Article 1(Purpose) #
The purpose of this Decree is to provide for matters mandated by Internet Multimedia Broadcast Services Act and matters necessary for the enforcement thereof.
Article 2(Permission for business providing Internet multimedia broadcast services) #
(1) "Other matters prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 4 (3) 5 of Internet Multimedia Broadcast Services Act (hereinafter referred to as the "Act") means the following matters:
1. Articles of the incorporation (excluding a corporation in the process of incorporation);
2. Documents relevant to the corporation planned to be incorporated or in the process of incorporation (applicable only to a corporation in the process of incorporation);
3. Documents regarding the ownership of stocks or shares of the corporation.
(2) Upon receipt of an application under Article 4 (3) of the Act, the Korea Media and Communications Commission shall verify the certified transcript of the relevant corporate register by sharing administrative information under Article 36 (1) of the Electronic Government Act (excluding cases where the corporation is still in the process of incorporation). <Amended on Dec. 15, 2009; May 4, 2010; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
(3) Upon receipt of an application for permission under Article 4 (3) of the Act, the Korea Media and Communications Commission shall examine the matters specified in Article 4 (4) of the Act to make a decision on whether to grant the permission and shall issue a permit for business providing Internet multimedia broadcast services, if he or she decides to grant the permission. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
(4) The points distributed to each item subject to examination under Article 4 (4) of the Act are as prescribed in Appendix 1 attached hereto.
(5) Except as provided in paragraphs (1) through (4), a detailed procedure and method necessary for the permission of business providing Internet multimedia broadcast services, the sub-items subject to examination, methods of examination and other necessary matters shall be determined and publicly notified by the Korea Media and Communications Commission. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Dec. 3, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
Article 3(Term of validity of permission) #
The term of validity of permission for business providing Internet multimedia broadcasting service under Article 5 of the Act shall be 7 years; provided, where the Korea Media and Communications Commission deems it necessary for the protection of users' rights and interests, the realization of public responsibilities of broadcasting, the guarantee of fairness and public interest, etc., the period of validity of permit may be shortened to the extent of not exceeding 2 years in consideration of the results of examination under Articles 4 (4) and 5-2 (2) of the Act. <Amended on Dec. 15, 2009; Aug. 16, 2022; Oct. 1, 2025>
[Title Amended on Dec. 15, 2009]
Article 4(Renewal of permission) #
(1) If an Internet multimedia broadcast service provider intends to have its permission renewed under Article 5-2 of the Act, it shall file an application therefor, including the matters specified in Article 4 (3) of the Act, with the Korea Media and Communications Commission by not later than three months before the expiration of the term of validity of permission, along with a report on business performance and a copy of the permission for business providing Internet multimedia broadcast services. <Amended on Dec. 15, 2009; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
(2) A detailed procedure and method for renewal of permission under paragraph (1), the sub-items subject to examination, methods of examination, and other necessary matters shall be prescribed and notified by the Korea Media and Communications Commission. <Added on Dec. 3, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
Article 5(Period for commencement of nationwide services) #
(1) "A period prescribed by Presidential Decree" in the main clause of Article 6 (2) of the Act means three years. <Amended on Dec. 15, 2009>
(2) "A period prescribed by Presidential Decree" in the proviso of Article 6 (2) of the Act means one year. <Amended on Dec. 15, 2009>
Article 6(Prohibition of concurrent operation) #
(1) Article 3 (1) 2 and (2) (excluding subparagraph 1) through (4) of the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act shall apply to the specially related parties specified by Presidential Decree pursuant to Article 8 (2) and (3) of the Act.
