Alphabiz - Coupang Tops List of Companies Fined Most by Korea Fair Trade Commission Over the Past 3.5 Years

Photo courtesy of Yonhap News

[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] SEOUL, Oct. 19 — Coupang has been fined the most by the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) for unfair business practices over the past three and a half years, while Hyundai Department Store Group recorded the highest number of legal violations, according to data submitted to the National Assembly.


Rep. Chu Kyung-ho of the People Power Party, a member of the National Policy Committee, revealed the findings based on materials provided by the KFTC.


Between 2022 and the first half of 2025, Coupang faced a total of ₩162.8 billion (USD 118 million) in fines — the highest among all companies investigated.


Coupang was followed by Hyundai Motor Group, Harim, SK Group, Hoban Construction, KT, Lotte, Dongkuk Steel, Korea HC, and Kakao.
Combined, the top 10 companies were fined ₩744.6 billion (USD 540 million) over the 3.5-year period.


In terms of the number of legal violations, Hyundai Department Store Group ranked first with 38 cases, followed by Hanssem, SK Group, Enex, Sebyeol, Lotte, Space Max, CJ Group, Nexis Design Group, Wooami Furniture, and SM Entertainment.


Altogether, these companies accounted for 243 violations during the same period.

The findings come amid growing political and public scrutiny over recurring fair trade violations among major conglomerates and retailers, particularly regarding supplier relationships, subcontracting practices, and consumer deception.

Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)