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Seoul court suspends FTC order naming Coupang founder as controlling head SEOUL, July 14 (AJP) -A South Korean appeals court on Monday suspended the antitrust regulator's decision designating Coupang founder and Chairman Bom Kim as the controlling individual of the U.S.-listed e-commerce giant, handing the company an early legal victory in a closely watched dispute over Korea's conglomerate rules. The Seoul High Court granted part of Coupang's request for an injunction, temporarily halting the Korea Fair Trade Commission's May 1 decision to change the group's legal "same person" designation from Coupang Inc. to Kim until 30 days after a final court ruling in the main administrative lawsuit. The court also suspended the FTC's order requiring Coupang to submit documents related to Kim that had been requested in April as part of the designation process. "The applicant faces a risk of irreparable harm if the order takes effect immediately, and there is insufficient evidence that suspending the measure would undermine the public interest," the court said in its ruling. The injunction does not determine the legality of the FTC's decision but freezes its enforcement while the underlying lawsuit proceeds. The FTC in April redesignated Kim as Coupang's "same person," a legal term referring to the ultimate controlling entity of a business group under South Korea's Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act. The move shifted the designation from the corporate entity Coupang Inc. to Kim himself, making the company subject to the full disclosure and governance requirements imposed on family-controlled conglomerates. The regulator argued Coupang no longer qualified for the exception allowing a corporation to be designated as the controlling entity because Kim's younger brother, Kim Yoo-seok, had effectively participated in management through his involvement in logistics and delivery operations. The decision marked the first time a founder of a U.S.-incorporated company operating in South Korea had been designated as the controlling individual of a large business group under Korea's antitrust regime. Coupang immediately challenged the designation, arguing that neither Kim nor his relatives own shares in the group's Korean affiliates and therefore there is no possibility of private-interest transactions that the regulations are designed to prevent. "As a U.S.-listed company, we are already subject to stringent disclosure obligations," the company has said, describing the FTC's decision as duplicative regulation that applies traditional chaebol rules to a globally listed technology company. Had the designation taken effect, Kim would have been required to disclose family shareholdings and governance information annually, while transactions involving relatives and related entities would have become subject to expanded regulatory scrutiny under Korea's conglomerate regulations. The legal battle is expected to center on whether managerial influence exercised by a family member, absent ownership, is sufficient to justify designating an individual rather than a corporate entity as the controlling person of a business group. 2026-07-14 14:16:00 -
STX Green Logistics Hits Upper Limit for Second Consecutive Day Amid Rising Tensions in Hormuz Strait STX Green Logistics has recorded its upper limit for the second consecutive day as geopolitical risks surrounding the Hormuz Strait resurface. The expectation of rising global shipping rates due to a potential blockade of the strait has stimulated investor sentiment.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 1:49 PM on July 14, STX Green Logistics was trading at 3,300 won, up 760 won (29.92%) from the previous trading day. The stock has surged to its price limit for two days in a row, reflecting strong buying interest.This surge is attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a renewed maritime blockade against Iran, which has heightened tensions in the Middle East. On July 13, Trump stated on the social media platform Truth Social, "We are resuming the blockade against Iran. We will protect the Hormuz Strait and we will be compensated for it."Market analysts are noting that if tensions in the Hormuz Strait persist, there could be an increase in rerouted shipping, leading to higher marine insurance and transportation costs, which would likely drive up global shipping rates. The Hormuz Strait is a strategic chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world's oil maritime traffic passes, and any restrictions or escalated risks could result in increased shipping and logistics costs.STX Green Logistics is a bulk shipping company that transports coal, iron ore, and agricultural products. While it has limited direct business ties to the Hormuz Strait, the anticipated rise in shipping rates due to a blockade has attracted investor interest.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 14:16:00 -
