Seoul, South Korea – A recent report by the Korean Customs Service has revealed that a staggering 90% of counterfeit goods seized at the border last year originated from China. This surge in counterfeit products highlights a growing concern over intellectual property rights infringements in South Korea.   

According to data presented by Rep. Park Sung-hoon of the People Power Party, the total value of counterfeit goods seized at the border in 2023 amounted to 170.5 billion won (approximately US$128 million). Chinese counterfeit goods accounted for a substantial portion of this figure, totaling 153.9 billion won.

Among the counterfeit brands, Chanel topped the list with a seized value of 54 billion won, representing 32% of the total. Other luxury brands such as Burberry and Louis Vuitton also saw significant amounts of counterfeit products being intercepted.   

The most commonly counterfeited items included handbags, clothing, and watches. Handbags accounted for the largest portion, with a seized value of 80.3 billion won.

Rep. Park emphasized the need for a government-wide crackdown on counterfeit goods, stating that the increasing prevalence of counterfeit products not only harms consumers but also undermines domestic industries. The lawmaker attributed the surge in counterfeit goods to the growing popularity of overseas direct purchasing.   

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