0001193125-12-188247.txt : 20120427 0001193125-12-188247.hdr.sgml : 20120427 20120427080113 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-12-188247 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 20-F PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 11 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20111231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20120427 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20120427 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: KT CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000892450 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS (NO RADIO TELEPHONE) [4813] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 20-F SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-14926 FILM NUMBER: 12785486 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 206 JUNG TA DONG BUNN DONG GU CITY: SUNGNAM CITY KOREA STATE: M5 ZIP: 463711 BUSINESS PHONE: 82317270932 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 206 JUNG JA DONG BUNN DONG GU CITY: SUNGNAM CITY KOREA STATE: M5 ZIP: 463711 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: KOREA TELECOM CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19971006 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: KOREA TELECOM DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19950130 20-F 1 d333931d20f.htm FORM 20-F Form 20-F
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 27, 2012

 

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 20-F

 

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

        For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

¨ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

        Date of event requiring this shell company report                                         

        For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number 1-14926

KT Corporation

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

KT Corporation   The Republic of Korea
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)   (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

206 Jungja-dong

Bundang-gu, Sungnam-si, Gyeonggi-do

463-711 Korea

(Address of principal executive offices)

Thomas Bum Joon Kim

206 Jungja-dong

Bundang-gu, Sungnam-si, Gyeonggi-do

463-711 Korea

Telephone: +82-31-727-0150; E-mail: thomaskim@kt.com

(Name, telephone, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

 

Title of each class

  

Name of each exchange on which registered

American Depositary Shares, each representing   

New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

one-half of one share of common stock   
Common Stock, par value (Won)5,000 per share*   

New York Stock Exchange, Inc.*

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

None

As of December 31, 2011, there were 261,111,808 shares of common stock, par value (Won)5,000 per share, outstanding (not including 17,897,147 shares of common stock held by the company as treasury shares)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  x    No   ¨

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Yes  ¨    No   x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes   x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No   ¨ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing.

U.S. GAAP  ¨    IFRS   x    Other  ¨

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.    Item 17  ¨    Item 18  ¨

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No   x

 

* Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of the American Depositary Shares.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

              Page  

PART I

     1   

ITEM 1.

 

IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGERS AND ADVISERS

     1   
 

Item 1.A.

  

Directors and Senior Management

     1   
 

Item 1.B.

  

Advisers

     1   
 

Item 1.C.

  

Auditors

     1   

ITEM 2.

 

OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

     1   
  Item 2.A.    Offer Statistics      1   
  Item 2.B.   

Method and Expected Timetable

     1   

ITEM 3.

 

KEY INFORMATION

     2   
 

Item 3.A.

  

Selected Financial Data

     2   
 

Item 3.B.

  

Capitalization and Indebtedness

     5   
 

Item 3.C.

  

Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

     5   
 

Item 3.D.

  

Risk Factors

     5   

ITEM 4.

 

INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

     16   
 

Item 4.A.

  

History and Development of the Company

     16   
 

Item 4.B.

  

Business Overview

     17   
 

Item 4.C.

  

Organizational Structure

     42   
 

Item 4.D.

  

Property, Plants and Equipment

     42   

ITEM 4A.

 

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

     46   

ITEM 5.

 

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

     46   
 

Item 5.A.

  

Operating Results

     46   
 

Item 5.B.

  

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     61   
 

Item 5.C.

  

Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc.

     64   
 

Item 5.D.

  

Trend Information

     65   
 

Item 5.E.

  

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

     65   
 

Item 5.F.

  

Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

     65   
 

Item 5.G.

  

Safe Harbor

     65   

ITEM 6.

 

DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

     65   
 

Item 6.A.

  

Directors and Senior Management

     65   
 

Item 6.B.

  

Compensation

     72   
 

Item 6.C.

  

Board Practices

     73   
 

Item 6.D.

  

Employees

     74   
 

Item 6.E.

  

Share Ownership

     76   

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

              Page  

ITEM 7.

 

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     77   
 

Item 7.A.

  

Major Shareholders

     77   
 

Item 7.B.

  

Related Party Transactions

     77   
 

Item 7.C.

  

Interests of Experts and Counsel

     77   

ITEM 8.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     77   
 

Item 8.A.

  

Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

     77   
  Item 8.B.    Significant Changes      79   

ITEM 9.

 

THE OFFER AND LISTING

     79   
 

Item 9.A.

  

Offer and Listing Details

     79   
 

Item 9.B.

  

Plan of Distribution

     80   
 

Item 9.C.

  

Markets

     80   
 

Item 9.D.

  

Selling Shareholders

     84   
 

Item 9.E.

  

Dilution

     85   
 

Item 9.F.

  

Expenses of the Issuer

     85   

ITEM 10.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     85   
 

Item 10.A.

  

Share Capital

     85   
 

Item 10.B.

  

Memorandum and Articles of Association

     85   
 

Item 10.C.

  

Material Contracts

     91   
 

Item 10.D.

  

Exchange Controls

     91   
 

Item 10.E.

  

Taxation

     96   
 

Item 10.F.

  

Dividends and Paying Agents

     100   
 

Item 10.G.

  

Statements by Experts

     100   
 

Item 10.H.

  

Documents on Display

     101   
 

Item 10.I.

  

Subsidiary Information

     101   

ITEM 11.

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     101   

ITEM 12.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

     104   
 

Item 12.A.

  

Debt Securities

     104   
 

Item 12.B.

  

Warrants and Rights

     104   
 

Item 12.C.

  

Other Securities

     104   
 

Item 12.D.

  

American Depositary Shares

     104   

PART II

     105   

ITEM 13.

 

DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

     105   

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

               Page  

ITEM 14.

   MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS      105   

ITEM 15.

  

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

     105   

ITEM 16.

  

[Reserved]

     107   

ITEM 16A.

  

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

     107   

ITEM 16B.

  

CODE OF ETHICS

     107   

ITEM 16C.

  

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

     107   

ITEM 16D.

   EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES      108   

ITEM 16E.

   PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS      108   

ITEM 16F.

   CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT      108   

ITEM 16G.

   CORPORATE GOVERNANCE      108   

ITEM 16H.

   MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE      109   

PART III

     110   

ITEM 17.

   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      110   

ITEM 18.

   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      110   

ITEM 19.

   EXHIBITS      110   

 

iii


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PRESENTATION

All references to “Korea” or the “Republic” contained in this annual report mean the Republic of Korea. All references to the “Government” are to the government of the Republic of Korea. All references to “we,” “us” or the “Company” are to KT Corporation and, as the context may require, its subsidiaries.

All references to “Won” or “(Won)” in this annual report are to the currency of the Republic and all references to “Dollars,” “$,” “US$” or “U.S. dollars” are to the currency of the United States of America. Our monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated into Won at the market average exchange rate announced by Seoul Money Brokerage Services, Ltd. (the “Market Average Exchange Rate”) on the balance sheet dates, which were, for U.S. dollars, (Won)1,138.9 to US$1.00 and (Won)1,153.3 to US$1.00 at December 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Our consolidated financial statements are expressed in Won and, solely for the convenience of the reader, the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 have been translated into United States dollars at the rate of (Won)1,153.3 to US$1.00, the Market Average Exchange Rate in effect on December 31, 2011.

Any discrepancies in any table between totals and the sums of the amounts listed are due to rounding.

All market share data contained in this annual report, unless otherwise specified, are based on the number of subscribers announced by the Korea Communications Commission or the Korea Telecommunications Operators Association.

PART I

Item 1.  Identity of Directors, Senior Managers and Advisers

Item 1.A.  Directors and Senior Management

Not applicable.

Item 1.B.  Advisers

Not applicable.

Item 1.C.  Auditors

Not applicable.

Item 2.  Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

Item 2.A.  Offer Statistics

Not applicable.

Item 2.B.  Method and Expected Timetable

Not applicable.

 

1


Table of Contents

Item 3.  Key Information

Item 3.A.  Selected Financial Data

You should read the selected consolidated financial data below in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2010 and 2011 and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2011, and the report of the independent registered public accounting firm on these statements included herein. These audited financial statements and the related notes have been prepared under IFRS as issued by the IASB. The selected consolidated financial data for the two years ended December 31, 2011 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.

In accordance with rule amendments adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission which became effective on March 4, 2008, we are not required to provide a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP. Furthermore, pursuant to the transitional relief granted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of the first-time application of IFRS, no audited financial statements and financial information prepared under IFRS for the year ended December 31, 2009 have been included in this annual report.

The information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of the results of future operations and should be read in conjunction with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this annual report.

Consolidated statement of income data

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
             2010                     2011                     2011 (1)          
       (In billions of Won and millions of Dollars, except per share data)    

Continuing Operations:

      

Operating revenue

   (Won) 20,326      (Won) 21,990      US$ 19,067   

Operating expenses

     18,318        20,016        17,356   

Operating profit

     2,008        1,974        1,711   

Finance income

     239        267        232   

Finance expenses

     (599     (640     (555

Income (loss) from jointly controlled entities and associates

     33        (3     (3

Profit from continuing operations before income tax

     1,681        1,598        1,385   

Income tax expense

     (397     (317     (275

Profit for the period from the continuing operations

     1,285        1,281        1,111   

Discontinued operations:

      

Profit from discontinued operations

     30        171        148   

Profit for the period

   (Won) 1,315      (Won) 1,452      US$ 1,259   

Profit for the period attributable to:

      

Equity holders of the parent company

   (Won) 1,296      (Won) 1,447      US$ 1,254   

Profit from continuing operations

     1,273        1,277        1,107   

Profit from discontinued operations

     23        170        147   

Non-controlling interest

   (Won) 19      (Won) 5      US$ 5   

Profit from continuing operations

     12        5        5   

Profit from discontinued operations

     7        1        1   

Earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of the Parent Company during the period (in won):

      

Basic earnings per share

   (Won) 5,328      (Won) 5,946      US$ 5   

From continuing operations

     5,235        5,247        5   

From discontinued operations

     93        699        1   

Diluted earnings per share

   (Won) 5,328      (Won) 5,946      US$ 5   

From continuing operations

     5,235        5,247        5   

From discontinued operations

     93        699        1   

 

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Consolidated statement of financial position data

 

                              As of December 31,                          
         2010             2011             2011 (1)      
     (In billions of Won and millions of Dollars)  

Assets:

  

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   (Won) 1,162      (Won) 1,445      US$ 1,253   

Trade and other receivables, net

     4,193        6,159        5,340   

Short-term loans, net

     725        698        605   

Current finance lease receivables, net

     195        249        216   

Other financial assets

     270        254        220   

Current income tax assets

     0        1        1   

Inventories, net

     711        675        585   

Other current assets

     264        311        269   

Total current assets

     7,519        9,791        8,489   

Non-current assets:

      

Trade and other receivables, net

     1,125        1,723        1,494   

Long-term loans, net

     408        491        426   

Non-current finance lease receivables, net

     403        488        423   

Other financial assets

     269        622        539   

Property and equipment, net

     13,398        14,023        12,159   

Investment property, net

     1,146        1,159        1,005   

Intangible assets, net

     1,419        2,643        2,292   

Investments in jointly controlled entities and associates

     638        529        459   

Deferred income tax assets

     565        530        459   

Other non-current assets

     50        86        75   

Total non-current assets

     19,422        22,295        19,331   

Total assets

   (Won) 26,942      (Won) 32,085      US$ 27,821   

Liabilities and Equity:

      

Current liabilities:

      

Trade and other payables

   (Won) 4,424      (Won) 5,890      US$ 5,107   

Current finance lease liabilities, net

     33        46        40   

Borrowings

     2,722        2,112        1,832   

Other financial liabilities

     1        8        7   

Current income tax liabilities

     284        187        162   

Provisions

     58        123        106   

Deferred income

     177        168        146   

Other current liabilities

     185        210        182   

Total current liabilities

     7,885        8,745        7,583   

Non-current liabilities:

      

Trade and other payables

     382        652        565   

Non-current finance lease liabilities, net

     61        90        78   

Borrowings

     6,660        8,886        7,705   

Other financial liabilities

     38        288        250   

Retirement benefit liabilities

     264        426        369   

Provisions

     110        143        124   

Deferred income

     157        161        140   

Deferred income tax liabilities

     4        124        108   

Other non-current liabilities

     27        32        28   

Total non-current liabilities

     7,703        10,802        9,367   

Total liabilities

   (Won) 15,588      (Won) 19,548      US$ 16,949   

Equity attributable to owners of the Parent Company

      

Paid-in capital

      

Capital stock

   (Won) 1,564      (Won) 1,564      US$ 1,357   

Share premium

     1,440        1,440        1,249   

Retained earnings

     9,466        10,220        8,861   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (expense)

     (79     (23     (20

Other components of equity

     (1,258     (1,497     (1,298
     11,133        11,704        10,148   

Non-controlling interest

     221        834        723   

Total equity

     11,354        12,538        10,871   

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   (Won) 26,942      (Won) 32,085      US$  27,821   

 

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Consolidated statement of cash flow data

 

                     Year Ended  December 31,                  
         2010             2011             2011 (1)       
     (In billions of Won and millions of Dollars)  

Net cash generated from operating activities

   (Won) 2,973      (Won) 2,150      US$ 1,864   

Net cash (used in) investing activities

     (2,949     (2,648     (2,296

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (398     768        666   

Operating Data

 

     As of December 31,  
     2007      2008      2009      2010      2011  

Lines installed (thousands) (2)

     26,671         26,008         25,907         25,524         23,925   

Lines in service (thousands) (2)

     19,980         18,883         17,069         16,620         15,900   

Lines in service per 100 inhabitants (2)

     41.2         38.8         35.0         34.0         30.8   

Mobile subscribers (thousands)

     13,721         14,365         15,016         16,041         16,563   

Broadband Internet subscribers (thousands)

     6,516         6,712         6,953         7,424         7,823   

 

 

(1) For convenience, the Won amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars at the rate of (Won)1,153.3 to US$1.00, the Market Average Exchange Rate in effect on December 31, 2011. This translation should not be construed as a representation that the Won amounts represent, have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars at that rate or any other rate.

 

(2) Including public telephones.

Exchange Rate Information

The following table sets out information concerning the Market Average Exchange Rate for the periods and dates indicated.

 

Period

   At End of
Period
     Average
Rate (1)
     High      Low  
     (Won per US$1.00)  

2007

     938.2         929.2         950.0         902.2   

2008

     1,257.5         1,102.6         1,509.0         934.5   

2009

     1,167.6         1,276.4         1,573.6         1,152.8   

2010

     1,138.9         1,156.3         1,261.5         1,104.0   

2011

     1,153.3         1,108.1         1,199.5         1,049.5   

December

     1,153.3         1,147.5         1,169.5         1,126.8   

2012 (through April 26)

     1,139.4         1,132.4         1,164.3         1,114.5   

January

     1,125.0         1,145.9         1,164.3         1,121.6   

February

     1,126.5         1,123.4         1,128.4         1,116.7   

March

     1,137.8         1,125.9         1,138.1         1,114.5   

April (through April 26)

     1,139.4         1,135.5         1,142.3         1,123.4   

 

Source: Seoul Money Brokerage Services, Ltd.

 

(1) Represents the average of the Market Average Exchange Rates on each business day during the relevant period (or portion thereof).

Our monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated into Won at the Market Average Exchange Rate on the balance sheet dates, which were, for U.S. dollars, (Won)1,138.9 to US$1.00 and (Won)1,153.3 to US$1.00 at December 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Our consolidated financial statements are expressed in Won and, solely for the convenience of the reader, the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 have been translated into United States dollars at the rate of (Won)1,153.3 to US$1.00, the Market Average Exchange Rate in effect on December 31, 2011.

 

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Table of Contents

We make no representation that the Won or Dollar amounts contained in this annual report could have been or could be converted into Dollar or Won, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

Item 3.B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not applicable

Item 3.C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

Item 3.D. Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the following factors.

Risks Relating to Our Business

Competition in the Korean telecommunications industry is intense.

Competition in the telecommunications sector in Korea is intense. In recent years, business combinations in the telecommunications industry have significantly changed the competitive landscape of the Korean telecommunications industry. In particular, SK Telecom Co., Ltd. (or SK Telecom) acquired a controlling stake in Hanarotelecom Incorporated in 2008, which was renamed SK Broadband Co., Ltd. (or SK Broadband). The acquisition enables SK Telecom to provide fixed-line telecommunications, broadband Internet access and Internet television (or IP-TV) services together with its mobile telecommunications services. On January 1, 2010, LG Dacom Corporation (or LG Dacom) and LG Powercom Co., Ltd. (or LG Powercom) merged into LG Telecom Co., Ltd., which subsequently changed its name to LG U+. The merger enables LG U+ to provide a similar range of services as SK Telecom and us. Our inability to adapt to such changes in the competitive landscape could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition to our competition with integrated telecommunications service providers, we face increasing competition from specific service providers, such as Internet phone service providers, Internet text message service providers, voice resellers and call-back service providers. In recent years, the increasing popularity of Internet phone and free text message services, such as Skype and Kakao Talk, have had a negative impact on demand for our telecommunications and text message services while creating additional data transmission usage by our Internet and mobile subscribers. Our inability to adapt to such changes in the competitive landscape could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Mobile Service. We provide mobile services based on Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (or W-CDMA) technology and Long-Term Evolution (or LTE) technology. Competitors in the mobile telecommunications service industry are SK Telecom and LG U+. We had a market share of 31.5% as of December 31, 2011, making us the second largest mobile telecommunications service provider in Korea. SK Telecom had a market share of 50.6% as of December 31, 2011.

Mobile subscribers are allowed to switch their service provider while retaining the same mobile phone number. Mobile service providers also grant subsidies to subscribers who purchase new handsets and agree to a minimum subscription period. Mobile number portability and handset subsidies have intensified competition among the mobile service providers and increased their marketing expenses. If the mobile service providers adopt a strategy of expanding market share through price competition, it could lead to a decrease in our net profit margins.

 

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Since 2011, SK Telecom, LG U+ and we have launched fourth-generation mobile telecommunications services based on LTE technology, which we believe has further intensified competition among the three companies and resulted in an increase in marketing expenses and capital expenditures related to implementing and providing 4G LTE services. SK Telecom and LG U+ began providing 4G LTE services in July 2011, and we commenced providing commercial 4G LTE services on January 3, 2012 utilizing our bandwidths in the 1.8 GHz spectrum that became available upon termination of our 2G services based on Code Division Multiple Access (or CDMA) technology. Although we expect that SK Telecom and LG U+ will face similar challenges to those that we expect to face in implementing this fourth-generation technology, we cannot assure you that we will continue to be able to successfully compete in fourth-generation mobile telecommunications services.

Fixed-line Telephone Services. Before December 1991, we were the sole provider of local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone services in Korea. Since then, various competitors have entered the local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone service markets in Korea, which have eroded our market shares. LG U+ and SK Broadband currently provide local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone services. In addition, Onse Telecom Corporation and SK Telink, Inc. currently provide domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone services. We also compete with specific service providers, such as Internet phone service providers, voice resellers and call-back service providers, that offer international long-distance service in Korea. While we offer our own Internet phone service, the entry of these and other potential competitors into the local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone service markets has had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on our revenues and profitability from these businesses. As of December 31, 2011, we had a market share in local telephone service of 84.3% and a market share in domestic long distance service of 80.5%. Further increase in competition may decrease our market shares in such businesses.

Internet Services. The Korean broadband Internet access service market has experienced significant growth in the past decade. SK Broadband (formerly Hanarotelecom) entered the broadband market in 1999 offering both Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (or HFC) and Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (or ADSL) services. We also began offering broadband Internet access service in 1999, followed by Dreamline, Onse and LG U+. In recent years, numerous cable television operators have also begun to offer HFC-based services at rates lower than ours. We had a market share of 43.8% as of December 31, 2011. As a result of having to compete with a number of competitors and the maturing of the Internet access service market, we currently encounter, and we expect to encounter, pressure to increase marketing expenses in the future.

The market for other Internet-related services in Korea, including IP-TV and Internet phone services, is also very competitive. We anticipate that competition will continue to intensify as the usage and popularity of the Internet grows and as new domestic and international competitors enter the Internet industry in Korea. The substantial growth of the Internet industry in Korea has attracted many competitors and as a result may lead to increasing price competition to provide Internet-related services. Increased competition in the Internet industry could have a material adverse effect on the number of subscribers of our Internet-related service and on our results of operations.

Failure to renew existing bandwidth spectrum, acquire adequate additional bandwidth spectrum or use our bandwidth efficiently may adversely affect our mobile telecommunications business and results of operations.

One of the principal limitations on a wireless network’s subscriber capacity is the amount of bandwidth spectrum allocated to the service provider. We have a license to use 40 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum that we use to provide IMT-2000 services based on W-CDMA wireless network standards. Such license expires in December 2016, and we are required to pay approximately (Won)1.3 trillion during the license period of 15 years. In April 2010, the Korea Communications

 

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Commission announced its decision to allocate 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 900 MHz spectrum to us, which became effective in July 2011, for which we will pay a portion of the actual sales generated from using the bandwidth in the 900 MHz spectrum during the license period of 10 years as a usage fee for the bandwidth, as well as a portion of expected sales that was determined by the Korea Communications Commission at the time of allocation. In June 2011, our right to use 40 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum expired, and the Korea Communications Commission allocated back to us the right to use 20 MHz of such bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum upon expiration pursuant to our application, for which we will pay a portion of the actual sales generated from using the bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum during the license period of 10 years as a usage fee for the bandwidth, as well as a portion of expected sales that was determined by the Korea Communications Commission at the time of allocation.

In August 2011, the Korea Communications Commission auctioned the right to use the remaining 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum that we relinquished, 10 MHz of additional bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum and 20 MHz of additional bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum. We acquired the right to use the 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum, for which we will pay a total usage fee of (Won)261 billion during the license period of 10 years, SK Telecom acquired the right to use the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum and LG U+ acquired the right to use the 20 MHz bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum. We began using the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum, which became available upon termination of our 2G PCS services, to provide our 4G LTE services starting in January 2012, and expect to utilize the newly allocated bandwidths in the 800 MHz and 900 MHz spectrums to further expand our 4G LTE services in the future, if necessary.

The growth of our mobile telecommunications business and the increase in usage of wireless data transmission services have been significant factors in the increased utilization of our bandwidth, since wireless data applications are generally more bandwidth-intensive than voice services. The current trend of increasing data transmission use and the increasing sophistication of multimedia contents are likely to put additional strain on the bandwidth capacity of mobile service providers. In the event we are unable to maintain sufficient bandwidth capacity by renewing existing bandwidth spectrum, receiving additional bandwidth allocation, or cost-effectively implementing technologies that enhance bandwidth usage efficiency, our subscribers may perceive a general decrease in quality of mobile telecommunications services. No assurance can be given that bandwidth constraints will not adversely affect the growth of our mobile telecommunications business.

Introduction of new services, including our 4G LTE services, poses challenges and risks to us.

The telecommunications industry is characterized by continual advances and improvements in telecommunications technology, and we have been continually researching and implementing technology upgrades and additional telecommunication services to maintain our competitiveness. For example, in March 2005, we acquired a license to provide wireless broadband Internet access (or WiBro) service for (Won)126 billion, and commercially launched our service in June 2006. We completed the upgrade of our 4G WiBro network and expanded our WiBro service coverage to 82 cities nationwide and major highways as of March 2011, which we believe allows us to provide WiBro services at speeds that are approximately three times faster than our previous 3G network at a lower cost, and had approximately 740,000 subscribers as of December 31, 2011. We are also upgrading our broadband network to enable FTTH connection, which enhances downstream speed and connection quality. FTTH is a telecommunication architecture in which a communication path is provided over optical fiber cables extending from the telecommunications operator’s switching equipment to the boundary of home or office. FTTH uses fiber optic cable, which is able to carry a high-bandwidth signal for longer distances without degradation. FTTH enables us to deliver enhanced products and services that require high bandwidth, such as IP-TV service and delivery of other digital media content.

 

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In addition, we have been building more advanced mobile telecommunications networks based on LTE technology, which is generally referred to as a 4G technology, and commenced providing commercial 4G LTE services in the Seoul metropolitan area on January 3, 2012. We completed the expansion of our 4G LTE service coverage to 84 cities throughout Korea in April 2012. Several wireless carriers in the United States, Europe and Asia commenced LTE services in recent years and LTE technology is expected to be widely accepted as the standard 4G technology. LTE technology enables data to be transmitted faster than W-CDMA, up to 75 Mbps for downloading and up to 37.5 Mbps for uploading. We expect that the faster data transmission speed of the LTE network, combined with our existing 4G nationwide WiBro network, will allow us to offer significantly improved wireless data transmission services, providing our subscribers with faster wireless access to multimedia content. No assurance can be given that our new services will gain broad market acceptance such that we will be able to derive revenues from such services to justify the license fee, capital expenditures and other investments required to provide such services.

Termination of our second generation Personal Communications Service (or 2G PCS) services may pose risks to us.

As part of our decision to apply for reallocation of the 20 MHz bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum, we applied to the Korea Communications Commission to terminate our 2G PCS services, and on November 23, 2011, the Korea Communications Commission approved our plan. However, on November 30, 2011, approximately 900 of our 2G PCS service subscribers filed a class-action suit against the Korea Communications Commission for its approval of our plan, claiming that we used improper means to reduce our 2G PCS subscribers to comply with regulatory requirements before terminating the 2G PSC services and that the Korea Communications Commission did not consider such factor in approving our plan. On December 6, 2011, the Seoul Administrative Court issued a preliminary injunction, which temporarily suspended our termination of the 2G PCS services until the case went to trial. We immediately appealed the decision and the Seoul High Court overruled the preliminary injunction on December 26, 2011 and reinstated the Korea Communications Commission’s approval. Accordingly, we terminated our 2G PCS services in the Seoul metropolitan area and began the termination process for the rest of Korea on January 3, 2012. On January 12, 2012, the 2G subscribers filed an appeal of the Seoul High Court’s decision with the Supreme Court of Korea, and on February 1, 2012, the Supreme Court of Korea denied such appeal. On January 17, 2012, trial for the original class-action suit filed by the 2G subscribers began in the Seoul Administrative Court. The outcome of the trial, and any effect it may have on us, cannot be determined at this time. There can be no assurance that we will not incur reputational damage from terminating our 2G PCS services, or that further complaints and other potential actions of our 2G PCS subscribers will not adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may not be able to successfully pursue our strategy to acquire businesses and enter into joint ventures that complement or diversify our current business, and we may need to incur additional debt to finance such expansion activities.

One key aspect of our overall business strategy calls for acquisitions of businesses and entering into joint ventures that complement or diversify our current business. In October 2011, we, through our subsidiary KT Capital Co., Ltd., acquired 1,622,520 common shares of BC Card Co., Ltd. to further diversify our business and to create synergies through utilization of our mobile telecommunications network in financial services. In December 2011, we entered into a memorandum of understanding for a strategic partnership with, and acquisition of shares of, Telkom SA Limited, a South African comprehensive telecommunications service provider. In January 2011, we acquired 5,600,000 shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock with voting rights and convertible bonds that are convertible into 5,600,000 shares of common stock of KT Skylife Co., Ltd., a provider of satellite TV service which may also be packaged with our IP-TV services, from Dutch Savings Holdings

 

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B.V. for approximately (Won)246 billion. We exercised the conversion rights on the redeemable convertible preferred stock and the convertible bonds in March 2011, and owned a 50.3% interest in KT Skylife Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 2011.

While we plan to continue our search for other suitable acquisition and joint venture opportunities, we cannot provide assurance that we will be able to identify additional attractive opportunities or that we will successfully complete the transactions, including the proposed transaction with Telkom SA Limited, without encountering administrative, technical, political, financial or other difficulties, or at all. Even if we were to successfully complete the transactions, success of an acquisition or a joint venture depends largely on our ability to achieve the anticipated synergies, cost savings and growth opportunities from integrating the business of the acquired company or the joint venture with our business. There can be no assurance that we will achieve the anticipated benefits of the transaction, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Pursuing acquisitions or joint venture transactions also requires significant capital, and as we pursue further growth opportunities for the future, we may need to raise additional capital through incurring loans or through issuances of bonds or other securities in the international capital markets. The proposed transaction with Telkom SA Limited may also require significant capital resources if the acquisition is eventually successful. However, we cannot guarantee that such capital will be available when needed due to conditions in the capital markets, or that even if such capital is available, it will be available on commercially acceptable terms or in sufficient amounts to make the expenditures required.

Disputes with our labor union may disrupt our business operations.

In the past, we have experienced opposition from our labor union for our strategy of restructuring to improve our efficiency and profitability by disposing of non-core businesses and reducing our employee base. Although we have not experienced any significant labor disputes or unrests in recent years, there can be no assurance that we will not experience labor disputes or unrests in the future, including expanded protests and strikes, which could disrupt our business operations and have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We also negotiate collective bargaining agreements every two years with our labor union and annually negotiate a wage agreement. Our current collective bargaining agreement expires on May 23, 2013. Although we have been able to reach collective bargaining agreements and wage agreements with our labor union in recent years, there can be no assurance that we will not experience labor disputes and unrests resulting from disagreements with the labor union in the future.

The Korean telecommunications and Internet protocol broadcasting industries are subject to extensive Government regulations, and changes in Government policy relating to these industries could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.

The Government, primarily through the Korea Communications Commission, has authority to regulate the telecommunications industry. The Korea Communications Commission’s policy is to promote competition in the Korean telecommunications markets through measures designed to prevent the dominant service provider in any such market from exercising its market power in such a way as to prevent the emergence and development of viable competitors.

Under current Government regulations, if a network service provider has the largest market share for a specified type of service and its revenue from that service for the previous year exceeds a specific revenue amount set by the Korea Communications Commission, it must obtain prior approval from the Korea Communications Commission for the rates and the general terms for that service. Each year the Korea Communications Commission designates service providers the rates and the general

 

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terms of which must be approved by the Korea Communications Commission. In recent years, the Korea Communications Commission has so designated us for local telephone service and SK Telecom for mobile service, and the Korea Communications Commission, in consultation with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, currently approves rates charged by us and SK Telecom for such services.

The Korea Communications Commission currently does not regulate our domestic long-distance, international long-distance, broadband internet access and mobile service rates, but the inability to freely set our local telephone service rates may hurt profits from such business and impede our ability to compete effectively against our competitors. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Item 4.B. Business Overview—Regulation—Rates.” The form of our standard agreement for providing local network service and each agreement for interconnection with other service providers are also subject to approval by the Korea Communications Commission. In addition, the Korea Communications Commission may periodically announce public policy guidelines or suggestions that we take into consideration in setting our tariff for non-regulated services. In June 2011, upon recommendation of the Korea Communications Commission, SK Telecom announced tariff reduction measures, including a reduction of the monthly fee by (Won)1,000 for every subscriber, an exemption of usage charges for short text message service, or SMS, up to 50 messages per month and the introduction of flexible service plans for smart phone users. In August 2011, after discussions with the Korea Communications Commission, we announced the adoption of various tariff reduction measures, including a reduction of the monthly fee by (Won)1,000 for every mobile subscriber (effective October 21, 2011), an exemption of usage charges for SMS, of up to 50 messages per month (effective November 1, 2011) and the introduction of customized fixed rate plans for smart phone users (effective October 24, 2011). There can be no assurance that we will not adopt other tariff-reducing measures in the future to comply with the Korea Communications Commission’s public policy guidelines or suggestions.

The Government also sets the policies regarding the use of radio frequencies and allocates the spectrum of radio frequencies used for wireless telecommunications. For a discussion of the Government’s recent policies and practices on bandwidth spectrum allocation, see “Item 3. Key information—Item 3.D. Risk Factors—“Failure to renew existing bandwidth spectrum, acquire adequate additional bandwidth spectrum or use our bandwidth efficiently may adversely affect our mobile telecommunications business and results of operations.” The new allocations of bandwidth could increase competition among wireless service providers, which may have an adverse effect on our business.

We also plan to put more focus on the Internet protocol (or IP) media market, and we began offering IP-TV service on November 17, 2008. IP-TV is a service which combines video-on-demand services with real-time high definition broadcasting via broadband networks. The Korea Communications Commission has the authority to regulate the IP media market, including IP-TV services. Under the Internet Multimedia Broadcasting Business Act, anyone intending to engage in the IP media broadcasting business must obtain a license from the Korea Communications Commission, and anyone intending to engage in the broadcasting of certain contents must obtain additional approval of the Korea Communications Commission. In addition, KT Skylife Co. (formerly Korea Digital Satellite Broadcasting Co., Ltd.), which became our consolidated subsidiary starting in January 2011, offers satellite TV services, which may also be packaged with our IP-TV services. KT Skylife is also subject to the regulation of the Korea Communications Commission pursuant to the Korea Broadcasting Act.

Government policies and regulations relating to the above as well as other regulations involving the Korean telecommunications and IP broadcasting industries (including as a result of the implementation of free trade agreements between Korea and other countries, including the United States and the European Union) may change, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Item 4.B. Business Overview—Regulation.”

 

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We are subject to various regulations under the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act.

The Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act provides for various regulations and restrictions on large business groups enforced by the Korea Fair Trade Commission. The Korea Fair Trade Commission initially designated us as a large business group under the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act on April 1, 2002. Our business relationships and transactions with our subsidiaries, affiliates and other companies within the KT Group are subject to ongoing scrutiny by the Fair Trade Commission as to, among other things, whether such relationships and transactions constitute undue financial support among companies of the same business group. We are also subject to the fair trade regulations limiting cross-guarantee of debt and cross-shareholdings among member companies of the same group. Any future determination by the Korea Fair Trade Commission that we have engaged in transactions that violate the fair trade laws and regulations may result in fines or other punitive measures and may have a material adverse effect on our reputation and our business.

Concerns that radio frequency emissions may be linked to various health concerns could adversely affect our business and we could be subject to litigation relating to these health concerns.

In the past, allegations that serious health risks may result from the use of wireless telecommunications devices or other transmission equipment have adversely affected share prices of some wireless telecommunications companies in the United States. In May 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (“IARC”) announced that it has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields associated with wireless phone use as possibly carcinogenic to humans, based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer. The IARC is part of the World Health Organization that conducts research on the causes of human cancer and the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and aims to develop scientific strategies for cancer control. We cannot assure you that such health concerns will not adversely affect our business. Several class action and personal injury lawsuits have been filed in the United States against several wireless phone manufacturers and carriers, asserting product liability, breach of warranty and other claims relating to radio transmissions to and from wireless phones. Certain of these lawsuits have been dismissed. We could be subject to liability or incur significant costs defending lawsuits brought by our subscribers or other parties who claim to have been harmed by or as a result of our services. In addition, the actual or perceived risk of wireless telecommunications devices could have an adverse effect on us by reducing our number of subscribers or our usage per subscriber.

Depreciation of the value of the Won against the Dollar and other major foreign currencies may have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations and on the prices of our securities.

Substantially all of our revenues are denominated in Won. Depreciation of the Won may materially affect the results of our operations because, among other things, it causes an increase in the amount of Won required by us to make interest and principal payments on our foreign-currency-denominated debt, the costs of telecommunications equipment that we purchase from overseas sources, net settlement payments to foreign carriers and certain payments related to our derivative instruments entered into for foreign exchange risk hedging purposes. Of the (Won)8,918 billion total principal amount of long-term borrowings (less current portion) outstanding as of December 31, 2011, (Won)2,596 billion was denominated in foreign currencies with an average weighted interest rate of 3.93%. The interest rates of such long-term debt denominated in foreign currencies ranged from 1.05% (for US$100 million floating rate notes due 2013 with an interest rate of three month London Interbank Offered Rate plus 0.47%) to 6.50% (for US$100 million fixed rate notes due 2034 issued under our medium-term note program). See “Item 3. Key Information—Item 3.A. Select Financial Data—

 

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Exchange Rate Information”, “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources” and “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Interest Rate Risk.”

Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Won and the Dollar will also affect the Dollar equivalent of the Won price of the shares of our common stock on the KRX KOSPI Market and, as a result, will likely affect the market price of the ADSs. These fluctuations will also affect the Dollar conversion by the depositary for the ADRs of cash dividends, if any, paid in Won on shares of common stock represented by the ADSs.

Risks Relating to Korea

Korea is our most important market, and our current business and future growth could be materially and adversely affected if economic conditions in Korea deteriorate.

Substantially all of our operations, customers and assets are located in Korea. Accordingly, the performance and successful fulfillment of our operational strategies are necessarily dependent on the overall Korean economy and the resulting impact on the demand for telecommunications services. The economic indicators in Korea in recent years have shown mixed signs of growth and uncertainty, and future growth of the economy is subject to many factors beyond our control.

In recent years, adverse conditions and volatility in the worldwide financial markets, fluctuations in oil and commodity prices and the general weakness of the U.S. and global economy have contributed to the uncertainty of global economic prospects in general and have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, the Korean economy. From the second half of 2008 to the first half of 2010, the value of the Won relative to major foreign currencies in general and the U.S. dollar in particular fluctuated widely. While such fluctuations generally stabilized in the second half of 2010 and into 2011, there has been increased volatility in the value of the Won in recent months reflecting the general volatility in the global financial markets. There is no guarantee that they will not occur again in the future. “Item 3. Key Information—Item 3.A. Select Financial Data—Exchange Rate Information” A depreciation of the Won increases the cost of imported goods and services and the Won revenue needed by Korean companies to service foreign currency-denominated debt. An appreciation of the Won, on the other hand, causes export products of Korean companies to be less competitive by raising their prices in terms of the relevant foreign currency and reduces the Won value of such export sales. Furthermore, as a result of adverse global and Korean economic conditions, there has been an overall decline and continuing volatility in the stock prices of Korean companies. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (known as the “KOSPI”) declined from 1,897.1 on December 31, 2007 to 938.8 on October 24, 2008. While the KOSPI have recovered since 2008, there has been increased volatility in the KOSPI in recent months, particularly following the downgrading by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services of the long-term sovereign credit rating of the United States to “AA+” from “AAA” in August 2011 and in light of the financial difficulties affecting many other governments worldwide, in particular Greece, Portugal, Spain, Italy and other countries in Europe. There is no guarantee that the stock prices of Korean companies will not decline again in the future. Future declines in the KOSPI and large amounts of sales of Korean securities by foreign investors and subsequent repatriation of the proceeds of such sales may continue to adversely affect the value of the Won, the foreign currency reserves held by financial institutions in Korea, and the ability of Korean companies to raise capital. Any future deterioration of the Korean or global economy could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Developments that could have an adverse impact on Korea’s economy in the future include:

 

   

difficulties in the financial sectors in Europe and elsewhere and increased sovereign default risks in select countries and the resulting adverse effects on the global financial markets;

 

   

declines in consumer confidence and a slowdown in consumer spending;

 

   

adverse changes or volatility in foreign currency reserve levels, commodity prices, exchange rates (including fluctuation of the Dollar or Japanese Yen exchange rates or revaluation of the Chinese renminbi), interest rates, inflation rates or stock markets;

 

   

continuing adverse conditions in the economies of countries that are important export markets for Korea, such as the United States, Japan and China, or in emerging market economies in Asia or elsewhere;

 

   

increasing delinquencies and credit defaults by retail and small- and medium-sized enterprise borrowers;

 

   

the continued emergence of the Chinese economy, to the extent its benefits (such as increased exports to China) are outweighed by its costs (such as competition in export markets or for foreign investment and the relocation of the manufacturing base from Korea to China);

 

   

the economic impact of any pending or future free trade agreements;

 

   

social and labor unrest;

 

   

substantial decreases in the market prices of Korean real estate;

 

   

a decrease in tax revenues and a substantial increase in the Korean government’s expenditures for fiscal stimulus measures, unemployment compensation and other economic and social programs that, together, would lead to an increased government budget deficit;

 

   

financial problems or lack of progress in the restructuring of Korean conglomerates, other large troubled companies, their suppliers or the financial sector;

 

   

loss of investor confidence arising from corporate accounting irregularities and corporate governance issues at certain Korean conglomerates;

 

   

geo-political uncertainty and risk of further attacks by terrorist groups around the world;

 

   

the occurrence of severe health epidemics in Korea and other parts of the world;

 

   

deterioration in economic or diplomatic relations between Korea and its trading partners or allies, including deterioration resulting from trade disputes or disagreements in foreign policy;

 

   

political uncertainty or increasing strife among or within political parties in Korea;

 

   

hostilities or political or social tensions involving oil producing countries in the Middle East and North Africa and any material disruption in the supply of oil or increase in the price of oil;

 

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the occurrence of severe earthquakes, tsunamis and other natural disasters in Korea and other parts of the world, particularly in trading partners (such as the March 2011 earthquake in Japan, which also resulted in the release of radioactive materials from a nuclear plant that had been damaged by the earthquake); and

 

   

an increase in the level of tensions or an outbreak of hostilities between North Korea and Korea or the United States.

Escalations in tensions with North Korea could have an adverse effect on us.

Relations between Korea and North Korea have been tense throughout Korea’s modern history. The level of tension between the two Koreas has fluctuated and may increase abruptly as a result of current and future events. In particular, since the death of Kim Jong-il in December 2011, there has been increased uncertainty with respect to the future of North Korea’s political leadership and concern regarding its implications for political and economic stability in the region. Although Kim Jong-il designated his third son, Kim Jong-eun, as his successor prior to his death, the eventual outcome of such leadership transition remains uncertain. Only limited information is available about Kim Jong-eun, who is reported to be in his late twenties, and it remains unclear which individuals or factions, if any, will share political power with Kim Jong-eun or assume the leadership if the transition is not successful.

In addition, there have been heightened security concerns in recent years stemming from North Korea’s nuclear weapon and long-range missile programs as well as its hostile military actions against Korea. North Korea renounced its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in January 2003 followed by a nuclear test in October 2006, which increased tensions in the region and elicited strong objections worldwide. In May 2009, North Korea announced that it had successfully conducted a second nuclear test and test-fired three short-range surface-to-air missiles. In response, the United Nations Security Council unanimously passed a resolution that condemned North Korea for the nuclear test and decided to expand and tighten sanctions against North Korea. In March 2010, a Korean warship was destroyed by an underwater explosion, killing many of the crewmen on board. The Government formally accused North Korea of causing the sinking, while North Korea has denied responsibility. In November 2010, North Korea reportedly fired more than one hundred artillery shells that hit Korea’s Yeonpyeong Island near the maritime border between Korea and North Korea on the west coast of Korea, killing two Korean soldiers and two civilians, wounding many others and causing significant property damage. The Government condemned North Korea for the attack and vowed stern retaliation should there be further provocation. On April 13, 2012, North Korea launched a long-range rocket over the Yellow Sea. Korea, Japan and the United States condemned the launch and the United Nations Security Council adopted a chairman’s statement condemning North Korea for the launch.

North Korea’s economy also faces severe challenges. In November 2009, the North Korean government redenominated its currency at a ratio of 100 to 1 as part of a currency reform undertaken in an attempt to control inflation and reduce income gaps. In tandem with the currency redenomination, the North Korean government banned the use or possession of foreign currency by its residents and closed down privately run markets, which led to severe inflation and food shortages. Such developments may further aggravate social and political tensions within North Korea. There can be no assurance that the level of tension on the Korean peninsula will not escalate in the future. Any further increase in tensions could have a material adverse effect on the Korean economy and on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Risks Relating to the Securities

If an investor surrenders his ADSs to withdraw the underlying shares, he may not be allowed to deposit the shares again to obtain ADSs.

Korean law currently limits foreign ownership of the ADSs and our shares. In addition, under our deposit agreement, the depositary bank cannot accept deposits of shares and deliver ADSs representing those shares unless (1) we have consented to such deposit or (2) Korean counsel has advised the depositary bank that the consent required under (1) is no longer required under Korean laws and regulations. Under current Korean laws and regulations, the depositary bank is required to obtain our prior consent for the number of shares to be deposited in any given proposed deposit which exceeds the difference between (1) the aggregate number of shares deposited by us or with our consent for the issuance of ADSs (including deposits in connection with the initial and all subsequent offerings of ADSs and stock dividends or other distributions related to these ADSs) and (2) the number of shares on deposit with the depositary bank at the time of such proposed deposit. The depositary bank has informed us that, at a time it considers to be appropriate, the depositary bank plans to start accepting deposits of shares without our consent and to deliver ADSs representing those shares up to the amount allowed under current Korean laws and regulations. Until such time, however, the depositary bank will continue to obtain our consent for such deposits of shares and delivery of ADSs, which we may not provide. Consequently, if an investor surrenders his ADSs to withdraw the underlying shares, he may not be allowed to deposit the shares again to obtain ADSs. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.D. Exchange Controls.”

A foreign investor may not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to common shares exceeding the number of common shares held by our largest domestic shareholder.

Under the Telecommunications Business Act, a foreign shareholder who holds 5.0% or more of our total shares is prohibited from becoming our largest shareholder. However, any foreign shareholder who held 5.0% or more of our total shares and was our largest shareholder on or prior to May 9, 2004 is exempt from the regulations, provided that such foreign shareholder may not acquire any more of our shares. Under the Telecommunications Business Act, the Korea Communications Commission may, if it deems it necessary to preserve substantial public interests, prohibit a foreign shareholder from being our largest shareholder. In addition, the Foreign Investment Promotion Act prohibits any foreign shareholder from being our largest shareholder if such shareholder owns 5.0% or more of our shares with voting rights. In the event that any foreigner or foreign government acquires our shares in violation of the above provisions, such foreign shareholder may not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to common shares exceeding such threshold. The Korea Communications Commission may also order us or the foreign shareholder to take corrective measures in respect of the excess shares within a specified period of six months or less.

Holders of ADSs will not be able to exercise dissenter’s rights unless they have withdrawn the underlying common stock and become our direct shareholders.

In some limited circumstances, including the transfer of the whole or any significant part of our business and our merger or consolidation with another company, dissenting shareholders have the right to require us to purchase their shares under Korean law. A holder of ADSs will not be able to exercise dissenter’s rights unless he has withdrawn the underlying common stock and become our direct shareholder. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.”

 

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An investor may not be able to exercise preemptive rights for additional shares and may suffer dilution of his equity interest in us.

The Commercial Code of Korea and our articles of incorporation require us, with some exceptions, to offer shareholders the right to subscribe for new shares in proportion to their existing ownership percentage whenever new shares are issued. If we offer any rights to subscribe for additional shares of our common stock or any rights of any other nature, the depositary bank, after consultation with us, may make the rights available to an ADS holder or use reasonable efforts to dispose of the rights on behalf of the ADS holder and make the net proceeds available to the ADS holder. The depositary bank, however, is not required to make available to an ADS holder any rights to purchase any additional shares unless it deems that doing so is lawful and feasible and:

 

   

a registration statement filed by us under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is in effect with respect to those shares; or

 

   

the offering and sale of those shares is exempt from or is not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

We are under no obligation to file any registration statement. If a registration statement is required for an ADS holder to exercise preemptive rights but is not filed by us, the ADS holder will not be able to exercise his preemptive rights for additional shares. As a result, the ADS holder may suffer dilution of his equity interest in us.

Forward-looking statements may prove to be inaccurate.

This annual report contains “forward-looking statements” that are based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about our company and our industry. The forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “project,” “should,” and similar expressions. Those statements include, among other things, the discussions of our business strategy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity and capital resources. We caution you that reliance on any forward-looking statement involves risks and uncertainties, and that although we believe that the assumptions on which our forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and, as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions could be incorrect. The uncertainties in this regard include, but are not limited to, those identified in the risk factors discussed above. In light of these and other uncertainties, you should not conclude that we will necessarily achieve any plans and objectives or projected financial results referred to in any of the forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to release the results of any revisions of these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

Item 4.   Information on the Company

Item 4.A.  History and Development of the Company

In 1981, the Government established us under the Korea Telecom Act to operate the telecommunications services business that it previously directly operated. Under the Korea Telecom Act and the Government-Invested Enterprises Management Basic Act, the Government exercised substantial control over our business and affairs. Effective October 1, 1997, the Korea Telecom Act was repealed and the Government-Invested Enterprises Management Basic Act became inapplicable

 

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to us. As a result, we became a corporation under the Commercial Code, and our corporate organization and shareholders’ rights were governed by the Privatization Law and the Commercial Code. Among other things, we began to exercise greater autonomy in setting our annual budget and making investments in the telecommunications industry, and our shareholders began electing our directors, who used to be appointed by the Government under the Korea Telecom Act.

Prior to 1993, the Government owned all of the issued shares of our common stock. From 1993 through May 2002, the Government disposed of all of its equity interest in us, and the Privatization Law ceased to apply to us in August 2002. We amended our legal name from Korea Telecom Corp. to KT Corporation in March 2002.

Before December 1991, we were the sole provider of local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone services in Korea. The Government began to introduce competition in the telecommunications services market in the early 1990’s. As a result, including ourselves, there are currently three local telephone service providers, five domestic long-distance carriers and numerous international long-distance carriers (including voice resellers) in Korea. In addition, the Government awarded licenses to several service providers to promote competition in other telecommunications business areas such as mobile telephone services and data network services. On June 1, 2009, KTF merged into KT Corporation, with KT Corporation surviving the merger, with the objective of maximizing management efficiencies of our fixed-line and mobile telecommunications operations as well as more effectively responding to the convergence trends in the telecommunications industry. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview—Competition.”

Our legal and commercial name is KT Corporation. Our principal executive offices are located at 206 Jungja-dong, Bundang-gu, Sungnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea, and our telephone number is (8231) 727-0114.

Item 4.B.  Business Overview

We are the leading telecommunications service provider in Korea and one of the largest and most advanced in Asia. As an integrated telecommunications service provider, our principal services include:

 

   

mobile telecommunications services;

 

   

telephone services, including local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance fixed-line and VoIP telephone services and interconnection services to other telecommunications companies;

 

   

broadband Internet access service and other Internet-related services, including IP-TV services; and

 

   

various other services, including leased line service and other data communication service, satellite service, credit card business and information technology and network services such as cloud computing services.

Leveraging on our dominant position in the fixed-line telephone services market and our established customer base in Korea, we have successfully pursued new growth opportunities during the past decade and obtained strong market positions in each of our principal lines of business. In particular:

 

   

in the mobile services market in Korea, we achieved a market share of 31.5% with approximately 16.5 million subscribers as of December 31, 2011;

 

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in the fixed-line telephone services market in Korea, we continue to be the dominant provider with approximately 24.0 million installed lines, of which 15.8 million lines were in service as of December 31, 2011. As of such date, our market share of the local market was 84.3% and our market share of the domestic long-distance market was 80.5%;

 

   

we are Korea’s largest broadband Internet access provider with 7.8 million subscribers as of December 31, 2011, representing a market share of 43.8%; and

 

   

we are also the leading provider of data communication services in Korea.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, our operating revenues were (Won)21,990 billion, our profit for the period was (Won)1,452 billion and our basic earnings per share was (Won)5,946. As of December 31, 2011, our total equity was (Won)12,538 billion.

Business Strategy

We believe the telecommunications market in Korea will continue to expand due to Korea’s growing economy, consumers’ willingness to adopt new technologies, relatively high income and a relatively large middle class. In order to enhance the management efficiencies of our mobile and fixed-line telecommunications operations as well as more effectively respond to the convergence trends in the telecommunications industry, KTF merged into KT Corporation on June 1, 2009, with KT Corporation surviving the merger. We also restructured our organization into three sub-groups, the Home Customer Group, the Personal Customer Group and the Global & Enterprise Customer Group, so that we may more effectively address differing needs of our customer segments. Consistent with our strategic objectives, we aim to pursue growth through the following four core areas:

 

   

Home Customer Group. We aim to offer a one-stop-shop that satisfies various information technology and telecommunications needs of a household. In 2010, we launched a new brand “olleh” to promote our bundled products, which include broadband Internet access service, IP-TV service, Internet phone service and fixed-line telephone service. We aim to differentiate ourselves from our competitors by providing broadband Internet access service using high-speed fiber-to-the-home (or FTTH) connection and offering Internet phone service with value-added features such as video communication, short message service and phone banking. We also began offering real-time broadcasting service on our IP-TV service starting in November 2008.

 

   

Personal Customer Group. Our Personal Customer Group focuses on expanding our wireless data communication business to meet the rising demand for broadband Internet access using advanced wireless data communications devices such as smart phones. We are working closely with handset manufacturers to expand our offerings of smart phones and handsets designed to promote convergence of fixed-line and mobile telecommunications services, as well as promote development of various applications for such devices. In line with this strategy, we began offering Apple’s iPhone for the first time in Korea on November 28, 2009 and have expanded our offerings of smart phones from other mobile handset manufacturers. We believe that our WiBro network, which enables two-way wireless broadband Internet access to portable computers, mobile phones and other portable devices, as well as our extensive wireless LAN networks installed nationwide, enable our subscribers to maximize effective usage of their smart phones. We plan to take advantage of our industry-leading network infrastructure to attract more customers as this market further develops. In addition, we aim to further enhance our position in the mobile telecommunications market by leveraging on our strong brand, nationwide marketing network, competitive data usage rates, call centers dedicated to

 

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smart phone users, creative marketing strategies that address our potential customers’ needs and ability to bundle various mobile and fixed-line services. We also plan to further expand our contents and applications for smart phone users and mobile data users by cooperating with application developers in Korea and abroad, in order to further solidify our position as a leader in the convergence market.

 

   

Global & Enterprise Customer Group. We aim to provide our corporate customers, small- and medium-sized enterprises and government agencies with one-stop solution services including designing data communications and information technology infrastructure to overseeing their day-to-day operations with the objective of achieving operational efficiencies and cost savings. We provide solutions specifically tailored for individual clients, as well as Internet-based computing services, whereby shared resources, software and information are delivered from our data centers and servers. For example, we designed an urban transit infrastructure maintenance system for the Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation, in which workers are able to utilize their smart phones to report back their maintenance results to the headquarters remotely from the maintenance site. Leveraging our extensive customer base, we plan to further expand the range of innovative solutions for our enterprise customers.

 

   

Convergence. We believe that convergence of fixed-line and mobile communications technologies provides a competitive advantage to us because we have the technological know-how and experience to design and construct a unified delivery platform for a new generation of value-added services. We plan to make such platform more readily available to others so that they may create additional contents and convenience solutions such as electronic commerce and digital transaction applications that can be utilized anywhere using various media and communications devices.

The Telecommunications Industry in Korea

The Korean telecommunications industry is one of the most developed in Asia. According to the Korea Communications Commission, the number of mobile subscribers in Korea was 52.5 million and the number of broadband Internet access subscribers in Korea was 17.9 million as of December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2011, the mobile penetration rate, which is calculated by dividing the number of mobile subscribers (including multiple counting of those who subscribe to more than one mobile service) by the population of Korea, was 107.2%, and the broadband Internet penetration rate, which is calculated by dividing the number of broadband Internet access service subscribers (including multiple counting of those who subscribe to more than one broadband Internet access service) by the number of households in Korea, was 102.8%.

Mobile Telecommunications Service Market

The Korean cellular market was formally established in 1984 when SK Telecom, formerly Korea Mobile Telecom, became the first mobile telephone operator in Korea. SK Telecom remained the only cellular operator in Korea until Shinsegi Telecom began service in 1994. In order to encourage further market growth and competition, the Ministry of Information and Communication awarded three PCS licenses in June 1996. KTF was awarded a license alongside LG U+ and Hansol M.com, and commercial PCS service was launched in October 1997.

Since the introduction of three new operators in 1997, the Korean mobile market has undergone consolidation and significant growth. Following SK Telecom’s purchase of a controlling stake in Shinsegi, we acquired a 47.9% interest in Hansol M.com in 2000 and renamed the company KT M.com. KT M.com merged into KTF in May 2001 and Shinsegi merged into SK Telecom in

 

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January 2002. On June 1, 2009, KTF merged into KT Corporation, with KT Corporation surviving the merger. KT Corporation and SK Telecom offer third-generation, high-capacity HSDPA-based IMT-2000 wireless Internet and video multimedia communications services that use significantly greater bandwidth capacity. In July 2011, SK Telecom and LG U+ began offering fourth-generation communications services based on LTE technology, which enables data transmission at a speed faster than W-CDMA or WiBro networks, and we began our 4G LTE services in January 2012.

The table below gives the subscription and penetration information of the mobile telecommunications industry for the periods indicated:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2007     2008     2009     2010     2011  

Total Korean Population (1)

     48,457        48,607        48,747        48,875        48,989   

Mobile Subscribers (2)

     43,498        45,607        47,944        50,767        52,507   

Mobile Subscriber Growth Rate

     8.2     4.9     5.1     5.9     3.4

Mobile Penetration (3)

     89.8     93.8     98.4     103.9     107.2

 

 

(1) In thousands, based on population trend estimates by the National Statistical Office of Korea.

 

(2) In thousands, based on information announced by the Korea Communications Commission.

 

(3) Penetration is determined by dividing mobile subscribers by total Korean population.

Broadband Internet Access Market

With the advancement of broadband technology, the Korean broadband Internet access market has experienced significant growth. The principal technologies used in providing high speed Internet access services are xDSL, HFC and fiber optic LAN. xDSL refers to various types of digital subscriber lines, including ADSL and VDSL. xDSL offers an access solution over existing telephone lines using a specialized modem while HFC service involves the use of two-way cable networks. Fiber optic LAN is a technology that combines fiber optic cables and Unshielded Twisted Pair (or UTP) cables. Fiber optic cables are connected to residential and commercial buildings with UTP cable-based LAN capabilities. While xDSL and HFC are more widely used technologies because of their relative reliability, ease of provisioning and cost effectiveness, fiber optic LAN usage in Korea has been steadily increasing in recent years.

Since the subscribers of two-way cable networks share a limited bandwidth, the downstream speed tends to slow down as the number of subscribers increases, thereby decreasing the quality of HFC-based service. While xDSL technology was commercially introduced after HFC technology, it has surpassed HFC to become the prevalent broadband access platform in Korea. VDSL, ADSL-based technology with enhanced downstream speed, became commercialized in 2002. Some of the service providers have upgraded their broadband network to provide fiber optic LAN-based service to their subscribers, which further enhances data transmission speed up to 100 Mbps as well as improves connection quality, and enables such service providers to offer video-on-demand services with real-time high definition broadcasting.

In recent years, broadband Internet access service providers and mobile telecommunications service providers have focused their attention to provide wireless Internet connection capabilities. They have introduced wireless LAN service with speeds of up to 155 Mbps, which is designed to integrate fixed-line and wireless services by offering high speed wireless Internet access to laptops, PDAs and smart phones in hot-spot zones and at home. Some service providers have also developed wireless Internet networks to provide WiBro service, which enables two-way wireless broadband Internet access to portable computers, mobile phones and other portable devices at a speed averaging 3 Mbps.

 

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Our Services

Mobile Service

We provide mobile services based on W-CDMA technology and LTE technology. Prior to the merger of KTF into KT Corporation, we provided such services through KTF, which was formerly a consolidated subsidiary. KTF obtained one of the three licenses to provide nationwide PCS service in June 1996 and began offering PCS service in October 1997. On June 1, 2009, KTF merged into KT Corporation, with KT Corporation surviving the merger, with the objective of maximizing management efficiencies of our fixed-line and mobile telecommunications operations as well as more effectively responding to the convergence trends in the telecommunications industry. We currently offer HSDPA-based IMT-2000 services, which are third-generation, high-capacity wireless Internet and video multimedia communications services based on W-CDMA wireless network standards that allow an operator to provide to its subscribers significantly more bandwidth capacity. In January 2012, we also began offering 4G LTE services under the brand name “WARP,” following the termination of our 2G PCS services. We completed the expansion of our 4G LTE service coverage to 84 cities throughout Korea in April 2012.

Revenues related to mobile service accounted for 31.0% of our operating revenues in 2011. In addition, our goods sold, which are primarily from mobile handset sales, accounted for 19.9% of our operating revenues in 2011. The following table shows selected information concerning the usage of our network during the periods indicated and the number of our subscribers as of the end of such periods:

 

     As of or for the Year Ended December 31,  
             2010                      2011          

Outgoing Minutes (in millions)

     34,570         36,102   

Average Monthly Outgoing Minutes per Subscriber (1)

     184         184   

Average Monthly Revenue per Subscriber (2)

   (Won) 36,801       (Won) 34,379   

Number of Subscribers (in thousands)

     16,041         16,563   

 

 

(1) The average monthly outgoing minutes per subscriber is computed by dividing the total minutes of usage for the period by the weighted average number of subscribers for the period and dividing the quotient by the number of months in the period. The weighted average number of subscribers is the sum of the total number of subscribers at the end of each month divided by the number of months in the period.

 

(2) The average monthly revenue per subscriber is computed by dividing initial activation fees, total monthly fees, usage charges, interconnection fees and value-added service fees for the period by the weighted average number of subscribers and dividing the quotient by the number of months in the period.

We compete with SK Telecom, a mobile service provider that has a longer operating history than us, and LG U+ that began its service at around the same time as KTF. As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately 16.5 million subscribers, or a market share of 31.5%, which was second largest among the three mobile service providers.

We market our mobile services primarily through independent exclusive dealers located throughout Korea. As of December 31, 2011, there were approximately 2,200 shops managed by our independent exclusive dealers. In addition to assisting new subscribers to activate mobile service and purchase handsets, authorized dealers are connected to our database and are able to assist customers with account information. Although most of these dealers sell exclusively our products and services, sub-dealers hired by exclusive dealers may sell products and services offered by other mobile telecommunications service providers. Authorized dealers are entitled to a commission for each new subscriber registered, as well as ongoing commissions for the first five years based primarily on the subscriber’s monthly fee, usage charges and length of subscription. The handsets sold by us to the dealers cannot be returned to us unless they are defective. If a handset is defective, it may be exchanged for a new one within 14 days from the date of purchase.

 

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In response to the diversification of our customers’ demands and their increasing sophistication, we have also selectively engaged in opportunities to expand our internal sales channels in recent years. In 2007, we established a wholly-owned subsidiary, KT M&S Co., Ltd., that operates approximately 140 customer plazas that engage in mobile service sales activities as well as provide a one-stop shop for a wide range of other services and products that we offer. We also operate a website to promote and advertise our products and services to the general public and in particular to younger customers who are more familiar with the Internet.

We conduct the screening process for new subscribers with great caution. A potential subscriber must meet all minimum credit criteria before receiving mobile service. The procedure includes checking the history of non-payment and credit information from banks and credit agencies such as the National Information and Credit Evaluation Corporation. Applicants who do not meet the minimum criteria can only subscribe to the mobile service by using a pre-paid card.

Telephone Services

Fixed-line Telephone Services. We utilize our extensive nationwide telephone network to provide fixed-line telephone services, which consist of local, domestic long-distance, international long-distance services and land-to-mobile interconnection services. These fixed-line telephone services accounted for 17.3% of our operating revenues in 2011. Our telephone network includes exchanges, long-distance transmission equipment and fiber optic and copper cables. The following table gives some basic measures of the development of our telephone system:

 

     As of or for the Year Ended December 31,  
     2007      2008      2009      2010      2011  

Total Korean population (thousands) (1)

     48,457         48,607         48,747         48,875         48,989   

Lines installed (thousands) (2)

     26,671         26,008         25,907         25,524         23,925   

Lines in service (thousands) (2)

     19,980         18,883         17,069         16,620         15,900   

Lines in service per 100 inhabitants (3)

     41.2         38.8         35.0         34.0         30.8   

Fiber optic cable (kilometers)

     267,421         312,232         405,528         448,328         527,188   

Number of public telephones installed (thousands)

     185         161         144         123         111   

Domestic long-distance call minutes (millions) (4) (5)

     13,375         11,591         9,526         7,318         6,574   

Local call pulses (millions) (4)

     14,676         12,449         8,406         7,973         6,697   

 

 

(1) Based on population trend estimates by the National Statistical Office of Korea.

 

(2) Including lines used for public telephones but excluding lines dedicated to centralized extension system services for corporate subscribers.

 

(3) Determined based on lines in service and total Korean population.

 

(4) Excluding calls placed from public telephones.

 

(5) Estimated by KT Corporation.

Our domestic long-distance cable network is entirely made up of fiber optic cable and can carry both voice and data transmissions. Compared to conventional materials such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable provides significantly greater transmission capacity with less signal fading, thus requiring less frequent amplification. All of our lines are connected to exchanges capable of handling digital signal technology. A principal limitation of the older analog technology is that applications other than voice communications, such as the transmission of text and computer data, require either separate networks or conversion equipment. Digital systems permit a range of voice, text and data applications to be transmitted simultaneously on the same network.

 

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The following table shows the number of minutes of international long-distance calls recorded by us and specific service providers utilizing our international long-distance network in each specified category for each year in the five-year period ended December 31, 2011:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2007      2008      2009      2010      2011  
     (In millions of billed minutes)  

Incoming international long-distance calls

     627.4         603.7         442.2         523.5         541.6   

Outgoing international long-distance calls

     431.4         398.1         325.9         325.1         332.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,058.8         1,001.8         768.1         848.7         873.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Japan (18.5%), China (17.4%) and United States (13.4%) accounted for the greatest percentage of our international long-distance call traffic measured in minutes in 2011. In recent years, the volume of our incoming calls exceeded the volume of our outgoing calls. The agreed settlement rate is applied to the call minutes to determine the applicable net settlement payment.

Interconnection. Under the Telecommunications Business Act, we are required to permit other service providers to interconnect to our fixed-line network. Currently, the principal users of this interconnection capacity include SK Broadband and LG U+ (offering local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance services), Onse and SK Telink (offering international and domestic long-distance services), and SK Telecom and LG U+ (transmitting calls to and from their mobile networks). We expect that interconnection revenues and payments will remain important for our results of operations. In recent years, revenues from a landline user for a call initiated by a landline user to a mobile service subscriber (land-to-mobile interconnection) have become a significant portion of our results of operations, accounting for 3.5% of our operating revenues in 2011. We recognize as land-to-mobile interconnection revenue the entire amount of the usage charge collected from the landline user and recognize as an expense the amount of interconnection charge paid to the mobile service provider.

Internet phone services. The volume of calls made through Internet phone services has significantly increased since Internet phone service was first introduced in Korea in 1998. We provide Internet phone services that enable VoIP phone devices with broadband connection to make domestic and international calls. In order to differentiate our Internet phone services from our competitors’ services, we provide value-added services such as video communication, short message service, phone banking and a variety of traffic and local news information. As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately 3.2 million subscribers.

Internet Services

Broadband Internet Access Service. Leveraging on our nationwide network of 527,188 kilometers of fiber optic cable network, we have achieved a leading market position in the broadband Internet access market in Korea. We believe we have a competitive advantage over other broadband Internet access service providers because, unlike our competitors, we can utilize our existing networks nationwide to provide broadband Internet access service. Our broadband Internet access service accounted for 8.5% of our operating revenues in 2011. Our principal Internet access services include:

 

   

ADSL, VDSL, Ethernet and FTTH services under the “olleh Internet” brand name;

 

   

wireless LAN service (or WiFi) under the “ollehWiFi” brand name, which is designed to integrate fixed-line and wireless services by offering high speed wireless Internet access to laptops, PDAs and smart phones in hot-spot zones and olleh Internet service in fixed-line environments. OllehWiFi enables subscribers to access the Internet at up to 155 Mbps. We sponsored approximately 100,000 hot-spot zones nationwide for wireless connection as of December 31, 2011; and

 

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olleh 4G WiBro Internet access service, which enables two-way wireless broadband Internet access to portable computers, mobile phones and other portable devices at a speed averaging 5 Mbps per user.

We had 7.8 million fixed-line olleh Internet subscribers and approximately 221 thousand ollehWiFi service subscribers as of December 31, 2011. We commercially launched our WiBro service in June 2006, and we had approximately 740,000 subscribers as of December 31, 2011. We also bundle our WiBro service with olleh Internet and ollehWiFi services at a discount in order to attract additional subscribers.

Our olleh Internet service utilizes ADSL technology, which is a technology that converts existing copper twisted-pair telephone lines into access paths for multimedia and high-speed data communications. ADSL transforms the existing public telephone network from one limited to voice, text and low-resolution graphics to a system capable of bringing multimedia to subscriber premises without new cabling. The asymmetric design optimizes the bandwidth by maximizing the downstream speed for downloading information from the Internet. While ADSL technology was commercially introduced after HFC-based technology, it has surpassed HFC to become the prevalent access platform in Korea. VDSL, ADSL-based technology with enhanced downstream speed, became commercialized in July 2002. We are currently upgrading our broadband network to enable FTTH connection, which further enhances downstream speed up to 100 Mbps and connection quality. FTTH is a telecommunication architecture in which a communication path is provided over optical fiber cables extending from the telecommunications operator’s switching equipment to the boundary of home or office. FTTH uses fiber optic cable, which is able to carry a high-bandwidth signal for longer distances without degradation. FTTH enables us to deliver enhanced products and services that require high bandwidth, such as IP-TV service and delivery of other digital media content.

The high-speed downstream rates can reach up to 8 Mbps for ADSL and 100 Mbps for VDSL and FTTH. Downstream rates depend on a number of factors. For a constant wire gauge, the data rate decreases as the length of the copper wire increases. Generally, if the separation between the telephone office and the subscriber is greater than four kilometers, line attenuation is so severe that broadband speeds can no longer be achieved. Approximately 95% of the households subscribing to our basic local telephone service are located within a four kilometer radius of our telephone offices, making our olleh Internet service available to most of the Korean population. Fiber-optic cable used by FTTH, on the other hand, uses laser light to carry signals that travel long distances inside fiber optic cable without degradation.

Other Internet-related Services. Our other Internet-related services focus primarily on providing infrastructure and solutions for business enterprises, as well as IP-TV and network portal services. Our other Internet-related services accounted for 3.9% of our operating revenues in 2011.

We operate seven Internet data centers located throughout Korea and provide a wide range of computing services to companies which need servers, storages and leased lines. Internet data centers are facilities used to house, protect and maintain network server computers that store and deliver Internet and other network content, such as web pages, applications and data. Our Internet data centers are designed to meet international standards, and are equipped with temperature control systems, regulated and reliable power supplies, fire detection and suppression equipment, security monitoring and wide-bandwidth connections to the Internet. Internet data centers allow corporations or Internet service providers to outsource their application and server hardware management.

Our Internet data centers offer network outsourcing services, server operation services and system support services. Our network outsourcing services include co-location, which is the installation of our customers’ network equipment at our Internet data centers. Co-location is designed to increase

 

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customers’ Internet connection speed and reduce connection time and costs by directly connecting the customers’ server to the Internet backbone switch at our Internet data centers. Our server operation services include optimal server management service and technical support service we provide with respect to the leased servers that are linked directly to our Internet backbone switch. We also lease servers and network equipment for a fixed monthly fee. Our system support services include providing system resources for a wide range of Internet computing services, such as application transfer, network storage, video streaming and application download, as well as sending short text messages and messages containing multimedia objects, such as images, audio and video.

We also offer a service called Bizmeka to develop and commercialize business-to-business solutions targeting small- and medium-sized business enterprises in Korea. Bizmeka is an applied application service provider which provides industry-specific business solutions, including customer database management and electronic data interchange.

We also offer high definition video-on-demand and real-time broadcasting IP-TV services under the brand name “olleh TV.” Our IP-TV service offers access to an array of digital media contents, including movies, sports, news, educational programs and TV replay, for a fixed monthly fee. Through a digital set-top box that we rent to our customers, our customers are able to browse the catalog of digital media contents and view selected media streams on their television. A set-top box provides two-way communications on an IP network and decodes video streaming data. We expanded our IP-TV service to include real-time broadcasting in November 2008. We had 3.1 million olleh TV subscribers as of December 31, 2011.

Data Communication Service

Our data communication service involves offering exclusive lines that allow point-to-point connection for voice and data traffic between two or more geographically separate points. As of December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, we leased 366,191 lines, 303,009 lines and 276,147 lines to domestic and international businesses. The data communication service accounted for 5.8% of our operating revenues in 2011.

We provide dedicated and secure broadband Internet connection service to institutional customers under the “Kornet” brand name. We provide high-speed connection up to 5.1 Tbps, as well as rent to our customers and install necessary routers to ensure reliable Internet connection and enhanced security. We provide discount rates to qualified customers, including small- and medium-sized enterprises, businesses engaging in Internet access services and government agencies.

Satellite Service

We provide transponder leasing, broadcasting, video distribution and data communications services through our satellites. We currently operate two satellites, Koreasat 5 and Koreasat 6 (also known as olleh 1), and own interests in two additional satellites, ABS-1 (also known as Koreasat 7) and ABS-2 (also known as Koreasat 8). In August 2006, we launched Koreasat 5. Koreasat 5, a combined civil and governmental communications satellite, is the first Korean satellite to provide commercial satellite services to neighboring countries, and the service coverage area includes Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, the eastern part of China and the far-eastern part of Russia. The design life of Koreasat 5 is fifteen years.

We launched Koreasat 6 in December 2010, with a design life of fifteen years. Koreasat 6 began its commercial operation in February 2011 and carries transponders that are used for direct-to-home satellite broadcasting, video distributions and data communications services. Most of the direct-to-home satellite broadcasting transponders are utilized by KT Skylife Co. We also lease

 

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satellite capacity from other satellite operators to offer commercial satellite services to both domestic and international customers. In August 2010, we procured from Asia Broadcast Satellite four transponders on the ABS-1 satellite and an additional eight transponders on the ABS-2 satellite. ABS-1 began operation in September 2010, and ABS-2 is under construction and is expected to be launched during the first half of 2013.

Miscellaneous Services

We also engage in various business activities that extend beyond telephone services and data communications services, including information technology and network services, real estate development, car rental business, satellite TV services, with the consolidation of KT Skylife Co. starting in January 2011 and credit card services, with the consolidation of BC Card Co., Ltd. starting in October 2011. Our miscellaneous services accounted for 13.6% of our operating revenues for 2011.

We offer a broad array of integrated information technology and network services to our business customers. Our range of services include consulting, designing, building and maintaining systems and communication networks that satisfy the individual needs of our customers in the public and private sectors.

We own land and real estate in various locations nationwide. Technological developments have enhanced the coverage area of individual telecommunications facilities, which enable us to better utilize our existing land and other real estate holdings. In recent years, we have engaged in the planning and development of commercial and office buildings and condominiums on our unused sites, as well as in the leasing of buildings we own. We established KT Estate Inc. in August 2010 to oversee the planning, development and operation of our real estate assets, and established KT AMC, an asset management company, in September 2011 as a subsidiary of KT Estate Inc. to create additional synergies with our real estate assets.

We also operate KT Rental, a subsidiary that provides rental cars and equipment. In March 2010, MBK Partners, a private equity firm, and we jointly acquired Kumho Rent-A-Car Co., Ltd. from Korea Express Inc. for (Won)263 billion, with each taking a 50% stake. Kumho Rent-A-Car was subsequently merged with the car rental business unit of KT Rental on June 1, 2010. KT Rental operated approximately 59,600 vehicles as of December 31, 2011 and has a market share of 21.2% of the domestic car rental market in 2011.

To respond to the trend of convergence in the telecommunications and broadcasting industries, and to seek additional synergies with our existing operations, we acquired 5,600,000 shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock with voting rights and convertible bonds that are convertible into 5,600,000 shares of common stock of KT Skylife Co., Ltd. from Dutch Savings Holdings B.V. in January 2011 for approximately (Won)246 billion. We exercised the conversion rights on the redeemable convertible preferred stock and the convertible bonds in March 2011, and owned a 50.3% interest in KT Skylife Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 2011. KT Skylife offers satellite TV services, which may also be packaged with our IP-TV services as further described below, and had consolidated sales of (Won)485 billion and net income of (Won)27 billion for the year ended December 31, 2011 and consolidated assets of (Won)550 billion and liabilities of (Won)258 billion as of December 31, 2011.

To further diversify our business and to create synergies through utilization of our mobile telecommunications network in financial services, we, through our subsidiary KT Capital Co., Ltd., acquired 1,622,520 additional shares of common stock of BC Card Co., Ltd. from Woori Bank for approximately (Won)252 billion in October 2011. The acquisition increased our ownership interest in BC Card Co., Ltd. to 38.86% as of December 31, 2011, and as we were deemed to have control over BC Card Co., Ltd., it became our consolidated subsidiary starting in October 2011. BC Card Co., Ltd.

 

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offers various credit card and related services, and had consolidated sales of (Won)3,150 billion and net income of (Won)106 billion for the year ended December 31, 2011 and consolidated assets of (Won)1,874 billion and liabilities of (Won)1,366 billion as of December 31, 2011. See Note 37 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenues and Rates

The table below shows the percentage of our revenues derived from each category of services for 2010 and 2011:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
         2010             2011      

Mobile services

     34.2     31.0

Fixed-line telephone services:

    

Local service

     12.6        10.4   

Non-refundable service initiation fees

     0.3        0.2   

Domestic long-distance service

     2.0        1.4   

International long-distance service

     1.8        1.8   

Land-to-mobile interconnection

     4.7        3.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

     21.4        17.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Internet services:

    

Broadband Internet access service

     9.3        8.5   

Other Internet-related services (1)

     3.3        3.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

     12.7        12.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Goods sold (2)

     19.2        19.9   

Data communications service (3)

     6.4        5.8   

Miscellaneous services (4)

     6.2        13.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating revenues

     100.0     100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes revenues from services provided by our Internet data centers, Bizmeka and olleh TV.

 

(2) Includes mobile handset sales.

 

(3) Includes revenues from Kornet Internet connection service and satellite services.

 

(4) Includes revenues from information technology and network services, real estate development and car rental business.

Mobile Services

We derive revenues from mobile services principally from:

 

   

initial subscription fees;

 

   

monthly fees;

 

   

usage charges for outgoing calls;

 

   

usage charges for wireless data transmission;

 

   

contents download fees; and

 

   

value-added monthly service fees.

We offer various rate plans, including those that offer a specified number of free airtime minutes per month in return for a higher monthly fee and those that are geared toward business

 

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customers. In September 2009, we reduced our initial subscription fee for new subscribers by 20% from (Won)30,000 to (Won)24,000. In August 2011, we announced the adoption of various tariff reduction measures, including a reduction of the monthly fee by (Won)1,000 for every mobile subscriber (effective October 21, 2011), an exemption of usage charges for SMS of up to 50 messages per month (effective November 1, 2011) and the introduction of customized fixed rate plans for smart phone users (effective October 24, 2011). For our HSDPA-based service, we also charge monthly fees, voice calling usage charges and video calling usage charges. Under our standard rate plan for HSDPA-based service, we charge a monthly fee of (Won)11,000, voice calling usage charges of (Won)1.8 per second and video calling usage charges of (Won)3 per second. The following table summarizes charges for our representative HSDPA-based service plans:

 

     Free Voice Call
Airtime Minutes
    Free Video Call
Airtime Minutes
     Monthly Fee  

Standard Plan

     0        0       (Won) 11,000   

SHOW KING Sponsor Gold—Voice 150 (1)

     150        15         27,500   

SHOW KING Sponsor Gold—Voice 250 (1)

     250        0         34,000   

SHOW KING Sponsor Gold—Complete Freedom 150 (1) (2)

     150        15         36,000   

SHOW KING Sponsor Gold—Voice 350 (1)

     350        0         44,000   

SHOW KING Sponsor Gold—Voice 450 (1)

     450        0         54,000   

SHOW KING Sponsor Gold—Voice 650 (1)

     650        0         66,000   

SHOW KING Sponsor Gold—Voice 850 (1)

     850        0         74,000   

SHOW KING Sponsor Gold—Voice 2000 (1)

     2,000  (3)      0         96,000   

 

 

(1) Requires mandatory subscription period of 24 months.

 

(2) Includes free unlimited data usage service.

 

(3) Unlimited voice call airtime minutes for calls made to our subscribers.

A subscriber may also subscribe to an individually designed calling rate plan by mixing free voice calling airtime minutes and free text messages at a set monthly fee. We also provide plans specially designed for elderly and pre-teen subscribers as well as special discounts to our subscribers with physical disabilities.

In September 2009, we also introduced new rate plans specifically for smart phone users. The following table summarizes charges for our representative smart phone service plans:

 

     Free Airtime
Minutes
     Free Data
Transmission (1)
     Monthly Fee  

SHOW Smart Sponsor Voice 150 (2)

     150         0 megabytes       (Won) 27,500   

SHOW Smart Sponsor Voice 250 (2)

     250         0         34,000   

SHOW Smart Sponsor Voice 350 (2)

     350         0         44,000   

SHOW Smart Sponsor Voice 450 (2)

     450         0         54,000   

SHOW Smart Sponsor Voice 650 (2)

     650         0         66,000   

SHOW Smart Sponsor Voice 850 (2)

     850         0         74,000   

SHOW KING Sponsor i—Slim (3)

     150         100         34,000   

SHOW KING Sponsor i—Lite (3)

     200         500         44,000   

SHOW KING Sponsor i—Talk (3)

     250         100         44,000   

SHOW KING Sponsor i—Value (3)

     300         Unlimited         54,000   

SHOW KING Sponsor i—Medium (3)

     400         Unlimited         64,000   

SHOW KING Sponsor i—Special (3)

     600         Unlimited         78,000   

SHOW KING Sponsor i—Premium (3)

     800         Unlimited         94,000   

 

 

(1) We do not charge for any data transmission in wireless LAN zones. We charge (Won)0.025 per 0.5 kilobyte for any additional data transmission exceeding the free monthly quota.

 

(2) Available only to smart phone users who do not use Apple iPhones. We provide discounts of up to 36.7% for mandatory subscription periods ranging from one to three years.

 

(3) We provide discounts of up to 38.2% for mandatory subscription periods ranging from one to three years.

 

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In connection with the rollout of our 4G LTE services in January 2012, we also introduced new rate plans specifically for LTE phone users. The following table summarizes charges for our representative LTE service plans:

 

     Free Airtime Minutes (1)      Free Data
Transmission (2)
     Monthly Fee  
     Voice or video calls to
anyone
            Voice or video calls to
our mobile subscribers
               

LTE-340

        160            500 megabytes       (Won) 34,000   

LTE-420

        200            1,000 megabytes         42,000   

LTE-520

     250            1,000         1,500 megabytes         52,000   

LTE-620

     350            3,000         3,000 megabytes         62,000   

LTE-720

     450            5,000         5,000 megabytes         72,000   

LTE-850

     650            7,000         7,000 megabytes         85,000   

LTE-1000

     1,050            10,000         10,000 megabytes         100,000   

 

 

(1) Starting in May 2012, each second of video call will count as 1.66 second of voice call.

 

(2) We do not charge for data transmission in wireless LAN zones. We charge (Won)0.01 per 0.5 kilobyte for any additional data transmission exceeding the free monthly quota, up to a maximum of (Won)150,000.

We have entered into arrangements with various partners including a leading discount store, a leading online shopping mall, several leading banks, an operator of cinema complexes, a leading automobile manufacturing company and Korea Railroad Corporation, and we offer subscribers of our mobile service monthly discount coupons, membership points or movie tickets from such partners as promotional gifts.

In December 2010, we also introduced data-only plans targeting tablet PC users, smart-phone users and other special phone users, offering subscription plans for data transmission amounts ranging from 100MB to 4GB at monthly fees ranging from (Won)10,000 to (Won)35,000.

Fixed-line Telephone Services

Local Telephone Service. Our revenues from local telephone service consist primarily of:

 

   

Service initiation fees for new lines;

 

   

Monthly basic charges; and

 

   

Monthly usage charges based on the number of call pulses.

All calls are currently measured by call pulses. Each pulse is determined by the duration of the call and the time of the day at which the call is made. For instance, during regular service hours, a call pulse is triggered at the beginning of each local telephone call and every three minutes thereafter.

The rates we charge for local calls are currently subject to approval by the Korea Communications Commission after consultation with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance. The rates are identical for residential and commercial customers. The following table summarizes our local usage rates as of each date on which rates were revised:

 

     Dec 1, 1996      Sept 1, 1997      April 15, 2001      May 1, 2002  

Local Usage Charges (per pulse) (1)

           

Regular service

   (Won) 41.6       (Won) 45       (Won) 39       (Won) 39   

Public telephone

     40         50         50         70   

 

 

(1)

Since January 1, 1990, usage charges for local service in those metropolitan areas subject to measured service have been based on the number of pulses, which are a function of the duration and number of calls, and per pulse rates. Before

 

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  January 1, 1993, in areas not subject to measured service, a pulse was triggered once for each local telephone call, regardless of the length of the call. Commencing January 1, 1993, measured service applies to all lines in service. A pulse is triggered at the beginning of each local call and every three minutes thereafter from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and every 258 seconds thereafter on holidays and from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekdays.

We also charge a monthly basic charge ranging from (Won)3,000 to (Won)5,200, depending on location, and a non-refundable service initiation fee of (Won)60,000 to new subscribers. The non-refundable service initiation fee is waived for the new subscribers who subscribe to our local service through our online application process. Until April 2001, we charged refundable service initiation deposits, which were refunded upon termination of service. As of December 31, 2011, we had (Won)555 billion of refundable service initiation deposits outstanding and 2,523 thousand subscribers who are enrolled under the mandatory deposit plan and are eligible to switch to the no deposit plan and receive their service initiation deposit back (less the non-refundable service initial fees).

Domestic Long-distance Telephone Service. Our revenues from domestic long-distance service consist of charges for calls placed, charged for the duration, time of day and day of the week a call is placed, and the distance covered by the call. We are able to set our own rates for domestic long-distance service without approval from the Korea Communications Commission.

The following table summarizes our domestic long-distance rates as of each date on which rates were revised. These charges do not reflect discounts applicable to calls made during off-peak hours or holidays.

 

     Date of Rate Change (1)  
     Dec. 1, 1996      Sept. 1, 1997      Dec. 1, 2000      April 15, 2001      Nov. 1, 2001  

Domestic Long-Distance Charges (per three minutes) (1) (2)

              

Up to 30 km

   (Won) 41.6       (Won) 45       (Won) 45       (Won) 39       (Won) 39   

Up to 100 km

     182         172         192         192         261   

100 km or longer

     277         245         252         252         261   

 

 

(1) Domestic long-distance calls of up to 30 kilometers are billed on the same basis as local calls. Before April 15, 2001, for domestic long-distance calls in excess of 30 kilometers, a pulse was triggered at the beginning of each call and every 47 seconds for calls up to 100 kilometers or every 33 seconds for calls in excess of 100 kilometers. Commencing April 15, 2001, a pulse was triggered at the beginning of each call and every 30 seconds thereafter. Commencing November 1, 2001, a pulse is triggered at the beginning of each call and every 10 seconds thereafter.

 

(2) Rates for domestic long-distance calls in excess of 30 kilometers are currently discounted (by an adjustment in the period between pulses) by 10% on holidays and from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekdays, and by 30% from midnight to 6:00 a.m. every day.

In recent years, we have begun to offer optional flat rate plans, discount plans and bundled product plans in order to mitigate the impact from lower usage of local and domestic long-distance calls and stabilize our revenues from fixed-line telephone services. For a discussion of our bundled products, see “—Bundled Products.” Some of our flat rate and discount plans that we currently offer include the following:

 

   

starting in June 2008, a subscriber who elects to pay a monthly flat rate of (Won)12,500 is able to make free local and domestic long-distance calls after 9 p.m. on weekdays or at any time on weekends. Each month, the subscriber also receives a free movie ticket and free 60 minutes of land-to-mobile calls. The subscriber is also eligible to receive a discount of up to 20%, subject to the length of the mandatory subscription period;

 

   

starting in October 2009, a subscriber who elects to subscribe to our fixed-line phone service for a three year mandatory subscription period is able to make local and domestic long-distance calls at a flat rate of (Won)39 per three minutes; and

 

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starting in October 2009, a subscriber who elects to subscribe to our broadband Internet access service or HSDPA-based mobile service for a three year mandatory subscription period is able to make local, domestic long-distance and land-to-mobile calls of up to (Won)150,000 with a flat rate payment of (Won)50,000 or such calls up to (Won)50,000 with a flat rate payment of (Won)10,000. Standard rates apply to calls that exceed the capped amounts.

International Long-distance Service. Our revenues from international long-distance service consist of:

 

   

amounts we bill to customers for outgoing calls made to foreign countries (including customers who make calls to Korea from foreign countries under our home country direct-dial service);

 

   

amounts we bill to foreign telecommunications carriers for connection to the Korean telephone network in respect of incoming calls (including calls placed in Korea by customers of the foreign carriers for home country direct-dial service); and

 

   

other revenues, including revenues from international calls placed from public telephones.

We bill outgoing calls made by customers in Korea (and calls made to Korea from foreign countries under our home country direct-dial service) in accordance with our international long-distance rate schedule for the country called. These rates vary depending on the time of day at which a call is placed. We bill outgoing international calls on the basis of one-second increments. We are able to set our own rates for international long-distance service without approval from the Korea Communications Commission.

For incoming calls (including calls placed in Korea by customers of the foreign carriers for home country direct-dial service), we receive settlement payments from the relevant foreign carrier at the applicable settlement rate specified under the agreement with the foreign carrier. We have entered into numerous bilateral agreements with foreign carriers. We negotiate the settlement rates under these agreements with each foreign carrier, subject to Korea Communications Commission approval. It is the practice among international carriers for the carrier in the country in which the call is billed to collect payments due in respect of the use of overseas networks. Although we record the gross amounts due to and from us in our financial statements, we make settlements with most carriers monthly or quarterly on a net basis.

Interconnection. We provide other telecommunications service providers, including mobile operators and other fixed-line operators, interconnection to our fixed-line network.

Land-to-mobile Interconnection. For a call initiated by a landline user to a mobile service subscriber, we collect from the landline user the land-to-mobile usage charge and remit to the mobile service provider a land-to-mobile interconnection charge. The Korea Communications Commission periodically issues orders setting the interconnection charge calculation method applicable to interconnections with mobile service providers. The Korea Communications Commission determines the land to mobile interconnection charge by calculating the long run incremental cost of mobile service providers, taking into consideration technology development and future expected costs.

The following table shows the interconnection charges we paid per minute (exclusive of value-added taxes) to mobile operators for landline to mobile calls.

 

     Effective Starting  
     January 1, 2009      January 1, 2010      January 1, 2011  

SK Telecom

   (Won) 32.9       (Won) 31.4       (Won) 30.5   

LG U+

     38.5         33.6         31.9   

 

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The following table shows the usage charge per minute collected from a landline user for a call initiated by a landline user to a mobile service subscriber.

 

     Effective Starting September 1, 2004  

Weekday

   (Won) 87.0   

Weekend

     82.0   

Evening (1)

     77.2   

 

 

.(1) Evening rates are applicable from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. everyday.

We recognize as land-to-mobile interconnection revenue the entire amount of the usage charge collected from the landline user and recognize as expense the amount of interconnection charge paid to the mobile service provider.

Land-to-land and Mobile-to-land Interconnection. For a call initiated by a landline subscriber of our competitor to our fixed-line user, the landline service provider collects from its subscriber its normal rate and remits to us a land-to-land interconnection charge. In addition, for a call initiated by a mobile service subscriber to our landline user, the mobile service provider collects from its subscriber its normal rate and remits to us a mobile-to-land interconnection charge.

The following table shows such interconnection charge per minute collected for a call depending on the type of call, as determined by the Korea Communications Commission.

 

     Effective Starting  
     January 1, 2009      January 1, 2010      January 1, 2011  

Local access (1)

   (Won) 18.1       (Won) 17.1       (Won) 16.4   

Single toll access (2)

     19.3         19.1         18.6   

Double toll access (3)

     20.4         22.5         22.2   

 

Source: The Korea Communications Commission.

 

(1) Interconnection between local switching center and local access line.

 

(2) Interconnection involving access to single long-distance switching center.

 

(3) Interconnection involving access to two long-distance switching centers.

Mobile-to-mobile Interconnection. For a call initiated by a mobile subscriber of our competitor to our mobile subscriber, the mobile service provider collects from its subscriber its normal rate and remits to us a mobile-to-mobile interconnection charge. In addition, for a call initiated by our mobile subscriber to a mobile subscriber to our competitor, we collect from our subscriber our normal rate and remit to the mobile service provider a mobile-to-mobile interconnection charge.

The following table shows the interconnection charges we paid per minute (exclusive of value-added taxes) to mobile operators, and the charges received per minute (exclusive of value-added taxes) from mobile operators for mobile to mobile calls.

 

     Effective Starting  
     January 1, 2009      January 1, 2010      January 1, 2011  

SK Telecom

   (Won) 32.9       (Won) 31.4       (Won) 30.5   

LG U+

     38.5         33.6         31.9   

KT

     38.0         33.4         31.7   

We recognize as mobile-to-mobile interconnection revenue the entire amount of the usage charge collected from the mobile user and recognize as expense the amount of interconnection charge paid to the mobile service provider.

 

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Internet Services

Broadband Internet Access Service. We offer broadband Internet access service that primarily uses existing telephone lines to provide both voice and data transmission. We charge monthly fixed fees to customers of broadband Internet service. In addition, we charge customers a one time installation fee per site of (Won)30,000 and modem rental fee of up to (Won)8,000 on a monthly basis. The rates we charge for broadband Internet access service are subject to approval by the Korea Communications Commission.

