Macro use to hoard masks... 18 individual buyers caught

On the 15th, when the five-day rotation system for public masks was in effect, citizens lined up in front of a pharmacy in Mapo-gu, Seoul to purchase masks. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Hyung-gil] Individual buyers who used computer programs called 'macro' to purchase large quantities of health masks from online shopping malls and resold them at high prices to make profits were arrested in large numbers by the police.

On the 17th, according to the police, the Songpa Police Station in Seoul booked 18 people, including Lee Mo (32), on charges such as obstruction of business. They are suspected of purchasing masks in bulk from online shopping malls using macro programs they obtained individually and reselling them at higher prices.

The masks purchased by Lee and others are known to total about 100,000 pieces.

It was also investigated that Lee sold macros for about 200,000 won. One suspect who was booked reportedly stated during police investigation, "I bought a macro from Lee for about 200,000 won."

A police official said, "Lee, who lived in Seoul, fled to Muju, Jeonbuk, as the police investigation tightened. He was arrested on the 16th after a warrant was issued," adding, "Unlike other suspects, Lee is also charged with selling macros, so the charge of aiding obstruction of business was also applied."

The police plan to investigate the group that developed and sold the macros.

Meanwhile, on the 13th, the Songpa Police Station also booked about 10 people on charges of obstruction of business for hoarding masks using macro programs on the online shopping mall 'Coupang.'

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.