The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has initiated an investigation into Google regarding the alleged abuse of its dominant position in the Android application market. The regulator issued a fine notice on July 1, granting the company an eight-week window to submit its response, which has now concluded.
Matt Mowers, executive director of the US-Asia Fair Market Alliance, criticized these regulatory actions in The Washington Times. He argues that the investigation conflicts with the digital trade commitments established between South Korea and the US in 2025, potentially straining economic ties.
The South Korean government introduced the Korea-US Trade Framework Agreement in 2025, pledging to avoid discriminatory digital regulations. However, KFTC Chairman Joo Byung-ki stated on July 28 that the agency intends to implement strict measures against monopolistic practices by both domestic and foreign online platforms.
Concerns are also mounting over the proposed Online Platform Fairness Act, which draws inspiration from the EU Digital Markets Act. The bill includes stringent requirements, such as a mandate to freeze 50 percent of transaction funds in escrow accounts, a move that has drawn scrutiny from the US House Judiciary Committee.
