[2024 National Audit] Investigation into Onnuri Gift Certificate Misuse... "Efforts Underway to Reach Agreement with Delivery Council"

Comprehensive Audit of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups Held at the National Assembly on the 25th
Suspicion of Fraudulent Distribution in Onnuri Gift Certificate Paper Sales Ranked 1st to 3rd

The government has launched an investigation to address the issue of fraudulent use of Onnuri gift certificates. It also emphasized its stance on reaching a 'win-win council agreement' regarding unfair practices in delivery applications.

The above photo is not related to the article. [Photo provided by Yonhap News]

Will the issue of fraudulent use of Onnuri gift certificates be resolved?

Oh Young-joo, Minister of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, stated at the National Assembly's Industry, Trade, Resources, and SMEs Committee comprehensive audit on the 25th, "We have started a full investigation targeting more than 15 stores with Onnuri gift certificate sales exceeding 500 million won."

Earlier, Jang Cheol-min, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, pointed out, "The top three franchise stores in Onnuri gift certificate paper sales are all vegetable stores located in a market in Daegu," adding, "The top three companies have recorded paper Onnuri gift certificate sales exceeding 100 billion won this year alone."

He further stated, "I think this is close to organized crime," and added, "Is it possible to create paper-based companies like money laundering, fabricate non-existent transactions, and cash out tens of billions of won worth of paper Onnuri gift certificates?"

According to Representative Jang, one of the three stores was operating as a garlic shop, while the other two were so-called 'paper companies' that do not actually exist. Additionally, the representatives of the three stores were from the same family.

Minister Oh said, "Since these three companies appear to be involved in illegal distribution, we will take action with experts and the help of the National Tax Service as soon as the audit concludes."

Kim Gyo-heung, a Democratic Party member, also mentioned the possibility of Onnuri gift certificates being used in adult entertainment establishments. Kim criticized, "Onnuri gift certificate franchise stores are openly shared on websites that share reviews of adult entertainment establishments," and added, "When searched via Road View, many tea rooms suspected to be adult entertainment establishments were found."

In response, Minister Oh said, "We are currently looking into this matter," and "We will review ways to ensure that Onnuri gift certificates are properly used to revitalize traditional markets, shops, and alleyway shopping districts as originally intended."

Minister Oh Young-joo of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups is responding to a lawmaker's question during the National Assembly's inspection of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups held on the 8th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Government "Working to help delivery app negotiators reach an agreement"

The issue of unfairness in delivery apps was also raised. Kim Han-gyu, a Democratic Party member, said, "There are talks that negotiations are not progressing because the government is just standing by," and asked, "Does the government have any plans or strategies to lead the negotiations?" The government formed the 'Delivery Platform-Merchant Win-Win Council' in July. The council includes major delivery platforms such as Baedal Minjok, Coupang Eats, Yogiyo, and Ttaenggyeo, as well as representatives of merchants including the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise Associations, Korea Foodservice Industry Association, National Franchisee Association, and National Merchants Federation. The council plans to hold additional discussions on the 30th.

Minister Oh said, "We are making the final efforts to ensure that negotiators at the negotiation table can reach an agreement," and added, "After these efforts, if additional measures are needed, we will consult with related ministries."

When Representative Kim asked whether the government is considering legally setting a cap on commission fees, Minister Oh replied, "As far as I know, it is not being considered at this time."