On June 16, the KFTC revealed that it will issue a 20-day public notice starting June 17 regarding amendments to its "Rules on the Operation of Meetings and Case Procedures." These changes aim to better protect the rights of whistleblowers during the review process. Previously, there were concerns that whistleblowers were not adequately recognized and were treated merely as informants. KFTC Chairman Joo Byung-ki stated in a report in February that the commission would expand the procedural rights and access to information for whistleblowers to support the recovery of the economy.
Under the new guidelines, examiners will be required to notify whistleblowers as soon as a review report is presented at a full or subcommittee meeting. This change is intended to ensure that whistleblowers can respond more effectively during the review process.
Furthermore, the amendments will provide a legal basis for whistleblowers to participate in pre-hearing procedures. This process allows examiners and respondents to present their views and clarify issues before formal deliberations, enabling whistleblowers to contribute their opinions.
The KFTC expects that these amendments will enhance transparency and fairness in the handling of cases by increasing the information provided to whistleblowers and ensuring their participation in pre-hearing procedures.
A KFTC official stated, "We plan to thoroughly review the opinions submitted by stakeholders during the public notice period before finalizing and implementing the amendments through the approval of the full commission."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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