A source at the Fair Trade Commission said Monday the ownership structure of South Korea's chaebol, or family-run conglomerates, may be made public in August, which would give a clearer picture of how chaebol families have run their businesses and exercised control of their numerous affiliates.

The official said the commission was seriously contemplating making the information public when it announces the annual stock ownership scheme of majority shareholders of large business groups in early August.

He said that for the moment, the government may publish the ownership structure for businesses that have net assets valued at more than 7 billion won (US$5.9 million) and are subject to outside audits.

The government insider said discussions were still underway on the extent to which the ownership structures would be revealed. He said most of the information that would allow the general public to understand chaebol-controlled subsidiaries may be included in the release, but that the names and details of stock ownership may be held back to protect privacy.