A Korea Game Domestic Agent is now mandatory for many overseas game companies serving Korean players. Since October 23, 2025, Korea’s Game Industry Promotion Act has required certain foreign game businesses without a Korean office to appoint a local representative in writing. Companies that fail to comply face fines of up to KRW 20 million.
This guide from Pureum Law Office explains who must appoint an agent, the risks of non-compliance, and how our team can help.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Korea Game Domestic Agent?
- Who Must Appoint One?
- Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Benefits of Appointing an Agent Voluntarily
- Our Korea Game Domestic Agent Services
- About Pureum Law Office
- FAQs
What Is a Korea Game Domestic Agent?
A Korea Game Domestic Agent is a person or entity with an address or place of business in Korea. The agent handles specific regulatory duties for a foreign game business under Article 31-2 of the Game Industry Promotion Act.
The agent has two core functions:
- Government reports: Responding to reporting requests from Korean authorities under Article 31(2).
- Display obligations: Ensuring compliance with Article 33, including game ratings, content information, and probability-type item (loot box) disclosures.
The agent’s name, address, phone number, and email must also be published in the company’s terms of service. Most importantly, any violation by the agent in performing these duties is treated as a violation by the game company itself.
Who Must Appoint a Korea Game Domestic Agent?
The requirement applies to game distribution or game provision businesses with no address or place of business in Korea that meet any one of these criteria under Article 18-3 of the Enforcement Decree:
| Criterion | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Total revenue | KRW 1 trillion or more in the previous year |
| Mobile installations | An average of 1,000 or more daily installs on mobile devices sold in Korea, based on the previous year |
| Regulatory request | Ordered by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism to submit a report due to an incident that disrupts, or may disrupt, game distribution |
Revenue is converted into Korean won at the previous year’s average exchange rate. Note that 1,000 daily installs is a realistic figure for a moderately successful mobile game, so many mid-sized studios may qualify.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
| Violation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Failure to appoint a domestic agent | Fine of up to KRW 20 million |
| Failure to submit a required report | Fine of up to KRW 10 million |
| Failure to comply with a probability-item correction order | Up to 2 years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to KRW 20 million |
Companies must also complete corrective action within 7 days of receiving a correction recommendation or order. Intentional false or missing loot box disclosures can lead to damages of up to three times the players’ proven losses.
Because the agent’s violations are attributed to the company, choosing an unqualified agent can create serious exposure.
Benefits of Appointing an Agent Voluntarily
Even if your company does not meet any threshold today, early appointment offers real advantages:
- Readiness: The regulatory-request criterion can apply suddenly after a single incident.
- Growth protection: A successful launch can push installs past the threshold overnight.
- Faster response: A Korean-speaking legal team helps you meet the 7-day correction deadline.
- Player trust: A published local contact signals accountability in a market highly sensitive to loot box transparency.
- Integrated compliance: One representative can also coordinate domestic representative duties under the Personal Information Protection Act.
Our Korea Game Domestic Agent Services
Pureum Law Office provides comprehensive support for foreign game companies, including:
- Eligibility assessment to confirm whether appointment is mandatory
- Bilingual appointment agreement defining scope and response timelines
- Korean terms of service clause for the required agent disclosure
- Acting as your domestic agent for reports from the Ministry and the Game Rating and Administration Committee (GRAC)
- Display compliance review, including probability-type item disclosures
- Correction order and dispute response, from regulatory inquiries to player damages claims
We maintain professional liability insurance, giving clients an added layer of protection.
About Pureum Law Office
For more than 12 years, Pureum Law Office has helped foreign individuals and corporations navigate Korean law. Our English-speaking team includes Korean-licensed and US-licensed attorneys, with offices in Seoul and Pyeongtaek.
Whether your company must appoint a Korea Game Domestic Agent or wants to prepare early, contact us at ask@pureumlawoffice.com or (+82) 02-790-7303 for a consultation.
Korea Game Domestic Agent FAQs
When did the requirement take effect?
Article 31-2 of the Game Industry Promotion Act took effect on October 23, 2025.
Can an individual serve as a domestic agent?
Yes, as long as they have an address or place of business in Korea. However, because the agent’s violations are attributed to your company, a qualified law firm offers stronger protection.
Do I also need a representative for personal data?
Possibly. The Personal Information Protection Act has separate criteria. We can review both requirements together.
ATTORNEY | Founding Partner
Leveraging his vast experience and comprehensive knowledge, Simon has become an invaluable resource for foreigners facing a wide array of legal issues in Korea.
