-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, UKqtBlMWYwPDzc7pD6wiCLSD8l/He3qG5TJsy3QD+/suWzG7yy5qXLaVcnablw5k jGnm/5KCLjbFJbV9lbKVcQ== 0001021408-03-009129.txt : 20030625 0001021408-03-009129.hdr.sgml : 20030625 20030625171130 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001021408-03-009129 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 20-F PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 12 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20021231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20030625 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: KT CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000892450 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS (NO RADIO TELEPHONE) [4813] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 20-F SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-14926 FILM NUMBER: 03757106 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 206 JUNG TA DONG BUNN DONG GU CITY: SUNGNAM CITY KOREA STATE: M5 ZIP: 463711 BUSINESS PHONE: 82317270932 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 206 JUNG JA DONG BUNN DONG GU CITY: SUNGNAM CITY KOREA STATE: M5 ZIP: 463711 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: KOREA TELECOM CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19971006 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: KOREA TELECOM DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19950130 20-F 1 d20f.htm FORM 20F Form 20F
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 25, 2003


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.


FORM 20-F

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO

SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002

Commission file number 1-14926

KT Corporation


(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

KT Corporation


(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

The Republic of Korea


(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

206 Jungja-dong

Bundang-gu, Sungnam

Gyunggi-do

463-711 Korea


(Address of principal executive offices)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

 

Title of each class


 

Name of each exchange on which registered


American Depositary Shares, each   New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
representing one-half of one share    
of Common Stock    
Common Stock, par value   New York Stock Exchange, Inc.*
Won 5,000 per share    

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

None


(Title of Class)

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

$150,000,000 7 1/2% Notes due 2006

$200,000,000 7 5/8% Notes due 2007

$1,210,050,000 0.25% Convertible Notes due 2007

$500,000,000 4.30% Bonds due 2005

9,270,200 Warrants to Purchase Common Shares


(Title of Class)

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

247,543,547 shares of Common Stock, par value Won 5,000 per share

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

x  Yes                          ¨  No        

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

¨  Item 17                    x  Item 18

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.

¨  Yes                         ¨  No        


*   Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of the American Depositary Shares.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page

Glossary

   1

Item 1-2

   Not applicable     

Item 3.

   Key Information    2
             Selected Financial Data    2
             Exchange Rate Information    5
             Risk Factors    6

Item 4.

   Information on the Company    15

Item 5.

   Operating and Financial Review and Prospects    48

Item 6.

   Directors, Senior Management and Employees    70

Item 7.

   Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions    77
             Major Shareholders    77
             Related Party Transactions    77

Item 8.

   Financial Information    78

Item 9.

   The Offer and Listing    78

Item 10.

   Additional Information    85
             Articles of Incorporation    85
             Legal Proceedings    90
             Exchange Controls and Securities Regulations    91
             Taxation    96
             Dividends    106
             Documents on Display    106

Item 11.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    107

Item 12.

   Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities    108
             Description of American Depositary Shares    108

Item 15.

   Controls and Procedures    116

Item 18.

   Financial Statements    117
             Index to Consolidated Financial Statements    117

Item 19.

   Exhibits    118

 

 

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GLOSSARY

 

All references to “Korea” or the “Republic” contained in this annual report mean the Republic of Korea. All references to the “Government” mean the government of the Republic of Korea. All references to “we”, “us” or the “Company” mean KT Corporation and, as the context may require, its subsidiaries.

 

Any discrepancies in any table between totals and the sums of the amounts listed are due to rounding.

 

All references to “Won” or “(Won)” in this annual report are to the currency of the Republic, all references to “Dollars”, “$” or “US$” are to the currency of the United States of America, and all references to “Yen” or “¥” are to the currency of Japan.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, translations of Won amounts into Dollars in this annual report were made at the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers in Won per US$1.00 as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Unless otherwise stated, the translations of Won into Dollars were made at the noon buying rate in effect on December 31, 2002, which was Won 1,186.3 to US$1.00.

 

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Item 3.    Key Information

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

You should read the selected consolidated financial data below in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002 and the auditors’ report on these statements. The selected consolidated financial data for the five years ended December 31, 2002 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.

 

Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP, which differ in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). See Note 37 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

     Year Ended December 31,

     1998

   1999

   2000

   2001

   2002

   2002

     (in billions of Won and millions of Dollars, except per share data)

Income statement data

                                         

Korean GAAP(1):

                                         

Operating revenues

   (Won) 10,176    (Won) 11,786    (Won) 13,538    (Won) 15,945    (Won) 16,394    US$ 13,819

Cost of services

     8,751      9,436      10,492      11,595      11,378      9,591

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     828      1,593      1,995      2,406      2,678      2,257

Operating income

     598      757      1,051      1,943      2,338      1,971

Donations and contribution payments(2)

     199      182      145      157      145      123

Gain on disposition of investments(3)

     28      124      941      628      1,177      992

Income taxes(4)

     103      46      551      421      741      625

Net earnings

     195      383      986      1,113      1,947      1,641

Basic earnings per share(5)

     679      1,268      3,165      3,576      7,504      6.33

Diluted earnings per share(6)

     679      1,268      3,165      3,576      6,601      5.56

Dividends per share(7)

     236      294      511      720      860      0.72

U.S. GAAP(8):

                                         

Operating revenues

   (Won) 8,881    (Won) 9,890    (Won) 10,512    (Won) 11,560    (Won) 11,470    US$ 9,669

Operating income

     438      434      613      1,118      1,159      977

Net earnings

     388      475      701      1,006      1,556      1,312

Basic earnings per share(5)

     1,348      1,573      2,251      3,233      5,998      5.10

Basic earnings per share before cumulative effect of accounting change(5)

     1,348      1,573      2,966      3,233      5,998      5.10

Diluted earnings per share(6)

     1,348      1,573      2,251      3,233      4,972      4.19

Diluted earnings per share before cumulative effect of accounting change(6)

     1,348      1,573      2,966      3,233      4,972      4.19

 

 

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     Year Ended December 31,

     1998

    1999

    2000

    2001

    2002

    2002

     (in billions of Won and millions of Dollars)

Balance sheet data

                                              

Korean GAAP(1):

                                              

Working capital(9)

   (Won) (413 )   (Won) (927 )   (Won) (3,252 )   (Won) (331 )   (Won) (567 )   US$ (478)

Net property, plant and equipment

     13,876       14,218       17,435       17,139       16,853       14,206

Total assets

     19,651       26,347       28,393       30,012       29,050       24,488

Long-term debt(10)

     3,256       2,964       5,319       6,513       9,877       8,326

Refundable deposits for telephone installation(11)

     3,925       3,228       3,040       2,349       1,534       1,293

Total stockholders’ equity

     6,050       14,382       12,370       13,759       9,620       8,109

U.S. GAAP(8):

                                              

Net property, plant and equipment

   (Won) 12,978     (Won) 12,743     (Won) 13,600     (Won) 12,804     (Won) 11,995     US$ 10,111

Total assets

     18,101       22,828       23,066       22,856       21,737       18,324

Total stockholders’ equity

     6,578       12,158       10,637       11,189       7,270       6,129

 

     As of December 31,

     1998

   1999

   2000

   2001

   2002

Operating data

                        

Lines installed (thousands)(12)

   24,455    24,464    24,383    24,854    25,062

Lines in service (thousands)(12)

   20,756    21,192    21,525    21,898    22,327

Lines in service per 100 inhabitants(13)

   43.2    43.8    44.1    44.9    46.8

Lines in service per employee(12)(14)

   403    446    473    497    507

PCS subscribers (thousands)(15)

   2,353    4,268    8,416    9,591    10,333

Broadband Internet subscribers (thousands)

      14    1,729    3,858    4,922

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     1998

    1999

    2000

    2001

    2002

    2002

 
     (in billions of Won and millions of Dollars)  

Other financial data

                                                

Korean GAAP(1):

                                                

Net cash provided by operating activities

   (Won) 2,712     (Won) 2,927     (Won) 2,651     (Won) 3,629     (Won) 4,827     US$ 4,069  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (3,705 )     (3,355 )     (5,486 )     (3,916 )     (4,065 )     (3,427 )

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     1,070       580       2,842       755       (844 )     (712 )

U.S. GAAP(8):

                                                

Net cash provided by operating activities

   (Won) 2,890     (Won) 2,246     (Won) 2,196     (Won) 2,317     (Won) 2,973     US$ 2,506  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (2,707 )     (3,349 )     (4,651 )     (2,443 )     (2,639 )     (2,224 )

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     42       1,256       2,450       299       (254 )     (214 )

 

     Years ended December 31,

     2000

   2001

   2002

     (in billions of Won)

Other data in accordance with U.S. GAAP-transitional disclosures of SFAS No. 142(16)

                    

Net earnings

   (Won) 701    (Won) 1,006    (Won) 1,556

Add back: goodwill amortization

     4      3      —  

Add back: goodwill amortization related to equity investee

     54      114      —  
    

  

  

Adjusted net earnings

   (Won) 759    (Won) 1,123    (Won) 1,556
    

  

  

 

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Table of Contents
     Years ended December 31,

     2000

   2001

   2002

     (in Won)

Basic earnings per share

   (Won) 2,251    (Won) 3,233    (Won) 5,998

Add back: goodwill amortization

     12      11      —  

Add back: goodwill amortization related to equity investee

     172      365      —  
    

  

  

Adjusted basic earnings per share

   (Won) 2,435    (Won) 3,609    (Won) 5,998
    

  

  

Basic earnings per share before cumulative effect of accounting change

   (Won) 2,966    (Won) 3,233    (Won) 4,972

Add back: goodwill amortization

     12      11      —  

Add back: goodwill amortization related to equity investee

     172      365      —  
    

  

  

Adjusted basic earnings per share before cumulative effect of accounting change

   (Won) 3,150    (Won) 3,609    (Won) 4,972
    

  

  


(1)   During 1998, 1999 and 2000, we changed, among others, our method of depreciation for certain property, plant and equipment, accounting for certain foreign currency translation gains and losses, accounting for interconnection charges, accounting for prior period adjustments, accounting for deferred charges, accounting for income taxes, accounting for losses on the sale of PCS handsets and accounting for consolidation.
(2)   Includes donations and contributions to the Government’s Information and Telecommunication Improvement Fund, the Korea Electronic Telecommunication Research Institute and other institutes supporting science and technology research. See Note 33 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(3)   Includes a gain of Won 921 billion in 2000 as a result of our disposition of 2,943,627 shares of SK Telecom to the major shareholders of Hansol M.com in connection with our acquisition of a 47.9% interest in Hansol M.com. Includes a gain of Won 616 billion in 2001 as a result of our disposition of 2,674,580 shares of SK Telecom. Includes a gain of Won 1,154 billion in 2002 as a result of our disposition of 5,457,635 shares of SK Telecom. See Note 10(a) of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(4)   Includes deferred tax expense of Won 233 billion in 2000 related to the write-off of deferred income tax assets of KT M.com due to KT M.com’s conclusion in December 2000 that it was not likely that KT M.com would be able to realize the tax benefit of KT M.com’s loss carryforward. See Note 29 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(5)   Basic earnings per share under Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP is calculated by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. The weighted average number of shares outstanding was 311,647 thousand for 2000, 311,276 thousand for 2001 and 259,450 thousand for 2002.
(6)   Diluted earnings per share are calculated based on the effect of dilutive securities that were outstanding during the period. The denominator of the diluted earnings per share computation is adjusted to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the dilutive securities had been converted into common stock. In addition, the numerator is adjusted to include the after-tax amount of interest recognized associated with convertible notes. The weighted average number of shares outstanding was 311,647 thousand for 2000, 311,276 thousand for 2001 and 300,097 thousand for 2002.
(7)   Dividends paid on a per share basis for shares owned by the Government differ from dividends paid on a per share basis to all the other shareholders. The Government completed the disposition of its ownership interest in us in May 2002. The calculation of dividends per share represents the weighted average dividends paid per share.
(8)   See Note 37 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for reconciliation to U.S. GAAP.
(9)   “Working capital” means current assets minus current liabilities.
(10)   Excluding current portion.
(11)   See “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Trend Information—Changes in the Telephone Installation Charge System”,  “—Liquidity and Capital Resources” and Note 2(t) of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of changes in the telephone installation charge system.
(12)   Including public telephones.
(13)   Excluding public telephones.
(14)   Excluding employees of our subsidiaries.
(15)   Includes subscribers of KT Freetel and resale subscribers of KT Corporation and as of December 31, 2000, subscribers of KT M.com. In June and October 2000, we acquired a 47.9% interest in KT M.com. KT M.com merged into KT Freetel on May 1, 2001. We currently hold a 44.7% effective interest in KT Freetel. As of December 31, 2000, KT Freetel had approximately 4.7 million subscribers, KT M.com had approximately 3.0 million subscribers and KT Corporation had approximately 0.7 million resale subscribers. As of December 31, 2001, KT Freetel had approximately 8.4 million subscribers and KT Corporation had approximately 1.1 million resale subscribers. As of December 31, 2002, KT Freetel had approximately 8.9 million subscribers and KT Corporation had approximately 1.4 million resale subscribers.
(16)   Effective January 1, 2002, we adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. SFAS No.142 requires that goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets no longer be amortized, but instead be tested for impairment at least annually. This table presents net income and earnings per share amounts on an adjusted basis to exclude the amortization of goodwill, and reconciles such adjusted amounts to net income and earnings per share presented in our condensed U.S. GAAP financial statements.

 

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EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION

 

The following table sets out information concerning the noon buying rate for the periods and dates indicated.

 

Period


   At End
of Period


   Average
Rate(1)


   High

   Low

1998

   1,206.0    1,367.3    1,812.0    1,196.0

1999

   1,136.0    1,188.2    1,243.0    1,125.0

2000

   1,267.0    1,140.3    1,267.0    1,105.5

2001

   1,313.5    1,295.1    1,369.0    1,234.0

2002

   1,186.3    1,242.0    1,332.0    1,160.6

December

   1,186.3    1,206.6    1,221.0    1,186.3

2003 (through June 24)

   1,193.0    1,204.9    1,262.0    1,164.6

January

   1,165.0    1,165.0    1,197.3    1,164.6

February

   1,193.7    1,179.4    1,206.0    1,173.0

March

   1,252.0    1,203.6    1,260.0    1,184.6

April

   1,215.5    1,206.6    1,262.0    1,204.0

May

   1,210.0    1,207.2    1,217.0    1,192.0

June (through June 24)

   1,193.0    1,204.9    1,203.0    1,190.3

Source:   Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
(1)   The average of the Noon Buying Rates on the last day of each month (or a portion thereof) during the period.

 

We have translated the Won amounts into Dollars in this annual report solely for your convenience. We make no representation that the Won or Dollar amounts contained in this annual report could have been or could be converted into Dollar or Won, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

Increased competition in Korea has had and may continue to have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

The telecommunications sector in Korea is rapidly evolving. We face increasing competition from new entrants to the telecommunications market. We expect the number and the identity of service providers in the market to continue to change. Future business combinations and alliances in the telecommunications industry may create significant new competitors. In addition, advances in technology as well as changes in the regulatory environment are also occurring. Any significant changes in the competitive landscape of the telecommunications sector and our inability to adapt to such changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Fixed-line Telephone Services

 

Before December 1991, we were the sole provider of local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone services in Korea. DACOM Corporation became the second provider of international long-distance service in December 1991 and of domestic long-distance service in January 1996. In October 1997, a third carrier, Onse Telecom Corp., began to offer international long-distance service and in December 1999, it started to offer domestic long-distance service in Korea. In April 1999, Hanaro Telecom, Inc. became the second provider of local telephone service in Korea and obtained licenses in January 2003 to offer international long-distance service and domestic long-distance service. In addition, SK Telink obtained a license in June 2003 to offer international long-distance service. In addition, the increased availability and usage of mobile telephone services in Korea have had and are expected to have a material impact on our fixed-line telephone services.

 

The entry of these and other potential competitors into the local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone service markets has had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on our revenues and profitability from these businesses. See “Information on the Company—Competition—Network Service Providers”. We cannot give any assurance that we will be able to maintain our share of these businesses at or above current levels.

 

Many of our competitors offer lower rates than we do for similar services. For example, although Hanaro’s and our local usage charges are the same at Won 39 per pulse (generally three minutes), Hanaro’s non-refundable telephone installation charge and basic monthly charge are lower than ours. Hanaro’s customers do not pay any non-refundable telephone installation charge, while our customers pay Won 60,000, and Hanaro’s customers pay a basic monthly charge of up to Won 3,500, while our customers pay up to Won 5,200, depending on location.

 

In addition, DACOM’s domestic long-distance rates are currently about 2.8% lower on average than ours, and Onse’s domestic long-distance rates are up to 4.1% lower than ours depending on the calling area.

 

DACOM’s international rates are currently about 0.6% lower on average than ours, and Onse’s international rates are currently about 4.1% lower on average than ours. Our discount calling plans for international calls offer rates that are comparable to those offered by DACOM’s and Onse’s discount calling plans. Starting in 1998, specific service providers, such as Internet phone service providers, voice resellers and call-back service providers, began offering international long-distance service in Korea at rates that are lower than the rates charged by us, DACOM or Onse. Demand for international long-distance services offered by specific service providers has grown rapidly since the launch of their services. Although we also began providing Internet phone service in April 1998, we cannot give any assurance that competition from specific service providers will not have a material adverse effect on our revenues and profitability from international long-distance service.

 

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Mobile Telecommunications Services

 

KT Freetel, our consolidated subsidiary in which we own a 44.7% effective interest, provides PCS service, a type of mobile telecommunications service based on Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”) technology utilizing the 1,800 MHz frequency, in Korea. KT M.com, another provider of PCS service in which we owned a 47.9% interest, merged into KT Freetel on May 1, 2001. Competitors in this industry are cellular service provider SK Telecom and PCS service provider LG Telecom. SK Telecom acquired control of Shinsegi Telecom, another cellular service provider, in a series of transactions ended in April 2000, and Shinsegi merged into SK Telecom in January 2002. KT Freetel (including 1.4 million resale subscribers of KT Corporation) had a market share of 31.9% as of December 31, 2002 based on the total number of mobile subscribers in Korea, making KT Freetel the second largest mobile telecommunications service provider. SK Telecom had a market share of 53.2% as of December 31, 2002. We cannot give any assurance that KT Freetel will be able to successfully prevent SK Telecom or LG Telecom from increasing its market share in the future.

 

On March 6, 2003, KT ICOM, a company created by a consortium of companies including KT Corporation and KT Freetel to offer IMT-2000 services, merged into KT Freetel in a stock-for-stock transaction. IMT-2000 is a third-generation, high-capacity wireless communications technology, which when implemented, is expected to allow operators to provide to their customers significantly more bandwidth capacity. We cannot assure you that KT Freetel will be able to successfully compete with other third generation service providers. KT Freetel’s inability to compete effectively with third-generation service providers could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.

 

Broadband and Internet-Related Services

 

The Korean broadband Internet access service market has experienced significant growth over the last four years since Korea Thrunet first introduced its Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (or HFC) based service in July 1998. Hanaro Telecom entered the broadband market in April 1999 offering both HFC and Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (or ADSL) services. We began offering broadband Internet access service in June 1999. Dreamline and DACOM followed and introduced their services in late 1999 and early 2000, and numerous cable television operators have also begun HFC-based services. As a result of having to compete with a number of competitors and the maturing of the Internet access service market, we currently encounter and we expect to encounter pressure to increase marketing expenses in the future. We had a market share of 47.3% as of December 31, 2002 based on the number of subscribers in Korea. Our inability to compete effectively with our competitors could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

The market for Internet-related services in Korea is very competitive. We anticipate that competition will continue to intensify as the usage and popularity of the Internet grows and as new domestic and international competitors enter the Internet industry in Korea. The substantial growth and potential size of the Internet industry in Korea have drawn many competitors and as a result may lead to increasing price competition to provide Internet-related services. Increased competition in the Internet industry could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

WTO Agreement

 

Under the multilateral agreement on basic telecommunications services among the members of the World Trade Organization effective November 1997 (the “WTO Agreement”), the Government of Korea has agreed to gradually reduce the restrictions on foreign and individual shareholdings in KT Corporation and other network service providers in Korea. The relevant Korean law was amended to give effect to the provisions of the WTO Agreement. See “Information on the Company—Regulation—Foreign Investment”. While the WTO Agreement enables us to seek foreign investors and strategic partners and to more easily take advantage of opportunities for investments in overseas telecommunications projects, it may also benefit our competitors and further intensify competition in the domestic market.

 

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Implementation of the IMT-2000 technology poses significant challenges and risks to us.

 

We acquired the right to purchase one of three licenses to provide IMT-2000 services on December 15, 2000, as a member of a consortium of companies including KT Corporation and KT Freetel. In March 2001, KT ICOM, a company created by our consortium to offer IMT-2000 services, obtained one of three licenses to provide IMT-2000 services in Korea. KT ICOM merged into KT Freetel on March 6, 2003 in a stock-for-stock transaction. As a condition to the merger, KT Freetel is required to offer its IMT-2000 services with limited coverage by the end of 2003. Accordingly, KT Freetel is planning to offer its IMT-2000 services in metropolitan Seoul by the end of 2003, but the timing of its nationwide service has not been determined. IMT-2000 presents risks and challenges to our business, any or all of which if realized or not addressed may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

Specifically, IMT-2000 is a new technology. No assurance can be given that KT Freetel will be able to construct its network and provide services in a timely and cost efficient manner, or at all. Several telecommunications providers in other countries have announced delays in the roll-out of their third-generation services as a result of technological difficulties.

 

New content, solutions and services must also be developed for IMT-2000. No assurance can be given that the content and services will be developed in a timely manner, or at all, by us or third parties, or if developed will gain market acceptance such that KT Freetel will be able to derive revenues from such services to justify the investments made as well as to justify future investments. The total IMT-2000 license cost was Won 1.3 trillion, of which Won 650 billion was paid in March 2001, and the remainder of which is required to be paid over a period of five years starting 2007. KT ICOM made capital expenditure of Won 95 billion in 2002 for the development of IMT-2000. We estimate that KT Freetel will need to make capital expenditures of approximately Won 135 billion in 2003 and additional amounts thereafter for the development of IMT-2000.

 

We cannot assure you that we will realize the anticipated benefits of the merger between KT ICOM and KT Freetel.

 

In response to an increasing demand for wireless data communications and mobile telecommunications services, KT ICOM merged into KT Freetel on March 6, 2003 in a stock-for-stock transaction. The success of the merger depends, in part, on KT Freetel’s ability to realize the anticipated synergies, growth opportunities and cost savings from combining those two companies. The integration of the operations of the two companies will continue to require significant amounts of time, financial resources and management attention. We cannot assure you that the merger will not adversely affect the combined business, financial condition and results of operations of the two companies.

 

Disputes with our labor union may disrupt our business operations.

 

Our strategy of restructuring to improve our efficiency and profitability by disposing of non-core businesses and reducing our employee base have met with opposition from our labor union. In December 2000, certain members of the KT Trade Union carried out work stoppages, demanding changes in Government policies to prevent widespread layoffs and seeking negotiations with management regarding the scope of our restructuring. In May 2001, certain members of our labor union held protests in our headquarters opposing our strategy of restructuring unprofitable businesses, including 114 phone directory services, and the expected layoffs resulting from such strategy. There can be no assurance that we will not experience in the future labor disputes and unrests, including expanded protests and strikes, which could disrupt our business operations and have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation.

 

The Korean telecommunications industry has been subject to the Government’s regulation and change in Government policy relating to the industry could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.

 

The Government, primarily through the Ministry of Information and Communication, has authority to regulate the telecommunications industry. The Ministry of Information and Communication, in consultation with

 

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the Ministry of Finance and Economy, approves local service rates charged by us and mobile service rates charged by SK Telecom. See “Information on the Company—Regulation—Rates”. The form of our standard agreement for providing local network service and each agreement for interconnection with other service providers are also subject to approval by the Ministry of Information and Communication. The Ministry of Information and Communication currently does not regulate our domestic long-distance, international long-distance, broadband Internet access and mobile service rates. The Ministry of Information and Communication’s policy is to promote competition in the Korean telecommunications markets through measures designed to prevent the dominant service provider in any such market from exercising its market power in such a way as to prevent the emergence and development of viable competitors. Government policies and regulations relating to the above as well as other regulations involving the telecommunications industry (including regulation of us as a dominant service provider) may change, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition. See “Information on the Company—Regulation” and “—Relationship with the Government”.

 

Under current Government regulations, if a network service provider has the largest market share for a specified type of service and its revenue from that service for the previous year exceeds a specific revenue amount set by the Ministry of Information and Communication, it must obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Information and Communication for the rates and the general terms for that service. Each year the Ministry of Information and Communication designates service providers the rates and the general terms of which must be approved by the Ministry of Information and Communication. In the past five years, the Ministry of Information and Communication has so designated us for local telephone service and SK Telecom for mobile service. The inability to freely set our local telephone service rates may hurt the profit from that business and impede our ability to compete effectively against our competitors.

 

Starting April 2002, we are required to lease to other companies our fixed-lines that connect subscribers to our network. This policy, which is called local loop unbundling, is intended to prevent excessive investment in local loops. This policy requires us to lease to other companies from time to time the portion of our copper lines that represent our excess capacity at rates that will be determined by the Ministry of Information and Communication based on our cost, and taking into consideration an appropriate rate of return, to enable our competitors to provide fixed-line voice and broadband services. Local loop unbundling may have a material adverse effect on our number of subscribers and on our results of operations.

 

In addition, the Ministry of Information and Communication announced in October 2002 that it will allow local fixed-line telephone service subscribers to choose a competing local telephone service provider without changing his or her telephone number. Local number portability will be implemented in certain regions starting in mid-2003 and will be implemented nationwide by the second half of 2004. Local number portability may allow Hanaro to compete more effectively for our existing customers and may have a material adverse effect on our number of subscribers and on our results of operations.

 

The Ministry of Information and Communication announced in February 2003 that it will also implement mobile number portability which will allow mobile telephone service subscribers to choose a competing mobile service provider without changing his or her mobile number. Mobile number portability will be allowed to subscribers of SK Telecom, KT Freetel and LG Telecom starting in January 2004, July 2004 and January 2005, respectively. The Ministry of Information and Communication also announced that starting in January 2004, all new subscribers of mobile services and existing subscribers who elect to receive a new mobile number will be given the uniform mobile code of “010” as the first three digits of their mobile numbers without regard to the mobile service provider. The Ministry of Information and Communication is planning to implement the uniform mobile code to all mobile numbers by 2007. Mobile number portability and uniform mobile code may allow SK Telecom and LG Telecom to compete more effectively for KT Freetel’s existing and future customers and may have a material adverse effect on the number of subscribers of KT Freetel and on our results of operations.

 

Refunds of deposits for telephone installation may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and short-term cash flow requirements.

 

Until September 1998, whenever we initiated local telephone service to a new customer, we required that the customer post a non-interest-bearing refundable telephone installation deposit ranging from Won 122,000 to Won 242,000, depending on the size of the local calling area in which the phone was installed, and a non-

 

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refundable installation fee of Won 8,000. Such deposit is required to be refunded when the customer terminates its service. We have historically utilized substantially all of the deposited amounts for capital expenditures, working capital and other funding needs. In September 1998, we, with the approval of the Ministry of Information and Communication, implemented an alternative telephone installation charge system that allowed our new and existing customers to choose between the pre-existing plan and a second plan for telephone service. Under the second plan, customers paid a Won 100,000 non-refundable installation fee instead of the refundable telephone installation deposit and paid a higher basic monthly charge of up to Won 1,500, depending on location.

 

Starting on April 15, 2001, we implemented a new telephone installation system. New customers who were not subscribers to our local telephone service no longer have the option to choose the pre-existing plan and must pay a Won 60,000 non-refundable installation fee (including value added tax). Our existing customers who are enrolled in the pre-existing plan may switch to the new plan and receive refund of the telephone installation deposit (less Won 52,000, reflecting the Won 60,000 non-refundable installation fee under the new plan minus the Won 8,000 non-refundable installation fee paid under the pre-existing plan). See “Information on the Company—Revenues and Rates—Fixed-line Telephone Services”.

 

As a result of customers switching from the pre-existing plan to the second plan and the new plan, the balance of telephone installation deposits decreased from Won 4,373 billion as of December 31, 1997 to Won 1,534 billion as of December 31, 2002. As of December 31, 2002, there were 7.0 million subscribers who are enrolled under the pre-existing plan and eligible to switch to the new plan and receive their installation deposit back (less Won 52,000 as described above). The non-refundable installation fees and higher monthly charges payable by customers electing the revised plans have partially offset the amount of these refunds, but the refunds increased our reliance on short-term and long-term debt for our working capital and other capital requirements. Increased refunds of telephone installation deposits may increase our reliance on debt for our working capital and other requirements and may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and short-term cash flow requirements.

 

We are subject to various regulations under the Fair Trade Act starting April 1, 2002.

 

The Fair Trade Act (Law No. 3320 of December 31, 1980, as amended) provide for various regulations and restrictions on large business groups enforced by the Fair Trade Commission. Previously, we were not regulated as a large business group under the Fair Trade Act due to the Government’s ownership (including Government invested enterprises and the Korea Development Bank) of greater than 30% of our issued shares. The Fair Trade Commission designated us as a large business group under the Fair Trade Act on April 1, 2002, which subjects us to regulations limiting, among other things, the gross amount of investments, cross guarantees of debt and cross shareholdings by members of a business group.

 

Adverse economic and financial developments in Korea recently had and may in the future have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and the price of the shares of our common stock and American Depositary Shares.

 

In 1997 and 1998, the Republic experienced a significant increase in the number and size of companies filing for corporate reorganization and protection from their creditors. As a result of these corporate failures, high levels of short-term foreign currency borrowings from foreign financial institutions and the consideration of non-market oriented factors in making lending decisions, the Republic’s financial institutions experienced a sharp increase in non-performing loans and a deterioration in their capital adequacy ratios. These developments led to a substantial increase in the number of unemployed workers, reducing the purchasing power of consumers in Korea. These developments also led international credit rating agencies to downgrade the credit ratings of the Republic and various companies, including us, and financial institutions in the Republic to below investment grade, although S&P and Moody’s raised the credit rating of the Republic and our credit rating back to investment grade levels in early 1999. The current long-term foreign currency rating of the Republic by Standard & Poor’s is A- and the current foreign currency rating on bond obligations of the Republic by Moody’s is A3.

 

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Prompted by heightened security concerns stemming from North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, Moody’s changed the outlook on the long-term ratings of the Republic from positive to negative in February 2003.

 

Although the Korean economy began to experience a recovery in 1999, the pace of the recovery has since slowed and has been volatile. The economic indicators in 2001 and 2002 have shown mixed signs of recovery and uncertainty, and future recovery or growth of the economy is subject to many factors beyond our control. Events such as the terrorist attacks in the United States that took place on September 11, 2001, the war in Iraq and the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Asia and other parts of the world have increased the uncertainty of world economic prospects in general and continue to have an adverse effect on the world economy, and may thus adversely affect the Korean economy. Any future deterioration of the Korean economy would adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Developments that could hurt Korea’s economy in the future include:

 

    financial problems relating to chaebols, or their suppliers, and their potential adverse impact on Korea’s financial sector;

 

    failure of restructuring of other large troubled companies;

 

    a slowdown in consumer spending and the overall economy;

 

    adverse changes or volatility in foreign currency reserve levels, commodity prices, exchange rates (including depreciation of the U.S. dollar or Japanese yen), interest rates and stock markets;

 

    increased reliance on exports to service foreign currency debts, which could cause friction with Korea’s trading partners;

 

    adverse developments in the economies of countries such as the United States, Japan and China to which Korea exports, or in emerging market economies in Asia or elsewhere that could result in a loss of confidence in the Korean economy;

 

    social and labor unrest;

 

    a decrease in tax revenues and a substantial increase in the Government’s expenditures for unemployment compensation and other social programs that, together, lead to an increased budget deficit;

 

    political uncertainty or increased strife among and within political parties in Korea;

 

    a deterioration in economic or diplomatic relations between Korea and its trading partners or allies, including such deterioration resulting from trade disputes or disagreements in foreign policy;

 

    political uncertainty and risk of further attacks by terrorist groups around the world;

 

    hostilities involving oil producing countries in the Middle East and any material disruption in the supply of oil or increase in the price of oil resulting from those hostilities; and

 

    an increase in the level of tensions or an outbreak of hostilities between Korea and North Korea.

 

Any developments that adversely affect the Republic’s economic recovery will likely also decrease demand for our services and adversely affect our results of operations. Korea is our most important market, accounting for substantially all of our revenues in 2002.

 

Increased tensions with North Korea could have an adverse effect on us or the price of the common shares and the ADSs.

 

Relations between Korea and North Korea have been tense over most of Korea’s modern history. The level of tension between the two Koreas has fluctuated and may increase or change abruptly as a result of current

 

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events, including renewed contacts at the highest levels of the governments of Korea and North Korea and the increased hostility between North Korea and the United States. In December 2002, North Korea removed the seals and surveillance equipment from its Yongbyon nuclear power plant, evicted inspectors from the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency and has reportedly resumed activity at the Yongbyon power plant. In January 2003, North Korea renounced its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and demanded that the United States sign a non-aggression pact before North Korea dismantles its nuclear power and arms program. North Korea has also test-fired at least two missiles, engaged an unarmed U.S. military aircraft and is reported to have successfully developed nuclear weapons. As a result of these events, the level of tension between the two Koreas, as well as between North Korea and other countries including the United States, has increased. While discussions between North Korea and other countries, including Korea, the United States and China, to resolve these issues peacefully have taken place, any further increase in the tension or occurrence of military hostilities could have a material adverse effect on our operations and the price of the common shares and the ADSs.

 

Sale of our shares by our strategic investors or the perception that these sales may occur may adversely affect the prices of our common stock and ADSs.

 

Our domestic strategic investors purchased convertible bonds in May 2002 which are convertible into 22,267,103 shares of our common stock starting June 25, 2002 until April 25, 2005. They also hold a total of 3,810,650 shares of our common stock. We also entered into a strategic relationship with Microsoft Corporation on January 4, 2002 and sold US$500 million aggregate principal amount of our 4.30% bonds due 2005 with warrants to purchase 9,270,200 shares of our shares at an initial exercise price of Won 69,416 per share. See “Information on the Company—Privatization”. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales may occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market price of the shares or the ADSs or our ability to raise capital through an offering of securities.

 

Depreciation of the value of the Won against the Dollar and other major foreign currencies may have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations and on the prices of our common stock and the ADSs.

 

Substantially all of our revenues are denominated in Won. Depreciation of the Won may materially affect the results of our operations because, among other things, it causes an increase in the amount of Won required by us to make interest and principal payments on our foreign-currency-denominated debt, the costs of equipment that we purchase from overseas sources and net settlement payments to foreign carriers and administrations, which are denominated in foreign currencies. Of the Won 11,805 billion total long-term debt (including current portion) outstanding as of December 31, 2002, Won 2,759 billion was denominated in foreign currencies with interest rates ranging from 0.25% to 7.63%. The net settlement payments in foreign currencies to foreign carriers and administrations totaled Won 13 billion in 2002. See “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources”.

 

Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Won and the Dollar will affect the Dollar equivalent of the Won price of the shares of our common stock on the Korea Stock Exchange. These fluctuations also will affect the amounts a holder of ADSs will receive from the depositary bank in respect of:

 

    dividends, which will be paid in Won to the depositary bank and converted by the depositary bank into Dollars;

 

    the Dollar value of the proceeds which a holder will receive upon sale in Korea of the shares; and

 

    the secondary market price of the ADSs.

 

See “Key Information—Exchange Rate Information”.

 

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If an investor surrenders his ADSs to withdraw the underlying shares, he may not be allowed to deposit the shares again to obtain ADSs.

 

Korean law currently limits foreign ownership of the ADSs and our shares. In addition, under our deposit agreement, the depositary bank cannot accept deposits of shares and deliver ADSs representing those shares unless (1) we have consented to such deposit or (2) Korean counsel has advised the depositary bank that the consent required under (1) is no longer required under Korean laws and regulations. Under current Korean laws and regulations, the depositary bank is required to obtain our prior consent for the number of shares to be deposited in any given proposed deposit which exceeds the difference between (1) the aggregate number of shares deposited by us or with our consent for the issuance of ADSs (including deposits in connection with the initial and all subsequent offerings of ADSs and stock dividends or other distributions related to these ADSs) and (2) the number of shares on deposit with the depositary bank at the time of such proposed deposit. The depositary bank has informed us that, at a time it considers to be appropriate, the depositary bank plans to start accepting deposits of shares without our consent and deliver ADSs representing those shares up to the amount allowed under current Korean laws and regulations. Until such time, however, the depositary bank will continue to obtain our consent for such deposits of shares and delivery of ADSs, which we may not provide. Consequently, if an investor surrenders his ADSs to withdraw the underlying shares, he may not be allowed to deposit the shares again to obtain ADSs. See “Additional Information—Exchange Controls”.

 

Limitations on foreign ownership may have an adverse effect on the conversion of our convertible notes and the exercise of our warrants.

 

The Telecommunications Business Law limits the aggregate foreign ownership of our shares with voting rights to 49% of our total issued shares with voting rights. In addition, pursuant to authorization granted under the Privatization Law, our articles of incorporation provided prior to August 2002 that the aggregate number of the shares that may be purchased by foreigners in Korea is limited to 5% of the issued shares of each class. With the completion of the disposition of the Government’s ownership interest in us in May 2002, the Privatization Law ceased to apply to us after the general shareholders’ meeting in August 2002 and the 5% foreign ownership limitation under our articles of incorporation has been eliminated. Elimination of such limitation may have an adverse effect on the conversion of our convertible notes and the exercise of our warrants, which were issued in January 2002. See “Information on the Company—Privatization” and “Additional Information—Articles of Incorporation—Limitation on Shareholding”. If conversion or exercise by a foreigner results in the violation of the 49% foreign ownership limitation under the Telecommunications Business Law, such conversion or exercise may be effectively prohibited. In such an event, we will be required under the terms of the convertible notes and the warrants to pay cash in Dollars the aggregate market values of our common shares deliverable upon conversion of convertible notes or issuable upon exercise of warrants to the relevant holder to satisfy the conversion or exercise right.

 

A foreign investor may not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to common shares exceeding the number of common shares held by our largest domestic shareholder.

 

The Telecommunications Business Law prohibits a foreign shareholder from being our largest shareholder. In the event that the number of common shares held by a foreign shareholder exceeds the number of common shares held by our largest domestic shareholder, the Telecommunications Business Law restricts such foreign shareholder from exercising his or her voting rights with respect to common shares exceeding such threshold. The Ministry of Information and Communication may also order us or the foreign shareholder to take corrective measures in respect of the excess shares within a specified period of six months or less.

 

Holders of ADSs will not be able to exercise dissenter’s rights unless they have withdrawn the underlying common stock and become our direct shareholders.

 

In some limited circumstances, including the transfer of the whole or any significant part of our business and our merger or consolidation with another company, dissenting shareholders have the right to require us to

 

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purchase their shares under Korean law. A holder of ADSs will not be able to exercise dissenter’s rights unless he has withdrawn the underlying common stock and become our direct shareholder. See “Additional Information—Articles of Incorporation”.

 

An investor may not be able to exercise preemptive rights for additional shares and may suffer dilution of his equity interest in us.

 

The Commercial Code of Korea and our articles of incorporation require us, with some exceptions, to offer shareholders the right to subscribe for new shares in proportion to their existing ownership percentage whenever new shares are issued. If we offer any rights to subscribe for additional shares of our common stock or any rights of any other nature, the depositary bank, after consultation with us, may make the rights available to an ADS holder or use reasonable efforts to dispose of the rights on behalf of the ADS holder and make the net proceeds available to the ADS holder. The depositary bank, however, is not required to make available to an ADS holder any rights to purchase any additional shares unless it deems that doing so is lawful and feasible and:

 

    a registration statement filed by us under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is in effect with respect to those shares; or

 

    the offering and sale of those shares is exempt from or is not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

 

We are under no obligation to file any registration statement. If a registration statement is required for an ADS holder to exercise preemptive rights but is not filed by us, the ADS holder will not be able to exercise his preemptive rights for additional shares. As a result, the ADS holder may suffer dilution of his equity interest in us.

 

You may not be able to find trading markets for your Bonds.

 

The bonds are securities with no established trading market. We cannot provide any assurance as to the liquidity of, or the trading markets for, these bonds.

 

Forward-looking statements may prove to be inaccurate.

 

This annual report contains “forward-looking statements” that are based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about our company and our industry. The forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “project”, “should”, and similar expressions. Those statements include, among other things, the discussions of our business strategy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity and capital resources. We caution you that reliance on any forward-looking statement involves risks and uncertainties, and that although we believe that the assumptions on which our forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and, as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions could be incorrect. The uncertainties in this regard include, but are not limited to, those identified in the risk factors discussed above. In light of these and other uncertainties, you should not conclude that we will necessarily achieve any plans and objectives or projected financial results referred to in any of the forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to release the results of any revisions of these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

 

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Item 4.    Information on the Company

 

Overview

 

We are the leading telecommunications service provider in Korea and one of the largest and most advanced in Asia. As an integrated telecommunications service provider, our principal services include:

 

    fixed-line telephone services, including local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone services;

 

    interconnection services to other telecommunications companies;

 

    business and data communications services, including broadband Internet access service, leased-line services and other Internet-related services;

 

    mobile telecommunications services through KT Freetel, our 44.7 %-owned consolidated subsidiary, and PCS resale services; and

 

    other telecommunications services, including system and network integration services and satellite communications services.

 

We own substantially all of the domestic public exchanges, the nationwide network of local telephone lines, the principal public long-distance telephone transmission facilities and the principal data communications network in Korea, as well as two satellites. In addition, through KT Freetel, we operate a nationwide PCS network.

 

Historically, we have derived a substantial majority of our revenues from fixed-line telephone services. However, as our traditional businesses have matured and new technologies have become available, we have successfully leveraged our nationwide network, strong brand name and established customer base in Korea to pursue new growth opportunities. These growth businesses include business and data communications (including broadband Internet access service) and mobile telecommunications services. As a result, revenues from these businesses have grown rapidly in recent years and now account for a majority of our total revenues, having risen from 39.6% of our total revenues in 2000 to 53.3% in 2002. Diversifying our services and focusing on growth businesses have allowed us to increase our operating revenue from Won 13,538 billion in 2000 to Won 16,394 billion in 2002 under Korean GAAP.

 

We are focusing on building upon our strong position in each of our principal lines of business:

 

    We are currently the dominant provider of fixed-line telephone services in Korea with approximately 25.1 million installed lines, of which 22.3 million lines were in service as of December 31, 2002. In the year 2002, our market share of the local market was 96.0% based on the number of local fixed-line subscribers in Korea, our market share of the domestic long-distance market was 85.1% based on revenues estimated by us and our market share of the international long-distance market was 66.5% based on revenues estimated by us, respectively;

 

    We are one of the world’s largest broadband Internet access providers and Korea’s largest broadband Internet access provider in terms of subscribers, with 4.9 million subscribers as of December 31, 2002, representing a market share of 47.3%. We achieved market leadership within a year of launching this service in June 1999;

 

    We are Korea’s second largest mobile telecommunications service provider. KT Freetel, our consolidated subsidiary, had approximately 10.3 million subscribers as of December 31, 2002, equivalent to a market share of 31.9% of the total mobile service market in Korea based on the number of mobile subscribers in Korea; and

 

    We are also the leading provider of business and data communications services in Korea, with a market share in leased-line services in 2002 of approximately 70.6% based on revenues estimated by us.

 

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For the year ended December 31, 2002, under Korean GAAP our consolidated operating revenues were Won 16,394 billion (US$13,819 million), our consolidated net earnings were Won 1,947 billion (US$1,641 million) and our basic earnings per share was Won 7,504 (US$6.33). As of December 31, 2002, our total stockholders’ equity was Won 9,620 billion (US$8,109 million).

 

The Telecommunications Industry in Korea

 

The Korean telecommunications industry is one of the most developed in Asia in terms of mobile penetration, and in terms of the growth of the mobile, Internet and data services markets. As of December 31, 2002, the fixed-line penetration rate, which is calculated by dividing the number of lines in service by the population of Korea, was 46.8%, and the mobile penetration rate, which is calculated by dividing the number of mobile subscribers by the population of Korea, was 67.9%. According to the Ministry of Information and Communication from the end of 1997 to the end of 2002, the number of mobile subscribers increased from approximately 6.8 million to approximately 32.3 million, and the number of Internet subscribers increased from approximately 3.1 million at the end of 1998 to approximately 26.3 million at the end of 2002. The Ministry of Information and Communication estimates that from the end of 1999 to December 31, 2002, broadband Internet access subscribers increased from approximately 290,000 to approximately 10.5 million.

 

Historically, the Government monopolized and directly operated the Korean telecommunications business. In 1981, the Government established us under the Korea Telecom Act to operate the telecommunications services business that it previously directly operated. The Korea Telecom Act was repealed and we became a corporation with limited liability under the Commercial Code in 1997. Until 1993, the Government owned all of the issued shares of our common stock. From 1993 through May 2002 the Government disposed of all of its equity interest in us. We amended our legal name from Korea Telecom Corp. to KT Corporation in March 2002.

 

The Ministry of Information and Communication has the primary responsibility for regulating the telecommunications industry in Korea. See “—Regulation”.

 

Before December 1991, we were the sole provider of local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone services in Korea. The Government began to introduce competition in the telecommunications services market in the early 1990’s. As a result, including ourselves, there are currently three international and domestic long-distance carriers and two local telephone service providers in Korea. In addition, the Government has also awarded licenses to several new service providers to enhance the competition in other telecommunications business areas such as mobile telephone services and data network services. See “—Competition.”

 

Internet Access Market

 

Korea is one of the largest and fastest growing Internet markets in the Asia/Pacific region. According to the Ministry of Information and Communication, the number of Internet users in Korea has grown from 3.1 million to 26.3 million during the period between December 31, 1999 and December 31, 2002.

 

Recognizing the potential of the Internet, the Government has taken major steps to accelerate Internet awareness among Korean consumers and businesses. In March 1999, the Government announced the blueprint for managing the country’s transformation into an information society, which reaffirms the Government’s commitment to focus its resources on the following tasks:

 

    building and upgrading telecommunications networks;

 

    wiring government, businesses and individuals to the Internet; and

 

    facilitating growth of the software and Internet protocol industries.

 

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New technologies have been developed in recent years that offer high speed Internet access at speeds of up to 20 Mbps and are generally referred to as broadband access. These technologies include satellite, terrestrial wireless and fiber optic-based solutions. However, the principal technologies used in the provision of high speed Internet access are ADSL with speed of up to 8 Mbps and HFC with speed of up to 10 Mbps. ADSL offers an access solution over existing telephone lines using a specialized modem while HFC service involves the use of two-way cable networks. These two technologies are more widely used than the other available technologies because of their relative reliability, ease of provisioning and cost effectiveness. In the case of Korea, we believe that ADSL enjoys an advantage over HFC because two-way cable networks are much less widespread than the local telephone network. While ADSL technology was commercially introduced after HFC technology, it has surpassed HFC to become the prevalent access platform in Korea. In 2002, VDSL technology with enhanced speed of up to 20 Mbps became commercialized and the broadband Internet service providers introduced wireless LAN service with speed of up to 11 Mbps, which is designed to integrate fixed-line and wireless services by offering high speed wireless Internet access to laptops or PDAs in hot-spot zones and at home. With advancement of broadband technology, the Korean broadband Internet access market has experienced significant growth over the past five years. Total broadband Internet subscribers in Korea reached 10.5 million as of December 31, 2002.

 

Mobile Telecommunications Service Market

 

The Korean cellular market was formally established in 1984 when SK Telecom, formerly Korea Mobile Telecom, became the first mobile telephone operator in Korea. SK Telecom remained the only cellular operator in Korea throughout the 1980s and the early 1990s. Competition was later introduced to the market when Shinsegi Telecomm began service in 1994. In order to encourage further market growth and competition, the Ministry of Information and Communication awarded three PCS licenses in June 1996. Our mobile subsidiary, KT Freetel, was awarded a license alongside LG Telecom and Hansol M.com. Commercial PCS service was launched in October 1997.

 

The mobile market has undergone rapid consolidation in recent years. Following SK Telecom’s purchase of a controlling stake in Shinsegi, we acquired a 47.9% interest in Hansol M.com in 2000 and renamed the company KT M.com. KT M.com merged into KT Freetel on May 1, 2001 and Shinsegi merged into SK Telecom in January 2002.

 

Since the introduction of three new operators in 1997, the Korean mobile market has undergone significant growth. According to the Ministry of Information and Communication, the total number of mobile subscribers increased from 3.2 million at the end of 1996 to 32.3 million as of December 31, 2002. Mobile penetration has also increased from 7.0% to 67.9% during the same period. With such significant penetration, Korea is among one of the most penetrated mobile markets in the region at the end of 2002.

 

Korea’s highly developed mobile market also extends into an advanced mobile data market. Mobile Internet service in Korea has grown rapidly since its introduction in 2001. All the mobile operators have developed extensive mobile data and Internet service portals. Korean operators have also invested in networks compatible with EV-DO handsets which allow subscribers to enjoy 2.5 generation high speed wireless data services which KT Freetel began offering in May 2001.

 

On December 15, 2000, the Ministry of Information and Communication awarded two W-CDMA licenses to provide IMT-2000 service. One license was awarded to SK IMT Co., Ltd., an SK Telecom-led consortium, and the other to KT ICOM, a consortium of companies including KT Corporation and KT Freetel. On August 26, 2001, the Ministry of Information and Communication awarded one additional IMT-2000 license based on CDMA-2000 technology to a LG Telecom-led consortium. KT ICOM merged into KT Freetel on March 6, 2003 and SK IMT Co., Ltd. merged into SK Telecom on May 1, 2003.

 

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Competitive Strengths

 

We are the only fully integrated telecommunications service provider in Korea

 

We are the largest and only fully integrated telecommunications service provider in Korea. We are a leader in broadband Internet access and data communications services, mobile services and Korea’s dominant provider of local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone services. In addition, we launched in February 2002 our wireless LAN service under the brand name “NESPOT”, which is designed to integrate fixed-line and wireless services by offering high speed wireless Internet access to laptops or PDAs in hot-spot zones and at home. We own substantially all of the domestic public exchanges, the nationwide network of local telephone lines, the principal public long-distance telephone transmission facilities and the principal data communications network in Korea, as well as two satellites. In addition, through KT Freetel, we operate a nationwide PCS network.

 

We have a large customer base, dominant market position and strong brand recognition

 

We have a large customer base with approximately 22.3 million subscribers of fixed-line telephone services (as of December 31, 2002), 4.9 million broadband Internet subscribers (as of December 31, 2002) and 10.3 million mobile telecommunications subscribers through our consolidated subsidiary, KT Freetel (as of December 31, 2002). We also have a dominant market position in each of our fixed-line telecommunications service markets as of December 31, 2002, as shown in the following table:

 

Service


   Year
competition
introduced


   KT
Corporation
market
share


 

Local

   1999    96.0 %

Domestic long distance

   1996    85.1 %

International long distance

   1991    66.5 %

(1)   in terms of subscribers announced by the Ministry of Information and Communication.
(2)   in terms of revenue estimated by KT Corporation.
(3)   in terms of revenue estimated by KT Corporation.

 

We also believe that KT Corporation and KT Freetel enjoy wide brand recognition for telecommunications services in Korea with a reputation for quality and reliability.

 

We are one of the world’s largest broadband Internet access providers

 

By leveraging our nationwide advanced digital and fiber-optic network, we have become the largest provider of broadband services in Korea. As part of our strategy to focus on higher growth businesses and in order to meet increased demand, we have invested approximately Won 1,987 billion over the past three years in broadband equipment and network. We achieved market leadership in June 2000 and by September 2000, subscribers passed 1 million from 12,000 at December 31, 1999. As of December 31, 2002, we have 4.9 million subscribers and a broadband market share in Korea of 47.3% in terms of subscribers.

 

We believe that we acquired our IMT-2000 license at a reasonable cost

 

We acquired the right to purchase one of three licenses to provide IMT-2000 service on December 15, 2000, as a member of a consortium of companies including KT Corporation and KT Freetel. In March 2001, KT ICOM, a company created by our consortium to offer IMT-2000 services, paid half of the Won 1.3 trillion license fee payable to the Ministry of Information and Communication. KT ICOM merged into KT Freetel on March 6, 2003 in a stock-for-stock transaction. KT Freetel will pay the remaining Won 650 billion over a period of five years starting in 2007. See “—Our Services—Planned Services—IMT-2000”. We believe that we paid a lower license fee, taking account of population and number of licenses awarded, than the license fees paid by

 

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mobile service providers for IMT-2000 licenses in a number of other OECD countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France and the Netherlands. In addition, we expect KT Freetel to leverage its existing nationwide network and technology to minimize its capital expenditures and other costs in order to expand out its IMT-2000 network.

 

We have achieved critical mass in the mobile telecommunications service market

 

We believe we are well-positioned to take advantage of the attractive growth potential in the mobile service market, which we expect will grow with the increasing demand for mobile data communications services and the implementation of IMT-2000. SK Telecom, as the provider with the largest market share, is subject to approval from the Ministry of Information and Communication for the rates and the general terms of its service. KT Freetel is not subject to such restrictions. Following our acquisition of a 47.9% interest in Hansol M.com (since renamed KT M.com) in July 2000 and KT M.com’s merger into KT Freetel on May 1, 2001 in a stock-for-stock transaction, KT Freetel had a total of approximately 10.3 million subscribers (including 1.4 million resale subscribers of KT Corporation) as of December 31, 2002, representing 31.9% of the mobile service market. We believe that KT M.com and KT ICOM’s merger into KT Freetel strengthened our position in the mobile service market in Korea.

 

We have a proven track record of improving our efficiency and profitability

 

We have successfully executed our plans to improve our efficiency and profitability in recent years. We have closed unprofitable businesses and divested numerous non-core investments over the past several years to enhance overall profitability. We reduced the number of employees from 51,548 as of December 31, 2000 to 48,624 as of December 31, 2002. We have also been successful in containing increases in employee costs through agreements on wages and retirement programs with the union. We believe that these efforts have resulted in higher margins.

 

Business Strategy

 

We believe the telecommunications market in Korea will continue to expand due to Korea’s growing economy, consumers’ willingness to adopt new technologies, relatively high income and a relatively large middle class. Also, Korea has one of the highest fixed-line, mobile and broadband Internet penetration rates in Asia. Use of the Internet has also risen dramatically, commensurate with Korea’s economic growth and development.

 

We believe that telecommunications services will evolve at an accelerated pace over the coming years, driven by technological advancement and the general improvement of the Korean economy. We also believe that the convergence of communications technologies will provide a competitive advantage to incumbent telecommunications service providers with existing infrastructure, which are able to design and construct sophisticated and nationwide networks capable of serving as a common platform for a broad range of services and enhance value for our customers.

 

Our vision is to become a global leading company by maintaining our leading position as an integrated telecommunications service provider in all of the market segments we serve and expanding our leadership position in high-growth markets, such as mobile, broadband Internet and data communications services.

 

Consistent with our strategic objectives, we have developed the following business strategies.

 

Leverage dominant market positions to maximize profitability

 

We will continue to seek ways to capitalize on our position as the leading telecommunications services provider in Korea with dominant positions in local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone services and leading positions in broadband Internet access and business data communications services, as well as mobile communications services.

 

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The breadth of our network and our ownership of the so called “last one mile” infrastructure, which comprises the connection between the local telephone service provider’s switching centers to the end-users’ buildings or homes, provides us with low-cost access to existing and potential customers and creates a platform for expanding our services. For example, we have been able to greatly expand our broadband Internet access customer base by utilizing such existing infrastructure. Also, we believe that we can capitalize on our large and well-established customer base, as well as our well-known brand name, to cross-sell our service offering and expand into other service areas in a cost-efficient manner.

 

We believe that the above factors will also enable us to achieve lower customer acquisition costs than our competitors, allowing us to more efficiently roll out new services.

 

Focus on high-growth, high-margin businesses

 

We plan to focus our resources on services that have potential for significant growth and high margins. In line with our strategy to place greater emphasis on businesses that have potential for significant growth and higher margins, we plan to increase the proportion of capital expenditures in these areas. We are devoting a substantial part of our resources toward the construction of infrastructure for data communications and mobile telecommunications services, and the portion of our planned capital expenditures devoted to these services is 60.8% in 2003.

 

Broadband Internet Access and Business and Data Communications.    We plan to use our advanced digital network to provide high quality transmission and value added services with competitive pricing. We have the advantage that approximately 98% of potential subscribers are located within a four kilometer radius of our existing telephone offices to receive ADSL service over existing lines, allowing us to provide connection at a lower cost than our competitors. In addition, we launched in July 2002 our VDSL services, which currently allow broadband Internet access speed of up to 20 Mbps. Through continued emphasis on improving the technology and our broadband Internet access services, we plan to remain as the dominant player in this market segment. We will continue to seek to expand our customer base and promote ADSL and VDSL services for high speed Internet access.

 

In addition, we launched in February 2002 our wireless LAN service called NESPOT, which is designed to integrate fixed-line and wireless services by offering high speed wireless Internet access to laptops and PDAs in hot-spot zones and at home. NESPOT service provides our subscribers wireless access to high speed Internet in hot-spot zones, and Megapass service in fixed-line environments. As the fixed-line broadband Internet access market becomes mature, we believe that our NESPOT service will play an increasingly important role in expanding our customer base for high speed Internet access.

 

We completed connection of all of our lines to digital exchanges on June 9, 2003, and also plan to enhance our Internet protocol virtual private networking (or IP VPN) capabilities and continue to expand our fiber optic network by laying new fiber and to increase its bandwidth through increased application of dense wave division multiplexing (or DWDM) technology. Through these efforts, we will be able to offer higher quality and greater volume of broadband Internet access services, including our wireless LAN service, and additional value-added services.

 

Internet-Related Services.    Our Internet-related services focus on providing infrastructure and solutions for business enterprises. We expect to continue to build out our Internet data centers to meet the demand resulting from the rapid increase in the use of the Internet and data traffic. We already have twelve Internet data centers, providing a full range of co-location, server hosting and web hosting services. We also anticipate that demand for commercial transactions over the Internet will continue to increase in the future. We launched bizmeka.com to develop and commercialize business-to-business (or B2B) solutions targeting approximately 3.0 million small- and medium-sized business enterprises in Korea. In addition, we launched in June 2003 a smart card business under the “1’ts” brand name, which provides multi-functional services utilizing embedded computer chips that calculate and record information. We expect our smart card to have a variety of functions, including those of

 

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credit cards, electronic online wallets and transportation fare passes. We are working with leading banks and credit card companies in Korea to build the necessary infrastructure and increase subscribers to our new service. We plan to continue to expand our Internet-related value added services.

 

Mobile.    We are focusing our resources on the expansion of the type of services offered, as well as growing and consolidating the mobile business. In July and October 2000, we acquired a controlling stake in Hansol M.com, since renamed KT M.com and merged into KT Freetel on May 1, 2001. Also, our consolidated subsidiary KT ICOM, which purchased an IMT-2000 license in March 2001, merged into KT Freetel on March 6, 2003. KT Freetel began offering in May 2001 2.5 generation high speed wireless data services which allow voice, data and video transmission to EV-DO handsets. KT Freetel is planning to offer its IMT-2000 services in metropolitan Seoul by the end of 2003, but the timing of its nationwide service has not been determined. IMT-2000 is a third generation high capacity wireless Internet and video multimedia communication technology which allows an operator to provide to its subscribers significantly more bandwidth capacity compared to 2.5 generation technology. We will continue to develop and introduce services to capture the significant growth potential that this new technology offers.

 

Promote synergies within the KT Corporation group

 

We plan to actively promote synergies within the KT Corporation group to take advantage of economies of scale in various areas and to prepare for increasing demand for mobile data communications and integrated fixed-line and wireless telecommunications services. We also plan to use our extensive customer relationships and market knowledge to expand our revenue bases by bundling and cross-selling our products and services. For example:

 

    we have already been successful in reselling PCS services through KT Corporation, with approximately 1.4 million resale subscribers as of December 31, 2002;

 

    we merged KT M.com and KT ICOM into KT Freetel, which we believe will increase scale efficiencies as well as promote cross-selling and technology sharing among these companies; and

 

    our NESPOT service and KT Freetel’s mobile service integrate wireless and fixed-line services by enabling subscribers wireless access to high speed Internet in hot-spot zones, Megapass service in fixed-line environments and dial-up connection to PCS network.

 

See “—Competitive Strengths—We have achieved critical mass in the mobile telecommunications service market”.

 

Continue to improve operational efficiencies

 

We will continue to seek to improve our operational efficiencies in order to enhance customer service, increase profitability and maximize shareholder value. For example, we are investing in information technology and management information systems, thereby improving management efficiency, internal communications, and customer relations functions, and disposing of, discontinuing or merging non-core businesses or subsidiaries.

