South Korea's FTC Chair Outlines Five Key Policy Priorities for 2026 on July 28

According to Yonhap News Agency, on July 28, South Korea's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Chu Byung-ki announced five core policy priorities for 2026 aimed at fostering fair market competition. The priorities include addressing power imbalances between large and small enterprises, cracking down on unfair competition in sectors affecting consumers, building a healthy innovation ecosystem in digital markets, strengthening enforcement against conglomerate misconduct, and increasing FTC workforce by approximately 400 personnel.

Chu emphasized stepping up investigations into cartels in essential goods sectors and reforming regulations to protect small businesses in subcontracting, franchising, and distribution sectors. The FTC will also intensify oversight of monopolistic practices by major online platforms and enhance economic sanctions against repeat violators.