Park Hong-geun Proposes Future Response Fund to Invest in Youth and Growth Park Hong-geun, the Minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, announced plans to establish a "Future Response Fund" that will focus on investing in the youth, growth drivers, local areas, and talent, utilizing additional tax revenue generated from the semiconductor boom.On July 14, during a joint briefing on the "2026 Second Half Economic Growth Strategy," Minister Park stated, "Despite domestic and international crises, including the Middle East conflict, the government swiftly prepared and executed a supplementary budget of 26.2 trillion won in the first half of the year, solidifying the momentum for economic growth recovery through a joint emergency economic response system."He emphasized, "We are at a crossroads where we must overcome K-shaped polarization while securing new growth drivers amid a global AI transformation. This is a golden time to turn crises into opportunities, and we will mobilize all available means to support the second half of the economic growth strategy."Park also mentioned, "We will accelerate the implementation of three major mega-projects and regional support packages to ensure that the benefits are felt quickly on the ground. We will reassess the outcomes of all projects from the ground up and improve the fundamental structure of finances through rigorous expenditure restructuring, going beyond mere trimming of excess."Additionally, he stated, "We will begin to innovate mandatory expenditures, which have been considered untouchable in past restructuring efforts, by reforming education grants to reflect environmental changes and enhance investment stability. To overcome K-shaped polarization, we will intensify local preference projects and expand tailored support for youth in job creation and asset formation, while closely monitoring living costs and stabilizing small businesses."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 14:12:00
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LF Mall Introduces AI Shopping Agent for Personalized Experience Lifestyle company LF has announced the launch of its AI shopping agent service, 'LF Style Talk,' which supports the entire shopping process using generative artificial intelligence (AI).LF Style Talk is a natural language-based shopping service that combines LF Mall's extensive brand management experience and fashion curation expertise with AI. Customers can ask questions in a conversational manner, such as, "Recommend a cool dress suitable for the current weather" or "Show me the new shirts from Hazzys," and the AI analyzes their intent to suggest appropriate products along with reasons for the recommendations.The service comprehensively analyzes current weather conditions, LF Mall's real-time trending searches, and products that customers have recently clicked on. Even the same question can yield different answers based on customer preferences or timing. For instance, on hot days, it may recommend breathable linen dresses, while customers who typically browse minimal style products will receive suggestions that reflect their tastes. Additionally, the service explains the materials, fit, and styling points of recommended products to assist customers in understanding and selecting items.A representative from LF Mall stated, "LF Style Talk is designed to help customers find the products they truly want in a way that aligns with their thought processes. We aim to provide a more natural and personalized shopping experience using AI."Meanwhile, LF Mall is also enhancing its AI-based content commerce by incorporating real-time customer reactions from social media comments, likes, and shares into its product management and marketing strategies.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 14:12:00
