Trending Chinese doll Labubu's offline sales suspended in Korea

This image provided by Pop Mart, shows Labubu, the plush toys from China’s Pop Mart. AP-Yonhap

The Chinese brand behind the globally coveted "ugly doll" Labubu has suspended offline sales at locations in Korea.

Pop Mart's Korean branch stated on its Instagram account Saturday it is temporarily halting sales of its plush dolls and plush keyring series at nationwide offline sales locations due to "safety concerns," at a time tourists and local customers have been flooding to their stores to purchase the in-demand items.

"We are doing our utmost to resume sales with better service to meet your expectations," Pop Mart Korea said in the notice. The brand did not state when it would resume sales of its products.

The furry bunny character designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung gained popularity after BLACKPINK member Lisa endorsed merchandise such as keychains and plush toys in 2024. Global celebrities including Rihanna and David Beckham have also been seen with Labubu bag charms.

Prices of Labubu merchandise range from 15,000 won to 268,000 won ($11 to $197) in Korea.

Labubu has seven official sales locations in Korea — four in Seoul, one in Busan and two in Gyeonggi Province, in Suwon and Anseong.

A sign notifying customers of the suspension of offline sales is seen at Pop Mart's store in central Seoul's Myeong-dong area, Monday. Courtesy of Kim Vinas