Fair Trade Commission imposes 300 million KRW fine on Apple Korea for investigation obstruction... Corporation and executives referred to prosecution

Apple "Cooperating Fully with Fair Trade Commission Investigation... Cannot Agree" Protest

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] The Fair Trade Commission announced on the 31st that it has imposed a total fine of 300 million KRW on Apple Korea and its affiliated executives for obstructing an investigation, and decided to prosecute one corporation and one executive.

During an on-site investigation conducted by the Fair Trade Commission in June 2016, Apple blocked the internet network and did not restore it during the investigation period. In addition, it failed to submit materials related to the network disconnection. The Fair Trade Commission imposed a total fine of 300 million KRW for these actions.

Furthermore, during an on-site investigation conducted in November 2017, an Apple executive pulled the arm of an investigating officer and blocked their way, obstructing and delaying entry to the investigation site. The Fair Trade Commission decided to prosecute Apple and the executive for this act.

A Fair Trade Commission official stated, "We plan to respond strictly to acts of investigation obstruction to ensure the effectiveness of the investigation," and added, "We will fully guarantee the right of defense of the investigated companies during the investigation process."

Apple expressed opposition, stating that it could not agree with the Fair Trade Commission's decision.

An Apple representative said, "Apple has cooperated to the fullest extent during the Fair Trade Commission's investigation process, and Apple employees did not engage in any illegal acts during this process," and added, "We comply with the laws of all countries where we operate our business, and we hope to share the substantive truth with the relevant authorities during the ongoing process."

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