The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) announced on June 20, 2025, that it has launched a fact-finding investigation into so-called "kidnapping ads," in which users are forcibly redirected to Coupang simply by scrolling down or pressing the "back" button while browsing online. The KCC plans to examine whether Coupang has engaged in prohibited activities under the Telecommunications Business Act.
Previously, since November 2024, the KCC has been reviewing the status of Coupang's online advertisements, including their execution methods and business structure. As a result, the KCC explained that Coupang's ads have caused inconvenience by forcibly redirecting users to Coupang's website or application from various online spaces such as social networking services (SNS) or homepages, regardless of users' intentions. The KCC also found shortcomings in Coupang's internal procedures for managing these advertisements.
In addition, the KCC plans to investigate Coupang's refusal to support individual withdrawal from sub-services such as Coupang Eats or Coupang Play, citing its integrated account system as the reason. The commission will specifically examine whether this constitutes "restriction of users' right to cancel," which is a prohibited act under current law.
If the investigation confirms violations of prohibited acts, the KCC plans to take strict measures in accordance with the law, such as imposing fines or issuing corrective orders.
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