A plush toy replica of Fu Bao (Photo: a screenshot from Panda Factory’s Instagram account)
SEOUL, Jul. 23 (Korea Bizwire) – A plush toy replica of Fu Bao, the beloved giant panda born at Everland theme park, has ignited a heated online debate over its hefty price tag of 590,000 won.
The handcrafted stuffed animal, produced by a Chinese manufacturer specializing in panda replicas, aims to capture Fu Bao’s appearance at six months old. While some praise its exceptional quality, others criticize what they perceive as an exorbitant cost.
Weighing about 3.3 kg, the plush is a product of meticulous handiwork by Panda Factory, a company known for its panda-themed creations. The manufacturer claims to have faithfully reproduced Fu Bao’s facial features, body shape, and even the nuances of her fur coloration.
The toy is made with wool fibers and comes with grooming tools, underlining its premium positioning. However, the price reveal has elicited mixed reactions on various online communities.
Panda Factory had received “valuable feedback” from Kang Cheol-won, Fu Bao’s primary caretaker, after presenting him with an early sample. (Photo: a screenshot from Panda Factory’s Instagram account)
Supporters argue that the craftsmanship justifies the cost. “The quality is on another level because it’s handmade,” one commenter noted. Another expressed eagerness to purchase it, stating, “I’m going to buy one next week.”
Critics, however, balked at the price. “Did they accidentally add an extra zero to the price tag?” one netizen quipped. Another simply stated, “It’s way too expensive.”
Despite the controversy, reviews from purchasers at Everland’s Zootopia Café have been largely positive. One buyer praised the plush’s attention to detail, while another likened touching its wool fur to petting an actual panda.
Panda Factory had previously shared the toy’s development process on its official Instagram account in April. The company noted that they had received “valuable feedback” from Kang Cheol-won, Fu Bao’s primary caretaker, after presenting him with an early sample.
Fu Bao, born in July 2020, was the first giant panda to be naturally conceived and born in South Korea. Her parents, Le Bao and Ai Bao, were sent to South Korea in March 2016 by Chinese President Xi Jinping as a gesture of friendship between the two nations.
After spending three and a half years at Everland, Fu Bao left South Korea on April 3, in accordance with the Giant Panda Protection Research Agreement.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
