Kang Min-guk of People Power Party Appointed as Head of Portal Unfair Practices Reform Task Force

Correcting Unfair Practices of Major Portals and Preparing Strong Reform Measures

The People Power Party announced on the 13th that it has appointed Kang Min-guk as the head of its ‘Portal Unfair Practices Reform Task Force (TF).’

The People Power Party’s ‘Portal Unfair Practices Reform TF’ was launched with the goal of eradicating unfair practices stemming from the abuse of monopoly power by major portals and preparing strong reform measures. On the 12th, under the leadership of Floor Leader Chu Kyungho, an appointment ceremony and the first meeting were held in Room 228 of the National Assembly main building.

Kang Mingguk, member of the People Power Party.

The ‘Portal Unfair Practices Reform TF’ is composed of Chairman Kang, as well as lawmakers Choi Hyungdu, Kang Myunggu, Kim Jangkyum, Lee Sanghwi, Park Jungha, Ko Dongjin, and outside members Lee Sanggeun, a professor at Sogang University, and Kim Sigwan, spokesperson for the Media Special Committee.

Going forward, the TF will hold a seminar on the topic of ‘Measures to Strengthen Accountability of Monopolistic Online Platforms’ at 10 a.m. on the 14th, addressing the unfairness of portals. Subsequently, they plan to visit the headquarters of Naver and explore solutions to foster a healthy portal ecosystem by raising related issues.

Chairman Kang, upon his appointment, pointed out, “Major portals are expanding their influence and impact in the economic and social sectors of Korea, but they lack a sense of responsibility,” and criticized, “They have lorded over small business owners by abusing their superior platform status and turned a blind eye to consumer harm.”

He further emphasized, “Last year, during the National Assembly’s Political Affairs Committee audit, we summoned the CEO of Naver over the issue of startup idea theft, but they only made excuses. The People Power Party will respond in a bipartisan manner to the unfair practices of major portals occurring across all sectors of society.”

Chairman Kang outlined the TF’s direction, stating, “The Portal Unfair Practices Reform TF will closely examine indiscriminate collection of personal and location information by large portals such as Naver, as well as the bias in the news partnership system, and will prepare policy alternatives.”

Lastly, Chairman Kang expressed his resolve and ambition as TF head, saying, “As the ruling party, we will not only address the unfair practices of portals but also analyze various issues such as concerns over damage to small business owners and consumers from irregular transactions similar to TMap, and establish countermeasures.”