Seoul: South Korea's customs agency said Monday intellectual property rights violations detected in 2025 jumped more than 60 percent from a year earlier, driven by the rising popularity of domestic brands. Violations totaled 278.9 billion won (US$189.5 million) last year, up 64 percent from 170.5 billion won tallied in 2024.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korea Customs Service (KCS) attributed the increase in part to a rise in the smuggling and distribution of counterfeit products involving domestic fashion and cosmetics brands. The agency said it will conduct a nationwide special crackdown on intellectual property rights violations through June 30, with a focus on online distribution channels.