Fair Trade Commission Chair Joo Byung-ki Calls for Thorough Inspection Following Reports of Hanwha Investigation Leak

Fair Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Joo Byung-ki stated that there must be a "thorough inspection" regarding allegations that information concerning the FTC's on-site investigation into Hanwha in June was leaked.

During a comprehensive parliamentary audit by the National Assembly's National Policy Committee today (October 21), when asked by Rebuilding Korea Party lawmaker Kim Hyeong-yeon whether he verified the leak regarding reports that Hanwha deleted data containing keywords related to the investigation's direction ahead of the FTC's on-site inspection, Chair Joo responded, "I have reviewed all the reported contents."

Regarding the person responsible for the leak, he added, "We are reviewing that aspect, and we are also handling matters concerning obstruction of the investigation."

In response to Social Democratic Party lawmaker Han Chang-min's point that the FTC should examine whether major corporations have appropriately raised trademark usage fees, Chair Joo emphasized, "Although it is difficult to provide detailed comments as an investigation is currently underway, we are investigating thoroughly," adding, "There is a need to establish basic guidelines or principles for profit-sharing related to trademark rights."

When People Power Party lawmaker Shin Dong-wook pressed whether there was a conflict of interest regarding his wife's appointment to Korea Power Engineering Company, Chair Joo sharply replied, "There is no (conflict of interest)."

Lawmaker Shin pointed out that it is undesirable for his spouse to hold that position because Korea Power Engineering Company is subject to FTC investigations and deliberations.

In response, Chair Joo rebutted, "My wife has long been active in society within her own field of expertise."

To a question from Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Lee Kang-il asking whether measures are needed as consumer disputes are increasing on secondhand trading platforms, he stated, "We will report within this year."

Addressing Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kim Hyun-jung's raised suspicions of talent poaching and technology misappropriation involving STX Engine by Hanwha Engine, Chair Joo stated, "The specific factual relations mentioned by the lawmaker could serve as an important clue," adding, "We will thoroughly check whether there was any obstruction of business activities through technology misappropriation caused by the leakage of personnel."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.