Republic of Korea: Fair Trade Commission announced inquiry on subscription services under Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act to assess consumer protection and market practices

On 13 May 2025, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) announced a market study on subscription services. The study applies to digital content, Software as a Service (SaaS), and membership service providers offering subscription models to Korean consumers, and covers 37 domestic and international services. It aims to assess business practices related to contract transparency, fee structures, and cancellation procedures. The study is conducted under Article 87(1) of the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act and Article 43-2(1) of the Door-to-Door Sales Act. The KFTC plans to publish a policy report on the subscription economy and consumer issues by the end of 2025.