 

In May 2003, we also reorganized our operational structure from focusing on localized telephone offices responsible for multi-tasking to having individual offices specialized in one of four areas. Each office will focus on either sales, network operation and maintenance, customer relations or regional support. Accordingly, we currently reorganized our offices into 31 sales offices, 31 network operation and maintenance offices, 38 district offices and 11 regional business groups. We believe that this new operational structure will promote specialization and enhance customer satisfaction.

 

Focus on maximizing customer satisfaction and promoting quality innovation

 

Quality of service is critical in attracting and retaining customers and enhancing our long-term profitability. We have a nationwide network of customer service centers which we believe allows us to provide comprehensive

 

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customer service functions. We strive to continually enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty by providing higher quality customer service. For example, we are implementing several programs to maximize customer satisfaction, including the expansion of services offered by our on-line customer center dedicated to respond to the special needs and demands of our customers. In June 2003, we began implementing our first round of six-sigma innovation program and will seek new opportunities to implement our company-wide quality innovation and promote cost-effectiveness and new market growth.

 

Our Services

 

Our Telephone Network and Fixed-line Telephone Services

 

We utilize our extensive nationwide telephone network to provide fixed-line telephone services, which consist of local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance services. Our telephone network includes exchanges, long-distance transmission equipment and fiber optic and copper cables. The following table gives some basic measures of the development of our telephone system:

 

     As of or for the Year Ended December 31,

     1998

   1999

   2000

   2001

   2002

Lines installed (thousands)(1)

   24,455    24,464    24,383    24,854    25,104

Lines in service (thousands)(1)

   20,756    21,192    21,525    21,898    22,327

Lines in service per 100 inhabitants(2)

   43.2    43.8    44.1    44.9    46.8

Percentage of lines connected to digital exchanges(3)

   68.9    73.9    79.7    87.5    92.4

Lines in service per employee(4)

   403    446    473    497    507

Fiber optic cable (kilometers)

   56,327    84,751    111,728    118,815    122,243

Number of public telephones installed (thousands)

   505    565    539    500    446

Domestic long-distance call minutes (millions)(5)

   29,835    26,019    21,563    19,632    17,133

Local call pulses (millions)(6)

   51,929    40,942    34,691    30,968    26,859

(1)   Including lines used for public telephones, which were 504,771 lines, 564,906 lines, 538,983 lines, 499,566 lines and 446,367 lines, respectively, for the years presented.
(2)   Source: International Telecommunication Union for 1998 and 1999 and KT Corporation for 2000 to 2002. Excluding public telephones.
(3)   We completed connection of all of our lines to digital exchanges on June 9, 2003.
(4)   Excluding employees of our subsidiaries and including lines used for public telephones.
(5)   Including calls placed from public telephones, which were 2,586 million minutes, 1,749 million minutes, 1,055 million minutes, 747 million minutes and 483 million minutes, respectively, for the years presented.
(6)   Including calls placed from public telephones, which were 4,531 million pulses, 2,756 million pulses, 1,551 million pulses, 1,252 million pulses and 680 million pulses, respectively, for the years presented.

 

In recent years, we have increased the proportion of our lines that are connected to exchanges capable of handling digital signal technology. A principal limitation of the older analog technology is that applications other than voice communications, such as the transmission of text and computer data, require either separate networks or conversion equipment. Digital systems permit a range of voice, text and data applications to be transmitted simultaneously on the same network. All lines installed since 1992 have been connected to digital exchanges and we completed connection of all installed lines to digital exchanges on June 9, 2003.

 

Our domestic long-distance cable network is entirely made up of fiber optic cable and can carry both voice and data transmissions. Compared to conventional materials such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable provides significantly greater transmission capacity with less signal fading, thus requiring less frequent amplification.

 

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International Long-Distance Service.    The following table shows the number of minutes of international long-distance calls recorded by us in each specified category for each year in the five-year period ended December 31, 2002:

 

     Year ended December 31,

     1998

   1999

   2000

   2001

   2002

     (in millions of billed minutes)

Incoming international long-distance calls

   484.5    369.9    460.1    515.8    546.8

Outgoing international long-distance calls

   604.3    534.6    552.1    552.9    572.3
    
  
  
  
  

Total

   1,088.8    904.5    1,012.2    1,068.7    1,119.1
    
  
  
  
  

 

United States (33%), Japan (19%) and China (11%) accounted for the greatest percentage of our international long-distance call traffic measured in minutes in 2002. The agreed settlement rate is applied to the call minutes to determine the applicable net settlement payment. Overall, we have been a net payer of settlement payments since 1996, and the volume of our outgoing calls exceeded the volume of our incoming calls for the first time in 1997. We receive the largest net settlement payment from U.S. carriers. Because the volume of incoming calls from the United States is larger than that of outgoing calls to the United States, amounts payable by the U.S. carriers to us in respect of calls billed by U.S. carriers have historically exceeded amounts payable by us to U.S. carriers in respect of calls billed by us. On the other hand, because the volume of outgoing calls to China exceeds that of incoming calls from China, we make the largest net settlement payment to international long-distance service providers in China.

 

To compete with our competitors in the international long-distance services market, we have implemented special discount calling plans and advertising campaigns directed at high-volume corporate users and we are also promoting our international leased-lines business.

 

We also provide Internet phone service for international long-distance calls. Despite the inconvenience of having to dial many numbers to access the Internet phone service, the volume of international long-distance calls made on Internet phone services, measured in terms of call minutes, has significantly increased since Internet phone service was first introduced in Korea in March 1998. Our Internet phone service also competes with international long-distance services provided by voice resellers.

 

Interconnection

 

Under the Telecommunications Business Law, we are required to permit other service providers to interconnect to our fixed-line network. Currently, the principal users of this interconnection capacity include DACOM and Onse (offering international and domestic long-distance services), SK Telecom (transmitting calls to and from its cellular network) and the two PCS service providers (transmitting calls to and from their PCS networks). We expect that an increasing number of new service providers will commence operations and require interconnection services in the future. Accordingly, we expect that interconnection revenues and payments will remain important for our results of operations. In recent years, revenues from a landline user for a call initiated by a landline user to a mobile service subscriber (land-to-mobile interconnection) have become a significant portion of our results of operations, accounting for 13.1% of our operating revenues in 2002. We recognize as land-to-mobile interconnection revenue the entire amount of the usage charge collected from the landline user and recognize as an expense the amount of interconnection charge paid to the mobile service provider.

 

Business and Data Communications

 

Our business and data communication services include:

 

    broadband Internet access service;

 

    leased-line services; and

 

    Internet-related services.

 

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Broadband Internet Access Service.    Responding to the increasing demand for data communications and other value-added services by our customers, we are investing extensively in our data communications infrastructure and are focusing on providing advanced services such as broadband Internet access service and wireless LAN service. Leveraging on our nationwide network of more than 25.1 million installed lines and 122,243 kilometers of fiber optic cable network, we have achieved a leading market position in the broadband Internet access market in Korea. We believe we currently have a competitive advantage over other broadband Internet access service providers because, unlike our competitors, we, as the dominant local telephone service provider, do not have to install new lines or cables in order to provide broadband Internet access service.

 

Under the “Megapass” brand name, we offer an ADSL service with data transmission speed of up to 8 Mbps, a VDSL service with data transmission speed of up to 20 Mbps and a B&A service designed for buildings and apartments. In addition, we offer a fiber-optic cable-based service under the “Megapass Ntopia” brand name. For those regions where we are not able to provide Internet access service using fixed lines, we offer satellite-based Internet access service and broadband wireless local loop (or BWLL) service. We had 4.9 million broadband Internet subscribers as of December 31, 2002, of which 4.2 million subscribed to the ADSL or VDSL services (85.4%), 0.4 million subscribed to the B&A service (7.1%) and 0.2 million subscribed to the Ntopia service (4.5%).

 

ADSL is a modem technology that converts existing copper twisted-pair telephone lines into access paths for multimedia and high-speed data communications. While ADSL technology was commercially introduced after HFC-based technology, it has surpassed HFC to become the prevalent access platform in Korea. VDSL, which is based on ADSL technology with enhanced speeds of up to 20 Mbps, became commercialized in 2002. According to the Ministry of Information and Communication, there were 5.7 million ADSL and VDSL subscribers and 3.6 million HFC subscribers in Korea as of December 31, 2002, representing 54.4% and 34.2% of the broadband market, respectively.

 

An ADSL or VDSL circuit connects a modem on each end of a twisted-pair telephone line. For ADSL, the high-speed downstream rate reaches up to 8.0 Mbps, while for VDSL, the high-speed downstream rate reaches up to 20.0 Mbps. The asymmetric design optimizes the bandwidth by maximizing the downstream speed for downloading information from the Internet. In essence, ADSL and VDSL transform the existing public information network from one limited to voice, text and low-resolution graphics to a powerful system capable of bringing multimedia to subscriber premises without new cabling. The traditional telephone service channel is split off from the digital information channels by filters, thus guaranteeing uninterrupted telephone service even in the event that ADSL or VDSL connection fails.

 

Downstream rates depend on a number of factors. For a constant wire gauge, the data rate decreases as the length of the copper wire increases. Generally, if the separation between the telephone office and the subscriber is greater than four kilometers, line attenuation is so severe that broadband speeds can no longer be achieved. Approximately 98% of our subscribers for basic local telephone service are located within a four kilometer radius of our telephone offices, making our ADSL or VDSL service available to most of the Korean population.

 

Our B&A service utilizes a bandwidth-shared, point-to-multipoint installation of T-LAN, an ethernet-based technology. The apartment building is connected to the local telephone office by a leased line and the bandwidth is shared by a number of subscribers in various units in the building using a local area network, or LAN, topology. This solution provides access speed of up to 2 Mbps and can be implemented for apartment buildings. The advantages of B&A are lower capital expenditures per port and cheaper prices. However, since this service utilizes a shared medium, degradation of speed can be substantial when multiple users try to access the Internet simultaneously. While we still offer B&A to users who do not use high bandwidth applications, we currently focus on marketing the ADSL, VDSL and Ntopia services. We are planning to discontinue our B&A service prior to the end of 2003 and shift the existing subscribers to our other broadband services.

 

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Our Ntopia service connects fiber-optic cables to apartment complexes and buildings with LAN capabilities. This technology allows data transmission speed up to 2.5 Mbps. Because this service is UTP cable-based, a subscriber is automatically connected to the Internet whenever his or her personal computer is in operation. We began offering our Ntopia service in September 2001.

 

On February 1, 2002, we launched a wireless LAN service called NESPOT, which is designed to integrate fixed-line and wireless services by offering high speed wireless Internet access to laptops and PDAs. NESPOT service provides our subscribers wireless access to high speed Internet in hot-spot zones and Megapass service in fixed-line environments. We had approximately 112,000 subscribers of NESPOT and 8,145 hot-spot zones nationwide for wireless connection as of December 31, 2002. This service provides access speed up to 11.0 Mbps.

 

Leased Lines.    Leased-line service involves offering exclusive lines that allow point-to-point connection for voice and data traffic between two or more geographically separate points. As of December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, we leased 592,125 lines, 593,567 lines and 598,872 lines to domestic businesses. We also had 264 international leased lines on December 31, 2002.

 

Internet-Related Services.    Our Internet-related services focus on providing infrastructure and solutions for business enterprises. We operate Internet data centers and provide website hosting services to numerous companies which need servers, routers and leased lines for Internet access. Internet data centers are facilities used to house, protect and maintain network server computers that store and deliver Internet and other network content, such as web pages, applications and data. We currently operate twelve centers located throughout Korea.

 

Our Internet data centers are professionally designed to international standards, and are equipped with temperature control systems, regulated and reliable power supplies, fire detection and suppression equipment, security monitoring and high-bandwidth connections to the Internet. Internet data centers allow corporations or Internet service providers to outsource their application and server hardware management. Services offered under our brand name “enTUM” include shared application hosting, dedicated hosting, co-location and managed hosting. Shared application hosting is the storage and delivery of applications over the Internet via a shared server. Dedicated hosting is application hosting on a dedicated server. Co-location is the installation of the customer’s network equipment at the Internet data centers. Managed hosting refers to additional premium hosting services for which customers are charged separately, such as network availability monitoring, remote power supply, bandwidth utilization monitoring and data backup and recovery.

 

We anticipate that demand for commercial transactions over the Internet will continue to increase in the future. To prepare for the increased demand, we launched a service called bizmeka.com to develop and commercialize business-to-business solutions targeting approximately 3.0 million small- and medium-sized business enterprises in Korea. Bizmeka.com is an applied application service provider which provides industry-specific business solutions, including customer database management and electronic data interchange. We had approximately 300,000 subscribers as of May 31, 2003. We also established the buynjoy.com on-line shopping mall which offers a variety of products and services from participating on-line retailers, as well as purchase aggregation services and auction services. We spun-off buynjoy.com in June 2002. Our hanmir.com portal site features a search engine and website directory, telephone directory, news articles, financial information and other contents. We also operate Korea’s largest clearinghouse for medical claims using electronic data interchange, processing 489 million transactions in 2002, and on-line medical prescription and hospital application hosting services. In addition, we launched in June 2003 a smart card business under the “1’ts” brand name, which provides multi-functional services utilizing embedded computer chips that calculate and record information. We expect our smart card to have a variety of functions, including those of credit cards, electronic online wallets and transportation fare passes. We plan on working with leading banks and credit card companies in Korea to build the necessary infrastructure and increase subscribers to our new service.

 

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PCS Service

 

PCS service is a digital wireless telephone system that uses light handsets with long battery life to communicate via low-power antennae. PCS telephones have the capacity to receive and send data as well as voice transmission. KT Freetel, one of our consolidated subsidiaries in which we have a 44.7% effective interest, obtained one of the three licenses to provide nationwide PCS service in June 1996. KT Freetel began offering PCS service in all major population centers in Korea in October 1997 and currently covers substantially all of the Korean population. In July and October 2000, we acquired a 47.9% interest in one of the other PCS service providers, Hansol M.com, since renamed KT M.com and merged into KT Freetel on May 1, 2001. PCS service is currently offered at rates that are lower than rates for cellular services. KT Freetel’s PCS service uses CDMA technology and utilizes 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1800 MHz frequency. KT Freetel launched its 2.5 generation high speed wireless data services in May 2001 which currently have a population coverage of 85%. Subscribers who have EV-DO-compatible handsets are able to enjoy high speed multimedia services including voice, data and video transmission.

 

On December 15, 2000, we acquired the right to purchase one of three licenses to provide IMT-2000 services, as a member of a consortium of companies including KT Corporation and KT Freetel. IMT-2000 is a third-generation, high-capacity wireless Internet and video multimedia communications technology which allows an operator to provide to its subscribers significant more bandwidth capacity. In June 2002, KT ICOM, a company created by our consortium to offer IMT-2000 services, launched a pilot version of IMT-2000 services in cities in Korea which sponsored FIFA Worldcup games. KT ICOM subsequently merged into KT Freetel on March 6, 2003 in a stock-for-stock transaction. KT Freetel is planning to offer its IMT-2000 services in metropolitan Seoul by the end of 2003, but the timing of its nationwide service has not been determined.

 

We entered into air-time reselling and revenue-sharing arrangements with KT Freetel in July 1999 and KT M.com in September 2000, through which we use our extensive marketing network and strong brand name to attract subscribers who can utilize the PCS networks of KT Freetel. We bill directly to our resale subscribers for their usage of KT Freetel’s PCS networks and collect all fees and charges relating to such usage, including initial subscription fees, monthly access fees and usage charges for outgoing calls, wireless data communications and value-added monthly services. We reimburse to KT Freetel 49.0% of the revenues from monthly access fees and usage charges. We had approximately 1.4 million resale subscribers who utilized KT Freetel’s network as of December 31, 2002.

 

KT Freetel competes not only with another PCS service provider, LG Telecom, which began its service at around the same time, but also with SK Telecom, a cellular service provider that has a longer operating history.

 

Mobile telecommunications service has grown rapidly in Korea in recent years. The table below gives the subscription and penetration information of the mobile telecommunications industry for the periods indicated:

 

     As of December 31,

 
     1998

    1999

    2000

    2001

    2002

 

Total Korean Population(1)

   46,287     46,617     47,008     47,343     47,640  

Mobile Subscribers(2)

   13,983     23,443     26,817     29,046     32,342  

PCS

   5,880     10,094     12,364     13,867     15,122  

Cellular

   8,103     13,349     14,453     15,179     17,220  

Mobile Subscriber Growth Rate

   104.8 %   67.7 %   14.4 %   8.3 %   11.3 %

Mobile Penetration(3)

   30.2 %   50.3 %   57.0 %   61.4 %   67.9 %

(1)   In thousands, based on population trend estimates by the National Statistical Office of Korea.
(2)   In thousands, based on information compiled by the Ministry of Information and Communication.
(3)   Penetration is determined by dividing mobile subscribers by total Korean population, each as of December 31.

 

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As of December 31, 2002, KT Freetel had approximately 10.3 million subscribers (including 1.4 million resale subscribers of KT Corporation), which was second largest among the three mobile service providers. As of that date, in terms of number of subscribers, we estimate that KT Freetel had a market share of 68.3% of the PCS service market and a market share of 31.9% of the mobile service market. In 2002, KT Freetel had an average monthly churn rate of 2.68%. The churn rate is calculated by dividing the number of customers who discontinue their subscription by the total number of customers. Monthly churn rate calculations include customers who receive a new phone number after upgrading to a new phone.

 

The following table shows selected information concerning the usage of KT Freetel’s network during the periods indicated and the number of KT Freetel’s subscribers as of the end of such periods:

 

     As of or for the Year Ended December 31,

     2000(1)

   2001

   2002

Outgoing Minutes (in thousands)

     6,409,660      13,054,299      16,130,211

Average Monthly Outgoing Minutes Per Subscriber(2)

     119      150      153

Average Monthly Revenue per Subscriber(3)

   (Won) 34,649    (Won) 38,729    (Won) 38,694

Number of Subscribers (in thousands)(4)

     4,735      9,591      10,333

(1)   Not including information related to KT M.com. In June and October 2000, we acquired a 47.9% interest in KT M.com, which subsequently merged into KT Freetel on May 1, 2001. As of December 31, 2000, KT M.com had approximately 3.0 million subscribers.
(2)   The average monthly outgoing minutes per subscriber is computed by dividing the total minutes of usage for the period by the weighted average number of subscribers for the period and dividing the quotient by the number of months in the period. The weighted average number of subscribers is the sum of the total number of subscribers at the end of each month divided by the number of months in the period.
(3)   The average monthly revenue per subscriber is computed by dividing total monthly access fees, usage charges, interconnection fees and value-added service fees for the period by the weighted average number of subscribers and dividing the quotient by the number of months in the period.
(4)   KT Corporation had approximately 1,422 thousand resale subscribers who utilized KT Freetel’s network as of December 31, 2002.

 

KT Freetel markets its services through two channels: (1) exclusive dealers and (2) the marketing network of KT Corporation pursuant to air-time reselling and revenue-sharing arrangements with us. The primary distribution channels of KT Freetel are its 1,455 independent exclusive dealers located throughout Korea. In addition to assisting new subscribers to activate PCS service and purchase handsets, authorized dealers are connected to the database of KT Freetel and are able to assist customers with account information. Although most of these dealers sell exclusively products and services of KT Freetel, sub-dealers hired by exclusive dealers may sell products and services offered by other mobile telecommunications service providers. Authorized dealers are entitled to a commission of Won 22,000 for each new subscriber registered, as well as ongoing commissions for the first five years based primarily on the subscriber’s monthly access fee, usage charges and length of subscription. Ongoing commissions range from 5.5% to 8.0% of monthly fees paid by the subscriber depending on the subscriber’s monthly usage charges, and from 0.3% to 0.9% of monthly fees depending on the subscriber’s length of subscription. In addition, dealers are entitled to bonuses ranging from 0.1% to 1.0% of monthly fees based on subscriber satisfaction surveys conducted by KT Freetel.

 

The handsets sold by KT Freetel to the dealers cannot be returned to KT Freetel unless they are defective. If a handset is defective, it may be exchanged for a new one within three days from the date of purchase.

 

KT Freetel does not require its subscribers to make facility deposits or take out facility insurance policies with the Korea Guarantee Insurance Company, unless a subscriber purchased his or her handset through the installment payment plan. In such a situation, facility insurance is required and the subscriber usually pays a one-time insurance fee ranging from Won 10,000 to Won 20,000. KT Freetel conducts the screening process for new subscribers with great caution. A potential subscriber must meet all internal credit criteria before receiving PCS service. The procedure includes checking the history of non-payment and credit information from banks and credit agencies such as the National Information and Credit Evaluation Corporation. Applicants who do not meet the minimum criteria can only subscribe to the PCS service by using a pre-paid card.

 

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Other Telecommunications Services

 

We provide various telecommunications services that extend beyond basic telephone service and data communications service, including:

 

    system and network integration services;

 

    satellite communications services;

 

    services provided by KTH; and

 

    leasing of telecommunications equipment.

 

These services accounted for 4.6% of our operating revenues for 2002.

 

System and Network Integration Services.    We offer a wide range of system and network integration services to our clients. Our range of services includes consulting services that provide solutions to specific system or network issues in designing, building and maintaining communications networks which satisfy the individual needs of our clients. Typically, it takes between six months to one year to complete a project.

 

From our system and network integration services, we derived revenues of approximately Won 89 billion in 2000, Won 199 billion in 2001 and Won 258 billion in 2002.

 

Satellite Communications Services.    In 1996, we launched Koreasat II, a telecommunications satellite with 15 transponders. Koreasat II became fully operational in July 1996. We use a total of 12 transponders to provide our telecommunications services and three transponders to television broadcasting companies. Koreasat II is due to reach the end of its operational life in 2006.

 

We launched Koreasat III in September 1999 to replace Koreasat I. Koreasat III carries 33 transponders, of which 27 are used for telecommunications and the remaining 6 for broadcasting purposes. Among the 27 transponders reserved for telecommunications, 12 are used to replace the telecommunications operations of an older satellite that has been phased out, while 12 are used for business and data transmission services. The remaining three transponders are used for ultra-high-speed communications pilot projects for sparsely populated areas. The six broadcast transponders for Koreasat III are used to replace the operations of the older satellite. All broadcast transponders are currently utilized by Korea Digital Satellite Broadcasting Inc., and broadcasting has become the main use of our satellites. The expected useful life of Koreasat III is approximately 15 years.

 

We are planning to launch Koreasat V in May 2006 to replace Koreasat II. Koreasat V will be a telecommunication satellite with 24 transponders and an expected useful life of approximately 15 years.

 

From our satellite communications services, we derived revenues of approximately Won 67 billion in 2000, Won 101 billion in 2001 and Won 124 billion in 2002.

 

KTH.    KTH is a consolidated subsidiary in which we own a 65.9% interest, and its services include providing on-line content subscription services under the “Hitel” brand name and developing on-line contents for hanmir.com portal site and our Megapass and NESPOT services. Hitel subscribers can access a variety of content from various third-party content providers, including news articles and information on business, entertainment, sports and other areas. KTH’s communication services include e-mail services, instant messenger services, web storage services and exchanges of electronic files.

 

KTH’s revenues consist primarily of monthly membership fees and usage charges and fees received from KT Corporation for development of on-line content for the KT Hanmir portal site and our Megapass and NESPOT services. Hitel subscribers also incur local telephone charges when they access the Hitel service using a dial-up modem. We also select the content providers whose content is made available to Hitel subscribers and receive a commission from these content providers. Hitel’s standard package charges subscribers a one-time subscription fee of Won 10,000 and a monthly membership fee of Won 10,000. In 2002, KTH had revenues of Won 41 billion.

 

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Revenues and Rates

 

The table below shows the percentage of our revenues derived from each category of services for each of the years from 2000 through 2002.

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2000

    2001

    2002

 

Fixed-line telephone services:

                  

Local services

   20.6 %   17.2 %   17.7 %

Non-refundable service installation fees

   1.3     1.5     1.5  

Domestic long-distance service

   8.1     6.6     6.5  

International long-distance service

   4.1     3.4     3.3  
    

 

 

Total

   34.1     28.6     29.0  
    

 

 

Land-to-mobile interconnection

   20.9     16.9     13.1  

Business and data communications services:

                  

Broadband Internet access service

   1.9     7.0     9.6  

Leased-line service

   7.8     7.0     6.4  

Internet-related services(1)

   2.3     2.5     2.5  

Miscellaneous

   3.6     1.6     1.3  
    

 

 

Total

   15.6     18.1     19.8  
    

 

 

PCS service

   17.2     23.4     25.2  

Sales of goods(2)

   6.9     7.9     8.3  

Other services(3)

   5.4     5.1     4.6  
    

 

 

Total operating revenues

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
    

 

 


(1)   Includes revenues from services provided by Kornet, enTUM, bizmeka.com and hanmir.com.
(2)   Includes PCS handset sales.
(3)   Includes revenues from system and network integration services, satellite service and KTH.

 

Fixed-line Telephone Services

 

Local Telephone Service.    Our revenues from local telephone service consist primarily of:

 

    installation fees for new lines,

 

    monthly basic charges, and

 

    monthly usage charges based on the number of call pulses.

 

All calls are currently measured by call pulses. Each pulse is determined by the duration of the call and the time of the day at which the call is made. For instance, during regular service hours, a call pulse is triggered at the beginning of each local telephone call and every three minutes thereafter.

 

The rates we charge for local calls are currently subject to approval by the Ministry of Information and Communication after consultation with the Ministry of Finance and Economy. The rates are the same for residential and commercial customers.

 

Before September 1998, in addition to a non-refundable installation fee of Won 8,000 and a monthly basic charge, a customer was required to pay at the time of a telephone installation a non-interest-bearing refundable deposit. The deposit ranged from Won 122,000 to Won 242,000 depending on the size of the local calling area in which the phone was installed. In September 1998, with the approval of the Ministry of Information and

 

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Communication, we implemented an alternative telephone installation charge system that allowed our customers to choose between the pre-existing service plan and a second service plan. The charges under each plan were as follows:

 

Rates from September 1998 to April 14, 2001


  

Pre-existing Plan


  

Second Plan


Telephone Installation Deposit (refunded upon termination of service)

  

Between Won 122,000 to Won 242,000, depending on location

  

None

Non-refundable Telephone Installation Fee

   Won 8,000    Won 100,000

Basic Monthly Charge

  

Between Won 1,500 to

Won 2,500, depending on location

  

Between Won 2,000 to

Won 4,000, depending on location

 

Through April 14, 2001, approximately 7.1 million existing customers switched to or enrolled under the second plan. To each of these customers, we refunded between Won 30,000 and Won 150,000 of their telephone installation deposits while keeping Won 92,000, reflecting the Won 100,000 non-refundable telephone installation fee under the second plan minus the Won 8,000 non-refundable installation fee paid under the pre-existing plan.

 

Starting on April 15, 2001, with the approval of the Ministry of Information and Communication, we implemented a new telephone installation charge system. The changes are as follows:

 

Rates Starting April 15, 2001


  

Pre-existing Plan


  

New Plan


Telephone Installation Deposit (refunded upon termination of service)

  

Between Won 122,000 to Won 242,000, depending on location

  

None

Non-refundable Telephone Installation Fee

   Won 8,000    Won 60,000 (including value added tax)

Basic Monthly Charge

  

Between Won 2,500 to

Won 3,700, depending on location

  

Between Won 3,000 to

Won 5,200, depending on location

 

All new customers subscribing to our local service on or after April 15, 2001 must choose the new plan. Our existing customers who are enrolled in the pre-existing plan are still allowed to switch to the new plan and receive their installation deposit back (less Won 52,000, reflecting the Won 60,000 non-refundable installation fee paid under the new plan minus the Won 8,000 non-refundable installation fee paid under the pre-existing plan). Our existing customers who switched to or enrolled under the second plan cannot switch to the new plan.

 

Between April 15, 2001 to December 31, 2002, approximately 9.7 million customers either chose to switch to the new plan or subscribed to our local service. The total refund amount (excluding the non-refundable telephone installation fees retained by us) to customers choosing to switch to the second plan or the new plan in 2002 amounted to Won 752 billion. As of December 31, 2002, there are 7.0 million subscribers who are enrolled under the pre-existing plan and eligible to switch to the new plan and receive their installation deposit back (less Won 52,000 as described above).

 

Starting May 1, 2002, we increased our charge for local directory assistance service from Won 80 per call to Won 100.

 

On April 15, 2001, with the approval of the Ministry of Information and Communication, we lowered the monthly usage charges from Won 45 per pulse (generally three minutes) to Won 39 per pulse while increasing the basic monthly charge as described above.

 

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Domestic Long-distance Telephone Service.    Our revenues from domestic long-distance service consist of charges for calls placed, charged for the duration, time of day and day of the week a call is placed, and the distance covered by the call. Since January 1998, we have been setting our own rates for domestic long-distance service with no need to obtain Ministry of Information and Communication approval.

 

The following table summarizes our local usage charges and domestic long-distance rates as of each date on which rates were revised since our establishment in 1981.

 

     Date of Rate Change(1)

     May 1,
1991


   Feb. 10,
1993


   Aug. 1,
1994


   Dec. 1,
1996


   Sept. 1,
1997


   Dec. 1,
2000


   Apr. 15,
2001


   Nov. 1,
2001


Local Usage Charges (per pulse)(2)

                                                       

Regular service

   (Won) 25    (Won) 30    (Won) 40    (Won) 41.6    (Won) 45    (Won) 45    (Won) 39    (Won) 39

Public telephone

     20      30      40      40      50      50      50      70

Domestic Long-Distance Service (per three minutes)(3)

                                                       

Up to 30 km

     100      100      40      41.6      45      45      39      39

Up to 100 km

     400      360      200      183      172      192      192      261

100 km or longer

     900      675      313      277      245      252      252      261

(1)   These charges do not reflect discounts applicable to calls made during off-peak hours or holidays.
(2)   Since January 1, 1990, usage charges for local service in those metropolitan areas subject to measured service have been based on the number of pulses, which are a function of the duration and number of calls, and per pulse rates. Commencing January 1, 1993, measured service applies to all lines in service. A pulse is triggered at the beginning of each local call and every three minutes thereafter from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and every 258 seconds thereafter on holidays and from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekdays. Before January 1, 1993, in areas not subject to measured service, a pulse was triggered once for each local telephone call, regardless of the length of the call.
(3)   Domestic long-distance calls of up to 30 kilometers are billed on the same basis as local calls described in note (2) above. For domestic long-distance calls in excess of 30 kilometers, a pulse was triggered at the beginning of each call and every 47 seconds (for calls up to 100 kilometers) or every 33 seconds (for calls in excess of 100 kilometers) thereafter. Starting on April 15, 2001, a pulse was triggered at the beginning of each call and every 30 seconds thereafter. Starting on November 1, 2001, a pulse is triggered at the beginning of each call and every 10 seconds thereafter. Rates for domestic long-distance calls in excess of 30 kilometers are currently discounted (by an adjustment in the period between pulses) by 20% on holidays and from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekdays, and by 50% from midnight to 6:00 a.m. everyday.

 

From September 10, 2002 to December 9, 2002, with the approval from the Ministry of Information and Communication, we also offered an optional flat rate plan for our fixed-line telephone service subscribers who had been our customers since August 1, 2001. Under the optional plan, a subscriber who elected to pay the monthly average of local and domestic long-distance usage amounts previously paid by such subscriber from August 1, 2001 to July 31, 2002 plus an extra charge of Won 1,000 to Won 5,000 each month (depending on average usage amount) is able to make unlimited minutes of local and domestic long-distance calls for up to 12 months from the election date. The optional flat rate plan is not renewable, unless we obtain an approval from the Ministry of Information and Communication.

 

The revenues from domestic calls placed from public telephones, which are included in local and domestic long-distance service revenues, as appropriate, were Won 154 billion in 2000, Won 114 billion in 2001 and Won 93 billion in 2002.

 

International Long-distance Service.    Our revenues from international long-distance service consist of:

 

    amounts we bill to customers for outgoing calls made to foreign countries (including customers who make calls to Korea from foreign countries under our home country direct-dial service);

 

    amounts we bill to foreign telecommunications carriers and administrations for connection to the Korean telephone network in respect of incoming calls (including calls placed in Korea by customers of the foreign carriers for home country direct-dial service); and

 

    other revenues, including revenues from international calls placed from public telephones.

 

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We bill outgoing calls made by customers in Korea (and calls made to Korea from foreign countries under our home country direct-dial service) in accordance with our international long-distance rate schedule for the country called. These rates vary depending on the time of day at which a call is placed. We bill outgoing international calls on the basis of one-second increments. Since January 1998, we have been setting our own rates for international long-distance service without the need to obtain Ministry of Information and Communication approval.

 

We bill outgoing calls (and calls made from Korea through a home country direct-dial service) to the relevant foreign carrier or administration at the applicable settlement rate specified under the agreement with the foreign entity. We have entered into over 240 bilateral agreements with foreign carriers and administrations. We negotiate the settlement rates under these agreements with each foreign carrier, subject to Ministry of Information and Communication approval. It is the practice among international carriers for the carrier in the country in which the call is billed to collect payments due in respect of the use of overseas networks. Although we record the gross amounts due to and from us in our consolidated financial statements, we make settlements with most carriers quarterly on a net basis.

 

The net settlement payment rate between U.S. carriers and us was reduced from US$0.355 per minute in 1999 to US$0.255 per minute in 2000 and US$0.190 per minute in 2001, 2002 and 2003. The reduction in the net settlement payment rates between KT Corporation and U.S. carriers will adversely affect our revenues from international long-distance service unless the reduction in rates can be offset by volume increases.

 

Effective January 1, 1999, the settlement rate applicable to Japan was reduced from Special Drawing Rights 0.315 per minute to Special Drawing Rights 0.20 per minute. The rate was further reduced to Special Drawing Rights 0.19 per minute effective October 1, 1999. Special Drawing Rights 1.00 was equivalent to US$1.3598 on December 31, 2002.

 

Starting March 10, 2003, we changed the rate structure for our international long-distance telephone service to compete more effectively in the international long-distance market, as well as in the Internet phone service market. We lowered our international long-distance rates applicable to most countries while decreasing the discounted hours during weekdays from 12 hours to 6 hours and on Saturdays from 16 hours to 6 hours and the discount rates applicable during these hours from 30% to 10%. Our normal rates for international long-distance calls to the United States, Japan and China decreased by 60%, 18% and 22%, respectively. Dacom and Onse also made comparable changes to their international long-distance rates.

 

Interconnection

 

We provide other telecommunications service providers, including mobile operators and other fixed-line operators, interconnection to our fixed-line network. Orders issued by the Ministry of Information and Communication require that all interconnection charges levied by local, domestic long-distance and mobile operators must be based on the costs to that operator of carrying a call (“Imputed Costs”). The interconnecting parties are to calculate the relevant Imputed Costs on an annual basis. In the event of a dispute regarding Imputed Costs, the Korea Communications Commission is empowered to act as arbitrator.

 

Land-to-mobile Interconnection.    In December 1997, the Ministry of Information and Communication issued an order setting the interconnection charge calculation method applicable to interconnections with SK Telecom as well as all other mobile service providers. Commencing in 1998, for a call initiated by a landline user to a mobile service subscriber, we collect from the landline user the land-to-mobile usage charge and remit to the mobile service provider a land-to-mobile interconnection charge based on the leading mobile service provider’s Imputed Costs. For 1998 and 1999, however, in lieu of calculating the leading mobile service providers’ Imputed Costs, the Ministry of Information and Communication set the amount of interconnection charge payable by us for calls from landline users to mobile service subscribers. To SK Telecom, we paid interconnection charges (excluding an unrecoverable value-added tax payable by us equal to 10% of the interconnection charges) equal to (1) 70% of the usage charge collected by us from the landline user in 1998 and (2) 65% of the usage charge collected in 1999. To PCS service providers, we paid interconnection charges (excluding value-added tax) equal to (1) 75% of the usage charge collected in 1998 and (2) 70% of the usage charge collected in 1999.

 

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For 2000, our payments to cellular and PCS service providers were calculated by taking the actual Imputed Costs of SK Telecom in 1998 and adjusting for several factors including the call volume of mobile service providers. For 2001, our payments to mobile service providers were calculated by reducing the 2000 per-minute amount applicable to cellular service providers by 7.76% and the 2000 per-minute amount applicable to PCS service providers by 10.75%. On December 12, 2002, the Ministry of Information and Communication issued an order revising the land-to-mobile interconnection charge calculation method applicable beginning January 2002. In addition to taking the actual Imputed Costs of SK Telecom in 2000, the Ministry of Information and Communication takes into consideration several factors including the call volume of each mobile service provider in determining interconnection charges we pay per minute to SK Telecom, KT Freetel and LG Telecom. Starting in 2004, the Ministry of Information and Communication announced that it will determine the land-to-mobile interconnection charge by calculating the long-run incremental cost of mobile service providers, taking into consideration technology development and future expected costs. We can give no assurance, however, that the method of calculating the payments in the future will be implemented as planned.

 

The following table shows the interconnection charges we paid per minute (exclusive of value-added taxes) to cellular and PCS operators for landline to mobile calls in 2001 and 2002 and which KT Corporation will pay in 2003 under the revised calculation method. The Ministry of Information and Communication is expected to announce the new rates for 2004 in the first half of 2004.

 

     2001

   2002

   2003

SK Telecom

   Won 63.6    Won 45.7    Won 41.0

KT Freetel(1)

   Won 65.7    Won 53.5    Won 48.0

LG Telecom

   Won 65.7    Won 59.0    Won 52.9

(1)   Eliminated in consolidation.

 

The following table shows the usage charge per ten seconds collected from a landline user for a call initiated by a landline user to a mobile service subscriber.

 

     2001

   2002

   2003(1)

SK Telecom

   Won 19.0    Won 15.6    Won 15.6

KT Freetel and LG Telecom

   Won 19.0    Won 15.6    Won 15.6

(1)   The Ministry of Information and Communication may order us to adjust the usage charges applicable for 2003.

 

The charges above have been agreed among the parties involved and confirmed by the Ministry of Information and Communication. In order to compensate for the lack of corresponding decrease in the base usage charge per ten seconds in 2001 which remained at Won 19.0, we agreed with the Ministry of Information and Communication to offer to landline users ten minutes of free calls per month from May 2002 to December 2002 for calls initiated by a landline user to a mobile service subscriber. The Ministry of Information and Communication may also order us to adjust the usage charge per ten seconds applicable for 2003, which remained constant at the 2002 rate of Won 15.6. It has been reported that the Ministry of Information and Communication is planning to lower the rate to Won 14.8 per ten seconds starting July 1, 2003. In order to compensate for the lack of corresponding decrease in the base usage charge per ten seconds in the first half of 2003, it has been reported that the Ministry of Information and Communication is also planning to order us to offer to landline users six minutes of free calls per month from July 2003 to December 2003 for calls initiated by a landline user to a mobile service subscriber. The amounts are expected to be confirmed by the Ministry of Information and Communication after consultation with other government agencies.

 

We recognize as land-to-mobile interconnection revenue the entire amount of the usage charge collected from the landline user and recognize as an expense the amount of interconnection charge paid to the mobile service provider.

 

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Land-to-land Interconnection.    We entered into interconnection agreements with DACOM, Onse and Hanaro in February 2001. The DACOM interconnection agreement provides that for a domestic or international long-distance call initiated by a DACOM subscriber, DACOM bills the customer its normal rate for the call and remits to us an interconnection charge based on our Imputed Costs. We entered into an interconnection agreement with Onse on the same terms as the DACOM interconnection agreement. We also entered into an interconnection agreement with Hanaro which provides that for a domestic call initiated by a Hanaro subscriber, Hanaro bills the customer its normal rate for the call and remits to us an interconnection charge based on our Imputed Costs.

 

On March 30, 2002, the Government issued an order to require us to provide domestic long distance interconnection services to our competitors without charging for local access network charge, effective retroactively starting January 2001. Additional exemptions will adversely affect our revenues from domestic long distance interconnection business.

 

Mobile-to-land Interconnection.    Commencing in 1998, for a call initiated by a mobile service subscriber to a landline user, the mobile service provider collects from its subscriber the mobile-to-land usage charge and remit to us a mobile-to-land interconnection charge based on our Imputed Costs. For 2001, payments by mobile service providers were calculated by taking our actual Imputed Costs in 1998 and adjusting for call volume. For 2002 and 2003, payments are calculated by taking our actual Imputed Costs in 2000 and adjusting for call volume. Mobile-to-land interconnection charges we received from mobile service providers were Won 15.9 or Won 21.2 per minute in 2001, Won 16.2 or Won 20.3 per minute in 2002 and Won 14.9 or Won 19.0 in 2003, depending on location of interconnection. The Ministry of Information and Communication is expected to announce the new rates for 2004 in the first half of 2004. Starting in 2004, the Ministry of Information and Communication will determine the mobile-to-land interconnection charge by calculating our long-run incremental cost, taking into consideration technology development and future expected costs.

 

Business and Data Communications Services

 

Broadband Internet Access Service.    We offer broadband Internet access service that uses existing telephone lines to provide both voice and data transmission. Our broadband Internet access service revenues accounted for 48.3% of our business and data communications revenues in 2002. The substantial increase in our broadband Internet revenues was primarily due to the increase in our broadband Internet access subscribers from approximately 12,000 as of December 31, 1999 to 4.9 million as of December 31, 2002. We charge customers of broadband Internet services on a monthly fixed-cost basis with no additional time charges. In addition, we charge customers a one time installation fee per site of Won 30,000. The following table summarizes our charges for different broadband Internet services:

 

     Maximum Speed

   Monthly Access Fee(1)

Megapass Special II

   20.0 Mbps    (Won) 60,000

Megapass Special I

   13.0 Mbps      50,000

Megapass Premium

   8.0 Mbps      40,000

Megapass Ntopia

   2.5 Mbps      36,000

Megapass Lite

   2.0 Mbps      30,000

(1)   We provide discounts of up to 15.0% for mandatory subscription periods ranging from one to three years.

 

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The following table is a comparison of standard rate plans of our competitors:

 

     Maximum
Speed


   Initial
Installation
Fee


   Monthly
Access
Fee


Hana FOS V Dream II (VDSL)

   20.0 Mbps    30,000    56,000

Hana FOS V Dream I (VDSL)

   13.0 Mbps    30,000    47,000

Hana FOS V Pro (ADSL)

   8.0 Mbps    30,000    38,000

Hana FOS V Pro (Cable)

   8.0 Mbps    30,000    34,000

Thrunet VDSL Special

   13.0 Mbps    36,000    47,000

Thrunet VDSL Premium

   10.0 Mbps    36,000    38,000

Thrunet Cable Internet Premium

   10.0 Mbps    36,000    38,000

 

Leased-line Service.    We charge customers of domestic leased-lines on a monthly fixed-cost basis based on the distance of the line, the capacity of the line measured in bits per second (“bps”), the type of line provided and whether the service site is local or long-distance. In addition, we charge customers a one-time installation fee per site ranging from Won 56,000 to Won 1,940,000, depending on the capacity of the line. As part of our effort to maximize revenues through rebalancing our rate structure, effective September 15, 2002, we increased our rates for local leased lines with capacity of up to 1,544 Kbps by 5.0% to 15.0%, depending on speed, and our rates for long-distance leased lines with distances of up to 100 kilometers by 8.0% to 10.0%, depending on distance.

 

PCS Services and Handset Sales

 

Our revenues from PCS service and PCS handset sales are generated through our consolidated subsidiary KT Freetel. KT Freetel derives revenues principally from:

 

    initial subscription fees;

 

    monthly access fees;

 

    usage charges for outgoing calls;

 

    usage charges for wireless data transmission; and

 

    value-added monthly service fees.

 

KT Freetel may set these fees and charges, including any promotional rates, without the need to obtain Ministry of Information and Communication approval. Like all Korean mobile service providers, KT Freetel does not charge its customers for incoming calls. Instead, KT Freetel receives interconnection charges from us for calls initiated from our fixed-line network to its PCS network (which are eliminated in consolidation) and charges from other mobile service operators for calls initiated by their subscribers. Rates for PCS services are lower than rates for cellular services.

 

The following table is a comparison of the standard rate plan of KT Freetel with the standard rate plans of its competitors as of January 1, 2003:

 

     Type of Service

   Facility Deposit
Amount


    Initial
Subscription Fee


   Monthly
Access Fee


   Usage Charge
per 10 Seconds


KT Freetel(1)

   PCS      None     (Won)  30,000    (Won) 14,000    (Won) 18

LG Telecom

   PCS      None       30,000      13,000      18

SK Telecom(1)

   Cellular    (Won) 200,000 (2)     50,000      14,000      20

(1)   KT Freetel and SK Telecom also offer ten minutes of free calls each month in their standard rate plans.
(2)   Subscribers may elect to obtain facility insurance from the Korea Guarantee Insurance Company in lieu of the facility deposits. The insurance costs Won 20,000 for three years’ coverage.

 

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Although KT Freetel provides various rate plans, approximately 25% of its subscribers are currently enrolled in the standard rate plan. KT Freetel’s other rate plans include those that offer a specified number of free airtime minutes per month in return for a higher monthly access fee and those that are geared toward business customers. Our competitors also offer similar plans.

 

In order to promote its PCS services, KT Freetel acquires PCS handsets in bulk for resale to its subscribers. Sales of PCS handsets by KT Freetel amounted to Won 700 billion in 2000, Won 1,032 billion in 2001 and Won 1,112 billion in 2002. KT Freetel and its competitors offered handsets to subscribers at prices that were substantially below the prices at which they purchased the handsets from manufacturers until June 1, 2000 when the Government banned such practices.

 

Investments

 

Korea Digital Satellite Broadcasting Company

We invested Won 60.1 billion in March 2001 for an 18.2% interest in Korea Digital Satellite Broadcasting Co., Ltd., a new affiliate created to offer satellite broadcasting services. KT Corporation holds a 15.0% interest, KT Freetel (our 44.7%-owned consolidated subsidiary) holds a 3.0% interest and KT Solutions Corporation (our wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary) holds an additional 0.2% interest. We formed a consortium with 51 other companies in June 2000 and obtained the license for satellite broadcasting on December 19, 2000. Other members of the consortium include major television broadcasting companies in Korea, conglomerates, newspaper companies and other media companies as well as manufacturers of equipment for satellite broadcasting. Korea Digital Satellite Broadcasting Company started its broadcasting services in March 2002 and had approximately 516,000 subscribers as of December 31, 2002. Our satellites are used to provide these services.

 

Competition

 

Under the Telecommunications Basic Law and the Telecommunications Business Law, telecommunications service providers in Korea are currently classified into network service providers, value-added service providers and specific service providers. See
“—Regulation”.

 

Network Service Providers

 

All network service providers in Korea are permitted to set the rates for international or domestic long-distance services on their own without Ministry of Information and Communication approval. Many of our competitors have set their rates lower than ours. Currently, we can compete freely with other providers on the basis of rates in all services except for local rates which requires advance Ministry of Information and Communication approval. See “—Regulation”. In all service areas, we also compete by endeavoring to provide superior customer service and superior technical quality, taking advantage of our broad customer base and our ability to provide integrated telecommunication services.

 

We and SK Telecom qualify as market-dominating business entities in the respective markets under the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act. Under this Act, a market-dominating business entity may not engage in any act of abuse, such as unreasonably interfering with business activities of other business entities, hindering unfairly the entry of newcomers or substantially restricting competition to the detriment of the interests of consumers. The Ministry of Information and Communication has also issued guidelines on fair competition of the telecommunications companies under the Telecommunications Business Law. If any telecommunications service provider breaches the guidelines, the Ministry of Information and Communication may take necessary corrective measures against it after a hearing at which the service provider may defend its action.

 

Local.    The only company licensed to compete with us in the local telecommunications business is Hanaro, whose major shareholders include LG Telecom and DACOM, and began providing local telephone service in

 

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four major cities in 1999. According to statistics published by the Ministry of Information and Communication, as of December 31, 2002, Hanaro had 4.0% of the market for local service in terms of number of subscribers. Although the local usage charge of both Hanaro and us is the same at Won 39 per pulse (generally three minutes), Hanaro’s non-refundable telephone installation charge and basic monthly charge are lower than ours. Hanaro’s customers do not pay any non-refundable telephone installation charge and pay basic monthly charge of up to Won 3,500, while our customers pay an installation charge of Won 60,000 and basic monthly charge of up to Won 5,200, depending on location.

 

In October 2002, the Ministry of Information and Communication announced its intention to implement local number portability in certain regions starting in mid-2003 and nationwide by the second half of 2004, which will allow our existing customers to choose a competing local telephone service provider without changing his or her telephone number. This implementation may allow Hanaro to compete more effectively for our existing customers.

 

Domestic Long-Distance.    Three companies, DACOM, Onse and Hanaro, are licensed to compete with us in the domestic long-distance market. DACOM began offering domestic long-distance service in January 1996. Currently, DACOM’s rates for domestic long-distance service are approximately 2.8% lower on average than ours. Onse began providing domestic long-distance service in December 1999. Onse’s domestic long-distance rates are up to 4.1% lower than ours depending on the calling area. Onse filed for court receivership in April 2003. Hanaro obtained its domestic long-distance licenses in January 2003 but has not started offering services.

 

The following table shows the market share, in terms of revenue, of us, DACOM and Onse in the domestic long-distance market in terms of revenues estimated by us for the years indicated:

 

     Market Share(1) (%)

     KT
Corporation


   DACOM

   Onse(2)

2000

   85.6    11.5    3.0

2001

   85.5    10.9    3.6

2002

   85.0    10.6    4.4

(1)   In terms of revenues estimated by KT Corporation.
(2)   Onse commenced domestic long-distance service in December 1999.

 

International Long-Distance.    Since its entry into the market for international long-distance service in December 1991, DACOM has obtained a significant share of Korea’s international long-distance business. In 2002, DACOM had 22.1% of the international long-distance market in terms of revenue. DACOM’s rates were at a 5% discount to ours before February 1993 and at a 3% discount before December 1995. Currently, we estimate that DACOM’s rates are at an average discount of 0.6% to ours.

 

Onse became the third carrier in Korea to provide international long-distance service and commenced service in October 1997. We estimate that Onse’s international rates are currently at an average discount of 4.1% to ours. We lost significant market share to Onse when Onse commenced service. Hanaro and SK Telink obtained their international long-distance licenses in January 2003 and June 2003, respectively, but they have not started offering international long-distance services.

 

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The following table shows market share, in terms of revenue, of us, DACOM and Onse in the international long-distance market as estimated by us for the years indicated:

 

     Market Share(1) (%)

     KT
Corporation


   DACOM

   Onse (2)

2000

   63.6    24.7    11.7

2001

   67.1    21.8    11.1

2002

   66.5    22.1    11.4

(1)   In terms of revenue.
(2)   Onse commenced international long-distance service in October 1997.

 

In addition, the entry of other telecommunications services providers, such as Internet phone service providers and voice resellers, that can offer telecommunications services at rates lower than ours has increased competition in the international long-distance market and adversely affected our revenues and profitability from international long-distance services. See “—Specific Service Providers”.

 

Business and Data Communications.    The Korean broadband Internet access service market has experienced significant growth over the last four years since Korea Thrunet first introduced its HFC-based service in July 1998. Hanaro Telecom entered the broadband market in April 1999 offering both HFC and ADSL services. We entered the market with our ADSL services in June 1999. Dreamline and DACOM followed and introduced their services in late 1999 and early 2000. The corporate reorganization proceeding for Korea Thrunet was commenced by Seoul District Court in March 2003.

 

The following table presents the number of subscribers and the market shares announced by the Ministry of Information and Communication as of December 31, 2002:

 

     Subscribers

   Market
Share(1)


 

KT Corporation

   4,922,395    47.3 %

Hanaro

   2,872,351    27.6 %

Korea Thrunet

   1,301,620    12.6 %

Others

   1,309,120    12.5 %

(1)   In terms of number of subscribers. Source: Ministry of Information and Communication.

 

DACOM had a monopoly on business and data communications services (except for leased-line service) until July 1990, when we were permitted by the Ministry of Information and Communication to compete in this area. We had a monopoly in domestic leased-line service until January 1994, when DACOM was also authorized to provide the same service. We estimate that for the year ended December 31, 2002, we had a market share of 70.6% in domestic leased-line services, Powercomm had a market share of 9.5% and DACOM had a market share of 7.1%.

 

Mobile Telecommunications.    Competition in the mobile telecommunications industry in Korea is intense. Competitors in this industry are cellular service provider SK Telecom and PCS service providers KT Freetel and LG Telecom. In July and October 2000, we acquired a 47.9% interest in Hansol M.com and renamed the company KT M.com. KT M.com merged into KT Freetel on May 1, 2001 in a stock-for-stock transaction, which increased our interest in KT Freetel to 40.7%. We currently own a 44.7% effective interest in KT Freetel. As of December 31, 2002, in terms of number of subscribers, we estimate that KT Freetel (including 1.4 million resale subscribers of KT Corporation) had a market share 68.3% of the PCS service market and a market share of 31.9% of the mobile service market. SK Telecom acquired control of Shinsegi in a series of transactions ending in April 2000, and Shinsegi merged into SK Telecom in January 2002. As of December 31, 2002, SK Telecom had a market share of approximately 53.2% based on the total number of mobile subscribers in Korea.

 

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In February 2003, the Ministry of Information and Communication announced its intention to implement mobile number portability which will allow mobile telephone service subscribers to choose a competing mobile service provider without changing his or her mobile number. Mobile number portability will be allowed to subscribers of SK Telecom, KT Freetel and LG Telecom starting in January 2004, July 2004 and January 2005, respectively. Mobile number portability may allow SK Telecom and LG Telecom to compete more effectively for KT Freetel’s existing customers. Starting in January 2004, all new subscribers of mobile services and existing subscribers who elect to receive a new mobile number will be given the uniform mobile code of “010” as the first three digits of their mobile numbers without regard to the mobile service provider. The Ministry of Information and Communication expects all mobile numbers to be switched to “010” by 2007.

 

The cellular services provided by SK Telecom and the PCS services provided by the PCS service providers have had a material adverse effect on KT Corporation in terms of the number of subscribers to KT Corporation’s fixed-line telephone services and our revenues from fixed-line telecommunications services. We expect this situation to continue. However, we believe that our increasing revenues from PCS services and from interconnection service more than offset the adverse effect. See “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results”.

 

Value-Added Service Providers

 

Value-added service providers may commence operations following notification to the Ministry of Information and Communication. The scope of business of a value-added service provider includes specific value-added telecommunications activities (other than services reserved for network service providers), such as data communications using telecommunications facilities leased from network service providers.

 

Specific Service Providers

 

Specific service providers, such as Internet phone service providers and voice resellers, started operations in Korea in 1998. We began providing Internet phone service for international long-distance calls in May 1998. Our Internet phone service also competes with international long-distance services provided by voice resellers who have also seen sharp increases in demand for their services.

 

Foreign Competition

 

Under the multilateral agreement on basic telecommunications services among the members of the WTO, effective November 27, 1997, the Government of Korea agreed to gradually reduce the restrictions on foreign and individual shareholdings in KT Corporation and other network service providers in Korea. Currently, the Telecommunications Business Law limits ownership of shares with voting rights in network service providers (including us) by foreign shareholders to 49% of issued shares with voting rights. In addition, the Telecommunications Business Law prohibits a foreign shareholder from being our largest shareholder. See  “—Regulation—Foreign Investment”. While the WTO Agreement enables us to seek foreign investors and strategic partners and to more easily take advantage of opportunities for investments in overseas telecommunications projects, it may also benefit our competitors and further intensify competition in the domestic market.

 

Regulation

 

Under the Telecommunications Basic Law and the Telecommunications Business Law, telecommunications service providers are currently classified into three categories:

 

    network service providers, such as us, which typically provide telecommunications services with their own telecommunications networks and related facilities; their services may include local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone services, mobile communications service, paging service and trunked radio system service;

 

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    value-added service providers, which provide telecommunications services other than those services specified for network service providers, such as data communications using telecommunications facilities leased from network service providers; and

 

    specific service providers, which may occupy a middle ground between network service providers and value-added service providers and are broadly defined by law as telecommunications service providers that provide network services using the telecommunications network facilities or services of network service providers.

 

Under the Telecommunications Basic Law and the Telecommunications Business Law, the Ministry of Information and Communication has comprehensive regulatory authority over the telecommunications industry and all network service providers. The Ministry of Information and Communication’s policy is to promote competition in the Korean telecommunications markets through measures designed to prevent the dominant service provider in any such market from exercising its market power in such a way as to prevent the emergence and development of viable competitors. A network service provider must be licensed by the Ministry of Information and Communication. Our license as a network service provider permits us to engage in a wide range of telecommunications services.

 

Rates

 

Under current regulations implementing the Telecommunications Business Law, a network service provider may set its rates at its discretion, although it must report to the Ministry of Information and Communication the rates and the general terms and conditions for each type of network service provided by it. There is, however, one exception to this general rule: if a network service provider has the largest market share for a specified type of service and its revenue from that service for the previous year exceeds a specific revenue amount set by the Ministry of Information and Communication, it must obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Information and Communication for the rates and the general terms for that service. Each year the Ministry of Information and Communication designates the service providers and the types of services for which the rates and the general terms must be approved by the Ministry of Information and Communication. In 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002, the Ministry of Information and Communication designated us for local telephone service and SK Telecom for cellular service. The Ministry of Information and Communication, in consultation with the Ministry of Finance and Economy, is required to approve the rates proposed by a network service provider if (1) the proposed rates are appropriate, fair and reasonable and (2) the calculation method for the rates are appropriate and transparent.

 

In January 2001, the Ministry of Information and Communication announced its intention to adopt a price range system for local service rates, under which local service providers (including us) may set the rates for their service at their own discretion within a range determined by the Ministry of Information and Communication. However, it remains uncertain when such price range system for local service rates will be implemented. Although no system has been implemented yet, we expect that this price range system would allow local service providers to increase their rates each year by a percentage no higher than the percentage increase in the consumer price index minus an amount that would be subject to periodic review. This system would give us greater flexibility in setting our local rates in response to market conditions, but we cannot give any assurance that the system will be adopted as contemplated or at all.

 

Other Activities

 

A network service provider, such as us, must obtain the permission of the Ministry of Information and Communication in order to:

 

    engage in certain businesses specified in the Presidential Decree under the Telecommunications Business Law such as telecommunications equipment manufacturing business and telecommunications network construction business;

 

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    change the conditions for its licenses;

 

    transfer, terminate, suspend or spin off all or a part of the business for which it is licensed;

 

    acquire all or a part of the business of another network service provider; or

 

    enter into a merger with another network service provider.

 

A telephone service provider may provide some network services using the equipment it currently has by submitting a report to the Ministry of Information and Communication. The Ministry of Information and Communication can revoke our licenses or order the suspension of any of our businesses if we do not comply with the regulations of the Ministry of Information and Communication under the Telecommunications Business Law.

 

The Ministry of Information and Communication’s responsibilities also include:

 

    formulating the basic plan for the telecommunications industry;

 

    preparing periodic reports to the National Assembly of the Republic regarding developments in the telecommunications industry;

 

    setting technical standards for all service providers; and

 

    promoting technological development and technological standardization.

 

The Ministry of Information and Communication may also recommend to network service providers that they invest a percentage of their total annual revenues in research and development and that they contribute to telecommunications research institutes in Korea. In addition, since January 2000, all network service providers (other than regional paging service providers) are obligated to contribute toward the supply of “universal” telecommunications services in Korea. Telecommunications service providers designated as “universal service providers” by the Ministry of Information and Communication are required to provide universal telecommunications services such as local services, local public telephone services, telecommunications services for remote islands and wireless communication services for ships. We have been designated as a universal service provider. The costs and losses recognized by universal service providers in connection with providing these universal telecommunications services will be shared on an annual basis by all network service providers (other than regional paging service providers), including us, on a pro rata basis based on their respective net annual revenue calculated pursuant to a formula set by the Ministry of Information and Communication.

 

Due to the amendment of the Telecommunication Business Law, effective April 9, 2001, a network service provider must permit other telecommunication service providers, which is designated by the Ministry of Information and Communication, to co-use wirelines connecting from the switching equipment to end-users, upon the request of such other telecommunication service providers. In addition, a network service provider may permit other network service providers to co-use its wireless communication systems upon the request of any of such other network service providers. The compensation method for the co-use must be determined by the Ministry of Information and Communication and be settled, by fair and proper methods.

 

In addition, starting April 2002, we are required to lease to other companies our fixed-lines that connect subscribers to our network. This system, which is called local loop unbundling, is intended to prevent excessive investment in local loops. This system requires us to lease the portion of our copper lines that represent our excess capacity to other companies upon their request at rates that are determined by the Ministry of Information and Communication based on our cost, and taking into consideration an appropriate rate of return, to enable them to provide voice and broadband services.

