South Korea proposes cutting cartel leniency after investigations begin

South Korea's competition regulator proposed ending full fine immunity for the first cartel participant that cooperates only after an investigation has begun.

Timing now matters. Under the draft, that first cooperator would receive a 75 percent reduction, while a first applicant before an investigation would keep full immunity.

Repeat offenders would face tighter limits. A new violation more than five but no more than 10 years after an earlier order or leniency decision would halve the available reduction. That would turn 75 percent into 37.5 percent after an investigation and 50 percent into 25 percent for a second applicant.

Comments on the decree close November 2. The regulator plans to complete the changes in the first quarter of 2027.