Is Kokolyi Relief Product Effective Against COVID-19 Prevention and Fine Dust Blocking?… Fair Trade Commission Sanctions Cheonha Comprehensive for Deceptive Advertising

The appearance of 'Kogori' and 'Kobagi' sold by Cheonhajonghap.

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] Cheonha General Trading has been sanctioned by the Fair Trade Commission for false and deceptive advertising claiming that its snoring relief products are effective in preventing COVID-19 and blocking fine dust.

On the 8th, the Fair Trade Commission announced that it decided to impose a corrective order, a public announcement of the legal violation, and a fine of 5 million KRW on Cheonha General Trading for violating the Electronic Commerce Consumer Protection Act.

According to the Fair Trade Commission, Cheonha General Trading advertised its manufactured product "Kogori" on its own online mall, blogs, internet cafes, and other companies' online malls, claiming without scientific evidence that the product emits far-infrared rays, rotating electromagnetic waves, radiation, and negative ions, which prevent epidemic infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and purify the air from fine dust.

Additionally, regarding the medical device "Kobagi," the company advertised without scientific evidence that it has effects such as ▲ 99.9% antibacterial action near the nasal area ▲ prevention of bacterial growth inside the nasal cavity ▲ purification of polluted air ▲ activation of air purification inside the nasal cavity ▲ regulation of temperature and humidity inside the nasal cavity ▲ purification of toxic air ▲ prevention of transmission of epidemic infectious agents including COVID-19.

The Fair Trade Commission judged that such advertisements by Cheonha General Trading violated the Electronic Commerce Act, which prohibits telecommunication sales businesses from informing false or exaggerated facts or using deceptive methods to lure consumers and conduct transactions.

A Fair Trade Commission official stated, "In a situation where concerns about COVID-19 and fine dust are increasing, consumers need to exercise special caution not to be misled by one-sided information without scientific evidence claiming prevention of COVID-19 infection or blocking of fine dust and to avoid purchasing such products."