The Korea Minting and Security Printing Corp. (KOMSCO) and the Ministry of Intellectual Property announced a new AI-powered verification technology on Oct. 10, 2026. The system allows consumers abroad to instantly detect counterfeits of Korean products using a smartphone scan.
How the Verification System Works
The national certification mark incorporates anti-counterfeiting technology developed by KOMSCO, utilizing the agency's currency production expertise. Invisible information is embedded as a digital watermark within an irregular shape or pattern that a smartphone camera can read.
Scanning the QR code next to the certification mark activates a digital watermark detection program. If the product is genuine, a confirmation message appears automatically in one of 15 languages, including Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese, based on the smartphone's default language setting. If the item is a fake, the screen displays a warning stating "Suspected counterfeit".
Adoption by Domestic Companies
Domestic companies can choose whether to use the certification mark on their merchandise. Those that opt to participate can attach labels bearing the mark and a QR code or print them directly onto goods designated for export.
Key facts and where they come from
- KOMSCO and the Ministry of Intellectual Property announced an AI-powered digital watermark technology on Oct. 10.
The Korea Minting and Security Printing Corp. (KOMSCO) and the Ministry of Intellectual Property on Oct. 10 said a new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered technology using digital watermarks can instantly verify
- The system verifies product authenticity with a smartphone scan without needing a separate app.
can instantly verify the authenticity of products protected by the K-Brand Government Certification System with just a smartphone scan, with no need to install a separate app.
- Scanning the adjacent QR code activates the detection program.
Scanning the QR code next to the certification mark with a smartphone activates a digital watermark detection program.