South Korean authorities identified 26 companies that used false advertising to sell ineffective diet and detox products [1].
This crackdown highlights the risks of unregulated health supplements and the vulnerability of consumers to deceptive marketing, particularly when products mimic the branding of approved medical treatments.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety targeted sellers promoting products such as "Olle-shot" and "edible Wegovy" [1], [2]. These items were marketed as having significant weight loss and detoxification effects despite having no such proven efficacy [2]. Some companies used the names of popular medical weight-loss drugs to mislead buyers into believing the supplements provided similar results.
Investigators found that the price markups for these products were extreme. In some instances, companies purchased items for 2,000 won and sold them for 60,000 won [1]. This represents a price increase of approximately 30 times the original cost [1].
The scale of the operation was significant, with estimated total sales reaching 11.5 billion won [1]. The investigation also noted the role of social media in spreading these false claims. A reporter from YTN said a famous celebrity appeared on a YouTube channel to share personal experiences while showcasing a specific product [1].
Officials said the operation was necessary to protect consumers from being misled by exaggerated claims. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety continues to monitor digital platforms where these products are frequently promoted to the public [1].
“Some companies purchased items for 2,000 won and sold them for 60,000 won.”
The use of terms like 'edible Wegovy' suggests a growing trend of 'medical mimicry' in the supplement industry, where non-pharmaceutical products leverage the reputation of FDA-approved drugs to gain trust. By targeting celebrities and YouTube influencers, these companies bypass traditional medical scrutiny, creating a direct-to-consumer pipeline that prioritizes profit over safety and scientific evidence.
