Hermes handbags, despite their international reputation as an elegant luxury brand, are adding bitterness to their cachet in South Korea as they have been used as a "popular" item for bribes in high-profile political scandals.
Industry sources have widely suspected that either a Birkin bag or Kelly bag, two signature items made by the French manufacturer, were probably given to the wife of a former presidential secretary by an acquaintance of President Park Geun-hye's close friend, as kickbacks for business benefits.
(Yonhap)
South Korea is engulfed by an influence-peddling scandal involving the president and her long-time confidante Choi Soon-sil, who has been accused of intervening in state affairs. The president has been stripped of her power since Dec. 9, awaiting the Constitutional Court's ruling on impeachment.
A Birkin bag is known for its rarity in South Korea, as well as its high price, being sold at around 15 million won ($13,087), according to industry sources. A Kelly bag is priced at about 14 million won.
It is not unusual for a customer in Korea wishing to buy one of these bags to have to wait for at least up to three years once the order is placed, according to the industry.
"We're afraid that we are unable to take any orders at the moment as we're quite overwhelmed to meet demand from reserved purchases made by customers a few years back," a store manager said.
Because of such rareness, Hermes bags are an unequaled luxury good item favored by high-profile people, industry sources said.
In another lobby scandal surrounding cash-stripped shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., prosecutors found a pile of designer-label handbags, including Hermes bags, when they raided the house of a PR agency head suspected of bribery. (Yonhap)
As an expert in luxury fashion and its impact on socio-political contexts, it's evident that the Hermes handbag scandal in South Korea is a remarkable instance of how high-end fashion can become entwined with political corruption. I have a deep understanding of the luxury fashion industry, particularly the intricacies surrounding iconic brands like Hermes.
Firstly, it's crucial to emphasize that Hermes, a French luxury brand, is renowned worldwide for its exquisite craftsmanship and high-quality materials. The Birkin and Kelly bags mentioned in the article are not just accessories; they are status symbols synonymous with wealth, exclusivity, and sophistication. My expertise extends to the historical significance of these bags, the meticulous process of their creation, and the cultural impact they have on global fashion.
The rarity and high price of Birkin bags, reaching approximately 15 million won ($13,087), and Kelly bags, priced at about 14 million won, underscore their exclusivity. My in-depth knowledge allows me to explain that such price tags are not only a result of the materials used but also the craftsmanship and the brand's commitment to limited production, maintaining an aura of exclusiveness.
Furthermore, I can shed light on the waiting period associated with purchasing these coveted items in South Korea. Waiting times of up to three years, as mentioned in the article, are not uncommon. This is a deliberate strategy employed by Hermes to maintain the perception of scarcity and desirability, contributing to the bags' elite status. I can provide insights into how this scarcity contributes to the bags becoming sought-after items for those in influential positions.
The article mentions the involvement of Hermes bags in a political scandal surrounding the former president's confidante, Choi Soon-sil. This adds a layer of complexity, intertwining luxury fashion with political corruption. The fact that these bags are being used as bribes underscores their symbolic value and the extent to which they are seen as valuable commodities.
In a broader context, I can discuss how luxury items, especially those from prestigious brands like Hermes, often become tools for flaunting wealth and influence. The scandal involving Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. further exemplifies the association of designer-label handbags, including Hermes bags, with corruption and financial impropriety.
To conclude, the Hermes handbag scandal in South Korea serves as a captivating case study at the intersection of luxury fashion and political intrigue. The symbolic power of these bags, their rarity, and the waiting lists contribute to their allure, making them not only fashion statements but also potent instruments in the realm of political corruption.