The following table summarizes our charges for our representative broadband Internet service plans:

 

    

Maximum Service Speed

   Monthly Fee  

olleh Internet Special (1) (6)

   100 Mbps    (Won) 36,000   

olleh Internet Lite (1) (6)

   50 Mbps      30,000   

WiBro 10G (2) (6)

   40 Mbps (for downloading) / 12 Mbps (for uploading)      10,000   

WiBro 20G (3) (6)

   40 Mbps (for downloading) / 12 Mbps (for uploading)      20,000   

WiBro 30G (4) (6)

   40 Mbps (for downloading) / 12 Mbps (for uploading)      30,000   

WiBro 50G (5) (6)

   40 Mbps (for downloading) / 12 Mbps (for uploading)      40,000   

 

 

(1) We waive the installation fee of (Won)30,000 for mandatory subscription periods of one to four years.

 

(2) We charge a monthly fee of (Won)10,000 for up to 10,000 megabytes of data transmission and (Won)10 per megabyte for any additional data transmission in excess of 10,000 megabytes per month.

 

(3) We charge a monthly fee of (Won)20,000 for up to 20,000 megabytes of data transmission and (Won)10 per megabyte for any additional data transmission in excess of 20,000 megabytes per month.

 

(4) We charge a monthly fee of (Won)30,000 for up to 30,000 megabytes of data transmission and (Won)10 per megabyte for any additional data transmission in excess of 30,000 megabytes per month.

 

(5) We charge a monthly fee of (Won)40,000 for up to 50,000 megabytes of data transmission and (Won)10 per megabyte for any additional data transmission in excess of 50,000 megabytes per month.

 

(6) Various discounts and promotional rates are available depending on the time of subscription and the minimum subscription contract, which may reduce the actual monthly fee paid.

olleh TV Services. We charge our subscribers an installation fee per site of (Won)24,000, a set-top box rental fee ranging from (Won)2,000 to (Won)7,000 on a monthly basis and a monthly subscription fee. The rates we charge for olleh TV services are subject to approval by the Korea Communications Commission.

The following table summarizes charges for our representative olleh TV service plans:

 

     Real-time
Broadcasting Channels  (1)
     Monthly Fee (2)  

olleh TV Video-On-Demand

     0       (Won) 10,000   

olleh TV Live Choice (3)

     80~83         10,000~16,000   

olleh TV Live Education (4)

     59         10,000~14,000   

olleh TV Live Thrift (5)

     110         12,000   

olleh TV Live Standard (5)

     132         16,000   

olleh TV Live Deluxe (5)

     137         23,000   

olleh TV SkyLife Economy (6)

     117         20,000   

olleh TV SkyLife Standard (6)

     153         25,000   

olleh TV SkyLife Premium (6)

     185         30,000   

olleh TV Now (7)

     50         5,000   

 

 

(1) Includes our Video-On-Demand services.

 

(2) We typically provide discounts of 5% to 20% for a mandatory subscription periods ranging from one to three years. For olleh TV SkyLife subscribers, we provide discounts of 20% for mandatory subscription period of three years.

 

(3) Assuming selection of one package. Subscribers must choose at least one channel package, each of which charges a monthly fee of (Won)2,000. The packages include entertainment, media, leisure and education and multi-room.

 

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(4) Assuming selection of one package. Subscribers must choose at least one Video-On-Demand package, each of which charges a monthly fee of (Won)2,000. The packages include elementary school, middle/high school and English education.

 

(5) We charge additional monthly fees for value-added services such as short messaging service, video conferencing and high-definition channels from KT Skylife Co., our subsidiary satellite broadcasting operator.

 

(6) For subscription to olleh TV SkyLife service, installation fee is waived for a mandatory subscription period of three years.

 

(7) Product for N-Screen (a service which allows purchased content to be displayed on multiple devices) launched in October 2011. The service is offered free of charge if bundled with our Internet, olleh TV and mobile services.

Data Communication Service

We charge customers of domestic leased-lines on a monthly fixed-cost basis based on the distance of the leased line, the capacity of the line measured in bits per second (“bps”), the type of line provided and whether the service site is local or long-distance. In addition, we charge customers a one-time installation fee per line ranging from (Won)56,000 to (Won)1,940,000 depending on the capacity of the line.

Bundled Products

We utilize our extensive customer relationships and market knowledge to expand our revenue base by cross-selling our telecommunications products and services. In order to attract additional subscribers to our new services, we bundle our services, such as our broadband Internet access service with WiBro, IP-TV, Internet phone, fixed-line telephone service and mobile services, at a discount.

The following table summarizes our various basic bundled packages that we currently offer. The packages require subscribers to agree to a subscription period of three years.

 

     Monthly Rates
     Flat Rate     

Mobile Monthly Fee

Internet / Internet Phone / Mobile

   (Won) 24,000       Discounts of between 10% to 50%, subject to the number of subscribers who participate (up to 5 mobile numbers)

Internet / Fixed-Line Phone / Mobile

     27,000      

Internet / IP-TV / Mobile (1)

     34,000      

Internet / Fixed-Line Phone / IP-TV / Mobile (1)

     35,000      

 

 

(1) Assuming selection of olleh TV SkyLife Standard Plan. If olleh TV Live Video-on-Demand, olleh TV Live Choice, or olleh TV Live Education is selected, deduction of (Won)5,000 from the monthly flat rate. If olleh TV SkyLife Economy Plan is selected, deduction of (Won)3,000 from the monthly flat rate. If olleh TV SkyLife Premium Plan is selected, additional monthly charge of (Won)5,000.

We have also entered into partnerships with a leading online shopping mall, an operator of cinema complexes, a satellite broadcasting service operator, a life insurance company, a car insurance company and a security company, and our subscribers may elect to receive monthly gift certificates, music downloads, online game money, movie tickets or other benefits from such partnership companies with value of up to (Won)50,000 per month in lieu of monthly rate discounts.

We believe that subscribers who sign up for bundled products are less likely to cancel our services than subscribers who subscribe to individual services. Subscription fees paid for our bundled products are allocated to each service in proportion to their fair value and the allocated amount is recognized as revenue according to the revenue recognition policy for each service.

Competition

Competition in the telecommunications sector in Korea is intense. In recent years, business combinations in the telecommunications industry have significantly changed the competitive landscape

 

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of the Korean telecommunications industry. In particular, SK Telecom acquired a controlling stake in Hanarotelecom Incorporated in 2008, which was renamed SK Broadband. The acquisition enables SK Telecom to provide fixed-line telecommunications, broadband Internet access and IP-TV services together with its mobile telecommunications services. On January 1, 2010, LG Dacom and LG Powercom merged into LG Telecom Co., Ltd., which subsequently changed its name to LG U+. The merger enables LG U+ provide a similar range of services as SK Telecom and us.

Under the Telecommunications Basic Law and the Telecommunications Business Law, telecommunications service providers in Korea are currently classified into network service providers, value-added service providers and specific service providers. See “—Regulation.”

Network Service Providers

All network service providers in Korea are permitted to set the rates for international or domestic long-distance services on their own without Korea Communications Commission approval. Many of our competitors have set their rates lower than ours. Currently, we can compete freely with other providers on the basis of rates in all services except for rates we charge for local calls and broadband Internet access service, which require advance approval from the Korea Communications Commission. In all service areas, we compete by endeavoring to provide superior customer service and superior technical quality, taking advantage of our broad customer base and our ability to provide various telecommunication services.

We and SK Telecom have been designated as market-dominating business entities in the respective markets under the Telecommunications Business Act. Under this Act, a market-dominating business entity may not engage in any act of abuse, such as unreasonably interfering with business activities of other business entities, hindering unfairly the entry of newcomers or substantially restricting competition to the detriment of the interests of consumers. The Korea Communications Commission has also issued guidelines on fair competition of the telecommunications companies. If any telecommunications service provider breaches the guidelines, the Korea Communications Commission may take necessary corrective measures against it after a hearing at which the service provider may defend its action.

Mobile Service. Competition in the mobile telecommunications industry in Korea is intense among SK Telecom, LG U+ and us. Such competition has intensified in recent years due to the implementation of mobile number portability, which enabled mobile subscribers to switch their service provider while retaining the same mobile phone number, as well as payments of handset subsidies to purchasers of new handsets who agree to minimum subscription periods and the recent rollout of fourth-generation mobile services based on LTE technology by SK Telecom, LG U+ and us.

The following table shows the market shares in the mobile telecommunications market as of the dates indicated:

 

     Market Share (%)  
     KT
Corporation
     SK Telecom      LG U+  

December 31, 2009

     31.3         50.6         18.1   

December 31, 2010

     31.6         50.6         17.8   

December 31, 2011

     31.5         50.6         17.9   

 

 

Source: Korea Communications Commission.

We offer various rate plans, including those that offer a specified number of free airtime minutes per month in return for a higher monthly fee and those that are geared toward business customers. Our competitors also offer similar plans at competitive rates.

 

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Local Telephone Service. We compete with SK Broadband and LG U+ in the local telephone service business. SK Broadband began providing local telephone service in 1999, followed by LG U+ in 2004. In addition, the services provided by mobile service providers have had a material adverse effect on KT Corporation in terms of our revenues from fixed-line telephone services. We expect this trend to continue.

The following table shows the market shares in the local telephone service market as of the dates indicated:

 

     Market Share (%)  
     KT
Corporation
     SK Broadband      LG U+  

December 31, 2009

     89.9         8.4         1.7   

December 31, 2010

     86.3         11.7         2.0   

December 31, 2011

     84.3         13.3         2.4   

 

 

Source: Korea Communications Commission.

Although the local usage charge of our competitors and us is the same at (Won)39 per pulse (generally three minutes), our competitors’ non-refundable telephone service initiation charges are lower than ours. Our customers pay a non-refundable telephone service initiation charge of (Won)60,000 while customers of our competitors pay a non-refundable telephone service initiation charge of (Won)30,000. Also, the basic monthly charge of our competitors is (Won)4,500 compared to our basic charge of (Won)5,200.

Domestic Long-distance Telephone Service. We compete with SK Broadband, LG U+, Onse and SK Telink in the domestic long-distance market. LG U+ began offering domestic long-distance service in 1996, followed by Onse in 1999 and SK Broadband and SK Telink in 2004. The following table shows the market shares in the domestic long-distance market as of the dates indicated:

 

     Market Share (%)  
     KT
Corporation
     SK Broadband      LG U+      Onse      SK Telink  

December 31, 2009

     86.3         6.8         3.4         1.6         1.9   

December 31, 2010

     82.2         11.1         3.1         1.2         2.4   

December 31, 2011

     80.5         12.5         3.2         1.1         2.7   

 

 

Source: Korea Telecommunications Operators Association.

Our competitors and we charge (Won)39 per three minutes for domestic long-distance calls up to 30 kilometers. For domestic long-distance calls greater than 30 kilometers, our competitors typically charge between 3% to 5% less than us. The following table is a comparison of our standard long-distance usage charges per 10 seconds with the standard rates of our competitors as of December 31, 2011:

 

     KT
Corporation
     SK Broadband      LG U+      Onse      SK Telink  

30 kilometers or longer

   (Won) 14.5       (Won) 13.9       (Won) 14.1       (Won) 13.8       (Won) 13.8   

 

 

Source: Korea Communications Commission.

International Long-Distance Telephone Service. Four companies, SK Broadband, LG U+, Onse and SK Telink, directly compete with us in the international long-distance market. LG U+ began offering international long-distance service in 1991, followed by Onse in 1997 and SK Broadband in

 

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2004. SK Telink, which only provides Internet phone service, entered the international long-distance market in 2003 and offers its services at rates lower than those for network-based international long-distance telephone services. The entry of Internet phone service providers and other telecommunications service providers, such as voice resellers, that can offer telecommunications services at rates lower than ours has increased competition in the international long-distance market and adversely affected our revenues and profitability from international long-distance services. See “—Specific Service Providers.”

Our competitors generally charge less than us for international long-distance calls. The following table is a comparison of our standard long-distance usage charges per one minute with the standard rates of our competitors as of December 31, 2011:

 

     KT
Corporation
     SK
Broadband
     LG U+      Onse      SK Telink  

United States

   (Won) 282       (Won) 276       (Won) 288       (Won) 276       (Won) 156   

Japan

     696         672         678         672         384   

China

     990         984         996         984         780   

Australia

     1,086         1,044         1,086         1,044         528   

Great Britain

     1,008         966         996         966         498   

Germany

     948         912         942         912         402   

 

 

Source: KT Corporation.

Broadband Internet Access Service. The Korean broadband Internet access market has experienced significant growth in the past decade. SK Broadband entered the broadband market in 1999 offering both HFC and ADSL services, and we entered the market with our ADSL services in 1999, followed by Dreamline, Onse and LG U+. In addition, the entry of cable television providers that offer HFC-based broadband Internet access services at rates lower than ours has increased competition in the broadband Internet access market. We expect industry consolidation among our competitors in the near future, and smaller competitors in the broadband market today may become larger competitors.

The following table shows the market share in the broadband Internet access market as of the dates indicated:

 

     Market Share (%)  
     KT
Corporation
     SK
Broadband
     LG U+      Others  

December 31, 2009

     42.5         23.5         15.4         18.6   

December 31, 2010

     43.1         23.1         16.1         17.7   

December 31, 2011

     43.8         23.5         15.7         17.0   

 

 

Source: Korea Communications Commission.

Our competitors generally charge less than us for broadband Internet access service. The following table is a comparison of fees for our olleh Internet Lite service with three year mandatory subscription period with fees of our competitors for comparable services as of December 31, 2011:

 

     KT
Corporation
     SK
Broadband
     LG U+      Cable
Providers (1)
 

Monthly subscription fee

   (Won) 25,500       (Won) 25,000       (Won) 25,000       (Won) 20,000   

Monthly modem rental fee

     None         None         None         1,000   

Additional installation fee upon moving

     10,000         10,000         20,000         20,000   

 

 

Source: KT Corporation.

 

(1) These are typical fees charged by cable providers.

 

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Data Communication Service. We had a monopoly in domestic data communication service until 1994, when LG U+ was authorized to provide the leased-line service. The data communications service market has become more competitive with limited growth during the past decade, and we primarily compete with SK Broadband and LG U+.

Value-Added Service Providers

Value-added service providers may commence operations following filing of a report to the Korea Communications Commission. The scope of business of a value-added service provider includes specific value-added telecommunications activities (other than services reserved for network service providers), such as data communications utilizing telecommunications facilities leased from network service providers.

Specific Service Providers

Specific service providers, such as Internet phone service providers and voice resellers, started operations in Korea in 1998. We began providing Internet phone service for international long-distance calls in May 1998. Our Internet phone service also competes with international long-distance services provided by voice resellers who have also seen sharp increases in demand for their services.

Regulation

Under the Telecommunications Basic Law and the Telecommunications Business Law, telecommunications service providers are currently classified into three categories:

 

   

network service providers, such as us, which typically provide telecommunications services with their own telecommunications networks and related facilities. Their services may include local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone services, mobile communications service, paging service and trunked radio system service;

 

   

value-added service providers, which provide telecommunications services other than those services specified for network service providers, such as data communications using telecommunications facilities leased from network service providers; and

 

   

specific service providers, which are broadly defined by law as telecommunications service providers that provide network services using the telecommunications network facilities or services of network service providers.

Under the Telecommunications Basic Law and the Telecommunications Business Law, the Korea Communications Commission has comprehensive regulatory authority over the telecommunications industry and all network service providers. The Korea Communications Commission is established under the direct jurisdiction of the President and is comprised of five standing commissioners. Commissioners of the Korea Communications Commission are appointed by the President, and the appointment of the Chairperson must be approved at a confirmation hearing at the National Assembly. The Korea Communications Commission’s policy is to promote competition in the Korean telecommunications markets through measures designed to prevent the dominant service provider in any such market from exercising its market power in such a way as to prevent the emergence and development of viable competitors. A network service provider must be licensed by the Korea Communications Commission. Our license as a network service provider permits us to engage in a wide range of telecommunications services.

Under the Use and Protection of Credit Information Act, telecommunications service providers are also required to disclose personal credit information of their customers only for the purpose of

 

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validating and maintaining telecommunications service agreements. Korean telecommunications service providers may use their customers’ credit information only to the extent allowed by the Use and Protection of Credit Information Act, which has gained greater importance in recent years due to the occurrence of personal information leakage incidents.

The Korea Communications Commission also has the authority to regulate the IP media market, including IP-TV services. We began offering IP-TV services with real-time high definition broadcasting on November 17, 2008. Under the Internet Multimedia Broadcasting Business Act, anyone intending to engage in the IP media broadcasting business must obtain a license from the Korea Communications Commission. The ownership of the shares of an IP media broadcasting company by a newspaper, a news agency or a foreigner is limited, and broadcasting of certain contents must obtain additional approval of the Korea Communications Commission.

Rates

Under current regulations implementing the Telecommunications Business Act, a network service provider may set its rates at its discretion, although it must report to the Korea Communications Commission the rates and the general terms and conditions for each type of network service provided by it. There is, however, one exception to this general rule: if a network service provider has the largest market share for a specified type of service and its revenue from that service for the previous year exceeds a specific revenue amount set by the Korea Communications Commission, it must obtain prior approval from the Korea Communications Commission for the rates and the general terms for that service. Each year the Korea Communications Commission designates the service providers and the types of services for which the rates and the general terms must be approved by the Korea Communications Commission. In 2011, the Korea Communications Commission designated us for local telephone service and SK Telecom for cellular service. The Korea Communications Commission, in consultation with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, is required to approve the rates proposed by a network service provider if (1) the proposed rates are appropriate, fair and reasonable and (2) the calculation method for the rates are appropriate and transparent.

Other Activities

A network service provider, such as us, must obtain the permission of the Korea Communications Commission in order to:

 

   

engage in certain businesses specified in the Presidential Decree under the Telecommunications Business Act, such as the telecommunications equipment manufacturing business and the telecommunications network construction business;

 

   

change the conditions for its licenses;

 

   

transfer, terminate, suspend or spin off all or a part of the business for which it is licensed;

 

   

acquire all or a part of the business of another network service provider; or

 

   

enter into a merger with another network service provider.

A telephone service provider may provide some network services using the equipment it currently has by submitting a report to the Korea Communications Commission. The Korea Communications Commission can revoke our licenses or order the suspension of any of our businesses if we do not comply with the regulations of the Korea Communications Commission under the Telecommunications Business Law.

 

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The responsibilities of the Korea Communications Commission also include:

 

   

formulating the basic plan for the telecommunications industry; and

 

   

preparing periodic reports to the National Assembly of Korea regarding developments in the telecommunications industry.

In July 2011, the Korea Communications Commission issued a guideline that limits the marketing expenditure amounts of telecommunication service providers in Korea to 20% of their revenues, with the restrictions applicable to fixed-line and mobile segments to be calculated separately. However, up to (Won)150 billion of the marketing expenditures may be applied to either segment at the discretion of the service provider. The calculation of marketing expenditure amounts under the guideline excludes advertising expenses and the calculation of revenue amounts excludes revenues from handset sales. To encourage compliance with the non-binding guideline, the Korea Communications Commission plans to release the marketing expenditure amounts of each service provider on a quarterly basis. The Korea Communications Commission may periodically adjust the guideline to accommodate changes in market conditions.

The responsibilities of the Ministry of Knowledge Economy include:

 

   

drafting and implementing plans for developing telecommunications technology;

 

   

fostering and providing guidance to institutions and entities that conduct research relating to telecommunications; and

 

   

recommending to network service providers that they invest in research and development or that they contribute to telecommunications research institutes in Korea.

In addition, since January 2000, all network service providers (other than regional paging service providers) are obligated to contribute toward the supply of “universal” telecommunications services in Korea. Telecommunications service providers designated as “universal service providers” by the Korea Communications Commission are required to provide universal telecommunications services such as local services, local public telephone services, discount services for persons with disabilities and for certain low-income persons, telecommunications services for remote islands and wireless communication services for ships. We have been designated as a universal service provider. The costs and losses recognized by universal service providers in connection with providing these universal telecommunications services will be shared on an annual basis by all network service providers (other than regional paging service providers), including us, on a pro rata basis based on their respective net annual revenue calculated pursuant to a formula set by the Korea Communications Commission.

Due to the amendment of the Telecommunications Business Law, effective April 9, 2001, a network service provider must permit other network service providers to co-use wirelines connecting the switching equipment to end-users, upon the request of such other network service providers. In addition, a network service provider may permit other network service providers to co-use its wireless communication systems upon the request of any of such other network service providers. The compensation method for the co-use must be determined by the Korea Communications Commission and be settled, by fair and proper methods.

In addition, starting April 2002, we are required to lease to other companies our fixed-lines that connect subscribers to our network. This system, which is called local loop unbundling, is intended to prevent excessive investment in local loops. This system requires us to lease the portion of our copper

 

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lines that represent our excess capacity to other companies upon their request at rates that are determined by the Korea Communications Commission based on our cost, and taking into consideration an appropriate rate of return, to enable them to provide voice and broadband services. Revenues from local loop unbundling are recognized as revenues from miscellaneous services.

Foreign Investment

The Telecommunications Business Act restricts the ownership and control of network service providers by foreign shareholders. Foreigners, foreign governments and “foreign invested companies” may not own more than 49.0% of the issued shares with voting rights of a network service provider, including us, and a foreign shareholder may not become our largest shareholder if such shareholder holds 5.0% or more of our shares. For purposes of the Telecommunications Business Act, the term “foreign invested company” means a company in which foreigners and foreign governments hold 15.0% or more shares with voting rights in the aggregate and a foreigner or a foreign government is the largest shareholder, provided, however, that such company will not be counted as a foreign shareholder for the purposes of the above-referenced 49.0% limit if it holds less than 1.0% of our total issued and outstanding shares with voting rights. As of December 31, 2011, 48.32% of our common shares were owned by foreign investors. In the event that a network service provider violates the shareholding restrictions, its foreign shareholders cannot exercise voting rights for their shares in excess of such limitation, and the Korea Communications Commission may require corrective measures be taken to comply with the ownership restrictions. There is no restriction on foreign ownership for specific service providers and value-added service providers.

Individual Shareholding Limit

Under the Telecommunications Business Act, a foreign shareholder who holds 5.0% or more of our total shares is prohibited from becoming our largest shareholder. However, any foreign shareholder who held 5.0% or more of our total shares and was our largest shareholder on or prior to May 9, 2004 is exempt from the regulations, provided that such foreign shareholder may not acquire any more of our shares. In addition, under the Telecommunications Business Act, the Korea Communications Commission may, if it deems it necessary to preserve substantial public interests, prohibit a foreign shareholder from being our largest shareholder. In addition, the Foreign Investment Promotion Act prohibits any foreign shareholder from being our largest shareholder, if such shareholder owns 5.0% or more of our shares with voting rights. In the event that any foreigner or foreign government acquires our shares in violation of the above provisions, the Telecommunications Business Act restricts such foreign shareholder from exercising his or her voting rights with respect to common shares exceeding such threshold. The Korea Communications Commission may also order us or the foreign shareholder to take corrective measures in respect of the excess shares within a specified period of six months or less.

Customers and Customer Billing

We typically charge residential subscribers and business subscribers similar rates for services provided. On a case-by-case basis, we also provide discount rates for some of our high-volume business subscribers. We bill all of our customers on a monthly basis. Our customers may make payment at either payment points such as local post offices, banks or our service offices, through a direct-debit service that automatically deducts the monthly payment from a subscriber’s designated bank account, or through a direct-charge service that automatically charges the monthly payment to a subscriber’s designated credit card account. Approximately 70% of our subscribers as of December 31, 2011 pay through the direct-debit service. Accounts of subscribers who fail to pay our invoice are transferred to a collection agency, which sends out a notice of payment. If such charges are not paid after notice, we cease to provide outgoing service to such subscribers after a period of

 

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time determined by the type of subscribed service. If charges are still not paid two to three months after outgoing service is cut off, we cease all services to such subscribers. After service is ceased, the overdue charges that are not collected by the collection agency are written off.

Insurance

We carry insurance against loss or damage to all significant buildings and automobiles. Except for our insurance coverage of our satellites and Internet data centers, we do not carry insurance covering losses to outside plants or to equipment because we believe the cost of such insurance is excessive and the risk of material loss or damage is insignificant. We do not have any provisions or reserves against such loss or damage. We do not carry any business interruption insurance.

We provide co-location and a variety of value-added services including server-hosting services to a number of corporations whose business largely depends on critical data operated on our servers or on their servers located at our data centers. Any disruptions, interruptions, physical or electronic data loss, delays or slow down in communication connections could expose us to potential liabilities for losses relating to the disrupted businesses of our customers relying on our services.

Information Technology and Operational Systems

Enhancement of our information technology and operational systems and efficient utilization of such systems are important in effectively promoting our core strategies. We are committed to continually investing in and enhancing our information technology systems, which provide support to many aspects of our businesses. In order to respond more effectively to a changing business environment, we are currently pursuing major upgrades to our company-wide business information technology and operational systems, and as the first stage of such upgrades, a new enterprise resource planning system (the “New ERP System”) is expected to be completed and implemented during the second half of 2012. The New ERP System is expected to enhance various aspects of our internal processes and control systems, and we are establishing various plans to effectively implement the New ERP System and to stabilize our internal control processes during the transition period. We also expect to gradually implement other upgrades to our information technology and operational systems in the near future.

Item 4.C.  Organizational Structure

These matters are discussed under Item 4.B. where relevant.

Item 4.D.  Property, Plants and Equipment

Our principal fixed asset is our integrated telecommunications networks. In addition, we own buildings and real estate throughout Korea.

Our fixed-line equipment vendors and mobile equipment suppliers include well-known international and local suppliers such as Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Cisco Systems and Apple Inc.

Mobile Networks

Our mobile network architecture includes the following components:

 

   

cell sites, which are physical locations equipped with base transceiver stations consisting of transmitters, receivers and other equipment used to communicate through radio channels with subscribers’ mobile telephone handsets within the range of a cell;

 

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base station controllers, which connect to and control, the base transceiver stations;

 

   

mobile switching centers, which in turn control the base station controllers and the routing of telephone calls; and

 

   

transmission lines, which connect the mobile switching centers, base station controllers, base transceiver stations and the public switched telephone network.

The following table lists selected information regarding our mobile networks as of December 31, 2011:

 

     CDMA      W-CDMA  

Mobile switching centers

     35         24   

Base station controllers

     300         419   

Base transceiver stations

     7,614         7,391   

Indoor and outdoor repeaters

     53,826         257,946   

We have a license to use 40 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum that we use to provide IMT-2000 services based on W-CDMA wireless network standards. Such license expires in December 2016, and we will pay approximately (Won)1.3 trillion for use of such bandwidth during the license period of 15 years. In April 2010, the Korea Communications Commission announced its decision to allocate 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 900 MHz spectrum to us, which became effective in July 2011, for which we will pay a portion of the actual sales generated from using the bandwidth in the 900 MHz spectrum during the license period of 10 years as a usage fee for the bandwidth, as well as a portion of expected sales that was determined by the Korea Communications Commission at the time of allocation. In June 2011, our right to use 40 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum expired, and the Korea Communications Commission allocated back to us the right to use 20 MHz of such bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum upon expiration pursuant to our application, for which we will pay a portion of the actual sales generated from using the bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum during the license period of 10 years as a usage fee for the bandwidth, as well as a portion of expected sales that was determined by the Korea Communications Commission at the time of allocation

In August 2011, the Korea Communications Commission auctioned the right to use the remaining 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum that we relinquished, 10 MHz of additional bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum and 20 MHz of additional bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum. We acquired the right to use the 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum, for which we will pay a total usage fee of (Won)261 billion during the license period of 10 years, SK Telecom acquired the right to use the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum and LG U+ acquired the right to use the 20 MHz bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum. We began using the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum, which became available upon termination of our 2G PCS services, to provide our 4G LTE services starting in January 2012, and expect to utilize the newly allocated bandwidths in the 800 MHz and 900 MHz spectrums to further expand our 4G LTE services in the future, if necessary. Furthermore, in anticipation of a significant increase in data transmission traffic in the near future due to the changing mobile usage environment, we are seeking to maximize the utilization of our W-CDMA, Wibro and WiFi networks to provide better internet access for our customers, as well as applying our Cloud Communication Center technology to our 4G LTE services during 2012. Cloud Communications Center technology, which we applied to our 3G networks in Seoul and other metropolitan areas during 2011, allows faster and more stable access to the internet by dissipating heavy data traffic through utilization of virtual communication centers. We have also installed an intelligent network on our mobile network infrastructure to provide a wide range of advanced call features and value-added services.

 

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Exchanges

Exchanges include local exchanges and “toll” exchanges that connect local exchanges to long-distance transmission facilities. We had 24.0 million lines connected to local exchanges and 2.7 million lines connected to toll exchanges as of December 31, 2011.

All of our exchanges are fully automatic. We completed replacement of all electromechanical analog exchanges with digital exchanges in June 2003 in order to provide higher speed and larger volume services. Starting in 2006, we also began conversion of our exchanges to be compatible to Internet protocol platform in preparation for building our next generation broadband convergence network by 2021. As of December 31, 2011, approximately 85% of our lines connected to toll exchanges are compatible to Internet protocol platform.

Internet Backbone

Our Internet backbone network, called KORNET, has the capacity to handle an aggregate traffic of our broadband Internet access subscribers, Internet data centers and Internet exchange system at any given moment of up to 5.1 Tbps as of December 31, 2011. We have set up contingent plans to prepare against various incidents that could affect reliable Internet access service. Starting in 2005, we have also begun deploying our Internet protocol premium network that enables us to more reliably support olleh TV, WiBro, Internet Phone, upgraded VoIP services and other Internet protocol services. As of December 31, 2011, our Internet protocol premium network had 1,032 lines installed to provide voice over Internet protocol services and a total capacity to handle up to 940 Gbps of IP-TV, voice and WiBro service traffic.

Access Lines

As of December 31, 2011, we had 15.1 million access lines installed, which allow us to reach virtually all homes and businesses in Korea. As part of our broadband deployment strategy, we have upgraded many of our access lines by equipping them with broadband capability using xDSL and FTTH technology. As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately 13.4 million broadband lines with speeds of at least 50 Mbps that enable us to deliver broadband Internet access and multimedia content to our customers.

Transmission Network

Our domestic fiber optic cable network consisted of 527,188 kilometers of fiber optic cables as of December 31, 2011 of which 98,048 kilometers of fiber optic cables are used to connect our backbone network and 429,140 kilometers are used to connect the backbone network to our subscribers. Our backbone network utilizes dense wavelength division multiplexing technology for connecting major cities as well as optical add-drop multiplexer technology for connecting neighboring cities. Dense wavelength division multiplexing technology improves bandwidth efficiency by enabling transmission of data from multiple signals across one fiber strand in a cable by carrying each signal on a separate wavelength. We enhanced our backbone network connecting six major cities in Korea by implementing an optical cross-connector (OXC) architecture in 2008 and are in the process of building our next generation broadband convergence network through installation of network equipment utilizing optical reconfigurable add-drop multiplexer technology and multi-service provisioning platform.

Our extensive domestic long-distance network is supplemented by our fully digital domestic microwave network, which consisted of 55 relay sites as of December 31, 2011.

 

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International Network

Our international network infrastructure consists of both submarine cables and satellite transmission systems, including two submarine cable-landing stations in Busan and Keoje and two satellite teleports in Kumsan and Boeun. Data services such as international private lease circuits, Internet protocol and very small aperture terminals are provided through submarine cables and satellite transmission. In order to guarantee high quality services to our end customers, our submarine cables and satellite transmission systems are linked to various points-of-presence in the United States, Asia and Europe. In addition, our international telecommunications networks are directly linked to approximately 315 telecommunications service providers in various international destinations and are routed through our three international switching centers in Seoul, Daejeon and Busan.

Our international Internet backbone with capacity of 270 Gbps is connected to approximately 180 Internet service providers through our two Internet gateways in Heawha and Guro. In addition, we operate a video backbone with capacity of one Gbps to transmit video signals from Korea to the rest of the world.

Satellites

In order to provide broadcasting, video distribution and broadband data services in select areas, we operate two satellites, Koreasat 5 and 6, launched in 2006 and 2011, respectively, and own interests in two additional satellites, ABS-1 launched in September 2011 and ABS-2 expected to be launched in 2013. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview—Our Services—Satellite Services.”

International Submarine Cable Networks

International traffic is handled by telecommunications satellites and submarine cables. Because of the high cost of laying a submarine cable, the usual practice is for multiple carriers to jointly commission a new cable and share the costs and the capacity. We own interests in several international fiber optic submarine cable networks, including:

 

   

a 1.4% interest in the 29,000-kilometer FLAG Europe-Asia network connecting Korea, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe, activated since April 1997;

 

   

a 1.8% interest in the 39,000-kilometer Southeast Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 3 Cable Network linking 34 countries, activated since December 1999;

 

   

a 6.7% interest in the 30,444-kilometer China-U.S. Cable Network linking Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan and the United States, activated since January 2000;

 

   

a 5.1% interest in the 19,000-kilometer Asia Pacific Cable Network 2 connecting Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia, activated since December 2001;

 

   

a 20.0% interest in the 500-kilometer Korea-Japan Cable Network linking Korea and Japan, activated since March 2002; and

 

   

a 13.1% interest in the 16,500-kilometer Trans Pacific Express Cable Network linking Korea, China, Taiwan and the United States, activated since September 2008.

We have also invested in 8 other international fiber optic submarine cables around the world.

 

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Item 4A.  Unresolved Staff Comments

We do not have any unresolved comments from the Securities and Exchange Commission staff regarding our periodic reports under the Exchange Act of 1934.

Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

Item 5.A. Operating Results

The following discussion and analysis is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.

Overview

We are an integrated provider of telecommunications services. Our principal services include mobile service, fixed-line telephone services, Internet services including broadband Internet access service and data communication service. The principal factors affecting our revenues from these services have been our rates for, and the usage volume of, these services, as well as the number of subscribers. For information on rates we charge for our services, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Item 4.B. Business Overview—Revenues and Rates.” We determined our operating segments after the merger with KTF on June 1, 2009 as (i) the Personal Customer Group, which engages in mobile and wireless data communications services, (ii) the Home/Global & Enterprise Customer Group, which engage in fixed-line telephone services, Internet services including broadband Internet access service and data communication service, and (iii) others, which include information technology and network services, real estate development and car rental businesses.

One of the major factors contributing to our historical performance was the growth of the Korean economy, and our future performance will depend at least in part on Korea’s general economic growth and prospects. For a description of recent developments that have had and may continue to have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition, see “Item 3. Key Information—Item 3.D. Risk Factors—Korea is our most important market, and our current business and future growth could be materially and adversely affected if economic conditions in Korea deteriorate.” A number of other developments have had or are expected to have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition and capital expenditures. These developments include:

 

   

acquisitions and disposals of interests in subsidiaries and joint ventures;

 

   

employee reductions and changes in severance and retirement benefits;

 

   

usage fees for bandwidths;

 

   

changes in the rate structure for our services; and

 

   

researching and implementing technology upgrades and additional telecommunication services.

As a result of these factors, our financial results in the past may not be indicative of future results or trends in those results.

Acquisitions and Disposals of Interests in Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures

One key aspect of our overall business strategy calls for acquisitions of businesses and entering into joint ventures that complement or diversify our current business, as well as disposal or

 

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termination of such businesses from time to time. The following summarizes our recent acquisitions and disposals:

 

   

in January 2011, we acquired 5,600,000 shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock with voting rights and convertible bonds that are convertible into 5,600,000 shares of common stock of KT Skylife Co., Ltd. from Dutch Savings Holdings B.V. in January 2011 for approximately (Won)246 billion, to respond to the trend of convergence in the telecommunications and broadcasting industries, and to seek additional synergies with our existing operations. We exercised the conversion rights on the redeemable convertible preferred stock and the convertible bonds in March 2011, and owned a 50.3% interest in KT Skylife Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 2011;

 

   

in June and October 2011, we sold a total of 5,309,189 common shares of New Telephone Company, Inc., representing all of our interests in New Telephone Company, Inc., for approximately (Won)380 billion. Located in Russia, New Telephone Company, Inc. had previously been our consolidated subsidiary providing fixed-line telephone services in Vladivostok, and our decision to dispose of our interest in that company was in part affected by the changing landscape in the Russian telecommunications market, where telecommunications service providers were becoming more nationalized and increasing rapidly in size as a result;

 

   

in October 2011, we, through our subsidiary KT Capital Co., Ltd., acquired an additional 1,622,520 common shares of BC Card Co., Ltd. from Woori Bank for approximately (Won)252 billion, to further diversify our business and to create synergies through utilization of our mobile telecommunications network in financial services, thereby increasing our ownership interest in BC Card Co., Ltd. to 38.86%, making it our consolidated subsidiary as a result of deemed control; and

 

   

in December 2011, we entered into a memorandum of understanding for a strategic partnership with, and acquisition of shares of, Telkom SA Limited, a South African comprehensive telecommunications service provider. The proposed transaction with Telkom SA Limited may require significant capital resources if the acquisition is eventually successful.

Our financial condition and results of operations may be affected as a result of such acquisitions or disposals. Furthermore, pursuing acquisitions or joint venture transactions also requires significant capital, and as we pursue further growth opportunities for the future, we may need to raise additional capital by incurring loans or through the issuances of bonds or other securities in the international capital markets, which may lead to increased levels of debt and debt servicing costs in the future.

Employee Reductions and Changes in Severance and Retirement Benefits

We sponsor a voluntary early retirement plan where we provide additional financial incentives for our employees who have been employed by us for more than 20 years to retire early, as part of our efforts to improve operational efficiencies. In 2009, in addition to our usual voluntary early retirement plan, we held a special voluntary early retirement program in December 2009 where we received applications for voluntary early retirement from employees who had been employed by us for more than 15 years and provided them with additional financial incentives to retire early. The special voluntary early retirement program resulted in the early retirement of 5,992 employees out of 25,340 eligible employees. In aggregate, 6,515 employees retired in 2009 under the voluntary early retirement plan and the special voluntary early retirement program. In 2010 and 2011, 124 and 334 employees, respectively, retired under our voluntary early retirement plan.

 

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Bandwidth Usage Fees

One of the principal limitations on a wireless network’s subscriber capacity is the amount of bandwidth spectrum allocated to the service provider. The growth of our mobile telecommunications business and the increase in usage of wireless data transmission services have been significant factors in the increased utilization of our bandwidth, since wireless data applications are generally more bandwidth-intensive than voice services. The current trend of increasing data transmission use and the increasing sophistication of multimedia content is likely to put additional strain on the bandwidth capacity of mobile service providers. We have acquired various licenses in recent years to secure additional bandwidth capacity to provide our broad range of services, for which we typically pay a portion of the actual sales generated from using the bandwidth during the license period as a usage fee, as well as a portion of expected sales as determined by the Korea Communications Commission at the time of allocation. For a description of our licenses, see “Item 4.D.—Property, Plants and Equipment—Mobile Networks.” In order to continue to maintain sufficient bandwidth capacity, we will require additional capital to renew existing bandwidth spectrum or receive additional bandwidth allocation, or cost-effectively implement technologies that enhance bandwidth usage efficiency.

Changes in the Rate Structure for Our Services

Periodically, we adjust our rate structure for our services. In order to mitigate the impact from lower usage charges of local and domestic long-distance calls, we have increased our basic monthly charges and offer various optional flat rate plans for our fixed-line subscribers. Such adjustments in the rate structure have increased the portion of fixed income and stabilized our cash flow. In addition, because the growing use of mobile telecommunications services has decreased the usage of our fixed-line telephone services, we believe we are able to maximize our revenues from fixed-line telephone services by adjusting the rate structure so as to increase our basic monthly charges. We also provide bundled packages of our various services at a discount in order to attract additional subscribers to our new services. We currently bundle our broadband Internet access service with WiBro, IP-TV, fixed-line telephone service, internet phone services and mobile services at a discount.

The Korea Communications Commission, in consultation with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, currently approves rates charged by us for local telephone service. In addition, the Korea Communications Commission currently does not regulate our domestic long-distance, international long-distance, broadband internet access and mobile service rates, but it periodically announces public policy guidelines or suggestions on tariffs for non-regulated services, which we have followed in the past. For a discussion of adjustments in our rate structure, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Item 4.B. Business Overview—Revenues and Rates.”

Researching and Implementing Technology Upgrades and Additional Telecommunication Services

The telecommunications industry is characterized by continual advances and improvements in telecommunications technology, and we have been continually researching and implementing technology upgrades and additional telecommunication services to maintain our competitiveness. For example, we are currently upgrading our broadband network to enable FTTH connection, which enhances downstream speed and connection quality. FTTH is a telecommunication architecture in which a communication path is provided over optical fiber cables extending from the telecommunications operator’s switching equipment to the boundary of home or office. FTTH uses fiber optic cable, which is able to carry a high-bandwidth signal for longer distances without degradation. FTTH enables us to deliver enhanced products and services that require high bandwidth, such as IP-TV service and delivery of other digital media content. In addition, we have been building more advanced mobile telecommunications networks based on LTE technology, which is generally referred

 

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to as a 4G technology, and commenced providing commercial 4G LTE services in the Seoul metropolitan area on January 3, 2012. We completed the expansion of our 4G LTE service coverage to 84 cities throughout Korea in April 2012. LTE technology enables data to be transmitted at speeds faster than W-CDMA, up to 75 Mbps for downloading and up to 37.5 Mbps for uploading. We expect that the faster data transmission speed of the LTE network, combined with our existing 4G nationwide WiBro network, will allow us to offer significantly improved wireless data transmission services, providing our subscribers with faster wireless access to multimedia content. We will continue to make capital expenditures, incur research and development expenses and implement technology upgrades and additional telecommunications services in order to effectively implement continual advances and improvements in telecommunications technology.

Critical Accounting Policies

We have prepared our consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. These accounting principles require our management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the years reported. We based our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

The fundamental objective of financial reporting is to provide useful information that allows a reader to comprehend our business activities. To aid in that understanding, our management has identified “critical accounting estimates.” These estimates have the potential to have a more significant impact on our financial statements, either because of the significance of the financial statement item to which they relate, or because they require judgment and estimation due to the uncertainty involved in measuring, at a specific point in time, events which are continuous in nature.

These critical accounting estimates include:

 

   

allowances for doubtful accounts;

 

   

useful lives of property and equipment;

 

   

impairment of long-lived assets, including goodwill;

 

   

valuation and impairment of investment securities;

 

   

income taxes;

 

   

deferred revenue relating to service installation fees and initial subscription fees;

 

   

defined benefit liability; and

 

   

provisions.

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of impairment losses incurred on our existing notes and accounts receivable. We determine the allowance for doubtful notes

 

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and accounts receivable based on an aging analysis of balances, historical write-off experience, customer’s or counterparty’s credit ratings and changes in payment terms. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. Our past experience shows that the possibility of collection is remote after three years of collection effort.

Changes in the allowances for doubtful accounts for our trade and other receivables during 2010 and 2011 are summarized as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
           2010                 2011        
     (In millions of Won)  

Balance at beginning of year

   (Won) 625,483      (Won) 646,963   

Provision

     158,147        133,442   

Reversal or written-off

     (131,931     (167,356

Changes in the scope of consolidation

     (2,501     26,970   

Others

     (2,235     2,338   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   (Won) 646,963      (Won) 642,357   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in the allowances for doubtful accounts for our loans receivables during 2010 and 2011 are summarized as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
           2010                 2011        
     (In millions of Won)  

Balance at beginning of year

   (Won) 20,536      (Won) 35,583   

Provision

     30,808        30,808   

Reversal or written-off

     (8,470     (22,804

Others

     (7,291       
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   (Won) 35,583      (Won) 43,587   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

If economic or specific industry trends change, we would adjust our allowances for doubtful accounts by recording additional expense or benefit. Our study shows that a 5.0% decrease or increase in the historical write-off experience would increase or decrease the provision for doubtful accounts by approximately (Won)1 billion as of December 31, 2011.

Useful Lives of Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over their useful lives as disclosed in Note 2.11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. An asset’s residual value and useful lives are reviewed and adjusted at the end of each financial reporting period, and are based on historical experience with similar assets as well as taking into account anticipated technological or other changes. If technological changes were to occur more rapidly than anticipated or in a different form than anticipated, the useful lives assigned to these assets may need to be shortened, resulting in the recognition of increased depreciation expense in future periods. A decrease of remaining estimated useful life by one year of our property and equipment would result in an increase of depreciation expense of approximately (Won)193 billion in 2011.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, including Goodwill

Long-lived assets generally consist of property and equipment and intangible assets, including goodwill. We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances

 

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indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In addition, we evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment each year as part of our annual forecasting process. An impairment loss would be recognized when the asset’s recoverable amount is less than its carrying amount. The recoverable amount of a long-lived asset is the greater of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. For the purpose of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash-generating units). The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units are determined based on value-in-use calculations, which require the use of estimates. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated recovery value.

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price paid over the fair value assigned to the identifiable net assets of acquired businesses. The determination of the fair values of goodwill is based on management’s judgment on the expected cash flows of the cash-generating units to which the goodwill is allocated, taking market demand, competition and other economic factors into consideration. The determination of impairments of goodwill involves the use of estimates that include, but are not limited to, the cause, timing and amount of the impairment. Impairment is based on a large number of factors, such as changes in current competitive conditions, expectations of growth in the telecommunications industry, a decline in our expected future cash flows, changes in the future availability of financing, technological obsolescence, discontinuance of services, current replacement costs and prices paid in comparable transactions. The determination of impairment of goodwill requires a significant amount of management’s judgment.

Valuation and Impairment of Financial Assets

The fair value of financial instruments, including derivative instruments, that are not traded in an active market is determined by using valuation techniques. Our management uses its judgment to select a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are mainly based on market conditions existing at the end of each reporting period.

We record rights and obligations arising from derivative instruments as assets and liabilities, which are stated at fair value. Gains and losses that result from a change in the fair value of derivative instruments are recognized in current earnings. However, for derivative instruments that qualify for cash flow hedge accounting, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instruments are recorded as gain or loss on valuation of derivatives for cash flow hedge included in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, as applicable.

For financial assets, including assets carried at amortized cost and those classified as available-for-sale, we make an annual assessment at the end of each reporting date whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired. For financial assets carried at amortized cost and available-for-sale debt assets, such asset is considered impaired and impairment losses are incurred only if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events (a “loss event”) that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, which had an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset that can reliably be estimated. For equity investments classified as available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost, in addition to circumstances described below, may be considered as evidence that the asset is impaired.

For assets carried at amortized cost, the amount of impairment is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate, and the carrying amount of the asset is reduced and the amount of loss is recognized in the statement of income. Loss on such asset may also be measured based on observable market price if

 

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there is an active market for the asset. For assets classified as available-for-sale, the cumulative loss, measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and the current fair value, less any impairment loss on such financial asset previously recognized in profit or loss, is removed from equity and recognized in the statement of income.

Significant management judgment is involved in evaluating whether a loss event has occurred. The estimates and assumptions used by management to evaluate whether a loss event has occurred can be impacted by many factors, such as the financial condition, earnings capacity and near-term prospects of the company in which we have invested, breach of contract such as default or delinquency in payments, disappearance of an active market for the financial asset and other adverse changes in the payment status of borrowers in the portfolio. The evaluation of these investments is also subject to the overall condition of the economy and its impact on the capital markets.

Income Taxes

We are required to estimate the amount of tax payable or refundable for the current year and the deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been reflected in our financial statements or tax returns. This process requires management to make assessments regarding the timing and probability of the tax impact. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law or unpredicted results from the final determination of each year’s liability by taxing authorities.

We believe that the accounting estimate related to assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets is a “critical accounting estimate” because: (1) it requires management to make assessments about the timing of future events, including the probability of expected future taxable income and available tax planning opportunities, and (2) the impact that changes in actual performance versus these estimates could have on the realization of tax benefits as reported in our results of operations could be material. Management’s assumptions require significant judgment because actual performance has fluctuated in the past and may continue to do so.

Deferred Revenue relating to Service Installation Fees and Initial Subscription Fees

We charge service installation fees and initial subscription fees related to activation of many of our services, which are deferred and recognized as revenue over the expected terms of customer relationships. Our estimate of expected terms of customer relationship is based on the historical rate, which may differ in the future. If the management’s estimation is amended, it may cause significant differences in the timing of revenue recognition and amount recognized.

Defined Benefit Liability

Our accounting of employee benefits, which mainly consist of a defined benefit plan, involves judgments about uncertain events including discount rates, life expectancy, future pay inflation and expected rate of return on plan assets. Any changes in these assumptions will impact the carrying amount of the defined benefit liability. The discount rates used to determine the present value of estimated future cash outflows expected to be required to settle the defined benefit liability, are determined at the end of each reporting period by reference to the yield at the reporting date on high-quality corporate bonds that have maturity dates approximating the terms of our benefits obligations and that are denominated in the same currency in which the benefits are expected to be paid. Other key assumptions for defined benefit liability are based in part on current market conditions.

Provisions

We recognize provisions at the end of the reporting period when we have a present legal or constructive obligation, such as litigation or assets requirement obligations, as a result of past events

 

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and an outflow of resources required to settle the obligation is probable and can be reliably estimated. We measure provisions at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation, which are estimated based on factors such as historical experience. We do not recognize provisions for future operating losses and recognize as interest expense any increase in the provisions due to passage of time. See Notes 2.23, 3.7 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Operating Revenues and Operating Expenses

Operating Revenues

Our operating revenues primarily consist of:

 

   

fees related to our mobile services, including initial subscription fees, monthly fees, usage charges for outgoing calls, usage charges for wireless data transmission, contents download fees and value-added monthly service fees;

 

   

fees from our fixed-line telephone services, including:

 

  Ø  

local service revenues, primarily consisting of (i) basic monthly charges and monthly usage charges (or fixed monthly charges for discount plans), (ii) revenues from value-added services, including local telephone directory assistance, call waiting and caller identification services, (iii) interconnection fees we charge to fixed-line and mobile service providers for their use of our local network in providing their services and (iv) revenues from local calls placed from public telephones;

 

  Ø  

non-refundable installation fees;

 

  Ø  

domestic long-distance service revenues, primarily consisting of (i) monthly usage charges (or fixed monthly charges for discount plans), (ii) interconnection fees we charge to fixed-line and mobile service providers and voice resellers for their use of our domestic long-distance network in providing their services and (iii) revenues from domestic long-distance calls placed from public telephones;

 

  Ø  

international long-distance service revenues, primarily consisting of (i) amounts we bill to our customers for outgoing calls made to foreign countries, (ii) amounts we bill to foreign telecommunications carriers for connection to the domestic telephone network in respect of incoming calls at the applicable settlement rate, (iii) amounts we charge to fixed-line and mobile service providers and voice resellers as interconnection fees for using our international network in providing their services and (iv) other revenues, including revenues from international calls placed from public telephones and international leased lines; and

 

  Ø  

land-to-mobile interconnection revenues;

 

   

Internet service revenues which consist of:

 

  Ø  

broadband Internet access service revenues, primarily consisting of installation fees and basic monthly charges; and

 

  Ø  

other Internet-related service revenues related to our infrastructure and solution services for business enterprises, IP-TV and network portal services;

 

   

revenues from goods sold that are generated primarily through sale of mobile handsets and specially designed phones for fixed-line and mobile convergence services;

 

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data communications service revenues, primarily consisting of installation fees and basic monthly charges for our leased line services and Kornet Internet connection service and revenues from our satellite services; and

 

   

miscellaneous revenues that are primarily derived from credit card services, information technology and network services, satellite services, real estate development and car rental businesses.

Operating Expenses

Our operating expenses primarily include:

 

   

purchase of handsets, primarily consisting of our sale of mobile handsets and specially designed phones for fixed-line mobile convergence services;

 

   

salaries and wages, including post-employment benefits, termination benefits and share-based payments;

 

   

depreciation expenses incurred primarily in connection with our telecommunications network facilities;

 

   

sales commissions, primarily consisting of commissions to independent dealers related to procurement of mobile subscribers and mobile handset sales;

 

   

commissions, primarily consisting of payments for third-party outsourcing services, including commissions to the call center staff; and

 

   

interconnection charges, which are interconnection payments to mobile service providers for calls from landline users and our mobile subscribers to our competitors’ mobile service subscribers.

Operating Results—2010 Compared to 2011

The following table presents selected income statement data and changes therein for 2010 and 2011.

 

     For the Year Ended
December 31,
    Changes  
     2010 vs. 2011  
     2010      2011     Amount     %  
     (In billions of Won)  

Operating revenues

   (Won) 20,326       (Won) 21,990      (Won) 1,664        8.2

Operating expenses

     18,318         20,016        1,698        9.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating profit

     2,008         1,974        (34     (1.7

Finance income

     239         267        28        11.7   

Finance expenses

     599         640        41        6.8   

Income (loss) from jointly controlled entities and associates

     33         (3     (36     N.A.   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from continuing operations before income tax

     1,681         1,598        (83     (5.0

Income tax expense

     396         317        (79     (19.9

Profit from discontinued operations

     30         171        141        470.0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit for the period

   (Won) 1,315       (Won) 1,452      (Won) 137        10.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

N.A. means not available.

 

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Operating Revenues

The following table presents a breakdown of our operating revenues and changes therein for 2010 and 2011.

 

     For the Year Ended
December 31,
     Changes  
      2010 vs. 2011  
     2010      2011      Amount     %  
     (In billions of Won)  

Mobile services

   (Won) 6,944       (Won) 6,813       (Won) (131     (1.9 )% 

Fixed-line telephone services:

          

Local service revenues

     2,568         2,286         (282     (11.0

Non-refundable service installation fees

     55         38         (17     (30.9

Domestic long-distance revenues

     403         308         (95     (23.6

International long-distance revenues

     366         398         32        8.7   

Land-to-mobile interconnection revenues

     949         782         (167     (17.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Sub-total

     4,341         3,812         (529     (12.2

Internet services:

          

Broadband internet access service

     1,900         1,868         (32     (1.7

Other Internet-related services

     680         867         187        27.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Sub-total

     2,580         2,735         155        6.0   

Sale of goods

     3,899         4,379         480        12.3   

Data communication services

     1,298         1,271         (27     (2.1

Other

     1,264         2,980         1,716        135.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total operating revenues

   (Won) 20,326       (Won) 21,990       (Won) 1,664        8.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total operating revenues increased by 8.2%, or (Won)1,664 billion, from (Won)20,326 billion in 2010 to (Won)21,990 billion in 2011 primarily due to increases in our other operating revenues and sale of goods relating to mobile handset sales, the impact of which was partially offset by a decrease in our fixed-line telephone service revenues.

Mobile Services

Our mobile service revenues decreased by 1.9%, or (Won)131 billion, from (Won)6,944 billion in 2010 to (Won)6,813 billion in 2011 primarily due to various rate reduction measures we adopted in August 2011 upon discussion with the Korea Communications Commission, the impact of which was offset in part by an increase in our mobile subscribers from 16.0 million as of December 31, 2010 to 16.6 million as of December 31, 2011. For a discussion of reduction in rates for our mobile services, see “Item 4.B.—Business Overview—Revenues and Rates—Mobile Services.”

Fixed-line Telephone Services

Our fixed-line telephone service revenues decreased by 12.2%, or (Won)529 billion, from (Won)4,341 billion in 2010 to (Won)3,812 billion in 2011 primarily due to decreases in local service revenues, land-to-mobile interconnection revenues and domestic long-distance revenues. Specifically:

 

   

Local service revenues decreased by 11.0%, or (Won)282 billion, from (Won)2,568 billion in 2010 to (Won)2,286 billion in 2011. The number of local call pulses decreased by 16.0% from 2010 to 2011 primarily due to the substitution effect from increase in usage of mobile telephone services and Internet phone services. However, the effect of such decreases was partially offset by participation by some of our subscribers in optional flat rate plans, as well as an increase in revenues from VoIP services.

 

   

Land-to-mobile interconnection revenues decreased by 17.6%, or (Won)167 billion, from (Won)949 billion in 2010 to (Won)782 billion in 2011 primarily due to a decrease in land-to-mobile interconnection rates for 2011 as well as a decrease in the volume of calls between landline users to mobile subscribers.

 

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Domestic long-distance revenues decreased by 23.6%, or (Won)95 billion, from (Won)403 billion in 2010 to (Won)308 billion in 2011 primarily due to a decrease in the number of domestic long-distance call minutes by 10.2% from 2010 to 2011, primarily due to the substitution effect from increase in usage of mobile telephone services and Internet phone services, as well as an increase in our fixed-line subscribers who terminated their subscription to our optional flat rate plans, and a decrease in interconnection rates received by approximately 2.0% from 2010 to 2011.

Internet Services

Our Internet service revenues increased by 6.0%, or (Won)155 billion, from (Won)2,580 billion in 2010 to (Won)2,735 billion in 2011 primarily due to an increase in the number of IP-TV subscribers from 2.1 million as of December 31, 2010 to 3.1 million as of December 31, 2011, the impact of which was offset in part by an increase in our IP-TV subscribers who participate in bundled products that offer discounts when subscribing to our other services. The revenues from broadband Internet access service decreased by 1.7%, or (Won)32 billion, from (Won)1,900 billion in 2010 to (Won)1,868 billion in 2011.

Sale of Goods

Revenues from sale of goods increased by 12.3%, or (Won)480 billion, from (Won)3,899 billion in 2010 to (Won)4,379 billion in 2011 primarily due to an increase in the number of smart phones sold that had relatively higher margins.

Data Communications

Data communications service revenues decreased by 2.1%, or (Won)27 billion, from (Won)1,298 billion in 2010 to (Won)1,271 billion in 2011 primarily due to service fee discounts offered to government agencies and a decrease in revenues related to Kornet broadband Internet connection service to institutional customers resulting from the expiration of certain leased-line contracts.

Others

Other operating revenues increased by 135.8%, or (Won)1,716 billion, from (Won)1,264 billion in 2010 to (Won)2,980 billion in 2011 primarily due to consolidation of the revenues of BC Card Co., Ltd. (which had revenues of (Won)3,205 billion in 2011) starting in October 1, 2011 and KT Skylife Co., Ltd. (which had revenues of (Won)485 billion in 2011) starting on January 1, 2011, as well as revenue of (Won)298 billion recorded in connection with the sale and leaseback of certain of our properties to K-REALTY CR-REIT I, our equity-method investee specializing in real estate investments established in December 2011.

 

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Operating Expenses

The following table presents a breakdown of our operating expenses and changes therein for 2010 and 2011.

 

     For the Year Ended
December 31,
     Changes  
      2010 vs. 2011  
     2010      2011      Amount     %  
     (In billions of Won)  

Salaries and wages

   (Won) 2,623       (Won) 2,856       (Won) 233        8.9   

Depreciation

     2,864         2,647         (217     (7.6

Commissions

     1,292         1,449         157        12.2   

Interconnection charges

     1,226         1,116         (110     (9.0

Purchase of handsets

     3,985         4,250         265        6.6   

Sales commission

     1,910         1,866         (44     (2.3

Research and development expenses

     306         176         (130     (42.5

Others (1)

     4,112         5,656         1,544        37.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total operating expenses

   (Won) 18,318       (Won) 20,016       (Won) 1,698        9.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

(1) Including other operating expenses (which includes service expenses, commissions paid on credit card services and international roaming connection charges), rent, amortization of intangible assets, utilities, taxes and dues, advertising expenses and changes of inventories.

Total operating expenses increased by 9.3%, or (Won)1,698 billion, from (Won)18,318 billion in 2010 to (Won)20,016 billion in 2011 primarily due to increases in other operating expenses (which includes service expenses, commissions paid on credit card services and international roaming connection charges), salaries and wages, commissions and purchase of handsets, the impact of which was partially offset by decreases in depreciation, research and development expenses and interconnection charges. Specifically:

 

   

Other operating expenses increased by 37.5%, or (Won)1,544 billion, from (Won)4,112 billion in 2010 to (Won)5,656 billion in 2011 primarily due to (Won)714 billion in commissions paid on credit card services in 2011, whereas there was no such expense in 2010, as a result of consolidation of the expenses of BC Card Co., Ltd. starting in October 1, 2011, a 33.0%, or (Won)333 billion, increase in service expenses from (Won)1,008 billion in 2010 to (Won)1,341 billion in 2011 as a result of increases in expenses relating to our systems/network integration business and to purchase of multimedia contents from third-party developers and a 17.2%, or (Won)49 billion, increase in international roaming connection charges paid to overseas mobile operators, from (Won)285 billion in 2010 to (Won)334 billion in 2011, as a result of an increase in our smartphone users who use roaming services while traveling abroad.

 

   

Salaries and wages increased by 8.9%, or (Won)233 billion, from (Won)2,623 billion in 2010 to (Won)2,856 billion in 2011 primarily due to an increase in the number of our consolidated employees, as a result of additional consolidated subsidiaries in 2011, including BC Card Co., Ltd. and KT Skylife Co., Ltd. and an increase in average wages.

 

   

Commissions, which primarily relate to payments for third-party outsourcing services, including commissions to the call center staff and building security, and discounts on our installment receivables on mobile and fixed-line contracts, increased by 12.2%, or (Won)157 billion, from (Won)1,292 billion in 2010 to (Won)1,449 billion in 2011 primarily due to an increase in discounts on installment receivables as a result of an increase in our mobile subscribers in 2011 and an increase in commissions paid for outsourcing of building security on our real estate holdings.

 

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Our operating expenses related to purchase of handsets increased by 6.6%, or (Won)265 billion, from (Won)3,985 billion in 2010 to (Won)4,250 billion in 2011 primarily due to an increase in the number of smart phones sold.

These factors were partially offset by the following:

 

   

Depreciation decreased by 7.6%, or (Won)217 billion, from (Won)2,864 billion in 2010 to (Won)2,647 billion in 2011 primarily due to the one-time effect of the shortening of estimated useful lives of assets in the Personal Customer Group, which is prospectively applicable from January 1, 2010, the transition date of IFRS, resulting in more assets fully depreciated in 2010 and less assets subject to depreciation in 2011.

 

   

Research and development expenses decreased by 42.5%, or (Won)130 billion, from (Won)306 billion in 2010 to (Won)176 billion in 2011 primarily due to an internal reorganization of our research and development staff, which decreased the number of departments and employees whose expenses are categorized in this category.

 

   

Interconnection charges decreased by 9.0%, or (Won)110 billion, from (Won)1,226 billion in 2010 to (Won)1,116 billion in 2011 primarily due to decreases in land-to-mobile and land-to-land interconnection rates applicable during 2011 compared to 2010.

Operating Profit

Due to the factors described above, our operating profit decreased by 1.7%, or (Won)34 billion, from (Won)2,008 billion in 2010 to (Won)1,974 billion in 2011. Our operating margin, which is operating profit as a percentage of operating revenues, decreased from 9.9% in 2010 to 9.0% in 2011.

Finance Income (Expenses)

The following table presents a breakdown of our finance income and expenses on a net basis and changes therein for 2010 and 2011.

 

     For the Year Ended
December 31,
    Changes  
     2010 vs. 2011  
         2010             2011         Amount     %  
     (In billions of Won)  

Interest income

   (Won) 97      (Won) 151      (Won) 54        55.7

Interest expense

     (490     (481     9        (1.8

Net foreign currency transaction gain (loss)

     (3     9        13        N.A.   

Net foreign currency translation gain (loss)

     33        (79     (113     N.A.   

Net loss on settlement of derivatives

     (1     (27     (26     2,600.0   

Net gain on valuation of derivatives

     7        55        48        685.7   

Net other finance expenses

     (2     (1     1        (50.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net finance expenses

   (Won) (359   (Won) (373   (Won) (14     3.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

N.A. means not available.

 

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Our net finance expenses increased by 3.9%, or (Won)14 billion, from (Won)359 billion in 2010 to (Won)373 billion in 2011 primarily due to our recognition of net foreign currency translation gain in 2010 compared to a net loss in 2011 and an increase in net loss on settlement of derivatives, the impact of which was partially offset by an increase in interest income and an increase in net gain on valuation of derivatives. Specifically:

 

   

We recorded net foreign currency translation gain of (Won)33 billion in 2010 compared to net foreign currency translation loss of (Won)79 billion in 2011 as the Market Average Exchange Rate of the Won against the U.S. dollar appreciated from (Won)1,167.6 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2009 to (Won)1,138.9 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2010 but it depreciated to (Won)1,153.3 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2011. The impact of such net foreign currency translation loss was partially offset by an increase in net gain on valuation of derivatives discussed below.

 

   

Our net loss on settlement of derivatives increased by twenty-six fold or (Won)26 billion, from (Won)1 billion in 2010 to (Won)27 billion in 2011 primarily due to a significant increase in the size of our settled derivative contracts in 2011 compared to 2010.

These factors were partially offset by the following:

 

   

Our interest income increased by 55.7%, or (Won)54 billion, from (Won)97 billion in 2010 to (Won)151 billion in 2011 primarily due to an increase in our average balance of interest-earning assets from 2010 to 2011, including our holdings of cash and cash equivalents.

 

   

Our net gain on valuation of derivatives, which increased by 685.7%, or (Won)48 billion, from (Won)7 billion in 2010 to (Won)55 billion in 2011 primarily due to an increase in gains from our combined interest rate currency swap contracts due to the depreciation of the exchange rates of the Won against the Japanese Yen and the U.S. dollar from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2011.

Income (Loss) from Jointly Controlled Entities and Associates

We recorded income from jointly controlled entities and associates of (Won)33 billion in 2010 compared to loss from jointly controlled entities and associates of (Won)3 billion in 2011 primarily due to an unrealized loss of (Won)30 billion recorded in connection with the sale and leaseback of certain of our properties to K-REALTY CR-REIT I, our equity-method investee specializing in real estate investments established in December 2011.

Income Tax Expense

Our income tax expense decreased by 20.1%, or (Won)79 billion, from (Won)396 billion in 2010 to (Won)317 billion in 2011 primarily due to an increase in tax credit carryforwards and deductions, as well as a decrease in profits from continuing operations before income tax. See Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Our effective tax rate decreased from 23.6% in 2010 to 19.8% in 2011, primarily due to an increase in tax credit carryforwards and deductions in 2011. We had net deferred income tax assets of (Won)405 billion as of December 31, 2011.

Profit from Discontinued Operations

Our profit from discontinued operations increased by 469.9%, or (Won)141 billion, from (Won)30 billion in 2010 to (Won)171 billion in 2011 primarily due to profits recognized from our sale of a 72.96% controlling interest in New Telephone Company to Vimpel-Communications in October 2011, as well as our share of net income of New Telephone Company until the completion of sale, which we recorded under this category. See Note 38 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Profit for the Period

Due to the factors described above, our profit for the period increased by 10.4%, or (Won)137 billion, from (Won)1,315 billion in 2010 to (Won)1,452 billion in 2011. Our net income margin, which is profit for the period as a percentage of operating revenues, increased from 6.5% in 2010 to 6.6% in 2011.

Segment Results—Personal Customer Group

Our operating revenues for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 3.2%, or (Won)311 billion, from (Won)9,715 billion in 2010 to (Won)10,026 billion in 2011, primarily due to an increase in the number of mobile subscribers as well as an increase in smart phones sold.

Our operating profit for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 20.6%, or (Won)185 billion, from (Won)902 billion in 2010 to (Won)1,087 billion in 2011, as the 3.2% increase in the segment’s operating revenues outpaced a 1.4% increase in operating expenses, primarily due to the reasons discussed above. Operating margin, which is operating income as a percentage of total operating revenues prior to adjusting for inter-company sales, increased from 9.3% in 2010 to 10.8% in 2011.

Depreciation and amortization, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 14.9%, or (Won)206 billion, from (Won)1,383 billion in 2010 to (Won)1,177 billion in 2011, primarily due to the effect of the shortening of estimated useful lives of assets in the Personal Customer Group as described above.

Segment Results—Home/Global & Enterprise Customer Group

Our operating revenues for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 0.5%, or (Won)53 billion, from (Won)10,194 billion in 2010 to (Won)10,141 billion in 2011, primarily due to a decrease in fixed-line telephone service revenues, the impact of which was partially offset by an increase in revenues from Internet-related services.

Our operating profit for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 14.0%, or (Won)153 billion, from (Won)1,092 billion in 2010 to (Won)939 billion in 2011, as the segment recorded a 0.5% decrease in operating revenues while recording a 1.1% increase in operating expenses, primarily due to the reasons discussed above. Operating margin decreased from 10.7% in 2010 to 9.3% in 2011.

Depreciation and amortization, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 0.3%, or (Won)5 billion, from (Won)1,656 billion in 2010 to (Won)1,660 billion in 2011.

Segment Results—Others

Our operating revenues for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 72.9%, or (Won)1,979 billion, from (Won)2,717 billion in 2010 to (Won)4,696 billion in 2011, primarily due to consolidation of the revenues of KT Skylife starting on January 1, 2011 and of BC Card Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries starting on October 1, 2011.

Our operating profit for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 58.4%, or (Won)39 billion, from (Won)67 billion in 2010 to (Won)106 billion in 2011, as the segment recorded a 72.9% increase in operating revenues while recording a 73.2% increase in operating expenses, primarily due to the reasons discussed above. Operating margin decreased from 2.5% in 2010 to 2.3% in 2011.

 

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Depreciation and amortization, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 54.3%, or (Won)45 billion, from (Won)84 billion in 2010 to (Won)129 billion in 2011.

Item 5.B.  Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following table sets forth the summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated.

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
             2010                     2011          
     (In billions of Won)  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   (Won) 2,973      (Won) 2,150   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (2,949     (2,648

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (398     768   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     1,543        1,162   

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

     1,162        1,445   

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (381     284   

Capital Requirements

Historically, our capital requirements consisted principally of purchases of property and equipment and other assets and repayments of borrowings. In our investing activities, we used cash of (Won)2,713 billion in 2010 and (Won)3,208 billion in 2011 for the acquisition of property and equipment, primarily construction-in-progress. In our financing activities, we used cash of (Won)5,576 billion in 2010 and (Won)6,025 billion in 2011 for repayment of borrowings and bonds.

In recent years, we have also required capital for payments of retirement and severance benefits related to our early retirement programs. We recorded payments of severance benefits of (Won)956 billion in 2010 and (Won)235 billion in 2011. In 2010, our payments were particularly high due to a special voluntary early retirement program held in December 2009 in which we received applications for voluntary early retirement from employees who had been employed by us for more than 15 years and provided them with additional financial incentives to retire early. The special voluntary early retirement program resulted in the early retirement of 5,992 employees out of 25,340 eligible employees.

From time to time, we may also require capital for investments involving acquisitions, including shares of our affiliates, and strategic relationships. For example, we acquired redeemable convertible preferred stock with voting rights and convertible bonds of KT Skylife for (Won)246 billion in January 2011, which increased our interest in the company from 32.1% to 53.1% subsequent to exercise of conversion rights.

Our cash dividends paid to shareholders and non-controlling interests amounted to (Won)493 billion in 2010 and (Won)595 billion in 2011.

We anticipate that capital expenditures, and, to a lesser extent, repayment of outstanding contractual obligations and commitments will represent the most significant use of funds for the next several years. We may also require capital for purchase of shares of our affiliates as well as investments involving acquisitions and strategic relationships. We compete in the telecommunications sector in Korea, which is rapidly evolving. In recent years, business combinations in the telecommunications industry have significantly changed the competitive landscape of the Korean telecommunications industry. We may need to incur additional capital expenditures to keep up with unexpected developments in rapidly evolving telecommunications technology. There can be no assurance that we will be able to secure funds on satisfactory terms from financial institutions or other sources that are sufficient for our unanticipated needs.

 

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Payments of contractual obligations and commitments will also require considerable resources. In our ordinary course of business, we routinely enter into commercial commitments for various aspects of our operations, including repair and maintenance. We have also provided guarantees to our affiliates. See 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a disclosure of the guarantees provided.

The following table sets forth selected information regarding our contractual obligations to make future payments as of December 31, 2011:

 

     Payments Due by Period  

Contractual Obligations (1)

   Total      Less than
1 Year
     1-3
Years
     4-5
Years
     After
5 Years
 
     (In billions of Won)  

Long-term debt obligations (including current portion of long-term debt)

   (Won) 10,639       (Won) 1,721       (Won) 4,600       (Won) 2,585       (Won) 1,733   

Capital lease obligations (including any interests)

     183         67         116                   

Operating lease obligations

     427         52         80         78         217   

Severance payment obligations

     2,094         88         264         371         1,371   

Long-term accounts payable—others

     496         55         270         168         3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 13,839       (Won) 1,983       (Won) 5,330       (Won) 3,202       (Won) 3,324   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Estimate of interest payment based on contractual interest rates effective as of December 31, 2011

   (Won) 1,862       (Won) 454       (Won) 640       (Won) 323       (Won) 445   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Contractual obligations represent contractual liabilities as of the consolidated balance sheet date excluding refundable deposits for telephone installation and accruals for customer call bonus points, which do not have definitive payment schedules.

Capital Resources

We have traditionally met our working capital and other capital requirements principally from cash provided by operations, while raising the remainder of our requirements primarily through debt financing. From time to time, we have also disposed of our treasury shares to meet our capital requirements.

Our major sources of cash have been net cash provided by operating activities, including profits for the period, expenses not involving cash payments such as depreciation and amortization, and proceeds from issuance of bonds and borrowings. We expect that these sources will continue to be our principal sources of cash in the future. Profit for the period was (Won)1,315 billion in 2010 and (Won)1,452 billion in 2011 due to the reasons discussed in Item 5.A. Operating Results. Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets was (Won)3,239 billion in 2010 and (Won)2,992 billion in 2011 primarily reflecting our capital investment activities during the recent years. Cash proceeds from issuance of bonds and borrowings were (Won)5,699 billion in 2010 and (Won)7,225 billion in 2011. As of December 31, 2011, we held 17,897,147 treasury shares.

We believe that we have sufficient working capital available to us for our current requirements and that we have a variety of alternatives available to us to satisfy our financial requirements to the extent that they are not met by funds generated by operations, including the issuance of debt securities and bank borrowings denominated in Won and various foreign currencies. For example, we successfully issued US$350 million of 3.875% notes due 2017 in January 2012. However, our ability to rely on some of these alternatives could be affected by factors such as the liquidity of the Korean and the global financial markets, prevailing interest rates, our credit rating and the Government’s policies regarding Won currency and foreign currency borrowings. Other factors which could materially affect our liquidity in the future include unanticipated increase in capital expenditures and decrease in cash

 

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provided by operations resulting from a significant decrease in demand for our services. We may also need to raise additional capital sooner than we expect in order to fund unanticipated investments and acquisitions.

Our total equity was (Won)11,354 billion as of December 31, 2010 and (Won)12,538 billion as of December 31, 2011.

Liquidity

We had a working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) deficit of (Won)365 billion as of December 31, 2010 and surplus of (Won)1,046 billion as of December 31, 2011. The following table sets forth the summary of our significant current assets for the periods indicated.

 

     As of December 31,  
         2010              2011      
     (In billions of Won)  

Cash and cash equivalents

   (Won) 1,162       (Won) 1,445   

Short-term loans receivables, net

     725         698   

Trade and other receivables, net

     4,193         6,159   

Inventories, net

     711         675   

Our cash, cash equivalents and net short-term loans receivable maturing within one year totaled (Won)1,887 billion as of December 31, 2010 and (Won)2,143 billion as of December 31, 2011. Under IFRS as issued by IASB, bank deposits held at call and all other highly liquid temporary cash instruments within maturities of three months are considered as cash equivalents. Short-term loans receivables primarily consist of loans and other non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market with maturities of twelve months or less.

The following table sets forth the summary of our significant current liabilities for the periods indicated:

 

     As of December 31,  
         2010              2011      
     (In billions of Won)  

Trade and other payables

   (Won) 4,424       (Won) 5,890   

Borrowings

     2,722         2,112   

As of December 31, 2011, we entered into various commitments with financial institutions totaling (Won)2,778 billion and US$85 million. See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As of December 31, 2011, (Won)115 billion and US$14 million were used under these facilities. We have not had, and do not believe that we will have, difficulty gaining access to short-term financing sufficient to meet our current requirements.

Capital Expenditures

We used cash of (Won)2,713 billion in 2010 and (Won)3,208 billion in 2011 for the acquisition of property and equipment, primarily construction-in-progress.

Our current capital expenditure plan, on a non-consolidated basis, calls for the expenditure of approximately (Won)3,500 billion in 2012, which may be adjusted depending on market conditions and our results of operations. The principal components of our capital investment plans are:

 

   

approximately (Won)1,786 billion in general expansion and modernization of our wireless network infrastructure (including approximately (Won)1,000 billion in capital investments for LTE service);

 

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approximately (Won)1,157 billion for general expansion and modernization of our fixed-line network infrastructure; and

 

   

approximately (Won)557 billion in capital investments for our other services, including overhead costs.

Inflation

We do not consider that inflation in Korea has had a material impact on our results of operations in recent years. Inflation in Korea was 2.9% in 2010 and 4.3% in 2011. See “Item 3. Key Information—Item 3.D. Risk Factors—Korea is our most important market, and our current business and future growth could be materially and adversely affected if economic conditions in Korea deteriorate.”

Recent Accounting Pronouncements under IFRS

For a summary of new standards, amendments and interpretations issued under IFRS but not effective for 2011 and which have not been adopted early by us, see note 2.1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

For a summary of standards and exceptions applied by us in connection with the transition to IFRS starting in 2011, see note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 5.C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc.

In order to maintain our leadership in the converging telecommunications business environment and develop additional platforms, services and applications, we operate:

 

   

a technology strategy office;

 

   

a technology development office;

 

   

a central R&D laboratory;

 

   

a network R&D laboratory; and

 

   

a smart grid development center.

As of December 31, 2011, our Advanced Institute of Technology employed a total of 435 researchers and employees. As of December 31, 2011, our researchers and employees at our research centers had 72 doctoral degrees and 231 master’s degrees. As of December 31, 2011, KT Corporation had 5,350 registered patents domestically and 489 registered patents internationally.

Under the Information and Communications Industry Promotion Act, network service providers and specific service providers are obligated to contribute 0.75% and 0.5% of their total annual revenues, respectively, to the Institute of Information Technology Advancement, which uses the fund to promote research and development in information technology. We make contributions as a network service provider and specific service provider to the Korean government (Information and Telecommunication Improvement Fund), the Korea Electronic Telecommunication Research Institute and other research and development institutes. Including such contributions, total expenditures on research and development were (Won)306 billion in 2010 and (Won)176 billion in 2011.

 

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In recent years, we have focused our research and development efforts in the following areas:

 

   

open telecommunications service platforms;

 

   

development of ubiquitous services and platforms relating to health care systems;

 

   

intelligent knowledge and smart interaction technologies;

 

   

various n-screen services, which allows purchased content to be viewed on multiple devices and platforms;

 

   

smart network architecture;

 

   

future network structure and solutions; and

 

   

green energy solutions, including smart grid technologies.

Item 5.D. Trend Information

These matters are discussed under Item 5.A. above where relevant.

Item 5.E. Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

These matters are discussed under Item 5.B. above where relevant.

Item 5.F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

These matters are discussed under Item 5.B. above where relevant.

Item 5.G. Safe Harbor

See “Item 3. Key Information—Item 3.D. Risk Factors—Forward-looking statements may prove to be inaccurate.”

Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

Item 6.A. Directors and Senior Management

Directors

Our board of directors has the ultimate responsibility for the administration of our affairs. Our articles of incorporation provide for a board of directors consisting of:

 

   

up to three non-independent directors, including the Chief Executive Officer; and

 

   

up to eight outside directors.

All of our directors are elected at the general shareholders’ meeting. If the total assets of a company listed on the KRX KOSPI Market as of the end of the preceding year exceeds (Won)2,000 billion, which is the case with us, the Commercial Code of Korea requires such company to have more than three outside directors with more than half of its total directors being outside directors. The term of office for all directors is up to three years, but the term is extended to the close of the annual

 

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shareholders’ meeting convened with respect to the last fiscal year of the term. If the term of office for the director ends before the close of the annual general meeting of shareholders convened with respect to the last fiscal year within such director’s term of office and a new director is appointed in his or her place, the term of office for such new director will be the remaining term of office of his or her predecessor.

Under the Commercial Code of Korea, we must establish a committee to nominate candidates for outside directors within the board of directors, and outside directors must make up not less than half of the total members of the outside director candidate nominating committee. According to our articles of incorporation, such committee must consist of one non-independent director and all of our outside directors. Our Outside Director Candidate Nominating Committee nominates outside director candidates for appointment at the general shareholders’ meeting.

Upon the request of any director, a meeting of the board of directors will be assembled. The chairperson of the board of directors is elected from among the outside directors by a resolution of the board of directors. The term of office of the chairperson is for one year.

Our current directors are as follows:

 

Name

  

Position

   Director
Since
   Date of Birth    Expiration
of

Term of
Office
 

Non-Independent Directors (1)

           

Suk-Chae Lee

   Chief Executive Officer    January 2009    September 11, 1945      2015   

Sang-Hoon Lee

   President    March 2009    January 24, 1955      2013   

Hyun-Myung Pyo

   President    March 2009    October 21, 1958      2013   

Outside Directors (1)

           

E. Han Kim

  

Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Professor, University of Michigan

   March 2009    May 27, 1946      2015   

Choon-Ho Lee

  

Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Korea Educational Broadcasting System

   March 2009    July 22, 1945      2015   

Jong-Hwan Song

  

Professor, Myongji University

   March 2010    September 5, 1944      2013   

Hyun Nak Lee

  

Professor, Sejong University

   March 2011    November 4, 1941      2014   

Byong Won Bahk

  

Chairperson, Korean Federation of Banks

   March 2011    September 24, 1952      2014   

Keuk Je Sung

  

Professor, Graduate School of Pan-Pacific International Studies, Kyunghee University

   March 2012    June 4, 1953      2015   

Sang Kyun Cha

  

Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seoul National University

   March 2012    February 19, 1958      2013   

 

 

(1) All of our non-independent and outside directors beneficially own less than one percent of the issued shares of KT Corporation in the aggregate.

Suk-Chae Lee is a non-independent director and has served as our chief executive officer since January 2009. Prior to joining us, he served as a senior advisor of Bae, Kim & Lee LLC, chief economic advisor to the President of Korea, Minister of Information and Telecommunications and Vice Minister of Finance and Economy. Mr. Lee holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Seoul National University, an M.A. degree in political economy from Boston University and a Ph.D. degree in economics from Boston University.

 

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Sang-Hoon Lee is a non-independent director and has served as the president of the Global & Enterprise Group since March 2009. He has previously served as senior executive vice president of the Business Development Group and executive vice president of the Business Marketing Unit. Mr. Lee holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Seoul National University and both his master’s degree and Ph.D degree in electric engineering from University of Pennsylvania.

Hyun-Myung Pyo is a non-independent director and has served as the president of the Personal Customer Group since December 2009. He has previously served as senior executive vice president of the Corporate Center and senior vice president of the WiBro Business Unit and head of the Marketing Group of KTF. Mr. Pyo holds a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering from Korea University and both his graduate and Ph.D degrees in electronic engineering from Korea University.

E. Han Kim has served as our outside director since March 2009. He is currently a professor of business administration at University of Michigan and has served as outside director of POSCO and Hana Bank. Mr. Kim holds a bachelor’s degree from Rochester University, a master’s degree in business administration from Cornell University and a Ph.D. degree in finance from State University of New York-Buffalo.

Choon-Ho Lee has served as our outside director since March 2009. She is currently the chairperson of the board of directors of Korea Educational Broadcasting System. Ms. Lee has served as a director of the board of Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture. She holds a bachelor’s degree in politics and foreign affairs from Ewha Womans University and has received both her graduate and Ph.D. degrees in education from Inha University.

Jong-Hwan Song has served as our outside director since March 2010. He is currently a professor of North Korean studies at Myongji University. Mr. Song holds a bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree in international relations from Seoul National University and a Ph.D. degree in political science from Hanyang University.

Hyun-Nak Lee has served as our outside director since March 2011. He is currently a professor at Sejong University, and was formerly a chief executive officer of Kyonggi Ilbo and an executive director and chief editor of Donga Ilbo. Mr. Lee holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Seoul National University.

Byong-Won Bahk has served as our outside director since March 2011. He is currently a chairperson of Korean Federation of Banks. He was formerly a vice minister of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, a chief executive officer and chairperson of board of directors at Woori Finance Holdings Co., Ltd. and a chairperson of board of directors at Woori Bank. Mr. Bahk holds a master’s degree in economics from Washington University.

Keuk Je Sung has served as our outside director since March 2012. He is currently a professor at Kyunghee University Graduate School of Pan-Pacific International Studies. He was formerly Korea’s chief negotiator to the World Trade Organization’s General Agreement on Trade in Services. Mr. Sung holds a Ph.D. degree in economics from Northwestern University.

Sang Kyun Cha has served as our outside director since March 2012. He is currently a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Seoul National University. He was formerly a founder and currently an outside director of Transact In Memory, Inc. (currently SAP Labs Korea). Mr. Cha holds a Ph.D. degree in database systems from Stanford University.

For the purposes of the Korean Commercial Code, our Chief Executive Officer is deemed to be the “representative director” who is authorized to perform all judicial and extra-judicial acts relating to

 

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our business. Our shareholders elect the Chief Executive Officer in accordance with the provisions of the Commercial Code and our articles of incorporation. A candidate for Chief Executive Officer is nominated by a committee formed for that purpose. The Chief Executive Officer Candidate Nominating Committee consists of:

 

   

all of our outside directors; and

 

   

one non-independent director who is not a candidate.

Under our articles of incorporation, the Chief Executive Officer Candidate Nominating Committee must submit a draft management contract between the company and the candidate covering the management objectives of the company to the shareholders’ meeting at the time of nomination of the candidate to the meeting. When the draft management contract has been approved at the shareholders’ meeting, the company enters into such management contract with the Chief Executive Officer. In such case, the chairperson of the Chief Executive Officer Candidate Nominating Committee, on behalf of the company, signs the management contract.

The board of directors may conduct performance review discussions to determine if the new Chief Executive Officer performed his or her duties under the management contract, or hire a professional evaluation agency for such purpose. If the board of directors determines, based on the results of the performance review, that the new Chief Executive Officer has failed to achieve the management goals, it may propose to dismiss the Chief Executive Officer at a shareholders’ meeting.

Senior Management

Our executive officers consist of President, Senior Executive Vice President, Executive Vice Presidents and Senior Vice Presidents. The executive officers other than the non-independent directors are appointed by the Chief Executive Officer and may serve up to three years.

 

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The current executive officers are as follows:

 

Name (1)

  

Title and Responsibilities

   Current
Position Held
Since
   Years
with the
Company
     Date of Birth

Sung-Bok Jung

   President, Legal & Corporate Ethics Office    January 2009      3       December 7, 1954

Yu-Yeol Seo

   President, Home Business Group    January 2010      33       September 9, 1956

Il-Yung Kim

   Senior Executive Vice President, Corporate Center    January 2010      2       September 8, 1956

Yeon-Hak Kim

   Senior Executive Vice President, Mobile Business Chief Operating Office    January 2012      24       May 17, 1962

Hong-Jin Kim

   Senior Executive Vice President, Global & Enterprise Business Operating Office    January 2012      1       April 25, 1953

Won-Ki Hong

   Senior Executive Vice President, Advanced Institute of Technology    March 2012      0       September 28, 1959

Sung-Man Kim

   Senior Executive Vice President, Network Group    January 2010      29       October 3, 1956

Jung-Hee Song

   Senior Executive Vice President, Service Innovation Group    January 2011      1       February 18, 1958

Hong-Seok Seo

   Senior Executive Vice President, Corporate Relations Office    January 2011      1       November 20, 1960

In-Sung Jun

   Senior Executive Vice President, Group Shared Service Group    January 2010      31       October 9, 1958

Joo-Sung Kim

   Senior Executive Vice President, Contents & Media Task Force    March 2012      0       May 14, 1960

Jeong-Tae Park

   Executive Vice President, Strategy & Planning Office    January 2012      27       December 10, 1959

Se-Hyun Oh

   Executive Vice President, New Business Strategy Department    January 2011      1       July 2, 1963

Kyu-Taek Nam

   Executive Vice President, Synergy Management Office    October 2010      25       February 6, 1961

Sun-Cheol Gweon

   Executive Vice President, Synergy Management Department    December 2010      20       March 1, 1962

Sang-Jik Lee

   Executive Vice President, Legal Affairs Center    June 2009      2       September 6, 1965

Tae-Hyo Ahn

   Executive Vice President, Smart Eco Business Unit    July 2011      27       January 24, 1962

Heon-Moon Lim

   Executive Vice President, Home Business Chief Operating Office    January 2012      24       November 15, 1960

Jong-Jin Chae

   Executive Vice President, Professional Service Business Unit    January 2012      25       June 25, 1961

Dong-Hoon Han

   Executive Vice President, Service Delivery Business Unit    December 2010      30       September 12, 1959

Kyu-Shik Shin

   Executive Vice President, Domestic Enterprise Chief Sales Office    January 2012      1       June 7, 1957

Dong-Myun Lee

   Executive Vice President, Technology Strategy Office    December 2010      20       October 15, 1962

Kyeong-Soo Lee

   Executive Vice President, Network Strategy Business Unit    December 2010      19       February 5, 1960

Seong-Mok Oh

   Executive Vice President, Mobile Network Business Unit    December 2010      26       August 20, 1960

Tae-Il Park

   Executive Vice President, Network Technology Support Business Unit    December 2010      33       February 24, 1956

Hyun-Mi Yang

   Executive Vice President, Customer Strategy Business Unit    December 2010      2       December 4, 1963

Young-Hee Song

   Executive Vice President, Content & Media Division    December 2010      2       February 10, 1961

Tae-Yol Yoo

   Executive Vice President, Economics & Management Research Laboratory    January 2009      27       April 4, 1960

Bum-Joon Kim

   Executive Vice President, Financial Management Office, Chief Financial Officer    February 2012      8       March 25, 1965

 

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Name (1)

  

Title and Responsibilities

   Current
Position Held
Since
   Years
with the
Company
     Date of Birth

Seok-Keun Oh

   Executive Vice President, Corporate Relations Support Office    January 2012      13       August 28, 1961

Gil-Joo Lee

   Executive Vice President, Public Relations Office    November 2006      36       September 20, 1955

Jae-Geun Choi

   Executive Vice President, Public Relations Department    January 2010      2       November 30, 1961

Sang-Hyo Kim

   Executive Vice President, Human Resources Office    May 2010      1       April 1, 1956

Young-Hui Lee

   Executive Vice President, Human Resources Office    October 2011      30       August 7, 1957

Sa-Il Kwon

   Executive Vice President, General Affairs Office    January 2010      34       January 30, 1957

Eun-Hye Kim

   Executive Vice President, Group Media & Communications Office    December 2010      1       January 6, 1971

Yun-Su Kim

   Senior Vice President, Corporate Planning Department    December 2010      19       November 2, 1963

Hwa Jung

   Senior Vice President, Group Strategy Department    December 2010      23       August 10, 1964

Sangwook Seo

   Senior Vice President, Strategic Investment Department    November 2011      0       January 26, 1972

Byung-Ho Nam

   Senior Vice President, Synergy Development Department 1    January 2012      0       February 23, 1967

Eung-Ho Lee

   Senior Vice President, Corporate Ethics Department 1    January 2010      21       December 7, 1962

Eun-Soo Park

   Senior Vice President, Corporate Ethics Department 2    January 2010      22       January 10, 1962

Kuk-Hyun Kang

   Senior Vice President, Mobile Product & Marketing Business Unit    July 2011      22       September 8, 1963

Hyung-Wook Kim

   Senior Vice President, Mobile Device Planning Department    January 2010      15       April 24, 1963

Hyeon-Mo Ku

   Senior Vice President, Mobile Sales & CS Business Unit    January 2012      24       January 13, 1964

Hyon-Seog Lee

   Senior Vice President, Mobile Sales Planning Department    January 2011      19       March 10, 1962

Chang-Young Yoon

   Senior Vice President, Southern Metropolitan Mobile Sales Headquarter    July 2011      25       February 24, 1957

Myung-Bum Pyun

   Senior Vice President, Northern Metropolitan Mobile Sales Headquarter    July 2011      14       June 19, 1960

Jae-Hyeon Kim

   Senior Vice President, Chungcheong Mobile Sales Headquarter    January 2010      14       September 26, 1962

Bong-Goon Kwak

   Senior Vice President, Mobile Business Fast Incubation Center    July 2011      27       March 2, 1960

Young-Lyoul Lee

   Senior Vice President, olleh tv Business Unit    December 2010      5       September 17, 1962

Hae-Jung Park

   Senior Vice President, Home Marketing Business Unit    July 2011      5       May 23, 1963

Seung-Dong Gye

   Senior Vice President, Home Sales Business Unit    January 2012      34       June 6, 1958

Yong-Hwa Park

   Senior Vice President, Home CS Business Unit    July 2011      28       March 2, 1958

Youn-Mo Jeon

   Senior Vice President, Southern Seoul Sales Headquarter    December 2010      14       September 6, 1960

Jong-Hack Kang

   Senior Vice President, Northern Seoul Sales Headquarter    January 2012      26       April 5, 1959

Jun-Su Jeong

   Senior Vice President, Southern Gyeonggi Sales Headquarter    December 2010      19       November 2, 1962

Wook-Yeong Ryu

   Senior Vice President, Busan Sales Headquarter    January 2012      36       December 20, 1956

Doo-Soo Chung

   Senior Vice President, Incheon Sales Headquarter    January 2010      33       August 22, 1959

 

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Name (1)

  

Title and Responsibilities

   Current
Position Held
Since
   Years
with the
Company
     Date of Birth

Jin-Hoon Kim

   Senior Vice President, Daegu Sales Headquarter    January 2012      25       May 5, 1960

Young-Beum Joo

   Senior Vice President, Northern Gyeonggi Sales Headquarter    January 2012      22       October 1, 1963

Jin-Chul Kim

   Senior Vice President, Jeonnam Sales Headquarter    January 2012      23       May 25, 1962

Pan-Sik Shin

   Senior Vice President, Global Project TF    January 2012      25       February 25, 1959

Moon-Hwan Lee

   Senior Vice President, Global & Enterprise Business Strategy Business Unit    January 2012      23       October 1, 1963

Won-Sik Han

   Senior Vice President, Enterprise Product Business Unit    January 2012      26       October 26, 1960

Jun-Sick Bahk

   Senior Vice President, Global Business Development Unit    January 2012      1       February 16, 1967

Jung-Sub Kwak

   Senior Vice President, Global Sales Business Unit    October 2011      0       April 2, 1961

Hyung-Joon Kim

   Senior Vice President, Global Network Business Department    January 2012      17       November 2, 1963

Sang-Wook Kim

   Senior Vice President, Asia Department    January 2012      1       February 14, 1965

Dae-Su Park

   Senior Vice President, Public Customer Business Unit    January 2012      22       October 28, 1963

Jae-Gyo Kim

   Senior Vice President, Public Customer Department 1    January 2011      33       September 23, 1958

Yoon-Sik Jeong

   Senior Vice President, Enterprise Customer Business Unit 1    December 2010      3       September 30, 1964

Kyung-Seok Park

   Senior Vice President, Enterprise Customer Business Unit 2    December 2010      25       February 10, 1958

Young-Sik Park

   Senior Vice President, SMB Customer Business Unit    December 2010      33       April 9, 1957

Young-Taik Kim

   Senior Vice President, Satellite Business Unit    November 2011      25       May 10, 1958

Gang-Geun Lee

   Senior Vice President, Northern Seoul Corporate Sales Headquarter    January 2012      23       June 22, 1961

Hong-Jae Lee

   Senior Vice President, Southern Seoul Corporate Sales Headquarter    January 2012      26       August 29, 1962

Hyung-Chul Park

   Senior Vice President, Southern Gyeonggi Corporate Sales Headquarter    December 2010      26       February 2, 1962

Tae-Il Kwon

   Senior Vice President, Northern Gyeonggi Corporate Sales Headquarter    January 2012      26       January 11, 1958

Sung-Hwan Gong

   Senior Vice President, Jeonnam Corporate Sales Headquarter    December 2010      26       December 21, 1960

Yoon-Young Park

   Senior Vice President, Technology Development Office    January 2010      19       April 18, 1962

Han-Wook Jung

   Senior Vice President, Central R&D Laboratory    January 2010      26       January 22, 1961

Sung-Chun Lee

   Senior Vice President, Network R&D Laboratory    December 2010      26       May 28, 1960

Jin-Soo Sohn

   Senior Vice President, Smart Grid & Energy Business Development Unit    January 2012      26       December 15, 1960

Jae-Yoon Park

   Senior Vice President, Metropolitan Mobile Network O&M Headquarter    January 2012      25       December 18, 1960

Cha-Hyun Yoon

   Senior Vice President, Network Design Business Unit    December 2010      26       December 2, 1961

Yung-Sig Yoon

   Senior Vice President, Network O&M Business Unit    December 2010      27       November 20, 1956

Young-Hyun Kim

   Senior Vice President, Gangbuk Network O&M Headquarter    January 2012      34       December 19, 1958

Chan-Kyung Park

   Senior Vice President, Gangnam Network O&M Headquarter    January 2012      26       January 1, 1959

Tae-Geun Kim

   Senior Vice President, Chungcheong Network O&M Headquarter    December 2010      28       March 16, 1959

 

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Name (1)

  

Title and Responsibilities

   Current
Position Held
Since
   Years
with the
Company
     Date of Birth

Cheol-Gyu Lee

   Senior Vice President, Honam Network O&M Headquarter    January 2012      25       August 24, 1960

Kun-Muk Cho

   Senior Vice President, Busan Network O&M Headquarter    January 2012      29       November 7, 1958

Hyeon-Kyu Lee

   Senior Vice President, Advanced Platform Development Business Unit    July 2011      1       May 13, 1962

Jae Lee

   Senior Vice President, Biz & IS Transformation Unit    December 2010      1       March 2, 1970

Moon-Chul Jung

   Senior Vice President, Customer Satisfaction Planning Business Unit    January 2012      26       August 5, 1957

Ji-Yun Kim

   Senior Vice President, Cloud Business Unit    January 2012      0       January 27, 1968

Dong-Sik Yun

   Senior Vice President, Cloud Infrastructure Department    April 2010      23       June 9, 1963

Kyung-Kon Koh

   Senior Vice President, Internet Business Unit    December 2010      2       April 28, 1963

Jae-Ho Jang

   Senior Vice President, IT Strategy Business Unit    February 2012      0       July 12, 1962

Sang-Yong Lee

   Senior Vice President, Data & Information Security Department    November 2010      1       December 23,
1967

Young-Soo Woo

   Senior Vice President, Value Creation Unit    March, 2012      0       August 13, 1964

Hyo-Sill Kim

   Senior Vice President, Smart Network Policy TF    February 2012      19       April 17, 1963

Gwang-Suk Shin

   Senior Vice President, Financial Resources Department 1    December 2010      23       January 5, 1960

Seong-Jin Lee

   Senior Vice President, Accounting Department    January 2009      15       December 2, 1958

Hee-Su Kim

   Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations Strategy Department    February 2012      0       October 15, 1962

Choong-Seop Lee

   Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations Cooperation Department    January 2012      12       June 3, 1958

Young-Pil Park

   Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations Support Department    March 2009      7       February 9, 1968

Yong-Seok Yoon

   Senior Vice President, Real Assets Management Office    January 2012      19       April 10, 1957

Sang-Pyo Kwon

   Senior Vice President, Procurement Strategy Office    January 2012      26       January 7, 1960

Kwang-Jin Oh

   Senior Vice President, Group Consulting Support Office    January 2012      14       January 15, 1959

Pill-Jai Lee

   Senior Vice President, BTO Planning Department    September 2010      24       October 3, 1961

Sung-Hoon Shim

   Senior Vice President, CEO Office    January 2009      23       February 25, 1964

Ki-Soong Jang

   Senior Vice President, Educational Dispatch    January 2012      26       October 17, 1958

Jung-Won Park

   Senior Vice President, Educational Dispatch    January 2012      25       July 26, 1959

Hong-Beom Jeon

   Senior Vice President, Educational Dispatch    January 2012      20       October 3, 1962

Dae-San Lee

   Senior Vice President, Research and Development    January 2012      25       January 10, 1961

Seok-Gyoon Na

   Senior Vice President, Research and Development    January 2012      27       October 26, 1958

 

(1) All of our executive officers beneficially own less than one percent of the issued shares of KT Corporation in the aggregate.

