Clothing brand apologizes over sexually suggestive English phrase on toddler outfit
A children’s outfit from Topten Kids features an inappropriate English phrase with sexual connotations. Captured from Topten Kids website
A local children’s clothing brand has apologized after distributing toddler apparel printed with a sexually suggestive English phrase, pledging full refunds to all customers regardless of when the purchase was made.
Topten Kids issued a statement on its website Thursday, saying, “We sincerely apologize for the inappropriate phrase used on some of our products. It was clearly our responsibility that the wording was not properly reviewed.”
The controversy centered on a pink fleece top for toddlers, part of the Cha Yoon Art Fleece Set, which featured a bunny illustration alongside the phrase “come inside me.” In English, the expression can be interpreted as a sexual reference meaning to have intercourse without contraception.
A customer who purchased the outfit on Oct. 18 alerted the brand regarding the issue after realizing the meaning, but the company initially only offered a refund without issuing an apology, according to reports.
Topten Kids said it immediately halted sales both online and offline after recognizing the issue and has since completed a recall of all affected products. Customers can request a full refund through the brand’s stores, official website or customer service center.
Illustrator Lee Cha-yoon, who collaborated with the brand on the design, also apologized via social media, saying, “I failed to recognize that the phrase could be taken inappropriately. As the product was intended for children, I should have exercised far greater care.”
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.