President Yoon Suk-yeol's Lunar New Year gift sets, including items like a specially designed bowl and a set of chopsticks, have appeared on the second-hand trading platform Carrot, with listings ranging from 230,000 won to a staggering 1 million won. This comes just two days after the presidential office publicly announced the distribution of these gifts across various sectors ahead of the holiday. Posted listings include fresh, unopened items that highlight traditional ingredients suitable for the holiday table, symbolizing a connection to Korean culture.

The presidential office had previously disclosed that these gift sets, which feature a special emblem and include essential cooking ingredients, were sent to promote regional balance and integration throughout the country. Items such as rice, traditional soup dumpling ingredients, and soy sauce were sourced from various local regions - a nod to both seasonal festivities and the government’s commitment to harmonious development across different areas. The quick sale of a gift set listed for 1 million won within just 20 minutes underscores the high demand and interest associated with official gifts.

This is not the first instance of such gifts resurfacing in the second-hand market; similar occurrences have happened during past holidays, including President Yoon’s signature items such as desk clocks appearing for resale. The phenomenon raises questions about the fate and value of state-issued gifts in the secondary market, continuing a trend observed during previous administrations when holiday gift sets also triggered public debate due to their resale at elevated prices.