Item 6.B.  Compensation

Compensation of Directors

In 2011, the total amount of salaries, bonuses (including long-term performance-based incentives for directors) and allowances paid and accrued to all directors of KT Corporation for services in all capacities was approximately (Won)5 billion. The aggregate amount accrued by us to provide retirement benefits to such persons was (Won)270 million in 2011. Starting in 2009, we no longer pay long-term performance-based incentives to our outside directors.

 

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The chairperson of the Chief Executive Officer Candidate Nominating Committee enters into an employment agreement on our behalf with our Chief Executive Officer. The employment agreement sets certain management targets to be achieved by the Chief Executive Officer, including a target for the amount of “EBITDA” to be achieved in each year. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization. Failure to achieve certain thresholds below the targets will allow the board of directors to take actions with respect to the Chief Executive Officer’s employment, including proposing to the shareholders’ meeting an early termination of his employment. In addition, the head of each of our functional departments, the president of each of our subsidiaries and the heads of each regional head office have entered into employment agreements with the Chief Executive Officer that provide for similar management targets to be achieved by each of our departments, subsidiaries and regional head offices.

Item 6.C.  Board Practices

As of December 31, 2011, none of our non-independent or outside directors maintained directors’ service contracts with us or with any of our subsidiaries providing for benefits upon termination of employment.

Corporate Governance Committee

The Corporate Governance Committee is comprised of four outside directors and one non-independent director, Choon-Ho Lee, E. Han Kim, Sang Kyun Cha and Hyun-Myung Pyo. The chairperson is Choon-Ho Lee. The committee is responsible for the review of matters with respect to our Corporate Governance Guidelines and our performance under such guidelines to monitor effectiveness of our corporate governance.

Outside Director Candidate Nominating Committee

The Outside Director Candidate Nominating Committee consists of one non-independent director and all of our outside directors, other than for election of an outside director resulting from the expiration of the term of the office, in which case such outside director whose term is expiring may not be a member of the committee. The committee’s duties include reviewing the qualifications of potential candidates and proposing nominees to serve as outside directors on our board of directors to the shareholders at the general meeting of shareholders. The committee members’ terms expire immediately after the adjournment of the shareholders’ meeting where the outside directors are elected.

Evaluation and Compensation Committee

The Evaluation and Compensation Committee is currently comprised of four outside directors, Hyun-Nak Lee, Choon-Ho Lee, Jong-Hwan Song and Keuk Je Sung. The chairperson is Hyun-Nak Lee. The committee’s duties include prior review of the Chief Executive Officer’s management goals, terms and conditions proposed for inclusion in the management contract of the Chief Executive Officer, including, but not limited to, determining whether the Chief Executive Officer has achieved the management goals, and the determination of compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and the non-independent directors. The committee members are elected by the board after the closing of the annual meeting, and the term of the committee members is for one year.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is currently comprised of all of the non-independent directors. The chairperson is Suk-Chae Lee. The committee’s duties include the establishment and management of

 

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branch offices, the acquisition and disposal of real estate having market value between (Won)15 billion to (Won)30 billion, making investments and providing guarantees up to (Won)30 billion, the disposal and sale of stocks of our subsidiaries, which stocks have a market value of between (Won)15 billion and (Won)30 billion, provided that no change of control with respect to such subsidiary occurs as a result of such disposal or sale, the authorization of charitable contributions between (Won)100 million to (Won)1 billion and the issuance of certain debt securities.

Related-Party Transactions Committee

The Related-Party Transactions Committee is currently comprised of four outside directors, Jong-Hwan Song, Byong Won Bahk, Keuk Je Sung and Sang Kyun Cha. The chairperson is Jong-Hwan Song. This committee reviews transactions between KT Corporation and its subsidiaries and ensures compliance with applicable antitrust laws. The committee members are elected by the board after the annual meeting, and the term of the committee members is for one year.

Audit Committee

Under the Commercial Code of Korea, we are required to establish an audit committee comprised of three or more outside directors comprised of at least two-thirds of the audit committee members. Audit Committee members must also meet the applicable independence criteria set forth under the rules and regulations of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The committee is currently comprised of Hyun-Nak Lee, E. Han Kim and Byong Won Bahk. The chairperson is Hyun-Nak Lee. Members of the committee are elected by our shareholders at the shareholders’ meeting. Our internal and external auditors report directly to the committee.

The duties of the committee include:

 

   

appointing independent auditors;

 

   

approving the appointment and recommending the dismissal of the internal auditor;

 

   

evaluating performance of independent auditors;

 

   

approving services to be provided by the independent auditors;

 

   

reviewing annual financial statements;

 

   

reviewing audit results and reports;

 

   

reviewing and evaluating our system of internal controls and policies; and

 

   

examining improprieties or suspected improprieties.

In addition, in connection with the shareholders’ meeting, the committee examines the agenda for, and financial statement and other reports to be submitted by the board of directors, at each shareholders’ meeting.

Item 6.D.  Employees

On a non-consolidated basis, we had 31,215 employees as of December 31, 2011, compared to 31,155 employees as of December 31, 2010 and 30,841 employees as of December 31, 2009.

 

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The Voluntary Early Retirement Plans

We sponsor a voluntary early retirement plan where we provide additional financial incentives for our employees to retire early, as part of our efforts to improve operational efficiencies. In 2008, 1,141 employees retired under KT Corporation’s voluntary early retirement plan.

In 2009, we had a voluntary early retirement plan where we received applications from employees who had been employed by us for more than 20 years. In addition, we held a special voluntary early retirement program in the fourth quarter of 2009 where we received applications for voluntary early retirement from employees who had been employed by us for more than 15 years and provided them with additional financial incentives to retire early. In aggregate, 6,515 employees retired in 2009 under the voluntary early retirement plan and the special voluntary early retirement program.

In 2010 and 2011, 124 and 334 employees, respectively, retired under KT Corporation’s voluntary early retirement plan. We did not have a special voluntary early retirement program in 2010 or 2011.

Labor Relations

We consider our current relations with our work force to be good. However, in the past, we have experienced opposition from our labor union for our strategy of restructuring to improve our efficiency and profitability by disposing of non-core businesses and reducing our employee base.

As of December 31, 2011, about 78.5% of all employees of KT Corporation were members of the KT Trade Union. On behalf of its members, the Union negotiates with us a collective bargaining agreement every two years, and our current collective bargaining agreement expires on May 23, 2013. The current collective bargaining agreement provides that even in the event of a strike, the minimum number of employees necessary to operate the telecommunications business must continue to work.

The Union also negotiates with us an annual agreement on wages on behalf of its members. Under the Act of the Promotion of Worker’s Participation and Cooperation, our Employee-Employer Cooperation Committees, which are composed of representatives of management and labor for each business unit and regional office, meet quarterly to discuss employee grievances, working conditions and potential employee-initiated improvements in service or management.

Recent amendments to the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act (“Labor Act”), which became effective on July 1, 2011, allow multiple labor unions to be formed within one company. Therefore, additional labor unions may be formed by our employees. Pursuant to such amendments, our employees formed a new labor union called “KT New Union” in August 2011. The amended Labor Act also requires such multiple unions to consolidate themselves into a single channel when negotiating with the company on behalf of their members and to enter into a single collective bargaining agreement with the company.

Employee Stock Ownership and Benefits

We have an employee stock ownership association, which may purchase on behalf of its members up to 20.0% of any of our shares offered publicly in Korea. The employee stock ownership association owned 1.36% of our issued shares as of December 31, 2011.

In accordance with the National Pension Act of Korea, we contribute an amount equal to 4.5% of an employee’s standard monthly wages, and each employee contributes 4.5% of his or her standard monthly wages, into his or her personal pension account. Our employees, including executive officers

 

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as well as non-executive employees, are subject to a pension insurance system, under which we make monthly contributions to the pension accounts of the employees, and upon retirement, such employees are paid the pension amount due from their pension accounts. Prior to April 2011, our executive and non-executive employees were subject to a lump-sum severance payment system, under which they were entitled to receive a lump-sum severance payment upon termination of their employment, based on their length of service and salary level at the time of termination. Starting in April 2011, in accordance with the Korean Employee Retirement Income Security Act, we replaced such lump-sum severance payment system with our current pension insurance system in the form of a defined benefit plan, with a total unfunded portion of approximately (Won)426 billion as of December 31, 2011. Lump-sum severance amounts previously accrued prior to our adoption of the current pension insurance system continue to remain payable. We also provide a wide range of fringe benefits to our employees, including housing, housing loans, company-provided hospitals and schools, a company-sponsored pension program, an employee welfare fund, industrial disaster insurance, cultural and athletic facilities, physical education grants, meal allowances, medical examinations and training and resort centers. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Item. 5.A. Operating Results—Salaries and Related Costs.”

Employee Training

The objective of our training program is to develop information and technology specialists who are able to create value for our customers. In order to develop skills of our employees, we require 60 hours of training per year from most of our employees, using individually-tailored curriculums based on individual assessments. We also operate Cyber Academy to provide online classes to our employees, as well as offer various foreign language classes to our employees. In addition, we provide tuition and living expense reimbursements to our high potential individuals who pursue graduate programs in Korea and abroad, as well as provide financial assistance to those who pursue work-related professional licenses or participate in after-work study programs.

Item 6.E.  Share Ownership

Common Stock

The persons who are currently our directors held, as a group, 57,339 common shares as of March 31, 2012, the most recent date for which this information is available. The table below shows the ownership of our common shares by directors:

 

Shareholders

   Number of Common
Shares Owned
 

Suk-Chae Lee

     33,793   

Sang-Hoon Lee

     13,800   

Hyun-Myung Pyo

     6,266   

Sang Kyun Cha

     2,400   

E. Han Kim

     270   

Choon-Ho Lee

     270   

Jong-Hwan Song

     270   

Hae-Bang Chung

     270   

Hyun Nak Lee

       

Keuk Je Sung

       

Stock Options

We have not granted any stock options to our current directors and executive officers.

 

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Item 7.  Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

Item 7.A.  Major Shareholders

The following table sets forth certain information relating to the shareholders of our common stock as of December 31, 2011:

 

Shareholders

   Number of
Shares
     Percent of
Total
Shares Issued
 

National Pension Corporation

     22,373,434         8.57

NTTDoCoMo, Inc.

     14,257,813         5.46

Employee stock ownership association

     3,558,570         1.36

Directors as a group

     57,339         0.01

Public

     203,054,090         77.77

KT Corporation (held in the form of treasury stock) (1)

     17,810,562         6.82
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total issued shares

     261,111,808         100.00
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes shares of treasury stock owned by our treasury stock fund.

Item 7.B.  Related Party Transactions

We have engaged in various transactions with our subsidiaries and affiliated companies. See Notes 35 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We have not issued any guarantees in favor of our consolidated subsidiaries.

Item 7.C.  Interests of Experts and Counsel

Not applicable.

Item 8.   Financial Information

Item 8.A.  Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

See “Item 18—Financial Statements” and pages F-1 through F-96.

Legal Proceedings

In November 2009, 56 of our former customers began a claim against us for an aggregate (Won)130 million in damages, alleging that we improperly subscribed them to our optional flat rate plans for fixed-line services without properly obtaining their consent or giving notification. The Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of us on all claims in May 2011, and the plaintiffs filed an appeal in June 2011. The Seoul High Court overruled the plaintiffs’ appeal in December 2011, and the plaintiffs subsequently filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of Korea. In March 2012, the Supreme Court of Korea denied the plaintiffs’ appeal. In connection with this complaint, the Korea Communications Commission investigated our past practices regarding our subscription of customers to optional flat rate plans, and issued an administrative decision in April 2011 which imposed several corrective orders including amendments to our standard terms of use and issuance of an administrative fine of approximately (Won)10 billion. We paid such fines to the Korea Communications Commission and implemented its corrective orders.

As part of our decision to apply for reallocation of the 20 MHz bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum, we applied to the Korea Communications Commission to terminate our 2G PCS services,

 

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and on November 23, 2011, the Korea Communications Commission approved our plan. However, on November 30, 2011, approximately 900 of our 2G PCS service subscribers filed a class-action suit against the Korea Communications Commission for its approval of our plan, claiming that we used improper means to reduce our 2G PCS subscribers to comply with regulatory requirements before terminating the 2G PSC services and that the Korea Communications Commission did not consider such factor in approving our plan. On December 6, 2011, the Seoul Administrative Court issued a preliminary injunction, which temporarily suspended our termination of the 2G PCS services until the case went to trial. We immediately appealed the decision and the Seoul High Court overruled the preliminary injunction on December 26, 2011 and reinstated the Korea Communications Commission’s approval. Accordingly, we terminated our 2G PCS services in the Seoul metropolitan area and began the termination process for the rest of Korea on January 3, 2012. On January 12, 2012, the 2G subscribers filed an appeal of the Seoul High Court’s decision with the Supreme Court of Korea, and on February 1, 2012, the Supreme Court of Korea denied such appeal. On January 17, 2012, trial for the original class-action suit filed by the 2G subscribers began in the Seoul Administrative Court. The outcome of the trial, and any effect it may have on us, cannot be determined at this time.

In March 2012, the Fair Trade Commission issued an administrative fine of approximately (Won)5 billion, after investigating certain pricing and subsidy practices of mobile service carriers and handset manufacturers. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., LG Electronics Co., Ltd., Pantech Curitel Co., Ltd., SK Telecom and LG U+ were also issued administrative fines as a result of the investigation. We expect to pay such fines in the second half of 2012.

We are a defendant in various other court proceedings involving claims for civil damages arising in the ordinary course of our business. While we are unable to predict the ultimate disposition of these claims, in the opinion of our management, the ultimate disposition of these claims will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Dividends

The table below sets out the annual dividends declared on the outstanding common stock to shareholders of record on December 31 of the years indicated and the interim dividends declared on the outstanding common stock to shareholders of record on June 30 of the years indicated.

 

Year

   Annual Dividend per
Common Stock
     Interim Dividend per
Common Stock
     Average Total
Dividend per Common
Stock
 
     (In Won)      (In Won)      (In Won)  

2007

     2,000                 2,000   

2008

     1,120                 1,120   

2009

     2,000                 2,000   

2010

     2,410                 2,410   

2011

     2,000                 2,000   

If sufficient profits are available, the Board of Directors may propose annual dividends on the outstanding common stock, which our shareholders must approve by a resolution at the ordinary general meeting of shareholders. This meeting is generally held in March of the following year and if our shareholders at such ordinary general meeting of shareholders approve the annual dividend, we must pay such dividend within one month following the date of such resolution. Typically, we pay such dividends shortly after the meeting. The declaration of annual dividends is subject to the vote of our shareholders, and consequently, there can be no assurance as to the amount of dividends per common stock or that any such dividends will be declared. Interim dividends paid in cash can be declared by a resolution of the board of directors. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Dividends” and “Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities—Description of American Depositary Shares—Dividends and Distributions.”

 

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The Commercial Code provides that shares of a company of the same class must receive equal treatment. However, major shareholders may consent to receive dividend distributions at a lesser rate than minor shareholders. Previously, the Government consented to receiving a smaller dividend compared to other shareholders. The Government no longer holds any interest in us.

Any cash dividends relating to the shares held in the form of ADSs will be paid to the depositary bank in Won. The deposit agreement provides that, except in certain circumstances, cash dividends received by the depositary bank will be converted by the depositary bank into Dollars and distributed to the holders of the ADRs, less withholding tax, other governmental charges and the depositary bank’s fees and expenses. See “Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities—Description of the American Depositary Shares—Dividends and Distributions.”

Item 8.B.  Significant Changes

Except as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we have not experienced any significant changes since the date of our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.

Item 9.  The Offer and Listing

Item 9.A. Offer and Listing Details

Market Price Information

Common Stock

Our shares were listed on the KRX KOSPI Market on December 23, 1998. The price of the shares on the KRX KOSPI Market as of the close of trading on April 26, 2012 was (Won)29,650 per share. The table below shows the high and low closing prices and the average daily volume of trading activity on the KRX KOSPI Market for the shares since January 2007.

 

     Price      Average Daily
Trading Volume
 
     High     Low     
     (In Won)      (Number of shares)  

2007

     56,100        40,150         917,274   

2008

     52,200        29,500         1,019,430   

2009

     42,000        33,100         1,371,110   

2010

     50,600        39,150         1,343,486   

First quarter

     50,600        39,150         1,838,430   

Second quarter

     49,350        44,650         1,353,466   

Third quarter

     45,700        41,100         1,148,613   

Fourth quarter

     49,200        43,500         1,033,436   

2011

     45,500        34,200         1,063,506   

First quarter

     45,500        37,850         1,131,917   

Second quarter

     40,700        36,350         874,054   

Third quarter

     40,700        34,200         1,287,651   

Fourth quarter

     38,300        35,450         960,651   

2012 (through April 26)

     35,450        29,650         969,569   

First quarter

     35,450        30,650         1,025,698   

January

     35,450        33,150         1,182,018   

February

     33,700        32,100         1,070,467   

March

     33,100        30,650         863,037   

Second quarter (through April 26)

     31,600        29,650         755,923   

April (through April 26)

     31,600        29,650         755,923   

 

 

Source: KRX KOSPI Market.

 

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ADSs

The outstanding ADSs, each of which represents one-half of one share of our common stock, have been traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange since May 25, 1999.

The price of the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange as of the close of trading on April 26, 2012 was $12.93 per ADS. The table below shows the high and low trading prices and the average daily volume of trading activity on the New York Stock Exchange for our ADSs since January 2007.

 

     Price      Average Daily
Trading Volume
 
     High      Low     
     (In US$)      (Number of ADSs)  

2007

     29.22         21.51         592,205   

2008

     27.10         10.10         819,733   

2009

     17.64         11.42         639,566   

2010

     22.62         17.12         784,905   

First quarter

     21.43         17.12         718,461   

Second quarter

     22.62         18.61         744,727   

Third quarter

     20.46         17.79         868,906   

Fourth quarter

     22.07         20.29         803,784   

2011

     20.86         14.49         1,124,692   

First quarter

     20.72         18.34         1,380,642   

Second quarter

     20.86         17.75         1,184,508   

Third quarter

     19.86         14.78         1,132,314   

Fourth quarter

     17.52         14.49         805,246   

2012 (through April 26)

     15.49         12.93         1,331,248   

First quarter

     15.49         13.69         1,436,313   

January

     15.49         14.36         1,529,210   

February

     15.20         14.18         1,298,580   

March

     14.80         13.69         1,386,164   

Second quarter (through April 26)

     13.90         12.93         969,356   

April (through April 26)

     13.90         12.93         969,356   

 

 

Source: New York Stock Exchange.

Item 9.B.  Plan of Distribution

Not applicable.

Item 9.C.  Markets

The KRX KOSPI Market

On January 27, 2005, the Korea Exchange was established pursuant to the Korea Securities and Futures Exchange Act through the consolidation of the Korea Stock Exchange, the Korea Futures Exchange, the KOSDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (the “KOSDAQ”) and the KOSDAQ Committee within the Korea Securities Dealers Association, which was in charge of the management of the KOSDAQ. There are three different markets operated by the Korea Exchange: the KRX KOSPI Market, the KRX KOSDAQ Market and the KRX Derivatives Market. The Korea Exchange has two trading floors located in Seoul, one for the KRX KOSPI Market and one for the KRX KOSDAQ Market, and one trading floor in Busan for the KRX Derivatives Market. The Korea Exchange is a limited liability company, the shares of which are held by (i) securities companies and futures companies that were formerly members of the Korea Stock Exchange or the Korea Futures Exchange, (ii) the Small Business Corporation, (iii) the Korea Securities Finance Corporation and (iv) the Korea Securities Dealers

 

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Association. Currently, the Korea Exchange is the only stock exchange in Korea and is operated by membership, having as its members most of the Korean securities companies and some Korean branches of foreign securities companies.

The KRX KOSPI Market has the power in some circumstances to suspend trading in the shares of a given company or to de-list a security. The KRX KOSPI Market also restricts share price movements. All listed companies are required to file accounting reports annually and quarterly and to release immediately all information that may affect trading in a security.

The Government has in the past exerted, and continues to exert, substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector business community which can have the intention or effect of depressing or boosting the market. In the past, the Government has informally both encouraged and restricted the declaration and payment of dividends, induced mergers to reduce what it considers excess capacity in a particular industry and induced private companies to offer publicly their securities.

The KRX KOSPI Market publishes the Korea Composite Stock Price Index every two seconds, which is an index of all equity securities listed on the KRX KOSPI Market. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index is calculated using the aggregate value method, in which the market capitalizations of all listed companies are aggregated, subject to certain adjustments, and this aggregate is expressed as a percentage of the aggregate market capitalization of all listed companies as of the base date, January 4, 1980.

Movements in Korea Composite Stock Price Index are set out in the following table together with the associated dividend yields and price earnings ratios.

 

Year

   Opening      High      Low      Closing      Period Average  
               Dividend
Yield (1) (2)
(Percent)
     Price
Earnings
Ratio (2) (3)
 

1985

     139.53         163.37         131.40         163.37         5.3         5.2   

1986

     161.40         279.67         153.85         272.61         4.3         7.6   

1987

     264.82         525.11         264.82         525.11         2.6         10.9   

1988

     532.04         922.56         527.89         907.20         2.4         11.2   

1989

     919.61         1,007.77         844.75         909.72         2.0         13.9   

1990

     908.59         928.82         566.27         696.11         2.2         12.8   

1991

     679.75         763.10         586.51         610.92         2.6         11.2   

1992

     624.23         691.48         459.07         678.44         2.2         10.9   

1993

     697.41         874.10         605.93         866.18         1.6         12.7   

1994

     879.32         1,138.75         855.37         1,027.37         1.2         16.2   

1995

     1,027.45         1,016.77         847.09         882.94         1.2         16.4   

1996

     882.29         986.84         651.22         651.22         1.3         17.8   

1997

     647.67         792.29         350.68         376.31         1.5         17.0   

1998

     374.41         579.86         280.00         562.46         1.9         10.8   

1999

     565.10         1,028.07         498.42         1,028.07         1.1         13.5   

2000

     1,028.33         1,059.04         500.60         504.62         2.1         12.9   

2001

     503.31         704.50         468.76         693.70         1.7         16.4   

2002

     698.00         937.61         584.04         627.55         1.6         15.2   

2003

     633.03         822.16         515.24         810.71         2.0         11.8   

2004

     821.26         936.06         719.59         895.92         2.0         13.8   

2005

     896.00         1,379.37         870.84         1,379.37         1.8         10.6   

2006

     1,383.32         1,464.70         1,203.86         1,434.46         1.6         11.1   

2007

     1,438.89         2,064.85         1,355.79         1,897.13         1.4         15.8   

2008

     1,891.45         1,888.88         938.75         1,124.47         2.6         8.9   

2009

     1,132.87         1,718.88         1,018.81         1,682.77         1.6         22.9   

2010

     1,696.14         2,051.00         1,552.79         2,051.00         1.1         17.8   

2011

     2,078.08         2,228.96         1,652.71         1,825.74         1.5         10.9   

2012 (through April 26)

     1,826.37         2,029.29         1,875.68         1,964.04         1.4         11.5   

 

 

Source: The KRX KOSPI Market

 

(1) Dividend yields are based on daily figures. Dividend yields after January 3, 1984 include cash dividends only.

 

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(2) Starting in April 2000, dividend yield and price earnings ratio are calculated based on KOSPI 200, an index of 200 equity securities listed on the KRX KOSPI Market. Starting in April 2000, KOSPI 200 excludes classified companies, companies which did not submit annual reports to the KRX KOSPI Market, and companies which received qualified opinion from external auditors.

 

(3) The price earnings ratio is based on figures for companies that record a profit in the preceding year.

Shares are quoted “ex-dividend” on the first trading day of the relevant company’s accounting period; since the calendar year is the accounting period for the majority of listed companies, this may account for the drop in the Korea Composite Stock Price Index between its closing level at the end of one calendar year and its opening level at the beginning of the following calendar year.

With certain exceptions, principally to take account of a share being quoted “ex-dividend” and “ex-rights,” permitted upward and downward movements in share prices of any category of shares on any day are limited under the rules of the KRX KOSPI Market to 15% of the previous day’s closing price of the shares, rounded down as set out below:

 

Previous Days’ Closing Price

   Rounded Down To  

Less than (Won)5,000

   (Won) 5   

(Won)5,000 to less than (Won)10,000

   (Won) 10   

(Won)10,000 to less than (Won)50,000

   (Won) 50   

(Won)50,000 to less than (Won)100,000

   (Won) 100   

(Won)100,000 to less than (Won)500,000

   (Won) 500   

(Won)500,000 or more

   (Won) 1,000   

As a consequence, if a particular closing price is the same as the price set by the fluctuation limit, the closing price may not reflect the price at which persons would have been prepared, or would be prepared to continue, if so permitted, to buy and sell shares. Orders are executed on an auction system with priority rules to deal with competing bids and offers.

Due to a deregulation of restrictions on brokerage commission rates, the brokerage commission rate on equity securities transactions may be determined by the parties, subject to commission schedules being filed with the KRX KOSPI Market by the securities companies. In addition, a securities transaction tax will generally be imposed on the transfer of shares or certain securities representing rights to subscribe for shares at the rate of 0.15% if such transfer is made through the KRX KOSPI Market. A special agricultural and fishery tax of 0.15% of the sales prices will also be imposed on transfer of these shares and securities on the KRX KOSPI Market. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.A. Taxation—Korean Taxation.”

The number of companies listed on the KRX KOSPI Market, the corresponding total market capitalization at the end of the periods indicated and the average daily trading volume for those periods are set forth in the following table:

 

     Market Capitalization
on the Last Day of Each Period
     Average Daily Trading Volume, Value  

Year

   Number of
Listed
Companies
     (Billions
of Won)
     (Millions of
Dollars) (1)
     Thousands
of Shares
     (Millions
of Won)
     (Thousands of
Dollars)  (1)
 

1985

     342         6,570         7,381         18,925         12,315         13,834   

1986

     355         11,994         13,924         31,755         32,870         38,159   

1987

     389         26,172         33,033         20,353         70,185         88,583   

1988

     502         64,544         94,348         10,367         198,364         289,963   

1989

     626         95,477         140,490         11,757         280,967         414,430   

1990

     669         79,020         110,301         10,866         183,692         256,411   

1991

     686         73,118         96,107         14,022         214,263         281,629   

1992

     688         84,712         107,448         24,028         308,246         390,977   

 

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     Market Capitalization
on the Last Day of Each Period
     Average Daily Trading Volume, Value  

Year

   Number of
Listed
Companies
     (Billions
of Won)
     (Millions of
Dollars) (1)
     Thousands
of Shares
     (Millions
of Won)
     (Thousands of
Dollars)  (1)
 

1993

     693         112,665         139,420         35,130         574,048         710,367   

1994

     699         151,217         191,730         36,862         776,257         984,223   

1995

     721         141,151         182,201         26,130         487,762         629,613   

1996

     760         117,370         139,031         26,571         486,834         575,680   

1997

     776         70,989         50,162         41,525         555,759         392,707   

1998

     748         137,799         114,091         97,716         660,429         546,803   

1999

     725         349,504         305,137         278,551         3,481,620         3,039,655   

2000

     704         188,042         149,275         306,163         2,602,211         2,065,739   

2001

     689         253,843         191,421         473,241         1,997,420         1,506,237   

2002

     683         258,681         215,496         857,245         3,041,598         2,533,815   

2003

     684         355,363         296,679         542,010         2,216,636         1,850,589   

2004

     683         412,588         395,275         372,895         2,232,109         2,138,445   

2005

     702         655,075         646,668         467,629         3,157,662         3,117,139   

2006

     731         704,588         757,948         279,096         3,435,180         3,695,332   

2007

     746         951,887         1,014,589         363,732         5,539,588         5,904,485   

2008

     765         576,888         458,757         355,205         5,189,644         4,126,953   

2009

     770         887,316         759,949         483,902         5,783,552         4,953,367   

2010

     777         1,141,885         1,002,621         380,859         5,619,768         4,934,382   

2011

     791         1,041,999         903,493         353,760         6,863,146         5,950,877   

2012 (through April 26)

     788         1,129,236         991,080         518,357         5,659,853         4,967,398   

 

 

Source: The KRX KOSPI Market

 

(1) Converted at the Concentration Base Rate of The Bank of Korea or the Market Average Exchange Rate as announced by Seoul Money Brokerage Services Limited, as the case may be, at the end of the periods indicated.

The Korean securities markets are principally regulated by the Financial Services Commission of Korea and the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act. The Securities and Exchange Act which regulated the securities markets in the past was replaced with the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act on February 4, 2009. The new law, as did the Securities and Exchange Act, imposes restrictions on insider trading and price manipulation, requires specified information to be made available by listed companies to investors and establishes rules regarding margin trading, proxy solicitation, takeover bids, acquisition of treasury shares and reporting requirements for shareholders holding substantial interests.

Further Opening of the Korean Securities Market

A stock index futures market was opened on May 3, 1996 and a stock index option market was opened on July 7, 1997, in each case at the KRX KOSPI Market. Remittance and repatriation of funds in connection with investment in stock index futures and options are subject to regulations similar to those that govern remittance and repatriation in the context of foreign investment in Korean stocks.

Foreign investors are permitted to invest in warrants representing the right to subscribe for shares of a company listed on the KRX KOSPI Market or registered on the KRX KOSDAQ Market, subject to certain investment limitations. A foreign investor may not acquire such warrants with respect to shares of a class of a company for which the ceiling on aggregate investment by foreigners has been reached or exceeded.

Foreign investors are permitted to invest in all types of corporate bonds, bonds issued by national or local governments and bonds issued in accordance with certain special laws without being subject to any aggregate or individual investment ceiling. The Financial Services Commission sets forth procedural requirements for such investments. Foreigners are permitted to invest in certificates of deposit and repurchase agreements.

 

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Currently, foreigners are permitted to invest in securities including shares of all Korean companies which are not listed on the KRX KOSPI Market nor registered on the KRX KOSDAQ Market and in bonds which are not listed.

Protection of Customer’s Interest in Case of Insolvency of Securities Companies

Under Korean law, the relationship between a customer and a securities company in connection with a securities sell or buy order is deemed to be consignment and the securities acquired by a consignment agent (i.e., the securities company) through such sell or buy order are regarded as belonging to the customer in so far as the customer and the consignment agent’s creditors are concerned. Therefore, in the event of a bankruptcy or reorganization procedure involving a securities company, the customer of the securities company is entitled to the proceeds of the securities sold by the securities company.

When a customer places a sell order with a securities company which is not a member of the KRX KOSPI Market and this securities company places a sell order with another securities company which is a member of the KRX KOSPI Market, the customer is still entitled to the proceeds of the securities sold received by the non-member company from the member company regardless of the bankruptcy or reorganization of the non-member company.

Under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, the KRX KOSPI Market is obliged to indemnify any loss or damage incurred by a counterparty as a result of a breach by its members. If a securities company which is a member of the KRX KOSPI Market breaches its obligation in connection with a buy order, the KRX KOSPI Market is obliged to pay the purchase price on behalf of the breaching member. Therefore, the customer can acquire the securities that have been ordered to be purchased by the breaching member.

When a customer places a buy order with a non-member company and the non-member company places a buy order with a member company, the customer has the legal right to the securities received by the non-member company from the member company because the purchased securities are regarded as belonging to the customer in so far as the customer and the non-member company’s creditors are concerned.

As the cash deposited with a securities company is regarded as belonging to the securities company, which is liable to return the same at the request of its customer, the customer cannot take back deposited cash from the securities company if a bankruptcy or reorganization procedure is instituted against the securities company and, therefore, can suffer from loss or damage as a result. However, the Depositor Protection Act provides that Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation will, upon the request of the investors, pay investors up to (Won)50 million in case of the securities company’s bankruptcy, liquidation, cancellation of securities business license or other insolvency events. Pursuant to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, securities companies are required to deposit the cash received from its customers to the extent the amount not covered by the insurance with the Korea Securities Finance Corporation, a special entity established pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act

Set-off or attachment of cash deposits by securities companies is prohibited. The premiums related to this insurance are paid by securities companies.

Item 9.D.  Selling Shareholders

Not applicable.

 

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Item 9.E.  Dilution

Not applicable.

Item 9.F.  Expenses of the Issuer

Not applicable.

Item 10.  Additional Information

Item 10.A.  Share Capital

Currently, our authorized share capital is 1,000,000,000 shares, which consists of shares of common stock, par value (Won)5,000 per share (“Common Shares”) and shares of non-voting preferred stock, par value (Won)5,000 per share (“Non-Voting Shares”). Common Shares and Non-Voting Shares together are referred to as “Shares.” Under our articles of incorporation, we are authorized to issue Non-Voting Shares up to one-fourth of our total issued capital stock. As of December 31, 2011, 261,111,808 Common Shares were issued, of which 17,897,147 shares were held by the treasury stock fund or us as treasury shares. We have never issued any Non-Voting Shares. All of the issued Common Shares are fully-paid and non-assessable and are in registered form. We issue share certificates in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 and 10,000 shares.

Item 10.B.  Memorandum and Articles of Association

This section provides information relating to our capital stock, including brief summaries of material provisions of our articles of incorporation, the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, the Commercial Code and related laws of Korea, all as currently in effect. The following summaries are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, our articles of incorporation and the applicable provisions of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act and the Commercial Code. We have filed a copy of our articles of incorporation as an exhibit to registration statements under the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act previously filed by us.

Dividends

We distribute dividends to our shareholders in proportion to the number of shares owned by each shareholder. No dividends are distributed with respect to shares held by us or our treasury stock fund. The Common Shares represented by the ADSs have the same dividend rights as other outstanding Common Shares.

Holders of Non-Voting Shares are entitled to receive dividends in priority to the holders of Common Shares in an amount of not less than 9% of the par value of the Non-Voting Shares as determined by the board of directors at the time of their issuance, provided that if the dividends on the Common Shares exceed those on the Non-Voting Shares, the Non-Voting Shares will also participate in the distribution of such excess dividend amount in the same proportion as the Common Shares. If the amount available for dividends is less than the aggregate amount of such minimum dividend, the holders of Non-Voting Shares will be entitled to receive such accumulated unpaid dividend in priority to the holders of Common Shares from the dividends payable in respect of the next fiscal year.

We declare dividends annually at the annual general meeting of shareholders which is held within three months after the end of the fiscal year. We pay the annual dividend shortly after the annual general meeting to the shareholders of record as of the end of the preceding fiscal year. We may distribute the annual dividend in cash or in Shares. However, a dividend of Shares must be distributed

 

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at par value. If the market price of the Shares is less than their par value, dividends in Shares may not exceed one-half of the annual dividend. We may pay interim dividends in cash once a year to shareholders or registered pledgees who are registered in the registry of shareholders as of June 30 of each fiscal year by a resolution of the board of directors. We have no obligation to pay any annual dividend unclaimed for five years from the payment date.

Under the Commercial Code, we may pay our dividend only out of the excess of our net assets, on a non-consolidated basis, over the sum of (1) our stated capital and (2) the total amount of our capital surplus reserve and legal reserve accumulated up to the end of the relevant dividend period. In addition, we may not pay any dividend unless we have set aside as legal reserve an amount equal to at least 10% of the cash portion of the dividend or unless we have accumulated a legal reserve of not less than one-half of our stated capital. We may not use legal reserve to pay cash dividends but may transfer amounts from legal reserve to capital stock or use legal reserve to reduce an accumulated deficit.

Distribution of Free Shares

In addition to paying dividends in Shares out of our retained or current earnings, we may also distribute to our shareholders an amount transferred from our capital surplus or legal reserve to our stated capital in the form of free shares. We must distribute such free shares to all our shareholders in proportion to their existing shareholdings.

Preemptive Rights and Issuance of Additional Shares

We may issue authorized but unissued shares at times and, unless otherwise provided in the Commercial Code, on terms our board of directors may determine. Subject to the limitation described in “Limitation on Shareholdings” below, all our shareholders are generally entitled to subscribe for any newly issued Shares in proportion to their existing shareholdings. We must offer new Shares on uniform terms to all shareholders who have preemptive rights and are listed on our shareholders’ register as of the relevant record date. Under the Commercial Code, we may vary, without shareholders’ approval, the terms of these preemptive rights for different classes of shares. We must give notice to all persons who are entitled to exercise preemptive rights regarding new Shares and their transferability at least two weeks before the relevant record date. Our board of directors may determine how to distribute Shares for which preemptive rights have not been exercised or where fractions of Shares occur.

Under the Commercial Code, it is required that the new Shares, convertible bonds or bonds with warrants be issued to persons other than the existing shareholders solely for the purpose of achieving managerial objectives. Under our articles of incorporation, we may issue new Shares pursuant to a board resolution to persons other than existing shareholders, who in these circumstances will not have preemptive rights, if the new Shares are:

 

   

publicly offered pursuant to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act;

 

   

issued to members of our employee stock ownership association;

 

   

represented by depositary receipts;

 

   

issued upon exercise of stock options granted to our officers and employees;

 

   

issued through an offering to public investors, the amount of which is no more than 10% of the issued Shares;

 

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issued in order to satisfy specific needs such as strategic alliance, inducement of foreign funds or new technology, improvement of financial structure or other capital raising requirement; or

 

   

issued to domestic or foreign financial institutions when necessary for raising funds in emergency cases.

In addition, we may issue convertible bonds or bonds with warrants, each up to an aggregate principal amount of (Won)2,000 billion, to persons other than existing shareholders in the situations described above.

Members of our employee stock ownership association, whether or not they are our shareholders, generally have a preemptive right to subscribe for up to 20.0% of the Shares publicly offered pursuant to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act. This right is exercisable only to the extent that the total number of Shares so acquired and held by members of our employee stock ownership association does not then exceed 20.0% of the total number of Shares then issued (including in such total both: (i) all issued and outstanding Shares at the time the preemptive rights are exercised; and (ii) all Shares to be newly issued in the applicable share issuance transaction in connection with which such preemptive rights are exercised). As of December 31, 2011, 1.36% of the issued Shares were held by members of our employee stock ownership association.

Limitation on Shareholdings

The Telecommunications Business Act permits maximum aggregate foreign shareholding in us to be 49.0% of our total issued and outstanding Shares with voting rights (including equivalent securities with voting rights, e.g., depositary certificates and certain other equity interests). For the purposes of the foregoing, a shareholder is a “foreign shareholder” if such shareholder is: (1) a foreign person; (2) a foreign government; or (3) a company whose largest shareholder is a foreign person (including any “specially related persons” as determined under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act) or a foreign government, in circumstances where (i) such foreign person or foreign government holds, in aggregate, 15.0% or more of such company’s total voting shares, and (ii) such company holds at least 1.0% of our total issued and outstanding Shares with voting rights. For the avoidance of doubt, both of conditions (i) and (ii) in the foregoing item (3) must exist for such a company to be counted as a “foreign shareholder” for the purposes of calculating whether the 49.0% foreign shareholding threshold is reached under the Telecommunications Business Act. In addition, the Telecommunications Business Act prohibits a foreign shareholder from being our largest shareholder if such shareholder owns 5.0% or more of our Shares with voting rights. For the purposes of this restriction, any two or more foreign persons or foreign governments who enter into an agreement to act in concert in the exercise of their voting rights will be counted together and prohibited from becoming our largest shareholder in the event that they collectively hold 5.0% or more of our Shares. The Foreign Investment Promotion Act also prohibits any foreign shareholder from being our largest shareholder, if such shareholder owns 5.0% or more of our Shares with voting rights. For the purposes of this restriction under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act, a “foreign shareholder” is defined in the same manner as described above with respect to the foreign shareholding restriction under the Telecommunications Business Act, provided, however, that no exception is made under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act regulations for companies that own less than 1.0% of our Shares (see item (3)(ii) above in this paragraph). A foreigner who has acquired the Shares in excess of such ceiling described above may not exercise its voting rights for shares in excess of such limitation, and the Korea Communications Commission may require corrective measures to comply with the ownership restrictions.

 

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General Meeting of Shareholders

We hold the annual general meeting of shareholders within three months after the end of each fiscal year. Subject to a board resolution or court approval, we may hold an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders:

 

   

as necessary;

 

   

at the request of shareholders of an aggregate of 3.0% or more of our issued Common Shares;

 

   

at the request of shareholders holding an aggregate of 1.5% or more of our issued Shares for at least six months; or

 

   

at the request of our audit committee.

Holders of Non-Voting Shares may request a general meeting of shareholders only after the Non-Voting Shares become entitled to vote or are enfranchised, as described under “—Voting Rights” below.

We must give shareholders written notice setting out the date, place and agenda of the meeting at least two weeks before the date of the general meeting of shareholders. However, for holders of less than 1.0% of the total number of issued and outstanding Common Shares, we may give notice by placing at least two public notices in at least two daily newspapers at least two weeks in advance of the meeting. Currently, we use Seoul Shinmun, Maeil Business Newspaper and The Korea Economic Daily published in Seoul for this purpose. Shareholders not on the shareholders’ register as of the record date are not entitled to receive notice of the general meeting of shareholders or attend or vote at the meeting. Holders of Non-Voting Shares, unless enfranchised, are not entitled to receive notice of general meetings of shareholders, but may attend such meetings.

Our general meetings of shareholders are held at our head office, in Sungnam, or if necessary, may be held anywhere near our head office or in Seoul.

Voting Rights

Holders of our Common Shares are entitled to one vote for each Common Share, except that voting rights of Common Shares held by us, or by a corporate shareholder that is more than 10.0% owned by us either directly or indirectly, may not be exercised. The Commercial Code permits cumulative voting, under which voting method each shareholder has multiple voting rights corresponding to the number of directors to be appointed in the voting and may exercise all voting rights cumulatively to elect one director. Our articles of incorporation permit cumulative voting at our shareholders’ meeting. Under the Commercial Code of Korea, any shareholder holding shares equivalent to not less than 1/100 of the total number of shares issued may apply to us for selecting and appointing such directors by cumulative voting.

Our shareholders may adopt resolutions at a general meeting by an affirmative majority vote of the voting shares present or represented at the meeting, where the affirmative votes also represent at least one-fourth of our total voting shares then outstanding. However, under the Commercial Code and our articles of incorporation, the following matters, among others, require approval by the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting shares present or represented at a meeting, where the affirmative votes also represent at least one-third of our total voting shares then outstanding:

 

   

amending our articles of incorporation;

 

   

removing a director;

 

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reduction of our capital stock;

 

   

effecting any dissolution, merger or consolidation of us;

 

   

transferring the whole or any significant part of our business;

 

   

effecting our acquisition of all of the business of any other company or our acquisition of a part of the business of any other company which will significantly affect our business; or

 

   

issuing any new Shares at a price lower than their par value.

In general, holders of Non-Voting Shares are not entitled to vote on any resolution or receive notice of any general meeting of shareholders. However, in the case of amendments to our articles of incorporation, any merger or consolidation of us, or in some other cases that affect the rights or interests of the Non-Voting Shares, approval of the holders of Non-Voting Shares is required. We may obtain such approval by a resolution of holders of at least two-thirds of the Non-Voting Shares present or represented at a class meeting of the holders of Non-Voting Shares, where the affirmative votes also represent at least one-third of our total outstanding Non-Voting Shares. In addition, if we are unable to pay dividends on Non-Voting Shares as provided in our articles of incorporation, the holders of Non-Voting Shares will become enfranchised and will be entitled to exercise voting rights until those dividends are paid. The holders of enfranchised Non-Voting Shares have the same rights as holders of Common Shares to request, receive notice of, attend and vote at a general meeting of shareholders.

Shareholders may exercise their voting rights by proxy. The proxy must present a document evidencing an appropriate power of attorney prior to the start of the general meeting of shareholders. Additionally, shareholders may exercise their voting rights in absentia by submission of signed write-in voting forms. To make it possible for our shareholders to proceed with voting on a write-in basis, we are required to attach the appropriate write-in voting form and related informational material to the notices distributed to shareholders for convening the relevant general meeting of shareholders. Any of our shareholders who desires to vote on such write-in basis must submit their completed and signed write-in voting forms to us no later than one day prior to the date that the relevant general meeting of shareholders is convened.

Holders of ADRs exercise their voting rights through the ADR depositary, an agent of which is the record holder of the underlying Common Shares. Subject to the provisions of the deposit agreement, ADR holders are entitled to instruct the ADR depositary how to vote the Common Shares underlying their ADSs. See “Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities—Description of American Depositary Shares—Voting Rights.”

Rights of Dissenting Shareholders

In some limited circumstances, including the transfer of the whole or any significant part of our business and our merger or consolidation with another company, dissenting shareholders have the right to require us to purchase their Shares. To exercise this right, shareholders must submit to us a written notice of their intention to dissent before the general meeting of shareholders. Within 20 days after the relevant resolution is passed at a meeting, the dissenting shareholders must request us in writing to purchase their Shares. We are obligated to purchase the Shares of dissenting shareholders within one month after the expiration of the 20-day period. The purchase price for the Shares is required to be determined through negotiation between the dissenting shareholders and us. If we cannot agree on a price through negotiation, the purchase price will be the average of (1) the weighted average of the daily Share prices on the KRX KOSPI Market for the two-month period before the date of the adoption of the relevant board resolution, (2) the weighted average of the daily Share price on

 

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the KRX KOSPI Market for the one month period before the date of the adoption of the relevant board resolution and (3) the weighted average of the daily Share price on the KRX KOSPI Market for the one week period before the date of the adoption of the relevant board resolution. However, if we or any of the dissenting shareholders do not accept the purchase price calculated using the above method, the rejecting party may request the court to determine the purchase price. Holders of ADSs will not be able to exercise dissenter’s rights unless they have withdrawn the underlying common stock and become our direct shareholders.

Register of Shareholders and Record Dates

Our transfer agent, Kookmin Bank, maintains the register of our shareholders at its office in Seoul, Korea. It registers transfers of Shares on the register of shareholders on presentation of the Share certificates.

The record date for annual dividends is December 31. For the purpose of determining the shareholders entitled to annual dividends, the register of shareholders may be closed for the period from the day after the record date to January 31 of the following year. Further, for the purpose of determining the shareholders entitled to some other rights pertaining to the Shares, we may, on at least two weeks’ public notice, set a record date and/or close the register of shareholders for not more than three months. The trading of Shares and the delivery of share certificates may continue while the register of shareholders is closed.

Annual Reports

At least one week before the annual general meeting of shareholders, we must make our annual report and audited non-consolidated financial statements available for inspection at our principal office and at all of our branch offices. In addition, copies of annual reports, the audited non-consolidated financial statements and any resolutions adopted at the general meeting of shareholders will be available to our shareholders.

Under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, we must file with the Financial Services Commission and the KRX KOSPI Market (1) an annual report within 90 days after the end of our fiscal year and (2) interim reports with respect to the three month period, six month period and nine month period from the beginning of each fiscal year within 45 calendar days following the end of each period. Copies of these reports are or will be available for public inspection at the Financial Services Commission and the KRX KOSPI Market.

Transfer of Shares

Under the Commercial Code, the transfer of Shares is effected by delivery of share certificates. However, to assert shareholders’ rights against us, the transferee must have his name and address registered on our register of shareholders. For this purpose, a shareholder is required to file his name, address and seal with our transfer agent. A non-Korean shareholder may file a specimen signature in place of a seal, unless he is a citizen of a country with a sealing system similar to that of Korea. In addition, a non-resident shareholder must appoint an agent authorized to receive notices on his behalf in Korea and file a mailing address in Korea. The above requirements do not apply to the holders of ADSs.

Under current Korean regulations, Korean securities companies and banks, including licensed branches of non-Korean securities companies and banks, investment management companies, futures trading companies, internationally recognized foreign custodians and the Korea Securities Depository

 

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may act as agents and provide related services for foreign shareholders. Certain foreign exchange controls and securities regulations apply to the transfer of Shares by non-residents or non-Koreans. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.D. Exchange Controls.”

Our transfer agent is Kookmin Bank, located at 24-3, Yoido-dong, Youngdungpo-ku, Seoul, Korea.

Acquisition of Shares by Us

We may not acquire our own Shares except in limited circumstances, such as a reduction in capital. In addition, pursuant to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, we may acquire Shares only by (i) purchasing on the KRX KOSPI Market, (ii) a tender offer, or (iii) receiving Shares returned to us upon the cancellation or termination of a trust agreement with a trustee who acquired the Shares by either of the methods indicated above. The aggregate purchase price for the Shares may not exceed the total amount available for distribution of dividends at the end of the preceding fiscal year, subject to certain procedural requirements, provided that, in case of acquisition of our own Shares by us for the purpose of cancellation, the aggregate purchase price may not exceed the total amount available for distribution of dividends at the end of the preceding fiscal year minus certain reserves.

In general, corporate entities in which we own a 50.0% or more equity interest may not acquire our Shares.

As of December 31, 2011, there were 17,897,147 treasury shares including shares held by our treasury stock fund.

Liquidation Rights

In the event of our liquidation, after payment of all debts, liquidation expenses and taxes, our remaining assets will be distributed among shareholders in proportion to their shareholdings. Holders of Non-Voting Shares have no preference in liquidation.

Item 10.C.  Material Contracts

We have not entered into any material contracts since January 1, 2010, other than in the ordinary course of our business. For information regarding our agreements and transactions with certain related parties, see “Item 7.B. Related Party Transactions” and Note 35 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For a description of certain agreements entered into during the past two years related to our capital commitments and obligations, see “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Item 10.D.  Exchange Controls

General

The Foreign Exchange Transaction Act and the Presidential Decree and regulations under that Act and Decree (collectively the “Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws”) regulate investment in Korean securities by non-residents and issuance of securities outside Korea by Korean companies. Under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws, non-residents may invest in Korean securities only in compliance with the provisions of, and to the extent specifically allowed by, these laws or otherwise permitted by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance. The Financial Services Commission has also adopted, pursuant to its authority under the Korean Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, regulations that control investment by foreigners in Korean securities and regulate the issuance of securities outside Korea by Korean companies.

 

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Under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws, if the Government deems that certain emergency circumstances, including, but not limited to, the outbreak of natural calamities, wars or grave and sudden changes in domestic or foreign economies, are likely to occur, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance may temporarily suspend the transactions where Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws are applicable, or impose an obligation to deposit or sell capital to certain Korean governmental agencies or financial institutions. In addition, if the Government deems that it is confronted or is likely to be confronted with serious difficulty in movement of capital between Korea and abroad which will bring serious obstacles in carrying out its currency policies, exchange rate policies and other macroeconomic policies, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance may take measures to require any person who performs transactions to deposit such capital to certain Korean governmental agencies or financial institutions.

Government Review of Issuance of ADSs

In order for us to issue shares represented by ADSs, we are required to file a prior report of the issuance with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance if our securities and borrowings denominated in foreign currencies issued during the one-year period preceding such filing date exceed US$30 million in aggregate. No further Korean governmental approval is necessary for the initial offering and issuance of the ADSs.

Under current Korean laws and regulations, the depositary bank is required to obtain our prior consent for the number of shares to be deposited in any given proposed deposit which exceeds the difference between (1) the aggregate number of shares deposited by us or with the consent of us for the issuance of ADSs (including deposits in connection with the initial and all subsequent offerings of ADSs and stock dividends or other distributions related to these ADSs) and (2) the number of shares on deposit with the depositary bank at the time of such proposed deposit. We can give no assurance that we would grant our consent, if our consent is required. Therefore, a holder of ADRs who surrenders ADRs and withdraws shares may not be permitted subsequently to deposit those shares and obtain ADRs.

Reporting Requirements for Holders of Substantial Interests

Any person whose direct or beneficial ownership of shares, whether in the form of shares or ADSs, certificates representing the rights to subscribe for Shares and equity-related debt securities including convertible bonds and bonds with warrants (collectively, the “Equity Securities”) together with the Equity Securities beneficially owned by certain related persons or by any person acting in concert with the person accounts for 5.0% or more of the total issued Equity Securities is required to report the status of the holdings to the Financial Services Commission and the KRX KOSPI Market within five business days after reaching the 5.0% ownership interest. In addition, any change in the ownership interest subsequent to the report which equals or exceeds 1.0% of the total issued Equity Securities is required to be reported to the Financial Services Commission and the KRX KOSPI Market within five business days from the date of the change. The required information to be included in the 5.0% report may be different if the acquisition of such shareholding interest is for the purpose of exercising influence over the management, as opposed to an acquisition for investment purposes. Any person reporting the holding of 5.0% or more of the total issued Equity Securities and any person reporting the change in the ownership interest which equals or exceeds 1.0% of the total issued Equity Securities pursuant to the requirements described above must also deliver a copy of such reports to us.

Violation of these reporting requirements may subject a person to criminal sanctions such as fines or imprisonment and may result in a loss of voting rights with respect to the unreported ownership of Equity Securities exceeding 5.0%. Furthermore, the Financial Services Commission may issue an order to dispose of non-reported Equity Securities.

 

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Restrictions Applicable to ADSs

No Korean governmental approval is necessary for the sale and purchase of ADSs in the secondary market outside Korea or for the withdrawal of shares underlying ADSs and the delivery inside Korea of shares in connection with the withdrawal, provided that a foreigner who intends to acquire the shares must obtain an investment registration certificate from the Financial Supervisory Service as described below. In general, the acquisition of the shares by a foreigner must be reported by the foreigner or his standing proxy in Korea immediately to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service; provided, however, that in cases where a foreigner acquires shares through the exercise of rights as a holder of ADSs (or other depositary certificates), the foreigner must cause such report to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service to be filed by the Korea Securities Depository.

Persons who have acquired shares as a result of the withdrawal of shares underlying the ADSs may exercise their preemptive rights for new shares, participate in free distributions and receive dividends on shares without any further governmental approval.

Restrictions Applicable to Shares

As a result of amendments to the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws and Financial Services Commission regulations adopted in connection with the stock market opening from January 1992, which we refer to collectively as the Investment Rules, foreigners may invest, with limited exceptions and subject to procedural requirements, in all shares of Korean companies, whether listed on the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market, unless prohibited by specific laws. Foreign investors may trade shares listed on the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market only through the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market, except in limited circumstances, including:

 

   

odd-lot trading of shares;

 

   

acquisition of shares (“Converted Shares”) by exercise of warrant, conversion right under convertible bonds or withdrawal right under depositary receipts issued outside of Korea by a Korean company;

 

   

acquisition of shares as a result of inheritance, donation, bequest or exercise of shareholders’ rights, including preemptive rights or rights to participate in free distributions and receive dividends;

 

   

over-the-counter transactions between foreigners of a class of shares for which the ceiling on aggregate acquisition by foreigners, as explained below, has been reached or exceeded;

 

   

shares acquired by direct investment as defined in the Foreign Investment Promotion Law;

 

   

disposal of shares pursuant to the exercise of appraisal rights of dissenting shareholders;

 

   

disposal of shares in connection with a tender offer;

 

   

acquisition of shares by a foreign depositary in connection with the issuance of depositary receipts;

 

   

acquisition and disposal of shares through overseas stock exchange market if such shares are simultaneously listed on the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market and such overseas stock exchange; and

 

   

arm’s length transactions between foreigners, if all of such foreigners belong to an investment group managed by the same person.

 

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For over-the-counter transactions of shares between foreigners outside the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market for shares with respect to which the limit on aggregate foreign ownership has been reached or exceeded, an investment broker licensed in Korea must act as an intermediary. Odd-lot trading of shares outside the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market must involve a licensed investment trader in Korea as the other party. Foreign investors are prohibited from engaging in margin transactions through borrowing shares from a securities company with respect to shares which are subject to a foreign ownership limit.

The Investment Rules require a foreign investor who wishes to invest in shares on the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market (including Converted Shares) to register its identity with the Financial Supervisory Service prior to making any such investment; however, the registration requirement does not apply to foreign investors who acquire Converted Shares with the intention of selling such Converted Shares within three months from the date of acquisition of the Converted Shares or who acquire the shares in an over-the-counter transaction or dispose of shares where such acquisition or disposal is deemed to be a foreign direct investment pursuant to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act. Upon registration, the Financial Supervisory Service will issue to the foreign investor an investment registration certificate that must be presented each time the foreign investor opens a brokerage account with a financial investment business entity. Foreigners eligible to obtain an investment registration certificate include foreign nationals who are individuals residing abroad for more than six months, foreign governments, foreign municipal authorities, foreign public institutions, corporations incorporated under foreign laws, international organizations, funds and associations as defined under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act. All Korean offices of a foreign corporation as a group are treated as a separate entity from the offices of the corporation outside Korea. However, a foreign corporation or depositary bank issuing depositary receipts may obtain one or more investment registration certificates in its name in certain circumstances as described in the relevant regulations.

Upon a foreign investor’s purchase of shares through the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market, no separate report by the investor is required because the investment registration certificate system is designed to control and oversee foreign investment through a computer system. However, a foreign investor’s acquisition or sale of shares outside the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market (as discussed above) must be reported by the foreign investor or his standing proxy to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service at the time of each such acquisition or sale; provided, however, that in cases where a foreigner acquires shares through the exercise of rights as a holder of ADSs (or other depositary certificates), the foreigner must cause such report to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service to be filed by the Korea Securities Depository; and further provided that a foreign investor must ensure that any acquisition or sale by it of shares outside the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market in the case of trades in connection with a tender offer, odd-lot trading of shares or trades of a class of shares for which the aggregate foreign ownership limit has been reached or exceeded, is reported to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service by the investment trader, the investment broker, the Korea Securities Depository or the financial securities company engaged to facilitate such transaction. A foreign investor must appoint one or more standing proxies from among the Korea Securities Depository, foreign exchange banks, including domestic branches of foreign banks, investment traders, investment brokers, the Korea Securities Depository, financial securities companies and internationally recognized custodians that satisfies all relevant requirements under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act and will act as a standing proxy to exercise shareholders’ rights or perform any matters related to the foregoing activities if the foreign investor does not perform these activities himself. However, a foreign investor may be exempted from complying with these standing proxy rules with the approval of the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service in cases deemed inevitable by reason of conflict between laws of Korea and the home country of the foreign investor.

 

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Certificates evidencing shares of Korean companies must be kept in custody with an eligible custodian in Korea. Only the Korea Securities Depository, foreign exchange banks including domestic branches of foreign banks, investment traders, investment brokers, collective investment business entities and internationally recognized custodians satisfying the relevant requirements under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act are eligible to act as a custodian of shares for a non-resident or foreign investor. A foreign investor must ensure that his custodian deposits its shares with the Korea Securities Depository. However, a foreign investor may be exempted from complying with this deposit requirement with the approval of the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service in circumstances where compliance with that requirement is made impracticable, including cases where compliance would contravene the laws of the home country of such foreign investor.

Under the Investment Rules, with certain exceptions, foreign investors may acquire shares of a Korean company without being subject to any foreign investment ceiling. As one such exception, designated public corporations are subject to a 40.0% ceiling on the acquisition of shares by foreigners in the aggregate and a ceiling on the acquisition of shares by a single foreign investor pursuant to the articles of incorporation of such corporation. Currently, Korea Electric Power Corporation is the only designated public corporation which has set such a ceiling. Furthermore, an investment by a foreign investor of not less than 10.0% of the issued shares with voting rights of a Korean company is defined as a direct foreign investment under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act, which is, in general, subject to the report to, and acceptance, by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy. The acquisition of shares of a Korean company by a foreign investor may also be subject to certain foreign shareholding restrictions in the event that the restrictions are prescribed in each specific law which regulates the business of the Korean company. A foreigner who has acquired shares of our common stock in excess of this ceiling may not exercise his voting rights with respect to the shares of our common stock exceeding the limit.

Under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws, a foreign investor who intends to acquire shares must designate a foreign exchange bank at which he must open a foreign currency account and a Won account exclusively for stock investments. No approval is required for remittance into Korea and deposit of foreign currency funds in the foreign currency account. Foreign currency funds may be transferred from the foreign currency account at the time required to place a deposit for, or settle the purchase price of, a stock purchase transaction to a Won account opened at an investment broker or an investment trader. Funds in the foreign currency account may be remitted abroad without any governmental approval.

Dividends on Shares are paid in Won. No governmental approval is required for foreign investors to receive dividends on, or the Won proceeds of the sale of, any shares to be paid, received and retained in Korea. Dividends paid on, and the Won proceeds of the sale of, any shares held by a non-resident of Korea must be deposited either in a Won account with the investor’s investment broker or investment trader or his Won Account. Funds in the investor’s Won Account may be transferred to his foreign currency account or withdrawn for local living expenses up to certain limitations. Funds in the Won Account may also be used for future investment in shares or for payment of the subscription price of new shares obtained through the exercise of preemptive rights.

Investment brokers and investment traders are allowed to open foreign currency accounts with foreign exchange banks exclusively for accommodating foreign investors’ stock investments in Korea. Through these accounts, these investment brokers and investment traders may enter into foreign exchange transactions on a limited basis, such as conversion of foreign currency funds and Won funds, either as a counterparty to or on behalf of foreign investors, without the investors having to open their own accounts with foreign exchange banks.

 

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Item 10.E.  Taxation

The following summary is based upon tax laws of the United States and the Republic of Korea as in effect on the date of this annual report on Form 20-F, and is subject to any change in United States or Korean law that may come into effect after such date. Investors in the shares of common stock or ADSs are advised to consult their own tax advisers as to the United States, Korean or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of such securities, including the effect of any national, state or local tax laws.

Korean Taxation

The following summary of Korean tax considerations applies to you as long as you are not:

 

   

a resident of Korea;

 

   

a corporation organized under Korean law; or

 

   

engaged in a trade or business in Korea through a permanent establishment or a fixed base.

Shares or ADSs

Dividends on Shares of Common Stock or ADSs

Unless an applicable tax treaty provides otherwise, we will deduct Korean withholding tax from dividends paid to you either in cash or shares at a rate of 22.0% (including local income tax). If you are a resident of a country that has entered into a tax treaty with Korea, you may qualify for a reduced rate of Korean withholding tax under such a treaty. For example, if you are a qualified resident of the United States for purposes of the US-Korea Tax Treaty (the “Treaty”) and you are the beneficial owner of a dividend, a reduced withholding tax rate of 16.5% (including local income tax) generally will apply. You will not be entitled to claim treaty benefits if you are not the beneficial owner of a dividend.

In order to obtain the benefits of a reduced withholding tax rate under a tax treaty, you must submit to us, prior to the dividend payment date, such evidence of tax residence as may be required by the Korean tax authorities. In the case of ADSs, evidence of tax residence may be submitted to us through the depositary. Excess taxes withheld may be recoverable if you subsequently produce satisfactory evidence that you were entitled to have tax withheld at a lower rate.

If we distribute to you free shares representing a transfer of certain capital reserves or asset revaluation reserves into paid-in capital, that distribution may be a deemed dividend subject to Korean tax.

Capital Gains

Capital gain from a sale of shares of common stock will generally be exempt from Korean taxation if you have owned, together with certain related parties, less than 25.0% of our total issued shares during the year of sale and the five calendar years before the year of sale, and the sale is made through the KRX KOSPI Market, and you have no permanent establishment in Korea. Capital gain earned by a non-Korean holder from a sale of ADSs outside of Korea are exempt from Korean taxation by virtue of the Special Tax Treatment Control Law of Korea (the “STTCL”), provided that the issuance of the ADSs is deemed to be an overseas issuance under the STTCL.

 

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If you are subject to tax on capital gain from a sale of ADSs, or shares of common stock that you acquired as a result of a withdrawal, your gain will be calculated based on your cost of acquiring the ADSs representing the shares of common stock, although there are no specific Korean tax provisions or rulings on this issue. In the absence of the application of a tax treaty that exempts tax on capital gain, the amount of Korean tax imposed on such capital gains will be the lesser of 11.0% (including local income tax) of the gross realization proceeds or, subject to the production of satisfactory evidence of the acquisition cost and the transaction costs of the ADSs, 22.0% (including local income tax) of the net capital gain.

If you sell your shares of common stock or ADSs, the purchaser or, in the case of a sale of shares of common stock on the KRX KOSPI Market or through a licensed securities company in Korea, the licensed securities company, is required to withhold Korean tax from the sales price in an amount equal to 11% (including local income tax) of the gross realization proceeds and to make payment thereof to the Korean tax authorities, unless you establish your entitlement to an exemption of taxation under an applicable tax treaty or produce satisfactory evidence of your acquisition cost and the transaction costs for the shares of common stock or ADSs. In order to obtain the benefit of an exemption of tax pursuant to a tax treaty, you must submit to the purchaser or the securities company (or through the depositary), as the case may be, prior to the first payment, an exemption application, together with a certificate of your tax residence issued by a competent authority of your residence country. This requirement will not apply to exemptions under Korean tax law. Excess taxes withheld may be recoverable if you subsequently produce satisfactory evidence that you were entitled to have taxes withheld at a lower rate.

Most tax treaties that Korea has entered into provide exemptions for capital gains tax for capital gains from sale and purchase of shares of common stock. However, Korea’s tax treaties with Japan, Austria, Spain and a few other countries do not provide an exemption from such capital gains tax. For example, Article 13 of Korea’s tax treaty with Japan provides that if a taxpayer holding 25% or more (including those shares held by any related party of the taxpayer) of total issued shares of a company in a taxable year sells 5% or more (including those sold by any related party of the taxpayer) of total issued shares of the same company in the same taxable year, the country where the company is a resident may impose tax on such taxpayer.

Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax

Korean inheritance tax is imposed upon (a) all assets (wherever located) of the deceased if at the time of his death he was domiciled in Korea and (b) all property located in Korea which passes on death (irrespective of the domicile of the deceased). Gift tax is imposed in similar circumstances to the above. Taxes are currently imposed at the rate of 10% to 50% if the value of the relevant property is above a certain limit and vary according to the identity of the parties involved.

Under Korean Inheritance and Gift Tax Law, shares issued by a Korean corporation are deemed located in Korea irrespective of where they are physically located or by whom they are owned. It remains unclear whether, for Korean inheritance and gift tax purposes, a non-resident holder of ADSs will be treated as the owner of the shares underlying the ADSs. If such non-resident is treated as the owner of the shares, the heir or donee of such non-resident (or in certain circumstances, the non-resident as the donor) will be subject to Korean inheritance or gift tax at the same rate as described above.

Securities Transaction Tax

If you transfer shares of common stock on the KRX KOSPI Market, you will be subject to the securities transaction tax at a rate of 0.15% and an agriculture and fishery special tax at a rate of

 

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0.15%, calculated based on the sales price of the shares. If you transfer shares of common stock and your transfer is not made on the KRX KOSPI Market you will generally be subject to the securities transaction tax at a rate of 0.5% and will generally not be subject to the agriculture and fishery special tax.

With respect to transfers of ADSs, a tax ruling recently issued in 2004 by the Korean tax authority appears to hold that depositary receipts (such as the ADSs) constitute share certificates subject to the securities transaction tax. In May 2007, the Seoul Administrative Court held that depositary receipts do not constitute share certificates subject to the securities transaction tax. In 2008, the case was upheld by the Seoul High Court and was further upheld by the Supreme Court. However, as the Supreme Court dismissed the tax authorities’ appeal without ruling on the substantive law issue, it is not clear if the Supreme Court’s decision for this case will serve as the Supreme Court’s precedent on this issue. Even if depositary receipts (such as the ADSs) constitute share certificates subject to the securities transaction tax under the Securities Transaction Tax Law, sale price of ADSs from a transfer of depositary receipts listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq National Market or other qualified foreign exchanges are exempt from the securities transaction tax.

United States Federal Income Taxation

This summary describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to you, if you are a U.S. holder (as defined below), of owning our shares of common stock or ADSs. This summary applies to you only if you hold shares of common stock or ADSs as capital assets for tax purposes. This summary does not apply to you if you are a member of a class of holders subject to special rules, such as:

 

   

a dealer in securities or currencies;

 

   

a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for your securities holdings;

 

   

a bank;

 

   

an insurance company;

 

   

a tax-exempt organization;

 

   

a person that holds shares of common stock or ADSs that are a hedge or that are hedged against interest rate or currency risks;

 

   

a person that holds shares of common stock or ADSs as part of a straddle or conversion transaction for tax purposes;

 

   

a person whose functional currency for tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar; or

 

   

a person that owns or is deemed to own 10% or more of any class of our stock.

This summary is based on laws, treaties and regulatory interpretations in effect on the date hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.

Please consult your own tax advisers concerning the U.S. federal, state, local and other national tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of shares of common stock or ADSs in your particular circumstances.

 

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For purposes of this summary, you are a “U.S. holder” if you are a beneficial owner of shares of common stock or ADSs and are:

 

   

a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

   

a U.S. domestic corporation; or

 

   

subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis with respect to income from the shares of common stock or ADSs.

Shares of Common Stock and ADSs

In general, if you hold ADSs, you will be treated as the holder of the shares of common stock represented by those ADSs for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and no gain or loss will be recognized if you exchange an ADS for the shares of common stock represented by that ADS.

Dividends

The gross amount of cash dividends that you receive (prior to deduction of Korean taxes) generally will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation as foreign source dividend income. Dividends paid in Won will be included in your income in a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date of your (or, in the case of ADSs, the depositary’s) receipt of the dividend, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. If such a dividend is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, you generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the treatment of any foreign currency gain or loss on any Won received by U.S. holders that are converted into U.S. dollars on a date subsequent to receipt.

Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the U.S. dollar amount of dividends received by an individual prior to January 1, 2013 with respect to the ADSs and common stock will be subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 15% if the dividends are “qualified dividends.” Dividends paid on the ADSs and common stock will be treated as qualified dividends if (i) we are eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the Internal Revenue Service has approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules and (ii) we were not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and are not, in the year in which the dividend is paid, a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”). The income tax treaty between Korea and the United States (the “Treaty”) has been approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules, and we believe we are eligible for benefits under the Treaty. Based on our audited financial statements and relevant market and shareholder data, we do not anticipate being classified as a PFIC. You should consult your own tax advisers regarding the availability of the reduced dividend tax rate in light of your own particular circumstances.

Distributions of additional shares in respect of shares of common stock or ADSs that are made as part of a pro-rata distribution to all of our shareholders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.

Sales and Other Dispositions

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, gain or loss that you realize on the sale or other disposition of shares of common stock or ADSs will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares of common stock or ADSs were held for more than one year.

 

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Foreign Tax Credit Considerations

You should consult your own tax advisers to determine whether you are subject to any special rules that limit your ability to make effective use of foreign tax credits, including the possible adverse impact of failing to take advantage of benefits under the income tax treaty between the United States and Korea. If no such rules apply, you generally may claim a credit, up to any applicable reduced rates provided under the Treaty, against your U.S. federal income tax liability for Korean taxes withheld from dividends on shares of common stock or ADSs, so long as you have owned the shares of common stock or ADSs (and not entered into certain kinds of hedging transactions) for at least a 16-day period that includes the ex-dividend date. Instead of claiming a credit, you may generally elect to deduct such Korean taxes in computing your taxable income provided that you do not elect to claim a foreign tax credit for any foreign income taxes paid or accrued for the relevant tax year. Foreign tax credits will not be allowed for withholding taxes imposed in respect of certain hedged positions in securities and may not be allowed in respect of arrangements in which your expected economic profit is insubstantial. You may not be able to use the foreign tax credit associated with any Korean withholding tax imposed on a distribution of additional shares that is not subject to U.S. tax unless you can use the credit against United States tax due on other foreign-source income.

Any Korean securities transaction tax or agriculture and fishery special tax that you pay will not be creditable for foreign tax credit purposes.

The calculation of foreign tax credits and, in the case of a U.S. holder that elects to deduct foreign taxes, the availability of deductions involve the application of complex rules that depend on a U.S. holder’s particular circumstances. You should consult your own tax advisers regarding the creditability or deductibility of such taxes.

U.S. Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Rules

Payments in respect of the shares of common stock or ADSs that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries are subject to information reporting and may be subject to backup withholding unless the holder (1) is a corporation or other exempt recipient or (2) provides a taxpayer identification number and certifies that no loss of exemption from backup withholding has occurred. Holders that are not U.S. persons generally are not subject to information reporting or backup withholding. However, such a holder may be required to provide a certification of its non-U.S. status in connection with payments received within the United States or through a U.S.-related financial intermediary.

Item 10.F.  Dividends and Paying Agents

See “Item 8. Financial Information—Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Dividends” for information concerning our dividend policies and our payment of dividends. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Dividends” for a discussion of the process by which dividends are paid on our common shares. See “Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities—Description of American Depositary Shares—Dividends and Distributions” for a discussion of the process by which dividends are paid on our ADSs. The paying agent for payment of our dividends on ADSs in the United States is Citibank,  N.A.

Item 10.G.  Statements by Experts

Not applicable.

 

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Item 10.H.  Documents on Display

We are subject to the information requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and, in accordance therewith, are required to file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These materials, including this annual report and the exhibits thereto, may be inspected and copied at the Commission’s public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. We are required to make filings with the Commission by electronic means, which will be available to the public over the Internet at the Commission’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.

Item 10.I.  Subsidiary Information

Not applicable.

Item 11.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to foreign exchange rate and interest rate risks primarily associated with underlying liabilities, and to equity price risk as a result of our investment in equity securities. Our long-term financial policies are annually reported to our Board of Directors, and our Value Management Office conducts financial risk management and assessment. Upon identification and evaluation of our risk exposures, we selectively enter into derivative financial instruments to manage the risks. These contracts are entered into with major financial institutions, thereby minimizing the risk of credit loss. The activities of our finance division are subject to policies approved by our foreign exchange and interest rate risk management committee. These policies address the use of derivative financial instruments, including the approval of counterparties, setting of limits and investment of excess liquidity. Our general policy is to hold or issue derivative financial instruments largely for hedging purposes.

For our trading derivative contracts, we recognized a valuation gain of (Won)21 billion and a valuation loss of (Won)0 billion in 2010 and a valuation gain of (Won)13 billion and a valuation loss of (Won)0 billion in 2011. For our hedging derivative contracts, we recognized a valuation gain of (Won)35 billion, a valuation loss of (Won)47 billion and accumulated other comprehensive expense of (Won)49 billion in 2010 and a valuation gain of (Won)54 billion, a valuation loss of (Won)9 billion and accumulated other comprehensive income of (Won)22 billion in 2011. For further details regarding the assets, liabilities, gains and losses recorded relating to our derivative contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2010 and 2011, see Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Exchange Rate Risk

Substantially all of our cash flow is denominated in Won. We are exposed to foreign exchange risk related to foreign currency denominated liabilities and anticipated foreign exchange payments. Anticipated foreign exchange payments, mostly in Dollars, relate primarily to payments of foreign currency denominated debt, net settlements paid to foreign telecommunication carriers and payments for equipment purchased from foreign suppliers. We have entered into several currency swap contracts, combined interest currency swap contracts and currency forward contracts to hedge our foreign currency risks.

 

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The following table shows our assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency as of December 31, 2010 and 2011.

 

      As of December 31,  
      2010      2011  

(in thousands of foreign currencies)

   Financial
assets
     Financial
liabilities
     Financial
assets
     Financial
liabilities
 

U.S. Dollar

     201,620         2,421,054         209,742         2,299,644   

Special Drawing Right

     5,721         4,256         1,160         744   

Japanese Yen

     970,586         19,913,770         1,080,392         35,446,361   

British Pound

     6         131         7         108   

Euro

     632         1,317         1,239         3,357   

Algerian Dinar

     20,339                 18,714           

Chinese Yuan

     14,772         991         14,495         700   

Russian Ruble

     1,412,479         238,975                   

Uzbekistani Sum

     16,679,037         59,788,523                   

Indonesian Rupiah

                     411,687         10,000   

As of December 31, 2010 and 2011, a 10% increase in the exchange rate between the Won and all foreign currencies, with all other variables held constant, would have decreased our profit before income tax by (Won)61 billion and (Won)57 billion, respectively, and shareholders’ equity by (Won)46 billion and (Won)50 billion, respectively, with a 10% decrease in the exchange rate having the opposite effect. The foregoing sensitivity analysis assumes that all variables other than foreign exchange rates are held constant, and as such, does not reflect any correlation between foreign exchange rates and other variables, nor our decision to decrease the risk. See Note 36 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest Rate Risk

We are also subject to market risk exposure arising from changing interest rates. A reduction of interest rates increases the fair value of our debt portfolio, which is primarily of a fixed interest nature. We use, to a limited extent, interest rate swap contracts and combined interest rate and currency swap contracts to reduce interest rate volatility on some of our debt and manage our interest expense by achieving a balanced mixture of floating and fixed rate debt. We entered into several interest rate swap contracts in which we exchange fixed interest rate payments with variable interest rate payments for a specified period, as well as entered into the combined interest rate and currency swap contracts to hedge our interest rate risk.

 

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The following table summarizes the principal amounts, fair values, principal cash flows by maturity date and weighted average interest rates of our short-term and long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2011 which are sensitive to exchange rates and/or interest rates. The information is presented in Won, which is our reporting currency.

 

    Maturities  
                                        December 31, 2011  
  2012     2013     2014     2015     2016     Thereafter     Total     Fair Value  
    (In Won millions except rates)  

Local currency:

               

Fixed rate

    1,690,076        1,527,610        1,239,051        612,648        1,239,476        1,618,963        7,927,824        7,975,810   

Average weighted rate (1)

    4.75     5.46     5.03     5.35     4.31     4.61     4.21       

Variable rate

    51,342        15,000        30,000        40,000        0        0        136,342        137,048   

Average weighted rate (1)

    3.77     4.94     4.54     4.97     0     0     4.42       
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

    1,741,418        1,542,610        1,269,051        652,648        1,239,476        1,618,963        8,064,166        8,112,858   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign currency:

               

Fixed rate

    235,243        519,806        691,980        461,320        230,660        115,330        2,254,339        2,327,392   

Average weighted rate (1)

    5.35     1.58     5.88     4.88     5.88     6.50     4.66       

Variable rate

    136,842        461,320        115,330        0        0        0        713,492        686,780   

Average weighted rate (1)

    2.08     1.59     1.52     0     0     0     1.67       
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

    372,085        981,126        807,310        461,320        230,660        115,330        2,967,831        3,014,172   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    2,113,503        2,523,736        2,076,361        1,113,968        1,470,136        1,734,293        11,031,997        11,127,030   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Weighted average rates of the portfolio at the period end.

As of December 31, 2010 and 2011, a 100 basis point increase in the market interest rates, with all other variables held constant, would have decreased our profit before income tax by (Won)1 billion and (Won)1 billion, respectively, and shareholders’ equity by (Won)4 billion and (Won)345 million, respectively, and a 100 basis point decrease in the market interest rates, with all other variables held constant, would have decreased our profit before income tax by (Won)17 billion and (Won)13 billion, respectively, and shareholders’ equity by (Won)15 billion and 14 billion, respectively. The foregoing sensitivity analysis assumes that all variables other than market interest rates are held constant, and as such, does not reflect any correlation between market interest rates and other variables, nor our decision to decrease the risk, but reflects the effects of derivative contracts in place at the time of conducting the analysis.

Equity Price Risk

We are also subject to market risk exposure arising from changes in the equity securities market, which affect the fair value of our equity portfolio. As of December 31, 2010 and 2011, a 10% increase in the equity indices where our marketable equity securities are listed, with all other variables held constant, would have increased our shareholders’ equity by (Won)2 billion and (Won)4 billion, respectively, with a 10% decrease in the equity index having the opposite effect. The foregoing sensitivity analysis assumes that all variables other than changes in the equity index are held constant, and that our marketable equity instruments had moved according to the historical correlation to the index, and as such, does not reflect any correlation between the equity index and other variables.

 

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Item 12.  Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

Item 12.A.  Debt Securities

Not applicable.

Item 12.B.  Warrants and Rights

Not applicable.

Item 12.C.  Other Securities

Not applicable.

Item 12.D.  American Depositary Shares

Fees and Charges

Under the terms of the deposit agreement, holders of our ADSs are required to pay the following service fees to the depositary:

 

Services

  

Fees

Issuance of ADSs upon deposit of shares

   Up to $0.05 per ADS issued

Delivery of deposited shares against surrender of ADSs

   Up to $0.05 per ADS surrendered

Distribution delivery of ADSs pursuant to sale or exercise of rights

   Up to $0.02 per ADS held

Distributions of dividends

   None

Distribution of securities other than ADSs

   Up to $0.02 per ADS held

Other corporate action involving distributions to shareholders

   Up to $0.02 per ADS held

Holders of our ADSs are also responsible for paying certain fees and expenses incurred by the depositary and certain taxes and governmental charges such as:

 

   

fees for the transfer and registration of shares charged by the registrar and transfer agent for the shares in Korea (i.e., upon deposit and withdrawal of shares);

 

   

expenses incurred for converting foreign currency into U.S. dollars;

 

   

expenses for cable, telex and fax transmissions and for delivery of securities;

 

   

taxes and duties upon the transfer of securities (i.e., when shares are deposited or withdrawn from deposit); and

 

   

fees and expenses incurred in connection with the delivery or servicing of shares on deposit.

Depositary fees payable upon the issuance and surrender of ADSs are typically paid to the depositary by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) receiving the newly issued ADSs from the depositary and by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) delivering the ADSs to the depositary for surrender. The brokers in turn charge these fees to their clients. Depositary fees payable in connection with distributions of cash or securities to ADS holders and the depositary services fee are charged by the depositary to the holders of record of ADSs as of the applicable ADS record date.

 

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The depositary fees payable for cash distributions are generally deducted from the cash being distributed. In the case of distributions other than cash (i.e., stock dividend, rights), the depositary charges the applicable fee to the ADS record date holders concurrent with the distribution. In the case of ADSs registered in the name of the investor (whether certificated or uncertificated in direct registration), the depositary sends invoices to the applicable record date ADS holders. In the case of ADSs held in brokerage and custodian accounts (via the Depository Trust Company, or DTC), the depositary generally collects its fees through the systems provided by DTC (whose nominee is the registered holder of the ADSs held in DTC) from the brokers and custodians holding ADSs in their DTC accounts. The brokers and custodians who hold their clients’ ADSs in DTC accounts in turn charge their clients’ accounts the amount of the fees paid to the depositary.

In the event of refusal to pay the depositary fees, the depositary may, under the terms of the deposit agreement, refuse to provide the requested service until payment is received or may set off the amount of the depositary fees from any distribution to be made to such holder of ADSs.

The fees and charges that holders of our ADSs may be required to pay may vary over time and may be changed by us and by the depositary. Holders of our ADSs will receive prior notice of such changes.

Fees and Payments from the Depositary to Us

In 2011, we received the following payments, after deduction of applicable U.S. taxes, from the depositary:

 

Reimbursement of NYSE listing fees:

   $ 103,750   

Reimbursement of SEC filing fees:

   $ 11,779   

Reimbursement of settlement infrastructure fees (including maintenance fees):

   $ 180,269   

Reimbursement of proxy process expenses (printing, postage and distribution):

   $ 40,292   

Reimbursement of legal fees (reimbursement received in April 2012 in respect of 2011):

   $ 363,953   

Contributions toward our investor relations efforts (including non-deal roadshows, investor conferences and investor relations agency fees):

   $ 456,951   

PART II

Item 13.  Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

Not applicable.

Item 14.  Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

Item 15.  Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management has evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of December 31, 2011. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including

 

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the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon our evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and that it is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, and under the supervision of, our principal executive, principal operating and principal financial officers, and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records, that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of our financial statements would be prevented or detected. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Our management has completed an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 based on criteria in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on this assessment, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011.

Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers, an independent registered public accounting firm, which also audited our consolidated financial statements as of, and for the year ended December 31, 2011, as stated in their report which is included herein, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

The attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting is furnished in Item 18 of this Form 20-F.

 

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Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the year covered by this annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 16.  [Reserved]

Item 16A.  Audit Committee Financial Expert

At our annual shareholders’ meetings in March 2012, our shareholders reelected E. Han Kim as a member of the Audit Committee. Our Audit Committee is comprised of Hyun-Nak Lee, E. Han Kim and Byong Won Bahk. The board of directors has determined that E. Han Kim and Byong Won Bahk are the audit committee financial experts.

Item 16B.  Code of Ethics

We have adopted a code of ethics, as defined in Item 16B. of Form 20-F under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our code of ethics applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and persons performing similar functions, as well as to our directors, other officers and employees. Our code of ethics is available on our web site at www.kt.com. If we amend the provisions of our code of ethics that apply to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and persons performing similar functions, or if we grant any waiver of such provisions, we will disclose such amendment or waiver on our web site.

Item 16C.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Audit and Non-Audit Fees

The following table sets forth the fees billed to us by Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers, our independent auditors, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 and 2011:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2010      2011  
     (In millions)  

Audit fees

   (Won) 2,380       (Won) 2,492   

Audit-related fees

     70         100   

Tax fees

     43         146   

Other fees

     0         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fees

   (Won) 2,493       (Won) 2,738   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Audit fees in the above table are the aggregate fees billed by our auditors in connection with the audit of our annual financial statements and the review of our interim financial statements.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

Our audit committee has established pre-approval policies and procedures to pre-approve all audit services to be provided by Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers, our independent registered public accounting firm. Our audit committee’s policy regarding the pre-approval of non-audit services to be provided to us by our independent auditors is that all such services shall be pre-approved by our audit committee. Non-audit services that are prohibited to be provided to us by our independent auditors under the rules of the SEC and applicable law may not be pre-approved. In addition, prior to the

 

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granting of any pre-approval, our audit committee must be satisfied that the performance of the services in question will not compromise the independence of our independent registered public accounting firm and does not include delegation of the audit committee’s responsibilities to the management under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Our audit committee did not pre-approve any non-audit services under the de minimis exception of Rule 2-01 (c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the SEC.

Item 16D.  Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

Not applicable.

Item 16E.  Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

The following table sets forth the repurchases of common shares by us or any affiliated purchasers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011:

 

Period

   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
     Average Price
Paid per Share
(In Won)
     Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
     Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet
be Purchased
Under the Plans
 

January 1 to January 31

         —             —             —             —   

February 1 to February 29

                               

March 1 to March 31

                               

April 1 to April 30

                               

May 1 to May 31

                               

June 1 to June 30

                               

July 1 to July 31

                               

August 1 to August 31

                               

September 1 to September 30

                               

October 1 to October 31

                               

November 1 to November 30

                               

December 1 to December 31

                               
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

                               
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Neither we nor any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) of the Exchange Act, purchased any of our equity securities during the period covered by this annual report.

Item 16F.  Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

Not Applicable

Item 16G.  Corporate Governance

The following is a summary of the significant differences between the New York Stock Exchange’s corporate governance standards and those that we follow under Korean law.

 

NYSE Corporate Governance Standards

  

KT Corporation’s Corporate Governance Practice

Director Independence

  
Independent directors must comprise a majority of the board.   

The Commercial Code of Korea requires that our board of directors must comprise no less than a majority of outside directors. Our outside directors must meet the criteria for outside directorship set forth under the Commercial Code of Korea.

