Daiso's '3000 Won Supplements' Cause a Stir... Il-Yang 'Withdraws', Chong Kun Dang 'Considering Suspension'

Il Yang Pharmaceutical announced a sudden withdrawal just five days after selling low-cost health functional foods (health supplements) at Daiso, a household goods store. It is presumed that the decisive reason is the strong opposition from the pharmacy industry. Chong Kun Dang Health, which also entered the Daiso health supplement business, is reviewing withdrawal, while Daewoong Pharmaceutical has not yet made a decision.

Il-Yang Pharmaceutical officials announced on the 28th that they have decided to withdraw from supplying health functional foods to Daiso. This decision was made just five days after Daiso began selling the health functional foods. On the 24th, Il-Yang Pharmaceutical launched nine types of health functional foods at Daiso, including Vitamin C Chewable Tablets, Saw Palmetto Zinc, Popping Vitamin C, W Probiotics, Vitamin D 2000 IU, Cal-Mag Zinc Manganese, It & Q, Low Molecular Collagen 1250, and Vitamin C 1000mg. These products were specially manufactured for sale at Daiso, with reduced secondary ingredients and contents, minimal packaging, and priced between 3,000 and 5,000 won. This is about one-sixth the price of products sold on their own online store.

It is believed that the decision to withdraw was made in consideration of the pharmacists' opposition. A representative from the pharmaceutical industry said, "It seems that the opposition from various pharmacist groups influenced this decision." Earlier, the Korean Pharmaceutical Association and other pharmacist organizations argued that Daiso's entry into the health functional food sales made it appear as if pharmacies were selling products at high prices. The Korean Pharmaceutical Association issued a statement on the 28th, stating, "A well-known pharmaceutical company has exploited the trust built over decades by distributing health functional foods through pharmacies," and strongly condemned the marketing that promotes supplying to convenience stores at prices lower than pharmacies. Some are also discussing a boycott of over-the-counter medicines against pharmaceutical companies that introduced health functional foods to Daiso.

As the controversy grows, attention is also focused on the actions of pharmaceutical companies that have entered the Daiso health supplement sales business together. Chong Kun Dang Health planned to release two health supplements, Lactofit Gold and Lutein Zeaxanthin, exclusively for Daiso between March and April. However, due to strong opposition from pharmacies, they are considering suspending supply. A Chong Kun Dang official stated, "There are no changes at the moment," but added, "We are reviewing the situation internally." They further explained, "Chong Kun Dang Health is a specialized company for health supplements, and these products can also be purchased online, through home shopping, or at GS convenience stores," and "The health supplements launched at Daiso are based on a daily dosage, and there is no significant difference in unit price compared to pharmacy sales, so there is no major issue."

Daewoong Pharmaceutical, which has already launched its products, is expected to remain unchanged. A Daewoong Pharmaceutical official stated, "There are no decisions made yet, and internal review plans are also undecided." On the 24th, Daewoong Pharmaceutical introduced 26 types of dietary supplements under the health food brand 'Doctor Bear' through Daiso. These include multivitamin minerals, milk thistle for liver health, lutein for eye health, and children's multivitamins. The prices range from 3,000 to 5,000 won for a one-month supply.

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Wow.. I think I should go quickly and buy this..

Group behavior can be really frightening..

Doctors and pharmacists...