South Korea Fines Google and Apple Over App Store Payments

On 28 October 2026, South Korea’s Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC) fined Google and Apple a combined 63.7 billion won, equivalent to approximately US$47.6 million. The commission found that the companies violated the Telecommunications Business Act through their app-store payment practices.

Telecommunications Business Act and the regulator

The Telecommunications Business Act is South Korea’s law governing telecommunications businesses and related services. The KMCC imposed the fines after finding that Google and Apple used their dominant positions to require app developers to use their proprietary in-app payment systems and unfairly delayed app reviews. The penalties were 42.9 billion won (about US32 million) for Google and 20.81 billion won (about US15.5 million) for Apple. The KMCC also cited conditions imposed on third-party payment options, including commissions of up to 26%.

App-store payment practices

In-app payment systems allow users to pay for digital goods or services within an application. Google and Apple required developers to use their own payment systems for app transactions, while placing conditions on alternative payment options. The KMCC’s findings against Apple included an accusation of discriminatory commission rates for South Korean developers compared with overseas developers. The cited period ran from July 2015 to January 2023.

Alternative payment options and compliance

The KMCC ordered both companies to allow developers to offer alternative payment methods, including external payment links within apps, and to improve app review procedures. Google must revise its guidelines for third-party payments, while Apple must remove the requirement that developers submit separate apps to offer alternative payment options.

Important Facts for Exams

• The combined fine imposed on Google and Apple was 63.7 billion won, or approximately US$47.6 million.
• Google’s fine was 42.9 billion won, while Apple’s fine was 20.81 billion won.
• The KMCC’s corrective orders include allowing external payment links within apps.
• Apple’s cited commission-rate period for South Korean developers was July 2015 to January 2023.

Both companies must submit compliance plans within one month of receiving the corrective orders and implement the required changes within three months. Google and Apple expressed disagreement with the decision, and Apple said it was evaluating legal options.