‘Minari’ Showcases Today’s South Korean Fashion

A trend called “newtro” is cool in Seoul.

The costumes in Minari, a film by Isaac Chung, include midcentury-style button-downs and slim dresses with straight, conservative lines. These looks from the 1970s and ’80s are part of a trend in present-day South Korea called “newtro” or new retro, which is seen in popular neighborhoods of Seoul like Hongdae and Euljiro; music videos like “Dynamite,” by BTS, and “Woowa,” by Dia; and television shows like “Mr. Sunshine.” Susanna Song, the costume designer for “Minari,” selected the characters’ outfits by looking through old family photos and watching Korean dramas like “Reply.” Ms. Song, 35, who grew up in California, said her style has been influenced by her heritage and in particular her mother, who emigrated from Korea to Los Angeles in the ’70s. “My mom had this boat neck top with polka dots that always stuck out to me,” said Ms. Song. “She was always so sophisticated and classy.”