Fair Trade Commission Launches 'Gyeongin Office' in Anyang to Strengthen On-Site Response Amid Surge in Metropolitan Complaints

A Turning Point in Reducing Overloaded Civil Complaints in the Seoul Metropolitan Area

Strengthening Specialized Investigations in Gyeonggi and Incheon

The Gyeongin Regional Office of the Fair Trade Commission (Gyeongin Office), which will specialize in handling unfair trade cases and providing on-site services in the Gyeonggi and Incheon areas, has been officially launched. The office is expected to resolve the issue of processing delays caused by a surge of over 70% in cases and civil complaints in the Seoul metropolitan area over the past two years, and to expedite the protection of the rights of local small business owners and consumers.

Joo Byungki, Chairman of the Fair Trade Commission. Yonhap News.

On the afternoon of March 3, the Fair Trade Commission held an opening ceremony at the Gyeongin Office in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, attended by Chairman Joo Byungki, local members of the National Assembly, and heads of local governments. The Gyeongin Office, led by Director Hwang Taeho, is composed of four departments-General Affairs, Franchise & Distribution & Consumer Affairs, Construction Subcontract Affairs, and Manufacturing Subcontract Affairs-with a total of 50 staff, and has officially begun operations.

The establishment of this office is a measure to disperse the heavy concentration of cases and civil complaints in the Seoul metropolitan area. Chairman Joo Byungki stated, “As of 2025, civil complaints in the metropolitan area have increased by approximately 74% compared to 2023, accounting for about 51% of all complaints handled by the Fair Trade Commission,” and added, “With the launch of the Gyeongin Office, we aim to shorten case processing times and enhance the effectiveness of relief for victims.”

Going forward, the Gyeongin Office will not only be responsible for investigating unfair trade practices by businesses based in Gyeonggi and Incheon, but will also oversee violations in the areas of subcontracting, franchising, distribution, and agency. In particular, considering the regional characteristics of large industrial complexes and major distribution hubs, the office plans to strengthen on-site investigations. In addition, it will serve as a hub for quickly resolving violations of consumer-related laws, such as labeling and advertising, e-commerce, and door-to-door sales, by working in cooperation with local consumer groups.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.