(2) "Criteria prescribed by Presidential Decree" in Article 8 (3) of the Act means, among the conglomerates designated as subject to the restriction on mutual investment under Article 31 of the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act, a conglomerate whose total assets are at least 10 trillion won as of the date of such designation. <Amended on Dec. 28, 2021>
Article 7(Reporting on merger of affiliated companies) #
(1) Any person who intends to file a report on the merger of a corporation which is an affiliate under subparagraph 12 of Article 2 of the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act pursuant to the proviso of Article 11 (1) 1 of the Act shall submit a report on the merger in the form prescribed and publicly notified by the Korea Media and Communications Commission, attached with the following documents: <Amended on Jul. 16, 2024; Oct. 1, 2025; Oct. 1, 2025>
1. A copy of the merger agreement;
2. The articles of incorporation of a corporation surviving the merger or newly incorporated after the merger;
3. Documents certifying compliance with the standards under paragraph (3) 1 and 2.
(2) The Korea Media and Communications Commission, upon receiving a merger report in accordance with paragraph (1), shall verify the certified copy of the corporate registration of both the reporting person and the counterpart corporation involved in the merger through the administrative data matching under Article 36 (1) of the Electronic Government Act. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>
(3) "Standards prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as authenticity of the details of a report" in the former part of Article 11 (4) of the Act means the following standards:
1. The reporting corporation and the counterpart corporation in the merger shall be affiliated companies as defined under subparagraph 12 of Article 2 of the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act;
2. It shall not fall under the restrictions on business combination under Article 9 of the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act (limited to cases where the relevant merger is subject to a report on business combination under Article 11 (1) and (2) of the same Act);
3. The details of a report shall be true.
(4) The Korea Media and Communications Commission shall notify a reporter of the acceptance or rejection of the report within 15 days from the date of receipt of the report under paragraph (1). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>
[This Article Added on Jul. 16, 2024]
Article 8(Encouragement of fair competition) #
(1) In order to prevent the control over another business from being extended unfairly to business providing Internet multimedia broadcast services under Article 12 (1) of the Act, the relevant Internet multimedia broadcast service provider shall separate accounts of business providing Internet multimedia broadcast services from those of another business for separate accounting, as determined and publicly announced by the Korea Media and Communications Commission. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
(2) Each Internet multimedia broadcast service provider shall submit a business report, including matters regarding the accounts under paragraph (1), to the Korea Media and Communications Commission within three months after the end of each fiscal year and shall keep relevant accounting books and supporting materials. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
(3) The Korea Media and Communications Commission shall verify the contents of the business report submitted under paragraph (2). <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
(4) The Korea Media and Communications Commission may request an Internet multimedia broadcast service provider to submit data necessary for verification under paragraph (3) or may conduct inspections necessary for the ascertainment of facts. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
Article 9 #
Deleted. <Jan. 13, 2012>
Article 10 #
Deleted. <Jan. 13, 2012>
Article 11(Policies for creation of environment for fair competition) #
The Korea Media and Communications Commission shall formulate and implement policies for the efficient establishment of a competition system and the creation of an environment for fair competition for business providing Internet multimedia broadcast services, based on the outcomes of the evaluation of competitions. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
Article 11-2(Count of subscribers to paid broadcast services) #
(1) The number of broadcast service providers (hereinafter referred to as "paid broadcast service providers") under each subparagraph of Article 13 (1) of the Act shall be deemed to equal the number of terminal equipment (referring to devices transmitting signals sent from paid broadcast service providers to television receivers of subscribers; hereinafter the same shall apply) upon which contracts for broadcast service have been concluded with the relevant service provider. For the subscribers given no terminal equipment, the number thereof shall be deemed to equal the number of interfaces (referring to interface points connected to television receivers to enable reception of signals transmitted from paid broadcast service providers; hereinafter the same shall apply) upon which contracts have been concluded.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the count of subscribers shall not include the number of terminal equipment or interfaces upon which paid broadcast service providers have concluded contracts to provide services free of charge for non-business purposes such as the promotion of the convenience or welfare of the socially underprivileged.
