Pop Mart Investigates Live-Stream Gaffe, Pledges Not to Fire Staff

Pop Mart, a leading Chinese toy maker, has confirmed it is investigating a recent incident on one of its official live streams where employees were overheard questioning the high price of a product. The company stated that while the matter is being treated seriously, the staff members involved will not be dismissed.

The incident, which sparked considerable discussion on social media, occurred during a promotional broadcast. Two employees were unintentionally recorded in a private conversation about a new product. One staff member questioned why the item was priced so high, to which the other replied, "Don't worry, someone will pay for it."

The product in question is the "DIMOO Birthday Diary Series - Keychain Blind Box," launched in November. The collectible item is sold in "blind box" packaging, meaning the customer does not know which specific design they will receive. A single box retails for RMB 79 yuan (approx. US$11), while a complete set of six costs RMB 474. According to the company, the series contains six regular designs and one rare "secret" design.

In a response to media inquiries, Pop Mart acknowledged the "live-stream accident" and said the feedback has been received and escalated to the relevant departments for investigation.

The company’s statement clarifying that the employees would not be fired directly addresses online rumors that the individuals had already been terminated and their department penalized. Pop Mart’s official customer service channels have also been directing inquiries to the aformentioned departments handling the investigation.