Korean media regulator imposes a combined 63.71 billion won fine on Google and Apple
The Korea Media Communications Commission (KMCC) approved on October 28, 2026, a combined 63.71 billion won (about $47.6 million) fine against Google and Apple, citing the two companies’ app store policies that restricted developers’ payment options in violation of the Telecommunications Business Act.
The commission fined Google 42.9 billion won and Apple 20.81 billion won, and issued corrective orders, but did not file criminal charges. The regulator said the two companies allowed third-party payments but still charged a 26% commission and attached restrictive conditions, effectively forcing developers to use their own in-app purchase systems. Google restricted price displays for different payment methods, while Apple required separate applications to be submitted when offering alternative payments.
Apple was also found to have charged Korean developers a higher effective commission from July 2015 to January 2023 (calculating a 30% commission based on prices including tax, while charging overseas developers based on prices excluding tax), and was estimated to have received an additional 149.6 billion won. The commission asked the two companies to submit plans within one month after receiving the corrective order and to implement them within three months, including allowing in-app and external payment links and adjusting third-party payment commissions to a reasonable level.
Original sources:
Title: (2nd LD) Communications watchdog fines Google, Apple over in-app payment policies Publisher: Yonhap News Agency Publication date: 2026-10-28 URL: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20261028010052320 Source type: news agency report Verification status: read in this review, and cross-verified with multiple South Korean media outlets, verification date 2026-10-29 Supporting content: total fine amount, itemized amounts, corrective requirements, and finding of violations
Title: Google, Apple hit with W63.7b fine in Korea's app store crackdown Publisher: The Korea Herald Publication date: 2026-10-28 URL: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10918101 Source type: news report Verification status: read in this review Supporting content: 26% commission, Apple's discriminatory fee details, and background of the three-year investigation
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This is the first formal enforcement action since South Korea amended the Telecommunications Business Act in 2021, which prohibits app stores from forcing specific payment methods. The investigation began in 2022, and in 2023 the proposed fine was first notified, later adjusted to the final amount.
An Apple spokesperson said the company disagreed with the decision, said its policy complies with South Korean law, and is evaluating its options. Google also said the regulator did not sufficiently recognize its compliance efforts. Neither company accepted the fine determination.
The corrective order requires allowing external payment links and improving app review procedures and third-party payment fee policies. KMCC Chairman Kim Jong-cheol said that a fair and sustainable app ecosystem requires operators and developers to cooperate for mutual benefit.
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South Korea’s KMCC fined Google and Apple a combined 63.71 billion won, finding that they forced developers to use their own payment systems.
The two companies must complete the corrective measures within three months, including allowing external payment links and adjusting commissions.