Over 5,000 Counterfeit Items Seized in Seoul... More Than 1,200 Items Confiscated at Dongdaemun Saebit Market

Over 4,000 Counterfeit Items Seized from Famous Brands
Widespread in Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, and Namdaemun Markets
70 People Mass Arrested on Trademark Infringement Charges

A group caught selling so-called 'counterfeit products' that copy famous brand trademarks and distribute them cheaply has been arrested by the police.

Counterfeit products caught for trademark law violations.
[Photo by Seoul City]

On the 30th, the Civil Affairs Police Bureau of Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that they had apprehended 70 people selling 'counterfeits' around Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, and Namdaemun markets. They are suspected of infringing trademark rights by forging various famous brand trademarks on clothing, accessories, bags, and more, and selling them illegally.

The Seoul city government seized approximately 4.2 billion KRW worth of 4,797 products from the apprehended sellers. This amount was calculated based on the estimated price of genuine products. Among these, 1,173 items were confiscated at the Dongdaemun Saebit Market, recently known as a 'hotspot' for counterfeit product distribution and sales.

Counterfeit products pose greater risks as their safety is not verified. In fact, among 888 counterfeit earrings and necklaces seized at Namdaemun Market and Dongdaemun Saebit Market, 14 products were found to contain lead and cadmium exceeding safety standards. Lead and cadmium are classified as harmful heavy metals, and poisoning can cause symptoms such as vomiting, headaches, paralysis, convulsions, joint pain, and loss of appetite. In particular, lead accumulates in bones and can cause anemia, brain damage, memory loss, and mental disorders. Lead was detected at levels up to 5,255 times the standard limit. Cadmium was also detected at over 407 times the standard limit.

The city requests active reporting if counterfeit product sellers are discovered. Those who contribute to public interest by reporting or providing tips on criminal acts with decisive evidence can receive rewards up to 200 million KRW under the 'Seoul Public Interest Whistleblower Protection and Support Ordinance.'

Kwon Soon-gi, head of the Civil Affairs Police Bureau of Seoul, stated, "Counterfeit products of unclear origin not only damage the city's image but also threaten citizens' health," and urged, "Please actively report if you find counterfeit products."

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