Reading Material: Counterfeit Products Sold on Online Platforms

1. Introduction to the text
This article discusses the results of a recent inspection conducted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government on products sold on overseas online platforms. The inspection found that a significant number of products were counterfeit, raising concerns about consumer safety and the integrity of the e-commerce ecosystem.

2. Vocabulary

3. The main text in both Korean and English
서울시에 따르면 이번 점검은 알리익스프레스, 테무 등 해외 온라인 플랫폼에서 판매하는 12개 브랜드의 16개 제품을 대상으로 이뤄졌다. 국가공인시험기관인 KATRI시험연구원이 가방 7개, 의류 1개, 화장품 6개, 소형가전 2개 제품을 조사했다.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, this inspection targeted 16 products from 12 brands sold on overseas online platforms such as AliExpress and Temu. The KATRI testing institute, a nationally accredited test institution, investigated 7 bags, 1 piece of clothing, 6 cosmetic products, and 2 small electronic appliances.

하지만 가방과 의류의 경우 5개 브랜드사 8개 제품 전량이 디자인과 라벨 등에서 정품과 차이를 보였다. 특히 가방은 동일 제품을 플랫폼별로 구매해 점검한 결과 정품과 불일치 사유가 동일하게 나타나 공급 단계에서 조직적으로 위조상품을 유통하고 있을 가능성이 있는 것으로 분석됐다.

However, in the case of bags and clothing, all 8 products from 5 brands showed differences in design and labeling compared to the genuine products. Especially for the bags, when the same products were purchased from different platforms and inspected, the reasons for the discrepancy with the genuine products were found to be the same, suggesting the possibility of organized distribution of counterfeit goods at the supply stage.

5개 브랜드사의 6개 기초화장품으로 모두 정품과 불일치했다. 예컨대 한 브랜드의 클렌징오일은 정품이 식물성 오일을 주성분으로 사용하는 반면 검사 제품은 미네랄 오일을 사용했다. 성분이 다르면 피부염이나 알레르기 등 안전성 문제가 발생할 수 있다.

All 6 basic cosmetic products from 5 brands were found to be inconsistent with the genuine products. For example, a brand’s cleansing oil used plant-based oils as the main ingredient in the genuine product, but the inspected product used mineral oils. If the ingredients are different, there is a risk of skin irritation or allergies, which raises safety concerns.

이번 점검 결과 12개 브랜드의 16개 제품 중 97%인 15개가 정품과 다른 것으로 드러났다. 이처럼 온라인 시장에서 저가 위조품이 성행하는 이유는 소비자들의 관심이 가격에만 쏠려 있기 때문이라고 당국은 지적했다.

The results of this inspection showed that 15 out of the 16 products, or 97%, from the 12 brands were different from the genuine products. The authorities pointed out that the reason for the prevalence of low-priced counterfeit products in the online market is that consumers’ attention is solely focused on the price.

이번 점검을 통해 온라인 시장에서 저가 위조품이 성행하고 있다는 사실이 확인됐다. 정부는 앞으로 위조품 유통 근절을 위해 지속적으로 점검을 실시하고, 소비자들에게도 정품 구매의 중요성을 알릴 계획이다.

This inspection confirmed the prevalence of low-priced counterfeit products in the online market. The government plans to continue conducting inspections to eradicate the distribution of counterfeit goods and to inform consumers of the importance of purchasing genuine products.

4. Reading comprehension questions

1. What was the focus of the inspection conducted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government?
2. What were the key findings of the inspection regarding the bags, clothing, and cosmetic products?
3. What were the potential safety concerns identified with the counterfeit cosmetic products?
4. What percentage of the inspected products were found to be different from the genuine products?
5. What is the government’s plan to address the issue of counterfeit products in the online market?

5. Cultural and historical notes
The prevalence of counterfeit products in the online market is a global issue that poses challenges for both consumers and businesses. This inspection highlights the need for increased vigilance and collaboration between authorities, e-commerce platforms, and consumers to ensure the integrity of the e-commerce ecosystem and protect consumer safety.