(1) Where the Fair Trade Commission, a Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu acknowledges the fact that a violation of this Act exists, he or she/it may conduct necessary investigations ex officio.
(2) For a Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu to conduct an investigation pursuant to paragraph (1), the Mayor/Do Governor shall make a prior notification to the Fair Trade Commission, and the head of a Si/Gun/Gu to the Fair Trade Commission and to the relevant Mayor/Do Governor. Where the investigation, etc. is likely to overlap with other investigations, the Fair Trade Commission may request the Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu to stop it. In such cases, the Mayor/Do Governor or the head of the Si/Gun/Gu who has been requested to stop the inspection shall do so except on justifiable grounds.
(3) Where an investigation has been conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2), the Fair Trade Commission, a Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall make a written notification to the parties to the relevant case of the results (including the contents of the disposition, where a disposition such as a corrective order is to be issued based on the investigation results).
(4) Anyone who has acknowledged a violation of the provisions of this Act may report the fact to the Fair Trade Commission, a Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu.
(5) Where five years have elapsed since a violation of this Act, the Fair Trade Commission shall neither issue an order of corrective measures pursuant to Article 32, nor impose penalty surcharges, etc. pursuant to Article 34 for such violation; provided, this shall not apply in any of the following cases: <Amended on Jun. 12, 2018>
1. Where the parties have accepted but failed to follow a recommendation or mediation proposal prepared by a mediation organization dedicated to resolution of disputes over consumer damage under Article 33(1);
2. Where a new disposition is made based on the reasons for a court decision after a corrective measure or a disposition imposing penalty surcharges has been revoked according to the decision.
(6) To conduct an investigation under paragraph (1), the Fair Trade Commission may organize an investigation team jointly with the Korea Consumer Agency established under Article 33 of the Framework Act on Consumers. In such cases, the composition of an investigation team and specific methods or procedures for an investigation, and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(7) The Fair Trade Commission may pay allowances or travel expenses, within budgetary limits, to the executives and employees of the Korea Consumer Agency involved in an investigation conducted under paragraph (6).[This Article Wholly Amended on Feb. 17, 2012]