Seoul: President Yoon Suk Yeol has announced plans to alleviate the financial strain on small merchants caused by high commission fees from delivery apps, as part of a broader strategy to invigorate domestic consumption.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoon made the commitment during a public policy discussion in Gongju, emphasizing the government’s dedication to supporting small businesses and self-employed individuals. He revealed that a record 59 trillion won (US$42 billion) has been earmarked in the upcoming year’s budget to address these issues and stimulate economic demand.

During the discussion, Yoon detailed his proposal to cut the delivery commission fees for micro business owners by over 30 percent within the next three years. He also promised to exempt traditional markets entirely from these fees, aiming to provide significant relief to these small-scale operators.

Further measures include plans to introduce changes by the end of the month to lower commission rates on mobile gift certificates,
which currently fall between 5 and 15 percent, and to expedite the settlement processes. These changes are designed to enhance cash flow and reduce financial burdens on small businesses.

Addressing the financial impact of no-shows, which reportedly cost businesses around 4.5 trillion won annually, Yoon proposed implementing a reservation deposit system. This system would help mitigate losses and establish clearer consumer dispute resolution standards.

To combat the issue of malicious online reviews, Yoon announced the establishment of approximately 90 consultation centers. These centers will address such complaints swiftly, providing support to businesses affected by unfair reviews.