Paris Olympics mascot doll made in China, not 'Made in France' = Korea coverage

The 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games mascot "Phryge" dolls are said to be mostly made in China, sparking controversy.

On November 15th (local time), Yves Jego, a former member of the House of Representatives, who created the French origin guarantee system, said in an interview with RMC Radio, "It's a blow to the people who were waiting for the Paris Olympics to be 'Made in France'." After being disappointed, he said, "We will miss the effect of appealing to France's image and know-how through the Olympics."

The Organizing Committee of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games has selected two French companies to produce mascot dolls. However, it turns out that most of these production facilities are in China.

The Organizing Committee estimated that 8% of the games were mascot dolls made in France. The rest explained that most of their products are made in China.

Agroecology Minister Christophe also said in radio and interviews to the effect that producing most of the mascot dolls in China would be problematic. He added, "I would like to believe that there is time to rectify this problem, as there is still time left before the Olympics."

On the other hand, some said it was a cost-cutting choice and sided with the organizing committee's decision.

Laurent Leskill, Minister of Industry under the Ministry of Finance and Economy, appeared on RMC radio and said, "It would be nice if it were 100% made in France, but this is a good departure."

It has been reported that the "DouDouet Company", which has taken over 40% of the production of Phryge dolls, has set up a policy of selling products made in France at a higher price than those made in China.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Organizing Committee of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games announced on November 14th in Paris, France, about the official mascot of the Games, Phryge.

Phryge is derived from the "Phrygian hat" used by the militia during the French Revolution. It has been called the "cap of liberty" because it was worn by slaves in ancient Rome after they were freed.