Underground Trade of Harmful Products on Korean Secondhand Websites

Aug.31.2022
Underground Trade of Harmful Products on Korean Secondhand Websites
Underage sales of harmful items like alcohol and cigarettes are happening secretly on Korean second-hand websites.

Alcohol and other harmful items such as cigarettes are being traded secretly on secondhand websites in South Korea, posing a risk to teenagers.


The news of this incident was reported by Yonhap News TV in South Korea.


Over 100 comments discussing e-cigarettes were found on posts in a black market community. Tobacco and alcohol are illegal, but transactions are conducted using slang or coded language. A young regulatory group monitored the community and found that less than 30% of sellers refused to trade when their age was disclosed.


The seller did not verify the buyer's age as an adult.... When I asked if it was okay to purchase as a minor, the seller said it was fine... My friends and I frequently use many secondhand trading platforms... If you go, you will find not only secondhand trading but also "underage purchasing agents." According to South Korea's current Youth Protection Act, individuals who sell, rent, or distribute harmful products to minors may face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won (approximately $14,856 USD). Experts say that it is necessary to take measures at a societal level to prevent young people from accessing dangerous products.


Statement:


This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended for industry-related communication and learning purposes.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS is unable to confirm the authenticity and accuracy of the article's content. The compilation of this article is intended for industry-based communication and research purposes only.


Due to limitations in translation ability, the translated article may not be an exact match to the original text. Please refer to the original text for accuracy.


2FIRSTS is fully aligned with the Chinese government on any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and foreign-related expressions and positions.


The copyright of compiled information belongs to the original media and authors. If there is any infringement, please contact us to have it deleted.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

FDA Calls on Retailers to Remove Illegal E-Cigarettes from Shelves, Will Send List of Legal Products to 300,000 Stores
FDA Calls on Retailers to Remove Illegal E-Cigarettes from Shelves, Will Send List of Legal Products to 300,000 Stores
FDA launches national retail compliance initiative to combat illegal e-cigarette sales targeting youth, issuing guidance materials to over 300k retailers.
Oct.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JUUL Plans to Launch New E-cigarette Juul2 in the U.S., Featuring App-Based Identity Verification and Awaiting Regulatory Approval
JUUL Plans to Launch New E-cigarette Juul2 in the U.S., Featuring App-Based Identity Verification and Awaiting Regulatory Approval
JUUL plans to launch Juul2 with biometric protection system in the US, targeting adult smokers while preventing underage use.
Oct.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Japan opens Glo flagship store in Tokyo's Ginza district, offering glo devices and tobacco sticks,
BAT Japan opens Glo flagship store in Tokyo's Ginza district, offering glo devices and tobacco sticks,
BAT Japan's flagship store in Tokyo's Ginza district opens, offering glo products, personalization services, and a VIP lounge.
Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
France’s Finance Committee Rejects 2026 Vaping Tax, Backs Online Sales Ban
France’s Finance Committee Rejects 2026 Vaping Tax, Backs Online Sales Ban
France’s National Assembly Finance Committee voted to oppose the government’s plan in Article 23 of the 2026 budget bill to tax vaping products at €0.30/10mL for low-nicotine liquids and €0.50/10mL for others (with typical bottles priced €5–€7). Lawmakers arguing against the tax said vaping is less harmful than combustible cigarettes and can aid cessation; others warned of a gateway effect for youth and sustained nicotine dependence.
Oct.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russian Lawmakers Propose Criminalizing E-Cigarette Manufacture and Distribution, Citing Health Risks
Russian Lawmakers Propose Criminalizing E-Cigarette Manufacture and Distribution, Citing Health Risks
Russian lawmakers propose criminalizing e-cigarette manufacturing, storage, sales, and use, citing drug crime model for penalties.
Oct.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thai Police Seize 30,000 Illegal Vapes Worth Over US$270,000
Thai Police Seize 30,000 Illegal Vapes Worth Over US$270,000
According to Thai police, officers seized 30,000 illegal vapes worth over THB 10 million (US$270,000) and arrested two suspects linked to online sales via LINE account “VST Nuan Chan.” Raids were conducted in Bangkok and Samut Prakan, uncovering a main warehouse and residence. Both suspects confessed and face charges under the Product Safety Act and Customs Law for illegal import and sale.
Oct.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai