FTC's collusion-related fines in Q1 more than triple from all of 2025: Data

Collusion-related corporate fines imposed by Korea's antitrust regulator more than tripled in the first quarter compared with the total for all of 2025, industry data showed Wednesday.

2026-04-01

Sugar, flour prices drop on heels of Lee's 'collusion' warnings and pending price-fixing investigations

Major sugar refiners and flour millers in Korea have cut prices in quick succession this month. The timing underscores mounting political and legal pressure on an industry long accused of coordinated pricing.

2026-02-20

FTC slaps $277M fine on top 3 sugar makers for oligopoly, collusion

Three companies that dominated Korea’s sugar market were slapped with fines totaling more than 400 billion won ($277 million) for allegedly colluding on prices for about four years and reaping illicit gains.

2026-02-12

Sugar intake among Koreans on rise with women consuming high amounts: Survey

A growing share of Korean people have been consuming excessive amounts of sugar in recent years, even as overall sugar intake has declined from earlier highs, a government report showed Monday.

2026-02-09

52 executives indicted for fixing prices of flour, sugar, electrical parts

The prosecution said Monday it has indicted 52 executives at a dozen companies since last September on charges of collusion in fixing flour and sugar prices, as well as for rigging bids for electrical components.

2026-02-02

Lee calls for wider public debate on sugar levy

President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday called for a candid and open public debate on his proposal to introduce a levy on sugar-laden foods and drinks, reiterating that the idea is intended to reduce sugar consumption and bolster public health care.

2026-02-01

Is a sugar tax good public health care policy or just a government cash grab?

With President Lee Jae Myung shining a spotlight on a potential "sugar tax," questions have been raised about whom it would help, whom it would hurt and what's in it for the government.

2026-01-31

President Lee accuses PPP, some media outlets of mischaracterizing his remarks on a sugar tax

President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday accused opposition politicians and some media outlets of distorting his remarks on a possible levy on sugar, saying he had sought public opinion, not signaled a plan to raise taxes.

2026-01-29

X man: President gets more active on social media to talk directly to public

President Lee Jae Myung has sharply increased his use of social media since the start of the year, using X to weigh in on policy debates and hear from the public, most recently asking for opinions on a proposed “sugar tax.”