October 2021
October 2021
Written by
Honorary Reporter Minnath Azeez
from Sri Lanka
Photo courtesy of
Darcygom
Beth S.J. (Seung-ju) Lee defines the fashion industry as a toxic art that is rapidly changing. With her brand Darcygom, she is taking a different perspective on fashion in Korea to create eco-friendly designs that impact the climate less.
Launched in 2017, Darcygom stresses traditional Korean elements and sustainability. Lee founded it after she returned to Korea following 15 years of living abroad. Shunning mainstream trends in fast fashion, she approaches sustainable fashion by matching her beliefs, inspiration and love for Korean tradition.
Korean celebrities have worn Darcygom¡¯s designs, bringing the brand international recognition. The brand¡¯s collection ¡°Upcycle Jungle: K-Style Upcycling¡± was even nominated at this year¡¯s Fashion Film Festival Milan. Showcasing trash-turned-fashion, the collection featured pieces made from materials such as coffee bags and banners.
Madrid, Spain
K-pop Goes to Spain
The Korean Cultural Center in Spain and Madrid City Hall successfully co-hosted the ¡°9th K-Pop Contest in Spain¡± at the Conde Duque Cultural Center, Spain's leading cultural space, on July 24.
The Veranos de la Villa Festival, Madrid¡¯s biggest summer celebration of the arts, invited the K-pop contest as an official program for the first time ever, reflecting the rising status of Korean pop music.
The outdoor contest proceeded under strict quarantine protocols with mandatory mask wearing and social distancing. Tickets for the performance sold out fast with over 900 Korean pop culture fans of all ages attending the event.
Budapest, Hungary
Korean Folk Crafts at Hungarian Folk Fest
The Korean Cultural Center in Hungary participated in the Hungarian Folk Festival held at Buda Castle, Budapest from Aug. 20 to 22, introducing to locals Korean arts and crafts such as patchwork and calligraphy.
It was the first time Korean artists took part in the event.
The Folklore Festival is held at Buda Castle every year on the week of Aug. 20, the anniversary of State Foundation Day of Hungary. It is one of the largest festivals in Hungary, attracting more than 700,000 people from all over Europe. Marking its 35th year, the festival draws folk artists and artisans from all over the world.
