the center of attention. Shim Soo Ryun (Lee Ji Ah), who stands at the opposite end to Cheon, hides her strong mind in her elegant looks by wearing laced shirts, drapey dresses, and warm brown-toned coats. Oh Yoon Hee (Eugene), the only character who has a modest background, has undergone the most dramatic changes. At the beginning of the series, she was wearing a simple monotonous jacket. However, in the end, she was in a gorgeous dress that perfectly brought out her shoulder with a beautiful necklace on her neck. Thanks to the changes, Yoon Hee was able to be reborn as a vicious and vindictive woman from a poor single mother.
In SBS’ One the Woman, Lee Hanee proved to be one hell of an actress who can act and bring success to a show by playing these two roles in one series: fiery prosecutor Jo Yeon Joo and quiet chaebol daughter-in-law Kang Mi Na. It was not only Yeon Joo’s satisfying comebacks that drew the attention, but it was also the fashion that differentiated the two that caught the eyes. When playing Yeon Joo, Lee wore a fine set of suits to portray her life in the judicial system. On the other hand, when she played Mi Na, she wore more feminine clothes to bring out her graceful style as a member of a rich family. In addition, Jin Seo Yeon, who played Han Seong Hye, the most despicable villain in the play, showed off her evil charisma with her short hair, clean suits and large yet simple earrings.
tvN’s Hometown Cha Cha Cha is the most heartwarming series of all dramas that recently aired. Yoon Hye Jin (Shin Min Ah) and Hong Doo Sik (Kim Seon Ho) received much love, even earning a cute nickname for their couple. Throughout the series, the actress had a comfortable and active style in a lively yet peaceful seaside town. She wore oversized knitwear with low shoulder lines, cropped shirts, straight pants, and low-heeled shoes. In particular, she was in many shades of pink in most of the episodes, and it showed how she grew feelings for Doo Sik while gradually getting used to her life in Gong Jin village.
tvN’s Jirisan had garnered a lot of attention even before its release because it was Jun Ji Hyun’s long-awaited drama return in four years, joined by Producer Lee Eung Bok and writer Kim Eun Hee. Since it is a mystery thriller set in the mountains, the world ‘fashion’ does not easily pop in our heads while watching the show. However, the drama shows that the chracters’ outfits are there for both practical and aesthetical reasons. Many trekkers watching the show actually paid attention to what Seo Yi Kang was wearing as a ranger as spends all day in the wild. Previously, the actress has shown many different street styles in Thieves, and she even wore a white wedding gown to deceive her target in Assassination. This time, in her new series, Jirisan, she dresses herself as a sporty ranger with warm padded coats. A famous outdoor brand also added strength to its publicity by launching the so-called ‘Jirisan Collection’ featuring Jun Ji Hyun before the show’s release. However, some reviews are criticizing the accessive use of the drama’s product placements.
JTBC’s Reflection of You stars Go Hyun Jung, who made a long-awaited drama return after three years. The series is about two women whose lives are shaken up by bad ties in the past. Jeong Hee Joo (Go Hyun Jung) and Goo Hae Won (Shin Hyun Bin) both studied art. However, Hee Joo became a famous painter while Hae Won became an art teacher. From the outfit, the two hint at a relationship that can never be reconciled. Hee Joo, who lives a perfectly happy life with her wealth, fame, and family, shows off her affluent lifestyle through stylish accessories and colorful clothes. On the other hand, Hae Won, who has lived her life in poverty and has lost her dreams, wears a worn-out coat and a sweater that covers her entire neck, giving off a feeling of helplessness and precariousness. In the scene where Hae Won visits Hee Joo’s house after assaulting Hee Joo’s daughter, Hee Joo’s red dress and Hae Won’s green coat create a strong contrast and tight tension.
Editor Jeon Gyeong Ju: A natural-born media geek who is physically Korean and mentally multinational. All dramatic stories are my favorite sweets for life. TVs and streaming platforms are not only the playgrounds but also the weapons.
Translator Cho EK: I’m a big fan of Korean dramas and movies.
