Illicit Parallel Distribution Without Official Import… Consumer Damage Concerns

Caution is advised as counterfeit whiskey of unknown origin is being secretly distributed through certain low-cost alcohol retailers in Korea and Japan, commonly referred to as "holy sites."

There are growing concerns about a muddled distribution environment that makes it difficult to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products, particularly focused on Japanese whiskey, which has seen a skyrocketing global demand.

According to the liquor industry on the 8th, counterfeit whiskey is typically distributed after low-cost distilled spirits are put into bottles of actual brands, disguising them as authentic. In Korea, where parallel imports are allowed, it is challenging for consumers to determine the authenticity based solely on the importer's name or label, increasing the likelihood of consumer damage.

An industry insider said, "Whiskey is a product that requires long-term aging, which limits production volume, but demand has surged dramatically in recent years, causing prices to skyrocket multiple times. This created an environment where counterfeits can thrive."

Indistinguishable by Appearance… Advanced Counterfeiting Technology

Some high-end products have implemented anti-counterfeiting technologies such as holograms, embossed printing, and color-changing inks. However, sophisticated counterfeiting techniques have mimicked these features, making it virtually impossible for consumers to visually verify authenticity. With counterfeiting technology now even able to imitate UV reactions, distinguishing genuine products has become difficult, even for experts.

Moreover, products without a Korean label or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag on the back of the bottle are likely to be smuggled goods brought in illegally disguised as travelers’ personal items, and their sale in Korea is, in fact, illegal. There are also suspicions of tax evasion if a product has a label but is priced excessively low, as it may imply manipulation of customs declaration values.

"Check for Korean Labels and Verify Import Routes"

Experts advise, "It's essential to verify the presence of a Korean label and the price level on the bottle." They particularly recommend avoiding the purchase of products that are significantly cheaper than market prices or for which the official import routes are unclear.

An industry representative stated, "Counterfeit whiskey not only poses a risk to consumer safety but also presents significant issues in terms of public health and tax revenue." They added, "Purchasing through an official importer is currently the most reliable preventive measure."

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