South Korean regulator seeks to capture AI acqui-hires under merger rules
By Jenny Lee ( May 11, 2026, 05:54 GMT | Insight) -- South Korea’s antitrust regulator is preparing to bring AI “acqui-hire” deals under merger review, as it looks to close a gap that could allow large companies to absorb promising startups’ talent and technology without formally buying the business. The Korea Fair Trade Commission is working on revisions to its merger-notification guidelines to make clear that the organized transfer of core personnel can be reviewed as a business combination when it has the practical effect of an acquisition. The change could be implemented this year through a revision to the relevant notice, rather than through an amendment to the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act.South Korea’s antitrust regulator is preparing to bring AI “acqui-hire” deals under merger review, as it looks to close a gap that could allow large companies to absorb promising startups’ talent and technology without formally buying the business....
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