 

Korea Communications Commission

 

In accordance with the Telecommunications Basic Law, the Korea Communications Commission was established within the Ministry of Information and Communication to:

 

    promote fair competition in the telecommunications industry;

 

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    protect the rights of telecommunications services users; and

 

    settle disputes between telecommunications service providers.

 

The Korea Communications Commission is composed of up to nine commissioners appointed by the President of the Republic. The Ministry of Information and Communication has established a working bureau in the Korea Communications Commission to support the work of the Korea Communications Commission and intends to make the Korea Communications Commission more independent. We expect that the Korea Communications Commission will become more active in investigating and settling the above mentioned matters.

 

Foreign Investment

 

The Telecommunications Business Law restricts the ownership and control of network service providers by foreign shareholders. Foreigners, foreign governments and “foreign invested companies” may not own more than 49% of the issued shares with voting rights of a network service provider, including us, and a foreign shareholder may not become our largest shareholder. For purposes of the Telecommunications Business Law, the term “foreign invested company” means (1) a company in which foreigners and foreign governments hold 80% or more shares with voting rights in the aggregate or (2) a company in which foreigners and foreign governments hold 15% or more shares with voting rights in the aggregate and a foreigner or a foreign government is the largest shareholder. There is no restriction on foreign ownership for specific service providers and value-added service providers. In the event that a network service provider violates the shareholding restrictions, its shareholders cannot exercise voting rights for their shares in excess of such limitation, and the Ministry of Information and Communication may require corrective measures be taken to comply with the ownership restrictions.

 

Individual Shareholding Limit

 

In January 1999, the Government amended the Privatization Law and raised the ceiling on individual shareholdings from 7% to 15%. Accordingly our articles of incorporation had provided for an individual shareholding limit of 15%. However, with the completion of the disposition of the Government’s ownership interest in us in May 2002, the Privatization Law ceased to apply to us after the general shareholders’ meeting held in August 2002 and such ceiling on individual shareholding specified in the articles of incorporation has been eliminated. See “Additional Information—Articles of Incorporation—Limitation on Shareholding”.

 

Relationship with the Government

 

Government as Shareholder

 

Before 1993, the Government owned all of our shares. Since 1993, the Government has gradually reduced its ownership and completed the disposition of its ownership interest in us in May 2002.

 

See “—Privatization”.

 

Government as Regulator

 

Under Korean law, the Government, primarily through the Ministry of Information and Communication, has authority to regulate all aspects of our activities. Currently, our telecommunications rates for local telephone service are subject to Ministry of Information and Communication’s approval. See “—Regulation”. The form of our standard agreement for providing local network service and each of our agreements for interconnection with other service providers are also subject to the Ministry of Information and Communication’s approval. In addition, we are required to furnish reports relating to our business and affairs to the Ministry of Information and Communication and from time to time consult with Ministry of Information and Communication officials on these matters. See “—Regulation”.

 

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Government as Customer

 

The Government purchases services from us on an arm’s-length basis. The rates charged to the Government for our services are the same as those charged to the public.

 

Contributions to Government

 

We make contributions to the Ministry of Information and Communication, primarily to its Information and Telecommunication Improvement Fund. Our contributions amounted to Won 107 billion in 2000, Won 95 billion in 2001 and Won 68 billion in 2002. See Note 33 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Privatization

 

Since 1988, the Government has sold shares of a number of Government-owned companies to promote the efficiency of these companies. Examples include the privatization of POSCO completed in 2000 and the partial privatization of Korea Electric Power Corporation in 1989, 1999 and 2000. In keeping with its privatization plans, the Government has gradually reduced its ownership interest in us since 1993 and completed the disposition of all of its equity interest in us in May 2002.

 

The following table shows the dates, the number of shares sold in each series of share sales by the Government:

 

     Number of
Shares Sold


November 9, 1993(1)

   5,723,470

April 19, 1994

   14,283,020

November 10, 1994(2)

   8,752,480

October 14, 1996

   152,000

November 12, 1996(3)

   3,648,800

November 29, 1996

   9,565,440

December 12, 1996(4)

   6,920,000

May 28, 1999

   20,813,311

February 20, 2001

   3,330,640

July 2, 2001

   55,502,161

January 4, 2002(5)

   36,770,183

May 23 and 24, 2002(6)

   70,859,544

(1)   Not including 5,7 58,200 shares and 17,309,330 shares sold to our employee stock ownership association and the National Pension Corporation.
(2)   Not including 5,760,000 shares sold to our employee stock ownership association.
(3)   Not including 3,324,000 shares sold to our employee stock ownership association.
(4)   Not including 1,730,000 shares sold to our employee stock ownership association.
(5)   We purchased these shares from the Government as treasury shares, of which 27,404,193 shares have been reserved in connection with our convertible notes offering to foreign investors in January 2002.
(6)   Not including 17,714,885 shares sold to our employee stock ownership association. The Government sold 33,618,983 shares to domestic strategic investors, 6,931,690 shares to institutional investors and 6,784,479 shares to individual investors in the May 2002 domestic public offering. In addition, we purchased 23,524,392 shares from the Government as treasury shares in connection with our domestic convertible bond offering in May 2002.

 

Under the Korea Telecom Act and the Government-Invested Enterprises Management Basic Act the Government had a greater control over our business and affairs. Effective October 1, 1997, the Korea Telecom Act was repealed and the Government-Invested Enterprises Management Basic Act became inapplicable to us. As a result, we became a corporation (chusik hoesa) under the Commercial Code, and our corporate organization and shareholders’ rights were governed by the Privatization Law and the Commercial Code. Among other things,

 

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we began to exercise greater autonomy in setting our annual budget and making investments within the telecommunications industry, and our directors, who used to be appointed by the Government under the Korea Telecom Act, are now elected by our shareholders. See “Directors, Senior Management and Employees”. With the completion of disposition of the Government’s ownership interest in us in May 2002, the Privatization Law ceased to apply to us after the general shareholders’ meeting in August 2002.

 

Strategic Investments

 

As part of the privatization plan, we entered into a business corporation agreement and a co-branded portal service agreement with Microsoft Corporation on January 3, 2002, pursuant to which we will jointly develop and deploy products, services and systems for our internal use and for distribution to our customers. Microsoft purchased US$500 million aggregate principal amount of our 4.30% bonds due 2005 with warrants to purchase 9,270,200 shares of our shares at an initial exercise price of Won 69,416 per share. We believe that such an investment will help to enhance management and operational efficiencies and provide us with, among other things, access to new technology and access to opportunities in new growth businesses. Microsoft Corporation and we are currently involved in several projects, including development of enhanced Internet telephone and messenger services, digital video-on-demand services and a new operating support system.

 

As part of the privatization plan, the Government allocated 15.0% of our issued common shares to domestic strategic investors in its May 2002 public offering. SK Telecom, the largest provider of mobile telecommunications services in Korea, purchased 29,808,333 shares, or a 9.6% interest, and LG Electronics and a consortium led by Daelim Industrial purchased 2,360,018 shares (0.8% interest) and 1,450,632 shares (0.5% interest), respectively. SK Telecom, LG Electronics and Daelim Industrial also purchased convertible bonds which may be convertible into 5,589,663 shares (1.8% interest), 4,720,035 shares (1.5% interest) and 2,901,263 shares (0.9% interest), respectively. SK Telecom and we agreed to an equity swap on December 20, 2002, under which each company agreed to sell to the other all of the equity ownership in the other. Accordingly, on December 30, 2002 and January 10, 2003, we exchanged an aggregate of 8,266,923 shares of SK Telecom, or a 9.3% interest in SK Telecom, for an aggregate of 29,808,333 of our shares previously owned by SK Telecom plus Won 335 billion in cash. As a result of the stock swap transactions with SK Telecom, SK Telecom no longer owns any interest in us.

 

Customers and Customer Billing

 

We charge residential subscribers and business subscribers the same rates for services provided. We bill all of our customers on a monthly basis. Our customers may make payment at either payment points such as local post offices, banks or our service offices, through a direct-debit service that automatically deducts the monthly payment from a subscriber’s designated bank account, or through a direct-charge service that automatically charges the monthly payment to a subscriber’s designated credit card account. In Seoul, approximately half of our subscribers pay through the direct-debit service. Subscribers who incur charges in an amount greater than the amount deposited at initial installation receive a notice of payment from us and if such charges are not paid after the notice, we cease to provide outgoing service to such subscribers after a period of time determined by, among other things, their credit history. If charges are still not paid after outgoing service is cut off, we cease all services to such subscribers after a period of time determined by the head of our relevant regional office. After service is ceased, we transfer the account to a collection agency and the overdue charges that are not collected by the collection agency are written off.

 

To support business subscribers and meet their increasing demand for data communications services, we have initiated an on-site service system. Under this system, business subscribers have access to an account manager who has the capability to market new products and services tailored to the needs of the business subscribers and provide systems management consulting and technical assistance.

 

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Insurance

 

We carry insurance against loss or damage to all significant buildings and automobiles. Except for our insurance coverage of our two satellites, we do not carry insurance covering losses to outside plant or to equipment because we believe the cost of such insurance is excessive and the risk of material loss or damage is insignificant. We do not have any provisions or reserves against such loss or damage.

 

We provide co-location and a variety of value-added services including web- and server-hosting and application-hosting services to a number of corporations whose business largely depends on critical data operated on our servers or on their servers located at our data centers. Any disruptions, interruptions, physical or electronic data loss, delays or slow down in communication connections could expose us to potential liabilities for losses relating to the disrupted businesses of our customers relying on our services.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Our principal fixed asset is our integrated telecommunications network that consists of exchanges and transmission equipment, access lines, backbone network, and PCS network of KT Freetel. In addition, we own buildings and real estate.

 

Our fixed-line equipment vendors include well-known international and local suppliers such as Samsung Electronics, Cisco, LG Electronics and Lucent Technologies. Our major mobile equipment suppliers are Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and Lucent Technologies.

 

Exchanges and Transmission Equipment

 

Exchanges include local exchanges and “toll” exchanges that connect local exchanges to long-distance transmission facilities. The following table shows the number and percentages of lines connected to different types of our exchange equipment at December 31, 2002.

 

     Local Exchanges

    Toll Exchanges

 
     Number of
lines


   % of lines

    Number of
lines


   % of lines

 
     (in thousands)  

Electromechanical switches

   1,927    7.6 %   0    0.0 %

Digital switches

   23,177    92.4     2,127    100.0  
    
  

 
  

Total

   25,104    100.0 %   2,127    100.0 %
    
  

 
  

 

All of our exchanges are fully automatic. We completed replacement of all electromechanical analog exchanges with digital exchanges on June 9, 2003 in order to provide higher speed and larger volume services.

 

Access Lines

 

As of December 31, 2002, we have 25.1 million access lines installed, which allow us to reach virtually all homes and businesses in Korea. As part of our broadband deployment strategy, we have upgraded many of our access lines by equipping them with broadband capability using ADSL and VDSL technology. As of December 31, 2002, we had approximately 6.7 million broadband lines that enable us to deliver high-speed Internet access and multimedia content to our customers.

 

Domestic Backbone

 

Our domestic fiber network consists of 122,243 kilometers of fiber. Our network is based on a synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) architecture, which allows for instantaneous re-routing and reduced downtime in the event of a fiber cut. In addition, SDH offers better reliability and performance for optical fiber transmission at a

 

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lower operating cost. In certain parts of our SDH network we have installed dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) equipment. DWDM technology allows the combination of data from multiple signals on an optical fiber by carrying each signal on a separate wavelength, and hence substantially improving bandwidth efficiency.

 

Our extensive domestic long-distance network is supplemented by our fully digital domestic microwave network, which consists of 62 relay sites and 7 satellite earth stations.

 

International Long-Distance Network

 

Our international long-distance network infrastructure consists of both submarine cables and satellite transmission systems, which link our national network directly to 111 telecommunications service providers in 76 international destinations.

 

International calls are routed between Korea and international destinations through our four international switching centers, two of which are located in Seoul, while the other two are located in Daejun and Pusan. Each center had four international gateway switches with a combined simultaneous call capacity of 51,330 as of December 31, 2002.

 

In order to supplement the capacity of our cable and microwave networks and enhance our domestic long-distance and broadcasting services, we operate two telecommunications satellites, Koreasat II and III, launched in 1996 and 1999, respectively. The two satellites are due to reach the end of their normal operational lives in 2007 and 2015, respectively. We are planning to launch Koreasat V in May 2006 to replace Koreasat II. Koreasat V will be a telecommunication satellite with 24 transponders and an expected useful life of approximately 15 years. See “—Other Telecommunications Services”.

 

Personal Communication Services (PCS) Networks

 

Our PCS network architecture includes the following components:

 

    cell sites, which are physical locations equipped with base transceiver stations consisting of transmitters, receivers and other equipment used to communicate through radio channels with subscribers’ mobile telephone handsets within the range of a cell;

 

    base station controllers, which connect to, and control, the base transceiver station within each cell site;

 

    mobile switching centers, which in turn control the base station controllers and the routing of telephone calls; and

 

    transmission lines, which connect the mobile switching centers, base station controllers, base transceiver stations and the public switched telephone network.

 

The following table lists selected information regarding PCS networks of KT Freetel as of December 31, 2002.

 

Mobile switching centers

   51  

Base station controllers

   425  

Base transceiver stations

   9,899  

Indoor and outdoor repeaters

   112,971  

Total capacity (millions)

   13.1  

Population coverage of 2.0 generation network

   98 %

Population coverage of 2.5 generation network

   85 %

 

Through our consolidated subsidiary KT Freetel, we have 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1,800 MHz spectrum to provide PCS services based on CDMA wireless network standards. We also have another 20 MHz of

 

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bandwidth in the 2,000 MHz spectrum to provide IMT-2000 services based on W-CDMA wireless network standards. We have also installed an intelligent network on our mobile network infrastructure to enable us to provide a wide range of advanced call features and value-added services.

 

We have been upgrading our digital networks to provide 2.5 generation multimedia services. Toward this effort, we have installed 2,413 IS-95C base transceiver stations as of December 31, 2002. Starting in February 2002, we have also installed 1,217 EV-DO base transceiver stations as of December 31, 2002, and we expect to install an additional 957 EV-DO base transceiver stations in 2003. We launched our 2.5 generation services in May 2001 and currently have population coverage of 85%.

 

International Submarine Cable Networks

 

International long-distance traffic is handled by telecommunications satellites and submarine cables. Because of the high cost of laying a submarine cable, the usual practice is for multiple carriers to jointly commission a new cable and share the costs and the capacity.

 

We own interests in several international fiber optic submarine cable networks, including:

 

    a 18.3% interest in the 4,587-kilometer H-J-K fiber optic submarine cable network connecting Korea, Japan and Hong Kong, completed in May 1990;

 

    a 20.9% interest in the 1,762-kilometer R-J-K fiber optic submarine cable network connecting Korea, Japan and Russia, completed in January 1995;

 

    a 38.9% interest in the 549-kilometer C-K-C fiber optic submarine cable network connecting Korea with China, completed in January 1996;

 

    a 4.4% interest in the 12,083-kilometer Asia Pacific Cable Network connecting Korea, Japan and Hong Kong with six Southeast Asian countries and Australia, completed in January 1997;

 

    a 1.5% interest in the 29,000-kilometer Fiber Optic Link Around the Globe network connecting Korea, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe, completed in April 1997;

 

    a 2.3% interest in the 39,000-kilometer Southeast Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 3 Cable Network linking 34 countries, completed in December 1999;

 

    a 6.3% interest in the 30,444-kilometer China-U.S. Cable Network linking Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan and the United States, completed in January 2000;

 

    a 3.4% interest in the 19,000-kilometer Asia Pacific Cable Network 2 connecting Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia, to be completed in September 2001; and

 

    a 20.0% interest in the 500-kilometer Korea-Japan Cable Network linking Korea and Japan, completed in March 2002.

 

We have also invested in 24 other international fiber optic submarine cables around the world.

 

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Item 5.    Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

 

We are an integrated provider of telecommunications services. Our principal services include fixed-line telephone services, interconnection services to other telecommunications companies, business and data communications services including broadband Internet access service and leased-line service, and mobile telecommunications services through our consolidated subsidiaries. The principal factors affecting our revenues from these services have been our rates for, and the volume of usage of, these services, as well as the number of subscribers.

 

Trend Information

 

A number of developments have had and may have in the future a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition and capital expenditures. These developments include:

 

    increasing demand for enhanced broadband Internet access service;

 

    developing IMT-2000 services;

 

    stock swap transactions with SK Telecom;

 

    acquisition of a controlling interest in KT M.com and merger into KT Freetel;

 

    a change in the rate structure for land-to-mobile interconnection;

 

    changes in the rate structure for local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone services;

 

    changes in the telephone installation charge system that have resulted and will continue to result in our having to make refunds of deposits;

 

    a change in the telephone tax system; and

 

    voluntary early retirement programs and changes in severance and retirement benefits.

 

As a result of these changes, our financial results in the past may not be indicative of future results or trends in those results.

 

One of the major factors contributing to our historical performance was the growth of the Korean economy, and our future performance will depend at least in part on the Republic’s general economic growth and prospects. For a description of recent developments that have had and may continue to have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition, see “Key Information—Risk Factors—Adverse economic and financial developments in Korea recently had and may in the future have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and the price of the shares of our common stock and American Depositary Shares”.

 

Increasing Demand for Enhanced Broadband Internet Access Service

 

We have experienced a sharp increase in demand for our broadband Internet access services during the past several years. As of December 31, 2002, we had 4.9 million subscribers of broadband Internet access services, representing a market share of 47.3% of the broadband Internet access market in Korea. We have budgeted approximately Won 458 billion in capital expenditures for broadband Internet access service in 2003. A significant portion of this amount will be used to purchase equipment that needs to be installed to expand our network and increase the transmission speed. If demand for enhanced Internet access service increases more than our current estimates, we may need to incur additional capital expenditures to meet our customers’ needs.

 

Developing IMT-2000 Services

 

We acquired the right to purchase one of three licenses to provide IMT-2000 services on December 15, 2000, as a member of a consortium of companies including KT Corporation and KT Freetel. In March 2001,

 

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KT ICOM, a company created by the consortium to offer IMT-2000 services, paid half of the Won 1.3 trillion license fee payable to the Ministry of Information and Communication. KT ICOM merged into KT Freetel on March 6, 2003 in a stock-for-stock transaction. KT Freetel will pay the remaining Won 650 billion over a period of five years starting in 2007. KT Freetel will pay Won 90 billion in 2007, Won 110 billion in 2008, Won 130 billion in 2009, Won 150 billion in 2010 and Won 170 billion in 2011. The Ministry of Information and Communication will also charge interest rates of three-year Government bonds minus 0.75% on these amounts until they are paid. We expect KT Freetel to leverage our existing network and technology to minimize its capital expenditures and other costs related to developing IMT-2000 services. However, we believe KT Freetel will require significant amounts of research and development and capital expenditures to build out its IMT-2000 network, and we estimate that KT Freetel’s capital expenditures related to IMT-2000 will be approximately Won 134 billion in 2003.

 

Stock Swap Transactions with SK Telecom

 

SK Telecom and we agreed to an equity swap on December 20, 2002, under which each company agreed to sell to the other all of the equity ownership in the other. Accordingly, on December 30, 2002 and January 10, 2003, we exchanged an aggregate of 8,266,923 shares of SK Telecom, or a 9.3% interest in SK Telecom, for an aggregate of 29,808,333 of our shares previously owned by SK Telecom plus Won 335 billion in cash. As a result of the stock swap transactions with SK Telecom, we no longer own any interest in SK Telecom. We recognized a gain on disposition of investment securities in the amount of Won 908 billion in 2002 and Won 775 billion in 2003.

 

Acquisition of a Controlling Interest in KT M.com and Merger into KT Freetel

 

In July and October 2000, we acquired a 47.9% interest in Hansol M.com, a PCS mobile service provider which was renamed KT M.com. We acquired this interest from major shareholders of Hansol M.com to whom we paid Won 513 billion and US$200 million in cash, issued promissory notes in the amount of Won 737 billion with a maturity of one year and transferred 2,943,627 shares of SK Telecom that we own. We paid the cash portion of the purchase price with cash on hand and with short-term debt financing. We prepaid Won 655 billion of the issued promissory notes by the end of 2000 and the remainder in the first half of 2001 using the proceeds of short-term debt financing with lower interest rates. As a result of our acquisition, KT M.com’s balance sheet and statement of income as of and for the six months ended December 31, 2000 are included in our consolidated financial statements prepared under Korean GAAP. See Note 2(a) of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. KT M.com merged into KT Freetel on May 1, 2001 in a stock-for-stock transaction, which increased our interest in KT Freetel to 40.9%. We currently own a 44.7 % effective interest in KT Freetel.

 

A Change in the Rate Structure for Land-to-mobile Interconnection

 

On April 2, 2002, the Ministry of Information and Communication issued an order revising the interconnection charge calculation method applicable beginning January 2002. On April 25, 2002, the Ministry of Information and Communication issued another order lowering the base usage charge collected from a landline user for a call initiated by a landline user to a mobile service subscriber. As a result, the base usage charge per ten seconds collected from a landline user for a call initiated by a landline user to a mobile service subscriber decreased from Won 19.0 in 2001 to Won 15.6 in 2002 and 2003. The interconnection charge we pay per minute (exclusive of value-added taxes) to SK Telecom, KT Freetel and LG Telecom decreased from Won 63.6, Won 65.7 and
Won 65.7 in 2001 to Won 45.7, Won 53.5 and Won 59.0 in 2002, respectively. These rates further decreased to Won 41.0, Won 48.0 and Won 52.9 in 2003. We expect these changes in the rate structure to have a negative impact on our land-to-mobile interconnection revenues and profits. Revenues from land-to-mobile interconnection accounted for 13.1% of our operating revenues in 2002, compared to 16.9% in 2001. See “Information on the Company—Revenues and Rates—Interconnection”.

 

Changes in the Rate Structure for Local, Domestic Long-distance and International Long-distance Telephone Services

 

On April 15, 2001, with the approval from the Ministry of Information and Communication, we changed the rate structure for our local telephone service which applies to all our customers. We lowered usage charges from

 

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Won 45 per pulse (generally three minutes) to Won 39 per pulse while increasing the basic monthly charge from the previous range of Won 1,500 to Won 4,000 to the new range of Won 2,500 to Won 5,200, depending on location. We expect such adjustment in the rate structure to have a positive effect on our financial condition by increasing the portion of fixed income and stabilizing our cash flow. In addition, because the growing use of mobile telecommunications services has decreased the usage of our fixed-line telephone services, we believe we will be able to maximize our revenues from fixed-line telephone services by adjusting the rate structure so as to increase our basic monthly charges. Revenues from local telephone service accounted for 17.7% of our operating revenues in 2002, compared to 17.2% in 2001. See “Information on the Company—Revenues and Rates—Fixed-line Telephone Services”.

 

From September 10, 2002 to December 9, 2002, with the approval from the Ministry of Information and Communication, we also offered an optional flat rate plan for our fixed-line telephone service subscribers who had been our customers since August 1, 2001. Under the optional plan, a subscriber who elected to pay the monthly average of local and domestic long-distance usage amounts previously paid by such subscriber from August 1, 2001 to July 31, 2002 plus an extra charge of Won 1,000 to Won 5,000 each month (depending on average usage amount) is able to make unlimited minutes of local and domestic long-distance calls for up to 12 months from the election date. The optional flat rate plan is not renewable, unless we obtain an approval from the Ministry of Information and Communication. As long as our existing customers who have elected the optional flat rate plan do not discontinue our domestic long-distance service, we expect such optional flat rate plan to have a positive effect on our financial condition by increasing the portion of fixed income and stabilizing our cash flow. See “Information on the Company—Revenues and Rates—Domestic Long-distance Telephone Service.”

 

Starting March 10, 2003, we changed the rate structure for our international long-distance telephone service. We lowered our international long-distance rates applicable to most countries while decreasing the discounted hours during weekdays from 12 hours to 6 hours and on Saturdays from 16 hours to 6 hours and the discount rates applicable during these hours from 30% to 10%. Our normal rates for international long-distance calls to the United States, Japan and China decreased by 60%, 18% and 22%, respectively. We expect such adjustment in the rate structure to have a negative effect on our revenues from international long-distance service. Revenues from international long-distance service accounted for 3.3% of our operating revenues in 2002. See “Information on the Company—Revenues and Rates—International Long-distance Service.

 

Changes in the Telephone Installation Charge System

 

In September 1998, with the approval of the Ministry of Information and Communication, we implemented an alternative telephone installation charge system that allowed our new and existing customers to choose between a pre-existing plan and a second plan for telephone service. Under the pre-existing plan, a customer paid a basic monthly charge and was also required to post a
non-interest-bearing refundable telephone installation deposit ranging from Won 122,000 to Won 242,000, depending on the size of the local calling area in which the phone was installed, and a non-refundable installation fee of Won 8,000. The deposit was required to be refunded upon termination of service. Under the second plan, customers paid a Won 100,000 non-refundable installation fee instead of the refundable telephone installation deposit and paid a higher basic monthly charge. When customers switched from the pre-existing plan to the second plan, we refunded the telephone installation deposit (less Won 92,000, reflecting the Won 100,000 non-refundable installation fee under the second plan minus the Won 8,000 non-refundable installation fee paid under the pre-existing plan) to these customers.

 

Starting on April 15, 2001, we implemented a new telephone installation charge system as part of our adjustment in the rate structure for local telephone services described above. New customers who did not previously subscribe to our local services no longer have the option to choose the pre-existing plan and must pay a Won 60,000 non-refundable installation fee (including value added tax). Our existing customers who are enrolled in the pre-existing plan may switch to the new plan and receive the telephone installation deposit (less Won 52,000, reflecting the Won 60,000 non-refundable installation fee under the new plan minus the
Won 8,000

 

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non-refundable installation fee paid under the pre-existing plan). Our existing customers who enrolled under the second plan cannot switch to the new plan. These telephone installation fees are recognized as revenues. See “Information on the Company—Revenues and Rates—Fixed-line Telephone Services”.

 

The non-refundable installation fees and higher monthly charges payable by our customers under the revised plans have partially offset the amount of the refunds, but the refunds have increased our reliance on short-term and long-term debt for our working capital and other capital requirements.

 

A Change in Accounting Estimate in 2001

 

We amortized goodwill from the KTM.com acquisition of July 26, 2000 on a straight-line basis over five years through December 31, 2000. Effective January 1, 2001, as permitted under Korean GAAP and to present and amortize the goodwill amount in a more appropriate manner, we classified this goodwill into two components of subscriber base and other, and revised their useful lives to four and ten years, respectively. The effect of this change reduced the goodwill amortization by Won 108 billion in 2001. See Note 2(a) of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

A Change in the Telephone Tax System

 

In December 2000, the Government ruled that Korean fixed-line telecommunications service providers, which include ourselves, are eligible for a refund of the 10% value added tax assessed based on capital and other applicable expenditures incurred on or after September 1, 2001. Prior to that date, the value added tax we paid to Korean tax authorities was non-refundable.

 

Effective starting September 1, 2001, the National Assembly abolished the telephone excise tax charged to our customers as part of their monthly service charges. However, starting September 1, 2001, we are charging our customers a 10% value added tax.

 

Taxes we collect from our customers are remitted by us to the Korean tax authorities. We also record revenues in our financial statements net of such taxes. Effective from September 1, 2001, value added tax we collect from our customers can be offset against value added tax refundable to us by the Korean tax authorities. The total amount of value added tax refunded to us by the Korean tax authorities was Won 50 billion in 2001 and Won 123 billion in 2002.

 

Employee Reductions and Changes in Severance and Retirement Benefits

 

In 2000, we reduced our workforce by 1,429 employees under a voluntary early retirement program. The aggregate amount of retirement and severance benefits paid in connection with the 2000 program was approximately Won 71 billion (including Won 9 billion of normal retirement and severance benefits). In 2001, we implemented another voluntary early retirement program under which a total of 1,389 employees retired. The aggregate amount of retirement and severance benefits paid in connection with our 2001 program was approximately Won 87 billion (including Won 13 billion of normal retirement and severance benefits). In 2002, we implemented another voluntary retirement program under which a total of 166 employees retired. The aggregate amount of retirement and severance benefits paid in connection with the 2002 program was approximately Won 19 billion (including Won 3 billion of normal retirement and severance benefits). See “Directors, Senior Management and Employees”.

 

We pay a lump-sum retirement and severance benefit to employees who have been employed by us for more than one year when they leave. In 1999 we changed the method of calculating retirement and severance benefits with the consent of our employees’ labor union in order to reduce retirement and severance expenses. Prior to July 1, 1999, employees received more than one month’s salary and wages for each year of service. Starting July 1, 1999, employees receive only one month’s salary and wages for each year of employment. The amount that would have been payable to our employees using the previous method if they had all retired on
June 30,

 

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1999 was Won 2,389 billion. We decided to pay the entire amount, together with applicable interest on such amount, to our employees during 2000 and the first half of 2001 as an interim settlement of their retirement and severance benefits. We paid
Won 1,741 billion in 2000 and Won 745 billion in 2001 (including accrued interest). Of these amounts, Won 115 billion in 2000 and
Won 1 billion in 2001 were paid from funds previously deposited with insurance companies.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The following discussion and analysis is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP. Korean GAAP varies in certain material respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. We have summarized these differences and their effect on our stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 and the results of our operations for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002, in Note 37 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Korean GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the years reported. We based our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

 

The fundamental objective of financial reporting is to provide useful information that allows a reader to comprehend our business activities. To aid in that understanding, our management has identified “critical accounting policies”. These policies have the potential to have a more significant impact on our financial statements, either because of the significance of the financial statement item to which they relate, or because they require judgment and estimation due to the uncertainty involved in measuring, at a specific point in time, events which are continuous in nature.

 

These critical accounting policies include:

 

    Revenue recognition;

 

    Allowances for doubtful accounts;

 

    Useful lives and impairment of long lived assets including fixed assets and goodwill arising from acquisitions;

 

    Investments; and

 

    Income taxes

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We only record revenue for transactions that are considered to be part of our central, ongoing operations. Revenues are recorded when earned as described in Note 2(t) of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We recognize local and long distance voice and data services revenue based upon minutes of traffic processed or contracted fee schedules including sales of prepaid calling cards. Installation revenue received from non-refundable fees are recognized in the period the installation services are provided. We recognize other products and service revenues when the products are delivered and accepted by customers and when services are provided in accordance with contract terms. For contracts where we provide customers with a right to use network capacity, we recognize revenue ratably over the stated life of the agreement.

 

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Allowances for doubtful accounts

 

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses which result from the inability of our customers to make required payments. We base our allowances on the likelihood of recoverability of accounts receivable based on past experience and taking into account current collection trends that are expected to continue. If economic or specific industry trends worsen beyond our estimates, we would increase our allowances for doubtful accounts by recording additional expense. See Note 2(d) of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Useful lives and impairment of long lived assets including fixed assets and goodwill arising from acquisitions

 

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are depreciated and amortized based on the lives disclosed in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Generally, the useful lives are estimated at the time the asset is acquired and are based on historical experience with similar assets as well as taking into account anticipated technological or other changes. In certain cases and as permitted under Korean GAAP, those lives used for accounting purpose are different from the estimated economic lives of the related asset. In addition, the estimated lives of certain other assets, including underground access to cable tunnels, concrete and steel telephone poles are based on rates established by a ruling by the Korean National Tax Service (which is also applicable under Korean GAAP).

 

If technological changes were to occur more rapidly than anticipated or in a different form than anticipated, the useful lives assigned to these assets may need to be shortened, resulting in the recognition of increased depreciation and amortization expense in future periods. Alternatively, these types of technological changes could result in the recognition of an impairment charge to reflect the write-down in value of the asset. We review these types of assets for impairment annually, or when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable over the remaining lives of the assets. In assessing impairments, we use cash flows which take into account management’s estimates of future operations.

 

Investments

 

We hold investments in other companies that we account for under either the cost method or equity method of accounting. Certain of these companies are publicly traded and have volatile share prices; however, some of these companies are not publicly traded and therefore the value may be difficult to determine.

 

For investments in companies, both publicly traded and not publicly traded, that are under our significant influence, we utilize the equity method of accounting. Significant influence is generally deemed to exist if we can exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of an investee. The ability to exercise that influence may be indicated in several ways, such as our representation on its board of directors, our participating in its policy making process, material transactions with the investee, interchange of managerial personnel, or technological dependency. Also, if we own directly or indirectly 20% or more of the voting stock of an investee and the investee is not required to be consolidated, we generally presume that the investee is under significant influence. Under Korean GAAP, we are required to consolidate majority owned investments and investments in which we own more than 30% and are the largest shareholder. Under the equity method of accounting, our initial investment is recorded at cost and is subsequently increased to reflect our share of the investee income and reduced to reflect our share of the investee losses or dividends received. Any excess in our acquisition cost over our share of the investee’s net assets is generally recorded as goodwill or other intangibles and amortized by the straight line method over the estimated useful life. As described above, when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable, we review goodwill for impairment.

 

Under the equity method of accounting, we do not record our shares of losses of an affiliate or a subsidiary which is not consolidated when such losses would make our investment in such entity less than zero unless we have guaranteed obligations of the investee or is otherwise committed to provide further financial support.

 

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Our investments in publicly traded companies that are not under our significant influence are recorded at fair value with the difference between fair value and acquisition cost included in stockholders’ equity as a capital adjustment. We record an investment impairment charge on these investments when we believe a decline in the investment value is other than temporary. When determining an other than temporary decline, we consider, among other items, the length of time the trading price has been below our carrying amount, the financial condition of the investee company, including the industry in which it operates, and our ability or intent to retain the investment. If the financial condition of the investee company or the industry in which it operates were to be materially different than our expectation, we would record an expense to reflect the other than temporary decline in value of the investment.

 

For investments that are accounted for under the cost method that are not publicly traded, our investments are carried at acquisition cost. If our portion of the net book value of the investment declines significantly compared to our acquisition costs and it is not expected to recover, we record a loss for the difference.

 

Income Taxes

 

We record deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. If enacted tax rates changed, we would adjust our deferred tax assets and liabilities, through the provision for income taxes in the period of change, to reflect the enacted tax rate expected to be in effect when the deferred tax items reverse. We record a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets to reflect the expected future tax benefits to be realized. In determining the appropriate valuation allowance, we take into account the level of expected future taxable income and available tax planning strategies. If future taxable income was lower than expected or if expected tax planning strategies were not available as anticipated, we may record additional valuation allowance through income tax expense in the period such determination was made.

 

Operating Results

 

In recent years we have been deriving an increasing portion of our operating revenues from business and data communications services (including broadband Internet access and leased-line services), PCS service, land-to-mobile interconnection and other telecommunications services. Revenues from these businesses have risen from 65.9% of our total operating revenues in 2000 to 71.0% in 2002. Historically, our revenues were derived principally from fixed-line telephone services, which consist of local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance services.

 

The principal factors affecting our operating revenues from these services have been our rates for, and the volume of, usage of these services. For information on rates we charge for telephone services, see “Information on the Company—Revenues and Rates”.

 

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The following table shows, for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002, our operating revenues, expenses and operating income, and each amount as a percentage of total operating revenues.

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2000

    2001

    2002

 
     (in billions
of Won)
   (percentage
of total
operating
revenues
    (in billions
of Won)
   (percentage
of total
operating
revenues
    (in billions
of Won)
   (percentage
of total
operating
revenues)
 

Operating revenues:

                                       

Fixed-line telephone services:

                                       

Local service

   (Won) 2,789    20.6 %   (Won) 2,750    17.2 %   (Won) 2,897    17.7 %

Non-refundable service installation fees

     173    1.3       233    1.5       251    1.5  

Domestic long-distance service

     1,097    8.1       1,046    6.6       1,061    6.5  

International long-distance service

     553    4.1       535    3.4       534    3.3  
    

  

 

  

 

  

Sub-total

     4,612    34.1       4,564    28.6       4,743    29.0  
    

  

 

  

 

  

Land-to-mobile interconnection

     2,826    20.9       2,698    16.9       2,152    13.1  

Business and data communications services:

                                       

Broadband Internet access service

     253    1.9       1,116    7.0       1,572    9.6  

Leased-line service

     1,053    7.8       1,116    7.0       1,054    6.4  

Internet-related services

     308    2.3       392    2.5       418    2.5  

Miscellaneous

     494    3.6       260    1.6       208    1.3  
    

  

 

  

 

  

Sub-total

     2,108    15.6       2,884    18.1       3,252    19.8  
    

  

 

  

 

  

PCS service

     2,332    17.2       3,735    23.4       4,127    25.2  

Sales of goods

     927    6.9       1,256    7.9       1,367    8.3  

Others:

                                       

System and network integration services

     89    0.7       199    1.2       258    1.6  

Satellite service

     67    0.5       101    0.6       124    0.8  

Miscellaneous

     577    4.3       508    3.2       371    2.2  
    

  

 

  

 

  

Sub-total

     733    5.4       808    5.1       753    4.6  
    

  

 

  

 

  

Total operating revenues

     13,538    100.0       15,945    100.0       16,394    100.0  
    

  

 

  

 

  

Expenses:

                                       

Salaries and related costs

     2,906    21.5       2,960    18.6       3,089    18.8  

Depreciation and amortization

     3,473    25.7       4,010    25.1       3,797    23.2  

Other operating and maintenance(1)

     6,108    45.1       7,032    44.1       7,170    43.7  
    

  

 

  

 

  

Total expenses

     12,487    92.2       14,002    87.8       14,056    85.7  
    

  

 

  

 

  

Operating income

   (Won) 1,051    7.8 %   (Won) 1,943    12.2 %   (Won) 2,338    14.3  
    

  

 

  

 

  


(1)   For a breakdown of other operating and maintenance expenses, see “—Other Operating and Maintenance Expenses”.

 

We have three reportable operating segments—a wireline communications segment, a PCS services segment and an IMT-2000 services segment. Wireline communications include all services provided to fixed-line customers, including local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone service, interconnection service, and business and data communications services, including broadband Internet access

 

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service and leased-line service. The revenues for the PCS services segment include sales of PCS handsets. The IMT-2000 services segment did not record any operating revenue in 2002. Our operations such as submarine cable construction and group telephone management that are provided by some of our consolidated subsidiaries are included in the “Miscellaneous” segment under Note 2(ad) of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The revenues from the “Miscellaneous” segment are included in “Other” in the above table.

 

Fixed-line Telephone Services

 

Local Service Revenues.    Local service revenues include basic monthly charges and monthly usage charges from local telephone service and revenues from other value-added services, including local telephone directory assistance, call waiting and caller identification services. In addition, we charge interconnection fees to Hanaro and mobile service providers whenever Hanaro and mobile service providers use our network in providing their local services. Basic monthly charges vary depending on the location of the customer and the telephone installation charge system selected by the customer, and monthly usage charges are based on the number of call pulses. All lines in service are subject to measured service under which call pulses are a function of the number of calls made, each call’s duration and the time of day at which each call is made. Revenues from local calls placed from public telephones are also included in local service revenues. Until 2002, when a new rate structure was implemented, revenues from local service had decreased in recent years and accounted for a smaller portion of our total operating revenues, decreasing from 20.6% of our total operating revenues in 2000 to 17.2% in 2001, before increasing to 17.7% in 2002.

 

Service revenues from local service vary principally depending on the number of lines in service, the number of new lines placed in service, rates and the volume of calls.

 

In 2001, we had local service revenues of Won 2,750 billion, representing a decrease of 1.4% compared to 2000 local service revenues of Won 2,789 billion. The decrease in local service revenues in 2001 was due principally to the continued increase in usage of mobile telephone services and the Internet, which caused a 16.2% decrease in the number of local call pulses, and a decrease in the local usage charge per pulse from Won 45 to Won 39 starting April 15, 2001, which more than offset the effect of a 1.7% increase in lines in service as of December 31, 2001 compared to December 31, 2000.

 

In 2002, we had local service revenues of Won 2,897 billion, representing an increase of 5.3% compared to 2001 local service revenues of Won 2,750 billion. The increase in local service revenues in 2002 was due principally to a change in the rate structure for our local telephone service and the implementation of our optional flat rate plan, which had a positive effect on our financial condition by increasing the portion of fixed income and stabilizing our cash flow, and a 2.0% increase in lines in service as of December 31, 2002 compared to December 31, 2001. See “—Trend Information—Change in the Rate Structure for Local Telephone Service”. These effects more than offset the effect of a 13.3% decrease in the number of local call pulses in 2002 compared to 2001 which were attributable principally to the continued increase in usage of mobile telephone services and the Internet.

 

Non-refundable Service Installation Fee.    Prior to April 15, 2001, we recognized as revenue the non-refundable service installation fee paid by customers who had chosen an alternative plan instead of the pre-existing plan. Starting on April 15, 2001, we implemented a new telephone installation charge system, pursuant to which new customers who did not previously subscribe to our local service no longer have the option to choose the pre-existing plan and must pay a Won 60,000 non-refundable installation fee. We also recognize such non-refundable installation fee as revenue. See “Information on the Company—Revenues and Rates—Fixed-line Telephone Services”. We recognized as revenue Won 173 billion in non-refundable service installation fees in 2000, Won 233 billion in 2001 and Won 251 billion in 2002.

 

Domestic Long-distance Revenues.    Service revenues from domestic long-distance service depend on rates, the number of call minutes, and the distance and the time of day each call is made. In addition, we charge

 

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interconnection fees to DACOM, Onse, mobile service providers and voice resellers whenever they use our network in providing their domestic long-distance services. Domestic long-distance revenues include revenues from domestic long-distance calls placed from public telephones. Revenues from domestic long-distance service have decreased in recent years and are accounting for a smaller portion of our total operating revenues, decreasing from 8.1% of our total operating revenues in 2000 to 6.5% in 2002.

 

In 2001, we had domestic long-distance revenues of Won 1,046 billion, representing a decrease of 4.6% from 2000 domestic long-distance revenues. A 3.4% decrease in the number of call minutes in 2001 compared to 2000 was the principal reason for this decrease in domestic long-distance service revenues. The decrease in call minutes was due primarily to the substitution effect of increased mobile telephone and Internet usage.

 

In 2002, we had domestic long-distance revenues of Won 1,061 billion, representing an increase of 1.4% from 2001 domestic long-distance revenues. The increase in domestic long-distance revenues in 2002 was due principally to the implementation of our optional flat rate plan, which more than offset the effect of a 12.7% decrease in the number of domestic long-distance call minutes in 2002 compared to 2001. The decrease in call minutes was due principally to the substitution effect of increased mobile telephone and Internet usage.

 

International Long-Distance Revenues.    Service revenues from international long-distance service consist of:

 

    amounts we bill to our customers for outgoing calls made to foreign countries (including customers who make calls to Korea from foreign countries under our home country direct-dial service);

 

    amounts we bill to foreign telecommunications carriers and administrations for connection to the Korean telephone network in respect of incoming calls;

 

    amounts we charge to DACOM, Onse, mobile service providers and voice resellers as interconnection fees for using our network in providing their international long-distance services; and

 

    other revenues, including revenues from international calls placed from public telephones and international leased lines.

 

Outgoing calls made by customers in Korea (and by customers from foreign countries under our home country direct service) are billed in accordance with our rate schedule for the country called, which rates vary depending on the time of day when a call is placed. Incoming calls are billed by us to the relevant foreign carrier or administration at the applicable settlement rate specified under the relevant agreement with the foreign entity. International long-distance calls to and from the United States, Japan and China in the aggregate accounted for approximately 63% of our total international long-distance call minutes in 2002. See “Information on the Company—Our Services—Our Telephone Network and Fixed-line Telephone Services—International Long-Distance Service”.

 

In 2001, we had international long-distance revenues of Won 535 billion, representing a decrease of 3.3% compared to 2000 international long-distance revenues. The decrease was due principally to the decreasing trend in settlement rates with foreign long-distance carriers, which more than offset the 5.6% increase in the number of international long-distance call minutes to and from Korea in 2001 compared to 2000. The increase in the number of international long-distance call minutes was due principally to our increased market share in terms of revenue from 63.6% in 2000 to 67.1% in 2001.

 

In 2002, we had international long-distance revenues of Won 534 billion, representing a decrease of 0.2% compared to 2001 international long-distance revenues. Our international long-distance revenues remained fairly constant in 2002 as increased competition offset a 4.7% increase in the number of international long-distance call minutes to and from Korea in 2002 compared to 2001.

 

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Land-to-mobile Interconnection Revenues

 

When a landline user initiates a call to a mobile subscriber, we record the entire amount of the usage charges for these calls in land-to-mobile interconnection revenues and pay an interconnection charge to the relevant mobile service provider. See “Information on the Company—Revenues and Rates—Interconnection”.

 

In 2001, we had land-to-mobile interconnection revenues of Won 2,698 billion, representing a decrease of 4.5% from 2000 interconnection revenues, primarily due to increased volume of calls between mobile subscribers which had the effect of lowering call volume from landline users to mobile subscribers.

 

In 2002, we had land-to-mobile interconnection revenues of Won 2,152 billion, representing a decrease of 20.2% from 2001 interconnection revenues, primarily due to a 17.7% decrease in the usage charge which are collected by us as land-to-mobile interconnection fees, Won 19.0 per ten seconds in 2001 to Won 15.6 per ten seconds in 2002, as well as increased volume of calls between mobile subscribers which had the effect of lowering call volume from landline users to mobile subscribers. See “Information on the Company—Revenues and Rates—Interconnection”.

 

Business and Data Communications Revenues

 

Traditionally, the largest component of our business and data communications revenues has been our revenues from leased lines, which accounted for 50.0% of our business and data communications revenues in 2000, 38.7% in 2001 and 32.4% in 2002. However, broadband Internet access service is accounting for an increasing portion of our total operating revenues since we began offering the service in 2000 and in 2002 accounted for the largest component of our business and data communications revenues. Broadband Internet access service accounted for 12.0% of our business and data communications revenues in 2000, 38.7% in 2001 and 48.3% in 2002. Internet-related services, which include Internet-related value-added services provided by our Internet data centers, Kornet, enTUM, bizmeka.com and hanmir.com, accounted for 14.6% of our business and data communications revenues in 2000, 13.6% in 2001 and 12.9% in 2002. Miscellaneous services include packet service, participation in construction of national infrastructure network, intergrated services digital network (ISDN) service, electronic document transfer service and modem dial-up service under the brand name 014XY.

 

In 2001, we had business and data communications revenues of Won 2,884 billion, representing an increase of 36.8% from 2000 business and data communications revenues, primarily due to a substantial increase in our broadband Internet access service subscribers from approximately 1.7 million as of December 31, 2000 to 3.9 million as of December 31, 2001.

 

Broadband Internet Access Service Revenues.    Broadband Internet access service revenues increased to Won 1,116 billion in 2001 from Won 253 billion in 2000 primarily due to an increase in subscribers.

 

Leased-line Service Revenues.    Leased-line revenues increased to Won 1,116 billion in 2001 from Won 1,053 billion in 2000, primarily due to a 4.2% increase in the number of domestic leased lines.

 

Internet-related Service Revenues.    Internet-related service revenues increased to Won 392 billion in 2001 from Won 308 billion in 2000, primarily due to increased revenues from our Internet data centers, Kornet, bizmeka.com and a general increase in usage of our other Internet-related value added services.

 

Miscellaneous Revenues.    The miscellaneous component of our business and data communications revenues decreased to Won 260 billion in 2001 from Won 494 billion in 2000.

 

In 2002, we had business and data communications revenues of Won 3,252 billion, representing an increase of 12.8% from 2001 business and data communications revenues, primarily due to a continued increase in our broadband Internet access service subscribers from approximately 3.9 million as of December 31, 2001 to 4.9 million as of December 31, 2002.

 

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Broadband Internet Access Service Revenues.    Broadband Internet access service revenues increased to Won 1,572 billion in 2002 from Won 1,116 billion in 2001 primarily due to an increase in subscribers and the launch of our wireless LAN service in February 2002.

 

Leased-line Service Revenues.    Leased-line revenues decreased to Won 1,054 billion in 2002 from Won 1,116 billion in 2001, primarily due to a decrease in revenues from Internet service providers utilizing broadband connections instead of leased-lines and increased competition.

 

Internet-related Service Revenues.    Internet-related service revenues increased to Won 418 billion in 2002 from Won 392 billion in 2001, primarily due to increased revenues from our Internet data centers, Kornet, bizmeka.com and a general increase in usage of our other Internet-related value added services.

 

Miscellaneous Revenues.    The miscellaneous component of our business and data communications revenues decreased to Won 208 billion in 2002 from Won 260 billion in 2001.

 

PCS Revenues

 

KT Freetel, a consolidated subsidiary in which we own a 44.7 % effective interest, provides PCS service. In order to strengthen our mobile telecommunications business, in July and October 2000 we acquired a 47.9% interest in one of the other PCS service providers, Hansol M.com, and renamed the company KT M.com. KT M.com merged into KT Freetel on May 1, 2001.

 

In 2001, PCS service revenues increased by 60.2% to Won 3,735 billion, and revenues from sales of PCS handsets increased by 35.5% to Won 1,256 billion, primarily due to the net increase in the number of subscribers and the net increase in the average monthly revenue per subscriber of KT Freetel. The net increase in the number of subscribers, including the resale subscribers of KT Corporation, was approximately 14.0% in 2001 with 9.6 million subscribers as of December 31, 2001. In addition, the average monthly revenue per subscriber of KT Freetel increased by 11.8% to Won 38,729 in 2001.

 

In 2002, PCS service revenues increased by 10.5% to Won 4,127 billion, and revenues from sales of PCS handsets increased by 8.8% to Won 1,367 billion, primarily due to a 7.7% increase in the number of subscribers, including the resale subscribers of KT Corporation, to approximately 10.3 million subscribers as of December 31, 2002 compared to 9.6 million as of December 31, 2001. The average monthly revenue per subscriber of KT Freetel decreased slightly to Won 38,694 in 2002 from Won 38,729 in 2001.

 

Other Revenues

 

Revenues from other services consist primarily of revenues from system and network integration consulting services, satellite communications services, domestic and international telegram services and KTH.

 

Other revenues increased by 10.2% in 2001 to Won 808 billion primarily due to increased demand for system and network integration consulting services. Other revenues decreased by 6.8% in 2002 to Won 753 billion primarily due to a decrease in revenues from submarine cable construction and maintenance, which more than offset a 29.6% increase in revenues from system and network integration consulting services and a 22.8% increase in revenues from satellite services in 2002 compared to 2001.

 

Salaries and Related Costs

 

The principal components of salaries and related costs are salaries and wages, provisions for retirement and severance benefits and employee benefits. Employee benefits include meal subsidies, commuting subsidies and contributions to pension plans. The retirement and severance benefit is a lump-sum amount paid to employees who have been employed by us for more than one year when they leave. We changed the method of calculating the lump-sum amount effective July 1, 1999 with the consent of our employees’ labor union in order to reduce retirement and severance expenses, as discussed in “—Trend Information—Employee Reductions and Changes in Severance and Retirement Benefits” above.

 

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In 2001, salaries and related costs were Won 2,960 billion, representing a 1.9% increase from 2000. This increase occurred despite a 5.6% decrease in the number of employees as of December 31, 2001 compared to December 31, 2000, and reflected higher average salaries and wages. Higher expenses for retirement and severance benefits also contributed to the increase.

 

In 2002, salaries and related costs were Won 3,089 billion, representing a 4.4% increase from 2001, primarily as a result of a 7.6% increase in salaries and wages which more than offset a 19.6% decrease in provision for retirement and severance benefits, including early retirement payments. The increase in salaries and wages occurred despite a 0.1% decrease in the number of employees as of December 31, 2002 compared to December 31, 2001, and reflected higher incentive bonus.

 

Wireline Communications.    In 2001, salaries and related costs increased by 0.5% to Won 2,641 billion for the reasons described above. The number of employees as of December 31, 2001 decreased by 4.3% compared to December 31, 2000.

 

In 2002, salaries and related costs increased by 4.4 % to Won 2,757 billion for the reasons described above. The number of employees as of December 31, 2002 decreased by 0.2% compared to December 31, 2001.

 

PCS Service.    In 2001, salaries and related costs increased by 67.7% to Won 123 billion as the number of employees at KT Freetel increased by 38.9% to 2,584 as of December 31, 2001 compared to 1,860 as of December 31, 2000.

 

In 2002, salaries and related costs increased by 39.9% to Won 172 billion as the number of employees at KT Freetel increased by 1.5 % to 2,622 as of December 31, 2002 compared to 2,584 as of December 31, 2001.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

In 2001, depreciation and amortization expense increased by 15.5% to Won 4,010 billion due primarily to an addition of property and equipment during this period to meet the increased demand for broadband Internet access and enhanced mobile telecommunications services.

 

In 2002, depreciation and amortization expense decreased by 5.3% to Won 3,797 billion due primarily to a decrease in capital expenditures on property and equipment in 2002 as a result of more efficient utilization of our facilities.

 

Wireline Communications.    In 2001, depreciation and amortization expense increased by 5.9% to Won 3,038 billion due primarily to additional property and equipment to enhance our broadband Internet network during this period. In 2002, depreciation and amortization expense decreased by 10.6% to Won 2,714 billion due primarily to a decrease in capital expenditures on property and equipment in 2002 as a result of a more efficient utilization of our facilities.

 

PCS Service.    In 2001, depreciation and amortization expense increased by 69.5% to Won 619 billion due primarily to increased capital expenditures at KT Freetel in 2001 to enhance and expand its mobile network. In 2002, depreciation and amortization expense increased further by 17.3% to Won 726 billion due primarily to additional capital expenditures at KT Freetel in 2002 to enhance and expand its mobile network.

 

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Other Operating and Maintenance Expenses

 

The largest components of other operating and maintenance expenses are commissions, cost of services and settlement payments, cost of PCS handsets, interconnection payments for landline to mobile calls, and repair and maintenance expenses. The following table shows other operating and maintenance expenses broken down by major components and the percentage changes in these expenses for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002:

 

     Year Ended December 31,

   Year Ended
December 31,


 
     2000

   2001

   2002

   2000/2001

    2001/2002

 
     (in billions of Won)    (% change)  

Commissions, cost of services and settlement payments

   (Won) 1,740    (Won) 2,263    (Won) 2,344    30.1     3.6  

PCS handset costs

     1,018      1,206      1,346    18.5     11.6  

Interconnection charge

     1,682      1,593      1,188    (5.3 )   (25.4 )

Repairs and maintenance

     329      387      421    17.6     8.8  

Other expenses

     1,339      1,583      1,871    18.2     18.2  
    

  

  

  

 

Total

   (Won) 6,108    (Won) 7,032    (Won) 7,170    15.1 %   2.0 %
    

  

  

  

 

 

Commissions, cost of services and settlement payments consist principally of payments to foreign carriers and administrations for provision of international long-distance service pursuant to service agreements, commissions related to PCS handset sales and system and network integration services and production of prepaid phone cards. Our commissions, cost of services and settlement payments increased by 30.1% in 2001 to Won 2,263 billion as the increase in commissions related to system and network integration services and 114 phone directory services more than offset the decreases in commissions related to PCS handset sales and in international settlement payments to Won 200 billion. In 2002, our commissions, cost of services and settlement payments increased by 3.6% to Won 2,344 billion as a 25.4% increase in commissions related to 114 phone directory services to Won 795 billion more than offset a 5.7% decrease in commissions to PCS sales agents to Won 632 billion and a 13.1% decrease in international settlement payments to Won 174 billion. See “Information on the Company—Our Services—Our Telephone Network and Fixed-line Telephone Services—International Long-Distance Service”.

 

The cost of PCS handsets sold was Won 1,018 billion in 2000, Won 1,206 billion in 2001 and Won 1,346 billion in 2002.

 

We recognize as an expense the interconnection payments to mobile service providers for calls from landline users to mobile service subscribers. We paid interconnection charges of Won 1,682 billion in 2000, Won 1,593 billion in 2001 and Won 1,188 billion in 2002. Our payments to cellular service providers were calculated in 2002 by taking the actual Imputed Costs in 2000 of SK Telecom and taking into consideration several factors including the call volume of each mobile service provider in determining interconnection charges we pay per minute to SK Telecom, KT Freetel and LG Telecom. See “Information on the Company—Revenues and Rates—Interconnection”.

 

Our repair and maintenance expenses increased by 17.6% in 2001 to Won 387 billion and by 8.8% to Won 421 billion in 2002 primarily due to an expansion of our broadband network.

 

Sales promotion costs increased by 39.6% in 2001 to Won 341 billion as we increased our efforts to promote ADSL broadband and PCS resale services. In 2002, sales promotion increased by an additional 19.3% to Won 407 billion as we increased our efforts to promote VDSL broadband and wireless LAN services.

 

Advertising costs increased by 5.0% in 2001 to Won 230 billion as KT Freetel increased its marketing activities. In 2002, advertising costs increased by 41.9% to Won 327 billion as we increased our global advertising during the 2002 FIFA Worldcup soccer tournament.

 

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Wireline Communications.    The largest components of other operating and maintenance expenses are commissions and settlement payments, interconnection payments for landline to mobile calls and repair and maintenance expenses discussed above.

 

PCS Service.    The largest components of other operating and maintenance expenses are commissions (including commissions related to PCS handset sales), charges for leased lines used to connect the PCS network to the public switched telephone networks, sales promotion costs and advertisement costs.

 

Operating Income

 

Operating income in 2001 increased by 84.8% to Won 1,943 billion, as the increase in operating revenues more than offset the increase in expenses described above. Our operating margin also increased to 12.2% in 2001. In particular, our operating income in 2001 was positively affected by the increase in broadband Internet access service revenues and PCS revenues, which more than offset the decrease in our fixed-line revenues.

 

Operating income in 2002 increased by 20.4% to Won 2,338 billion, as the increase in operating revenues more than offset the increase in expenses described above. Our operating margin also increased to 14.3% in 2002. In particular, our operating income in 2002 was positively affected by the increase in broadband Internet access service revenues and PCS revenues, which more than offset the decrease in our land-to-mobile interconnection revenues.

 

Wireline Communications.    In 2001, operating income increased by 53.7% to Won 1,455 billion, as the increase in operating revenues more than offset the increase in expenses described above. Operating margin also increased to 12.6% in 2001. In 2002, operating income increased by 23.3% to Won 1,794 billion, as the increase in operating revenues more than offset the increase in expenses described above. Operating margin also increased to 15.3% in 2002.

 

PCS Service.    In 2001, operating income increased by 165.4% to Won 789 billion as the increase in operating revenues more than offset the increase in expenses described above. In 2002, operating income increased by 7.0% to Won 844 billion as the increase in operating revenues more than offset the increase in expenses described above. Operating margin increased from 15.7% in 2001 to 15.8% in 2002.

 

Income Taxes

 

In 2001, our income tax expense was Won 421 billion and our effective corporate income tax rate was 23.5%. Effective January 1, 2002, the normal corporate tax rate decreased from approximately 30.8% to 29.7%. Consequently, the resulting decrease in deferred income tax assets was recognized as deferred income tax expense in 2001.

 

In 2002, our income tax expense was Won 741 billion and our effective tax rate was 24.7%.

 

The effective tax rate of 23.5% in 2001 and 24.7% in 2002 differed from the normal tax rate primarily due to investment tax credits of Won 190 billion in 2001 and Won 162 billion in 2002. We had investment tax credit carryforward of Won 61 billion remaining as of December 31, 2002 which are available to reduce our future income taxes through 2006.

 

Wireline Communications.    Income tax expense of the wireline communications segment was Won 279 billion in 2001 and Won 652 billion in 2002 due to the increase in earnings before income taxes from Won 1,366 billion in 2001 to Won 2,616 billion in 2002.

 

PCS Services.    Income tax expense of the PCS services segment decreased from Won 124 billion in 2001 to Won 80 billion in 2002 despite an increase in earnings before income taxes from Won 560 billion in 2001 to Won 612 billion in 2002. Income tax expense decreased in 2002 primarily as a result of Won 45 billion of tax credit from accumulated loss carried forward from KT M.com which existed before its merger into KT Freetel.

 

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Net Earnings

 

In 2001, our net earnings increased by 12.9% to Won 1,113 billion principally as a result of a significant increase in operating income discussed above, which more than offset a decrease of Won 313 billion in our net gain on disposition of investment securities to 628 billion in 2001 from 941 billion in 2000 and an increase in interest expense to Won 712 billion in 2001 from Won 501 billion in 2000. We recognized net gain on disposition of investment securities of Won 628 billion in 2001, primarily as a result of our disposition of 2,674,580 shares of SK Telecom in November 2001 for a gain of Won 616 billion. Interest expense increased in 2001 primarily as a result of an increase in our long-term debt for capital expenditures.

