Korea fines Google 42.9 billion won, Apple 20.81 billion won over app payments
The Broadcasting Media Communications Committee ordered both companies to allow external payment links and revise app review procedures after its first enforcement under the 2021 law amendment.
South Korea's Broadcasting Media Communications Committee voted on October 28, 2026 to impose corrective orders and fines totaling 63.7 billion won on Google and Apple over their in-app payment practices, according to inven.co.kr. Google was fined 42.9 billion won and Apple 20.81 billion won.
The committee said this is the first enforcement case under the 2021 amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act, which newly defined prohibited acts for app market operators. It found that both companies changed contract terms so developers could only use their in-app payment or third-party payment.
The committee ordered both companies to allow external links (out-links) for separate payment methods inside apps and to revise their app review procedures. Apple must additionally prepare measures to prevent discrimination between domestic and foreign developers. Fees charged on out-link payments are not a direct target of the corrective order.
The committee found that both companies charged a 26% fee for third-party payments while offering services missing some functions, such as subscription management, compared with their own in-app payment. It also judged that Google restricted display of prices by payment method and that Apple required separate app submissions, and that both failed to give specific reasons when app reviews were delayed.
The committee conducted inspections and fact-finding since 2022 and heard Google's and Apple's opinions on August 12, 2026. Google and Apple must submit implementation plans within one month of receiving the decision and report results within three months. Committee chair Kim Jong-cheol said the sanctions should be a turning point for substantial market structure change.
Earlier pricing dispute
From July 2015 to January 2023, Apple applied a 30% fee to foreign developers based on the supply price excluding VAT, while domestic developers were charged 30% on the final consumer price including VAT, the committee found. In March 2026, Google announced a payment policy reform allowing external payments and lowering service fees.
Quick answers
How much were Google and Apple fined in Korea?
Google was fined 42.9 billion won and Apple 20.81 billion won, for a total of 63.7 billion won.
What did the committee order Google and Apple to do?
Both must allow external links for separate payment methods inside apps and revise their app review procedures. Apple must also prepare measures to prevent discrimination between domestic and foreign developers.
When must the companies report back?
They must submit implementation plans within one month of receiving the decision and report results within three months.