I had stopped following this story, naively thinking it was simply a matter of time before the merger was completed.

Even before UAL and other legacy carriers got C19 money from the US Government, UAL spent a good amount advocating for their interests via lobbying. Since then direct contributions increased, and I wouldn't be shocked to learn that indirect contributions and lobying also increased, and to some extent there is a two-way street there, "you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours." I'm sure the DOJ was happy to help. I can't think why UAL would oppose this, though.

Some years ago there was a class-action lawsuit involving KE and OZ which they settled, but it seems to have had all the effect of a fart in a thunderstorm, as you can pick a random week, check the prices for KE and OZ, and they are practically in lock-step, regardless of Y class or J class, varying by no more than a couple hundred dollars (maximum) for J class. What I don't understand is why UAL would be negative on this. The cost to fly UAL from USA <--> ICN is consistently higher, if the competition was partially reduced/eliminated, would they not be able to "compete" more effectively? Charge more? Can anyone explain it like they would to a five-year-old?