What Are Domestic Agent Services?
Foreign companies that handle personal information of Korean users or provide online game services to Korean players are often required by Korean law to appoint a local representative. These domestic agent services serve as a legal bridge between overseas companies and Korean authorities, ensuring proper compliance with local laws and the smooth operation of cross-border digital businesses.
Under Korean regulations, two main statutes govern the need for domestic agent appointment:
- Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) — applies to entities handling Korean users’ personal data.
- Game Industry Promotion Act (GIPA) — applies to game service providers offering content to Korean users.
Moreover, as of January 2026, Korea has enacted the AI Basic Act (Basic Act on the Development of Artificial Intelligence and the Establishment of a Trustworthy Foundation). Companies directly providing AI products or services are now required to make certain disclosures or changes. Many corporations and startups, both domestic and foreign, are struggling to understand the criteria and scope for regulation.
Understanding these obligations is crucial to maintaining your business operations without disruption. Read our blog at the bottom of this article for more information on PIPA/GIPA. More guidance on AI compliance coming soon!
Domestic Agent Services under PIPA
The Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) requires any foreign entity that processes personal information of Korean users to appoint a domestic agent in Korea. Pureum Law Office (PLO)’s domestic agent services under PIPA include:
- Acting as your official representative before the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC)
- Reviewing and localizing privacy policies to meet Korean legal standards
- Managing user complaints and coordinating with local authorities
- Advising on personal data transfers, consent forms, and compliance documentation
- Handling data breach response and notifications
Our firm’s expertise covers multiple industries, such as e-commerce, healthcare, finance, and software-as-a-service platforms. We ensure that your data operations remain secure and compliant.
Domestic Agent Services under GIPA
Starting from October 23, 2025, certain foreign online game companies must appoint a domestic agent under the Game Industry Promotion Act (GIPA). This law aims to enhance accountability and user protection for online game services targeting Korean users.
Pureum Law Office provides domestic agent services under GIPA by:
- Acting as your designated representative before the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA)
- Managing official communications with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism
- Ensuring compliance with game content rating, labeling, and advertising regulations
- Handling Korean user complaints and coordinating legal responses
Having long provided domestic agent services under PIPA, PLO is fully equipped to meet the new GIPA requirements with the same professionalism and efficiency.
Domestic Agent Services under AI Basic Act
Effective January 2026, South Korea’s AI Basic Act introduces the world’s first comprehensive AI regulatory framework system. The law imposes new transparency, safety, and accountability obligations on companies developing or deploying AI.
Pureum Law Office helps companies navigate these new AI regulations with clarity and confidence, acting as both a domestic agent (local representative) and a compliance advisor. Our services include:
- Liaison with Korean regulators and authorities
- Handling regulatory communications, notices, and compliance inquiries
- Supporting enforcement risk management for foreign AI companies
- Support for startups, SMEs, and multinational companies lacking in-house legal teams
Many companies—both Korean and foreign—are struggling to interpret the AI Basic Act due to unclear definitions and parameters. Here at Pureum we help businesses reduce regulatory uncertainty, avoid penalties, and continue innovating while meeting Korea’s AI compliance expectations.
Why Choose Pureum Law Office
Pureum Law Office (PLO) offers professional and reliable domestic agent services for overseas companies doing business in Korea. As a full-service law firm with bilingual Korean attorneys and paralegals, PLO has extensive experience representing multinational clients who need an authorized local representative under digital compliance laws.
Our legal team provides comprehensive support, combining regulatory expertise with practical experience gained from years of acting as a domestic agent for global corporations. We help clients not only meet the legal requirements but also build trust with Korean users and regulators.
Key Benefits of Our Domestic Agent Services
When you appoint Pureum Law Office as your domestic agent, you gain:
- Bilingual legal expertise (English–Korean)
- Licensed attorney representation ensuring credibility and authority
- Proactive compliance monitoring and risk management
- Fast response system for regulatory inquiries and user claims
- Transparent fees and reporting
Our goal is to protect your company’s reputation and maintain seamless business operations in Korea through trusted and efficient domestic agent services.
Request a Consultation for Domestic Agent Services
If your company requires domestic agent services under PIPA, GIPA, or the AI Basic Act, contact our dedicated Domestic Agent Team today.
We will provide a tailored consultation to help you designate a compliant and effective representative in South Korea.
For more helpful information surrounding domestic agents, PIPA/GIPA, and AI law, check out Pureum’s blog and social media channels.
Korea’s PIPA | Personal Information Protection Act
Korea’s PIPA, or Personal Information Protection Act, now requires certain foreign entities to designate a domestic representative. Pureum Law Office is here to explain South Korea PIPA and is actively representing foreign firms operating in Korea as a Domestic Agent.
Korea’s GIPA | Game Industry Promotion Act
Korea’s GIPA, or Game Industry Promotion Act, now requires overseas gaming companies to appoint a domestic representative. Pureum Law Office is here to explain South Korea GIPA and is actively representing foreign firms operating in Korea as a Domestic Agent.