[This Article Added on Jun. 22, 2015]
Article 11-3(Verification of number of subscribers to paid broadcast services) #
(1) A pay television service provider shall submit data on the monthly status of the number of subscribers calculated under Article 11-2 to the Korea Media and Communications Commission within two months from the last day of each month. <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
(2) The Korea Media and Communications Commission shall verify the number of subscribers in order to ascertain the accuracy of the data submitted under paragraph (1) and determine the number of subscribers. <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
(3) The verification under paragraph (2) shall be conducted by the methods determined and publicly notified by the Korea Media and Communications Commission, such as document review, on-site inspection, and sample survey. <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017, Oct. 1, 2025>
(4) After conducting verification pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (3), the Korea Media and Communications Commission shall finalize the verification results following deliberation by an expert review committee composed of specialists in pay broadcasting and other relevant experts. <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
(5) Matters necessary for the composition and operation of the expert review committee under paragraph (4) shall be determined and publicly notified by the Korea Media and Communications Commission. <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
(6) The verification under paragraphs (2) through (4) shall be completed within four months from the end of every sixth months, based on the monthly reports on the current status submitted over half a year under paragraph (1).
(7) The Korea Media and Communications Commission shall notify the pay television service provider of the finalized verification results pursuant to paragraph (4). <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
(8) A pay television service provider who has an objection to the results of verification notified under paragraph (7) may file an objection with the Korea Media and Communications Commission within seven days from receipt of the notification. <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
(9) The Korea Media and Communications Commission shall conduct a re-verification if he or she deems that the objection filed under paragraph (8) is well-grounded. In such case, paragraphs (2) through (4) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the methods and procedures for the re-verification. <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
(10) A re-verification under paragraph (9) shall be conducted only once and completed within one month from the date such objection is filed pursuant to paragraph (8).
Article 11-4(Standards for corrective order on Internet multimedia broadcast service providers) #
The Korea Media and Communications Commission may order correction under Article 13 (2) of the Act to a certain Internet Multimedia Broadcast Service Provider, based on the monthly average number of subscribers computed on a semi-annual basis which is conclusively verified pursuant to Article 11-3. <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
[This Article Added on Jun. 22, 2015]
Article 12(Equal provision of telecommunications facilities) #
(1) Essential telecommunications facilities referred to in Article 14 (1) of the Act mean such facilities necessary for the relevant business providing Internet multimedia broadcast services that, if a request for access to, or use of, such facilities by a person who intends to operate a business providing Internet multimedia broadcast services pursuant to Article 14 (1) of the Act is denied and consequently the person installs its own facilities or uses other business operator’s alternative facilities, it is practically impossible to expect fair competition because of a significant loss of competitiveness in the market.
(2) Telecommunications facilities under paragraph (1) may be divided into wiring facilities, including digital subscribers’ networks, and infrastructure, including poles, conduit lines and telecommunications equipment, and further details of such facilities shall be determined and publicly notified by the Korea Media and Communications Commission. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
(3) A reasonable and justifiable ground for refusing to provide telecommunications facilities under Article 14 (1) of the Act means any of the following cases:
1. Where facilities connected to telecommunications facilities under paragraph (1) do not conform to technical standards or national standards;
2. Where re-designing or altering telecommunications facilities is necessary to such an extent that, if telecommunications facilities are provided, differences in technological methods, etc. may lead to a significant loss or trouble in the operation of the business that uses such facilities;
3. Where providing telecommunications facilities is likely to pose a significant impediment in providing services with the telecommunications facilities;
4. Where facilities or the capacity of the facilities is inadequate to provide the facilities to other business operators;
5. Where there is a reasonable ground to deny such a request in order to protect the trade secret of the relevant Internet multimedia broadcast service provider;
6. Where it is possible to prove objectively that there is a plan for a project for improving the facilities or for the relocation of the facilities within one year from the date on which the access to, and the use of, the telecommunications facilities are requested.
