Epic Games CEO: "Broadcasting Commission, Please Create a 'Model Case' for the Platform Ecosystem"

Request for Video Meeting with Han Sang-hyuk, Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, on Building a Fair Digital Platform Ecosystem

From the left, Han Sang-hyuk, Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, is having a video meeting on the 17th with Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, and Mark Beyer, Senior Vice President of Match Group. Photo by Korea Communications Commission

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games and a key figure in the anti-Apple alliance, urged Han Sang-hyuk, Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), during a video meeting on the 17th to create a successful case that could serve as a global model for the KCC.

The meeting was arranged at the request of Epic Games and Match Group. Chairman Han Sang-hyuk explained Korea’s policies for building a fair digital platform ecosystem, including app markets, and for mutual growth, and listened to the opinions of CEO Sweeney and Mark Buze, Senior Vice President of Match Group.

Chairman Han said, “It is time to seek ways for platform operators and users to coexist and prosper together to ensure the sustainable development of the online ecosystem and enhance user benefits. The amended law prohibiting app market operators from forcing specific payment methods regulates representative rights violations occurring in app markets. Once the system settles and service competition occurs among app market operators, app developers, and payment agencies, it will lead to increased benefits for both users and creators.”

He added, “We will strictly enforce the law to ensure that Korea’s pride as the first country in the world to implement app market regulations does not fade, and to create tangible changes that all ecosystem members can feel.”

CEO Tim Sweeney stated, “The Republic of Korea is playing a leading role in establishing a fair platform ecosystem, and I hope that the KCC’s determination will be realized well to become a successful case that sets a global example.”

Mark Buze, Vice President of Match Group, also said, “Korea’s regulatory case on app markets will have global influence and is expected to serve as the foundation for regulatory policies being pursued by many other countries.”

Chairman Han further said, “For a platform ecosystem where everyone coexists, not only the government but also platform companies, content producers, creators, and users must all show interest and participate, so the roles of companies like Epic Games and Match Group are important. Since the app ecosystem is based on the global market, solidarity and cooperation between countries are also essential. The KCC plans to seek cooperation with regulatory authorities in major countries for effective responses.”

Meanwhile, on the same day, the KCC held a plenary meeting in the morning and prepared the enforcement decree and notification for the 'Google Gapjil Prevention Act (Amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act),' which imposes a penalty of 2% of sales if global app market operators such as Apple and Google force domestic app developers to use in-app payments (their own payment systems). The KCC is also considering filing charges against operators and representatives in case of violations of prohibited acts.

CEO Sweeney attended a 'National Assembly Seminar for Fairness in the Global App Ecosystem' hosted by Cho Seung-rae, the ruling party’s ranking member of the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Communications Committee, and others on the 16th, where he sharply criticized Apple and Google as 'monopoly companies.' Sweeney is also known for posting “I am Korean!” on Twitter when the domestic amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act was passed in September, which attracted attention.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.