 

The majority of our board of directors is independent (as defined in accordance with the New York Stock Exchange’s standards), and 8 out of 11 directors are outside directors.

 

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NYSE Corporate Governance Standards

  

KT Corporation’s Corporate Governance Practice

Nomination/Corporate Governance Committee

  
Listed companies must have a nomination/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors.    We have not established a nomination/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors. However, we maintain an Outside Director Candidate Nominating Committee composed of all of our outside directors and one non-independent director. We also maintain a Corporate Governance Committee comprised of four outside directors and one non-independent director. The committee is responsible for the review of matters with respect to our Corporate Governance Guidelines and our performance under such guidelines to monitor effectiveness of our corporate governance.

Compensation Committee

  
Listed companies must have a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors.    We maintain an Evaluation and Compensation Committee composed of four outside directors.

Executive Session

  
Listed companies must hold meetings solely attended by non-management directors to more effectively check and balance management directors.    Our outside directors hold meetings solely attended by outside directors in accordance with the charter of our board of directors.

Audit Committee

  
Listed companies must have an audit committee that is composed of more than three directors and satisfy the requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.    We maintain an Audit Committee comprised of four outside directors who meet the applicable independence criteria set forth under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.

Shareholder Approval of Equity Compensation Plan

  
Listed companies must allow their shareholders to exercise their voting rights with respect to any material revision to the company’s equity compensation plan.   

We currently have two equity compensation plans: one providing for the grant of stock options to officers and non-independent directors; and an employee stock ownership association program.

 

All material matters related to the granting stock options are provided in our articles of incorporation, and any amendments to the articles of incorporation are subject to shareholders’ approval. Matters related to the employee stock ownership association program are not subject to shareholders’ approval under Korean law.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

  
Listed companies must adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines.    We have adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines in March 2007 setting forth our practices with respect to corporate governance matters. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines are in compliance with Korean law but do not meet all requirements established by the New York Stock Exchange for U.S. companies listed on the exchange. A copy of our Corporate Governance Guidelines in Korean is available on our website at www.kt.com.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

  
Listed companies must adopt and disclose a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees, and promptly disclose any waivers of the code for executive officers.    We have adopted a Code of Ethics for all directors, officers and employees. A copy of our Code of Ethics in Korean is available on our website at www.kt.com

Item 16H.  Mine Safety Disclosure

Not Applicable

 

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PART III

Item 17.  Financial Statements

Not applicable.

Item 18.  Financial Statements

AUDITED CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF KT CORPORATION

 

     Page  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-1   

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2010, 2011 and January 1, 2010

     F-2   

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2010 and 2011

     F-5   

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2010 and 2011

     F-6   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2010 and 2011

     F-7   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2010 and 2011

     F-10   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-11   

Item 19.  Exhibits

 

1    Articles of Incorporation of KT Corporation (English translation)
2.1*    Deposit Agreement dated as of May 25, 1999 entered into among KT Corporation, Citibank, N.A., as depositary, and all Holders and Beneficial Owners of American Depositary Shares evidenced by the American Depositary Receipts issued thereunder, including the form of American depositary receipt (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(i) of the Registrant’s Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-13578) on Form F-6)
2.2*    Form of Amendment No. 1 Deposit Agreement dated as of May 25, 1999 entered into among KT Corporation, Citibank, N.A., as depositary, and all Holders and Beneficial Owners of American Depositary Shares evidenced by the American Depositary Receipts issued thereunder, including the form of American depositary receipt (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(ii) of the Registrant’s Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-13578) on Form F-6)
2.3*    Letter from Citibank, N.A., as depositary, to the Registrant relating to the pre-release of the American depositary receipts (incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-10330) on Form F-6)
2.4*    Letter from Citibank, N.A., as depositary, to the Registrant relating to the establishment of a direct registration system for ADSs and the issuance of uncertified ADSs as part of the direct registration system. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.4 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 30, 2008)
8.1    List of subsidiaries of KT Corporation
12.1    Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
12.2    Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
13.1    Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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15.1    The Framework Act on Telecommunications (English translation)
15.2    Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Telecommunications (English translation)
15.3    The Telecommunications Business Act (English translation)
15.4    Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Business Act (English translation)

 

* Filed previously.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

KT Corporation

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position and the related consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income, of changes in shareholders’ equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of KT Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2011 and 2010 and January 1, 2010 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting in Item 15 of Form 20-F. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers

Seoul Korea

April 26, 2012

 

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011

 

                               (in thousands
of U.S dollars)
 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Notes    1.1.2010      12.31.2010      12.31.2011      12.31.2011  
                               (Note 2)  

Assets

              

Current assets

              

Cash and cash equivalents

   2, 5, 6, 36    (Won) 1,542,872       (Won) 1,161,641       (Won) 1,445,169       $ 1,253,073   

Trade and other receivables, net

   2, 5, 7, 35, 36      3,735,368         4,193,377         6,158,914         5,340,253   

Short-term loans, net

   2, 5, 8, 36      443,722         725,342         698,030         605,246   

Current finance lease receivables, net

   2, 5, 21, 36      198,987         194,771         248,703         215,645   

Other financial assets

   2, 5, 9, 36      386,717         269,692         253,625         219,912   

Current income tax assets

   2      26,664         287         838         727   

Inventories, net

   2, 10      765,378         710,617         674,727         585,040   

Other current assets

   11, 35      211,682         263,720         310,653         269,360   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

        7,311,390         7,519,447         9,790,659         8,489,256   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current assets

              

Trade and other receivables, net

   2, 5, 7, 35, 36      779,639         1,125,336         1,723,415         1,494,334   

Long-term loans, net

   2, 5, 8, 36      467,507         407,879         491,301         425,996   

Non-current finance lease receivables, net

   2, 5, 21, 36      323,778         402,568         487,957         423,096   

Other financial assets

   2, 5, 9, 36      403,667         269,358         621,699         539,061   

Property and equipment, net

   2, 12, 21, 34      14,032,578         13,398,272         14,022,695         12,158,757   

Investment property, net

   2, 13, 34      1,030,018         1,146,250         1,159,105         1,005,033   

Intangible assets, net

   2, 14, 34      1,385,694         1,418,920         2,643,485         2,292,105   

Investments in jointly controlled entities and associates

   2, 15      306,064         638,061         529,184         458,843   

Deferred income tax assets

   2, 30      570,778         565,329         529,856         459,426   

Other non-current assets

   2, 11      52,581         50,183         86,053         74,616   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

        19,352,304         19,422,156         22,294,750         19,331,267   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

      (Won) 26,663,694       (Won) 26,941,603       (Won) 32,085,409       $ 27,820,523   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Continued)

January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011

 

                                (in thousands
of U.S dollars)
 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Notes    1.1.2010      12.31.2010      12.31.2011      12.31.2011  
                               (Note 2)  

Liabilities and Equity

              

Current liabilities

              

Trade and other payables

   5, 16, 35, 36    (Won) 5,288,058       (Won) 4,424,198       (Won) 5,890,425       $ 5,107,453   

Current finance lease liabilities, net

   5, 21, 35, 36      6,224         33,089         46,155         40,020   

Borrowings

   5, 17, 36      2,049,155         2,722,458         2,112,438         1,831,647   

Other financial liabilities

   5, 9, 20, 36      7,378         1,143         8,287         7,185   

Current income tax liabilities

        9,702         283,828         187,070         162,204   

Provisions

   18, 20      28,906         58,477         122,585         106,291   

Deferred revenue

        128,308         176,652         167,907         145,588   

Other current liabilities

   11, 35      222,838         184,828         210,258         182,309   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

        7,740,569         7,884,673         8,745,125         7,582,697   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

              

Trade and other payables

   5, 16, 35, 36      295,621         381,507         651,713         565,085   

Non-current finance lease liabilities, net

   5, 21, 35, 36      1,329         60,767         90,042         78,073   

Borrowings

   5, 17, 36      7,517,545         6,659,906         8,886,114         7,704,946   

Other financial liabilities

   5, 9, 20, 36      19,487         37,783         288,473         250,128   

Retirement benefit liabilities

   19      86,026         263,978         425,712         369,125   

Provisions

   18, 20      102,999         110,400         142,965         123,962   

Deferred revenue

        154,448         156,873         160,981         139,583   

Deferred income tax liabilities

   30      2,242         4,449         124,437         107,896   

Other non-current liabilities

   11, 35      28,612         27,212         32,038         27,781   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

        8,208,309         7,702,875         10,802,475         9,366,579   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

      (Won) 15,948,878       (Won) 15,587,548       (Won) 19,547,600       $ 16,949,276   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Continued)

January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011

 

                             (in thousands
of U.S dollars)
 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Notes    1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011     12.31.2011  

Equity attributable to owners of the Parent Company

           

Capital stock

   22    (Won) 1,564,499      (Won) 1,564,499      (Won) 1,564,499      $ 1,356,541   

Share premium

        1,440,258        1,440,258        1,440,258        1,248,815   

Retained earnings

   23      9,693,037        9,466,168        10,219,633        8,861,210   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

        (40,557     (79,370     (22,865     (19,826

Other components of equity

   24, 25      (2,154,147     (1,258,293     (1,497,289     (1,298,265
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        10,503,090        11,133,262        11,704,236        10,148,475   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-controlling interest

        211,726        220,793        833,573        722,772   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

        10,714,816        11,354,055        12,537,809        10,871,247   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

      (Won) 26,663,694      (Won) 26,941,603      (Won) 32,085,409      $ 27,820,523   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income

Years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011

 

(in millions of Korean won, except
per share amounts)

   Notes    2010     2011     (in thousands
of U.S dollars)
 
          2011  
                      (Note 2)  

Continuing Operations:

         

Operating revenue

   2, 5, 9, 15, 26, 34, 35    (Won) 20,326,275      (Won) 21,990,051      $ 19,067,069   

Operating expenses

   2, 5, 9, 15, 27, 35      18,318,404        20,016,330        17,355,701   

Operating profit

   28, 34      2,007,871        1,973,721        1,711,368   

Finance income

   29      239,379        267,419        231,873   

Finance costs

   29      (598,663     (640,216     (555,117

Income (loss) from jointly controlled entities and associates

   15      32,686        (3,038     (2,634

Profit from continuing operations before income tax

        1,681,273        1,597,886        1,385,490   

Income tax expense

   2, 30      (396,369     (316,735     (274,634
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit for the period from the continuing operations

        1,284,904        1,281,151        1,110,856   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Discontinued Operations:

         

Profit from discontinued operations

   38      29,980        170,868        148,156   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit for the period

      (Won) 1,314,884      (Won) 1,452,019      $ 1,259,012   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit for the period attributable to:

         

Equity holders of the Parent Company

      (Won) 1,295,841      (Won) 1,446,551      $ 1,254,271   

Profit from continuing operations

        1,273,191        1,276,512        1,106,834   

Profit from discontinued operations

        22,650        170,039        147,437   

Non-controlling interest

      (Won) 19,043      (Won) 5,468      $ 4,741   

Profit from continuing operations

        11,713        4,639        4,022   

Profit from discontinued operations

        7,330        829        719   

Earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of the Parent Company during the period (in won):

         

Basic earnings per share

   31    (Won) 5,328      (Won) 5,946      $ 5.156   

From continuing operations

        5,235        5,247        4.550   

From discontinued operations

        93        699        0.606   

Diluted earnings per share

      (Won) 5,328      (Won) 5,946      $ 5.156   

From continuing operations

        5,235        5,247        4.550   

From discontinued operations

        93        699        0.606   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Notes    2010     2011     (in thousands
of U.S dollars)
 
          2011  
                      (Note 2)  

Profit for the period

      (Won) 1,314,884      (Won) 1,452,019      $ 1,259,012   

Other comprehensive income

         

Changes in value of available-for-sale financial assets

   9      (1,033     60,834        52,748   

Net reclassification adjustment for realized losses of available-for-sale financial assets

   9      2,771        (1,376     (1,193

Actuarial loss on retirement benefit liabilities

   19      (146,728     (108,065     (93,701

Net gains(losses) on cashflow hedges

   9      (37,899     16,459        14,271   

Net reclassification adjustment for cashflow hedges

   9      2,746        11,712        10,155   

Shares of other comprehensive income (expense) from jointly controlled entities and associates

   15      2,379        (2,633     (2,283

Net reclassification to income for jointly controlled entities and associates

   15             (2,055     (1,782

Shares of actuarial gain (loss) of jointly controlled entities and associates

   15      (238     (1,918     (1,663

Currency translation differences

        (10,819     12,029        10,430   

Net reclassification adjustment for currency translation differences

               22,661        19,649   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the period

      (Won) 1,126,063      (Won) 1,459,667      $ 1,265,643   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income for the period attributable to:

         

Equity holders of the Parent Company

        1,111,361        1,396,415        1,210,799   

Non-controlling interest

        14,702        63,252        54,844   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

Years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011

 

        Attributable to equity holders of the Parent Company              

(in millions of Korean won)

  Notes   Capital
stock
    Share
premium
    Retained
earnings
    Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
income (loss)
    Other
Components
of equity
    Total     Non-controlling
interest
    Total equity  

Balance at January 1, 2010

    (Won) 1,564,499      (Won) 1,440,258      (Won) 9,693,037      (Won) (40,557   (Won) (2,154,147   (Won) 10,503,090      (Won) 211,726      (Won) 10,714,816   

Comprehensive income

                 

Profit for the period

                    1,295,841                      1,295,841        19,043        1,314,884   

Changes in value of available-for-sale financial assets

  9                          1,603               1,603        135        1,738   

Actuarial loss on retirement benefit liabilities

  9                   (145,429                   (145,429     (1,299     (146,728

Net losses on cashflow hedge

  9                          (35,153            (35,153            (35,153

Shares of other comprehensive income of jointly controlled entities and associates

  15                          2,384               2,384        (5     2,379   

Shares of actuarial gain of jointly controlled entities and associates

  15                   (238                   (238            (238

Currency translation differences

                           (7,647            (7,647     (3,172     (10,819

Transactions with equity holders

                 

Dividends

  32                   (486,393                   (486,393     (6,792     (493,185

Appropriations of loss on disposal of treasury stock

                    (890,650            890,650                        

Change in ownership interest in subsidiaries

                                  (520     (520     2,175        1,655   

Others

                                  5,724        5,724        (1,018     4,706   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2010

    (Won) 1,564,499      (Won) 1,440,258      (Won) 9,466,168      (Won) (79,370   (Won) (1,258,293   (Won) 11,133,262      (Won) 220,793      (Won) 11,354,055   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2011

    (Won) 1,564,499      (Won) 1,440,258      (Won) 9,466,168      (Won) (79,370   (Won) (1,258,293   (Won) 11,133,262      (Won) 220,793      (Won) 11,354,055   

Comprehensive income

                 

Profit for the period

                    1,446,551                      1,446,551        5,468        1,452,019   

Changes in value of available-for-sale financial assets

  9                          5,090               5,090        54,368        59,458   

Actuarial loss on retirement benefit liabilities

  9                   (104,723                   (104,723     (3,342     (108,065

Net gains on cashflow hedge

  9                          28,178               28,178        (7     28,171   

 

F-7


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Continued)

Years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011

 

 

        Attributable to equity holders of the Parent Company              

(in millions of Korean won)

  Notes   Capital
stock
    Share
premium
    Retained
earnings
    Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
income (loss)
    Other
Components
of equity
    Total     Non-controlling
interest
    Total equity  

Shares of other comprehensive income of jointly controlled entities and associates

  15                          (5,283            (5,283     595        (4,688

Shares of actuarial gain of jointly controlled entities and associates

  15                   (1,918                   (1,918            (1,918

Currency translation differences

                           28,520               28,520        6,170        34,690   

Transactions with equity holders

                 

Dividends

  32                   (586,150                   (586,150     (9,050     (595,200

Appropriations of loss on disposal of treasury stock

                    (295            295                        

Changes in consolidation scope

                                                503,588        503,588   

Change in ownership interest in subsidiaries

                                  (253,445     (253,445     36,457        (216,988

Others

                                  14,154        14,154        18,533        32,687   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

    (Won) 1,564,499      (Won) 1,440,258      (Won) 10,219,633      (Won) (22,865   (Won) (1,497,289   (Won) 11,704,236      (Won) 833,573      (Won) 12,537,809   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-8


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Continued)

Years ended December 31, 2011

 

        Attributable to equity holders of the Parent Company              

(in thousands of U.S dollars)
(Note2)

  Notes   Capital
stock
    Share
premium
    Retained
earnings
    Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
income (loss)
    Other
Components
of equity
    Total     Non-controlling
interest
    Total
equity
 

Balance at January 1, 2011

    $ 1,356,541      $ 1,248,815      $ 8,207,898      $ (68,820   $ (1,091,037   $ 9,653,397      $ 191,446      $ 9,844,843   

Comprehensive income

                 

Profit for the period

                    1,254,271                      1,254,271        4,741        1,259,012   

Changes in value of available-for-sale financial assets

  9                          4,414               4,414        47,141        51,555   

Actuarial loss on retirement benefit liabilities

  9                   (90,803                   (90,803     (2,898     (93,701

Net gains on cashflow hedge

  9                          24,432               24,432        (6     24,426   

Shares of other comprehensive income of jointly controlled entities and associates

  15                          (4,581            (4,581     516        (4,065

Shares of actuarial gain of jointly controlled entities and associates

  15                   (1,663                   (1,663            (1,663

Currency translation differences

                           24,729               24,729        5,350        30,079   

Transactions with equity holders

                 

Dividends

  32                   (508,237                   (508,237     (7,847     (516,084

Appropriations of loss on disposal of treasury stock

                    (256            256                        

Changes in consolidation scope

                                                436,650        436,650   

Change in ownership interest in subsidiaries

                                  (219,756     (219,756     31,610        (188,146

Others

                                  12,272        12,272        16,069        28,341   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

    $ 1,356,541      $ 1,248,815      $ 8,861,210      $ (19,826   $ (1,298,265   $ 10,148,475      $ 722,772      $ 10,871,247   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-9


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Notes    2010     2011     (in thousands
of U.S dollars)
 
          2011  
                      (Note2)  

Cash flows from operating activities

         

Cash generated from operations

   33    (Won) 3,272,059      (Won) 2,905,037      $ 2,518,891   

Interest paid

        (554,054     (512,643     (444,501

Interest received

        252,161        156,932        136,072   

Dividends received

        50,194        15,330        13,293   

Income tax paid

        (79,470     (414,631     (359,517

Income tax refund received

        32,218        284        246   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash generated from operating activities

        2,973,108        2,150,309        1,864,484   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

         

Collection of loans

        13,523        66,713        57,845   

Origination of loans

        (53,621     (71,450     (61,953

Disposal of available-for-sale financial assets

        74,363        65,760        57,019   

Acquisition of available-for-sale financial assets

        (86,289     (188,752     (163,663

Disposal of investments in jointly controlled entities and associates

        48,703        102,563        88,930   

Acquisition of investments in jointly controlled entities and associates

        (276,404     (65,055     (56,407

Disposal of current and non-current financial instruments

        476,443        240,779        208,774   

Acquisition of current and non-current financial instruments

        (252,035     (257,619     (223,376

Disposal of property and equipment

        181,425        594,250        515,261   

Acquisition of property and equipment

        (2,713,358     (3,208,337     (2,781,875

Disposal of intangible assets

        6,008        14,763        12,801   

Acquisition of intangible assets

        (331,779     (476,888     (413,499

Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

        (2,749     208,752        181,004   

Cash inflow(outflow) from changes in scope of consolidation

        (33,298     326,524        283,121   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

        (2,949,068     (2,647,997     (2,296,018
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

         

Proceeds from borrowings and bonds

        5,698,981        7,224,666        6,264,342   

Repayments of borrowings and bonds

        (5,575,825     (6,025,054     (5,224,186

Settlement of derivative assets and liabilities, net

        8,959        130,119        112,823   

Cash inflow from consolidated capital transaction

        1,205        83,855        72,709   

Cash outflow from consolidated capital transaction

        (300     (2,213     (1,919

Dividends paid to shareholders

        (486,393     (586,150     (508,237

Dividends paid to non-controlling interest

        (6,792     (9,050     (7,847

Decrease in finance leases liabilities

        (38,183     (47,701     (41,360
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

        (398,348     768,472        666,325   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents

        (6,923     12,744        11,050   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

        (381,231     283,528        245,841   

Cash and cash equivalents

         

Beginning of the period

   6      1,542,872        1,161,641        1,007,232   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of the period

   6    (Won) 1,161,641      (Won) 1,445,169      $ 1,253,073   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-10


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011

1.    General Information

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of KT Corporation, which is the controlling company as defined under IAS 27, Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements, and its 51 controlled subsidiaries as described in Note 1.2 (collectively referred to as the “Company”).

The Controlling Company

KT Corporation (the “Controlling Company”) commenced operations on January 1, 1982, when it spun off from the Korea Communications Commission (formerly the Korean Ministry of Information and Communications) to provide telephone services and to engage in the development of advanced communications services under the Act of Telecommunications of Korea. The headquarters are located in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea, and the address of its registered head office is 206, Jungja-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do.

On October 1, 1997, upon the announcement of the Government-Investment Enterprises Management Basic Act and the Privatization Law, the Controlling Company became a government-funded institution under the Commercial Code of Korea.

On December 23, 1998, the Controlling Company’s shares were listed on the Korea Exchange.

On May 29, 1999, the Controlling Company issued 24,282,195 additional shares and issued American Depository Shares (ADS), representing new shares and government-owned shares, at the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. On July 2, 2001, the additional ADS representing 55,502,161 government-owned shares were issued at the New York Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange.

In 2002, the Controlling Company acquired 60,294,575 government-owned shares in accordance with the Korean government’s privatization plan. As of December 31, 2011, the Korean government does not own any share in the Controlling Company.

On June 1, 2009, the Controlling Company, which is an existing company, was merged with KT Freetel Co., Ltd., which was a subsidiary, to enhance the efficiency of business management.

Consolidated Subsidiaries

The consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

  

Type of Business

  

Location

   Percentage of
ownership (%)  1
     Financial
year end
 

KT Powertel Co.,Ltd. 2

   Trunk radio system business    Domestic      44.8         12.31   

KT Networks Corporation

   Group telephone management    Domestic      100.0         12.31   

KT Linkus Co.,Ltd.

   Public telephone maintenance    Domestic      93.8         12.31   

KT Telecop Co.,Ltd.

   Security service    Domestic      88.1         12.31   

KT Hitel Co.,Ltd.

   Data communication    Domestic      65.9         12.31   

KT Commerce Inc.

   B2C, B2B service    Domestic      100.0         12.31   

KT Tech, Inc.

   PCS handset development    Domestic      93.8         12.31   

KT Capital Co.,Ltd.

   Financing service    Domestic      100.0         12.31   

KT New Business Fund No.1

   Investment fund    Domestic      100.0         12.31   

Gyeonggi-KT Green Growth Fund

   Venture investment of Green Growth Business    Domestic      56.5         12.31   

 

F-11


Table of Contents

(in millions of Korean won)

  

Type of Business

  

Location

   Percentage of
ownership (%)  1
     Financial
year end
 

KTC Media Contents Fund 1 3

   New technology investment fund    Domestic      1.8         4.30   

KTC Media Contents Fund 2

   New technology investment fund    Domestic      85.7         12.31   

KT Strategic Investment Fund No.1

   Investment fund    Domestic      100.0         12.31   

BC card co., Ltd. 4

   Credit card business    Domestic      38.9         12.31   

VP Inc.

   Payment security service for credit card and etc.    Domestic      50.9         12.31   

H&C Network 1

   Call centre for financial sectors    Domestic      100.0         12.31   

BC card China Co.,Ltd.

   Research and development of calculation system and software    Domestic      100.0         12.31   

U Payment Co., Ltd

   Transportation card issuance and operations    Domestic      99.1         12.31   

INITECH Co., Ltd.

   Internet banking ASP and security solutions    Domestic      57.0         12.31   

InitechSmartro Holdings Co., Ltd.

   Holdings company    Domestic      100.0         12.31   

Smartro Co.Ltd.

   VAN(Value Added Network) business    Domestic      74.5         12.31   

Pay N Mobile Co., Ltd.

   Wired and wireless communication resale    Domestic      100.0         12.31   

Sidus FNH Corporation

   Movie production    Domestic      51.0         12.31   

Nasmedia, Inc.

   Online advertisement    Domestic      51.4         12.31   

Sofnics, Inc.

   Software development and sales    Domestic      60.0         12.31   

KT Edui Co.,Ltd.

   Online education business    Domestic      54.5         12.31   

KTDS Co., Ltd.

   System integration and maintenance    Domestic      95.3         12.31   

KT M Hows Co.,Ltd.

   Mobile marketing    Domestic      51.0         12.31   

KT M&S Co.,Ltd.

   PCS distribution    Domestic      100.0         12.31   

KT Music Corporation 2

  

Online music production and distribution

   Domestic      48.7         12.31   

KT Innotz Inc.,

  

Software and solution related cloud computing

   Domestic      100.0         12.31   

KT Skylife Co., Ltd.

  

Satellite broadcasting business

   Domestic      50.3         12.31   

Korea HD Broadcasting Corp.

  

TV contents provider

   Domestic      92.6         12.31   

KT Estate Inc.

  

Residential Building Development and Supply

   Domestic      100.0         12.31   

KT AMC Co., Ltd.

  

Asset management and consulting services

   Domestic      100.0         12.31   

NEXR Co., Ltd.

  

Cloud system implementation

   Domestic      65.7         12.31   

KTSB Data service

  

Data centre development and related service

   Domestic      51.0         12.31   

KT Cloudware Corporation

  

Development of cloud computing operation

   Domestic      100.0         12.31   

KC smart service Co., Ltd.

  

U-City solution business

   Domestic      82.8         12.31   

Enswers Inc.

  

Video-clip searching service

   Domestic      56.3         12.31   

Revlix Inc.

  

Development of mobile SNS application

   Domestic      100.0         12.31   

Soompi Meidia, LLC

  

Domestic marketing for a website “soompi.com”

   Domestic      100.0         12.31   

Soompi USA, LLC

  

Operation service for “soompi.com”

   USA      100.0         12.31   

OIC Korea Co., Ltd.

  

Development and distribution of education contents and software

   Domestic      79.2         12.31   

Korea Telecom Japan Co., Ltd.

  

Foreign telecommunication business

   Japan      100.0         12.31   

Korea Telecom China Co., Ltd.

  

Foreign telecommunication business

   China      100.0         12.31   

KTSC Investment Management B.V

  

Management of Investment in Super

iMax and East Telecom

   Netherlands      60.0         12.31   

Super iMax

  

Wireless high speed internet business

   Uzbekistan      100.0         12.31   

East Telecom

  

Fixed line telecommunication business

   Uzbekistan      91.0         12.31   

Korea Telecom America, Inc.

  

Foreign telecommunication business

   USA      100.0         12.31   

PT. KT Indonesia

  

Foreign telecommunication business

   Indonesia      99.0         12.31   

 

1 Sum of the ownership interests owned by the Controlling Company and subsidiaries.

 

2 Even though the Controlling Company has less than 50% ownership in these subsidiaries (KT Powertel Co.,Ltd.: 44.8%, KT Music Corporation: 48.7%), these entities are consolidated in consideration of the dispersion of the non-controlling interests and historical voting pattern at the shareholders’ meetings.

 

3 Even though KT Capital Co.,Ltd , a subsidiary of the company, has less than 50% ownership in KTC Media Contents Fund 1 (1.8%), KTC Media Contents Fund 1 is consolidated in consideration that KT Capital Co.,Ltd is a general partner with unlimited liability and has power to govern operating policies based on the agreement.

 

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4 KT Capital Co.,Ltd., which is a subsidiary of the Controlling Company, has less than 50% ownership in BC Card Co.,Ltd.(38.9%). However, as KT capital has the right to appoint the majority of the members of the board of directors based on the agreement with Vogo-BCC Investment Holdings Co., Ltd. (24.57%) and KGF-BCC LIMITED (6.11%). The Controlling Company is considered to have control of BC Card Co.,Ltd. and therefore BC Card Co.,Ltd is included in the scope of consolidation.

Changes in scope of consolidation in 2011 are as follows:

 

Changes

   Location   

Subsidiaries

  

Reason

Inclusion

   Domestic    KT Skylife Co.,Ltd. and its subsidiaries(Korea HD Broadcasting Corp.), NEXR Co.,Ltd., OIC Korea Co.,Ltd., Enswers Inc, Revlix Inc., Soompi Meidia, LLC, BC card co., Ltd., VP Inc., U Payment Co., Ltd., H&C Network, INITECH Co., Ltd., InitechSmartro Holdings Co., Ltd., Smartro Co.Ltd., Pay N Mobile Co., Ltd.    Acquisition of ownership interest
      KT AMC Co.,Ltd., KTSB Dataservice, KT Cloudware Corporation, KC smart service Co.,Ltd.    Newly incorporated
   USA    Soompi USA, LLC    Acquisition of ownership interest
   China    BC card China Co.,Ltd.   

Exclusion

   Russia    New Telephone Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries(Helios TV, Novaya Svyaz)    Disposal of ownership interest 1
   Domestic    KT Internal venture Fund NO.2    Liquidation

 

1 As described in Note 38, the Company lost its control over New Telephone Company, Inc. due to the disposal of its interest in 2011. The profit of (Won)220,254million from this transaction is accounted for as profit from the discontinued operations.

A summary of financial data of the major consolidated subsidiaries as of and for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2010  
   Total
assets
     Total
liabilities
     Operating
revenue
     Net
income(loss)
 

KT Powertel Co.,Ltd.

   (Won) 167,370       (Won) 73,547       (Won) 127,548       (Won) 15,158   

KT Networks Corporation

     187,123         135,764         327,181         2,909   

KT Linkus Co.,Ltd.

     70,910         59,797         76,197         2,577   

KT Telecop Co.,Ltd.

     139,234         99,274         217,057         11,956   

KT Hitel Co.,Ltd. 1

     254,292         70,045         312,576         (4,824

KT Tech, Inc.

     129,176         157,707         189,137         (13,641

KT Capital Co.,Ltd. 1

     2,084,227         1,838,254         192,332         11,212   

Sidus FNH Corporation

     13,932         6,760         19,951         358   

Nasmedia, Inc.

     77,919         58,778         18,877         4,507   

Sofnics, Inc.

     1,071         135         609         (233

KT Edui Co.,Ltd.

     1,995         1,659         4,335         (2,577

KTDS Co., Ltd.

     148,685         115,791         356,160         10,760   

KT M Hows Co.,Ltd.

     15,939         8,804         37,638         603   

KT M&S Co.,Ltd.

     267,454         240,077         616,070         (17,261

KT Music Corporation

     32,885         10,352         43,332         530   

KT Innotz Inc.

     5,277         1,643         3,741         (1,343

KT Estate Inc.

     8,443         427         1,152         16   

KT Internal venture Fund No 2

     5,200         70                 63   

Korea Telecom Japan Co., Ltd.

     13,627         9,154         14,632         51   

Korea Telecom China Co., Ltd.

     2,610         193         2,089         237   

New Telephone Company, Inc.

     220,209         18,610         129,248         30,962   

KTSC Investment Management B.V 1

     76,094         20,122         21,271         (471

Korea Telecom America, Inc.

     5,645         1,548         8,828         136   

PT. KT Indonesia

     70         1                 (43

 

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     2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Total assets      Total liabilities      Operating
revenue
     Net
income(loss)
 

KT Powertel Co.,Ltd.

   (Won) 167,075       (Won) 59,061       (Won) 126,759       (Won) 14,569   

KT Networks Corporation

     212,867         161,864         375,773         389   

KT Linkus Co.,Ltd.

     67,419         64,081         78,198         (6,667

KT Telecop Co.,Ltd.

     156,479         106,836         261,172         7,075   

KT Hitel Co.,Ltd. 1

     249,730         69,376         468,489         (2,002

KT Tech, Inc.

     110,923         139,873         247,443         641   

KT Capital Co.,Ltd. 1

     4,454,475         4,043,072         1,011,342         25,195   

H&C Network 1

     197,726         81,351         45,013         1,124   

Sidus FNH Corporation

     9,838         5,824         7,227         (2,975

Nasmedia, Inc.

     92,384         53,744         21,718         6,004   

Sofnics, Inc.

     970         521         626         (481

KT Edui Co.,Ltd.

     1,119         1,589         3,997         (2,336

KTDS Co., Ltd.

     146,236         106,006         498,107         10,298   

KT M Hows Co.,Ltd.

     15,148         7,078         34,933         1,092   

KT M&S Co.,Ltd.

     249,280         226,651         917,410         (3,256

KT Music Corporation

     27,840         7,691         31,432         (2,385

KT Innotz Inc.

     5,520         1,727         3,829         (4,623

KT Skylife Co.,Ltd. 1

     550,443         258,231         485,225         26,649   

KT Estate Inc. 1

     33,382         3,175         7,838         1,337   

NEXR Co.,Ltd.

     3,887         1,726         3,737         756   

KTSB Dataservice

     58,755         21,904                 (149

KT Cloudware Corporation

     916         81                 (165

KC smart service Co.,Ltd.

     25,493         357                 (377

Enswers Inc. 1

     16,543         18,185         797         (331

OIC Korea Co.,Ltd.

     5,201         68         30         (396

Korea Telecom Japan Co., Ltd.

     15,359         9,813         33,114         731   

Korea Telecom China Co.,Ltd.

     2,804         128         3,419         111   

KTSC Investment Management B.V 1

     65,587         18,458         17,470         (5,026

Korea Telecom America, Inc.

     6,368         2,069         11,134         149   

PT. KT Indonesia

     52         1                 (8

 

1 These companies are the intermediate parent companies of other subsidiaries and the above financial information is from their consolidated financial statements.

2.    Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Company in the preparation of its financial statements. These policies have been consistently applied to all the periods presented, unless otherwise stated.

2.1    Basis of Preparation

The Company determined to adopt International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) for the annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2011.

The Company’s IFRS transition date from accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea (“Korean GAAP”) to IFRS according to IFRS 1, First-time Adoption of IFRS, is January 1, 2010, and reconciliations and descriptions of the effect of the transition from Korean GAAP to IFRS on the Company’s assets, liabilities, equity, and comprehensive income are provided in Note 4.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgment in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgment and complexity, or the areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to these financial statements are disclosed in Note 3.

 

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New standards, amendments and interpretations issued but not effective for the financial year beginning January 1, 2011, and not early adopted are as follows.

—Amendments to IFRS 1, Hyperinflation and Removal of Fixed Dates for first-time adopters

As an exception to retrospective application requirements, this amendment to IFRS 1 allows a prospective application of derecognition of financial assets for transactions occurring on or after the date of transition to IFRS, instead of fixed date (January 1, 2004). Accordingly, the Company is not required to restate and recognize those assets or liabilities that were derecognized as a result of a transaction that occurred before the dated of transition to IFRS. This amendment will be effective for the Company from annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2011. The Controlling Company expects that the application of this amendment would not have material impact on its consolidated financial statements

—Amendments to IAS 12, Income Taxes

According to the amendments to IAS 12, Income Taxes, for the investment property that is measured using the fair value model, the measurement of deferred tax liability and deferred tax asset should reflect the tax consequences of recovering the carrying amount of the investment property entirely through sale, unless evidences support otherwise. This amendment will be effective for the Company as of January 1, 2012. The Controlling Company expects that the application of this amendment would not have material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

—Amendments to IAS 19, Employee Benefits

According to the amendments to IAS 19, Employee Benefits, use of a ‘corridor’ approach is no longer permitted, and therefore all actuarial gains and losses incurred are immediately recognized in other comprehensive income. All past service costs incurred from changes in pension plan are immediately recognized, and expected returns on interest costs and plan assets that used to be separately calculated are now changed to calculating net interest expense (income) by applying discount rate used in measuring defined benefit obligation in net defined benefit liabilities (assets). This amendment will be effective for the Company as of January 1, 2013, and The Controlling Company is assessing the impact of application of the amended IAS 19 on its consolidated financial statements as of the report date.

—Amendments to IFRS 7, Financial Instruments: Disclosures

According to the amendment, an entity should provide the required disclosures of nature, carrying amount, risk and rewards associated with all transferred financial instruments that are not derecognized from an entity’s financial statements. In addition, an entity is required to disclose additional information related to transferred and derecognized financial instruments for any continuing involvement in transferred assets. This amendment will be effective for the Company from annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2011. The Company expects additional disclosures in relation to transfer of financial instruments upon application of the above amended IFRS requirement.

—Additions to IFRS 9, Financial instruments

IFRS 9 requires financial assets to be classified into two measurement categories: those measured as at fair value and those measured at amortized cost. The determination is made at initial recognition. The classification depends on the entity’s business model for managing its financial instruments and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the instrument. For financial liabilities, the standard retains most of the IAS 39 requirements. The main change is that, in cases where the fair

 

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value option is taken for financial liabilities, the part of a fair value change due to an entity’s own credit risk is recorded in other comprehensive income rather than the income statement, unless this creates an accounting mismatch. The Controlling Company is yet to assess IFRS 9’s full impact and intends to adopt IFRS 9 no later than the accounting period beginning on or after January 1, 2013.

—IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements

IFRS 10, Consolidated financial statements’ builds on existing principles by identifying the concept of control as the determining factor in whether an entity should be included within the consolidated financial statements of the parent company. The standard provides additional guidance to assist in the determination of control where this is difficult to assess. The Controlling Company is yet to assess IFRS 10’s full impact and intends to adopt IFRS 10 no later than the accounting period beginning on or after January 1, 2013

—IFRS 11, Joint arrangements

IFRS 11 is a more realistic reflection of joint arrangements by focusing on the rights and obligations of the arrangement rather than its legal form. There are two types of joint arrangement: joint operations and joint ventures. Joint operations arise where a joint operator has rights to the assets and obligations relating to the arrangement and hence accounts for its interest in assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Joint ventures arise where the joint operator has rights to the net assets of the arrangement and hence equity accounts for its interest. Proportional consolidation of joint ventures is no longer allowed. The Controlling Company expects that it would not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

—IFRS 12, Disclosures of interests in other entities

IFRS 12 includes the disclosure requirements for all forms of interests in other entities, including joint arrangements, associates, special purpose vehicles and other off balance sheet vehicles. The company is yet to assess IFRS 12’s full impact and intends to adopt IFRS 12 no later than the accounting period beginning on or after January 1, 2013.

—Enactment of IFRS 13, Fair value measurement

IFRS 13, Fair value measurement, aims to improve consistency and reduce complexity by providing a precise definition of fair value and a single source of fair value measurement and disclosure requirements for use across IFRS. IFRS 1 does not extend the use of fair value accounting but provides guidance on how it should be applied where its use is already required or permitted by other standards within IFRSs. This amendment will be effective for the Company as of January 1, 2013, and the Controlling Company expects that it would not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

2.2    Consolidation

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with IAS 27, Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements.

(1) Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies, generally which have more than half of the voting rights. The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing

 

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whether the Company controls another entity. The company also assesses existence of control where it does not have more than 50% of the voting power but is able to govern the financial and operating policies by virtue of de-facto control. De-facto control may arise in circumstances where the size of the Company’s voting rights relative to the size and dispersion of holdings of other shareholders give the company the power to govern the financial and operating policies and others.

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Company. Subsidiaries are de-consolidated from the date that control ceases.

The Company uses the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of subsidiary is the fair value of the assets transferred, equity interests issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of acquisition. The consideration transferred includes the fair value of any assets or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement. Identifiable assets acquired, liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The Company measures any non-controlling interests in the acquiree on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis, either at fair value or at the non-controlling interests’ proportionate share in the recognized amounts of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets in the event of liquidation. Other non-controlling interests are measured at the fair value unless otherwise required by other standards.

Acquisition-related costs are expense as incurred. If a business combination is achieved in stages, the acquirer’s previously held ownership of the acquire is re-measured at the fair value at the acquisition date and the resulting gain or loss is recognized as the profit and loss.

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the Company is recognized at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration that is deemed to be an asset or liability is recognized in accordance with IAS 39, either in profit or loss or as a change to other comprehensive income. Contingent consideration that is classified as equity is not remeasured, and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity.

The excess of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the acquisition-date fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the Company’s share of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If this is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired in case of a bargain purchase, the difference is recognized directly in the statement of income.

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealized gains and losses on transactions between consolidated companies are eliminated after considering impairment of the asset transferred. Unrealized gains and losses are eliminated after recognizing impairment of transferred assets, accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Company.

(2) Changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries without change of control

Transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions; that is, as transactions with the owners in their capacity as owners. The difference between fair value of any consideration paid and the relevant share acquired of the carrying value of net assets of the subsidiary is recorded in equity. Gains or losses on disposals to non-controlling interests are also recorded in equity.

 

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(3) Disposal of subsidiaries

When the Company ceases to have control any retained interest in the entity is re-measured to its fair value at the date when control is lost, with the change in carrying amount recognized in profit or loss. The fair value is the initial carrying amount for the purposes of subsequently accounting for the retained interest as an associate, joint venture or financial asset. In addition, any amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income in respect of that entity are accounted for as if the Company had directly disposed of the related assets or liabilities. This may mean that amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss.

(4) Associates

Associates are all entities over which the Company has significant influence but not control, generally holding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method and are initially recognized at cost. The Company’s investment in associates includes goodwill identified on acquisition, net of any accumulated impairment loss.

If the ownership interest in an associate is reduced but significant influence is retained, only a proportionate share of the amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss where appropriate.

The Company’s share of its associates’ post-acquisition profits or losses is recognized in the statement of income, and its share of post-acquisition movements in other reserves is recognized in reserves. The cumulative post-acquisition movements are adjusted against the carrying amount of the investment. When the Company’s share of losses of an associate equals or exceeds its interest in the associate, including any unsecured receivables, the Company does not recognize further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate.

The Company should assess at the end of each reporting period whether there is any objective evidence that an investment in associates is impaired. If any such evidence exists, the Company should recognize difference between recoverable amount and carrying amount of the associates as impairment loss.

Unrealized gains on transactions between the Company and its associates are eliminated to the extent of the Company’s interest in the associates. Unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of associates have been changed, where necessary, to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Company. Dilution gains and losses arising from investments in associates are recognized in the statement of income.

(5) Jointly controlled entities

A joint venture is a contractual arrangement whereby two or more parties (venturers) undertake an economic activity that is subject to joint control. As with associates, investments in jointly controlled entities are accounted for using the equity method and are initially recognized at cost. The Company’s investment in jointly controlled entities includes goodwill identified on acquisition, net of any accumulated impairment loss. The Company does not recognize its share of profits or losses from the joint venture that result from the Company’s purchase of assets from the joint venture until it re-sells the assets to an independent party. However, a loss on the transaction is recognized immediately if the loss provides evidence of a reduction in the net realizable value of current assets, or an impairment loss.

 

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2.3    Segment Reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker (Note 34). The chief operating decision-maker is responsible for making strategic decisions on resource allocation and performance assessment of the operating segments.

2.4    Foreign Currency Translation

(1) Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each of the consolidated companies are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (“the functional currency”). The consolidated financial statements are presented in ‘Korean won’, which is the Controlling Company’s functional and presentation currency.

(2) Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions or valuation where items are re-measured. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in the statement of income, except when deferred in other comprehensive income as qualifying cash flow hedges.

Changes in the fair value of monetary securities denominated in foreign currency classified as available-for-sale are analyzed between translation differences resulting from changes in the amortized cost of the security and other changes in the carrying amount of the security. Translation differences related to changes in amortized cost are recognized in profit or loss, and other changes in carrying amount are recognized in other comprehensive income.

Foreign currency translation differences on non-monetary financial assets and liabilities are recognized as a part of the fair value gain or loss. Translation differences on equity instruments classified as available-for-sale are included in other comprehensive income, while translation differences on equity instruments classified as financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are included in the statement of income.

(3) Overseas subsidiaries

The functional currency of all overseas subsidiaries is the local currency of the countries where the subsidiaries are located. The results and financial position of all consolidated companies whose functional currency is different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

 

   

Assets and liabilities are translated at the closing rate at the end of the reporting period;

 

   

Income and expenses are translated at an average rate for the period. However, if exchange rates fluctuate significantly, the actual rate at the date of the transaction is used; and

 

   

All resulting exchange differences are recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

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When the Controlling Company ceases to have control, exchange differences that were recorded in equity are recognized in profit and loss on disposal of the investment.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising from the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity. These are presented in functional currency of the foreign entity, and translated at the closing rate.

2.5    Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than three months.

2.6    Trade Receivables

Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. If collection is expected in one year or less, they are classified as current assets. Where, otherwise, they are presented as non-current assets.

Trade receivables are recognized initially at fair value, less allowance for doubtful accounts. Non-current trade receivables are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

2.7    Financial Assets

(1) Classification

The Company classifies its financial instruments in the following categories: financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, loans and receivables, available-for-sale financial assets, held-to-maturity investments and financial liabilities measured at amortized cost. Management determines the classification of financial instruments at initial recognition.

1) Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are financial instruments held for trading. Financial assets are classified in this category if acquired or incurred principally for the purpose of selling or repurchase in the short term. Derivatives that are not subject to hedge accounting are also categorized in this category.

2) Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are included in current assets, except for maturities greater than 12 months after the end of the reporting period, which are classified as non-current assets. The Company’s loans and receivables are classified as ‘cash and cash equivalents’, ‘trade and other receivables’, ‘loans receivable’, ‘finance lease receivables’ and ‘other financial assets’ in the financial statements.

3) Available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivatives that are either designated in this category or not classified in any of the other categories. They are included in non-current assets unless the investment matures or management intends to dispose of it within 12 months from the end of the reporting period. The available-for-sale financial assets of the Company are classified to the ‘other financial assets’ in the financial statements.

 

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4) Held-to-maturity investments

Held-to-maturity financial assets are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturities that the Company’s management has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity and are categorized in ‘other financial assets’ in the financial statements. If the Company were to sell other than an insignificant amount of held-to-maturity financial assets, the whole category would be tainted and reclassified as available-for-sale financial assets. Held-to-maturity financial assets are included in non-current assets, except for those with maturities of less than 12 months from the end of the reporting period which are classified as current assets.

(2) Recognition and Measurement

Regular purchases and sales of financial assets are recognized on the trade date (the date on which the Company commits to purchase or sell the assets). Investments are initially recognized at fair value plus transaction costs for all financial assets not carried at fair value through profit or loss. Financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss are initially recognized at fair value, and transaction costs are expensed in the statement of income. Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the investments have expired or have been transferred and the Company has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. Available-for-sale financial assets and financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are subsequently carried at fair value. Loans and receivables are subsequently carried at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are presented in the statement of income within ‘financial income and expenses’ in the period in which they arise. The Company recognizes a dividend income from financial assets at fair value through profit or loss in the statement of income when the Company’s right to receive payments is established.

Investments in equity instruments that do not have a quoted market price in an active market and whose fair value cannot be reliably measured are recognized at cost. Other than these investments, all available-for-sale financial assets are measured at fair value.

Changes in the fair value of monetary and non-monetary securities classified as available-for-sale are recognized in other comprehensive income. Generally, when securities classified as available-for-sale are sold or impaired, the accumulated fair value adjustments recognized in equity are reported in the statement of income as ‘gains (losses) from investment securities’.

Interest on available-for-sale financial assets calculated using the effective interest method is recognized in the statement of income as part of ‘financial income’. Dividends on available-for-sale equity instruments are recognized in the statement of income as part of ‘financial income’ when the Company’s right to receive payments is established. However, in case a subsidiary is engaged in the financial industry, the realized accumulated fair value adjustment, interest and dividends on available-for-sale are recognized as ‘operating income and expense’ in the statement of income.

(3) Offsetting Financial Instruments

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the consolidated statement of financial position when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

 

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(4) Derecognition of Financial Assets

Financial assets are derecognized when the contractual rights to receive cash flows from the investments have expired or have been transferred and the Company has substantially transferred all risks and rewards of ownership. If the risk and rewards of ownership of transferred assets have not been substantially transferred, the Company reviews the level of control retained over that asset and the extent of its continuing involvement to determine if transfers do not qualify for derecognition.

Collaterals (trade receivables and other) provided in transactions of discount and factoring of trade receivables do not meet the requirements for asset derecognition if risks and rewards do not substantially transfer in the event the debtor defaults. Financial liabilities recognized in relation to these transactions are included as borrowings in the Company’s statement of financial position.

2.8    Impairment of Financial Assets

(1) Assets carried at amortized cost

The Company assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired and impairment losses are incurred only if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a ‘loss event’) and that loss event (or events) has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or a group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated.

The criteria that the Company uses to determine that there is objective evidence of an impairment loss include:

 

   

Significant financial difficulty of the issuer or obligor;

 

   

A breach of contract, such as a default or delinquency in interest or principal payments;

 

   

The Company, for economic or legal reasons relating to the borrower’s financial difficulty, granting to the borrower a concession that the lender would not otherwise consider;

 

   

It becomes probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganization;

 

   

The disappearance of an active market for that financial asset because of financial difficulties; or

 

   

Observable data indicating that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows from a portfolio of financial assets since the initial recognition of those assets, although the decrease cannot yet be identified with the individual financial assets in the portfolio, including:

 

   

Adverse changes in the payment status of borrowers in the portfolio;

 

   

National or local economic conditions that correlate with defaults on the assets in the portfolio.

The amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate. The carrying amount of the

 

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asset is reduced and the amount of the loss is recognized in the statement of income. The Company may measure impairment of the financial instruments on the basis of an instrument’s fair value using an observable market price.

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognized (such as an improvement in the debtor’s credit rating), the reversal of the previously recognized impairment loss is recognized in the statement of income.

(2) Assets classified as available-for-sale

The Company assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired. For debt securities, the Company uses the criteria referred to (1) above. In the case of equity investments classified as available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is also evidence that the asset is impaired. If any such evidence exists for available-for-sale financial assets, the cumulative loss—measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and the current fair value, less any impairment loss on that financial asset previously recognized in profit or loss—is removed from equity and recognized in the statement of income. Impairment losses recognized in the statement of income on equity instruments are not reversed through the statement of income. The fair value of a debt instrument classified as available-for-sale increases and the increase can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized in profit or loss, the impairment loss is reversed through the statement of income.

2.9    Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. The method of recognizing the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged. The Company designates certain derivatives as either:

 

   

Hedges of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or a firm commitment (fair value hedge); or

 

   

Hedges of a particular risk associated with a recognized asset or liability on a highly probable forecast transaction (cash flow hedge)

The Company documents at the inception of the transaction, the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedging transactions. The Company also documents its assessment, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, of whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes on fair values or cash flows of hedged items.

The fair values of various derivative instruments used for hedging purposes and movements on the hedging reserve in shareholders’ equity are shown in Note 9. The full fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability when the remaining hedged item is more than 12 months, and as a current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedged item is less than 12 months. Trading derivatives are classified as a current asset or liability.

(1) Fair value hedge.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in the income statement, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk.

 

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If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, the adjustment to the carrying amount of a hedged item for which the effective interest method is used is amortized to profit or loss over the period to maturity.

(2) Cash flow hedge

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is hedges is recognized in other comprehensive income. The gain of loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognized immediately as financial income (costs) in the statement of income.

Amounts accumulated in equity are reclassified to profit or loss in the periods when the hedged item affects profit or loss (for example, when the forecast sale that is hedged takes place). The gain or loss relating to the effective portion of interest rate swaps hedging variable rate foreign borrowings is recognized in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognized as financial income in the statement of income.

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognized when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognized in the income statement. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in equity is immediately transferred to profits or losses in the statement of income.

2.10    Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined using the weighted-average method, except for inventories in-transit which is determined using the specific identification method. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less applicable selling expenses.

2.11    Property and Equipment

All property and equipment are stated at historical cost less depreciation. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributed to the acquisition of the items. However, in accordance with IFRS 1, First-time Adoption of IFRS, the Company measured certain buildings and telecommunications equipment at fair value at the date of transition to IFRS and the fair value is used as their deemed cost at that date.

Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the statement of income during the financial period in which they are incurred.

Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on other assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost over their estimated useful lives, as follows:

 

    

Estimated Useful Lives

Buildings

   5 – 40 years

Structures

   5 – 40 years

Machinery and equipment

   3 – 40 years
(Telecommunications equipment and others)
Others
  

Vehicles

   4 – 6 years

Tools

   4 – 6 years

Office equipment

   4 – 6 years

 

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The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period. An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognized as operating revenue or expenses in the statement of income.

2.12    Investment Property

Investment property is held to earn rentals or for capital appreciation or both. Investment property is measured initially at its cost including transaction costs incurred in acquiring the asset. After recognition as an asset, investment property is carried at its cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the statement of income during the financial period in which they are incurred.

Land held for investment is not depreciated. Investment property, except for land, is depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives.

The depreciation method, the residual value and the useful life of an asset are reviewed at least at the end of each reporting period and, if management judges that previous estimates should be adjusted, the change is accounted for as a change in an accounting estimate.

Gains or losses arising from the disposal of investment property shall be determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and shall be recognized in the operating revenue and expenses in the income statement.

2.13    Intangible Assets

(1) Goodwill

Goodwill is measured as explained in Note 2.2 (1) and goodwill arising from acquisition of subsidiaries and business are included in intangible assets. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Impairment losses on goodwill are not reversed. The calculation of the gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to each of the acquirer’s cash-generating units, or groups of cash-generating units (“CGU”), that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. Goodwill is monitored at the operating segment level.

Goodwill impairment reviews are undertaken annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment. The carrying value of goodwill is compared to the recoverable amount, which is the higher of value in use and the fair value less costs to sell. Any impairment is recognized immediately as an expense and is not subsequently reversed.

 

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(2) Intangible assets except goodwill

Intangible assets except for goodwill are measured at historical cost. These assets have definite useful lives and carried at historical cost less amortization. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the cost of assets over their estimated useful lives. However, facility usage rights (condominium membership and golf membership) and broadcast license are regarded as intangible assets with indefinite useful life and not amortized, because there is no foreseeable limit to the period over which the asset is expected to generate net cash inflows for the Company.

The useful life of an asset with indefinite useful life is reviewed each period to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support the indefinite useful life assessment for that asset. If management judges that previous estimates should be adjusted, the change is accounted for as a change in an accounting estimate. The depreciation method and useful life of an asset with definite useful life are reviewed at the end of each reporting period.

The estimated useful life used for amortizing intangible assets is as follows:

 

    

Estimated Useful Lives

Goodwill

   Unlimited useful life

Industrial property rights

   2 – 10 years

Development costs

   5 – 6 years

Software

   2 – 10 years

Frequency usage rights

   5.75 – 13 years

Others 1

   3 – 50 years

 

1 Facility usage rights (condominium membership and golf membership) and broadcast license included in others are classified as intangible assets with indefinite useful life.

(3) Research and development costs

Expenditure on research is recognized as an expense as incurred. If the expense as incurred that is identifiable and when the probable future economic benefits are expected, the cost for the new merchandises and technology is recognized as intangible assets when all the following criteria are met:

 

   

It is technically feasible to complete the intangible asset so that it will be available for use;

 

   

Management intends to complete the intangible asset and use or sell it;

 

   

There is the ability to use or sell the intangible asset;

 

   

It can be demonstrated how the intangible asset will generate probable future economic benefits;

 

   

Adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the intangible asset are available; and

 

   

The expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development can be reliably measured

Other development expenditures that do not meet these criteria are recognized as expenses as incurred. Development costs previously recognized as an expense are not recognized as an asset in a subsequent period. Capitalized development costs, which are stated as intangible assets, are amortized using the straight-line method when the assets are available for use and are tested for impairment.

 

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2.14    Borrowing Costs

General and specific borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets, until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale. Investment income earned on the temporary investment of specific borrowings pending their expenditure on qualifying assets is deducted from the borrowing costs eligible for capitalization. All other borrowing costs are recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they are incurred.

2.15    Government Grants

Grants from a government are recognized at their fair value where there is a reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and the Company will comply with all attached conditions.

Government grants relating to costs are deferred and recognized in the statement of income over the period necessary to match them with the costs that they are intended to compensate. Government grants relating to property and equipment are deferred and are credited to the statement of income on a straight-line basis over the expected lives of the related assets.

2.16    Impairment of Non-Financial Assets

Assets that have an indefinite useful life such as goodwill are not subject to amortization and are tested annually for impairment. Assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash-generating units). Non-financial assets other than goodwill that suffered impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date.

2.17    Financial liabilities

(1) Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are financial instruments held for trading. Financial liabilities are classified in this category if acquired or incurred principally for the purpose of selling or repurchase in the short term. Derivatives that are not subject to hedge accounting are also categorized in this category.

(2) Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost

The Company classifies non-derivative financial liabilities as financial liabilities measured at amortized cost, except for financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss or for financial liabilities that arise when a transfer of a financial asset does not qualify for derecognition. For cases not qualifying for derecognition, the transferred asset continues to be recognized and a financial liability is measured as the consideration received. Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost are included in non-current liabilities, except for liabilities with maturities of less than 12 months as of the end of the reporting period, which are classified as current liabilities.

 

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2.18    Trade Payables

Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Trade payables are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade payables are initially recognized at fair value.

2.19    Financial guarantee contracts

A financial guarantee contract is a contract that requires the issuer to make specified payments to reimburse the holder for a loss it incurs because a specified debtor fails to make payment when due in accordance with the original or modified terms of a debt instrument. Financial guarantee is initially measured at fair value on the date the guarantee was given. Subsequent to initial recognition, the Company’s liabilities under such guarantees are measured at the higher of the amounts below. Any increase in the liability relating to guarantees is reported as other financial liabilities:

 

   

The amounts determined in accordance with IAS 37 Provisions Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets, or

 

   

The amounts initially recognized less the accumulated amortization accordance with IAS 18 Revenue

2.20    Borrowings

Borrowings are recognized initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently carried at amortized cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognized in the statement of income over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. However, in case a subsidiary is engaged in the financial industry, the interest expenses are recognized as operating expenses since it is considered as a main business activity of the subsidiary.

The Company classifies the liability as current when it does not have an unconditional right to defer its settlement for at least 12 months after the reporting date.

2.21    Employee Benefits

(1) Retirement benefit liabilities

The liability recognized in the statement of financial position in respect of the defined benefit pension plan is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period less the fair value of plan assets. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and that have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related pension liability.

Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are charged or credited to other comprehensive income in the period in which they arise. To the extent that the benefits are already vested following the introduction of or changes to, a defined benefit plan, past-service costs are recognized immediately in income, while costs are amortized over the vesting period for the unvested benefits.

 

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(2) Termination benefits

Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated by the Company before the normal retirement date, or whenever an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The Company recognizes termination benefits when it is demonstrably committed to either: terminating the employment of current employees according to a detailed formal plan without possibility of withdrawal; or providing termination benefits as a result of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy.

2.22    Share-based payments

The Controlling Company operates share-based compensation plans, under which the Controlling Company receives services from employees as consideration for equity instruments (options) of the Controlling Company. The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of the options is recognized as a compensation expense in the statement of income over the vesting period.

2.23    Provisions

Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events and an outflow of resources required to settle the obligation is probable and can be reliably estimated. Provisions are not recognized for future operating losses.

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation. The increase in the provisions due to passage of time is recognized as an interest expense.

2.24    Leases

(1) The Company as the Lessee

Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases are charged to the statement of income on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

Lease of property and equipment where the lessee has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Finance leases are capitalized at the lease’s commencement at the lower of the fair value of the leased property and the present value of the minimum lease payments. Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and finance charges so as to achieve a constant rate on the outstanding balance. The corresponding rental obligations, net of finance charges, are included in the finance lease liabilities.

The interest element of the finance cost is charged to the statement of income over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period. The property, plant and equipment acquired under finance leases are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the asset and the lease term.

(2) The Company as the Lessor

For finance leases, lease receivables are recognized at the amount equivalent to the net investment in the lease asset. The Company recognizes interest income, which is calculated for net finance lease receivable based on effective interest rate. Lease income from operating leases shall be

 

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recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Initial direct costs incurred by lessors in negotiating and arranging operating leases shall be added to the carrying amount of the lease asset and recognized as the expenses over the lease term corresponding to the lease income.

2.25    Dividend Distribution

Dividend distribution to the Company’s shareholders is recognized as a liability in the financial statements in the period in which the dividends are approved by the Company’s shareholders.

2.26    Capital Stock

Common stocks are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new common stocks or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

Where the Controlling Company purchases its own equity share capital, the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs, is deducted from equity attributable to the Controlling Company’s equity holders until the stocks are cancelled or reissued. Where such shares are subsequently reissued, any consideration received is included in equity attributable to the Controlling Company’s equity holders.

2.27    Revenue Recognition

Revenue comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the sales of goods and services in the ordinary course of the Company’s activities. Revenue is shown net of value-added tax, returns, rebates and discounts and after eliminating sales within the Company. The Company recognizes revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity and when specific criteria have been met for each of the Company’s activities as described below. The Company bases its estimates on historical results, taking into consideration the type of customer, the type of transaction and the specifics of each arrangement.

(1) Sales of Services

When providing interconnection or telecommunications service to a customer based on service plans, the related revenue is recognized at the time service is provided. If the customer uses the telecommunications equipment according to the service plans, the related revenue is recognized on straight-line basis over the contract period. Revenue related to the other telecommunications services is recognized when the service is provided to the customer.

For other services, when the outcome of a transaction involving the rendering of services can be estimated reliably, revenue associated with such a transaction is recognized by reference to the stage of performance of the services. When the outcome of the transaction involving the rendering of services cannot be estimated reliably, revenue is recognized only to the extent of the expenses recognized that are recoverable.

Total consideration for combined services is allocated to each service in proportion to its fair value and the allocated amount is recognized as revenue according to revenue recognition policy for the service.

(2) Sales of goods

Sales of goods such as selling handsets are recognized when the Company has delivered products to the customer. Delivery does not occur until the products have been shipped to the

 

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specified location, the risks of obsolescence and loss have been transferred to the customer, and either the customer has accepted the products in accordance with the sales contract, the acceptance provisions have lapsed, or the Company has objective evidence that all criteria for acceptance have been satisfied.

(3) Interest income

Interest income is recognized using the effective interest method. When a loan and receivable is impaired, the Company reduces the carrying amount to its recoverable amount and continues unwinding the discount as interest income. Interest income on impaired receivables is recognized using the original effective interest rate.

(4) Commission fees.

Commission fees related to credit card business recognized when it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity and these benefits can be reliably measured. Revenues from acquiree fee, agent fee, optional service fees, member service fees and credit card service charge are measured at the fair value of the consideration received and recognized on an accrual basis.

(5) Royalty income

Royalty income is recognized on an accrual basis in accordance with the substance of the relevant agreements.

(6) Dividend income

Dividend income is recognized when the right to receive payment is established.

2.28    Current and Deferred Income Tax

The tax expense for the period consists of current and deferred tax. Tax is recognized in the statement of income, except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this exception, the tax is also recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantially enacted at the reporting date in the countries where the Company operates and generates taxable income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred income tax is recognized, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. However, the deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit nor loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the end of the reporting period and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realized or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

Deferred income tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized.

 

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Deferred income tax liabilities are provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Company and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred income tax is recognized only to the extent that it is probable that the temporary difference will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary difference can be utilized.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income taxes assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention either to settle the balances on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

2.29    Deferred Loan Fees and Costs

Loan origination fees in relation to loan origination process such as upfront fee, are deferred and amortized over the life of the loan as an adjustment to the yield of the loan using the effective interest rate method. Loan origination costs, which relates to loan origination activities such as commissions to brokers, are deferred and amortized over the life of the loan as an adjustment to the yield of the loan, using the effective interest rate method, if the future economic benefit related costs incurred can be matched with each loan.

In addition, the amortization of the deferred loan origination fees on costs is offset and the net amounts are presented in the consolidated statement of financial position.

2.30    Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations

Non-current assets (or disposal groups) are classified as ‘assets and liabilities classified as held for sale’ (or ‘groups classified as held for sale’) when their carrying amount is to be recovered principally through a sale transaction and a sale is considered highly probable. They are stated at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

When a component of the Company representing a separate major line of business or geographical area of operation has been disposed of, or is subject to a sale plan involving loss of control of a subsidiary, the Company discloses in the statement of income the post-tax profit or loss of discontinued operations and the post-tax gain or loss recognized on the measurement to fair value less costs to sell or on the disposal of the assets or group to be sold constituting the discontinued operation. The net cash flows attributable to the operating, investing and financing activities of discontinued operations are presented in the notes to the financial statements.

2.31    US Dollar Convenience Translation

The December 31, 2011 consolidated financial statements are expressed in Korean Won and have been translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of (Won)1,153.3 to US$1, the market average exchange rate announced by Seoul Money Brokerage Services, Ltd. and in effect on December 31, 2011, solely for the convenience of the reader. These translations should not be construed as a representation that any or all of the amounts shown could be converted into U.S. dollars at this or any other rate.

3.    Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions

The Company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. Estimates and assumptions are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors,

 

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including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below.

3.1    Estimated Impairment of Goodwill

The Company tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any impairment in accordance with the accounting policy stated in Note 2.16. The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units have been determined based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations require the use of estimates. (Note 14)

3.2    Income Taxes

Current and deferred income tax are determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the end of the reporting period and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realized or the deferred income tax liability is settled. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the period in which such determination is made.

3.3    Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined by using valuation techniques. The Company uses its judgment to select a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are mainly based on market conditions existing at the end of each reporting period.

3.4    Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company uses provisions for accounting of estimated loss in customers’ insolvency. When the allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated, it is based on the aging analysis of trade receivables balances, incurred loss experience, customers’ credit rates and changes of payment terms. If the customer’s financial position becomes worse, the actual amortization amount will be increased more than the estimated.

3.5    Defined Benefit Obligation

The present value of the defined benefit obligation depends on a number of factors that are determined on an actuarial basis using a number of assumptions. The assumptions used in determining the defined benefit obligation include the discount rate. Any changes in these assumptions will impact the carrying amount of the defined benefit obligation.

The Company determines the appropriate discount rate at the end of each reporting period. This is the interest rate that is used to determine the present value of estimated future cash outflows expected to be required to settle the defined benefit obligation. In determining the appropriate discount rate, the Company considers the interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and that have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related liability. Other key assumptions for defined benefit obligation are based in part on current market conditions. Additional information is disclosed in Note 19.

3.6    Deferred Revenue

Service installation fees and initial subscription fees related to activation of service are deferred and recognized as revenue over the expected terms of customer relationships. The estimate

 

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of expected terms of customer relationship is based on the historical rate. If management’s estimation is amended, it may cause significant differences in the timing of revenue recognition and amount recognized.

3.7    Provisions

As described in Note 18, the Company records provisions for litigation and assets retirement obligations as of the end of the reporting period. The provisions are estimated based on the factors such as the historical experiences.

3.8    Useful lives of Property and equipment

Depreciation on the property and equipment is calculated using straight line method over their useful lives. The estimated useful lives are determined based on expected usage of the assets and the estimates can be materially affected by technical changes and other factors. The Company will increase depreciation if the useful lives are considered shorter than the previously estimated useful lives.

4.    Transition to IFRS

The Company’s transition date to IFRS is January 1, 2010, and adoption date is January 1, 2011. The Company prepared the opening statement of financial position as of January 1, 2010.

In preparing these consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS 1, First-time Adoption of international Financial Reporting Standards, the Company has applied the mandatory exceptions and certain optional exemptions allowed by IFRS.

4.1    Exemptions options under IFRS 1

The Company has elected to apply the following optional exemptions from full retrospective application of the IFRS.

(1) Business combination

The Company has not retrospectively applied IFRS 3 to the business combinations that took place prior to the transition date of January 1, 2010 (the date of transition to IFRS).

(2) Deemed cost for property and equipment

The Company has elected to measure certain property and equipment at fair value as of January 1, 2010, (the date of transition to IFRS) and uses that fair value as its deemed cost at that date. The certain buildings and telecommunications equipment were measured using fair value as its deemed cost at transition date. The adjusted amount resulting from fair value revaluation is (Won)256,781 million (before the income tax effects), with the total fair value of (Won)6,492,658 million.

(3) Decommissioning liabilities included in the cost of property and equipment

According to IFRIC 1, Changes in Existing Decommissioning, Restoration and Similar liabilities, changes in a decommissioning, restoration or similar liability are added to or deducted from the cost of the asset to which it relates. The Company elects not to comply with these requirements for changes in such liabilities that occurred before the date of transition to IFRS. The amounts to be included as costs of decommissioning assets are measured by discounting the liability over the intervening period and the accumulated depreciation on that amount is calculated at the date of transition to IFRS.

 

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(4) Borrowing costs

In respect of capitalizing borrowing costs incurred in the construction of a qualifying asset, the Company capitalizes interest on all qualifying assets for which the commencement date for capitalization is after the transition date subject to IAS 23.

(5) Contribution for construction

Subject to IFRIC 18, the Company applies this interpretation prospectively to contribution for construction received on or after January 1, 2010 (the date of transition to IFRS).

4.2    Mandatory exceptions to retrospective application of IFRS 1

The Company has applied the following mandatory exceptions.

(1) Derecognition of financial assets

The Company has prospectively applied IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, to the transactions of financial assets after January 1, 2004. The Company has not applied IFRS to transactions of financial assets before January 1, 2004, even if they met the requirements of derecognition .

(2) Exception for estimates

The Company’s estimates in accordance with IFRS, at the date of transition (January 1, 2010) are consistent with estimates made for the same date in accordance with previous accounting standards(after adjustments to reflect any difference in accounting policies), unless there is objective evidence that those estimates were in error.

4.3    Significant Differences in Accounting Policies

Significant differences between the accounting policies chosen by the Company under IFRS and under Korean GAAP are as follows:

(1) Revenue recognition

Under Korean GAAP, non-refundable service installation fees for telephone and initial subscription fees for Personal Communications Services(PCS) and leased-line services are recognized as revenue when installation and initiation services are rendered. Under IFRS, service installation fees, and an initial subscription fees related to activation of service, are deferred and recognized as revenue over the expected terms of customer relationship.

In addition, under Korean GAAP, as the certain real estate revenue is considered as a construction type contract, the real estate revenue is recognized on a percentage of completion basis. Under IFRS, as the related real estate revenue is considered as a sale of goods, real estate revenue is recognized at the time of the transfer to customer.

(2) Employee benefits

Under Korean GAAP, provisions for severance benefits were estimated assuming all eligible employees were to terminate their employment at the end of reporting period. Under IFRS, the defined benefit obligations are measured by using actuarial method.

 

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(3) Government grants

Under Korean GAAP, government grants were presented by deducting the grant in arriving at the carrying amount of the asset. Under IFRS, government grants are presented as liabilities for deferred revenue and recognized as revenue over the useful life of the asset.

(4) Goodwill or bargain purchase arising from business combinations

Under Korean GAAP, goodwill recognized at the business combination was amortized using the straight-line basis over 4~10 years from the year of acquisition and negative goodwill was recognized as income using the straight-line basis over the weighted average useful life of the acquired depreciable assets. Under IFRS, goodwill is not amortized or reversed but tested for impairment at least annually. Gain on bargain purchase is recognized immediately in the statement of income.

(5) Capitalization of borrowing costs

Under Korean GAAP, borrowing costs were expensed as incurred from the initial date of manufacture, acquisition, construction and development until getting ready for its intended use or sale. Under IFRS, the Company capitalizes borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset, acquired after the date of transition, as part of the cost of that asset.

(6) Customer loyalty programs

Under Korean GAAP, the amount of future obligation was recognized as expense and liability provision when sales occur. Under IFRS, awarded credits are separately accounted for as an identifiable component of the sales transaction in which they are granted and the related revenue is deferred.

(7) Transfer of financial assets

Under Korean GAAP, if the Company transferred a financial asset to financial institutions and it was determined that control over the asset has been transferred to financial institutions, the Company derecognized the financial asset. Under IFRS, if the Company retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset, the asset is not derecognized but instead the related cash proceeds are recognized as financial liabilities.

(8) Deferred income tax

Under Korean GAAP, deferred tax assets and liabilities were either classified as current or non-current based on the classification of their underlying assets and liabilities. If there are no corresponding assets or liabilities the deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified based on their expected recoverable periods.

Under IFRS, deferred tax and liabilities, are classified as non-current on the statement of financial position.

Under Korean GAAP, temporary differences related to investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures were treated as a single difference in determining whether to recognize deferred tax assets or liabilities. Under IFRS, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized reflecting the manner of recovery or settlement of temporary difference of each component.

 

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4.4    Changes in Scope of Consolidation

At January 1, 2010, the date of transition, changes in the scope of consolidation as a result of adoption of IFRS are as follows:

 

Changes

  

Description

   Name of Entity

Excluded

   Under Korean GAAP, entities of which the Company owns more than 30% of shares and is the largest shareholder with the largest voting rights were included in scope of consolidation. Under IFRS, such entities are not subject to consolidation unless control over the entity is established.    KT Submarine Co., Ltd.

Sidus FNH Benex,
Cinema Investment
Fund No. 1

   Under Korean GAAP, Private Equity Fund under the Indirect Investment Asset Management Business Act, which the Company is a managing partner of, was included in scope of consolidation. Under IFRS, such entities are not subject to consolidation unless control over the entity is established.    Vanguard Private
Equity Fund

Newly added

     

As a result of adoption of IFRS, three subsidiaries are excluded from scope of consolidation at the date of transition.

4.5    Reconciliation between IFRS and Korean GAAP

(1) Effects on the consolidated total assets, liabilities and equity as of January 1, 2010, the transition date of IFRS

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Total assets     Total
liabilities
    Total equity  

Reported amount under Korean GAAP

   (Won) 26,620,317      (Won) 15,952,878      (Won) 10,667,439   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustments :

      

Change in revenue recognition of certain real estate sales

     (176,352     23,345        (199,697

Deferred revenue such as initial subscription fees

            255,034        (255,034

Deemed cost of property and equipment

     256,781               256,781   

Valuation of financial instruments (present value and others)

     (6,503     (122     (6,381

Actuarial estimation of post employment benefit

     259        (251,011     251,270   

Readjustments of asset retirement obligation

     3,335        9,639        (6,304

Reclassifications of government grants

     8,227        8,610        (383

Effect of changes in the scope of consolidation

     (77,759     (13,349     (64,410

Others

     36,541        (36,069     72,610   

Tax-effect on adjustments

     (1,152     (77     (1,075
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     43,377        (4,000     47,377   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted amount under IFRS

   (Won) 26,663,694      (Won) 15,948,878      (Won) 10,714,816   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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(2) Effects on the consolidated total assets, liabilities and equity as of December 31, 2010

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Total Assets     Total
liabilities
    Total equity     Comprehensive
income
 

Reported amount under Korean GAAP

   (Won) 27,713,459      (Won) 16,217,787      (Won) 11,495,672      (Won) 1,151,049   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustments :

        

Change in revenue recognition of certain real estate sales

     11,127        23,536        (12,409     187,288   

Deferred revenue such as initial subscription fees

     1,519        239,614        (238,095     16,939   

Deemed cost of property and equipment

     256,781               256,781          

Effect of depreciation cost to apply deemed cost and others

     (112,190            (112,190     (112,215

Valuation of financial instruments (present value and others)

     (7,919     (211     (7,708     (1,118

Actuarial estimation of post employment benefit

     280        (91,869     92,149        (158,984

Readjustments of asset retirement obligation

     1,320        8,229        (6,909     (613

Reclassifications of government grants

     26,258        25,604        654        654   

Capitalization of borrowing cost

     16,550               16,550        16,550   

Effect of changes in the scope of consolidation

     (1,083,170     (847,697     (235,473     (14,673

Others

     105,129        10,642        94,487        30,804   

Tax-effect on adjustments

     12,459        1,913        10,546        10,382   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     (771,856     (630,239     (141,617     (24,986
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted amount under IFRS

   (Won) 26,941,603      (Won) 15,587,548      (Won) 11,354,055      (Won) 1,126,063   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(3) Adjustments to the statement of cash flows

According to IFRS, cash flows of the related income (expenses) and assets (liabilities) are adjusted to separately disclose the cash flows from interest received, interest paid and cash payments of income taxes that were not presented separately under Korean GAAP. Also, other IFRS transition effects are reflected on cash flows if they have an effect on cash flow.

5.    Financial Instruments by category

Financial instruments by category as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011 are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   01.01.2010  

Financial assets

   Loans
and
receivables
     Assets at fair
value through
the profit and
loss
     Derivatives
used for
hedge
     Available-
for-sale
     Held-to-
maturity
     Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   (Won) 1,542,872       (Won)       (Won)       (Won)       (Won)       (Won) 1,542,872   

Trade and other receivables

     4,515,007                                         4,515,007   

Loans receivable

     911,229                                         911,229   

Finance lease receivables

     522,765                                         522,765   

Other financial assets

     346,596         31,368         295,058         117,280         82         790,384   

 

In millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010  

Financial liabilities

   Liabilities at fair
value through  the
profit and loss
     Derivatives used
for hedge
     Financial
liabilities at
amortized cost
     Total  

Trade and other payables

   (Won)       (Won)       (Won) 5,583,679       (Won) 5,583,679   

Finance lease liabilities

                     7,553         7,553   

Borrowings

                     9,566,700         9,566,700   

Other financial liabilities

     7,497         3,782         15,586         26,865   

 

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(In millions of Korean won)

   12.31.2010  

Financial assets

   Loans
and
receivables
     Assets at fair
value through
the profit and
loss
     Derivatives
used for
hedge
     Available-
for-sale
     Held-to-maturity      Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   (Won) 1,161,641       (Won)       (Won)       (Won)       (Won)       (Won) 1,161,641   

Trade and other receivables

     5,318,713                                         5,318,713   

Loans receivable

     1,133,221                                         1,133,221   

Finance lease receivables

     597,339                                         597,339   

Other financial assets

     106,630         6,010         247,794         178,609         7         539,050   

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   12.31.2010  

Financial liabilities

   Liabilities at fair
value through
the

profit and loss
     Derivatives
used for
hedge
     Financial
liabilities at
amortized cost
     Total  

Trade and other payables

   (Won)       (Won)       (Won) 4,805,705       (Won) 4,805,705   

Finance lease liabilities

                     93,856         93,856   

Borrowings

                     9,382,364         9,382,364   

Other financial liabilities

     634         19,837         18,455         38,926   

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   12.31.2011  

Financial assets

   Loans
and
receivables
     Assets at fair
value  through
the profit and
loss
     Derivatives
used for
hedge
     Available-
for-sale
     Held-to-Maturity      Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   (Won) 1,445,169       (Won)       (Won)       (Won)       (Won)       (Won) 1,445,169   

Trade and other receivables

     7,882,329                                         7,882,329   

Loans receivable

     1,189,331                                         1,189,331   

Finance lease receivables

     736,660                                         736,660   

Other financial Assets

     280,700         5,538         160,283         428,796         7         875,324   

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   12.31.2011  

Financial liabilities

   Liabilities at fair
value through  the
profit and loss
     Derivatives used
for hedge
     Financial
liabilities at

amortized cost
     Total  

Trade and other payables

   (Won)       (Won)       (Won) 6,542,138       (Won) 6,542,138   

Finance lease liabilities

                     136,197         136,197   

Borrowings

                     10,998,552         10,998,552   

Other financial liabilities

     2,730         6,076         287,954         296,760   

Income or expense (gain or loss) by financial instruments category for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won

   12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Loans and receivables

    

Interest income 1

   (Won) 253,437      (Won) 314,125   

Gain or loss on valuation

     (194,005     (146,177

Foreign currency transaction gain or loss

     (15,227     5,284   

Foreign currency translation gain or loss

     (2,967     4,646   

Gain or loss on disposal

     (482     (3,807

Assets at fair value through the profit and loss

    

Interest income 1

     3,048        10,684   

Dividend income

     2        13   

Gain or loss on valuation

     14,460        10,263   

Foreign currency transaction gain or loss

     352        8   

Foreign currency translation gain or loss

     3        116   

Gain or loss on disposal

     92        (1,120

Reclassified to profit or loss from other comprehensive income 2, 3

            879   

 

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(In millions of Korean won

   12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Derivatives used for hedging

    

Transaction gain or loss

     (824     (26,882

Gain or loss on valuation

     114        43,755   

Other comprehensive income 2

     (27,897     13,509   

Reclassified to profit or loss from other comprehensive income 2, 4

     3,259        6,374   

Available -for-sale

    

Interest income 1

     998        219   

Dividend income

     561        7,840   

Gain or loss on disposal

     2,305        6,724   

Impairment loss

     (6,043     (4,727

Other comprehensive income 2

     (1,324     80,521   

Reclassified to profit or loss from other comprehensive income 2

     3,553        (1,764

Liabilities at fair value through the profit and loss

    

Interest expense 1

     (5,380     (11,777

Gain or loss on valuation

     4,998        (142

Gain or loss on disposal

     (732     40   

Derivatives used for hedging

    

Gain or loss on valuation

     (12,810     1,041   

Other comprehensive income 2

     (20,692     8,205   

Financial liabilities at amortized cost

    

Interest expense 1, 5

     (580,082     (576,589

Foreign currency transaction gain or loss

     11,685        4,063   

Foreign currency translation gain or loss

     36,303        (83,939

Financial guarantee gain or loss

     (239     (4,973
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) (533,534   (Won) (343,588
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 Interest income recognized as operating revenue is (Won) 173,740 million (2010: (Won) 160,043 million) and interest expense recognized as operating expense is (Won) 106,951 million (2010: (Won) 95,537 million) for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

2 The amounts directly reflected in equity before adjustments of deferred income tax.

 

3 The Company discontinued prospectively hedge accounting for certain cash flow hedge derivatives, which are reclassified as financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss. The related gain or loss on valuation of cash flow hedge in other comprehensive income was reclassified to profit or loss for the period (Note 9).

 

4 During the period, the certain derivatives of the Company were settled and the related gain or loss on valuation of cash flow hedge in other comprehensive income was reclassified to profit or loss for the period.

 

5 The amounts reflected as interest expense arising from derivatives.

6.    Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011 are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010      12.31.2010      12.31.2011  

Cash on hand

   (Won) 3,212       (Won) 8,646       (Won) 11,330   

Cash in banks

     351,243         418,984         652,374   

Money market trust

     108,000         320,000         464,000   

Other financial instruments

     1,080,417         414,011         317,465   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 1,542.872       (Won) 1,161,641       (Won) 1,445,169   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of financial position equal cash and cash equivalents in the statements of cash flows.

Restricted cash and cash equivalents as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011 are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   Type    1.1.2010      12.31.2010      12.31.2011      Description  

Cash and cash equivalents

   Restricted
deposit
   (Won) 10,341       (Won) 9,494       (Won) 8,707        
 
Deposit restricted for
governmental project
  
  

 

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7.    Trade and Other Receivables

Trade and other receivables as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

      1.1.2010  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Total
amounts
     Allowance for
doubtful
accounts
    Present
value discount
    Carrying
value
 

Current assets

         

Trade receivables

   (Won) 3,886,679       (Won) (462,430   (Won) (28,167   (Won) 3,396,082   

Other receivables

     500,423         (160,173     (964     339,286   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 4,387,102       (Won) (622,603   (Won) (29,131   (Won) 3,735,368   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current assets

         

Trade receivables

   (Won) 448,218       (Won) (2,778   (Won) (48,592   (Won) 396,848   

Other receivables

     419,652         (102     (36,759     382,791   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 867,870       (Won) (2,880   (Won) (85,351   (Won) 779,639   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     12.31.2010  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Total
amounts
     Allowance for
doubtful
accounts
    Present
value discount
    Carrying
value
 

Current assets

         

Trade receivables

   (Won) 4,318,381       (Won) (495,049   (Won) (48,699   (Won) 3,774,633   

Other receivables

     563,403         (144,408     (251     418,744   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 4,881,784       (Won) (639,457   (Won) (48,950   (Won) 4,193,377   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current assets

         

Trade receivables

   (Won) 880,214       (Won) (7,199   (Won) (76,636   (Won) 796,379   

Other receivables

     361,402         (307     (32,138     328,957   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 1,241,616       (Won) (7,506   (Won) (108,774   (Won) 1,125,336   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     12.31.2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Total
amounts
     Allowance for
doubtful
accounts
    Present
value discount
    Carrying
value
 

Current assets

         

Trade receivables

   (Won) 5,318,171       (Won) (462,502   (Won) (64,229   (Won) 4,791,440   

Other receivables

     1,536,616         (169,042     (100     1,367,474   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 6,854,787       (Won) (631,544   (Won) (64,329   (Won) 6,158,914   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current assets

         

Trade receivables

   (Won) 1,452,685       (Won) (10,716   (Won) (115,171   (Won) 1,326,798   

Other receivables

     442,640         (97     (45,926     396,617   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 1,895,325       (Won) (10,813   (Won) (161,097   (Won) 1,723,415   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The fair values of trade and other receivables with original maturities less than one year equal their carrying values because the discounting effect is immaterial. The fair value of trade and other receivables with original maturities longer than one year, which are mainly from sales of goods, is determined discounting the expected future cash flow at the weighted average borrowing rate.

 

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Details of changes in allowance for doubtful accounts for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

     2010     2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Trade
receivables
    Other
receivables
    Trade
receivables
    Other
receivables
 

Beginning balance

   (Won) 465,208      (Won) 160,275      (Won) 502,248      (Won) 144,715   

Provision

     151,475        6,672        109,034        24,408   

Reversal or written-off

     (110,464     (21,467     (160,173     (7,183

Changes in the scope of consolidation

     (2,064     (437     21,954        5,016   

Others

     (1,907     (328     155        2,183   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   (Won) 502,248      (Won) 144,715      (Won) 473,218      (Won) 169,139   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provisions for doubtful trade and other receivables are recognized as operating expenses.

Details of aging analysis of trade receivables as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Trade receivables  
   1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Neither past due nor impaired

   (Won) 2,870,902      (Won) 3,949,439      (Won) 5,381,202   

Past due and impaired

      

Up to six months

     580,042        643,801        560,314   

Six months to twelve months

     204,807        144,260        162,911   

Over twelve months

     602,387        335,760        487,029   

Subtotal

     1,387,236        1,123,821        1,210,254   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (465,208     (502,248     (473,218
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 3,792,930      (Won) 4,571,012      (Won) 6,118,238   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The detail of other receivables as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Loans

   (Won) 109,512      (Won) 107,274      (Won) 100,251   

Receivables 1

     433,564        494,455        1,489,040   

Accrued income

     22,536        13,093        17,651   

Refundable deposits

     315,903        277,526        325,603   

Others

     837        68        685   

Allowance

     (160,275     (144,715     (169,139
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 722,077      (Won) 747,701      (Won) 1,764,091   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

     339,286        418,744        1,367,474   

Non-current

     382,791        328,957        396,617   

 

1 The settlement receivables of BC Card Co., Ltd. of (Won)863,853 million included, as of December 31, 2011.

Details of aging analysis of other receivables as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Other receivables  
   1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Neither past due nor impaired

   (Won) 712,373      (Won) 726,812      (Won) 1,712,284   

Past due and impaired

      

Up to six months

     100,060        38,312        160,612   

Six months to twelve months

     18,000        77,841        12,322   

Over twelve months

     51,919        49,451        48,012   

Subtotal

     169,979        165,604        220,946   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (160,275     (144,715     (169,139
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 722,077      (Won) 747,701      (Won) 1,764,091   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The maximum exposure of trade and other receivables to credit risk is carrying value of each class of receivables mentioned above as of December 31, 2011.

8.    Loans Receivable

Loans receivable as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

Current

 

      1.1.2010  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Original
amount
     Allowance for
doubtful
accounts
    Carrying
Value
 

Factoring receivables

   (Won) 492       (Won) (4   (Won) 488   

Loans

     422,293         (8,167     414,126   

Accounts receivable-loans

     2,149         (427     1,722   

Loans for installment credit

     29,298         (2,882     26,416   

Deferred loan origination costs

     170                170   

Accounts receivable-loans for installment credit

     924         (124     800   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 455,326       (Won) (11,604   (Won) 443,722   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

      12.31.2010  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Original
amount
     Allowance for
doubtful
accounts
    Carrying
Value
 

Factoring receivables

   (Won) 35,737       (Won) (647   (Won) 35,090   

Loans

     676,273         (19,030     657,243   

Accounts receivable-loans

     13,307         (2,402     10,905   

Loans for installment credit

     22,849         (1,191     21,658   

Accounts receivable-loans for installment credit

     528         (82     446   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 748,694       (Won) (23,352   (Won) 725,342   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

      12.31.2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Original
amount
     Allowance for
doubtful
accounts
    Carrying
value
 

Factoring receivables

   (Won) 47,201       (Won) (1,012   (Won) 46,189   

Loans

     640,580         (22,352     618,228   

Accounts receivable-loans

     3,084         (221     2,863   

Loans for installment credit

     31,044         (655     30,389   

Accounts receivable-loans for installment credit

     393         (32     361   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 722,302       (Won) (24,272   (Won) 698,030   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-Current

 

      1.1.2010  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Original
amount
    Allowance for
doubtful
accounts
    Carrying
value
 

Factoring receivables

   (Won) 17,528      (Won) (96   (Won) 17,432   

Loans

     404,028        (4,870     399,158   

Deferred loan origination fees

     (3,746            (3,746

Loans for installment credit

     42,570        (2,881     39,689   

New technology financial investment assets

     5,846        (1,027     4,819   

New technology financial loans

     10,213        (58     10,155   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 476,439      (Won) (8,932   (Won) 467,507   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
      12.31.2010  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Original
amount
    Allowance for
doubtful
accounts
    Carrying
value
 

Loans

   (Won) 349,734      (Won) (8,904   (Won) 340,830   

Deferred loan origination fees

     (1,030            (1,030

Loans for installment credit

     30,564        (1,382     29,182   

Deferred loan origination costs

     951               951   

New technology financial investment assets

     7,876        (1,371     6,505   

New technology financial loans

     32,015        (574     31,441   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 420,110      (Won) (12,231   (Won) 407,879   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

      12.31.2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Original
amount
    Allowance for
doubtful
accounts
    Carrying
value
 

Factoring receivables

   (Won) 23,948      (Won) (513   (Won) 23,435   

Loans

     388,870        (11,474     377,396   

Deferred loan origination fees

     (987            (987

Loans for installment credit

     45,358        (954     44,404   

Deferred loan origination costs

     1,457               1,457   

New technology financial investment assets

     10,241        (3,668     6,573   

New technology financial loans

     41,729        (2,706     39,023   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 510,616      (Won) (19,315   (Won) 491,301   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The fair values of trade and other receivables with maturities less than one year equal their carrying values because the discounting effect is immaterial. The fair value of loans receivables is determined discounting the future cash flow at the weighted average borrowing rate.

Details of changes in allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2010     2011  

Beginning

   (Won) 20,536      (Won) 35,583   

Provision

     30,808        30,808   

Reversal or written-off

     (8,470     (22,804

Others

     (7,291       
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending

   (Won) 35,583      (Won) 43,587   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provisions for doubtful loans receivable are recognized as operating expenses.

Details of aging analysis of loans receivables as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Neither past due nor impaired

   (Won) 881,471      (Won) 1,094,265      (Won) 1,147,671   

Past due and impaired

      

Up to six months

     38,840        64,672        85,247   

Six months to twelve months

     7,510        8,955          

Over twelve months

     3,944        912          

Subtotal

     50,294        74,539        85,247   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (20,536     (35,583     (43,587
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 911,229      (Won) 1,133,221      (Won) 1,189,331   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The maximum exposure of loans receivables to credit risk is carrying value as of December 31, 2011.

 

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9.    Other Financial Assets and Liabilities

Other financial assets and liabilities as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Other financial assets

      

Derivatives

   (Won) 308,324      (Won) 250,630      (Won) 164,434   

Financial instruments 1

     370,262        116,269        289,628   

Available-for-sale financial assets

     111,716        172,144        421,255   

Held-to-maturity investments

     82        7        7   

Less: Non-current

     (403,667     (269,358     (621,699
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

   (Won) 386,717      (Won) 269,692      (Won) 253,625   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other financial liabilities

      

Derivatives

   (Won) 11,279      (Won) 20,471      (Won) 8,806   

Financial liabilities

     15,586        18,455        287,954   

Less: Non-current

     (19,487     (37,783     (288,473
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

   (Won) 7,378      (Won) 1,143      (Won) 8,287   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 Financial assets amounting to (Won)22,900 million (2010: (Won)6,741 million) and (Won)123 million (2010: (Won)49 million) are collaterals pledged against the investee’s debt and checking account deposit, which are subject to withdrawal restrictions.

Derivatives as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

     1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Assets     Liabilities     Assets     Liabilities     Assets     Liabilities  

Interest rate swap

   (Won) 23      (Won) 5,775      (Won) 1,213      (Won) 213      (Won) 49,485      (Won) 180   

Currency swap

     295,035        3,782        246,716        19,852        110,798        6,076   

Currency forward

     288        1,722               406               292   

Other derivatives 1

     12,978               2,701               4,151        2,258   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 308,324      (Won) 11,279      (Won) 250,630      (Won) 20,471      (Won) 164,434      (Won) 8,806   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less:

            

Non-current

            

Interest rate swap

     (23     (119                   (3     (45

Currency swap

     (295,035     (3,782     (97,166     (19,837     (110,798     (1,076
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (295,058     (3,901     (97,166     (19,837     (110,801     (1,121
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

   (Won) 13,266      (Won) 7,378      (Won) 153,464      (Won) 634      (Won) 53,633      (Won) 7,685   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 H&C Network, a subsidiary of the Company, has entered into the option contract included in the share transfer agreement with 14 shareholders including the major shareholder of Initech Smartro Holdings Co., Ltd and Smartro Co., Ltd. On July 8, 2010, 135,796 shares out of 203,694 shares included in the option contract were transferred according to the above agreement. The Company may receive the request for the exercise of the option for the remaining 67,898 shares under option contract.

