Chairperson Ju Biung-ghi emphasizes search ranking provisions following Coupang's fine and lawsuit

Fair Trade Commission Chairperson Ju Biung-ghi stated that practices such as Coupang's manipulation of search rankings "must be a critical component of the Online Platform Act legislation."

Chairperson Ju attended the National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee's audit on the 28th and said, "The KFTC will fully cooperate to ensure the swift passage of the Online Platform Fairness Act by the National Assembly."

The Online Platform Fairness Act is designed to prevent unfair trade practices by large platform companies and protect affiliated businesses and consumers.

In response to Democratic Party of Korea Representative Kim Nam-geun's point that legislation is needed to prevent allegations of search ranking manipulation by Coupang, Chairperson Ju hinted that the Online Platform Act should include such provisions.

Earlier, Coupang was fined 162.8 billion won by the KFTC for allegedly placing its own products at the top of search rankings. In response, Coupang has filed an administrative lawsuit, stating it cannot accept the KFTC's decision.

The National Assembly also discussed the need for measures such as capping platform fees, setting maximum settlement deadlines, and granting collective bargaining rights to affiliated businesses to prevent unilateral changes to transaction terms. Chairperson Ju stated that the KFTC is preparing a proposal to advance legislation.

When People Power Party Representative Lee Yang-soo mentioned that over the past five years, large business groups had received total fines of 4.6 billion won for failing to disclose key management matters in accordance with the Fair Trade Act, Chairperson Ju expressed agreement with the criticism. He responded, "I believe this is a significant and serious issue."

Chairperson Ju added, "We are exploring ways to strengthen penalties for recurring violations by applying aggravating factors." He further noted, "We will start with revising enforcement decrees and consider legal amendments if necessary."

Fair Trade Commission Chief Advocates for Anti-Manipulation Clause in Platform Act