From October 2025, Korea will begin enforcing a new regulation requiring overseas game companies to designate a mandatory domestic agent. This isn't a simple administrative formality—it's a core compliance requirement that can directly impact your ability to launch and operate games in Korea.
Failing to designate a domestic agent can result in store takedowns or even service suspension.
Yet many global developers operating across dozens of markets still struggle with the basics:
"Does this law apply to us?"
"What happens if we choose the wrong agency?"
This guide gives you a clear and immediate understanding of your eligibility, your risks, and the actions you need to take right now—so you can stay fully compliant and keep your game live in Korea.
The law states that overseas game developers must designate a domestic agent if they meet any of the following criteria:
Revenue Threshold: Total annual sales (in the previous year) exceeding 1 trillion KRW.
Download Threshold: Total number of downloads (from January 1 to December 31 of the previous year) exceeding 365,000 times across all app marketplaces. (mobile games only) regardless of the game's release date or whether service has ended.
Special Designation: Recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) as requiring an agent due to user protection issues (even if you don't meet the thresholds above).
Submit your details below, and our compliance team will email your status within 1 business day. There is no cost for any related consultations or eligibility checks.
If you are confirmed as a designation target, our team is ready to help. As your Korea Agent, we fulfill all statutory reporting obligations required by regulators and guide you to practical guidance to fulfill local compliance standards.
If an overseas game developer fails to designate a domestic agent, an administrative fine of up to 20 million KRW may be imposed. Be sure to keep in mind that penalties can recur whenever the designation requirement arises because the scope is reconsidered annually. (Game Act Article 48(1))
Key findings from Korea’s first domestic agent roundtable, covering designation thresholds, legal duties, enforcement risks, and recurring probability disclosure failures.
Foreign game companies have historically been in a regulatory blind spot under South Korea's Game Industry Promotion Act. Learn about the new mandatory Domestic Agent designation requirements and how to ensure compliance.
Starting October 2025, overseas game developers are required to designate a local agent in Korea under the Game Industry Promotion Act (GIPA).
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