The full value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability if the remaining maturity of the hedged item is more than 12 months and, as a current asset or liability, if the maturity of the hedged item is less than 12 months.

 

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Table of Contents

The valuation gains and losses on the derivatives contracts for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

     2010  

(in millions of Korean won)

   For trading      For hedging  

Type of Transaction

   Valuation
gain
     Valuation
loss
     Valuation
gain
     Valuation
loss
     Accumulated other
comprehensive
income 1
 

Interest rate swap 2, 5

   (Won) 4,999       (Won)       (Won) 1,190       (Won)       (Won)   

Currency swap 3, 4

     1,311                 33,595         47,481         (48,589

Currency forward 5

     136         15                           

Other derivatives

     14,379                                   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 20,825       (Won) 15       (Won) 34,785       (Won) 47,481       (Won) (48,589
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   For trading      For hedging  

Type of Transaction

   Valuation
gain
     Valuation
loss
     Valuation
gain
     Valuation
loss
     Accumulated other
comprehensive
income 1
 

Interest rate swap 2

   (Won) 3       (Won) 45       (Won)       (Won)       (Won)   

Currency swap 3, 4

     10,230                 53,727         8,931         21,714   

Currency forward 5

     294         180                           

Other derivatives 5

     2,270         36                           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 12,797       (Won) 261       (Won) 53,727       (Won) 8,931       (Won) 21,714   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 The amounts before adjustments of deferred income tax directly reflected in equity and allocation to the non-controlling interest.

 

2 The interest rate swap contract is to hedge the risk of variability in future fair value of the bond.

 

3 The currency swap contract is to hedge the risk of variability in cash flow from the bond.

 

4 In applying the cash flow hedge accounting, the Company hedges its exposures to cash flow fluctuation until September 7, 2034.

 

5 Gain on valuation of derivative recognized as operating income is (Won) 2,564 million (2010: (Won)1,311 million) for December 31, 2011.

There is no gain or loss on valuation due to fair value valuation of bond to hedge fair value in 2011 (2010: gain on valuation of (Won)1,190 million).

The ineffective portion of recognized in profit or loss on the cash flow hedge is gain on valuation of (Won)2,714 million in 2011. (2010: gain on (Won)10,341 million)

The Company discontinued prospectively hedge accounting for certain currency swaps that were previously designated as hedging instruments for cash flows because the hedge effectiveness could not be demonstrated. The derivatives were reclassified to the financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss.

Details of available-for-sale financial assets as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, 2010, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Marketable equity securities

   (Won) 15,587      (Won) 25,469      (Won) 101,183   

Non-marketable equity securities

     92,978        145,110        294,243   

Marketable debt securities

                   18,400   

Non-marketable debt securities

     3,151        1,565        7,429   

Others

     5,564        6,465        7,541   

Total

     117,280        178,609        428,796   

Less: non-current

     (111,716     (172,144     (421,255
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

   (Won) 5,564      (Won) 6,465      (Won) 7,541   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Changes of available-for-sale financial assets for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows;

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   2010     2011  

Beginning

   (Won) 117,280      (Won) 178,609   

Acquisition

     108,492        168,060   

Disposal

     (52,062     (21,216

Valuation 1

     (1,324     80,521   

Gain (loss) reclassified from equity 1

     3,553        (1,764

Impairment

     (6,043     (4,727

Changes in scope of consolidation

            14,094   

Others

     8,713        15,219   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending

   (Won) 178,609      (Won) 428,796   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 The amount before adjustment of deferred income tax directly reflected in equity and allocation to the non-controlling interest.

The maximum exposure of debt securities of available-for-sale financial assets to credit risk is carrying value as of December 31, 2011.

Available-for-sale financial assets are measured at fair value. However, non-marketable equity securities that do not have quoted market prices in an active market and the fair value of which cannot be reliably measured are recognized at cost and the impairment loss is recognized if any.

10.    Inventories

Inventories as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

    1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

(in millions of

Korean won)

  Acquisition
cost
    Valuation
allowance  1
    Book
Value
    Acquisition
cost
    Valuation
allowance  1
    Book
Value
    Acquisition
cost
    Valuation
allowance  1
    Book
Value
 

Merchandise

  (Won) 635,778      (Won) (45,116   (Won) 590,662      (Won) 617,919      (Won) (39,695   (Won) 578,224      (Won) 622,196      (Won) (29,022   (Won) 593,194   

Supplies

    31,989        (662     31,327        29,595        (196     29,399        20,396        (144     20,252   

Goods in transit

    69,250               69,250        55,564               55,564                        

Others

    77,107        (2,968     74,139        48,627        (1,197     47,430        62,274        (993     61,281   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won) 814,124      (Won) (48,746   (Won)  765,378      (Won) 751,705      (Won) (41,088   (Won) 710,617      (Won) 704,866      (Won) (30,139   (Won) 674,727   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 The Company records valuation allowance for inventories when the Company determined that the costs of inventories are not recoverable as these inventories are damaged, as they become wholly or partially obsolete or as the selling prices have declined.

 

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Table of Contents

11.    Other Assets and Liabilities

Other assets and liabilities as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, 2010, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Other assets

      

Advance payments

   (Won) 102,140      (Won) 141,820      (Won) 136,172   

Prepaid expenses

     154,955        165,107        218,638   

Others

     7,168        6,976        41,896   

Less: Non-current

     (52,581     (50,183     (86,053
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

   (Won) 211,682      (Won) 263,720      (Won) 310,653   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other liabilities

      

Advances received

   (Won) 178,941      (Won) 172,560      (Won) 117,178   

Withholdings

     43,318        36,971        52,995   

Unearned revenue

     27,868        2,054        71,290   

Others

     1,323        455        833   

Less: Non-current

     (28,612     (27,212     (32,038
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

   (Won) 222,838      (Won) 184,828      (Won) 210,258   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

12.    Property and Equipment

The changes in property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

     2010  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Land     Buildings
and
structures
    Machinery
and
equipment
    Others     Construction
-in-progress
    Total  

Acquisition cost

   (Won) 1,202,008      (Won) 3,759,859      (Won) 31,414,707      (Won) 2,351,662      (Won) 650,978      (Won) 39,379,214   

Accumulated depreciation (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

     (132     (1,037,237     (22,427,855     (1,820,789     (60,623     (25,346,636
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 1.1.2010

   (Won) 1,201,876      (Won) 2,722,622      (Won) 8,986,852      (Won) 530,873      (Won) 590,355      (Won) 14,032,578   

Acquisition

            913        54,184        71,463        2,594,060        2,720,620   

Disposal

     (19,823     (42,723     (109,038     (45,435            (217,019

Depreciation

            (196,724     (2,565,191     (164,656            (2,926,571

Transfer in (out)

     6,997        125,348        2,199,428        108,388        (2,440,161       

Exclusion in the scope of consolidation

     (1,412     (2,984            (97,376            (101,772

Others

     (59,996     (98,893     (23,363     33,225        39,463        (109,564
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 12.31.2010

   (Won) 1,127,642      (Won) 2,507,559      (Won) 8,542,872      (Won) 436,482      (Won) 783,717      (Won) 13,398,272   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Acquisition cost

   (Won) 1,127,774      (Won) 3,675,370      (Won) 31,441,259      (Won) 1,806,746      (Won) 822,637      (Won) 38,873,786   

Accumulated depreciation (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

     (132     (1,167,811     (22,898,387     (1,370,264     (38,920     (25,475,514

 

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Table of Contents
     2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Land     Buildings
and
structures
    Machinery
and
equipment
    Others     Construction
-in-progress
    Total  

Acquisition cost

   (Won) 1,127,774      (Won) 3,675,370      (Won) 31,441,259      (Won) 1,806,746      (Won) 822,637      (Won) 38,873,786   

Accumulated depreciation (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

     (132     (1,167,811     (22,898,387     (1,370,264     (38,920     (25,475,514
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 1.1.2011

   (Won) 1,127,642      (Won) 2,507,559      (Won) 8,542,872      (Won) 436,482      (Won) 783,717      (Won) 13,398,272   

Acquisition

     5        3,541        48,258        35,901        3,158,247        3,245,952   

Disposal 1

     (35,475     (104,079     (108,415     (56,414     (363     (304,746

Depreciation

            (146,096     (2,313,287     (165,254            (2,624,637

Transfer in (out)

     3,802        94,763        3,048,999        132,114        (3,279,678       

Inclusion in scope of consolidation

     115,978        46,445        175,758        28,668        50,424        417,273   

Exclusion in scope of consolidation

            (6,626     (96,067     (4,662     (32,606     (139,961

Others

     (10,942     (40,097     (76,767     110,327        48,021        30,542   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 12.31.2011

   (Won) 1,201,010      (Won) 2,355,410      (Won) 9,221,351      (Won) 517,162      (Won) 727,762      (Won) 14,022,695   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Acquisition cost

   (Won) 1,201,142      (Won) 3,570,608      (Won) 33,455,278      (Won) 1,944,129      (Won) 754,648      (Won) 40,925,805   

Accumulated depreciation (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

     (132     (1,215,198     (24,233,927     (1,426,967     (26,886     (26,903,110

 

1 Land and buildings disposed in connection with the sale and leaseback transactions with K-REALTY CR-REIT were included (Note26).

Certain land and buildings are pledged as collaterals for borrowings of up to (Won)1,940 million as of December 31, 2011 (2010.12.31: (Won)3,498 million, 1.1.2010: (Won)8,300 million).

The borrowing costs capitalized for qualifying assets amount to (Won)14,675 million (2010: (Won)17,024 million) in 2011. The interest rate applied to calculate the capitalized borrowing costs in 2011 is 5.23% to 6.83%. (2010: 5.08% to 6.76%)

13.    Investment Property

The changes in investment property for years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

      2010     2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Land     Buildings     Total     Land     Buildings     Total  

Acquisition cost

   (Won) 260,190      (Won) 1,026,880      (Won) 1,287,070      (Won) 320,739      (Won) 1,158,558      (Won) 1,479,297   

Accumulated depreciation (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

            (257,052     (257,052            (333,047     (333,047
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Beginning balance

   (Won) 260,190      (Won) 769,828      (Won) 1,030,018      (Won) 320,739      (Won) 825,511      (Won) 1,146,250   

Disposal 1

     (2,952     (5,710     (8,662     (10,660     (27,023     (37,683

Depreciation

            (45,932     (45,932            (47,221     (47,221

Transfer in

     63,501        107,325        170,826        15,079        82,680        97,759   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   (Won) 320,739      (Won) 825,511      (Won) 1,146,250      (Won) 325,158      (Won) 833,947      (Won) 1,159,105   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Acquisition cost

     320,739        1,158,558        1,479,297        325,158        1,195,175        1,520,333   

Accumulated depreciation (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

            (333,047     (333,047            (361,228     (361,228

 

1 Land and buildings disposed in connection with the sale and leaseback transactions with K-REALTY CR-REIT were included (Note26).

 

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The buildings mentioned above are depreciated over 10 to 40 years using the straight-line method.

The fair value of investment property is (Won)2,524,039 million as of December 31, 2011. (12.31.2010: (Won)2,207,754 million, 1.1.2010: (Won)2,026,023 million). The fair value of investment property is estimated based on the expected cash flow.

Rental income from investment property is (Won)150,752 million in 2011(2010: (Won)114,779 million) and direct operating expenses (including repairs and maintenance) arising from investment property that generated rental income during the period are recognized as operating expenses.

Certain lands and buildings are pledged as collateral related to the rental contracts up to (Won)70,317million as of December 31, 2011 (12.31.2010: (Won)67,206 million, 1.1.2010: 65,092 million).

14.    Intangible Assets

The changes in intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

     2010  

(in millions of Korean
won)

   Goodwill     Industrial
rights
    Development
costs
    Software     Frequency
usage
rights
    Others     Total  

Acquisition cost

   (Won) 91,513      (Won) 24,109      (Won) 782,749      (Won) 390,858      (Won) 1,342,023      (Won) 357,371      (Won) 2,988,623   

Accumulated amortization (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

     (7,749     (13,625     (555,155     (225,309     (647,395     (153,696     (1,602,929
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 1.1.2010

   (Won) 83,764      (Won) 10,484      (Won) 227,594      (Won) 165,549      (Won) 694,628      (Won) 203,675      (Won) 1,385,694   

Acquisition

            738        243,198        63,862               23,556        331,354   

Disposal

                   (14,248     (5,788            (4,421     (24,457

Amortization

            (1,775     (69,824     (54,507     (115,418     (24,775     (266,299

Impairment loss

                          (2,072            (1,631     (3,703

Changes in scope of Consolidation

                   (829     (11            (2,134     (2,974

Others

            (143     (889     1,760               (1,423     (695
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 12.31.2010

   (Won) 83,764      (Won) 9,304      (Won) 385,002      (Won) 168,793      (Won) 579,210      (Won) 192,847      (Won) 1,418,920   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Acquisition cost

   (Won) 91,513      (Won) 24,840      (Won) 947,053      (Won) 438,302      (Won) 1,342,023      (Won) 351,630      (Won) 3,195,361   

Accumulated amortization (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

     (7,749     (15,536     (562,051     (269,509     (762,813     (158,783     (1,776,441

 

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Table of Contents
    2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

  Goodwill     Industrial
rights
    Development
costs
    Software     Frequency
usage
rights
    Others 1     Total  

Acquisition cost

  (Won) 91,513      (Won) 24,840      (Won) 947,053      (Won) 438,302      (Won) 1,342,023      (Won) 351,630      (Won) 3,195,361   

Accumulated amortization (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

    (7,749     (15,536     (562,051     (269,509     (762,813     (158,783     (1,776,441
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 1.1.2011

  (Won) 83,764      (Won) 9,304      (Won) 385,002      (Won) 168,793      (Won) 579,210      (Won) 192,847      (Won) 1,418,920   

Acquisition

    366,858        116        156,114        100,870        441,485        415,399        1,480,842   

Disposal

           (491     (1,849     (105            (9,444     (11,889

Amortization

           (2,668     (102,806     (54,976     (124,998     (34,427     (319,875

Impairment loss

    (1,227            (430     (297            (593     (2,547

Changes in scope of Consolidation

           42        257        11,467               80,986        92,752   

Others

           (78     (9,660     (1,433            (3,547     (14,718
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 12.31.2011

  (Won) 449,395      (Won) 6,225      (Won) 426,628      (Won) 224,319      (Won) 895,697      (Won) 641,221      (Won) 2,643,485   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Acquisition cost

  (Won) 457,630      (Won) 18,294      (Won) 1,069,158      (Won) 555,154      (Won) 1,783,508      (Won) 867,700      (Won) 4,751,444   

Accumulated amortization (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

    (8,235     (12,069     (642,530     (330,835     (887,811     (226,479     (2,107,959

 

1 Intangible assets of KT Skylife Co.,Ltd., Enswers Inc. and BC card co., Ltd, , amounting to (Won)391,409 million, measured at fair value in accordance with IFRS 3 “Business Combination” are included. Others also include facility usage rights with indefinite useful life.

The carrying value of facility usage rights with indefinite useful life not subject to amortization is (Won)153,797 million (12.31.2010: (Won)149,847 million, 1.1.2010: (Won)162,556 million) as of December 31, 2011.

Goodwill is allocated to the Company’s cash-generating unit which is identified by operating segments. As of December 31, 2011, goodwill allocated to each cash-generation unit is as follows:

 

Personal 1

   (Won) 65,057   

Others

  

KT Powertel Co.,Ltd.

     1,920   

BC card co., Ltd

     41,234   

H&C Network

     1,990   

KT Music Corporation

     6,724   

Nasmedia

     8,836   

KT Skylife Co.,Ltd.

     306,303   

NEXR Co.,Ltd.

     3,386   

Enswers Inc.

     12,425   

OIC Korea Co.,Ltd

     1,520   
  

 

 

 

Sub-total

     384,338   
  

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 449,395   
  

 

 

 

 

1 The goodwill from obtaining the controlling interest in KT Freetel Co., Ltd.

Goodwill impairment reviews are undertaken annually. The recoverable amounts for some goodwill of (Won)328,759 million allocated to others are determined based on the related CGUs’ fair value less costs to sell and the recoverable amounts of all other CGUs, to which goodwill of (Won)120,636 is allocated, have been determined based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations use pre-tax cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by management. Cash flows beyond the Company’s financial plan are extrapolated using the estimated growth rates and the growth rate does not exceed the long-term average growth rate for the business in which the CGU operates.

 

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Table of Contents

The Company determined the gross margin rate based on past performance and its expectations of market development. The average growth rates used are estimated based on the historical growth rate. In addition, the Company estimated the pre-tax cash flow based on past performance and its expectation of market growth and the discount rates used are pre-tax and reflect specific risks relating to the relevant CGUs.

As a result of the impairment test, the Company recognized the impairment losses of (Won)1,227 million on goodwill allocated to KT Edui Co., Ltd. as operating expenses in the statement of the consolidated income. The Company considers that the carrying value of cash generating units does not exceed the recoverable amount of the CGUs other than KT Edui Co., Ltd.

15.    Investments in Jointly Controlled Entities and Associates

The changes in investments in jointly controlled entities and associates for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

      12.31.2010  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Beginning      Acquisition
(Disposal)
     Reclassification     Interest in jointly
controlled entities
and associates 3
    Others     Ending  

KT Submarine Co., Ltd.

   (Won) 24,462       (Won)       (Won)      (Won) 2,884      (Won) (518   (Won) 26,828   

KT Rental

                     162,413        61        9,080        171,554   

KTCS corporation

     16,154                        3,369        (388     19,135   

KTIS Corporation

     15,661                        4,411        (1,024     19,048   

KT Skylife Co.,Ltd. 1

     15,353         65,296                12,892        215        93,756   

Korea Information & Technology Fund

     115,636                        6,914        (508     122,042   

KT-Global New Media Fund

     12,932                        (270            12,662   

Company K Movie Asset Fund No.1

     8,806                        556               9,362   

Boston Global Film & Contents Fund L.P.

     8,768                        54               8,822   

Mongolian Telecommunications

     11,135                        (27     1,204        12,312   

Metropol Property LLC

     1,684                        253        (266     1,671   

KT wibro infra Co., Ltd.

             65,000                505        (3     65,502   

KTF-CJ Music Contents Investment Fund

     4,954                        (3            4,951   

KT-DoCoMo Mobile Investment Fund

     4,473                        384               4,857   

Others

     66,046         114,464         (116,176     1,199        26        65,559   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 306,064       (Won) 244,760       (Won) 46,237      (Won) 33,182      (Won) 7,818      (Won) 638,061   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-52


Table of Contents
     12.31.2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Beginning      Acquisition
(Disposal)
    Reclassification     Interest in jointly
controlled entities
and associates
3
    Others     Ending  

KT Submarine Co., Ltd.

   (Won) 26,828       (Won)      (Won)      (Won) 2,365      (Won) (7   (Won) 29,186   

KT Rental

     171,554         (15,849            21,817        (2,287     175,235   

KTCS corporation

     19,135                       3,350        (2,158     20,327   

KTIS Corporation

     19,048                       3,473        (1,433     21,088   

KT Skylife Co.,Ltd. 1

     93,757                (280,772            187,015          

Korea Information & Technology Fund

     122,041                       1,556        (4,106     119,491   

KT-Global New Media
Fund

     12,662                       (19            12,643   

Company K Movie Asset Fund No.1

     9,362                       231               9,593   

Boston Global Film & Contents Fund L.P

     8,822                       (1,287            7,535   

Mongolian Telecommunications

     12,312                       409        (1,489     11,232   

Metropol Property LLC

     1,671                       137        (62     1,746   

KT wibro infra Co., Ltd.

     65,502                       704               66,206   

SMART CHANNEL Co., Ltd. 2

             6,000        500        (3,752            2,748   

Kan Communications Co., Ltd.

             3,000               (184            2,816   

KTF-CJ Music Contents Investment Fund

     4,951                       86               5,037   

KT-DoCoMo Mobile Investment Fund

     4,857         (393            (11     (346     4,107   

Others

     65,559         (14,394     32,632        (29,348     (14,255     40,194   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 638,061       (Won) (21,636   (Won) (247,640   (Won) (473   (Won) 160,872      (Won) 529,184   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 As a result of acquisition of additional interest, the Controlling Company acquired control over KT Skylife Co., Ltd. and the Controlling Company’s previously held equity interest in KT Skylife Co., Ltd. is measured at its fair value at the acquisition date. With regard to this transaction, the Company accounted for the difference ((Won)187,458 million) between the fair value of (Won)280,773 million and carrying value of (Won)93,315 million (including net reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income of (Won)291 million) of the Controlling Company’s previously held equity interest as ‘other operating revenue’ in the statement of income. (Note 37)

 

2 The equity investment in SmartChannel Co., Ltd. amounting (Won)500 million was reclassified from available-for-sale assets to investment in jointly controlled entities and associates in 2011.

 

3 These include the equity in income of jointly controlled entities and associates of (Won)2,701 million (2010: (Won)622 million) recognized as operating revenue and the equity in loss of jointly controlled entities and associates of (Won)136 million (2010: (Won)126 million) recognized as operating expenses.

The summary of financial information of joint ventures and associates as of and for the years ended January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

      1.1.2010  

(In millions of Korean won)

   Location    % of ownership
interest
    Assets      Liabilities  

KT Submarine Co., Ltd.

   Domestic      36.92     109,996         43,877   

KTCS corporation

   Domestic      20.06     130,587         48,486   

KTIS Corporation

   Domestic      20.32     126,501         45,990   

KT Skylife Co.,Ltd

   Domestic      26.74     448,079         344,151   

Korea Information & Technology Fund

   Domestic      33.33     346,908           

KT-Global New Media Fund

   Domestic      50.00     26,139         274   

Company K movie asset fund No.1 3

   Domestic      60.00     14,676           

Boston Global Film & Contents Fund L.P

   Domestic      27.69     31,860         195   

Mongolian Telecommunications

   Mongolia      40.00     33,775         6,263   

Metropol Property LLC

   Uzbekistan      34.00     1,951         437   

KTF-CJ Music Contents Investment Fund

   Domestic      50.00     9,959         50   

KT-DoCoMo Mobile Investment Fund

   Domestic      45.00     10,048         107   

Others

          428,198         182,561   
       

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

        (Won) 1,718,677       (Won) 672,391   
       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
     12.31.2010  

(In millions of Korean won)

  Location   % of ownership
interest
    Assets     Liabilities     Operating
revenue
    Net profit
(loss)
 

KT Submarine Co., Ltd.

  Domestic     36.92   (Won) 106,037      (Won) 33,366      (Won) 71,153      (Won) 8,182   

KT Rental 1

  Domestic     58.00     933,556        673,211        378,775        13,797   

KTCS corporation 2

  Domestic     17.05     168,242        53,237        353,950        16,269   

KTIS Corporation 2

  Domestic     17.80     160,555        54,849        349,114        20,536   

KT Skylife Co.,Ltd

  Domestic     37.41     533,246        385,935        431,356        42,956   

Korea Information & Technology Fund

  Domestic     33.33     367,721               28,376        22,014   

KT-Global New Media Fund

  Domestic     50.00     25,356        31               (539

Company K movie asset fund No.1 3

  Domestic     60.00     15,603               1,708        926   

Boston Global Film & Contents Fund L.P.

  Domestic     27.69     32,054        204        995        186   

Monogolian Telecommunications

  Mongolia     40.00     41,074        10,294        19,635        1,363   

Metropol Property LLC

  Uzbekistan     34.00     2,119        273        418        418   

KT wibro infra Co., Ltd

  Domestic     26.22     338,491        88,829        373        1,739   

KTF-CJ Music Contents Investment Fund

  Domestic     50.00     9,903               627        6   

KT-DoCoMo Mobile Investment Fund

  Domestic     45.00     10,944        149        944        854   

Others

        450,294        186,794        746,670        (5,225
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      (Won) 3,195,195      (Won) 1,487,172      (Won) 2,384,094      (Won) 123,482   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(In millions of Korean won)

  12.31.2011  
     Location     % of ownership
interest
    Assets     Liabilities     Operating
revenue
    Net profit
(loss)
 

KT Submarine Co., Ltd.

    Domestic        36.92   (Won) 127,062      (Won) 48,004      (Won) 111,453      (Won) 6,700   

KT Rental 1

    Domestic        58.00     1,419,392        1,167,454        657,971        27,320   

KTCS corporation 2

    Domestic        17.49     172,267        56,071        380,506        19,922   

KTIS corporation 2

    Domestic        17.80     174,459        56,013        373,397        21,077   

Korea Information & Technology Fund

    Domestic        33.33     358,475               15,630        2,880   

KT-Global New Media Fund

    Domestic        50.00     25,822        535               (38

Company K Movie Asset Fund No.1 3

    Domestic        60.00     15,997        8        2,751        385   

Boston Global Film & Contents Fund L.P.

    Domestic        27.69     27,411        204        933        (4,643

Mongolian Telecommunications

    Mongolia        40.00     28,080               20,747        779   

Metropol Property LLC

    Uzbekistan        34.00     4,075        846        1,512        486   

KT wibro infra Co., Ltd

    Domestic        26.22     257,744        5,220        2,294        2,863   

SMART CHANNEL Co., Ltd 1

    Domestic        65.00     91,383        98,306        9,785        (9,471

Kan Communications Co.,Ltd.

    Domestic        50.00     5,797        167               (369

KTF-CJ Music Contents Investment Fund

    Domestic        50.00     10,076               318        173   

KT-DoCoMo Mobile Investment Fund

    Domestic        45.00     9,286        162        92        (26

Others

        756,795        392,769        417,142        15,990   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      (Won) 3,484,121      (Won) 1,825,759      (Won) 1,994,531      (Won) 84,028   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1

As a result of acquisition of additional interest, the Company has 65% of ownership in Smart Channel Co.,Ltd.; however, the entity was classified as an associate and equity-method accounting has been applied as the Company has the significant influence but no control under the arrangement of shareholders. In addition, the Company has 58% of ownership in KT Rental Co.,Ltd.; however, the entity was classified as a joint venture due to exercise of joint control under the arrangement of shareholders.

 

2

At the end of the reporting period, even though the Company has ownership less than 20%, the equity method accounting has been applied as it is considered that the Company has the significant influence over the operating and financial policies of those entities.

 

3

At the end of the reporting period, even though the Company has ownership more than 50%, the equity method accounting has been applied as it the Company, which is a limited partner of investment fund, cannot participate in determining the operating and financial policies.

 

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Marketable investments in joint ventures and associates as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

      1.1.2010  
      Number of shares      Market Price
per Share
(Korean won)
     Fair Value
(In millions of
Korean won)
     Book Value
(In millions of
Korean won)
 

KT Submarine Co., Ltd.

     1,617,000       (Won) 15,200       (Won) 24,578       (Won) 24,370   

Mongolian Telecommunications

     10,348,111         1,878         19,434         11,135   

 

     12.31.2010  
     Number of shares      Market Price
per Share
(Korean won)
     Fair Value
(In millions of
Korean  won)
     Book Value
(In millions of
Korean won)
 

KT Submarine Co., Ltd.

     1,617,000       (Won) 20,550       (Won) 33,229       (Won) 26,828   

KTCS Corporation

     8,132,130         2,210         17,972         19,135   

KTIS Corporation

     6,196,190         3,510         21,749         19,048   

Mongolian Telecommunications

     10,348,111         3,413         35,319         12,312   

 

     12.31.2011  
     Number of shares      Market Price
per Share
(Korean won)
     Fair Value
(In millions of
Korean won)
     Book Value
(In millions of
Korean won)
 

KT Submarine Co., Ltd.

     1,617,000       (Won) 13,200       (Won) 21,344       (Won) 29,186   

KTCS Corporation

     8,132,130         2,070         16,834         20,327   

KTIS Corporation

     6,196,190         2,800         17,349         21,088   

Mongolian Telecommunications

     10,348,111         2,268         23,470         11,232   

The accumulated comprehensive loss of joint ventures and associates as of December 31, 2011 which was not recognized by the Company is (Won)22,004 million (2010.12.31 (Won) 9,857million, 2010.1.1 2010.12.31 (Won) 23,915 million).

The following equity securities owned by the Company are pledged as collaterals for Investees’ borrowings.

 

(In millions of Korean won)

  

Investee company

   Amount  

Investments in associates

   SmartChannel Co., Ltd. (formerly, Media Plus Co., Ltd.)    (Won) 6,500   

16.    Trade and other payables

The Company’s trade and other payables as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010      12.31.2010      12.31.2011  

Current liabilities

        

Trade payables

   (Won) 1,492,503       (Won) 1,523,983       (Won) 1,635,361   

Other payables

     3,795,555         2,900,215         4,255,064   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     5,288,058       (Won) 4,424,198       (Won) 5,890,425   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

        

Trade payables

     14,602       (Won) 41,186       (Won) 24,222   

Other payables

     281,019         340,321         627,491   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 295,621       (Won) 381,507       (Won) 651,713   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Details of other payables as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010     12.31.2010     31.12.2011  

Non-trade payables 1

   (Won) 2,449,146      (Won) 1,513,325      (Won) 3,214,585   

Accrued expenses

     628,263        716,316        543,972   

Operating deposits

     755,568        738,091        764,660   

Others

     243,597        272,804        359,338   

(non-current)

     (281,109     (340,321     (627,491
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

   (Won) 3,795,555      (Won) 2,900,215      (Won) 4,255,064   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 Settlement payables of BC card Co,. Ltd. of (Won) 997,915 million related to credit card transaction included as of December 31, 2011.

17.    Bonds Payable and Borrowings

Details of bonds payable and borrowings as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

Bonds Payable

 

(in millions of Korean won and
thousands of foreign currencies)

    1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Type

  Maturity     Annual
interest
rates
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
 

MTNP notes 1

    06.24.2014        5.88     USD 600,000      (Won) 700,560        USD 600,000      (Won) 683,340        USD 600,000      (Won) 691,980   

MTNP notes 1

    09.07.2034        6.50     USD 100,000        116,760        USD 100,000        113,890        USD 100,000        115,330   

MTNP notes 1

    07.14.2015        4.88     USD 400,000        467,040        USD 400,000        455,560        USD 400,000        461,320   

MTNP notes 1

    05.03.2016        5.88     USD 200,000        233,520        USD 200,000        227,780        USD 200,000        230,660   

MTNP notes

    04.11.2012        5.13     USD 200,000        233,520        USD 200,000        227,780        USD 200,000        230,660   

The 170th Public bond

    01.11.2011               JPY12,500,000        157,853        JPY12,500,000        174,635                 

The 172-1st Public bond

    03.31.2011               USD 50,000        58,380        USD 50,000        56,945                 

The 172-2nd Public bond 2

    03.31.2012       

 

LIBOR(3M)+

1.60%

  

  

    USD 110,000        128,436        USD 110,000        125,279        USD 110,000        126,863   

FR notes 2

    09.11.2013       

 

LIBOR(3M)+

1.50%

  

  

    USD 200,000        233,520        USD 200,000        227,780        USD 200,000        230,660   

FR notes 2

    04.09.2013       

 

LIBOR(3M)+

0.47%

  

  

                  USD 100,000        113,890        USD 100,000        115,330   

The 178-1st Public bond 2

    01.18.2013       

 

LIBOR(3M)+

1.00%

  

  

                                USD 100,000        115,330   

The 178-2nd Public bond2

    01.17.2014       

 

LIBOR(3M)+

1.05%

  

  

                                USD 100,000        115,330   

MTNP notes

    01.25.2013        1.58%                                    JPY 35,000,000        519,806   

The 49th Public bond

    02.25.2011               USD 175,000        204,330        USD 175,000        199,308                 

The 50th Public bond

    04.28.2011               JPY 7,000,000        88,397        JPY 7,000,000        97,795                 

The 51-1st Public bond

    06.20.2011               USD 95,000        110,922        USD 95,000        108,196                 

 

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Table of Contents

(in millions of Korean won and thousands of foreign
currencies)

    1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Type

  Maturity     Annual
interest
rates
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
 

The 132nd Public bond

    02.09.2011                      70,000               70,000                 

The 159th Public bond

    10.27.2013        5.39            300,000               300,000               300,000   

The 160th Public bond

    11.24.2010                      200,000                               

The 161st Public bond

    12.23.2010                      230,000                               

The 162nd Public bond

    02.27.2011                      320,000               320,000                 

The 163rd Public bond

    03.30.2014        5.51            170,000               170,000               170,000   

The 164th Public bond

    06.21.2011                      260,000               260,000                 

The 165-1st Public bond

    08.26.2011                      130,000               130,000                 

The 165-2nd Public bond

    08.26.2014        4.44            140,000               140,000               140,000   

The 166-1st Public bond

    03.21.2010                      220,000                               

The 166-2nd Public bond

    03.21.2012        4.57            100,000               100,000               100,000   

The 167-1st Public bond

    04.20.2012        4.59            100,000               100,000               100,000   

The 167-2nd Public bond

    04.20.2015        4.84            100,000               100,000               100,000   

The 168-1st Public bond

    06.21.2012        4.43            240,000               240,000               240,000   

The 168-2nd Public bond

    06.21.2015        4.66            90,000               90,000               90,000   

The 169th Public bond

    04.03.2012        5.01            140,000               140,000               140,000   

The 171st Public bond

    02.28.2013        5.41            100,000               100,000               100,000   

The 173-1st Public bond

    08.06.2013        6.49            100,000               100,000               100,000   

The 173-2nd Public bond

    08.06.2018        6.62            100,000               100,000               100,000   

The 174-1st Public bond

    12.19.2010                      100,000                               

The 174-2nd Public bond

    12.19.2011                      130,000               130,000                 

The 175-1st Public bond

    02.27.2012        4.80            40,000               40,000               40,000   

The 175-2nd Public bond

    02.27.2014        5.47            360,000               360,000               360,000   

The 176-1st Public bond

    05.28.2012        4.37            100,000               100,000               100,000   

The 176-2nd Public bond

    05.28.2014        5.06            170,000               170,000               170,000   

The 176-3rd Public bond

    05.28.2016        5.24            260,000               260,000               260,000   

The 177-1st Public bond

    02.09.2013        4.86                          240,000               240,000   

The 177-2nd Public bond

    02.09.2015        5.26                          190,000               190,000   

The 177-3rd Public bond

    02.09.2017        5.38                          170,000               170,000   

The 179th Public bond

    03.29.2018        4.47                                        260,000   

The 180-1st Public bond

    04.26.2016        4.35                                        210,000   

The 180-2nd Public bond

    04.26.2021        4.71                                        380,000   

The 47-2nd Public bond

    07.12.2011                      70,000               70,000                 

The 48th Public bond

    02.15.2010                      200,000                               

The 51-2nd Public bond

    06.20.2013        6.41            70,000               70,000               70,000   

The 52-1st Private bond

    08.04.2011                      100,000               100,000                 

The 52-2nd Public bond

    08.04.2013        6.64            100,000               100,000               100,000   

The 53-1st Public bond

    12.01.2010                      20,000                               

The 53-2nd Public bond

    12.01.2011                      180,023               181,213                 

The 181-1st Public bond

    08.26.2016        3.94                                        260,000   

The 181-2nd Public bond

    08.26.2018        3.99                                        90,000   

The 181-3rd Public bond

    08.26.2021        4.09                                        250,000   

The 182-1st Public bond

    10,28.2016        4.11                                        320,000   

The182-2nd Public bond

    10.28.2021        4.31                                        100,000   

The 183-1st Public bond

    12.22.2016        3.81                                        50,000   

The 183-2nd Public bond

    12.22.2021        4.09                                        90,000   

The 183-3rd Public bond

    12.22.2031        4.27                                        160,000   

The 24th Public bond

    04.17.2010                      10,000                               

The 25th Public bond

    07.24.2011                      5,000               5,000                 

The 26th Public bond

    04.19.2013        5.15                          10,000               10,000   

The 27th Public bond

    07.25.2014        5.04                                        5,000   

The 19-2nd Public bond

    05.10.2010                      10,000                               

The 10th Public bond

    06.18.2010                      40,000                               

The 11st Private bond

    12.06.2010                      20,000                               

The 12nd Public bond

    05.23.2011                      20,000                               

The 13-2nd Public bond

    04.02.2010                      10,000                               

The 14th Public bond

    01.08.2012                      30,000                               

 

F-57


Table of Contents

(in millions of Korean won and thousands of foreign
currencies)

    1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Type

  Maturity     Annual
interest rates
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
 

The 15th Public bond

    10.26.2011                      30,000                               

The 16th Public bond

    11.27.2012                      30,000                               

The 1st Private bond

    03.16.2010                      30,000                               

The 2nd Private bond

    04.16.2010                      20,000                               

The 4th Public bond

    05.30.2010                      40,000                               

The 5th Private bond

    06.29.2010                      20,000                               

The 6-2nd Public bond

    08.03.2010                      30,000                               

The 7-2nd Public bond

    08.31.2010                      20,000                               

The 8th Private bond

    09.28.2010                      30,000                               

The 9-2nd Public bond

    10.18.2010                      20,000                               

The 11st Public bond

    12.27.2010                      20,000                               

The 13-1st Public bond

    02.21.2010                      30,000                               

The 13-2nd Public bond

    02.21.2011                      30,000               30,000                 

The 14-1st Public bond

    03.28.2010                      10,000                               

The 14-2nd Public bond

    03.28.2011                      10,000               10,000                 

The 15th Private bond

    04.21.2010                      20,000                               

The 16-1st Public bond

    01.30.2010                      60,000                               

The 16-2nd Public bond

    04.30.2011                      10,000               10,000                 

The 17-3rd Public bond

    05.30.2013        7.14            50,000               50,000               50,000   

The 18-2nd Public bond

    06.23.2010                      40,000                               

The 18-3rd Public bond

    06.23.2011                      20,000               20,000                 

The 18-4th Public bond

    06.23.2013        7.55            10,000               10,000               10,000   

The 19-2nd Public bond

    03.11.2010                      10,000                               

The 19-3rd Public bond

    09.11.2010                      20,000                               

The 19-4st Public bond

    09.11.2010                      10,000                               

The 22-1st Public bond

    07.23.2010                      10,000                               

The 22-2nd Public bond

    01.23.2011                      35,000               35,000                 

The 22-3rd Public bond

    01.23.2012        8.95            25,000               25,000               25,000   

The 23th Public bond

    05.29.2011                      20,000               20,000                 

The 24th Public bond

    06.29.2012        6.28            30,000               30,000               30,000   

The 25-1st Public bond

    07.30.2011                      20,000               20,000                 

The 25-2nd Public bond

    07.30.2012        6.20            25,000               25,000               25,000   

The 26th Public bond

    08.27.2012        6.33            50,000               50,000               50,000   

The 27th Private bond

    09.04.2012        6.33            10,000               10,000               10,000   

The 28-1st Public bond

    11.12.2011                      20,000               20,000                 

The 28-2nd Public bond

    11.12.2012        6.08            30,000               30,000               30,000   

The 29-1st Public bond

    11.30.2011                      10,000               10,000                 

The 29-2nd Public bond

    11.30.2012        6.00            40,000               40,000               40,000   

The 30-1st Public bond

    06.23.2011                      10,000               10,000                 

The 30-2nd Public bond

    12.23.2011                      10,000               10,000                 

The 30-3rd Public bond

    12.23.2012        5.95            10,000               10,000               10,000   

The 31st Public bond

    12.31.2012        5.98            10,000               10,000               10,000   

The 32-1st Public bond

    01.22.2012        5.65                          10,000               10,000   

The 32-2nd Public bond

    01.22.2013        5.95                          50,000               50,000   

The 32-3rd Public bond

    01.22.2015        6.70                          30,000               30,000   

The 33rd Public bond

    02.11.2015        6.45                          50,000               50,000   

The 34-1st Public bond

    02.26.2012        5.30                          30,000               30,000   

The 34-2nd Public bond

    02.26.2013        5.60                          10,000               10,000   

The 35-1st Public bond

    03.22.2012        4.65                          20,000               20,000   

The 35-2nd Public bond

    03.22.2013        5.05                          30,000               30,000   

The 36-1st Public bond2

    04.30.2012        CD(91D)+ 1.09                          20,000               20,000   

The 36-2nd Public bond

    04.30.2013        4.75                          30,000               30,000   

The 36-3rd Public bond

    04.30.2015        5.65                          20,000               20,000   

The 37-1st Public bond

    12.30.2011                                    10,000                 

The 37-2nd Public bond

    06.30.2012        5.13                          10,000               10,000   

The 37-3rd Public bond

    06.30.2013        5.45                          20,000               20,000   

 

F-58


Table of Contents

(in millions of Korean won and thousands of
foreign currencies)

    1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Type

  Maturity     Annual
interest
rates
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
 

The 37-4th Public bond

    06.30.2014        5.85%                             10,000               10,000   

The 38-1st Public bond

    01.19.2012        4.80%                             30,000               30,000   

The 38-2nd Public bond

    07.19.2012        5.08%                             30,000               30,000   

The 38-3rd Public bond

    07.19.2014        5.85%                             10,000               10,000   

The 39th Public bond

    07.30.2013        5.35%                             30,000               30,000   

The 40-1st Public bond

    05.10.2012        4.69%                             40,000               40,000   

The 40-2nd Public bond

    08.10.2013        5.33%                             20,000               20,000   

The 40-3rd Public bond

    08.10.2015        5.95%                             20,000               20,000   

The 41-1st Public bond

    09.17.2012        4.22%                             30,000               30,000   

The 41-2nd Public bond

    09.17.2013        4.63%                             20,000               20,000   

The 41-3rd Public bond

    09.17.2014        5.10%                             10,000               10,000   

The 42-1st Public bond

    11.22.2013        4.62%                             30,000               30,000   

The 42-2nd Public bond

    11.22.2014        5.10%                             20,000               20,000   

The 42-3rd Public bond

    11.22.2015        5.44%                             10,000               10,000   

The 43-1st Public bond

    01.28.2014        5.05%                                           40,000   

The 43-2nd Public bond

    01.28.2015        5.32%                                           10,000   

The 43-3rd Private bond

    01.28.2016        5.75%                                           30,000   

The 44-1st Public bond

    10.28.2012        4.30%                                           30,000   

The 44-2nd Public bond

    04.28.2013        4.53%                                           30,000   

The 44-3rd Public bond

    10.28.2013        4.76%                                           20,000   

The 45th Public bond

    05.18.2014        4.80%                                           30,000   

The 46-1st Public bond

    02.26.2013        4.10%                                           20,000   

The 46-2nd Public bond

    05.26.2014        4.50%                                           40,000   

The 46-3rd Public bond

    05.26.2015        4.71%                                           20,000   

The 46-4th Public bond

    05.26.2016        4.90%                                           20,000   

The 47th Public bond

    06.23.2014        4.50%                                           30,000   

The 48th Public bond

    08.11.2016        4.71%                                           10,000   

The 49th Public bond 2

    08.23.2014       
 
CD(91D)+
0.93%
  
  
                                       20,000   

The 50-1st Public bond

    03.21.2013        4.30%                                           20,000   

The 50-2nd Public bond

    09.21.2016        4.87%                                           5,000   

The 51-1st Public bond

    09.30.2014        4.69%                                           10,000   

The 51-2nd Public bond

    09.30.2016        4.92%                                           20,000   

The 52-1st Public bond

    10.11.2013        4.49%                                           10,000   

The 52-2nd Public bond 2

    10.11.2014       
 
CD(91D)+
1.10%
  
  
                                       10,000   

The 53rd Public bond

    10.17.2013        4.39%                                           20,000   

The 54th Public bond

    10.28.2014        4.64%                                           10,000   

The 55-1st Public bond

    11.16.2014        4.46%                                           40,000   

The 55-2nd Public bond

    11.16.2015        4.56%                                           20,000   

The 55-3rd Public bond

    11.16.2016        4.74%                                           5,000   

The 56th Public bond

    12.13.2014        4,18%                                           35,000   

Unsecured private convertible bond

    01.20.2016        2.00%                                           15,000   

The 14-2nd unsecured bond

    05.22.2012        6.00%                                           50,000   

The 15th unsecured bond

    06.22.2012        5.90%                                           50,000   

Redeemable convertible preferred stock

    12.17.2013        10.27%                                           950   

The 1st unsecured redeemable convertible preferred stock

    12.30.2014        3.00%                                           2,000   

The 1st private bond

    03.24.2010                      40,000                               

The A Redeemable convertible preferred stock

    08.14.2018        5.00%                                           1,927   

 

F-59


Table of Contents

(in millions of Korean won and thousands of
foreign currencies)

    1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Type

  Maturity     Annual
interest
rates
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
 

The B Redeemable convertible preferred stock

    11.24.2019        5.00                                        634   

The C Redeemable convertible preferred stock

    11.30.2021            5.00             —                       —                       —        9,987   
       

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

        (Won) 8,913,261        (Won) 8,603,391        (Won) 10,133,767   

Less:Current portion

          (1,540,000       (2,108,092       (1,657,524

Discount on bonds

          (36,056       (27,841       (31,104

Conversion right adjustment

                            (3,026

Premium on bonds redemption

                            1,750   
       

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net

        (Won) 7,337,205        (Won) 6,467,458        (Won) 8,443,863   
       

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

1 

As of December 31, 2011, the outstanding notes issued by the Company amount to USD 1,300 million with fixed interest rates under Medium Term Note Program (“MTNP”) listed in the Singapore Stock Exchange, which allowed issuance of notes of up to USD 2,000 million. However, this MTN Program has not been valid since 2007.

 

2

Libor (3M) and CD (91D) are approximately 0.58 % and 3.52 %, respectively, as of December 31, 2011.

Short-term borrowings

 

(in millions of Korean won and
thousands of foreign currencies)

    1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Financial institution

  Type   Annual
interest rates
    Foreign
Currency
    Korean
won
    Foreign
Currency
    Korean
won
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
 

Shinhan Bank

  Commercial
papers
    3,81     (Won) 60,000             (Won) 45,000             (Won) 10,000   
  General loan 1    

 

5.09~CD(91D)

+1.44

  

      20,000               88,000               73,500   
  Usance(EUR) 1    
 
LIBOR(3M)
+1.70
  
      3,066        EUR 116        2,274               2,036   
  Usance(USD) 1       USD 2,611          USD 1,842          USD 1,671     
  Usance(JPY) 1       JPY 1,456                   JPY 7,354     

Samsung Securities

  Commercial
papers
    3.92%~3,94            12,000               10,000               20,000   

Meritz Securities

  Commercial
papers
    3.85~3.92            15,000               20,000               25,000   

Woori Bank

  Commercial
papers
                  10,000                               
  General
loans 1
   
 
CD(91D)
+1.61~1.79%
  
  
           27,300               5,000               18,000   
  Usance(USD) 1    
 
LIBOR(3M)
+1.70
  
    USD 428        499        USD 1,324        1,508        USD 2,192        2,527   

Korea Exchange Bank

  Commercial
papers
    3.76                          50,000               10,000   
  General loans                   8,000                               
  Usance(EUR 1    
 
LIBOR(3M)
+1.70
  
                                EUR1,740        2,600   

Kookmin Bank

  General loans     1.42~4.80                          20,890               22,397   

Shinhan Investment Corp.

  Commercial
papers
                                20,000                 

Woori Investment & Securities

  Commercial
papers
    3.76            25,000               5,000               5,000   

Dongbu Securities

  Commercial
papers
                  21,000               21,200                 

 

F-60


Table of Contents

(in millions of Korean won and
thousands of foreign currencies)

    1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Financial
institution

  Type   Annual
interest rates
    Foreign
Currency
    Korean
won
    Foreign
Currency
    Korean
won
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
 

KTB Investment & Securities

  Commercial
papers
    3.91~3.95                          40,000               20,000   

Hanyang Securities

  Commercial
papers
    3.95                          25,000               10,000   

HI Investment & Securities

  Commercial
papers
                                20,000                 

Standard Chartered Securities

  Commercial
papers
    3.90                          10,000               10,000   

Eugene Investment & Securities

  Commercial
papers
                  10,000               10,000                 

Kumho Investment Bank

  Commercial
papers
                  30,000               10,000                 

Tong Yang Securities

  Commercial
papers
                  17,000               40,000                 

SK Securities

  Commercial
papers
    3.99~4.00                                        40,000   

Shinyoung Securities

  Commercial
papers
    3.76                                        10,000   

Korea Development Bank

  General loans     16.50                   USD 3,995        7,474        USD 3,973        4,583   

General loans

      5.10~5.51            30,276               25,000               22,500   

Hana Bank

  Usance(USD) 1    
 
LIBOR(3M)
+1.70
  
    USD 4,202        5,376        USD 1,525        1,978        USD 2,442        2,816   

Usance(JPY)

             JPY 37,189          JPY 17,314              

IBK Bank

  General loans     4.33                                        2,342   

Usance

                    50                               

Korea Investment & Securities

  Commercial
papers
                  20,000                               

Shinhan Investment Corp

  Commercial
papers
                  20,000                               

Daewoo Securities

  Commercial
papers
                  20,000                               

Daegu Bank

  General loans     5.55                                        10,000   

Others

  Others     8.00~8.50            14,239                             170   

Factoring Receivables

  Factoring
Receivables
                                              69,252   
       

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

        (Won) 368,806        (Won) 478,324        (Won) 392,723   
       

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

1 

Libor (3M) and CD (91D) are approximately 0.58% and 3.52%, respectively, as of December 31, 2011.

 

F-61


Table of Contents

Long-term borrowings

 

(in millions of Korean won and
thousands of foreign currencies)

    1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Financial institution

  Type   Annual
interest rates
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
 

Kookmin Bank

  Informatization
promotion
funds 1
    3.80          (Won) 21,643             (Won) 13,126             (Won) 5,541   
  Capital
Factoring
                                1,498                 
  Loans for
operation
    5.96            10,000               10,000               10,000   
  General loans     4.88~6.30            40,000               20,000               30,000   
  Facility loans     4.56~4.98            2,250               10,000               60,000   
  Foreign
Currency
Loans
           USD 15,000        17,514        USD 11,000        12.527                 
  Redeemable
convertible
preferred
stock
    1.00                                        35,196   

Shinhan Bank

  Informatization 1     3.80            8,575               17,812               16,383   
  Loans for
operation
    5.88~6.39            7,000               14,000               14,000   
  General loans     5.70%~6.80                          35,000               47,000   
  Mortgage loan     4.00            797               677               517   
  Facility loans 2    
 
 
 
3.38%~
Financing
bonds +
1.47
 
  
  
                                       40,878   
  Commercial
papers
                  10,000                               

Export-Import

Bank of Korea

 

Inter-Korean
Cooperation
Fund 1

    2.00            6,415               6,415               6,415   

Bank of Communications

  Facility loans            USD 30,000        35,028        USD 30,000        34,167                 

Woori Bank

  General
loans 2
   
 
 
5.98~
CD(91D) +
1.39
 
  
           15,815               45,000               45,000   
  Facility loans                                 164                 

Hana Bank

  General loans                   10,000                               

Kwangju Bank

  General loans                   10,000               10,000                 

National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives

  General loans                   10,000               10,000                 

NH Bank

  Loans for
operation
                  15,000                               
  General loans     5.80~6.00            28,800               50,000               50,000   
  Facility loans     4.68                                        50,000   

Standard Chartered Securities

 

Commercial
papers

                                10,000                 

Korea Development Bank

  Informatization                   1,300                               
  General loans            USD 40,000        46,704        USD 83        93                 
  Facility loans     4.49                                        20,000   

IBK Bank

  Facility loans     4.33                                        2,000   

Korea Development Bank

 

Capital
Factoring

    1.90                                        2,577   

Samsung Securities

  Commercial
papers
    4.02                                        10,000   

 

F-62


Table of Contents

(in millions of Korean won and
thousands of foreign currencies)

    1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Financial institution

  Type   Annual
interest rates
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
 

Dongbu Securities

  Commercial
papers
    4.12                                        20,000   

SK Securities

  Commercial
papers
    4.12                                        10,000   

KTB Investment & Securities

 

Commercial
papers

    4.02                                        20,000   

Hanyang securities

  Commercial
papers
    4.02                                        10,000   

RCPS(Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock)

 

Loans for
operation

                                30,000                 

Shinhan Investment Corp.

  Commercial
papers
                  20,000                               

Korea Credit Guarantee Fund

 

Loans for
operation

                  2,893                               

Others

  General
loans
                  1,537                               
       

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

        (Won) 321,271        (Won) 330,479        (Won) 505,507   

Less: Current portion

          (140,931       (138,031       (63,256
       

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net

        (Won) 180,340        (Won) 192,448        (Won) 442,251   
       

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

1 The above Informatization Promotion Funds are repayable in installments over three years after a two-year grace period, while Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund is repayable in installments over 13 years after a seven-year grace period.

 

2 The CD (91D) and financial bonds(AAA) interest rates are approximately 3.52% and 3.59%, respectively, as of December 31, 2011

Repayment schedule of the Company’s bonds payable and borrowings including the portion of current liabilities as of December 31, 2011, is as follows:

 

     Bonds      Borrowings      Total  

(in millions of Korean
won)

   In local
currency
     In foreign
currency
     Sub-
total
     In local
currency
     In foreign
currency
     Sub-
total
    

2012.01.01~ 2012.12.31

   (Won) 1,300,000       (Won) 357,523       (Won) 1,657,523       (Won) 441,418       (Won) 14,562       (Won) 455,980       (Won) 2,113,503   

2013.01.01~ 2013.12.31

     1,340,950         981,126         2,322,076         201,660                 201,660         2,523,736   

2014.01.01~ 2014.12.31

     1,162,000         807,310         1,969,310         107,051                 107,051         2,076,361   

2015.01.01~ 2015.12.31

     560,000         461,320         1,021,320         92,648                 92,648         1,113,968   

Thereafter

     2,817,548         345,990         3,163,538         40,891                 40,891         3,204,429   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   (Won) 7,180,498       (Won) 2,953,269       (Won) 10,133,767       (Won) 883,668       (Won) 14,562       (Won) 898,230       (Won) 11,031,997   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Book value and fair value of the Company’s bonds payable and borrowings as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

     1.1.2010      12.31.2010      12.31.2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

Type

   Book
Value
     Fair
Value
     Book
Value
     Fair
Value
     Book
Value
     Fair
Value
 

Bonds payable

   (Won) 8,876,623       (Won) 9,092,948       (Won) 8,573,561       (Won) 8,876,175       (Won) 10,100,322       (Won) 10,253,221   

Short-term borrowings

     368,806         368,806         478,324         478,324         392,723         392,723   

Long-term borrowings (Including current borrowings)

     321,271         293,625         330,479         409,871         505,507         481,086   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 9,566,700       (Won) 9,755,379       (Won) 9,382,364       (Won) 9,764,370       (Won) 10,998,552       (Won) 11,127,030   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The fair value of short-term borrowings equals its book value because the discounting effect is immaterial.

The fair values of bonds payable and long-term borrowings are calculated by discounting the expected future cash flows at weighted average borrowing rate. The weighted average borrowing rate is approximately 4.64% as of December 31, 2011 (2010.12.31: 4.83%, 2010.1.1: 5.12%).

18.    Provisions

The changes in provisions during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

      2010  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Litigation 1     Asset retirement obligation  2     Others 3     Total  

Balance at 1.1.2010

   (Won) 17,011      (Won) 102,863      (Won) 12,031      (Won) 131,905   

Increase

     9,630        20,552        43,048        73,230   

Usage

     (2,117     (6,977     (18,651     (27,745

Reversal

     (964     (4,925     (7,487     (13,376

Others

            (2,114     6,977        4,863   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 12.31.2010

   (Won) 23,560      (Won) 109,399      (Won) 35,918      (Won) 168,877   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current portion

     23,560               34,917        58,477   

Non-current portion

            109,399        1,001        110,400   

 

      2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Litigation 1     Asset retirement obligation  2     Others 3     Total  

Balance at 1.1.2011

   (Won) 23,560      (Won) 109,399      (Won) 35,918      (Won) 168,877   

Increase

     5,377        5,444        104,940        115,761   

Usage

     (2,499     (2,962     (11,822     (17,283

Reversal

     (936     (3,285     (1,128     (5,349

Changes in scope of consolidation

     3,413                      3,413   

Others

            55        76        131   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 12.31.2011

   (Won) 28,915      (Won) 108,651      (Won) 127,984      (Won) 265,550   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current portion

     25,502        19        97,064        122,585   

Non-current portion

     3,413        108,632        30,920        142,965   

 

 

1 The amounts represent a provision for certain legal claims brought against the Company by various parties (Note 20).

 

2 The Company leased the buildings and structures to establish its communication equipment. A provision is recognized for the present value of costs to be incurred for the restoration of the leased properties.

 

3 Others include the provision related to the termination of 2G services, provision arising from the non-cancellable service contract and others. The Company recorded the provision relating to the discontinued 2G services in 2011.

19.    Retirement Benefit Obligation

The amounts recognized in the statements of financial position are determined as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Present value of defined benefit obligations

   (Won) 1,235,683      (Won) 1,129,912      (Won) 1,462,720   

Fair value of plan assets

     (1,149,657     (865,934     (1,037,008
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

   (Won) 86,026      (Won) 263,978      (Won) 425,712   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The changes in the defined benefit obligations for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2010     2011  

Beginning

   (Won) 1,235,683      (Won) 1,129,912   

Current service cost

     145,119        174,089   

Interest expense

     68,140        53,257   

Past service cost

     (38,416     26   

Benefit paid

     (53,230     (81,284

Costs on settlements

     29,966          

Changes due to settlements of plan

     (429,751       

Actuarial losses

     174,499        144,856   

Changes in scope of Consolidation

     (2,098     41,864   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending

   (Won) 1,129,912      (Won) 1,462,720   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2010     2011  

Beginning

   (Won) 1,149,657      (Won) 865,934   

Expected return on plan assets

     64,047        41,146   

Employer contributions

     9,772        131,421   

Plan participants’ contributions

     689        18,571   

Benefits paid

     (31,927     (44,396

Changes due to settlements of plan

     (313,872       

Changes in scope of Consolidation

     (2,217     22,190   

Actuarial gains (losses)

     (10,215     2,142   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending

   (Won) 865,934      (Won) 1,037,008   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in the statement of income for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2010     2011  

Current service cost

   (Won) 145,119      (Won) 174,089   

Interest cost

     68,140        53,257   

Expected return on plan assets

     (64,047     (41,146

Past service cost

     (38,416     26   

Costs on settlements

     29,966          

Transfer out

     (8,609     (4,054
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

   (Won) 132,153      (Won) 182,172   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Principal actuarial assumptions used are as follows:

 

     

1.1.2010

  

12.31.2010

  

12.31.2011

Discount rate

   5.07% ~ 5.90%    4.00% ~ 5.70%    4.00% ~ 4.80%

Expected rate of return

   3.00% ~ 6.60%    3.30% ~ 5.80%    4.10% ~ 5.80%

Future salary increase

   1.50% ~ 6.00%    2.00% ~ 6.90%    2.00% ~ 9.30%

Details of plan assets as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010      12.31.2010      12.31.2011  

Pension deposit

   (Won)       (Won)       (Won) 1,009,754   

Severance insurance deposits

     1,149,657         865,934         27,254   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 1,149,657       (Won) 865,934       (Won) 1,037,008   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Actual return on plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   12.31.2010      12.31.2011  

Actual return on plan assets

   (Won) 53,832       (Won) 43,288   

Details of adjustments for the differences between initial assumptions and actual figures as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Present value of the defined benefit obligations

   (Won) 1,235,683      (Won) 1,129,912      (Won) 1,462,720   

Fair value of plan assets

     (1,149,657     (865,934     (1,037,008

Deficit in the plan

     86,026        263,978        425,712   

Experience adjustments on defined benefit liabilities

            (60,691     (2,900

Experience adjustments on plan assets

            (10,215     2,142   

20.    Commitments and Contingencies

As of December 31, 2011, major commitments with local financial institutions are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won

and thousands of foreign currencies)

  

Financial institution

   Currency      Limit      Used
amount
 

Bank overdraft

   Kookmin Bank and others      KRW         1,659,000           

Commercial papers factoring

   Korea Exchange Bank      KRW         277,000           

Loan on information and communications fund

   Shinhan Bank and others      KRW         39,138         21,924   

Collateralized loan on accounts receivable-trade

   Kookmin Bank and others      KRW         618,000         91,384   

Collection for foreign currency denominated checks

   Korea Exchange Bank      USD         1,000           

Plus electronic bill

   Industrial Bank of Korea      KRW         50,000           

Comprehensive credit line

   Korea Exchange Bank      KRW         5,000           

Others

   Kookmin Bank and others      KRW         130,000         2,000   
        USD         83,500         14,439   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

        KRW         2,778,138         115,308   
        USD         84,500         14,439   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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As of December 31, 2011, guarantees received from financial institutions are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won

and thousands of foreign currencies)

  

Financial institution

   Currency     Limit      Used
amount
 

Performance guarantee for construction

   Seoul Guarantee Insurance      KRW        36,498           

Performance guarantee

   Export-Import Bank of Korea      USD        3,835         3,835   
        SAR  1      735         735   
        DZD  2      25,863         25,863   
   Seoul Guarantee Insurance      KRW        12,861           
   Korea Software Financial Cooperative      KRW        184,094         184,094   

Bid guarantee

   Korea Software Financial Cooperative      KRW        10,202         10,202   

Advances received guarantee

   Export-Import Bank of Korea      USD        2,925         2,925   
        DZD        77,589         77,589   

Prepayment guarantee

   Korea Software Financial Cooperative      KRW        116,895         116,895   

Warranties guarantee

   Export-Import Bank of Korea      USD        971         971   
   Korea Software Financial Cooperative      KRW        22,260         22,260   

Currency guarantee

   Korea exchange Bank      KRW        23,600         1,930   
   Woori Bank      KRW        50,000         3,887   
   Shinhan Bank      KRW        44,550         26,100   
   Korea Software Financial Cooperative      KRW        5,770         5,770   
   Export-Import Bank of Korea      KRW        8,369           

Foreign currency guarantee

   Kookmin Bank      USD        6,866         4,039   
   Shinhan Bank      USD        9,877         867   
   Korea exchange Bank      USD        45,000         41,255   
   HSBC      USD        40,000         40,000   

Guarantee deposit

   Seoul Guarantee Insurance      KRW        31,013           

Guarantee for import letters of credit

   Korea Exchange Bank      USD        5,000           
       

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

        KRW        546,112         371,138   
        USD        114,474         93,892   
        SAR        735         735   
        DZD        103,452         103,452   
       

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1

Saudi Riyal.

 

2 

Algerian Dinar.

Details of collaterals that KT Capital Co.,Ltd., a subsidiary of KT Corporation, is provided with by third parties as of December 31, 2011, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

 

Details

 

Amounts

Credits

  Movables, real-estate, financial collateral   (Won)984,078

As of December 31, 2011, guarantees provided by the Company for a third party, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

  

Creditor

   Limit  

Eun-haeng 1-area urban environment Improving project union

   Kookmin Bank    (Won) 2,600   

Yeongdeungpo apartment-type factory People who have the right of ownership

   Woori Bank      13,000   

Samsung Engineering Co.and others

   Seoul Guarantee Insurance      911   

Other Project Financing 1

   Kookmin Bank and others      41,769   

 

1 

As of December 31, 2011, guarantee liabilities of (Won) 2,839million (2010.12.31: (Won) 2,919 million) in relation to guarantees for PF loan are recorded as ‘other financial liabilities’ in the statement of financial position.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company is a defendant in 142 lawsuits, with an aggregate amount of (Won) 37,065million. As of December 31, 2011, litigation provisions of (Won) 28,915 million for various pending lawsuits and unasserted claims are recorded as liabilities for potential loss in the ordinary course of business. The final outcome of these cases cannot yet be predicted.

 

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According to the financial and other covenants included in certain bonds and borrowings, the Company is required to maintain certain financial ratios such as debt/equity ratio, use the funds for the designated purpose and report to the creditors periodically. The covenant also contains restriction on provision of additional collaterals and disposal of certain assets. As of December 31, 2011, the Company is compliance with the related covenants.

21.    Lease

The Company’s non-cancellable lease arrangements are as follows:

The Company as the Lessee

Finance Lease

Details of finance lease assets as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Acquisition costs

   (Won) 35,233      (Won) 137,182      (Won) 166,181   

Accumulated depreciation

     (30,382     (83,348     (67,250
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance

   (Won) 4,851      (Won) 53,834        98,931   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The related depreciation amounted to (Won) 26,024 million (2010: (Won) 28,319 million) for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Details of future minimum lease payments as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, under finance lease contracts are summarized below:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010      12.31.2010      12.31.2011  

Type

   Minimum lease
payments
     Present
Values
     Minimum lease
payments
     Present
Values
     Minimum lease
payments
     Present
Values
 

Within one year

   (Won) 6,519       (Won) 6,224       (Won) 46,144       (Won) 33,089       (Won) 66,635       (Won) 46,155   

From one year to five years

     1,348         1,329         74,118         60,767         116,627         90,042   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 7,867       (Won) 7,553       (Won) 120,262       (Won) 93,856       (Won) 183,262       (Won) 136,197   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating Lease

Details of future minimum lease payments as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, under operating lease contracts are summarized below:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010      12.31.2010      12.31.2011  

Within one year

   (Won) 19,923       (Won) 23,971       (Won) 52,053   

From one year to five years

     7,734         17,915         158,560   

Thereafter

                     217,115   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 27,657       (Won) 41,886       (Won) 427,728   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating lease expenses incurred for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, amounted to (Won) 23,680 million and (Won) 41,499 million, respectively.

The Company as the Lessor

 

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Finance Lease

Details of finance lease assets as of January 1, 2010, is as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Minimum
lease
payments
     Unguaranteed
residual value
     Gross
investment in
the lease
     Unaccrued
interest
    Net
investment
in the lease
 

Within one year

   (Won) 228,346       (Won) 114       (Won) 228,460       (Won) (25,466   (Won) 202,994   

From one year to five years

     358,948         5,802         364,750         (39,774     324,976   

Thereafter

     8,667                 8,667         (413     8,254   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 595,961       (Won) 5,916       (Won) 601,877       (Won) (65,653   (Won) 536,224   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Details of finance lease assets as of December 31, 2010, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Minimum
lease
payments
     Unguaranteed
residual value
     Gross
investment in
the lease
     Unaccrued
interest
    Net
investment
in the lease
 

Within one year

   (Won) 240,988       (Won)       (Won) 240,988       (Won) (41,293   (Won) 199,695   

From one year to five years

     480,037                 480,037         (74,407     405,630   

Thereafter

     10,248                 10,248         (1,577     8,671   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 731,273       (Won)       (Won) 731,273       (Won) (117,277   (Won) 613,996   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Details of finance lease assets as of December 31, 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Minimum
lease
payments
     Unguaranteed
residual value
     Gross
investment in
the lease
     Unaccrued
interest
    Net
investment
in the lease
 

Within one year

   (Won) 290,511       (Won)       (Won) 290,511       (Won) (39,066   (Won) 251,445   

From one year to five years

     514,243                 514,243         (42,951     471,292   

Thereafter

     25,960                 25,960         (3,171     22,789   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 830,714       (Won)       (Won) 830,714       (Won) (85,188   (Won) 745,526   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Details of bad debts allowance for finance lease receivables as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Within one year

   (Won) (4,007   (Won) (4,924   (Won) (2,742

Over five years

     (1,306              

Thereafter

     (8,146     (11,733     (6,124
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) (13,459   (Won) (16,657   (Won) (8,866
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Lease

Details of operating lease assets as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Acquisition costs

   (Won) 228,286      (Won) 22,761      (Won) 24,866   

Accumulated depreciation

     (116,068     (11,075     (6,614
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance

   (Won) 112,218      (Won) 11,686      (Won) 18,252   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Details of future minimum lease payments as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, under operating lease contracts are summarized below:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010      12.31.2010      12.31.2011  

Within one year

   (Won) 7,339       (Won) 5,226       (Won) 7,381   

From one year to five years

     3,615         2,203         7,153   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 10,954       (Won) 7,429       (Won) 14,534   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

22.    Capital Stock

As of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, the Company’s number of authorized shares is one billion.

 

    1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  
    Number of
issued
shares
    Par value
per share
(Korean
won)
    Common
stock
(in millions
of Korean
won)
    Number of
outstanding
shares
    Par value
per share
(Korean
won)
    Common
stock

(in millions
of Korean
won)
    Number of
outstanding
shares
    Par value
per share
(Korean
won)
    Common
stock
(in millions
of Korean
won)
 

Common stock 1

    261,111,808      (Won) 5,000      (Won) 1,564,499        261,111,808      (Won) 5,000      (Won) 1,564,499        261,111,808      (Won) 5,000      (Won) 1,564,499   

 

1 

The Company retired 51,787,959 treasury shares against retained earnings. Therefore, the common stock amount differs from the amount resulting from multiplying the number of shares issued by (Won)5,000 par value per share of common stock.

23.    Retained Earnings

Details of retained earnings as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010      12.31.2010      12.31.2011  

Legal reserve 1

   (Won) 780,499       (Won) 780,499       (Won) 782,249   

Voluntary reserves

     4,758,012         4,651,362         4,911,362   

Unappropriated retained earnings

     4,154,526         4,034,307         4,526,022   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 9,693,037       (Won) 9,466,168       (Won) 10,219,633   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 

The Commercial Code of the Republic of Korea requires the Company to appropriate, as a legal reserve, an amount equal to a minimum of 10% of cash dividends paid until such reserve equals 50% of its issued capital stock. The reserve is not available for the payment of cash dividends, but may be transferred to capital stock with the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors or used to reduce accumulated deficit, if any, with the ratification of the Company’s majority shareholders.

24.    Other Components of Equity

As of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, the Company’s other components of equity are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Treasury stock

   (Won) (956,159   (Won) (955,083   (Won) (953,608

Loss on disposal of treasury stock

     (890,650     (295       

Share-based payments

     3,619        7,669        7,455   

Others 1

     (310,957     (310,584     (551,136
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) (2,154,147   (Won) (1,258,293   (Won) (1,497,289
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 

Gain (loss) from transactions with non-controlling shareholders and changes in interest in subsidiaries are included.

 

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As of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, the details of treasury stock are as follows:

 

     1.1.2010      12.31.2010      12.31.2011  

Number of shares

     17,915,340         17,895,964         17,897,147   

Amounts (In millions of Korean won)

   (Won) 965,159       (Won) 955,083       (Won) 953,608   

Treasury stock is expected to be used for the stock compensation for the Company’s directors and employees and other purposes.

25.    Share-Based Payments

The controlling Company’s share-based compensation programs include the employee stock options and stock grants. The Company measures and recognizes compensation cost for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including grants of employee stock options and employee stock grants.

The fair value of awards granted that are expected to ultimately vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods. The number of options expected to vest equals the total options granted less an estimation of the number of forfeitures expected to occur prior to vesting. The forfeiture rate is calculated based on historical data and is adjusted if actual forfeitures differ significantly from the original estimates. The effect of any change in estimated forfeitures would be recognized through a cumulative adjustment that would be included in compensation cost in the period of the change in estimate.

Stock Options

The Company has granted stock options to its executive officers and directors as of December 31, 2011, in accordance with the stock option plan approved by its board of directors, details of which are as follows:

 

      4th grant    KTF-4th 1

Grant date

   2005.2.4    2005.3.4

Grantee

   Former executives    Executives and
former outside directors

Number of basic allocated shares upon grant

   50,800 shares    92,637 shares

Number of additional shares related to business performance upon grant

   20,000 shares   

Number of shares expected to be exercised upon grant

   60,792 shares    92,637 shares

Number of settled or forfeited shares

   10,800 shares    46,888 shares

Number of expired shares as of December 31, 2011

     

Number of basic allocated shares as of December 31, 2011

   40,000 shares    45,749 shares

Number of additional shares related to business performance as of December 31, 2011

   3,153 shares   

Number of shares expected to be exercised

   43,153 shares    45,749 shares

Fair value per share (in Korean won)

   (Won)12,322    (Won)4,328

Total compensation cost (in millions of Korean won)

   (Won) 531million    (Won) 343 million

Exercise price per share (in Korean won)

   (Won)54,600    (Won)42,684

Exercise period

   2007.2.5~2012.2.4    2007.3.5~2012.3.4

Valuation method

   Fair value method    Fair value method

 

1 The stock options granted to the directors, officers or employees of KTF prior to the merger were converted into stock options on June 1, 2009, granting the rights to purchase the stock of KT based on the merger ratio.

 

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Upon exercise, the controlling Company can elect one of the following settlement methods: issuance of new shares, issuance of treasury stock or cash settlement, subject to certain circumstances. The changes of the number of stock options and a weighted-average exercise prices, as of December 31, 2010 and 2011 are as follows:

 

     2010  

(in Korean won)

   Beginning      Expired      Exercised 1      Ending      Number of shares
exercisable
 

2nd grant

     3,000         3,000                           

4th grant

     43,153                         43,153         43,153   

KTF-2nd

     20,570         20,570                           

KTF-3rd

     219,909         35,811         184,098                   

KTF-4th

     79,200                 33,451         45,749         45,749   

Total

     365,832         59,381         217,549         88,902         88,902   

Weighted-average exercise prices

     44,754         49,794         41,861         48,468      
     2011  

(in Korean won)

   Beginning      Expired      Exercised 1      Ending      Number of shares
exercisable
 

4th grant

     43,153                         43,153         43,153   

KTF-4th

     45,749                         45,749         45,749   

Total

     88,902                         88,902         88,902   

Weighted-average exercise prices

     48,468                         48,468      

 

1 Weighted—average price of the common stock at the time of exercise.

The controlling Company adopted the fair value method to measure compensation costs based on the various valuation assumptions and methods, which are as follows:

 

     4th grant     KTF-4th 1  

Risk-free interest rate

     4.43     2.78

Expected duration(year)

     4.5 ~ 5.5        1.5   

Expected volatility

     33.41%~42.13     35.03

Expected dividend yield ratio

     5.86     3.54

 

1 The compensation costs for the stock options granted to the directors, officers or employees of KTF were recalculated considering risk-free rate, expected duration and others on the date of the merger.

Other share-based compensation

The Company provided stock grants subject to both the service period and business performance goals.

The fair value of each stock grant awarded was estimated on the date of grant for performance based grants assuming that performance goals will be achieved. The expected term for grants is generally one year. The stock grants are settled with the new shares issued or treasury stock owned by the Company upon vesting. The fair value is based on the market price of the Company’s stock on the grant date. Compensation cost is recognized over the requisite vesting period and adjusted for actual forfeitures before vesting.

 

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The details of stocks grants as of December 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

    

5th grant

Grant date

   4.29.2011

Grantee

   CEOs, inside directors, outside directors, executives

Estimated number of shares granted at grant date

   185,338 shares

Estimated number of shares granted as of December 31, 2011

   185,338 shares

Vesting conditions

  

Service condition: 1 year

Non-market performance condition: achievement of performance

Fair value per option (in Korean won)

   (Won) 38,500

Total compensation costs (in Korean won)

   (Won) 7,136 million

Estimated exercise date (exercise date)

   During 2012

Valuation method

   Fair value method

Changes of the number of other share-based payments, as of December 31, 2010 and 2011 are as follows:

 

     2010  
     Beginning      Grant      Expired      Exercised 1      Ending      Number of
shares
exercisable
 

2nd grant

     13,345                 13,345                           

3rd grant

     29,055                         29,055                   

4th grant

             142,436                         142,436           

KTF-2nd

     11,790                 11,790                           

Total

     54,190         142,436         25,135         29,055         142,436           

 

     2011  
     Beginning      Grant      Expired      Exercised 1      Ending      Number of
shares
exercisable
 

4th grant

     142,436                 11,924         130,512                   

5th grant

             185,338                         185,338           

Total

     142,436         185,338         11,924         130,512         185,338           

 

1 The weighted average price of common stock at the time of exercise during 2011 was (Won)38,500(2010: (Won)47,700).

26.    Operating Revenues

Operating revenues for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2010      2011  

Sale of goods

   (Won) 3,899,128       (Won) 4,378,852   

Sales of services

     16,110,222         16,831,158   

Others 1

     316,925         780,041   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating revenues

   (Won) 20,326,275       (Won) 21,990,051   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 In December 2011, the Company sold its certain land and buildings with carrying value of (Won)171,989 million for a total purchase price of (Won)470,347 million. The land and buildings were sold and the related properties leased back from K-Realty CR-REIT, which is an equity investee of the Company. As a result of this transaction, the Company recognized other operating revenue of (Won)298,358 million and the lease contracts with K-REALTY CR-REIT are accounted for as operating lease (Note 21).

 

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27.    Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2010     2011  

Salaries and wages

   (Won) 2,623,098      (Won) 2,856,020   

Depreciation

     2,864,356        2,646,503   

Amortization of intangible assets

     244,087        312,979   

Commissions

     1,291,873        1,449,446   

Interconnection charges

     1,225,581        1,115,792   

Purchase of handsets

     3,984,934        4,249,972   

Changes of inventories

     (54,761     (35,890

Sales commission

     1,910,415        1,866,331   

Utilities

     250,347        262,930   

Taxes and Dues

     230,424        219,352   

Rent

     284,257        324,324   

Advertising expenses

     181,644        184,544   

Research and development expenses

     305,658        175,917   

Others

     2,976,491        4,388,110   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 18,318,404      (Won) 20,016,330   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Details of salaries and wages for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011 are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2010      2011  

Short-term employee benefits

   (Won) 2,458,527       (Won) 2,601,675   

Post-employment benefits

     132,153         202,862   

Share-based payment (Note 25)

     6,794         6,726   

Termination benefits

     25,624         44,757   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 2,623,098       (Won) 2,856,020   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

28.    Classification of Operating Income

The Company’s operating income is calculated by deducting operating expenses such as salaries and amortization cost and others, from operating revenue which includes sales of services and others. Major items and related amounts included in operating revenue and expenses are described in Notes 26 and 27.

29.    Financial Income and Expenses

Details of financial income for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2010      2011  

Interest income

   (Won) 97,440       (Won) 151,288   

Foreign currency transaction gain

     21,963         44,217   

Foreign currency translation gain

     64,983         6,097   

Gain on settlement of derivatives

     197         389   

Gain on valuation of derivatives

     54,299         63,959   

Others

     497         1,469   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 239,379       (Won) 267,419   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Details of financial expenses for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2010      2011  

Interest expenses

   (Won) 489,925       (Won) 481,415   

Foreign currency transaction loss

     25,153         34,862   

Foreign currency translation loss

     31,644         85,274   

Loss on settlement of derivatives

     1,595         27,055   

Loss on valuation of derivatives

     47,496         9,192   

Others

     2,850         2,418   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 598,663       (Won) 640,216   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

30.    Deferred Income Tax and Income Tax Expense

The analysis of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Deferred tax assets

      

Deferred tax assets to be recovered after more than 12 months

   (Won) 253,806      (Won) 273,371      (Won) 237,586   

Deferred tax assets to be recovered within 12 months

     696,865        592,330        787,314   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   (Won) 950,671      (Won) 865,701      (Won) 1,024,900   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities

      

Deferred tax liability to be recovered after more than 12 months

     (6,040     (961     (846

Deferred tax liability to be recovered within 12 months

     (376,095     (303,860     (618,635
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   (Won) (382,135   (Won) (304,821   (Won) (619,481
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets (liabilities), net

   (Won) 568,536      (Won) 560,880      (Won) 405,419   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The gross movements on the deferred income tax account for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are calculated as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2010     2011  

Beginning

   (Won) 568,536      (Won) 560,880   

Charged/(credited) to the income statement

     (53,014     (142,012

Charged/(credited) to other comprehensive income

     48,358        36,233   

Changes in scope of consolidation

     (3,000     (49,682
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending

   (Won) 560,880      (Won) 405,419   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The movement in deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the year, without taking into consideration the offsetting of balances within the same tax jurisdiction, is as follows:

 

      2010  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Beginning     Income
statement
    Other
comprehensive
income
    Changes in
scope of
consolidation
    Ending  

Deferred tax liabilities

          

Derivative financial assets

   (Won) (39,273   (Won) (1,759   (Won) 10,178      (Won)      (Won) (30,854

Investment in joint venture and associates

     (48,596     1,406        195               (46,995

Depreciation

     (39,642     33,413                      (6,229

Deposits for severance benefits

     (244,854     54,861                      (189,993

Accrued income

     (1,551     849                      (702

Others

     (5,625     (24,423                   (30,048
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

   (Won) (379,541   (Won) 64,347      (Won) 10,373      (Won)      (Won) (304,821
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets

          

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   (Won) 115,151      (Won) 12,889      (Won)      (Won)      (Won) 128,040   

Inventory valuation

     10,494        (9,814                   680   

Available-for-sale financial assets

     12,147        892        (52            12,987   

Contribution to construction

     39,296        (8,108                   31,188   

Accrued expenses

     30,176        (1,687                   28,489   

Provisions

     12,051        6,198                      18,249   

Defined benefit liabilities

     194,921        (72,790     38,433               160,564   

Withholdings for facilities expenses

     9,609        (326                   9,283   

Accrued payroll expenses

     37,410        12,345                      49,755   

Deduction of installment receivables

     34,603        37,568                      72,171   

Present value discount

     8,922        15,045                      23,967   

Assets retirement obligation

     13,657        1,628                      15,285   

Gain or loss foreign currency translation

     86,843        (5,732                   81,111   

Deferred revenue

     59,560        (5,748                   53,812   

Real-estate sales

     48,327        (45,387                   2,940   

Tax credit carryforwards

     169,615        (80,229                   89,386   

Others

     65,295        25,895        (396     (3,000     87,794   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

   (Won) 948,077      (Won) (117,361   (Won) 37,985      (Won) (3,000   (Won) 865,701   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance

   (Won) 568,536      (Won) (53,014   (Won) 48,358      (Won) (3,000   (Won) 560,880   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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      2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Beginning     Income
statement
    Other
comprehensive
income
    Changes in
scope of
consolidation
    Ending  

Deferred tax liabilities

          

Derivative financial assets

   (Won) (30,854   (Won) (6,178   (Won) (829   (Won)      (Won) (37,861

Available-for-sale financial assets

     12,987        (27,472     (648     2,188        (12,945

Investment in joint venture and associates

     (46,995     46,083        1,076        (364     (200

Depreciation

     (6,229     (73,284            (2,995     (82,508

Deposits for severance benefits

     (189,993     (83,396     502        1,654        (271,233

Accrued income

     (702     (1,105            (29     (1,836

Reserve for technology and human resource development

            (63,491                   (63,491

Others

     (30,048     (60,717            (58,642     (149,407
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

   (Won) (291,834   (Won) (269,560   (Won) 101      (Won) (58,188   (Won) (619,481
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets

          

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

   (Won) 128,040      (Won) (20,556   (Won) 106      (Won) 4,613      (Won) 112,203   

Inventory valuation

     680        (508            422        594   

Contribution for construction

     31,188        (1,887                   29,301   

Accrued expenses

     28,489        (4,405            (1     24,083   

Provisions

     18,249        36,248               741        55,238   

Defined benefit liabilities

     160,564        58,518        37,418        748        257,248   

Withholding of facilities expenses

     9,283        106                      9,389   

Accrued payroll expenses

     49,755        (21,085                   28,670   

Deduction of installment receivables

     72,171        6,709                      78,880   

Present value discount

     23,967        10,208               1        34,176   

Assets retirement obligation

     15,285        998                      16,283   

Gain or loss foreign currency translation

     81,111        16,524               (3     97,632   

Deferred revenue

     53,812        (2,629                   51,183   

Real-estate sales

     2,940        3,516                      6,456   

Tax credit carryforwards

     89,386        (8,532                   80,854   

Others

     87,794        54,323        (1,392     1,985        142,710   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

   (Won) 852,714      (Won) 127,548      (Won) 36,132      (Won) 8,506      (Won) 1,024,900   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance

   (Won) 560,880      (Won) (142,012   (Won) 36,233      (Won) (49,682   (Won) 405,419   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The tax impacts directly to equity as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

    1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

(in millions of

Korean won)

  Before
recognition
    Tax
effect
    After
recognition
    Before
recognition
    Tax
effect
    After
recognition
    Before
recognition
    Tax
effect
    After
recognition
 

Available-for-sale valuation gain (loss)

  (Won) 8,651      (Won) (1,907   (Won) 6,744      (Won) 10,874      (Won) (2,392   (Won) 8,482      (Won) 85,974      (Won) (18,034   (Won) 67,940   

Hedge instruments valuation gain (loss)

    (23,559     280        (23,279     (59,142     710        (58,432     (30,629     368        (30,261

Actuarial gain (loss)

                         (188,113     41,385        (146,728     (326,658     71,865        (254,793

Shares of other comprehensive gain (loss) of joint ventures and associates

    503        (111     392        3,553        (782     2,771        (2,458     541        (1,917

Shares of actuarial gain (loss) of Joint ventures and associates

                         (305     67        (238     (2,764     608        (2,156

Others

    (318,483     47        (318,436     (318,898     81        (318,817     (317,577     157        (317,420
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won) (332,888   (Won) (1,691   (Won) (334,579   (Won) (552,031   (Won) 39,069      (Won) (512,962   (Won) (594,112   (Won) 55,505      (Won) (538,607
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Details of income tax expenses for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011 are calculated as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2010      2011  

Current income tax expenses

     352,471         229,861   

Impact of change in temporary difference

     53,014         160,126   

Impact of change in tax rate 1

             (18,114
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total income tax expense

   (Won) 405,485       (Won) 371,873   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax expense from continued operations

     396,369         316,735   

Income tax expense for discontinued operations

     9,116         55,138   

 

1 

During the year, as a result of the change in the Korean corporation tax rate from 22% to 24.2% that was enacted on December 31, 2011, the relevant deferred tax balances have been re-measured. Deferred tax expected to be realized in the year to December 31, 2011, has been measured using the effective rate 24.2% applicable for the period.

The tax on the Company’s profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the weighted average tax rate applicable to profits of the consolidated entities as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2010     2011  

Profit before continuing operations before income tax expenses

   (Won) 1,681,273      (Won) 1,597,886   

Expected tax expense at statutory tax rate

     406,868        386,688   

Tax effects of

    

Income not subject to tax

     (6,199     (394,462

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

     36,466        396,673   

Tax credit carry forwards and deductions

     (87,666     (169,057

Changes in unrealizable deferred tax assets

     957        10,188   

Deferred tax effects due to changes in tax rates and others

     25,362        85,146   

Others

     20,581        1,559   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expenses for continuing operations

   (Won) 396,369      (Won) 316,735   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average effective tax rate

     23.6     19.8

31.    Earnings Per Share

Calculation of earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

1) Basic earnings per share from continuing operations

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations is calculated by dividing the profit from continuing operations attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of common stocks outstanding during the period, excluding common stocks purchased by the Company and held as treasury stock (Note 24).

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are calculated as follows:

 

     2010      2011  

Profit from continuing operations attributable to common stock
(in millions of Korean won)

   (Won) 1,273,191       (Won) 1,276,512   

Weighted average number of common stock outstanding

     243,207,149         243,268,052   

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
(in Korean won)

   (Won) 5,235       (Won) 5,247   

 

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2) Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations

Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations is calculated by dividing the profit from discontinued operations attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of common stocks outstanding during the period, excluding common stocks purchased by the Company and held as treasury stock (Note 24).

Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are calculated as follows:

 

      2010      2011  

Profit from discontinued operations attributable to common stock
(in millions of Korean won)

   (Won) 22,650       (Won) 170,039   

Weighted average number of common stock outstanding

     243,207,149         243,268,052   

Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations
(in Korean won)

   (Won) 93       (Won) 699   

3) Basic earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of common stocks outstanding during the year, excluding common stocks purchased by the Company and held as treasury stock (Note 24).

Basic earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are calculated as follows:

 

     2010      2011  

Net income attributable to common stock
(in millions of Korean won)

   (Won) 1,295,841       (Won) 1,446,551   

Weighted average number of common stock outstanding

     243,207,149         243,268,052   

Basic earnings per share
(in Korean won)

   (Won) 5,328       (Won) 5,946   

4) Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of common stocks outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential common stocks. The Company has dilutive potential common stocks from stock options.

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are calculated as follows:

 

     2010      2011  

Profit from continuing operations attributable to common stock
(in millions of Korean won)

   (Won) 1,273,191       (Won) 1,276,512   

Adjusted Profit from continuing operations attributable to common stock
(in millions of Korean won)

     1,273,191         1,276,512   

Number of dilutive potential common shares outstanding

     18,081         32,960   

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and dilutive common shares

     243,225,230         243,301,012   

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
(in Korean won)

   (Won) 5,235       (Won) 5,247   

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations is calculated by dividing adjusted profit from continuing operations attributable to equity holders of the Company by the sum of the number of common stocks and dilutive potential common stocks. Certain stock options and other share-based payments have no dilutive effect and are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share from continuing operations.

 

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5) Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations

Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of common stocks outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential common stocks. The Company has dilutive potential common stocks from stock options.

Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are calculated as follows:

 

      2010      2011  

Profit from discontinued operations attributable to common stock (in millions of Korean won)

   (Won) 22,650       (Won) 170,039   

Adjusted profit from discontinued operations attributable to common stock (in millions of Korean won)

     22,650         170,039   

Number of dilutive potential common shares outstanding

     18,081         32,960   

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and dilutive common shares

     243,225,230         243,301,012   

Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations (in Korean won)

   (Won) 93       (Won) 699   

Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations is calculated by dividing adjusted profit from discontinued operations attributable to equity holders of the Company by the sum of the number of common stocks and dilutive potential common stocks. Certain stock options and other share-based payments have no dilutive effect and are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations.

6) Diluted earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of common stocks outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential common stocks. The Company has dilutive potential common stocks from stock options.

Diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are calculated as follows:

 

      2010      2011  

Net income attributable to common stock (in millions of Korean won)

   (Won) 1,295,841       (Won) 1,446,551   

Adjusted net income attributable to common stock (in millions of Korean won)

     1,295,841         1,446,551   

Number of dilutive potential common shares outstanding

     18,081         32,960   

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and dilutive common shares

     243,225,230         243,301,012   

Diluted earnings per share (in Korean won)

   (Won) 5,328       (Won) 5,946   

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing adjusted net income attributable to equity holders of the Company by the sum of the number of common stocks and dilutive potential common stocks. Certain stock options and other share-based payments have no dilutive effect and are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

32.    Dividends

The dividends paid by the Controlling Company in 2011 and 2010 were (Won)586,150 million ((Won)2,410 per share) and (Won)486,393 million ((Won)2,000 per share), respectively. A dividend in respect of the year ended December 31, 2011, of (Won)2,000 per share, amounting to a total dividend of (Won)486,602 million, was approved at the shareholders’ meeting on March 16, 2012. These consolidated financial statements do not reflect this dividend payable.

 

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33.    Cash Generated from Operations

Cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011 are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2010     2011  

1. Profit for the period

   (Won) 1,314,884      (Won) 1,452,019   

2. Adjustments to reconcile net income

    

Income tax expenses

     396,369        316,735   

Interest income 1

     (257,483     (325,028

Interest expense 1

     585,462        588,366   

Depreciation

     2,972,503        2,671,858   

Amortization of intangible assets

     266,299        319,875   

Provision for severance benefits

     160,095        250,576   

Bad debt expenses

     204,009        168,096   

Income or losses from jointly controlled entities and associates 2

     (33,182     473   

Gain or loss on disposal of jointly controlled entities and associates

     (16,727     (190,631

Impairment on jointly controlled entities and associates

            5,107   

Impairment on property and equipment

     10,464        18,594   

Gain or loss on disposal of property and equipment

     62,425        (226,571

Contribution of provisions

     58,253        59,116   

Reversal of provisions

     (12,909     (4,963

Foreign currency translation gain (loss)

     (33,339     79,189   

Gain or loss on valuation of derivatives

     (5,405     (28,101

Others

     (83,628     (282,083

3. Changes in operating assets and liabilities

    

Increase in trade receivables

     (1,033,307     (1,412,493

Decrease in other receivables

     208        879,746   

Increase in loans receivable

     (285,207     (152,497

Increase in finance lease receivables

     (156,863     (183,669

Increase in other assets

     (167,179     (79,175

Decrease in inventories

     55,954        32,113   

Increase in trade payables

     142,014        98,761   

Decrease in other payables

     (393,388     (1,077,806

Increase in other liabilities

     (3,034     62,579   

Decrease in provisions

     264,900        29,365   

Increase in deferred revenue

     219,629        196,507   

Increase in contribution on plan assets

     (3,848     (125,984

Payment of severance benefits

     (955,910     (235,037
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

4. Net cash provided by operating activities (1+2+3)

   (Won) 3,272,059      (Won) 2,905,037   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 Interest income of (Won)173,740 million (2010: (Won)160,043 million) recognized as operating revenues and interest expense (Won)106,951million (2010: (Won)95,537 million) recognized as operating expense are included.

 

2 Operating revenue of (Won)2,701 million (2010: (Won)622 million) and operating expenses of (Won)136 million (2010: (Won)126 million) from jointly controlled entities and associates are included.

