Toxic substances such as mercury and lead have been found in North Korean medicines that can be easily purchased online, according to sources.

South Korean regulators analyzed the ingredients of the medicines sold in China in January 2025.

According to a report obtained by NNN, 9,556 ppm of mercury, more than 40,000 times the South Korean standard, was detected in the medicine claiming antifebrile effects “Angunguhwanghwan.”

Arsenic, lead, and cadmium in amounts far exceeding the standard limits have also been detected in several health supplements.

NNN Correspondent Hasegawa Yutaka / The North Korean-made medicines in question are also sold on a Chinese online website, and can be easily purchased by anyone.

North Korea uses these drugs as a means of earning foreign currency.

Sources said that the health damage may spread as there are sales routes to Russia and Cambodia.