Republic of Korea: Announced Measures Related to Overseas Online Platforms framework including investigation into compliance with fair advertising practice requirements

On 13 March 2024, the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) issued the Measures Related to Overseas Online Platforms framework at the Emergency Economic Ministers' Meeting chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs. The framework aims to ensure that domestic laws are enforced without discrimination, including strengthening surveillance for violations of the law by overseas online platforms and promptly dealing with any violations. In particular, under the framework, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, it will investigate and issue block requests to combat illegal distribution and unfair advertising on overseas online platforms. Furthermore, the Intellectual Property Office and Korea Customs Service aim to enhance the detection at customs during overseas purchases and advocate for a self-monitoring system where platforms respond to government monitoring data on counterfeit products.