(4) A reasonable and justifiable ground for the suspension or restriction of the provision of telecommunications facilities under Article 14 (2) of the Act means any of the following cases:
Article 12-2(Reporting on and approval for terms and conditions of use) #
(1) Where an Internet multimedia broadcast service provider intends to report fees and conditions for using services (hereafter in this Article referred to as "terms and conditions of use") that he or she intends to provide under Article 15 (1) of the Act (including reporting on change; hereafter in this Article the same shall apply), he or she shall submit the terms and conditions of use including the following to the Korea Media and Communications Commission: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>
1. Fees for using each product;
2. Conditions of use;
3. Matters concerning the rights and responsibilities of service providers and viewers;
4. A comparison table of the details before and after change and reasons for change (to be submitted only when a change is reported).
(2) The Korea Media and Communications Commission shall notify the reporter of whether he or she has accepted the report or whether the handling period under the relevant statutes and regulations related to handling of civil petitions is extended, within 7 days from the date of receipt of the report under paragraph (1). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>
(3) If the Korea Media and Communications Commission fails to notify the reporter of whether he or she accepts the report or the extension of the handling period pursuant to the statues and regulations related to the handling of civil petitions within the period prescribed in paragraph (2) of this Article, the report shall be deemed accepted on the day following the expiration day of the period (if the handling period for civil petitions is extended or re-extended pursuant to the statutes and regulations related to the handling of civil petitions, referring to the relevant handing period). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>
(4) Within 30 days from the date of receipt of an application for approval of the terms and conditions under Article 15 (4) of the Act (including approval for change thereof; hereafter in this paragraph the same shall apply), the Korea Media and Communications Commission shall examine whether the requirements under each subparagraph of paragraph (2) and standards under each subparagraph of paragraph (5) of that Article are satisfied and shall notify the applicant that approval is granted or not. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>
[This Article Added on Jun. 28, 2022]
Article 12-3(Quality evaluation of Internet multimedia broadcast services) #
(1) The Korea Media and Communications Commission shall conduct an annual evaluation of the quality of Internet multimedia broadcast services pursuant to Article 16-2 (1) of the Act, covering the following matters: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>
1. Matters concerning the level of quality of Internet multimedia broadcast services provided to viewers through terminal equipment, in terms of the volume or quality of images of each channel;
2. Matters concerning the current status of advertisements exposed on the contents provided in return for a price for each broadcast program;
3. Other matters determined and publicly notified by the Korea Media and Communications Commission in order to improve the quality of Internet multimedia broadcasting services and to promote the convenience of audience.
(2) The Korea Media and Communications Commission may, pursuant to Article 16-2 (2) of the Act, request an Internet multimedia broadcasting business entity to submit the following data: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>
1. Materials on terminal equipment necessary to measure the quality level of Internet multimedia broadcast services;
2. Materials concerning the current status of the contents provided in return for a price for each broadcast program;
3. Other data necessary for the evaluation of the quality of Internet multimedia broadcasting services, as determined and publicly notified by the Korea Media and Communications Commission.
(3) An Internet multimedia broadcasting business entity that has been requested to submit data under paragraph (2) shall submit the relevant data to the Korea Media and Communications Commission within 30 days from the date of receipt of such request; provided, where there are unavoidable grounds, it may request the Korea Media and Communications Commission to extend the period for submission of such data. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>
(4) The Korea Media and Communications Commission shall notify an Internet multimedia broadcasting business entity of matters necessary for conducting the evaluation, such as evaluation items and evaluation schedule, before conducting an evaluation of the quality of Internet multimedia broadcasting services pursuant to paragraph (1). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>
(5) Where the Korea Media and Communications Commission has conducted an evaluation of the quality of Internet multimedia broadcasting services pursuant to paragraph (1), it shall, pursuant to Article 16-2 (3) of the Act, disclose the results by posting them on the website of the Korea Media and Communications Commission. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>
Article 13(Penalty surcharges) #
(1) "Sales" in the main clause of Article 17 (2) of the Act means the average annual sales of the relevant Internet multimedia broadcast service provider during three business years immediately preceding its commencement of business providing Internet multimedia broadcast services; provided, if three years have not passed since the commencement of the business as of the first day of the pertinent business year, the term means an amount calculated by converting the sales until the end of the immediately preceding business year after the commencement of the business into the average annual sales or an amount calculated by converting the sales during the period from the commencement date of the business until the date it commits the relevant violation into the annual sales, if it commenced the business during the pertinent business year.
