[🇺🇸] From Sushi Bars to Bedding Shops: South Korea’s "Dubai Chewy Cookie" Craze Sparks Luring Controversy

The viral "Dubai Chewy Cookie" (Dujjonku) phenomenon in South Korea has reached a bizarre turning point as non-food businesses, including specialized bedding shops, have begun using the treat to lure customers.

 Recent online reports featured a blanket shop advertising the cookies to entice visitors inside, following similar tactics used by sushi and eel restaurants. This trend of using a high-demand dessert as a "bait product" has sparked a heated debate regarding unethical marketing practices across unrelated industries.

Beyond marketing ethics, the trend has raised significant legal and hygiene concerns. Netizens have pointed out potential violations of the Food Sanitation Act, questioning whether these establishments hold the necessary licenses for food distribution. Fears regarding the lack of proper hygiene management in non-food environments are also mounting. Critics compare the current frenzy to the past "Honey Butter Chip" era, where popular snacks were bundled with unrelated goods to force sales, highlighting the negative side effects of viral consumer trends.

While the demand remains high, some observers suggest the craze may have reached its peak. Comparisons are being drawn to the once-ubiquitous "Tanghulu" trend, which saw a rapid decline after its initial surge. As businesses increasingly use the cookie as a "click-bait" item on delivery apps to boost visibility, public fatigue over the commercial exploitation of the trend is becoming more apparent.

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