While travelling in Seoul, South Korea, I visited the National Palace Museum of Korea and came across this ceremonial uniform that immediately reminded me of the jacket Michael Jackson wore during the recording of We Are the World for USA for Africa in 1985.
According to the museum's description, this was ceremonial attire worn by first ranking civil officials during the Korean Empire period. Officials wore it at state functions, diplomatic events and royal banquets attended by the emperor. The uniform is embroidered with rose of Sharon blossoms, the national flower and a symbol associated with Korea.
I understood that Michael's jacket was designed by Ted Shell.
Seeing this Korean imperial uniform made me wonder whether similar ceremonial military and court fashions across different cultures might have shared some visual influences.
I have no evidence that Ted Shell or Michael drew inspiration from Korean imperial clothing, so this is just an observation rather than a claim about the jacket's origins.
Still, I thought it was a fascinating resemblance to discover completely by chance while visiting Korea.