An Idol Embarrassed After Posting Pepero Photo... Manufacturer Apologizes "Our Fault"

Eric "I want to hide in a mouse hole... I really didn't know"
Manufacturer "Planned hoping not to receive negative views"
"Apologies to store owners who displayed it on Pepero stands"

Group The Boyz's Eric posted a photo of Pepero he purchased at a convenience store, and it was revealed that the product is actually a condom. Eric's Instagram and X

Group THE BOYZ's Eric caused a stir after mistaking condoms for Pepero and posting about it on social media (SNS), leading to an awkward situation, and the brand has since issued an apology.

Barunsaenggak expressed on its official SNS account on the 11th, "We are truly sorry for causing controversy," and added, "Barunsaenggak ended up creating an adorably designed condom set. We planned and launched a special event product called LOVE DAY 11.11, targeting November 11." They continued, "We have come to realize that reactions such as 'Of course, I thought it was Pepero when I bought it,' 'Why make adult products so pretty?' and 'Barunsaenggak should apologize' have been pouring in," and apologized, saying, "We are sorry. All of this is Barunsaenggak's fault."

However, they emphasized, "We want to convey that Barunsaenggak's brand activities started from the hope that people would not face negative perceptions when purchasing or possessing contraceptive products." They also stated, "The condoms included in this product are not adult products but medical devices that even teenagers can purchase, and if we can inform the world of this, we will accept the consequences of the widespread controversy." Furthermore, they expressed, "Through this incident, we hope everyone can approach contraceptive products with an open mind in daily life and gain awareness of healthy sexual life," and apologized once again to all who were confused by the product, saying, "We are sorry." Lastly, Barunsaenggak added, "We sincerely apologize to the GS25 store owners who were embarrassed by the product being mistakenly displayed on the Pepero shelves instead of the condom shelves, as the product was mistaken for food."

The condom brand 'Bareun Saenggak' launched a collaborative product with GS25 to celebrate Pepero Day. Bareun Saenggak official Instagram

Earlier that day, Eric posted on his SNS a handwritten letter to fans for Pepero Day along with a photo of Pepero he purchased at a convenience store. However, it was revealed that the Pepero was actually a condom with a unique design released in collaboration between Barunsaenggak and GS25, which attracted attention. Eric deleted the post and shared his feelings, saying, "I am so embarrassed and ashamed right now that I plan to hide in a mouse hole for a week." He explained, "After work today, I went to the convenience store in front of my dorm and picked from the Pepero display outside. I didn’t even know what it was or that it was something like that," adding, "There were many Pepero, but I saw one labeled 'Dear,' which reminded me of a fan song, and I thought it would be perfect if I wrote 'The B' in the blank space, so I chose it. I’m sorry if I surprised anyone."

Netizens who heard the news responded with comments such as, "You can really feel how embarrassed Eric is," "I would have mistaken it too," and "It’s actually good that the purpose of the product planning is widely known because of this incident."