A fashion brand that collaborated with the popular K-pop group Stray Kids is facing severe criticism after auctioning off the group's used clothing, sparking outrage among fans.

SLBS, a fashion and accessories company known for its collaborations, recently organized a fan meeting with Stray Kids on April 9 in Japan.

However, the event took a controversial turn when representatives from SLBS conducted an unannounced auction immediately after the members left.

Items such as phone cases, priced between ¥50,000 JPY (approximately $330 USD) and ¥100,000 JPY (approximately $650 USD), were put up for sale.

Despite the anticipation surrounding the event, fans showed reluctance to purchase these items.

This is a report by a participant of the SLBS event on the situation at that time.

① https://t.co/QLNsxkPIna pic.twitter.com/U1s2LkIttu

— クイニーアマン伯爵 (@omurice__tabeyo) April 11, 2024

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Betrayal of Trust

The situation escalated when a rack of clothing worn by Stray Kids in promotional materials for the fan meeting was brought onto the stage.

Jackets, sweaters, tank tops, and pants worn by the members were put up for auction, with some fans noting that the clothes still retained the scent of perfume, indicating they likely hadn't been laundered.

Upon learning of the auction, fans took to social media to express their anger, labeling it a "violation of privacy and betrayal of trust."

Going behind Stray Kids' back to auction off clothes that were worn by them, to the point of advertising the fact that they still smell like them without their knowledge feels like such a violation of privacy and betrayal of trust.

— ( ★ ) (@0325home) April 9, 2024

Many criticized SLBS for what they perceived as opportunistic and invasive behavior, likening it to the actions of overly obsessive fans known as "sasaengs."

Brand Issues Public Apology

In response to the backlash, SLBS issued a public apology on their official social media accounts, acknowledging their wrongdoing.

안녕하세요. SLBS 한국본사입니다.

4/9(화) 발생한 불미스러운 일에 대해 해당 이벤트에 관심 가져 주시고 응모 및 참석해주신 모든 분들, 그리고 해당 사건을 접한 아티스트를 응원하는 팬분들과 아티스트, 소속사 및 기타 이해관계자 분들께 머리 숙여 사과드리며 해당 사건 경위와 사후 조치를…

— SLBS (@slbsstudio) April 10, 2024

They admitted to holding a private auction without prior consent from JYP Entertainment, the agency representing Stray Kids.

SLBS expressed regret for their lack of sensitivity and promised to take corrective action. They pledged to reimburse fans who purchased the clothing and to return the items to the company.

Additionally, SLBS committed to working more closely with JYP Entertainment in the future to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

they waited until the staff left, they didn’t get permission from ANYONE.
this was an auction to make money off the outfits stray kids wore on the same day, with their perfume still on and even going as far to sell their tank tops and pants? the fuck @slbsstudio ???? https://t.co/lKp21qlPN7

— • ﻌ • (@youtifulyou) April 9, 2024

can we talk abt this ?? wdym they did an auction after skz left with items & clothes they wore for slbs, their perfume were still there so not washed (wtf) neither jype nor skz were aware of this or gave their consent & the organizers asked for stays to be silent abt this ??? WTF https://t.co/isiwyYeNn8

— 🌑 𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢 ☾⋆｡ ๋࣭ ⭑˚ (@namchanhyung) April 9, 2024

Moving Forward

As part of their efforts to rectify the situation, SLBS announced that any profits raised from the auction would be returned to the buyers.

i was really hoping the auction was put on without slbs' knowledge, but to know it was held by slbs, without the consent of jype and most importantly, the skz members, is sickening. the profits helped no one but slbs themselves and i hope this contract is broken bc of this

— CEE Bang ! 🥐ྀི ∞⁸ 樂★ (@l0uisknow) April 11, 2024

They vowed to conduct future events with greater attention to detail and higher ethical standards, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with JYP Entertainment.

The brand assured fans that they would remain transparent about their actions and progress in addressing the issue.

謝罪文出たし時系列順にツリーに繋げていこうかな。問題多すぎて散らかってるし。

闇オークション
SLBSの無断開催疑惑がありザワつくhttps://t.co/Nf4ExiSbYm pic.twitter.com/z106cXqpXA

— ホッポちゃん (@hiehiePIGEON) April 11, 2024

The official apology announcement was posted on SLBS's social media platforms for three days as a sign of their sincerity.

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Written by Cassidy Jones.