After a Month of Silence, Han Dong-hoon Breaks Silence; Yoo Seung-min and Na Kyung-won Also Say "KC Certification Mandate Is Excessive Regulation"

Yoo Seung-min "Unilateral Ban on Overseas Direct Purchase... Ignorant Policy"
Na Kyung-won on Government's Suspension News "Relieved, Needs Thorough Review"

Han Dong-hoon, former Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, criticized the government's ban on overseas direct purchases of products without the national certification integrated mark (KC) as "excessive regulation" and requested reconsideration.

Handonghun, Emergency Response Headquarters Chief of the People Power Party, is expressing his position on the general election defeat at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 11th. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

On the 18th, Han wrote on his Facebook, "The regulation mandating KC certification for personal overseas direct purchases excessively restricts consumers' freedom of choice and should be reconsidered," adding, "Overseas direct purchases are already widely used by the public, with annual spending exceeding 6.7 trillion won, and I also occasionally make overseas direct purchases." He further stated, "It is the government's natural duty to thoroughly ensure product safety to protect domestic consumers. However, mandating KC certification for personal overseas direct purchases would make the scope and method of application ambiguous and excessively broad, resulting in excessive regulation."

Yoo Seung-min, a former lawmaker and a potential candidate for party leadership, and Na Kyung-won, a newly elected member of the People Power Party, also expressed their opinions on the matter. Yoo said earlier on his Facebook, "Banning overseas direct purchases comprehensively and unilaterally under the pretext of safety is a foolish policy," and added, "The government's policy to ban overseas direct purchases of 80 products without KC certification is like burning down a thatched cottage to catch a flea." He continued, "If harmfulness is proven, it is naturally necessary as a social regulation to ban distribution and hold manufacturers accountable, whether domestic or foreign products. However, since proving harmfulness and obtaining KC certification can be different, regulations should be accurately applied only where necessary to prevent additional harm to consumers."

Na Kyung-won shared a news report on her Facebook that the government has postponed the enforcement of the ban on direct purchases of products without KC certification, stating, "It is a relief. While I agree with the purpose, I believe the side effects of hasty enforcement were not sufficiently reviewed," and added, "I hope measures will be carefully prepared to enhance public safety while also guaranteeing consumers' freedom of choice."