 

Our net earnings increased by 74.9% in 2002 to Won 1,947 billion principally as a result of an 87.5% increase in our net gain on disposition of investment securities to Won 1,177 billion, a 20.4% increase in our operating income discussed above and a net foreign currency translation gain of Won 100 billion in 2002 compared to a net foreign currency translation loss of Won 24 billion in 2001. We recognized net gain on disposition of investment securities of Won 1,177 billion in 2002 principally as a result of our disposition of shares of SK Telecom. On April 11, 2002, we disposed 1,000,000 shares of SK Telecom, or a 1.1% interest in SK Telecom, and recorded a gain on disposition of Won 246 billion. On December 30, 2002, we exchanged 4,457,635 shares of SK Telecom, or a 5.0% interest in SK Telecom, for an aggregate of 15,454,659 of our shares previously owned by SK Telecom plus Won 212 billion in cash. We recognized a gain on disposition of investment securities in the amount of Won 908 billion in this stock swap transaction. We recorded net foreign currency translation gain of Won 100 billion in 2002 primarily as a result of the appreciation of the Won against major currencies, primarily against the Dollar.

 

On January 10, 2003, we exchanged an additional 3,809,288 shares of SK Telecom, or a 4.3% interest in SK Telecom, for 14,353,674 of our shares previously owned by SK Telecom plus Won 123 billion in cash. We recognized in 2003 a gain on disposition of investment securities in the amount of Won 775 billion in this stock swap transaction. As a result of the December 2002 and January 2003 stock swap transactions with SK Telecom, we no longer own any interest in SK Telecom.

 

Wireline Communications.    Net earnings increased by 7.6% in 2001 to Won 1,087 and 80.6% in 2002 to Won 1,964 billion as a result of the reasons described above.

 

PCS Service.    The PCS service segment recorded net earnings of Won 436 billion in 2001 compared to net loss of Won 96 billion in 2000. Net earnings increased by 22.1% in 2002 to Won 532 billion.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We have traditionally met our working capital and other capital requirements principally from cash provided by operations and long-term debt financings. We do not depend on the use of off-balance sheet financing arrangements. Until 1997, additional working capital and other requirements had been met primarily by increases in non-interest-bearing refundable deposits for telephone installation, although as a result of a recent decline in these deposits as described below, short-term and long-term debt and equity financings have become important sources of cash. Net cash provided by operations was Won 2,651 billion in 2000, Won 3,629 billion in 2001 and Won 4,827 billion in 2002.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities amounted to Won 2,842 billion in 2000 and Won 755 billion in 2001. In 2002, we recorded net cash used in financing activities of Won 844 billion. Refundable deposits for telephone installation decreased by Won 187 billion in 2000, Won 696 billion in 2001 and Won 750 billion in 2002. Our customers used to place the non-interest-bearing refundable deposits with us at the time telephones were installed. We hold these deposits until the customer terminates our services, at which time we are required to refund the customer’s deposit. At December 31, 2002, these deposits amounted to Won 1,534 billion, compared to Won 2,349 billion at December 31, 2001. In September 1998, with the approval of the Ministry of

 

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Information and Communication, we implemented a telephone installation charge system that allowed our customers to choose between the pre-existing plan and a second plan requiring the payment of a Won 100,000 non-refundable installation fee and a higher basic monthly charge. Starting on April 15, 2001, new customers who did not previously subscribe to our local service no longer have the option to choose the pre-existing plan and must pay a Won 60,000 non-refundable installation fee instead of the refundable telephone installation deposit. Our existing customers who are enrolled in the pre-existing plan may switch to the new plan and receive the telephone installation deposit (less Won 52,000, reflecting the Won 60,000 non-refundable installation fee under the new plan minus the Won 8,000 non-refundable installation fee paid under the pre-existing plan). These non-refundable installation fees are recorded as our revenues. For a discussion of the reduction of the amount of these deposits, see “—Trend Information—Changes in the Telephone Installation Charge System” and “Information on the Company—Revenues and Rates—Fixed-line Telephone Services”. On November 29, 2002 and December 13, 2002, we sold all of our 46.6% interest in KT ICOM to KT Freetel for Won 849 billion.

 

Proceeds from long-term debt amounted to Won 3,581 billion in 2000, Won 3,226 billion in 2001 and Won 5,559 billion in 2002. These proceeds were used primarily to fund capital expenditures and investments, voluntary early retirement programs described in “—Trend Information—Employee Reductions and Changes in Severance and Retirement Benefits”, repayment of outstanding long-term debt and, in 2002, purchase of our shares from the Government. The sources of such proceeds included:

 

    the issuance of Won-denominated bonds in 2000, 2001 and 2002 in the aggregate principal amount of Won 7,598 billion having maturities of one to nine years bearing interest at annual rates ranging from 2.64% to 10.20%;

 

    the issuance in May 2002 of Won 1,397 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.00% convertible bonds due 2005 which are convertible into shares at an initial exercise price of Won 59,400 per share;

 

    the issuance in January 2002 of US$1,318 million aggregate principal amount of 0.25% convertible bonds due 2007 which are convertible into shares at an initial exercise price of Won 61,922 per share; and

 

    the issuance in January 2002 of US$500 million aggregate principal amount of 4.30% bonds due 2005 with warrants to purchase shares at an initial exercise price of Won 69,416 per share.

 

Long-term debt (excluding current portion) increased from Won 5,319 billion as of December 31, 2000 to Won 6,513 billion as of December 31, 2001 primarily due to the new issuances of long-term debt for the interim settlement of retirement and severance benefits and the license fee for IMT-2000 services. We repaid Won 2,205 billion of long-term debt while incurring long-term debt of Won 3,226 billion in 2001. Of the Won 8,323 billion total long-term debt (including current portion) outstanding as of December 31, 2001, Won 648 billion was denominated in foreign currencies. Primarily due to the new issuances of convertible bonds in January 2002 and May 2002 and bonds with warrants in January 2002 for the acquisition of our shares from the Government as treasury shares, long-term debt (excluding current portion) increased to Won 9,877 billion as of December 31, 2002. We repaid Won 2,065 billion of long-term debt while incurring long-term debt of Won 5,559 billion in 2002. Of the Won 11,805 billion total long-term debt (including current portion) outstanding as of December 31, 2002, Won 2,759 billion was denominated in foreign currencies. See Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. In 2003, we plan to incur long-term debt of approximately Won 1,305 billion, depending on market conditions, mostly in the domestic capital market. We expect that most of the new incurrences of long-term debt will be used for capital expenditures to enhance and expand the broadband Internet network and KT Freetel’s PCS network and build KT Freetel’s IMT-2000 network.

 

Uses of cash have consisted principally of purchases of property, plant and equipment and, in 2002, purchase of our shares from the Government as treasury shares. Net cash used in investing activities was Won 5,486 billion in 2000, Won 3,916 billion in 2001 and Won 4,065 billion in 2002, including additions to property, plant and equipment of Won 4,583 billion in 2000, Won 3,918 billion in 2001 and Won 3,232 billion in 2002.

 

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See “Information on the Company—Capital Expenditures”. In 2002, we also spent Won 3,234 billion to purchase 60,294,575 of our shares from the Government as treasury shares as a part of our privatization plan and an additional Won 167 billion to purchase 3,122,000 of our shares on the Korea Stock Exchange for retirement. In April 2002, we also spent Won 133 billion to purchase equity-linked securities having maturities of two and 2.5 years. The value of the equity-linked securities is linked to the weighted average quoted price of 500,000 shares of SK Telecom stock. See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Repayments of long-term debt amounted to Won 893 billion in 2000, Won 2,205 billion in 2001 and Won 2,065 billion in 2002. Repayment of long-term debt in 2002 included our repurchase and retirement of US$108 million aggregate principal amount of 0.25% convertible bonds due 2007 and Won 74 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.00% convertible bonds due 2005. Payments of cash dividends amounted to Won 95 billion in 2000, Won 161 billion in 2001 and Won 225 billion in 2002. We also paid Won 1,741 billion in 2000 and Won 727 billion in April 2001 for the interim settlement of retirement and severance benefits. See “—Trend Information—Employee Reductions and Changes in Severance and Retirement Benefits”. We also purchased 3.4 million shares of KT Freetel on January 29, 2003 for Won 99 billion, 4.1 million shares on March 31, 2003 for Won 101 billion and 3.8 million shares on June 5, 2003 for Won 100 billion to increase our interest in KT Freetel from 40.3% to 44.7%, as well as Won 336 billion of convertible bonds issued by KT Freetel on November 29, 2002. These convertible bonds have a maturity of three years and are convertible into shares of KT Freetel after one year from the issuance date at an exercise price of Won 37,200 per share. We also spent Won 138 billion on June 17, 2003 to purchase 2,937,000 of our shares on the Korea Stock Exchange for retirement.

 

We anticipate that capital expenditures, and, to a lesser extent, repayment of outstanding contractual obligations and commitments will represent the most significant use of funds for the next several years. We may also be required to spend funds to pay cash in Dollars the aggregate market values of our common shares deliverable upon conversion of convertible notes or issuable upon exercise of warrants to relevant holders of convertible notes and warrants to satisfy their conversion or exercise rights if such conversion or exercise may be effectively prohibited due to their violation of the 49% foreign ownership limitation under the Telecommunications Business Law. See “Risk Factors—Limitations on foreign ownership may have an adverse effect on the conversion of our convertible notes and the exercise of our warrants”. We may also purchase additional treasury shares on the Korea Stock Exchange from the market for retirement. Our total capital expenditures are estimated to be approximately Won 3,312 billion in 2003 (including approximately Won 1,160 billion in capital expenditures by KT Freetel). See “Information on the Company—Capital Expenditures”. We compete in the telecommunications sector in Korea which is rapidly evolving. We also face increasing competition from new entrants to the market. We may need to incur additional capital expenditures to keep up with unexpected developments in rapidly evolving telecommunications technology. There can be no assurance that we will be able to secure funds on satisfactory terms from financial institutions or other sources which are sufficient for our unanticipated needs.

 

Payments of contractual obligations and commitments will also require considerable resources. As of December 31, 2002, we had various contractual obligations and commitments which are more fully disclosed in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. The principal components of the obligations and commitments include:

 

    our long-term debt, which includes financial leases;

 

    operating leases; and

 

    capital expenditure commitments.

 

In our ordinary course of business, we routinely enter into commercial commitments for various aspects of our operations, including repair and maintenance. However, we believe that those commitments will not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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The following table sets forth selected information regarding our contractual obligations to make future payments as of December 31, 2002.

 

     Payments due by period

Contractual obligations(1)


   Total

   Less
than 1
year


   1-3
years


   4-5
years


   After
5
years


     (in billions of Won)

Trade notes and accounts payable

   1,167    1,167    —      —      —  

Short-term borrowings

   1,116    1,116    —      —      —  

Accounts payable—other

   1,485    1,485    —      —      —  

Long-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)

   11,805    1,851    5,631    3,553    770

Long-term accounts payable—other

   554    —      53    75    426
    
  
  
  
  

Total contractual obligations

   16,127    5,619    5,684    3,628    1,196
    
  
  
  
  

(1)   Contractual obligations represent on-balance sheet contractual liabilities as of the consolidated balance sheet date excluding refundable deposits for telephone installation and payments for customer call bonus points, which do not have definitive payment schedules.

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our other commercial commitments as of December 31, 2002.

 

    

Total

amounts
committed


   Amount of commitment expiration
per period


Other commercial commitments


      Less than
1 year


   1-3
years


   4-5
years


   After 5
years


     (in billions of Won)

Operating lease

   156    48    55    16    37

Capital expenditure obligation commitment

   1,048    949    99      
    
  
  
  
  

Total commercial commitments

   1,204    997    154    16    37
    
  
  
  
  

 

We expect to continue to rely primarily upon cash provided by operations and short-term and long-term debt financings to meet our future working capital and other funding requirements. We believe that we have sufficient working capital available to us for our current requirements and that we have a variety of alternatives available to us to satisfy our financial requirements to the extent that they are not met by funds generated by operations, including the issuance of debt securities and bank borrowings denominated in Won and various foreign currencies. However, our ability to rely on some of these alternatives could be affected by factors such as the liquidity of the Korean and other financial markets, prevailing interest rates, our credit rating and the Government’s policies regarding Won currency and foreign currency borrowings. Other factors which could materially affect our liquidity in the future include unanticipated increase in capital expenditures and decrease in cash provided by operations resulting from a significant decrease in demand for our services.

 

We had a working capital deficit (current assets minus current liabilities) of Won 3,252 billion as of December 31, 2000, Won 331 billion as of December 31, 2001 and Won 567 billion as of December 31, 2002.

 

Our short-term borrowings (not including current portion of long-term debt) totaled Won 1,148 billion as of December 31, 2000, Won 1,111 billion as of December 31, 2001 and Won 1,116 billion as of December 31, 2002. We believe that we have credit sources sufficient to cover our anticipated short-term and long-term borrowing needs, including any necessary refinancing of debt, but there can be no assurance that the cost at which the financing may be obtained will be acceptable to us.

 

Our cash, cash equivalents and short-term financial instruments maturing within one year totaled Won 1,045 billion as of December 31, 2000, 1,864 billion as of December 31, 2001 and Won 1,907 billion as of December 31, 2002. The increase in cash, cash equivalents and short-term financial instruments in 2001 resulted principally from increase in cash, cash equivalents and short-term financial instruments of KT ICOM. Cash, cash equivalents and short-term financial instruments in 2002 remained at a similar level compared to 2001.

 

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As of December 31, 2002, our trade notes and accounts payable increased by 10.0% compared to December 31, 2001 to Won 1,167 billion, due principally to an increase in purchase of handsets. Accounts payable (other) increased by 29.6% as of December 31, 2002 to Won 1,485 billion compared to December 31, 2001, primarily as a result of an increase in purchase of IMT-2000 network equipment.

 

Substantially all of our revenues are denominated in Won. Our principal source of foreign currency had been net settlement payments received from foreign telecommunications carriers and administrations. In accordance with international practice, all settlement payments paid or received by us are in foreign currency, principally Dollars and Special Drawing Rights (SDRs). The ratio of incoming call minutes to outgoing call minutes has been declining over time (from 1.17x in 1995 to 1.01x in 2002) as a result of increasing economic development in Korea and reductions in our international long-distance rates. This trend is expected to continue, and we have been a net payer of settlement payments since 1997. See “Information on the Company—Our Services—Our Telephone Network and Fixed-line Telephone Services—International Long-Distance Service”.

 

Our principal expenses denominated in foreign currencies are net settlement payments to foreign carriers and administrations, capital expenditures in foreign currencies and debt servicing costs for foreign currency denominated debt. See “—Operating Results—Other Operating and Maintenance Expenses”.

 

Accrued and unpaid retirement and severance benefits for all of our employees, computed on the basis of the amount that would be payable if all employees terminated their employment on the balance sheet date and reduced by amounts payable by the Civil Servant Pension Fund, are reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements as a liability. Our liability for retirement and severance payments decreased to Won 380 billion as of December 31, 2002 from Won 2,867 billion as of December 31, 1998, because we decided to make interim settlement payments in 2000 and in the first half of 2001 for retirement and severance benefits to our employees as though they all had terminated their service on June 30, 1999 and transferred Won 2,389 billion in liabilities to accounts payable.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Capital expenditures on property, plant and equipment in 2002 totaled Won 3,232 billion compared to Won 3,918 billion in 2001 and Won 4,583 billion in 2000.

 

Our current capital expenditure plan (including expenditures on property, plant and equipment and other investments) calls for the expenditure of approximately Won 3,359 billion in 2003 (including approximately Won 1,083 billion by KT Freetel). The principal components of our capital investment plans are:

 

    expansion and modernization of our networks, which are expected to account for approximately 25.4% of all capital expenditures in 2003;

 

    capital investments for our Internet access (including broadband) and Internet-related services, which are expected to account for approximately 23.6% of all capital expenditures in 2003;

 

    capital investments in PCS and IMT-2000 mobile telecommunications services made by KT Freetel, which are expected to account for approximately 32.2% of all capital expenditures in 2003;

 

    capital investments in data communications and related services (including investments for leased-line service and other data communications services but excluding broadband), which are expected to account for approximately 5.0% of all capital expenditures in 2003;

 

    capital investments in our fixed-line services, which are expected to account for approximately 6.6% of all capital expenditures in 2003; and

 

    miscellaneous investment expenses which are expected to account for approximately 7.2% of all capital expenditures in 2003.

 

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We expect that KT Freetel will obtain the necessary capital from financial institutions. There can be no assurance, however, that KT Freetel will be able to secure sufficient funds on satisfactory terms from these or other sources, and KT Freetel’s failure to secure funds for its capital expenditures and ongoing operating costs may have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations. We are not under any obligation to fund capital expenditures of KT Freetel if these consolidated subsidiaries are unable to obtain necessary capital through operations or from financial institutions.

 

In 1999, KT Freetel received strategic investments from Microsoft Corporation, Qualcomm and Caisse de Depot et Placement du Québec of US$600 million. Microsoft and Qualcomm also purchased bonds with warrants in the total amount of US$85.9 million from KT Freetel. Qualcomm exercised all of its warrants in December 2001 and had a 2.4% interest in KT Freetel as of December 31, 2002. Caisse de Depot et Placement du Québec had a 2.3% interest and Microsoft had a 1.1% interest as of December 31, 2002. We purchased 3.4 million shares of KT Freetel on January 29, 2003 for Won 100 billion, 4.1 million shares on March 31, 2003 for Won 101 billion and 3.8 million shares on June 5, 2003 for Won 100 billion to increase our interest in KT Freetel from 40.3% to 44.7%.

 

Research and Development

 

In order to develop applications of new technology for the Korean telecommunications system, we operate:

 

    a service development laboratory;

 

    a technology laboratory; and

 

    an operations support system laboratory.

 

At December 31, 2002, these research centers employed a total of 917 researchers and additional 295 employees, of whom 114 had doctoral degrees and 731 had masters degrees. Total expenditures on research and development (excluding the contributions referred to below) were Won 308 billion in 2000, Won 378 billion in 2001 and Won 274 billion in 2002.

 

A substantial part of our research and development budget is for contributions to unaffiliated educational foundations and institutes conducting research. Under the Telecommunications Basic Law, the Ministry of Information and Communication may recommend that network service providers contribute a percentage of their total annual revenues to telecommunications research institutes in Korea. Our contributions amounted to Won 112 billion in 2000, Won 97 billion in 2001 and Won 69 billion in 2002. See Note 33 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Under contracts with the recipients of these contributions, we are entitled to co-ownership of intellectual property developed through the use of the contributions and any of the intellectual property may be licensed to a third party only with our consent. Intellectual property developed by our affiliated research and development centers and unaffiliated educational foundations and institutes is licensed on a commercial basis to domestic manufacturers. As of December 31, 2002, we had 1,121 registered patents and 3,178 patents pending domestically and had 175 registered patents and 388 patents pending internationally.

 

The recent products and systems developed by us include:

 

    enhanced Internet phone service;

 

    home network construction;

 

    next generation telecommunication network construction; and

 

    integration of wireless LAN and third generation services.

 

Inflation

 

We do not consider that inflation in the Republic has had a material impact on our results of operations in recent years. Inflation in the Republic was 2.2% in 2000, 4.1% in 2001 and is estimated to have been 2.7% in 2002. See “Key Information—Risk Factors—Adverse economic and financial developments in Korea recently

 

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had and may in the future have an adverse effect on our results of operations and the price of the shares of our common stock and American Depositary Shares”.

 

U.S. GAAP Reconciliation

 

In 2000, we recorded net earnings of Won 701 billion under U.S. GAAP compared to net earnings of Won 986 billion under Korean GAAP, primarily because of the application of different depreciation methods and useful lives, which was more than offset by the differing treatment of interest capitalization and service installation fees, including the cumulative effect of a U.S. GAAP accounting change. In 2001, we recorded net earnings of Won 1,006 billion under U.S. GAAP compared to net earnings of Won 1,113 billion under Korean GAAP, primarily because of the application of different depreciation methods and useful lives, the treatment of equity method affiliates and service installation fees. In 2002, we recorded net earnings of Won 1,556 billion under U.S. GAAP compared to net earnings of Won 1,947 billion under Korean GAAP, primarily because of impairment loss relating to equity method, foreign currency translation of convertible notes and deferred tax effects of U.S. GAAP adjustments.

 

Stockholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP is lower than under Korean GAAP by Won 2,570 billion and Won 2,350 billion at December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively, primarily as a result of:

 

    the difference in the treatment of minority interests;

 

    the difference in the treatment of impairment loss relating to equity method;

 

    the difference in 2001 and 2002 in the treatment of service installation fees;

 

    the difference in the treatment of deferred income taxes on marketable securities; and

 

    the difference in the treatment of interest capitalization,

 

which more than offset the effect of:

 

    other differences in the treatment of equity method affiliates;

 

    the aggregate effect of deferred income taxes recognized under U.S. GAAP;

 

    the effects of different depreciation methods and useful lives;

 

    the difference in the treatment of dividends; and

 

    the difference in the treatment of foreign currency translation gains and losses.

 

In addition, under U.S. GAAP, certain subsidiaries, including KT Freetel, would be accounted for under the equity method and would not be consolidated.

 

For further discussion of the principal differences between Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP as they relate to us, see Note 37 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Item 6.    Directors, Senior Management and Employees

 

Directors

 

Our board of directors has the ultimate responsibility for the administration of our affairs. Our articles of incorporation provide for a board of directors consisting of:

 

    up to six standing directors, including the President; and

 

    up to nine outside directors.

 

All of our directors are elected at the annual general meeting of shareholders. If the total assets of a company listed on the Korea Stock Exchange as of the end of the preceding year exceeds Won 2,000 billion, which is the case with us, the Securities and Exchange Act requires such company to have at least three outside directors with at least half of its total directors being outside directors. Our articles of incorporation provide that the board of directors consists of up to six standing directors and up to nine outside directors. The term of office for all directors is three years, but the term is extended to the close of the annual general meeting of shareholders convened with respect to the last fiscal year of the term.

 

Under the Securities and Exchange Act, we must establish a committee to recommend candidates for outside directors within the board of directors, and outside directors must make up not less than half of the total members of the outside director candidates recommendation committee. According to our articles of incorporation, such committee must consist of one standing director and four outside directors. Our outside director candidates recommendation committee recommends outside director candidates for appointment at the general shareholders’ meeting.

 

One-third of the outside directors must be up for election in any given year. Upon the request of any director, a meeting of the board of directors will be assembled. The chairman of the board of directors is elected from among the outside directors by a resolution of the board of directors. The term of office of the chairman is one year.

 

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Our current Directors are as follows:

 

Name


  

Position


   Years as
Director


   Age

   Expiration
of Term of
Office


Standing Directors*

                   

Yong Kyung Lee

   President and Chief Executive Officer    1    59    2005

Tai-Won Chung

   Senior Executive Vice President    2    58    2004

Young Han Song

   Senior Executive Vice President    4    46    2005

An Yong Choi

   Executive Vice President    3    52    2003

Sang Hoon Lee

   Executive Vice President    1    48    2006

Woo Sik Kim

   Executive Vice President    1    48    2006

Outside Directors*

                   

Ju Myung Hwang

   Attorney    4    64    2005

Sung Deuk Park

   President of The Electronic Times    2    64    2004

Chang Bun Yoon

   Former President of Korea Information Society Development Institute    2    49    2004

Chu Hwan Yim

   Secretary General of Telecommunications Technology Association    1    54    2005

Kook Hyun Moon

   Chief Executive Officer of Yuhan-Kimberly Corporation    1    54    2005

Stuart B. Solomon

   Chief Executive Officer of Metropolitan Life Insurance (Korea)    1    53    2005

Hyun Joon Chang

   Visiting Professor, Pohang University of Science and Technology    1    50    2004

Jong Sang Kim

   Chief Executive Officer of Seil Tax-Accounting Service    1    56    2006

Do Hwan Kim

   Current Professor, Sejong University    1    43    2006

*   All of our standing and outside directors beneficially own less than one percent of the issued shares of KT Corporation in the aggregate.

 

For the purposes of the Commercial Code, our President is deemed to be the “representative director” who is authorized to perform all judicial and extra-judicial acts relating to our business. Our shareholders elect the President in accordance with the provisions of the Commercial Code and our articles of incorporation. A candidate for President is recommended by a committee formed for that purpose. The president recommendation committee consists of:

 

    three outside directors who are elected from among our outside directors;

 

    one person who is designated by the board of directors from among the ex-presidents or the current president (provided, however, that the incumbent president is prohibited from participation if seeking reelection); and

 

    one non-government person designated by the board of directors, other than the president, standing directors, former and present officers and employees of any telecommunications business operator and any of their related persons as defined in the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act, as well as our officers and employees.

 

Under our articles of incorporation, the president recommendation committee must submit a draft management contract between the company and the candidate covering the management objectives of the company, including management goals during the tenure of the president, to the general meeting of shareholders at the time of recommendation of the candidate to the meeting. When the draft management contract has been approved at the shareholders’ meeting, the company enters into such management contract with the candidate for president. In such case, the chairman of the president recommendation committee, as representative of the company, signs the management contract.

 

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The board of directors may conduct performance review discussions to determine if the new president performed his or her duties under the management contract, or hire a professional evaluation agency for such purpose. If the board of directors determines, based on the results of the performance review, that the new president has failed to achieve the management goals, it may propose to dismiss the president at a shareholders’ meeting.

 

Senior Management

 

Our articles of incorporation provide that we may have up to seventy executive officers, including the standing directors. Our executive officers consist of Senior Executive Vice Presidents, Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents. The executive officers other than the standing directors are appointed by the President and may serve up to three years. Our Chief Financial Officer is Jeong-Soo Suh, Vice President of the Financial Management Office.

 

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The current executive officers are as follows:

 

Name(1)


  

Title and Responsibilities


   Current
Position
Held
Since


   Years
with the
Company


   Age

Kyun-Chul Park

   Executive Vice President, Human Resource Office    2003    28    56

Jong-Lok Yoon

   Executive Vice President, Marketing Planning Group    2003    23    45

Jong Soo Park

   Senior Vice President, Chungbuk Regional Business Group    1998    25    52

Won-Pyo Hong

   Senior Vice President, Global Business Center    2002    8    43

Boo Kweun Park

   Senior Vice President, Metropolitan North Business Group    2001    32    52

Byoung-Kon Shin

   Senior Vice President, Public Relations Office    2003    16    46

Song Jae Lee

   Senior Vice President, Network Management and Support Center    2002    36    55

Tae Seok Ro

   Senior Vice President, Quality Management Office    2003    23    48

Ki Youl Kim

   Senior Vice President, Audit Office    2003    23    46

Myung Sang Yoon

   Senior Vice President, IT Group    2003    19    52

Seong Hwan Jeong

   Vice President, Management Research Laboratory    2002    18    44

Hansuk Kim

   Vice President, Human Resource Development Center    2001    12    47

Soo-Ho Maeng(2)

   Vice President    2002    13    43

Dong-Hoon Kim

   Vice President, Chollabuk Regional Business Group    2002    31    52

Byung-Sup Jun

   Vice President, SI/NI Business Center    2001    30    54

Jeong Soo Suh

   Vice President, Financial Management Office    2002    20    45

Yo-Dong Kim

   Vice President, Chungnam Regional Business Group    2000    28    47

Gwang-Ju Seo

   Vice President, Satellite Engineering Center    2001    22    46

Sang-Il Lee

   Vice President, Technology Investigation & Evaluation Center    2001    19    55

Jong-Rak Lee

   Vice President, Operations and Support System Laboratory    1998    17    53

Young-Hyun Cho

   Vice President, Pusan Regional Business Group    2001    19    54

Deok-Rae Lim(2)

   Vice President    2002    22    48

Jae-Jin Chung

   Vice President, Metropolitan South Regional Business Group    2002    35    55

Myeng-Gyu Sun

   Vice President, Chollanam Regional Business Group    2002    37    54

Moon-Seok Chae(2)

   Vice President    2002    31    52

Youn-Kuck Kang

   Vice President, Metropolitan West Regional Business Group    2001    33    53

Young-Whan Kim

   Vice President, Solution Business Center    2002    20    45

Jong-Soo Lee

   Vice President, Taegu Regional Business Group    2001    22    48

Hi Chang Roh

   Vice President, Corporate Relations Office    2003    32    50

Hee Kyun Park

   Vice President, Human Resource Office, Personnel Team    2003    18    47

Beang Woo Lee

   Vice President, Public Relations Office, Public Relations Team    2003    16    46

Haing Min Kwon

   Vice President, Vision and Corporate Strategy Office    2003    19    44

In Sung Jun

   Vice President, Core Network Engineering Center    2003    23    44

Sang Heon Song

   Vice President, Construction Center    2003    23    44

Jeong Tae Park

   Vice President, Service Development Laboratory    2003    19    43

Tae Il Park

   Vice President, Technology Laboratory    2003    25    47

Bong Kee Yang

   Vice President, Kangwon Regional Business Group    2003    34    55

Young Gun You(2)

   Vice President    2003    20    47

(1)   All of our executive officers beneficially own less than one percent of the issued shares of KT Corporation in the aggregate.
(2)   Currently on sabbatical.

 

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Audit Committee

 

Under the Securities and Exchange Act of Korea, we are required to establish an audit committee within the board of directors consisting of more than three directors, of whom at least two-thirds should be outside directors. We established an audit committee in March 2003. Our articles of incorporation require that the audit committee be comprised of three outside directors. The audit committee has the duty to review the business affairs and accounting of the company. Other matters regarding organization and operation of the audit committee are determined by resolutions of the board of directors. Members of our audit committee are Hyun Joon Chang, Chang Bun Yoon and Jong Sang Kim.

 

Compensation Committee

 

The compensation committee has the duty to evaluate performance of the President in meeting the conditions set forth in the employment agreement. The committee also deliberates the compensation of all of our directors and makes a final recommendation to the shareholders for approval. The shareholders ultimately determine the compensation of the President and the other standing directors at a general shareholders meeting, taking into consideration the final recommendations made by the compensation committee. The compensation committee is comprised of four outside directors. Current members of our compensation committee are Ju Myung Hwang, Chang Bun Yoon, Jong Sang Kim and Do Hwan Kim.

Compensation of Directors and Officers

 

For the year ended December 31, 2002, the total amount of salaries, bonuses and allowances paid and accrued to all standing directors and executive officers of KT Corporation for services in all capacities was approximately Won 6.0 billion. The aggregate amount set aside or accrued by us to provide person and retirement benefits to such persons was Won 0.5 billion in 2002. Outside directors do not receive salaries, fees for attending meetings or retirement and severance benefits, but their actual expenses required for the execution of their duties are reimbursed. We have not granted stock options to our outside directors and executive officers.

 

On December 26, 2002, we granted stock options to our standing directors for purchases of 680,000 shares of common stock including 220,000 shares issued under performance conditions at the option price of Won 70,000 per share. Upon completion of mandatory service period of two years, these options can be exercised during the period from December 27, 2004 to December 26, 2009. Option holders may exercise up to one third of the total options annually commencing in 2004. We adopted a fair value based method using Black-Scholes model for the calculation of compensation expense, which is amortized to expense over the option vesting period, and recognized (Won)103 million of compensation expense related to the stock options in 2002.

 

In August 2002, the chairman of the committee for recommending candidates for President entered into an employment agreement on our behalf with our current President. The employment agreement sets certain management targets to be achieved by the President, including a target for the amount of “economic value added” to be achieved in each year. Economic value added is defined as net operating profits after tax minus the cost of capital. Failure to achieve certain thresholds below the targets will allow the board of directors to take actions with respect to the President’s employment, including proposing to the general meeting of shareholders an early termination of his employment. In addition, the head of each of our functional departments, the president of each of our subsidiaries and the heads of each regional head office have entered into employment agreements with the President that provides for similar management targets to be achieved by each of our departments, subsidiaries and regional head offices.

 

Employees

 

At December 31, 2002, we had 48,624 employees, compared to 48,668 employees at December 31, 2001, and 51,537 employees at December 31, 2000. KT Freetel had 2,236 employees at December 31, 2002.

 

Our efficiency, as measured by lines in service per employee (excluding employees of our subsidiaries), has improved from 299 as of December 31, 1994 to 507 as of December 31, 2002. This improvement has been achieved through the construction of new lines, the continuing modernization of our facilities and the voluntary early retirement programs described below.

 

 

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The Voluntary Early Retirement Programs

 

In 2000, we implemented a voluntary early retirement program. Under this program, employees meeting requirements based on the categories of employment, age and years of service could receive certain retirement and severance benefits in addition to their normal retirement and severance benefits if they elected to retire during a specified period. Designed to enhance efficiency, this program resulted in the early retirement of 1,429 employees.

 

The aggregate amount of retirement and severance benefits paid in connection with the 2000 retirement program was approximately Won 71 billion (including Won 9 billion of normal retirement and severance benefits). See “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Trend Information”.

 

In 2001, we implemented another voluntary early retirement program under which a total of 1,389 employees retired. We have agreed with the KT Trade Union that we will not conduct any spin-offs in the future which result in layoffs of our employees. The aggregate amount of retirement and severance benefits paid in connection with the 2001 program was approximately Won 87 billion (including Won 13 billion of normal retirement and severance benefits).

 

In 2002, we implemented another voluntary retirement program under which a total of 166 employees retired. The aggregate amount of retirement and severance benefits paid in connection with the 2002 program was approximately Won 19 billion (including Won 3 billion of normal retirement and severance benefits).

 

Labor Relations

 

Although we consider our current relations with our work force to be good, our strategy of restructuring to improve our efficiency and profitability by disposing of non-core businesses and reducing our employee base have met with opposition from our labor union. In December 2000, certain members of the KT Trade Union carried out work stoppages, demanding changes in Government policies to prevent widespread layoffs and seeking negotiations with management regarding the scope of our restructuring. In May 2001, certain members of our labor union held protests in our headquarters opposing our strategy of restructuring unprofitable businesses, including 114 phone directory services, and the expected layoffs resulting from such strategy.

 

Under Korean labor law, our employees are permitted to strike. However, because the maintenance of our network is in the public interest, the Government has the authority to mediate and/or arbitrate any strike, as well as any disagreement involving the collective bargaining process. Criminal proceedings may be brought against any party refusing Government mediation or arbitration. The current collective bargaining agreement provides that even in the event of a strike, the minimum number of employees necessary to operate the telecommunications business must continue to work.

 

As of December 31, 2002, about 83.3% of all our employees were members of the KT Trade Union. On behalf of its members, the Union negotiates with us a collective bargaining agreement every two years and an annual agreement on wages. Under the Act of the Promotion of Worker’s Participation and Cooperation (Law No. 5312 of March 13, 1997, as amended), our Employee-Employer Cooperation Committees, which are composed of representatives of management and labor for each business unit and regional office, meet quarterly to discuss employee grievances, working conditions and potential employee-initiated improvements in service or management.

 

In May 2002, we reached an agreement with our labor union to increase our employees’ wages by 3.1% in 2002. We expect to reach an agreement with our labor union for 2003 wages in the second half of 2003.

 

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Employee Stock Ownership and Benefits

 

We have an employee stock ownership association, which may purchase on behalf of its members up to 20% of any of our shares offered publicly in Korea. The employee stock ownership association owned 5.7% of our issued shares as of December 31, 2002. As part of the privatization plan, the Government sold 17,714,885 shares to our employee stock ownership association in May 2002.

 

We maintain a retirement and severance plan, as required by Korean labor law. Employees terminating their employment after one year or more of service are entitled to receive a lump-sum payment based upon the length of their service and their wage rates, with adjustments, at the time of termination. We make provision for our obligations under the retirement plan. In addition, we provide a wide range of fringe benefits to our employees, including physical education grants, meal allowances, housing, housing loans, medical examinations and training and resort centers. See “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Salaries and Related Costs”.

 

Employee Training

 

We operate a central training and learning center in Daejon and three regional training centers in Wonju, Gimhae and Najoo, offering 238 courses in subjects such as management and new technologies. In 2002, over 26,000 of our employees participated in such courses at our central and regional training centers, new employees receive training in technology and service, and selected employees receive additional training to enhance their knowledge and leadership skills. We also send selected employees to the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology for training and to universities in Korea and abroad.

 

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Item 7.    Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

 

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS

 

The following table sets forth certain information relating to the shareholders of our common stock as of December 31, 2002.

 

Shareholders


   Number of
Shares


   Percent
of Class


 

SK Telecom(1)

   29,808,333    9.6  

Brandes Investment Partners

   18,769,057    6.1  

Employee stock ownership association

   17,678,198    5.7  

National Pension Corporation

   7,859,178    2.6  

Directors and executive officers as a group

   7,576    0.0  

Public

   173,421,205    56.1  

KT Corporation (held in the form of treasury stock)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)

   61,534,112    19.9  
    
  

Total(7)

   309,077,659    100.0 %
    
  


(1)   Settlement for our December 30, 2002 exchange of 4,457,635 shares of SK Telecom for 15,454,659 of our shares held by SK Telecom plus Won 212 billion occurred on January 3, 2003. Accordingly, SK Telecom’s shareholding as of December 31, 2002 includes these 15,454,659 shares. On January 10, 2003, we exchanged 3,809,288 shares of SK Telecom for 14,353,674 of our shares held by SK Telecom plus Won 123 billion. SK Telecom no longer owns any interest in us.
(2)   Includes 1,250,330 shares of treasury stock owned by our treasury stock fund.
(3)   Includes 47,519,360 shares of treasury stock reserved for delivery upon conversion of the convertible bonds issued in January 2002 and May 2002.
(4)   On January 6, 2003, we retired 15,454,659 shares of treasury stock.
(5)   On January 10, 2003, we acquired an additional 14,353,679 shares as treasury shares from SK Telecom as a result of a stock swap transaction.
(6)   On June 17, 2003, we acquired 2,937,000 shares on the Korea Stock Exchange for retirement.
(7)   Upon retirement of 15,454,659 shares of treasury stock on January 6, 2003 and 2,937,000 shares of treasury stock on June 20, 2003, the number of shares of our common stock issued decreased to 290,686,000 shares.

 

Before 1993, the Government owned all of our shares. Since 1993, the Government has gradually reduced its ownership and currently does not own any of our issued shares.

 

For a discussion of our relationship with the Government, see “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Relationship with the Government”. For a discussion of the Government’s dispositions and plans for future dispositions of shares, see “Information on the Company—Privatization”.

 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

On November 29, 2002 and December 13, 2002, we sold all of our 46.6% interest in KT ICOM to KT Freetel for Won 540 billion in cash and Won 309 billion in 3-month short term notes. We also purchased Won 336 billion of convertible bonds issued by KT Freetel on November 29, 2002. These convertible bonds have a maturity of three years and are convertible into shares of KT Freetel after one year from the issuance date at an exercise price of Won 37,200 per share.

 

We have issued guarantees of Won 289 billion as of December 31, 2000, Won 112 billion as of December 31, 2001 and Won 81 billion as of December 31, 2002, in favor of our consolidated subsidiaries. We have also engaged in various transactions with our subsidiaries and affiliated companies. See Note 2(a) of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Item 8.    Financial Information

 

See “Item 18—Financial Statements” and pages F-1 through F-76.

 

Item 9.    The Offer and Listing

 

Notes and Warrants

 

Our 7.50% Notes due 2006 and 7.625% Notes due 2007 are traded in the over-the-counter market. Sales prices for the Notes are not regularly reported on any exchange or other quotation service. Our 0.25% Convertible Notes due 2007 are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. There is no existing trading market for our 4.30% Bonds due 2005 and Warrants to purchase 9,270,200 common shares.

 

Shares and ADSs

 

The principal trading market for the shares is the Korea Stock Exchange. The ADSs are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “KTC”. The ADSs have been admitted to the Official List of the London Stock Exchange. Each ADS represents one-half of one share.

 

Markets

 

The Korea Stock Exchange

 

The Korea Stock Exchange began its operations in 1956. Currently it is the only stock exchange in Korea. It has a single trading floor located in Seoul. The Korea Stock Exchange is a non-profit making organization privately managed by its members, consisting of all Korean securities companies and some Korean branches of foreign securities companies.

 

As of December 31, 2002, the aggregate market value of equity securities listed on the Korea Stock Exchange was approximately Won 259 trillion. The average daily trading volume of equity securities for 2002 was approximately 857 million shares with an average transaction value of Won 3,042 billion.

 

The Korea Stock Exchange has the power in some circumstances to suspend trading in the shares of a given company or to de-list a security. The Korea Stock Exchange also restricts share price movements. All listed companies are required to file accounting reports annually and quarterly and to release immediately all information that may affect trading in a security.

 

The Government has in the past exerted, and continues to exert, substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector business community which can have the intention or effect of depressing or boosting the market. In the past, the Government has informally both encouraged and restricted the declaration and payment of dividends, induced mergers to reduce what it considers excess capacity in a particular industry and induced private companies to offer publicly their securities.

 

The Korea Stock Exchange publishes the Korea Composite Stock Price Index every thirty seconds, which is an index of all equity securities listed on the Korea Stock Exchange. On January 1, 1983, the method of computing the Korea Composite Stock Price Index was changed from the Dow Jones method to the aggregate value method. In the new method, the market capitalizations of all listed companies are aggregated, subject to certain adjustments, and this aggregate is expressed as a percentage of the aggregate market capitalization of all listed companies as of the base date, January 4, 1980.

 

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Movements in Korea Composite Stock Price Index are set out in the following table together with the associated dividend yields and price earnings ratios.

 

                         Period Average

 

Year


   Opening

   High

   Low

   Closing

   Dividend
Yield(1)
(percent)


    Price
Earnings
Ratio(2)


 

1979

   131.28    131.28    104.38    118.97    17.8     3.8  

1980

   100.00    119.36    100.00    106.87    20.9     2.6  

1981

   97.95    165.95    93.14    131.37    13.2     3.1  

1982

   123.60    134.49    106.00    127.31    10.5     3.4  

1983

   122.52    134.46    115.59    121.21    6.9     3.8  

1984

   116.73    142.46    114.37    142.46    5.1     4.5  

1985

   139.53    163.37    131.40    163.37    5.3     5.2  

1986

   161.40    279.67    153.85    272.61    4.3     7.6  

1987

   264.82    525.11    264.82    525.11    2.6     10.9  

1988

   532.04    922.56    527.89    907.20    2.4     11.2  

1989

   919.61    1,007.77    844.75    909.72    2.0     13.9  

1990

   908.59    928.82    566.27    696.11    2.2     12.8  

1991

   679.75    763.10    586.51    610.92    2.6     11.2  

1992

   624.23    691.48    459.07    678.44    2.2     10.9  

1993

   697.41    874.10    605.93    866.18    1.6     12.7  

1994

   879.32    1,138.75    855.37    1,027.37    1.2     16.2  

1995

   1,013.57    1,016.77    847.09    882.94    1.2     16.4  

1996

   888.85    986.84    651.22    651.22    1.3     17.8  

1997

   653.79    792.29    350.68    376.31    1.5     17.0  

1998

   385.49    579.86    280.00    562.46    1.9     10.8  

1999

   587.57    1,028.07    498.42    1,028.07    1.1     13.5  

2000

   1,059.04    1,059.04    500.60    504.62    1.6 (3)   18.6 (3)

2001

   520.95    704.50    468.76    693.70    2.0 (3)   14.2 (3)

2002

   724.95    937.61    584.04    627.55    1.4 (3)   17.8 (3)

2003 (through June 25)

   635.17    690.49    515.24    674.03    2.0 (3)   12.6 (3)

Source:   The Korea Stock Exchange
(1)   Dividend yields are based on daily figures. Before 1983, dividend yields were calculated at the end of each month. Dividend yields after January 3, 1984 include cash dividends only.
(2)   The price earnings ratio is based on figures for companies that record a profit in the preceding year.
(3)   Starting in April 2000, dividend yield and price earnings ratio of KOSPI 200, an index of 200 equity securities listed on the Korea Stock Exchange. Starting in April 2000, excludes classified companies, companies which did not submit annual reports to the Korea Stock Exchange, and companies which received disqualified opinion from external auditors.

 

Shares are quoted “ex-dividend” on the first trading day of the relevant company’s accounting period; since the calendar year is the accounting period for the majority of listed companies, this may account for the drop in the Korea Composite Stock Price Index between its closing level at the end of one calendar year and its opening level at the beginning of the following calendar year.

 

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With certain exceptions, principally to take account of a share being quoted “ex-dividend” and “ex-rights”, permitted upward and downward movements in share prices of any category of shares on any day are limited under the rules of the Korea Stock Exchange to 15% of the previous day’s closing price of the shares, rounded down as set out below:

 

Previous Day’s Closing Price (Won)


   Rounded
Down
To
(Won)


Less than 5,000.

   5

5,000 to less than 10,000

   10

10,000 to less than 50,000

   50

50,000 to less than 100,000

   100

100,000 to less than 500,000

   500

500,000 or more .

   1,000

 

As a consequence, if a particular closing price is the same as the price set by the fluctuation limit, the closing price may not reflect the price at which persons would have been prepared, or would be prepared to continue, if so permitted, to buy and sell shares. Orders are executed on an auction system with priority rules to deal with competing bids and offers.

 

Due to a recent deregulation of restrictions on brokerage commission rates, the brokerage commission rate on equity securities transactions may be determined by the parties, subject to commission schedules being filed with the Korea Stock Exchange by the securities companies. In addition, a securities transaction tax will generally be imposed on the transfer of shares or certain securities representing rights to subscribe for shares at the rate of 0.15% if such transfer is made through the Korea Stock Exchange. A special agricultural and fishery tax of 0.15% of the sales prices will also be imposed on transfer of these shares and securities on the Korea Stock Exchange. See “Taxation—Korean Taxation”.

 

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The number of companies listed on the Korea Stock Exchange, the corresponding total market capitalization at the end of the periods indicated and the average daily trading volume for those periods are set forth in the following table:

 

   

Market Capitalization

on the Last Day of Each Period


 

Average Daily Trading Volume,

Value


Year


  Number of
Listed
Companies


  (Millions of
Won)


  (Thousands of
Dollars)(1)


  Thousands
of Shares


  (Millions of
Won)


  (Thousands
of
Dollars)(1)


1979

  355   2,609,414   5,391,351   5,382   4,579   4,641

1980

  352   2,526,553   3,828,691   5,654   3,897   5,905

1981

  343   2,959,057   4,224,207   10,565   8,708   12,433

1982

  334   3,000,494   4,407,711   9,704   6,667   8,904

1983

  328   3,489,654   4,386,743   9,325   5,941   7,468

1984

  336   5,148,460   6,222,456   14,847   10,642   12,862

1985

  342   6,570,404   7,380,818   18,925   12,315   13,834

1986

  355   11,994,233   13,924,115   31,755   32,870   38,159

1987

  389   26,172,174   33,033,162   20,353   70,185   88,584

1988

  502   64,543,685   94,348,318   10,367   198,364   289,963

1989

  626   95,476,774   140,489,660   11,757   280,967   414,431

1990

  669   79,019,676   110,301,055   10,866   183,692   256,500

1991

  686   73,117,833   96,182,364   14,022   214,263   281,850

1992

  688   84,711,982   107,502,515   24,028   308,246   391,175

1993

  693   112,665,260   139,419,948   35,130   574,048   676,954

1994

  699   151,217,231   191,729,721   36,862   776,257   984,223

1995

  721   141,151,399   182,201,367   26,130   487,762   629,614

1996

  760   117,369,988   139,031,021   26,571   486,834   575,733

1997

  776   70,988,897   50,161,742   41,525   555,759   392,707

1998

  748   137,798,451   114,090,455   97,716   660,429   471,432

1999

  725   349,503,966   305,137,040   278,551   3,481,620   3,039,654

2000

  704   188,041,490   150,162,898   306,163   2,602,211   2,078,028

2001

  689   255,850,070   194,784,979   473,241   1,997,420   1,520,685

2002

  683   258,680,756   216,071,436   857,245   3,041,595   2,540,590

2003 (through June 25)

  681   279,655,608   235,162,805   606,556   2,022,522   1,700,781

Source:   The Korea Stock Exchange
(1)   Converted at the Concentration Base Rate of The Bank of Korea or the Market Average Exchange Rate, as the case may be, at the end of the periods indicated.

 

The Korean securities markets are principally regulated by the Financial Supervisory Commission of Korea and the Securities and Exchange Act. The Securities and Exchange Act was amended fundamentally numerous times in recent years to broaden the scope and improve the effectiveness of official supervision of the securities markets. As amended, the law imposes restrictions on insider trading and price manipulation, requires specified information to be made available by listed companies to investors and establishes rules regarding margin trading, proxy solicitation, takeover bids, acquisition of treasury shares and reporting requirements for shareholders holding substantial interests.

 

Further Opening of the Korean Securities Market

 

A stock index futures market was opened on May 3, 1996 and a stock index option market was opened on July 7, 1997, in each case at the Korea Stock Exchange. Remittance and repatriation of funds in connection with investment in stock index futures and options are subject to regulations similar to those that govern remittance and repatriation in the context of foreign investment in Korean stocks.

 

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Starting from May 1, 1996, foreign investors were permitted to invest in warrants representing the right to subscribe for shares of a company listed on the Korea Stock Exchange or registered on the KOSDAQ, subject to certain investment limitations. A foreign investor may not acquire such warrants with respect to shares of a class of a company for which the ceiling on aggregate investment by foreigners has been reached or exceeded.

 

As of December 30, 1997, foreign investors were permitted to invest in all types of corporate bonds, bonds issued by national or local governments and bonds issued in accordance with certain special laws without being subject to any aggregate or individual investment ceiling. The Financial Supervisory Commission sets forth procedural requirements for such investments. The Government announced on February 8, 1998 its plans for the liberalization of the money market with respect to investment in money market instruments by foreigners in 1998. According to the plan, foreigners have been permitted to invest in money market instruments issued by corporations, including commercial paper, starting February 16, 1998 with no restrictions as to the amount. Starting May 25, 1998, foreigners have been permitted to invest in certificates of deposit and repurchase agreements.

 

Currently, foreigners are permitted to invest in securities including shares of all Korean companies which are not listed on the Korea Stock Exchange nor registered on the KOSDAQ and in bonds which are not listed.

 

Protection of Customer’s Interest in Case of Insolvency of Securities Companies

 

Under Korean law, the relationship between a customer and a securities company in connection with a securities sell or buy order is deemed to be consignment and the securities acquired by a consignment agent (i.e., the securities company) through such sell or buy order are regarded as belonging to the customer in so far as the customer and the consignment agent’s creditors are concerned. Therefore, in the event of a bankruptcy or reorganization procedure involving a securities company, the customer of the securities company is entitled to the proceeds of the securities sold by the securities company.

 

When a customer places a sell order with a securities company which is not a member of the Korea Stock Exchange and this securities company places a sell order with another securities company which is a member of the Korea Stock Exchange, the customer is still entitled to the proceeds of the securities sold received by the non-member company from the member company regardless of the bankruptcy or reorganization of the non-member company.

 

Under the Securities and Exchange Act, the Korea Stock Exchange is obliged to indemnify any loss or damage incurred by a counterparty as a result of a breach by its members. If a securities company which is a member of the Korea Stock Exchange breaches its obligation in connection with a buy order, the Korea Stock Exchange is obliged to pay the purchase price on behalf of the breaching member. Therefore, the customer can acquire the securities that have been ordered to be purchased by the breaching member.

 

When a customer places a buy order with a non-member company and the non-member company places a buy order with a member company, the customer has the legal right to the securities received by the non-member company from the member company because the purchased securities are regarded as belonging to the customer in so far as the customer and the non-member company’s creditors are concerned.

 

As the cash deposited with a securities company is regarded as belonging to the securities company, which is liable to return the same at the request of its customer, the customer cannot take back deposited cash from the securities company if a bankruptcy or reorganization procedure is instituted against the securities company and, therefore, can suffer from loss or damage as a result. However, the Depositor Protection Act provides that Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation will, upon the request of the investors, pay investors up to Won 50 million in case of the securities company’s bankruptcy, liquidation, cancellation of securities business license or other insolvency events. Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act, as amended, securities companies are required to deposit the cash received from its customers to the extent the amount not covered by the insurance with the Korea Securities Finance Corporation, a special entity established pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act.

 

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Set-off or attachment of cash deposits by securities companies is prohibited. The premiums related to this insurance are paid by securities companies.

 

Market Price Information

 

Common Stock

 

Our shares were listed on the Korea Stock Exchange on December 23, 1998.

 

The price of the shares on the Korea Stock Exchange as of the close of trading on June 25, 2003 was Won 48,350 per Share. The table below shows the high and low closing prices and the average daily volume of trading activity on the Korea Stock Exchange for the shares since December 23, 1998.

 

     Price

   Average
Daily
Trading
Volume


     High

   Low

  
     (in Won)    (Number of
Shares)

1998 (from December 23)

   38,000    28,750    85,487

1999

   179,000    33,550    977,499

First quarter

   45,000    33,550    789,344

Second quarter

   79,000    41,800    1,025,689

Third quarter

   91,500    72,200    730,069

Fourth quarter

   179,000    74,300    1,355,593

2000

   169,000    58,000    941,178

First quarter

   169,000    94,000    1,366,174

Second quarter

   102,500    73,000    1,173,388

Third quarter

   96,900    58,000    510,957

Fourth quarter

   73,000    59,000    696,727

2001

   81,900    40,500    716,042

First quarter

   81,900    55,600    738,074

Second quarter

   63,000    51,100    729,157

Third quarter

   54,600    40,500    606,358

Fourth quarter

   56,800    44,800    788,673

2002

   65,000    41,350    1,261,121

First quarter

   65,000    44,300    1,772,568

Second quarter

   63,200    46,650    1,334,419

Third quarter

   56,300    41,350    932,334

Fourth quarter

   55,000    48,100    1,031,093

December

   55,000    50,700    1,517,868

2003 (through June 25)

   53,600    41,900    831,486

First quarter

   53,600    41,900    760,406

January

   53,600    47,100    887,640

February

   49,000    42,800    731,129

March

   44,600    41,900    661,055

Second quarter (through June 25)

   50,400    44,200    907,468

April

   50,400    44,200    775,150

May

   49,000    44,300    865,242

June (through June 25)

   48,350    44,500    1,125,899

Source:   Korea Stock Exchange.

 

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ADSs

 

The outstanding ADSs, each of which represents one-half of one share of our common stock, are traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange.

 

The price of the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange as of the close of trading on June 24, 2003 was $19.92 per ADS. The table below shows the high and low trading prices and the average daily volume of trading activity on the New York Stock Exchange for our ADSs since May 25, 1999.

 

     Price

   Average
Daily
Trading
Volume


     High

   Low

  
     (in US$)    (Number of
ADSs)

1999 (from May 25)

   74.75    27.56    575,160

Second quarter (from May 25)

   40.00    27.56    1,419,844

Third quarter

   44.25    31.75    440,850

Fourth quarter

   74.75    31.50    388,502

2000

   74.50    26.88    467,352

First quarter

   74.50    41.13    582,749

Second quarter

   48.88    32.13    493,857

Third quarter

   49.88    30.75    353,878

Fourth quarter

   37.88    26.88    438,925

December

   35.19    26.88    384,170

2001

   39.88    16.39    1,085,253

First quarter

   39.88    22.50    541,265

Second quarter

   27.75    20.35    889,440

Third quarter

   21.87    16.39    1,235,822

Fourth quarter

   24.94    18.10    1,666,189

2002

   24.64    18.12    1,084,210

First quarter

   24.49    18.12    1,620,290

Second quarter

   24.64    21.45    1,100,248

Third quarter

   22.76    19.42    900,939

Fourth quarter

   22.60    19.43    749,067

December

   22.60    21.32    463,829

2003 (through June 24)

   22.58    16.85    899,950

First quarter

   22.58    16.85    904,731

January

   22.58    20.33    941,048

February

   20.87    18.05    987,932

March

   18.44    16.85    793,138

Second quarter (through June 24)

   20.43    17.53    895,007

April

   20.43    17.53    726,676

May

   20.42    18.77    835,495

June (through June 24)

   20.11    18.65    1,176,459

Source:   New York Stock Exchange.

 

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Item 10.    Additional Information

 

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

 

This section provides information relating to our capital stock, including brief summaries of material provisions of our articles of incorporation, the Korean Securities and Exchange Act of 1962 (the “Securities and Exchange Act”), the Commercial Code, the Privatization Law and related laws of Korea, all as currently in effect. The following summaries are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, our articles of incorporation and the applicable provisions of the Securities and Exchange Act and the Commercial Code. We have filed copies of our articles of incorporation and these laws as exhibits to registration statements under the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act previously filed by us.

 

General

 

Currently, our authorized share capital is 1,000,000,000 shares, which consists of shares of common stock, par value Won 5,000 per share (“Common Shares”) and shares of non-voting preferred stock, par value Won 5,000 per share (“Non-Voting Shares”). Common Shares and Non-Voting Shares together are referred to as “Shares”. Under our articles of incorporation, we are authorized to issue Non-Voting Shares up to one-fourth of our total issued capital stock. As of December 31, 2002, 309,077,659 Common Shares were issued, of which 1,250,330 shares were held by the treasury stock fund and an additional 60,283,782 shares were held by us as treasury shares. We have never issued any Non-Voting Shares. All of the issued Common Shares are fully-paid and non-assessable and are in registered form. We issue share certificates in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 and 10,000 shares.

 

Dividends

 

We distribute dividends to our shareholders in proportion to the number of shares owned by each shareholder. No dividends are distributed with respect to shares held by us or our treasury stock fund. The Common Shares represented by the ADSs have the same dividend rights as other outstanding Common Shares.

 

Holders of Non-Voting Shares are entitled to receive dividends in priority to the holders of Common Shares in an amount of not less than 9% of the par value of the Non-Voting Shares as determined by the board of directors at the time of their issuance, provided that if the dividends on the Common Shares exceed those on the Non-Voting Shares, the Non-Voting Shares will also participate in the distribution of such excess dividend amount in the same proportion as the Common Shares. If the amount available for dividends is less than the aggregate amount of such minimum dividend, the holders of Non-Voting Shares will be entitled to receive such accumulated unpaid dividend in priority to the holders of Common Shares from the dividends payable in respect of the next fiscal year.

 

We declare dividends annually at the annual general meeting of shareholders which is held within three months after the end of the fiscal year. We pay the annual dividend shortly after the annual general meeting to the shareholders of record as of the end of the preceding fiscal year. We may distribute the annual dividend in cash or in Shares. However, a dividend of Shares must be distributed at par value. If the market price of the Shares is less than their par value, dividends in Shares may not exceed one-half of the annual dividend. We may pay interim dividends in cash once a year to shareholders or registered pledgees who are registered in the registry of shareholders as of June 30 of each fiscal year by a resolution of the board of directors. We have no obligation to pay any annual dividend unclaimed for five years from the payment date.

 

Under the Commercial Code, we may pay our dividend only out of the excess of our net assets, on a non-consolidated basis, over the sum of (1) our stated capital and (2) the total amount of our capital surplus reserve and legal reserve accumulated up to the end of the relevant dividend period. In addition, we may not pay any dividend unless we have set aside as legal reserve an amount equal to at least 10% of the cash portion of the

 

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dividend or unless we have accumulated a legal reserve of not less than one-half of our stated capital. Financial Supervisory Commission regulations applicable to companies listed on the Korea Stock Exchange requires us to set aside specified amounts as financial structure improvement reserve until the ratio of our shareholders’ equity to the total assets reaches 30.0%. We may not use legal reserve to pay cash dividends but may transfer amounts from legal reserve to capital stock or use legal reserve to reduce an accumulated deficit. See Note 24 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Distribution of Free Shares

 

In addition to paying dividends in Shares out of our retained or current earnings, we may also distribute to our shareholders an amount transferred from our capital surplus or legal reserve to our stated capital in the form of free shares. We must distribute such free shares to all our shareholders in proportion to their existing shareholdings.

 

Preemptive Rights and Issuance of Additional Shares

 

We may issue authorized but unissued shares at times and, unless otherwise provided in the Commercial Code, on terms our board of directors may determine. Subject to the limitation described in “Limitation on Shareholdings” below, all our shareholders are generally entitled to subscribe for any newly issued Shares in proportion to their existing shareholdings. We must offer new Shares on uniform terms to all shareholders who have preemptive rights and are listed on our shareholders’ register as of the relevant record date. Under the Commercial Code, we may vary, without shareholders’ approval, the terms of these preemptive rights for different classes of shares. We must give public notice of the preemptive rights regarding new Shares and their transferability at least two weeks before the relevant record date. Our board of directors may determine how to distribute Shares for which preemptive rights have not been exercised or where fractions of Shares occur.

 

Under the Commercial Code, the new Shares, convertible bonds or bonds with warrants must be issued to persons other than the existing shareholders solely for the purpose of achieving managerial objectives. Under our articles of incorporation, we may issue new Shares pursuant to a board resolution to persons other than existing shareholders, who in these circumstances will not have preemptive rights, if the new Shares are:

 

    publicly offered pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act;

 

    issued to members of our employee stock ownership association;

 

    represented by depositary receipts;

 

    issued upon exercise of stock options granted to our officers and employees;

 

    issued through an offering to public investors, the amount of which is no more than 10% of the issued Shares;

 

    issued in order to satisfy specific needs such as strategic alliance, inducement of foreign funds or new technology, improvement of financial structure or other capital raising requirement; or

 

    issued to domestic or foreign financial institutions when necessary for raising funds in emergency cases.

