The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) of South Korea has initiated a comprehensive investigation into alleged price collusion in the school uniform industry. This follows strong criticism from President Lee Jae-myung regarding the high costs associated with school uniforms. At a recent task force meeting aimed at managing living costs, FTC Chairperson Joo Byeong-ki stated that they would mobilize their headquarters and five regional offices to investigate four main manufacturers and about 40 agencies across the country. The companies under scrutiny include Hyungji Elite, Smart, Ivy Club, and School Look.

Joo further emphasized that the school uniforms in question have been subject to longstanding allegations of collusion, indicating that this investigation aims to address not just current price issues but systemic abuses in the industry. The FTC plans to impose strict penalties on any legal violations uncovered during this investigation, particularly focusing on an upcoming review related to a bid-rigging scandal involving 27 companies linked to 136 schools in the Gwangju region.

In addition to the school uniform investigation, Joo announced plans to conclude an inquiry into collusion among sugar producers by next month. In a broader context, he highlighted that collusion significantly disrupts market order, resulting in widespread harm to consumers and contributing to inflationary pressures on essential goods, emphasizing the critical nature of their interventions in maintaining competitive markets.