The number of cases of products recalled overseas due to safety issues being distributed and sold in Korea is increasing every year. According to the Korea Consumer Agency, a total of 1,336 cases were blocked last year.

The most common product category was food products, accounting for 26.9% of the total. The main reasons for recalls were the inclusion of harmful substances and allergenic ingredients. In the case of home appliances, electronics, and communication devices, electrical factors were the main cause, and in the case of children's and infant products, recalls due to component detachment, swallowing, and choking hazards were common.

By country of manufacture, Chinese products were the most common, accounting for 62.6% of the total. In particular, the number of recalls of home appliances, electronics, and communication devices manufactured in China accounted for nearly half of the total.

With the recent surge in overseas direct purchases, the Korea Consumer Agency plans to strengthen monitoring of overseas direct purchase platforms and cooperate with related organizations to monitor the market. The Consumer Agency urged consumers to check whether products have been recalled before purchasing through overseas direct purchases or purchasing agents.