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Daiwoong Pharmaceutical Achieves 96% Return Rate for Parental Leave 대웅제약이 육아휴직 이후에도 경력 단절을 최소화하는 조직 문화를 강화하며 '일·가정 양립' 체계 구축에 적극 나서고 있다. 실제 육아가 경력에 불이익이 되지 않는 조직 문화를 정착시키기 위해 다양한 제도를 운영하고 있어 주목된다. 14일 대웅제약이 발간한 '2025 지속가능경영보고서'에 따르면 2024년 육아휴직을 사용한 임직원의 복직률은 96%로 집계됐다. 회사는 복직 전 기존 부서와 인사팀, 복귀자 간 사전 소통 체계를 운영하고 직무 전환 및 경력 개발 프로그램을 통해 복귀 이후에도 경력을 이어갈 수 있도록 지원하고 있다. 실제 연구직 직원 한 명은 둘째 출산 이후 사내 경력개발프로그램(CDP)을 통해 신약 기술전략 업무로 직무를 전환했다. 또 다른 직원은 육아휴직 복귀 후 유연근무제를 활용해 디지털 헬스케어 플랫폼 사업을 이끌며 팀장으로 승진했다. 복지 제도도 확대하고 있다. 대웅제약은 출산 후 1년 이내 복귀한 여성 임직원에게 1대1 필라테스 프로그램을 지원하고 휴가 사유를 별도로 묻지 않는 제도를 운영하는 등 유연한 근무 환경 조성에 힘쓰고 있다. 가족 지원 프로그램도 다각화했다. 장기 리프레시 휴가를 도입해 임직원이 가족과 함께 시간을 보낼 수 있도록 했다. 아울러 자녀 출산·입학 축하금과 학자금 대출 지원 등 생애주기별 지원 제도를 운영하고 있다. 이 같은 노력에 따라 대웅제약은 올해 여성가족부 '가족친화 선도기업'에 선정됐으며 12년 연속 가족친화 인증을 유지하고 있다. 한국ESG기준원의 2025년 ESG 평가에서 사회(S) 부문 A+ 등급을 획득했고 통합등급도 전년 B에서 A로 상승했다. 대웅제약 관계자는 "앞으로도 임직원이 일과 가정을 조화롭게 병행할 수 있는 근무 환경을 지속 확대해 나갈 것"이라고 말했다. 한편, 이날 업계에 따르면 공정위는 지난 5월 한국의약품유통협회가 제기한 대웅제약 관련 민원을 지난달 26일 종결 처리했다. 한국의약품유통협회가 대웅제약의 '거점 도매' 정책을 문제 삼아 공정거래위원회에 제기한 민원이 종결 처리되면서 수개월간 이어진 도매업계의 공세는 동력을 잃은 반면 대웅제약의 유통 혁신 행보는 한층 탄력을 받게 됐다. 2026-07-14 14:08:00
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Chinese Politician Wang Huning to Visit North Korea from July 15-17 North Korea announced on July 14 that Wang Huning, the fourth-ranking official in the Chinese government, will visit the country this week.According to the Korean Central News Agency, a delegation from the Chinese Communist Party and government, led by Wang, will make an official friendly visit to North Korea from July 15 to 17 at the invitation of the North Korean Workers' Party Central Committee and the government.The report did not provide specific details about the itinerary or the purpose of the visit.This will be Wang's first visit to North Korea since accompanying former President Hu Jintao during his trip in 2005.Wang's visit comes shortly after a North Korean delegation, led by Premier Pak Tae-sung, visited China from July 10 to 12 to attend events marking the 65th anniversary of the China-North Korea Friendship Treaty.During their visit, the North Korean delegation met with top Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.Last month, President Xi made his first visit to North Korea in seven years, meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss the development of bilateral relations.Wang Huning is recognized as a key theorist of the Chinese Communist Party, responsible for shaping major policy initiatives and political messaging under Xi Jinping's leadership. He has also contributed to the establishment of theoretical frameworks such as Jiang Zemin's 'Three Represents' and Hu Jintao's 'Scientific Outlook on Development.' In 2017, he was appointed to the Politburo Standing Committee, China's top leadership body.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 14:08:00
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Rising Barriers for Low-Budget Korean Films as YouTube Becomes an Alternative Release Platform 중·저예산 한국영화의 개봉 문턱이 높아진 가운데 신재호 감독이 자신의 신작 '아임 유어 맨' 가편집본을 유튜브에 무료 공개했다. 극장 개봉이나 유료 온라인 플랫폼 공개가 아닌 감독 개인 채널을 통한 공개다. "끝내 세상에 빛을 보지 못할 수도 있다"는 감독의 판단에는 촬영을 마친 영화도 관객에게 닿기까지 또 다른 비용과 유통 경로를 필요로 하는 현실이 담겨 있다.영화 '아임 유어 맨'은 지난해 가을 부산에서 촬영한 독립 장편영화로 배우 이지훈과 문희경을 비롯해 김기방, 최윤영, 정호빈, 방은희 등이 출연했다. 신 감독은 공개에 앞서 자신의 사회관계망서비스(SNS)에 "지난 가을 부산에서 촬영한 독립영화 '아임 유어 맨'의 가편집본"이라며 "이 작품이 끝내 세상에 빛을 보지 못할 수도 있다는 생각에 감독으로서 이 작품에 쏟았던 열정과 고민, 그리고 진심을 기록으로 남기기 위해 공개한다"고 밝혔다.이번 공개가 눈에 띄는 이유는 공개 방식뿐 아니라 공개된 상태에 있다. '아임 유어 맨'은 극장 개봉용 완성본이 아니라 가편집본이다. '치외법권', '게이트', '망내인: 얼굴 없는 살인자들', '현상수배' 등을 연출하며 22년간 영화 작업을 이어온 감독이 완성본이 아닌 가편집본을 먼저 관객 앞에 내놓은 셈이다. 신 감독은 향후 극장 특별 시사회와 관객과의 대화(GV)도 추진할 예정이다.영화 한 편이 촬영을 마쳤다고 곧바로 개봉 영화가 되는 것은 아니다. 색보정과 음향, 음악 등 후반작업을 거쳐야 하고, 배급과 홍보·마케팅을 위한 비용도 필요하다. 관객에게 닿기 위해서는 극장 상영이든 유료 플랫폼 공개든 작품을 유통할 경로도 확보해야 한다. 신 감독의 선택은 이 과정에서 막힌 영화가 선택할 수 있는 또 다른 통로로 유튜브를 택했다는 점에서 의미가 있다.문제는 이 같은 선택이 한 작품의 예외적인 사정으로만 보기 어렵다는 데 있다. 영화진흥위원회가 발표한 '2025년 한국 영화산업 결산'에 따르면 지난해 전체 극장 관객 수는 1억609만명으로 전년보다 13.8% 감소했다. 코로나19 이전인 2017~2019년 평균의 48% 수준이다. 한국영화 관객 수는 4358만명으로 전년보다 39% 줄었고, 팬데믹 이전 평균과 비교하면 38.5%에 그쳤다. 팬데믹 시기를 제외하면 2005년 이후 가장 낮은 수치다.극장 관객이 줄어든 상황에서 독립영화와 중·저예산 영화가 관객을 만날 수 있는 기회는 더 제한적이다. 2025년 서울독립영화제 출품작을 기준으로 집계한 장편 독립영화 제작편수는 215편이었다. 같은 해 영화진흥위원회로부터 독립영화로 인정받아 개봉한 장편은 130편으로, 제작편수 대비 개봉편수 비중은 60.5%였다. 2023년에는 67.1%, 2024년에는 58.3%로 집계되는 등 제작편수와 같은 해 개봉편수 사이의 차이는 계속됐다. 