“National treasure” - Fans hail BTS’ Taehyung for honoring Korean heritage with norigae & 120-year-old Gojong-era watch at Vogue World: Hollywood

On October 26, BTS’ Taehyung appeared at Vogue World: Hollywood, held at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. He presented two different outfits for the event. His first look, designed by Korean designer Jaybaek Couture, paid homage to his heritage with a custom piece.

He wore a long gray overcoat, cinched at the waist with a red belt. Hanging from the coat was a norigae, a traditional Korean pendant often worn with a hanbok, featuring intricate knots, tassels, and cords that symbolize good fortune.

For his second appearance, V changed into a gray suit. Beneath his coat, a hidden item was revealed: a vintage timepiece over 120 years old, dating back to the era of King Gojong, who ruled Korea for 43 years. Alongside this antique, he also carried a Cartier watch.

Many noted his decision to wear a Korean brand emphasizing traditional elements instead of a global label. An X user commented:

Observers noted that his display of a watch brought to Korea over a century ago during King Gojong’s reign, highlighted his cultural significance.

Others have also noted the norigae detail featured in his first outfit.

BTS’ Taehyung, with Dakota Johnson, Cynthia Erivo, Lizzo, & Conan Gray at Vogue World: Hollywood, gifts flowers to fans

BTS' Taehyung with Dakota Johnson and Lizzo (Image via Getty)

Kim Taehyung received a personal invitation from Anna Wintour to attend the Vogue World: Hollywood event. The invite took place during the CELINE Spring/Summer showcase at Paris Fashion Week. Anna Wintour had said,

“We’re hoping you’ll come to our Hollywood event in October.”

V replied,

“Wow!”

Anna insisted that he come to the event, to which V said, “Okay!” Anna confirmed, “Is that a yes? Excellent.” A HYBE staff member added,

“We’ll try to work it out, we have a lot to arrange.”

Anna then smiled and said,

“You need to come.”

Fast forward to October 26, V became one of the unexpected guests at Vogue World: Hollywood, much like Sabrina Carpenter's surprise appearance in 2024. Lisa Love, Vogue’s West Coast and Teen Vogue Director, was seen approaching V to greet him personally at the event.

Inside the venue, he was spotted next to actress Cynthia Erivo and photographed with Dakota Johnson and Lizzo. He also met singer Conan Gray. Though V wasn’t reported to have encountered Wintour, his seat was placed just five spots away from hers.

After the show, Taehyung surprised fans with a warm gesture, personally coming forward to hand his bouquet to ARMYs waiting outside. His act caught everyone’s attention, even making the bodyguards smile. While giving the flowers, he humbly told fans,

“Please share them together.”

On the morning of the event, Vogue Japan released Kim Taehyung’s first digital cover, inspired by James Dean’s 1950s rebel charm. In the retro video, the K-pop idol wore a brown leather CELINE jacket, denim jeans, rode a motorcycle, and filmed with a vintage camcorder.

About the author

Shreya Jha specializes in K-Pop and K-Drama content at Sportskeeda. With a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, she brings a refined approach to Entertainment Journalism. Over the course of two years, she has worked with media agencies such as FandomWire and Animated Times, publishing over 2000+ articles.

Some of the highlights of Shreya's career include writing an exclusive piece on the Bvlgari Necklace and reviewing the Jaguar Type 00 for The Luxxe Mag. Entertainment is a space she resonates with the most. Some of the favorite aspects of her work comprise analyzing plot twists, discussing comebacks, and covering other pop-culture news in general.

Putting forward a sensitively-written article, by incorporating a multiplicity of perspectives is important to her. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys reading contemporary romance novels and performing Bharatnatyam. She admires Amelia Dimoldenberg for her deadpan humor.

Know More

Edited by Shreya Jha