Modern interpretations of traditional voodoo dolls, priced at around 10,000 won each, are being marketed as stress-relief tools for dealing with workplace conflicts, romantic betrayals, and personal grievances. (Photo: a screenshot from an online shopping mall)
SEOUL, March 11 (Korea Bizwire) — “Don’t suffer in silence anymore. Take revenge on those who have wronged you,” reads the product description for a straw doll on a popular South Korean e-commerce platform. These modern interpretations of traditional voodoo dolls, priced at around 10,000 won each, are being marketed as stress-relief tools for dealing with workplace conflicts, romantic betrayals, and personal grievances.
The dolls come complete with “curse talismans” and five large pins, along with detailed instructions for use. Buyers are encouraged to write the name of their target on the talisman, attach it to the doll, and then proceed with various acts of symbolic revenge — from striking specific “pressure points” with pins to burning the effigy or storing it in a freezer.
“After meeting this person, nothing in my life went right,” wrote one buyer in a review. “But after getting this doll, I felt an incredible sense of relief.” Another reviewer claimed their workplace tormentor actually suffered a leg injury and quit shortly after they performed the ritual, attributing the outcome to the doll’s supernatural efficacy.
Vendors aren’t shy about promoting the dolls’ durability, boasting that they can withstand extensive manipulation without tearing. The marketing often focuses on their therapeutic value, positioning them as tools for emotional catharsis rather than instruments of malice.
However, the growing popularity of these items has sparked concerns among experts, particularly regarding their potential impact on young consumers. Professor Lee Eun-hee of Inha University’s Consumer Studies Department warns that the dolls’ violent usage instructions could be as psychologically damaging to children as violent video games.
“The normalization of these practices through mainstream e-commerce platforms is troubling,” Lee said. “There should be some consideration given to restricting their sale.”
While many users report temporary emotional relief from using the dolls, critics argue that the explicit instructions for inflicting harm — even symbolically — could normalize aggressive behavior and potentially impact mental health, especially among younger users who can easily access these products online.
The phenomenon reflects a broader trend of alternative stress-relief products in South Korea’s high-pressure society, though this particular manifestation has drawn criticism for its overtly aggressive overtones. Despite the concerns, the dolls continue to be widely available across multiple online shopping platforms, often marketed alongside conventional self-care items.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
