South Korea’s media regulator has fined Google and Apple a combined 63.71 billion won, about $47.6 million, over how they run their app stores. The Korea Media and Communications Commission announced the penalties on Wednesday, October 28, in what Korea JoongAng Daily describes as the first enforcement under provisions added to the country’s Telecommunications Business Act in 2021.
The fines. Google was fined 42.9 billion won and Apple 20.81 billion won, according to the same report. The won figures are consistent across outlets, but dollar conversions differ slightly, with Engadget giving Apple’s share as about $15.6 million and other outlets $15.5 million.
What the regulator found. The commission concluded that both companies used their dominant market position to push developers toward their own payment systems, and that both delayed app reviews without giving specific reasons or timelines. On payments, a report by UPI says both companies technically allowed third-party payments but charged a 26% commission, four percentage points lower than the 30% on their own systems, which left developers little reason to switch.
Company-specific findings. Google restricted how developers could display prices for each payment method, which made outside payments harder, according to Korea JoongAng Daily. Apple required developers using third-party payment systems to upload a separate app, and charged Korean developers commissions based on prices that included value-added tax while treating other developers differently. UPI reports that the tax-inclusive practice ran from 2015 to January 2023.
What the companies must do. They must stop the prohibited practices, improve their procedures and publicly announce the corrective orders. They have one month from receiving the orders to submit implementation plans, three months to finish improvements, and must report the results. The commission decided not to file criminal complaints against either company.
How they responded. Google said the decision does not fully reflect its compliance efforts and support for Korean developers, and that it will review the written decision before responding. Apple said it disagrees with the decision and is reviewing its response under Korean law. Both statements are as reported by Korea JoongAng Daily.
A long road to a decision. The previous regulator began investigating in 2022 and notified corrective measures in October 2023, according to Korea JoongAng Daily. The case stalled during periods when the commission had only two of its five members. The current commission replaced the Korea Communications Commission in October 2025.
Why it matters outside Korea. App store rules are under pressure around the world. In the US and the UK, as well as in the EU, regulators and courts have been weighing similar questions about commissions, steering users to outside payments and app review delays. AppleInsider describes South Korea as the latest country to fine the two companies over their app stores. The amounts are small for companies of this size, so the bigger effect is likely to be on the rules developers must follow in Korea and on the precedent for other regulators.
What to watch. Look for the implementation plans due within a month, any appeal by either company, and whether the new fee and payment rules change what developers charge users in Korea.
Sources: Korea JoongAng Daily, UPI, Engadget and AppleInsider. Figures are as reported by those outlets.
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