(KPL/Yonhap) 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 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.

By contrast, 391 cases of Wegovy and Mounjaro were legally cleared by customs in the first six months of the year, compared with 191 cases in all of 2025.

Most of the illegal imports involved mail, as an increasing number of people purchase the weight-loss medications from overseas online malls and have them delivered via international shipping.

The customs agency detected 3,489 illegal mail shipments containing Wegovy and Mounjaro in the first half of this year, more than triple the 1,046 cases recorded in all of 2025.

Meanwhile, 656 cases involved the medications being carried by individual travelers, up from 134 cases last year.

Wegovy and Mounjaro are banned from being brought into the country in travelers' hand luggage.

"Unauthorized imports of Wegovy and Mounjaro are a serious violation of the Customs Act and are subject to punishment," a customs official said. "We will thoroughly block the illegal inflow of harmful pharmaceuticals at the border."

KPL