Photo: khan

You’ve probably all seen the traditional hanbok. Some are beautifully-made, others elegant, while others are just plain dowdy.

I personally have never been much interested in the Korean hanbok; never found it beautiful nor ugly. There were only but a few classic hanboks that caught my attention. Then I saw Hwangjini. My opinion on hanboks have since changed.

Ahn Geun-bae, a hanbok designer, says that the hanbok has been revived as  a modern trend with its modest nature. (from jknews) Less is more, in that sense. But the popular hanbok that we see today shows a lot more skin than what is considered “virtuous” for a woman back in the day. The hanbok that we find beautiful at this age were the hanboks of gisaengs. The jeogori (the short jacket) of the modern hanbok is significantly tighter and shorter. Other times the jeogori is left out for a more risque look.

Ahn continues, “(The hanbok) is receiving the spotlight for its mysterious Oriental elegance, and sexy, exotic quality.” [Source: jknews]

[Source: dramabeans]

[Source: Ohdio]

She is now known as the first Korean transgender model who made the cut for the final 32 in the Asia-Pacific Supermodel Contest 2009–Choi Han Bit. After having undergone a sex change in her freshman year of college, Choi has received legal regonition as a female.

이제 그녀는 최초의 한국인 모델로 알려질 것이다–최.한.빛. 대학교 1햑년에 성전환 수술을 한 그녀는 법적으로 여자로 인정을 받았다.

The article from Sportsseoul.com questions if the Asia-Pacific Supermodel Contest is simply making a poor attempt at imitating the sensation caused by Isis King from America’s Next Top Model.

스포츠서울스포츠서울의 기사에서 슈퍼모델 선발대회가 미국 인기 TV쇼 아메리칸 네스트 탑 모델의 아이시스 킹이 일으킨 센세이션와 같이 대중의 주목을 받고 싶어서가 아니냐는 의혹을 제시한다.

[Source: The Insider]

Isis King was a contestant on America’s Next Top Model Cycle 11. During the entire show, she was still transitioning. King was a pre-op transwoman until February of this year. Choi, on the other hand, was a post-op as a transgender since 2006. Simply put, there are no legal complications, which makes the accusations of banning admission of contestants not biologically female null. Standing at a lofty height of 183cm, Choi not only has the physical looks of a model but also has the poise of one. Her background as a dancer can be traced from her toned body, which sets her apart from most of the sloppy bodylines of her “skinny-fat” competitors.

아이시스 킹은 ANTM 11기의 참가자 중 한 명이었다. 그녀는 ANTM 쇼 내내–올해 2월까지는 성전환 수술 전의 트렌스젠더였다는 사실. 최한빛은 2006년에 성전환 수술을 했다는 것. 간단히 말해서 법적으로 이미 여자로 인정 받은 그녀이기 때문에 대회에서 태생에 여자가 아닌 참가자들의 금지와 같은 비난을 무효시킨다. 183cm의 훤칠한 키의 그녀는 모델이 지니고 있는 신체적인 조건 뿐만 아니라 모델이 가지고 있어야하는 자세가 되있다. 탄력이 있는 그녀의 몸매는 그녀가 댄서이라는 것을 증명하며 다른 참가자들의 볼품 없는 말랐지만 근육량이 없는 바디라인과는 확실히 다르다.

[Source: JOINS]

Choi was not one to shy away from the issue of her transgendered identity. “I hope for a fair judgement, not based on my sexual identity. Even if I were to be eliminated, I will believe it is none other than the reason that I lacked ability-wise.” (quoted from Clubsprint)

최한빛은 그녀가 트렌스젠더라는 사실을 떳떳이 밝히며 당당하게 말했다. “트렌스젠더라는 선입견으로 보시 마시고 아닌 공정한 심사를 부탁드립니다. 만약 예선에 떨어져도 제 실력이 부족해서지 다른 이유 때문이라고 생각하지 않을 것”이라고 그녀는 얘기했다. (클럽스프린트)

All I hope is that through this woman, Korean society will be more accepting of people of diverse sexes, genders, and sexual orientation. Choi Han Bit, you go girl!

필자가 원하는 것은 이 여자를 통해 한국사회가 다양한 성과 성별, 또는 성적 지향의 사람들의 인식이 변하는 것이다. 최한빛, 화이팅!