Illegal imports of weight-loss drugs like Wegovy, Mounjaro more than triple in S. Korea

Seoul, Aug 24 (IANS) The number of attempts to illegally import weight-loss medications, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, from abroad in the first half was more than triple those caught for the whole of 2025, customs data showed on Monday.

A total of 4,155 cases involving the illegal import of Wegovy and Mounjaro through overseas direct purchases and other illicit channels were detected in the January-June period, far exceeding the 1,189 cases tallied last year, according to data compiled by the Korea Customs Service.