BLACKPINK dons “Mu:ds”… Museum merchandise to meet K-pop fans

The boundaries between K-pop and cultural heritage are disappearing. As BLACKPINK, which boasts a global fan base, joins hands with the National Museum merchandise brand MU:DS, museum merchandise is also ready to reach a new consumer base.

YG PLUS announced on the 5th that it had unveiled the BLACKPINK Heritage Collection, created in collaboration with MU:DS, the National Museum merchandise brand, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of BLACKPINK's debut.

This collection is characterized by its combination of BLACKPINK's symbolism, built over the past decade, with elements of traditional Korean culture. Seven products inspired by traditional handicrafts, such as fans and combs, have been reinterpreted with modern designs to enhance their collectible value.

The products will also be showcased in select spaces within the permanent exhibition galleries of the National Museum of Korea starting on the 8th. Visitors will be able to see the collaborative products in person alongside the exhibitions.

Recently, the museum merchandise market has been expanding as products that reinterpret traditional cultural heritage in modern ways attract the attention of younger consumers. This collaboration is also drawing attention as an example of museum cultural products expanding their connection with K-pop fans through BLACKPINK, which has a global fan base.

This collection is significant because it expands the use of K-pop intellectual property beyond performances and albums into cultural products, while museum content combines with popular culture to propose a new consumer experience.