BTS star V is bringing a traditional accessory back into the spotlight, with jade rings gaining renewed popularity among younger shoppers after the singer showcased his distinctive styling.

The emerging trend, dubbed “Jade Core,” began attracting attention after V wore a jade ring during BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21.

Rather than wearing the ring on its own, V paired it with rings made from different materials, giving the traditional piece a contemporary edge. The combination caught the attention of fans online, helping transform an accessory often associated with older generations into a fashionable item for younger consumers.

V’s styling puts traditional jade rings back in fashion

Jade rings have traditionally been viewed by some younger shoppers as accessories more commonly worn by older people. V’s approach, however, has helped reshape that perception by incorporating the jewelry into a modern, layered look.

His styling quickly circulated on social media, prompting fans to take a fresh interest in jade accessories and experiment with similar combinations.

The trend has since attracted attention beyond fan communities, with traditional jade jewelry increasingly being discussed as part of a broader interest in distinctive Korean fashion accessories.

‘Jade Core’ gets attention on YouTube

The growing interest was recently highlighted on Park Myung Soo’s YouTube programme Halmyungsoo, where the cast visited Namdaemun Market in Seoul to search for jade accessories similar to those worn by V.

One segment playfully introduced the trend with the line: “Who said it was a grandmother’s ring? V wears this K-accessory too.”

The feature reflected how the singer’s styling has helped give the traditional jewelry a different image, presenting it as an accessory that can be incorporated into contemporary outfits rather than reserved for older generations.

According to sellers at Namdaemun Market, younger customers have increasingly been purchasing multiple jade rings and wearing them together in layered combinations inspired by V’s look.

BTS fans reportedly drive demand for jade jewelry

Market sellers also said interest in jade accessories extends beyond South Korea, with shoppers from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and France reportedly seeking out similar pieces.

A company that supplied V’s jade ring said it had experienced an increase in visits and orders from BTS fans following the performance. The company also reported a sharp rise in sales of the design worn by the singer.

However, the overall impact of V’s influence on the wider jade jewelry market has not been independently established, and the full scale of the reported sales increase remains unclear.

Even so, the attention surrounding the accessory illustrates how a celebrity’s personal styling can introduce traditional items to new audiences.

With V’s layered look inspiring fans to reconsider jade rings as a modern fashion statement, “Jade Core” is emerging as a notable example of traditional accessories finding a new audience through K-pop influence.

Source: Compiled from various sources