Kang Hoon-sik flags ‘abnormal’ overseas buying of Korean goods

Jan 06, 2026, 08:38 am

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Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik speaks during a high-level government–ruling party meeting at the prime minister’s official residence in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, on Dec. 21. / Yonhap

Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik on Monday criticized the growing practice of South Korean consumers purchasing Korean-made products through overseas direct-buy channels, calling the underlying price structure “abnormal,” and ordered relevant ministries to review possible remedies.

According to a written briefing by Blue House deputy spokesperson Jeon Eun-soo, Kang made the remarks at a meeting of senior presidential aides. “A structure where people have no choice but to turn to overseas direct purchases to buy (Korean) products at cheaper prices is not normal,” he was quoted as saying.

Kang instructed the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Fair Trade Commission and related agencies, including the Korea Consumer Agency, to examine the overall distribution structure, market order and pricing policies, and to report back with improvement measures that would allow domestic consumers to buy products at reasonable prices.

He also urged officials to focus on delivering tangible outcomes tied to President Lee Jae-myung’s New Year agenda dubbed “Korea’s great transformation in 2026.”

Kang said the administration’s five goals—regional-led growth beyond the capital region, inclusive growth that shares gains more broadly, sustainable growth with stronger safety, culture-driven growth that enhances national appeal, and stable growth underpinned by peace—must translate into results the public can meaningfully feel.

In addition, Kang ordered a review of structural reforms related to the government’s program supporting menstrual products for teenagers. He asked the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family to promptly present measures to simplify application procedures and improve delivery systems, and called on the Fair Trade Commission to closely investigate whether prices of essential daily goods are being formed through unfair market structures.

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