"Accused of False Advertising 'Prevents Corona When Hung on Nose'... Company Says 'Completely Incomprehensible'"

Company States "Infectious Disease Prevention and Permanent Use" in Advertisement

On the 12th, the Jeonbuk police announced that they are investigating following a complaint filed for violation of the Medical Device Act regarding the so-called 'Kogori Mask,' which is claimed to block various pathogens and viruses just by being worn on the nose.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] A medical device company is under police investigation for advertising a 'Kogori Mask,' made to prevent snoring, as if it has preventive effects against the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to the Jeongeup Police Station in Jeonbuk on the 12th, the police are currently investigating after the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety recently filed a complaint against a medical device manufacturer in the province.

The police stated, "It is true that a complaint was received from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety," but added, "We cannot disclose specific details."

The company is known to have promoted the Kogori Mask as capable of blocking various pathogens and viruses and preventing COVID-19 infection simply by wearing it on the nose.

An advertisement for the 'Kogori Mask,' which is said to block various pathogens and viruses just by wearing it on the nose. The police recently received a complaint from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety regarding the company and have begun an investigation. Photo by Screenshot from the 'Kogori Mask' seller's website.

Additionally, the company advertised that the Kogori Mask has air purification functions with 99.8% antibacterial and deodorizing effects, and that it emits protective shields such as far-infrared rays and negative ions to promote metabolism and help excrete waste products.

They even claimed that once purchased, it can be used semi-permanently, making it cost-effective and something that can be passed down to descendants.

The regular price of the product is 100,000 KRW, but it is being sold at a 50% discount for 50,000 KRW.

However, controversy arose over the product’s efficacy, with accusations that the advertisement was false, leading the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to inspect the company on the 8th after receiving a report.

A post uploaded on the website of the Kogori Mask company after being investigated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Photo by Kogori Mask sales company website capture.

In response, the company revised the advertisement text and stated on their website, "We are working to end COVID-19. While saving lives and revitalizing the economy, on January 8, 2021, a citizen report was filed, prompting an inspection by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, which requested us to revise the advertisement text, and we complied."

The product description was changed to read, "The Kogori Anshim Mask is a consumer product revised to be a 99.8% antibacterial and deodorizing air purifier," and "It is a medical device nasal dilator that increases breathing volume and alleviates snoring."

The company expressed that they do not understand the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety’s complaint.

The company’s representative told a media outlet on the same day, "In a situation where there is no COVID-19 treatment, we cannot understand the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety’s complaint, which labels the Kogori Mask as false despite its effectiveness in preventing infectious diseases and should rather be recommended more."

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