(2) The types of violation subject to the imposition of penalty surcharges under Article 17 (2) of the Act, the maximum amount of a penalty surcharge for each type of violation, and the guidelines for calculation shall be as prescribed in Appendix 2 attached hereto.
(3) "Cases prescribed by Presidential Decree, where sales are non-existent or indeterminate" in the proviso of Article 17 (2) of the Act means any of the following cases:
1. Where a service provider has not commenced the business yet or there is no record of business performance because of the suspension of business or any other cause;
2. Where data for the calculation of sales have been destroyed or obliterated due to a natural disaster or any similar event and so it is impracticable to calculate sales objectively.
Article 14(Imposition and payment of penalty surcharges) #
(1) When the Korea Media and Communications Commission intends to impose a penalty surcharge under Article 17 (2) of the Act, it shall investigate and ascertain the relevant violation and shall give a written notice to the person subject to the imposition of the penalty surcharge, clearly stating the facts regarding the violation, the amount imposed, the method of filing an objection, the period given for filing an objection, etc. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>
(2) A person who has received a notice pursuant to paragraph (1) shall pay penalty surcharges to the collecting agency designated by the Korea Media and Communications Commission within 20 days from the date of receipt of the notice. <Amended on Dec. 12, 2023; Oct. 1, 2025>
(3) The receiving agency that receives a penalty surcharge under paragraph (2) shall issue a receipt to the person who pays the penalty surcharge.
(4) Upon receipt of a penalty surcharge under paragraph (2), the agency receiving penalty surcharges shall notify the Korea Media and Communications Commission thereof without delay. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>
Article 15(Types of prohibited acts and criteria therefor) #
(1) The types of prohibited acts and the criteria therefor under Article 17 (1) of the Act shall be as prescribed in Appendix 3 attached hereto.
(2) The Korea Media and Communications Commission may determine and publicly notify detailed guidelines for the types and criteria under paragraph (1). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025>
Article 16(Persons subject to reporting and registration of content services) #
(1) Any of the following persons, pursuant to the main clause of Article 18 (2) of the Act (excluding a person who falls under paragraph (2) or the proviso of Article 18 (2) of the Act) shall file a report on Internet multimedia broadcast content services, with the Korea Media and Communications Commission: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2010; Mar. 23, 2013; Dec. 3, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
1. Deleted; <Dec. 3, 2014>
2. Deleted; <Dec. 3, 2014>
3. A person who intends to provide content to an Internet multimedia broadcast service provider, who conducts business producing and providing content in accordance with the provisions of any other Act, and who produces and provides contents.
(2) Any of the following persons, pursuant to the main clause of Article 18 (2) of the Act shall register Internet multimedia broadcast content services with the Korea Media and Communications Commission: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2010; Mar. 23, 2013; Dec. 3, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
1. A broadcasting business operator under subparagraph 3 of Article 2 of the Broadcasting Act who intends to provide any content other than that permitted, registered, or approved under the Broadcasting Act (limited to content only for channels directly used, in cases of cable television broadcasting business operators and satellite broadcasting business operators) to an Internet multimedia broadcast service provider in the form of a real-time broadcast program;
2. A person who intends to provide contents to an Internet multimedia broadcast service provider in the form of a real-time broadcast program, as a value-added service provider who has reported to the Korea Media and Communications Commission pursuant to Article 22 of the Telecommunications Business Act;
3. A person who intends to provide content to an Internet multimedia broadcast service provider in the form of real-time broadcast program, who conducts business producing and providing contents in accordance with the provisions of any other statute, and who produces and provides content.