 

In addition, we may issue convertible bonds or bonds with warrants, each up to an aggregate principal amount of Won 2,000 billion, to persons other than existing shareholders in situations described above.

 

Members of our employee stock ownership association, whether or not they are our shareholders, generally have a preemptive right to subscribe for up to 20% of the Shares publicly offered pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act. This right is exercisable only to the extent that the total number of Shares so acquired and held by members of our employee stock ownership association does not exceed 20% of the total number of Shares then issued. As of December 31, 2002, approximately 5.7% of the issued Shares were held by members of our employee stock ownership association.

 

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Limitation on Shareholdings

 

The Telecommunications Business Law permits maximum aggregate foreign shareholdings in us of 49% of the issued shares with voting rights. In addition, (1) a foreigner, (2) a foreign government or (3) a company in which foreigners and foreign governments hold 80% or more shares with voting rights in the aggregate or hold 15% or more shares with voting rights in the aggregate and a foreigner or a foreign government is the largest shareholder, may not be our largest shareholder. A foreigner who has acquired the Shares in excess of such ceiling described above may not exercise its voting rights for shares in excess of such limitation, and the Ministry of Information and Communication may require corrective measures to comply with the ownership restrictions.

 

General Meeting of Shareholders

 

We hold the annual general meeting of shareholders within three months after the end of each fiscal year. Subject to a board resolution or court approval, we may hold an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders:

 

    as necessary;

 

    at the request of holders of an aggregate of 3% or more of our issued Common Shares;

 

    at the request of shareholders holding an aggregate of 1.5% or more of our issued Shares for at least six months; or

 

    at the request of our audit committee

 

Holders of Non-Voting Shares may request a general meeting of shareholders only after the Non-Voting Shares become entitled to vote or are enfranchised, as described under “—Voting Rights” below.

 

We must give shareholders written notice setting out the date, place and agenda of the meeting at least two weeks before the date of the general meeting of shareholders. However, for holders of less than 1% of the total number of issued and issued Common Shares, we may give notice by placing at least two public notices in at least two daily newspapers at least two weeks in advance of the meeting. Currently, we use The Korea Daily News, Maeil Business Newspaper and The Korea Economic Daily published in Seoul for this purpose. Shareholders not on the shareholders’ register as of the record date are not entitled to receive notice of the general meeting of shareholders or attend or vote at the meeting. Holders of Non-Voting Shares, unless enfranchised, are not entitled to receive notice of general meetings of shareholders, but may attend such meetings.

 

Our general meetings of shareholders are held at our head office, in Sungnam, or if necessary, may be held anywhere near our head office or in Seoul.

 

Voting Rights

 

Holders of our Common Shares are entitled to one vote for each Common Share, except that voting rights of Common Shares held by us, or by a corporate shareholder that is more than 10% owned by us either directly or indirectly, may not be exercised. The Commercial Code permits cumulative voting, under which voting method each shareholder has multiple voting rights corresponding to the number of directors to be appointed in the voting and may exercise all voting rights cumulatively to elect one director. Our articles of incorporation permit cumulative voting at our shareholders’ meeting. Under the Securities and Exchange Act, any shareholder holding shares equivalent to not less than 1/100 of the total number of shares issued may ask us to select and appoint such directors by cumulative voting.

 

Our shareholders may adopt resolutions at a general meeting by an affirmative majority vote of the voting shares present or represented at the meeting, where the affirmative votes also represent at least one-fourth of our total voting shares then outstanding. However, under the Commercial Code, the following matters require

 

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approval by the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting shares present or represented at a meeting, where the affirmative votes also represent at least one-third of our total voting shares then outstanding:

 

    amending our articles of incorporation;

 

    removing a director;

 

    effecting any dissolution, merger or consolidation of us;

 

    transferring the whole or any significant part of our business;

 

    effecting our acquisition of all of the business of any other company or our acquisition of a part of the business of any other company which will significantly affect our business; or

 

    issuing any new Shares at a price lower than their par value.

 

In general, holders of Non-Voting Shares are not entitled to vote on any resolution or receive notice of any general meeting of shareholders. However, in the case of amendments to our articles of incorporation, any merger or consolidation of us, capital reductions or in some other cases which affect the rights or interests of the Non-Voting Shares, approval of the holders of Non-Voting Shares is required. We may obtain such approval by a resolution of holders of at least two-thirds of the Non-Voting Shares present or represented at a class meeting of the holders of Non-Voting Shares, where the affirmative votes also represent at least one-third of our total issued Non-Voting Shares. In addition, if we are unable to pay dividends on Non-Voting Shares as provided in our articles of incorporation, the holders of Non-Voting Shares will become enfranchised and will be entitled to exercise voting rights until those dividends are paid. The holders of enfranchised Non-Voting Shares have the same rights as holders of Common Shares to request, receive notice of, attend and vote at a general meeting of shareholders.

 

Shareholders may exercise their voting rights by proxy. The proxy must present a document evidencing an appropriate power of attorney prior to the start of the general meeting of shareholders.

 

Holders of ADRs exercise their voting rights through the depositary bank, an agent of which is the record holder of the underlying Common Shares. Subject to the provisions of the deposit agreement, ADR holders are entitled to instruct the depositary bank how to vote the Common Shares underlying their ADSs. See “Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities—Description of American Depositary Shares—Voting Rights”.

 

Rights of Dissenting Shareholders

 

In some limited circumstances, including the transfer of the whole or any significant part of our business and our merger or consolidation with another company, dissenting shareholders have the right to require us to purchase their Shares. To exercise this right, shareholders must submit to us a written notice of their intention to dissent before the general meeting of shareholders. Within 20 days after the relevant resolution is passed at a meeting, the dissenting shareholders must request us in writing to purchase their Shares. We are obligated to purchase the Shares of dissenting shareholders within one month after the expiration of the 20-day period. The purchase price for the Shares is required to be determined through negotiation between the dissenting shareholders and us. If we cannot agree on a price through negotiation, the purchase price will be the average of (1) the weighted average of the daily Share prices on the Korea Stock Exchange for the two-month period before the date of the adoption of the relevant board resolution, (2) the weighted average of the daily Share price on the Korea Stock Exchange for the one month period before the date of the adoption of the relevant board resolution and (3) the weighted average of the daily Share price on the Korea Stock Exchange for the one week period before the date of the adoption of the relevant board resolution. However, the Financial Supervisory Commission may adjust this price if we or holders of 30% or more of the Shares we are obligated to purchase do not accept the purchase price. Holders of ADSs will not be able to exercise dissenter’s rights unless they have withdrawn the underlying common stock and become our direct shareholders.

 

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Register of Shareholders and Record Dates

 

Our transfer agent, Kookmin Bank, maintains the register of our shareholders at its office in Seoul, Korea. It registers transfers of Shares on the register of shareholders on presentation of the Share certificates.

 

The record date for annual dividends is December 31. For the purpose of determining the shareholders entitled to annual dividends, the register of shareholders may be closed for the period from the day after the record date to January 31 of the following year. Further, for the purpose of determining the shareholders entitled to some other rights pertaining to the Shares, we may, on at least two weeks’ public notice, set a record date and/or close the register of shareholders for not more than three months. The trading of Shares and the delivery of share certificates may continue while the register of shareholders is closed.

 

Annual Report

 

At least one week before the annual general meeting of shareholders, we must make our annual report and audited non-consolidated financial statements available for inspection at our principal office and at all of our branch offices. In addition, copies of annual reports, the audited non-consolidated financial statements and any resolutions adopted at the general meeting of shareholders will be available to our shareholders.

 

Under the Securities and Exchange Act, we must file with the Financial Supervisory Commission and the Korea Stock Exchange (1) an annual securities report within 90 days after the end of our fiscal year and (2) interim reports with respect to the three month period, six month period and nine month period from the beginning of each fiscal year within 45 calendar days following the end of each period. Copies of these reports are or will be available for public inspection at the Financial Supervisory Commission and the Korea Stock Exchange.

 

Transfer of Shares

 

Under the Commercial Code, the transfer of Shares is effected by delivery of share certificates. However, to assert shareholders’ rights against us, the transferee must have his name and address registered on our register of shareholders. For this purpose, a shareholder is required to file his name, address and seal with our transfer agent. A non-Korean shareholder may file a specimen signature in place of a seal, unless he is a citizen of a country with a sealing system similar to that of Korea. In addition, a non-resident shareholder must appoint an agent authorized to receive notices on his behalf in Korea and file a mailing address in Korea. The above requirements do not apply to the holders of ADSs.

 

Under current Korean regulations, Korean securities companies and banks, including licensed branches of non-Korean securities companies and banks, investment management companies, futures trading companies, internationally recognized foreign custodians and the Korea Securities Depository may act as agents and provide related services for foreign shareholders. Certain foreign exchange controls and securities regulations apply to the transfer of Shares by non-residents or non-Koreans. See “—Exchange Controls”.

 

Our transfer agent is Kookmin Bank, located at 24-3, Yoido-dong, Youngdungpo-ku, Seoul, Korea.

 

Acquisition of Shares by Us

 

We may not acquire our own Shares except in limited circumstances, such as a reduction in capital. In addition, we may acquire Shares through purchases on the Korea Stock Exchange or through a tender offer. We may also acquire interests in our own Shares through agreements with trust companies, securities investment trust companies and securities investment companies. The aggregate purchase price for the Shares may not exceed the total amount available for distribution of dividends at the end of the preceding fiscal year, subject to certain procedural requirements, provided that, in case of acquisition of our own Shares by us for the purpose of

 

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cancellation, the aggregate purchase price may not exceed the total amount available for distribution of dividends at the end of the preceding fiscal year minus certain reserves.

 

In general, corporate entities in which we own a 50% or more equity interest may not acquire our Shares.

 

Liquidation Rights

 

In the event of our liquidation, after payment of all debts, liquidation expenses and taxes, our remaining assets will be distributed among shareholders in proportion to their shareholdings. Holders of Non-Voting Shares have no preference in liquidation.

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Dispute with the Fair Trade Commission

 

On February 20, 2001, the Fair Trade Commission issued a cease and desist order prohibiting us from engaging in any activity amounting to an unfair intra-group transaction, claiming that certain of our transactions with our affiliates were in violation of the Fair Trade Laws. The Fair Trade Commission alleged that we had unfairly assisted our affiliates by paying them unreasonably high service fees. The Fair Trade Commission imposed a fine of approximately Won 30 billion, which we paid. On July 9, 2001, the Korean Fair Trade Commission rejected our appeal. We filed an appeal in the High Court of Korea and intend to continue to seek redress in the courts.

 

Retirement Benefits Disputes

 

In October 2000, approximately 4,500 of our former and current employees, who had previously been employed by the Ministry of Information and Commission and transferred to us in 1981, filed a lawsuit against us claiming that we owe to them an additional Won 27 billion for retirement and severance benefits. Their claim was that we should have given them full credit for their military service, whereas we believed that we were in compliance with the laws in effect at that time. In July 2002, the Seoul District Court held in favor of the claimants and ordered that we pay to the claimants Won 27 billion plus interest for retirement and service benefits. Interest accrued as of December 31, 2002 totaled Won 6.1 billion. The Seoul District Court also ordered that we pay the full amount of the judgment amount although the judgment was not concluded finally, and we filed an application for an order suspending such payment obligation pending our appeal of the judgment. The court accepted our application for suspension of execution of the judgment without requiring any monetary deposit, and we are in the process of appealing the Seoul District Court’s decision to the Seoul High Court. To date, we have not made any provision for the judgment. Although we plan to vigorously defend against this claim, we are unable to predict the outcome of this lawsuit or any similar future claims. In the event that the courts ultimately rule in favor of the plaintiffs, we cannot rule out the possibility that similar claims may be brought in the future by another approximately 1,400 of our former and current employees.

 

Dispute in the Philippines

 

In September 2001 and December 2001, two of three subcontractors of Korea Telecom Philippines, Inc. (“KTPI”), our wholly-owned subsidiary in the Philippines, filed lawsuits seeking damages of approximately US$19 million and US$10 million, respectively, from us in connection with a telecommunication project where KTPI acted as the project manager. PT&T, the project coordinator, defaulted on payments to KTPI and, as a consequence, KTPI was unable to make payments to the three subcontractors. Although their contracts were entered into with KTPI, the plaintiffs brought their claims against us on the basis that KTPI is a small, wholly-owned subsidiary with insufficient assets to pay the claimed amounts and we are the actual party owing payment

 

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obligations to such sub-contractors. With respect to the claim for US$19 million, which was brought by Korea Communications Engineering, the Seoul District Court held in December 2002 that we should pay US$4.17 million and applicable interest accrued on such amount to the claimant. The Seoul District Court also ordered that the full amount of the judgment be paid although the judgment was not concluded finally, and we filed an application for an order suspending such payment obligation pending our appeal of the judgment. We were ordered to pay Won 1 billion to the court, pending our appeal, and we are in the process of appealing the Seoul District Court’s judgment to the Seoul High Court. The claim for US$10 million was brought by Ssangyong Singapore Pte., Ltd. in the Seoul District Court, but the claim for the entire amount was denied on June 20, 2003. However, Ssangyong Singapore Pte., Ltd. may file an appeal, and we cannot give assurance that the ultimate outcome of this lawsuit or any similar future claims will be favorable to us.

 

Interruption and Slowdown of Internet Services

 

In April 2003, a suit was filed by 1,587 claimants (including People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, at-home users of the Internet and businesses providing access to the Internet to consumers in their premises) against us and seven other defendants, including five Internet service providers. The claimants have claimed damages in the amount of Won 117 million as a result of interruption and slowdown of Internet services. The interruption and slowdown of Internet services in certain areas was caused by a worm virus that infected MS-SQL server and jammed Internet traffic. We plan to defend against this claim on the basis that it is too onerous to require that we and the other defendants be held liable to protect end-users of Internet services from any and all viruses that may inflict the telecommunications network through which such Internet services are provided, especially in the case of viruses that originate from outside Korea, as was the case in this case. Although we plan to vigorously defend against this claim, we are unable to predict the outcome of this lawsuit or any similar future claims. We further understand that the class of claimants and the amounts claimed in this lawsuit may be increased.

 

Miscellaneous

 

We are a defendant in various court proceedings involving claims for civil damages arising in the ordinary course of our business. While we are unable to predict the ultimate disposition of these claims, in the opinion of our management, the ultimate disposition of these claims will not, taken as a whole, have a material adverse effect on us.

 

EXCHANGE CONTROLS AND SECURITIES REGULATIONS

 

General

 

The Foreign Exchange Transaction Act and the Presidential Decree and regulations under that Act and Decree (collectively the “Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws”) regulate investment in Korean securities by non-residents and issuance of securities outside Korea by Korean companies. Under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws, non-residents may invest in Korean securities only to the extent specifically allowed by these laws or otherwise permitted by the Ministry of Finance and Economy. The Financial Supervisory Commission has also adopted, pursuant to its authority under the Korean Securities and Exchange Act, regulations that restrict investment by foreigners in Korean securities and regulate issuance of securities outside Korea by Korean companies.

 

Under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws, if the Government deems that certain emergency circumstances, including, but not limited to, the outbreak of natural calamities, wars or grave and sudden changes in domestic or foreign economies, are likely to occur, the Ministry of Finance and Economy may temporarily suspend the transactions where Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws are applicable, or impose an obligation to deposit or sell capital to certain Korean governmental agencies or financial institutions. In addition, if the

 

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Government deems that it is confronted or is likely to be confronted with serious difficulty in movement of capital between Korea and abroad which will bring serious obstacles in carrying out its currency policies, exchange rate policies and other macroeconomic policies, the Ministry of Finance and Economy may take measures to require any person who plans to conduct transactions to obtain permission or to require any person who performs transactions to deposit such capital to certain Korean governmental agencies or financial institutions.

 

Government Review of Issuance of ADSs

 

In order for us to issue shares represented by ADSs in an amount exceeding US$30 million, we are required to file a prior report of the issuance with the Ministry of Finance and Economy. No further Korean governmental approval is necessary for the initial offering and issuance of the ADSs.

 

Under current Korean laws and regulations, the depositary bank is required to obtain our prior consent for the number of shares to be deposited in any given proposed deposit which exceeds the difference between (1) the aggregate number of shares deposited by us or with the consent of us for the issuance of ADSs (including deposits in connection with the initial and all subsequent offerings of ADSs and stock dividends or other distributions related to these ADSs) and (2) the number of shares on deposit with the depositary bank at the time of such proposed deposit. We can give no assurance that we would grant our consent, if our consent is required. Therefore, a holder of ADRs who surrenders ADRs and withdraws shares may not be permitted subsequently to deposit those shares and obtain ADRs.

 

Reporting Requirements for Holders of Substantial Interests

 

Any person whose direct or beneficial ownership of shares, whether in the form of shares or ADSs, certificates representing the rights to subscribe for Shares and equity-related debt securities including convertible bonds and bonds with warrants (collectively, the “Equity Securities”) together with the Equity Securities beneficially owned by certain related persons or by any person acting in concert with the person accounts for 5% or more of the total issued Equity Securities is required to report the status of the holdings to the Financial Supervisory Commission and the Korea Stock Exchange within five business days after reaching the 5% ownership interest. In addition, any change in the ownership interest subsequent to the report which equals or exceeds 1% of the total issued Equity Securities is required to be reported to the Financial Supervisory Commission and the Korea Stock Exchange within five business days from the date of the change.

 

Violation of these reporting requirements may subject a person to criminal sanctions such as fines or imprisonment and may result in a loss of voting rights with respect to the unreported ownership of Equity Securities exceeding 5%. Furthermore, the Financial Supervisory Commission may issue an order to dispose of non-reported Equity Securities.

 

Restrictions Applicable to ADSs

 

No Korean governmental approval is necessary for the sale and purchase of ADSs in the secondary market outside Korea or for the withdrawal of shares underlying ADSs and the delivery inside Korea of shares in connection with the withdrawal, provided that a foreigner who intends to acquire the shares must obtain an investment registration card from the Financial Supervisory Service as described below. The acquisition of the shares by a foreigner must be reported by the foreigner or his standing proxy in Korea immediately to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service.

 

Persons who have acquired shares as a result of the withdrawal of shares underlying the ADSs may exercise their preemptive rights for new shares, participate in free distributions and receive dividends on shares without any further governmental approval.

 

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Restrictions Applicable to Shares

 

As a result of amendments to the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws and Financial Supervisory Commission regulations (together, the “Investment Rules”) adopted in connection with the stock market opening from January 1992 and after that date, foreigners may invest, with limited exceptions and subject to procedural requirements, in all shares of Korean companies, whether listed on the Korea Stock Exchange or registered on the KOSDAQ, unless prohibited by specific laws. Foreign investors may trade shares listed on the Korea Stock Exchange or registered on the KOSDAQ only through the Korea Stock Exchange or the KOSDAQ, except in limited circumstances, including:

 

    odd-lot trading of shares;

 

    acquisition of shares (“Converted Shares”) by exercise of warrant, conversion right under convertible bonds or withdrawal right under depositary receipts issued outside of Korea by a Korean company;

 

    acquisition of shares as a result of inheritance, donation, bequest or exercise of shareholders’ rights, including preemptive rights or rights to participate in free distributions and receive dividends; and

 

    over-the-counter transactions between foreigners of a class of shares for which the ceiling on aggregate acquisition by foreigners, as explained below, has been reached or exceeded.

 

For over-the-counter transactions of shares between foreigners outside the Korea Stock Exchange or the KOSDAQ for shares with respect to which the limit on aggregate foreign ownership has been reached or exceeded, a securities company licensed in Korea must act as an intermediary. Odd-lot trading of shares outside the Korea Stock Exchange or the KOSDAQ must involve a licensed securities company in Korea as the other party. Foreign investors are prohibited from engaging in margin transactions through borrowing shares from a securities company with respect to shares which are subject to a foreign ownership limit.

 

The Investment Rules require a foreign investor who wishes to invest in shares on the Korea Stock Exchange or the KOSDAQ (including Converted Shares) to register its identity with the Financial Supervisory Service prior to making any such investment; however, the registration requirement does not apply to foreign investors who acquire Converted Shares with the intention of selling such Converted Shares within three months from the date of acquisition of the Converted Shares. Upon registration, the Financial Supervisory Service will issue to the foreign investor an investment registration card which must be presented each time the foreign investor opens a brokerage account with a securities company. Foreigners eligible to obtain an investment registration card include foreign nationals who are individuals residing abroad for more than six months, foreign governments, foreign municipal authorities, foreign public institutions, international financial institutions or similar international organizations, corporations incorporated under foreign laws and any person in any additional category designated by decree of the Ministry of Finance and Economy. All Korean offices of a foreign corporation as a group are treated as a separate foreigner from the offices of the corporation outside Korea. However, a foreign corporation or depositary bank issuing depositary receipts may obtain one or more investment registration cards in its name in certain circumstances as described in the relevant regulations.

 

Upon a foreign investor’s purchase of shares through the Korea Stock Exchange or the KOSDAQ, no separate report by the investor is required because the investment registration card system is designed to control and oversee foreign investment through a computer system. However, a foreign investor’s acquisition or sale of shares outside the Korea Stock Exchange or the KOSDAQ (as discussed above) must be reported by the foreign investor or his standing proxy to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service at the time of each such acquisition or sale; provided, however, that a foreign investor must ensure that any acquisition or sale by it of shares outside the Korea Stock Exchange or the KOSDAQ in the case of trades in connection with a tender offer, odd-lot trading of shares or trades of a class of shares for which the aggregate foreign ownership limit has been reached or exceeded, is reported to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service by the securities company engaged to facilitate such transaction. A foreign investor must appoint one or more standing proxies from among the Korea Securities Depository, foreign exchange banks, including domestic branches of foreign banks,

 

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securities companies, including domestic branches of foreign securities companies, investment trust companies, futures trading companies and internationally recognized custodians which will act as a standing proxy to exercise shareholders’ rights or perform any matters related to the foregoing activities if the foreign investor does not perform these activities himself. However, a foreign investor may be exempted from complying with these standing proxy rules with the approval of the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service in cases deemed inevitable by reason of conflict between laws of Korea and the home country of the foreign investor.

 

Certificates evidencing shares of Korean companies must be kept in custody with an eligible custodian in Korea. Only foreign exchange banks, including domestic branches of foreign banks, securities companies, including domestic branches of foreign securities companies, the Korea Securities Depository, investment trust companies, futures trading companies and internationally recognized custodians are eligible to act as a custodian of shares for a non-resident or foreign investor. A foreign investor must ensure that his custodian deposits its shares with the Korea Securities Depository. However, a foreign investor may be exempted from complying with this deposit requirement with the approval of the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service in circumstances where compliance with that requirement is made impracticable, including cases where compliance would contravene the laws of the home country of such foreign investor.

 

Under the Investment Rules, with certain exceptions, foreign investors may acquire shares of a Korean company without being subject to any foreign investment ceiling. As one such exception, designated public corporations are subject to a 40% ceiling on the acquisition of shares by foreigners in the aggregate. Designated public corporations may set a ceiling on the acquisition of shares by a single person within 3% of the total number of shares. Currently, Korea Electric Power Corporation is the only designated public corporation which has set such a ceiling. Furthermore, an investment by a foreign investor of not less than 10% of the issued shares with voting rights of a Korean company is defined as a direct foreign investment under the Foreign Investment Promotion Law, which is, in general, subject to the report to, and acceptance, by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy. The acquisition of our Shares by a foreign investor is also subject to the restrictions prescribed in the Telecommunications Business Law. The Telecommunications Business Law limits the maximum aggregate foreign shareholdings in us to 49% of the total issued shares with voting rights and prohibits a foreign shareholder from being our largest shareholder. A foreigner who has acquired Shares in excess of such restriction described above may not exercise its voting rights with respect to the Shares exceeding such limitations.

 

Under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws, a foreign investor who intends to acquire shares must designate a foreign exchange bank at which he must open a foreign currency account and a Won account exclusively for stock investments. No approval is required for remittance into Korea and deposit of foreign currency funds in the foreign currency account. Foreign currency funds may be transferred from the foreign currency account at the time required to place a deposit for, or settle the purchase price of, a stock purchase transaction to a Won account opened at a securities company. Funds in the foreign currency account may be remitted abroad without any governmental approval.

 

Dividends on Shares are paid in Won. No governmental approval is required for foreign investors to receive dividends on, or the Won proceeds of the sale of, any shares to be paid, received and retained in Korea. Dividends paid on, and the Won proceeds of the sale of, any shares held by a non-resident of Korea must be deposited either in a Won account with the investor’s securities company or his Won Account. Funds in the investor’s Won Account may be transferred to his foreign currency account or withdrawn for local living expenses up to certain limitations. Funds in the Won Account may also be used for future investment in shares or for payment of the subscription price of new shares obtained through the exercise of preemptive rights.

 

The securities companies and investment trust companies were allowed to open foreign currency accounts with foreign exchange banks exclusively for accommodating foreign investors’ stock investments in Korea.

 

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Through these accounts, these securities companies and investment trust companies may enter into foreign exchange transactions on a limited basis, such as conversion of foreign currency funds and Won funds, either as a counterparty to or on behalf of foreign investors, without the investors having to open their own accounts with foreign exchange banks.

 

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TAXATION

 

The following summary is based upon tax laws of the United States and the Republic of Korea as in effect on the date of this annual report on Form 20-F, and is subject to any change in United States or Korean law that may come into effect after such date. Investors in the convertible notes, bonds, warrants, shares of common stock or ADSs are advised to consult their own tax advisers as to the United States, Korean or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of such securities, including the effect of any national, state or local tax laws. In this section, all references to “convertible notes” mean our 0.25% Convertible Notes due 2007 and all references to “bonds” mean our 7.50% Notes due 2006, 7.625% Notes due 2007 and 4.30% Bonds due 2005.

 

Korean Taxation

 

The following summary of Korean tax considerations applies to you as long as you are not:

 

    a resident of Korea;

 

    a corporation organized under Korean law; or

 

    engaged in a trade or business in Korea through a permanent establishment or a fixed base.

 

Convertible Notes or Bonds

 

Tax on Interest

 

In principle, interest paid to a non-resident by a Korean company is subject to withholding of Korean income or corporation tax unless exempted by relevant laws or tax treaties. However, the Special Tax Treatment Control Law of Korea (the “STTCL”) exempts interest on convertible notes or bonds denominated in a foreign currency (excluding payments to a Korean corporation or resident other than to its overseas permanent establishment) from Korean income and corporation tax. The residence tax referred to below is also therefore eliminated. Therefore, under the STTCL, you may be exempt from any Korean withholding tax on convertible notes or bonds.

 

Tax on Capital Gains

 

Korean tax laws currently exclude from Korean taxation gains made by a non-resident without a permanent establishment in Korea from the sale of convertible notes or bonds to non-residents (unless the sale is to the non-resident’s permanent establishment in Korea). In addition, capital gains earned by non-residents in Korea from the transfer of convertible notes or bonds taking place outside of Korea are currently exempt from taxation by virtue of the STTCL, provided that the offering of the convertible notes or bonds is deemed to be an overseas issuance under the STTCL.

 

In the absence of an applicable treaty or any other special tax laws reducing or eliminating capital gains tax, the applicable rate of tax is the lower of 11.0% of the gross realization proceeds or (subject to the production of satisfactory evidence of the acquisition cost and the transaction cost of the relevant Korean securities) 27.5% of the gain made. There is no provision under relevant Korean law for offsetting gains and losses or otherwise aggregating transactions for the purpose of computing the net gain attributable to sales of Korean securities. If you are a resident of the United States for the purposes of the income tax treaty currently in force between Korea and the United States (“US-Korea Tax Treaty”), you are generally entitled to an exemption from Korean taxation in respect of any capital gain realized on a disposition of convertible notes or bonds, regardless of whether the disposition is to a Korean resident or made within Korea. In order to obtain the benefit of a tax exemption available under applicable tax treaties on or after July 1, 2002, you should submit to the purchaser or the securities company, as applicable, the application for the exemption prior to the time of the payment, together with a certificate of your tax residence issued by a competent authority of your resident country. However, this requirement will not apply to the exemption under Korean tax laws.

 

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There is no liability for tax on capital gains in respect of the delivery of shares of common stock following the conversion of the convertible notes. The Korean tax authority has interpreted that the acquisition cost of such shares which are subsequently sold is to be calculated as the acquisition cost of the relevant convertible notes.

 

Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax

 

Korean inheritance tax is imposed upon (1) all assets (wherever located) of the deceased if at the time of death the deceased was domiciled in Korea and (2) all property located in Korea which passes on death (irrespective of the domicile of the deceased). Gift tax is imposed in similar circumstances to the above. Taxes are currently imposed at the rate of 10% to 50% if the value of the relevant property is above a certain limit and the tax amount varies according to the value of the relevant property and the identity of the parties involved. Under Korean inheritance and gift tax laws, convertible notes or bonds issued by Korean corporations are deemed located in Korea irrespective of where they are physically located or by whom they are owned.

 

Shares, ADSs or Warrants

 

Dividends on Shares of Common Stock or ADSs

 

Unless an applicable tax treaty provides otherwise, we will deduct Korean withholding tax from dividends paid to you either in cash or shares at a rate of 27.5%. If you are a resident of a country that has entered into a tax treaty with Korea, you may qualify for a reduced rate of Korean withholding tax under such a treaty. For example, if you are a qualified resident of the United States for purposes of the US-Korea Tax Treaty (the “Treaty”) and you are the beneficial owner of a dividend, a reduced withholding tax rate of 16.5% generally will apply. You will not be entitled to claim treaty benefits if you are not the beneficial owner of a dividend.

 

In order to obtain the benefits of a reduced withholding tax rate under a tax treaty, you must submit to us, prior to the dividend payment date, such evidence of tax residence as may be required by the Korean tax authorities. In the case of ADSs, evidence of tax residence may be submitted to us through the depositary. In addition, on or after July 1, 2002, in order to obtain the benefit of a tax exemption available under applicable tax treaties, you should submit an exemption application prior to the time of the dividend payment, together with a certificate of your tax residence issued by a competent authority of your resident country. Excess taxes withheld generally are not recoverable even if you subsequently produce evidence that you were entitled to have tax withheld at a lower rate.

 

If we distribute to you free shares representing a transfer of certain capital reserves or asset revaluation reserves into paid-in capital, that distribution may be a deemed dividend subject to Korean tax.

 

Capital Gains

 

Capital gain from a sale of shares of common stock will generally be exempt from Korean taxation if you have owned, together with certain related parties, less than 25% of our total issued shares during the year of sale and the five calendar years before the year of sale, and the sale is made through the Korea Stock Exchange. Capital gain earned by a non-Korean holder from a sale of ADSs or warrants outside of Korea are exempt from Korean taxation by virtue of the STTCL, provided that the issuance of the ADSs or warrants is deemed to be an overseas issuance under the STTCL.

 

There is no liability for tax on capital gains in respect of the delivery of shares of common stock following the exercise of the warrants. The Korean tax authority has interpreted that the acquisition cost of such shares which are subsequently sold is to be calculated as the subscription price of the shares plus acquisition cost of the relevant warrants.

 

If you are subject to tax on capital gain from a sale of ADSs, or shares of common stock that you acquired as a result of a withdrawal, your gain will be calculated based on your cost of acquiring the ADSs representing

 

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the shares of common stock, although there are no specific Korean tax provisions or rulings on this issue. In the absence of the application of a tax treaty that exempts or reduces the rate of tax on capital gain, the amount of Korean tax imposed on such capital gains will be the lesser of 11% of the gross realization proceeds or, subject to the production of satisfactory evidence of the acquisition cost and the transaction costs of the ADSs, 27.5% of the net capital gain.

 

If you sell your shares of common stock, ADSs or warrants, the purchaser or, in the case of a sale of shares of common stock on the Korea Stock Exchange or through a licensed securities company in Korea, the licensed securities company, is required to withhold Korean tax from the sales price in an amount equal to 11% of the gross realization proceeds and to make payment thereof to the Korean tax authorities, unless you establish your entitlement to an exemption or lower rate of taxation under an applicable tax treaty or produce satisfactory evidence of your acquisition cost and the transaction costs for the shares of common stock, ADSs or warrants. In order to obtain the benefit of an exemption of tax pursuant to a tax treaty, you must submit to the purchaser or the securities company (or through the depositary), as the case may be, prior to the first payment, an exemption application, together with a certificate of your tax residence issued by a competent authority of your residence country. This requirement will not apply to exemptions under Korean tax law. Excess taxes withheld are generally not recoverable even if you subsequently produce evidence that you were entitled to have taxes withheld at a lower rate.

 

Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax

 

Korean inheritance tax is imposed upon (a) all assets (wherever located) of the deceased if at the time of his death he was domiciled in Korea and (b) all property located in Korea which passes on death (irrespective of the domicile of the deceased). Gift tax is imposed in similar circumstances to the above. Taxes are currently imposed at the rate of 10% to 50% if the value of the relevant property is above a certain limit and vary according to the identity of the parties involved.

 

Under Korean Inheritance and Gift Tax Law, shares issued by a Korean corporation are deemed located in Korea irrespective of where they are physically located or by whom they are owned. It remains unclear whether, for Korean inheritance and gift tax purposes, a non-resident holder of ADSs will be treated as the owner of the shares underlying the ADSs. If such non-resident is treated as the owner of the shares, the heir or donee of such non-resident (or in certain circumstances, the non-resident as the donor) will be subject to Korean inheritance or gift tax at the same rate as described above.

 

Securities Transaction Tax

 

If you transfer shares of common stock or warrants on the Korea Stock Exchange, you will be subject to securities transaction tax at a rate of 0.15% and an agriculture and fishery special tax at a rate of 0.15%, calculated based on the sales price of the shares or warrants. If you transfer shares of common stock or warrants and your transfer is not made on the Korea Stock Exchange you will generally be subject to the securities transaction tax at a rate of 0.5% and will generally not be subject to the agriculture and fishery special tax. Transfers of ADSs will not be subject to either the securities transaction tax or the agriculture and fishery special tax.

 

Although a tax ruling has been issued to the effect that a foreign holder of depositary shares will not be subject to securities transaction tax upon (i) deposit of underlying stock and receipt of depositary shares or upon (ii) the surrender of depositary shares and withdrawal of originally deposited underlying stock, an issue still remains as to whether, in the case where the depositary shares were transferred by one holder to another (which transfer is not subject to securities transaction tax it itself), the surrender of depositary shares and withdrawal of underlying stock by the subsequent (as opposed to the initial) holder of depositary shares will be treated as a taxable event for the purpose of the securities transaction tax. The Korean tax authorities issued another ruling indicating that securities transaction tax would be imposed “when depository shares which were issued upon deposit with an overseas depository of stock issued by a Korean company are later converted into the underlying

 

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stock,” except in the circumstances mentioned in the previously discussed ruling issued by the Korean tax authorities. This ruling, however, is silent on certain essential points such as the party responsible for the payment of the tax as well as the amount of tax due in such event. As a result, it remains uncertain under Korean tax law whether the surrender of depositary shares and withdrawal of underlying stock by the holders of depositary other than an initial holder will not trigger the securities transaction tax.

 

United States Federal Income Taxation

 

This summary describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to you, if you are a U.S. holder (as defined below), of owning our convertible notes, bonds, warrants, shares of common stock or ADSs. This summary applies to you only if you hold convertible notes, bonds, warrants, shares of common stock or ADSs as capital assets for tax purposes and, in the case of the convertible notes, only if you purchased such convertible notes in the applicable initial offering at their issue price. This summary does not apply to you if you are a member of a class of holders subject to special rules, such as:

 

    a dealer in securities or currencies;

 

    a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for your securities holdings;

 

    a bank;

 

    a life insurance company;

 

    a tax-exempt organization;

 

    a person that holds convertible notes, bonds, warrants, shares of common stock or ADSs that are a hedge or that are hedged against interest rate or currency risks;

 

    a person that holds convertible notes, bonds, warrants, shares of common stock or ADSs as part of a straddle or conversion transaction for tax purposes;

 

    a person whose functional currency for tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar; or

 

    a person that owns or is deemed to own 10% or more of any class of our stock.

 

This summary is based on laws, treaties and regulatory interpretations in effect on the date hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.

 

Please consult your own tax advisers concerning the U.S. federal, state, local and other national tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of convertible notes, bonds, warrants, shares of common stock or ADSs in your particular circumstances.

 

For purposes of this summary, you are a “U.S. holder” if you are a beneficial owner of a convertible note, bond, warrant, share of common stock or ADS that is:

 

    a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

    a U.S. domestic corporation; or

 

    subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis with respect to income from the convertible note, bond, warrant, share of common stock or ADS.

 

Convertible Notes

 

Stated Interest

 

Payments of stated interest on the convertible notes will generally be subject to U.S. federal income taxation as ordinary income at the time such payments are accrued or received, in accordance with your method of tax accounting.

 

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Premium

 

If you purchase a convertible note at a cost greater than the convertible note’s remaining redemption amount (i.e., the total of all future payments to be made on the convertible note other than payments of stated interest), you will be considered to have purchased the convertible note at a premium, and you may elect to amortize the premium as an offset to interest income, using a constant yield method, over the remaining term of the convertible note. If you make this election, it generally will apply to all debt instruments that you hold at the time of the election, as well as any debt instruments that you subsequently acquire. In addition, you may not revoke the election without the consent of the Internal Revenue Service. If you elect to amortize the premium, you will be required to reduce your tax basis in the convertible note by the amount of the premium amortized during your holding period. Convertible notes purchased at a premium will not be subject to the original issue discount rules described above. If you do not elect to amortize premium, the amount of premium will be included in your tax basis in the convertible note. Therefore, if you do not elect to amortize premium and you hold the convertible note to maturity, you generally will be required to treat the premium as capital loss when the convertible note matures.

 

Market Discount

 

If you purchase a convertible note at a price that is lower than the convertible note’s remaining redemption amount, by 0.25% or more of the remaining redemption amount, multiplied by the number of remaining whole years to maturity, the convertible note will be considered to bear “market discount” in your hands. In this case, any gain that you realize on the disposition of the convertible note generally will be treated as ordinary interest income to the extent of the market discount that accrued on the convertible note during your holding period. In addition, you may be required to defer the deduction of a portion of the interest paid on any indebtedness that you incurred or continued to purchase or carry the convertible note. In general, market discount will be treated as accruing ratably over the term of the convertible note, or, at your election, under a constant yield method.

 

You may elect to include market discount in gross income currently as it accrues (on either a ratable or constant yield basis), in lieu of treating a portion of any gain realized on a sale of the convertible note as ordinary income. If you elect to include market discount on a current basis, the interest deduction deferral rule described above will not apply. If you do make such an election, it will apply to all market discount debt instruments that you acquire on or after the first day of the first taxable year to which the election applies. The election may not be revoked without the consent of the Internal Revenue Service.

 

Conversion

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, if you elect to convert a convertible note into shares of common stock or ADSs pursuant to the conversion right incorporated in the terms of the convertible note, you generally will realize no gain or loss from the conversion. Your basis in the shares of common stock or ADSs received upon such a conversion generally will be equal to your adjusted basis in the convertible notes so converted, and your holding period for such shares of common stock and ADSs generally will include the period during which you held such convertible notes.

 

Adjustment of the Conversion Price

 

The conversion ratio of the convertible notes is subject to adjustment under certain circumstances. Adjustments that have the effect of increasing the proportionate interest of a holder of the convertible notes in our assets or earnings (for example, an adjustment following the distribution of property by us to our shareholders) can give rise to deemed dividend income to those holders; similarly, a failure to adjust the conversion ratio to reflect a stock dividend or other event increasing the proportionate interest of the holders of the outstanding shares of common stock or ADSs can in some circumstances give rise to deemed dividend income to those holders.

 

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Sale, Exchange or other Disposition

 

Except as described above under “—Conversion,” you will generally recognize gain or loss on a sale, exchange or other disposition of a convertible note (including pursuant to any cash settlement) in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on such sale, exchange or other disposition (less any accrued stated interest, which will be taxable as ordinary interest income) and your adjusted basis in the convertible note (or, in the case of cash settlement in respect of less than all of the shares of common stock or ADSs into which the convertible notes may be converted, the amount of such basis allocable to the cash settlement amount). Initially, your tax basis in a convertible note generally will equal the cost of the convertible note to you. Your basis will increase by any amounts that you are required to include in income under the rules governing market discount, and will decrease by the amount of any amortized premium and any payments other than stated interest made on the convertible note. Gain or loss that you recognize on a sale, exchange or other disposition of a convertible note generally will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the convertible note was held for more than one year. Your ability to offset capital losses against ordinary income is limited. Long-term capital gain recognized by an individual U.S. holder generally is subject to taxation at reduced rates.

 

Foreign Tax Credit Considerations

 

You should consult your own tax advisers to determine whether you are subject to any special rules that limit your ability to make effective use of foreign tax credits, including the possible adverse impact of failing to take advantage of benefits under the income tax treaty between the United States and Korea. If no such rules apply, you may claim a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability for Korean taxes withheld from payments of interest or in respect of a conversion of the convertible notes into shares of common stock or ADSs, or you may, at your election, deduct such Korean taxes in computing your taxable income, subject to generally applicable limitations under U.S. tax law.

 

As discussed above, your conversion of convertible notes into shares of common stock or ADSs generally will not be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and, thus, no U.S. federal income tax will be imposed on any gains realized by you on such a conversion transaction). Consequently, any Korean withholding tax imposed on a conversion of convertible notes into shares of common stock or ADSs would be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as being imposed on “general limitation” income. Such treatment may affect your ability to utilize any available foreign tax credit in respect of such Korean tax.

 

The calculation of foreign tax credits and, if you elect to deduct foreign taxes, the availability of deductions involve the application of complex rules that depend on your particular circumstances. You should consult your own tax advisers regarding the creditability and deductibility of such taxes.

 

The Bonds

 

Stated Interest

 

Payments of stated interest on the bonds will generally be subject to U.S. federal income taxation as ordinary income at the time such payments are accrued or received, in accordance with your method of tax accounting.

 

Original Issue Discount

 

If you invest in a bond, you generally will be subject to the special tax accounting rules for “original issue discount” obligations provided by the Internal Revenue Code and certain U.S. Treasury regulations. The difference between the issue price and the stated redemption price at maturity of the bonds will be the “original issue discount.” The aggregate “issue price” of the bonds is the total principal amount thereof less the fair market value of the warrants at the time of the issuance. The “stated redemption price at maturity” will include all payments under the bonds other than payments of stated interest. You should be aware that, as described in

 

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greater detail below, if you invest in a bond, you generally will be required to include original issue discount in ordinary gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes as it accrues, although you may not yet have received the cash attributable to that income.

 

In general, and regardless of whether you use the cash or the accrual method of tax accounting, if you are the holder of a bond, you will be required to include in ordinary gross income the sum of the “daily portions” of original issue discount on that bond for all days during the taxable year that you own the bond. The daily portions of original issue discount on a bond are determined by allocating to each day in any accrual period a ratable portion of the original issue discount allocable to that period. Accrual periods may be any length and may vary in length over the term of a bond, so long as no accrual period is longer than one year and each scheduled payment of principal or interest occurs on the first or last day of an accrual period. The amount of original issue discount on a bond allocable to each accrual period is determined by:

 

  (i)   multiplying the “adjusted issue price” (as defined below) of the bond at the beginning of the accrual period by a fraction, the numerator of which is the annual yield to maturity (defined below) of the bond and the denominator of which is the number of accrual periods in a year; and

 

  (ii)   subtracting from that product the amount payable as stated interest allocable to that accrual period.

 

The “adjusted issue price” of a bond at the beginning of any accrual period will generally be the sum of its issue price (including any accrued interest) and the amount of original issue discount allocable to all prior accrual periods, reduced by the amount of all payments other than any stated interest payments on the bond in all prior accrual periods. All payments on a bond (other than stated interest) will generally be viewed first as payments of previously accrued original issue discount (to the extent of the previously accrued discount), with payments considered made from the earliest accrual periods first, and then as a payment of principal. The “annual yield to maturity” of a bond is the discount rate (appropriately adjusted to reflect the length of accrual periods) that causes the present value on the issue date of all payments on the bond to equal the issue price. As a result of this “constant yield” method of including original issue discount income, the amounts you will be required to include in your gross income if you invest in a bond generally will be lower in the early years and higher in the later years than amounts that would be includible on a straight-line basis.

 

You generally may make an irrevocable election to include in income your entire return on a bond (i.e., the excess of all remaining payments to be received on the bond, including payments of stated interest, over the amount you paid for the bond) under the constant yield method described above. If you purchase bonds at a premium or market discount and if you make this election, you will also be deemed to have made the election (discussed below under the “Premium” and “Market Discount”) to amortize premium or to accrue market discount currently on a constant yield basis in respect of all other premium or market discount bonds that you hold.

 

If you purchase a bond at a cost less than its remaining redemption amount (i.e., the total of all future payments to be made on the bond other than payments of stated interest), you generally will also be required to include in gross income the daily portions of original issue discount, calculated as described above. However, if you acquire a bond at a price greater than its adjusted issue price, you will be entitled to reduce your periodic inclusions of original issue discount to reflect the premium paid over the adjusted issue price.

 

Premium

 

If you purchase a bond at a cost greater than the bond’s remaining redemption amount, you will be considered to have purchased the bond at a premium, and you may elect to amortize the premium as an offset to interest income, using a constant yield method, over the remaining term of the bond. If you make this election, it generally will apply to all debt instruments that you hold at the time of the election, as well as any debt instruments that you subsequently acquire. In addition, you may not revoke the election without the consent of the Internal Revenue Service. If you elect to amortize the premium, you will be required to reduce your tax basis

 

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in the bond by the amount of the premium amortized during your holding period. Bonds purchased at a premium will not be subject to the original issue discount rules described above.

 

If you do not elect to amortize premium, the amount of premium will be included in your tax basis in the bond. Therefore, if you do not elect to amortize premium and you hold the bond to maturity, you generally will be required to treat the premium as capital loss when the bond matures.

 

Market Discount

 

If you purchase a bond at a price that is lower than the bond’s adjusted issue price, by 0.25% or more of the adjusted issue price, multiplied by the number of remaining whole years to maturity, the bond will be considered to bear “market discount” in your hands. In this case, any gain that you realize on the disposition of the bond generally will be treated as ordinary interest income to the extent of the market discount that accrued on the bond during your holding period. In addition, you may be required to defer the deduction of a portion of the interest paid on any indebtedness that you incurred or continued to purchase or carry the bond. In general, market discount will be treated as accruing ratably over the term of the bond, or, at your election, under a constant yield method.

 

You may elect to include market discount in gross income currently as it accrues (on either a ratable or constant yield basis), in lieu of treating a portion of any gain realized on a sale of the bond as ordinary income. If you elect to include market discount on a current basis, the interest deduction deferral rule described above will not apply. If you do make such an election, it will apply to all market discount debt instruments that you acquire on or after the first day of the first taxable year to which the election applies. The election may not be revoked without the consent of the Internal Revenue Service.

 

Sale, Exchange and Retirement of the Bonds

 

You will generally recognize gain or loss on a sale, exchange or other disposition of a bond in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on such sale, exchange or other disposition (less any accrued stated interest, which will be taxable as ordinary interest income) and your adjusted basis in the bond. Initially, your tax basis in a bond generally will equal the cost of the bond to you. Your basis will increase by any amounts that you are required to include in income under the rules governing original issue discount and market discount, and will decrease by the amount of any amortized premium and any payments other than stated interest made on the bond. (The rules for determining these amounts are discussed above.) Except as discussed above with respect to market discount, gain or loss recognized on a sale, exchange or other disposition of a bond generally will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the bond was held for more than one year. Your ability to offset capital losses against ordinary income is limited. Long-term capital gain recognized by an individual U.S. holder generally is subject to taxation at reduced rates.

 

Foreign Tax Credit Considerations

 

You should consult your own tax advisers to determine whether you are subject to any special rules that limit your ability to make effective use of foreign tax credits, including the possible adverse impact of failing to take advantage of benefits under the income tax treaty between the United States and Korea. If no such rules apply, you may claim a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability for Korean taxes withheld from payments of interest, or you may, at your election, deduct such Korean taxes in computing your taxable income, subject to generally applicable limitations under U.S. tax law.

 

The calculation of foreign tax credits and, if you elect to deduct foreign taxes, the availability of deductions involve the application of complex rules that depend on your particular circumstances. You should consult your own tax advisers regarding the creditability and deductibility of such taxes.

 

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The Warrants

 

Sale of Warrants

 

You will generally recognize capital gain or loss if you sell a warrant. Your gain or loss will equal the difference between the proceeds you receive and your basis in the warrant. The proceeds you receive will include the amount of any cash and the fair market value of any other property received for the warrant. Your basis in the warrant will equal the amount you paid for the warrant. The gain or loss that you recognize on a sale of a warrant will generally be treated as United States source gain or loss. Such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time of sale, the warrant has been held for more than one year. Capital gains of individuals derived with respect to capital assets held for more than one year are eligible for reduced rates of taxation. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

 

Exercise of Warrants

 

In general, you will not recognize gain or loss upon the exercise of a warrant, except with respect to cash, if any, paid in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares. Upon exercise of a warrant, your basis in the shares of common stock or ADSs acquired will be the sum of your basis in the warrant and the amount paid upon exercise of the warrant.

 

If upon exercise of a warrant you receive any cash in lieu of (i) shares of common stock or (ii) fractional shares of shares of common stock, you will recognize gain or loss, and the character and amount of gain or loss will be determined as if you had received such shares of common stock or fractional shares and then immediately sold them for cash. Your holding period of the shares of common stock or ADSs acquired upon exercise of a warrant begins on the day following the day of exercise.

 

Expiration of Warrants

 

If the warrants expire unexercised, you will recognize a loss equal to your basis in the warrants. A loss realized upon expiration of the warrant will be capital loss if you would have held the shares of common stock as a capital asset and will be long-term capital loss if held for more than a year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

 

Adjustment of the Exercise Price

 

The exercise price of the warrants is subject to adjustment under certain circumstances. Adjustments that have the effect of increasing the proportionate interest of a holder of the warrants in our assets or earnings (for example, an adjustment following the distribution of property by us to our shareholders) can give rise to deemed dividend income to those holders; similarly, a failure to adjust the exercise ratio to reflect a stock dividend or other event increasing the proportionate interest of the holders of the outstanding shares of common stock or ADSs can in some circumstances give rise to deemed dividend income to those holders.

 

The Shares of Common Stock and ADSs

 

In general, if you hold ADSs, you will be treated as the holder of the shares of common stock represented by those ADSs for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and no gain or loss will be recognized if you exchange an ADS for the shares of common stock represented by that ADS.

 

Dividends

 

The gross amount of cash dividends that you receive (prior to deduction of Korean taxes) generally will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation as foreign source dividend income. Dividends paid in Won will be included in your income in a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date

 

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of your (or, in the case of ADSs, the depositary’s) receipt of the dividend, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. If such a dividend is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, you generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. Subject to certain exceptions for short-term (60 days or less) and hedged positions, the U.S. dollar amount of dividends received by an individual U.S. holder in respect of shares or ADSs after December 31, 2002 and before January 1, 2009 is subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 15%. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the availability of the reduced dividend tax rate in the light of their own particular circumstances.

 

Distributions of additional shares in respect of shares of common stock or ADSs that are made as part of a pro-rata distribution to all of our shareholders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.

 

Sales and Other Dispositions

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, gain or loss you realize on the sale or other disposition of shares of common stock or ADSs will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares of common stock or ADSs were held for more than one year. Your ability to offset capital losses against ordinary income is limited. Long-term capital gain recognized by an individual U.S. holder generally is subject to taxation at reduced rates.

 

Foreign Tax Credit Considerations

 

You should consult your own tax advisers to determine whether you are subject to any special rules that limit your ability to make effective use of foreign tax credits, including the possible adverse impact of failing to take advantage of benefits under the income tax treaty between the United States and Korea. If no such rules apply, you may claim a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability for Korean taxes withheld from dividends on shares of common stock or ADSs, so long as you have owned the shares of common stock or ADSs (and not entered into specified kinds of hedging transactions) for at least a 16-day period that includes the ex-dividend date. Instead of claiming a credit, you may, at your election, deduct such Korean taxes in computing your taxable income, subject to generally applicable limitations under U.S. tax law. Korean taxes withheld from a distribution of additional shares that is not subject to U.S. tax will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as imposed on “general limitation” income. Such treatment may affect your ability to utilize any available foreign tax credit in respect of such taxes.

 

Any Korean securities transaction tax or agriculture and fishery special tax that you pay will not be creditable for foreign tax credit purposes.

 

The calculation of foreign tax credits and, in the case of a U.S. holder that elects to deduct foreign taxes, the availability of deductions involve the application of complex rules that depend on a U.S. holder’s particular circumstances. You should consult your own tax advisers regarding the creditability or deductibility of such taxes.

 

U.S. Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Rules

 

Payments in respect of the convertible notes, bonds, warrants, shares of common stock or ADSs that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries are subject to information reporting and may be subject to backup withholding unless the holder (1) is a corporation or other exempt recipient or (2) provides a taxpayer identification number and certifies that no loss of exemption from backup withholding has occurred. Holders that are not U.S. persons generally are not subject to information reporting or backup withholding. However, such a holder may be required to provide a certification of its non-U.S. status in connection with payments received within the United States or through a U.S.-related financial intermediary.

 

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DIVIDENDS

 

The table below sets out the dividends declared on the outstanding common stock to shareholders of record on December 31 of the years indicated. As of December 31, 2002, there were 247,543,547 shares of common stock outstanding. The dividends set out for each of the years below were paid in the immediately following year.

 

Year Ended December 31,


   Dividend Per
Common
Stock to
Government


   Dividend Per
Common
Stock to
Public


   Average Dividend
Per Share


   Total Amount of
Dividend Declared


     (in Won)    (in Won)    (in Won)    (in millions of Won)

1998

   150    450    236    68,066

1999

   150    500    294    91,638

2000

   450    600    511    159,265

2001

   720    720    720    224,054

2002

      860    860    212,887

 

Annual dividends, if any, on the outstanding common stock are recommended by the Board of Directors and must be approved at our annual general meeting of shareholders. This meeting is generally held in March of the following year, and the annual dividend is generally paid shortly after the meeting. The declaration of annual dividends is subject to the vote of our shareholders, and consequently, there can be no assurance as to the amount of dividends per common stock or that any such dividends will be declared. Interim dividends paid in cash can be declared by a resolution of the board of directors. See “Articles of Incorporation—Dividends” and “Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities—Description of American Depositary Shares—Dividends and Distributions”.

 

The Commercial Code provides that each share of a company of the same class must receive equal treatment. In practice, however, the dividend per share may vary depending on the size of a shareholder’s holding. Major shareholders may consent to receive a dividend at a lesser rate than minor shareholders (a “Differential Dividend”). A Differential Dividend can only be paid if each affected shareholder consents to the reduced dividend. If any shareholder who would otherwise receive the reduced dividend dissents, such shareholder would receive a dividend at the full rate. When a Differential Dividend is to be distributed, the resolution declaring the dividend must specify both the full dividend rate for minor shareholders and the reduced rate for the consenting shareholders. Previously, the Government consented to receiving a smaller dividend compared to other shareholders. The Government no longer holds any interest in us.

 

Any cash dividends relating to the shares held in the form of ADSs will be paid to the depositary bank in Won. The deposit agreement provides that, except in certain circumstances, cash dividends received by the depositary bank will be converted by the depositary bank into Dollars and distributed to the holders of the ADRs, less withholding tax, other governmental charges and the depositary bank’s fees and expenses. See “Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities—Description of the American Depositary Shares—Dividends and Distributions”, “Additional Information—Exchange Controls—Restrictions Applicable to Shares” and “Additional Information—Taxation—Korean Taxation”.

 

DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY

 

We are subject to the information requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and, in accordance therewith, are required to file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the U.S. Securities and exchange Commission. These materials, including this annual report and the exhibits thereto, may be inspected and copied at the Commission’s public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. We are required to make filings with the Commission by electronic means, which will be available to the public over the Internet at the Commission’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.

 

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Item 11.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We are exposed to foreign exchange rate and interest rate risks primarily associated with underlying liabilities, and to equity price risk as a result of our investment in equity-linked securities. Following evaluation of these positions, we selectively enter into derivative financial instruments to manage the related risk exposures. These contracts are entered into with major financial institutions, thereby minimizing the risk of credit loss. The activities of our finance division are subject to policies approved by senior management. These policies address the use of derivative financial instruments, including the approval of counterparties, setting of limits and investment of excess liquidity. Our general policy is to hold or issue derivative financial instruments only for hedging purposes. As of December 31, 2002, we had one interest rate swaption contract outstanding with Citibank and three interest rate swap contracts outstanding with Shinhan Bank. See Note 25 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The following table summarizes the carrying amounts, fair values, principal cash flows by maturity date and weighted average interest rates of our short-term and long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2002 which are sensitive to exchange rates and/or interest rates. The information is presented in Won, which is our reporting currency.

 

    December 31, 2002

  December 31, 2001

    Maturities

 
    2003

    2004

    2005

    2006

    2007

    Thereafter

    Total

    Fair
Value


  Total

    Fair
Value


    (in Won millions except rates)

Local currency:

                                                       

Fixed rate

  2,947,610     2,144,923     2,558,364     821,427     700,333     770,000     9,942,657     9,793,433   8,586,384     8,394,019

Average weighted rate(1)

  5.86 %   5.62 %   7.05 %   6.73 %   6.93 %   6.71 %   5.82 %   —     7.16 %   —  

Variable rate

  —       10,822     191,813     11,813     992     —       215,440     221,297   —       —  

Average weighted rate(1)

  7.35 %   7.42 %   5.92 %   5.92 %   —       —       7.35 %   —     —       —  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Sub-total

  2,947,610     2,155,745     2,750,177     833,240     701,325     770,000     10,158,097     10,014,730   8,586,384     8,394,019
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Foreign currency, principally Dollars:

                                                       

Fixed rate

  17,765     —       600,200     180,060     1,833,958     —       2,631,983     2,449,230   663,835     748,315

Average weighted rate(1)

  2.36 %   2.36 %   1.78 %   1.22 %   —       —       2.38 %   —     6.72 %   —  

Variable rate

  2,401     2,401     122,441     2,401     1,200     —       130,844     125,514   183,160     180,487

Average weighted rate(1)

  1.91 %   1.89 %   3.08 %   3.08 %   —       —       1.93 %   —     3.00 %   —  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Sub-total

  20,166     2,401     722,641     182,461     1,835,158     —       2,762,827     2,574,744   846,995     928,802
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Total

  2,967,776     2,158,146     3,472,818     1,015,701     2,536,483     770,000     12,920,924     12,589,474   9,433,379     9,322,821
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

(1)   Weighted average rates of the portfolio at the period end.

 

Exchange Rate Risk

 

Substantially all of our cash flow is denominated in Won. We are exposed to foreign exchange risk related to foreign currency denominated liabilities and anticipated foreign exchange payments. Anticipated foreign exchange payments, mostly in Dollars, relate primarily to net settlements paid to foreign telecommunication carriers and for equipment purchased from foreign suppliers. Foreign currency denominated liabilities, mostly in Dollars, relate primarily to foreign currency denominated debt.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

We are subject to exposure arising from changing interest rates. A reduction of interest rates increases the fair value of our debt portfolio, which is primarily of a fixed rate nature.

 

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Equity Price Risk

 

We are exposed to equity price risk primarily from changes in the stock price of SK Telecom. In April 2002, we spent Won 133 billion to purchase equity-linked securities having maturities of two and 2.5 years, which have been categorized as investments in equity-linked securities in our financial statements. The value of the equity-linked securities is linked to the weighted average quoted price of 500,000 share of SK Telecom stock. The aggregate carrying amount and fair value of our investment in equity-linked securities was Won 97 billion as of December 31, 2002. Shares of SK Telecom stock were quoted at Won 229,000 per share as of December 31, 2002, resulting in an unrealized loss of Won 35 billion. See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Item 12.    Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities.

 

DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

 

Citibank, N.A. is the depositary bank for our outstanding American Depositary Shares and has agreed to continue to act as the depositary bank for this offering of American Depositary Shares. Citibank’s depositary offices are located at 111 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005. American Depositary Shares are frequently referred to as “ADSs” and represent ownership interests in securities that are on deposit with the depositary bank. ADSs are normally represented by certificates that are commonly known as “American Depositary Receipts” or “ADRs”. The depositary bank typically appoints a custodian to safekeep the securities on deposit. In this case, the custodian is Korea Securities Depository located at 33 Yoido-dong, Youngdeungpo-ku, Seoul 150-010, Korea.

