"Exploring Measures for Co-Growth of Online Platforms"

Forum on Win-Win Cooperation of the Korean Association for Small and Medium Venture Business Policy

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] The Cooperative Growth Forum of the Korean Society for Small and Medium Venture Business Policy held a forum on the 10th at the Federation of Korean Industries titled "Seeking Solutions and Cooperative Growth Measures for Social Conflicts between New and Old Industries."

Jointly sponsored by the Fair Trade Commission, the Commission for Shared Growth, the Korea Federation of SMEs, and the Federation of Korean Industries, the forum featured heated discussions under the theme "Fair Trade and Shared Growth Measures in Online Platforms."

Chairman Han Jeong-hwa of the society stated, "Although online platforms have the positive function of reducing transaction costs and increasing efficiency, issues of unfair transactions frequently occur," adding, "There is also a need to discuss whether public platforms created as alternatives can serve as a solution."

Chairman Kwon Ki-hong of the Commission for Shared Growth emphasized, "The online platform legislation is of a recommendatory nature, focusing on voluntary cooperative agreements and the establishment of dispute mediation councils rather than unilateral regulations or punishments," and added, "The Commission for Shared Growth will faithfully fulfill its role as a mediator in resolving conflicts."

Kim Kyung-man, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "Unfair trade practices online have a greater ripple effect than offline due to the absence of physical constraints, necessitating separate regulations, and I will strive during the legislative process to ensure that market innovation and growth potential are not restricted."

Cho Sung-wook, chairman of the Fair Trade Commission, stated, "There is growing concern over the abuse of superior bargaining position, such as unfairly imposing various costs like advertising fees or product return costs on tenant companies based on transaction dependency, or unilaterally changing contract terms without consulting tenant companies," and "After much consideration on whether it is possible to establish a sound and sustainable ecosystem that protects tenant companies while not hindering the innovative drive in the rapidly growing platform sector, we have prepared the legislative proposal."

Professor Lee Jang-hyuk of Korea University presented on "Directions for Cooperative Growth of Online Platforms," and Attorney Lim Tae-seop of the law firm OKIMS presented on "Unfair Terms and Illegal Acts in Online Platforms."

Professor Lee explained that with the increase in non-face-to-face transactions, online platforms are businesses creating new value, emphasizing the role of public platforms and advocating for services "imbued with human warmth." Attorney Lim recommended the conclusion of cooperative agreements to protect the rights and interests of tenant companies and proposed the establishment of dispute mediation councils in anticipation of potential disputes.

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