Fair Trade Commission Finds 13 Out of 18 Online Retailers in Violation
Seosam Seok: "Institutional Strengthening and Rational Readjustment Urgently Needed"
Seosam Seok, member of the Democratic Party of Korea.
Residents of so-called "connected islands"-areas now linked to the mainland by bridges-continue to suffer from additional delivery charges for parcels, and their dissatisfaction is growing. Despite the construction of bridges enabling land transport, the practice of imposing fees similar to those for remote islands persists, raising concerns about unfairness that is out of touch with current realities.
On September 24, Seosam Seok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Yeongam, Muan, and Sinan in South Jeolla Province, analyzed data submitted by the Fair Trade Commission on "additional delivery charges for online orders to connected islands." The analysis revealed that 13 out of 18 major domestic online shopping mall operators still impose extra delivery fees on these connected islands.
This is the first investigation conducted since the Fair Trade Commission revised the "Guidelines for Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce" in September 2023 to include a provision prohibiting unfair additional delivery charges, making the findings particularly significant.
Of the companies found in violation, 12 have completed corrective measures. However, Coupang, a major online retailer, has yet to address the issue, fueling further controversy. Coupang continues to impose additional delivery charges on 23 connected islands in 8 local government areas nationwide, including Mokpo, Yeosu, Sinan, Goheung, and Wando.
Notably, 10 companies, including Coupang, had previously pledged in official documents last year, following criticism from Seosam Seok, to "prevent unfair additional delivery charges." Nevertheless, the latest investigation again confirmed violations, making it difficult for these companies to avoid criticism.
As a result, feelings of deprivation among connected island residents are intensifying. A resident of Anjwado in Sinan County, South Jeolla Province, which became connected to the mainland via the Cheonsa Bridge, said, "We have to pay an extra 3,000 to 10,000 won even for a single T-shirt or pair of pants," and lamented, "Although the island is now connected by a bridge, we are still treated as if we live on a remote island, which is unfair."
The current "Act on Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce" prohibits false, exaggerated, or deceptive acts by businesses, and violators may be fined up to 10 million won. In addition, the revised "Guidelines for Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce" prohibit businesses from indicating or notifying consumers that additional costs are included-such as ferry fees-when, due to the opening of a bridge, no such costs are actually incurred by the delivery operator.
Seosam Seok stated, "Additional delivery charges for connected islands were originally introduced to reflect the unique circumstances of these regions. However, now that many islands are linked by bridges, this practice is outdated and results in discrimination and unfairness for residents. Since some companies are still charging extra fees, it is urgent to ensure transparency in delivery fee calculations and to make reasonable adjustments."
He further added, "The National Assembly and the government need to thoroughly inspect the delivery fee practices of e-commerce companies to protect the rights and interests of connected island residents, and to strengthen institutional compliance with relevant laws and regulations."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
