Korea Customs Service recruits public monitors to cover hypermarkets and online marketplaces
A citizen-led monitoring system covering both online and offline retail channels — from hypermarkets to open marketplaces — is set to take shape.
The Korea Customs Service announced Wednesday it is recruiting members for a "Country-of-Origin Public Monitoring Corps" to stamp out labeling violations in everyday commerce and establish a fair retail order.
As online shopping has surged and distribution channels have multiplied, fraudulent practices — such as passing off cheap imports as domestic products — have grown increasingly sophisticated. In response, the Korea Customs Service plans to strengthen a participatory monitoring system in which citizens directly scrutinize the market, boosting public confidence in country-of-origin labeling.
Selected monitors will oversee country-of-origin labels across both physical and digital retail environments, including hypermarkets, retail stores, online shopping malls and open marketplaces. They will also report suspected labeling violations and take part in campaigns to promote proper country-of-origin labeling practices.
The recruitment is open to any citizen aged 19 or older who has a strong interest in the country-of-origin labeling system and is able to conduct monitoring activities in person or online. About 30 people will be selected, with slots distributed evenly by age group and region to build a nationwide monitoring network with diverse perspectives.
Detailed recruitment information and application instructions are available on the Korea Customs Service website's notice board. Applications must be submitted by email between July 6 and July 17.
Ha Yu-jeong, director general of the Korea Customs Service's examination bureau, said thorough monitoring by citizens would be a powerful force in establishing a sound retail order and preventing consumer harm. "We ask passionate citizens who want to join us in building a fair retail order to show their interest and apply," she said.
kwonhl@heraldcorp.com
