Sale of Wool Muffler Products with Falsified Blend Ratios
Consumers Suspect and Directly Request Research Institute Analysis
Recently, amid controversies over the sale of 'fake cashmere' products at popular shopping malls, a case of selling fake wool products has been uncovered.
‘False Information Listed’ Fake Wool Products Sold for Nearly 3 Years... Discovered Through Report by a Female Consumer in Her 20s
According to Yonhap News on the 1st, Musinsa, 29CM, W Concept (a subsidiary of SSG), and EQL (Hansome) sold synthetic fiber products from 247Seoul containing no wool at all as wool scarves for nearly three years.
This fact was confirmed through a component analysis of the products conducted by KATRI Testing & Research Institute, an accredited institution that performs testing and research related to the textile industry.
The 'Petit Half Muffler' sold at these shopping malls was composed of 50.2% rayon, 31.0% polyester, and 18.8% nylon. This was far from the product information on the shopping mall stating a blend of 50% wool and 50% polyester.
The '247 Virgin Wool Muffler' was found to contain 67.6% polyester and 32.4% rayon, with no wool present. This also differed from the product information claiming 72% wool and 28% viscose.
This 'fake wool product' was also discovered through a consumer report. A woman in her 20s, Ms. A, became suspicious after the 'Petit Half Muffler' from the same brand was marked as sold out amid the growing controversy over 'fake cashmere mufflers' and raised questions.
Ms. A contacted Musinsa several times requesting the test results of the product, but after receiving replies indicating "the product has no issues," she visited a research institute herself to conduct the test.
Only after the test results were released did Musinsa admit the mistake, post a refund notice, and apologize to Ms. A over the phone for not examining the matter thoroughly. Additionally, Musinsa covered the cost of the muffler component test conducted by Ms. A.
Musinsa is also confirming with the brand and has suspended sales and is processing refunds for other problematic products.
Ms. A said, "It is absurd that consumers have to discover problematic products through their own tests and notify the shopping mall," adding, "This incident has completely shattered my trust in Musinsa."
After 'Fake Cashmere' Controversy, Only 'Cashmere' Test Certificates Were Requested... "Plans to Test Other Types of Products"
The 'Petit Half Muffler' is composed of 50.2% rayon, 31.0% polyester, and 18.8% nylon. The blend information of 50% wool and 50% polyester listed on the shopping mall's product details was incorrect. [Photo by Yonhap News]
Criticism has arisen that some major shopping malls have again caused a fake product scandal because, after the 'fake cashmere' controversy, they prioritized relationships with tenant companies and responded passively by not investigating all suspicious products.
In November, Musinsa implemented a measure requiring tenant companies to submit fabric test certificates only for 'cashmere' products. However, this time, the problem occurred with wool products that were not included in the previous measures. Both cashmere and wool are natural fibers made from the hair of goats and sheep.
Musinsa stated, "We plan to cooperate with external professional institutions to inspect not only cashmere but also various other types of products in the future." Regarding the incorrect information provided to Ms. A, they explained, "We relayed the information as given by the supplier," and added, "If the same issue recurs with the brand, we will take strong actions such as removing them from the platform."
Questions About 'Label Switching' Raised 3 Years Ago... "Blend Ratios Provided by Chinese Factory"
In 2020, a buyer posted a review photo of a scarf with a label stating "Wool 72%, Viscose 28%," and another label attached on the right. The right label is presumed to read "100% Acrylic (ACRYLIC)." [Photo by Musinsa website capture]
The false labeling of blend ratios on Musinsa and 247Seoul products was revealed to have been controversial even three years ago.
In 2020, a consumer who purchased the '247 Virgin Wool Muffler' raised doubts in a Musinsa review, saying, "It seems like a label-switched product (a practice where clothing wholesalers buy clothes and only replace the labels before selling, deceiving consumers)." The photos posted with the review showed a 247Seoul label stating '72% wool, 28% viscose' next to another label that appeared to say '100% acrylic.'
However, the product continued to be sold openly for several months even after Musinsa reviewed the feedback.
The representative of 247Seoul explained, "We listed the blend ratios as informed by the Chinese factory and had no intention to deceive consumers." He added, "There are other products with blend ratio errors besides the known ones," and said that they plan to notify the shopping malls, including Musinsa, where these other false products were sold soon.
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