- Imposed a fine of 93.1 billion KRW for collusion in built-in furniture procurement -
Park Soo-hyun, an officer at the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC), was recognized for her outstanding achievements and awarded the Prime Minister’s Commendation at the 10th Korea Public Service Awards, hosted by the Ministry of Personnel Management.
Officer Park imposed corrective orders and a total fine of 93.1 billion KRW on 31 furniture manufacturing and sales companies that colluded on 738 procurement bids for built-in furniture, ordered by 24 construction companies between 2012 and 2022. These companies had agreed on designated winners, bidding order, and bid prices.
This case is notable as the first instance of regulatory action against long-standing, nationwide collusion in the built-in furniture procurement market. It has helped eliminate chronic collusion practices in the furniture industry and contributed to restoring competitive order in a market closely tied to everyday life.
Officer Park expressed her gratitude, saying, “It is a great honor to receive the Korea Public Service Award. I will continue to fulfill my duties diligently to establish a fair market economy and contribute to improving public welfare.”