 

We have appointed Citibank as depositary bank pursuant to a deposit agreement. A copy of the deposit agreement is on file with the SEC under cover of a Registration Statement on Form F-6. You may obtain a copy of the deposit agreement from the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please refer to Registration Number 333-13578 when retrieving such copy.

 

We are providing you with a summary description of the material terms of the ADSs and of your material rights as an owner of ADSs. Please remember that summaries by their nature lack the precision of the information summarized and that a holder’s rights and obligations as an owner of ADSs will be determined by reference to the terms of the deposit agreement and not by this summary. We urge you to review the deposit agreement in its entirety.

 

Each ADS represents one-half of one share of common stock on deposit with the custodian. An ADS will also represent any other property received by the depositary bank or the custodian on behalf of the owner of the ADS but that has not been distributed to the owners of ADSs because of legal restrictions or practical considerations.

 

If you become an owner of ADSs, you will become a party to the deposit agreement and therefore will be bound to its terms and to the terms of the ADR that represents your ADSs. The deposit agreement and the ADRs specify our rights and obligations as well as your rights and obligations as owner of ADSs and those of the depositary bank. As an ADS holder you appoint the depositary bank to act on your behalf in certain circumstances. The deposit agreement and the ADRs are governed by New York law. However, our obligations to the holders of common stock will continue to be governed by the laws of Korea which may be different from the laws in the United States.

 

As an owner of ADSs, you may hold your ADSs either by means of an ADR registered in your name or through a brokerage or safekeeping account. If you decide to hold your ADSs through your brokerage or safekeeping account, you must rely on the procedures of your broker or bank to assert your rights as ADS owner. Please consult with your broker or bank to determine what those procedures are. This summary description

 

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assumes you have opted to own the ADSs directly by means of an ADR registered in your name and, as such, we will refer to you as the “holder”. When we refer to “you”, we assume the reader owns ADSs and will own ADSs at the relevant time.

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

As a holder, you generally have the right to receive the distributions we make on the securities deposited with the custodian bank. Your receipt of these distributions may be limited, however, by practical considerations and legal limitations. Holders will receive such distributions under the terms of the deposit agreement in proportion to the number of ADSs held as of a specified record date.

 

Distributions of Cash

 

Whenever we make a cash distribution for the securities on deposit with the custodian, we will notify the depositary bank. Upon receipt of such notice the depositary bank will arrange for the funds to be converted into U.S. dollars and for the distribution of the U.S. dollars to the holders, subject to Korean laws and regulations.

 

The conversion into U.S. dollars will take place only if practicable and if the U.S. dollars are transferable to the United States. The amounts distributed to holders will be net of the fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement. The depositary bank will apply the same method for distributing the proceeds of the sale of any property (such as undistributed rights) held by the custodian in respect of securities on deposit.

 

The distribution of cash will be made net of fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement.

 

Distributions of Shares

 

Whenever we make a free distribution of common stock for the securities on deposit with the custodian, we will notify the depositary bank and deposit the applicable number of common stock with the custodian. Upon receipt of notice of such deposit, the depositary bank will either distribute to holders new ADSs representing the common stock deposited or modify the ADS to common stock ratio, in which case each ADS you hold will represent rights and interests in the additional common stock so deposited. Only whole new ADSs will be distributed. Fractional entitlements will be sold and the proceeds of such sale will be distributed as in the case of a cash distribution.

 

The distribution of new ADSs or the modification of the ADS-to-share ratio upon a distribution of common stock will be made net of the fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement. In order to pay such taxes or governmental charges, the depositary bank may sell all or a portion of the new common stock so distributed.

 

No such distribution of new ADSs will be made if it would violate a law (such as the U.S. securities laws) or if it is not, in our opinion or that of the depositary bank, operationally practicable. If the depositary bank does not distribute new ADSs as described above, it will use its best efforts to sell the common stock received and will distribute the proceeds of the sale as in the case of a distribution of cash.

 

Distributions of Rights

 

Whenever we intend to distribute rights to purchase additional common stock, we will give prior notice to the depositary bank and the depositary bank will determine whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to distribute rights to purchase additional ADSs to holders.

 

The depositary bank will establish procedures to distribute rights to purchase additional ADSs to holders and to enable such holders to exercise such rights if it is lawful and reasonably practicable to make the rights

 

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available to holders of ADSs, and if we provide all of the documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement such as opinions to address the lawfulness of the transaction. You may have to pay fees, expenses, taxes and other governmental charges to subscribe for the new ADSs upon the exercise of your rights. The depositary bank is not obligated to establish procedures to facilitate the distribution and exercise by holders of rights to purchase new common stock directly rather than new ADSs.

 

The depositary bank will not distribute the rights to you if:

 

    we do not timely request that the rights be distributed to you or we request that the rights not be distributed to you;

 

    we fail to deliver satisfactory documents to the depositary bank; or

 

    the depositary bank determines that it is not reasonably practicable to distribute the rights.

 

The depositary bank will sell the rights that are not exercised or not distributed if such sale is, in our opinion, lawful and reasonably practicable. The proceeds of such sale will be distributed to holders as in the case of a cash distribution. If the depositary bank is unable to sell the rights, it will allow the rights to lapse.

 

Other Distributions

 

Whenever we intend to distribute property other than cash, common stock or rights to purchase additional common stock, we will notify the depositary bank in advance and will indicate whether we wish such distribution to be made to you. If so, the depositary bank will determine whether such distribution to holders is lawful and reasonably practicable.

 

If it is reasonably practicable to distribute such property to you and if we provide all of the documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement, the depositary bank will distribute the property to the holders in a manner it deems practicable.

 

The distribution will be made net of fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement. In order to pay such taxes and governmental charges, the depositary bank may sell all or a portion of the property received.

 

The depositary bank will not distribute the property to you and will sell the property if:

 

    we do not request that the property be distributed to you or if we ask that the property not be distributed to you;

 

    we do not deliver satisfactory documents to the depositary bank; or

 

    the depositary bank determines that all or a portion of the distribution to you is not reasonably practicable.

 

The proceeds of such a sale will be distributed to holders as in the case of a cash distribution.

 

If a distribution consists of a dividend in, or a free distribution of, our non-voting preferred stock, we will enter into a non-voting shares deposit agreement with the depositary bank. If you are an owner of ADSs, you will become a party to the non-voting shares deposit agreement and will receive depositary shares representing the non-voting preferred stock in proportion to your holding of ADSs. However, if the depositary bank determines that such a distribution of our non-voting preferred stock is not feasible, it may adopt, after consultation with us, another method of effecting such a distribution which it deems to be equitable and practicable. If we issue rights with respect to our non-voting preferred stock, the securities issuable upon the exercise of such rights will be depositary shares representing our non-voting preferred stock issued pursuant to a non-voting shares deposit agreement.

 

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We will not be obligated to list depositary shares representing our non-voting preferred stock on any exchange.

 

Changes Affecting Common Stock

 

The common stock held on deposit for your ADSs may change from time to time. For example, there may be a change in nominal or par value, a split-up, cancellation, consolidation or reclassification of such common stock or a recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale of assets.

 

If any such change were to occur, your ADSs would, to the extent permitted by law, represent the right to receive the property received or exchanged in respect of the common stock held on deposit. The depositary bank may (with our approval) or will (if we request) deliver new ADSs to you or call for the exchange of your existing ADSs for new ADSs in such circumstances. If the depositary bank may not lawfully distribute such property to you, the depositary bank may sell such property and distribute the net proceeds to you as in the case of a cash distribution.

 

Issuance of ADSs upon Deposit of Common Stock

 

The depositary bank may create ADSs on your behalf if you or your broker deposits common stock with the custodian. The depositary bank will deliver these ADSs to the person you indicate only after you pay any applicable issuance fees and any charges and taxes payable for the transfer of the common stock to the custodian. Your ability to deposit common stock and receive ADSs may be limited by U.S. and Korean legal considerations applicable at the time of deposit. The depositary bank cannot accept deposits of shares and deliver ADSs representing those shares unless (1) we have consented to such deposit or (2) Korean counsel has advised the depositary bank that the consent required under (1) is no longer required under Korean laws and regulations. Under current Korean laws and regulations, the depositary bank is required to obtain our prior consent for the number of shares to be deposited in any given proposed deposit which exceeds the difference between (1) the aggregate number of shares deposited by us or with the consent of us for the issuance of ADSs (including deposits in connection with the initial and all subsequent offerings of ADSs and stock dividends or other distributions related to these ADSs) and (2) the number of shares on deposit with the depositary bank at the time of such proposed deposit. The depositary bank has informed us that, at a time it considers to be appropriate, the depositary bank plans to start accepting deposits of shares without our consent and deliver ADSs representing those shares up to the amount allowed under current Korean laws and regulations. Until such time, however, the depositary bank will continue to obtain our consent for such deposits of shares and delivery of ADSs, which we may not provide.

 

The issuance of ADSs may be delayed until the depositary bank or the custodian receives confirmation that all required approvals have been given and that the common stock has been duly transferred to the custodian. The depositary bank will only issue ADSs in whole numbers.

 

When you make a deposit of common stock, you will be responsible for transferring good and valid title to the depositary bank. As such, you will be deemed to represent and warrant that:

 

    the common stock is duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and legally obtained;

 

    all preemptive (and similar) rights, if any, with respect to such common stock has been validly waived or exercised;

 

    you are duly authorized to deposit the common stock;

 

    the common stock presented for deposit is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance, security interest, charge, mortgage or adverse claim, and is not, and the ADSs issuable upon such deposit will not be, “restricted securities” (as defined in the deposit agreement); and

 

    the common stock presented for deposit has not been stripped of any rights or entitlements.

 

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If any of the representations or warranties are incorrect in any way, we and the depositary bank may, at your cost and expense, take any and all actions necessary to correct the consequences of the misrepresentations.

 

Withdrawal of Shares Upon Cancellation of ADSs

 

As a holder, you will be entitled to present your ADSs to the depositary bank for cancellation and then receive the corresponding number of underlying shares of common stock at the custodian’s offices. In order to withdraw the common stock represented by your ADSs, you will be required to pay to the depositary bank the fees for cancellation of ADSs and any charges and taxes payable upon the transfer of the common stock being withdrawn. You assume the risk for delivery of all funds and securities upon withdrawal. Once cancelled, the ADSs will not have any rights under the deposit agreement.

 

If you hold an ADR registered in your name, the depositary bank may ask you to provide proof of identity and genuineness of any signature and such other documents as the depositary bank may deem appropriate before it will cancel your ADSs. The withdrawal of the common stock represented by your ADSs may be delayed until the depositary bank receives satisfactory evidence of compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Please keep in mind that the depositary bank will only accept ADSs for cancellation that represent a whole number of securities on deposit.

 

You will have the right to withdraw the securities represented by your ADSs at any time except for:

 

    temporary delays that may arise because (1) the transfer books for the common stock or ADSs are closed, or (2) the common stock is immobilized on account of a shareholders’ meeting or a payment of dividends;

 

    obligations to pay fees, taxes and similar charges; and

 

    restrictions imposed because of laws or regulations applicable to ADSs or the withdrawal of securities on deposit.

 

The deposit agreement may not be modified to impair your right to withdraw the securities represented by your ADSs except to comply with mandatory provisions of law.

 

An investor who wants to withdraw the shares from the depositary facility created under the deposit agreement must register its identity with the Financial Supervisory Service of Korea before the acquisition of the shares if such registration has not been made unless such investor intends to sell the shares within three months of obtaining them. See “Additional Information—Exchange Controls—Restrictions Applicable to ADSs”.

 

Voting Rights

 

As a holder, you generally have the right under the deposit agreement to instruct the depositary bank to exercise the voting rights for the common stock represented by your ADSs. The voting rights of holders of common stock are described in this annual report under the heading, “Additional Information—Articles of Incorporation—Voting Rights”.

 

At our request, the depositary bank will distribute to you any notice of shareholders’ meetings received from us together with information explaining how to instruct the depositary bank to exercise the voting rights of the securities represented by ADSs.

 

If the depositary bank timely receives voting instructions from a holder of ADSs, it will endeavor to vote the securities represented by the holder’s ADSs in accordance with such voting instructions.

 

Please note that the ability of the depositary bank to carry out voting instructions may be limited by practical and legal limitations and the terms of the securities on deposit. We may not be able to notify the depositary bank

 

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sufficiently in advance of the scheduled date of a shareholders’ meeting and cannot assure you that you will receive voting materials in time to enable you to return voting instructions to the depositary bank in a timely manner. Securities for which no voting instructions have been received will not be voted, and the depositary bank and the custodian will not exercise any discretion as to voting under any circumstances.

 

Fees and Charges

 

As an ADS holder, you will be required to pay the following service fees to the depositary bank:

 

Service


  

Fees


Issuance of ADSs

   Up to 5¢ per ADS issued

Cancellation of ADSs

   Up to 5¢ per ADS cancelled

Distributions (other than cash or stock dividends); Sale or exercise of rights; or other corporate action involving distributions to shareholders (including any distribution in the form of common stock, non-voting preferred stock or delivery of ADSs upon exercise of rights)

   Up to 2¢ per ADS held

 

The depositary bank has agreed to waive the fees that would have been payable in connection with the issuance of ADSs in offerings of ADSs by us. In addition, the depositary bank has agreed to waive the fees that may be payable by the Government in connection with this offering.

 

As an ADS holder you will also be responsible for paying the following fees and expenses incurred by the depositary bank and taxes and governmental charges:

 

    fees for the transfer and registration of common stock charged by the registrar and transfer agent for the common stock in Korea (that is, upon deposit and withdrawal of common stock);

 

    expenses incurred for converting foreign currency into U.S. dollars;

 

    expenses for cable, telex and fax transmissions and for delivery of securities;

 

    fees and expenses incurred by the depositary bank in connection with compliance with exchange control regulations and other regulatory requirements applicable to our shares, ADSs and ADRs; and

 

    taxes and duties upon the transfer of securities (that is, when common stock is deposited or withdrawn from deposit).

 

We have agreed to pay certain other charges and expenses of the depositary bank. Please note that the fees and charges you may be required to pay may vary over time and may be changed by us and by the depositary bank. You will receive prior notice of such changes.

 

Amendments and Termination

 

We may agree with the depositary bank to modify the deposit agreement at any time without your consent. We undertake to give holders 30 days’ prior notice of any modifications that would materially prejudice any of their substantial rights under the deposit agreement.

 

You will be bound by the modifications to the deposit agreement if you continue to hold your ADSs after the modifications to the deposit agreement become effective. The deposit agreement cannot be amended to prevent you from withdrawing the common stock represented by your ADSs (except as permitted by law).

 

We have the right to direct the depositary bank to terminate the deposit agreement. Similarly, the depositary bank may in certain circumstances on its own initiative terminate the deposit agreement. In either case, the depositary bank must give notice to the holders at least 30 days before termination.

 

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If any ADSs remain outstanding after termination, the following will occur under the deposit agreement:

 

    for a period of six months after termination, you will be able to request the cancellation of your ADSs and the withdrawal of the common stock represented by your ADSs and the delivery of all other property held by the depositary bank in respect of the common stock on the same terms as prior to the termination. During such six month period the depositary bank will continue to collect all distributions received on the common stock on deposit (e.g., dividends) but will not distribute any such property to you until you request the cancellation of your ADSs; and

 

    after the expiration of such six month period, the depositary bank may sell the securities held on deposit. The depositary bank will hold the proceeds from such sale and any other funds then held for the holders of ADSs in a non-interest-bearing account. At that point, the depositary bank will have no further obligations to holders other than to account for the funds then held for the holders of ADSs still outstanding.

 

Books of Depositary

 

The depositary bank will maintain ADS holder records at its depositary office. You may inspect such records at such office during regular business hours but solely for the purpose of communicating with other holders in the interest of business matters relating to the ADSs and the deposit agreement.

 

The depositary bank will maintain in New York facilities to record and process the issuance, cancellation, combination, split-up and transfer of ADRs. These facilities may be closed from time to time, to the extent not prohibited by law.

 

Limitations on Obligations and Liabilities

 

The deposit agreement limits our obligations and the depositary bank’s obligations to you. Please note the following:

 

    we and the depositary bank are obligated only to take the actions specifically stated in the deposit agreement without negligence or bad faith;

 

    the depositary bank disclaims any liability for any failure to carry out voting instructions, for any manner in which a vote is cast or for the effect of any vote, provided it acts in good faith and in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement;

 

    the depositary bank disclaims any liability for any failure to determine the lawfulness or practicality of any action, for the content of any document forwarded to you on our behalf or for the accuracy of any translation of such a document, for the investment risks associated with investing in common stock, for the validity or worth of the common stock, for any tax consequences that result from the ownership of ADSs, for the credit-worthiness of any third party, for allowing any rights to lapse under the terms of the deposit agreement, for the timeliness of any of our notices or for our failure to give notice;

 

    we and the depositary bank will not be obligated to perform any act that is inconsistent with the terms of the deposit agreement;

 

    we and the depositary bank disclaim any liability if we are prevented or forbidden from acting on account of any law or regulation, any provision of our articles of incorporation, any provision of any securities on deposit or by reason of any act of God or war or other circumstances beyond our control;

 

    we and the depositary bank disclaim any liability by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in the deposit agreement or in our articles of incorporation or in any provisions of securities on deposit;

 

   

we and the depositary bank further disclaim any liability for any action or inaction in reliance on the advice or information received from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting common stock

 

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for deposit, any holder of ADSs or authorized representatives of such holder, or any other person believed by either of us in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information;

 

    we and the depositary bank also disclaim liability for the inability by a holder to benefit from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit which is made available to holders of common stock but is not, under the terms of the deposit agreement, made available to you; and

 

    we and the depositary bank may rely without any liability upon any written notice, request or other document believed to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper parties.

 

Pre-Release Transactions

 

The depositary bank may, in certain circumstances, issue ADSs before receiving a deposit of common stock and deliver shares of common stock before receipt and cancellation of ADSs. These transactions are commonly referred to as “pre-release transactions”. The deposit agreement limits the aggregate size of pre-release transactions and imposes a number of conditions on such transactions (i.e., the need to receive collateral, the type of collateral required, the representations required from brokers, etc.). The depositary bank may retain the compensation received from the pre-release transactions.

 

Taxes

 

You will be responsible for the taxes and other governmental charges payable on the ADSs and the securities represented by the ADSs. We, the depositary bank and the custodian may deduct from any distribution the taxes and governmental charges payable by holders and may sell any and all property on deposit to pay the taxes and governmental charges payable by holders. You will be liable for any deficiency if the sale proceeds do not cover the taxes that are due.

 

The depositary bank may refuse to issue ADSs, to deliver, transfer, split and combine ADRs or to release securities on deposit until all taxes and charges are paid by the applicable holder. The depositary bank and the custodian may take reasonable administrative actions to obtain tax refunds and reduced tax withholding for any distributions on your behalf. However, you may be required to provide to the depositary bank and to the custodian proof of taxpayer status and residence and such other information as the depositary bank and the custodian may require to fulfill legal obligations. In certain circumstances, you will be required to indemnify us, the depositary bank and the custodian for any claims with respect to taxes based on any tax benefit obtained for you.

 

Foreign Currency Conversion

 

The depositary bank will arrange for the conversion of all foreign currency received into U.S. dollars if such conversion is practical, and it will distribute the U.S. dollars in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement. You may have to pay fees and expenses incurred in converting foreign currency, such as fees and expenses incurred in complying with currency exchange controls and other governmental requirements.

 

If the conversion of foreign currency is not practical or lawful, or if any required approvals are denied or not obtainable at a reasonable cost or within a reasonable period, the depositary bank may take the following actions in its discretion:

 

    convert the foreign currency to the extent practical and lawful and distribute the U.S. dollars to the holders for whom the conversion and distribution is lawful and practical;

 

    distribute the foreign currency to holders for whom the distribution is lawful and practical; and

 

    hold the foreign currency (without liability for interest) for the applicable holders.

 

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The Custodian

 

The depositary bank has agreed with the custodian that the custodian will receive and hold the deposited securities for the account of the depositary bank in accordance with the deposit agreement. If the custodian resigns or is discharged from its duties under the deposit agreement, the depositary bank will promptly appoint a successor custodian that is organized under the laws of Korea. The resigning or discharged custodian will deliver the deposited securities and related records to the custodian designated by the depositary bank. The depositary bank may also appoint an additional custodian for any deposited securities. The depositary bank will immediately give you and us written notice of any such changes. If the depositary bank resigns or is discharged from its duties under the deposit agreement, the custodian will, unless otherwise instructed by the depositary bank, continue to act as custodian and will be subject to the direction of the successor depositary.

 

Governing Law

 

The deposit agreement is governed by the laws of the State of New York. We and the depositary bank have agreed that the federal or state courts in The City of New York shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any suit, action or proceeding and to settle any dispute between us that may arise out of or in connection with the deposit agreement. We also submitted to the jurisdiction of such courts and we have appointed an agent for service of process in The City of New York.

 

Item 15.    Controls and Procedures.

 

Within the 90 days prior to the date of this report, we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention of overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon and as of the date of the evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required.

 

Based upon our most recent evaluation, there were no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these internal controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

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Item 18.    Financial Statements

 

KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page

Independent Auditor’s Report of KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.

   F-1

Reports of Independent Public Accountants of Anjin & Co.*

   F-2

Report of Independent Accountants of Samil Accounting Corporation*

   F-6

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2001 and 2002

   F-7

Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Retained Earnings for the Years Ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002

   F-9

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002

   F-10

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-12

*   Related financial statements are not included herein.

 

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Item 19.    Exhibits

 

1.1

   Articles of Incorporation of KT Corporation (English translation)

7.1

   Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

8.1

   List of subsidiaries of KT Corporation

10.1

   Consent of KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp. with respect to the financial statements of KT Corporation

10.2

   Consent of Anjin & Co. with respect to the financial statements of KT Freetel Co., Ltd. and KT M.com Co., Ltd.

10.3

   Consent of Samil Accounting Corporation with respect to the financial statements of KT ICOM Co., Limited

10.4

   The Telecommunications Basic Law (English translation)

10.5

   Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Basic Law (English translation)

10.6

   The Telecommunications Business Law (English translation)

10.7

   Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Business Law (English translation)

10.8

   Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

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Independent Auditors’ Report

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

KT Corporation:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of KT Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of earnings and retained earnings and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002, all expressed in Korean Won. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the financial statements of (1) KT Freetel Co., Ltd. (“KTF”), a 40.3 percent owned subsidiary at December 31, 2001 and 2002, as of and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002, (2) KT ICOM Co., Ltd. (“KT ICOM”), a 46.6 percent (plus an additional 16.0 percent indirectly owned by other subsidiaries) and 87.3 percent (all indirectly owned by KTF) owned subsidiary at December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively, as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, and for the period from March 16, 2001 (date of inception) to December 31, 2001 and for the year ended December 31, 2002, and (3) Korea Telecom M.Com Co., Ltd. (“KTM”), a 47.9 percent owned subsidiary at December 31, 2000, as of and for the six-month period ended December 31, 2000, and for the four-month period ended April 30, 2001. The financial statements of KTF, KT ICOM and KTM reflect total combined assets constituting 29.3 percent and 30.1 percent as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively, and total combined revenues constituting 22.7 percent, 27.8 percent and 29.3 percent for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively, of the related consolidated totals. Those financial statements were audited by other auditors whose reports have been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for KTF, KT ICOM and KTM, is based solely on the reports of the other auditors.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the Republic of Korea and the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the reports of the other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, based on our audits and the reports of the other auditors, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002 in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards, as established by the Financial Supervisory Commission of the Republic of Korea.

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2002 have been translated into United States dollars solely for the convenience of the reader and have been translated on the basis set forth in note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Financial Accounting Standards in the Republic of Korea vary in certain material respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America would have affected stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 and results of operations for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002, to the extent summarized in note 37 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.

Seoul, Korea

March 24, 2003

 

F-1


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Report of Independent Public Accountants

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of

KT Freetel Co., Ltd.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of KT Freetel Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company”) as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholder’s equity and cash flows for the years then ended, all expressed in Korean won (not included herein). These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the financial statements of KT ICOM Co., Ltd. (“KT ICOM”), which statements reflect 23 percent of the total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2002. Those financial statements were audited by other auditors whose reports have been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for KT ICOM is based solely on the reports of the other auditors.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, based on our audits and the reports of other auditors, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the results of its operations, the changes in its shareholders’ equity and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with financial accounting standards in the Republic of Korea.

 

The translated amounts in the accompanying financial statements have been translated into U.S. dollars, solely for the convenience of the reader, on the basis set forth in the financial statements.

 

On December 13, 2002, the Company acquired shares of KT ICOM from the following related parties: 700 thousand shares from KT Hitel, 300 thousand shares from KT Powertel and 46,585 thousand shares from KT Corporation all at (Won)18,227 per share. The Company also acquired 24,685 shares of KT ICOM from a third party for the same price. For the acquisition of KT ICOM’s shares from KT Corporation, the Company paid cash of (Won)540,000 million and gave a note for (Won)309,103 million, due in March 2003. The Company paid cash to the third party, KT Hitel and KT Powertel. On November 30, 2002, KT Freetel Co., Ltd. exercised the conversion right of convertible bonds at (Won)5 thousand per share to acquire an additional 400,000 shares of common stock of KTF Technologies Co., Ltd (“KTF Technologies”). The assets and liabilities and results of operations of KT ICOM and KTF Technologies are included in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2002. The results of operations of KT ICOM from the acquisition date to December 31, 2002 are excluded from the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2002 since they do not have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations.

 

On January 28, 2003, the Board of Directors approved the merger with KT ICOM. The transaction is deemed to be a “small-scale merger” as defined in the Commercial Code of the Republic of Korea, which states that the total number of new shares to be issued by the acquiring company does not exceed 5 percent of the total issued shares of the acquiring company. In accordance with the Commercial Code of the Republic of Korea, the approval by the general shareholders of the Company may be replaced by the approval of the board of directors of the Company. The exchange ratio of common shares between the Company and KT ICOM is 1 to 0.55636. The merger was completed on March 6, 2003.

 

F-2


Table of Contents

Accounting practices used by the Company in preparing the accompanying financial statements conform with generally accepted accounting principles in the Republic of Korea, but do not conform with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. The description of the significant differences and the reconciliation of net loss and shareholders’ equity to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles are set forth in the financial statements.

 

Anjin & Co.

(A former member firm of Andersen Worldwide.

Anjin & Co. became an associate member firm of

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu effective July 2, 2002.)

 

Seoul, Korea

March 7, 2003

 

F-3


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Public Accountants

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of

KT Freetel Co., Ltd.:

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of KT Freetel Co., Ltd. (the “Company”, formerly Korea Telecom Freetel Co., Ltd.) as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the related statements of income, appropriations of retained earnings, and cash flows for the years then ended, all expressed in Korean won (not included herein). These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results of its operations, the changes in its retained earnings and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with financial accounting standards in the Republic of Korea.

 

The translated amounts in the accompanying financial statements have been translated into US dollars, solely for the convenience of the reader, on the basis set forth in the financial statements.

 

Without qualifying our opinion, we draw attention to the financial statements, which states that the operations of the Company have been affected, and may continue to be affected for the foreseeable future, by the general unstable economic conditions in the Republic of Korea and in the Asia Pacific region. The ultimate effect of these uncertainties on the financial position of the Company as of the balance sheet date cannot presently be determined.

 

Effective June 7, 2001, the Company changed its name from Korea Telecom Freetel Co., Ltd. to KT Freetel Co., Ltd.

 

Effective May 1, 2001, KTM.Com Co., Ltd., a former affiliate, was merged with the Company. In connection with the merger, KTM.Com Co., Ltd. transferred to the Company its net assets of (Won)24,103 million at book value as shown in the consolidated financial statements of Korea Telecom Corp., the parent company, and the par value of capital stock issued to KTM.Com’s shareholders was (Won)197,719 million. The difference between the par value of capital stock issued and the value of net assets transferred amounting to (Won)226,384 million, less the issuance cost of (Won)958 million was recorded in the capital surplus account.

 

Accounting practices used by the Company in preparing the accompanying financial statements conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea, but do not conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The description of the significant differences and the reconciliation of net income and shareholders’ equity to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles are set forth in the financial statements.

 

Anjin & Co.

Seoul, Korea

January 26, 2002

 

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Report of Independent Public Accountants

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of

KT M.com Co., Ltd.:

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of KT M.com Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) as of April 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 and the related statements of operations, disposition of deficit and cash flows for the four month and six month periods then ended, all expressed in Korean won (not included herein). These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of KT M.com Co., Ltd. as of April 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 and the result of its operations, the changes in its deficit and its cash flows for the four month and six month periods then ended in conformity with financial accounting standards in the Republic of Korea.

 

The translated amounts in the accompanying financial statements have been translated into US dollars, solely for the convenience of the reader, on the basis set forth in the financial statements.

 

Without qualifying our opinion, we draw attention to the financial statements, which states that the operations of the Company have been affected, and may continue to be affected for the foreseeable future, by the general unstable economic conditions in the Republic of Korea and in the Asia Pacific region. The ultimate effect of these uncertainties on the financial position of the Company as of the balance sheet date cannot presently be determined.

 

Effective May 1, 2001, the Company merged into KT Freetel Co., Ltd.

 

Accounting practices used by the Company in preparing the accompanying financial statements conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea, but do not conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The description of the significant differences and the reconciliation of net loss and shareholders’ equity to U.S generally accepted accounting principles are set forth in the financial statements.

 

Anjin & Co.

Seoul, Korea

May 25, 2001

 

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Independent Auditor’s Report

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

KT ICOM Co., Limited

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of KT ICOM Co., Limited. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and the related statements of operations, appropriations of retained earnings and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2002 and for the period from March 16, 2001 (date of inception) to December 31, 2001, expressed in Korean Won. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in conformity with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of KT ICOM Co., Limited. as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and the results of its operations, the changes in its retained earnings and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2002 and for the period from March 16, 2001 (date of inception) to December 31, 2001, in conformity with financial accounting standards generally accepted in the Republic of Korea (“Korea”).

 

As discussed in Note 16 to the accompanying financial statements, the Company has entered into a merger agreement with KT Freetel on December 20, 2002.

 

Accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea vary in certain important respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The application of the latter would have affected the determination of net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2002 and for the period from March 16, 2001 (date of inception) to December 31, 2001 and the determination of shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2002 and 2001 to the extent summarized in Note 18 to the financial statements. A description of the significant differences and a reconciliation of net income and shareholders’ equity to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America are set forth in Note 18 to the financial statements.

 

The amounts expressed in U.S. Dollar are provided solely for the convenience of the reader and have been translated on the basis set forth in Note 3 to the accompanying financial statements.

 

Samil Accounting Corporation

Seoul, Korea

January 14, 2003

 

F-6


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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 31, 2001 and 2002

(In millions of Won and US dollars)

 

     2001

   2002

   2002
(note 3)


Assets                   

Current assets:

                  

Cash and cash equivalents (notes 2 and 4)

   (Won) 1,169,005    1,086,689    $ 916.0

Short-term financial instruments (notes 2 and 5)

     694,776    819,859      691.1

Marketable securities (notes 2 and 6)

     442,268    433,661      365.6

Notes and accounts receivable—trade, less allowance for doubtful accounts of (Won)330,345 in 2001 and (Won)430,066 in 2002 (note2)

     2,773,211    2,982,501      2,514.1

Accounts receivable—other (note 2)

     365,895    512,512      432.0

Inventories (note 7)

     122,115    244,191      205.9

Prepaid expenses

     34,682    38,086      32.1

Other current assets (note 8)

     125,749    243,337      205.1
    

  
  

Total current assets

     5,727,701    6,360,836      5,361.9
    

  
  

Investment securities:

                  

Equity securities of affiliates (notes 2 and 9)

     121,964    102,504      86.4

Equity securities of non-affiliates (notes 2 and 10)

     2,595,463    1,065,543      898.2

Debt securities (notes 2 and 11)

     22,615    49,443      41.7

Equity-linked securities (note 12)

     —      97,495      82.2
    

  
  

Total investment securities

     2,740,042    1,314,985      1,108.5
    

  
  

Property, plant and equipment (notes 2, 13 and 28):

                  

Land

     1,131,717    1,155,824      974.3

Buildings and structures

     3,809,739    4,124,828      3,477.1

Machinery and equipment

     31,766,211    33,400,282      28,155.0

Vehicles and ships

     74,150    75,607      63.7

Furniture and tools

     1,567,163    1,628,175      1,372.5

Construction in progress

     935,730    907,093      764.6
    

  
  

       39,284,710    41,291,809      34,807.2

Less accumulated depreciation

     22,145,484    24,439,218      20,601.2
    

  
  

Net property, plant and equipment

     17,139,226    16,852,591      14,206.0
    

  
  

Other assets (notes 2, 5, 14 and 29)

     4,405,585    4,521,734      3,811.6
    

  
  

     (Won) 30,012,554    29,050,146    $ 24,488.0
    

  
  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-7


Table of Contents

KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets, Continued

December 31, 2001 and 2002

(In millions of Won and US dollars, except share data)

 

     2001

    2002

   

2002

(note 3)


 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                       

Current liabilities:

                      

Notes and accounts payable—trade (note 2)

   (Won) 1,060,878     1,167,195     $ 983.9  

Short-term borrowings (notes 2 and 15)

     1,110,795     1,116,385       941.0  

Current portion of long-term debt (notes 17 and 25)

     1,730,686     1,846,210       1,556.3  

Accounts payable—other

     1,146,291     1,485,427       1,252.2  

Advance receipts from customers

     91,936     128,498       108.3  

Accrued expenses (notes 2 and 25)

     201,160     257,565       217.1  

Withholdings

     231,537     170,684       143.9  

Income taxes payable

     182,372     449,486       378.9  

Other current liabilities (notes 16 and 25)

     303,301     306,661       258.5  
    


 

 


Total current liabilities

     6,058,956     6,928,111       5,840.1  

Long-term debt, excluding current portion (notes 2, 17 and 25)

     6,512,535     9,877,487       8,326.3  

Refundable deposits for telephone installation (note 18)

     2,349,343     1,533,566       1,292.7  

Retirement and severance benefits, net of cumulative transfers to National Pension Fund and deposit for severance benefit insurance (notes 2 and 19)

     474,438     379,606       320.0  

Long-term accounts payable—other (note 2(m))

     707,746     554,138       467.1  

Other long-term liabilities (note 20)

     150,287     157,559       132.8  
    


 

 


Total liabilities

     16,253,305     19,430,467       16,379.0  
    


 

 


Stockholders’ equity (note 21):

                      

Common stock of (Won)5,000 par value:

                      

Authorized—1,000,000,000 shares Issued—312,199,659 shares in 2001 and 309,077,659 shares in 2002

     1,560,998     1,560,998       1,315.9  

Capital surplus (note 22)

     1,446,149     1,447,951       1,220.6  

Retained earnings:

                      

Appropriated (note 23)

     6,442,265     8,025,853       6,765.5  

Unappropriated

     52,624     35,742       30.1  
    


 

 


       6,494,889     8,061,595       6,795.6  
    


 

 


Capital adjustments:

                      

Foreign-based operations translation adjustment

     (6,607 )   (7,946 )     (6.7 )

Unrealized gains on investment securities, net (notes 9, 10, 11 and 12)

     2,308,800     739,297       623.2  

Stock options (note 31)

     71     553       0.4  

Treasury stock (note 24)

     (91,131 )   (4,112,225 )     (3,466.4 )

Loss on retirement of treasury stock (note 24)

     —       (6,638 )     (5.6 )
    


 

 


       2,211,133     (3,386,959 )     (2,855.1 )
    


 

 


Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

     2,046,080     1,936,094       1,632.0  
    


 

 


Total stockholders’ equity

     13,759,249     9,619,679       8,109.0  

Commitments and contingencies (notes 2 and 25)

                      
    


 

 


     (Won) 30,012,554     29,050,146     $ 24,488.0  
    


 

 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-8


Table of Contents

KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Retained Earnings

Years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002

(In millions of Won and US dollars, except earnings per share)

 

     2000

    2001

    2002

   

2002

(note 3)


 

Operating revenues (notes 2 and 26)

   (Won) 13,537,625     15,944,600     16,393,882     $ 13,819.3  

Operating expenses (notes 2 and 27)

     12,486,525     14,001,951     14,055,619       11,848.3  
    


 

 

 


Operating income

     1,051,100     1,942,649     2,338,263       1,971.0  
    


 

 

 


Other income (expenses):

                            

Interest income (note 2)

     126,336     132,646     123,118       103.8  

Interest expense (notes 2 and 28)

     (500,861 )   (712,442 )   (650,460 )     (548.3 )

Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net (note 9)

     7,240     (1,696 )   (17,009 )     (14.3 )

Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net (note 28)

     (66,174 )   (24,243 )   99,845       84.1  

Donations and contribution payments (notes 25 and 33)

     (144,788 )   (157,107 )   (145,405 )     (122.6 )

Loss on disposition of property, plant and equipment, net

     (31,395 )   (181,187 )   (116,106 )     (97.9 )

Gain on disposition of investment securities, net (notes 9 and 10)

     940,686     627,545     1,176,868       992.1  

Contributions received for losses on universal telecommunications services (note 34)

     12,792     50,764     113,908       96.0  

Reversal of negative goodwill (note 2)

     477     413     413       0.3  

Prior year’s income tax refund (additional payment)

     23,677     (12,513 )   7,005       5.9  

Other, net

     63,515     130,038     74,766       63.1  
    


 

 

 


       431,505     (147,782 )   666,943       562.2  
    


 

 

 


Earnings before income taxes and minority interest

     1,482,605     1,794,867     3,005,206       2,533.2  

Income taxes (notes 2 and 29)

     550,724     421,470     741,354       624.9  
    


 

 

 


Earnings before minority interest

     931,881     1,373,397     2,263,852       1,908.3  

Minority interest in losses (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries, net

     54,329     (260,422 )   (316,918 )     (267.1 )
    


 

 

 


Net earnings

     986,210     1,112,975     1,946,934       1,641.2  

Retained earnings at beginning of year

     4,848,248     5,605,968     6,494,889       5,474.9  

Cumulative effect of accounting changes (note 2)

     (69,225 )   —       —         —    

Retirement of treasury stock (notes 21 and 24)

     —       —       (167,341 )     (141.0 )

Dividends (note 30)

     (159,265 )   (224,054 )   (212,887 )     (179.5 )
    


 

 

 


Retained earnings at end of year

   (Won) 5,605,968     6,494,889     8,061,595     $ 6,795.6  
    


 

 

 


Basic earnings per share of common stock in Won and US dollars (note 32)

   (Won) 3,165     3,576     7,504     $ 6.33  
    


 

 

 


Diluted earnings per share of common stock in Won and US dollar (note 32)

   (Won) 3,165     3,576     6,601     $ 5.56  
    


 

 

 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-9


Table of Contents

KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002

(In millions of Won and US dollars)

 

     2000

    2001

    2002

    2002
(note 3)


 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                            

Net earnings

   (Won) 986,210     1,112,975     1,946,934     $ 1,641.2  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

                            

Depreciation

     3,225,167     3,653,706     3,440,145       2,899.9  

Amortization

     247,429     356,066     356,949       300.9  

Provision for doubtful accounts

     86,609     162,655     194,288       163.8  

Provision for retirement and severance benefits

     284,555     341,902     275,007       231.8  

Withdrawal from National Pension Fund, net

     5,367     355     332       0.3  

Equity in losses (earnings) of affiliates

     (7,240 )   1,696     17,009       14.3  

Loss on disposition of property, plant and equipment

     31,395     181,187     116,106       97.9  

Gain on disposition of investment securities

     (940,686 )   (627,545 )   (1,176,868 )     (992.0 )

Deferred income tax expense

     517,635     202,285     149,032       125.6  

Minority interest in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries

     (54,329 )   260,422     316,918       267.2  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

                            

Increase in notes and accounts receivable—trade

     (241,229 )   (733,040 )   (725,904 )     (611.9 )

Increase in inventories

     (105,159 )   (178,047 )   (275,813 )     (232.5 )

Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses

     (6,425 )   4,171     (3,420 )     (2.9 )

Increase (decrease) in notes and accounts payable—trade

     129,166     (395,556 )   125,313       105.6  

Decrease (increase) in prepayments

     (98,614 )   65,422     (22,333 )     (18.8 )

Increase in advance receipts from customers

     35,055     20,970     4,415       3.7  

Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable

     (64,628 )   166,724     269,886       227.5  

Increase (decrease) in withholdings

     8,441     1,686     (123,085 )     (103.8 )

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses

     84,883     (145,660 )   8,702       7.3  

Increase in severance benefits insurance deposit

     (10,673 )   (3,640 )   (325,376 )     (274.3 )

Decrease in retirement and severance Benefit

     (133,446 )   (144,631 )   (42,942 )     (36.2 )

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable—other

     (1,545,998 )   (716,867 )   378,531       319.1  

Increase in long-term accounts receivable

     (23,544 )   (63,674 )   (175,358 )     (147.8 )

Other, net

     240,569     105,507     98,392       82.9  
    


 

 

 


Net cash provided by operating activities

   (Won) 2,650,510     3,629,069     4,826,860     $ 4,068.8  
    


 

 

 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-10


Table of Contents

KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Continued

Years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002

(In millions of Won and US dollars)

 

     2000

    2001

    2002

   

2002

(note 3)


 

Cash flows from investing activities:

                            

Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable—other

   (Won) (257,165 )   106,410     8,918       7.5  

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (4,583,002 )   (3,918,201 )   (3,232,346 )     (2,724.7 )

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     146,644     225,047     52,966       44.6  

Decrease (increase) in other assets

     116,238     (492,549 )   (1,022,341 )     (861.8 )

Decrease (increase) in short-term financial instruments

     525,664     (351,538 )   (125,921 )     (106.1 )

Decrease (increase) in other current assets

     95,734     (208,885 )   173,110       145.9  

Proceeds from sale of investments in affiliates

     —       618     17,988       15.2  

Proceeds from sale of other investment securities

     50,545     803,162     304,688       256.8  

Acquisition of other investment securities

     (150,460 )   (11,000 )   (235,785 )     (198.7 )

Acquisition of investments in affiliates

     (11,382 )   (68,565 )   (6,180 )     (5.2 )

Increase in goodwill

     (1,418,938 )   —       —         —    
    


 

 

 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (5,486,122 )   (3,915,501 )   (4,064,903 )     (3,426.5 )
    


 

 

 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                            

Payment of dividends

     (94,775 )   (161,159 )   (224,955 )     (189.6 )

Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings, net

     508,115     (37,961 )   (15,656 )     (13.2 )

Repayment of long-term debt

     (893,499 )   (2,205,094 )   (2,064,527 )     (1,740.3 )

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     3,581,438     3,225,579     5,558,966       4,686.0  

Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities

     (38,447 )   1,694     (906 )     (0.8 )

Proceeds from refundable deposits for telephone installation

     276,569     83,907     —         —    

Repayment of refundable deposits for telephone installation

     (463,711 )   (779,368 )   (750,394 )     (632.5 )

Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities

     62,739     (16,366 )   12,893       10.9  

Increase (decrease) in minority interest

     (10,778 )   645,676     22,787       19.2  

Reacquisition of treasury stock

     —       —       (3,401,186 )     (2,867.1 )

Acquisition of additional equity interest in consolidated subsidiaries

     (67,661 )   —       (449,935 )     (379.3 )

Proceeds from sale of note and accounts receivable—trade

     —       —       470,000       396.2  

Other, net

     (18,143 )   (1,499 )   (1,338 )     (1.1 )
    


 

 

 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     2,841,847     755,409     (844,251 )     (711.6 )
    


 

 

 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from change of subsidiaries in consolidated financial statements

     22,775     (1,676 )   (22 )     (0.1 )
    


 

 

 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     29,010     467,301     (82,316 )     (69.4 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     672,694     701,704     1,169,005       985.4  
    


 

 

 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   (Won) 701,704     1,169,005     1,086,689     $ 916.0  
    


 

 

 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-11


Table of Contents

KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

December 31, 2001 and 2002

 

(1)    Business

 

KT Corporation (“KT” or the “Company”) commenced operation on January 1, 1982 through the segregation of specified operations from the Ministry of Information and Communication (the “MIC”) for the purposes of contributing to the convenience in national life and the improvement of public welfare through rational management of the public telecommunications business and improvement of telecommunications technology under the Korea Telecom Act.

 

Upon the repeal of the Korea Telecom Act as of October 1, 1997, KT became a government invested institution regulated by the Korean Commercial Code and changed its name from Korea Telecom to Korea Telecom Corp. pursuant to an amendment to its Articles of Incorporation. Shares of KT were listed on the Korea Stock Exchange on December 23, 1998. KT issued additional shares of 24,282,195 on May 29, 1999 and issued American Depository Shares (“ADS”) representing these new shares and Government owned shares. On July 2, 2001, additional ADS representing 55,502,161 government owned shares were issued. On March 22, 2002, the Company changed its name from Korea Telecom Corp. to KT Corporation.

 

The Korean government has gradually reduced its ownership interest in the Company since 1993 and completed the disposition of its ownership interest in the Company on May 24, 2002. Therefore, as of December 31, 2002, there are no shares of the Company owned by the Korean government.

 

Under Korean law, the MIC and other Government entities have extensive authority to regulate KT. The MIC has responsibility for approving rates for local service and interconnection services provided by KT. Beginning January 1998, KT was allowed to set its own rates for domestic long-distance service, international long-distance service and other services without approval from MIC.

 

In recent years, KT has been subject to increasing competition as a result of the Government’s issuance of additional licenses to create competition in the telecommunications market and to foster new telecommunications business areas. Additionally, in June 1997 the MIC awarded a license to a second carrier to provide local telephone service. This new carrier commenced operations in 1999. A third carrier commenced international long-distance service in 1997 and domestic long-distance service in 1999. The entry of these new carriers into the local and long-distance telephone service markets has had, and is expected to continue to have, a material adverse effect on KT’s telephone service revenues and profitability.

 

(2)    Summary   of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(a)    Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been extracted from KT’s Korean language consolidated financial statements that were prepared using accounting principles, procedures and reporting practices generally accepted in the Republic of Korea (“Korean GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements have been translated from those issued in Korean, from the Korean language into the English language, and have been modified to allow for the formatting of the consolidated financial statements in a manner which is different from the presentation under Korean financial statements practices. In addition, certain modifications have been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements to bring the formal presentation into conformity with practices outside of Korea, and certain information included in the Korean language statutory consolidated financial statements, which management believes is not required for a fair presentation of KT’s financial position

 

F-12


Table of Contents

KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(a)    Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

or results of operations, is not presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements and their utilization are not designed for those who are not informed about Korean accounting principles, procedures and practices and furthermore are not intended to present the financial position and results of operations and cash flows in accordance with accounting principles and practices generally accepted in countries and jurisdictions other than Korea.

 

Certain amounts in prior years’ consolidated financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. These reclassifications did not result in any change to reported net earnings, stockholders’ equity or total assets.

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of KT and the following controlled subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company”). Controlled subsidiaries include majority-owned entities by either the Company or a controlled subsidiary and other entities where the Company or its controlled subsidiary owns more than 30% of total outstanding common stock and is the largest shareholder.

 

Subsidiary


  Year of
establishment


  Year of
obtaining
control


  Percentage
ownership


 

Primary business


      December 31,  
      2000

  2001

  2002

 

KT Infotech*

(formerly, KT International)

  1986   1986   100   100   16  

Telecommunication technology and engineering

KT Powertel Co., Ltd. (“KTP”)

(formerly, Korea Telecom Powertel Co., Ltd.)

  1985   1985   45   45   45  

Trunk Radio System business

KT Solution Corporation

(formerly, Korea Informatics Telesis Inc.)

  1986   1986   100   100   100  

Group telephone management

KT Linkus Co., Ltd.

  1988   1988   100   100   94  

Public telephone maintenance

KT Hitel Co. Ltd (“KTH”)

(formerly, Korea Telecom Hitel Co.)

  1991   1992   66   66   66  

Data communication

Korea Telecom America, Inc.

  1993   1993   100   100   100  

Foreign telecommunications business

Korea Telecom Philippines, Inc.

  1994   1994   100   100   100  

Foreign telecommunications business

KT Submarine Co., Ltd. (“KTSC”)

(formerly, Korea Telecom Submarine Communication Inc.)

  1995   1995   55   53   37  

Submarine cable construction and maintenance

KT Freetel Co., Ltd. (“KTF”)

  1997   1997   39   40   40  

PCS business

Korea Telecom Realty

    Development Co. (“KTRD”)**

  1997   1997   100   19   19  

Real estate development business

Korea Telecom M.com Co. (“KTM”)

  1996   2000   48   —     —    

PCS business

New Telephone Company

  1993   1998   53   69   73  

Foreign telecommunications business

Korea Telecom Japan Co., Ltd.

  1999   1999   100   100   100  

Foreign telecommunications business

KT ICOM Co., Ltd. (“KT ICOM”)***

  2001   2001   —     63   87  

IMT2000 service

KTF Technologies Inc. (“KTFT”)****

  2001   2002   —     —     57  

PCS handset development

KT Commerce Inc. (“KTC”)*****

  2002   2002   —     —     100  

B2C, B2B service

 

F-13


Table of Contents

KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(a)    Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 


*   Due to disposition of the shares, KT Infotech was excluded from consolidation in 2002.
**   Due to disposition of the shares, KTRD was excluded from consolidation in 2001 and 2002.
***   The 87% ownership percentage in KT ICOM represents the ownership of this equity by KTF.
****   The 57% ownership percentage in KTFT represents the ownership of this equity by KTF.
*****   The 100% ownership percentage in KTC represents the ownership of this equity by KT (19%) and KTH (81%).

 

All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

On July 26, 2000, in order to strengthen its competitiveness in the wireless telecommunications services market, the Company acquired a controlling financial interest in KTM through the acquisition of 69,109,834 shares of KTM, representing 44.1% of the total outstanding common shares, for consideration of (Won)2,291,675 million. The consideration was comprised of cash of (Won)458,957 million (including (Won)12,878 million of direct acquisition costs) and US$200 million, promissory notes of (Won)737,001 million maturing within one year from the date of issue, and 2,522,362 shares of SK Telecom Co., Ltd. (SK Telecom) with a fair value of (Won)920,622 million. In 2000, (Won)655,003 million of the (Won)737,001 million promissory notes were redeemed prior to maturity.

 

The acquisition of KTM was recorded under the purchase method of accounting and the purchase price was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values as follows:

 

     Millions

 

Working capital

   (Won) (691,075 )

Property, plant and equipment

     1,691,226  

Other assets

     410,393  

Goodwill

     2,011,949  

Long-term liability

     (776,194 )

Minority interest

     (354,624 )
    


     (Won) 2,291,675  
    


 

Goodwill recorded as a result of the KTM transaction described above was amortized on a straight-line basis over five years through December 31, 2000. Effective January 1, 2001, as permitted under Korean GAAP and to present and amortize the amount in a more appropriate manner, the Company classified this goodwill into two components of subscriber base and other, and revised their useful lives to four and ten years, respectively. The effect of this change reduced the amortization of goodwill in the amount of (Won)108,083 million for the years ended after December 31, 2000.

 

KTM’s results of operations are included in the Company’s consolidated financial results from July 1, 2000 to April 30, 2001. On May 1, 2001, KTM merged with KTF, with the combined entity operating under the name KTF. KTF exchanged its shares for KTM’s shares with respect to a majority of KTM’s shareholders, including the Company, and paid cash to the remaining shareholders who did not approve the merger. As a result of the merger between KTF and KTM, KTM shares were eliminated and the Company’s ownership percentage in the combined entity, KTF, was approximately 40% as of December 31, 2001.

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(a)    Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

On October 5, 2000, the Company acquired an additional 3.75%, or 5,883,218 of the outstanding common shares of KTM for additional consideration of (Won)176,347 million comprised of cash of (Won)67,660 million (including (Won)991 million of direct acquisition costs) and 421,265 shares of SK Telecom with a fair value of (Won)114,584 million. The purchase price was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values, and the excess of acquisition cost over fair value of net assets acquired of (Won)160,567 million is presented as a decrease in capital surplus (see discussion in note 2(j)(i)).

 

The following unaudited pro forma data summarizes the results of operations for the year indicated as if the July 2000 acquisition of KTM had been completed as of the beginning of 2000, presented after giving effect to certain adjustments, including amortization of goodwill. These pro forma amounts do not purport to be indicative of the results that would have actually been achieved if the acquisition occurred as of the beginning of the years presented or that may be obtained in the future.

 

 

     Unaudited
     (Millions, except for earnings per share)

     2000

Revenues:

      

As reported

   (Won) 13,537,625

Pro forma

     14,339,275

Net earnings:

      

As reported

   (Won) 986,210

Pro forma

     800,025

Earnings per share—basic and diluted:

      

As reported

   (Won) 3,165

Pro forma

     2,567

 

In 2000, the Company acquired an additional 2,713,008 shares of common stock issued by KTP for (Won)29,843 million.

 

On December 15, 2000, the Company acquired the right to purchase one of two licenses utilizing W-CDMA technology to provide IMT-2000 service from the MIC as a member of a consortium of businesses. For this business, the Company and its subsidiaries invested (Won)1,126,528 million to acquire 63% of the total common shares of KT ICOM in 2001.

 

Korea Telecom Realty Development Co. (“KTRD”), a 100% owned subsidiary in 2000 was excluded from consolidation and accounted for under the equity method in 2001 and 2002, because the Company sold 81% of its equity interest in KTRD.

 

In 2001, the Company acquired an additional 2,166,666 shares of common stock issued by New Telephone Company for W8,487 million, increasing its equity ownership percentage to 69%. The Company’s ownership percentage in KTSC was reduced to 53% in 2001 as a result of KTSC’s issuance of new shares to investors other than the Company.

 

In 2002, KT and its subsidiaries, KTH and KTP, disposed of their equity interests comprising 47,584,905 shares of common stock in KT ICOM to KTF at (Won)18,227 per share. In addition, KTF purchased 24,685,070

 

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Table of Contents

KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(a)    Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

shares of common stock of KT ICOM from a third party for the same price. As a result, KTF increased its equity ownership percentage in KT ICOM to 87.3%.

 

In 2002, KTF exercised its conversion right of convertible notes issued by KTFT. As a result of the conversion, KTF increased its ownership percentage in KTFT from 0% to 57%.

 

In 2002, the Company acquired an additional 6,856 shares of common stock issued by Korea Telecom Japan Co., Ltd. for (Won)3,461 million.

 

In 2002, the Company acquired an additional 833,334 shares of common stock issued by New Telephone Company for 3,331 million, increasing its equity ownership percentage to 73%.

 

The Company’s ownership percentage in KTSC and KT Linkus Co., Ltd. was reduced to 37% and 94%, respectively, in 2002 as a result of these companies’ issuance of new shares to investors other than the Company.

 

The Company invested (Won)7,000 million in KTC in 2002. The 100% ownership percentage in KTC represents the combined ownership of this entity by KT (19%) and KTH (81%).

 

The Company disposed of 1,628,927 shares of KT Infotech Corporation, representing 84.4% of the Company’s equity interest, and recognized a disposition loss of (Won)3,725 million in 2002. As a result of the disposition, the Company’s remaining interest in KT Infotech Corporation is accounted for under the equity method (see note 9).

 

KT has issued guarantees for debt and contract performance in favor of the following consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002 :

 

     Millions

Subsidiary       

KTF

   (Won) 14,165

New Telephone Company

     10,804

KTSC

     56,528
    

     (Won) 81,497
    

 

Significant transactions and related account balances which occurred in the normal course of business with and between consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002, are summarized as follows (these amounts have been eliminated in consolidation):

 

     Millions

     2001

   2002

Balance Sheet Items            

Trade notes and accounts receivable

   (Won) 205,876    230,705

Trade notes and accounts payable

     176,041    207,241

Convertible notes of KTF

     —      336,200

Long-term accrued interest expense of KTF

     —      590

 

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Table of Contents

KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(a)    Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

     Millions

     2000

   2001

   2002

Income Statement Items                 

Operating revenues

   (Won) 1,041,683    1,267,768    1,366,192

Operating expenses

     1,059,068    1,283,567    1,412,782

Interest expense of KTF

     —      —      884

 

(b)    Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers short-term financial instruments with maturities of three months or less at the acquisition date to be cash equivalents.

 

(c)    Short-term Financial Instruments

 

Short-term financial instruments include time deposits, installment savings deposits, restricted bank deposits and standardized financial instruments handled by financial institutions which are held for short-term cash management purposes or will mature within one year.

 

(d)    Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

The allowances for doubtful notes and accounts receivable are based on an analysis of portfolio quality and management’s judgment.

 

Changes in the allowances for doubtful notes and accounts receivable for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     Millions

 
     2000

    2001

    2002

 

Beginning of year

   (Won) 133,026     241,272     330,345  

Increase due to the change of consolidated subsidiaries

     56,198     —       483  

Provision

     86,609     162,655     194,288  

Write-offs

     (34,561 )   (73,582 )   (95,050 )
    


 

 

End of year

   (Won) 241,272     330,345     430,066  
    


 

 

 

(e)    Marketable Securities

 

Marketable securities, which include marketable equity, debt securities and money market funds held for short-term cash management purposes, are stated at fair value, with valuation gains and losses included in current earnings.

 

(f)    Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by the moving-average cost method, except for materials in transit, for which costs are determined by the specific identification method. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated selling cost. When the net realizable value of inventory is less than the carrying amount, the carrying amount is reduced to net realizable value.

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(g)    Investment Securities

 

For investments in companies, publicly traded or not publicly traded, that are not controlled, but are under the Company’s significant influence, the Company utilizes the equity method of accounting. Significant influence is generally deemed to exist if the Company can exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of an investee. The ability to exercise that influence may be indicated in several ways, such as the Company’s representation on its board of directors, the Company’s participation in its policy making processes, material transactions with the investee, interchange of managerial personnel, or technological dependency. Also, if the Company owns directly or indirectly 20% or more of the voting stock of an investee and the investee is not required to be consolidated, the Company generally presumes that the investee is under significant influence. Under Korean GAAP, the Company is required to consolidate majority owned investments and investments in which the Company owns more than 30% and is the largest shareholder. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company’s initial investment is recorded at cost and is subsequently increased to reflect the Company’s share of the investee income and reduced to reflect the Company’s share of the investee losses or dividends received. Any excess in the Company’s acquisition cost over the Company’s share of the investee’s net assets is generally recorded as goodwill or other intangibles and amortized by the straight-line method over the estimated useful life. When events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable, the Company reviews goodwill for impairment. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company does not record its share of losses of an affiliate or subsidiary not consolidated when such losses would make the Company’s investment in such entity less than zero unless the Company has guaranteed obligations of the investee or is otherwise committed to provide further financial support.

 

Investments in marketable equity securities (except for investments in affiliated companies accounted for under the equity method) are recorded at fair value with the difference between the acquisition cost and fair value included in stockholders’ equity as a capital adjustment.

 

Non-marketable investments in equity securities (except for investments in affiliated companies accounted for under the equity method) are stated at acquisition cost. If the Company’s portion of the net book value of the investment declines significantly compared to acquisition cost and is not expected to recover, the acquisition cost is adjusted to the net book value of the investee company. In such cases, the difference between the original acquisition cost and revalued amount is charged to current earnings.

 

Investments in marketable debt securities are classified as either held-to-maturity or available-for-sale at the time of purchase. Held-to-maturity investments in debt securities are stated at purchase cost and available-for-sale investments in debt securities are stated at fair value, with resulting valuation gains or losses recorded as a capital adjustment. If the fair value of a held-to-maturity or an available-for-sale investment in debt securities declines significantly compared to the acquisition cost, and is not expected to recover, the carrying value of the investment in the debt security is adjusted to fair value with the resulting valuation gain or loss charged to current earnings.

 

Through December 31, 2001, treasury stock included in the trust fund was stated at cost as determined based on the fair value of stock at the acquisition date. The carrying amount was adjusted to fair value on each balance sheet date and the resulting gain or loss was recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Effective January 1, 2002, treasury stock included in the trust fund is stated at cost at the acquisition date. In connection with this change, the related accounts in the 2001 balance sheet presented for comparative purposes were restated.

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(h)    Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Improvements that significantly extend the useful life of an asset or add to its productive capacity are capitalized. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to earnings as incurred. Property, plant and equipment contributed by the Government on January 1, 1982 are stated at net revalued amounts.

 

As described in note 2(i), the Company evaluates its property, plant and equipment for impairment each year, as a part of its annual forecasting process. Due to a decrease in expected profits from some of the Company’s property, plant and equipment, an impairment loss of (Won)23,098 million was recorded in 2002 within “Other, net” in the consolidated statement of earnings and retained earnings, which represented the difference between the fair value of property, plant and equipment and their carrying amounts. The fair value of property, plant and equipment was estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows.

