[ REPORTER NOTEBOOK ] FTC COSTLY CRACKDOWN ON CONGLOMERATES GENERATES LITTLE RETURN

What happened: The Fair Trade Commission has refunded billions of won in fines overturned by courts while continuing to impose larger penalties on conglomerates. Key numbers: Nearly 290 billion won ($216.7 million) returned to companies since 2022. Why it matters: The figures raise questions about whether tougher enforcement produces lasting results or adds legal and financial burdens for businesses and taxpayers. An industry official said companies are preparing for litigation given the FTC's win rate in penalty lawsuits.

The Fair Trade Commission has refunded billions of won in fines overturned by courts while continuing to impose larger penalties on conglomerates.

The figures raise questions about whether tougher enforcement produces lasting results or adds legal and financial burdens for businesses and taxpayers. An industry official said companies are preparing for litigation given the FTC's win rate in penalty lawsuits.