Game Industry Promotion Act (GIPA)
In effect from October 23, 2025, overseas gaming companies targeting South Korean users must comply with updated requirements under Korea’s Game Industry Promotion Act (GIPA). One major update? You may be required to appoint a Korea Game Domestic Agent—even if your business doesn’t have a physical presence in the Republic of Korea (ROK).
Noncompliance isn’t just risky, it’s costly. Fines can reach KRW 20 million, and your game may even be restricted from operating in Korea.
Here’s what every global game developer and publisher needs to know, and Pureum Law Office (PLO) is here to explain and offer expert professional help.
Who Needs a Korean Game Domestic Agent?
Under Article 31-2 of the Game Industry Promotion Act, appointing a Korea Game Domestic Agent becomes mandatory if your business meets any of the following conditions:
1. Global Revenue Over KRW 1 Trillion
If your company’s total revenue exceeded KRW 1 trillion (around USD 750 million in 2025) in the previous fiscal year, you are automatically subject to the rule, regardless of user location.
Note: This rule primarily targets global giants, but applies the same legal responsibility regardless of local presence.
2. 100,000+ Monthly Active Users in South Korea
If your game had an average of 100,000 or more monthly active users in Korea over the past three months, you’re also required to appoint a domestic agent. This applies even if your company is mid-sized or doesn’t generate significant revenue in the ROK.
3. Risk of User Harm
Even if you don’t meet the above thresholds, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may require a domestic agent if your game has caused — or may cause — substantial harm to Korean users. This clause gives regulators discretion to protect consumers from potentially harmful or exploitative content.
What Can a Korean Game Domestic Agent do for You?
A Korean Game Domestic Agent acts as your legal representative in the ROK and must fulfill several key responsibilities, including:
- File required reports under Article 31(2) of the Act.
- Ensure proper classification and labeling under Article 33.
- Disclose full contact information (name, address, phone, and email address) in all user-facing terms and policies.
Important: Any violations by your appointed agent are legally considered violations by your company. Make sure you choose a reliable, experienced partner, such as Pureum Law Office.
Penalties for Noncompliance
Failing to appoint a Korea Game Domestic Agent when required can result in:
- Administrative fines up to KRW 20 million
- Potential restrictions on your game’s distribution or access in South Korea
Why GIPA Matters
Korea is one of the world’s most dynamic and influential gaming markets, and these updated requirements aim to:
- Enhance consumer protection
- Improve accountability for overseas providers
- Ensure regulatory transparency in a rapidly evolving digital environment
How We Can Help
Pureum fully understands the complexities of Korean compliance, because we have lived them, which is why we offer Korea Agent Services.
PLO’s founding partner and lead attorney Simon Lee boasts years of experience serving as a domestic agent under Korea’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). His hands-on background helps make our firm uniquely qualified to serve as your Korea Game Domestic Agent under the Game Industry Promotion Act (GIPA).
We combine legal precision with practical understanding, which gives you peace of mind in one of Asia’s toughest regulatory environments.
Ready to get started? Get in touch today.
Let us help.
