[2020 National Audit] Lee Yoon-sook, Naver Shopping CEO, "Did Not Manipulate Search Rankings"

October 8 Political Affairs Committee National Audit... "Considering Fair Trade Commission's Legal Action if Necessary"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] "Contrary to the investigation results announced by the Fair Trade Commission, we did not manipulate the shopping search rankings. We do not agree with the manipulation part (investigation results). We believe the fine is unfair, and if necessary, we are considering legal action."

Lee Yunsook, CEO of Forest CIC in charge of NAVER Shopping, stated this on the 8th while appearing as a witness at the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee audit.

Democratic Party lawmaker Oh Ki-hyung asked, "It seems that the Fair Trade Commission conducted an investigation and took measures because you did not approach and treat all value-added service content providers neutrally and objectively. Was there no internal discussion about this?"

CEO Lee replied, "As a platform operator, we started the 'Smart Store' business with the intention of providing a good platform for small business owners," adding, "We use the same ranking algorithm equally with open markets, home shopping, and various other shopping malls."

Lawmaker Oh questioned, "There is a social issue regarding how NAVER, while exclusively managing and using all business platform information, will resolve conflicts of interest with other open market competitors. Are you willing to review this together?"

CEO Lee responded, "If there is a good proposal, we are willing to review it together," and emphasized, "What I want to make clear is that, contrary to what the Fair Trade Commission said, we did not manipulate the shopping search rankings. We do not agree with the manipulation part."

When People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Jae-ok asked, "Do you not acknowledge the Fair Trade Commission's investigation announcement?" CEO Lee replied again, "No. We did not manipulate the shopping search rankings."

When lawmaker Yoon asked, "If you did not manipulate, is the Fair Trade Commission falsely accusing you?" CEO Lee explained, "No. The process of improving shopping search quality and making various shopping malls appear in the search can look like manipulation."

Lawmaker Yoon asked, "Do you think the fine imposed by the Fair Trade Commission is unfair?" CEO Lee said, "Yes. We think it is unfair," adding, "If necessary, we are also considering legal action."

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