South Korea’s Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) launched a new on-site inspection of Coupang on September 1, sending about 30 investigators to the e-commerce company’s headquarters in Jayang-dong, Seoul. The inquiry examines possible violations of the Fair Trade Act, including whether Coupang abused a market-dominant position or obstructed other operators’ business activities. Coupang did not raise a particular objection to the inspection, which is separate from the KFTC’s earlier investigation under the Large-Scale Distribution Business Act into allegations that the company passed discount coupon costs and other expenses to suppliers. Coupang refused to cooperate with that earlier inspection, citing the absence of seven days’ advance written notice, and filed a lawsuit seeking to block the regulator’s action. KFTC Chairman Joo Byung-ki said the commission would file a criminal complaint over the refusal, while Democratic Party of Korea Rep. Lee Kang-il has sponsored legislation that would remove advance-notice requirements for investigations involving alleged violations of the Large-Scale Distribution Business Act. A court hearing on Coupang’s lawsuit is scheduled for September 2. Industry participants are also watching for potential implications for Korea-U.S. trade relations.