Korea Fair Trade Commission imposes fine of 162.8 billion won on Coupang for ”manipulating rankings”...the highest amount in the distribution industry

The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) ultimately fined Coupang 162.8 billion won (approximately 173.2 billion won) for manipulating search rankings to induce consumers to buy private-brand products.
The Fair Trade Commission issued a resolution detailing the fraudulent conduct of Coupang on the 7th.
The resolution includes a correction order to stop manipulating search algorithms and prohibit the creation of employee reviews that mislead consumers. This will require Coupang to pay 162.8 billion won.
The committee previously voted to impose sanctions on Coupang and ordered it to pay a surcharge of 140 billion won. However, this was only after the committee's investigation began in February 2019.
The amount was calculated based on sales up to July of last year. Coupang has continued to manipulate the problematic algorithm and create employee reviews since July of last year.
The committee recalculated the fine based on the related sales from July last year until the deliberation, and imposed an additional 22.8 billion won. It is expected that the implementation of the fine and corrective order will take a considerable amount of time.
Previously, Coupang had filed an administrative lawsuit, stating that it could not accept the committee's decision, and had indicated its intention to apply for a stay of execution of the corrective order and fines.
Ultimately, the final fines and sanctions will be decided through a court review.
"We cannot disclose the details," he said, but added, "We will respond sincerely to any necessary procedures, including administrative lawsuits." In response, a Coupang official said, "We have received the resolution and are considering countermeasures.
" he said.