Data released by South Korea Customs on Monday shows that the number of illegal import attempts of weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro from abroad in the first half of this year more than tripled the total number of cases detected throughout 2025.
Authorities said the surge reflects growing demand for new-generation weight-loss drugs, which are gaining popularity globally. However, the unauthorized import of these medications poses significant health risks, as users are not subject to oversight regarding origin, quality, or dosage.
- South Korea Customs reported that smuggling cases in the first half of 2026 far exceeded the figure recorded for all of 2025.
- Most seized products were injectable or oral weight-loss drugs in the GLP-1 class, including well-known brands such as Wegovy and Mounjaro.
- South Korean authorities have stepped up inspections at airports, post offices, and international shipping channels to prevent these drugs from entering the country illegally.
Under current regulations, importing weight-loss drugs that have not been approved for distribution in South Korea is illegal and can result in severe penalties. Customs also warned the public against purchasing weight-loss products from unofficial channels, citing the risk of serious health consequences.
