Obstruction of investigation also under review

Fair Trade Commission Chairman Ju Byung-ki reviews materials prepared by a lawmaker during a comprehensive audit of the non-financial sector held by the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee on Wednesday. [Yonhap]
Fair Trade Commission Chairman Ju Byung-ki reviews materials prepared by a lawmaker during a comprehensive audit of the non-financial sector held by the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee on Wednesday. [Yonhap]

Fair Trade Commission Chairman Ju Byung-ki said Wednesday that allegations of an internal leak tied to the FTC's on-site inspection of Hanwha's trademark practices must be "thoroughly investigated."

Speaking at a comprehensive audit of the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee, Ju was asked by Rebuilding Korea Party lawmaker Kim Hyeong-yeon whether the FTC had confirmed a leak after reports emerged that Hanwha deleted files matching the inspection's keyword targets ahead of the agency's on-site visit in June. Ju said, "We have confirmed everything that was reported."

On the question of who may have leaked the information, Ju added that "that part is under review, and we are also processing the matter of obstruction of the investigation."

Kim said the effectiveness of FTC inspections depends on the element of surprise, with their core purpose being to prevent the destruction of evidence. "If information about an FTC investigation leaks to a company in advance, there is no longer any reason for the National Assembly to prepare legislation strengthening the exclusion of prior notice from FTC inspections," Kim said.

Allegations that Hanwha Engine poached personnel from STX Engine and misappropriated its technology also came under scrutiny. After Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kim Hyeon-jeong raised the allegations, Ju said the specific facts she had described "could serve as an important lead" and pledged to "thoroughly verify whether there was interference with business activities through technology misappropriation via the poaching of personnel."


y2k@heraldcorp.com