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| ▲ Ju Biung-ghi, the nominee to head South Korea's antitrust watchdog, the Fair Trade Commission, speaks during a confirmation hearing in Seoul on Sept. 5, 2025. (Yonhap) |
FTC chief nominee-online platform
FTC chief nominee says immediate online platform regulation difficult amid U.S. tariff pressure
By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, Sept. 5 (Yonhap) -- The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) chief nominee said Friday it would be difficult to push ahead with regulations involving global online platforms, citing potential tariff-related backlash from the United States.
Ju Biung-ghi, the nominee to head South Korea's antitrust watchdog, made the remarks during his parliamentary confirmation hearing, amid reports that the government is moving forward with legislation aimed at curbing monopolistic practices by major global platform operators.
"Given the importance of trade negotiations, it is currently difficult to aggressively pursue the platform monopoly regulation act," Ju said.
He also referenced comments made by U.S. Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson, who recently voiced strong concerns about what he described as discriminatory treatment of American companies.
Despite the current constraints, Ju stressed the need for stronger oversight of large digital platforms, such as global cooperation through international organizations.
On the campaign trail, President Lee Jae Myung had pledged to prevent the abuse of market dominance by global online platform operators through new regulatory measures, such as limiting commission fees and banning unfair practices.
During South Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations held in July, Washington reportedly raised concerns about a range of non-tariff measures adopted by Seoul, including its regulatory approach toward online platforms and the continued ban on American beef imports from cattle over 30 months old.
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