FSS Raids Maekyung TV Over Suspected Insider Trading... Special Police’s First Self-Initiated Investigation

On July 8, the Capital Markets Special Judicial Police (Special Police) of the Financial Supervisory Service conducted a search and seizure after detecting suspicions of insider trading involving employees of Maekyung Media Group's economic broadcasting channel, Maekyung TV.

According to the financial investment industry on the same day, the Special Police of the Financial Supervisory Service dispatched investigators to the headquarters of Maekyung TV, located on the 7th floor of the Maekyung Media Center on Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, to secure relevant materials.

The Special Police reportedly identified that three employees affiliated with Maekyung TV had engaged in insider trading earlier this year by purchasing shares of a particular company after learning favorable information in advance, and then recommending those stocks on the broadcast.

The unfair gains they obtained through these trades are said to reach approximately 1 billion won. The Special Police plan to analyze the seized materials and consider summoning those involved for further investigation.

This case is also the first case recognized and investigated directly by the Special Police of the Financial Supervisory Service. Previously, cases of unfair trading in the capital market were referred to the prosecution after being reported or notified by the Securities and Futures Commission under the Financial Services Commission, and the prosecution would then direct the Special Police’s investigation. However, following a revision to the relevant law in April 2026, the Special Police of the Financial Supervisory Service now have the authority to initiate investigations immediately after a decision by the Investigation Review Committee, without the need for referral to the prosecution.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.