{
  "id": 14913519,
  "title": "Why young Koreans are embracing the 'rich girl' aesthetic",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/why-young-koreans-are-embracing-the-rich-girl-aesthetic",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T09:02:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20261016/why-young-koreans-are-embracing-the-rich-girl-aesthetic"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A new fashion trend among young Koreans in their 20s and 30s, known as \"Hyunbaek core,\" has been making waves on social media. The style derives its name from Hyundai Department Store, a popular shopping destination, and \"core,\" a term that represents the defining essence of a particular aesthetic. This look is characterized by an air of detachment from shopping and an understated yet distinctly luxurious vibe.\n\nHyunbaek core embraces the concept of quiet luxury, which subtly conveys financial comfort through high-end materials such as silk and cashmere, rather than overt displays of wealth through designer logos. This trend shares some similarities with the traditional \"old money\" aesthetic, which aimed to emulate an upper-class demeanor. However, there are notable differences between the two styles. While old money emphasized formality, Hyunbaek core presents a more laid-back and effortless appearance.\n\nPrevious fashion trends like ballet core and poet core have drawn inspiration from a variety of sources. However, Hyunbaek core stands out for its unique take on luxury and its embrace of a more relaxed, effortless aesthetic.",
  "summary": "“The style of a rich girl who has nothing left to buy, even when she goes shopping at a department store.” That is how social media users have described “Hyunbaek core,” a new trend that has recently emerged among people in their 20s and 30s. The term combines “Hyunbaek,” a shortened name for Hyundai Department Store, with “core,” which refers to the defining concept or aesthetic of a style. The…",
  "key_points": [
    "Hyunbaek core trend emerges among Koreans in 20s and 30s",
    "Emphasizes quiet luxury with high-end materials like silk and cashmere",
    "Distinct from old money aesthetic with more relaxed, effortless appearance"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Why young Koreans are embracing the 'rich girl' aesthetic",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/why-young-koreans-are-embracing-the-rich-girl-aesthetic-14924563",
        "published": "2026-10-16T09:57:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}