Global luxury brands have been making headlines by consecutively releasing products reminiscent of the so-called "Kimjang Vest." In Korea, the trend has spread rapidly after celebrities were seen wearing them; however, some unexpected side effects have also emerged due to this surge in popularity. On January 20, a post titled "Valentino Imitates Korea's Hot Item" was uploaded to a social media platform. The post pointed out that Valentino's new "Gobelin Appliqu? Ribbed Fiorellini Vest" closely resembles the currently trending Kimjang Vest in design.

Valentino

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This product is a quilted vest featuring a floral fabric and V-shaped fur details, which many say evoke the image of a traditional "grandma vest." According to Valentino's official website, the price is approximately 6.3 million won. Upon seeing this, online commenters reacted with remarks such as, "The Kimjang Vest is making its rounds in Europe," "Our grandmothers were ahead of the fashion curve," and "A familiar design, but an unfamiliar price." Another luxury brand, Moncler's down vest, priced around 2.3 million won, has also drawn attention for its similar style, with comments like "A heartwarming style," and "Now even winter vests are part of K-Kimjang fashion."

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

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The quilted vest, commonly referred to as the Kimjang Vest, was originally designed as practical clothing prioritizing warmth and mobility. However, after celebrities such as aespa's Karina, BLACKPINK's Jennie, and Girls' Generation's Taeyeon were seen wearing them on social media, the item has gained attention as a fashion statement both in Korea and abroad. Nevertheless, the growing popularity has led to some unforeseen issues. Recently, a small business owner reported difficulties as the "grandma vests" provided for customers in their store have repeatedly gone missing.

On January 2, a post titled "Grandma Kase and Grandma Vest Keep Disappearing" was uploaded to the self-employed community "Apeunikka Sajangida." The author, Mr. A, who operates a so-called "Grandma Kase" restaurant with a homemade meal concept, explained that he provides floral vests on each chair for customers to wear instead of their coats while dining.

Mr. A lamented, "At first, I thought people accidentally wore them out after drinking, but one day, more than seven disappeared at once. There was even a day when a single group took four vests." To mark the restaurant's sixth anniversary, Mr. A gave vests to the first 300 customers as gifts in November last year, and due to the positive response, extended the giveaway to all visitors through the end of December. However, he explained that incidents of customers leaving with the provided vests have continued since then.

On the 2nd, a post titled "Grandma Kase and Grandma Vest Keep Disappearing" was uploaded on the self-employed community "Apeunikka Sajangida." Online community "Apeunikka Sajangida"

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He added, "We announced that each person could receive one vest as part of a review event, but there have been cases where people only took the receipt and left with the provided vest without writing a review. Due to customs issues, it is difficult to purchase additional stock, so if these losses continue, it will be hard to keep the business running." In response, netizens 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's vest?" and "The warmth and affection of the grandma concept is being hurt by theft."