RESCENE member Woni sparks controversy over Pokémon card unboxing

Woni, a member of the South Korean girl group RESCENE, has faced online scrutiny following a video from a live stream where she used scissors to cut open a sealed Pokémon card pack. The incident occurred during a visit to a card shop where the owner suggested a method popular in the United States: cutting the pack in half to create tension and dramatic reactions during the unboxing process.

Short clips of the act circulated on social media, leading some Japanese netizens to label the behavior as “anti-Japanese.” However, supporters and media outlets have clarified that the act was not a political statement but a response to the shop owner's suggestion. Woni reportedly showed hesitation before complying with the request.

The controversy has sparked a broader debate regarding the value of collectibles. While some view the destruction of packaging as a way to enhance video content, many collectors expressed discomfort with the idea of damaging items that are often treated as precious assets or pieces of art.