Fair Trade Commission Launches Market Survey on Study Reference Books

Excessive Price Increase Compared to Inflation
Supply-Dominant Market

The Fair Trade Commission has launched a fact-finding survey to conduct an in-depth analysis of the market structure and current status as monopolization is intensifying in the learning reference book publishing market, causing increased consumer harm. The learning reference book market is considered a supplier-dominant market with excessive price increases compared to inflation.

On the 25th, at a press briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong, Han Ki-jung, Chairman of the Fair Trade Commission, stated, "We plan to conduct a thorough fact-finding survey on the learning reference book publishing market, which is a significant fixed household expenditure," adding, "We will conduct a written fact-finding survey targeting the top-selling learning reference book publishers to analyze the distribution structure and trends in list price changes, among other market conditions."

To this end, the Fair Trade Commission recently began a preliminary market survey targeting major learning reference book publishers, reviewing reports from related government departments and gathering opinions from stakeholders. Currently, the top-selling learning reference book publishers include Cheonjae Education, Gaenyeomwonri, Visang Education, MiraeN, Joeunchaek Sinsago, and Donga Publishing.

Chairman Han explained, "Learning reference books, which include textbook explanations and problem-solving, are one of the essential expenditure items for households with elementary, middle, and high school students, and their list prices have recently risen significantly. These books have strong links to textbooks and the latest editions are important factors in purchasing decisions, so price competition is limited. However, frequent publication of new and revised editions creates strong incentives for price increases."

At the end of last year, the Fair Trade Commission detected unfair advertising practices that misled examinees by nine major college entrance academies and publishers, imposing corrective orders and fines totaling 1.83 billion KRW on five academy operators and four publishing operators. The sanctioned parties included five academy operators?Digital Daesung, MegaStudy Education, SM Education, Etoos Education, and Highconshee?and four publishers?MegaStudy, BrokerMath, Igam, and Imagine C&E.

The Fair Trade Commission’s fact-finding survey of the learning reference book market aligns with the government’s policy direction for livelihood stabilization. Chairman Han stated, "The cost of purchasing learning reference books is a significant burden on households. Through this fact-finding survey, we will seek measures to alleviate household burdens in the learning reference book publishing market."

Regarding the investigation of Chinese e-commerce platforms, he said, "Investigations into Alibaba and Temu are progressing smoothly, and on-site inspections are being conducted on Shein and Qoo10 to determine violations of the Electronic Commerce Act, with data currently being analyzed." He added, "The Fair Trade Commission will strictly enforce the law without discrimination based on the nationality of the business operators if there is harm to the domestic market and consumers."

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