LABUBU Frenzy Causes Chaos in South Korea, Offline Sales Suspended

In South Korea, many people lined up to purchase the famous figure LABUBU, resulting in chaotic scenes that were almost uncontrollable. With LABUBU gaining popularity worldwide, the newly launched jewelry brand from Pop Mart also attracted a considerable number of fans in South Korea.
The atmosphere outside the store was bustling, with customers visibly impatient as some began to shout due to the long wait time. Consequently, Pop Mart announced that it would temporarily halt the offline sales of LABUBU products in Korea to ensure customer safety.
This suspension marks the second international market operational misstep for Pop Mart, following issues in the UK. The overwhelming popularity of LABUBU creates a sense of significant market demand but also raises concerns about the brand's image due to excessive sales activities. The Korean fans who came to purchase ranged from enthusiastic collectors to fashion-forward individuals willing to wait in line for their coveted treasure.
As for the price range of LABUBU products, the on-hand prices from Pop Mart range from around 300 yuan to 2700 yuan (approximately 11,000 New Taiwan Dollars). This high price surprised many consumers. However, with the LABUBU craze, there have been numerous counterfeit products appearing on the market, and some vendors have even started offering gold versions of LABUBU, raising legal concerns. Lawyers warn that unverified gold items might involve infringement or fraud.
While Pop Mart is planning to open a new jewelry store in Shanghai, the situation seems to be fluctuating. Founder Wang Ning has recently been named the richest person in Henan Province, drawing significant media attention.
Consumers in Shanghai are eagerly anticipating the new Pop Mart jewelry store, with one customer stating, "I am really looking forward to seeing Pop Mart's jewelry. I previously saw this bestselling item at a boutique and want to take a look in person."
Pop Mart's jewelry brand targets the younger generation, and they are rolling out distinctive styles and designs to attract the attention of young people. These unique products are bound to attract a large number of consumers and are expected to become a part of the light luxury fashion scene in the future.
However, will this wave of LABUBU continue? Industry experts are worried that the profit growth may quickly diminish due to the market's excessive expansion. The various opportunities and issues raised by LABUBU will continue to be a focal point for lively discussions in society.