 

Depreciation is computed using the declining-balance method (except for buildings, structures, underground access to cable tunnels, concrete and steel telephone poles, and the assets of some subsidiaries which are depreciated using the straight-line method) using rates based on the following estimated useful lives of the related units of property:

 

     Estimated useful lives (years)

Buildings and structures

   5-60

Machinery and equipment:

    

Underground access to cable tunnels and concrete and steel telephone poles

   20-40

Other

   3-15

Ships

   5-12

Vehicles

   3-5

Tools, furniture and fixtures:

    

Steel safe boxes

   20

Other

   2-8

 

The Company capitalizes interest cost, discounts and other financial charges, including certain foreign exchange transaction gains and losses (see note 28), on all borrowings, incurred prior to the completion of intended use, as part of the cost of assets.

 

(i)    Long-Lived Assets

 

Under Korean GAAP, long-lived assets generally consist of property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In addition, the Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment each year as part of its annual forecasting process. An impairment loss would be recognized when estimated discounted future net cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(j)    Intangible Assets

 

Intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization, which are computed using the following methods.

 

(i)    Goodwill

 

Goodwill, which represents the excess of the acquisition cost over the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired related to entities that are being consolidated, is amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated economic useful life.

 

Through 1999, the difference between the acquisition cost and the amount of underlying equity of the acquired entity’s net assets was recorded as a consolidation adjustment asset similar to goodwill.

 

Commencing in 2000 and in accordance with changes to Korean GAAP, accounting for the difference between the acquisition cost and the amount of underlying equity of a purchased entity differs depending on whether 1) the acquisition of the controlling interest of an investee is the original acquisition or 2) the purchase represents an additional equity purchase of a controlled entity. When the Company first acquires a controlling financial interest of an entity, the difference between the acquisition cost and the corresponding proportionate share of the entity’s equity as of the most recently audited or reviewed balance sheet date is recorded as goodwill. For additional equity purchases of existing consolidated subsidiaries, such difference is recorded as a reduction of stockholders’ equity (capital surplus). Goodwill is amortized over its estimated useful life.

 

Amortization of goodwill of (Won)208,156 million, (Won)301,292 million and W294,652 million in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively, and reversals of negative goodwill of (Won)477 million, (Won)413 million and (Won)413 million in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively, are included in operating expenses and other income, respectively, in the consolidated statements of earnings.

 

As discussed in note 2(a), goodwill recorded as a result of the KTM transaction in July 2000 was amortized on a straight-line basis over five years through December 31, 2000. Effectively January 1, 2001, as permitted under Korean GAAP and to present and amortize the amount in a more appropriate manner, the Company classified this goodwill into two components of subscriber base and other, and revised their useful lives to four and ten years, respectively. The effect of this change reduced the amortization of goodwill in the amount of (Won)108,083 million for the years ended after December 31, 2000.

 

(ii)    Other Intangible Assets

 

Other intangible assets, consisting of rights to exclusive usage, are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed using the straight-line method over periods which range from 3 to 60 years.

 

As discussed in note 2(i), the Company evaluates its other intangible assets for impairment each year as part of its annual forecasting process. Due to a decrease in expected profits from some of the Company’s other intangible assets, an impairment loss of (Won)23,485 million was recorded within “Other, net” in the consolidated statement of earnings and retained earnings, which represented the difference between the fair value of other intangible assets and their carrying amounts. The fair value of other intangible assets was estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows.

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(j)    Intangible Assets, Continued

 

During 2001, KT ICOM acquired IMT-2000 frequency usage right and a license to operate the IMT-2000 business from the MIC for (Won)1,300 billion. KT ICOM recorded the net amount as frequency usage right included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2002. KT ICOM paid 50%, or (Won)650 billion, of this amount in 2001 and the net present value of the remaining (Won)650 billion unpaid balance is recorded as long-term accounts payable-other in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2002 and 2001. This amount is payable over a period of five years beginning in 2007 and interest is paid annually based on the three-year Government bonds minus 0.75% (5.01% as of December 31, 2002). These rights have a contractual life of 15 years and will be amortized commencing on the date commercial service is initiated through the end of their contractual life. The Company has not amortized frequency usage right in the year ended December 31, 2002 because the related commercial services have not been provided during the year.

 

In addition, the interest expense incurred from long-term accounts payable—other for frequency usage right is capitalized as frequency usage right (see note 28). For the year ended December 31, 2002, capitalized interest amounts to (Won)74,631 million.

 

As of December 31, 2002, frequency usage right in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet is calculated as follows:

 

     Millions

 

Balance at beginning of period

   (Won) 1,300,000  

Discount for present value

     (165,777 )

Capitalized interest

     74,631  
    


     (Won) 1,208,854  
    


 

(iii)    Research and Development Costs

 

The Company charges research and development costs to expense as incurred. However, the costs which are recoverable from future earnings are deferred and amortized over their estimated useful life. In addition, the internal software development costs, after technological feasibility has been obtained, such as those associated with Broadband Integrated Services Digital Network (B-ISDN), Integrated Customer Information System (ICIS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), are accounted for as intangible assets and amortized by the straight-line method over their estimated economic useful lives from 3 to 6 years.

 

The Company incurred research and development costs of (Won)307,525 million, (Won)378,388 million and (Won)274,410 million including capitalized research and development costs amounts of (Won)116,400 million, (Won)145,196 million and (Won)28,855 million for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively.

 

(iv)    Advertising Costs

 

The Company expenses advertising costs as they are incurred. These expenses include media and other promotional and sponsoring costs.

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(k)    Convertible Notes and Bonds with Warrants

 

The Company recognizes interest expense on convertible notes and bonds with warrants as determined using the effective interest method, and amortization of a redemption premium is recorded as long-term accrued interest expense.

 

(l)    Retirement and Severance Benefits

 

Employees who have been with the Company for more than one year are entitled to lump sum payments based on current rates of pay and length of service when they leave the Company. The Company’s estimated liability under the plan which would be payable if all employees left on the balance sheet date is accrued in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. A portion of the liability is covered by an employees’ severance benefits insurance where the employees have a vested interest in the deposit with the insurance company. Therefore, such deposits for severance benefits insurance amounting to (Won)13,200 million and (Won)338,576 million as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively, are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as a deduction from the liability for retirement and severance benefits.

 

Additionally, the Company had deposits with insurance companies totaling (Won)1,487 million at December 31, 2001, which were to be used for the payment of severance liabilities. The employees do not have a vested interest in such deposits. This deposit was recorded in other assets at December 31, 2001. During 2002, the deposit was used to fund a portion of the liabilities.

 

Through March 1999, under the National Pension Scheme of Korea, the Company transferred a certain portion of retirement allowances of employees to the National Pension Fund. The amount transferred will reduce the retirement and severance benefit amount to be payable to the employees when they leave the Company and is accordingly reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as a reduction from the retirement and severance benefit liability. The cumulative balance of such transfers to the National Pension Fund were (Won)1,398 million and (Won)1,066 million as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively. Beginning in April 1999, however, a new regulation applies and such transfers to the National Pension Fund are no longer required.

 

(m)    Valuation of Receivables and Payables at Present Value

 

Receivables and payables arising from long-term installment transactions and other similar transactions are stated at present value and the difference between the nominal value and present value is amortized using the effective interest method over the installment or redemption period.

 

Long-term accounts payable—other related to frequency usage right is stated at the net present value of future cash flows, calculated using the effective interest rate (9.93%) at the time of receipt of the frequency use license. The balance as of December 31, 2002 is as follows:

 

     Millions

 

Long-term accounts payable—other

   (Won)  650,000  

Discount

     (148,742 )
    


     (Won) 501,258  
    


 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(m)    Valuation of Receivables and Payables at Present Value, Continued

 

The maturities of the Company’s long-term accounts payable—other related to frequency usage right outstanding as of December 31, 2002 are as follows:

 

Year


   Millions

2007

   (Won) 90,000

2008

     110,000

2009

     130,000

2010

     150,000

2011

     170,000
    

     (Won) 650,000
    

 

(n)    Customer call bonus program

 

The Company records an estimated liability for the marketing cost associated with providing free gifts under the customer call bonus program when call bonus points are earned. The liability is recorded in other long-term liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The liability is adjusted periodically based on points earned, points redeemed, and changes in estimated costs.

 

(o)    Contributions Received for Capital Expenditures

 

Contributions received for capital expenditures are reflected as a reduction from the acquisition cost of the acquired assets and, accordingly, reduce depreciation expense related to the acquired assets over their useful lives. Contributions received, which have yet to be disbursed for capital expenditures, are presented as a deduction of received assets.

 

Effective January 1, 2002, the Company changed its policy regarding contributions received for capital expenditures according to a revision of Korean GAAP. In prior periods, contributions received which had yet to be disbursed for capital expenditures were included in capital adjustments. Such contributions received are now presented as a deduction from the received asset. In connection with this change, the related amounts in the 2001 balance sheet, presented for comparative purposes, were restated.

 

(p)    Derivatives

 

Derivative financial instruments used for trading purposes are valued at their estimated fair value and the resulting unrealized valuation gains or losses are recognized in current results of operations.

 

Derivative financial instruments used for hedging purposes are accounted for in a manner consistent with the accounting treatment appropriate for the transactions being hedged or associated with such contracts. The instruments are valued at fair value when underlying transactions are valued at fair value, and resulting unrealized valuation gains or losses are recorded in current results of operations. For instruments that are not valued at fair value, unrealized valuation gains or losses are recognized at the time of settlement.

 

(q)    Foreign Currency Translation

 

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Korean Won at the balance sheet date. Unrealized foreign currency translation gains and losses on monetary assets and liabilities,

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(q)    Foreign Currency Translation, Continued

 

except for the amounts included in cost of property, plant and equipment (see note 2(h)), are included in current results of operations. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Korean Won at the historical rates.

 

As of December 31, 2001 and 2002, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Korean Won at (Won)1,326.10 to US$1 and (Won)1,200.40 to US$1, respectively.

 

(r)    Stock Options

 

The stock option program allows the Company’s officers to acquire shares of the Company. The option exercise price is generally fixed at above the market price of underlying shares at the date of the grant. The Company values stock options based upon an option pricing model (Black-Scholes model) under the fair value method and recognizes this value as an expense over the period in which the options vest. When the options are exercised, equity is increased by the amount of the proceeds received, and the difference between the exercise price and market price is included in compensation expense and credited to the capital adjustment account.

 

(s)    Contingent Liabilities

 

Contingent losses are generally recognized as a liability when probable and reasonably estimable.

 

(t)    Revenue Recognition

 

Operating revenues are recognized on a service-rendered basis. Revenues from public telephone cards are recognized when the cardholder places a call. Sales and cost of sales for Personal Communication Service (“PCS”) handsets are recognized when delivered to the customer.

 

Prior to April 15, 2001, KT revised the telephone installation deposit system which allowed customers to choose between alternative plans for initiating basic telephone services. Under these alternatives, customers can elect to place a fully refundable deposit (which is reflected as a liability) or pay a reduced non-refundable fee (which is included in operating revenues). Prior to this change, all customers were required to place fully refundable deposits.

 

Effective April 15, 2001, the Company revised its telephone installation deposit system. Under the revised system, new customers are required to pay a non-refundable service initiation fee. The non-refundable service initiation fee is included in operating revenues.

 

(u)    Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense or benefit on earnings includes both current and deferred taxes. Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is provided using the asset and liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. However, deferred taxes are not recognized for temporary differences related to unrealized gains and losses on marketable investments in equity securities that are reported in a separate component of stockholders’

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(u)    Income Taxes, Continued

 

equity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

 

A deferred tax asset is recognized only to the extent that it is probable that such deferred tax asset is recoverable in a future period. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.

 

(v)    Minority Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries

 

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries are presented as a separate component of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

(w)    Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per common share are calculated by dividing net earnings available to common stock by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share are calculated by using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding adjusted to include the potentially dilutive effect of convertible notes.

 

(x)    Foreign Currency Translation of Foreign Subsidiaries

 

Assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries and operations are translated into Korean Won at the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates prevailing during the fiscal year. Gains and losses resulting from such translation of financial statements are recognized as a foreign-based operations translation adjustment in stockholders’ equity.

 

(y)    Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with Korean GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

(z)    Accounting for the disposition of an equity interest in a consolidated subsidiary

 

Gain or loss on the Company’s sale of a subsidiary’s stock is recognized in income if, after the sale of the equity interest, the investment is no longer required to be consolidated under Korean GAAP. If the entity is still required to be consolidated, the Company records the difference between net proceeds and the carrying amount of the stock as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity.

 

(aa)    Application of the Statements of Korea Financial Accounting Standards

 

The Korean Accounting Standards Board (“KASB”) has published a series of Statements of Korea Accounting Standards (“SKAS”), which will gradually replace the existing financial accounting standards, established by the Korea Financial and Supervisory Board. SKAS No. 2 through No. 9 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2003.

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(aa)    Application of the Statements of Korea Financial Accounting Standards, Continued

 

In accordance with the Statement of Korea Accounting Standards, the cumulative effect on prior years of these changes in accounting method will be credited (charged) to the beginning balance of retained earnings.

 

Under SKAS No. 2, interim financial reports replace quarterly and semi-annual financial standards and should include a balance sheet, statement of earnings, statement of cash flows, and explanatory notes. In principle, interim financial statements should be presented in the same format of the annual financial statements. Interim financial statements should be presented in comparative format.

 

SKAS No. 3 defines the recognition criteria for internally generated intangible assets. SKAS No. 3 requires that costs incurred during the research phase to be expensed, and also requires the residual value of an intangible asset to be assumed to be zero unless:

 

(a) There is a commitment by a third party to purchase the asset at the end of its useful life; or

 

(b) There is an active market for that type of asset and it is probable that such a market will exist at the end of the asset’s useful life.

 

Costs incurred during the development phase are to be capitalized, if certain criteria are met. SKAS No. 3 also requires start-up costs, training and advertising costs to be expensed as incurred. The useful life of an intangible asset should be based on its estimated useful life, not to exceed twenty years from the date when the asset is available for use. Capitalized software is expected to have shorter useful life due to its technological obsolescence. Intangible assets should be assessed for impairment annually. The Company will charge the organization cost of (Won)1,414 million to the beginning balance of retained earnings in 2003. The Company does not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

 

SKAS No. 4 clarifies existing standards regarding revenue recognition. Bartering transactions, where goods or services are exchanged for goods or services that are of a similar nature and value, should not result in revenue recognition. Revenue from the sale of goods or services should only be recognized when all the following conditions have been met:

 

(a)    Significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have been transferred to the buyer

 

(b)    The enterprise no longer retains legal title or effective control over the goods sold

 

(c)    The seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable

 

(d)    Collectibility is reasonably assured

 

(e)    The costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably

 

The Company’s current policy for revenue recognition is not significantly different from the requirements of SKAS No. 4. Accordingly, the Company does not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

 

SKAS No. 5 requires certain asset retirement obligations to be estimated and recorded as part of its acquisition cost. For exchange of dissimilar assets, fair market value of asset given up should be recorded as

 

F-26


Table of Contents

KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(aa)    Application of the Statements of Korea Financial Accounting Standards, Continued

 

acquisition cost for asset acquired. In case of exchange of similar assets, book value of asset given up should be recorded as acquisition cost for asset acquired. However, if significant amount of cash is involved in exchange of assets, due to the differences in its fair value, such transaction cannot be treated as exchange of similar assets. Tangible assets should be written down to its net realization value when the fair market value of the asset declines significantly due to its obsolescence.

 

SKAS No. 6 requires that proposed dividends that are subject to ratification from the shareholders’ meeting subsequent to the issuance of the financial statements not be recognized as a liability at the balance sheet date. In addition, appropriation of retained earnings subsequent to the balance sheet data should not be reflected in the current year balance sheet. SKAS No. 6 also requires that companies that are undergoing liquidation to present their financial statements under the liquidation basis. The Company will reclassify the amount of dividends of (Won)212,887 million to the beginning balance of retained earnings in 2003. The Company does not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

 

SKAS No. 7, “Capitalization of Financial Cost”, generally requires financial costs to be expensed as incurred, except when certain criteria are met for capitalization. The provision of this standard is to be applied consistently. Capitalized interest costs in connection with past due borrowings should be expensed. The Company does not expect the adoption of this statement to have material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

 

SKAS No. 8 requires that marketable equity securities and all debt securities be classified into trading securities, available-for-sale securities or held-to-maturity securities in accordance with enterprise’s intentions. Trading and available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value. Securities that are not publicly traded and which the fair value cannot be reasonably measured are recorded at acquisition cost. Unrealized gains and losses from trading securities are reported as part of the results of operations, whereas unrealized gains and losses from available-for-sale securities are reported as a capital adjustment in the statement of shareholders’ equity. Transfers of securities from the trading category are prohibited, whereas transfers of securities between available-for-sale and held-to-maturity are permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operation.

 

SKAS No. 9 “Convertible Security” is related to convertible bonds, bonds with warrants and convertible preferred stock, which requires the separate recognition of the convertible features and warrant rights. However, as of December 31, 2002, the convertible notes and bond with warrants that the Company holds or has issued, will not be impacted by this statement because this statement will be applied for convertible notes and bond with warrants purchased or issued on after December 31, 2002. The Company does not expect the adoption of this statement to have material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

 

(ab)    Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each significant class of financial instruments for which it was practicable to estimate such value:

 

(i)    Cash and cash equivalents, short-term financial instruments, trade notes and accounts receivable, accounts receivable—other, marketable securities, trade notes and accounts payable, short-term borrowings and accrued expenses.

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(ab)    Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Continued

 

The carrying amount approximates fair value because these instruments are either carried at fair value or because of the short maturity of these instruments.

 

(ii)    Investment securities

 

The fair value of equity securities of non-affiliates and debt securities are estimated based on quoted market prices. The fair values of equity-linked securities are estimated based on quotes obtained from dealer. For those investments for which there were no quoted market prices, a reasonable estimate of fair value could not be made without incurring excessive costs. Additional information pertinent to the fair value of unquoted investments is provided below.

 

(iii)    Loans included in other current assets and other assets

 

The carrying amount of loans included in other current assets approximate fair value due to the short term maturities of these investments. The fair value of long-term loans in other assets is estimated based on discounted cash flows using current rates offered for loans of the same remaining maturities.

 

(iv)    Long-term debt

 

The fair value of the long-term debt, including the current portion, is estimated based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered for debt of the same remaining maturities.

 

(v)    Interest rate swap and interest rate swaption

 

The fair values of interest rate swap and interest rate swaption are estimated based on quotes obtained from dealers.

 

The estimated fair values of the Company’s significant financial instruments at December 31, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     2001 (millions)

     Carrying
amount


   Fair value

Cash and cash equivalents

   (Won) 1,169,005    1,169,005

Short-term financial instruments

     694,776    694,776

Trade notes and accounts receivable

     2,773,211    2,773,211

Accounts receivable—other

     365,895    365,895

Marketable securities

     442,268    442,268

Equity securities of non-affiliates:

           

•    Practicable to estimate fair value

     2,485,162    2,485,162

•    Not practicable

     110,301    N/A

Debt securities

     22,615    22,501

Loans included in other current assets and other assets

     231,498    203,662

Trade notes and accounts payable

     1,060,878    1,060,878

Short-term borrowings

     1,110,795    1,110,795

Accrued expenses

     201,160    201,160

Foreign currency forward contracts

     3,401    3,401

Long-term debt, including current portion

     8,243,221    8,212,026

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(ab)    Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Continued

 

     2001 (millions)

     Carrying
amount


   Fair value

Cash and cash equivalents

   (Won) 1,086,689    1,086,689

Short-term financial instruments

     819,859    819,859

Trade notes and accounts receivable

     2,982,501    2,982,501

Accounts receivable—other

     512,512    512,512

Marketable securities

     433,661    433,661

Equity securities of non-affiliates:

           

•    Practicable to estimate fair value

     869,603    869,603

•    Not practicable

     195,940    N/A

Debt securities

     49,443    49,427

Equity linked securities

     97,495    97,495

Loans included in other current assets and other assets

     1,033,499    849,888

Trade notes and accounts payable

     1,167,195    1,167,195

Short-term borrowings

     1,116,385    1,116,385

Accrued expenses

     257,565    257,565

Interest rate swap

     7,662    7,662

Interest rate swaption

     1,459    1,459

Long-term debt, including current portion

     11,723,697    11,473,089

 

It was not practicable to estimate the fair value of investments in unlisted companies. Additional unaudited information as to total assets, stockholders’ equity (deficit), revenues and net income (loss) for these investments as of and for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     Unaudited 2001 (millions)

 
     Percentage
ownership


   Carrying
amount


   Total
assets


   Stock-
holders’
equity
(deficit)


    Revenues

   Net
income
(loss)


 

Investment in INTELSAT

   0.7    (Won) 6,221    4,240,894    2,256,545     1,416,379    651,707  

Investment in INMARSAT

   2.3      15,015    1,424,231    947,101     415,118    7,487  

Investment in R.J.K. Cable

   10.0      307    Not available

Investment in NSS N.V.

   1.4      12,747    1,460,191    1,363,695     202,114    32,644  

Investment in Korea S/W Industry Association

   1.7      1,000    72,743    67,266     5,670    2,620  

Investment in Korea Multinet Co.

   7.6      —      8,229    (745 )   722    (2,350 )

Investment in Potatos Co.

   6.7      200    2,996    2,992     —      (79 )

Investment in Intech Telecom

   7.8      5,190    55,154    20,131     31,818    (7,981 )

Investment in KT internal Venture fund No.1

   89.3      3,303    3,976    3,927     56    7  

Investment in Media Valley Inc

   7.3      1,087    6,601    6,514     275    (3,742 )

Investment in Korea Information Certificate Authority

   9.4      2,000    20,621    18,603     3,676    (1,230 )

Investment in Mirae Asset Securities Co., Ltd

   13.0      14,600    438,116    170,945     74,936    5,574  

Strategic Fund investment

   90.0      18,000    22,216    22,007     1,206    983  

e-Charge Corp.

   3.1      —      Not available

Other

   —        30,631    Not available
         

                      
          (Won) 110,301                       
         

                      

 

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Table of Contents

KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(ab)    Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Continued

 

     Unaudited 2002 (millions)

 
     Percentage
ownership


   Carrying
amount


   Total
assets


   Stock-
holders’
equity
(deficit)


    Revenues

   Net
income
(loss)


 
    

Unaudited

(millions)

 

Investment in INTELSAT

   0.7    (Won) 6,221    Not available

Investment in INMARSAT

   2.3      15,015    Not available

Investment in R.J.K. Cable

   10.0      307    Not available

Investment in Korea S/W Industry Association

   1.4      1,000    88,188    82,140     5,953    2,819  

Investment in Korea Multinet Co.

   7.1      —      7,650    (4,012 )   1,468    (2,574 )

Investment in Potatos Co.

   6.7      200    2,934    2,907     —      (99 )

Investment in Intech Telecom

   7.8      5,190    46,196    14,837     22,928    (4,424 )

Investment in KT internal Venture fund No.1

   89.3      3,303    3,785    3,682     24    (134 )

Investment in Korea Information Certificate Authority

   9.4      2,000    21,551    18,133     13,743    (381 )

Investment in Mirae Asset Securities Co., Ltd

   9.6      11,960    563,773    191,315     531,763    21,311  

Strategic Fund investment

   90.0      18,000    22,122    21,856     619    350  

National Information & Credit Evaluation, Inc.

   13.0      1,202    12,901    6,550     32,249    1,243  

KIF Fund

   33.3      100,000    300,000    300,000     —      —    

On Game net

   19.5      1,060    9,016    5,869     10,953    148  

On line pass

   19.5      370    1,873    1,571     1,731    (324 )

e-Charge Corp.

   3.1      —      Not available

Other

   —        30,112    Not available
         

                      
          (Won) 195,940                       
         

                      

 

(ac)    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

The Company paid (Won)414,643 million, (Won)669,690 million and (Won)574,795 million in interest (net of amounts capitalized) and (Won)74,040 million, (Won)67,789 million and (Won)329,816 million in income taxes in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively.

 

(ad)    Segment Information

 

The Company has three reportable operating segments—wireline communications, PCS services and IMT-2000 services. Wireline communications include all services provided to fixed line customers, including internet services, data communication services, wire and other facilities, leased line services and telephone services. PCS service is a digital wireless telephone system that uses light handsets with a long battery life to communicate via low-power antennas. PCS telephones have the capacity to receive and send data as well as voice transmission. IMT-2000 service is a third-generation, high-capacity wireless communication system that enables subscribers to utilize a full range of mobile multi-media services including video phone and wireless data transmission. The operations of all other entities which fall below the reporting thresholds are included in the “Miscellaneous” segment below, and include entities providing, among others, submarine cable construction and group telephone management.

 

The Company’s reportable segments are separate legal entities that offer different products and services and/or serve different customers. No single customer accounted for revenues of 10% or more of total revenues. The

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(ad)    Segment Information, Continued

 

entities are managed differently since they utilize different technology and marketing strategies and have different capital requirements. Management primarily evaluates the performance of the segments based on operating income (loss).

 

The Company accounts for intersegment revenues and costs as if the related transactions were with third parties. The adjustments included in “Reconciling Adjustments,” line item “Other income (deductions), net”include minority interest in losses (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries of (Won)54,329 million, (Won)(260,422) million and W(316,918) million in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively, and elimination of the parent company’s equity in net losses (earnings) of KTF and other subsidiaries of (Won)48,444 million, (Won)(175,911) million and (Won)(208,756) million in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. Reconciling adjustments also include reclassification of amortization of goodwill (reversal of negative goodwill), net, between the line items “Other income (deductions), net”and “Operating expenses—Depreciation and amortization” in the amount of (Won)189,623 million, (Won)306,330 million and (Won)298,891 million in 2000, 2001 and 2002 respectively. Additionally, reconciling adjustments include intersegment eliminations in all line items.

 

The following table provides information for each operating segment as of and for the year ended December 31, 2000.

 

    2000 (millions)

 
    Wireline
Communications


    PCS
Services


    Miscellaneous

    Reconciling
Adjustments


    Consolidated

 

Operating revenues:

                               

External customers

  (Won) 9,989,933     3,076,634     471,058     —       13,537,625  

Intersegment

    332,224     465,105     244,354     (1,041,683 )   —    
   


 

 

 

 

      10,322,157     3,541,739     715,412     (1,041,683 )   13,537,625  

Operating expenses:

                               

Depreciation and amortization

    2,869,924     365,094     33,354     204,224     3,472,596  

Other

    6,505,489     2,879,293     684,463     (1,055,316 )   9,013,929  
   


 

 

 

 

      9,375,413     3,244,387     717,817     (851,092 )   12,486,525  

Operating income (loss)

    946,744     297,352     (2,405 )   (190,591 )   1,051,100  

Interest income

    101,799     6,947     17,590     —       126,336  

Interest expense

    (331,801 )   (153,413 )   (15,810 )   163     (500,861 )

Other income (expenses), net

    544,078     48,170     (5,275 )   273,386     860,359  
   


 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

    1,260,820     199,056     (5,900 )   82,958     1,536,934  

Income taxes

    250,694     295,238     5,390     (598 )   550,724  
   


 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

  (Won) 1,010,126     (96,182 )   (11,290 )   83,556     986,210  
   


 

 

 

 

Total assets

  (Won) 23,231,901     5,714,602     868,926     (1,422,504 )   28,392,925  
   


 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

  (Won) 3,495,333     1,075,113     18,149     (5,593 )   4,583,002  
   


 

 

 

 

 

F-31


Table of Contents

KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(ad)    Segment Information, Continued

 

The following table provides information for each operating segment as of and for the year ended December 31, 2001.

 

     2001 (millions)

 
     Wireline
Communications


    PCS Services

   

IMT-2000

Services


    Miscellaneous

    Reconciling
Adjustments


    Consolidated

 

Operating revenues:

                                      

External customers

   (Won) 11,069,884     4,424,151     —       450,565     —       15,944,600  

Intersegment

     448,378     593,986     —       225,404     (1,267,768 )   —    
    


 

 

 

 

 

       11,518,262     5,018,137     —       675,969     (1,267,768 )   15,944,600  

Operating expenses:

                                      

Depreciation and amortization

     3,037,816     618,706     1,538     54,912     296,800     4,009,772  

Other

     7,025,305     3,610,328     26,829     617,123     (1,287,406 )   9,992,179  
    


 

 

 

 

 

       10,063,121     4,229,034     28,367     672,035     (990,606 )   14,001,951  

Operating income (loss)

     1,455,141     789,103     (28,367 )   3,934     (277,162 )   1,942,649  

Interest income

     48,717     23,905     44,489     15,535     —       132,646  

Interest expense

     (423,577 )   (276,825 )   —       (12,040 )   —       (712,442 )

Other income (expenses), net

     285,881     24,120     14,429     (17,533 )   (135,305 )   171,592  
    


 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

     1,366,162     560,303     30,551     (10,104 )   (412,467 )   1,534,445  

Income taxes

     278,951     124,494     11,482     6,764     (221 )   421,470  
    


 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

   (Won) 1,087,211     435,809     19,069     (16,868 )   (412,246 )   1,112,975  
    


 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

   (Won) 22,851,115     6,496,362     2,485,017     928,948     (2,748,887 )   30,012,555  
    


 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

   (Won) 2,677,672     1,165,956     5,508 *   76,222     (7,157 )   3,918,201  
    


 

 

 

 

 


*   During 2001, as described in note 2(j)-(ii), KT ICOM acquired IMT-2000 frequency usage right which is a license to operate the IMT-2000 business from the MIC for (Won)1,300 billion.

 

F-32


Table of Contents

KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(2)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presenting Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(ad)    Segment Information, Continued

 

The following table provides information for each operating segment as of and for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

     2002 (millions)

 
     Wireline
Communications


    PCS
Services


   

IMT-2000

Services


    Miscellaneous

    Reconciling
Adjustments


    Consolidated

 

Operating revenues:

                                      

External customers

   (Won) 11,253,726     4,800,739     —       339,417     —       16,393,882  

Intersegment

     455,113     552,334     —       358,745     (1,366,192 )   —    
    


 

 

 

 

 

       11,708,839     5,353,073     —       698,162     (1,366,192 )   16,393,882  

Operating expenses:

                                      

Depreciation and amortization

     2,714,437     725,500     3,345     62,713     291,099     3,797,094  

Other

     7,200,342     3,783,382     57,958     626,417     (1,409,574 )   10,258,525  
    


 

 

 

 

 

       9,914,779     4,508,882     61,303     689,130     (1,118,475 )   14,055,619  

Operating income (loss)

     1,794,060     844,191     (61,303 )   9,032     (247,717 )   2,338,263  

Interest income

     53,890     17,950     40,026     12,280     (1,028 )   123,118  

Interest expense

     (425,482 )   (216,092 )   —       (9,914 )   1,028     (650,460 )

Other income (expenses), net

     1,193,150     (33,606 )   20,032     (22,779 )   (279,430 )   877,367  
    


 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

     2,615,618     612,443     (1,245 )   (11,381 )   (527,147 )   2,688,288  

Income taxes

     651,801     80,280     (359 )   11,129     (1,497 )   741,354  
    


 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

   (Won) 1,963,817     532,163     (886 )   (22,510 )   (525,650 )   1,946,934  
    


 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

   (Won) 21,761,117     8,033,227     2,464,426     893,828     (4,102,452 )   29,050,146  
    


 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

   (Won) 2,145,210     1,014,278     20,415     56,722     (4,279 )   3,232,346  
    


 

 

 

 

 

 

(3)    Basis of Translating Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The consolidated financial statements are expressed in Korean Won and, solely for the convenience of the reader, the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2002, have been translated into United States dollars at the rate of (Won)1,186.3 to US$1, the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers in Won as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York at December 31, 2002. The translation should not be construed as a representation that any or all of the amounts shown could be converted into US dollars at this or any other rate.

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(4)    Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     Millions

     2001

   2002

Cash on hand

   (Won) 3,339    79

Checking accounts

     447    2,358

Cash in transit

     442,342    610,207

Passbook accounts

     18,708    36,321

Time deposits

     704,169    437,724
    

  
     (Won) 1,169,005    1,086,689
    

  

 

(5)    Restricted Deposits

 

There are certain amounts included in short-term and long-term financial instruments which are restricted in use for payment of employees’ retirement and severance benefits or expenditures for certain business purposes as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 as follows:

 

     Millions

     2001

   2002

Short-term financial instruments

   (Won) 12,544    7,709

Long-term financial instruments

     1,583    80
    

  
     (Won) 14,127    7,789
    

  

 

(6)    Marketable Securities

 

Marketable securities as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     Millions

     2001

   2002

Money market funds

   (Won) 442,268    433,661
    

  

 

(7)    Inventories

 

Inventories as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     Millions

     2001

   2002

Construction and repair materials

   (Won) 57,169    66,915

PCS handsets

     57,258    146,818

Other

     7,688    30,458
    

  
     (Won) 122,115    244,191
    

  

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(8)    Other Current Assets

 

Other current assets as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     Millions

     2001

   2002

      

Accrued interest income

   (Won) 35,362    16,171

Prepayments

     39,290    61,269

Current portion of long-term loans to employees

     25,951    157,340

Short-term loans

     20,320    3,553

Other

     4,826    5,004
    

  
     (Won) 125,749    243,337
    

  

 

(9)    Investments in and Transactions with Affiliated Companies

 

Investments in affiliated companies accounted for using the equity method as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     Percentage ownership

   Millions

     2001

   2002

   2001

   2002

Mongolian Telecommunications Co.

   40.0    40.0    (Won) 5,376    5,693

Korea IT venture partner

   28.0    28.0      14,090    8,531

Centel

   48.8    48.8      19,417    23,314

KBSi Co. (formerly Crezio.com)

   32.4    32.4      2,746    2,154

Korea Telecom Directory Co.

   34.0    34.0      8,267    8,383

eNtoB Co.

   25.0    23.8      2,979    2,591

Online Pass

   19.5    —        370    —  

On Game Network

   19.5    —        1,060    —  

KT Infotech Corporation (KTI) (see note 2(a))

   —      15.6      —      4,105

Korea Telecom Realty Development Co.

   19.0    19.0      1,315    1,502

Korea Digital Satellite Broadcasting Co. (KDB)

   18.2    18.2      57,891    36,257

National Information & Credit Evaluation, Inc.

   13.0    —        842    —  

Korea Information Data

   19.0    19.0      4,106    5,233

Korea Information Service

   19.0    19.0      3,150    3,633

KT Instrument & Calibration Center

   19.0    19.0      148    210

Bank Town Corp.

   19.0    19.0      207    408

Korea Telecom Hitel Global

   —      49.0      —      490
              

  
               (Won) 121,964    102,504
              

  

 

The Company recorded unrealized losses of (Won)1,343 million and (Won)4,266 million relating to the above affiliates as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively, which have been accounted for by the Company as a capital adjustment, which is recorded within unrealized gains on investment securities within stockholders’ equity.

 

The Company received dividends of (Won)572 million, (Won)1,995 million and (Won)469 million from affiliates for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively.

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(9)   Investments in and Transactions with Affiliated Companies, Continued

 

During 2002, KTH, a subsidiary of KT, invested (Won)490 million in Korea Telecom Hitel Global (KTHG) representing 49% of KTHG’s equity interest.

 

The Company disposed of certain portions of its equity interests in Online Pass and On Game Network in 2001, and the Company no longer has significant influence over those companies. Therefore, the Company discontinued use of the equity method of accounting and now classifies those companies as non-affiliated companies as of December 31, 2002.

 

The Company no longer exercises significant influence over National Information & Credit Evaluation, Inc. in 2002, and therefore reclassified the investment from equity securities of affiliated company accounted for under the equity method to equity securities of non-affiliated company.

 

(10)    Investments in Equity Securities of Non-Affiliated Companies

 

(a)    Marketable equity securities

 

Investments in marketable equity securities of non-affiliated companies accounted for at fair value, with any unrealized gains or losses included in stockholders’ equity, as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     Percentage ownership

   Millions

     2001

   2002

   2001

   2002

SK Telecom Co., Ltd.(“SK Telecom”)

   10.4    4.3    (Won) 2,483,535    853,281

Dream Line Co., Ltd.

   1.2    1.0      1,535    369

Wide Telecom Inc.

   0.5    0.5      92    30

New Skies Satellites N.V.

   —      1.4      —      9,246

GAEASOFT Corp.

   —      6.4      —      2,184

KRTnet Corp.

   —      7.5      —      4,493
              

  
               (Won) 2,485,162    869,603
              

  

 

The Company’s investments in the companies listed above were carried at fair value, with unrealized gains of (Won)2,308,142 million and (Won)778,787 million reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively.

 

During 2002, the Company disposed of 1,000,000 shares of SK Telecom, or a 1.1% equity interest in the non-affiliate, with a gain on disposition of (Won)246,075 million.

 

The Company and SK Telecom agreed to an equity swap on December 20, 2002 under which each company agreed to sell all of the other’s equity shares it held in the other. According to the agreement, the Company exchanged 4,457,635 shares of SK Telecom for 15,454,659 shares of treasury stock plus cash of (Won)211,868 million on December 30, 2002 and the Company recognized a gain on disposition of the investment securities in the amount of (Won)907,624 million in 2002.

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(10)    Investments in Equity Securities of Non-Affiliated Companies, Continued

 

(b)    Non-marketable equity securities

 

Investments in non-marketable equity securities (except for equity securities accounted for using the equity method) accounted for at cost as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     Percentage ownership

   Millions

     2001

   2002

   2001

   2002

Investment in INTELSAT

   0.7    0.7    (Won) 6,221    6,221

Investment in INMARSAT

   2.3    2.3      15,015    15,015

Investment in R. J. K. Cable

   10.0    10.0      307    307

Investment in Korea S/W Industry Association

   1.7    1.4      1,000    1,000

Investment in Korea Multinet Co.

   7.6    7.1      —      —  

Investment in Potatos Co.

   6.7    6.7      200    200

Investment in Intech Telecom

   7.8    7.8      5,190    5,190

Investment in NSS N.V.

   1.4    —        12,747    —  

Investment in Media Valley Inc.

   7.3    —        1,087    —  

Investment in Korea Information Certificate Authority

   9.4    9.4      2,000    2,000

On Game Network (See note 9)

   —      19.5      —      1,060

Online Pass(See note 9)

   —      19.5      —      370

National Information & Credit Evaluation, Inc(See note 9)

   —      13.0      —      1,202

Investment in KT internal venture fund No.1

   89.3    89.3      3,303    3,303

Investment in Mirae Asset Securities Co., Ltd.

   13.0    9.6      14,600    11,960

Strategic Fund Investment

   90.0    90.0      18,000    18,000

e-Charge Corp.

   3.1    3.1      —      —  

Korea IT Fund

   —      33.3      —      100,000

Other

   —      —        30,631    30,112
              

  
               (Won) 110,301    195,940
              

  

 

As the Company disposed of certain portions of its equity interest in Online Pass and On Game Network in 2001, the Company no longer has significant influence on those companies. Therefore, the Company discontinued use of the equity method of accounting and currently classifies those companies as non-affiliated companies as of December 31, 2002. Due to this disposition, the Company has recorded unrealized losses aggregating (Won)125 million as of December 31, 2002, which have been accounted for by the Company as a capital adjustment, representing the Company’s proportionate share of the unrealized losses on investment securities which is included in stockholders’ equity.

 

In 2002, the Company invested in the Korea IT Fund (“KIF Fund”), a fund dedicated to making equity investments in information and technology (“IT”) related venture capital funds, with other network service providers, including SK Telecom.

 

The net book values of 10 companies included in “other” declined significantly as of December 31, 2002, and were not expected to recover. The Company recognized a valuation loss amounting to (Won)3,339 million within “Other, net” related to its investments in these companies in 2002.

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(11)    Investments in Debt Securities

 

Investments in debt securities as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     Millions

     2001

   2002

KTF First Securitization Specialty Co., Ltd.

   (Won) —      43,430

Convertible notes of KTFT

     2,000    —  

Other

     20,615    6,013
    

  
     (Won) 22,615    49,443
    

  

 

As of December 31, 2001, the unrealized holding gains from valuation of marketable debt securities held by the trust fund, which were included in unrealized gains on investment securities in a separate component of stockholders’ equity, were (Won)2,001 million.

 

(12)    Investments in Equity-Linked Securities

 

Equity-linked securities as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     Millions

     2001

   2002

Equity-linked securities

   (Won) —      97,495
    

  
     (Won) —      97,495
    

  

 

On April 11, 2002, the Company purchased equity-linked securities from Salomon Smith Barney Holdings, Inc. (SSB). The equity-linked securities have maturities of 2 and 2.5 years. The value of the equity-linked securities is linked to the weighted average quoted price of 500,000 shares of SK Telecom stock, whereby the amount payable to the Company from SSB will be adjusted based on the weighted average quoted share price of SK Telecom. Generally, if the weighted average quoted share price of the SK Telecom shares were to fall below (Won)150,930 and (Won)154,155 for the 2 year and 2.5 year notes, respectively, the amount payable to KT from SSB would be zero and if the weighted average quoted share price of SK Telecom shares were to exceed (Won)301,860 and (Won)308,310 for the 2 year and 2.5 year notes, respectively, then the amount payable to KT from SSB would be the full value of 500,000 SK Telecom shares based on the weighted average quoted share price of SK Telecom. In addition, if the weighted average quoted share price were to fall between the prescribed ceiling and floor amounts, then the amount payable to KT by SSB would be two times the weighted average quoted share price of SK Telecom shares less (Won)301,860 and (Won)308,310 for the 2 year and 2.5 year notes, respectively, calculated based on 500,000 SK Telecom shares.

 

The Company’s investments in the equity-linked securities are recorded at fair value and unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. As of December 31, 2002, SK Telecom shares were quoted at (Won)229,000 per share, resulting in an unrealized loss of (Won)35,099 million

 

(13)    Insurance

 

Property, plant and equipment were insured against fire damage up to an amount of (Won)1,524,652 million and (Won)1,386,075 million as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively. Additionally, the Company maintains insurance policies covering loss and liability arising from automobile accidents.

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(14)    Other Assets

 

Other assets as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     Millions

 
     2001

    2002

 

Long-term loans to employees

   (Won) 183,823     872,606  

Long-term financial instruments (see note 5)

     1,583     580  

Leasehold rights and deposits

     274,477     278,757  

Goodwill (see note 2(j))

     1,517,132     1,224,102  

Negative goodwill (see note 2(j))

     (413 )   (2,589 )

Frequency usage right (see note 2(j))

     1,300,000     1,208,854  

Other intangible assets (see note 2(j))

     280,237     246,944  

Long-term accounts receivable—trade

     137,022     80,978  

Long-term accounts receivable—other

     —       7,797  

Deferred income tax asset, net (see notes 2 and 29)

     597,990     447,670  

Other

     113,734     156,035  
    


 

     (Won) 4,405,585     4,521,734  
    


 

 

(15)    Short-term Borrowings

 

Short-term borrowings as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

          Millions

     Interest rate
per
annum (%)


   2001

   2002

Banks

   3.87~11.00    (Won) 385,880    489,037

Life insurance companies

   7.45      6,000    —  

Bonds issued

   —        100,000    —  

Commercial paper

   4.73 ~ 5.55      100,000    623,747

National Australia Bank

   LIBOR + 0.6      198,915    3,601

Securities companies

   6.50~6.98      320,000    —  
         

  
          (Won) 1,110,795    1,116,385
         

  

 

The weighted average interest rates on short-term borrowings were 5.71% and 5.20% at December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively.

 

(16)    Other Current Liabilities

 

Other current liabilities as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     Millions

     2001

   2002

      

Unearned income

   (Won) 19,619    7,504

Dividends payable

     226,272    214,204

Key money deposits

     49,340    64,542

Payable from interest rate swap

     —      7,662

Payable from interest rate swaption

     —      1,459

Unrealized loss on foreign currency forward contracts

     3,401    —  

Other

     4,669    11,290
    

  
     (Won) 303,301    306,661
    

  

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(17)    Long-term Debt

 

Long-term debt as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 is summarized as follows:

 

    

Interest rate

per annum(%)


   Due as of
December 31, 2002


   Millions

           2001

   2002

Local currency debt:

                     

Bonds issued

   2.64~10.20    2003~2011    (Won) 7,356,375    7,267,970

Convertible notes of KTF and KTFT

   1.00~11.00    2004~2005      —      38,880

Convertible notes

   3.00    2005      —      1,322,704

KTB Network

   6.50    2003      1,679    534

Chohung Bank

   5.00~8.30    2004~2007      14,566    17,711

Woori Bank

   6.50    2004      331    198

Kookmin Bank

   6.00~6.50    2005~2006      3,727    3,438

Samsung Capital

   5.64    2004      3,890    813

Information and Telecommunication Improvement Fund

   5.92~7.25    2004~2007      93,935    93,065

Samsung Securities

   5.15~5.64    2003~2004      40,000    100,000

Bridge Securities

   5.64    2004      —      10,000

Seoul Securities

   5.15~5.64    2003~2004      40,000    60,000

Shinheung Securities

   5.15    2003      30,000    30,000

Korea Exchange Bank

   5.15~5.64    2003~2004      70,000    80,000

Good Morning Securities

   5.15    2003      10,000    10,000

KYOBO Securities

   5.15    2003      10,000    10,000
              

  
                 7,674,503    9,045,313
              

  

Foreign currency debt:

                     

Yankee bonds

   7.50~7.63    2006~2007      464,135    420,140

US dollars

   Libor+0.45~5.18    2003~2007      183,946    145,008

Bonds with warrants

   4.30    2005      —      600,200

Convertible notes

   0.25    2007      —      1,593,878
              

  
                 648,081    2,759,226
              

  
                 8,322,584    11,804,539

Add: Premium on bonds

               —      11,319

Less:

                     

Current portion, net of discount

               1,730,686    1,846,210

Discount on bonds

               79,363    92,161
              

  
               (Won) 6,512,535    9,877,487
              

  

 

The Company issued convertible notes and bonds with warrants in 2002. The details are as follows:

 

    

Issuance date


   Issuance amount
(millions)


   Interest rate
per annum


    Maturity date

      

Convertible notes

   January 4, 2002    US$ 1,318    0.25 %   January 4, 2007

Bonds with warrants

   January 4, 2002    US$ 500    4.30 %   January 4, 2005

Convertible notes

   May 25, 2002    (Won) 1,397,349    3.00 %   May 25, 2005

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(17)    Long-term Debt, Continued

 

Holders of convertible notes issued on January 4, 2002 are entitled to convert notes into the Company’s treasury stock from January 4, 2003 to three business days prior to maturity date. The exchange price is (Won)61,922 per share of common stock, which allows the bondholders to obtain up to 25,251,552 shares except for the portion of early retirement of the convertible notes.

 

Bonds with warrants were issued in connection with a strategic alliance with Microsoft Corp. Holders of bonds with warrants are entitled to exercise the warrants from January 4, 2003 to January 1, 2004. The warrants have an exercise price of (Won)69,416 per share of common stock, which allows the bondholders to obtain up to 9,270,200 shares.

 

Holders of convertible notes issued on May 25, 2002 are entitled to convert notes into the Company’s treasury stock from June 25, 2002 to April 25, 2005. The exchange price is (Won)59,400 per share of common stock, which allows the bondholders to obtain up to 22,267,749 shares except for the portion of early retirement of the convertible notes and 10,793 shares of common stock converted. The convertible notes, if not converted into the Company’s treasury stock, will be redeemed at 104.438% of their principal amount at maturity date. The Company recognized interest expense on convertible notes using the effective interest method, and amortization of a redemption premium is recorded as long-term accrued interest expense.

 

On October 14, 2002, the Company purchased and retired convertible notes issued on January 4, 2002 with a face value of US$107,750 thousand and convertible notes issued on May 25, 2002 with a face value of (Won)74,000 million for US$116,743 thousand and (Won)77,839 million, with a loss on retirement of convertible notes of (Won)10,762 million recognized.

 

Aggregate principal maturities for the Company’s long-term debt as of December 31, 2002 are as follows:

 

Fiscal years ending December 31,


   Millions

2003

   (Won) 1,851,391

2004

     2,158,146

2005

     3,472,818

2006

     1,015,701

2007

     2,536,483

Thereafter

     770,000
    

     (Won) 11,804,539
    

 

(18)    Refundable Deposits for Telephone Installation

 

Through September 15, 1998, KT collected deposits for telephone installation in accordance with the Korea Public Telecommunication Business Law. Such deposits are to be refunded without interest to the telephone subscribers upon termination of service. For changes in site classifications of telephones that were installed prior to January 1, 1990, KT is obliged to refund the original deposit received plus the increased deposit due to changes in site classifications.

 

Prior to April 15, 2001, KT revised the telephone installation system which allowed customers to choose between alternative plans for basic telephone service, permitting customers the option to either place fully refundable deposits or pay a reduced non-refundable service initiation fee. The non-refundable service installation fees are included in operating revenues in the statements of earnings. Refundable deposits continue to be subject to the same provisions as described above. Effective April 15, 2001, KT revised the telephone installation system, whereby new customers are required to pay a non-refundable service initiation fee.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(19)    Retirement and Severance Benefits

 

Changes in retirement and severance benefits for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     Millions

 
     2000

    2001

    2002

 

Beginning balance

   (Won) 134,322     280,788     474,438  

Provision for the year

     284,555     341,902     275,007  

Increase (decrease) due to the change in the consolidated subsidiaries

     663     (336 )   (1,853 )

Payments

     (133,446 )   (144,631 )   (42,942 )

Withdrawal from National Pension Fund

     5,367     355     332  

Deposit for severance benefit insurance

     (10,673 )   (3,640 )   (325,376 )
    


 

 

Net balance at end of year

   (Won) 280,788     474,438     379,606  
    


 

 

 

In 2000 and 2001, KT implemented a voluntary early retirement plan for its employees. Employees electing voluntary early retirement in such years received additional amounts of retirement and severance benefits which were expensed in 2000 and 2001, amounting to (Won)61,811 million and (Won)74,337 million. The aggregate amounts of normal retirement and severance benefits, previously accrued as retirement and severance benefit liabilities, of the employees electing to retire pursuant to such programs amounted to (Won)8,910 million and (Won)13,017 million in 2000 and 2001.

 

(20)    Other Long-term Liabilities

 

Other long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     Millions

     2001

   2002

Unearned income

   (Won) 20,602    20,382

Key money deposits

     22,909    19,881

Accrued expenses

     33,509    17,509

Accrual for customer call bonus points

     68,287    96,397

Other

     4,980    3,390
    

  
     (Won) 150,287    157,559
    

  

 

(21)    Stockholders’ Equity

 

The composition of holders of common stock as of December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     No. of shares owned

   Ownership percentage

 
     2000

   2001

   2002

   2000

    2001

    2002

 

Ministry of Information and Communication

   183,998,378    125,165,577    —      58.94 %   40.09 %   —    

Korea National Railroad

   179,035    179,035    —      0.06     0.06     —    

National Pension Corporation

   8,499,342    9,666,789    7,859,178    2.72     3.10     2.54  

Employee Stock Ownership Associations

   1,052,242    823,879    17,678,198    0.34     0.26     5.72  

Treasury stock

   713,060    1,073,060    76,988,771    0.23     0.34     24.91  

Others, including private companies

   117,757,602    175,291,319    206,551,512    37.71     56.15     66.83  
    
  
  
  

 

 

     312,199,659    312,199,659    309,077,659    100.00 %   100.00 %   100.00 %
    
  
  
  

 

 

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(21)    Stockholders’   Equity, Continued

 

Changes in common stock for the year ended December 31, 2002 are as follows:

 

     Number of
Shares issued


    Millions

Balance at December 31, 2001

   312,199,659     (Won) 1,560,998

Retirement of treasury stock (See note 24)

   (3,122,000 )     —  
    

 

Balance at December 31, 2002

   309,077,659     (Won) 1,560,998
    

 

 

Changes in stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are as follows:

 

    Millions

 
              Retained earnings

                   
    Common
stock


  Capital
surplus


    Approp-
riated


  Unapprop-
riated


    Capital
adjustments


    Minority
interest


    Total

 

Balance at December 31, 1999

  (Won) 1,560,998   1,448,029     4,721,848   126,400     5,774,277     748,300     14,379,852  

Net earnings

    —     —       —     986,210     —       —       986,210  

Cumulative effect of accounting changes

    —     144,777     —     (69,225 )   —       —       75,552  

Appropriations of retained earnings

    —     —       857,260   (857,260 )   —       —       —    

Dividends

    —     —       —     (159,265 )   —       —       (159,265 )

Additional acquisition of equity in consolidated subsidiary

    —     (160,567 )   —     —       —       —       (160,567 )

Treasury stock

    —     —       —     —       (71,352 )   —       (71,352 )

Unrealized losses on investments in equity securities

    —     —       —     —       (2,986,312 )   —       (2,986,312 )

Minority interest in losses of consolidated subsidiaries, net

    —     —       —     —       —       (54,329 )   (54,329 )

Issuance of common stock of a consolidated subsidiary

    —     —       —     —       —       43,551     43,551  

Changes in subsidiaries included in consolidation

    —     —       —     —       —       322,565     322,565  

Other

    —     (800 )   —     —       882     (4,895 )   (4,813 )
   

 

 
 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2000

  (Won) 1,560,998   1,431,439     5,579,108   26,860     2,717,495     1,055,192     12,371,092  
   

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(21)    Stockholders’   Equity, Continued

 

    Millions

 
              Retained earnings

                   
    Common
stock


  Capital
surplus


    Approp-
riated


  Unapprop-
riated


    Capital
adjustments


    Minority
interest


    Total

 

Balance at December 31, 2000

  (Won) 1,560,998   1,431,439     5,579,108   26,860     2,717,495     1,055,192     12,371,092  

Net earnings

    —     —       —     1,112,975     —       —       1,112,975  

Appropriations of retained earnings

    —     —       863,157   (863,157 )   —       —       —    

Dividends

    —     —       —     (224,054 )   —       —       (224,054 )

Treasury stock

    —     —       —     —       (19,779 )   —       (19,779 )

Unrealized losses on investments in equity securities

    —     —       —     —       (485,134 )   —       (485,134 )

Minority interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net

    —     —       —     —       —       260,422     260,422  

Issuance of common stock of a consolidated subsidiary

    —     33,784     —     —       —       66,110     99,894  

Changes in subsidiaries included in consolidation

    —     —       —     —       —       673,472     673,472  

Effect of merger between KTF and KTM

    —     (19,124 )   —     —       —       —       (19,124 )

Other

    —     50     —     —       (1,449 )   (9,116 )   (10,515 )
   

 

 
 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2001

  (Won) 1,560,998   1,446,149     6,442,265   52,624     2,211,133     2,046,080     13,759,249  
   

 

 
 

 

 

 

Net earnings

    —     —       —     1,946,934     —       —       1,946,934  

Appropriations of retained earnings

    —     —       1,583,588   (1,583,588 )   —       —       —    

Retirement of treasury stock

    —     —       —     (167,341 )   —       —       (167,341 )

Dividends

    —     —       —     (212,887 )   —       —       (212,887 )

Treasury stock

    —     —       —     —       (4,021,094 )   —       (4,021,094 )

Loss on retirement of treasury stock

    —     —       —     —       (6,638 )   —       (6,638 )

Unrealized losses on investments in equity securities

    —     —       —     —       (1,569,503 )   —       (1,569,503 )

Minority interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net

    —     —       —     —       —       316,918     316,918  

Issuance of common stock of a consolidated subsidiary

    —     2,526     —     —       —       22,169     24,695  

Changes in subsidiaries included in consolidation

    —     —       —     —       —       238     238  

Acquisition of additional equity in consolidated subsidiaries

    —     (217 )   —     —       —       (449,774 )   (449,991 )

Other

    —     (507 )   —     —       (857 )   463     (901 )
   

 

 
 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2002

  (Won) 1,560,998   1,447,951     8,025,853   35,742     (3,386,959 )   1,936,094     9,619,679  
   

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

(22)    Capital Surplus

 

Capital surplus as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 is summarized as follows:

 

     Millions

     2001

   2002

Paid-in capital in excess of par value

   (Won) 1,440,258    1,440,258

Other

     5,891    7,693
    

  
     (Won) 1,446,149    1,447,951
    

  

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(23)    Appropriated Retained Earnings

 

Retained earnings appropriated to various restricted reserves as of December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     Millions

     2000

   2001

   2002

Involuntary reserve:

                

Legal reserve

   (Won) 780,499    780,499    780,499

Voluntary reserve:

                

Reserve for business rationalization

     76,931    193,101    443,416

Reserve for business expansion

     4,460,398    5,230,718    6,587,325

Reserve for redemption of telephone bonds

     207,947    207,947    207,947

Reserve for social overhead capital

     43,333    23,333    3,333

Reserve for technology and human resource development

     10,000    6,667    3,333
    

  
  
     (Won) 5,579,108    6,442,265    8,025,853
    

  
  

 

Retained earnings appropriated to legal reserve are restricted in use as cash dividends under the applicable laws and regulations of the Republic of Korea. The Korean Commercial Code requires the Company to appropriate to legal reserve an amount equal to at least 10% of the cash dividend amount at the end of the year for each accounting period until the reserve equals 50% of stated capital. The legal reserve may be used to reduce a deficit or may be transferred to stated capital.

 

The Company is allowed to appropriate from retained earnings amounts necessary to establish reserves for business expansion and research and development at its own discretion. These reserves may be used for research, development and facilities expansion of the Company.

 

Under the Special Tax Treatment Control Law, the Company is allowed to make certain deductions from taxable income. The Company is, however, required to appropriate retained earnings the amount of tax benefits obtained and transfer such amount into reserves for social overhead capital and technology and human resources development.

 

Through 2001, under the Special Tax Treatment Control Law, investment tax credit was allowed for certain investments. The Company was, however, required to transfer from retained earnings the amount of tax benefits obtained into a reserve for business rationalization. Effective December 11, 2002, the Company is no longer required to establish a reserve for business rationalization despite tax benefits received for certain investments, and consequently the existing balance is now regarded as a voluntary reserve.

 

(24)    Treasury Stock

 

During the first half of 2000, in order to stabilize the price of the Company’s common stock in the market, the Company established a treasury stock fund of (Won)100 billion. This trust fund is managed by a certain bank, which is used primarily as a vehicle for trading the shares of common stock of the Company. The trust fund held treasury stock of 713,060 shares, 1,073,060 shares and 1,250,330 shares as of December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively, which were recorded at cost.

 

On January 4 and May 24, 2002, the Company reacquired 36,770,183 shares and 23,524,392 shares of treasury stock for (Won)1,963,527 million and (Won)1,270,317 million, representing 11.78% and 7.54%, respectively, from the Ministry of Information and Communication.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(24)    Treasury   Stock, Continued

 

During 2002, some holders of the convertible notes which were issued on May 25, 2002 converted the notes into the shares of the Company; therefore, 10,793 shares of treasury stock were issued to former noteholders.

 

On August 29, 2002, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the purchase and subsequent retirement of treasury stock. Pursuant to the resolution, the Company reacquired 3,122,000 shares of the treasury stock for (Won)167,341 million and retired these treasury shares by a charge to retained earnings on October 9, 2002. Upon retirement of the treasury stock, the number of shares of the Company’s common stock issued decreased from 312,199,659 to 309,077,659.

 

The Company and SK Telecom agreed to an equity swap on December 20, 2002 under which each company is to sell all of the other’s equity shares it held in the other. According to the agreement, the Company exchanged 4,457,635 shares of SK Telecom for 15,454,659 shares of treasury stock and cash of (Won)211,868 million on December 30, 2002.

 

(25)    Commitments and Contingencies

 

(a)    Legal matters

 

On February 20, 2001, the Fair Trade Commission issued a cease and desist order prohibiting the Company from engaging in any activity amounting to an unfair intra-group transaction, claiming that certain of the transactions with the affiliates were in violation of the Fair Trade Laws. The Fair Trade Commission alleged that the Company had unfairly assisted the affiliates by paying them unreasonably high service fees. The Fair Trade Commission imposed a fine of approximately (Won)30 billion, and the Company made a provision of (Won)30 billion for this claim during 2001. On July 9, 2001, the Korean Fair Trade Commission rejected the appeal. The Company filed an appeal in the High Court of Korea and intend to continue to seek redress in the courts.

 

In October 2000, approximately 4,500 of the former and current employees, who had previously been employed by the MIC and transferred to the Company in 1981, filed a lawsuit against the Company claiming that the Company owes them an additional (Won)27 billion for retirement and severance benefits. The claim was that the Company should have given them full credit for their military service, whereas the Company believed that the Company was in compliance with the laws in effect at that time. In July 2002, the Seoul District Court held in favor of the claimants and ordered that the Company pay to the claimants (Won)27 billion plus interest for retirement and service benefits. Interest accrued as of December 31, 2002 totaled (Won)16 billion. The Seoul District Court also ordered that the Company pay the full amount of the judgment amount although the judgment was not concluded finally, and the Company filed an application for an order suspending such payment obligation pending the appeal of the judgment. The court accepted the application for suspension of execution of the judgment without requiring any monetary deposit, and the Company is in the process of appealing the Seoul District Court’s decision to the Seoul High Court. In the event that the courts ultimately rule in favor of the plaintiffs and similar claims are brought in the future, the Company cannot rule out the possibility that similar claims may be brought in the future by another approximately 1,400 of the former and current employees. The Company believes, based on the advice from legal counsel, that the judgment of the Seoul District Court is not supported by the facts of the case and will be reversed by the Seoul High Court.

