SEOUL, Dec. 19, 2025 —
South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) on Friday set out plans to intensify enforcement against market power abuses, collusion and unfair trading practices, highlighting persistent structural imbalances between large companies and smaller businesses as a key competition concern.
In its annual policy roadmap presented to the public, the KFTC said it would prioritise action against cartels in consumer-facing sectors such as food, education, construction and energy, step up scrutiny of price abuses by dominant firms, and strengthen sanctions to improve deterrence.
The authority warned that weak competition in everyday markets has contributed to rising consumer burdens and reduced incentives for efficiency.
The regulator also signalled closer oversight of digital and platform markets, including alleged abuses of dominance, unfair contract terms and deceptive practices involving AI and subscription services. Large business groups will face tighter monitoring for unfair internal transactions and practices that entrench control or disadvantage rivals.
Alongside tougher enforcement, the KFTC said it would expand tools for private redress, accelerate case handling and reform its fines regime to allow higher penalties for repeat and serious violations, as part of a broader effort to restore competitive balance and consumer trust in the economy.
