President Lee Orders Measures to Secure Competition Amid "Virtual Monopoly" of Delivery Apps

Request for ministerial inspection following complaints from small business owners... Encouraging public delivery apps as well.
President Lee has determined that the domestic delivery app market is in a state of monopoly and has requested an inspection of measures to ensure substantive competition.
During a cabinet meeting held at the Blue House on the 25th, President Lee stated, “There are reports that delivery app fees are too high,” adding, “We must at least establish a system of substantive competition, but it appears to be in a state of virtual monopoly.”
In response, Nam Dong-il, Vice Chairman of the Fair Trade Commission, explained the process of mergers and acquisitions among delivery platforms, noting that “an oligopolistic structure has become entrenched.” President Lee pointed out, “In practice, it is a powerful oligopoly.”
President Lee Jae-myung presiding over a cabinet meeting. (Photo=News1)
He remarked, “As a result, there are many complaints that the burden of delivery fees on small business owners continues to grow,” and ordered, “Relevant ministries must inspect what measures can be taken to secure substantive competition.”
Regarding marketing support for public delivery apps, he urged, “While providing funding is necessary, what is more important is integrating management. Please focus on tying the overall (management) together and providing support that is permitted under law or international trade so that they can compete substantially.”
The domestic delivery app platform market is dominated by three players: Baedal Minjok (Woowa Brothers), Coupang Eats (Coupang), and Yogiyo (Great Imagination). These companies are strengthening their positions as food-tech firms by actively developing technologies such as AI to manage reviews and optimize delivery routes.