The Great Cookie Heist: Man Steals 2,600 Yen Worth of Dubai Chonduk Cookies in Japan

[Herald Economy — Reporter Min Sung-ki] A man who targeted only the Dubai-style chewy cookie known as “Dujjonku” was caught on camera stealing the items from an unmanned dessert shop.

On March 30, Fuji News Network (FNN) and other outlets reported that surveillance footage from an unmanned snack shop in Yokohama showed a man stuffing large quantities of Dujjonku into bags. The store estimates the loss at 26,000 JPY (approximately $174) (about 246,000 KRW (approximately $185)).

According to the report, the man entered the unmanned shop on the morning of the 19th and browsed the shelves. He grabbed the bags placed at the register and began scooping products into them. He carried two full bags to the counter but did not pay; instead, he took a third bag and walked out. The store owner told reporters, “I’m really angry.”

Police say the suspect filled the bags exclusively with Dujjonku before leaving.

Dujjonku, which ignited the dessert market in early 2026, has seen domestic sales cool but has become a trend in Japan. eBay Japan said on the 24th that an analysis of sales on the online marketplace Qoo10 Japan showed a 54% year-over-year increase in the K-dessert category, with Dujjonku ranking among the top sellers.

The shop said Dujjonku sells out almost immediately after arrival because demand is so high. Recent word-of-mouth on social media has made securing stock difficult; the product is currently sold out with no restock date set.

Police are treating the incident as theft and are tracking the suspect’s whereabouts.