Republic of Korea: Amendment to Copyright Act including content moderation authority governance was adopted by National Assembly

On 10 February 2026, the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea adopted the Partial Amendment to the Copyright Act (Act No. 21336). 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, the Amendment empowers the Minister to order emergency blocking of access to illegal copies under Article 133-4 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. Most provisions will enter into force on 11 August 2026, while provisions on access blocking will enter into force on 10 May 2026.