This article was published on Aug. 21, 2025, at 5:21 p.m. on the ChosunBiz RM Report site.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has taken the reins on labeling for genetically modified organisms (GMO). The Korean National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee has opted for a compromise proposal of a 'selective labeling system' as the debate over the introduction of a complete labeling system for GMO intensifies.
The selective labeling system for GMO means that products where GMO proteins have disappeared during processing are exempt from labeling requirements, but only items designated by the Minister of Food and Drug Safety will be required to be labeled. Regardless of DNA residue, specific items defined by the Ministry must be labeled according to the use of GMO. The Ministry plans to finalize the items subject to labeling through enforcement ordinances and announcements in the future.
According to political circles and related industries on the 22nd, the Health and Welfare Committee of the National Assembly has recently determined to move towards introducing the selective labeling system for GMO in a legal subcommittee. In response, the food industry noted that since the final decision by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is still pending, uncertainty continues; however, it believes that the controversy will be less than if a complete labeling system were to be introduced. If a complete labeling system were implemented, it would require a complete overhaul of raw material import policies and ultimately a reevaluation of consumer pricing policies.
An official from a materials and supplies company who requested anonymity said, "The reason for using GMO raw materials is that using domestic raw materials does not match the unit price. With consumer aversion to GMO, if this is suddenly implemented, products would have to be made with expensive raw materials, leading to price increases."
However, the concerns of the basic processed food industry, such as soy sauce and cooking oil, remain. There is a reason that if the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety creates guidelines based on the food self-sufficiency rate, it would not be possible to avoid labeling for GMO. The dependence on imported GMO soybeans is so high that it is nearly unimaginable to produce cooking oil without them. The domestic self-sufficiency rate for soybeans is around 7.5% according to the national grain self-sufficiency standards.
The background for the spotlight on food self-sufficiency is linked to the intention to protect local agricultural products behind the introduction of the complete labeling system for GMO. The complete labeling system for GMO originates from the European Union (EU).
The external justification is to strengthen consumers' right to know, but it is reportedly more for the purpose of protecting European traditional agriculture from American GMO technology. This is why organizations welcoming the complete labeling system for GMO in Korea comprise consumer groups and some farmers' groups. The consumer group expressed disappointment, saying, "It is unfortunate that securing consumer choice remains insufficient even after the National Assembly presented a compromise proposal."
An official from the Korea Food Industry Association stated, "The price gap between genetically modified and non-genetically modified raw materials can be as little as 20% and as much as 70%. The fortunes of processed foods designated by the Ministry will likely diverge, and there are certainly factors leading to price increases concentrated on products labeled as having no GMO DNA or proteins."
There are also suggestions that it is necessary to change consumer perceptions about GMO. The Health and Welfare Committee of the National Assembly recently defined the term 'genetically modified' in the law as 'altering the genes of agricultural, livestock, and fishery products using biotechnology.'
Experts emphasize that genetically modifying organisms should not be viewed negatively as necessarily disturbing the ecosystem. A food industry official said, "If we are heading towards a complete labeling system for GMO, we should discuss whether using GMO raw materials in food is truly hazardous."
Lee Young-eun, head of the Nutrition Research Center at the Hanaro Medical Foundation, said, "Korean society holds a negative perception of GMO. While the introduction of a complete labeling system may lead consumers to gravitate towards organic products, it is essential not to overlook the scientific safety verification of GMO." She added, "Strengthening safety verification could lead us to a better direction."