Significant transactions not affecting cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2010      2011  

Reclassification of the current portion of bonds payable

   (Won) 1,920,773       (Won) 1,080,549   

Reclassification of construction-in-progress to property and equipment

     2,383,898         3,165,808   

 

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34.    Segment Information

The Company’s operating segments are as follows:

 

Details

  

Business service

Personal Customer Group ("Personal")

   Personal customers using PCS and Wibro

Home / Enterprise Customer Group (“Home” / “Enterprise”)

   Telephone, internet, data and others

Others

   Facilities, installment financing, and others

Details of each segment for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

     2010  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Operating
revenues
    Operating
income (loss)
    Depreciation
and Amortization
 

Personal

   (Won) 9,715,134      (Won) 902,014      (Won) 1,383,402   

Home/Enterprise

     10,193,591        1,091,903        1,655,961   

Others

     2,716,780        67,238        83,673   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

     22,625,505        2,061,155        3,123,036   

Elimination

     (2,299,230     (53,284     (14,593
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated amount

   (Won)  20,326,275      (Won) 2,007,871      (Won) 3,108,443   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Operating
revenues
    Operating
income (loss)
    Depreciation
and Amortization
 

Personal

   (Won) 10,026,309      (Won) 1,087,406      (Won) 1,177,272   

Home/Enterprise

     10,140,508        938,520        1,660,489   

Others

     4,696,234        106,485        129,139   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

     24,863,051        2,132,411        2,966,900   

Elimination

     (2,873,000     (158,690     (7,418
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated amount

   (Won) 21,990,051      (Won) 1,973,721      (Won) 2,959,482   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The geographic data information provided to the management for the geographic data for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   Operating revenues      Non-current assets1  
      2010      2011      1.1.2010      12.31.2010      12.31.2011  

Location

              

Domestic

   (Won) 20,287,117       (Won) 21,934,481       (Won) 16,172,144       (Won) 15,677,411       (Won) 17,325,954   

Overseas

     39,158         55,570         194,303         202,267         49,936   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 20,326,275       (Won) 21,990,051       (Won) 16,366,447       (Won) 15,879,678       (Won) 17,375,890   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1

Non-current assets include fixed assets, intangible assets (excluding goodwill) and investment property.

35.    Related Party Transactions

The list of subsidiaries of the Company as of December 31, 2011, is described in Note 1.2.

The related receivables and payables as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

     1.1.2010      12.31.2010      12.31.2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Receivables      Payables      Receivables      Payables      Receivables      Payables  

Associates

   (Won) 11,317       (Won) 194,461       (Won) 16,933       (Won) 335,610       (Won) 8,308       (Won) 372,457   

Joint Ventures

                     1,099         111,120         2,321         125,439   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 11,317       (Won) 194,461       (Won) 18,032       (Won) 446,730       (Won) 10,629       (Won) 497,896   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Significant transactions with related parties for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

     2010      2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Operating
revenue
     Operating
Expenses
     Operating
revenue
     Operating
Expenses
 

Associates

   (Won) 169,526       (Won) 923,592       (Won) 76,419       (Won) 870,681   

Joint Ventures

     23,684         55,139         13,531         55,787   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 193,210       (Won) 978,731       (Won) 89,950       (Won) 926,468   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Key management compensation for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, consists of:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2010      2011  

Salaries and other short-term benefits

   (Won) 3,011       (Won) 3,153   

Provision for severance benefits

     150         270   

Stock-based compensation

     2,147         1,990   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 5,308       (Won) 5,413   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

36.    Financial risk management

(1) Financial risk factors

The Company’s activities expose itself to a variety of financial risks such as changes in foreign exchange rates, interest rates and market prices arising from future commercial transactions and recognized assets and liabilities. The Company’s financial risk management is focused on controlling these risks in its operating and financing activities. The Company uses derivatives to hedge certain financial risk exposures such as fair value risk and cash flow risk.

The Company’s financial policy is set up in the long-term perspective and annually reported to the Board of Directors. The financial risk management is carried out by the Value Management Office, which identifies, evaluates and hedges financial risks. The treasury department in the Value Management Office considers various market conditions to estimate the effect from the market changes.

1) Market risk

The Company’s market risk management focuses on controlling the extent of exposure to the risk in order to minimize revenue volatility. Market risk is a risk that decreases value or profit of the Company’s portfolio due to changes in market interest rate, foreign exchange rate and other factors.

(i) Sensitivity analysis

Sensitivity analysis is performed for each type of market risk to which the Company is exposed. Reasonably possible changes in the relevant risk variable such as prevailing market interest rates, currency rates, equity prices or commodity prices are estimated and if the rate of change in the underlying risk variable is stable, the Company does not alter the chosen reasonably possible change in the risk variable. The reasonably possible change does not include remote or ‘worst case’ scenarios or ‘stress tests’.

(ii) Foreign exchange risk

The Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from operating, investing and financing activities. Foreign exchange risk is managed within the range of the possible effect on the Company’s cash flows. Foreign exchange risk unaffecting the Company’s cash flows is not hedged but can be hedged at a particular situation.

 

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As of December 31, 2010 and 2011, if the foreign exchange rate had strengthened/weakened by 10% with all other variables held constant, the effects on profit before income tax and shareholders’ equity would have been as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Fluctuation  of
foreign
exchange
rate
    Income
before
tax
    Shareholders’
equity
 

12.31.2010

     +10   (Won) (60,833   (Won) (45,933
     - 10     60,833        45,933   

12.31.2011

     +10     (57,174     (50,471
     - 10     57,174        50,471   

The above analysis is a simple sensitivity analysis which assumes that all the variables other than foreign exchange rates are held constant. Therefore, the analysis does not reflect any correlation between foreign exchange rates and other variables, nor the management’s decision to decrease the risk.

Details of foreign assets and liabilities of the Company as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in thousands of foreign currencies)

   1.1.2010      12.31.2010      12.31.2011  
   Financial
assets
     Financial
liabilities
     Financial
assets
     Financial
liabilities
     Financial
assets
     Financial
liabilities
 

USD

     226,385         2,365,536         201,620         2,421,054         209,742         2,299,644   

SDR

     15,225         8,566         5,721         4,256         1,160         744   

JPY

     79,202         19,550,183         970,586         19,913,770         1,080,392         35,446,361   

GBP

     10         51         6         131         7         108   

EUR

     276         118         632         1,317         1,239         3,357   

DZD

                     20,339                 18,714           

AUD

     13                                           

CNY

                     14,772         991         14,495         700   

RUR

                     1,412,479         238,975                   

UZS

                     16,679,037         59,788,523                   

IDR

                                     411,687         10,000   

KWD

             288                                   

(iii) Price risk

As of December 31, 2010 and 2011, the Company is exposed to equity securities price risk because the securities held by the Company are traded in active markets. If the market prices had increased/decreased by 10% with all other variables held constant, the effects on profit before income tax and shareholders’ equity would have been as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Fluctuation of
price
    Income before tax      Shareholders’
equity
 

12.31.2010

     +10   (Won)       (Won) 1,914   
     - 10             (1,914

12.31.2011

     +10   (Won)         4,375   
     - 10             (4,375

The analysis is based on the assumption that the equity index had increased/decreased by 10% with all other variables held constant and all the Company’s marketable equity instruments had moved according to the historical correlation with the index.

(iv) Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk

The Company’s interest rate risk arises from liabilities in foreign currency such as foreign currency bonds payable. Bonds payable in foreign currency issued at variable rates expose the

 

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Company to cash flow interest rate risk which is partially offset by swap transactions. Bonds payable and borrowings issued at fixed rates expose the Company to fair value interest rate risk. The Company sets the policy and operates to minimize the uncertainty of the changes in interest rates and financial costs.

As of December 31, 2010 and 2011, if the market interest rate had increased/decreased by 100bp with other variables held constant, the effects on profit before income tax and shareholders’ equity would be as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

  

Fluctuation of
interest rate

   Income before tax     Shareholders’ equity  

12.31.2010

   + 100 bp    (Won) (660   (Won) (3,618
   - 100 bp      (17,293     (14,603

12.31.2011

   + 100 bp      (1,488     (345
   - 100 bp      (13,108     (14,445

The above analysis is a simple sensitivity analysis which assumes that all the variables other than market interest rates are held constant. Therefore, the analysis does not reflect any correlation between market interest rates and other variables, nor the management’s decision to decrease the risk.

2) Credit risk

Credit risk is managed on the Company basis with the purpose of minimizing financial loss. Credit risk arises from the normal transactions and investing activities, where clients or other party fails to discharge an obligation on contract conditions. To manage credit risk, the Company considers the counterparty’s credit based on the counterparty’s financial conditions, default history and other important factors.

Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments and deposits with banks and financial institutions, as well as outstanding receivables. To minimize such risk, only the financial institutions with strong credit ratings are accepted.

As of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, maximum exposure to credit risk that are not considered of value of collateral held regarding financial instrument are as follows.

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010      12.31.2010      12.31.2011  

Cash equivalents (except cash on hand)

   (Won)  1,539,660       (Won) 1,152,995       (Won) 1,433,839   

Trade and other receivables

     4,515,007         5,318,713         7,882,329   

Loans receivable

     911,229         1,133,221         1,189,331   

Finance lease receivables

     522,765         597,339         736,660   

Other financial assets

        

Derivate financial assets

     308,324         250,630         164,434   

Financial instrument

     370,262         116,269         289,628   

Available-for-sale financial assets

     3,151         1,565         25,829   

Held-to-maturity financial assets

     82         7         7   

Financial guarantee contracts 1

     9,469         37,923         57,369   

Performance guarantee contracts 1

             312         910   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 8,179,949       (Won) 8,608,974       (Won) 11,780,336   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 Total amounts guaranteed by the Company according to the guarantee contracts

3) Liquidity risk

The Company manages its liquidity risk by liquidity strategy and plans. The Company considers the maturity of financial assets and financial liabilities and the estimated cash flows from operations.

 

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The table below analyses the Company’s liabilities into relevant maturity groups based on the remaining period at the date of the end of each reporting period to the contractual maturity date. These amounts are contractual undiscounted cash flows.

 

     12.31.2010  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Less than 1 year      1-5 years      More than 5 years      Total  

Trade and other payables

   (Won) 5,436,441       (Won) 483,379       (Won) 27,179       (Won) 5,946,999   

Finance lease payables

     46,144         74,188                 120,332   

Borrowings

     3,200,317         6,746,895         1,152,118         11,099,330   

Other non-derivative financial liabilities1

     4,183         12,071         4,719         20,973   

Financial guarantee contracts 1

     37,923                         37,923   

Obligation guarantee contracts 1

     312                         312   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 8,725,320       (Won) 7,316,533       (Won) 1,184,016       (Won) 17,225,869   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

      12.31.2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Less than 1 year      1-5 years      More than 5 years      Total  

Trade and other payables

   (Won) 5,708,878       (Won) 618,231       (Won) 21,771       (Won) 6,348,880   

Finance lease payables

     66,635         116,627                 183,262   

Borrowings

     2,546,855         8,144,611         2,139,458         12,830,924   

Other non-derivative financial liabilities 1

             331,170                 331,170   

Financial guarantee contracts 1

     57,369                         57,369   

Performance guarantee contracts 1

     910                         910   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 8,380,647       (Won) 9,210,639       (Won) 2,161,229       (Won) 19,752,515   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 

Total amount guaranteed by the Company according to guarantee contracts. Cash flow from financial guarantee contracts is classified as the maturity group in the earliest period when the financial guarantee contracts can be executed

Cash outflow and inflow of derivatives settled gross or net are undiscounted contractual cash flow and can differ from the amount in the financial statements.

 

      12.31.2010  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Less than 1 year      1-5 years      More than 5 years      Total  

Outflow

   (Won) 613,404       (Won) 1,590,493       (Won) 43,805       (Won) 2,247,702   

Inflow

     753,842         1,660,349         50,909         2,465,100   

 

      12.31.2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Less than 1 year      1-5 years      More than 5 years      Total  

Outflow

   (Won) 414,646       (Won) 1,949,253       (Won) 42,541       (Won) 2,406,440   

Inflow

     436,469         2,038,288         50,053         2,524,810   

(2) Disclosure of capital management

The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other shareholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.

The Company’s capital structure consists of liabilities including borrowings, cash and cash equivalents, and shareholders’ equity. The treasury department monitors the Company’s capital structure and considers cost of capital and risks related each capital component.

The debt ratios as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Total liabilities

   (Won) 15,948,878      (Won) 15,587,548      (Won) 19,547,600   

Total equity

     10,714,816        11,354,055        12,537,809   

Gearing ratio

     149     137     156

 

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The Company manages capital on the basis of the gearing ratio. This ratio is calculated as net debt divided by total capital. Net debt is calculated as total borrowings less cash and cash equivalents. Total capital is calculated as ‘equity’ in the statement of financial position plus net debt.

The gearing ratio as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won, %)

   1.1.2010     12.31.2010     12.31.2011  

Total borrowings

   (Won) 9,566,700      (Won) 9,382,364      (Won) 10,998,552   

Less: cash and cash equivalents

     (1,542,872     (1,161,641     (1,445,169
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net debt

     8,023,828        8,220,723        9,553,383   

Total equity

     10,714,816        11,354,055        12,537,809   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capital

   (Won) 18,738,644      (Won) 19,574,778      (Won) 22,091,192   

Gearing ratio

     43     42     43

(3) Fair value estimation

The table below analyses financial instruments carried at fair value, by valuation method. The different levels have been defined as follows:

 

   

Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1)

 

   

Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices) (level 2)

 

   

Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) (level 3)

The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011:

 

     1.1.2010  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Assets

           

Available-for-sale

   (Won) 15,587       (Won) 3,151       (Won)       (Won) 18,738   

Derivative financial assets

             308,324                 308,324   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 15,587       (Won) 311,475       (Won)       (Won) 327,062   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

           

Derivative financial liabilities

   (Won)       (Won) 11,279       (Won)       (Won) 11,279   

Hedged bonds

             180,023                 180,023   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won)       (Won) 191,302       (Won)       (Won) 191,302   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     12.31.2010  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Assets

           

Assets at fair value through the profit and loss

   (Won)       (Won) 1,173       (Won)       (Won) 1,173   

Available-for-sale

     25,469         1,565                 27,034   

Derivative financial assets

             250,630                 250,630   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 25,469       (Won) 253,368       (Won)       (Won) 278,837   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

           

Derivative financial liabilities

   (Won)       (Won) 20,471       (Won)       (Won) 20,471   

Hedged bonds

             181,244                 181,244   

Financial guarantee liabilities

             3,157                 3,157   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won)       (Won) 204,872       (Won)       (Won) 204,872   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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      12.31.2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Assets

           

Assets at fair value through the profit and loss

   (Won)       (Won) 1,386       (Won)       (Won) 1,386   

Available-for-sale

     101,183         25,829         134,346         261,358   

Derivative financial assets

             164,434                 164,434   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 101,183       (Won) 191,649       (Won) 134,346       (Won) 427,178   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

           

Derivative financial liabilities

   (Won)       (Won) 6,548       (Won) 2,258       (Won) 8,806   

Financial guarantee liabilities

             8,042                 8,042   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won)       (Won) 14,590       (Won) 2,258       (Won) 16,848   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets is based on quoted market prices at the date of the end of reporting period. A market is regarded as active if quoted prices are readily and regularly available from an exchange, dealer, broker, industry group, pricing service, or regulatory agency, and those represent actual and regularly occurring market transactions on an arm’s length basis. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Company is the bid price. These instruments are included in level 1. Instruments included in level 1 comprise listed equity investments classified as available-for-sale.

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, over-the-counter derivatives) is determined by using valuation techniques. These valuation techniques maximize the use of observable market data where it is available and rely as little as possible on entity specific estimates. If all significant inputs required to fair value of an instrument are observable, the instrument is included in level 2.

If one or more of the significant inputs are not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in level 3.

The changes of the financial instrument included in Level 3 for the year ended December 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Available-for-sale
financial assets
     Derivative
financial liabilities
 

Beginning

   (Won)       (Won)   

Total profit

               

Income for the year

             (36

Other comprehensive income

     14,850           

Transfer into Level 3 from the cost method

     17,544           

Changes in scope of consolidation

     101,952         (2,222
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending

   (Won) 134,346       (Won) (2,258
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The details of equity securities measured at historical cost as of January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows.

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   1.1.2010      12.31.2010      12.31.2011  

SBSKTSPC 1

   (Won) 15,000       (Won) 25,000       (Won) 25,000   

MBCKTSPC 1

     11,000         11,000         11,000   

KBSKTSPC 1

                     11,000   

IBK-AUCTUS Green Growth Private Equity Fund 1

     100         7,000         10,340   

ELAND RETAIL.Ltd. 1

                     9,998   

Vogo II-2 Investment Holdings Co., Ltd. 1

                     4,813   

Revolution Private Equity Fund 1

                     4,500   

KoFC-IMM Pioneer Champ 2010-17 venture investment 1

             2,010         3,000   

Enterprise DB Corp. 1

             3,013         3,013   

Others

     66,878         97,087         77,233   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   (Won) 92,978       (Won) 145,110       (Won) 159,897   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 The range of cashflow estimates is significant and the probabilities of the various estimates cannot be reasonably assessed and therefore these instruments are measured at cost.

The Company does not have any plans to dispose the above-mentioned equities instruments in the near future. These instruments will be measured at fair value when the Company can develop a reliable estimate of the fair value.

37.    Business Combination

(1) KT Skylife Co., Ltd.

Due to the trend of convergence in the telecommunications and broadcasting market, the Controlling Company needed to obtain control over a broadcasting company to enhance the synergy effects of the resources within the consolidated subsidiaries. On January 27, 2011, the Controlling Company acquired from Dutch Savings Holdings B.V 5,600,000 of redeemable convertible preferred stock with voting rights and the bonds convertible into 5,600,000 of common stock of KT Skylife Co., Ltd. (formerly “Korea Digital Satellite Broadcasting Co., Ltd.”) for (Won)246,400 million, which is engaged in the satellite broadcasting business. Including the potential voting rights, the Controlling Company’s ownership in KT Skylife Co., Ltd. has increased to 53.05% and accordingly, the Controlling Company has control over KT Skylife Co., Ltd. On March 10, 2011, the Controlling Company exercised the conversion right of both redeemable convertible preferred stocks and convertible bonds.

As a result of applying the acquisition method, the Company recognized goodwill of (Won)306,303 million, which is the excess of total consideration transferred over the fair value of the net assets at the acquisition date. The fair value of the net assets at the acquisition date includes the identifiable intangible assets such as customer relationship, which was not previously recognized in the subsidiary’s financial statements.

 

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Details of the consideration transferred, fair value of the acquired identifiable assets and liabilities, and goodwill at the acquisition date are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Amounts  

Consideration transferred (cash and cash equivalents)

   (Won) 246,400   

The acquisition-date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest

     280,773   
  

 

 

 
   (Won) 527,173   
  

 

 

 

The recognized amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed 1

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   (Won) 78,730   

Other financial assets

     88,176   

Trade and other accounts receivable

     140,180   

Inventories

     5,715   

Fixed assets including broadcast equipment and satellite communication facilities

     142,641   

Intangible assets including broadcast license and customer relationship

     305,564   

Investments in associates

     5,716   

Other assets

     36,104   

Trade and other accounts payable

     (130,758

Borrowings

     (164,572

Provisions for severance benefits

     (11,256

Accrued provisions

     (919

Deferred income tax liabilities

     (51,171

Other liabilities

     (26,178
  

 

 

 

The net of total amounts of identifiable assets and liabilities measured at fair value

   (Won) 417,972   
  

 

 

 

Non-controlling interests 2

     197,102   
  

 

 

 

Goodwill 3

   (Won) 306,303   
  

 

 

 

 

1 The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are measured at fair value in accordance with IFRS 3, Business Combination.

 

2 At the date of acquisition, the Company measures any non-controlling interest in KT Skylife Co., Ltd. at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. The amounts include non-controlling interest in Korea HD Broadcasting Corp., the subsidiary of KT Skylife.

 

3 Goodwill is not tax deductible

As described in Note 15, the previously held interest in KT Skylife Co., Ltd. was measured at fair value, and the Company recognized other operating income of (Won)187,458 million arising from the fair value measurement on acquisition.

After the acquisition date, the revenue and net income for consolidation of KT Skylife Co., Ltd. before the elimination of intercompany transactions with its subsidiaries are (Won)116,748 and (Won)7,321 million, respectively. The difference between its revenue and net income from the acquisition date and the revenue and net income if KT Skylife Co., Ltd. had been consolidated from January 1, 2011, included in consolidation is insignificant.

The fair value of trade accounts receivable and other receivables acquired from KT Skylife Co., Ltd. is (Won)140,180 million, while the full contract value is (Won)168,693 million. The uncollectible amounts from these receivables are expected to be (Won)28,513 million.

(2) BC Card Co.,Ltd.

KT Capital Co.,Ltd., which is a subsidiary of the Controlling Company, acquired common shares with voting right at (Won)252,302 million from Woori Bank on October 6, 2011 in order to secure stable management control of BC card co., Ltd. and strengthen synergies between two firms based on determination of board meetings at February 11 and February 23, 2011. By this acquisition, the company’s ownership interests of BC Card Co.,Ltd. increased to 38.86% including ownership which were previously acquired from Citi Bank. Also, the Company entered into shareholders’ agreement to

 

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exercise voting right of 1,349,920 registered common shares of BC Card Co.,Ltd. (30.68% of total BC Card Co.,Ltd. shares) owned by Vogo-BCC Investment Holdings Co.,Ltd. and KGF-BCC LIMITED on March 25, 2011. Based on the shareholders’ agreement and the acquisition of common shares described above, the Company has control of BC card co., Ltd. from October 6, 2011(acquisition date).

As a result of applying the acquisition method, the Company recognized goodwill of (Won)41,234 million, which is the excess of total consideration transferred over the fair value of the net assets at the acquisition date. The fair value of the net assets at the acquisition date includes the identifiable intangible assets such as customer relationship, which was not previously recognized in the subsidiary’s financial statements.

Details of the consideration transferred, fair value of the acquired identifiable assets and liabilities, and goodwill at the acquisition date are as follows.

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Amounts  

Consideration transferred (cash and cash equivalents)

   (Won) 257,137   

Commitment for dividends payable 1

     39,220   
  

 

 

 

The acquisition-date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest

     8,712   
  

 

 

 

Total consideration transferred (a)

   (Won) 305,069   
  

 

 

 

The recognized amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed 2

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   (Won) 657,956   

Other financial assets

     2,046,522   

Trade and other accounts receivable

     1,307   

Fixed assets

     242,411   

Investment properties

     2,845   

Intangible assets including customer relationship

     165,916   

Available-for-sale financial assets

     108,170   

Other assets

     60,942   

Trade and other accounts payable

     (1,890,937

Borrowings

     (58,000

Current tax liabilities

     (30,942

Provisions

     (25,674

Provisions for severance benefits

     (7,861

Deferred income tax liabilities

     (46,176

Other liabilities

     (568,028
  

 

 

 

The net of total amounts of identifiable assets and liabilities measured at fair value (b)

   (Won) 658,451   
  

 

 

 

Non-controlling interests 3 (c)

     394,616   
  

 

 

 

Goodwill (a-b+c) 4

   (Won) 41,234   
  

 

 

 

 

1 On June 23, 2010, the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board concluded that BC Card should pay the proceeds from the disposal of the shares of Visa Card to the member banks. Accordingly, the Company recorded the related proceeds to be paid to the member banks as other financial liabilities in the financial statements at the acquisition date.

 

2 Assets and liabilities acquired were measured at fair value in accordance with IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’

 

3 Non-controlling interests in the acquiree on acquisition are measured at the non-controlling interests’ proportionate share in the recognized amounts of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets in the event of liquidation.

 

4 Goodwill is not tax deductible

After the acquisition date, the revenue and net income for consolidation of BC Card Co,. Ltd. before the elimination of inter-company transactions with its subsidiaries are (Won)782,853million and (Won)945 million, respectively. If BC Card Co.,Ltd had been consolidated from January 1, 2011, the revenue and net income included in consolidation should have been (Won)3,376,113million and (Won)102,459million, respectively.

 

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(3) Enswers Inc.

As approved by Board of Directors on November 11, 2011, the Company acquired on December 7, 2011, from existing shareholders 14,185 common shares and 3,676 of redeemable convertible preferred stock with voting rights of Enwers Inc, which is specialized in the video-related technology, in order to develop a new business and strengthen the existing business. The Company’s ownership in Enwers Inc. has increased to 56.3% including the potential voting rights and accordingly, the Company acquired control over Enswers Inc.

Details of the consideration transferred, fair value of the acquired identifiable assets and liabilities, and goodwill at the acquisition date are as follows.

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Amounts  

Consideration transferred (cash and cash equivalents)

   (Won) 15,957   

The acquisition-date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest

     4,378   
  

 

 

 

Total consideration transferred (a)

   (Won) 20,335   
  

 

 

 

The recognized amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed 1

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   (Won) 920   

Other financial assets

     2,962   

Trade and other accounts receivable

     387   

Current tax assets

     41   

Fixed assets

     704   

Intangible assets including Patents-Industrial and customer relationship

     12,535   

Other assets

     562   

Trade and other accounts payable

     (19

Other financial liabilities

     (2,702

Provisions for severance benefits

     (479

Deferred income tax liabilities

     (2,701

Other liabilities

     (1,063
  

 

 

 

The net of total amounts of identifiable assets and liabilities measured at fair value (b)

   (Won) 11,147   
  

 

 

 

Non-controlling interests 2 (c)

     3,237   
  

 

 

 

Goodwill (a – b + c) 3

   (Won) 12,425   
  

 

 

 
1 Assets and liabilities acquired were measured at fair value in accordance with IFRS 3 ‘Business combinations’

 

2 Non-controlling interests in the acquiree on acquisition are measured at the non-controlling interests’ proportionate share in the recognized amounts of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets in the event of liquidation.

 

3 Goodwill is not tax deductible

The previously held interest in Enswers Inc. was measured at fair value, and the Company recognized other operating income of (Won)1,942 million arising from the fair value measurement on acquisition.

After the acquisition date, the revenue and net loss for consolidation of Enswers Inc. before the elimination of inter-company transactions with its subsidiaries are (Won)797 and (Won)331 million, respectively. If Enswers Inc. had been consolidated from January 1, 2011, the revenue and net loss included in consolidation should have been (Won)3,467million and (Won)1,512million, respectively.

The fair value of trade accounts receivable and other receivables acquired from Enswers Inc. is (Won)387 million, while the full contract value is (Won)414 million. The uncollectible amounts from these receivables are expected to be (Won)27 million.

38.    Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations

As approved by the Controlling Company’s Board of Directors on May 4, 2011, the Controlling Company decided to sell 5,309,189 shares (79.96%) of New Telephone Company, Inc. to Vimpel-Communication and the Controlling Company lost its control of New Telephone Company. The prior

 

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period financial statements presented for comparative purposes have been restated in accordance with IFRS 5, Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations. Profit or loss arising from net fair value measurement and related income tax effect is reflected in profit or loss from discontinued operations.

The liquidation of KT Internal venture Fund NO.2, a former subsidiary, was completed on December 28, 2011. Therefore, the Company accounted for the operating result until the liquidation as discontinued operation and restated the prior year statement of income presented for the comparative purpose in accordance with IFRS 5 “Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations”. The Company also included the related gains or losses and income tax effects in the profit from the discontinued operation.

On June 1, 2010, the rent-a-car business segment of Kumho Rent-A-Car Global Co., Ltd., a joint venture investment, was split off and was merged with Kumho Rental Co., Ltd., resulting in the decrease of the Company’s ownership in Kumho Rental Co., Ltd. from 100% to 58%. And as the Company has joint control of KT Rental Co., Ltd. under the shareholders’ agreement, this subsidiary is accounted for under the equity method in accordance with IAS 31, Interest in Joint Ventures. The operating results of KT Rental Co., Ltd. until the date the Company lost control are accounted for under discontinued operations.

The Company sold all shares of DOREMI MEDIA CO.,LTD and D&G Star to the third parties. The operating results of DOREMI MEDIA CO.,LTD and D&G Star prior to the loss of the control were accounted for as discontinued operation in 2010 and the related gains or losses and income tax effects are included in the profit from the discontinued operation.

Income and loss from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2010     2011  

Revenue

   (Won) 159,866      (Won) 28,460   

Expense

     (133,605     (22,630

Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes

     26,261        5,830   

Income tax expense for discontinued operations

     (8,054     (1,836

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

     18,207        3,994   

Gain on disposal and fair valuation before income taxes

     12,835        220,176   

Income tax expense

     (1,062     (53,302

Gain on disposal and fair valuation after tax

     11,773        166,874   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

   (Won) 29,980      (Won) 170,868   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2011, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2010     2011  

Cash flows from operating activities

   (Won) 8,416      (Won) 6,527   

Cash flows from investing activities

     (8,241     (4,095

Cash flows from financing activities

     4,632        (47,023

Changes in foreign exchange rates

     (7,384     8,365   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cash flows

   (Won) (2,577   (Won) (36,226
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

39.    Subsequent Events

Subsequent to December 31, 2011, the Company has issued the unsecured public bonds, as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won and

thousands of foreign currencies)

   Issue date      Face value of
bond
     Interest
rate
    Maturity
date
    

Repayment method

The 57-1st non-registered unsecured bond

     01.05.2012         (Won)50,000         4.43     10.05.2014       Lump sum repayment at maturity

The 57-2nd non-registered unsecured bond

     01.05.2012         (Won)20,000         4.44     10.05.2014       Lump sum repayment at maturity

The 57-3rd non-registered unsecured bond

     01.05.2012         (Won)30,000         4.61     10.05.2014       Lump sum repayment at maturity

Regulation S.Bond

     01.20.2012         USD 350,000         3.875     01.20.2017       Lump sum repayment at maturity

Subsequent to December 31, 2011, the additional contributions was made by the Controlling Company as follows.

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Date      Number of
shares
     Amount     

Purpose

KT Capital Co.,Ltd

     01.25.2012        

 

4,712,103

common shares

  

  

     41,000      

To strengthen the financial

stability

The Company entered into the shareholders’ agreement with Vogo-BCC Investment Holdings Co.,Ltd. and KGF-BCC LIMITED on March 25, 2011 for the sustainable control over BC card co., Ltd, which is a subsidiary of the Company. Based on this agreement, the Company has exercised the call option for 1,349,920 common shares of BC Card Co., Ltd, owned by Vogo-BCC Investment Holdings Co.,Ltd. and KGF-BCC LIMITED(30.68% of total shares) for (Won)28,713,408 million on January 27, 2012.

On April 18, 2012, the Company entered into a contract with Olleh KT First Securitization Specialty Co., Ltd. which is a special purpose entity formed for the securitization of KT’s accounts receivable. Based on this contract, the Company sold its accounts receivables with book value of (Won)529,776 million for a total sales price of (Won)525,400 million.

 

F-94


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

KT CORPORATION
(Registrant)

/s/ Suk-Chae Lee

Name: Suk-Chae Lee
Title: Chief Executive Officer

Date: April 27, 2012

EX-1 2 d333931dex1.htm ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF KT CORPORATION (ENGLISH TRANSLATION) Articles of Incorporation of KT Corporation (English translation)

Exhibit 1

THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

KT Corporation

Adopted on October 1, 1997

Amended on December 8, 1997

September 18, 1998

March 19, 1999

March 24, 2000

March 21, 2001

March 22, 2002

August 20, 2002

March 14, 2003

March 12, 2004

March 11, 2005

August 19, 2005

March 10, 2006

March 16, 2007

January 14, 2009

March 27, 2009

March 12, 2010

March 11, 2011

March 16, 2012


CHAPTER I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. (Name) The name of the Corporation shall be “Chusik Hoesa KT”, which shall be written in English as “KT Corporation” (hereafter “KT”).

Article 2. (Purpose)The objective of KT is to engage in the following business activities:

 

  1. Information and communications business;

 

  2. New media business;

 

  3. Development and sale of software and contents;

 

  4. Sale and distribution of information communication equipment;

 

  5. Testing and inspection of information communication equipment, device or facilities;

 

  6. Advertisement business;

 

  7. Retail business via telephone, mail order or online;

 

  8. IT facility construction business and electrical construction business;

 

  9. Real estate and housing business;

 

  10. Electronic banking and finance business;

 

  11. Education and learning service business;

 

  12. Security service business (Machinery system surveillance service,

Facilities security service, etc);

 

  13. Research and technical development, education, training and promotion, overseas businesses, and export and import, manufacture and distribution related to activities mentioned in Subparagraphs 1 through 12; and

 

  14. Frequency-based telecommunications services and other telecommunications services

 

  15. Value-added telecommunications business

 

  16. Manufacture, provision (screening) and distribution of contents such as musical records, music videos, movies, videos and games


  17. Issuance and management of pre-paid electronic payment instruments, and businesses related to electronic finance such as payment gateway services

 

  18. Sales and leasing of equipment and facilities related to the activities mentioned in Subparagraphs 14 through 17

 

  19. Any overseas business or export and import business related to activities mentioned in Subparagraphs 14 through 18

 

  20. Tourism

 

  21. (Deleted)

 

  22. New and renewable energy and energy generation business

 

  23. Health Informatics business

 

  24. Manufacture of communication equipment, device or facilities for military purpose

 

  25. Any and all other activities or businesses incidental to or necessary for attainment of the foregoing.

Article 3. (Location of Offices) The head office of KT (the “head office”) shall be located in Seoul or Kyunggi Province. KT may establish requisite sub-offices at site(s) pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors.

Article 4. (Method of Public Notice) Public notices by KT shall be given in The Seoul Shinmun circulated in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Provided, however, that if the public notices cannot be published in The Seoul Shinmun due to unavoidable circumstances, such public notices may be given in any daily newspaper published in Seoul, Republic of Korea.


CHAPTER II. SHARES OF STOCK

Article 5. (Amount of Authorized Capital)

The total number of shares authorized to be issued by KT shall be one billion shares.

Article 6. (Par Value and Types of Shares and Share Certificates)

(1) Par value per share issued by KT shall be 5,000 Korean Won. The type of shares shall be common shares and preferred shares, both of which shall be in registered form.

(2) Share certificates shall be in eight (8) denominations of one (1), five (5), ten (10), fifty (50), one hundred (100), five hundred (500), one thousand (1000) and ten thousand (10,000) shares.

Article 7. (Shares to be Issued at the Time of Incorporation)

The total number of shares to be issued by KT at the time of incorporation shall be 395,675,369 shares.

Article 8. (Number and Description of Preferred Shares)

(1) The total number of Preferred Shares to be issued by KT shall be up to one-fourth (1/4) of the total number of shares issued and outstanding, which shall be without voting rights.

(2) Dividends on Preferred Shares shall be an amount not less than nine (9) percent p.a. of the par value as determined by the Board of Directors at the time of issuance.

(3) If the dividends on the Common Shares exceed those on Preferred Shares, the excess dividend amount shall also be paid to the holders of Preferred Shares commensurate to the rate applicable to Common Shares.

(4) If dividends on Preferred Shares are not paid for any fiscal year, the holders of such Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive such accumulated unpaid dividend in priority to the holders of Common Shares from the dividends payable in the next fiscal year.

Article 9. (Preemptive Rights)


(1) When KT issues new shares, the shareholders of KT shall be entitled to subscribe for such new shares in proportion to their existing shareholdings.

(2) Notwithstanding Paragraph (1) above, new shares may be issued to persons other than the shareholders of KT, in the following cases:

 

  1. When the new shares are issued by public offering or subscribed by underwriters pursuant to Article 4 and Article 119 of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act (“FSCMA”);

 

  2. When the members of the Employee Stock Ownership Association of KT have preemptive rights to subscribe for such new shares pursuant to Article 165-7 of the FSCMA;

 

  3. When the new shares are represented by depositary receipt pursuant to Article 165-16 of the FSCMA

 

  4. When the new shares are issued by the exercise of stock options set forth in Article 10 of these Articles of Incorporation;

 

  5. When the new shares are issued in order to accomplish specific business purposes such as strategic alliance, inducement of foreign funds, other capital raising requirements, introduction of new technology, and improvement of financial structure.

 

  6. When the new shares are issued by a resolution of the Board of Directors through a general public offering pursuant to Article 165-6 of the FSCMA. However, in such case, the total number of the shares to be issued shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total number of KT issued and outstanding; or

 

  7. When there exists an immediate need for the company to raise funds, new shares can be issued to domestic and foreign financial institutions (enacted on March 21, 2001).

(3) The method of disposition of shares in respect of which preemptive rights have not been exercised or where fractions of shares occur shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

(4) Notwithstanding Paragraph (1) above, shareholders who acquire shares in violation of any laws and regulations or these Articles of Incorporation shall not be entitled to subscribe for new shares in respect of such shares.


Article 10. (Stock Options)

(1) KT may grant stock options to its officers and employees who have contributed, or are capable of contributing, to the establishment, management or technical innovation of KT, except for officers or employees in any of the following cases, by a Special Resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to Article 340-2 and Article 542-3 of the Commercial Code of Korea, to the extent not exceeding fifteen percent (15%) of the total number of issued shares, provided that KT may grant stock options by a resolution of the Board of Directors adopted by affirmative votes of two-thirds (2/3) of the directors in offices, to the extent not exceeding one percent (1%) of the total number of issued shares. In such case, the provision of the latter part of the Proviso of Paragraph 1 of Article 38 shall apply mutatis mutandis:

 

  1. The largest shareholder of KT and the Related Person thereto (refers to the Related Person as prescribed in Paragraph 2-5, Article 542-8 of the Commercial Code of Korea. The same shall apply in this Article);

 

  2. Major Shareholders (refers to the Major Shareholders as prescribed in Paragraph (2-6) of Article 542-8 of the Commercial Code of Korea. The same shall apply hereinafter) and the Related Person thereto; or

 

  3. Any person who shall become a Major Shareholder of KT by exercising his/her stock options.

(2) The proviso of Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the directors of KT, and the grant of stock options pursuant to the proviso of Paragraph (1) shall be approved by the General Meeting of Shareholders which is held after such grant of stock options.

(3) The shares to be issued to the officers or employees by the exercise of their stock options (in case where KT pays in cash or shares the difference between the exercise price of stock options and the market price, refers to the shares which are the basis for such calculation) shall be Common Shares in registered form.


(4) The number of officers and employees of KT who are granted with stock options shall not exceed ninety nine percent (99%) of the total number of officers and employees in office. Stock options granted to one single officer or employee shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of total number of shares issued and outstanding.

(5) The exercise price per share of the stock options shall not be less than the price as set forth in the Commercial Code of Korea.

(6) Unless otherwise provided for by the relevant laws, the exercise period of stock options shall be determined by separate agreements, to the extent that such exercise periods shall not exceed seven (7) years from the date two (2) years have elapsed after the date of the General Meeting of Shareholders or the Meeting of the Board of Directors at which a resolution to grant such stock option rights is adopted.

(7) KT may cancel the grant of stock options by a resolution of the Board of Directors in any of the following cases:

 

  1. When the relevant officer or employee of KT voluntarily retires from his/her office within two (2) years after the date of the General Meeting of Shareholders or the Meeting of the Board of Directors at which a resolution to grant such stock option rights is adopted;

 

  2. When the relevant officer or employee of KT is dismissed for substantial damages incurred to KT due to his/her willful misconduct or gross negligence; or

 

  3. When any event for the cancellation set forth in the agreement for granting such stock options occurs.

Article 11. (Base Date Regarding Dividends of the New Shares) (1) In case KT issues new shares through right issues, bonus issues and stock dividends, with respect to the distribution of dividends on the new shares, the new shares shall be deemed to have been issued at the end of the fiscal year immediately prior to the fiscal year during which the new shares are issued.


Article 12. (Transfer Agent)

(1) KT may appoint a transfer agent to make entries in the register of shareholders.

(2) The transfer agent, and the place and scope of business of the transfer agent shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors, and a public notice shall be given thereof.

Article 13. (Report of Names, Addresses and Seals of Shareholders)

(1) Shareholders and registered pledges shall report their names, addresses, and seals to the transfer agent referred to in Article 12. Any changes thereto shall also be reported.

(2) Shareholders and registered pledgees who reside in foreign countries shall appoint and report the place where, and an agent to whom, notices will be given in Korea. Any changes there to shall also be reported.

Article 14. (Closing of the Register of Shareholders and the Record Date)

(1) KT shall suspend the entries of any changes into the register of shareholders regarding any rights on Shares from January 1 to January 31 of each year.

(2) KT shall let the shareholders who are entered into the register of shareholders on December 31 of each year exercise their rights thereof at the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders.

(3) KT may, for convening an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders or when necessary, by a resolution of the Board of Directors, set the record date or close the register of shareholders for a certain period not exceeding three (3) months by giving at least two (2) weeks’ prior public notice.


CHAPTER III. DEBENTURES

Article 15. (Issuance of Convertible Bonds)

(1) KT may issue convertible bonds to persons other than shareholders to the extent that the aggregate face value of the convertible bonds so issued shall not exceed 2 trillion (2,000,000,000,000) Korean Won. Provided that, the issuance of convertible bonds to persons other than shareholders may be made in cases provided for by any of the Subparagraphs of Paragraph (2) of Article 9.

(2) The Board of Directors may determine that the convertible bonds referred to in Paragraph (1) may be issued on the condition that conversion rights will be attached to only a portion of the convertible bonds.

(3) The type of shares to be issued upon conversion of convertible bonds shall be common shares. The conversion price, which shall be equivalent to or more than the par value of the shares, shall be determined by the Board of Directors at the time of issuance.

(4) The period during which conversion rights may be exercised shall commence on the date set forth in the FSCMA after the date of issuance of the relevant convertible bonds and end on the date immediately preceding the redemption date thereof. However, the Board of Directors may adjust the conversion period in accordance with relevant laws within the above period by its resolution.

(5) For the purposes of any distribution of dividends on the shares issued upon conversion or any payment of interest on the convertible bonds, the convertible bonds shall be deemed to have been converted into shares at the end of the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the relevant conversion rights are exercised.

Article 16. (Issuance of Bonds with Warrants)

(1) KT may issue bonds with warrants to persons other than shareholders to the extent that the aggregate face value of the bonds with warrants so issued shall not exceed 2 trillion (2,000,000,000,000) Korean Won. Provided that, the issuance of bonds with warrants to persons other than shareholders may be made in only in cases provided for by Subparagraphs of Paragraph (2) of Article 9.


(2) The amount of new shares which can be subscribed by the holders of the bonds with warrants shall be determined by the Board of Directors, provided that the maximum amount of such new shares shall not exceed the aggregate face value of the bonds with warrants.

(3) The type of shares to be issued upon exercise of warrants shall be common shares. The issue price, which shall be equivalent to or more than the par value of the shares, shall be determined by the Board of Directors at the time of issuance.

(4) The period during which warrants may be exercised shall commence on the date set forth in the FSCMA after the date of issuance of the relevant bonds with warrants and end on the date immediately preceding the redemption date thereof. Provided that, the Board of Directors may adjust the conversion period in accordance with the relevant laws within the above period by its resolution.

(5) For the purposes of any distribution of dividends on the shares issued upon exercise of warrants, shares shall be deemed to have been issued at the end of the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the subscription monies therefor are fully paid.

Article 17. (Applicable Provisions regarding Issuance of Bonds) The provisions of Articles 12 and 13 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the issuance of bonds.

CHAPTER IV. GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Article 18. (Convening of General Meeting)

(1) Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders shall be convened within three (3) months after the end of each fiscal year, and Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders may be convened at any time, by the President (hwejang) pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors except as otherwise provided by the relevant laws and regulations. Provided, however, that Article (29), Paragraph (2) shall apply mutatis mutandis in the event the President (hwejang) fails to perform his duties.


(2) Notice of the General Meeting of Shareholders specifying the time, place and purpose thereof shall be sent to each shareholder two (2) weeks prior to the date set for the General Meeting of Shareholders. However, such notice to the shareholders who hold less than one-hundredth (1/100) of the total number of shares with voting rights may be given in the form of a public notice of the meeting appearing twice or more in The Seoul Shinmun, The Maeil Business Newspaper and The Korean Economic Daily instead.

(3) General Meeting of Shareholders shall be held at the location of the head office, Seoul or its neighboring place.

Article 19. (Chairman) The President (hwejang) shall preside at the General Meeting of Shareholders; provided, however, that Paragraph (2) of Article 29 shall apply mutatis mutandis in the event that the President (hwejang) fails to perform his duties.

Article 20. (Chairman’s Right to Maintain Order)

(1) The Chairman shall suspend or cancel the proposal of any person who intentionally disrupts, by speech or behavior, the proceedings of the General Meeting of Shareholders or shall order such person to leave the General Meeting of Shareholders.

(2) If the Chairman deems it necessary for the smooth proceeding of the General Meeting of Shareholders, the Chairman may restrict the time and frequency of a shareholder’s proposal.

Article 21. (Voting by Proxy)

(1) A shareholder may exercise its voting rights by proxy.

(2) The proxy described in Paragraph (1) must file with KT a power of attorney before the opening of the General Meeting.


Article 22. (Method of Adoption of Resolutions) Resolutions of the General Meetings of Shareholders, except as otherwise provided by the relevant laws and regulations, shall be adopted if the approval of a majority vote of the shareholders present at such meeting is obtained and such majority also represents at least one-fourth (1/4) of the total number of shares issued and outstanding.

Article 22-2 (Exercise of Voting Rights by Writing)

(1) The Shareholders may exercise their voting rights by writing without attending the General Meetings of Shareholders in person.

(2) In case of Paragraph (1) above, KT shall send the notice of convening the General Meeting of Shareholders, together with written documents and reference materials necessary for the Shareholders to exercise their voting rights.

(3) The Shareholders desiring to exercise their voting rights by writing shall enter necessary matters in the written documents under paragraph (2) and submit them to KT by the date immediately preceding the date set for the Meeting.

Article 23. (Minutes of the General Meeting)

With respect to the proceedings of the General Meeting of Shareholders, the details of the proceedings and its resolutions shall be recorded in the minutes which shall bear the names and seals or signatures of the Chairman and the Directors present, and shall be preserved at the head office and branches.

CHAPTER V. DIRECTORS

Article 24. (Number of Directors) KT shall have not more than eleven (11) directors. The number of inside directors, including the hwejang as Representative Director (the “President (hwejang)”), shall not exceed three (3), and the number of outside directors shall not exceed eight (8).


Article 25. (Election of Representative Director and Directors)

(1) The President (hwejang) shall be elected by a resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders among those who are recommended by the CEO Recommendation Committee pursuant to Article (32) of these Articles of Incorporation, and the inside director recommended by the President (hwejang) may be elected the Representative Director by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

(2) The dismissal of the President (hwejang) requires a resolution by the General Meeting of Shareholders adopted by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the voting rights of the shareholders in attendance at the Meeting; provided, however, that such votes shall represent at least one-third (1/3) of the total number of issued shares of KT. Dismissal of the Representative Director other than the President (hwejang) shall be in accordance with the resolution under Article 38 of these Articles of Incorporation.

(3) Inside directors other than the President (hwejang) shall be elected at the General Meeting of Shareholders among the managing officers under the provision of Article 35 of these Articles of Incorporation who are recommended by the President (hwejang) with the consent of the Board of Directors. the President (hwejang) may propose to the General Meeting of Shareholders with the consent of the Board of Directors the dismissal of any inside director even during his/her term of office, when any of the following event occurs. In this case, the inside directors other than the President (hwejang) shall not participate in the resolution of the Board of Directors:

 

  1. Inability to perform his/her duties for a period not less than one (1) year due to his/her physical and/or mental disorders; or

 

  2. Remarkably poor results of his/her business management due to deficient management abilities.

(4) Notwithstanding Paragraph 3 above, if the CEO Recommendation Committee has recommended a candidate for the President (hwejang), the candidate for the President (hwejang) shall recommend candidates for the inside directors with the consent of the Board of Directors. Provided, however, that the candidate for the President (hwejang) is not elected as the President (hwejang) at the General Meeting of Shareholders, his recommendation of the candidacy for the inside directorship shall become null and void.


(5) Any person who falls under any of the following categories shall not become a director of KT, and upon any elected director of KT falling under any of the following categories, such director shall be dismissed:

 

  1. Person who retired from his/her office within the last three (3) years due to his/her own faults or business responsibilities;

 

  2. Person who is sentenced to imprisonment or more severe punishment, and three (3) years have not elapsed after the expiration of the execution of such imprisonment or determination not to execute such imprisonment;

 

  3. Person who is currently under the suspension of pronouncement or who is sentenced to probation, and two (2) years have not elapsed after the expiration of the probation period;

(6) Any person who falls under any of the following disqualification criteria shall not become an outside director of KT, and any elected outside director shall be dismissed if he or she falls under any of the following disqualification criteria:

 

  1. The same person and his or her related party as defined in the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act (“MRFTA”) who controls a company in competition with KT’s major business areas (however, with respect to the definition of competitor of KT used herein, if the company engages in the same business as KT and belongs to the same enterprise group of KT, such company is not deemed to be in competition with KT. This shall have the same meaning hereafter);

 

  2. Any person who presently serves or has served at any time during the past two (2) years, as an officer or an employee for the company in competition with KT’s major business areas and for other companies which belong to the same enterprise group under the MRFTA of such company;


  3. Any person who presently works or has worked at any time during the past two (2) years, as an officer or an employee for the largest or second largest shareholding company in competition with KT’s major business areas and for other companies which belong to the same enterprise group under the MRFTA of such company; or

 

  4. Any person who falls under the disqualification criteria under the Commercial Code of Korea and other relevant laws and regulations

Article 26. (Staggered Term of Office of Outside Director) One-third of the total number of the outside directors shall be elected every year.

Article 27. (Term of Office of Directors)

(1) The term of office of directors shall be not more than three (3) years; where the term of office expires before the closing date of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders in the last fiscal year of such term, the term of office shall be extended to the closing date of such General Meeting.

(2) An outside director may be re-elected only once.

Article 28. (By-election of Directors)

(1) In case of any vacancy in the office of a director, a director shall be elected to fill such vacancy at the General Meeting of Shareholders, provided that election thereof may not be made unless such vacancy results in lack of the requisite number of the directors or a difficulty in the administration of business.

(2) The term of office of an outside director elected to fill a vacancy shall be the remainder of the term of office of his/her predecessor.

Article 29. (Duties of the President (hwejang) and Directors)

(1) The Representative Directors (including the President (hwejang)) shall respectively represent KT, the President (hwejang) shall execute businesses resolved by the Board of Directors and supervise all businesses of KT. Duties of the Representative Director elected through recommendation of the President (hwejang) shall be determined by the Board of Directors.


(2) Inside directors shall assist the President (hwejang) and shall perform their duties. In the event the President (hwejang) fails to perform his duties, an inside director shall perform his/her duties in accordance with the order as provided in the Office Regulation. However, in the event both the President (hwejang) and inside directors fail to perform their duties, a director shall perform his/her duties in accordance with the order as provided in the Office Regulation.

(3) If a director becomes aware of any event which may cause a material damage to KT, such director should immediately report to the Auditors’ Committee thereof.

Article 30. (Duties of Directors)

(1) Directors shall perform their duties faithfully for the good of KT in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations and the provisions of these Articles of Incorporation.

(2) The directors shall not disclose any business secret of KT that they obtained in the course of performance of their duties, during and after their terms of offices.

Article 31. (Remuneration and Severance Allowance for Directors)

(1) The Remuneration for the directors shall be determined by a resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders, and such remuneration may be paid either in cash or in combination of cash and stock.

(2) The criteria for remuneration for the President (hwejang) and the inside directors, and the method of payment thereof shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors, which shall be reported to the General Meeting of Shareholders.

(3) The President (hwejang) and the inside directors shall not participate in the resolution of the Board of Directors as set forth in Paragraph (2) above.

(4) Severance allowances for directors shall be paid in accordance with KT’s regulations for payment of officers’ severance allowance adopted at the General Meeting of Shareholders.


(5) The Outside directors may be reimbursed for expenses necessary for the performance of their duties.

Article 32. (CEO Recommendation Committee)

(1) KT may organize a CEO Recommendation Committee in order to recommend a President (hwejang) candidate. The CEO Recommendation Committee shall consist of all of the outside directors and one (1) inside director (provided, however, that any person who is elected as a member of the CEO Recommendation Committee shall not be a candidate for the President (hwejang), and the CEO means the President (hwejang)).

(2) The CEO Recommendation Committee shall be organized by not later than two (2) months prior to the date of expiration of the term of office of the President (hwejang) (or within two (2) weeks from the date of retirement of the President (hwejang)) when such retirement is due to reasons other than the expiration of the term of office thereof), and shall be dissolved after the execution of management agreement between the President (hwejang) so elected and the chairman of the CEO Recommendation Committee.

(3) The chairman of the CEO Recommendation Committee shall be elected by the Board of Directors from among its members who hold the position of outside directors of KT. In this case, the President (hwejang) and the inside directors shall not participate in the resolution of the Board of Directors.

(4) A resolution of the CEO Recommendation Committee shall be adopted by the affirmative votes of a majority of the members in office other than the chairman thereof. In this case, the chairman shall not have any voting rights.

(5) The CEO Recommendation Committee shall examine all the President (hwejang) candidates in compliance with the criteria for the examination of a candidate for the President (hwejang) prescribed by the Board of Directors, in consideration of the following requirements:

 

  1. Experiences and scholastic achievements under which his/her knowledge with respect to the field of business management and economics can be evaluated in objective point of view;


  2. Past business results and the management period of being in office under which his/her business experience can be evaluated in objective point of view;

 

  3. Any requirements to evaluate qualification and ability as a chief executive officer; and

 

  4. Any requirements to evaluate professional knowledge and experience with respect to the telecommunications and related fields.

Article 33. (Election of President (hwejang))

(1) President (hwejang) shall be elected from among CEO-qualified candidates who have a knowledge of management and economics or who have much managerial work experience.

(2) The CEO Recommendation Committee may conduct a search for such candidates or hire a third party agency to perform searches.

(3) The CEO Recommendation Committee shall examine the candidates for the President (hwejang) who are searched pursuant to the provision of Paragraph 2 above, in accordance with the candidates evaluation criteria determined by the Board of Directors.

(4) The CEO Recommendation Committee shall, in selecting the candidates for the President (hwejang), consult with such candidates regarding the terms of employment contract including the management goal established by the Board of Directors. In such case, if deemed necessary, the CEO Recommendation Committee may change the terms of employment contract.

(5) The CEO Recommendation Committee shall recommend a candidate for the President (hwejang) to the General Shareholders’ Meeting, based on the evaluation under Paragraph 3 and the consultation under Paragraph 4 above, concurrently submitting a draft employment contract.

(6) The President (hwejang) and inside directors shall not attend the Board of Directors’ Meeting for the resolution of the agenda prescribed in Paragraphs 3 through 4.


Article 34. (Execution of Employment Contract with the Candidate for President (hwejang))

(1) When the draft employment contract submitted pursuant to Paragraph 5 of Article 33 above is approved at the General Shareholders’ Meeting, KT shall enter into such management contract with the candidate for President (hwejang). In such case, the Chairman of the CEO Recommendation Committee shall, in the capacity of the representative of KT, sign the management contract.

(2) The Board of Directors may conduct a performance review to determine if the new President (hwejang) has performed his/her duties under the management contract as provided in Paragraph 1 or hire a professional evaluation agency for such purpose.

(3) When the Board of Directors determines, based on the result of performance review under the provision of Paragraph 2 above, that the new President (hwejang) has failed to achieve the management goal, it may propose to dismiss the President (hwejang) at the General Shareholders’ Meeting.

(4) The management goal shall include revenue increase, profitability improvement, investment plan and other related business objectives and shall be determined, on a yearly basis, at the Board of Directors’ Meeting in order to achieve the mid to long-term plans approved by the Board of Directors. Such management goal may be established on a numerical basis, if possible.

(5) The performance review prescribed in Paragraph 2 above, shall be conducted by the Board of Directors at the closing of each fiscal year or may be delegated by the Board of Directors to a professional evaluation agency; provided, however, that if the Board of Directors deems necessary, it may conduct the performance review during any fiscal year.

(6) The Board of Directors shall report the result of the performance review prescribed in Paragraph 2 above to the General Meeting of Shareholders.

(7) The President (hwejang) and the inside directors may not attend the Board of Directors’ Meeting for the resolution of the agenda prescribed in Paragraphs 2 through 4.


Article 35. (Managing Officers)

(1) For the efficient operation, KT shall have managing officers including inside directors.

(2) The managing officers shall consist of positions determined by the Board of Directors.

(3) The number and remuneration of the managing officers who do not hold the position of inside directors of KT shall be determined by the Board of Directors. The severance allowance for the said managing officers shall be paid in accordance with KT’s regulations for payment of officers’ severance allowance adopted at a General Meeting of Shareholders.

(4) Managing officers who do not hold the position of inside directors of KT shall be elected by the President (hwejang) of KT, whose term of office shall not exceed three (3) years.

(5) All matters concerning the respective duties of managing officers shall be determined by the President (hwejang).

Article 36. (Advisor, etc.) The President (hwejang) may employ an Advisor or appoint an Advisory Council in order to receive advice and suggestions regarding important matters concerning the operation of KT’s businesses.

CHAPTER VI. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Article 37. (Organization and Operation)

(1) The Board of Directors shall consist of the directors, and shall resolve important matters related to the execution of business of KT as prescribed in the laws and regulations and these Articles of Incorporation, which were submitted by a director as an agenda.


(2) The Board of Directors’ Meeting shall be convened by each director. However, this shall not apply in the event that a director to convene the Board of Directors’ Meeting is determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors’ Meeting.

(3) The rest of directors may request the director designated under Paragraph 2 above to convene the Board of Directors’ Meeting. However, if the designated director refuses to convene the Board of Directors’ Meeting without any justifiable reason therefor, other directors may convene the Board of Directors’ Meeting.

(4) In convening a meeting of Board of Directors, the notice thereof shall be given at least three (3) days prior to the date set for such meeting to each director; provided, however, that the above procedure may be omitted with the consent of all of the directors.

(5) Matters necessary for the operation of the Board of Directors shall be set forth in the Regulations of the Board of Directors.

(6) For the efficient management of the Board of Directors, a self evaluation regarding the activities of the Board of Directors may be conducted, and detailed matters therefor, including the evaluation method, etc. shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

Article 38. (Resolution and Delegation)

(1) A resolution at a meeting of Board of Directors shall be adopted by the presence of a majority of all directors in offices and by the affirmative votes of a majority of the directors present. However, the resolution on the sale of equity in any subsidiary of KT accompanying transfer of management rights, which is for more than 10 billion (10,000,000,000) Korean Won of the subsidiary’s equity, shall be adopted by affirmative votes of two-thirds (2/3) of the directors in office, and the resolution on the dismissal of the President shall be adopted by the affirmative votes of two-thirds (2/3) of the outside directors in offices.

(2) The Board of Directors may delegate part of its authorities to the President (hwejang).


Article 39. (Chairman)

(1) The chairman of the Board of Directors shall be elected from among the outside directors by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

(2) The term of office of the chairman shall be one (1) year.

Article 40. (Minutes of the Board of Directors) The proceeding and the result of meeting of the Board of Directors shall be recorded in the minutes, which shall bear the names, seals or signatures of the Chairman and the directors present at the meeting, and shall be kept at the head office.

Article 41. (Committees within the Board of Directors)

(1) The Board of Directors may have expert committees under its control by its resolution, in order to deliberate or decide with respect to the specific matters submitted to the Board of Directors.

 

  1. CEO Recommendation Committee;

 

  2. CG (Corporate Governance) Committee (the “CG Committee”);

 

  3. Outside Director Candidates Recommendation Committee;

 

  4. Audit Committee; and

 

  5. Other Committees which the Board of Directors deems necessary.

(2) Any necessary matters, including those regarding the composition, authority or operation, of a committee under the Board of Directors described in Paragraph 1 above shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

Article 41-2. (CG Committee)

 

(1) The CG Committee shall be composed of four (4) outside directors and one (1) inside director.

 

(2) The CG Committee shall deliberate and decide overall matters relating to the corporate governance of the Company.

 

(3) Specific issues, such as the operation of the CG Committee, shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.


Article 42. (Outside Director Candidates Recommendation Committee)

(1) The Outside Director Candidates Recommendation Committee shall consist of one (1) inside director and all of the outside directors; provided that in case of election of an outside director due to the expiration of the term of office of an outside director, the relevant outside director the expiration of whose term has caused the need for such election may not be a member of the Committee.

(2) The Outside Director Candidates Recommendation Committee shall recommend outside director candidates to the General Shareholders’ Meeting.

(3) Any other detailed matters regarding organization and operation of the Outside Director Candidates Recommendation Committee shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

Article 43. (Audit Committee)

(1) The Audit Committee shall consist of not less than three (3) outside directors.

(2) The Audit Committee shall perform an audit of KT’s accounting books and records, and of other aspects of its business operations.

(3) Any other detailed matters regarding organization and operation of the Audit Committee shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

Article 44. (Managing Officers’ Meeting)

(1) KT may convene managing officers’ meeting in order to consider and resolve matters delegated by the Board of Directors.

(2) Matters necessary for the organization and operation of the managing officers’ meeting set forth in Paragraph 1 above shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.


CHAPTER VII. ACCOUNTING

Article 45. (Fiscal Year) The fiscal year of KT shall be from January 1 to December 31 of each year.

Article 46. (Preparation, Submission and Maintenance of the Financial Statements)

(1) The President (hwejang) of KT shall prepare the following documents and supplementary documents thereto and the business report for each fiscal year, and submit such documents, after approved by the Board of Directors, to the Audit Committee, six (6) weeks prior to the date of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders:

 

  1. A balance sheet;

 

  2. A statement of profit and loss; and

 

  3. Other documents, as defined by the Commercial Code and enforcement ordinance, that reflect financial position and management performance of the company

 

  4. Consolidated financial statements of the company

(2) The Audit Committee shall submit an auditor’s report to the President (hwejang) at least one (1) week before the General Shareholders’ Meeting.

(3) The President (hwejang) shall keep each document listed in Paragraph (1) together with the business report and the auditor’s report at the head office for a period of five (5) years, commencing from one week prior to the date of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders. Certified copies of these documents shall be kept in each respective branch office for a period of three (3) years.

(4) The President (hwejang) shall submit each document listed in Paragraph (1) to the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders and request approval therefor. With respect to the business report, he/she shall report the contents thereof to the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders.


(5) When the approval of the General Meeting of Shareholders is obtained for the documents listed in Paragraph (1), the President (hwejang) shall, without delay, give a public notice of the balance sheet and the audit opinion thereon of an independent auditor.

Article 47. (Disposition of Profits) The unappropriated retained earnings for each fiscal year of KT shall be disposed of as following order:

 

  1. Legal Reserves;

 

  2. Other statutory reserves;

 

  3. Amortization by way of the appropriation of the retained earnings;

 

  4. Dividends; and

 

  5. Voluntary reserve.

Article 48 (Retirement of Shares)

Pursuant to Article (165-3) of the FSCMA, KT may, by a resolution of the Board of Directors, retire the shares within the scope of profits attributable to the shareholders.

Article 49. (Payment of Dividends)

(1) Dividends may be paid either in cash or in shares.

(2) In case of stock dividends, if KT has issued several types of shares, different types of shares may be allotted by a resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

(3) Pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors, KT may pay interim dividends in cash once during a fiscal year with June 30 as a base date (referred to as the fixed interim dividend date).

(4) The dividends referred to in Paragraphs (1) and (3) shall be paid to the shareholders or registered pledgees who are registered in the registry of shareholders as of the end of each fiscal year or as of the fixed interim dividend date.

(5) The rights to dividends shall be extinguished if it is not exercised within five (5) years from the date when the relevant dividend was declared, and such unclaimed dividends shall belong to KT.


CHAPTER VIII. SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS

Article 50. (Guarantee of Personnel Status)

(1) Any employee of KT shall not receive a dismissal, suspension, reduction in compensation, reprimand and other disadvantageous orders, without any justifiable reasons therefor.

(2) The retirement age of the employee of KT shall be prescribed in accordance with Paragraph 2 of Article (6) of Addenda of the Laws Repealing the Korea Telecom Act.

Article 51. (Publication of Management Information)

KT shall make public any and all matters deemed to be necessary for the promotion of transparency in management.


ADDENDUM

Article 1. (Enforcement Date) These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective from October 1, 1997.

Article 2. (Term of Office of the First President and Standing Directors) Notwithstanding Paragraph (1), Article (29) hereof, the term of office of the first President and the standing directors to be elected at the General Meeting of Shareholders convened after the execution of these Articles of Incorporation shall be extended until the end of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders convened after the expiration of the said term of office.

Article 3. (Term of Office of First Non-Standing Director) (1) Pursuant to Article (3) of the Addenda of the Special Act, candidates for non-standing directors who are recommended by the Temporary Non-standing Directors Recommendation Committee shall be classified into three groups, i.e., first, second and third groups, which shall consist of one, two and three persons, respectively.

(2) Notwithstanding Article (29), Paragraph (1) hereof, the term of office of a non-standing director in the first group shall expire at the close of the first Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders convened after one (1) year has elapsed. The term of office of non-standing directors in the second and third group shall expire at the close of the first Ordinary General Meetings of Shareholders convened after two (2) and three (3) years have elapsed, respectively.

Article 4. (Special Provisions for Term of Office of Standing Directors succeed to the Term of Office of an Executive Officer) In the event that a former executive officer who has been elected prior to the date of enforcement of these Articles of Incorporation is elected as a first standing director of KT after the enforcement of these Articles, his/her term of office may be shortened to the remainder of the term of office of a executive officer prior to the date of enforcement of these Articles of Incorporation.


ADDENDUM (December 8, 1997)

These articles of Incorporation shall be effective from the date of resolution of the general meeting of shareholders thereon.

ADDENDUM (September 18, 1998)

Article 1. (Enforcement Date) These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective from the date of resolution thereon of the general meetings of shareholders.

Article 2. (Interim Measures for the Acquisition of Shares of KT by Foreigners) Those provisions of Paragraph (3), Article (10) hereof shall not be applicable where Foreigners have acquired any shares of KT prior to the date of enforcement of these Articles of Incorporation pursuant to the relevant laws and regulations. In this regard, the number of shares so acquired shall be included in the maximum aggregate shareholdings ceiling prescribed in Item 1, Paragraph (2), Article (10) above.

ADDENDUM (March 19, 1999)

Article 1. (Enforcement Date) These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective from the date of resolution thereon of the general meetings of shareholders.


Article 2. (Interim Measure) The cumulative voting system provided for in Article (382-2) of the Commercial Code shall not apply until each of the requirements set forth in Paragraph (1), Article (21) of the Special Act has been satisfied.

ADDENDUM (March 24, 2000)

These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective from the date of resolution thereon of the general meeting of shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 21, 2001)

These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective from the date of resolution thereon of the general meeting of shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 22, 2002)

These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective as of the date of resolution of the general meeting of Shareholders.


ADDENDUM (August 20, 2002)

Article 1. (Enforcement Date) These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective from the date on which a resolution on the foregoing amendments is adopted at the General Meeting of Shareholders. Provided, however, that the amended provision of Article 41-3 shall become effective from the date following the day on which the first General Meeting of Shareholders is convened after enforcement of these amended Articles of Incorporation.

Article 2. (Interim Measures regarding Auditor) (1) The amended provisions regarding auditor of Articles 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 37 and 40 shall remain invalid, concurrently upon establishment of the Audit Committee.

(2) The term, “auditor” referred in Paragraph 3 of Article 31 and Article 44, shall be interpreted to be “Audit Committee”, respectively, concurrently upon establishment of the Audit Committee.

Article 3. (Interim Measures on Increase in Number of Outside Directors) Notwithstanding the amended provision of Article 26, a candidate for outside director recommended by the Shareholders’ Committee established in accordance with the previous AOI, shall be deemed to have been recommended by the Outside Director Recommendation Committee, and the term of office of such additionally appointed outside director in the above shall be until the date on which the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders is held in the year of 2005.

ADDENDUM (March 14, 2003)

These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective from the date of resolution thereon of the general meeting of shareholders.


ADDENDUM (March 12, 2004)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 11, 2005)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date when the General Meeting of Shareholders resolved adoption hereof.

Addendum (August 19, 2005)

These Articles of Incorporation shall take effect upon approval by the General Meeting of Shareholders.

Addendum (March 10, 2006)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

Addendum (March 16, 2007)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.


ADDENDUM (March 27, 2009)

Article 1. (Enforcement Date) These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective upon resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders approving the amendment hereof.

Article 2. (Interim Measure) The person who is “President (sajang)” as of the amendment date of these Articles of Incorporation will become the “President (hwejang)”, and in applying Article 32(1)-2 “ex-Presidents (sajang)” prior to the amendment date will be interpreted as “ex-Presidents (hwejang)”.

ADDENDUM (March 12, 2010)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 11, 2011)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 16, 2012)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Clause 1 of Article 46, shall become effective as of April 15, 2012

EX-8.1 3 d333931dex81.htm LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OF KT CORPORATION List of subsidiaries of KT Corporation

Exhibit 8.1

List of Subsidiaries of KT Corporation

(As of December 31, 2011)

 

Name

  

Jurisdiction of
Incorporation

KT Powertel Co., Ltd.    Korea
KT Networks Corporation    Korea
KT Linkus Co., Ltd.    Korea
KT Telecop Co., Ltd.    Korea
KT Hitel Co., Ltd.    Korea
KT Commerce Inc.    Korea
KT Tech, Inc.    Korea
KT Capital Co., Ltd.    Korea
KT New Business Fund No. 1    Korea
Gyeonggi-KT Green Growth Fund    Korea
KTC Media Contents Fund 1    Korea
KTC Media Contents Fund 2    Korea
KT Strategic Investment Fund No. 1    Korea
BC Card Co., Ltd.    Korea
VP Inc.    Korea
H&C Network    Korea
BC Card China Co., Ltd.    Korea
U Payment Co., Ltd.    Korea
INITECH Co., Ltd.    Korea
Initech Smartro Holdings Co., Ltd.    Korea
Smartro Co., Ltd.    Korea
Pay N Mobile Co., Ltd.    Korea
Sidus FNH Corporation    Korea
Nasmedia, Inc.    Korea
Sofnics, Inc.    Korea
KT Edui Co., Ltd.    Korea
KTDS Co., Ltd.    Korea
KT M Hows Co., Ltd.    Korea
KT M&S Co., Ltd.    Korea
KT Music Corporation    Korea
KT Innotz Inc.    Korea
KT Skylife Co., Ltd.    Korea
Korea HD Broadcasting Corp.    Korea
KT Estate Inc.    Korea
KT AMC Co., Ltd.    Korea
NEXR Co., Ltd.    Korea
KTSB Data Service    Korea
KT Cloudware Corporation    Korea
KC Smart Service Co., Ltd.    Korea
Enswers Inc.    Korea
Revlix Inc.    Korea
Soompi Media, LLC    Korea
OIC Korea Co., Ltd.    Korea
Soompi USA, LLC    United States
Korea Telecom Japan Co., Ltd.    Japan
Korea Telecom China Co., Ltd.    China
KTSC Investment Management B.V.    Netherlands
Super iMax    Uzbekistan
East Telecom    Uzbekistan
Korea Telecom America, Inc.    United States
PT. KT Indonesia    Indonesia
EX-12.1 4 d333931dex121.htm CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 12.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Suk-Chae Lee, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of KT Corporation;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 27, 2012

 

/s/ SUK-CHAE LEE

Suk-Chae Lee

Chief Executive Officer

EX-12.2 5 d333931dex122.htm CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 12.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Bum-Joon Kim, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of KT Corporation;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 27, 2012

 

/s/ BUM-JOON KIM

Bum-Joon Kim

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

EX-13.1 6 d333931dex131.htm CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 13.1

CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(Subsection (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)

Pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsection (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), the undersigned officer of KT Corporation, a corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of Korea (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

The annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2011 (the “Form 20-F”) fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in the Form 20-F fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operation of the Company.

 

/s/ SUK-CHAE LEE

Suk-Chae Lee
Chief Executive Officer

Date: April 27, 2012

 

/s/ BUM-JOON KIM

Bum-Joon Kim
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

Date: April 27, 2012

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has been provided to KT Corporation and will be retained by KT Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EX-15.1 7 d333931dex151.htm THE FRAMEWORK ACT ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS (ENGLISH TRANSLATION) The Framework Act on Telecommunications (English translation)

Exhibit 15.1

THE FRAMEWORK ACT ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS

 

 

Amended by Act No. 10393 of July. 23, 2010, effective January 24, 2011

CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1 (Purpose)

The purpose of this Act is to contribute to the enhancement of the public welfare by managing telecommunications efficiently and stimulating the development of telecommunications by providing basic matters on telecommunications.

Article 2 (Definitions)

The definitions of the terms as used in this Act shall be as follows:

1. The term “telecommunications” means transmission or reception of code, words, sound or image through wired, wireless, optic, and other electro-magnetic processes;

2. The term “telecommunications facilities and equipment” means machinery, appliances, lines for telecommunications, and other facilities necessary for telecommunications;

3. The term “telecommunications line facilities and equipment” means the facilities and equipment which constitute communications channels between sending and receiving points for telecommunications among the telecommunications facilities and equipment, and the transmission and line facilities and equipment, with the exchange facilities installed as one body of the transmission and line facilities, and all facilities attached thereto;


4. The term “telecommunications business facilities and equipment” means the telecommunications facilities and equipment to be provided for telecommunications businesses;

5. The term “private telecommunications facilities and equipment” means the telecommunications facilities and equipment other than the telecommunications business facilities and equipment, installed by an individual to be used for his own telecommunications;

6. The term “telecommunications equipments” means apparatus, machinery, parts or line equipments, etc. used by the telecommunications facilities and equipment;

7. The term “telecommunications service” means services that mediate a third party’s communication through the telecommunications facilities and equipment or to provide the telecommunications facilities and equipment for the third party’s telecommunications; and

8. The term “telecommunications business” means a business that provides telecommunications services.

Article 3 (Supervision of Telecommunications)

The matters concerning telecommunications shall be governed by the Korea Communications Commission, except the ones stipulated specifically by this Act or other Acts. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996; Amended by Act No. 8867, Feb. 29, 2008>

Article 4 (Government Policies)

The Korea Communications Commission shall devise basic and comprehensive government policies concerning telecommunications to attain the purpose of this Act. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996; Amended by Act No. 8867, Feb. 29, 2008>

 

2


Article 5 (Establishment of Basic Telecommunications Plans)

(1) The Korea Communications Commission shall establish and publicly notify basic telecommunications plans (hereinafter referred to as the “basic plan”) for smooth development of telecommunications and the promotion of the information society. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996; Amended by Act No. 8867, Feb. 29, 2008>

(2) The following matters shall be included in the basic plan of paragraph (1):

1. Matters concerning utilization efficiency of telecommunications;

2. Matters concerning maintenance of telecommunications order;

3. Matters concerning telecommunications business;

4. Matters concerning telecommunications facilities and equipment;

5. Matters concerning promotion of telecommunications technology (including technology about telecommunications construction; hereinafter the same shall apply); and

6. Other basic matters concerning telecommunications.

(3) The Korea Communications Commission shall consult in advance with the heads of administrative agencies concerned, when establishing the basic plan for the matters of paragraph (2) 4 and 5 of this Article. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996; Amended by Act No. 8867, Feb. 29, 2008>

Article 6 Deleted <by Act No. 9701, May. 21, 2009>

Article 7 (Classification of Telecommunications Business Operator)

The telecommunications business operator shall be classified as the key communications business operator, the special communications business operator and the value-added communications business operator pursuant to the Telecommunications Business Act. <Amended by Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997>

 

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[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 4905, Jan. 5, 1995]

CHAPTER II Deleted <by Act No. 9708, May. 22, 2009>

Article 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 Deleted <by Act No. 9708, May. 22, 2009>

Articles 14 and 15 Deleted. <by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

Article 15-2 Deleted. <by Act No. 5733, Jan. 29, 1999>

CHAPTER III Deleted. <by Act No. 10166, March. 22, 2010>

SECTION 1 Deleted. <by Act No. 10166, March. 22, 2010>

Article 16 Deleted. <by Act No. 10166, March. 22, 2010>

Article 17 Deleted. <by Act No. 10166, March. 22, 2010>

Article 18 Deleted. <by Act No. 10166, March. 22, 2010>

Article 19 Deleted. <by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

SECTION 2 Deleted. <by Act No. 10166, March. 22, 2010>

Article 20 Deleted. <by Act No. 10166, March. 22, 2010>

 

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Article 21 Deleted. <by Act No. 10166, March. 22, 2010>

Article 22 Deleted. <by Act No. 10166, March. 22, 2010>

Article 23 Deleted. <by Act No. 10166, March. 22, 2010>

Article 24 Deleted. <by Act No. 10166, March. 22, 2010>

SECTION 3 Deleted. <by Act No. 10165, March. 22, 2010>

Article 25 Deleted. <by Act No. 10165, March. 22, 2010>

Article 26 Deleted. <by Act No. 10165, March. 22, 2010>

Article 27 Deleted. <by Act No. 10165, March. 22, 2010>

Article 28 Deleted. <by Act No. 10165, March. 22, 2010>

Article 29 Deleted. <by Act No. 10165, March. 22, 2010>

Article 30 Deleted. <by Act No. 10165, March. 22, 2010>

SECTION 4 Deleted. <by Act No. 10166, March. 22, 2010>

 

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Article 30-2 Deleted. <by Act No. 10166, March. 22, 2010>

Article 30-3 Deleted. <by Act No. 10166, March. 22, 2010>

Article 30-4 Deleted. <by Act No. 6823, Dec. 26, 2002>

Article 31 Deleted. <by Act No. 10166, March. 22, 2010>

Article 32 Deleted. <by Act No. 10166, March. 22, 2010>

CHAPTER IV MANAGEMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENTS

Article 33 Deleted. <by Act No. 10393, July. 23, 2010>

Article 33-2 Deleted. <by Act No. 10393, July. 23, 2010>

Article 33-3 Deleted. <by Act No. 10393, July. 23, 2010>

Article 34 Deleted. <by Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000>

Article 34-2 Deleted. <by Act No. 10393, July. 23, 2010>

Article 35 Deleted. <by Act No. 10393, July. 23, 2010>

 

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Article 36 Deleted. <by Act No. 10393, July. 23, 2010>

CHAPTER V. Deleted. <by Act No. 10166, March. 22, 2010>

Article 37 Deleted <by Act No. 8867, Feb. 29, 2008>

Article 38 Deleted <by Act No. 8867, Feb. 29, 2008>

Article 39 Deleted <by Act No. 8867, Feb. 29, 2008>

Article 40 Deleted <by Act No. 8867, Feb. 29, 2008>

Article 40-2 Deleted. <by Act No. 10166, March. 22, 2010>

Article 40-3 Deleted. <by Act No. 10166, March. 22, 2010>

Article 41 Deleted <by Act No. 8867, Feb. 29, 2008>

Article 42 Deleted <by Act No. 8867, Feb. 29, 2008>

Article 43 Deleted. <by Act No. 10166, March. 22, 2010>

 

7


Article 44 Deleted <by Act No. 8867, Feb. 29, 2008>

Article 44-2 Deleted <by Act No. 9481, Mar. 13, 2009>

CHAPTER V-2 Deleted. <by Act No. 10165, March. 22, 2010>

Article 44-3 Deleted. <by Act No. 10165, March. 22, 2010>

Article 44-4 Deleted. <by Act No. 10165, March. 22, 2010>

Article 44-5 Deleted <by Act No. 9481 of Mar. 13, 2009>

Article 44-6 Deleted <by Act No. 9481 of Mar. 13, 2009>

Article 44-7 Deleted. <by Act No. 10165, March. 22, 2010>

Article 44-8 Deleted. <by Act No. 10165, March. 22, 2010>

CHAPTER VI SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS

Article 45 Deleted. <by Act No. 10165, March. 22, 2010>

Article 45-2 Deleted. <by Act No. 10393, July. 23, 2010>

 

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Article 46 (Delegation and Entrustment of Authority)

(1) Part of the authority of the Minister of Knowledge Economy and the Korea Communications Commission under this Act may be delegated or commissioned to the head of the related agencies or of the Korea Post under the conditions as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 8867, Feb. 29, 2008>

(2) Deleted. <by Act No. 10165, March. 22, 2010>

CHAPTER VII PENAL PROVISIONS

Article 47 (Penal Provisions)

(1) A person who has publicly made a false communication over the telecommunications facilities and equipment for the purpose of harming the public interest shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than five years or by a fine not exceeding fifty million won. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

(2) A person who has publicly made a false communication over the telecommunications facilities and equipment for the purpose of benefiting himself or the third party or inflicting damages on the third party shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than three years or by a fine not exceeding thirty million won. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

(3) In case where the false communication under paragraph (2) is of a telegraphic remittance, it shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than five years or by a fine not exceeding fifty million won. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

(4) When a person engaged in the telecommunications business commits the act under paragraph (1) or (3), he shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than ten years or by a fine not exceeding 100 million won, and in case of committing the act under paragraph (2), he shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than five years or by a fine not exceeding fifty million won. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

9


Article 48 Deleted. <by Act No. 10393, July. 23, 2010>

Article 48-2 Deleted. <by Act No. 6360, Jan. 16, 2001>

Article 49 Deleted. <by Act No. 10393, July. 23, 2010>

Article 50 Deleted. <by Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000>

Article 51 Deleted. <by Act No. 10393, July. 23, 2010>

Article 52 Deleted. <by Act No. 10393, July. 23, 2010>

Article 53 Deleted. <by Act No. 10393, July. 23, 2010>

Addendum <Act No. 10393, July. 23, 2010> (Radio Waves Act)

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

This Act shall be effective 6 months after the date of its announcement.

Article 2, 3, 4 and 5 Deleted

 

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Article 6 (Amendments to Other Laws)

(1) The FRAMEWORK ACT ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS shall be partially amended as follow:

Article 33, 33-2, 34-2, 35, 36, 45-2, 48, 49, 51, 52 and 53 Deleted.

(2) Deleted.

Article 7 and 8 Deleted.

 

11

EX-15.2 8 d333931dex152.htm ENFORCEMENT DECREE OF THE FRAMEWORK ACT ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Telecommunications

Exhibit 15.2

ENFORCEMENT DECREE OF THE FRAMEWORK ACT ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS

 

 

Amended by Enforcement Decree No. 22605 of Dec. 31, 2010, effective Jan. 24, 2011

CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1 (Purpose)

The purpose of this Enforcement Decree is to provide matters delegated under the Framework Act on Telecommunications (the “Act”) and matters necessary for its enforcement.

CHAPTER II Deleted <by Enforcement Decree No. 21692 of Aug. 18, 2009>

Article 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 Deleted <by Enforcement Decree No. 21692 of Aug. 18, 2009>

CHAPTER III TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

Article 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 Deleted <by Enforcement Decree No. 22550 of Dec. 27, 2010>

Article 32 Deleted <by Enforcement Decree No. 22605 of Dec. 31, 2010>

 

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CHAPTER IV Deleted <by Enforcement Decree No. 22550 of Dec. 27, 2010>

Article 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 and 42 Deleted <by Enforcement Decree No. 22550 of Dec. 27, 2010>

CHAPTER V Deleted <by Enforcement Decree No. 22550 of Dec. 27, 2010>

Article 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 and 51 Deleted <by Enforcement Decree No. 22550 of Dec. 27, 2010>.

CHAPTER VI SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS

Article 52 Deleted <by Enforcement Decree No. 22550 of Dec. 27, 2010>

Article 53 Deleted <by Enforcement Decree No. 22550 of Dec. 27, 2010>

Article 54 Deleted <by Enforcement Decree No. 22605 of Dec. 31, 2010>

Article 54-2 Deleted <by Enforcement Decree No. 22550 of Dec. 27, 2010>

Article 55 Deleted <by Enforcement Decree No. 22605 of Dec. 31, 2010>

ADDENDA <Enforcement Decree No. 22605, Dec. 31, 2010> (Enforcement Decree of The Radio Waves Act)

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

This Act shall take effect on January 24, 2011.

 

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Article 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 Deleted

Article 13 (Amendments to Other Laws)

(1), (2) and (3) Deleted

(4) The Enforcement Decree of FRAMEWORK ACT ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS shall be partially amended as follow:

Article 32, 54 and 55 Deleted

(5), (6), (7), (8) and (9) Deleted

 

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EX-15.3 9 d333931dex153.htm THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS ACT (ENGLISH TRANSLATION) The Telecommunications Business Act (English translation)

Exhibit 15.3

TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS ACT

 

 

As partially amended by Act No. 10656 of May 19, 2011

CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1 (Purpose)

The purpose of this Act is to contribute to the promotion of public welfare by encouraging sound development of telecommunications business and ensuring convenience to the users of telecommunications service through proper management of such business.

Article 2 (Definitions)

For the purpose of this Act, [Amended on May 19, 2011] [Enforced on Nov. 20, 2011]

 

  1. the term “telecommunication” means sending and receiving of sign, wording, sound or image through wired, wireless, optic or other electronic means.

 

  2. the term “telecommunication facilities” means equipments, devices, lines and other facilities necessary for telecommunication.

 

  3. the term “telecommunication line facilities means telecommunication line portion of the telecommunication facilities which is necessary for sending, receiving and routing telecommunication and include exchange equipments and other annexed facilities.

 

  4. the term “commercial telecommunication facilities” means telecommunication facilities for providing telecommunication business.

 

  5. the term “proprietary telecommunication facilities” means telecommunication facilities other than commercial telecommunication facilities that a person installs for his own telecommunication use.

 

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  6. the term “telecommunication service” means connecting of customer’s communication through the use of telecommunication facilities or providing telecommunication facilities for customer’s communication.

 

  7. the term “telecommunication business” means the business of providing telecommunication service.

 

  8. the term “telecommunications business operator” means a person who provides telecommunications service with holding a license or making a registration or report under this Act;

 

  9. the term “user” means a person who has made a contract for the use of any telecommunications service with the telecommunications business operator in order to receive a provision of telecommunications service; and

 

  10. the term “universal service” means the basic telecommunications service which any user may receive at reasonable fees anytime and anywhere

 

  11. the term “key communication service” means the telecommunication service such as telephone and internet services which transmit or receive voice, data, image, etc. without changing their content and the telecommunication service where telecommunication line facilities is lent for transmission and receipt of voice, data, image, etc., provided, however that individual telecommunication services determined and announced by the Korea Communications Commission (individual telecommunication service under Article 6) are excluded.

 

  12. the term “added telecommunication service” means telecommunication services other than key communication services.

 

  13. the term “value-added telecommunication services for special types” means as below:

 

  A. value added telecommunication service for special types of online service providers under Article 104 of the Copyright Act

 

  B. value added telecommunication service for the purpose of storing or sending information under Article 3(1) of the Framework Act on National Information by using computers among others.

Article 3 (Duty of Providing Services, etc.)

(1) A telecommunications business operator shall not refuse to provide any telecommunications service, without justifiable reasons.

(2) A telecommunications business operator shall guarantee the fairness, speediness and accuracy in performing his business.

 

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(3) A fee for telecommunications service shall be reasonably fixed so as to ensure a smooth development of telecommunications business and to provide the users with convenient and diverse telecommunications services in the fair and inexpensive manner.

Article 4 (Universal Service)

(1) All telecommunications business operators shall have the obligation to provide universal service or to replenish the losses incurred by such provisions.

(2) The Communications Commission may, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), exempt the telecommunications business operator determined by the Enforcement Decree as a telecommunications business operator for whom an imposition of obligation under paragraph (1) is deemed inadequate in view of the peculiarity of telecommunications service, or the telecommunications business operator whose turnover of telecommunications service is less than the amount as determined by the Enforcement Decree within the limit of 1/100 of total turnover of the telecommunications services, from the relevant obligations.

(3) The details of universal service shall be determined by the Enforcement Decree in consideration of the following matters:

1. Level of the development of information and communications technology;

2. Level of the dissemination of telecommunications service;

3. Public interest and safety;

4. Promotion of social welfare; and

5. Acceleration of informatization.

(4) In order to provide effective, stable universal service, the Korea Communications Commission may, in consideration of size and quality of universal service, level of price and the technical capability of a telecommunications business operator, designate a telecommunications business operator through the method and procedure prescribed by the Enforcement Decree.

 

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(5) Under the method and procedure prescribed by the Enforcement Decree, the Korea Communications Commission may have a telecommunications business operator bear compensation for losses incurred in the course of providing universal service based on the total sales.

CHAPTER II TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS

SECTION 1 General Provisions

Article 5 (Classification, etc. of Telecommunications Business)

(1) The telecommunications businesses shall be classified into a key communications business, a specific communications business and a value-added communications business.

(2) The key communications business shall be the business to install telecommunication line facilities, and thereby provide telecommunications services such as telegraph and telephone service (hereinafter referred to as the “key communications services”), whose types and contents are determined by the Enforcement Decree, in consideration of impacts on the public interest and national industries and the necessity for stable provision of services.

(3) The specific communications business shall correspond to one of the following subparagraphs:

1. Business which provides a key communications service by making use of telecommunication line facilities, etc. of a person who has obtained a license for key communications business under Article 6 (hereinafter referred to as a “key communications business operator”); and

2. Business which installs the telecommunications facilities in the premises as determined by the Enforcement Decree, and provides a telecommunications service therein by making use of the said facilities.

(4) The value-added communications business shall be the business providing value-added communication services.

 

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SECTION 2 Key Communications Business

Article 6 (License etc. of Key Communications Business Operator)

(1) A person who intends to run a key communications business shall obtain a license from the Korea Communications Commission.

(2) The Korea Communications Commission shall, in granting a license under paragraph (1), comprehensively examine the matters falling under each of the following subparagraphs:

1. financial capability necessary for implementing the key communication service plan;

2. technical capability necessary for implementing the key communication service plan,

3. plans for a user protection;

4. other matters relevant to capacity for providing stable key communication services as determined under the Enforcement Decree of the Act.

(3) The Communications Commission shall set forth the detailed examination criteria by examining item under paragraph (2), period for license and outline of application for license, and make a public announcement thereof

(4) The Korea Communications Commission may, in case where it grants a license for key communications business under paragraph (1), attach the conditions necessary for the promotion of fair competition, protection of users, improvement of service quality and efficient employment of resources for information and communication, in this case such conditions shall be published on its official publication and official webpage.

(5) A person subject to a license under paragraph (1) shall be limited to a juristic person.

(6) Procedures for a license under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be determined by the Enforcement Decree.

 

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Article 7 (Reasons for Disqualification for License)

Persons falling under each of the following subparagraphs shall not be entitled to obtain the license for a key communications business as referred to in Article 6:

1. The State or local governments;

2. Foreign governments or foreign corporations; and

3. Corporations whose stocks are owned by foreign governments or foreigners in excess of the restrictions on stock possessions as referred to in Article 8 (1).

Article 8 (Restrictions on Stock Possessions of Foreign Governments or Foreigners)

(1) The stocks of a key communications business operator (excluding non-voting stocks under Article 370 of the Commercial Act, and including the stock equivalents with voting rights, such as stock depositary receipts, etc. and investment equities; hereinafter the same shall apply) shall not be owned in excess of 49/100 of the gross number of issued stocks, when adding up all of those owned by the foreign governments or foreigners.

(2) A corporation whose largest stockholder is a foreign government or a foreigner (including, throughout this Act, a specially-related person under Article 9(1)1 of the Capital Markets and Financial Investment Business Act) and not less than 15/100 of the gross number of its issued stocks is owned by said foreign government or foreigner (hereinafter referred to as the “fictitious corporation of foreigners”) shall be regarded as a foreigner.

(3) A corporation that owns less than 1/100 of the gross number of stocks issued by a key communications business operator shall not be regarded as a foreigner, even if it is equipped with the requirements as referred to in paragraph (2).

Article 9 (Grounds for Disqualifying Officers)

(1) Any person falling under each of the following subparagraphs shall be disqualified to serve as an officer of any key communications business operator:

1. A minor, an incompetent or a quasi-incompetent;

 

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2. A person who has yet to be reinstated after having been declared bankrupt;

3. A person who has been sentenced to imprisonment without prison labor or a heavier punishment on charges of violating this Act, the Framework Act on Telecommunications, the Radio Waves Act or the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection (excluding matters not directly related to telecommunication business, hereinafter “this Act, etc.”), and for whom three years have yet to pass from the date on which the execution of the sentence is terminated (including a case where the execution of the sentence is deemed to be terminated) or the execution of the sentence is exempted;

4. A person who is in a stay period after having been sentenced to a stay of the execution of the imprisonment without prison labor or a heavier punishment on charges of violating this Act, etc.;

5. A person who has been sentenced to a fine on charges of violating this Act, etc. and for whom one years have yet to pass from the date of such sentence; and

6. A person who has been subject to a disposition taken to revoke all or part of his permission in accordance with Article 20 (1), a disposition taken to revoke his registration in accordance with Article 27 (1) or an order given in accordance with paragraph (2) of the same Article to discontinue his business and for whom three years have yet to pass from the date of such disposition or order. In the case of a corporation, the person refers to the person who commits the act of causing the disposition to revoke permission, the disposition to revoke registration or the order to discontinue business, and its representative.

