South Korea Announces Fines for Google and Apple Over Forced In-App Payments

On October 28, 2026, the Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC) fined Alphabet’s Google and Apple a combined 63.7 billion won (? $47.6 million) for violating the Telecommunications Business Act. The penalties are 42.9 billion won for Google and 20.8 billion won for Apple. The regulator also ordered the companies to allow external payment links in apps and to revise their app-review procedures.

Korea fines Google and Apple $47.6 million over in-app payments

South Korea amended the Telecommunications Business Act in 2021 to ban app-store operators from forcing developers to use proprietary in-app payment systems. The KMCC began investigations in 2022 and notified Google and Apple of proposed sanctions in October 2023. Finalizing the penalties was delayed by vacancies within the predecessor Korea Communications Commission (KCC).

Korea fines Google and Apple $47.6 million over in-app payments

• Fines: Google 42.9 billion won; Apple 20.8 billion won (total 63.7 billion won).

South Korea's Korea Communications Commission Fines Google and Apple 63.7 Billion Won (approximately $47.6 Million), Orders Payment Policy Overhaul — BigGo Finance

• Commission rates: Both firms charge a 26 % commission on third-party payment transactions, versus up to 30 % on their own in-app systems.

Korea Fines Google, Apple 63.7 Billion Won Over In-App Payment Rules

• Apple’s discriminatory practice: A 30 % commission on domestic developers’ final price (including VAT) versus supply-price commissions for foreign developers, yielding an estimated extra profit of about 149.6 billion won for Apple.

Google Fined 42.9 Billion Won, Apple 20.8 Billion Won in First Action Against Forced In-App Payments

• KMCC Chairperson Kim Jong-cheol said the sanctions protect developers’ rights and enforce the anti-in-app-payment law.

Google Fined 42.9 Billion Won, Apple 20.8 Billion Won in First Action Against Forced In-App Payments

• Google expressed regret, arguing that recent policy changes already expand payment options and lower fees, and that the regulator had overlooked these reforms.

Google Fined 42.9 Billion Won, Apple 20.8 Billion Won in First Action Against Forced In-App Payments

• Apple noted that most of the revenue generated by its App Store ecosystem is returned to developers and that its voluntary measures comply with the law. Both firms will review the written decision.

Google, Apple fined W63.7b over in-app payment practices

Prof. Lee of Korea University warned that the sanctions could spark a new trade dispute, stating that “Korea was the first country to introduce a ban on mandatory in-app payments, and U.S. companies are the first to face sanctions under the law.”

KMCC to fine Google and Apple a combined 63.7 billion won over forced in-app payments

• Fine amounts appear as 20.8 billion won, 20.81 billion won, and 20.81 billion won in various outlets; the KMCC’s official figure is 20.8 billion won.

South Korea's Korea Communications Commission Fines Google and Apple 63.7 Billion Won (approximately $47.6 Million), Orders Payment Policy Overhaul — BigGo Finance

• The regulator ordered improvements to third-party payment fees but did not set a specific ceiling, leaving the ultimate cost to developers uncertain.

Google Fined 42.9 Billion Won, Apple 20.8 Billion Won in First Action Against Forced In-App Payments

• “A fair and sustainable app market ecosystem can be achieved through a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship between app market operators and developers,” — KMCC Chairperson Kim Jong-cheol

South Korea fines Google, Apple $45M over app store payment policies

• “We will carefully review the written decision once we receive it and decide how to respond.” — Apple

Korea fines Google and Apple $47.6 million over in-app payments

Both firms must submit implementation plans within one month of receiving the corrective orders and complete the required changes within three months. The KMCC will monitor compliance and may issue further directives if the reforms are not fully realized.

South Korea's Korea Communications Commission Fines Google and Apple 63.7 Billion Won (approximately $47.6 Million), Orders Payment Policy Overhaul — BigGo Finance