Two Chinese resellers were caught emptying a merchandise vending machine at NCT WISH's pop-up store, sparking intense criticism from fans. As K-pop expands its global influence, the issues of bulk buying and reselling by certain fans and merchants are increasingly being seen as more than just a simple issue. It is damaging the fan culture and trust.
On September 2, a video went viral on online communities and social media platforms. The video titled "Two Chinese tourists cleaned out the NCT WISH Pop-up store" showed the incident that took place.
The pop-up store was organized ahead of NCT WISH's comeback to promote the group and connect with fans. Many fans lined up outside the venue from early morning to experience the special event. However, the issue arose around 8 PM, when the store staff all left their shift. Before 8 PM, staff were on-site to maintain order, but the pop-up store was operated on a self-service basis.
That was when a man and woman, believed to be Chinese, were seen at a vending machine, aggressively purchasing plush toys and stuffing them into large bags. Fans who were waiting in line protested, shouting, "So shameless," "We were waiting in line to purchase too," Can't you see the people waiting behind you?" and "What do you think you're doing?" But the pair was seen shouting back in Chinese while pointing their fingers at the fans.
As the controversy heightened, NCT WISH's label belated imposed purchase limits on the merchandise. However, fans remained angry, criticizing that the measures were taken after the issues arose.
Many netizens speculated that the two were scalpers, the so-called resellers known to buy up limited-edition merchandise or concert tickets, to resell them online at inflated prices.
In April and May, during a Pokémon event in Songpa, Seoul, Chinese scalpers were said to have crowded in to grab giveaways. Online, it’s easy to find complaints from fans saying scalpers sweep up idol goods or limited-edition merchandise before anyone else can.
Similar incidents have been reported outside Korea as well. In May, reports from Japan surfaced that Chinese buyers had purchased Happy Meals in bulk at McDonald’s just to collect the "Chiikawa" toy prizes.
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