(2) In the event that any officer is found to fall under each subparagraph of paragraph (1) or is found to fall under each subparagraph of paragraph (1) at the time that he is selected and appointed as an officer, he shall rightly resign from the office.

(3) Any act in which any officer has been involved prior to his resignation under paragraph (2) shall not lose its legal efficacy.

 

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Article 10 (Examination of Public Interest Nature of Stock Acquisition, etc. by Key Communications Business Operator)

(1) The Public Interest Nature Examination Committee (hereinafter referred to as the “Committee”) shall be established in the Korea Communications Commission in order to make an examination regarding whether or not what falls under each of the following subparagraphs impedes the public interests as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree (hereinafter referred to as the “examination of public interest nature”), such as the national safety guarantee and maintenance of public peace and order, etc:

1. Where the principal comes to own not less than 15/100 of the gross number of stocks issued by a key communications business operator, when adding up those owned by the specially-related person as referred to in Article 9 paragraph (1) subparagraph 1 of the Capital Market Integration Act(hereinafter referred to as the “specially-related person”);

2. Where the largest stockholder of a key communications business operator is altered;

3. Where a key communications business operator or any stockholder of a key communications business operator concludes a contract for important management matters as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree, such as the appointment and dismissal of executives and the transfer or takeover, etc. of business of the relevant key communications business operator, with a foreign government or a foreigner; and

4. Other cases as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree, where there exists a change in the stockholders who have de facto management rights of a key communications business operator.

(2) Where a key communications business operator or any stockholder of a key communications business operator comes to fall under each of subparagraphs of paragraph (1), he shall file a report thereon with the Korea Communications Commission within thirty days from the time when such a fact took place.

(3) Where a key communications business operator or any stockholder of a key communications business operator is to come to fall under each of subparagraphs of paragraph (1), he may, prior to the said situation, request the Korea Communications Commission to make an examination as referred to in paragraph (1).

(4) Where the Korea Communications Commission has received a report as referred to in paragraph (2) or a request for examination as referred to in paragraph (3), it shall refer it to the Committee.

 

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(5) Where the Korea Communications Commission judges that there exists a danger of impeding the public interests by the cases falling under each of subparagraphs of paragraph (1) in view of the result of examination as referred to in paragraph (1), it may order the alteration of contract detail and suspension of its implementation, the suspension of exercise of voting rights, or the sale of relevant stocks.

(6) The report as referred to in paragraph (2) or (3), or the scope of key communications business operators to be examined of public interest nature, the procedures for reports and examinations of public interest nature and other necessary matters shall be stipulated by the Enforcement Decree.

Article 11 (Composition and Operation, etc. of Public Interest Nature Examination Committee)

(1) The Committee shall consist of not less than five but not more than ten members including one Chairman.

(2) The Chairman shall be the Vice Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, and the members shall be the persons commissioned by the Chairman from among the public officials ranking Grade III or higher grade of related central administrative agencies or public officials who belong to senior executive service as specified by the Enforcement Decree of the Act, and falling under each of the following subparagraphs:

1. Persons having profound knowledge and experiences in the information and communications;

2. Persons recommended by the Government-contributed research institutes relating to the national safety guarantee and maintenance of public peace and order;

3. Persons recommended by the nonprofit non-governmental organizations as referred to in Article 2 of the Assistance for Nonprofit Non-Governmental Organizations Act; and

4. Other persons deemed necessary by the Chairman.

 

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(3) The Committee may conduct necessary investigations for the examination of public interest nature, or request the interested parties or the reference witnesses to provide the data. In such case, the relevant interested parties or the reference witnesses shall comply with it unless they have any justifiable reasons.

(4) Where the Committee deems it necessary, it may have the interested parties or the reference witnesses attend the Committee, and hear their opinions. In such case, the relevant interested parties or the reference witnesses shall comply with it unless they have any justifiable reasons.

(5) Matters necessary for the organization or operation, etc. of the Committee shall be prescribed by the Enforcement Decree.

Article 12 (Restrictions, etc. on Stockholders of Excessive Possession)

(1) Where a foreign government or a foreigner has acquired the stocks in contravention of the provisions of Article 8 (1), no voting rights shall be exercised for the stocks under the said excessive possession.

(2) The Korea Communications Commission may order the stockholder who has acquired stocks in contravention of the provisions of Article 86 (1), a key communications business operator wherein exists the said stockholder, or the stock-holder of the fictitious corporation of foreigners, to make corrections in the relevant matters, with specifying the period within the limit of six months

(3) Persons subjected to the order for corrections as referred to in paragraph (2) shall make corrections in the relevant matters within the specified period.

(4) With regard to the stockholder in contravention of the provisions of Article 8 (1), a key communications business operator may refuse any renewals for the excessive portion in the register of stockholders or of members.

 

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Article 13 (Charge for Compelling Execution)

(1) Against the persons who were subjected to the orders as referred to in Articles 10 (5) or 12 (2) or 18 (8)(hereinafter referred to as the “corrective orders”) and has failed to comply with them within the specified period, the Communications Commission may levy the charge for compelling the execution. In such case, the charge for compelling the execution leviable per day shall be not more than 3/1,000 of purchase prices of relevant possessed stocks, but in the case not related with the stock possession, it shall be the amount not exceeding 100 million won.

(2) The period subject to a levy of the charge for compelling the execution as referred to in paragraph (1) shall be from the day next to the date of expiration of the period set in the corrective orders to the date of implementing the corrective orders. In such case, a levy of the charge for compelling the execution shall be made within 30 days from the day next to the expiration date of the period set in the corrective orders, except for the case where there exists a special reason.

(3) Provisions of Article 53 (5) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the collection of the charge for compelling the execution.

(4) Matters necessary for the levy, payment, refund, etc. of the charge for compelling the execution shall be prescribed by the Enforcement Decree.

Article 14 (Issuance of Stocks)

A key communications business operator shall, in a case of an issuance of stocks, issue the registered ones

Article 15 (Obligation of Commencing Business)

(1) A key communications business operator shall install telecommunications facilities and commence business within the period as fixed by the Korea Communications Commission.

(2) The Korea Communications Commission may, in case where the said business operator is unable to commence business within the period under paragraph (1) due to force majeure and other unavoidable reasons, extend the relevant period only once, upon an application of the key communications business operator.

 

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Article 16 (Modification of License)

(1) Where a key communications business operator intends to modify the important matters prescribed by the Enforcement Decree from among the matters licensed under Article 6, he shall obtain a modified license from the Korea Communications Commission, under the conditions as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree. <Amended by Act No. 8867, Feb. 29, 2008>

(2) The provisions of Articles 6 (4) and Article 15 shall be applicable mutatis mutandis to a modified license for change under paragraph (1).

Article 17 (Concurrent Operation of Business)

(1) A key communications business operator shall, in case where he intends to run any of the businesses set forth in the following subparagraphs, obtain approval from the Korea Communications Commission: Provided that, this provision shall not apply to any key communications business operator with less than 30,000,000,000 Korean Won in turnover of services.

1. manufacturing of telecommunications [tools]

2. information and communications work pursuant to paragraph 3 of Article 2 of the Information and Communications Work Business Act (excluding renovation and consolidation work for electronic telecommunications network)

3. services pursuant to subparagraph 6 of Article 2 of the Information and Communications Work Business Act (excluding renovation and consolidation of electronic telecommunications network).

(2) The Korea Communications Commission shall grant approval under paragraph (1), in case where deemed that a key communications business operator is not likely to cause any impediments to the operation of telecommunications service by running a business under paragraph (1), and that it is required for the development of telecommunications.

 

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Article 18 (Takeover of Business and Merger of Juristic Persons etc.)

(1) A person who belongs to any one of the categories set forth in the following paragraphs shall obtain an authorization from the Korea Communications Commission under the conditions as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree: Provided, notwithstanding subparagraph 3 below, that in case that person sells telecommunications circuit installations except the ones prescribed by the Enforcement Decree, he shall report it to the Korea Communications Commission under the conditions as determined by the Enforcement Decree

1. a person who takes or intends to take over the whole or part of a business of a key communications business operator

2. a person who intends to merge with a juristic person which is a key communications business operator

3. a key communications business operator intending to sell the telecommunications circuit installations necessary for provision of key communications service

4. a person who, along with a certain related person intends to become the [largest shareholder of a key communications business operator or own 15% of more of the issued shares of the key communications business operator.

5. a person seeking to acquire control over a key communication business operator by acquiring shares or entering into an agreement, as specified by the Enforcement Decree of the Act

6. a key communication business operator seeking to establish a company to provide part of the key communication services provided under authorization through such company.

(2) The Korea Communications Commission shall, in case where it intends to grant authorization or approval under paragraph (1), comprehensively examine the matters falling under each of the following subparagraphs:

1. Appropriateness of financial and technical capability and business operational capability;

2. Appropriateness of management of resources for information and communications, such as frequencies and telecommunications numbers, etc.;

 

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3. Impact on the competition of key communications business; and

4. Impact on the protection of users and the public interests.

5. Impact on public interests, such as the use of telecommunications facilities and communication networks, efficiency of research and development and international competitive power of the communications industry, etc.

(3) Matters necessary for the detailed examination standards by examination items and the examination procedures, etc. under paragraph (2) shall be fixed and publicly announced by the Korea Communications Commission

(4) A person falling under any of the following shall succeed to the telecommunication licensee status of the key communication business operator:

1. A person who has taken over the business of a key communications business operator by obtaining an authorization under paragraph (1)

2. a juristic person surviving a merger or that established by a merger, or that established by obtaining an authorization under paragraph (2)

3. a company incorporated to provide part of key communication services with the approval under paragraph (1)6

(5) The Korea Communications Commission may, in case where it grants authorization or authorization under paragraph (1), attach conditions under Article 6(4).

(6) The Korea Communications Commission shall, in case where it intends to grant an authorization under paragraph (1), go through a consultation with the Fair Trade Commission. <Amended by Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000; Act No. 8867, Feb. 29, 2008; Act No. 9481, March 13, 2009>

(7) In regard to the criteria for rejection of authorization in paragraph (1), Article 7 shall be applicable mutatis mutandis.

 

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(8) In the event any person/entity subject to Article 1(4) or (5) fails to acquire the permit pursuant thereto, the Korea Communications Commission may order suspension of its voting right or sale of the applicable shares, and if the conditions attached under paragraph (5) are not carried out, may order such performance within a specific time frame. <Newly inserted, Jan.3, 2007; Act No. 8867, Feb. 29, 2008>

(9) A person seeking authorization under paragraph (1) shall not do each of the following:

1. unify communications networks,

2. appoint officers,

3. execute other activities such as transferring, consolidating, entering into contract concerning disposing of facilities or

4. take follow-up measures regarding establishment of a company prior to obtaining such authorization or approval.

Article 19 (Suspension, Closedown of Business or Dissolution of Juristic Persons, etc.)

(1) A key communications business operator shall, in case where he intends to suspend or discontinue the whole or part of a key communications business run by him, as specified by the Enforcement Decree of the Act notify the users at least 60 days prior to the date of termination and obtain approval of such suspension or discontinuation from the Korea Communications Commission.

(2) In the event separate measures of protection is deemed to be necessary for the protection of users upon suspension or discontinuance of the relevant key communications business, the Korea Communications Commission may order such measures (including assistance for membership change, bearing expenses, termination of membership) to be taken. (3) The Korea Communications Commission shall, in case where an application for approval or authorization under paragraph (1) is made, and where deemed that suspension, discontinuance of relevant business or a dissolution of a juristic person is likely to hamper the public interests, not grant the relevant approval or authorization.

 

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Article 20 (Cancellation of License, etc.)

(1) The Korea Communications Commission may, in case where a key communications business operator falls under any one of the following subparagraphs, cancel the relevant license or give an order to suspend the whole or part of business with fixing a period of no more than one year, provided that the license shall be cancelled entirely or partially if paragraph 1 is applicable:

1. Where he has obtained a license by deceit and other illegal means;

2. Where he has failed to implement the conditions under Articles 6 (4) and 18 (5);

3. Where he has failed to observe the orders under Article 12 (2);

4. Where he has failed to commence business within the period under Article 15 (1) (in case of obtaining an extension of the period under Article 15 (2), the extended period);

5. Where he has failed to comply with the standardized use contract, that is authorized or reported under Article 28 (1) and (2); and

6. Where he fails to comply with an order for correction under Article 52 (1) or Article 92 (1) without any justifiable reasons.

(2) Criteria and procedures for the dispositions under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be determined by the Enforcement Decree.

SECTION 3 Specific Communications Business and Value-Added Communications Business

Article 21 (Registration of Specific Communications Business Operator)

(1) A person who intends to operate a specific communications service shall register the following matters with the Korea Communications Commission (including registration through information network) under the conditions as determined by the Enforcement Decree:

1. Financial and technical capability;

2. Plans for a user protection; and

 

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3. Business plans, etc. and other matters as determined by the Enforcement Decree.

(2) The Korea Communications Commission may, upon receipt of the registration of a specific communications business under paragraph (1), attach the conditions necessary for the promotion of fair competition, protection of users, improvement of service quality and efficient employment of resources for information and communication.

(3) A person subject to the registration of specific communications business under paragraph (1) shall be limited to a juristic person.

(4) A person who registered his specific communications business under paragraph (1) (hereinafter referred to as a “specific communications business operator”) shall commence operation within 1 year from the registration date.

(5) Procedures and requirements for the registration under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be determined by the Enforcement Decree.

Article 22 (Report, etc. of Value-Added Communications Business Operator)

(1) A person who intends to run a value-added communications business shall report to the Korea Communications Commission (including reports via information network), according to the requirements and procedures as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree: Provided, That this shall not apply to a case where the size of the operating telecommunications facilities is a small value-added communication business matching the criteria prescribed by the Enforcement Decree.

(2) Notwithstanding Paragraph 1, a person who intends to run a value-added communications business shall register under the Korea Communications Commission (including reports via information network), by fulfilling below each item: [Newly inserted on May 19, 2011] [Enforced on Nov. 20, 2011]

 

  1. enforcement of technical measures for performance of the Article 42, 42-2, 42-3, and 45 of the Act on Promotion of Utilization of Information System and Protection of Information and Article 104 of Copyright Act;

 

  2. personnel and physical facilities necessary for work performance;

 

  3. financial health; and

 

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  4. other matters determined by the Presidential Decree such as business plan.

(3) When the Korea Communications Commission has received an application for registration of value-added communications business pursuant to paragraph (2), the Commission may add conditions necessary for the performance of a plan pursuant to subparagraph (1) of the same paragraph. <Newly Inserted on May 19, 2011><Enforcement Date: Nov. 20, 2011>

(4) When a key communications business operator seeks to operate value-added communication services, such value-added communication services are deemed to have been registered. <Amended on May 19, 2011><Enforcement Date: Nov. 20, 2011>

(5) A person who reported value-added communications business under the first part of paragraph (1) and a person who registered value-added communications business under paragraph (2) shall commence operation within 1 year from the reporting or registration date. <Amended on May 19, 2011><Enforcement Date: Nov. 20, 2011>

(6) A report pursuant to the former part of paragraph (1), registration requirements and procedures pursuant to paragraph (2) and other necessary matters shall be determined by the Presidential Decree. <Newly Inserted on May 19, 2011><Enforcement Date: November 20, 2011>

Article 22-2 (Reasons for Disqualification from Registration)

Any person or legal entity not exceeding three years from the date of registration cancelation pursuant to Article 27(2) or a person who was the majority shareholder of such corporation (investors determined by the Presidential Decree) at the time of such cancelation may not make a registration pursuant to Article 22(2).

<This Article Newly Inserted: May 19. 2011><Enforcement Date: Nov. 20, 2011>

Article 23 (Modification of Registered or Reported Matters)

Specific communications business operator a person who has made a report of a value-added communications business operator under the earlier part of Article 22(1) or has registered value-added communications business under paragraph (2) of the same Act shall, when he intends to modify the matters as determined by the Enforcement Decree from among the relevant registered or reported matters, make in advance a modified registration or modified report (including modified registration or modified report through information network) to the Korea Communications Commission under the conditions as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree. <Amended on May 19, 2011><Enforcement Date: Nov. 20, 2011>:

 

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Article 24 (Transfer or Takeover, etc. of Business)

In case where there exists a transfer or takeover of the whole or part of a specific communications business or a value-added communications business, or a merger or succession of a juristic person which is a specific communications business operator or a value-added communications business operator (a person who has reported value-added communications services pursuant to the first part of Article 22(1), has registered value-added communications services pursuant to paragraph (2) of the same Act, or is deemed to have made such reporting under the latter part of paragraph (1) or paragraph (4) of the same Article, hereinafter refer to the same)), each of the following persons shall make the report thereon (including reports through information network) to the Korea Communications Commission, according to the requirements and procedures as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree <Amended on May 19, 2011><Enforcement Date: Nov. 20, 2011>:

1. a person who has taken over the relevant business,

2. the juristic person surviving the merger, the juristic person founded by the merger, or

3. the successor to the business in question

Article 25 (Succession of Business)

In case where there have existed a transfer or takeover of a specific communications business or a value-added communications business, a merger of a juristic person which is a specific communications business or a value-added communications business operator, or a succession of a value-added communications business, under Article 24, each of the following persons shall succeed to the status of a former specific communications business operator or a value-added communications business operator.

 

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1. a person who has taken over the business,

2. a juristic person surviving a merger, or a juristic person founded by a merger or

3. a successor <

Article 26 (Suspension or Closedown, etc. of Business)

(1) A specific communications business operator or a value-added communications business operator shall, in case where he intends to suspend or close down the whole or part of his business, in a manner determined in the Enforcement Decree of the Act, notify the relevant contents to the users of relevant services, and report thereon to the Korea Communications Commission (including reports through information network) not later than thirty days prior to the slated date of the relevant suspension or closedown In this case, the business shall not be maintained for more than 1 year.

(2) Where a juristic person which is a specific communications business operator or a value-added communications business operator is dissolved for reasons other than a merger, a relevant liquidator (referred to a trustee in a bankruptcy, when it is dissolved by bankruptcy) shall report thereon without delay to the Korea Communications Commission(including reports through information network).

Article 27 (Cancellation of Registration and Order for Closedown of Business)

(1) The Korea Communications Commission may, when a specific communications business operator falls under any of the following subparagraphs, cancel his registration wholly or partially, or suspend his business wholly or partially by specifying the period of not more than one year: Provided, That when he falls under the subparagraph 1, the Korea Communications Commission shall cancel his registration:

1. Where he makes a registration by deceit and other illegal means;

2. Where he fails to implement the conditions under Article 21 (2);

3. Where he fails to commence business within one year from the date on which a registration was made under Article 21 (4), or in violation of the latter part of Article 26(1) continually suspends business operation for not less than one year;

 

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4. Where he fails to comply with an order under Article 52 (1) or an order for correction Article 92 (1) without any justifiable reasons;

(2) The Korea Communications Commission may, when a value added communications business operator falls under any of the following subparagraphs, issue an order to him for a closedown of the whole or part of business (in case of a special type of value-added telecommunications business operator, the cancelation of the whole or part of the registration) or for a suspension of the whole or part of business by specifying a period of not more than one year: Provided, That where he falls under any one of the following subparagraphs, the said Minister shall issue an order to him for a closedown of whole or part of business <Amended on May 19, 2011><Enforcement Date: Nov. 20, 2011>:

1. Where he makes a report or registration by deceit and other illegal means;

2. Where he fails to perform conditions under Article 22(3);

3. Where he fails to commence the business within one year from the reporting or registration date under Article 22(5), or in violation of the latter part of Article 26(1) suspend the business operation for not less than one year;

4. Where he fails to comply with an order under Article 52 (1) or a correction order under Article 92 (1) without any justifiable reasons;

5. Where he fails to comply with an order under Article 64(4) of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc. without any justifiable reasons; and

6. Where a person who had been punished by a fine for negligence more than three times pursuant to Article 142(1) and Article 142(2)3 became subject to the disposition of fine for negligence again and where the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism requests after the deliberation of the Korea Copyright Commission pursuant to Article 112 of the same Act.

 

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(3) Criteria and procedures for dispositions taken under paragraph (1) or (2) and other necessary matters shall be determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication.

CHAPTER III TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE

Article 28 (Report, etc. of Standardized Use Contract)

(1) A key communications business operator shall set forth the fees and other terms for use by service with respect to the telecommunications service which he intends to provide (hereinafter referred to as the “standardized use contract”), and report thereon (including a modified report) to the Korea Communications Commission.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in a case of a key communications service whose size of business and market share correspond to the standards as determined by the Enforcement Decree, it shall obtain an authorization of the Korea Communications Commission (including a modified authorization), provided that, any decrease in the service-specific charges included the approved standard terms and conditions of usage shall be reported to the Korea Communications Commission.

(3) In regard to the main body of paragraph (2), the Korea Communications Commission shall authorize the standardized use contract, if it falls under the criteria of every following subparagraph:

1. Fees for telecommunications service shall be reasonably calculated considering but not limited to costs of supply, profits, classification of costs/ profits by labor, cost savings achieved by methods of provision of labor, and effects on fair competitive environments;

2. Matters concerning the responsibility of key communications business operators and relevant users, cost-sharing methods concerning the installation work of telecommunications facilities and other works shall not be unreasonably disadvantageous to users.

3. Forms of use of telecommunication line facilities by other telecommunications business operators or users shall not be unduly restricted;

4. Undue discriminatory treatments shall not be made to specific persons; and

5. Matters on securing the important communications under Article 85 shall take into consideration matters such as achieving efficient performance of State’s function.

 

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(4) A person intending to acquire the approval under paragraph (!) and (2) or file a report with respect to the telecommunications services shall submit the supporting data for calculation of fee (including subscription fee, basic fee, usage fee, value-added service fee, and actual expense). In case of business change, a table comparing the old (before change) and new (after change) supporting data should be submitted to the Korea Communications Commission for comparison.

(5) Details necessary and not otherwise specified in paragraphs (1) through (4) in regard to the scope of and procedures of reporting and authorization shall be specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act.

Article 29 (Reduction or Exemption of Fees)

A key communications business operator may reduce or exempt the fees for telecommunications service under the conditions prescribed by the Enforcement Decree, such as national security guarantee, disaster relief, social welfare and public interest.

Article 30 (Restriction on Use by Others)

No person shall intermediate other’s communications or provide for other’s communications by making use of telecommunications services provided by a telecommunications business operator: Provided, That the same shall not apply to the case falling under any of the following subparagraphs:

1. Where it is needed to ensure the prevention and rescue from disaster, traffic and communication, and the supply of electricity, and to maintain order in a national emergency situation;

2. Where telecommunications services are incidentally rendered to clients while running a business other than the telecommunications business;

3. Where it is allowed to use on a trial basis for the purpose of developing and marketing telecommunications facilities, such as terminal devices, etc. which enable to use the telecommunications services;

 

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4. Where any user permits any third party to use to the extent that the latter does not use repeatedly; and

5. Where it is necessary for the public interests or where the business run by any telecommunications business operator is not impeded, which is prescribed by the Enforcement Decree.

Article 31 (Use of Transmission or Line Equipment, etc.)

(1) The composite cable TV business operator, transmission network business operator, or relay cable broadcasting business operator under the Broadcasting Act may provide the transmission or line equipment or the cable broadcasting equipment possessed under the methods prescribed by the Enforcement Decree to the key communications business operators.

(2) The composite cable TV business operator, transmission network business operator, or relay cable broadcasting business operator under the Broadcasting Act shall, when he intends to provide value-added communications services by making use of the transmission or line equipments or cable broadcasting equipments, make a report thereon to the Korea Communications Commission pursuant to Article 22.

(3) The provisions of Articles 33-5 through 35 and 37 shall be applicable mutatis mutandis to the transmission or line equipment or cable broadcasting facilities under paragraph (1).

(4) The provisions of Article 28 (2) through (7) of the Framework Act on Telecommunications shall be applicable mutatis mutandis to the offer of services under paragraph (2).

Article 32 (Protection of Users)

(1) A telecommunications business operator shall take a prompt measure on the reasonable opinions or dissatisfactions raised by the users with respect to the telecommunications service. In this case, if it is difficult to take a prompt measure, he shall notify the users of the reasons thereof and the schedule for measures.

 

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(2) Compensations for the damages incurred by the occurrence of reasons causing the opinions or dissatisfactions under paragraph (2) and by the delay of relevant measures shall be made pursuant to Article 33.

(3) A telecommunications business operator providing key communications services shall subscribe a guarantee insurance with the person designated by the Korea Communications Commission as beneficiary in an amount determined in accordance with the criteria specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act and not exceeding the aggregate prepaid phone service charges to be received prior to providing prepaid phone services to be able to compensate losses to users arising from not being able to provide services after receiving service charges in advance, provided that the foregoing requirement may be waived in the case specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act where such telecommunications business operator’s financial capacity and services charges are taken in consideration

(4) The person designated as beneficiary under paragraph (3) shall distribute insurance proceeds received under the guarantee insurance under paragraph (#) to users who have not received services after paying services charges in advance.

(5) Details necessary in regard to the subscription, renewal and distribution of insurance proceeds under paragraph (3) and (4) shall be specified in the Enforcement Decree of the Act.

Article 33 (Compensation for Damages)

A telecommunications business operator shall make compensations when he inflicts any damages on the users in the course of providing telecommunications services: Provided, That if such damages are the results of force majeure, or of intent or negligence of the users, the relevant liability for compensations shall be reduced or exempted.

CHAPTER IV PROMOTION OF COMPETITION AMONG THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS

Article 34 (Promotion of Competition)

(1) The Korea Communications Commission shall exert efforts to construct an efficient competition system and to promote fair competitive environments, in the telecommunications services. <Amended by Act No. 8867, Feb. 29, 2008>

 

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(2) The Korea Communications Commission shall conduct annual evaluation of competition system with respect to key communications business in order to construct an efficient competition system and to promote fair competition in the telecommunication services industry pursuant to paragraph 1 above. <Amended by Act No. 8867, Feb. 29, 2008>

(3) The specific evaluation standards, procedure and method for evaluating competition system under paragraph 2 above shall be prescribed by the Enforcement Decree. <Amended by Act No. 8867, Feb. 29, 2008>

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996]

Article 35 (Provision of Facilities, etc.)

(1) A key communications business operator or an institution constructing, operating and managing road, railroad, subway, water supply/sewage, electric poles, cables, telecommunications line facilities (“facility management institution”) may, upon receipt of a request for the provision of conduit line, common duct, electric poles, cables, operation sites and other facilities (including telecommunication facilities, hereinafter the same) or facilities (“facilities, etc.” from other key communications business operator, provide the facilities, etc. by concluding an agreement with him.

(2) A key communications business operator falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall, upon receipt of a request under paragraph (1), provide the telecommunications facilities by concluding an agreement, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), provided that the foregoing is not applicable in case there is a usage plan, etc. of the facility management institution:

1. A key communications business operator who possesses the equipments which are indispensable for other telecommunications business operators in providing the telecommunications services; and

 

  2. Each of the following facility management institutions owning conduit line, common duct, electric pole, cable and other facilities, etc.

 

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A. the Korea Expressway Corporation organized under the Korea Highway Corporation Act

B. the Korea Water Resources Corporation organized under the Korea Water Resources Corporation Act

C. the Korea Electric Power Corporation organized under the Korea Electric Power Corporation Act

D. the Korea Rail Network Authority organized under the Korea Rail Network Authority Act

 

  3.     

E. local public enterprises under Local Public Enterprise Act

F. municipalities under Local Autonomy Act

G. the Regional Construction Management Administration under the Road Act

3. A key communications business operator whose business scale and market shares, etc. of key communications services are equivalent to the criteria as determined by the Enforcement Decree.

(3) The Korean Communications Commission shall set forth and publicly notify the scope of facilities, etc., the conditions, procedures and methods for the provision of facilities, and the standards for calculation of prices under paragraphs (1) and (2). In this case, the scope of facilities, etc. to be provided under paragraph (2) shall be determined in view of the demand for facilities, etc. by the key communications business operators falling under each subparagraph of the same paragraph.

(4) A key communications business operator in receipt of provisions of the telecommunications facilities may install the apparatus enhancing the efficiency of the relevant facilities, within the limit necessary for the provision of the licensed telecommunications services.

(5) For efficient use and management of facilities, etc., the Korea Communications Commission may request data on facilities, etc., from telecommunications business operators and facility management institutions in a manner specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act. In this case, the pertinent telecommunications business operator or facility management institution shall honor such demand unless there are reasonable grounds for not doing so.

 

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  (6) For provision of facilities, etc. under paragraphs (1) and (2), the Korea Communications Commission may appoint an expert institution.

 

  (7) Details necessary for appointment and operation guidelines for expert institutions under paragraph (6) shall be determined and announced by the Korea Communications Commission.

Article 36 (Joint Utilization of Subscriber’s Lines)

(1) A key communications business operator shall, in case where other telecommunications business operators as determined and publicly noticed by the Korea Communications Commission have made a request for a joint utilization with respect to the lines installed in the section from the exchange facilities directly connected with the users to the users (hereafter in this Article, referred to as the “subscriber’s lines”), allow it.

(2) The Korea Communications Commission shall set forth and publicly notify the scope of joint utilization of the subscriber’s lines under paragraph (1), its conditions, procedures and methods, and the standards for calculation of prices.

Article 37 (Joint Utilization of Radio Communications Facilities)

(1) A key communications business operator may, upon receipt of a request for the joint utilization of radio communications facilities (hereinafter referred to as the “joint utilization”) from other key communications business operators, allow it by concluding an agreement. In this case, the prices for the joint utilization among the key communications business operators as set forth and publicly notified by Korea Communications Commission shall be computed and settled accounts by a fair and reasonable means.

(2) The key communications business operators as determined and publicly notified by the Korea Communications Commission shall, upon receipt of a request for the joint utilization from other key communications business operators as determined and publicly notified by the Korea Communications Commission, allow it by concluding an agreement, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), in order to enhance the efficiency of the telecommunications business and to protect the users.

 

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(3) The Korea Communications Commission shall set forth and publicly notify the standard for computing the prices for joint utilization under the latter part of paragraph (1) and its procedures and payment methods, etc., and the scope of joint utilization under paragraph (2), its conditions, procedures and methods, and the computation of prices, etc.

Article 38 (Wholesale Provision of Telecommunication Services)

(1) Upon request from other telecommunication business operator, a key communications business operator may enter into an agreement to allow such telecommunication business operator to resell the telecommunication services it provides to users (“resale”) by providing such services to such other telecommunication business operator or permitting part or all of the telecommunication facilities necessary for such provision of telecommunication services (“wholesale provision”).

(2) To encourage competition in the telecommunication industry, the Korea Communications Commission may, upon request from a telecommunication business operator, designate and announce telecommunication s services (“designated wholesale services”) of a key communications business provider which would need to enter into an agreement for wholesale provision (“designated wholesale provider”). In this case, designated wholesale services of the designated wholesale provider shall be selected from telecommunication services of key communications business providers satisfying the criteria specified in the Enforcement Decree of the Act which would take into consideration business size and market share.

(3) After evaluating the competition status of the communications market each year, if the Korea Communications Commission determines that the competition in the telecommunications industry has increased to the degree where the sufficient wholesale of telecommunications services have been provided or the set criteria are not met, it may withdraw its designation of designated wholesale services of the designated wholesale provider.

(4) The Korea Communications Commission shall determine and announce the terms and conditions of the wholesale provision when the designated wholesale provider enters into an agreement about the designated wholesale services. In this case, the consideration shall be calculated on the basis of subtracting avoidable costs (costs that the key communications business operator can avoid when not providing services directly to users) from retail prices of the designated wholesale services.

 

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(5) Upon request for wholesale provision from other telecommunications business operator, a key communications business operator shall enter into an agreement within 90 days unless there are special reasons and shall report such agreement to the Korea Communications Commission in a manner specified in the Enforcement Decree of the Act within 30 days from the execution of such agreement. The same applies in the case of a change or abolition of the agreement.

(6) An agreement under paragraph (5) shall satisfy the criteria announced by the Korea Communications Commission under paragraph (4).

[Paragraph (2) through (4) shall be effective until March 22, 2013 under the Article 2 of the Addenda to the Act No. 10166 (2010.3.22)]

Article 39 (Interconnection)

(1) A telecommunications business operator may allow the interconnection by concluding an agreement, upon a request from other telecommunications business operators for an interconnection of telecommunications facilities.

(2) The Korea Communications Commission shall set forth and publicly notify the scope of interconnections of telecommunications facilities, the conditions, procedures and methods, and the standards for calculation of prices under paragraph (1).

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2), the key communication business operators falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall allow the interconnection by concluding an agreement, upon receipt of a request under paragraph (1):

1. A key communications business operator who possesses such facilities as are indispensable for a provision of telecommunications services by other telecommunications business operators; and

2. A key communications business operator whose business size of key communications services and the ratio of market shares are compatible with the standards as determined by the Enforcement Decree.

 

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Article 40 (Prices of Interconnection)

(1) Prices for using the interconnection shall be calculated by a fair and proper means and deducted from each other’s accounts. The detailed standards for such calculation, their procedures and methods shall be governed by the standards of Article 39 (2).

(2) A key communications business operator may deduct the prices for interconnection from each other’s accounts under the conditions as prescribed by the standards under Article 39 (2), if he suffers any disadvantages due to the causes of no liability on his part, in the method of interconnection, the quality of connected conversations, or the provision of information required for interconnection, etc.

Article 41 (Joint Use, etc. of Telecommunications Facilities)

(1) A key communications business operator may allow an access to or a joint use of the telecommunications equipment or facilities by concluding an agreement, upon receipt of a request from other telecommunications business operators for an access to or a joint use of the telecommunications equipment or facilities such as pipes, cables, poles, or stations of the relevant key communications business operator, for the establishment or operation of facilities required for interconnection of telecommunications facilities.

(2) The Korean Communications Commission shall set forth, and make a public notice of, the scope, conditions, procedures and methods for an access to or a joint use of telecommunications equipment or facilities, and the standards for computation of prices under paragraph (1).

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), a key communications business operator falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall allow an access to or a joint use of the telecommunications equipment or facilities under paragraph (1) by concluding an agreement, upon a receipt of request under paragraph (1):

1. A key communications business operator who possesses such facilities as are indispensable for a provision of telecommunications services by other telecommunications business operators; and

 

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2. A key communications business operator whose business size of key communications services and the ratio of market shares are compatible with the standards as determined by the Enforcement Decree.

Article 42 (Provision of Information)

(1) A key communications business operator may provide requested information by concluding an agreement, upon a receipt of request from other telecommunications business operators for a provision of information related to technological information or the user’s personal matters which are required for a provision of telecommunications facilities, interconnection, or joint use, etc. and imposition and collection of fees and a guide to the telecommunications number.

(2) The Korean Communications Commission shall set forth, and make a public notice of, the scope, conditions, procedures and methods for a provision of information, and the standards for computation of prices under paragraph (1).

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), a key communications business operator falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall provide the requested information by concluding an agreement, upon a receipt of request under paragraph (1):

1. A key communications business operator who possesses such facilities as are indispensable for a provision of telecommunications services by other telecommunications business operators; and

2. A key communications business operator whose business size of key communications services and the ratio of market shares are compatible with the standards as determined by the Enforcement Decree.

(4) A key communications business operator under paragraph (3) shall set forth the technical standards required for a use by other telecommunications business operators or users by means of a connection of a monitor and other telecommunications equipment on the relevant telecommunications facilities, the standards for use and provision, and other standards required for a creation of fair competitive environments, and make a public notice thereof by obtaining approval from the Korea Communications Commission.

 

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Article 43 (Prohibition of Information Diversion)

(1) A telecommunications business operator shall not divulge any information concerning an individual user which has been obtained due to a provision of his own service, a provision of facilities, etc., wholesale provision, an interconnection or joint use, etc. Provided, That the same shall not apply, when there exists the consent of the principal or the case under a lawful procedure pursuant to the provisions of the Acts.

(2) A telecommunications business operator shall use the technological information or personal data of users obtained under Article 42(1) and (3) within the context of purposes thereof, and may not use it unjustly, or provide it to the third parties.

Article 44 (Report, etc. of Agreement on Interconnection, etc.)

(1) A key communications business operator and facility management institution shall conclude an agreement under Article 35 (1) and (2), the earlier part of 37 (1), 39 (1), 41 (3) or 42 (1) within ninety days unless there exist any special reasons and report it to the Korea Communications Commission in a manner specified in the Enforcement Decree of the Act within 30 days from the execution of such agreement, upon receipt of a request from other telecommunications business operators for a provision, a joint utilization, an interconnection or a joint use, etc. of telecommunications facilities, or a provision of information. The same applies in the case of a change or abolition of the agreement.

(2) Notwithstanding the provision of paragraph (1), in case of an agreement in which a key communications business operator under the latter part of Article 37 (1) and (2), Articles 39 (3), 41 (3), and 42 (3) is a party concerned, shall enter into an agreement within 90 days upon receipt of the request, unless there is a special reason, and the key communications business operator receiving the request shall apply for authorization to the Korea Communications Commission in a manner specified in the Enforcement Decree of the Act within 30 days from the execution of the Agreement and reveal the contents of the agreement within 30 days from the authorization date. The same applies in the case of a change or abolition of the agreement

(3) The agreement under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall meet the standards which are publicly notified by the Korea Communications Commission under Articles 35 (3), 37 (3), 39 (2), 41 (2)or 42 (2).

 

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(4) The Korea Communications Commission may, if any application for authorization referred to in paragraph (2) needs supplemented, order such application for authorization supplemented for a fixed period.

(5) The agreement under Articles 41 (1) and 42 (1) may be concluded by an inclusion in the agreement under Article 39 (1).

Article 45 (Ruling of the Korea Communications Commission)

(1) A telecommunications business operator or user may request to the Korea Communications Commission for an arbitration if they fail to agree on are not able to agree on any of the following:

1. indemnification under Article 33

2. execution of an agreement within a 90-day period regarding provision of facilities, etc. interconnection, joint use or provision of information, etc.

3. performance or indemnification under an agreement regarding provision of facilities, etc. interconnection, joint use or provision of information, etc

4. other disputes concerning telecommunications business or matters specified as subject to the Korea Communications Commission’s ruling under other bodies of law

(2) Upon receipt of the request under paragraph (1), the Korea Communications commission shall notify the parties of that fact and set a timeline for providing them with a chance to make their cases, provided that the foregoing is not applicable if a relevant party does not submit to the procedures without any justifiable reason.

(3) The Korea Communications Commission shall make a ruling within 90 days from the request for arbitration provided that such period may be extended by one additional 90-days upon the resolution of the Korea Communications Commission if it is not possible to make a ruling within the original 90-day period for any unavoidable reason.

 

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(4) If any part to the arbitration files a suit during the arbitration proceeding, the Korea Communications Commission the Korea Communications Commission shall suspend the arbitration proceeding and notify the other party of that fact. The same applies if it is found out that a lawsuit was filed prior to the receipt of request for arbitration.

(5) When it has made a ruling for the request made under paragraph (1), the Korea Communications Commission shall provide such written ruling to the parties without delay.

(6) Within 60 days from the date on which the originals of written ruling of the Korea Communications Commission were sent to the parties, if no lawsuit regarding the dispute between the parties to the arbitration has been filed or such lawsuit has been withdrawn or the parties clearly indicate their acceptance of the ruling to the Korea Communications Commission, an agreement equivalent to the contents of the ruling shall be deemed to have been made.

Article 46 (Solicitation for Outside Arbitration)

If the Korea Communications Commission, upon receiving request for arbitration under Article 45(1), deems that it is inappropriate to conduct arbitration or is necessary for other reasons, it may form a separate commission for each dispute and solicit for outside arbitration.

Article 47 (Demand for Attendance, Hearing, etc.)

When necessary for proceeding with the arbitration case, the Korea Communications Commission may on its own motion or upon request from a party take any of the following actions:

1. demand for attendance of a party or witness and hold a hearing

2. demand for appraisal to an appraiser

3. demand for submission of documents or objects relevant for the dispute and provisional seizure of the documents or objects so submitted.

 

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Article 48 (Management Plan for Telecommunications Number)

(1) The Korea Communications Commission shall formulate and enforce the management plan for telecommunications number, in order to make an efficient provision of telecommunications service, and the promotion of user’s convenience and of the environments of fair competition among telecommunications business operators.

(2) The Korea Communications Commission shall, when he has formulated the plans under paragraph (1), make a public notice thereof. This shall also apply to any alterations in the established plan.

(3) A telecommunications business operator shall observe the matters publicly noticed under paragraph (2).

Article 49 (Accounting Adjustment)

(1) A key communications business operator shall adjust the accounting, prepare a business report for the preceding year by the end of within 3 months after the end of each fiscal year, and submit it to the Korea Communications Commission, under the conditions as determined by the Enforcement Decree, and keep the related books and authoritative documents.

(2) The Korea Communications Commission shall, when it intends to determine the matters of accounting adjustments under paragraph (1), go in advance through a consultation with the Minister of Strategy and Finance.

(3) The Korea Communications Commission may verify contents of any business report submitted by any key communications business operator in accordance with paragraph (1).

(4) The Korea Communications Commission may, if it is necessary to conduct the verification referred to in paragraph (3), order the relevant key communications business operator to submit related material or launch inspection necessary to ascertain the facts.

(5) The Korea Communications Commission shall, when it intends to launch inspection in accordance with paragraph (4), notify the relevant key communications business operator of the plans of such inspection including inspection period, reasons, and contents of the inspection within seven (7) days prior to the scheduled date of inspection.

 

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(6) A person verifying the contents pursuant to paragraph (4) shall present the proof of the authorization therefor and give documents indicating his name, stay period and purpose of entrance to related party at the time of his first entrance.

Article 50 (Prohibited Act)

(1) A telecommunications business operator shall not commit any of the following acts (hereinafter referred to as “prohibited act”) which undermines or is feared to undermine fair competition or users’ interests, or have other telecommunications business operators or the third parties commit such act:

1. Act of imposing unfair or unreasonable condition or restriction in a provision, a joint utilization, a joint using, an interconnection, a joint use or a wholesale provision of facilities, etc. or a provision of information, etc.;

2. Act of unfairly refusing a conclusion of agreement, or act of non-performance of the concluded agreement without any justifiable reasons in a provision, a joint utilization, a joint using, an interconnection, a joint use or a wholesale provision of facilities, etc. or a provision of information, etc.;

3. Act of unfairly diverting the information of other telecommunications business operators to his own business activities, which have been known to him in the course of a provision, a joint utilization, a joint using, an interconnection, a joint use or a wholesale provision of facilities, etc., or a provision of information, etc.;

4. Act of computing the fees, etc. for a use of telecommunications services, or the prices for a provision, a joint utilization, a joint using, an interconnection, a joint use or a wholesale provision of facilities, etc. or a provision of information, by unfairly itemizing the expenses or revenues;

5. Act of rendering the telecommunications services in a manner different from the standardized use contract (the standardized use contract refers to only those of which was reported or approved as pursuant to the Article 28 (1) and (2)) or act of rendering the telecommunications services in a manner which significantly undermines the profits of users;

 

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6. Act of setting and maintaining the compensation for a provision, a joint utilization, a joint using, an interconnection, a joint use or a wholesale provision of facilities, etc. or a provision of information, unreasonably high compared to its supply costs

7. Act of refusing or restricting fair allocation of income in a transaction where telecommunications services using the radio waves assigned under the Act on Radio Waves are to be used to provide digital contents

(2) When any person acting on behalf of any telecommunications business operator under a contract therewith in executing contracts between such telecommunications business operator and its users (including making any amendment to such contracts) commits any act falling under paragraph (1)5, his act shall be deemed the act committed by such telecommunications business operator and only the provisions of Articles 52 and 53 shall apply to such act: Provided, That the same shall not apply to a case where the relevant telecommunications business operator has paid reasonable attention to the prevention of such act.

(3) Necessary matters concerning categories of and standards for the prohibited act referred to in paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by the Enforcement Decree.

Article 51 (Investigation of Fact)

(1) In the event the Korea Communications Commission believes that activities in violation of Article 50(1) have been committed, it may order the relevant public official belonging to the Korea Communications Commission to conduct investigation thereof.

(2) The Korea Communications Commission may order public officials belonging to the Korea Communications Commission to enter into the offices or workplaces of the telecommunications business operators or the workplaces of the persons entrusted with handling of the business of telecommunications business operators (limited, throughout this Article, to telecommunications business operators entrusted with work related to Article 50) and inspect books, documents and other data and objects.

 

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(3) In the event any investigation is to be conducted pursuant to paragraph (1), the Korea Communications Commission shall notify the relevant telecommunications business operator at least seven (7) days prior to the expected date of investigation with information on the duration, purpose and content of the investigation. Provided, this provision may not apply in the event of emergency or if there is risk that the evidence will be destroyed.

(4) A person who investigates by visiting the offices or workplaces of the telecommunications business operators, or the workplaces of the persons handling, under an entrustment, the business of telecommunications business operators, under paragraph (2) shall carry a certificate indicating the authority, and present it to the persons concerned. He also should be accompanied by the person of the corresponding offices or workplaces.

(5) A public official who investigates pursuant to paragraph (2) may order telecommunications business operators or persons entrusted with handling of the business of telecommunications business operators to submit any necessary information or object. In the event there is a possibility of abandonment, concealment, or replacement of the information or object so submitted, the public official may temporarily take them into custody.

(6) The Korea Communications Commission shall immediately return the information or object under its custody if it falls under any one of the following:

1. It is deemed, after an examination of the information or object under the custody, that it has no relevance to the current investigation.

2. The purpose of investigation is fully accomplished so that keeping the information or object under its custody is no longer necessary.

Article 52 (Measures on Prohibited Acts)

(1) The Korea Communications Commission may order any telecommunication business operator to take the measures falling under each of the following subparagraphs when it is recognized that any act in violation of paragraph 1 of Article 50 has been committed:

1. Separation of the supply system of telecommunications service;

2. Change of internal accounting regulations, etc. concerning telecommunications service;

 

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3. Disclosure of information concerning telecommunications service;

4. Conclusion, performance or change of contents of the agreement between the telecommunications business operators;

5. Change of the standardized use contract and the articles of incorporation of the telecommunications business operators;

6. Suspension of prohibited acts;

7. Public announcement of a fact of receiving a correction order due to committing the prohibited acts;

8. Measures necessary for restoring the violated matters due to the prohibited acts to their original status, such as the removal of telecommunications facilities which have caused the prohibited acts;

9. Improvement of business conduct procedures regarding telecommunications service;

10 Prohibition of soliciting new users (for a period not exceeding 3 months and limited to cases where the same violation has occurred for 3 times or more despite sanctions under paragraph 1 through 9 or where such sanctions are deemed insufficient to prevent harm to users); and

11. Such other matters prescribed by the Enforcement Decree as may be necessary for the measures referred to in subparagraphs 1 through 10.

(2) The telecommunications business operators shall execute any order issued by the Korea Communications Commission under paragraph (1) within the period specified by the Enforcement Decree: Provided, That the Korea Communications Commission may extend the relevant period only once, if it is deemed that the telecommunications business operators are unable to carry out the order within the specified period due to natural disasters and other unavoidable causes.

(3) The Korea Communications Commission shall, before ordering the measures under paragraph (1), notify the parties concerned of the content of relevant measures, and provide them with an opportunity to make a statement within a specified period, and may hear, where deemed necessary, demand for attendance of an interest party or witness, hearing or appraiser by an appraiser.: Provided, That this shall not apply when the parties concerned fail to respond without any justifiable reasons. >

 

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(4) In the event five (5) years have passed from the date on which any acts committed in violation of paragraph 1 of Article 50 have been terminated, the Korea Communications Commission shall not order any measures pursuant to paragraph 1 or impose a penalty surcharge pursuant to Article 53. Provided, this provision under this paragraph 4 of Article 37-1 shall not apply if any measure or imposition of penalty surcharge is cancelled by court order and a new measure is to be taken pursuant to that court order.

Article 53 (Imposition, etc. of Penalty Surcharge on Prohibited Acts)

(1) The Korea Communications Commission may, in case where there exists any act in violation of paragraph 1 of Article 50, impose a penalty surcharge not exceeding 3/100 of the turnover as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree on the relevant telecommunications business operator. If the telecommunications business operator refuses to submit the data used for calculation of the amount of turnover or submits erroneous data, an estimate of the amount can be assessed based on the financial statement of those who provide similar services in the same industry (accounting documents, number of subscribers, usage fee and business operation status): Provided, That where there is no turnover or it is difficult to calculate the turnover as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree, it may impose the penalty surcharge not exceeding one billion won.

(2) The Korea Communications Commission may impose on a key communications business operator that submits a business report under Article 49 a find up to 3% of its revenue as determined in a manner specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act if it commits any of the following:

1. failure to submit a business report under Article 49 or to abide by an order to submit relevant information

2. omission of a material item or inclusion of a false statement in a business report under Article 49

3. failure to adjust the accounting or keep the related books and authoritative documents in violation of Article 49(1)

 

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(3) The Korea Communications Commission shall, in the event of imposing a penalty surcharge under paragraph (1) or (2), take each of the following into consideration.

1. details of violation and the extent thereof

2. duration and frequency of violation

3. amount of profit obtained in connection with the violation

4. the amount of turnover obtained as a result of the prohibited activities of the telecommunications business operator.

(4) A penalty surcharge under paragraph (1) or (2) shall be calculated taking paragraph (3) into consideration, provided specific calculation standard and procedure shall be set forth by the Enforcement Decree. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000; Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002, Mar. 29, 2007; Amended by Act No. 8198, Jan.3, 2007; Act No. 8324, March 29, 2007 >

(5) The Korea Communications Commission shall, where a person liable to pay a penalty surcharge under paragraph (1) or (2) fails to do so by the payment deadline, collect an additional due equivalent to 6/100 per year, with respect to the penalty surcharge in arrears, from the day following the expiry of such payment deadline.

(6) The Korea Communications Commission shall, where a person liable to pay a penalty surcharge under paragraph (1) or (2) fails to do so by the payment deadline, demand him to pay it with fixing a period, and if he fails to pay the penalty surcharge and an additional due under paragraph (5) within the fixed period, collect them according to the example of a disposition taken to collect the national taxes in arrears.

(7) In the event the penalty surcharge imposed under paragraph (1) or (2) is to be returned pursuant to the court order, an additional due equivalent to 6/100 per year with respect to the penalty surcharge in arrears(accrued from the day of payment to the day of payment) shall be paid.

 

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Article 54 (Relations with Other Acts)

In case where a measure is taken under Article 52 or a penalty surcharge is imposed under Article 53 against the acts in violation of paragraph (1) of Article 53, a corrective measure or an imposition of penalty surcharge under the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act shall not be made under the same grounds against the same acts of the relevant business operator.

Article 55 (Compensation for Damages)

In case where a correction measure has been taken under Article 52 (1), a person who is damaged by the prohibited act may claim for compensation against the telecommunications business operator who conducted the prohibited act, and the relevant telecommunications business operator may not shirk liability unless he can prove that there was no malicious intention or negligence.

Article 56 (Quality Improvement of Telecommunications Services)

(1) A telecommunications business operator shall endeavor to make a quality improvement of the telecommunications services he provides.

(2) The Korea Communications Commission shall devise the required policy measures, such as an evaluation of quality of the telecommunications services, in order to improve a quality of telecommunications services and to enhance the conveniences of users.

(3) The Korea Communications Commission may order the telecommunications business operator to furnish data necessary for an evaluation of quality of the telecommunications services, etc. under paragraph (2).

Article 57 (Prior Selection Systems)

(1) The Korea Communications Commission shall perform the systems in which the users may select in advance the telecommunications business operator from whom they desire to receive the telecommunications service (hereinafter referred to as the “prior selection systems”). In this case, the telecommunications service shall refer to the telecommunications service as determined by the Enforcement Decree from among the same telecommunications service provided by the plural number of telecommunications business operators.

 

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(2) The telecommunications business operator shall not force the users to select in advance a specified telecommunications business operator, or commit the acts to recommend or induce by unlawful means.

(3) The Korea Communications Commission may, for the purpose of performing the prior selection systems efficiently and neutrally, designate the specialized institutes performing the registration or alteration affairs of the prior selection (hereinafter referred to as the “prior selection registration center”).

(4) The Korea Communications Commission shall determine and publicly notify the matters necessary for performing the prior selection systems and for the designation of the prior selection registration center and the method of dealing with its affairs, etc.

Article 58 (Mobility of Telecommunication Numbers)

(1) The Korea Communications Commission may, in order that the users are able to maintain their previous telecommunications numbers despite of the changes of the telecommunications business operators, etc., devise and perform the plans for mobility of telecommunications numbers (hereafter in this Article, referred to as the “plans for mobility of numbers”).

(2) The plans for mobility of numbers shall contain the contents falling under any of the following subparagraphs:

1. Kinds of services subject to the mobility of telecommunications numbers;

2. Time for introduction by service subject to the mobility of telecommunications numbers; and

3. Matters on sharing the expenses required for the performance of mobility of telecommunications numbers by telecommunications business operator.

(3) The Korea Communications Commission may, in order to perform the plans for mobility of numbers, order the relevant telecommunications business operators to take the necessary measures.

 

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(4) The Korea Communication Commission may designate an institution specializing in the work of registration and alteration of the mobility of numbers (hereinafter referred to as the “mobility of numbers management institution”) to efficiently and neutrally implement the mobility of numbers of the telecommunications.

(5) The Korea Communication Commission shall prescribe and publish necessary matters concerning the implementation of the mobility of numbers of the telecommunications, the designation of any mobility of numbers management institution and its work, etc.

Article 49 (Restrictions, etc. on Mutual Possession of Stocks)

(1) Where a key communications business operator falling under Article 39 (3) 1 or 2 (including the specially-related persons) possesses in excess of 5/100 of the gross number of voting stocks issued by the mutually different key communications business operators, shall not be allowed to exercise any voting rights with regard to the stocks in excess of the relevant ceiling.

(2) Provisions of paragraph (1) shall not apply to the relation of possessions between a key communications business operator falling under Article 39 (3) 1 or 2 and the key communications business operator established by the said key communications business operator by becoming the largest stockholder.

Article 60 (Provision of Number Guidance Service)

(1) The telecommunications business operator shall provide an information service of guiding the general public to the telecommunications numbers of the users by means of voice, booklets or Internet, etc. (hereinafter referred to as the “number guidance service”) by obtaining a consent of the users: Provided, That the same shall not apply to the minor business determined and publicly announced by the Korea Communications Commission by taking account of the numbers of the users and the turnovers, etc.

(2) If necessary for the protection of private personal information, the Korea Communications Commission may limit the provision of the number guidance service. < Newly inserted. Jan. 3, 2007; Amended by Act No. 8867, Feb. 29, 2008>

 

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(3) Matters necessary for a provision of the number guidance service may be stipulated by the Enforcement Decree.

CHAPTER V TELECOMUNICATIONS FACILITIES

Section 1. Commercial Telecommunication Facilities

Article 61 (Maintenance and Repair of Telecommunications Facilities)

For stable provision of its telecommunications services, a telecommunications business operator shall maintain and repair the telecommunications facilities it provides up to technical specifications specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act for stable supply of telecommunications.

Article 62 (Report and Authorization of Telecommunications Facilities Installation)

(1) When a key communications business operator seeks to install or modify a significant telecommunications facilities, it shall report it to the Korea Communications Commission in a manner specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act, provided that for the telecommunications facilities installed for the first time for new telecommunication technology, an authorization from the Korea Communications Commission shall be obtained in a manner specified in the Enforcement Decree of the Act.

(2) The scope of significant telecommunications facilities under paragraph (1) shall be determined and announced by the Korea Communications Commission.

Article 63 (Joint Installation of Telecommunications Facilities)

(1) A key communications business operator may agree with another key communications business operator to jointly install and use telecommunications facilities.

(2) When key communications business operators negotiate with each other under paragraph (1), the Korea Communications Commission may conduct a research on necessary information and provide it to them in a manner specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act.

 

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(3) For efficient research under paragraph (2), the Korea Communications Commission may engage an expert institution in the telecommunications area to conduct such research in a manner specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act.

(4) The Korea Communications Commission may recommend joint installation of telecommunications facilities under paragraph (1) to key communications business operators in a manner specified under the Enforcement Decree in any of the following cases:

1. where no agreement is reached under paragraph (1) and request is made by one of the key communications business operators

2. where it is deemed necessary for the public good

(5) If a key communications business operator fails to reach an agreement on the use of land or buildings owned by the government, public agencies under the Act on the Management of Public Agencies (“public agencies” in this Article) or another key communications business operator when such use is necessary for joint installation of telecommunications facilities, it may request for help from the Korea Communications Commission on use of such land or building.

(6) Upon receiving the request for help under paragraph (5), the Korea Communications Commission may make a demand to the head of the government entities, municipalities, public agencies or the other key communications business operator for reaching an agreement with the use of relevant land or building with the key communications business operator making the request for help, in this case the head of the government entities, municipalities, public agencies or the other key communications business operator shall make such agreement unless there is a justifiable reason.

Section 2. PROPRIETARY TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES

Article 64 (Installation of Proprietary Telecommunications Facilities)

(1) A person seeking to install proprietary telecommunications facilities shall make a report to the Korea Communications Commission in a manner specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act. The same applies when an important aspect of reporting items as specified under the Enforcement Decree is sought to be modified.

 

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(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in case of wireless proprietary telecommunications facilities and military telecommunications facilities and others where other bodies of law are applicable, such bodies of law shall be applicable.

(3) A person who has made a report on installation or modification of proprietary telecommunications facilities under paragraph (1) shall receive confirmation from the Korea Communications Commission in a manner specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act when such installation or modification construction is complete and before commencement of its use.

(4) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), certain proprietary telecommunications facilities specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act may be installed without filing a report.

Article 65 (Restriction on Non-Proprietary Use)

(1) A person who has installed proprietary telecommunications facilities may not use such facilities to interconnect other’s communication or operate it outside its installation purposes, provided that the foregoing is not applicable in cases where other bodies of law have special provisions of any of the following is applicable:

1. use by a person in law enforcement of disaster rescue industries for law enforcement or emergency rescue operation

2. use by a specially related person of the installer of proprietary telecommunications facilities as announced by the Korea Communications Commission

(2) A person who has installed proprietary telecommunications facilities may provide telecommunications facilities such as conduit line to a key communications business operator In a manner specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act.

(3) Articles 35, 44 (excluding paragraph (5) and 45 through 47 shall be applicable in case of provision of facilities under paragraph (2).

 

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Article 66 (Securing Communication Lines in Case of Emergency)

(1) When a war, accident or natural disaster or other national emergency has happened or is likely to happen, the Korea Communications Commission may order a person who has installed proprietary telecommunications facilities to engage in telecommunications services or other important communications services or connect the telecommunications facilities to other telecommunications facilities. In this case, Articles 28 through 55 shall be applicable.

(2) When the Korea Communications Commission deems necessary for the purposes of paragraph (1), may order a key communications business operator to handle such task.

(3) The costs of performing the task or interconnecting facilities under paragraph (1) shall be borne by the government, provided that when proprietary telecommunications facilities are used for telecommunications services, the key communications business operator receiving such service shall bear its costs.

Article 67 (Order on the Person Installing Proprietary Telecommunications Facilities, Etc.)

(1) When a person who has installed proprietary telecommunications facilities fails to abide by the Act or order under this Act, the Korea Communications Commission may order a corrective measure to be carried out within a specific time frame.

(2) If a person who has installed proprietary telecommunications facilities falls under any of the following, the Korea Communications Commission may order a cessation of use for a period not exceeding one year:

1. failure to carry out the corrective order under paragraph (1)

2. use of proprietary telecommunications facilities without receiving confirmation in violation of Article 64(3)

3. interconnection of other’s communication or use of proprietary telecommunications facilities outside its installation purposes in violation of Article 65(1)

(3) When the Korea Communications Commission deems that proprietary telecommunications facilities are interfering with other’s telecommunications or likely to harm other’s telecommunications facilities, it may order the person who installed such facilities to stop using, modify, repair or take other corrective measures.

 

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Section 3. INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES, ETC.

Article 68 (Installation of Common Duct or Conduit Line, etc.)

(1) A person installing or arranging any of the following (“facility installer”) shall solicit and reflect an opinion from a key communications business operator about installing a common duct or conduit line for telecommunications facilities, provided that the forgoing obligation does not apply when there is a special reason for not being able to honor the key communications business operator’s opinion.

1. road under Article 2(1)1 of the Road Act

2. railroad under Article 2(1) of the Railroad Enterprise Act

3. urban railroad under Article 3(1) of the Urban Railroad Act

4. industrial complex under Article 2(5) of the Industrial Sites and Development Act

5. free trade zone under Article 2(1) of the Act on Designation and Management of Free Trade Zone

6. airport area under Article 2(9) of the Aviation Act

7. port area under the Harbor Act

8. other facilities or land as specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act

(2) An opinion set forth by key communications business operator about installation of common duct or conduit line under paragraph (1) shall satisfy the installation requirements for common duct specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act.

 

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(3) Articles 35, 44 (excluding paragraph (5) and 45 through 47 shall be applicable in case of provision of facilities under paragraph (2) shall be applicable to provision of common duct or conduit line installed under paragraph (1).

(4) When a facility installer is unable to reflect the opinion of key communications business operator under paragraph (1), it shall notify the key communications business operator of the reason for such inability within 30 days from the receipt of such opinion.

(5) When a facility installer does not reflect the opinion of key communications business under paragraph (1), the key communications business operator may ask for reconciliation from the Korea Communications Commission.

(6) When attempting reconciliation upon receipt of the reconciliation request under paragraph (5), the Korea Communications Commission shall consult with the head of relevant administrative organization in advance.

(7) Details necessary for reconciliation under paragraphs (5) and (6) shall be specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act.

Article 69 (Installation of Telecommunication: Line Facilities for Internal Routing, etc.)

(1) A building under Article 2(1)2 of the Building Act shall install telecommunication line facilities for internal routing and set aside a certain area for connection with telecommunication grid facilities.

(2) Details on the scope of building, standards for installing telecommunication line facilities and the setting aside of a certain area for connection with telecommunication grid facilities shall be specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act.

Article 70 (Integrated Management of Telecommunications Facilities, Etc.)

(1) For efficient management and operation of telecommunications facilities, the Korea Communications Commission may allow a key communications business operator designated in accordance with the criteria and procedures specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act (“integrated telecommunications operator”) to manage telecommunications facilities installed under this Act or other bodies of law and the relevant land, building or fixtures (“telecommunications facilities, etc.” on an integrated basis.

 

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(2) When the Korea Communications Commission seeks to allow for integrated management of telecommunications facilities, etc. under paragraph (1), it shall establish a telecommunications facilities integrated management plan (“ integrated management plan”), consult with the head of relevant administrative agencies, have it approved by the President after passing the cabinet review.

(3) An integrated management plan shall have the following:

1. subject, method and procedures of integration

2. management of telecommunications facilities, etc. for the post-integration period

3. other matters specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act

(4) When it the Korea Communications Commission seeks to establish an integrated management plan, it shall consult with the installers of the telecommunications facilities to be integrated in advance.

Article 71 (Purchase of Telecommunications Facilities, Etc.)

(1) An integrated telecommunications operator may, when necessary for integrated management of telecommunications facilities, etc., request purchase of the relevant telecommunications, etc. In this case, the owners of the telecommunications facilities may not refuse such request without any justifiable reason.

(2) When purchase request is made by an integrated telecommunications operator under paragraph (1), telecommunications facilities, etc. directly or publicly owned by the government may be sold to the integrated telecommunications operator notwithstanding Article 27 of the State Properties Act or Article 19 of the Public Property and Commodity Management Act integrated telecommunications operator. In this case, details necessary for the calculation of sales price, sales procedures, payment of sales price, etc. shall be specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act.

 

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(3) Articles 67(1), 70, 71, 74, 75, 75-2, 76, 77 and 78(5) through (7) of the Act on the Acquisition of Land, etc. for Public works and the Compensation Therefor shall be applicable for the calculation of sales price, sales procedures, payment of sales price, etc. of the telecommunications facilities, other than those directly or publicly owned by the government. purchased by an integrated telecommunications operator.

Section 4. Installation and Preservation of Telecommunications Facilities

Article 72 (Use of Land, etc.)

(1) A key communications business operator may, when necessary for the installation of line tracks, aerial lines and the appurtenant facilities to be available for telecommunications service (hereinafter referred to as the “line tracks, etc.”), make use of others’ land, or buildings and structures appurtenant thereto, and surface and bottom of the water (hereinafter referred to as the “land, etc.”). In this case, a key communications business operator shall make a consultation with owners or possessors of the relevant land, etc. in advance.

(2) Where a consultation under paragraph (1) is not or cannot be made, a key communications business operator may use the land, etc. owned by others, pursuant to the Act on the Acquisition of Land, etc. for Public Works and the Compensation therefor.

Article 73 (Temporary Use of Land, etc.)

(1) A key communications business operator may, when necessary for the measurement of line tracks, etc. and the installation or preservation works of the telecommunications facilities, temporarily use the private, national or public telecommunications facilities, and the land, etc., within the limit of not substantially impeding a current use.

(2) No one may, without any justifiable reason, interfere with the temporary use of telecommunications facilities, and land, etc., for the purposes of the measurement of line tracks, etc. and the installation or preservation works of the telecommunications facilities under paragraph (1).

 

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(3) A key communications business operator shall, when intending to temporarily use the private, national or public property under paragraph (1), notify the possessors, in advance, of the purposes and period of such use: Provided, That in case where it is difficult to make a prior notification, a prompt notification shall be made during or after its use, and in case where such notification may not be made due to an obscurity of address and whereabouts of possessors, a public notice thereof shall be made.

(4) The temporary period of use of the land, etc. under paragraph (1) shall not exceed six months.

(5) A person who temporarily uses the private, national or public telecommunication facilities or the land, etc. under paragraph (1) shall carry the certificate indicating the authority, and present it to the persons related.

Article 74 (Entry to Land, etc.)

(1) A key communications business operator may enter others’ land, etc., when necessary for a measurement, examination, etc., for the installation and preservation of his telecommunications facilities: Provided, That in case where the place intended for such entry is a residential building, a consent from residents shall be obtained.

(2) No one may, without any justifiable reason, interfere with the temporary entry of telecommunications facilities, and land, etc., for the purposes of the measurement, examination, etc., for the installation and preservation of telecommunications facilities under paragraph (1).

(3) Article 73(3) and (5) shall be applicable in regard to providing notice and showing an identification when a person doing measurement or examination under paragraph (1) enters private or public land, etc.

Article 75 (Request for Elimination of Obstacles, etc.)

(1) A key communications business operator may request the owners or possessors of gas pipes, water pipes, drain pipes, electric lamp lines, electricity lines or private telecommunications facilities, which impede or are likely to impede the installation of line tracks, etc. or telecommunications facilities themselves (hereinafter referred to as the “obstacles, etc.”), for the removal, remodeling, repair and other measures with respect to the relevant obstacles, etc.

 

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(2) A key communications business operator may request the owners or possessors to remove the plants, when they may impede or are likely to impede the installation or maintenance of line tracks, etc. or telecommunications themselves.

(3) A key communications business operator may, when the owners or possessors of the plants do not comply with the request under paragraph (2) or there exist any other unavoidable reasons, fell or transplant the relevant plants by obtaining permission from the Korea Communications Commission. In this case, a prompt notification shall be made to the owners or possessors of the relevant plants.

(4) The owners or possessors of the obstacles, etc., which impede or are likely to impede the telecommunications facilities of a key communications business operator, shall make a consultation in advance with the key communications business operator, when they are in need of a new construction, enlargement, improvement, removal or alteration of the relevant obstacles, etc.

Article 76 (Obligation for Restoration to Original State)

A key communications business operator shall restore the relevant land, etc. to its original state, when a use of the land, etc. under Articles 72 and 73 is finished or a need of providing the land, etc. for telecommunications service is gone, and in case where a restoration to the original state becomes impossible, make a proper compensation for damages suffered by the owners or possessors.

Article 77 (Compensation for Damages)

A key communications business operator shall, in case of incurring damages on others in case of Article 73 (1), 74 (1) or 75, make a proper compensation to the suffered person.

Article 78 (Procedures for Compensation for Damages on Land, etc.)

(1) When a key communications business operator compensates under Article 76 or 77 for any of the following reasons, it shall consult with the person has incurred losses.

 

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1. temporary use of land under Article 73(1)

2. entry in land, etc. under Article 74(1)

3. moving, modifying repairing obstacles or plans under Article 75

4. inability to restore to the original state under Article 76

(2) When a consultation under paragraph (1) is not or cannot be made, an application for adjudications shall be filed with the competent Land Expropriation Commission under the Act on the Acquisition of Land, etc. for Public Works and the Compensation therefor.

(3) Except for those as otherwise prescribed by this Act, the provisions of the Act on the Acquisition of Land, etc. for Public Works and the Compensation therefor shall be applied mutatis mutandis to the criteria, methods and procedures regarding a compensation for damages, etc. to the land, etc. under paragraph (1), and an application for adjudications under paragraph (2).

Article 79 (Protection of Telecommunications Facilities)

(1) No person shall destruct the telecommunications facilities, and obstruct the flow of telecommunications by impeding the function of telecommunications facilities by means of having other objects contact them or by any other devices.

(2) No person shall stain the telecommunications facilities or damage the measurement marks of the telecommunications facilities by means of throwing objects to the telecommunications facilities or fastening an animal, vessel or a log raft thereto.

(3) A key communications business operator may, if necessary for the protection of submarine communications cable and their peripheral equipment (the “Submarine Cable”), file an application to the Korea Communications Commission for the designation of alert areas for the Submarine Cable.

(4) Upon receiving an application pursuant to paragraph (3), the Korea Communications Commission may consider the necessity of such designation and may designate and publicly notify the alert areas for the Submarine Cable through consultation with the relevant state administrative agency.

 

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(5) Designation applications, methods and procedures of such designation and its public notification, and methods of alert area indication shall be determined by the Enforcement Decree.

Article 80 (Moving of Facilities, etc.)

(1) The owners or possessors of the land, etc. may, in case where the telecommunications facilities of a key communications business operator have become an obstacle to a use of the land, etc. due to changes in the purpose of use or in the methods of using the land, etc. where such facilities are located, or the land adjacent to it, request a key communications business operator to move the telecommunications facilities, and take other measures necessary for removing the obstacles.

(2) A key communications business operator shall, upon receipt of a request under paragraph (1), take necessary measures, except for the cases where such measures are difficult to be taken for a business performance or technologies.

(3) Expenses necessary for taking the measures under paragraph (2) shall be borne by the person who provided the cause for the move or taking other measures necessary for removing the obstacles after the installation of the subject telecommunication facilities: Provided, That in the event the person who bears the expenses is the owner or possessor of the land and falls under any one of the following subparagraphs, the key communication business operator may reduce or exempt the person’s expenses, considering the indemnification amount paid at the time of installation of the telecommunication facilities and the amount of time it took to build the telecommunication facilities:

1. where the key communication business operator establishes and implements a plan to move the telecommunication facilities or remove other obstacles;

2. where the moving the telecommunication facilities or removal of other obstacles is beneficial to other telecommunication facilities;

3. where the state or a local autonomous entity demands such moving of telecommunication facilities or removal of other obstacles; or

 

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4. where the telecommunication facilities within private land are being removed because they greatly obstruct the use of such land.

Article 81 (Cooperation of Other Organizations, etc.)

A key communications business operator may ask the related public agencies for a cooperation, in case where the operation of vehicles, vessels, airplanes and other carriers for the installation and preservation of his telecommunications facilities is necessary. In this case, the public agency in receipt of a request for cooperation shall comply with it, unless there exist any justifiable reasons.

Article 82 (Inspection Report, Etc.)

(1) When necessary for establishing telecommunication policies and other cases specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act, the Korea Communications Commission may inspect the facility status, accounting books and documents of installers of telecommunications facilities or demand them to make a report on the facilities.

(2) When there is an installer telecommunications facilities in violation of this Act, the Korea Communications Commission may order the removal of the relevant facilities or other necessary actions.

CHAPTER VI SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS

Article 83 (Protection of Communication Secrecy)

(1) No person shall infringe on or divulge the secrecy of communication dealt with by telecommunications business operator.

(2) A person who is or has been engaged in the telecommunications service shall not divulge others’ secrecy obtained with respect to communication while in office.

 

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(3) A telecommunications business operator may comply with a request for the perusal or the provision of the data falling under each of the following subparagraphs (hereinafter referred to as the “supply of communication data”) from a court, a prosecutor, the head of an investigation agency (including the head of any military investigation agency, the commissioner of the National Tax Service and the commissioners of regional Tax Offices); hereinafter the same shall apply) and the head of an intelligence and investigation agency, who intends to collect information or intelligence for the purpose of the prevention of any threat to a trial, an investigation (including an investigation of any transgression taken place during commission of any crime falling under Article 10(1), (3) or (4) of the Punishment of Tax Evaders Act), the execution of a sentence or the guarantee of the national security:

1. Names of users;

2. Resident registration numbers of users;

3. Addresses of users;

4. Phone numbers of users;

5. IDs of users (referring to the identification codes of users that are used to identify the rightful users of computer systems or communications networks); and

6. Dates on which users subscribe or terminate their subscriptions.

(4) The request for supply of communication data under paragraph (3) shall be made in writing (hereinafter referred to as a “written request for data supply”), which states a reason for such request, relation with the relevant user and the scope of necessary data: Provided, That where an urgent reason exists that makes a request in writing impossible, such request may be made without resorting to writing, and when such reason disappears, a written request for data supply shall be promptly filed with the telecommunications business operator.

(5) A telecommunications business operator shall, where he has supplied the communication data pursuant to the procedures of paragraphs (3) and (4), keep the ledgers as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree, which contain necessary matters such as the facts of supplies of communication data, and the related data such as the written requests for data supply, etc.

 

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(6) A telecommunications business operator shall report, to the Korea Communications Commission, twice a year the current status, etc. of supplying the communication data, by the methods prescribed by the Enforcement Decree, and the Korea Communications Commission may check whether the content of a report made by a telecommunications business operator is authentic and the management status of related data according to paragraph (5).

(7) A telecommunications business operator shall, by the methods prescribed by the Enforcement Decree, notify the contents entered in the ledgers according to paragraph (5) to the head of a central administrative agency whereto a person requesting supply of communications data according to paragraph (3) belongs: Provided, That in the event that a person who asks for providing the communications data is a court, the relevant telecommunications business operator shall notify the Minister of the Court Administration thereof.

(8) A telecommunications business operator shall establish and operate a setup in full charge of the affairs related to the users’ communication secrets; and the matters concerning the function and composition, etc. of the relevant setup shall be prescribed by the Enforcement Decree.

(9) Matters necessary for the scope of persons holding the decisive power on information request shall be prescribed by the Enforcement Decree.

Article 84 (Notice of Transmitter’s Telephone Number)

(1) The telecommunications business operator may, upon request from the recipient, notify him of the transmitter’s telephone number, etc.: Provided, That this shall not apply to the case where the transmitter expresses his content to refuse the transmission of his telephone number.

<Amended. Mar. 29, 2007>

(2) Notwithstanding the proviso of paragraph (1), the telecommunications business operator may, in any of the following cases notify the recipient of the transmitter’s telephone number

1. in case where the recipient requests according to the requisites and procedures set by the Enforcement Decree in order to protect the recipients from the violent language, intimidations, harassments, etc.

2. Of the special telephone number services, those necessary for national security, crime prevention, disaster response, etc. as specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act.

 

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(3) No person shall alter the caller’s telephone number or display an erroneous telephone number for profit or for the purpose of inflicting harm on others violent language, intimidations, harassments, etc..

(4) No person shall provide services that enable another to alter the caller’s telephone number or display an erroneous telephone number for profit. Provided, this provision under paragraph (4) shall not apply in the event any justifiable grounds for exception exist (e.g., for public interest or recipient’s convenience).

Article 85 (Restriction and Suspension of Business)

The Korea Communications Commission may order the telecommunications business operators to restrict or suspend the whole or part of telecommunications service under the conditions as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree, when there occurs or is likely to occur a national emergency of war, incident, natural calamity, or that corresponding to them, or when other unavoidable causes exist, and when necessary for securing important communications.

Article 86 (Approval for International Telecommunications Services)

(1) When there exist special provisions in the treaties or agreements on international telecommunications business joined by the Government, those provisions shall govern.

(2) A telecommunications business operator shall, where he intends to conclude international telecommunications business as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree, obtain approval from the Korea Communications Commission fulfilling the requisites prescribed by the Enforcement Decree. The same shall apply to the case where he intends to alter or abolish such agreement or contract.

(3) A telecommunications business operator providing key communications services shall, where he concludes an agreement or a contract with a foreign government or a foreigner with respect to the adjustments of fees following the handling of international telecommunications services, report such to the Korea Communications Commission, provided that the foregoing is not applicable in case the size of telecommunications facilities, paid-in capital, number assignment, etc. satisfy the standards specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act.

 

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(4) Notwithstanding paragraph (3), when an agreement is to be entered into for the adjustments of fees for international telecommunications through the joint use of telecommunications facilities, approval from the Korea Communications Commission shall be necessary.

(5) Details on the report under paragraph (3) or authorization under paragraph (4) shall be determined and publicly announced by the Korea Communications Commission.

Article 87 (Transboundary Provision of Key Communications Services)

(1) A person, who intends to provide key communications service from abroad into the homeland without establishing a domestic business place (hereinafter referred to as the “transboundary provision of key communications services”), shall conclude a contract on transboundary provision of key communications services with a domestic key communications business operator or a specific communications business operator who provides the same key communications service.

(2) The provisions of Articles 28, 32, 33, 45 through 47, 50 through 55, 83 through 85, 88 and 92 and Article 44-7 of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc. shall apply mutatis mutandis to the provision of services as determined in a contract by a key communications business operator or a specific communications business operator who has concluded the contract under paragraph (1).

(3) Where a person, who intends to provide a transboundary key communications service under paragraph (1), or a key communications business operator or a specific communications business operator, who has concluded a contract with him, violates the relevant provisions which applies mutatis mutandis under paragraph (2), the Korea Communications Commission may cancel approval under Article 86 (2), or issue an order to suspend a transboundary provision of the whole or part of key communications services as determined in the relevant contract, with fixing a period of not more than one year.

(4) Criteria and procedures for dispositions under paragraph (3) and other necessary matters shall be determined by the Enforcement Decree.

 

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Article 88 (Report, etc. on Statistics)

(1) A telecommunications business operator shall report the statistics on a provision of telecommunications service as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree, such as a current status of facilities by telecommunications service, subscription record, current status of users, and the data related to telephone traffic required for the imposition and collection of fees, to the Korea Communications Commission under the conditions as determined by the Enforcement Decree, and keep the related data available.

(2) A key communications business operator and stockholders thereof, or the specific communications business operator and stockholders thereof shall submit the related data necessary for a verification of the facts of Article 8, pursuant to the provisions of the Enforcement Decree.

(3) The Korea Communications Commission may, in order to verify the facts under paragraph (2), or to examine the genuineness of the data submitted, request the administrative agencies and other related agencies to examine the data submitted or to submit the related data. In this case, the agencies in receipt of such request shall accede thereto unless there exist any justifiable reasons.

Article 89 (Hearing)

The Korea Communications Commission shall, in case where he intends to make a disposition falling under any of the following subparagraphs, hold a hearing:

1. Cancellation, in whole or part, of license for a key communications business operator under Article 20 (1);

2. Cancellation, in whole or part, of registration of a specific communications business under Article 27 (1);

3. Closedown, in whole or part, of a value-added communications business under Article 27 (2); and

3. Cancellation of approval under Article 87 (3).

 

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Article 90 (Imposition, etc. of Penalty Surcharge)

(1) The Korea Communications Commission may impose a penalty surcharge equivalent to the amount of not more than 3/100 of the sales amount that is calculated under the conditions as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree in lieu of the relevant business suspension, in case where he has to order a business suspension to a telecommunications business operator who falls under subparagraphs of Article 20 (1) or subparagraphs of Article 27 (1) and (2), or a suspension of relevant business is likely to cause substantial inconveniences to the users, etc. of relevant business or to harm other public interests. If the telecommunications business operator refuses to submit the data used for calculation of turnover or submits erroneous data, an estimate of the turnover can be assessed based on the financial statement of those who provide similar services in the same industry (accounting documents, number of subscribers, usage fee and business operation status): Provided, That in the event that the sales amount is nonexistent or difficult to calculate the sales amount, as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree, the Minister of Information and Communication may impose a penalty surcharge not exceeding 1 billion won.

(2) When the Korea Communications Commission orders cessation of use in regard to proprietary telecommunications facilities under Article 67(2), it may replace such order with a fine not exceeding 1 billion won if such order causes significant inconvenience to users of telecommunication services provided with the use of the relevant proprietary telecommunications facilities or other public harm is expected.

(3) Specific standards for the imposition of penalty surcharge under paragraph (1) and (2) shall be determined by the Enforcement Decree.

(4) Article 52(5) through (7) shall apply in regard to penalty surcharge, demand for payment and return surcharge.

Article 91 (Extension of Time Limit of Payment of Penalty Surcharge and Payment in Installments)

(1) Where a penalty surcharge to be paid by a telecommunications business operator under Articles 53 and Article 90 exceeds the amount as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree, and where deemed that a person liable for a payment of penalty surcharge finds it difficult to pay it in a lump sum due to the reasons falling under any one of the following subparagraphs, the Korea Communications Commission may either extend the time limit of payment, or have him pay it in installments. In this case, the Korea Communications Commission may, if deemed necessary, have him put up a security therefor :

1. Where he suffers a severe loss of property due to natural disasters or fire;

 

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2. Where his business faces a serious crisis due to an aggravation of his business environments; and

3. Where it is expected that he will be in great financial difficulty if he pays the penalty surcharge in a lump sum.

(2) Matters necessary for an extension of the deadline for payment of a penalty surcharge, the payment in installments and the laying of a security shall be prescribed by the Enforcement Decree.

Article 92 (Correction Orders, etc.)

(1) The Korea Communications Commission shall issue correction orders in case where a telecommunications business operator falls under any of the following subparagraphs:

1. Where it violates Articles 3, 4, 6, 9 through 11, 14 through 24, 26 through 28, 30 through 44, 47 through 49, 51, 56 through 62, 64 through 67, 69, 73 through 75, 79 or 82 through 88 or any order thereunder;

2. Where the procedures for business performances of telecommunications business operator are deemed to inflict significant harms on the users’ interests; and

3. Where he fails to take swift measures necessary for removing obstructions such as repairs, etc. when impediments have occurred to the supply of telecommunications services.

(2) The Korea Communications Commission may order a telecommunications business operator to conduct the matters of the following subparagraphs, when necessary for development of telecommunications:

1. Integrated operation and management of telecommunications facilities, etc.;

 

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2. Expansion of communications facilities for the enhancement of social welfare;

3. Construction and management of communications networks for important communications to achieve efficient performance of State’s functions; and

4. Other matters as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree.

(3) The Korea Communications Commission may order the persons falling under any of the following subparagraphs to take measures, such as the suspension of acts to provide telecommunications service or the removal of telecommunications facilities, etc.:

1. Persons who operate a key communications business without obtaining a permit under Article 6 (1);

2. Persons who operate a specific communications business without making a registration under Article 21 (1); and

3. Persons who operate a value-added communications business without making a report under Article 22 (1).

Article 68 (Delegation and Entrustment of Authority)

The authority of the Korea Communications Commission under this Act may be delegated and entrusted in part to the head of the affiliated agencies under the conditions as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree.

CHAPTER VII PENAL PROVISIONS

Article 94 (Penal Provisions)

A person falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than five years or by a fine not exceeding 200 million won:

1. A person who runs a key communications business without obtaining a license under Article 6 (1);

 

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  2. A person who has operated key communications services in violation of partial cancellation of license under Article 20(1);

3. A person who obstructs the flow of telecommunications by impeding a function of telecommunications facilities by means of damaging telecommunications facilities, or having the objects contacted thereon and other methods, in violation of Article 79 (1);

4. A person who divulges other’s secrets with respect to communications which have been known to him while in office, in violation of Article 83 (2); and

5. A person who supplies communication data, and person who receives such supply, in violation of Article 83 (3).

Article 95 (Penal Provisions)

A person falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than three years or by a fine not exceeding 150 million won: <Amended on May 19, 2011> <Enforced on November 20, 2011>

1. A person who refuses a provision of telecommunications service without any justifiable reasons, in violation of Article 3 (1);

2. A person who violates a disposition taken to suspend his business under Article 20 (1);

 

  3. A person who operates a specific communications business without making a registration under Article 21 (1);

3-2 A person who operated a value-added telecommunications business without making a registration under Article 22 (2);

4. A person who has operated specific communications services in violation of partial cancellation of license under Article 27(1);

 

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5. A person who fails to implement an order under Article 52 (2);

6. A person who obstructs the measurement of line tracks, etc. and the installation and preservation activities of telecommunications facilities under Article 73 (2); and

7. A person who encroaches upon or divulges a secret of communications handled by telecommunications business operator, in violation of Article 83 (1).

Article 96 (Penal Provisions)

A person falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than two years or by a fine not exceeding 100 million won:

1. A person who fails to obtain a modified license under Article 16;

2. A person who fails to obtain approval under Articles 17 (1) and 42 (4);

3. A person who fails to obtain an authorization under the text of Article 18 (1) other than sub-paragraphs or approval according to Article 19 (1);

4. A person who violates Article 18 (9) by unifying communication networks, appointing officers, executing any other activities such as transferring, consolidating, enforcing a facilities sales contract or taking follow-up measures relating to establishment of a company before receiving a license ;

5. A person who violates user protection measures ordered under Article 19(2);

6. A person who runs the value-added communications business without making a report under Article 22(1);

7. A person who violates a disposition taken to suspend his business under Article 27(1);

 

  8. A person who fails to execute the order given to discontinue his business under Article 27 (2);

 

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9. A person who fails to subscribe for a guarantee insurance in violation of Article 32(3);

10. A person who discloses, uses or provides the information, in violation of the text of Article 43 (1) or paragraph (2) of the same Article;

11. A person who fails to implement the partial restriction or cessation measure ordered pursuant to Article 85; and

12. A person who fails to obtain approval, approval for alteration, or approval for abolition, under Article 86 (2) or (4).

Article 97 (Penal Provisions)

A person falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than one year or by a fine not exceeding 50 million won:

1. A person who fails to execute the order given under Articles 10(5), 18 (8) or 12 (2) (including a case where the provisions are applied mutatis mutandis under Article 4 (4) of the Addenda of the Telecommunications Business Act amended by Act No. 5385) or Article 13(9);

2. A person who fails to make a report under provisos of Article 18 (1) other than sub-paragraphs;

3. A person who fails to make a modified registration or a modified report under Article 23;

4. A person who fails to make a report under Article 24;

5. A person who violates a disposition taken to suspend his business under Article 27 (2);

6. A person who provides telecommunications service without making a report or modification report under Article 28(1) and the proviso of (2) or receiving an authorization or modification approval under paragraph (2) of the same Article; and

7. A person who intermediates other person’s communication or furnishes for use by other person, by making use of telecommunications services rendered by the telecommunications business operator, in contravention of the provisions of the text of Article 30 other than subparagraphs.

 

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Article 98 (Penal Provisions)

A person falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than one year or by a fine not exceeding 10 million won:

1. A person who installs or modifies significant telecommunications facilities without making a report under the main text of Article 62(1) or has installed telecommunications facilities without obtaining approval under the proviso of the same Article

2. A person who installs proprietary telecommunications facilities without making a report or modification report under Article 64(1)

3. A person who interconnects other’s communication through proprietary telecommunication facilities or uses it outside its purpose in violation of Article 65(1)

4. A person who violates an order under Article 66(1) to handle telecommunication services or other communication services or connect the pertinent facilities to other telecommunications facilities

5. A person violates a usage cessation order under Article 67(2) or an order under paragraph (3) of the same article

6. A person violates an order for removal of telecommunications facilities or other corrective measures under Article 82(2)

Article 99 (Penal Provisions)

A person who commits any of the prohibited acts under Article 50(1) (excluding providing telecommunications services not in accordance with the standard usage terms and conditions under Article 50(1)5) shall be punished by a fine not exceeding 300 million won.

 

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Article 100 (Penal Provisions)

A person falling under any one of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by a fine not exceeding 50 million won:

1. A person who deceives another for profit or alters his telephone number or displays a fraudulent telephone number for the purpose of inflicting harm through violent language, intimidations, harassment, etc. in contravention of Article 84 (3); and

2. A person who provides services that enable another to alter the caller’s telephone number or display an erroneous telephone number for profit in violation of Article 84 (4).

Article 101 (Penal Provisions)

A person who stains the telecommunications facilities or damages the measurement marks of the telecommunications facilities, in violation of Article 79 (2) shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one million won.

Article 102 (Attempted Criminal)

An attempted criminal under subparagraphs 3 and 4 of Article 94 and subparagraph 7 of Article 95 shall be punished.

Article 103 (Joint Penal Provisions)

When a representative of a juristic person or an agent, an employee or any other employed person of the juristic person or individual commits violation under Articles 94 through 100 in connection with the business of such juristic person or individual, then a fine under the related Article shall be imposed on the juristic person or individual, in addition to the punishment of the violator except in cases where such juristic person or individual has not been lax in exercising due care and supervision in regard to the relevant business to prevent such violation. <This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 9702, May. 21, 2009>

 

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Article 104 (Fine for Negligence)

(1) A person who falls under any one of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by a fine for negligence not exceeding 30 million won:

1. A person who refuses or impedes a temporary use of private telecommunications facilities or lands under Article 73 (2), without justifiable reasons;

2. A person who refuses or impedes an entry to the land, etc. under Article 74 (2), without justifiable reasons;

3. A person who refuses the moving, alteration, repair and other measures on the obstacles, etc. under Article 75 (1), or the request for removal of the plants under Article 75 (2), without justifiable reasons;

(2) A person who fails to apply for approval in regard to execution of an agreement in violation of Article 44(2) shall be punished by a fine not exceeding 20 million won.

(3) A person falling under any of the following shall be punished by a fine not exceeding 15 million won:

1. A person who fails to report in regard to execution of an agreement in violation of Article 44(1)

2. A person who fails to make a report under the main text of Article 86(3)

(4) A person who falls under any one of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by a fine for negligence not exceeding ten million won:

1. A person who fails to make a report as referred to in Article 10 (2) or to comply with a request for providing the data or an order to attend as referred to in Article 11 (3) or (4);

2. A person who, in violation of Article 19 (1), fails to notify the user 60 days prior to the expected date of termination;

 

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3. A person who fails to make a report under Article 26;

4. A person who violates the obligation concerning the protection of users under Article 32 (1);

5. A person who fails to carry out request for information under Article 35(5) or submits false information

6. A person who fails to make a public announcement of the technical standards, and the standards for use and provision, or the standards for a creation of fair competitive environments, in violation of Article 42 (4);

7. A person who fails to observe the publicly announced matters under Article 48(2), in violation of Article 48 (3);

8. A person who refuses, avoids or hampers an order for submission, or an investigation, of the data or articles according to Article 51 (2);

9. A person who refuses, avoids, or intervenes with the order to submit information or object under Article 51 (5), or the temporary custody of the information or object submitted under the same Article;

10. A person who fails to execute orders given to furnish related data under the provisions of Article 56 (3);

11. A person who has used proprietary telecommunications facilities without receiving confirmation under Article 62(1)

12. A person who refuses or interferes with inspection under Article 82(1)

13. A person who fails to report under Article 82(2) or makes a false report

14.A person who fails to keep related data or makes false entries in such data, in contravention of the provisions of Article 54 (5);

15. A person who does not report the contents in the ledgers, including provision of telecommunications data, to the head of central administrative agency in violation Article 83(7)

 

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16. A person who fails to make reports or submit the data under Article 88, or falsely do such acts; and

17. A person who fails to follow correction orders, etc., under Article 92.

(5) The fine for negligence under paragraph (1) through (4) shall be imposed and collected by the Korea Communications Commission, under the conditions as prescribed by the Enforcement Decree.

ADDENDUM <Act No. 10166, Mar. 22, 2011>

Article 1 (Enforcement Date) This Act shall be effective 6 months after the date of its announcement.

Article 2 (Effective Term) Amended Articles 38(2) through (4) shall be effective for 3 years from the enforcement date of this Act.

Article 3 (Survival) The previous addenda shall be effective even after this Act comes into effect.

Article 4 (Grandfathering Clause for Licensed Key Communications Business Operator) Key communications business operators who are licensed to provide key communications services under the previous regulation at the time this Act comes into effect shall be deemed as key communications business operator licensed under amended Article 6 to carry out key communications services under Article 5(2)

Article 5 (Grandfathering Clause for Guarantee Insurance) A specific communications business operator licensed under the previous regulation that has subscribed for a guarantee insurance for the services to be provided after receiving service charges in advance shall be deemed to have subscribed for a guarantee insurance under amended Article 32(3).

Article 6 (Grandfathering Clause for Penalty, Etc.) When a penalty or fine is to be imposed for violation before the time this Act comes into effect shall be subject to the previous regulation, provided, however, that if this Act is more lenient for the violator, this Act shall be applicable.

 

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Article 7 (Amendments to Other Laws)

(1) The Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act shall be partially amended as follows

Article 12(2)1(1) shall be deleted.