Article 17(Procedures for reporting or registration of content services) #
(1) A person who intends to report its business providing content for Internet multimedia broadcast services in accordance with Article 16 (1) shall file a report on business providing content for Internet multimedia broadcast services, describing the following matters, with the Korea Media and Communications Commission: <Amended on Dec. 15, 2009; Mar. 23, 2013; Dec. 3, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
1. The business operator’s name;
2. The representative’s name;
3. The product or service name;
4. The category of the content provided;
4-2. The person responsible for real-time broadcast programming;
5. The principal place of business and the location of major facilities;
6. The paid-in capital (applicable only to corporations);
7. A list of stockholders or investors who own at least 5/100 of total outstanding stocks or shares, respectively (applicable only to corporations);
8. A statement of the current holdings of stocks held by foreigners under Article 9 of the Act and relevant certificates (applicable only to corporations);
9. Documents certifying that the person conducts business producing and providing contents in accordance with the provisions of any other Act under Article 16 (1) 3 or who produces and provides content.
(2) Upon receipt of a report on business providing content for Internet multimedia broadcast services under paragraph (1), the Korea Media and Communications Commission shall issue a certificate of reporting the business providing content for Internet multimedia broadcast services to the relevant reporter. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
(3) Deleted. <Dec. 3, 2014>
(4) Article 8 (1) and (2) of the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the registration of business providing content for Internet multimedia broadcast services under Article 16 (2). <Amended on Dec. 15, 2009>
(5) Deleted. <Dec. 3, 2014>
(6) Except as provided in paragraphs (1) through (5), a detailed procedure and method necessary for the reporting or registration of business providing content for Internet multimedia broadcast services shall be determined and publicly notified by the Korea Media and Communications Commission. <Amended on Dec. 15, 2009; Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
Article 17-2(Procedures for reporting of changes or registration of changes in content services) #
(1) Where an Internet multimedia broadcast content provider who has filed a report with the Korea Media and Communications Commission pursuant to Article 16 (1) changes any reported matter under the subparagraphs of Article 17 (1), he or she shall file a report on such change with the Korea Media and Communications Commission within seven days from the date he or she changes any matter; provided, where he or she has changed any matters under Article 17 (1) 7 or 8, he or she shall file a report on such changed matters based on the end of that year with the Korea Media and Communications Commission by March 31 of the following year. <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), where an Internet multimedia broadcast content provider who has filed a report with the Korea Media and Communications Commission intends to change the following matters in relation to the provisions of Article 17 (1) 6 through 8, he or she shall file a report on changes with the Korea Media and Communications Commission within a period prescribed by the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act by applying Article 15-2 (1), (2) and (6) of the aforesaid Decree: <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
1. The largest investor in the relevant content provider (referring to the largest holder of voting shares or equity based on the percentage of shares or equity owned by the investor and his or her related parties in the relevant content provider; hereinafter the same shall apply);