다만 제작연도와 개봉연도가 일치하지 않는 작품이 있어 해당 수치가 같은 해 제작된 작품의 실제 개봉률을 뜻하는 것은 아니다.개봉 이후의 상황도 녹록지 않다. 지난해 한국 독립영화 개봉작 130편의 평균 상영 횟수는 849회로, 전체 한국영화 실질개봉작 평균 8466회의 10% 수준이었다. 개봉작 가운데 관객 1만명 이상을 동원한 작품은 27편으로 전체의 20.8%에 그쳤다. 개봉 여부뿐 아니라 개봉 뒤 얼마나 상영 기회를 확보하느냐도 독립·저예산 영화에는 중요한 문제다.비용 부담도 남는다. 영진위의 2025년 제작비 조사 대상에 포함된 독립·예술영화 139편의 평균 홍보·마케팅비는 1억원으로 추정됐다. 작품 규모에 따라 편차는 크지만, 촬영을 마친 뒤에도 관객에게 영화를 알리기 위한 비용이 별도로 필요하다는 점을 보여준다. 촬영 종료가 곧 완성이나 개봉을 의미하지 않는 이유다.한 영화 업계 관계자는 본지에 "영화는 기본적으로 리스크가 큰 산업인데 현재 시장에 자금이 원활하게 돌지 않는다는 점이 가장 큰 문제"라며 "주요 배급사는 배급뿐 아니라 메인 투자까지 함께 담당하는 경우가 많다"고 말했다.투자와 배급 판단이 보수적으로 이뤄질수록 중·저예산 영화가 선택할 수 있는 길은 좁아진다. 배우와 감독이 참여해 촬영을 마쳤더라도 후반작업과 배급, 홍보·마케팅 비용을 마련하지 못하면 관객과 만나는 시점은 늦어질 수밖에 없다. 극장 개봉을 준비하던 작품이 감독 개인 채널을 통해 먼저 공개된 이번 사례는 그 지점을 보여준다.유튜브는 창작자가 작품을 직접 관객에게 공개할 수 있는 통로다. 극장이나 플랫폼의 선택을 기다리지 않고 영화를 내놓을 수 있다는 점에서는 의미가 있다. 그러나 무료 공개는 극장이나 유료 플랫폼처럼 제작비를 회수하는 일반적인 유통 방식과는 차이가 있다.이 관계자는 "극장은 여전히 영화가 가장 큰 수익을 올릴 수 있는 창구다. 유튜브는 유료 서비스도 아닌 무료 공개"라고 말했다.'아임 유어 맨'은 극장 개봉용 완성본이 아니라 가편집본으로 먼저 공개됐다. 감독이 직접 작품을 공개할 수 있는 플랫폼은 생겼지만, 무료 공개가 제작비 회수나 다음 작품을 위한 투자로 이어질지는 별개의 문제다. 신 감독의 선택은 유튜브라는 새로운 공개 통로의 가능성을 보여주는 동시에 중·저예산 한국영화가 개봉 단계에서 마주한 비용과 유통의 문제를 드러낸다. 영화가 만들어진 뒤에도 관객에게 닿기까지의 길을 어떻게 열 것인지는 여전히 한국영화계가 풀어야 할 과제로 남아 있다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 14:08:00
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Google Sees South Korea as an AI Battleground, Collaborates with Businesses and Government Google is accelerating the expansion of its Gemini ecosystem by partnering with South Korean businesses and the government in artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. The company aims to develop AI agents tailored to individual business environments and industry-specific solutions, positioning South Korea as a global hub for AI innovation.From July 14 to 16, Google is hosting the 'Google AI for Business 2026' event at the Shilla Hotel in central Seoul, showcasing the latest AI technologies and applications in local companies.Yoon Gu, CEO of Google Korea, stated at a press conference on the first day, "South Korea is not just a testbed for AI; it is a battleground for AI innovation. Success stories from Korea can compete globally due to the intense market competition."Ruth Sun, CEO of Google Cloud Korea, emphasized the importance of close communication with the government for AI innovation in Korea, stating, "It is crucial for the private and public sectors to collaboratively build the AI ecosystem."During the event, case studies of AI adoption by domestic companies such as Samsung Electronics and CJ Olive Young were presented. Samsung Electronics is collaborating with Google Cloud to implement Gemini in its internal operations, allowing employees to securely access company data, find necessary information, and solve problems, with the goal of evolving into AI agents capable of performing complex tasks autonomously.CJ Olive Young is also applying Gemini Enterprise to its retail operations, enabling non-developers in product planning to build customized AI agents and allowing store staff to manage inventory in real-time using AI.Google explained that providing AI tailored to each company is its core competitive advantage, given the diverse products, services, and work environments across businesses.According to Google, AI is also changing how consumers search for information. The company found that 76% of South Korean consumers use AI search first when looking for new products or services. Additionally, 87% of consumers are entering longer and more specific search terms to achieve desired results.However, it is anticipated that AI will not completely replace the role of brands. For high-priced items or significant purchasing decisions, consumers tend to use AI for reference but still rely on traditional searches during the final comparison stage. In fact, 62% of South Korean consumers reported using traditional searches more than AI chatbots when comparing high-involvement products.The Shilla Hotel's Yeongbin Hall features a 'Gemini Playground' where attendees can experience practical applications of generative AI. Participants explored how Gemini transforms work and daily life, from content creation to shopping, healthcare, and financial consultations.In the creative experience zone, users could input concepts like "If I were an astronaut" or "If I were an animation character," prompting Gemini to generate corresponding images