Naver-Toss rivalry deepens as both sides trade accusations

The competition between Korean tech giants Toss and Naver has intensified into a public feud, with both companies trading accusations of unfair business practices, according to industry officials. The recent controversy revolves around Naver's decision to exclude Toss Place's point-of-sale (POS) system from a service that links merchants' transaction data with Naver's search and map services.

This integration enables users to view details like a restaurant's popular dishes and busiest hours. Naver has partnered with 15 other POS providers but has declined to include Toss Place, as reported by Rep. Song Eon-seog of the main opposition People Power Party.

Toss Place's CEO, Choi Jae-ho, stated that his company had been pursuing integration for two years but has received no clear explanation of the inclusion criteria. Naver, on the other hand, denies engaging in discriminatory practices, asserting that its integration expansion is based on objective criteria.

During a parliamentary audit on Monday, the Fair Trade Commission pledged to review both parties' claims to ascertain whether any unfair discrimination is taking place.