November 11: Celebrating Pepero Day in Korea
November 11 is affectionately referred to as “Pepero Day”in South Korea, due to the date’s resemblance to the popular snack, Pepero. This occasion has become a time when young couples express their affection by exchanging boxes of this delightful treat. In a delightful twist of tradition, many K-pop idols also partake in this celebration, often surprising their fans with thoughtful gifts centered around Pepero.
The BOYZ’s Eric Joins the Fun
Eric, a member of the popular boy group THE BOYZ, is known for engaging with his fans during Pepero Day. Each year, he shares a sweet, handwritten note along with a photo of the beloved snack, illuminating his appreciation for the support of his followers.
A Surprising Twist: Condom Confusion
This year, however, brought an unexpected turn of events for Eric. Alongside his heartfelt note, he inadvertently posted a photo featuring a box of condoms designed to mimic a Pepero box, leaving many bewildered. The image was quickly removed following a flurry of reactions from netizens.
Interestingly, the condom box was a promotional collaboration between Barunsaenggak and GS25, crafted specially for Pepero Day. The design was so similar to the actual snack packaging that it caught Eric off guard, leading to an amusing misunderstanding.
Eric’s Response and Fan Reactions
After the incident, Eric took to the fan communication platform Bubble to clarify the situation. He expressed his embarrassment, stating, “Honestly, I was so embarrassed and flustered that I hid in my room the entire week… After work today, I went to a convenience store near my place and there was a display of ‘Pepero’ outside, so I wanted to buy some. I didn’t know (about the special condom box) what they were for or why they were there…”
Eric explained that he was misled by the clever packaging, which included the word “Dear”, prompting him to add “TheB”(the name for THE BOYZ’s fandom) next to it, thinking it was an ideal addition.
Community Support and Viral Response
The humorous nature of the situation quickly spread across Korean forums, where fans and netizens alike rallied together, sharing their understanding of the mix-up. Many offered light-hearted comments supporting Eric, indicating that they too could easily be misled by the unique packaging.
- “Everyone knows it’s a mistake with how blatant that condom box appeared.”
- “The packaging just looks cute and innocent, making it easy to misunderstand.”
- “This is seriously a hilarious case.”
- “He must have been really surprised when he realized what it is.”
- “With that kind of packaging, all kinds of people would mistakenly buy condoms.”
This amusing scenario not only highlights the playful spirit of Pepero Day but also strengthens the bond between idols and their fans, illustrating how moments of humor and humanity can connect communities in unexpected ways.
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