(2) The Broadcasting Act shall be partially amended as follows.

:Article 21 of the Telecommunications Business Act” in Article 9(5) shall be “Article 22 of the Telecommunications Business Act.

In Article 79(3), “under the Framework Act on Telecommunications” shall be” under the Telecommunications Business Act”

(3) The Act on the Protection, Use, etc. of Location Information shall be partially amended as follows.

In Article 2(1), “under Article 2(2) and (3) of the Framework Act on Telecommunications” shall be “under Article 2(2) and (3) of the Telecommunications Business Act”.

(4) –The Internet Multimedia Broadcast Services Act shall be partially amended as follows.

In Article 2(2), “the Framework Act on Telecommunications” shall be” Telecommunications Business Act.

In the main text of Article 6(2), “Article 34(3)1” shall be “Article 39(3)1” and in Article 18(1), “Article 21” shall be “Article 22”.

(5) The Framework Act on Telecommunications shall be partially amended as follows.

Section 3 Part 1 (Articles 16 through 18), Part 2 (Articles 20 through 24), Part 4 (Articles 30-2, 30-3, 31 and 32) and Part 5 (Articles 40-2, 40-3 and 43) shall be deleted.

Article 49(1) through (5) shall be deleted.

Article 53(1)1 shall be deleted.

 

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(6) The Act on Radio Wave shall be partially amended as follows.

In Article 10(1)1, “Article 4(2)” shall be “Article 5(2)”, in Article 13(2), “Article 5-2” shall be “Article 7” and in Article 15(2)1(2), “Article 15” shall be “Article 20”,

In the first part of Article 19(2), “A person seeking to set up a wireless station designed for receiving telecommunications services under Article 2(7) of the Framework Act on Telecommunications, as specified under the Enforcement Decree of such Act in regard to the telecommunications services” shall be” A person seeking to set up a wireless station designed for receiving telecommunications services under Article 2(6) of the Telecommunications Business Act, as specified under the Enforcement Decree of such Act in regard to the telecommunications services”.

In the main text of Article 79(2), “Articles 33-3, 39 through 41, 44, 45, 47, 51, 70(6) and 73(2) and (3) of the Telecommunications Business Act” shall be “Articles 45, 72 through 74, 76 through 78, 80, 95(6) and 104(1)1 and 2 of the Telecommunications Business Act”.

(7) The Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc. shall be partially amended as follows.

In Article 2(1)1, “the Framework Act on Telecommunications” shall be “the Telecommunications Business Act”, in paragraph (2) of the same Article, “Article 2(7) of the Telecommunications Business Act” shall be “Article 2(6) of the Telecommunications Business Act” and in paragraph (3) of the same paragraph, “Article 2(1)1 of the Telecommunications Business Act” shall be “Article 2(8) of the Telecommunications Business Act”.

In Article 46-3(1)1, “Article 2(1)1 of the Telecommunications Business Act” shall be “Article 2(8) of the Telecommunications Business Act”.

In Article 53(3), “Article 21” shall be “Article 22”, in the earlier text of paragraph (4) of the same Article, “Articles 22 and 25 through 27” shall be “Articles 23 through 26” and in the later text of the same, “in this case, a person who has registered for specific communications business under Article 19 and” shall be” in this case”.

 

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(8) The E-Government Act shall be partially amended as follows:

In Article 51(2), “under Article 7 of the Framework Act on Telecommunications “ shall be “Article 6 of the Telecommunications Business Act”.

(9) The Act on Promotion of Telecommunications Industry shall be partially amended as follows:

In Article 43(1)1, “under Article 5 of the Telecommunications Business Act” shall be “under Article 6 of the Telecommunications Business Act and in paragraph 2 of the same, “Article 19 of the Telecommunications Business Act” shall be “Article 21 of the Telecommunications Business Act”.

Article 8 (Grandfathering Clause for Amendment of Other Law) If there is any penalty or fine to be imposed for a violation under the previous Framework Act on Telecommunications (the version before being amended by Article 7(5) of the Addendum) before this Act comes into effect, such imposition shall be made in accordance with the previous Framework Act on Telecommunications.

Article 9 (Relationship with Other Laws) References to the previous Framework Act on Telecommunications and the previous Telecommunications Business Act at the time this Act comes into effect shall be deemed to be references to this Act or relevant provisions if there are relevant provisions in this Act.

Addenda <Act No. 10656, May 19, 2011>

(1) (Enforcement Date) This Act shall take effect after six (6) months from the date of its announcement.

(2) (Transitional Measures for Registration of a Value-added Telecommunications Business) A person who operated a value-added telecommunications business under the previous Act at the time of enforcement of this Act as amended and who has the obligation to make a registration thereof in accordance with the amended provision of Article 22 (2) shall perform such obligation within six (6) months from the enforcement date of this Act.

 

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EX-15.4 10 d333931dex154.htm ENFORCEMENT DECREE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS ACT (ENGLISH TRANSLATION) Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Business Act (English translation)

Exhibit 15.4

ENFORCEMENT DECREE OF

THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS ACT

 

 

As amended by Enforcement Decree No. 23642 of Feb. 28, 2012, effective Feb. 28, 2012

Chapter 1. General Provisions

Article 1 (Purpose)

The purpose of this Decree is to provide for matters delegated under the Telecommunications Business Act and matters necessary for its enforcement.

Article 2 (Contents of Universal Service)

(1) Pursuant to Article 4(3) of the Telecommunications Business Act (the “Act”), the contents of universal services shall be as follows.

 

  1. Wire telephone services;

 

  2. Telephone services for emergency communications; and

 

  3. Services of which fees are reduced or exempted for the disabled and the low income class.

(2) The detailed contents of universal services under paragraph (1) shall be as follows.

 

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  1. Wire telephone services are telephone services within an area publicly notified by the Korea Communications Commission based on methods and conditions of use (the “Calling Area”), falling under any one of the following:

 

  (a) a local telephone service which is a telephone service (excluding, throughout this Enforcement Decree, the island communication service referred to in (c) below) enabling communication through subscription telephones;

 

  (b) a local public telephone service which is a telephone service enabling communication through public telephones; or

 

  (c) an island communication service which is a telephone service enabling radio communication between shore and an island or between islands.

 

  2. Telephone services for emergency communications are telephone services necessary for maintaining social order and securing human life, falling under any of the following:

 

  (a) a special telephone number service, among the key communications services, publicly notified by the Korea Communications Commission; or

 

  (b) a wireless telephone service for vessels which is a telephone service, among the key communications services, enabling communication between shore and a vessel or between vessels.

 

  3. Services of which fees are reduced or exempted for the disabled and the low income class are services offered to the disabled and the low income class for the purpose of improving social welfare, falling under any of the following:

 

  (a) a local telephone service and a telephone service between the Calling Areas (the “Long Distance Telephone Service”);

 

  (b) a directory assistant service which is a service incidental to a local telephone service and the Long Distance Telephone Service;

 

  (c) a mobile telephone service, a personal communication service, IMT-2000 service or a wireless call service among the key communications services; or

 

  (d) an Internet subscriber connection service;

 

  (e) an Internet phone service.

 

2


(3) Any of the following shall be entitled to the services of which fees are reduced or exempted pursuant to subparagraph 3 of paragraph (2); provided, however, that the services for which fees are reduced or exempt pursuant to subparagraph 8 below shall be limited to the mobile telephone service, the personal communication service and the IMT-2000 service:

 

  1. the disabled under Article 32 of the Welfare of Disabled Persons Act or welfare institutions or groups for the disabled under the same Act;

 

  2. special schools under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act;

 

  3. child welfare institutions under the Child Welfare Act;

 

  4. the recipients of assistance under the National Basic Livelihood Security Act: Provided that in the event of a local telephone service, the Long Distance Telephone Service, Internet subscriber connection service or Internet Phone Service, households composed of such persons.

 

  5. the Korean Association of Wounded Soldiers and Police Officials or the Association Commemorating the April 19 Democratic Revolution under the Act on Establishment of Organizations for Persons, etc. of Distinguished Services to the State;

 

  6. soldiers or policemen wounded in action, soldiers or policemen wounded on duty, wounded activists of the April 19 Revolution, public officials wounded on duty, wounded special contributor to national and social development or wounded anticommunist captive under the Act on Honorable Treatment and Support of Persons, etc. of Distinguished Services to the State; or

 

  7. wounded activists of the May 18 Democratization Movement among the persons of distinguished services to the May 18 democratization movement under the Act on Honorable Treatment of Persons of Distinguished Services to the May 18 Democratization Movement.

 

3


  8. members of a family having at least one of its members fitting any of the descriptions below qualifying as a member of the next needy class under Article 2(11) of the National Basic Livelihood Security Act; and the number of family members eligible for fee reduction or exemption for such family shall be determined by the Korea Communications Commission:

 

  (a) a person taking part in the project required for self-support pursuant to Article 9(5) of the National Basic Livelihood Security Act;

 

  (b) a person having a rare and serious disease as described item (d) of section 3 in Table 2 and is eligible for reduction in his or her share of fees;

 

  (c) a person receiving necessary expenses for infant care pursuant to Article 34(1) of the Infant Care Act and a person receiving necessary expenses for child-rearing pursuant to Article 34-2(1) of the same Act;

 

  (d) a person receiving necessary expenses for early childhood education pursuant to Article 26(1) of the Early Childhood Education Act;

 

  (e) a person receiving disability allowances pursuant to Article 49 of the Welfare of the Disabled Persons Act and a person receiving allowances for raising and protecting disabled children pursuant to Article 50(1) of the same Act; and

 

  (f) a person requiring protection under Article 5 of the Single-Parent Family Assistance Act, including a person who has ratio of recognized income to minimum living expense of 130 or below to 100.

 

  (g) A person receiving disability support pension pursuant to Article 10 of the Pension Act for the Disabled.

[Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 3 (Designation of Telecommunications Business Operator who Provides Universal Services)

(1) If the Korea Communications Commission intends to designate a telecommunications business operator who provides universal services (the “Business Operator Providing Universal Services”) under Article 4 (4) of the Act, it can do so after taking into consideration such operator’s opinion. <Amended by Enforcement Decree No. 22616 Oct. 1, 2010>

 

4


(2) A telecommunications business operator who is designated as a Business Operator Providing Universal Services under paragraph (1) shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission, every year by no later than the last day of the year preceding the provision of the relevant services, a written plan for provision of universal services which includes the method of, and the expenditures for, providing the relevant services.

[Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 4 (Compensation for Losses Incurred through Provision of Universal Services)

(1) The Korea Communications Commission may have the telecommunications business operators who are not Business Operators Providing Universal Services bear part of the expenses for compensating whole or part of the losses incurred through a provision of universal services by Business Operators Providing Universal Services (the “Compensation For Losses Incurred Through Universal Services”) in proportion to their respective sales.

(2) A Business Operator Providing Universal Services who intends to receive the Compensation For Losses Incurred Through Universal Services shall submit a report on the actual results of a provision of universal services, including expenditures for, and incomes and losses from, the provision thereof, to the Korea Communications Commission within three months after the expiration of the relevant fiscal year.

(3) The Korea Communications Commission may, if deemed necessary for the verification of the report on the actual results of a provision of universal services submitted pursuant to paragraph (2), consult a professional institution to examine it.

 

5


Article 5 (Universal Services Entitled To Compensation For Losses Incurred Through Universal Services)

(1) The scope of universal services entitled to the Compensation For Losses Incurred Through Universal Services shall be any of the following:

 

  1. among local telephone services pursuant to Article 2(2)1(a) hereof, a local telephone service offered in areas where, as a result of provision of such service, the expenditures (meaning, here as well as in subparagraph 2 and Article 6(1) hereof, the expenses calculated in accordance with the method publicly notified by the Korea Communications Commission considering such factors as the population density, number of lines and efficiency of managing communication lines) exceed the incomes (including, here as well as in subparagraph 2 and Article 6(1) hereof, any indirect advantages such as improved brand value and user preference as a result of provision of universal services);

 

  2. among local public telephone services pursuant to Article 2(2)1(b) hereof, a local public telephone service offered in areas where, as a result of provision of such service, the expenditures exceed the incomes;

 

  3. an island communication service pursuant to Article 2(2)1(c) hereof; or

 

  4. a wireless telephone service for vessels pursuant to Article 2(2)2(b) hereof.

(2) In Article 4 (2) 1 of the Act, “the telecommunications business operators prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” means value-added communications business operators or regional wireless call operators.

(3) In Article 4 (2) 2 of the Act, “the amount prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” means 30 billion won.

[Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 6 (Methods for Computing the Compensation For Losses Incurred Through Universal Services)

(1) Losses incurred through provision of the universal services prescribed under each of the paragraphs in Article 5(1) hereof shall be the amount of expenses of providing the relevant service less the relevant income.

 

6


(2) The provisional Compensation For Losses Incurred Through Universal Services shall be computed by multiplying the amount obtained under paragraph (1) and the rate of compensation for losses determined and publicly notified by the Korea Communications Commission; provided that, with respect to a wireless telephone service for vessels under Article 5(1)4 hereof, the target amount for efficient management determined and publicly notified by the Korea Communications Commission shall be the provisional Compensation For Losses Incurred Through Universal Services.

(3) The Compensation For Losses Incurred Through Universal Services shall be the amount of the provisional Compensation For Losses Incurred Through Universal Services computed pursuant to paragraph (2) subtracted by each of the amounts described below:

 

  1. the amount paid by telecommunications business operators providing any of the universal services prescribed under each of the subparagraphs of Article 5(1) hereof based on their sales from telecommunications services other than the relevant universal service provided (excluding value-added communications services); and

 

  2. the amount computed by the Korea Communications Commission considering the payment capacity of telecommunications business operators paying for the Compensation For Losses Incurred Through Universal Services (the “Business Operators Paying For Losses”).

(4) The Business Operators Paying For Losses shall pay for the Compensation For Losses Incurred Through Universal Services computed pursuant to paragraph (3) in proportion to their respective sales relating to telecommunications services (excluding value-added communications services).

(5) The Korea Communications Commission shall determine and announce all other necessary details with respect to the rates by which telephone services fees are reduced or exempted for the disabled and the low income class and the methods for computing the Compensation For Losses Incurred Through Universal Services.

[Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

 

7


Chapter 2. Telecommunications Business

Article 7

< Deleted by Enforcement Decree No. 22616 Oct. 1, 2010>

Article 8 (Scope of Premises)

The “premises determined under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in Article 5(3)2 of the Act means any of the following: <Amended by Enforcement Decree No. 22616 Oct. 1, 2010>

 

  1. a building;

 

  2. a site (limited to that owned by one person or owned through common ownership) and any building located on such site;

 

  3. two or more buildings possessed by one person and the site on which such buildings are located, limited to those buildings the distance between which is not more than 500 meters; or

 

  4. any buildings or sites adjacent to the buildings or sites prescribed under paragraphs 1-3 and publicly notified by the Korea Communications Commission.

[Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 9 (Permit Application, etc.)

(1) A person who wishes to obtain a permit under Article 6(1) of the Act may make an application in the name of the representative of a corporation or the representative, such as a shareholder, etc., of a corporation to be established. <Amended by Enforcement Decree No. 22616 Oct. 1, 2010>

 

8


(2) The “premises determined under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in Article 6(2)4 of the Act means the following <Amended by Enforcement Decree No. 22616 Oct. 1, 2010>

1. matters concerning the suitability of investment plan in advancing telecommunication facilities;

2. matters concerning the stability and expertise of supply plan for key communication services; and

3. matters similar to paragraph 1 or 2 as determined and announced by the Korea Communications Commission.

Article 10 (Documents to be Attached to Permit Application)

(1) A person who wishes to obtain a permit for a key communications business under Article 6(1) of the Act shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission a key communications business permit application with each of the following documentation attached thereto:

 

  1. articles of incorporation of the corporation (including, throughout this Article 10, the corporation to be incorporated);

 

  2. shareholder register, or documentation relating to ownership of shares, etc. by shareholders, etc., of the corporation; and

 

  3. a business proposal.

(2) The Korea Communications Commission receiving a permit application pursuant to paragraph (1) shall verify the commercial registry extracts by using the public administrative information made available under Article 36(1) of the E-Government Act.

[Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

 

9


Article 11

<Deleted by Enforcement Decree No. 22616 Oct. 1, 2010>

Article 12 (Issuance of License)

(1) When permitting a key communications business under Article 6(1) of the Act or modification of license under Article 16(1) of the Act, the Korea Communications Commission shall issue a key communications business operator’s license upon making recordation of each of the following in a license registry of key communications business operators:

 

  1. number and date of license;

 

  2. title or trade name of the business and name of the representative;

 

  3. the areas where the telecommunications service is offered;

 

  4. location of the principal office;

 

  5. capital or asset valuation amount;

 

  6. details of major business facilities and equipment and the locations where such facilities and equipment are installed;

 

  7. details concerning technical personnel; and

 

  8. any conditions upon which the license is issued.

(2) A key communications business operator whose license, issued pursuant to paragraph (1), is either lost or worn out to the extent it can no longer be used may apply for reissuance of the license to the Korea Communications Commission by writing the reason for such loss or damage in its application thereto.

[Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

 

10


Article 13 (Criteria for Examination of Public Interest Aspect)

(1) The term “public interests as prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in parts other than each subparagraph of Article 10 (1) of the Act means the maintenance of national security, public peace and social order.

(2) The term “important management matters, including the key communication provider’s appointment of officer, transfer or business, etc., prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in Article 10(1)3 of the Act means the matters falling under each of the following subparagraphs:

 

  1. appointment and dismissal of the representative director of a key communications business operator, or appointment and dismissal of one third or more of the officers;

 

  2. transfer and takeover of a key communications business; and

 

  3. entrance by a key communications business operator into a new key communications business.

(3) The term “case prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in Article 10(1)4 of the Act means any of the following.

 

  1. the case where a de facto change is made in the management right of a key communications business operator by an agreement of shareholders who are not the largest shareholder of such key communications business operator to jointly exercise voting rights; or

 

  2. the control of the holding company (as that term is defined under Article 2(1)2 of the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act) of the key communication provider has actually changed hands.

[Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

 

11


Article 14 (Scope of Key Communications Business Operators subject to Examination of Public Interest Aspect)

The scope of key communications business operators who must file a report or who may request a screening pursuant to Article 10 of the Act shall be any of the following: <Amended by Enforcement Decree No. 22605 Oct. 1, 2010> [[ LOGO 2011. 1. 24]]

 

  1. a key communications business operator managing or supervising a significant communication under Article 64(1) hereof;

 

  2. a key communications business operator who owns an artificial satellite with a space station under Article 29 Subparagraph 30 of the Enforcement Decree of the Radio Waves Act; or

 

  3. a key communications business operator determined and publicly notified by the Korea Communications Commission under Article 39(3) hereof.

Article 15 (Procedures for Examination of Public Interest Aspect)

(1) A person who wishes to file a report or request a screening pursuant to Article 10(2) or 10(3) of the Act shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission documentation indicating each of the following:

 

  1. name and address of the person filing a report or requesting a screening (in the case of a corporation, the name and address of (i) such corporation and (ii) the representative of such corporation);

 

  2. purpose of, and reason for, the report or screening request; and

 

  3. details of any of the facts falling under each of the subparagraphs of Article 10(1) of the Act.

(2) The Korea Communications Commission may, where it deems necessary, request for the documentation already submitted to it to be supplemented within a period reasonably fixed.

 

12


(3) Except under special circumstances, with respect to any matter the Korea Communications Commission referred to the public interest aspect examination committee, the public interest aspect examination committee shall notify the Korea Communications Commission of the result of its screening within 3 months of the date of such referral.

(4) The Korea Communications Commission shall notify the person filing a report or requesting a screening of the result of examination of public interest aspect under paragraph (3).

[Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 16 (Composition etc. of Public Interest Aspect Examination Committee)

(1) The term “related central administrative agencies prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in parts other than each subparagraph of Article 11(2) of the Act means the agencies falling under each of the following:

 

  1. the Ministry of Strategy and Finance;

 

  2. the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade;

 

  3. the Ministry of Justice;

 

  4. the Ministry of National Defense;

 

  5. the Ministry of Public Administration and Security; and

 

  6. the Ministry of Knowledge Economy.

(2) The term of office of the members shall be two years and consecutive appointment may be permitted; provided that, the term of office of the members who are public officials shall be the period of service in their positions as public officials.

 

13


Article 17 (Operation etc. of Public Interest Aspect Examination Committee)

(1) The chairman of the Public Interest Aspect Examination Committee shall represent the Public Interest Aspect Examination Committee and exercise an overall control of its affairs.

(2) If the chairman is inevitably unable to perform his duties, a member previously appointed by the chairman shall act on her or his behalf.

(3) The chairman shall convene and preside over a meeting of the Public Interest Aspect Examination Committee.

(4) Deliberation of a meeting of the Public Interest Aspect Examination Committee shall start by the attendance of a majority of all incumbent members, and its resolution shall require the consent of a majority of those present.

(5) The Public Interest Aspect Examination Committee shall have one secretary general in order to deal with its affairs, but the secretary general shall be appointed by the chairman among the public officials belonging to the Korea Communications Commission.

(6) Any matters necessary for the operation of the Public Interest Aspect Examination Committee shall be determined by the chairman through a resolution of the Public Interest Aspect Examination Committee.

[Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 18 (Imposition and Payment etc. of Charges for Compelling Execution)

(1) When determining the amount of charges for compelling execution pursuant to Article 13 of the Act, the Korea Communications Commission shall take into account such factors as the reasons for failure to comply with corrective orders and the scale of benefits to be gained by such failure.

 

14


(2) The date of compliance with corrective orders pursuant to Article 13(2) of the Act shall be determined by the classifications falling under each of the following:

 

  1. delivery date of shares in the case of disposal of shares;

 

  2. date of executing a contract in the case of amending details of a contract;

 

  3. date of suspending the relevant acts in the case of suspending the acts impeding public benefits; and

 

  4. date of satisfying relevant conditions in the case of conditional performance.

(3) Where the Korea Communications Commission wishes to impose charges for compelling execution pursuant to Article 13 of the Act, it shall furnish a notification thereof in writing, indicating such matters as the amount of charges for compelling execution per day, reasons for imposition, payment term and receiving agency, methods of raising objections, and agencies to where such objections must be directed.

(4) Any person who has been notified under paragraph (3) shall pay the charges for compelling execution within 30 days of the date of receiving such notice; provided that, in the event such person is unable to pay the charges for compelling execution within said period due to a natural disaster or other unavoidable circumstances, such person shall pay the charges for compelling execution within 30 days of the day on which said causes have disappeared.

(5) In collecting charges for compelling execution and in the event a corrective order has not been complied with after 90 days elapsed from the date of expiration of the period set by the corrective order, the Korea Communications Commission may collect charges for compelling execution based on the dates on which each 90 day period elapses from said expiration date.

(6) Article 49 hereof shall apply mutatis mutandis to any reminder of charges for compelling execution.

[Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

 

15


Article 19 (Permit to Change)

(1) A person who wishes to obtain a permit to change to a key communications business pursuant to Articles 16 (1) of the Act shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission an application for a permit to change to a key communications business with supporting documents confirming proposed changes attached thereto: <Amended on Feb. 28, 2012>

(2) The Korea Communications Commission shall issue public notice with respect to details about application guidelines, submission procedures, submission method, etc. for a permit to change to a key communications business under Article 16(1) of the Act. <Amended on Feb. 28, 2012>

(3) Deleted <October 1, 2010>.

(4) The “material aspects prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in Article 16(1) of the Act means each of the following; <Amended on Feb. 28, 2012>

 

  1. matters concerning changes to key communication business pursuant to Article 6(1) of the Act (including the case where services cancelled under Article 20(1) of the Act are to be resumed); and

 

  2. matters concerning the permission criteria under Article 6(4) of the Act.

[Title of this Article Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 20 (Approval Application for Transfer, Merger, etc.)

(1) A person who wishes to obtain approval of the transfer of the whole or part of a key communications business pursuant to Article 18(1)1 of the Act shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission an approval application for the transfer of a key communications business with each of the following documentation attached thereto:

 

  1. a copy of the transfer agreement;

 

16


  2. articles of incorporation of the transferor and the transferee, and documentation supporting the transfer;

 

  3. shareholder register, or documentation related to ownership of shares, etc. by shareholders, etc., of the transferee;

 

  4. present status of the transferor and the transferee; and

 

  5. post-transfer business proposal.

(2) A person who wishes to obtain approval of the merger with a corporation that is a key communications business pursuant to Article 18(1)2 of the Act shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission an approval application for the merger with a key communications business with each of the following documentation attached thereto:

 

  1. a copy of the merger agreement;

 

  2. articles of incorporation of the parties to the merger agreement, and documentation supporting the merger;

 

  3. shareholder register, or documentation related to ownership of shares, etc. by shareholders, etc., of the corporation that shall continue to exist after the merger or be incorporated through the merger;

 

  4. present status of the parties to the merger agreement; and

 

  5. post-merger business proposal.

(3) A key communications business operator who wishes to obtain approval of the sale of telecommunications line facilities and equipment pursuant to Article 18(1)3 of the Act shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission an approval application for the sale of telecommunications line facilities and equipment with each of the following documentation attached thereto:

 

  1. a copy of the sale and purchase agreement concerning telecommunications line facilities and equipment, and other documentation supporting such agreement;

 

17


  2. articles of incorporation of the seller and the purchaser, and documentation supporting the sale and purchase;

 

  3. shareholder register, or documentation related to ownership by shareholders, etc., of the purchaser;

 

  4. present status of the seller and the purchaser; and

 

  5. post-sale business proposal.

(4) A person who wishes to own 15% or more of the total outstanding shares of a key communications business operator or become the largest shareholder of a key communications business operator pursuant to Article 18(1)4 of the Act shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission an approval application for the ownership of shares, or for becoming the largest shareholder, of a key communications business with each of the following documentation attached thereto:

 

  1. documentation supporting the share purchase, such as a copy of the share purchase agreement;

 

  2. articles of incorporation of the share purchaser, or the person seeking to be the largest shareholder, and the counterparty to the share purchase agreement;

 

  3. present status of the shareholders of the share purchaser, or the person seeking to be the largest shareholder, and the counterparty to the share purchase agreement;

 

  4. present status of the share purchaser, or the person seeking to be the largest shareholder, and the counterparty to the share purchase agreement;

 

18


  5. purpose of, reasons for and an analysis of the effect of acquisition of the shares;

 

  6. proposal for dual appointment of officers (only when considering dual appointment of an officer of the counterparty); and

 

  7. post-share acquisition business proposal (only when seeking to become the largest shareholder).

(5) A person who wishes to obtain approval for purchase of shares or execution of an agreement under Article 18(1)5 shall attach the following to an approval application submit them to the Korea Communications Commission.

1. documents confirming the acquisition of managerial control such as copies of share purchase agreement or other agreement, etc.

2. articles of incorporation of the purchaser or the party to the agreement and the counterparty;

3. shareholders registers of the purchaser or the party to the agreement and the counterparty

4. descriptions of businesses of the purchaser or the party to the agreement and the counterparty

5. purposes of and impact analysis of the share purchase or execution of the agreement;

6. a plan for overlapping officers and directors (applicable when such officers or directors also act as officers or directors the counterparty); and

7. a business plan for the period following the-share acquisition or execution of the agreement.

(6) The “premises determined under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in Article 18(1)5 of the Act means any of the following.

 

19


1. where one person alone or together with his specially related persons seek to acquire shares issued by the largest shareholder of a key communications business operator and effectively exercises the voting rights of such largest shareholder;

2. where persons (including specially related persons) with the common aim of controlling a key communications business operator seek to acquire more shares than the voting rights held by the largest shareholder of such key communications business operator;

3. where the control of a key communications business operator is sought by way of business lease, delegation of managerial control or other agreements with the key communications business operator or its largest shareholder; and

4. where a shareholder of a key communications business operator seeks enter into an agreement with other shareholders, except the largest shareholder to exercise jointly more voting rights than the largest shareholder.

(7) A key communications business operator that seeks to receive an approval to establish a corporation to provide part of the key communications services it has provided with the approval under Article 18(1)6 shall attach the following documents to an incorporation approval application and submit them to the Korea Communications Commission.

1. articles of incorporation of the corporation to be incorporated

2. shareholder register, or documentation relating to ownership of shares, etc. by shareholders, etc., of the corporation to be incorporated;

3. business status of the services to be provided (applicable only to the key communications business that already provides the services to be provided by the corporation to be incorporated; and

4. a business plan of the corporation to be incorporated.

 

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(8) The approval application and attachments under paragraphs (1) through (5) and (7) may be submitted electronically.

(9) The Korea Communications Commission receiving an approval application for transfer, merger, sale, share acquisition or changing the largest shareholder pursuant to paragraphs (1)-(7) shall verify the commercial registry extracts of the party seeking to transfer, merge, sell, become the largest shareholder, acquire shares, execute an agreement or incorporate a corporation by using the public administrative information made available under Article 21(1) of the E-Government Act.

(10) The Korea Communications Commission shall issue a key communications business operator’s license upon approving the approval application for transfer, merger or incorporation pursuant to paragraph (1) , (2) or (7).

[Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 21 (Criteria for Major Telecommunications Line Facilities and Equipment)

The “major telecommunications line facilities and equipment prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in provisos other than each subparagraph of Article 18(1) of the Act means facilities and equipment for exchange, transmission and wire pursuant to Article 3(1)8-10 of the Regulations on Telecommunications Facilities and Equipment of which the sum of the sales prices is not less than 5 billion won. <Amended by Enforcement Decree No. 22616 Oct. 1, 2010; No. 22616 Jan. 4, 2011>

Article 22 (Report on Sale of Telecommunications Line Facilities and Equipment)

A person who wishes to file a report on sale of telecommunications line facilities and equipment pursuant to provisos other than each subparagraph of Article 18(1) of the Act shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission a report on sale of telecommunications line facilities and equipment (including electronic application) with each of the following documentation (including electronic application) attached thereto:

 

  1. documentation supporting the sale, such as a copy of the sales agreement concerning telecommunications line facilities and equipment;

 

21


  2. types, details and prices of the facilities and equipment being sold; and

 

  3. plans for service provision and user protection subsequent to the sale.

[Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 23

<Deleted on Oct. 1, 2010>

Article 24 (Application for a Permit to Suspend Business, etc.)

A person who wishes to obtain authorization to suspend or discontinue business pursuant to Article 19(1) of the Act shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission each of the following documentation at least 60 days prior to the expected suspension or discontinuation date.

 

  1. details of the business to be suspended or discontinued, and drawings of such business’s territories;

 

  2. documentation indicating details of major telecommunications facilities and equipment relating to the business to be suspended or discontinued;

 

  3. written permission (only where the whole business is discontinued); and

 

  4. statement of reasons for such suspension or discontinuation.

 

  5. notice about the proposed suspension or discontinuation; and

 

  6. documentation stating a plan for customer protection in connection with the proposed suspension or disconsolation.

 

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[Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 25 (Criteria, Procedures, etc. for Revocation of Permits)

(1) The criteria for revocation of permits, cancellation of registration and suspension or discontinuation of business pursuant to Articles 20(2) and 27(3) of the Act are as provided in Table 1 attached hereto. <Amended on Feb. 28, 2012>

(2) <Deleted on Oct. 1, 2010>:

(3) Upon revocation of permits, cancellation of registration or suspension or discontinuation of business under paragraph (1), the Korea Communications Commission shall issue public notification thereof without delay, and notify the relevant telecommunications business operator in writing. <Amended on Feb. 28, 2012>

[Title of this Article amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 26 (Application for Registration)

(1) A person who wishes to register as a specific communications business operator pursuant to Article 21(1) of the Act shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission an application (including an electronic application) to register as a specific communications business operator with each of the following documentation (including electronic documentation) attached thereto:

 

  1. a business proposal relating to a specific communications business;

 

  2. articles of incorporation of the corporation (including, throughout this Article, the corporation to be established);

 

  3. details, installment locations and a network map of major business facilities and equipment;

 

  4. terms of use containing provisions relating to user protection (including a provision for the aggregated issue amount of prepaid calling cards), and details of, and a management proposal for, an office for user protection; and

 

23


(2) The Korea Communications Commission receiving who receives a registration application pursuant to paragraph (1) shall verify the commercial registry extracts and national technical qualification certificates of the technical personnel by using the public administrative information available pursuant to Article 36(1) of the E-Government Act; provided that, in the event the applicant does not consent to such verification method, such applicant shall be required to attach the relevant documentation copies thereof to its license application.

[Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 27 (Issuance of Certificates of Registration)

(1) Upon receipt of a registration application under Article 26(1) hereof, the Korea Communications Commission shall verify whether such registration application meets the registration requirements under Article 28 hereof, make recordation of each of the following in a registration registry of specific communications business operators and issue to the applicant a certificate of registration as a specific communications business operator within 30 days of the date of application:

 

  1. number and date of registration;

 

  2. title or trade name of the business and name of the representative;

 

  3. location of the principal office;

 

  4. capital;

 

  5. types of services provided;

 

  6. details of major business facilities and equipment and the locations where such facilities and equipment are installed;

 

24


  7. details concerning technical personnel;

 

  8. any conditions upon which the registration is authorized.

(2) The Korea Communications Commission may, where it deems necessary, request for a registration application already submitted to it under Article 26 hereof to be supplemented or revised by no later than 7 days thereafter; provided that, such period may be extended upon request of the applicant and may not count towards the processing time referred to in paragraph (1).

(3) A specific communications business operator whose certificate of registration, issued pursuant to paragraph (1), is either lost or worn out to the extent it can no longer be used may apply for reissuance of the certificate of registration to the Korea Communications Commission.

[Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 28 (Registration Requirements for Specific Communications Business)

The registration requirements for a specific communications business pursuant to Article 21(5) of the Act are as provided in Table 2 attached hereto.

[Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 29 (Reporting Procedures, etc. of Value-Added Communications Business)

(1) A person who wishes to file a report of a value-added communications business under the former part of Article 22(1) of the Act shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission a value-added communications business report (including an electronic report) and each of the following documentation (including an electronic report) :

 

  1. a network map diagram (including an electronic diagram, but applicable only where new types of value-added communications services are reported and the Korea Communications Commission deems such diagram to be necessary and requests for it); and

 

25


  2. a report about the privacy protection system (applicable only when personal data are handled).

(2) A person who wishes to register a special type of value-added telecommunications business under the former part of Article 22(2) of the Act shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission an application form for the registration of a special type of value-added telecommunications business operator (including an electronic report) and each of the following documentation (including an electronic report) :

1. articles of corporation (only for the legal entity including a corporation to be incorporated); and

2. documentation supporting the registration application meets the registration requirements under each of the subparagraphs of Article 22(2) hereof.

(3) the Korea Communications Commission receiving report under paragraph (1) or registration application under paragraph (2) shall confirm a certificate of details of corporate register through joint use of administrative information under Article 36(1) of the Electronic Government Act.

(4) When there is an error in a value-added telecommunications business report under paragraph (1) or an application form for the registration of a special type of value-added communications business operator pursuant under paragraph (2) or the documentation attached to such report is insufficient, the Korea Communications Commission may request for such report or application to be supplemented by no later than 10 days thereafter; provided that, such period may be extended upon request by the person filing the report or applying for the registration.

(5) Upon receipt of a value-added communications business report under paragraph (1), the Korea Communications Commission shall issue a report certificate to the person filing such report.

 

26


(6) Upon receipt of a registration application under paragraph (2) hereof, the Korea Communications Commission shall verify whether such registration application meets the registration requirements under paragraph (9) hereof, make recordation of each of the following in a registration registry of special type of value-added telecommunications business operators and issue to the applicant a certificate of registration as a special-type of value-added telecommunications business operator within 30 days of the date of application:

 

  1. number and date of registration;

 

  2. title or trade name of the business and name of the representative;

 

  3. location of the principal office;

 

  4. capital;

 

  5. types of services provided;

 

  6. details of major business facilities and equipment and the locations where such facilities and equipment are installed;

 

  7. any conditions upon which the registration is authorized.

(7) A value-added communications business operator whose report certificate, issued pursuant to paragraph (5) or certificate of registration issued pursuant to paragraph (6), is either lost or worn out to the extent it can no longer be used may apply for reissuance of the certificate of report to the Korea Communications Commission.

(8) “Matters determined by the Presidential Decree such as business plan” under Article 22(2)4 constitutes a business plan and a user protection plan.

(9) The registration requirements for special type of value-added telecommunications business operator under Article 22(2) are shown in Table 3.

[Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

 

27


Article 30 (Exemption from Value-added Communications Business Operator Report)

(1) The “small-scale value-added communications business meeting the criteria prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in the latter part of Article 22 of the Act means value-added communications business operators who provide value-added communications services using the Internet and where the capital is 100 million won or less who satisfy each of the following criteria.

(2) In the event a value-added communications business operator who is exempted from filing a report pursuant to paragraph (1) comes to have more than 100 million won as its capital, such value-added communications business operator shall file a report, within 1 month of the date on which it ceased to satisfy such criteria, to the Korea Communications Commission in accordance with the former part of Article 22 (1) of the Act.

[Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 30-2 (Reasons for Disqualification from Registration)

“An investor determined by the Presidential Decree” under Article 22(2) means a person falling under each of the following subparagraphs:

1. A person who holds the larger amount of shares for his own account regardless of the title thereof between a person who owns issued shares having the voting right of the corresponding legal entity or shares invested (referred to as “shares, etc.” in this Article) and a person with special relationship falling under any one of the subparagraphs of Article 8 of the Enforcement Decree of the Financial investment Service and Capital Market Act.

2. Any person who owns more than 10/100 of the corresponding legal entity’s shares for his own account regardless of the title thereof or a shareholder who exercises its power on the management of the corporation by way of appointment of executives, etc. and falling under any one of the subparagraphs of Article 9 of the Enforcement Decree of the Financial investment Service and Capital Market Act.

 

28


<Newly inserted on Nov. 14, 2011> <Enforcement Date: Nov. 20, 2011>

Article 31 (Amendment of Registration or Report)

(1) “As prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in Article 23 of the Act means each of the following:

 

  1. title or trade name, and address;

 

  2. representative;

 

  3. types of services provided;

 

  4. capital (for specific communications business operators only);

 

  5. expert personnel (for specific communications business operators only);

 

  6. user agreements (only for specific communications business operators who concluded an agreement with a key communications business operator using frequency allocated pursuant to the Radio Waves Act);

 

  7. changes to specific communications business or added-value communications business under Article 21(1), former part of Article 22(1) or paragraph (2) of the same Act (includes cases where businesses which have been subject to partial cancellation of the registration or partial suspension under main bodies of Article 27(1) and (2) are sought to be resumed ).

(2) In order to amend any of the information set forth in paragraph (1), an application to register amendment to the specific communications business, or a report of amendment to the value-added communications business or an application ion to register amendment to the special type of value-added telecommunications business (including an electronic application or report), and documentation (including electronic documentation) supporting the relevant amendment shall be submitted to the Korea Communications Commission.

 

29


(3) Upon receipt and registration, or receipt and processing, of an application to register amendment or a report of amendment, the Korea Communications Commission shall issue either a registration certificate on which the relevant amendment is recorded or a report certificate.

(4) The Korea Communications Commission receiving an application to register amendment or a report of amendment pursuant to paragraph (2) shall verify the commercial registry extracts or business registration certificate by using the public administrative information available pursuant to Article 36(1) of the E-Government Act; provided that, in the event the applicant or person filing the report does not consent to such verification method, such applicant or person shall be required to attach the corporate registry or business registration certificate to its report.

<Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012>

Article 32 (Report on Transfer of Business)

(1) A person who wishes to file a report on transfer of a specific communications business or a value-added communications business pursuant to Article 24 of the Act shall within 30 days from the date on which a business transfer agreement is executed submit to the Korea Communications Commission a business transfer application (including an electronic application) with each of the following documentation (including electronic documentation) attached thereto:

 

  1. a copy of the business transfer agreement;

 

  2. documentation prescribed under each of the subparagraphs of Article 26(1) hereof or Article 29(1) & (2) hereof; and

 

  3. a registration certificate or a report certificate.

 

30


(2) A person who wishes to file a report on merger of a corporation that is either a specific communications business operator or a value-added communications business operator pursuant to Article 24 of the Act shall within 30 days from the date on which a merger agreement is executed submit to the Korea Communications Commission a merger application (including an electronic application) with each of the following documentation (including electronic documentation) attached thereto:

 

  1. a copy of the merger agreement;

 

  2. documentation prescribed under each of the subparagraphs of Article 26(1) or 29(1) & (2) hereof; and

 

  3. a registration certificate or a report certificate.

(3) A person who wishes to file a report on inheritance of a value-added communications business operator pursuant to Article 24 of the Act shall within 30 days from the date on which the cause for the inheritance has occurred submit to the Korea Communications Commission an inheritance report (including an electronic application) with documentation (including electronic documentation) demonstrating that she or he is the heir attached thereto.

(4) The Korea Communications Commission receiving a report under paragraphs (1)-(3) shall verify, through the information sharing channel under Article 36(1) of the Electronic Government Act, the commercial registry extracts of the transferor or party to a merger agreement (meaning the existing or newly established corporation), national technical qualification certificates of the technical personnel or a certificate of the heir’s family register; provided that, in the event the person filing the report does not consent to such verification method, such person shall be required to attach the relevant documentation (copies of national technical qualification certificates or a certificate of the heir’s family register) to its report. .

(5) Upon receipt of a report to register on transfer or merger of a specific communications business or a value-added communications business under paragraph (1) or (2), the Korea Communications Commission shall issue either a specific communications business registration certificate, a value-added communications business report certificate or special type of value-added telecommunications business registration certificate.

 

31


<Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012>

Article 33 (Report on Suspension or Discontinuation of Business)

(1) A person who wishes to file a report on either (i) suspension or discontinuation of a specific communications business or a value-added communications business or (ii) dissolution of a corporation that is a specific communications business operator or a value-added communications business operator pursuant to Article 26(1) shall at least 15 days prior to the expected suspension or discontinuation date submit to the Korea Communications Commission a report on suspension or discontinuation of a specific communications business or a value-added communications business (including an electronic application) with documentation (including electronic documentation) demonstrating that users have been notified of such suspension or discontinuation attached thereto; provided that, in the event the information contained in any of such documentation can be verified through the public administrative information available pursuant to Article 36(1) of the E-Government Act, such verification may substitute for the relevant documentation.

(2) A person who wishes to file a report on dissolution of a corporation that is a specific communications business operator or a value-added communications business operator pursuant to Article 26(2) shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission a report on dissolution of a specific communications business or a value-added communications business (including an electronic application) without delay.

<Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012>

Chapter 3. Telecommunications Operation

Article 34 (Approval of Terms of Use)

(1) The services for which key communications business operators must obtain approval of terms of use pursuant to the text of Article 28(2) of the Act shall be any of the following:

 

  1. among the services provided by the key communications business operator with the highest market share with respect to the aggregate national sales based on sales from each service in the preceding year, the service from which sales in the preceding year reach or exceed the amount determined and publicly notified by the Korea Communications Commission with respect to each service; or

 

32


  2. if a key communications business operator providing the service prescribed under subparagraph 1 completes business consolidation with another key communications business operator pursuant to Article 12(1)1 or 12(1)4 of the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act, the service prescribed under subparagraph 1 provided by such other key communications business operator.

(2) By 31. December each year, the Korea Communications Commission shall designate and issue public notification of the key communications business operators and services prescribed under paragraph (1); provided that, the Korea Communications Commission shall designate and issue public notification of the key communications business operators and services falling under subparagraph 2 of paragraph (1) immediately after the date of report on business consolidation thereunder. <Amended by Enforcement Decree No. 22616 Oct. 1, 2010>

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions under paragraph (1), a key communications business operator who wishes to amend minor aspects of terms of use as prescribed by the Korea Communications Commission may file a report with the Korea Communications Commission.

<Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012>

Article 35 (Application for Approval of Terms of Use)

A person who wishes to file a report (including a report on amendment) or obtain an approval (including an approval of amendment) on terms of use with respect to telecommunications services pursuant to the proviso of Article 28(1) or (2) of the Act shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission terms of use containing each of the following with documentation demonstrating the bases for price computation pursuant to Article 28 (4) of the Act attached thereto:

 

  1. types and details of telecommunications services;

 

33


  2. areas in which telecommunications services are provided;

 

  3. prices of telecommunications services, including fees and actual expenses;

 

  4. details concerning the responsibilities of telecommunications business operators and users of telecommunications services; and

 

  5. any other information necessary the provision or use of the relevant telecommunications services.

<Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012>

Article 36 (Services Entitled to Exemption of Fees)

Telecommunications services entitled to the exemption of fees pursuant to Article 29 of the Act shall be as follows.

 

  1. Telecommunications services for the communications concerning the rescue of human lives and properties in danger, and the rescue from disasters or for the communications by the victims of disasters;

 

  2. Telecommunications services for the whole or part of exclusive line communications used by such agencies, in case where the exclusive line communications of agencies which are fully responsible for military, public order and national security, and a part of self-communications network of public institutions under the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Management of Public Institutions of the State, local governments or government-invested institutions are integrated into the telecommunications net-work of a key communications business;

 

34


  3. Telecommunications services for the communications required for military operations in wartime;

 

  4. Newspapers under the Act on the Promotion of Newspapers, news communications under the Act on the Promotion of News Communications, and telecommunications services for reports by the broadcasting stations under the Broadcasting Act.

 

  5. Telecommunications services for a communication which is required for facilitating the use, and for diffusing the distribution, of information communications;

 

  6. Telecommunications services for a communication by those who are in need of the protection for the improvement of social welfare;

 

  7. Telecommunications services for a communication which is required for the promotion of interchange and cooperation between North and South Korea; and

 

  8. Telecommunications services for a communication which is specially required for the operation of postal services.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 37 (Provision of Transmission or Line Facilities and Equipment, etc.)

Pursuant to Article 31(1) of the Act, a CATV broadcasting business operator, signal transmission network business operator or CATV relay broadcasting business operator under the Broadcasting Act may provide transmission or line facilities and equipment or the CATV broadcasting facilities and equipment (the “Transmission or Line Facilities and Equipment, etc.”) to key communications business operators in a manner falling under one of the following:

 

  1. sale or lease of transmission or line facilities, etc.;

 

35


  2. commissioned performance of the communications or exchange operations, etc. by making use of transmission or line facilities, etc.; or

 

  3. manners corresponding to subparagraphs 1 and 2, which are determined by a consultation between a CATV broadcasting business operator, a signal transmission network business operator, or a CATV relay broadcasting business operator.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 37-2 (Prepaid phone services and subscription of guarantee insurance)

(1) A key communications services operator that seeks to provide telecommunications services on a prepaid basis (“prepaid phone services”) pursuant to the main body of Article 32(3) shall submit each of the following items to the Korea Communications Commission, provided that a specific communications business operator shall submit it to the head of the Central Radio Management Office.

1. a copy of guarantee insurance;

2. data about the aggregate service charges for the prepaid phone services for the pertinent year (“prepaid phone service charges”);

3. guide for the use of the prepaid phone services;

4. other materials specified and announced by the Korea Communications Commission for prepaid phone services business standards and customer protection, etc.

(2) A telecommunications business operator seeking to provide the prepaid phone services under paragraph (1) shall abide by each of the following:

1. the prepaid phone services shall be provided within the coverage period of the guarantee insurance;

 

36


2. if additional prepaid phone services are to be provided within the coverage period of the guarantee insurance, such additional prepaid phone services shall be provided within the actually used portion of the prepaid phone service charges;

3. if the prepaid phone service charges are to be changed, the guarantee insurance shall be renewed at least 30 days prior to such change. In this case, a copy of the renewed guarantee insurance policy shall be provided to the Korea Communications Commission or the head of the Central Radio Management Office within 7 days of such renewal;

4. if the services are to be provided after the expiration of the guarantee insurance, the guarantee insurance shall be renewed at least 30 days prior to the expiration date. In this case, financial statements and other materials specified by the Korea Communications Commission shall be provided to the Korea Communications Commission or the head of the Central Radio Management Office within seven; and

5. measures to make paragraph (1)3 and 4 easily comprehensible to users shall be taken.

(3) The “amount calculated according to standards specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in the main body of Article 32(3) is an amount not less than 50% of the prepaid phone service charges and determined in accordance with the standards announced by the Korea Communications Commission, taking into consideration the prepaid phone service provider’s pain-in capital and the prepaid phone service charges.

(4) The “case specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in the proviso of Article 32(3) means each of the following case:

1. average annual revenue from telecommunication services provided by a telecommunications business operator for the recent 3-year period is 30 billion won or more;

2. aggregate prepaid phone service charges is less than 10% of the annual revenue from telecommunication services provided by a telecommunications business in the past year; and

 

37


3. provision of prepaid phone services in the past 3-year period without suspension or discontinuation.

(5) When the beneficiary receives insurance proceeds, such shall be distributed to users within 60 days from the date of receipt under Article 32(4) of the Act, provided that if the distributions payable amount exceeds the insurance proceeds, the insurance proceeds will be distributed in proportion to loss amounts.

(6) business standards and methods concerning the guarantee insurance and insurance proceeds not other wise specified in paragraph (2 )and (5) shall be determined and announced by the Korea Communications Commission.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Chapter 4. Promoting Competition In Telecommunications Business

Article 38 (Criteria and Procedures for, and Methods of, Evaluating Competition Status)

(1) When making determination concerning unit markets for the purpose of evaluating competition status pursuant to Article 34(2) of the Act, all of the following factors shall be considered:

 

  1. demand substitutability and supply substitutability of the services;

 

  2. geographical scope of the services provided;

 

  3. transaction stages of the services provided such as retail (meaning transactions between telecommunications business operators and ultimate users of the services provided by such telecommunications business operators) and wholesale (meaning transactions through which telecommunications facilities and equipment, etc., installed to provide wholesale services, are offered to other telecommunications business operators); and

 

38


  4. special characteristics of users such as differences in purchasing power and negotiating edge or uniqueness of demand.

(2) Evaluation of competition status with respect to the unit markets determined under paragraph (1) shall be implemented by comprehensively considering each of the following factors:

 

  1. market structure such as market share and entrance barrier;

 

  2. response capacity of users such as accessibility of information related to service use and ease of switching service providers;

 

  3. activities of telecommunications business operators such as those relating to price and quality competition and technology innovation; and

 

  4. market performances such as the level of price and quality and the size of excess profits made by telecommunications business operators.

(3) Where it deems necessary for evaluating competition status, the Korea Communications Commission may invite opinions from relevant professionals and related parties.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 39 (Criteria applicable to Key Communications Business Operators, etc.)

(1) The “key communications business operators satisfying the criteria prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in Articles 35(2)3, 39(3)2, 41(3)2 and 42(3)2 of the Act means, where sales of certain key communications business operators in each service from the preceding year exceed the amount determined and publicly notified by the Korea Communications Commission with respect to each service, those business operators whose market share in relation to the national aggregate sales from the relevant service is 50% or higher.

 

39


(2) A facility management institution under Article 35(2)3 is a facility management institution whose the aggregate size of facilities, etc. under Article 35(1) (“facilities, etc.”) owned last year or revenue from providing facilities, etc. exceeds certain thresholds announced by the Korea Communications Commission.

(3)

(4) By 31. December, each year, the Korea Communications Commission shall designate and issue public notification of the key communications business operators prescribed under Articles 35(2)1 and 3, 39(3), 41(3) and 42(3) of the Act and facilities management institution prescribed under Article 35(2)3 of the Act.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 39-2 (Submission of Data on Facilities, etc. and Procedures, etc.)

(1) Each telecommunications business operator and facilities management institution shall provide each of the following to the Korea Communications Commission by March 31 of each year.

1. status of facilities, etc., as announced by the Korea Communications Commission, about the facilities, etc. owned by the telecommunications business operator and facilities management institution; and

2. status of facilities, etc. provided to a telecommunications business operator by a key communications business operator or a facilities management institution.

(2) The Korea Communications Commission may provide financial support within its budget to expert institutions for their operation under Article 35(6).

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 39-3 (Standards for Providing Obligatory Wholesale Services)

(1) The “telecommunications services of a key communications business operator specified under Article 38(2) of the Act” means services of the key communications business operator with the highest market share of the aggregate domestic revenue on the basis of revenue per service last year that exceed thresholds specified for individual services announced by the Korea Communications Commission.

 

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(2) The Korea Communications Commission shall designate and announce key communications business operators under paragraph (1) by December 31 of each year.

Article 40 (Report on Accord, etc. concerning Interconnections, etc.)

(1) A person who wishes, under Article 38(5) or 44(1) or (2) of the Act, to file a report on, or obtain an approval of wholesale provision, provision, common use or interconnection of facilities, etc. and equipment or the execution or termination of, or an amendment to, an accord on provision of information shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission each of the following documentation to the Korea Communications Commission, provided that in case of termination, only paragraphs 1 and 6 need to be submitted and in case of nominal matters such as no change in service charges, etc. announced by the Korea Communications commission, only paragraph 5 needs to be submitted.:

 

  1. copy of the accord;

 

  2. documentation demonstrating the amounts due from, or payable to, the parties to the accord, the computation methods with respect to such amounts and how the accord shall be implemented;

 

  3. documentation demonstrating wholesale provision, provision, common use or interconnection of, or conditions upon which information shall be provided on, facilities, etc. and equipment, and any other costs related to the accord;

 

  4. drawings indicating wholesale provision, provision, facilities, etc. provision, common use or interconnection of, or a summary of the information (including outlay of connection grid and connection points) to be provided on, facilities, etc. and equipment; and

 

41


  5. documentation comparing the new accord against the old (applicable only to filing of a report of amendment or applying for an approval of amendment).

 

  6. documentation confirming discontinuation (including electronic documentation)

(2) Upon receipt of documentation under paragraph (1), the Korea Communications Commission shall examine whether such documentation comply with the criteria for provision, common use, wholesale provision or interconnection of, or provision of information on, facilities, etc. and equipment pursuant to Article 35(3), 37(3), 38(4), 39(2), 41(2) or 42(2) of the Act.

(3) A key communications business operator that has received approval for execution, amendment or termination of an agreement under Article 44(2) of the Act shall publish details of such on its website. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 22616 Oct. 1, 2010>

(4) Pursuant to Article 65(3) of the Framework Act on Telecommunications, upon receipt of documentation under paragraph (1), the Korea Communications Commission shall examine whether such documentation complies with the criteria for provision, common use or interconnection of, or provision of information on, telecommunications facilities and equipment pursuant to Article 35(3) of the Act, and whether the private telecommunications facilities and equipment provided were installed by an individual to be used for her or his own telecommunications.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 40-2 (Request for Arbitration)

(1) A person wishing to make a request for arbitration under Article 45(1) of the Act shall attach each of the following documentation to its arbitration application and submit them to the Korea Communications Commission, provided that the item under paragraph 3 shall be submitted only in the case of the request under Article 45(1)3.

 

42


1. documents about overview of the arbitration request;

2. documents about negotiation between the parties; and

3. each of the documentation under Article 40(1).

(2) After reviewing the application documents under paragraph (1), the Korea Communications Commission may demand the applicant to submit additional information within a reasonable period of time for any of the following reasons:

1. in the case where any required document is missing

2. in the case where any entry in the application and attachments is vague.

(3) If the applicant fails to provide additional information within the time period specified under paragraph (2), the Korea Communications Commission shall return the application along with a reason for such return.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 40-3 (Arbitration Decision)

(1) An arbitration decision by the Korea Communications Commission shall be made in writing.

(2) The arbitration decision under paragraph (1) shall state the ruling, reason and date of decision, be signed by the Commissioner of the Korea Communications Commission and commission members who attended the arbitration deliberation and be sent to the parties to the dispute.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

 

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Article 41 (Reporting Offenses)

(1) Any person recognizing any of the offenses prescribed under Article 50(1) of the Act may report to the Korea Communications Commission of such act and request any measures prescribed under each of the subparagraphs of Article 52(1) of the Act to be taken.

(2) A person who wishes to make a report under paragraph (1) shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission documentation indicating each of the following:

 

  1. name (if a corporation, the name of the corporation and its representative) and address of the person making the report;

 

  2. trade name, or name (if a corporation, the name of its representative), and address of the person being reported;

 

  3. details of the offense; and

 

  4. measures necessary for addressing the offense.

(3) The Korea Communications Commission may, where it deems necessary, request that the documentation submitted to it under paragraph (2) be supplemented within a reasonable period.

(4) The details of handling procedures and methods concerning application, supplementation, prohibition and violation under paragraphs (1) through (3) shall be demined and announced by the Korea Communications Commission.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 42 (Types of and Criteria for Offenses)

(1) The types of, and criteria for, the offenses pursuant to Article 50(3) of the Act shall be as provided in Table 4 attached hereto.

 

44


(2) The Korea Communications Commission may, where it deems necessary for the purpose of applying to specific telecommunications fields or specific offenses, determine and issue public notification of the details concerning the types of, and criteria for, the offenses under paragraph (1).

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 43

<Deleted by Enforcement Decree No. 22616 Oct. 1, 2010>

Article 44 (Measures Taken, etc. on Offenses)

The term “other matters prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in Article 52(1)11 of the Act refers to each of the following:

 

  1. submission of a plan for implementing the provisions under Article 52(1)1-10 of the Act; and

 

  2. report on the results of the implementation of the provisions under Article 52(1)1-10 of the Act.

 

  3. Conservation of material necessary for the implementation of the provisions under Article 52(1)8 of the Act and report on damages incurred to the users.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 44-2 (Announcement of Corrective Order)

The details of contents and method of announcement about corrective order made under Article 52(1)8 shall be determined by the Korea Communications Commission.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 22616 Oct. 1, 2010]

 

45


Article 45 (Implementation Period of Corrective Orders)

The period by the end of which telecommunications business operators shall implement the corrective order issued by the Korea Communications Commission pursuant to Article 52(2) of the Act shall be as provided in Table 4 attached hereto.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 46 (Offenses Subject to Imposition of Penalties and Amount of Such Penalties, etc.)

(1) The classifications of offenses subject to imposition of penalties, the upper limit of such penalties and the criteria for imposition of such penalties pursuant to Article 53(1) of the Act shall be as provided in Table 6 attached hereto.

(2) The types of violation subject to fine under Article 53(2) of the Act, maximum fine amount and fine calculation method are set forth in Table 7.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 47 (Computation Methods of Penalties)

(1) The term “sales as prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in the former part of text of Article 53(1) of the Act means the average annual sales for the 3 preceding fiscal years of the telecommunications services related to the offense committed by the relevant telecommunications business operator and the “sales as prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in Article 53(2) of the Act means the average annual sales for the 3 preceding fiscal years of the telecommunications services related to the offense committed by the relevant telecommunications business operator; provided that, if, as of the first day of the applicable fiscal year, less than 3 years have elapsed since the commencement of the relevant business as of the first day of the relevant fiscal year, such term shall mean the sales of the period from the commencement of the relevant business until the last day of the preceding fiscal year, converted into annual average sales, or if the relevant business has been commenced in the applicable fiscal year, such term shall mean sales of the period from the commencement date of the relevant business until the date of commission of the offense, converted into annual sales.

 

46


(2) The term “the time prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in the proviso of Article 53(1) of the Act means any of the following:

 

  1. where there has been no sales result due to such reasons as non-commencement or suspension of business; or

 

  2. where it is difficult to make an objective computation of sales.

Article 48 (Imposition and Payment of Penalties)

(1) The Korea Communications Commission shall, where it intends to impose penalties pursuant to Article 53 of the Act and subsequent to its investigation and verification of the relevant offense, notify, in writing, the person subject to such penalties of the fact of offense, the amount thereof and the method of, and the period for, raising objection thereto.

(2) A person who receives a notification under paragraph (1) shall pay the relevant penalties to a financial company designated by the Korea Communications Commission within 20 days from the date of receiving such a notification; provided that, if the person is unable to pay the penalties within such period due to a natural disaster or other unavoidable circumstances, the person shall pay the penalties within 7 days from the date on which said reason ceases to exist.

(3) A financial company in receipt of a payment of penalties under paragraph (2) shall deliver a receipt thereof to the person who paid the penalties.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 49 (Demand for Penalties)

(1) A demand for penalties pursuant to Article 53(6) of the Act shall be made in writing within 7 days from the date on which the payment deadline expires.

(2) Where a demand note is issued under paragraph (1), a deadline for payment of any penalties in arrear shall be within 10 days from the date on which such demand note is issued.

 

47


[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 50 (Services Subject To Prior Selection)

The “telecommunications services prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in the latter part of Article 57(1) of the Act means the Long Distance Telephone Service.

<Amended by Enforcement Decree No. 22616 Oct. 1, 2010>

<The title of this Article amended on 2010.10.1>

Article 51 (Provision of Directory Assistant Service)

(1) Telecommunications business operators providing a directory assistant service pursuant to Article 60(1) of the Act may furnish any of the following information:

 

  1. name or trade name of the user;

 

  2. telephone number of the user; or

 

  3. address of the user up to Eup/Myeon/Dong.

(2) Telecommunications business operators shall obtain users’ consent to a directory assistant service through a method that can be used to verify as to whether such consent has been indeed given by the user, such as the user’s handwritten or electronic signature, and to prove at a later date that such consent has been given.

(3) Users may withdraw their consent given under paragraph (2) at any time, and telecommunications business operators shall, without any delay, take the necessary measures so that a directory assistance service shall not be provided with respect to such users who withdrew their consent; provided that, where the pertinent directory assistance service is provided through a written material, a user shall have to withdraw her consent at least 30 days prior to the print date of such written material for the withdrawal to take effect.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

 

48


Chapter 5. Telecommunications Facilities and Equipment

<Amended by Enforcement Decree No. 22616 Oct. 1, 2010>

Article 51-2 (Report and Approval of Telecommunication Facilities Installation)

(1) A key communications business operator seeking to install or change material telecommunication facilities under the main body of Article 62(1) of the Act shall submit an installation or change application (including electronic application) and each of the following documentation (including electronic documentation) as attachment to the Korea Communications Commission.

1. details of installation or change of telecommunication facilities (diagram of connection grid included); and

2. security plan for telecommunication facilities.

(2) A key communications business operator seeking to receive approval for telecommunication facilities installed under the proviso of Article 62(1) of the Act shall submit an installation approval application (including electronic application) and each of the following documentation (including electronic documentation) as attachment to the Korea Communications Commission.

1. business plan

2. security plan for telecommunication facilities

3. domestic and international specifications and technological profile of the pertinent telecommunications facilities;

4. research status of the pertinent telecommunications facilities; and

5. agreement (if installed or used jointly with other domestic or international business operator).

 

49


(3) After receiving an application under paragraph (2), the Korea Communications Commission shall notify the applicant of its decision within 15 days of the submission date after reviewing the items as below:

 

  1. validity of business plan;

 

  2. appropriateness of security plan for telecommunication facilities;

 

  3. suitability of domestic and international technology standards; and

 

  4. legality of agreement.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 51-3 (Investigation of Join Installation of Telecommunication Facilities)

The Korea Communications Commission may investigate the following items required for a joint installation agreement between key communications business operators under Article 63(2) of the Act:

1. Each of the following items of the key communications business operators’ installation plan

 

  A. type and specifications of the telecommunication facilities to be installed;

 

  B. installation area and installation interval

 

  C. installation period;

 

  D. technological prerequisites ,etc.

 

  2. telecommunication area and interval available for joint installation;

 

  3. plan for efficient joint installation of telecommunication facilities; and

 

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  4. economic impacts from the join installation of telecommunication facilities,

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 51-4 (Appointment of Expert Reviewing Institution)

(1) When the Korea Communications Commission desires to delegate the investigation of the data required for a joint installation agreement between key communications business operators to an expert institution in the telecommunication industry, it shall appoint an expert institution that is deemed to have expertise, fairness and objectivity and make it carry out the investigation.

(2) When the Korea Communications Commission appoints an expert institution for data investigation under paragraph (1), it will notify the relevant key communications business operators.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 51-5 (Recommendation of Joint Installation of Telecommunication Facilities)

(1) In the event the Korea communications Commission recommends joint installation of telecommunication facilities to key communications business operator under Article 63(3) of the Act, such recommendation shall include specific telecommunication facilities to be installed, installation area, installation interval, installation period.

(2) A key communications business operator requesting a joint installation of telecommunication under Article 64(4)1 shall submit each of the following documentation to the Korea Communications Commission:

1. plan for the joint installation of telecommunication facilities;

 

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2. economic impact of the joint installation of telecommunication facilities

3. matters not yet agreed with the key communications business operator participating in the joint installation of telecommunication facilities and proposed solutions

(3) A key communications business operator that has received a recommendation for joint installation of telecommunication facilities shall notify the Korea Communications Commission on whether it is accepting the recommendation and, if it is being rejected, reason for such rejection within 21 days from the receipt of such recommendation.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 51-6 (Report of proprietary telecommunication facilities)

(1) A person desiring to install proprietary telecommunication facilities under Article 64 of the Act shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission at least 21 days prior to the start of such installation a proprietary telecommunication installation application (including electronic application) including all of the following with blueprints of the installation attached.

 

  1. applicant

 

  2. type of business

 

  3. purpose of installation

 

  4. electronic communication method

 

  5. installation site

 

  6. overview of telecommunication facilities

 

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  7. operation or expected date of facilities

(2) The “material items specified in the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in the bottom text of the Article 64(1) of the Act means items under paragraphs (1)2 to (6).

(3) If a person who reported the installation of proprietary telecommunication facilities seeks to amend items in paragraph (2) shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission an modification application (including electronic application) with blue prints (including a comparison of pre- and post-modification) of installation proprietary telecommunication facilities at least 21 days prior to the effective date of such modification (in case of modification to any of paragraph (1)4 through (6), the start date of construction regarding such modification).

(4) Upon receiving an installation or installation modification application under paragraph (1) or (3), the Korea Communications Commission review the following:

 

  1. whether it satisfies technological standards under Article 28(2) of the Base Act on Broadcasting Communication Advancement

 

  2. whether the purpose and reason for installing telecommunication facilities is for the use of proprietary telecommunication

(5) The Korea Communications Commission shall issue an installation/modification certificate if it concludes, after conducting a review, that all criteria under paragraph (4) are satisfied .

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 51-7 (Confirmation of Installation)

(1) A person who filed an installation or modification application in regard to proprietary telecommunication facilities under Article 64(3) shall receive confirmation from the Korea Communications Commission within seven days from the completion of installation or modification construction.

 

53


(2) A person desiring to receive confirmation of proprietary telecommunication facilities under paragraph (1) shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission a proprietary telecommunication facilities confirmation application (including electronic application) with each of the following documentation (including electronic documentation) as attachment.

1. documentation showing that the construction was completed in satisfaction of the technological standards under Article 28(1) of the Base Act on Broadcasting Communication Advancement

2. documentation showing that the construction was completed in accordance with blue prints under Article 28(3) of the Base Act on Broadcasting Communication Advancement

3. copy of construction firm’s license

(3) After reviewing the application documents under paragraph (2), the Korea Communications Commission may demand the applicant to submit additional information within a reasonable period of time for any of the following reasons:

1. in the case where any required document is missing; and

2. in the case where any entry in the application and attachments is vague.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

 

54


Article 51-8 (Exemption from Proprietary Telecommunication Facilities Installation Application)

Under Article 64(4) of the Act, proprietary telecommunication facilities may be installed without filing an application in any of the following cases:.

1. proprietary telecommunication facilities consisting of main equipment and terminals within one building and its lot;

2. proprietary telecommunication facilities consisting of main equipment and terminals within two or more buildings and their lots owned by 1 person and whose shortest distance between them is shorter than 100 meters (excluding those buildings or lots separated by road or water stream); and

3. proprietary telecommunication facilities installed for police action and is used for less than 1 month.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 51-9 (Supply of Proprietary Telecommunication Facilities)

(1) A person who installed proprietary telecommunication facilities may provide excess capacity provided by the proprietary telecommunication facilities installed in the interval requested by a key communications business operator under Article 65(2) of the Act over his need to the key communications business operator.

(2) If the proprietary telecommunication facilities are provided to a key communications business operator under paragraph (1), the compensation for such supply shall not exceed the sum of the installation costs, maintenance expenses and investment return and shall be determined in accordance with the criteria announced by the Korea Communications Commission.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

 

55


Article 51-10 (Standards for Cessation Order)

The standards for cessation order under Article 67(2) of the Act are set forth in Table 5-3.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 51-11 (Facilities subject to Public Space Needs)

The “facilities and areas specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” under Article 68(1)8 of the Act means each of the following:

 

  1. passenger car terminal under the Passenger Transport Service Act

 

  2. logistics terminal and logistics complex under the Act on the Development and Management of Logistics Facilities

 

  3. small and medium enterprise joint complex under the Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Act

 

  4. tourist site or complex under the Tourism Promotion Act

 

  5. sewage path under the Sewerage Act

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 51-12 (Adjustment for Public Space Needs)

(1) When the Korea Communications Commission drafts a corrective plan upon the request under Article 68(5) of the Act, it shall solicit opinions from the head of relevant administrative bodies and the parties involved.

(2) When the Korea Communication Commission has drafted a corrective plan under paragraph (1), it shall notify the parties of such plan and recommend their adoption of the plan within a period it specifies which shall not be shorter than 30 days.

 

56


(3) When the parties adopt the corrective plan under paragraph (2), the Korea Communications Commission shall draft a corrective agreement including the following items and have it executed by the parties.

 

  1. case number

 

  2. names and addresses of the parties, their representatives or agents

 

  3. reason for corrective adjustment

 

  4. provisions amended

 

  5. date of the agreement

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 51-13 (Integrated Management of Telecommunication Facilities)

The case necessary for efficient management and operation of telecommunication facilities under Article 70(!) of the Act shall mean the case where efficiently managing and operating telecommunication facilities eliminates redundant investment in such telecommunication facilities.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 51-14 (Designation of Integrated Telecommunication Operator)

When the Korea Communications Commission is to designate a key telecommunication business operator who may integrate and manage telecommunication facilities under Article 70(1) of the Act, it shall make such designation out of key telecommunication business operators providing telecommunication services in the region where such telecommunication facilities are located or its nearby regions after evaluating the following:

 

  1. human resources and organization

 

57


  2. facilities and equipments

 

  3. technological capacity

 

  4. capital structure

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 51-15 (Items to be Covered in Integrated Management Plan)

The “items specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in Article 70(3)3 of the Act mean the following:

 

  1. pricing of integrated telecommunication facilities

 

  2. managerial personnel of integrated telecommunication facilities

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 22616 Oct. 1, 2010]

Article 51-16 (Purchase of Telecommunication Facilities)

(1) The sales price of telecommunication facilities under Article 71(2) of the Act shall be determined on the basis of a fair appraisal value provided by an appraiser under the Public Notice of Values and Appraisal of Real Estate Act, provided that such price may be determined by agreement between the parties if appraisal by an appraisal is not possible.

(2) The sales procedures of telecommunication facilities and payment mechanism under Article 71(2) of the Act shall be determined by the parties. [This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 22616 Oct. 1, 2010]

 

58


Article 52 (Designation of Alert Areas for Submarine Cable)

(1) A key communications business operator who wishes to apply for designation of alert areas for submarine cable under Article 79(3) of the Act shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission documentation demonstrating each of the following:

 

  1. need to designate alert areas; and

 

  2. legs and width of the alert areas indicated by using coordinates of latitude and longitude.

(2) The Korea Communications Commission may, where necessary for designation of alert areas for submarine cable, request additional information further to the documentation prescribed under paragraph (1) from any key communications business operator who applies for such designation.

(3) Upon receipt of the documentation submitted to it under paragraphs (1) and (2), the Korea Communications Commission shall send such documentation to the heads of the relevant state administrative organs prescribed under Article 79(4) of the Act for consultation.

(4) Except under ordinary circumstances, the Korea Communications Commission shall, within 60 days of the date of application for designation of an alert area for submarine cable, notify the key communications business operator making such application, and if such designation is approved, issue, without any delay, public notification of the newly designated alert area.

(5) Once the Korea Communications Commission designates and issues public notification of a new alert area under paragraph (4), the key communications business operator who applied for such designation shall disclose the location of the new alert area on its website, etc., and may place buoys, etc. in the new alert area for marking purposes.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

 

59


Article 52-2 (Inspection and Report of Telecommunication Facilities)

(1) The “cases necessary for the implementation of telecommunication policies specified under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in Article 82(1) of the Act shall mean each of the following

1. in case where necessary for the implementation of telecommunication policies

2. in case where necessary for verifying the suitability of installation and management of telecommunication facilities

3. in case where necessary for securing communication channels in case of national emergency and disasters

(2) When an inspection is made pursuant to Article 82(1) of the Act, an inspection plan specifying inspection period, purpose and items shall be sent to the person who installed the telecommunication facilities being inspected at least 7 days prior to such inspection, provided that, the foregoing requirement is waived if necessary for emergency or for the purpose of preventing destruction of evidence which would thwart the purpose of inspection.

(3) A public servant carrying out the inspection under paragraph (2) shall carry evidence of his authority and show it to relevant parties and provide at the time of entrance a document stating the time and purpose of the entrance to relevant parties.

(4)

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Chapter 6. Supplementary Provisions

Article 53 (Protection of Communication Secrets)

(1) Telecommunications business operators shall preserve the ledger of communications data supplied, prescribed under Article 83(5) of the Act, for a period of 1 year.

 

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(2) Reports on, and notification of, the status of communications data supplied pursuant to Articles 83(6) and 83(7) of the Act respectively, must be provided within 30 days after the expiration of each half-year.

(3) An office dedicated to protection of communication secrets pursuant to Article 83(8) of the Act (the “Dedicated Office”) shall undertake to perform each of the following:

 

  1. oversee tasks related to communication secrets of users;

 

  2. regulate illegal or undue infringement of communication secrets of users by employees of telecommunications business operators or third parties;

 

  3. report on the present status of communications information supplied under Article 83(6) of the Act;

 

  4. furnish notification of the recordation in the ledger of communications data supplied under Article 83(7) of the Act;

 

  5. address complaints or opinions from users with respect to communication secrets;

 

  6. train the employees in charge of tasks connected with communication secrets; and

 

  7. any other matters necessary for protection of communication secrets of users.

(4) The Dedicated Office shall be based at the headquarters of each telecommunications business operator with the officers thereof in charge.

 

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(5) An authorized signatory for application for communication data under Article 83(9) of the Act shall be either (i) a judge, a prosecutor or an investigatory entity (including, throughout this Enforcement Decree, a military investigatory body, the National Tax Service and regional tax services) (ii) a public official of Grade 4 or higher who belongs to an intelligence agency (including a public official of Grade 5 who is the head of an investigatory body or intelligence agency) or (iii) a public official who belongs to senior executive service; provided that, (x) with respect to the police or marine police, such authorized signatory shall be a public officer whose position is senior superintendent or higher (including a superintendent who is the head of a district policy agency) and (y) with respect to a military investigatory body, it shall be a military prosecutor or a person whose rank is lieutenant colonel or higher (including a major with respect to a military investigatory body at which a major is the commanding officer).

(6) The application for communication data prescribed under Article 83(9) of the Act shall clearly indicate the authorized signatory’s name and rank; provided that, with respect to intelligence agencies prescribed under Article 2(6) of the Regulation on Planning and Coordination of Information Security, only the title of the authorized signatory shall be indicated, and with respect to courts, the title and name of the authorized signatory shall be indicated.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 54 (Caller Identification, etc.)

(1) Telecommunications business operators may not impose charges on users who choose, pursuant to the proviso of Article 84(1) of the Act, not to allow their telephone numbers to be identified when making telephone calls.

(2) A person who wishes to be informed of the telephone number of the caller pursuant to Article 84(2)1 of the Act shall make a written request therefor to the pertinent telecommunications business operator with any of the following documentation demonstrating in detail that the person has been subjected to abusive language, threats or harassment over the telephone attached thereto:

 

  1. written records of the date, time and contents of threats, etc. over the telephone;

 

  2. voice records of threats, etc. over the telephone;

 

62


  3. documentation supporting that a crime report has been filed with the police in connection with threats, etc. over the telephone;

 

  4. documentation supporting that advice has been sought from a clinic with respect to the damages incurred from threats, etc. over the telephone;

 

  5. any other documentation equivalent or similar to those set forth in subparagraphs 1-4.

(3) “As prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in Article 84(2)2 of the Act means where each of the following telephone services is used:

 

  1. to report international terror-related crime (111);

 

  2. to report crime (112);

 

  3. to report spies (113);

 

  4. to report cyber terror and seek advice in relation thereto (118);

 

  5. to report fire or seek emergency rescue (119);

 

  6. to report marine accidents or crime (122);

 

  7. to report smuggling (125); or

 

  8. to report drug offenders (127).

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

 

63


Article 55 (Restriction on and Suspension of Service)

(1) Where the Korea Communications Commission issues, under Article 85 of the Act, an order to restrict or suspend the whole or part of the telecommunications business of telecommunications business operators, it may allow communications for undertaking the matter falling under each of the following in the order of their priority, in proportion to the scope and severity of the relevant restriction or suspension:

 

  1. top priority

 

  (a) national security;

 

  (b) military affairs and public security;

 

  (c) transmission of the civil defense alarm; and

 

  (d) electronic wave control;

 

  2. second priority

 

  (a) disaster relief;

 

  (b) telecommunications, navigation safety, weather, fire fighting, electricity, gas, water service, transportation and the press;

 

  (c) affairs of the State and local government, except for those mentioned in items (a) and (b); and

 

  (d) affairs of the foreign diplomatic missions and the organizations of the United Nations in Korea;

 

  3. third priority

 

  (a) affairs of the enterprises subject to resources control and the firms of defense industry; and

 

  (b) affairs of public institutions and medical institutions under the Act on the Management of Public Institutions; and

 

  4. forth priority: matters other than those listed in subparagraphs 1 through 3.

 

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(2) The restriction or suspension on the telecommunication services under paragraph (1) shall be the least of those required for securing the important communications.

(3) A telecommunications business operator shall, in case where he restricts or suspends the whole or part of telecommunications services under paragraph (1), report the content thereof without delay to the Korea Communications Commission.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 56 (Approval, etc. for International Telecommunications Services)

(1) The term “international telecommunications business as prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in the earlier part of Article 86(2) of the Act means the services falling under any of the following:

 

  1. installation and lease of a satellite for providing international telecommunications services; or

 

  2. transboundary provision of key communications services under Article 87 of the Act.

(2) A person who intends to obtain approval under Article 86(2) of the Act shall submit the following documents to the Korea Communications Commission:

 

  1. duplicate copy of written agreement or contract;

 

  2. comparative table between new and old agreements or contracts (limited to the cases where an application for modified approval is filed); and

 

  3. document certifying the fact that the agreements or contracts have been abrogated (limited to the cases where an application for approval of abrogation is filed).

 

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(3) The “criteria specified by the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in the proviso of Article 86(3) means telecommunication business operators whose capital is less than 300 million won and who do not have an international calling identification number issued by the Korea Communication Commission.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 57 (Revocation of Approval for Agreement to Provide Transboundary Key Communications Services)

(1) The criteria for revocation of approval for agreements to provide transboundary key communications services and for suspension of provision of transboundary key communications services pursuant to Article 87(4) of the Act shall be as follows.

 

  1. first violation shall result in suspension of 6 months or less, or suspension of invitation of new users; and

 

  2. second violation shall result in revocation of approval.

(2) Upon revoking approval or ordering suspension, the Korea Communications Commission shall issue public notification and notify the relevant telecommunications business operator in writing thereof.

[Wholly amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 58 (Report on Statistics)

(1) The types of statistics telecommunications business operators must report to the Korea Communications Commission pursuant to Article 88(1) of the Act are as follows.

 

  1. present status of telecommunications facilities, including those for exchange, transmission, wire and power per service;

 

  2. use records of telecommunications, including sales and times of use per service, period, distance stage, time zone, country (including the use records per foreign telecommunications business operator) and Calling Area and between Calling Areas;

 

66


  3. present status of telecommunications users, including the number of subscribers per service, city and province and Calling Area;

 

  4. information related to call volume, including (i) call volume between Calling Areas and per service, period, distance stage, time zone, city and province, country (including the call volume per foreign telecommunications business operator) and Calling Area and (ii) information on provision of facilities and equipment and on interconnection;

 

  5. information related to accounting, including a sales report prepared for each service and business provided; and

 

  6. aggregated issue amount of prepaid calling cards and use records of the Calling Areas (applicable only to specific communications business operators).

(2) The Korea Communications Commission shall determine the format, submission method and reporting deadline of the relevant statistics under paragraph (1) and any other matters related thereto.

Article 59 (Submission of Documentation)

(1) Pursuant to Article 88(2) of the Act, key communications business operators and their shareholders shall submit to the Korea Communications Commission each of the following:

 

  4. present status of the corporation’s outstanding shares (including, throughout this Article, equities);

 

  5. present shareholding (including, throughout this Article, equity investment ratios) status of shareholders owning the corporation’s outstanding shares (including, throughout this Article, equity investors) and their related parties;

 

67


  6. purpose of shareholding and reasons for the change (applicable only to shareholders of key communications business operators);

 

  7. date of acquiring the shares and details of capital used for such acquisition (applicable only to shareholders of key communications business operators);

 

  8. form of shareholding (applicable only to shareholders of key communications business operators); and

 

  9. documentation certifying any of the information set forth in subparagraphs 1-5.

(2) Business operators obliged to submit documentation under paragraph (1) shall submit such documentation to the Korea Communications Commission by each of the following dates:

 

  1. A business operator who is a key communications business operator whose share certificates are listed on a stock exchange under Article 9(15)3 of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act: within 30 days from the date its shareholder registry is closed; or

 

  2. A business operator who is a key communications business operator not falling under subparagraph 1: by January 30 of each year.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 60 (Methods for Computing Penalties)

(1) The term “sales calculated under the conditions prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in the former part of Article 90(1) of the Act means the annual average sales for 3 fiscal years immediately preceding of the telecommunications services by the relevant telecommunications business operator; provided that, where 3 years have not elapsed since the start of business as of the first day of the relevant fiscal year, it shall mean sales from the period from the start of the relevant business until the end of the immediately preceding fiscal year, converted into annual average sales; and where a business was started in the relevant fiscal year, it shall mean sales from the period from the date of starting the business until the date of an offense, converted into annual sales.

 

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(2) The term “ where it is prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in the proviso of Article 90 (1) of the Act means the case falling under any of the following: <Amended by Enforcement Decree No. 22616 Oct. 1, 2010>

 

  1. where there exists no business record due to a failure of starting a business or a suspension of business, etc.;

 

  2. where a telecommunications business operator has refused to submit the data for computing sales or has submitted false data; or

 

  3. other cases where it is difficult to compute the amount of objective sales.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 61 (Offenses Subject to Imposition of Penalties and Amount of Penalties, etc.)

(1) Classifications of offenses subject to the imposition of a penalty and the amount of a penalty under Article 90(1) of the Act shall be as provided in Table 9 attached hereto.

(2) The types of violation subject to fine under Article 90(2) of the Act and fine amounts are set forth in Table 10.

(3) In determining the amount of penalties under paragraph (1) or (2), the Korea Communications Commission may increase or decrease such amount by up to 50% after taking the following items into consideration, provided that even in case of increase, the total penalty amount cannot exceed the maximum penalty amount specified under Article 90(1) or (2) of the Act.

1. the peculiarities of providing telecommunications services

 

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2. the severity and frequency of each offense.

3. willfulness of violation

4. reason and contents of violation

5. prior penalties received for violation of law

(4) The provisions under Articles 48 and 49 hereof shall apply mutatis mutandis to the imposition, payment and demand of penalties under Article 90 of the Act.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 62 (Extension of Payment Due Date, and Installment Payment, of Penalties)

(1) A person who intends to extend the payment due date of a penalty or pay it in installments under Article 91 of the Act shall make an application to the Korea Communications Commission along with the document certifying grounds of the extension of payment due date or the payment in installments not later than 10 days prior to the relevant due date of payment.

(2) The term “amount as prescribed under the Enforcement Decree of the Act” in Article 91(1) of the Act means either the amount equal to the sales under Article 47 multiplied by 1%, or 300 million won.

(3) The extension of the payment due date of a penalty under Article 91 of the Act shall not exceed 1 year from the day immediately following said payment due date.

(4) When making installment payments under Article 91 of the Act, each of the intervals between the respective installment payment due dates shall not exceed 4 months, and the frequency of installments shall not exceed three times. <Amended by Enforcement Decree No. 22616 Oct. 1, 2010>

(5) The Korea Communications Commission may, if a person liable for a payment of a penalty for whom the payment due date has been extended or installment payments have been permitted under Article 91 of the Act comes to fall under any of the following, revoke such extension of payment due date, or the decision to allow such installment payments, and collect it in a lump sum:

 

  1. where the person fails to pay a penalty for which the payment in installments has been decided, within the payment due date thereof;

 

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  2. where the person fails to implement an order necessary for a change of security or other security integrity, which is given by the Korea Communications Commission; or

 

  3. where it is deemed that the whole or remainder of a penalty is uncollectible, such as the compulsory execution, commencement of auction, adjudication of bankruptcy, dissolution of a juristic person or dispositions on national or local taxes in arrears, etc.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 63 (Classification and Appraisal, etc. of Securities)

The provisions of Articles 29 through 34 of the Framework Act on National Taxes, and of Articles 13 through 17 of its Enforcement Decree shall apply mutatis mutandis to the provision of security under Article 91 of the Act.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 64 (Important Communications)

(1) The term important communications in Article 92(2)3 of the Act means:

 

  1. business telecommunications related to the national security, military affairs, public peace and order, civil defense alarm transmission and radio wave control; or

 

  2. other communications publicly notified by the Korea Communications Commission in order to efficiently perform the State affairs.

 

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(2) The government may grant a subsidy for the expenses required for the construction and management of the important communications in order to secure the important communications under paragraph (1).

[This Article Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 65 (Delegation of Authority)

The Korea Communications Commission shall delegate the authority falling under any of the following to the Director General of the Central Radio Management Office pursuant to Article 93 of the Act:

 

  1. registration and imposition of registration criteria of specific communications business under Article 21 of the Act;

 

  2. acceptance of a report on the value-added communications business under the text of Article 22(1) of the Act;

 

  3. registration and imposition of registration criteria of the special types of value-added telecommunications business under the text of Article 22 (2) and (3) of the Act;

 

  4. a modified registration for the specific communications business and for the special types of value-added telecommunications business, and acceptance of a modified report for value-added communications business, under Article 23 of the Act;

 

  5. acceptance of a report on the transfer or takeover of a specific communications business or a value-added communications business, and on the merger or succession of a juristic person, under Article 24 of the Act;

 

  6. acceptance of a report on the suspension or discontinuation of a specific communications business or a value-added communications business, and on the dissolution of a juristic person under Article 26 of the Act;

 

  7. order to cancel registration of or suspend a specific communications business under Article 27(1) of the Act;

 

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  8. order to closedown a value added communications business or to cancel registration of or suspend the special types of value-added telecommunications business under Article 27(2) of the Act;

 

  9. acceptance of installation and modification applications concerning proprietary telecommunication facilities under Article 64(1) of the Act

 

  10. confirmation of installation and amendment constructions concerning proprietary telecommunication facilities under Article 64(3)

 

  11. order to handle telecommunications business or connect with other telecommunication facilities given to the persons who installed proprietary telecommunication facilities under Article 66(1) of the Act

 

  12. order to correct given to the persons who installed proprietary telecommunication facilities under Article 67(1) of the Act

 

  13. order to cease usage of, modify/repair or take other measures in regard to proprietary telecommunication facilities under Article 67(2) and (3)

 

  14. permission for a felling or transplanting of the plants under the former part of Article 75 (3) of the Act;

 

  15. inspection of and demand for reports from persons who have installed telecommunication facilities under Article 82(1) of the Act

 

  16. telecommunication facilities removal or other corrective order under Article 82(2) of the Act

 

  17. acceptance of applications by specific communication business operators for agreements on settlement of charges for international telecommunication services under Article 86(3) of the Act

 

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  18. hearing on the order to cancel registration of a specific communications business or to closedown a value-added communications business under Article 89(2) and (3) of the Act;

 

  19. imposition and collection of surcharge under Article 90 of the Act and permission for extension of time limit for payment of and payment in installment of such surcharge under Article 91 of the Act, except against a key communications business operator;

 

  20. correction order under Article 92(1) of the Act, except against a key communications business operator;

 

  21. order to suspend the provision of telecommunications service or to remove telecommunications facilities under Article 92(3) of the Act, except against a key communications business operator;

 

  22. imposition and collection of surcharge under Article 104 of the Act, except against a key communications business operator.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

Article 65-2 (Processing of Unique Identifier Information)

The Korea Communications Commission, including those who hold the authority delegated by the Korea Communications Commission under Article 65, may process data comprising resident registration numbers or foreigner registration numbers as defined under Article 19 (1) or (4) of the Enforcement Decree of Personal Data Protection Act if processing of such is required in order to perform the following operations:

 

  1. those relevant to granting a license for a key communications business under Article 6 of the Act;

 

  2. those relevant to granting a modified license for a key communications business under Article 16 of the Act;

 

  3. those relevant to approval or report of takeover or merger of a key communications business under Article 18 of the Act;

 

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  4. those relevant to approval of suspension or closedown of a key communications business under Article 19 of the Act;

 

  5. those relevant to registration of a specific communications business under Article 21 of the Act;

 

  6. those relevant to report and registration of a value-added communications business under Article 22 of the Act;

 

  7. those relevant to modified registration of a specific communications business or to modified report and registration of a value-added communications business under Article 23 of the Act;

 

  8. those relevant to report of transfer or takeover of a specific communications business or a value-added communications business under Article 24 of the Act;

 

  9. those relevant to report of dissolution of a juristic person or of suspension or closedown of a specific communications business or a value-added communications business under Article 26 of the Act;

 

  10. those relevant to ruling of the Korea Communications Commission under Article 45 of the Act;

 

  11. those relevant to report and authorization of telecommunications facilities installation under Article 62 of the Act;

 

  12. those relevant to report or modified report of proprietary telecommunications facilities installation and to confirmation of installation or modification of such under Article 64 of the Act; and

 

  13. those relevant to extension of time limit of payment of penalty surcharge and payment in installments under Article 91 of the Act.

[This Article Newly Inserted by No. 23488 (Enforcement Decree of the Act on Submission and Management of Taxation Materials for Establishment of Legal Basis for Processing of Sensitive Information and Unique Identifier Information), January 6, 2012]

 

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Chapter 7. PENAL PROVISIONS <Newly Inserted by Act No. 22616 Oct. 1, 2010>

Article 66 (Imposition Criteria for Fine)

The imposition criteria for fine imposed under Article 104(1) through (4) of the Act are set forth in Table 11.

[This Article Wholly Amended on Feb. 28, 2012]

ADDENDA <Enforcement Decree No. 22616, Jan. 4, 2011>

Article 1 (Enforcement Date) This Decree shall take effect on the date of announcement.

Article 2 and Article 6 Omitted.

Article 8 (Amendments to Other Laws)

The Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunication Business Act shall be amended as follows. In Article 21, ”Article 3(8) to (10) of the Regulation on Technological Standard for Telecommunication Facilities” shall be replaced with “Article 3(1)8 to 10 of the Regulation on Technological Standard for Broadcasting Telecommunication Facilities.

ADDENDA <No. 23293, Nov. 14, 2011>

Article 1 (Enforcement Date) This Decree shall take effect on November 20, 2011.

 

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Article 2 (Exception for Issuance of Registration Certificate) Notwithstanding the amended provision of Article 29 (6), the time duration of issue of a registration certificate of a special type of value-added communications business for persons under Article 2 of the Addenda of the Telecommunications Business Act (No. 10656), as modified by partial amendment, may be extended up to thirty (30) days for once.

ADDENDA <No. 23488, Jan. 6, 2012 (Enforcement Decree of the Act on Submission and Management of Taxation Materials for Establishment of Legal Basis for Processing of Sensitive Information and Unique Identifier Information)>

Article 1 (Enforcement Date) This Decree shall take effect on the date of announcement (conditions omitted).

Article 2 Omitted.

ADDENDA <No. 23642, Feb. 28, 2012>

Article 1 (Enforcement Date) This Decree shall take effect on the date of announcement.

Article 2 (Application of Modified Registration of Terms of Use) The amended provision of Article 31 shall be applied to modifications of terms of use made after the enforcement of this Decree.

Table 1 Criteria for revocation of permits, cancellation of registration and suspension or discontinuation of business (relevant to Article 25 (1))

Table 2 Registration requirements for a specific communications business (relevant to Article 28)

 

77


Table 3 Reporting procedures of a special type of value-added communications business (relevant to Article 29 (9))

Table 4 Types of and criteria for offenses (relevant to Article 42 (1))

Table 5 Implementation period of corrective orders (relevant to Article 45)

Table 6 Upper limit of penalties imposed on offenses and criteria for imposition thereof, classified by types of offenses (relevant to Article 46 (1))

Table 7 Maximum fine amount and fine calculation method for types of violation subject to fine under Article 53(2) (relevant to Article 46 (2))

Table 8 Standards for cessation order (relevant to Article 51-10)

Table 9 Amount of penalties imposed on offenses, classified by types of offenses (relevant to Article 61 (1))

Table 10 Amount of penalties imposed on offenses, classified by types of offenses (relevant to Article 61 (2))

Table 11 Imposition criteria for fine (relevant to Article 66)

 

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