The Fair Trade Commission has launched an on-site investigation to confirm allegations that the Korea Pharmaceutical Association intervened in Daiso's process of halting the sale of health functional foods.
On the 13th, according to industry sources, the Fair Trade Commission sent a researcher to the Korea Pharmaceutical Association to examine possible violations of the Fair Trade Act and secure related documents.
Daiso began selling health functional foods in collaboration with Daewoong Pharmaceutical, IL-YANG PHARM, and others in over 200 stores nationwide since the 24th of last month. Priced between 3,000 and 5,000 won, these products were cheaper than typical health functional foods sold in pharmacies (20,000 to 30,000 won), gaining popularity among consumers.
However, just five days after the launch, IL-YANG PHARM suddenly depleted its initial stock and halted additional supplies, sparking controversy. The Korea Pharmaceutical Association criticized that day, stating, "Pharmaceutical companies created misunderstandings by distributing low-cost products not sold in pharmacies in lifestyle stores, as if existing pharmacies were profiting excessively," shortly before the pharmaceutical company decided to withdraw.
The Fair Trade Commission is investigating whether the Korea Pharmaceutical Association exerted pressure during IL-YANG PHARM's withdrawal of health functional foods from Daiso. If it is confirmed that there were circumstances that unfairly restricted transactions of a specific corporation, this could fall under the 'anti-competitive practices of business associations' prohibited by the Fair Trade Act.
A Fair Trade Commission official noted, "It is difficult to confirm the progress of the investigation or individual matters."