2. A person who substantially controls the management rights.
(3) An Internet multimedia broadcast content provider registered with Korea Media and Communications Commission pursuant to Article 16 (2) changes matters under Article 8 (1) 1, 2, 3 (only applicable to paid-in capital), 5, 6, and 7 of the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 17 (4), he or she shall file a report on any change with Korea Media and Communications Commission within seven days from the date he or she changes such matters (where he or she changes matters under subparagraph 5 of the aforesaid paragraph, by March 31 of the following year based on the end of that year), and where he or she intends to amend Article 8 (1) 4 of the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act, he or she shall register such change with Korea Media and Communications Commission. <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
(4) Notwithstanding paragraph (3), where an Internet multimedia broadcast content provider registered with the Korea Media and Communications Commission intends to change any of the following matters in relation to Article 8 (1) of the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act, he or she shall report or register such change according to the following classification. In such cases, Article 15-2 (1), (2) and (6) of the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the period of reporting of change and registration of change: <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
Article 18(Procedure for approval of contents services) #
(1) Each person who intends to obtain approval of Internet multimedia broadcast content services pursuant to the proviso of Article 18 (2) of the Act (excluding a person who has obtained approval of business using broadcasting channel under the proviso of Article 9 (5) of the Broadcasting Act, who falls under the subparagraphs of Article 18 (3) of the Act) shall state matters under the subparagraphs of Article 17 (1) in an application for approval of Internet multimedia broadcast contents services and submit such application to Korea Media and Communications Commission. In such cases, Article 10 of the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the approval thereof: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Dec. 3, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
1. Deleted; <Oct. 1, 2025>
2. Deleted. <Oct. 1, 2025>
(2) When a provider of content for Internet multimedia broadcast services intends to change any of the following matters already approved, he or she shall file an application for approval for the change in his or her business providing content for Internet multimedia broadcast services with Korea Media and Communications Commission, but when such person intends to change a matter specified in any subparagraph of Article 17 (1) (excluding subparagraph 4), he or she shall file a report thereon to Korea Media and Communications Commission within seven days from the date of change. In such cases, Article 15-2 (1) and (2) of the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the approval of a change under subparagraph 2 or 3: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Dec. 3, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
1. Article 17 (1) 4;
2. The largest investor in the relevant contents services;
3. A person who exercises de facto control over the business.
(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (2), where a person who has obtained approval of business using a broadcasting channel under the proviso of Article 9 (5) of the Broadcasting Act, who falls under the subparagraphs of Article 18 (3) of the Act, obtains approval of any change or files a report of any change pursuant to Articles 15 and 15-2 of the Broadcasting Act, he or she shall be deemed to have obtained approval of any change or filed a report of change under paragraph (2). <Added on Dec. 3, 2014>
(4) Where the Korea Media and Communications Commission receives an application for approval or application for approval of any change pursuant to the main clause of paragraph (1) and the former part of paragraph (2), he or she or the Commission shall determine whether to approve such application and shall notify the applicant of the result thereof within 30 days from the date he or she or the Commission receives the application. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Dec. 3, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
Article 19(Equal access to content) #
Pursuant to Article 20 (1) of the Act, the Korea Media and Communications Commission shall publicly announce major broadcast programs, out of real-time broadcast programs provided by a content provider for Internet multimedia broadcast services, in accordance with the following standards: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
1. Whether the viewer rate or share of viewing of the relevant real-time broadcast program is not lower than the rate specified by the Korea Media and Communications Commission;
2. Public benefit of the relevant real-time broadcast program;
3. Whether the competitiveness of an Internet multimedia broadcast service provider is likely to be severely weakened, thus potentially undermining a fair competition with other service providers, if the access to, or the use or transactions of, the relevant real-time broadcast program is denied, suspended, or restricted.
Article 20(Application mutatis mutandis of the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act) #
(1) Articles 21 and 66-4 of the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the review on content of the real-time broadcast programs provided by Internet multimedia broadcast content providers. In such cases, the term "broadcasting business operator, relay cable broadcasting business operator, or electronic signboard broadcasting business operator" shall be construed as "Internet multimedia broadcast content provider who has filed a report (excluding a person who has filed a report pursuant to Article 16 (1) 3), or obtained registration or approval pursuant to the main clause of and the proviso of Article 18 (2) of the Act". <Amended on Dec. 3, 2014; Jun. 28, 2022>
(2) Articles 53 (1) 2, (2) 2 (excluding items (a) and (b)), (3), and (4) and 54 of the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the composition and operation of units of the real-time broadcast programs provided by Internet multimedia broadcast content providers in accordance with the following classification: <Amended on Dec. 31, 2024>
1. Deleted; <Dec. 31, 2014>
2. "Program providers" in Article 53 (1) 2 (c) of the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act shall be construed as "program providers (limited to cases where they are Internet multimedia broadcast content providers)";
3. Deleted; <Dec. 31, 2024>
4. "Channels for the public and channels for religious missionary work" in Article 54 (1) of the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act shall be construed as "channels for the public and channels for religious missionary work (limited to real-time broadcast programs provided by Internet multimedia broadcast content providers.)".
