Coupang faces probe by South Korean telecom regulator over forced-redirection ads

( June 20, 2025, 01:52 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: Coupang is under investigation by South Korea’s telecom regulator over online ads that forcibly redirect users to its platform without their intent. Since November last year, the Korea Communications Commission has been monitoring the e-commerce giant's online advertising practices, including how its ads are distributed and executed across websites and social media. The regulator announced today it had launched a formal probe to determine whether the so-called “hijack ads” violate the Telecommunications Business Act, noting the ads have caused widespread user discomfort and flagged deficiencies in Coupang’s advertising operations. The investigation will also cover whether the company unlawfully limits users’ ability to cancel sub-services such as Coupang Eats and Coupang Play, which are tied to its unified account system. If violations are confirmed, Coupang could face fines and corrective orders.The statement, in Korean, is attached....