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Photo courtesy of Topten Kids official website |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] SEOUL, October 30, 2025 — South Korean children’s apparel brand Topten Kids, operated by Shinsung Tongsang, has issued a formal apology after one of its products featured an inappropriate sexual English phrase. The brand has since halted sales, initiated a full recall, and offered refunds to all customers, regardless of purchase date.
In an official statement released on its website, Topten Kids said, “We sincerely apologize to our customers for the use of an inappropriate phrase on some of our products. Although the item was created in collaboration with an external artist, we take full responsibility for not thoroughly reviewing the wording prior to production.”
The company confirmed that it has immediately suspended all sales of the affected item and is recalling all units. Customers can obtain full refunds through Topten Kids stores, the official online mall, or customer service centers.
Topten Kids added, “We are reexamining our product inspection and approval process. As a brand that creates products for children, we deeply regret failing to uphold our most basic responsibility and will take all measures to prevent such incidents in the future.”
The product in question, titled “Infant Cha Yoon Art Fleece Set – Pink,” featured an illustration of a rabbit inside a sock alongside the phrase “come inside me.” In English, the phrase can carry a sexually explicit connotation, referring to unprotected sexual intercourse — an expression entirely inappropriate for children’s clothing.
Illustrator Lee Cha-yoon, who collaborated with Topten Kids on the design, also issued a public apology via Instagram.
She wrote, “I sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable due to the wording on the collaborative product. I failed to recognize that the phrase could be interpreted in an inappropriate way. As the design was intended for children, I should have been far more careful.”
She continued, “This incident made me reflect deeply on the impact of my creative expressions. I will approach all future work with greater awareness and responsibility so that my art can have a positive influence.”
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
