Memories for the 2030s
Fresh and unfamiliar items for teenagers
Online mall sales increased up to 4 times
[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] #. Recently, the three-member unit group 'Ssaksseuri' formed on a terrestrial broadcasting entertainment program appeared on stage wearing brightly colored hairbands, backpacks, and big-frame sunglasses reminiscent of mainstream idol groups popular in the 1990s such as HOT, Shinhwa, Sechs Kies, and Fin.K.L. They evoke nostalgia for the 2030 generation and offer unfamiliar fun to teenagers, gaining popularity. The fashion items they wear have also become popular elements.
Products that were popular in the 1990s, such as 'gopchang bands' and 'beaded rings,' are gaining attention among online shoppers. It is analyzed that retro culture centered on media such as TV has extended into the e-commerce market. The ripple effect has also grown due to the secondary and tertiary issue resurgence through various social network services (SNS) like YouTube and Instagram.
According to online mall Gmarket on the 12th, sales of bead supplies, which allow customers to create accessories according to their preferences, increased by 44% in June compared to the same period last year. Sales of finished bead bracelets (100%) and beaded rings (360%) also surged. Additionally, gopchang bands, which emphasize a retro atmosphere and femininity, grew by a whopping 560%, more than six times during the same period. Hairbands and hair clips also saw sales increases of 15% and 48%, respectively.
For those without crafting skills, there are products that custom-make bead bracelets. The ‘Diva Day Bead Bracelet’ sold on Gmarket includes constellation pendants made using birthstones and natural mother-of-pearl, giving a luxurious feel. Customers can select from 12 monthly birthstones and constellations and choose crystal bead colors to have a bead bracelet made and sent to them.
Various sizes and designs of gopchang bands are being released, and recently, using translucent fabric to create a pure and innocent look has become popular. The ‘Dodo & New Gopchang Band’ features translucent fabric gopchang bands with pastel colors that pop, such as orange and fluorescent pink, as well as products with various patterns like checks, stripes, and prints.
A Gmarket official said, “The popularity of retro styles changes with trends, and recently, the fashion of 1990s American high-teen stars is gaining attention,” adding, “Bead bracelets and gopchang bands can be seen as part of this fashion trend.”
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