South Korea’s publishing industry has filed consecutive lawsuits against Google and Apple in a U.S. federal court. The suits challenge what the plaintiffs describe as exploitative in-app payment commission policies. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, June 11 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s publishing industry has launched back-to-back lawsuits against Google and Apple in a U.S. federal court, challenging what it claims are exploitative in-app payment commission policies that hurt local content developers and stifle fair competition.
The Korean Publishers Association (KPA) and the Korea Electronic Publishing Association (KEPA) jointly announced on Tuesday that they filed a class action lawsuit against Google on June 4 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The legal move comes less than two weeks after a similar lawsuit was filed against Apple in the same court on May 23.
The two powerful Silicon Valley firms, which dominate the global app marketplace, are accused of abusing their market dominance by charging excessive fees — up to 30% — on in-app purchases. This includes not only digital content such as web novels, e-books, and webtoons, but even physical books purchased via mobile apps.
The plaintiffs are demanding a significant reduction in in-app transaction fees, an end to what they describe as arbitrary app registration delays and rejections, and guarantees of transparency and fairness in the app review process.
They are also calling for the right to introduce third-party payment systems, lower related fees, and allow app developers access to essential customer data for marketing and service enhancements.
According to the Korean publishing industry, these in-app fees are responsible for estimated annual losses of 60 to 80 billion won (roughly $44–59 million USD) in the local market alone.
KPA and KEPA assert that Google and Apple have caused substantial financial harm to Korean developers by exploiting their monopolistic positions. The organizations are also seeking monetary compensation on behalf of the affected parties.
This collective action represents a broader legal front, as the suit is filed on behalf of a wide base of Korean app developers. The associations expect that a favorable ruling could extend protections and benefits even to developers not formally named in the lawsuit due to its class action nature.
The Korean side is being represented by local law firm Jihyang and U.S.-based Hausfeld LLP, which specializes in antitrust and competition law. The associations have indicated they are open to additional domestic developers joining the legal effort.
As South Korea’s digital content economy continues to grow rapidly, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for global app market governance and the business practices of Big Tech firms operating across borders.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
