Fair Trade Commission Chairperson Han Ki-jeong on the 15th marked the end of a three-year term and shared his reflections. He said, "I have worked to keep my inaugural pledge to promote innovation competition through rigorous law enforcement and advocacy of competition," adding, "The greatest achievement was our firm response to unfair practices in areas closely tied to people's daily lives."
Since taking office in Sep. 2022, Chairperson Han cited penalties for online platform abuse of dominance, the establishment of a regulatory framework for dark patterns, responses to shrinkflation, and compensation through dispute mediation over probability-based items as accomplishments. Chairperson Han explained, "By detecting and sanctioning collusion in everyday sectors such as mobile telecommunications, steel, vaccines, and special-sale furniture, we helped ease the public's burden."
On policies for large business groups, he noted efforts to rationalize measures such as setting criteria for designating the same person (controlling shareholder), and easing the scope of relatives and disclosure burdens. He said, "While reducing the burden on corporations, we also strengthened oversight of internal transactions in everyday sectors such as construction and food material distribution."
Through institutional improvements such as the subcontract delivery price indexation system and the introduction of a consultation system for franchise essential items, the transaction base for small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners was also reinforced, according to assessments. By establishing win-win consultative bodies in the delivery platform and mobile gift certificate sectors, the foundation was laid for co-growth between large corporations and SMEs.
Regarding internal innovation at the Fair Trade Commission, Chairperson Han emphasized, "For the first time in about 40 years, we separated case-handling divisions into investigation and policy, and strengthened procedural rights to enhance accountability and expertise," adding, "As a result, we received the top grade in the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission's integrity assessment."
That said, he cited the remaining tasks as ▲ responding to unfairness in AI and data markets ▲ proactive communication with stakeholders ▲ substantial relief for victims. Chairperson Han said, "In the AI field, domestic corporations are still in the early stage and are vulnerable to unfair practices by large operators," adding, "Going forward, the Fair Trade Commission must build capacity to respond nimbly to changing markets."
Lastly, Chairperson Han said, "I cannot forget the employees who worked hard on the ground during the T-MEP situation," adding, "I thank all employees who devoted themselves despite difficult circumstances. I hope the Fair Trade Commission will contribute to restoring people's daily lives."