Republic of Korea: Fair Trade Commission closes consultation on Google's interim consent resolution addressing alleged violations of Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act

Description

Fair Trade Commission closes consultation on Google's interim consent resolution addressing alleged violations of Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act

On 14 August 2025, the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) closes the consultation on the provisional consent resolution regarding Google's alleged non-compliance with the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act. The consent resolution addresses concerns that Google’s bundling of YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium limited consumer choice and restricted competition. The proposed resolution, developed after months of negotiation, includes Google's commitment to launch a lower-priced, ad-free video-only subscription, YouTube Premium Lite, for at least four years, alongside price freezes on existing products and additional consumer benefits. Google also pledged KRW 30 billion in support measures, including extended free trials, reseller discounts, and funding for domestic music industry development.

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Scope

Policy Area
Competition
Policy Instrument
Unilateral conduct regulation
Regulated Economic Activity
platform intermediary: user-generated content, streaming service provider
Implementation Level
national
Government Branch
executive
Government Body
competition authority

Complete timeline of this policy change

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2025-05-14
under investigation

On 14 May 2025, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (FTC) announced it had reviewed Google’s request fo…

2025-05-22
under investigation

On 22 May 2025, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) initiated the consent decision procedure fol…

2025-07-15
in consultation

On 15 July 2025, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (FTC) opened a consultation on the provisional con…

2025-08-14
processing consultation

On 14 August 2025, the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) closes the consultation on the provisional conse…

2025-11-19
in force

On 19 November 2025, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) confirmed the final consent decision re…