Seoul: The number of attempts to illegally import weight-loss medications, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, has more than tripled in the first half of the year compared to the entire previous year, as revealed by customs data on Monday. In the January-June period, a total of 4,155 cases were detected involving the illegal import of these medications through overseas direct purchases and other illicit channels, a significant increase from the 1,189 cases recorded last year.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korea Customs Service compiled the data, highlighting the stark contrast in the number of cases. While 391 cases of Wegovy and Mounjaro were legally cleared by customs in the first six months of the year, only 191 cases were cleared legally in all of 2025. This indicates a growing trend in illegal procurement methods for these drugs.

The majority of illegal imports have been linked to mail shipments. An increasing number of individuals are purchasing weight-loss medications from overseas online malls and having them delivered through international shipping. In the first half of this year, the customs agency detected 3,489 illegal mail shipments containing Wegovy and Mounjaro, a figure that is more than triple the 1,046 cases recorded in all of 2025.

Additionally, 656 cases involved the medications being carried by individual travelers, a significant rise from the 134 cases reported last year. It is important to note that Wegovy and Mounjaro are prohibited from being brought into the country in travelers' hand luggage.

A customs official stated, "Unauthorized imports of Wegovy and Mounjaro are a serious violation of the Customs Act and are subject to punishment. We will thoroughly block the illegal inflow of harmful pharmaceuticals at the border."