In recent years, the world of stationery has seen one new trend after another emerge around the concept of “cuteness.” Among them, “Bonbon Drop Stickers,” characterized by their plump, three-dimensional appearance and glossy finish, have captured not only children but also adults, becoming a symbol of the so-called “sticker trading boom.” However, behind their popularity, a problem that cannot be ignored has come to the surface: the rapid increase in counterfeit products.
As Sun-Star Stationery and Q-Lia have warned, persistent sellouts and shortages following the release of the genuine products have led to a situation in which numerous counterfeit items are circulating on online shopping platforms, flea market apps, and even some physical stores. On social media, posts introducing counterfeit products can also be found, and in many cases they are difficult to distinguish from genuine items at first glance. This situation goes beyond the simple notion of “similar products being sold” and has entered a stage where consumers may be misled.
One notable aspect of this warning is that the specific differences between genuine products and counterfeits were clearly identified. Genuine products include clear indications of the distributor and copyright holder, making quality control and responsibility transparent. In contrast, counterfeit items have been pointed out to display unnatural features, such as packaging entirely written in foreign languages, the absence of any reference to Sun-Star Stationery, or the presence of typographical errors and garbled text even when such references appear. Examples such as phone numbers in which digits are replaced with other characters may be noticeable upon careful inspection, but in reality many consumers do not check these details closely at the time of purchase.
This issue concerns not only consumer harm but also the value of craftsmanship itself. For legitimate manufacturers who invest time and cost into creating designs, textures, and a coherent worldview, the spread of counterfeit products poses a serious risk to brand value. In this light, the firm stance taken by Sun-Star Stationery and Q-Lia—indicating that they will respond strictly, including through legal action against both individuals and corporations—seems entirely reasonable.
At the same time, consumers are now required to have a certain level of awareness as well. Rather than choosing products solely based on low prices or ease of access, checking product labels and sellers is becoming a basic practice for enjoying products with peace of mind. Especially given the reality that popular items are more likely to be counterfeited, it is also important not to rush into purchases simply because something is “cute” or “trendy.”
This incident surrounding “Bonbon Drop Stickers” has highlighted not only the bright side of the stationery boom but also the challenges unfolding in its shadow. To ensure that the efforts of creators and manufacturers are properly valued, and that consumers can select products with confidence, understanding and vigilance regarding counterfeit issues will become increasingly important in the future.