Coupang and KFTC clash over on-site investigation refusal

Coupang Korea Fair Trade Commission on-site investigation Large-Scale Retail Business Act administrative investigation

The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) and e-commerce giant Coupang are engaged in a legal dispute following Coupang's refusal to cooperate with four scheduled on-site investigations. The KFTC is investigating whether Coupang violated the Large-Scale Retail Business Act by unfairly shifting the costs of price-matching coupons onto its suppliers.

Coupang has refused the inspections, arguing that the KFTC failed to provide the seven-day advance written notice required by the Framework Act on Administrative Investigations. Coupang has filed a lawsuit to cancel the KFTC's decision and requested a stay of execution. In response, KFTC Chairperson Joo Byung-ki announced plans to file criminal complaints against the company and is considering imposing administrative fines.

The KFTC maintains that the Large-Scale Retail Business Act contains special provisions that exempt such investigations from the seven-day notice requirement, noting that prior notice could lead to the destruction of evidence. Meanwhile, the KFTC is also proposing legislative changes to further clarify and strengthen its ability to conduct unannounced inspections for various retail-related laws.

Entities

Coupang · Joo Byung-ki · Korea Fair Trade Commission

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 6 SOURCES] The KFTC attempted four on-site investigations between the 19th and 24th regarding potential violations of the Large-Scale Retail Business Act. sateconomy.co.kr · www.sisajournal.com · www.tfmedia.co.kr · www.tokenpost.kr · socialvalue.kr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The ruling party is pursuing an amendment to the Administrative Investigation Framework Act to include the Large-Scale Retail Business Act in the list of laws where prior notice can be omitted. www.imaeil.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Administrative Investigation Framework Act generally requires written notice 7 days before an on-site investigation. www.imaeil.com · sateconomy.co.kr
[● 2 SOURCES] The investigation concerns whether Coupang unfairly passed the costs of price-matching coupons onto suppliers. sateconomy.co.kr
[● 7 SOURCES] Coupang filed a lawsuit to cancel the Korea Fair Trade Commission's decision to conduct an on-site investigation and requested a stay of execution. www.imaeil.com · sateconomy.co.kr · www.sisajournal.com · www.tfmedia.co.kr · www.tokenpost.kr · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] The KFTC maintains that prior notice is not required if there is a risk of evidence destruction or if the investigation is conducted under specific exceptions. www.imaeil.com · sateconomy.co.kr · www.tfmedia.co.kr · www.tokenpost.kr · socialvalue.kr
[● 3 SOURCES] KFTC Chairperson Joo Byung-ki announced plans to file a criminal complaint against Coupang for refusing on-site investigations. www.sisajournal.com · www.tokenpost.kr · biz.heraldcorp.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The KFTC is proposing to strengthen fine standards and increase penalties for repeated violations of the Large-Scale Retail Business Act. www.kyeonggi.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The investigation focuses on whether Coupang unfairly shifted the costs of price-matching coupons to its suppliers. www.sisajournal.com · www.tokenpost.kr · socialvalue.kr · sateconomy.co.kr
[● 2 SOURCES] The KFTC is considering imposing administrative fines on Coupang for its refusal to cooperate with investigations. www.sisajournal.com · www.tfmedia.co.kr
[● 5 SOURCES] Coupang argues that the KFTC violated the Framework Act on Administrative Investigations by failing to provide seven days' advance written notice. www.sisajournal.com · www.tfmedia.co.kr · www.tokenpost.kr · socialvalue.kr · sateconomy.co.kr