Controversy has erupted after it was revealed that a collaborative Pepero package sold in Canada featuring Stray Kids excluded the image of member Han, sparking backlash from fans.

The issue involves a “Pepero x Stray Kids” collaboration package distributed at select Canadian retailers on the 21st. Despite Stray Kids being an eight-member group, Han was the only member not included in the packaging design.

Photos and posts highlighting the omission quickly spread across social media and online communities. Fans questioned why a specific member was left out and directly tagged the brand’s official accounts to voice their concerns.

Some fans argued that the issue went beyond a simple mistake, with calls for a boycott emerging until clearer explanations or corrective actions are announced.

As the controversy grew, Lotte Wellfood issued an official apology on the 23rd. In its statement, the company acknowledged that Han’s image was mistakenly omitted during the design process of the Pepero x Stray Kids packaging sold in Canada since December.

The company added, “We have conveyed our sincere apologies to Han as soon as the issue was confirmed, and we deeply apologize to fans who were hurt by this incident.” It also stated that further information for customers who purchased the product would be announced later.

However, fans continue to express dissatisfaction, noting that the statement did not clarify whether the products currently in circulation would be recalled or what specific follow-up actions would be taken.