This article was published on May 22, 2025, at 2:58 p.m. on the ChosunBiz RM Report site.
The Fair Trade Commission has confirmed that it has launched an on-site investigation into Coupang. On the same day it initiated the consent resolution process regarding Google's YouTube Music 'bundling' allegations, the commission began a full investigation into Coupang, citing similar concerns about competition restriction related to its integrated membership structure.
According to industry sources on the 22nd, the Fair Trade Commission sent researchers to the Coupang headquarters to conduct the on-site investigation. The commission is reported to be gathering evidence regarding Coupang's 'Wow Membership,' which bundles delivery, over-the-top (OTT) video services, and e-commerce into one subscription, considering the possibility of applying allegations of abuse of market dominance or bundling.
This investigation occurred on the same day that the Fair Trade Commission officially initiated the consent resolution process, stating that Google transferred its 'dominance in the video platform market to the music market' regarding Google’s YouTube Premium product. The commission believes that Google's act of bundling YouTube Music with YouTube Premium infringes on consumer choice and restricts competition, and it will follow the consent resolution process based on Google's self-corrective plan to launch a 'Premium Lite' product that excludes 'Music' starting from that day.
With the on-site investigation into Coupang also taking place on the same day, interpretations have arisen that the Fair Trade Commission has begun a thorough examination of the competitive restriction of 'integrated product structures' across delivery apps and digital platforms. Particularly, as reports regarding membership, advertising products, and most-favored-nation policies have increased, the commission has established a task force (TF) dedicated to platform cases this month and is responding to the situation.
The Fair Trade Commission has been investigating Coupang's 'Wow Membership' since last year. The Wow Membership, which costs 7,890 won per month, allows users to access Coupang's Rocket Delivery, Coupang Eats (delivery), and Coupang Play (OTT) services under a single fee structure, raising concerns that it may push out other companies from price competition in individual markets like OTT, music, and delivery apps.
The TF is concurrently reviewing the consent resolution applications regarding not only Coupang's membership structure but also the process of abolishing Baedal Minjok's subscription-based advertising 'Ultra Call' and the allegations of coercing 'most-favored-nation' treatment against Baedal Minjok and Coupang Eats. On the 19th, shortly after the TF was launched, the Fair Trade Commission conducted an on-site investigation against Woowa Brothers, which operates Baedal Minjok.
A representative from the Fair Trade Commission stated, 'While I cannot confirm the investigation status or specific details of individual cases, we will take strict measures according to relevant laws if unfair transaction practices are identified.'