Republic of Korea: Amendment to Copyright Act including content moderation authority governance enters into force

On 10 May 2026, the access blocking provisions of the Partial Amendment to the Copyright Act (Act No. 21336) enter into force. The Amendment applies to online service providers and telecommunications business operators. The Amendment defines the roles and powers of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Copyright Protection Deliberative Committee, and the Protection Agency in overseeing copyright enforcement. Regarding the Minister, Article 133-4 empowers the Minister to order emergency blocking of access to illegal copies without prior Committee deliberation, subject to immediate notification of the Committee. Regarding the Committee, the Amendment requires the Committee to assess emergency blocking measures within 5 days of notification and to inform the Minister of its decision. Regarding the Protection Agency, the Amendment requires online service providers to report on enforcement actions within 5 days of receiving recommendations under subparagraphs 1, 2, and 4 of Article 133-3, and within 10 days for recommendations under subparagraph 3. The remaining provisions of the Amendment enter into force on 11 August 2026.