[2025 Audit] Joo Byungki Opposes Complete Abolition of Breach of Trust Crime

Joo Byungki, Chairman of the Fair Trade Commission, stated on the 14th that he does not support the complete abolition of the crime of breach of trust. The ruling party and the government are currently pursuing the full abolition of the crime of breach of trust under civil and criminal law and are working on alternative legislation.

Joo Byungki, Chairman of the Fair Trade Commission, is reporting on business operations at the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee audit of the Fair Trade Commission held on the 14th. 2025.10.14 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

At the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee audit of the Fair Trade Commission on this day, Chairman Joo responded to a question from Assemblyman Chu Kyungho of the People Power Party by saying, "While the crime of breach of trust may sometimes be applied excessively, it is a useful tool for responding to self-dealing within conglomerate groups or decisions that damage corporate value." He emphasized the need to maintain its function as a means of improving corporate governance.

During the Political Affairs Committee session, unfair practices by food delivery and shopping platforms were also a major topic of discussion. Assemblyman Lee Kangil of the Democratic Party of Korea pointed out, "Last year, when Coupang Eats started offering free delivery, competition among delivery apps became overheated. Although the Yoon Sukyeol administration introduced self-regulation, it has only resulted in strengthening the power of the platforms."

Assemblyman Han Changmin of the Social Democratic Party criticized, "Baemin (Baedal Minjok) introduced the 'Roadrunner' system of its parent company, Delivery Hero, this year. This system is structured to transfer royalty revenue to the German headquarters." He added, "Looking at the past Yogiyo case, they received 50 billion won annually in royalties, and considering Baemin's market share, the amount is expected to be about 100 billion won."

In response, Chairman Joo stated, "We will thoroughly monitor the delivery app market to ensure that self-employed business owners, riders, and platforms can all coexist." The Fair Trade Commission plans to strengthen its monitoring of unfair trade practices, such as the shifting of royalty costs or the imposition of excessive commissions.