In the high-stakes world of K-pop, where every accessory and social media post is scrutinized by millions of dedicated followers, the emergence of matching jewelry often sparks intense speculation. Traditionally, "couple items"—matching rings, necklaces, or clothing—have been the primary evidence used by fans and media outlets to identify burgeoning romances between celebrities. However, a recent discovery by eagle-eyed fans has shifted the narrative from romantic intrigue to a celebration of one of the industry’s most high-profile friendships: the "97-liners."
Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), recently became the staging ground for a viral investigation into a specific piece of luxury jewelry appearing on the hands of several top-tier male idols. Fans noted that Jungkook of BTS, Mingyu of SEVENTEEN, and Bang Chan of Stray Kids have all been frequently spotted wearing the same distinctive ring during their personal time and non-promotional schedules. This discovery has reignited public interest in the enduring bond between male idols born in 1997, a group often referred to as the "97-line."
The 97-Line: A Brotherhood of K-Pop Elites
The "97-line" is perhaps the most famous age-based friendship group in the Korean entertainment industry. While the K-pop industry is often characterized by intense competition between groups and agencies, this specific collective has consistently demonstrated a level of camaraderie that transcends professional boundaries. The core members of this group traditionally include BTS’s Jungkook, ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo, GOT7’s Yugyeom and BamBam, SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu, DK, and The8, and NCT’s Jaehyun.
The origins of this friendship group date back several years, reportedly solidifying after a collaborative performance at the 2016 KBS Song Festival. Since then, the members have been frequently spotted dining together, sending coffee trucks to one another’s filming sets, and mentioning their group chat in various interviews. The addition of Bang Chan, the leader of Stray Kids, to the public narrative of this friendship group highlights the expanding nature of these social circles within the industry.
The Item in Question: The Chrome Hearts Double Floral Ring
The specific item that caught the attention of fans is the "Double Floral Ring" by the luxury brand Chrome Hearts. Chrome Hearts, an American luxury brand founded in 1988, has long been a staple in K-pop fashion. Known for its silver jewelry, leather clothing, and gothic-inspired aesthetic, the brand’s pieces are often associated with high status and "young and rich" energy.
The Double Floral Ring is a signature piece for the brand, featuring intricate floral and scrollwork designs crafted from sterling silver. While retail prices for Chrome Hearts items can fluctuate based on location and availability, the ring is currently valued at approximately $1,300 USD on various high-end resale and luxury consignment platforms.
The fact that Jungkook, Mingyu, and Bang Chan have been seen wearing this ring outside of their professional styling—where jewelry is typically provided by brands or agencies—suggests that these are personal purchases. For fans, the choice of a matching high-end item serves as a symbolic "friendship ring," a common practice in South Korean culture to signify a deep and lasting bond between friends.
The Cultural Context of "Couple Items" in South Korea
To understand why this discovery caused such a stir, one must look at the cultural significance of matching items in South Korea. The term "couple item" (cou-peul-tem) refers to identical or complementary accessories worn by people in a romantic relationship. In the world of K-pop, "lovestagrams"—matching photos or items on Instagram—are often the first clues fans use to speculate on dating rumors.
A notable example cited in the original reporting includes the matching luxury items shared by soloist IU and actor Lee Jong Suk, which were identified by the public prior to the official confirmation of their relationship. Because matching items are so heavily associated with dating, the initial reaction to seeing Jungkook, Mingyu, and Bang Chan with the same ring was one of playful irony.
Fans quickly took to social media to subvert the "dating rumor" trope. Rather than interpreting the matching rings as a sign of a secret romance, the fandom engaged in a collective joke, suggesting that the three idols were in a "polyamorous" relationship or simply mocking the intensity with which "shippers" (fans who support specific pairings) analyze minor details. This humorous reaction underscores a broader shift in fan culture, where the deep platonic friendships between male idols are celebrated with the same fervor once reserved for romantic speculation.
Timeline of Recent 97-Line Interactions
The appearance of the matching rings is just the latest in a series of public interactions involving the 97-liners that have delighted fans over the past year.
- Late 2023 – Early 2024: Jungkook and Mingyu became a frequent duo on social media, participating in "dance challenges" for their respective solo and group releases. Their synchronized movements and casual chemistry in these videos garnered tens of millions of views, highlighting their close personal bond.
- Dining Sightings: Throughout the first half of 2024, various netizens reported sightings of Jungkook, Mingyu, and Cha Eunwoo dining at local restaurants in Seoul. These sightings are often accompanied by photos of the idols’ autographs left for the restaurant owners.
- The Bang Chan Connection: While Bang Chan has always been known to be friendly with various idols, his recent inclusion in the "97-line" narrative—evidenced by the matching ring—shows the cross-pollination between groups from different major agencies (HYBE, Pledis, and JYP Entertainment).
- April 2024: A netizen on X compiled photos of the three idols wearing the Chrome Hearts ring, leading to the viral discussion regarding the "official friendship ring" of the group.
Analyzing the Impact: Luxury Branding and Idol Influence
The phenomenon of the "97-liner ring" also provides insight into the immense economic influence of K-pop idols. When a member of BTS or Stray Kids is seen wearing a specific item, that product often sees a significant spike in demand, frequently leading to "sold-out" status across global retailers.
Chrome Hearts, despite its high price point and limited accessibility, has benefited from this "idol effect" for years. By choosing a brand that is both expensive and stylistically bold, the 97-liners reinforce their image as successful, "young and rich" individuals who possess both the means and the taste to curate their own fashion identities.
Furthermore, the choice of a ring—a piece of jewelry that is highly visible and personal—serves as a quiet but powerful statement of solidarity. In an industry where public image is meticulously managed, these small, self-selected markers of friendship allow idols to maintain a sense of normalcy and personal connection.
Broader Implications for the K-Pop Industry
The public’s fascination with the 97-line’s matching jewelry points to a larger trend in the Hallyu wave: the shift toward valuing "genuine" connections. As the K-pop audience matures, there is an increasing appreciation for the human element of the industry. Seeing idols from different companies support one another and share personal symbols of friendship provides a sense of comfort to fans who may worry about the pressures of the idol lifestyle.
The "friendship ring" narrative also serves as a strategic benefit for the groups involved. When members of BTS, SEVENTEEN, and Stray Kids are linked through positive, non-controversial news, it fosters a sense of "inter-fandom" peace. Fans of these groups are more likely to support one another’s favorite artists when they see the artists themselves are close friends.
Conclusion
The discovery of the Chrome Hearts Double Floral Ring among the 97-liners is more than just a fashion observation; it is a testament to the enduring nature of one of K-pop’s most beloved social circles. While the "couple item" label was used in jest by the community, the reality of the situation—that several of the world’s most famous young men share a $1,300 symbol of brotherhood—speaks to a unique cultural phenomenon within the industry.
As these idols continue to navigate their respective careers, whether through solo endeavors, military service, or group comebacks, these small tokens of friendship serve as a reminder of the bonds formed in the heat of global stardom. For the "eagle-eyed" fans who spotted the rings, the discovery is another chapter in the ongoing story of the 97-line, a group that continues to define what it means to be young, rich, and remarkably close in the world of modern pop music.
