EXO Baekhyun Dubai Cookie Controversy: Fans Call Out Hypocrisy Over Merch Prices

Honesty can be a double-edged sword in the world of K-pop. Baekhyun of EXO is facing unexpected backlash after his critical remarks about a popular dessert trend sparked a debate over the pricing of his own official merchandise. What started as a casual chat with fans has turned into a scrutiny of profit margins and celebrity influence.

The Remark: Cookies vs. Rice Soup

The issue began on the fan communication app Bubble. During a messaging session, Baekhyun shared his thoughts on the trending Dubai chewy cookies. He questioned the high calorie count—noting a single piece contains 500 calories—and criticized the price. He remarked that it would be better to eat a bowl of rice soup or ramen instead, suggesting that the ingredients don't justify the cost.

EXO Baekhyun Dubai Cookie Controversy 2026: The Price of Loyalty

Following his comments, netizens on the community site Instiz quickly retaliated by digging into the production costs of Baekhyun's own merchandise. They argued that his criticism of "overpriced" cookies was hypocritical given the high markups on his fans' collectibles.

• A set of 3 photo cards sells for 6,000 KRW (~$4.06), while the estimated production cost is only 294.6 KRW (~30 cents).
• A reusable bag priced at 17,000 KRW (~$11.50) is estimated to cost just 1,380 KRW (~93 cents) to manufacture.

Netizens expressed disappointment, stating that as a veteran idol with over 14 years in the industry, he should be more mindful of his words. One comment noted, "If celebrities say something wrong, they get double the hate," highlighting the risks of making careless remarks about other business sectors while benefiting from similar pricing strategies.