Republic of Korea: Amendment to Copyright Act including content moderation regulation was introduced to National Assembly

On 10 December 2025, an amendment to the Copyright Act was introduced to the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea. The amendment would apply to online service providers and other actors involved in the distribution of copyright-protected content. It would expand enforcement against illegal online content by classifying the operation of websites and services that provide access to infringing content via links as copyright infringement. Authorities would be empowered to order the deletion of infringing content and, where necessary, the blocking of access through information and communications networks. In urgent cases, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism would be able to require immediate blocking of infringing content where infringement is clear and there is a risk of irreparable harm, subject to subsequent review and possible lifting. The amendment would also strengthen investigative powers by allowing officials to access premises and conduct inspections. In addition, courts would be able to award damages of up to five times the recognised loss in cases of intentional infringement, and criminal penalties would be increased to up to seven years’ imprisonment or fines of up to KRW 100 million.