Incheon Customs seizes 106,000 counterfeit dolls and keyrings

Incheon Customs reported a significant surge in the seizure of counterfeit dolls and keyrings during the first half of this year. Out of 136,000 intellectual property infringement items seized between January and June, dolls and keyrings accounted for 106,000 units, representing 77.9% of the total.

This trend contrasts with a general decline in other counterfeit categories. Compared to the first half of last year, seizures of counterfeit clothing decreased by 43,000 units, while bags and wallets dropped by 121,000 units. Authorities attribute the rise in counterfeit character goods to the popularity of the ‘baek-kku’ (bag decorating) trend among younger generations, as well as the high demand for prizes in claw machine arcades and unmanned stores.

While the number of seizure cases for these items remains relatively low, the volume per incident is high, averaging approximately 11,000 units per case. Customs officials are currently investigating recent attempts to smuggle additional batches of counterfeit goods.