Step inside the special exhibition hall of the Korea University (KU) Museum and you’ll find yourself looking at a curious array of artworks. Upon first glance they seem to be unremarkable photographs of ladies dressed in extravagant Victorian-style dresses, reminiscent of old European portraits what with the sharp contrast between the person in the frame with the rest of the dark backdrop. But perhaps knowing this little fact will trigger your interest somewhat—the person in all the lavish gowns is the same person, the artist Bae Chan Hyo himself.

▲ Photographed by Byun Bo Kyung.

Bae Chan Hyo is a famous Korean photographer whose works revolve around the issues of gender, culture, isolation, and stereotypes. His work Existing in Costume, currently displayed at the KU Museum, is the first series in a trilogy that Bae began in the year 2005.

▲ Photographed by Byun Bo Kyung.

It all started when Bae left Korea to study at London’s Slade School of Fine Art in 2004. He felt wronged by the prejudice prevalent against Asian men, which often derided them to be more “feminine” than their Western counterparts. Thus Existing in Costume can be interpreted as a form of protest and reaction against the exclusion Bae felt as a foreigner in English society. His works portray himself dressed up in a variety of different womens’ clothes from the 13th to 19th centuries, which can be seen as what photo editor David Rosenberg calls a “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” feeling.

▲ Photographed by Byun Bo Kyung.

At the moment, Bae resides in London and is working on a fourth series titled Witch Hunting. Existing in Costume will be on display at the KU Museum until November 17. Students as well as the general public are welcome to take advantage of the exhibition, free of cost, from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. any day of the week with the exception of Monday.