Google, Apple must allow external payments in South Korea after $47.7m fines
By Jenny Lee ( October 28, 2026, 10:21 GMT | Insight) -- Google and Apple will have to allow app developers in South Korea to offer external payment links following a combined 63.7 billion won ($47.7 million) fine in the country's first enforcement action under its 2021 in-app payments law. The Korea Media and Communications Commission said Wednesday that it would leave the companies to determine whether to charge fees on transactions through those links and how much. Apple disputed the findings and said it was evaluating its options under South Korean law, while Google reportedly expressed regret that the decision did not fully reflect its compliance efforts.Google and Apple have been fined a combined 63.7 billion won ($47.7 million) in South Korea for restricting app developers’ payment options and improperly delaying app reviews, in the country's first enforcement action under a law introduced five years ago to rein in major app store operators....
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