Tae Jung and Ha Ru1

The traditional Korean “Baek-il” party is a centuries-old tradition considered a norm in many Korean households. This signifies a major milestone within the Korean culture of a child’s 100th day after birth, because of the high infant mortality during the 18th Century until the Korean War in the 1950s. During the Baek-il event, parents would dress their babies in the traditional Korean dress 'Hanbok' as featured in this portrait of Heun's niece, Ha Ru.

The Baek-il party and Hanbok convey a child living past his/her first 100 days as a blessing to the families. On the 100th day, a family would traditionally pray and give food offerings to thank the Shaman Spirit of Childbirth for the child having survived this difficult period. Normally, the host would invite relatives and friends to share in the child’s blessings and prosperity.

"'Tae Jung and Ha Ru1' is a double portrait of my younger sister celebrating this milestone with her daughter dressed in the Hanbok during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my relatives and friends joined in a video called "On 20 July 2020" to celebrate this memorable moment for my niece while practicing social isolation and social distancing. The photograph is an attempt to reflect on the vulnerability of life and the strength of motherhood during these unprecedented times while working to understand my own relationship with my younger sister, Tae Jung. We have been inseparable since our childhood. Now, to see Tae-Jung as a Mother, as a caretaker, as a primary nurturer, and as a symbol of feminine maturity is breathtaking to capture in this portrait."

As the virus continues to linger, it is necessary to consider the fear many South Koreans have about the accelerated population decline from the coronavirus pandemic, which could affect Korea, a nation with one of the lowest fertility rates worldwide. Masking new-born babies addresses the idea that their lives during this pandemic become more precious than ever before as they continue to bring happiness to many Korean families while adding concerns and challenges to the pandemic. Therefore, this portrait focuses on capturing motherhood and child infancy while celebrating a centuries-old tradition of a child’s 100th day - a special day - “Baek-il” - on earth amidst this pandemic. Likewise, it is an expression of a wish for a child's good health and longevity while placing the mother and her baby in a contemporary setting.