A decision on fines over Google and Apple’s alleged practice of forcing in-app payments is expected this month. The Broadcasting and Media Communications Commission has finished reviewing the parties’ opinions and additional evidence and is preparing a final vote, it was confirmed.

Kim Jong-cheol (김종철), chairman of the Broadcasting and Media Communications Commission, said at a parliamentary audit of the National Assembly Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee on Sunday that he expects a decision to be made soon, before October ends.

Earlier, the Korea Communications Commission pre-notified Google and Apple in October 2023 of a plan to impose fines over alleged violations of the Telecommunications Business Act related to in-app payments. About three years later, a final decision has yet to be made.

Song Gi-heon (송기헌), the committee chair, raised the issue of the long delay in the fines decision. Song said three years have passed since the pre-notice, but no decision has been made, and he pointed out that the fines initially reviewed have also been reduced.

He also criticised the domestic process as excessively slow, saying that sanctions have been imposed overseas as well, including in the European Union, India and Brazil, over alleged illegal payment-related practices by global platforms.

Kim explained that since the commission resumed operations in April, it has treated the case as a top priority and has proceeded with the process.

"As this is a matter in which procedures are under way worldwide, we are fully ensuring the parties' procedural rights and are closely reviewing legal issues," he said.

Kim added that after an August hearing, the commission asked the parties to submit opinions and evidence on additional issues raised. He said it is now at the stage of completing final checks after receiving the materials.

The Broadcasting and Media Communications Commission plans to go through the remaining procedures and vote this month on whether to impose fines and on the final details of any sanctions.