Increase in Overseas Purchases of Counterfeit 'Labubu'... Korea Customs Service to Strengthen Inspections

There has been a growing number of cases in which counterfeit versions of the popular Chinese character doll 'Labubu' are entering the country through overseas direct purchases.

According to the Korea Customs Service on August 6, over the past two months, approximately 7,000 Labubu-related products suspected of being counterfeit have been held at customs clearance. The seized items include a variety of products such as plush dolls, figurines, keychains, and mobile phone cases.

Counterfeit 'Labubu' product seized at customs clearance stage. Provided by Korea Customs Service.

Most of the seized products are believed to have been sold through Chinese e-commerce platforms. The selling price is usually less than 10,000 won, which is less than half the price of genuine products that cost over 20,000 won.

However, the Korea Customs Service explained that the appearance, logo, and other features are crafted so similarly to the genuine products that ordinary consumers would have difficulty distinguishing them by sight alone.

For this reason, consumers are strongly advised to exercise caution, as they may mistakenly purchase counterfeit products believing them to be genuine.

To prevent consumer damage, the Korea Customs Service plans to continue strengthening customs inspections of suspected counterfeit goods and will immediately dispose of any products that are seized and held at customs.

An official from the Korea Customs Service stated, "Products sold at prices lower than the official retail price by unofficial sellers are highly likely to be counterfeit," adding, "Consumers should always check the credibility of the seller and the price level before making a purchase."

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