South Korean Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) Chairman Joo Byung-gi announced Monday the agency will intensify scrutiny of monopolistic practices and unfair dealings within the digital and platform markets.
Speaking at a plenary meeting of the National Assembly’s Judiciary Committee, Joo pledged proactive oversight to address abuses of market dominance, according to a statement released by Yonhap News Agency. He indicated the KFTC will focus on strengthening transaction stability and transparency between platform operators and businesses utilizing those platforms, and will continue to support legislative discussions related to the digital market.
The announcement comes as the KFTC seeks to establish a more equitable online platform ecosystem, a commitment Joo reiterated upon his appointment in September 2025, as reported by The Electronic Times and Digital Daily. He previously stated his intention to build a fair online platform ecosystem and support economic actors vulnerable to market imbalances.
Joo also signaled the KFTC’s intention to address structural issues in lagging industries, including petrochemicals, steel, and energy, with a focus on fostering innovation through decarbonization and high-value-added initiatives. He further committed to concentrated investigations into price collusion in sectors critical to public livelihood – food, education, construction, and energy – alongside efforts to improve consumer rights and streamline regulations.
The KFTC plans to significantly increase penalties for anti-competitive behavior, aligning fines with international standards and introducing penalties for non-compliance during investigations. Joo also outlined plans to address imbalances in power between large and small businesses, and between economically strong and weak parties, through legal and institutional reforms, as well as enhanced monitoring of technology theft.
In a separate statement from a National Assembly hearing on January 1, Joo emphasized the need to strengthen regulations regarding unfair practices within platform markets. According to the Chosun Ilbo, he stated the KFTC would “actively monitor monopolistic practices and unfair conduct in the digital and platform market.”
Joo also committed to rigorously monitoring large corporations to prevent unfair practices that could stifle innovation and growth. He indicated the KFTC would focus on preventing illicit private gain and improper support within large business groups. The KFTC also intends to prioritize the resolution of unfair practices in areas such as subcontracting payments, franchise agreements, and public procurement, according to a report from the Seoul Economic Daily.
The KFTC presented five key priorities for the coming year: fostering fair competition, regulating platform markets, protecting small and medium-sized enterprises, enhancing consumer rights, and strengthening law enforcement infrastructure. The agency has not yet announced a timeline for the implementation of these measures.
