Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
BTS, MU:DS unveil collection inspired by Silla’s Divine Bell
The "BTS x MU:DS Collaboration" merch collection includes a hairpin and hair clip, left, and a layered skirt. Captured from MU:DS Instagram account
By Park Jin-hai
5 items will be sold at 3 locations starting Friday
As BTS fans flock to the city for their idol group’s historic comeback concert, one point of interest for them is finding memorable souvenirs to take home.
For anyone bored with photo cards, magnets and key rings and looking for something new and charming, the MU:DS collaboration collection could be a great option.
The group’s agency HYBE has collaborated with the National Museum Foundation of Korea’s cultural brand MU:DS to unveil the “2026 BTS x MU:DS Collaboration” collection, reinterpreting traditional patterns from the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok into modern design items.
The ancient bell, housed at Gyeongju National Museum in North Gyeongsang Province and designated a National Treasure, was cast in 771 to honor King Seongdeok of the Unified Silla Kingdom (668-935). It remains the largest extant Korean temple bell and one of the finest examples of Silla’s metal-casting artistry.
A celestial offering statue is carved on the surface of the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok. Captured from MU:DS Instagram account
The massive bronze bell, standing 3.75 meters tall and weighing 18.9 tons, is widely known as the Emille Bell, named after an old legend that tells of a child cast into the molten metal so the bell would find its voice. Its deep resonance is said to echo the ancient Korean word for “mommy.”
The bell’s elaborate surface features vines and lotus motifs as well as detailed depictions of a celestial offering statue gracefully holding a handled incense burner above flowing clouds.
These offering statues and cloud motifs have inspired MU:DS’ graphic reinterpretation, now adorning five new BTS collaboration pieces: a shoulder bag, hairpin, hair clip, cardholder and layered skirt.
The items are already available on Weverse, an online fan community. Offline sales will open on March 20 at the National Museum of Korea’s gift shop as well as pop-up stores at Shinsegae Department Store’s main branch and HYBE headquarters in Seoul.
A shoulder bag from the "BTS x MU:DS Collaboration" collection / Captured from MU:DS Instagram account
“The Divine Bell of King Seongdeok embodies the pinnacle of Silla’s artistry and craftsmanship, recognized around the world. Through this collaboration, we hope the beauty of ancient Korean craftsmanship reaches global audiences who love BTS,” said the foundation’s CEO, Choung Yong-suk.
This line is the idol group’s second collaboration with the museum. Since 2021, the two have released various “BTS Dalmajung x MU:DS” collections, inspired by national treasures and incorporating BTS lyrics into miniatures, keychains and fan accessories.
So far, three main “Dalmajung” series have been released, with the latest 2024 collection featuring 14 items inspired by the “Pensive Bodhisattva,” a white-glazed moon jar, and various celadon and porcelain pieces.
A card holder from the "BTS x MU:DS Collaboration" collection / Captured from MU:DS Instagram account