It appears that the North Face jackets are a hot commodity in Korea. In fact they might be too hot (this is not a reference to the jackets warmth). The down jacket has become something of a status symbol in the Korean school system; where it has been dubbed as “backbreakers” (for the hard work that went into being able to afford one). Due to the violence surrounding the jackets, they have also synonymously become an indication of being part of a gang.

An individual’s status can be defined from the jacket worn. For instance, the Nuptse 2 (₩250,000, $220 USD) is worn by “losers” while the Himalayan Down Parka (₩700,000, $608 USD) is worn by “the big boss.” Students won’t wear the expensive jackets in fear they will be targeted by gang members. Most recently, five Busan middle schoolers had gone around pilfering North Face jackets. They had beaten four students and stole their jackets. One of the students arrested explained the reason behind the theft, “I just wanted the North Face jacket.”