Harmful Chemicals Found in Popular Korean Squishy Toys
Listen to the story
Squishy toys, known in South Korea as "waekpoo balls" and "marlangi," have become very popular with both adults and children as a way to relieve stress. Users squeeze the soft, squishy items in their hands to feel calmer.
Recently, tests have found harmful substances in some of these products. The substances exceeded South Korea's national safety standard for toys, with some samples containing more than six times the allowed limit.
Some "marlangi" products are meant to be warmed in a microwave before use, which experts worry could make the release of harmful substances even worse.
The news has caused concern among the public, including foreign visitors. Japanese tourists in South Korea, who often buy these toys as souvenirs, have also expressed worry. One tourist described the situation as "a little scary."
In response, South Korean officials are urging shoppers to check for the KC certification mark before buying squishy toys. This mark confirms that a product has passed the required safety tests. Products without the mark may not have been properly checked and could pose a health risk to buyers.
Vocabulary10 words
- squishy toy
- a soft toy pressed with the hand
- harmful substance
- a chemical that can damage the body
- safety standard
- an official rule about how safe a product must be
- limit
- the highest amount that is allowed
- microwave
- a machine used to heat things quickly
- tourist
- someone visiting a place away from home
- official
- a government worker with authority
- KC certification mark
- a symbol showing a product passed safety checks in Korea
- souvenir
- an item bought to remember a trip
- expert
- a person with special knowledge
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Quiz
Answer key
1. Harmful substances were found in popular squishy toys 2. More than six times 3. Check for the KC certification mark
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Squishy toys, known in South Korea as "waekpoo balls" and "_____," have become very popular.
Users squeeze the soft, squishy items in their hands to feel _____.
Tests have found harmful substances in some of these _____.
The substances exceeded South Korea's national safety _____ for toys.
Some samples contained more than six times the allowed _____.
Some "marlangi" products are meant to be warmed in a _____ before use.
Japanese _____ in South Korea have also expressed worry.
One tourist described the situation as "a little _____."
Officials are urging shoppers to check for the _____ mark.
Products without the mark may not have been properly _____.
Discussion questions
- Would this news make you less likely to buy squishy toys as souvenirs? Why or why not?
- Why do you think safety marks like the KC certification are important for consumers?
- How do you usually check whether a product is safe before buying it?
- Do you think stress-relief toys like these are worth the risk, if any exists?
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