South Korea proposes reduced immunity for cartel applicants after probes start
( September 23, 2026, 03:08 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: South Korea’s antitrust regulator is proposing amendments to the enforcement decree of the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act and its cartel leniency notice that would cut benefits for companies that come forward only after an investigation begins and tighten restrictions on repeat offenders.The Korea Fair Trade Commission said Wednesday a first-in applicant would retain full immunity if it reports a cartel before an investigation starts, but would receive a 75 percent fine reduction if it comes forward afterward. The proposal would also halve available leniency reductions for companies involved in a new cartel more than five but within 10 years after an earlier sanction or leniency decision, and extend repeat-offender restrictions to successor businesses after mergers, demergers or business transfers. The proposed revisions are open for public comment, with the regulator aiming to complete the changes in the first quarter of 2027.Statement is attached (in Korean)....
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