SEOUL, June 16 -- Chinese toymaker Pop Mart has temporarily suspended offline sales of its popular Labubu plush dolls and keyrings at all outlets in South Korea, following a similar move in the United Kingdom last month.

The company's Korean branch announced on Instagram Story that it would halt sales nationwide citing safety concerns, amid overwhelming demand from local shoppers and tourists.

"Due to concerns raised over potential safety incidents at offline sales locations, and with the safety of our customers as our top priority, we have decided to temporarily suspend the offline sales of all Labubu plush dolls and Labubu plush keyring series.

"We are doing our utmost to resume sales with better service to meet your expectations. We...