Fake K-beauty products and health supplements smuggled in from China were sold on Korean online marketplaces for more than a year, prompting authorities to warn consumers to be wary of counterfeit products when shopping online.
According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, which held a press briefing in Seoul on Thursday, an investigation found that a broker based in South Korea had conspired with a manufacturer in Shenzhen, China, to produce and distribute counterfeit products in South Korea from October 2024 to November 2025. The broker was referred to prosecutors.
The counterfeit haul included 61 products with a combined retail value of 4.5 billion won ($3.26 million), according to authorities.
After comparing the seized products with real samples, officials confirmed all the products were counterfeits made in China, noting that the labels, containers, sizes, colors and textures differed from the genuine items.
The fake products included popular Korean brands such as Celladix, KAHI and Beauty of Joseon, as well as the health supplement Korea Eundan.
Authorities urged the public to purchase products only through websites certified by the brand or manufacturer when shopping on open online marketplaces, and to contact customer service when in doubt.
seoy@heraldcorp.com
