K-pop idol group BTS’ RM donated money again for the preservation of Korean cultural assets abroad.
On Sept. 15, Korea’s Cultural Heritage Administration and the Overseas Cultural Heritage Foundation announced that RM gave 100 million won (about $71,800) for the preservation, restoration and utilization of Korean cultural assets abroad.
In September last year, RM donated 100 million won to the foundation to use it for the preservation and restoration of Korean cultural assets overseas.
With the donation, the foundation and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) worked for the preservation of the “hwarot” (bridal robe) worn during Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, which was from 1392 to 1920.
Currently, there are about 40 pieces of Joseon Dynasty hwarot around the world (30 in Korea and 10 abroad).
The hwarot owned by LACMA, which RM participated in the preservation and restoration support, is scheduled to be brought to Korea this month.
It will take about five months to restore it and it will be on display in Korea next year and at LACMA in 2024.
Part of RM’s donation will be used to produce a catalog of Korean painting masterpieces scattered in major museums and art galleries.