Popular Nintendo 'Animal Crossing' on Children's Day, May 5
Civilians: "Avoid selective boycott" vs "Boycott participation, personal freedom"
Seo Kyung-deok criticizes: "Hope to keep at least some pride"
On the morning of the 23rd of last month, a citizen is entering a purchase application for the Nintendo Switch Animal Crossing edition in front of Sindorim Techno Mart, Guro-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] #Office worker A (28) recently purchased the 'Nintendo Switch Animal Crossing: New Horizons Edition' for her elementary school nephew. As 'Animal Crossing' had been highly popular even before its release, causing a shortage, A said she had to visit several retailers and obtain raffle tickets to finally buy it. A said, "I bought it because my young nephew really wanted it. For kids, having what they want immediately is a priority," but also confessed, "I had been participating in the boycott movement since last year, but after buying 'Animal Crossing,' I feel uneasy."
On the 5th, Children's Day, the demand for the newly released game 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' (Modongsot) by Japanese Nintendo has been increasing. As the game’s popularity has caused sold-out situations at retailers nationwide, controversies have arisen. Some citizens criticize purchasing Nintendo products as going against the spirit of the ongoing boycott of Japanese products that started last year.
Modongsot is a game where users move to an uninhabited island and live with animal residents while decorating their own island. To play, one must purchase the game cartridge and the portable console device called 'Switch.' The prices are set at 64,800 KRW for the cartridge and 360,000 KRW for the Switch. The 'Animal Crossing' series is one of Nintendo’s flagship long-running games, steadily popular since its first release in 2001, forming a dedicated fan base. The series includes titles such as 'Animal Crossing,' 'Animal Crossing: City Folk,' and 'Animal Crossing: Wild World.'
Modongsot attracted attention even before its domestic release, as on March 12, when pre-orders began, the retailer websites crashed due to simultaneous access by buyers. On the release day, the 20th, thousands gathered at Yongsan I'Park Mall for on-site sales.
Although Modongsot is a regularly sold product, production has been disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, causing domestic retailers to struggle with securing stock. Consequently, some resell used products on online secondhand trading sites at a premium. The Switch Modongsot Edition has reportedly been traded at prices over 800,000 KRW, more than twice the retail price.
This phenomenon intensified as more consumers sought to buy Modongsot as gifts for children and relatives ahead of Children's Day. Emart attempted to sell the product on the 24th of last month, but both its app and website crashed.
The domestic sold-out situation was also reported by Japanese media. Local outlets such as JB Press reported, "While Korea is practicing social distancing, over 3,000 people flocked to buy Nintendo." Japanese netizens responded on article comments and social media with mocking remarks like "'No Japan'? Where did that go?" and "'NO JAPAN' can't even last a day."
On the morning of the 23rd of last month, citizens lined up in front of Sindorim Technomart in Guro-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul, to enter a lottery for purchasing the Nintendo Switch Animal Crossing edition.
As a result, voices criticizing selective boycott movements are rising domestically. Last year, some citizens actively participated in the boycott by patrolling Uniqlo stores and launching the 'NoNoJapan' website providing information on Japanese products and alternatives, but they are said to be lenient when it comes to purchasing Japanese games.
Office worker B (31) said, "Last year, everyone posted 'No Japan' certification photos on Instagram and criticized those who used Japanese products or traveled to Japan," adding, "Are we not supposed to consume Uniqlo, Muji, Asahi beer, but is it okay to buy games?"
He continued, "Games are not something you absolutely need to live," and added, "It's disappointing that the boycott seems to have collapsed in less than a year since it started."
Meanwhile, some consumers express fatigue over the 'boycott verification.' Some participants in the boycott excessively criticize those who do not participate, leading to overblown condemnation.
University student C (25), who purchased the Modongsot game cartridge, said, "Participating in the boycott is a personal choice and cannot be forced," adding, "Online, it feels like people are just looking for reasons to criticize, which can be tiring. In real life, no one really cares about this."
He said, "Honestly, I don't think anyone boycotts all Japanese products. Just as I boycott Japanese products except games, there are people who don't buy games but buy other Japanese products," and added, "The boycott now feels somewhat like ideological screening, which is unpleasant."
Experts respect that the boycott is a personal choice but encourage citizens to participate.
Professor Seo Kyung-deok of the Department of Liberal Arts at Sungshin Women's University said, "The boycott cannot be forced. I respect each individual's choice," but added, "However, I hope people think about it once more."
He pointed out, "Photos of lines in front of Uniqlo stores last year were also publicized in Japan, drawing much criticism and ridicule from Japanese netizens. This time, the Nintendo sold-out situation was also highlighted by Japanese media, and Japanese netizens are criticizing it as well," and urged, "I hope we all at least maintain our minimum pride."
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