instantly. The event also demonstrated the ability to create product review videos and promotional content without specialized equipment or creators, including AI-generated voiceovers and background music.Examples of industry-specific innovations were also highlighted. In healthcare, Kakao Healthcare showcased a service that analyzes diet, blood sugar, and lifestyle data through its 'Pasta' platform, providing personalized health management information. In retail, an AI feature was introduced that recommends clothing and shopping information based on local weather and trends when users input travel destinations and schedules, even supporting virtual fitting. In finance, a collaboration with KB Kookmin Bank demonstrated an AI service that helps customers find and compare necessary financial products and receive consultation.Ruth Sun remarked, "Korean companies are moving beyond questioning the effectiveness of AI to focusing on how quickly they can make AI a core growth driver. Google Cloud will actively support companies in rapidly transforming bold ideas into results based on a fully integrated AI stack."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 14:08:00
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Koo Yun-cheol: Prepare Strong Foundations for Economic Leap in 2026 Koo Yun-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, stated on July 14 that "we must prepare a strong ship to cross the distant sea when the favorable winds blow," emphasizing his commitment to making this year a foundational year for a significant economic leap. His plan aims to transform the current growth momentum, driven by a semiconductor boom and strong exports, into a rebound in the potential growth rate.During a joint briefing on the '2026 Economic Growth Strategy for the Second Half of the Year' held at the Government Sejong Center, Koo noted, "Our economy is accelerating due to a swift response to the Middle East conflict and unprecedented export performance."The government projects that the real growth rate will reach 3.0% this year, the highest in five years. The growth rate closely tied to citizens' lives is expected to hit 12.3%, the highest in 30 years. Per capita income is nearing $40,000, and the national debt ratio is anticipated to fall to the 40% range.Koo remarked, "The virtuous cycle of growth and finance is becoming visible," calling it a valuable achievement created by the collaboration of citizens, businesses, and the government.However, he stressed that "we cannot be complacent with the current positive trend." He added, "Whether we let this boom remain a temporary achievement or turn it into a new growth trajectory for the South Korean economy depends on our choices and responses now."The government has introduced a vision for the second half of the year, termed the 3-4-5 vision, which aims for a potential growth rate of 3%, becoming the world's fourth-largest exporter, and achieving a per capita income of $50,000. This initiative seeks to elevate South Korea to an 'irreplaceable' status on the global stage.To achieve these goals, the strategy includes three main areas and six key tasks: responding to the post-Middle East conflict, rebounding the potential growth rate, and addressing structural issues. The government plans to manage economic risks related to rising prices, interest rates, and exchange rate volatility, while also reducing external dependencies on supply chains and energy highlighted by the Middle East conflict.Koo indicated that additional tax revenue expected from the semiconductor boom will be focused on investments in youth, next-generation growth, local development, and education through the establishment of a future response fund. He also mentioned plans to manage risks related to prices, exchange rates, and interest rates by appropriately operating the maximum price of petroleum products, supporting small businesses burdened by high exchange rates, and expanding low-interest policy financing.To rebound the potential growth rate, the government plans to expedite three mega-projects: semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, and physical AI. Koo stated, "Above all, we will focus all efforts on the swift promotion of the three mega-projects: semiconductors, AI data centers, and physical AI."For domestic and international strategic investments, the government will expand the Korea Investment Corporation (KIC) into a comprehensive sovereign wealth fund and create an ultra-innovative economy fund within the National Growth Fund to increase investments in ultra-innovative companies.Additionally, to ensure that local areas contribute to the rebound in potential growth rates, the government plans to select growth engines for the 5 regions and 3 special areas by the third quarter and push for the enactment of special laws for mega-special zones. The second phase of the public institution relocation plan, aimed at redistributing national functions concentrated in the capital region, will also proceed without delay.Koo identified overcoming K-shaped polarization as a key structural issue to address. He stated, "We will proactively respond to the employment changes resulting from the AI transition," pledging to train over 200,000 young professionals, create more than 300,000 jobs and startups, launch youth-targeted Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), and prioritize the supply of new types of public rental housing for young people.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 14:04:00
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Simplified Personal Information Verification for C2C Platforms; Increased Fines for Repeat Offenders In the future, transactions on consumer-to-consumer (C2C) platforms, such as those for secondhand goods, will only require verification of the seller's phone number and email address. Additionally, penalties for businesses that repeatedly violate e-commerce laws will be significantly increased.The Fair Trade Commission announced that a revision of the e-commerce law enforcement decree, which includes these changes, has passed the Cabinet meeting. The revised regulations will take effect on July 21.The main focus of this revision is to enhance consumer protection in response to changes in the e-commerce environment and to strengthen penalties for businesses that violate the law. The scope of personal information that online sellers must verify has been streamlined.Previously, individual sellers were required to provide five pieces of information (name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email address). However, under the new rules, only the phone number and email address will need to be verified. If the seller's identity has already been confirmed by an identity verification agency, only the phone number will need to be checked. This measure aims to prevent excessive collection and leakage of personal information in C2C transactions.The criteria for designating domestic agents for foreign businesses have also been clarified. Large foreign companies with annual sales exceeding 1 trillion won or an average of over 1 million domestic users per month must designate a domestic agent, even if they do not have a physical address or office in the country. The domestic agent will monitor the foreign business's compliance with the law and respond to requests for information from the Fair Trade Commission. Regulations regarding the designation of domestic agents will take effect on January 21 of next year, allowing the industry time to prepare.Businesses will also be required to disclose information related to user reviews. They must publicly display the authority to write reviews, posting duration, rating criteria, and deletion standards on the main page. However, a three-month grace period will be implemented following recommendations from the Regulatory Reform Committee.Economic sanctions against law-breaking businesses will be significantly strengthened. To deter habitual violations, the criteria for increasing fines will be raised, and the reduction rate will be decreased. If a business has violated the law at least once in the past five years and commits another violation, fines can be increased by up to 50%. For businesses that violate the law four or more times, fines can be increased by up to 100%. Conversely, the maximum reduction for businesses that voluntarily correct violations during investigations will be reduced from 30% to within 10%.A Fair Trade Commission official stated, "Through this revision, we aim to robustly protect consumer rights in the evolving market environment of C2C transactions and overseas direct purchases. We will hold law-breaking businesses accountable to establish a fair competitive order in the market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-14 14:04:00