The dispute between the Korea Online Shopping Association and the Small‑Business Central Council has again drawn attention. In a recent statement, the association asserted that “the commission paid by small businesses should not be used to distort the market” and criticized the council’s findings on online platform commissions. It claimed that the costs of commissions and advertising fees were excessively high.
The investigation covered 1,250 small firms. According to the survey, Baedal‑App had the highest average transaction cost relative to sales at 26.2%, followed by online shopping malls at 20.6% and lodging apps at 18.3%. Based on this data, the association concluded that platforms charge a commission of about 21.7% of monthly sales. Major platforms—Coupang, Munsin, Baedal, etc.—reported average costs around 27.6%, 24.3% and 23% respectively, indicating an increase in burden from last year’s data.
The association said that lump‑sum charging for commission, advertising, delivery fees without distinguishing categories was problematic. “If you add the costs together regardless of category relative to sales, platforms effectively charge about 21.7% commission,” it added, stressing that major e‑commerce firms typically pay between 2% and 10%. A representative said, “Last year we disclosed our concerns to the association’s board and have now made a public announcement; this calls for change.”
Based on the council’s findings, the Korea Online Shopping Association urged the need for an “Online Platform Act.” In particular, it proposed shortening the settlement period from 60 days to 35 days. The draft amendment was passed by the National Assembly on March 17, and many e‑commerce firms felt this move had real effect. Chairman Ji‑byung of the Public Trade Committee said, “Regulation of online platforms is needed via the Online Platform Act,” promising related legislative support. The association and the council’s dispute over commissions will likely continue to center on this issue.