[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) is facing mounting challenges as SK Telecom prepares to file an administrative lawsuit against the regulator’s ₩134.7 billion fine for privacy violations.
According to data submitted by the PIPC to Rep. Choo Kyung-ho of the National Assembly’s Political Affairs Committee, the commission’s 2025 litigation budget amounts to only ₩420 million. As of September, the entire budget has already been exhausted, leaving no remaining funds to cover ongoing cases.
The commission currently operates with just one dedicated litigation officer (a senior official with legal training). It is further supported by two one-year contract research lawyers and a public service attorney on loan from the Ministry of Justice, also serving on a one-year term. This structure has raised concerns about continuity and professional capacity in handling complex cases.
Despite these constraints, the PIPC is managing 17 active administrative lawsuits, with disputed fine amounts totaling more than ₩140 billion. Major law firms such as Kim & Chang, BKL, and Yulchon are representing the counterparties in these cases, highlighting the imbalance of legal resources.
Observers warn that with limited staffing and depleted litigation funds, the PIPC may face difficulties in defending its penalties against large corporations represented by top-tier law firms.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
