The chairman of the Small Business Corporation expressed concerns about the rapid legislative changes allowing early morning deliveries by large supermarkets, highlighting potential negative impacts on self-employed individuals.
In the context of discussions around allowing early morning deliveries by large supermarkets, In Tae-yeon, the chairman of the Small Business Corporation (SBA) of South Korea, voiced his concerns regarding the fast-tracking of the legislative process. He warned that quickly implementing such changes without thorough consideration could lead to adverse effects for small business owners, who may find themselves caught in the middle of competition between large corporations. In particular, he pointed out the similarities with online giant Coupang's monopolistic practices, suggesting that allowing significant competition between large retailers could disrupt the livelihoods of self-employed individuals.
In his remarks at a press conference in Seoul, In emphasized the need for the voices of self-employed business owners to be included in the legislative discussions, rather than solely being confined to deliberations within the National Assembly. He called for a comprehensive understanding of the potential impacts on the self-employed ecosystem, stressing that neglecting their perspectives could lead to unintended consequences. In’s experience as a self-employment secretary during the Moon Jae-in administration has shaped his views on the increasingly precarious position of small business owners, who face a harsher environment compared to previous years, particularly with the rise of online marketplaces since the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to voicing concerns about regulatory changes, In also highlighted the importance of acknowledging the social value of local markets and traditional shopping districts. He argued that the role of these areas extends beyond simple economic efficiency, contributing to community safety and price stability. Recognizing this social value has been overlooked in past assessments, but In indicated that the SBA plans to initiate research on this topic within the year, aiming to better understand and quantify the contributions of local markets to their communities, thereby reinforcing the argument for inclusive economic policies that consider all stakeholders.
