The South Korean Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has recently initiated a policy to publicly disclose interim investigation results of major cases as part of its commitment to consumer rights. This new policy, which aims to ensure transparency, has raised concerns among businesses regarding the potential for irrevocable damage stemming from public scrutiny. Critics argue that while the intention is to enhance public understanding, it could adversely affect companies unfairly before final decisions are reached, thus suggesting the need for protective measures to mitigate impacts on corporate reputation.

On the 23rd, the FTC announced plans to establish clear criteria for making specific cases public, which aligns with their goal of increasing transparency. Previously, reports were kept confidential until a final decision was made, but over the past weeks, the FTC has already disclosed three reports involving collusion cases in the flour, construction, and starch industries. This change signifies a shift in how the FTC interacts with the public and sets a precedent for other regulatory bodies in the region to consider similar transparency measures.

The FTC has emphasized that such disclosures are not uncommon in other jurisdictions like the European Union, where they already practice similar levels of transparency. However, there are concerns from certain FTC members that publicizing the findings too early could lead to outcry from businesses, particularly if they feel the penalties do not accurately reflect the industry realities. Additionally, the pressure from President Yoon Suk-yeol to expedite investigations and the competition with the prosecution service may also play a role in shaping the FTC's approach to judgment and disclosure in these matters.