"Only 5,000 Won in Korea?"... Even 6.3 Million-Won Versions Appear as Global Luxury Brands Rush to Launch K-Hot Items

After Jennie and Karina Wore Them, the Trend Went Global
Valentino Releases a New Product with a Similar Design
"Let's Borrow Grandma's Vest and Go to Europe"

Valentino

International luxury brands are making headlines as they continue to release products reminiscent of the so-called "Kimjang Vest." In Korea, the trend has spread rapidly after being worn by celebrities, but at the same time, some unexpected side effects have emerged due to its popularity. On January 20, a post titled "Valentino copies Korea's hot item" was uploaded to a social media platform. The post pointed out that Valentino's new product, the "Goblin Aphe Rive Fiorellini Vest," closely resembles the Kimjang Vest that has recently become popular.

The "Kimjang Vest" craze sparked by BLACKPINK's Jennie and aespa's Karina. BLACKPINK Jennie, aespa Karina Instagram

This product is a quilted vest with floral fabric and a V-shaped fur detail, which has been described as reminiscent of the traditional "grandma vest." According to the official Valentino website, the price is approximately 6.3 million won. Online users reacted with comments such as, "The Kimjang Vest will make its way around Europe," "Our grandmothers were ahead of fashion," and "A familiar design at an unfamiliar price." Another luxury brand, Moncler, also drew attention for its down vest priced at around 2.3 million won, which features a similar style. Comments included, "A heartwarming style," and "Now even winter vests are part of K-Kimjang fashion."

The quilted vest known as the Kimjang Vest was originally designed for practicality, prioritizing warmth and mobility. However, after celebrities like aespa's Karina, BLACKPINK's Jennie, and Girls' Generation's Taeyeon were seen wearing them on social media, the vest has become a notable fashion item both domestically and internationally. Still, the surge in popularity has led to some unforeseen issues. Recently, a small business owner reported that the "grandma vests" provided in their store for customers have repeatedly gone missing.

On January 2, a post titled "Grandma's cassette and grandma's vest keep disappearing" was uploaded to the self-employed community "Apeunikka Sajangida." The author, identified as A, operates a so-called "Grandma Kase" restaurant, which is themed around homemade grandma-style meals. A explained that floral vests are provided on each chair so customers can wear them instead of their coats while dining.

On the 2nd, a post titled "Grandma's cardigan and grandma's vest keep disappearing" was uploaded to the self-employed community "Apeunikka Sajangida." Online community "Apeunikka Sajangida"

A said, "At first, I thought customers were accidentally taking them home while drunk, but one day, more than seven vests disappeared at once. There was even a day when a single group took four vests." To mark the restaurant's sixth anniversary, A gave vests to the first 300 customers in November last year, and due to the positive response, offered them as gifts to all customers through the end of December. However, incidents of customers taking the provided vests have continued even after that.

He added, "We announced that each person would receive one vest as part of a review event, but some people just took the vest after receiving a receipt without actually writing a review. Due to customs issues, it's difficult to purchase more, and if the losses continue, it will be hard to keep the business going." In response, online users commented, "Trends are fine, but basic manners should be observed," "Luxury vests cost millions of won, so why do people think it's okay to just take the restaurant vests?" and "The grandma-themed restaurant, which should be full of warmth, is being hurt by theft."