Korea Printing Cooperative Federation

South Korea refers Hansol Paper to prosecutors over tender bid-rigging

South Korea's Fair Trade Commission fined six printing paper makers, including Hansol Paper, a combined KRW 3.009bn (USD 2.23m) in September 2026 for rigging a tender run by newspaper publisher Nongmin Shinmun, and referred Hansol Paper and Korea Paper Co to prosecutors. The case is separate from the six companies' April 2026 sanction for broader price-fixing. The Korea Printing Cooperative Federation estimates cumulative cartel damage to printers at KRW 525.5bn (USD 389.8m) and is lobbying for a compensation fund.

Why this mattersA criminal referral adds legal exposure beyond the April price-fixing fines and could accelerate printers' push for compensation and alternative suppliers.

• Korea Fair Trade Commission fined six printing paper makers a combined KRW 3.009bn (USD 2.23m) in September 2026 over bid-rigging on a Nongmin Shinmun tender.
• Hansol Paper and Korea Paper Co were referred to prosecutors over the bid-rigging, a separate matter from the April 2026 price-fixing sanction on the same six firms.
• Korea Printing Cooperative Federation estimates cumulative cartel damage to the printing industry at KRW 525.5bn (USD 389.8m), averaging KRW 93.6m (USD 69,400) per affected company.
• The federation held a forum at the National Assembly on 2 October 2026 seeking a damage-relief fund and expanded policy financing for printers.

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