(3) Articles 50 through 52 and 52-2 of the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the programming of broadcast programs of Internet multimedia broadcast content providers, and Article 50 (4) 1 (c) of the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act shall mutatis mutandis to the specialized programming of broadcast programs provided by Internet multimedia broadcast content providers who have been registered or approved in accordance with Article 16 (2) or the proviso of Article 18 (1). In such cases, "broadcasting business operator" shall be construed as "Internet multimedia broadcast content provider who has filed a report (excluding a person who has filed a report pursuant to Article 16 (1) 3), or obtained registration or approval pursuant to the main clause of and the proviso of Article 18 (2) of the Act". <Amended on Dec. 3, 2014>
Article 21 #
Deleted. <Dec. 27, 2010>
Article 22(Revocation of permission) #
(1) The standards for the revocation of permission and the suspension of business under Article 24 (1) of the Act shall be as prescribed in Appendix 4 attached hereto.
(2) When the Korea Media and Communications Commission makes a disposition to revoke permission or suspend business operations under Article 24 (1) of the Act, he or she shall notify the relevant Internet multimedia broadcast service provider of his or her disposition in writing. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
Article 23(Penalty surcharges) #
(1) "Sales" in Article 25 (1) of the Act means sales defined in Article 13 (1).
(2) When the Korea Media and Communications Commission determines the amount of a penalty surcharge, he or she shall take into account the degree, frequency, etc. of the relevant violations. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
(3) The types of violation for which a penalty surcharge is to be imposed under Article 25 (1) of the Act and the amount of a penalty surcharge shall be as prescribed in Appendix 5 attached hereto.
(4) Article 14 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the imposition and payment of penalty surcharges under Article 25 (1) of the Act.
Article 23-2(Processing of personally identifiable information) #
(1) Where inevitable to conduct the following affairs, the Korea Media and Communications Commission may process data including resident registration numbers under subparagraph 1 of Article 19 of the Enforcement Decree of the Personal Information Protection Act: <Amended on Dec. 3, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
1. Affairs concerning permission to operate Internet multimedia broadcast services under Article 4 of the Act;
2. Affairs concerning the renewal of permission to operate Internet multimedia broadcast services under Article 5-2 of the Act;
3. Affairs concerning permission to make any change or the reporting of any change in Internet multimedia broadcast services under Article 11 of the Act.
(2) Where inevitable to conduct affairs concerning the reduction of or exemption from charges under the terms of service reported or approved pursuant to Article 15 (1) of the Act, Internet multimedia broadcast service providers and the Korea Association for ICT Promotion under Article 15 of the Framework Act on Broadcasting and Communications Development may process data including resident registration numbers under subparagraph 1 of Article 19 of the Enforcement Decree of the Personal Information Protection Act or alien registration numbers under subparagraph 4 of the aforesaid Article.
[This Article Added on Aug. 6, 2014]
Article 23-3(Delegation of authority) #
The Korea Media and Communications Commission shall delegate his or her authority over the formulation and announcement of technical standards concerning matters regarding the installation and maintenance of broadcast facilities of Internet multimedia broadcast service providers and concerning transmission and line facilities under Article 14-2 of the Act, to the Director General of the National Radio Research Agency pursuant to Article 26-2 of the Act. <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017; Oct. 1, 2025>
[This Article Added on Dec. 3, 2014]
Article 24(Imposition of administrative fines) #
Criteria for the imposition of administrative fines under Article 28 (1) of the Act shall be prescribed in Appendix 6 attached hereto.