South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission rejected applications for consent decrees from Baedal Minjok, known as Baemin, and Coupang Eats.

The decision leaves both companies exposed to potential fines over alleged abuse of market dominance.

The regulator said the companies required partner restaurants to match the prices, minimum order amounts, and discount coupon terms they offered on rival apps. Restaurants that refused could lose access to premium free-delivery membership programs such as Baemin Club and Coupang Wow.

The Fair Trade Commission also accused Baemin of deceptive advertising. The regulator said its delivery-time display made one service appear faster than another.

Woowa Brothers, the operator of Baemin, offered a 300 billion won (US$200 million) co-prosperity fund over three years. Coupang offered a similar 60 billion won (US$39.6 million) fund over four years.

The Fair Trade Commission said the proposals did not meet the legal requirements to start a consent decree process. It will now continue its review to determine whether the companies’ practices were illegal and what sanctions to impose.

🔗 Source: The Korea Times

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