[2022 National Audit] Google, Apple, Netflix "Cannot Attend Due to Overseas Residence"... Korean Executives Attend Instead

Jeong Cheong-rae, Chair of the Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Communications Committee Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Su-yeon] Representatives of the Korean branches of global big tech companies such as Google, Apple, and Netflix have conveyed their intention not to attend the comprehensive audit by the Korea Communications Commission scheduled for the 21st, and Korean executives will attend on their behalf.

On the 13th, the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee (STIBC) held a plenary session and approved changes to general witnesses and reference persons.

Earlier, at the plenary session on the 4th, the STIBC decided to summon the representatives of Google, Apple, and Netflix's Korean branches to the Korea Communications Commission's comprehensive audit. Accordingly, Nancy Mable Walker, CEO of Google Korea, Peter Aldenwood, CEO of Apple Korea, and Reginald Shomtonson, CEO of Netflix Services Korea, were scheduled to appear as witnesses.

However, on that day, Committee Chair Jeong Cheong-rae stated that they had conveyed their intention not to attend due to reasons such as residing overseas, and approved the agenda to change the witnesses.

Accordingly, Kim Kyung-hoon, President of Google Korea, Ahn Cheol-hyun, Vice President of Apple Korea, and Jeong Gyo-hwa, Executive Director of Netflix Services Korea, will attend as general witnesses and reference persons at the Korea Communications Commission's comprehensive audit.

The STIBC is expected to question them regarding the In-App Payment Forced Prohibition Act and network usage fees during the audit. The Korea Communications Commission is conducting fact-finding investigations related to the In-App Payment Forced Prohibition Act targeting app market operators. Amid seven bills related to network usage fees being proposed in the National Assembly, Google is conducting a public relations campaign opposing the legislation. Netflix is continuing litigation with SK Broadband over network usage fee payments.