Han Sung Sook Responds to President Lee's Criticism of "Low Technology Theft Fines": "Will Raise Above 2 Billion Won"

Agreement on Negotiation Rights for SME Suppliers

Hansung Sook, Minister of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, responded to President Lee Jaemyung's criticism that the fines imposed on companies for technology theft are "too low," stating, "We will actively consider raising the standards."

Hansung Sook, Minister of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, is speaking at the '2026 Work Report Press Briefing' held at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups building in Sejong City. Ministry of SMEs and Startups

On the 17th, at the '2026 Work Report Press Briefing' held at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups building in Sejong City, Minister Han said, "It seems we have been too confined by the existing standards," and added, "I interpret the President's remarks as a call to boldly expand, so we plan to actively consider ways to raise the standards beyond the current level." She continued, "Even if the maximum fine is set at 2 billion won, in reality, that amount is not actually imposed, so I believe we need to move in the direction of increasing it."

Earlier in the day, President Lee pointed out at the 2026 Ministry of SMEs and Startups work report held at the Sejong Convention Center that "we need to respond well to technology theft, but the current maximum fine of 2 billion won is too low." As part of its measures to eradicate technology theft, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced plans to raise the level of sanctions against technology-stealing companies from recommendations for corrective action to orders, and to impose fines of up to 2 billion won for cases of technology theft occurring in subcontracting relationships.

Minister Han also expressed general agreement with President Lee's remarks that "small and medium-sized suppliers should be given a path to negotiate with large companies." President Lee had previously stated, "When companies such as suppliers or dealerships that do business with a particular company negotiate collectively, and in extreme cases, take collective action, it helps balance the power dynamic. However, under the Fair Trade Act, collective action and collective bargaining are in principle prohibited, which has led to a situation where the strong can exploit the weak and effectively encourage or force unfair trade practices."

Minister Han said, "I agree with the awareness that there is an imbalance of power between SMEs and large companies," and added, "I have been asked to develop and report ideas on how to resolve this issue, and I believe we need to take active steps based on that." Park Yongsoon, Director General for SME Policy at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, explained, "Currently, we are discussing with the Fair Trade Commission ways for SMEs supplying goods to negotiate with large companies at the association level, and earlier this year, Assemblyman Kim Woni of the Democratic Party of Korea proposed a bill granting associations the right to request negotiations. The details are still under discussion."