News by Levels · Level 3 · Student worksheet

South Korea Penalises Google and Apple Over App Store Practices

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

South Korea's media and communications regulator imposed fines totalling approximately 63.7 billion won on Google and Apple on October 28. It concluded that the companies' fees and conditions effectively steered developers towards their own in-app payment systems, despite the availability of third-party options.

The regulator also cited unfair delays in app reviews and ordered the companies to allow links to external payment websites. Apple rejected the decision, saying its practices comply with Korean law and that it is reviewing its options. The order concerns future changes; it does not mean those changes have already been made.

Source: The Korea Times, 2026-10-28. https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/companies/20261028/korea-fines-google-apple-combined-476-mil-over-in-app-payment-practices

Read and practise

1. What does the regulator say about third-party payment options?

   1. They existed, but fees and conditions effectively steered developers towards the companies’ own systems
   2. They were the only payment systems allowed
   3. They were available without any fees or restrictions

2. Which statement follows from the order?

   1. Both companies have already completed the changes
   2. The regulator has ordered changes, but the text does not establish that they have happened
   3. Apple agreed that its practices broke Korean law

Your turn

Explain why the availability of third-party options did not settle the regulator’s concern, and state Apple’s response.

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/south-korea-fines-google-apple-app-payments-october-2026/level-3/