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(25)    Commitments and Contingencies, Continued

 

(a)    Legal matters, Continued

 

However, although the Company plans to vigorously defend against this claim, the Company cannot give any assurance that the ultimate outcome of this lawsuit or any similar future claim will be favorable to the Company. To date, the Company has not made any provision for the judgment. In the event that the existing judgment is upheld after all appeals, it would be likely that the Company’s results of operations for a particular year may be adversely impacted.

 

The Company is also in litigation as a defendant in other cases for damages allegedly resulting from various claims, disputes and legal actions in the normal course of operations. These claims amounted to (Won)40,707 million, (Won)73,466 million and (Won)84,795 million as of December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. Management believes that the ultimate settlement of these matters will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

(b)    Interest rate swaption

 

The Company entered into interest rate swaption contracts with Citibank for variable rates of interest. Details of interest rate swaption contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2002 are as follows:

 

Bank


   Swaption premium
(thousands)


   Fixed interest
rate (3 months)


    Variable interest
rate (3 months)


   Exercise date

   Type

Citibank

   (Won) 1,913,215    1.975 %   CD rate    April 25, 2005    Selling

 

Under the interest swaption contracts, the Company recognized a valuation gain of (Won)454 million in 2002.

 

(c)    Interest rate swap

 

The Company entered into interest rate swap contracts with Shinhan Bank for variable rates.

 

Details of interest rate swap contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2002, are as follows:

 

Bank


  Nominal
premium
(thousands)


 

Fixed

amount
(thousands)


  Interest
rate (1 year)


 

Variable

interest rate (1 year)


  Terminal date

Shinhan Bank

  US$ 6,397   US$ 150,000   7.500%   Libor+4.485%+Contingent spread   Jun. 1, 2006

Shinhan Bank

  US$ 12,300   US$ 200,000   7.625%   Libor+4.610%+Contingent spread   Jul. 15, 2007

Shinhan Bank

    —     (Won) 180,000,000   6.350%   Libor+2.470%+Contingent spread   Sep. 30, 2007

 

In relation to the interest swap contracts, the Company recognized a valuation gain of (Won)16,442 million and a valuation loss of (Won)2,253 million in 2002.

 

(d)    Others

 

On December 16, 2002, KTF transferred the handset installment receivable of (Won)528,578 million and guarantee insurance and other incident rights to KTF First Securitization Specialty Co., Ltd. As a result of this transfer, the Company received cash of (Won)470,000 million and the subordinate debt investment of (Won)43,430 million, and recognized a loss on disposition of trade accounts and notes receivable of (Won)15,147 million. KTF has provided a guarantee for uncollected receivables up to 14.3 percent of total amount transferred. As of December 31, 2002, the uncollected trade receivables under this program are (Won)400,201 million.

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(25)    Commitments and Contingencies, Continued

 

(d)    Others, Continued

 

The Company established a labor welfare fund as a separate entity and contributed (Won)22,800 million, (Won)50,000 million and (Won)50,000 million to the fund in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. The Company committed to contribute (Won)50,000 million per year for next two years.

 

(26)    Operating Revenues

 

Operating revenues for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are as follows:

 

     Millions

     2000

   2001

   2002

Internet services

   (Won) 560,820    1,507,801    1,989,915

Data communication services

     494,064    260,238    208,355

Rental income from wire and other facilities

     1,052,555    1,116,327    1,054,022

Telephone services

     7,438,143    7,262,217    6,895,301

PCS services

     2,332,255    3,734,823    4,127,323

Sales of goods

     926,983    1,255,776    1,366,548

Satellite services

     67,218    100,444    123,616

Other

     665,587    706,974    628,802
    

  
  
     (Won) 13,537,625    15,944,600    16,393,882
    

  
  

 

(27)    Operating Expenses

 

Operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are as follows:

 

     Millions

     2000

   2001

   2002

Cost of services :

                

Salaries and wages

   (Won) 2,030,026    1,931,941    2,065,564

Provision for retirement and severance benefits,including early retirement payments

     276,967    327,031    257,619

Employee benefits

     477,439    548,004    588,615

Communications

     43,310    38,724    33,729

Utilities

     133,680    157,452    156,853

Taxes and dues

     89,080    88,007    86,309

Rent

     117,553    150,258    149,746

Depreciation

     3,187,020    3,577,231    3,351,008

Amortization

     35,394    51,529    59,762

Repairs and maintenance

     319,943    376,175    408,953

Automobile maintenance

     23,230    20,411    24,006

Commissions

     309,073    433,690    526,166

Entertainment

     1,811    2,465    3,256

Advertising

     85,767    63,407    113,616

Education and training

     11,251    8,482    11,484

Research and development

     55,306    95,688    116,747

Travel

     26,355    29,764    33,199

Supplies

     42,970    30,229    36,315

Cost of services (commissions for system integration service, B&A and other miscellaneous service)

     346,559    758,951    743,055

Cost of goods sold

     1,018,398    1,206,254    1,345,950

Interconnection charge

     1,681,695    1,592,733    1,187,882

International line usage

     239,994    199,968    173,779

Miscellaneous

     81,210    51,761    47,656
    

  
  
       10,634,031    11,740,155    11,521,269

Less : amounts capitalized in construction in progress

     142,192    144,665    143,538
    

  
  
       10,491,839    11,595,490    11,377,731

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     1,994,686    2,406,461    2,677,888
    

  
  
     (Won) 12,486,525    14,001,951    14,055,619
    

  
  

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(27)    Operating Expenses, Continued

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are as follows:

 

     Millions

     2000

   2001

   2002

Salaries and wages

   (Won) 91,511    107,323    129,186

Compensation expense

     45    111    1,172

Provision for retirement and severance benefits, including early retirement payments

     7,588    14,871    17,388

Employee benefits

     22,582    31,128    29,351

Travel

     4,107    6,797    7,107

Communications

     18,735    17,528    28,978

Utilities

     3,482    5,051    4,834

Taxes and dues

     32,896    34,299    44,597

Books and printing

     2,642    2,422    2,660

Rent

     5,124    28,081    66,380

Depreciation

     38,147    76,475    89,137

Amortization

     212,035    304,537    297,187

Repairs and maintenance

     8,752    11,316    12,109

Automobile maintenance

     1,992    2,292    2,410

Commissions

     93,323    200,361    268,755

Entertainment

     1,052    866    1,051

Advertising

     133,682    167,064    213,399

Education and training

     53,396    38,240    49,824

Research and development

     135,819    137,504    128,808

Rewards

     2,709    3,495    10,858

Supplies

     7,888    12,671    9,913

Provision for doubtful accounts

     86,609    162,655    194,288

Sales promotion

     244,204    340,924    406,833

Commissions to sales agents

     751,008    669,815    631,964

Miscellaneous

     35,358    30,635    29,699
    

  
  
     (Won) 1,994,686    2,406,461    2,677,888
    

  
  

 

(28)    Interest Capitalization

 

In connection with the construction of property, plant and equipment and IMT-2000 frequency usage right, the Company capitalizes interest and certain foreign exchange transaction gains and losses on borrowings associated with property, plant and equipment during the construction period (see notes 2(h) and 2(j)).

 

The details of interest and foreign exchange loss capitalization for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are as follows:

 

     Millions

     2000

   2001

   2002

Total interest incurred

   (Won) 653,435    831,589    808,942

Less amounts charged to expense

     500,861    712,442    650,460
    

  
  

Interest capitalized

     152,574    119,147    158,482

Capitalized foreign exchange loss

     28,401    11,945    —  
    

  
  
     (Won) 180,975    131,092    158,482
    

  
  

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(29)    Income Taxes

 

The Company is subject to a number of income taxes based upon earnings which result from application of a statutory corporate income tax rate (including resident tax) of approximately 30.8% for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 2001. Effective January 1, 2002, the statutory corporate income tax rate (including resident tax) decreased to 29.7%. Consequently, the resulting decrease in deferred income tax assets was recognized as part of deferred income tax expense for 2001.

 

The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are as follows:

 

     Millions

     2000

   2001

   2002

Current income tax expense

   (Won) 33,089    219,185    592,322

Deferred income tax expense

     517,635    202,285    149,032
    

  
  

Income taxes for the year

   (Won) 550,724    421,470    741,354
    

  
  

 

The provision for income taxes using statutory tax rates differs from the actual provision for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 for the following reasons:

 

     Millions

 
     2000

    2001

    2002

 

Provision for income taxes at statutory tax rate

   (Won) 456,642     552,819     892,546  

Tax effect of permanent differences, net

     19,155     73,840     55,068  

Unrecognized (utilization) of net operating losses

     233,496     (29,895 )   (44,744 )

Investment tax credit

     (158,569 )   (190,000 )   (161,516 )

Effect of tax rate change

     —       14,706     —    
    


 

 

Income taxes for the year

   (Won) 550,724     421,470     741,354  
    


 

 

 

Following the Company’s acquisition of a controlling financial interest in KTM in July 2000, KTM reassessed its business plan, operations strategy, growth prospects and involvement with the Company in KTM’s future business. As part of the revised strategy, KTM’s intent was to seek a merger partner and undertake other operational changes. During December 2000, KTM concluded that it was not likely that it would be able to realize the tax benefit of its loss carryforward and, therefore, wrote off the related deferred tax assets in the amount of (Won)233,496 million as of December 31, 2000 by a charge to deferred income tax expense in 2000.

 

In 2001, KTM merged with KTF with the combined entity operating under the name KTF. As a result of KTM’s operating performance in 2001 as well as a change in tax regulations, KTF was able to utilize KTM’s loss carryforward in the amount of (Won)97,062 million in 2001 and (Won)150,653 million in 2002. However, KTF concluded that it is not likely that the tax benefit of the loss carryforward generated by KTM can be realized in future years and therefore, did not recognize a deferred income tax asset related to KTM’s remaining loss carryforwards of (Won)427,345 million as of December 31, 2002.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(29)    Income Taxes, Continued

 

The composition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 are as follows:

 

     Millions

     2001

   2002

Deferred income tax assets:

           

Retirement and severance benefits

   (Won) 84,194    29,202

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     96,691    121,404

Refundable deposits for telephone installation

     40,102    26,505

Equity securities of affiliates

     169,856    202,712

Investment securities

     24,865    25,224

Loss carryforward

     5,517    —  

Tax credit carryforwards

     195,401    61,415

Other

     38,032    28,091
    

  

Total deferred income tax assets

     654,658    494,553
    

  

Deferred income tax liabilities:

           

Accrued interest income

     9,019    4,641

Property, plant and equipment

     47,649    42,242
    

  

Total deferred income tax liabilities

     56,668    46,883
    

  

Net deferred income tax asset

   (Won) 597,990    447,670
    

  

 

The inclusion and exclusion of subsidiaries from the consolidation in 2001 and 2002 resulted in an increase in net deferred tax asset of (Won)61 million and a decrease in net deferred tax asset of (Won)1,288 million, respectively. At December 31, 2002, the Company has investment tax credit carryforwards of (Won)61,415 million which are available to reduce future income taxes through 2006.

 

(30)    Dividends

 

Dividends are generally proposed based on each year’s earnings and are declared and paid in the subsequent year. Dividends relating to each of the following years’ earnings based upon the par value of common stock are as follows:

 

     Rate

     Millions

     2000

    2001

    2002

     2000

   2001

   2002

Cash dividends

   10.23 %   14.40 %   17.20 %    (Won) 159,265    224,054    212,887
                       

  
  

 

(31)    Stock Options

 

On December 26, 2002, the Company granted stock options to its officers for purchases of 680,000 shares of common stock including 220,000 shares issued under performance conditions at the option price of (Won)70,000 per share. The option can be exercised during the period from December 27, 2004 to December 26, 2009 and upon completing two years mandatory service periods. Option holders can exercise one third of the total vesting options annually commencing in 2004. The Company adopted the fair value based method (Black-Scholes model) for the calculation of compensation expense which is amortized on a straight-line basis to expense over the option vesting period. Compensation expense of (Won)103 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(31)    Stock Options, Continued

 

The valuation assumptions of stock options based on the fair value method under the Black-Scholes model are as follows:

 

Risk free interest rate:

  

5.46%

Expected exercise period:

  

4.5 years to 5.5 years

Expected standard deviation of stock price:

  

49.07% ~ 49.90%

Expected dividend yield ratio :

  

1.10%

 

In addition, KTF and KTP granted stock options to its officers and adopted the fair value based method for the calculation of compensation expense which is amortized to expense over the option vesting period. (Won)450 million included in stock options account under capital adjustments is due to KT’s interest in KTF and KTP.

 

(32)    Earnings Per Share

 

Earnings per share of common stock for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are calculated as follows:

 

(a)    Basic earnings per share

 

     2000

   2001

   2002

Net earnings (in millions of Won)

   (Won) 986,210    1,112,975    1,946,934

Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding (in thousands)

     311,647    311,276    259,450
    

  
  

Basic earnings per share (in Won)

   (Won) 3,165    3,576    7,504
    

  
  

 

(b)    Diluted earnings per share

 

     2000

   2001

   2002

Net earnings (in millions of Won)

   (Won) 986,210    1,112,975    1,946,934

Adjustment:

                

Interest expense on convertible notes (millions of Won)

     —      —      34,070
    

  
  

Net earnings available for common and common equivalent shares (millions of Won)

     986,210    1,112,975    1,981,004

Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding (in thousands)

     311,647    311,276    300,097
    

  
  

Diluted earnings per share (in Won)

   (Won) 3,165    3,576    6,601
    

  
  

 

Diluted earnings per share are calculated based on the effect of dilutive securities that were outstanding during the period. The denominator of the diluted earnings per share computation is adjusted to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the dilutive securities had been converted into common stock. In addition, the numerator is adjusted to include the after-tax amount of interest recognized associated with convertible notes.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(32)    Earnings Per Share, Continued

 

(b)    Diluted earnings per share, Continued

 

Potentially dilutive securities as of December 31, 2002 are as follows:

 

     Potentially dilutive shares (thousands) 

Convertible notes

   47,520

Bonds with warrants

   9,270

Stock options

   680

 

Bonds with warrants and stock options were not included in the determination of diluted earnings per share in 2002 because they were antidilutive.

 

(33)    Contribution Payments for Research and Development

 

The Company made donations of (Won)111,524 million, (Won)97,248 million and (Won)69,314 million to the Korean government (Information and Telecommunication Improvement Fund), the Korea Electronic Telecommunication Research Institute (ETRI), and other institutes for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively.

 

(34)    Contributions Received for Losses on Universal Telecommunications Services

 

Starting on January 1, 2000, all telecommunications service providers must contribute towards the supply of universal telecommunications services in Korea. Telecommunications service providers designated as universal service providers by the MIC are required to provide universal telecommunications services, such as local services, local public telephone services, telecommunications services for remote islands and wireless communication services for ships. The Company has been designated a universal service provider. The losses incurred by universal service providers in connection with providing these universal telecommunications services will be shared on an annual basis by all telecommunications service providers, including the Company, on a pro rata basis based on their respective annual revenues.

 

The losses incurred by the Company in connection with providing universal telecommunications services, net of contributions received from other telecommunications providers, were (Won)140,656 million, (Won)137,015 million and (Won)42,669 million for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively.

 

(35)    Subsequent Events

 

(a)    Stock Swap with SK Telecom

 

The Company and SK Telecom agreed to an equity swap on December 20, 2002 under which each company agreed to sell all of the other’s equity shares it has held to the other. According to the agreement, the Company exchanged 4,457,635 shares of SK Telecom for 15,454,659 shares of treasury stock plus cash of (Won)211,868 million on December 30, 2002 and recognized a gain on disposition of the investment securities in the amount of (Won)907,624 million in 2002. The Company exchanged 3,809,288 shares of SK Telecom for 14,353,674 shares of treasury stock plus (Won)122,679 million on January 10, 2003 and recognized a gain on disposition of investment securities in the amount of (Won)775,241 million in January 2003.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(35)    Subsequent Events, Continued

 

(b)    Retirement of Treasury Stock

 

On January 6, 2003, the Company retired 15,454,659 shares of treasury stock obtained through the equity swap with SK Telecom. Upon retirement of the treasury stock, the number of shares of the Company’s common stock issued decreased from 309,077,659 shares to 293,623,000 shares.

 

(c)    Purchase of Equity Interest in KTF

 

The Company entered into a contract with Salomon Brothers International Ltd. (`SBIL`) on December 31, 2002, to purchase (Won)100 billion of KTF stock. Pursuant to the contract, the Company purchased 3,350,000 shares of KTF for (Won)99,308 million from SBIL on January 29, 2003. On February 19, 2003, the Company entered into a separate contract with SBIL for the purchase of KTF stock up to (Won)100 billion.

 

(d)    Merger between KTF and KT ICOM

 

On January 28, 2003, the Board of Directors of KTF approved its merger with KT ICOM. The transaction is deemed to be a “small-scale merger” as defined in the Commercial Code of the Republic of Korea, which states that the total number of new shares to be issued by the acquiring company does not exceed 5 percent of the total issued shares of the acquiring company. In accordance with the Commercial Code of the Republic of Korea, the approval by the general shareholders of KTF may be replaced by the approval of the board of directors of KTF. The exchange ratio of common share between the Company and KT ICOM is 1 to 0.55636 and the merger is to be completed by March 6, 2003.

 

(36)    Economic Environment

 

In response to general unstable economic conditions, the Korean government and the private sector have been implementing structural reforms to historical business practices. Implementation of these reforms is progressing slowly, particularly in the areas of restructuring private enterprises and reforming the banking industry. The Korean government continues to apply pressure to Korean companies to restructure into more efficient and profitable firms. The Company may be either directly or indirectly affected by these general unstable economic conditions and the reform program described above. The accompanying financial statements reflect management’s assessment of the impact to date of the economic situation on the financial position of the Company. Actual results may differ materially from management’s current assessment.

 

(37)    Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

 

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP which differ in certain respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). In addition, there are various classification differences between Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP on the balance sheets, statements of earnings and retained earnings and cash flows. These reclassifications would have no impact on the shareholders’ equity, net income or earnings per share amounts reported under U.S. GAAP. The significant differences between Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP that affect the Company’s financial statements are described below.

 

(a)    Companies Included in Consolidation

 

Under Korean GAAP, all majority-owned subsidiaries and entities of which the Company or a controlled subsidiary own more than 30% of total outstanding voting stock and is the largest stockholder are included in the consolidation. However, U.S. GAAP generally requires that majority-owned subsidiaries be consolidated and

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(a)    Companies Included in Consolidation, Continued

 

that any entity of which the Company owns twenty to fifty percent of total outstanding voting stock not be consolidated; rather that entity should be accounted for under the equity method. Accordingly, the following entities are excluded from consolidation under U.S. GAAP and instead are accounted for under the equity method:

 

     Percentage of ownership

     December 31,

Entity


   2000

   2001

   2002

KTF

   38.7    40.3    40.3

KTM

   47.9      

KTP

   45.4    45.4    45.4

KTSC

         36.9

 

In addition, under Korean GAAP, the Company consolidates KTF Technologies (owned 57% by KTF) in 2002, and KT ICOM of which KT owned 46.6% in 2001 and KTF owned 87.3% as of December 31, 2002. These entities are also accounted for under the equity method under U.S. GAAP.

 

Presented below is summarized combined financial information of the above companies in accordance with Korean GAAP as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, and for each of the years in three-year period ended December 31, 2002.

 

     Millions

     2001

   2002

Current assets

   (Won) 2,748,261    2,587,526

Other assets

     6,363,861    8,175,008
    

  

Total assets

     9,112,122    10,762,534
    

  

Current liabilities

     2,280,261    3,035,253

Other liabilities

     2,899,242    3,195,128
    

  

Total liabilities

     5,179,503    6,230,381
    

  

Net assets

   (Won) 3,932,619    4,532,153
    

  

 

     Millions

     2000

    2001

   2002

Operating revenues

   (Won) 3,570,437     5,077,082    5,589,271

Operating income

     280,142     739,258    791,933

Net earnings (loss)

   (Won) (112,876 )   434,194    538,529

 

The Company’s proportionate share of U.S. GAAP adjustments of KTF, KT ICOM, KTSC, KTF Technologies Inc. and KTP are presented in the line item “U.S. GAAP adjustments of equity method affiliates” in the U.S. GAAP reconciliation of net earnings and shareholders’ equity. Condensed consolidated balance sheets and condensed consolidated income statements of the Company under U.S. GAAP as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, and for each of the years in three-year period ended December 31, 2002 are presented elsewhere in note 37.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(b)    Debt and Marketable Equity Securities

 

Under Korean GAAP, investments in equity securities and debt securities which are held for short-term cash management purposes are included in “marketable securities” and reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Investments in marketable equity securities and equity linked securities held for long-term investment purposes are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Non-marketable investments in equity securities are reported at cost unless there is a significant decline in value which is not expected to be recovered. Investments in debt securities held for long-term investment purposes are carried at amortized cost for all periods.

 

For U.S. GAAP purposes, the Company accounts for investments under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.” SFAS No. 115 requires that marketable equity securities and all debt securities be classified in three categories and accounted for as follows:

 

    Debt securities that the enterprise has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity securities and reported at amortized cost.

 

    Debt and equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling in the short term are classified as trading securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings.

 

    Debt and equity securities not classified as either held-to-maturity securities or trading securities are classified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of stockholders’ equity until realized.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, the Company classified its debt securities included in “investment securities” as held-to-maturity and available-for-sale, and its debt securities included in “marketable securities” and marketable equity securities included in “investment securities” as available-for-sale.

 

Under Korean GAAP, the equity-linked debt securities are treated as marketable securities held for long-term investment purposes and are reported at fair value based on the quoted price of SK Telecom shares. Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of stockholders equity.

 

For U.S. GAAP purposes, the equity-linked debt securities are considered a hybrid instrument with an equity based derivative embedded in a debt instrument. In accordance with SFAS No. 133, the equity- based embedded derivative is separated from the debt instrument and accounted for separately. The embedded derivative is recorded at fair value with gains and losses included in earnings. The debt instrument has been classified as an available-for-sale debt security and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

 

Under Korean GAAP, the convertible notes are treated as long-term investment securities and are reported at cost. The Company recognizes interest income on convertible notes as determined using the effective interest method, and amortization of a redemption premium is recorded as long-term accrued interest income. However, since these convertible notes are between KT and KTF (consolidated subsidiary under Korean GAAP), the convertible notes and related interest income/expense are eliminated in consolidation.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(b)    Debt and Marketable Equity Securities, Continued

 

For U.S. GAAP purposes, KTF is treated as an equity method investment. As a result, the convertible notes are considered a hybrid instrument with a conversion option embedded in a debt instrument. In accordance with SFAS No. 133, the conversion option is separated from the debt instrument and accounted for separately. The conversion option is recorded at fair value with gains and losses included in earnings. The debt instrument has been classified as an available for sale debt security and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

 

Information under U.S. GAAP with respect to investments affected by SFAS No. 115 at December 31, 2001 and 2002 is as follows:

 

     2001 (millions)

     Cost or
amortized
cost


   Gross
unrealized
holding
gains


   Gross
unrealized
holding
losses


  

Fair

value


Equity securities (available-for-sale)

   (Won) 218,338    2,265,258    —      2,483,841

Debt securities (available-for-sale)

     114,713    1,999    —      116,712

Debt securities (held-to-maturity)

     4,084    —      98    3,986
    

  
  
  
     (Won) 337,135    2,267,257    98    2,604,539
    

  
  
  
     2002 (millions)

     Cost or
amortized
cost


   Gross
unrealized
holding
gains


   Gross
unrealized
holding
losses


   Fair value

Equity securities (available-for-sale)

   (Won) 102,249    760,278    —      862,527

Debt securities (available-for-sale)

     336,698    —      2,795    333,903

Equity-linked notes (available-for-sale)

     120,981    —      10,004    110,977

Debt securities (held-to-maturity)

     4,199    —      12    4,187
    

  
  
  
     (Won) 564,127    760,278    12,811    1,311,594
    

  
  
  

 

The proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities were (Won)981,424 million in 2000, (Won)665,970 million in 2001 and (Won)470,006 million in 2002. The gross realized gains on those sales were (Won)907,085 million in 2000, (Won)603,129 million in 2001 and (Won)1,128,442 million in 2002. The average cost method is used to calculate gains or losses from the sale of available-for-sale securities.

 

In addition, prior to 1995, the Company’s investment in SK Telecom was accounted for under the equity method for both Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP. In 1995, the Company’s investment in SK Telecom decreased to below 20% and the Company concluded that it no longer had significant influence with respect to its investment in SK Telecom. As a result, under both Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP, the Company discontinued the use of the equity method. However, under Korean GAAP, certain previously recognized equity in earnings were reversed as an adjustment to retained earnings. As a result, the Company’s cost basis for its investment in SK Telecom is higher under U.S. GAAP than under Korean GAAP. This difference has been eliminated since the investment in SK Telecom is reported at fair value under both Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP, with the unrealized gain reported in a separate component of stockholders’ equity until realized.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(b)    Debt and Marketable Equity Securities, Continued

 

In 2000, 2001 and 2002, as described in notes 2(a) and 10, the Company sold a portion of its shares in SK Telecom. As a result of the higher cost basis under U.S. GAAP, an adjustment has been recorded in the net earnings reconciliation to reduce U.S. GAAP net earnings.

 

(c)    Business Combinations

 

Under Korean GAAP, effective January 1, 2000, upon acquiring a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary, either the difference between the Company’s cost of an acquired company and the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired or the difference between the cost of an acquired company and the corresponding share of stockholders’ equity (book value) of an acquired company, depending on the availability of fair value information, is presented as goodwill. In addition, acquisitions are accounted for assuming such transactions occur as of the date of the audited or reviewed financial statements of the acquired company which are closest to the date of acquisition.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, the cost of an acquired company is allocated to the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with any excess presented as goodwill.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, the acquisition of the controlling interest in KTM in July 2000 was accounted for as of the date the transaction occurred. Under Korean GAAP, the acquisition was accounted for as of June 30, 2000 which was the date of the most recent audited financial statements.

 

(d)    Goodwill

 

Under Korean GAAP, goodwill, which represents the excess of the acquisition cost over the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired, is amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated economic useful life. When it is no longer probable that goodwill will be recovered from expected future economic benefits, it is expensed immediately. Also, for investments in affiliated companies accounted for using the equity method, the excess of acquisition cost of the affiliates over the Company’s share of their net assets at the acquisition date is being amortized by the straight-line method over its estimated useful life.

 

Effective January 1, 2002, KT adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS No. 142 requires that goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets no longer be amortized, but instead be tested for impairment at least annually. Intangible assets that have finite useful lives will continue to be amortized over their useful lives. In addition, the amortization period for intangible assets with finite lives will no longer be limited to 40 years. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, goodwill was tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of the Company’s reporting units to their carrying amounts.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(d)    Goodwill, Continued

 

The following tables present the impact of SFAS No. 142 on net income and earnings per share had the standard been in effect on January 1, 2000.

 

     In millions of Won, except earnings
per share


     For the Years Ended December 31,

     2000

   2001

   2002

Net income

   (Won) 701,391    1,006,324    1,556,262

Add back : Goodwill amortization

     3,877    3,463    —  

Add back : Goodwill amortization related to equity investee

     53,521    113,585    —  
    

  
  

Adjusted net income

   (Won) 758,789    1,123,372    1,556,262
    

  
  

Basic earnings per share :

                

Basic earnings per share

   (Won) 2,251    3,233    5,998

Goodwill amortization

     12    11    —  

Goodwill amortization related to equity investee

     172    365    —  
    

  
  

Adjusted basic earnings per share

   (Won) 2,435    3,609    5,998
    

  
  

Diluted earnings per share:

                

Diluted earnings per share

   (Won) 2,251    3,233    4,972

Goodwill amortization

     12    11    —  

Goodwill amortization related to equity investee

     172    365    —  
    

  
  

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

   (Won) 2,435    3,609    4,972
    

  
  

 

Identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, are as follows:

 

     2001 (Millions)

     Gross
Carrying
Amount


   Accumulated
Amortization


   Net
Amount


Amortized Intangible Assets:

                

Internal-use Software

   (Won) 192,660    36,950    155,710

Buildings and Facilities Utilization Rights

     96,455    35,782    60,673

Purchased Consumer Data

     26,761    2,489    24,272

Other

     2,166    250    1,916
    

  
  

Total

   (Won) 318,042    75,471    242,571
    

  
  

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(d)    Goodwill, Continued

 

     2002 (Millions)

     Gross
Carrying
Amount


   Accumulated
Amortization


   Net
Amount


Amortized Intangible Assets:

                

Internal-use Software

   (Won) 227,363    78,094    149,269

Buildings and Facilities Utilization Rights

     99,014    40,758    58,256

Purchased Consumer Data

     1,448    109    1,339

Other

     4,091    855    3,236
    

  
  

Total

   (Won) 331,916    119,816    212,100
    

  
  

 

     Million

Amortization Expense:

      

For the Year Ended December 31, 2002

   (Won) 38,851

 

Estimated Amortization Expense:

      
     Millions

For the years ended December 31,

      

2003

   (Won) 40,961

2004

     40,200

2005

     38,050

2006

     35,783

2007

     20,894

 

The weighted average amortization period of total amortized intangible assets, internal-use software and right of utilization are 9 years, 6 years and 20 years, respectively. The Company has no identifiable intangible assets that are not subject to amortization.

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2002, are as follows:

 

     Millions

     PCS Service

   Miscellaneous

   Total

Balance as of January 1, 2002

   (Won) 1,418,989    12,961    (Won) 1,431,950

Goodwill acquired for the period

     —      —        —  

Impairment loss

     663,345    12,947      676,292
    

  
  

Balance as of December 31, 2002

   (Won) 755,644    14    (Won) 755,658
    

  
  


  *   PCS service segment goodwill is included in equity method investments as of December 31, 2002, under U.S.GAAP.

 

KTF, an equity investee accounted for using the equity method of accounting included in the PCS service segment, was tested for impairment during 2002, because of the significant decrease of the quoted market value of its stock. In 2002, the Company recognized an impairment loss amounting to (Won)663,345 million relating to KTF. If the quoted market value of KTF continues to decline, the Company may be required to record additional impairment losses.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(d)    Goodwill, Continued

 

KTH, a consolidated subsidiary included in the miscellaneous segment was tested for impairment during 2002, because of the significant decrease of the quoted market value of KTH. In 2002, the Company recognized an impairment loss amounting to (Won)12,947 million relating to KTH.

 

(e)    Additional Equity Investments in and Transactions of Subsidiaries

 

Under Korean GAAP, subsequent to acquiring a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary, additional equity investments by the Company in subsidiaries stock and other equity transactions of subsidiaries are accounted for assuming such transactions occur as of the date of audited or reviewed financial statements of the acquired subsidiary closest to the date of acquisition. In addition, the difference between the Company’s cost of the acquired additional interest and the corresponding share of stockholders’ equity of the acquired subsidiary is presented as an adjustment to capital surplus.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, such equity investments in and transactions of affiliates and subsidiaries are recorded and accounted for as of the date the transaction occurs. As a result, the Company has a different basis in its equity investments in the subsidiaries under Korean GAAP as compared to U.S. GAAP. Therefore, any gains or losses recorded by the Company (which are recorded as capital transactions in stockholders’ equity) when an equity investee sells shares of its stock will be different under U.S. GAAP as compared to Korean GAAP. In addition, under U.S. GAAP, the cost of an additional equity interest would be allocated based on the fair value of net tangible and identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the excess allocated to goodwill.

 

(f)    Depreciation

 

In 1995, KT adopted a method of depreciation, as allowed under Korean GAAP, whereby property, plant and equipment placed in service at any time in the first half of the year attracted a full year of depreciation expense, and property, plant and equipment placed in service at any time in the second half of the year attracted one-half year of depreciation. Also, as permitted under Korean GAAP, depreciation of these assets was based on lives which are shorter than their economic useful lives. In 1996, KT readopted the policy utilized, also acceptable under Korean GAAP, whereby property, plant and equipment is depreciated from the actual date it is placed in service, while continuing to use useful lives which are shorter than the economic useful lives of such assets. In 1998, under Korean GAAP, as required under a ruling by the National Tax Service (which is also applicable under Korean GAAP), the Company changed the estimated useful lives of certain assets, including underground access to cable tunnels and concrete and steel telephone poles acquired after 1995, from 6 years to periods ranging from 20 years to 40 years, and changed the depreciation method from the declining-balance method to the straight-line method.

 

In 1999, under Korean GAAP, the Company changed its depreciation method for buildings and structures acquired before December 31, 1994, from the declining-balance method to the straight-line method in order to be consistent with the method applied to buildings and structures acquired after January 1, 1995.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, property, plant and equipment is generally depreciated over its estimated useful life in a systematic and rational manner. In addition, the depreciation method in the year of acquisition based on the Company’s in-service dates for its capital additions in 1995 described above, does not comply with U.S. GAAP in that significant depreciation expense is recognized prior to the actual use of the asset. The change in estimated useful lives in 1998, and the changes in 1998 and 1999 from the declining-balance method to the straight-line

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(f)    Depreciation, Continued

 

method would also not be appropriate under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, adjustments have been reflected for U.S. GAAP purposes for the effect of each of these items.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, property, plant and equipment is generally depreciated by using the declining-balance method except for the assets of certain subsidiaries which are depreciated using the straight-line method.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, the useful lives of property, plant and equipment are summarized as follows:

 

     Estimated Useful Lives

Buildings and structures

     5 - 60 years

Machinery and equipment

   8 - 10 years

Ships

   5 - 12 years

Vehicles

   3 - 5 years

Tools, furniture and fixtures

   2 - 20 years

 

(g)    Special Depreciation

 

Special depreciation was an acceleration of depreciation on certain assets under Korean GAAP. The U.S. GAAP reconciliation reflects the adjustment of special depreciation to a declining balance method, based on the economic useful life of the asset.

 

(h)    Interest Capitalization

 

Under Korean GAAP, interest is capitalized on borrowings related to the construction of all property, plant and equipment and IMT-2000 frequency usage right, incurred prior to completing the acquisition, as part of the cost of such assets.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, the Company’s policy is to capitalize interest in the amount that would have theoretically been avoided had expenditures not been made for assets which require a period of time to get them ready for their intended use.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, details of interest capitalization for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are as follows:

 

     Millions

     2000

   2001

   2002

Total interest incurred

   (Won) 446,554    560,976    488,970

Less amounts charged to expense

     427,402    517,051    461,117
    

  
  

Interest capitalized

   (Won) 19,152    43,925    27,853
    

  
  

 

(i)    Intangible Assets

 

Under Korean GAAP, pre-operating costs and research costs are expensed as incurred, and development costs are deferred and amortized over estimated useful lives provided such costs are recoverable from future earnings. All of these costs are expensed as incurred under U.S. GAAP except for capitalized internal software developments costs.

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(j)    Bonds with Stock Warrants

 

Under Korean GAAP, all proceeds received for bonds issued with detachable stock warrants, are recorded as a debt obligation and are not allocated between the debt and stockholders’ equity components.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, the proceeds from the issuance of bonds with detachable stock warrants should be allocated between the debt obligation and the warrants. The allocations is based on the relative fair values at the date of issuance and the portion of proceeds allocated to the stock warrants is recorded in stockholders’ equity.

 

(k)    Revenue Recognition

 

Under Korean GAAP, non-refundable service initiation fees for telephone, broadband Internet access, PCS services and leased-line service are recognized as revenue upon receipt.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, service installation fees related to activation of ongoing service are deferred and recognized to revenue over the expected estimated life of customer relationships. The Company defers service installation fees over the expected terms of customer relationship. The expected terms of customer relationships for telephone, broadband Internet access, PCS services and leased-line service are 15 years, 3 years, 4 years and 3 years, respectively. Incremental direct costs related to customer acquisition are expensed as incurred.

 

As a result of the adoption of the accounting method described above, income before taxes and the cumulative effect of the accounting change decreased by (Won)146,097 million in 2000. In addition, (Won)222,675 million (net of income taxes of (Won)99,110 million), or (Won)715 per share, at the beginning of 2000 has been recorded under U.S. GAAP as the cumulative effect of an accounting change.

 

(l)    Foreign Currency Transactions

 

Under Korean GAAP, all unrealized foreign currency translation gains and losses on monetary assets and liabilities, except for amounts included in the cost of property, plant and equipment, are included in results of operations.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, all foreign exchange transaction gains and losses (referred to as translation gains and losses under Korean GAAP) are included in the results of operations for the current period and therefore, the amounts included in property, plant and equipment under Korean GAAP are reversed.

 

Under Korean GAAP, the convertible notes denominated in a foreign currency are regarded as non-monetary liabilities since they have equity like characteristics, and the Company does not recognize the associated foreign currency translation gain or loss.

 

Under U.S.GAAP, the convertible notes denominated in a foreign currency are translated at the rate of exchange on the balance sheet date, and the resulting foreign currency transaction gain or loss is included in the results of operations.

 

(m)    Equity-Linked Securities

 

Under Korean GAAP, the equity-linked securities owned by the Company are considered as available-for-sale securities and recorded at fair value at the balance sheet date. Fair value is calculated based on the quoted

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(m)    Equity-Linked Securities, Continued

 

market price of SK Telecom shares. Unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, the equity-linked securities are separated into two components, the host contract and the embedded derivative. The host contract is recorded as an available-for-sale debt security and unrealized holding gains and losses are excluded from earnings and included as a separate component of stockholder’s equity. The fair value of the debt security is based on the third party’s appraisal value. The embedded derivative is recorded at fair value and unrealized gains and losses are recorded in results of operations. The fair value of the derivative is based on commonly accepted valuation methods.

 

(n)    Convertible Notes

 

Under Korean GAAP, the convertible notes entered into between KT and KTF during 2002 are treated as long-term investment securities and are reported at cost. The Company recognizes interest expense on convertible notes as determined using the effective interest method, and amortization of a redemption premium is recorded as long-term accrued interest income. However, since these convertible notes are between the parent and the consolidated subsidiary under Korean GAAP, the convertible notes and related interest income/expense are eliminated in consolidation.

 

For U.S. GAAP purposes, KTF is treated as an equity method investment. As a result, the convertible notes are considered a hybrid instrument with a conversion option embedded in a debt instrument. In accordance with SFAS No. 133, the conversion option is separated from the debt instrument and accounted for separately. The conversion option is recorded at fair value with gains and losses included in earnings. The debt instrument has been classified as an available for sale debt security and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

 

(o)    Deferred Income Taxes

 

Under Korean GAAP, income tax expense or benefit on earnings includes both current and deferred taxes. Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates applicable at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is provided using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are generally recognized for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes.

 

However, under Korean GAAP, deferred taxes are not recognized for temporary differences related to the discount on bonds related to stock warrants and unrealized gains and losses on marketable investments in debt and equity securities that are reported in a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

 

For U.S. GAAP purposes, the Company accounts for income tax expense under the provisions of SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. SFAS No. 109 requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities created by temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(o)    Deferred Income Taxes, Continued

 

allowance is provided on deferred tax assets to the extent that it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

(p)    Dividends

 

Under Korean GAAP, dividends are recognized in the period during which the income from which the dividend is to be declared was earned. Under U.S. GAAP, dividends are recognized in the period in which they are declared.

 

(q)    Minority Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries

 

Under Korean GAAP, minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries are presented for all periods as a component of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries are not included in stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

(r)    Treasury Stock

 

Through December 31, 2001, under Korean GAAP, treasury stock was stated at cost as determined based on fair value of the stock at acquisition. For treasury stock that was acquired and held by the trust, the carrying amount was adjusted to fair value on each balance sheet date and the resulting gain or loss was recorded as a separate component of Stockholders’ equity. However, effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2002, as a result of the change under Korean GAAP, treasury stock included in trust fund is stated at cost. As a result, the Company has restated the related amounts and restated the financial statements retroactively.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, treasury stock is stated at cost at acquisition date. Therefore, there is no longer a difference between Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP related to treasury stock.

 

(s)    Other

 

Korean GAAP requires gains and losses from the sale of assets and impairment write-downs to be included as part of “non-operating income (expenses)”. For U.S. GAAP purposes, impairment write-downs are required to be recorded as a component of “operating income.”

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation   to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(t)    Comprehensive Income

 

Under U.S. GAAP, the Company applies the provisions of SFAS No. 130 which requires the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components (revenues, expenses, gains and losses). Such presentation is not required under Korean GAAP. Comprehensive income for the years ended and accumulated other comprehensive income balances as of December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     Millions

 
     As of and for the years ended December 31,

 
     2000

    2001

    2002

    2002
(note 3)


 

Net earnings as adjusted in accordance with U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 701,391     1,006,324     1,556,262     $ 1,311.9  

Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:

                            

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     861     (1,499 )   (1,339 )     (1.1 )

Unrealized gains (losses) on investments:

                            

Unrealized holding gains (losses) net of tax of, (Won)(567,293) million and (Won)43,910 million and (Won)(54,057) million in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively

     (1,276,012 )   123,594     (127,952 )     (107.9 )

Less: reclassification adjustment, net of tax of, (Won)347,697 million and W189,062 million and (Won)396,319 million in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively

     (781,188 )   (424,775 )   (938,090 )     (790.8 )
    


 

 

 


Comprehensive income (loss) as adjusted in accordance with U.S. GAAP

   (Won) (1,354,948 )   703,644     488,881     $ 412.1  
    


 

 

 


Accumulated other comprehensive income balances:

                            

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (Won) (5,108 )   (6,607 )   (7,946 )   $ (6.7 )

Unrealized gains on investments

     1,895,063     1,593,882     527,840       444.9  
    


 

 

 


     (Won) 1,889,955     1,587,275     519,894     $ 438.2  
    


 

 

 


 

(u)    Statement of Cash Flows

 

Statements of cash flows under Korean GAAP include cash flows of KTF, KTF Technologies Inc., KT ICOM, KTSC and KTP, which are accounted for under the equity method under U.S. GAAP.

 

(v)    Recent Changes in U.S. GAAP

 

In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.” This standard requires that obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets be recorded as liabilities when those obligations are incurred, with the amount of the liability initially measured at fair value. Upon initially recognizing a liability for an asset retirement obligation, an entity must capitalize the cost by recognizing an increase in the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, this liability is accreted to its future value, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, an entity either settles the obligation for its recorded amount or incurs a gain or loss upon settlement. SFAS No. 143 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. For the Company, this means that the standard will be adopted on January 1, 2003. The Company does not

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(v)    Recent Changes in U.S. GAAP, Continued

 

expect that the adoption of this statement will have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 

On June 28, 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Exit or Disposal Activities.” This statement addresses the recognition, measurement and reporting of costs that are associated with exit and disposal activities. This statement includes the restructuring activities that are currently accounted for pursuant to the guidance set forth in EITF 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring),” costs related to terminating a contract that is not a capital lease and one-time benefit arrangements received by employees who are involuntarily terminated-nullifying the guidance under EITF 94-3. Under SFAS No. 146, the cost associated with an exit or disposal activity is recognized in the periods in which it is incurred rather than at the date the company committed to the exit plan. This statement is effective for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002 with earlier application encouraged. Previously issued financial statements will not be restated. The provisions of EITF 94-3 shall continue to apply for exit plans initiated prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 146. Accordingly, the initial adoption of SFAS No. 146 will not have an effect on the Company’s results of operation, financial position or cash flows. However, liabilities associated with future exit and disposal activities will not be recognized until actually incurred.

 

In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57 and 107 and a recession of FASB Interpretation No.34.” This Interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under guarantees issued. The Interpretation also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of the Interpretation are applicable to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002 and are not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements. The disclosure requirements are effective for the 2002 financial statements. A disclosure of these guarantees is in note 2(a).

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51.” This Interpretation addresses the consolidation by business enterprises of variable interests in variable interest entities as defined in the Interpretation. The Interpretation applies immediately to variable interests in variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and to variable interests in variable interest entities obtained after January 31, 2003. The application of this Interpretation is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation   to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(w)    U.S. GAAP Reconciliations

 

The effects of the significant adjustments to net earnings and stockholders’ equity which would be required if U.S. GAAP were to be applied instead of Korean GAAP are summarized as follows:

 

     Millions, except per share data

 
     Years ended December 31,

 
     2000

    2001

    2002

    2002
(note 3)


 

Net earnings in accordance with Korean GAAP

   (Won) 986,210     1,112,975     1,946,934     $ 1,641.2  

Adjustments:

                            

Intangible assets

     (11,935 )   13,617     7,424       6.3  

Special depreciation

     (188 )   (188 )   (189 )     (0.2 )

Depreciation

     66,910     (96,547 )   (85,008 )     (71.7 )

Equity in earnings of equity method affiliates

                            

Date of acquisition

     (41,285 )   (56,064 )   (23,709 )     (20.0 )

Different useful life of intangibles

     79,235     1,600     137,920       116.3  

Additional acquisitions of equity investees

     (5,760 )   828     11,203       9.4  

Impairment loss relating to equity investee

     —       —       (663,345 )     (559.1 )

Goodwill impairment

     —       —       (12,947 )     (10.9 )

U.S. GAAP adjustments of equity method affiliates

     (12,084 )   48,958     24,528       20.7  

Interest capitalization, net

     (37,375 )   13,282     24,608       20.7  

Capitalized foreign exchange transactions, net

     (14,840 )   2,220     5,879       5.0  

Foreign currency translation of convertible notes

     —       —       139,730       117.8  

Service installation fees, including cumulative effect of accounting change in 2000

     (467,882 )   (57,216 )   (17,528 )     (14.7 )

Reversal of gain on disposition of investment

     (13,622 )   (12,377 )   (25,256 )     (21.3 )

Equity-linked securities

     —       —       (25,095 )     (21.2 )

Convertible notes of KTF

     —       —       (14,427 )     (12.2 )

Bonds with stock warrants

     —       —       (7,435 )     (6.3 )

Deferred income tax effects of U.S. GAAP adjustments

     174,007     35,236     132,975       112.1  
    


 

 

 


       (284,819 )   (106,651 )   (390,672 )     (329.3 )
    


 

 

 


Net earnings as adjusted in accordance with U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 701,391     1,006,324     1,556,262     $ 1,311.9  
    


 

 

 


                              

Net earnings as adjusted in accordance with U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 701,391     1,006,324     1,556,262     $ 1,311.9  
    


 

 

 


Basic earnings per share in accordance with U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 2,251     3,233     5,998     $ 5.1  
    


 

 

 


Basic earnings per share before cumulative effect of accounting change in accordance with U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 2,966     3,233     5,998     $ 5.1  
    


 

 

 


Diluted earnings per share in accordance with U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 2,251     3,233     4,972     $ 4.2  
    


 

 

 


Diluted earnings per share before cumulative effect of accounting change in accordance with U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 2,966     3,233     4,972     $ 4.2  
    


 

 

 


Dividend per share in accordance with U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 294     511     720     $ 0.6  
    


 

 

 


 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(w)    U.S. GAAP Reconciliations, Continued

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

     Millions, except per share data

 
     Years ended December 31,

 
     2000

    2001

   2002

    2002
(note 3)


 

Income before cumulative effect accounting change

   (Won) 924,066     1,006,324    1,556,262     $ 1,311.9  

Cumulative effects of accounting change for the adoption of SAB No. 101, net of tax of (Won)99,110 million

     (222,675 )   —      —         —    
    


 
  

 


Net income available to common shareholders

     701,391     1,006,324    1,556,262       1,311.9  

Dilutive effect of convertible notes

     —       —      (64,161 )     (54.1 )
    


 
  

 


       701,391     1,006,324    1,492,101       1,257.8  
    


 
  

 


Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock

     312     311    259          

Dilutive effect of convertible notes

     —       —      41          
    


 
  

       

Common stock and common stock equivalents

     312     311    300          
    


 
  

       

Basic earnings per share before cumulative effect accounting change

   (Won) 2,966     3,233    5,998     $ 5.1  

Cumulative effect accounting change

     (715 )   —      —         —    
    


 
  

 


Basic earnings per share after cumulative effect of accounting change in accordance with U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 2,251     3,233    5,998     $ 5.1  
    


 
  

 


Diluted earnings per share before cumulative effect of accounting change in accordance with U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 2,251     3,233    4,972     $ 4.2  
    


 
  

 


Diluted earnings per share after cumulative effect of accounting change in accordance with U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 2,251     3,233    4,972     $ 4.2  
    


 
  

 


 

Basic earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of outstanding convertible notes using the “if-converted method”. The denominator of the diluted earnings per share computation is adjusted to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding had the dilutive potential common stock been issued. In addition, the numerator is adjusted to include the after-tax amount of interest and foreign currency translation gain recognized associated with convertible notes. Bonds with warrants and stock options were not considered when calculating diluted earnings per share because the exercise price of the warrants and stock options was greater than the average market price of the common share and, therefore, the effect would have been antidilutive.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(w)    U.S.GAAP Reconciliations, Continued

 

     Millions

 
     Years ended December 31,

 
     2001

    2002

   

2002

(note 3)


 

Stockholders’ equity in accordance with Korean GAAP

   (Won) 13,759,249     9,619,679     $ 8,109.0  

Adjustments:

                      

Intangible assets

     (23,389 )   (15,965 )     (13.5 )

Special depreciation

     189     —         —    

Depreciation

     204,439     119,431       100.7  

Equity in earnings of equity method affiliates:

                      

Date of acquisition

     248,348     224,639       189.3  

Different useful life of intangibles

     80,835     218,755       184.4  

Additional acquisitions of equity investees

     (8,299 )   2,138       1.8  

Impairment loss relating to equity investee

     —       (663,345 )     (559.1 )

Goodwill impairment

     —       (12,947 )     (10.9 )

U.S. GAAP adjustments of equity method affiliates

     21,057     47,061       39.7  

Interest capitalization, net

     (134,326 )   (109,718 )     (92.5 )

Capitalized foreign exchange transactions, net

     (17,018 )   (11,139 )     (9.4 )

Foreign currency translation of convertible notes

     —       139,730       117.8  

Deferred service installation fees

     (525,098 )   (542,626 )     (457.4 )

Convertible notes of KTF

     —       (17,222 )     (14.5 )

Bonds with stock warrants

     —       6,415       5.4  

Deferred tax effects of U.S. GAAP adjustments

     78,590     211,565       178.3  

Deferred income taxes on investment securities

     (673,375 )   (222,999 )     (188.0 )

Minority interest

     (2,046,080 )   (1,936,094 )     (1,632.0 )

Dividends

     224,054     212,887       179.4  
    


 

 


       (2,570,073 )   (2,349,434 )     (1,980.5 )
    


 

 


Stockholders’ equity as adjusted in accordance with U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 11,189,176     7,270,245     $ 6,128.5  
    


 

 



Effective January 1, 2002, under Korean GAAP, the Company adopted new accounting policy regarding treasury stock included in the trust fund and contribution received for capital expenditures due to the revision of Korean GAAP (see notes 2(g) and 2(o)). Under Korean GAAP, these accounting changes were adopted retroactively, resulting in a restatement of certain prior year amounts. Under U.S. GAAP, this accounting change is considered a restatement for a correction of an error. However, the amount of the restatement under U.S. GAAP was not considered material to the Company’s results of operations or shareholders’ equity.

 

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KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation   to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(x)    Condensed Consolidated U.S. GAAP Financial Information

 

Consolidated balance sheets in accordance with U.S. GAAP as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     Millions

     As of December 31

     2001

   2002

  

2002

(note 3)


Assets                   

Trade notes and accounts receivable

   (Won) 1,707,052    2,070,140    $ 1,745.1

Other current assets

     1,458,793    3,127,337      2,636.2

Investments

     5,602,905    2,825,826      2,382.0

Property, plant and equipment

     12,804,415    11,995,028      10,111.3

Other assets

     1,283,307    1,719,068      1,449.1
    

  
  

     (Won) 22,856,472    21,737,399    $ 18,323.7
    

  
  

Liabilities                   

Trade notes and accounts payable

   (Won) 938,151    916,964    $ 773.0

Other current liabilities

     2,894,246    3,602,173      3,036.4

Long-term debt, excluding current portion

     4,303,989    7,426,284      6,260.0

Other long-term liabilities

     3,424,866    2,434,226      2,052.0
    

  
  

Total liabilities

     11,561,252    14,379,647      12,121.4
    

  
  

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

     106,044    87,507      73.8
    

  
  

Stockholders’ equity

     11,189,176    7,270,245      6,128.5
    

  
  

     (Won) 22,856,472    21,737,399    $ 18,323.7
    

  
  

 

Condensed consolidated income statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     Millions

 
     Years ended December 31,

 
     2000

    2001

    2002

    2002
(note 3)


 

Operating revenues

   (Won) 10,511,700     11,559,822     11,470,325     $ 9,669.0  

Cost of services

     9,134,704     9,847,796     8,862,201       7,470.5  
    


 

 

 


Gross profit

     1,376,996     1,712,026     2,608,124       2,198.5  
    


 

 

 


Selling, general and administration expenses

     741,806     491,895     813,124       685.4  

Other operating expense, net

     (22,088 )   (102,562 )   (635,669 )     (535.8 )
    


 

 

 


Operating income

     613,102     1,117,569     1,159,331       977.3  
    


 

 

 


Other income

     493,841     140,446     919,705       775.3  
    


 

 

 


Earnings before income taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of accounting change

     1,106,943     1,258,015     2,079,036       1,752.6  
    


 

 

 


Income taxes

     180,589     249,471     525,996       443.4  
    


 

 

 


Earnings before minority interest and cumulative effect of accounting change

     926,354     1,008,544     1,553,040       1,309.2  
    


 

 

 


Minority interest in losses (earnings) of consolidated subsidiaries

     (2,288 )   (2,220 )   3,222       2.7  
    


 

 

 


Earnings before cumulative effect of accounting change

     924,066     1,006,324     1,556,262       1,311.9  

Cumulative effect of accounting change, adoption of SAB 101, net of tax of (Won)99,110 million

     (222,675 )   —       —         —    
    


 

 

 


Net earnings

   (Won) 701,391     1,006,324     1,556,262     $ 1,311.9  
    


 

 

 


 

F-71


Table of Contents

KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(x)    Condensed Consolidated U.S. GAAP Financial Information, Continued

 

Changes in consolidated stockholders’ equity in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are as follows:

 

     Millions

 
     2000

    2001

    2002

 

Beginning of Year

   (Won) 12,155,764     10,637,190     11,189,176  

Net earnings

     701,391     1,006,324     1,556,262  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     861     (1,499 )   (1,339 )

Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax

     (2,057,200 )   (301,181 )   (1,066,042 )

Treasury stock

     (71,352 )   (19,779 )   (4,188,435 )

Dividends

     (91,638 )   (159,265 )   (224,054 )

Gains on sales of stock by subsidiaries and equity affiliates

     —       30,332     —    

Other

     (636 )   (2,946 )   4,677  
    


 

 

End of Year

   (Won) 10,637,190     11,189,176     7,270,245  
    


 

 

 

 

 

Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively, are set out below:

 

     Millions

 
     2000

    2001

    2002

   

2002

(note 3)


 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                            

Net earnings

   (Won) 701,391     1,006,324     1,556,262     $ 1,311.9  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

                            

Depreciation and amortization

     2,986,858     3,100,982     2,772,281       2,336.9  

Provision for doubtful accounts

     69,868     108,287     170,250       143.5  

Withdrawal from National Pension Fund, net

     6,020     93     4       0.1  

Loss on disposition of property, plant and equipment

     76,131     142,645     84,696       71.4  

Equity in losses (earnings) of affiliates including equity method goodwill amortization

     230,592     151,036     (51,519 )     (43.4 )

Deferred income tax expense

     147,500     30,286     23,506       19.8  

Gain on disposition of investment securities

     (940,945 )   (627,421 )   (1,151,353 )     (970.5 )

Changes in assets and liabilities:

                            

Increase (decrease) in retirement and severance benefits

     148,567     189,993     223,875       188.7  

Increase in trade notes and accounts receivable

     (73,873 )   (309,808 )   (334,046 )     (281.6 )

Increase in inventories

     (73,937 )   (196,392 )   (174,806 )     (147.4 )

Increase (decrease) in trade notes and accounts payable

     600,885     (251,400 )   (1,130 )     (1.0 )

Increase in advance receipts from customers

     38,976     7,649     7,500       6.3  

Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable

     (64,628 )   166,724     236,189       199.1  

Increase in prepaid expenses

     (4,250 )   (2,061 )   (2,275 )     (1.9 )

Decrease in withholdings

     (10,548 )   (63,029 )   (109,025 )     (91.9 )

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses

     34,459     (143,043 )   (15,056 )     (12.7 )

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable-other

     (1,583,914 )   (514,004 )   341,357       287.7  

Decrease in refundable deposits of telephone installation

     (187,142 )   (694,414 )   (749,546 )     (631.8 )

Other, net

     94,228     214,262     146,237       123.2  
    


 

 

 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     2,196,238     2,316,709     2,973,401       2,506.4  
    


 

 

 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                            

Decrease (increase) in receivables on the sale of property, plant and equipment

     5,328     (90,998 )   (27,149 )     (22.9 )

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (3,550,176 )   (2,723,114 )   (2,187,075 )     (1,843.6 )

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     110,862     104,058     45,605       38.4  

Decrease (increase) in short-term financial instruments

     497,948     135,963     (71,720 )     (60.5 )

Proceeds from the sale of investment

     27,081     809,554     870,467       733.8  

Purchase of investment

     (1,608,203 )   (916,482 )   (540,723 )     (455.8 )

Other, net

     (133,421 )   238,307     (728,116 )     (613.7 )
    


 

 

 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (4,650,581 )   (2,442,712 )   (2,638,711 )     (2,224.3 )
    


 

 

 


 

F-72


Table of Contents

KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(x)    Condensed Consolidated U.S. GAAP Financial Information, Continued

 

     Millions

 
     2000

    2001

    2002

    2002
(note 3)


 

Cash flows from financing activities:

                            

Payment of dividends

   (Won) (94,775 )   (161,159 )   (224,955 )   $ (189.6 )

Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings, net

     329,615     (322,961 )   81,702       68.9  

Repayments of long-term debt

     (464,694 )   (1,019,155 )   (1,391,816 )     (1,173.2 )

Proceeds from long-term debt

     2,764,227     1,804,653     4,675,158       3,940.9  

Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities

     (38,447 )   (546 )   212       0.2  

Acquisition of treasury stock

     —       —       (3,401,186 )     (2,867.1 )

Other, net

     (46,157 )   (1,996 )   7,007       5.9  
    


 

 

 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     2,449,769     298,836     (253,878 )     (214.0 )
    


 

 

 


Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (4,574 )   172,833     80,812       68.1  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     637,038     632,464     805,297       678.8  
    


 

 

 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   (Won) 632,464     805,297     886,109     $ 746.9  
    


 

 

 


Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities

   (Won) 981,424     —       786,666     $ 663.1  
    


 

 

 


 

As discussed in Note 2(a), the Company financed (Won)981,424 million of its purchase of KTM in 2000 through the transfer of shares of SK Telecom stock which the Company previously held as available—for-sale securities.

 

As discussed in Note 10(a), the Company financed (Won)786,666 million of its purchase of treasury stock in 2002 through the transfer of shares of SK Telecom which the Company previously held as available—for-sale securities.

 

(y)    Additional U.S. GAAP Disclosures

 

The Company is subject to a number of income taxes based upon earnings which result from application of a statutory corporate income tax rate (including resident tax) of approximately 30.8%, 30.8% and 29.7% for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively.

 

F-73


Table of Contents

KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(y)    Additional U.S. GAAP Disclosures, Continued

 

The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 are as follows:

 

     Millions

     2000

   2001

   2002

   2002
(note 3)


Current income tax expense

   (Won) 33,089    219,185    503,776    $ 424.7

Deferred income net expense

     147,500    30,286    22,220      18.7
    

  
  
  

Income tax expense

   (Won) 180,589    249,471    525,996    $ 443.4
    

  
  
  

 

 

 

The provision for income taxes using statutory tax rates differs from the actual provision for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002 for the following reasons:

 

     Millions

 
     2000

    2001

    2002

    2002
(note 3)


 

Provision for income taxes at statutory tax rates

   (Won) 340,938     387,469     617,474     $ 520.5  

Other, principally nondeductible expenses

     (1,780 )   39,207     49,852       42.0  

Investment tax credit

     (158,569 )   (190,000 )   (141,330 )     (119.1 )

Effect of tax rate change

     —       12,795     —         —    
    


 

 

 


Actual provision for income taxes

   (Won) 180,589     249,471     525,996     $ 443.4  
    


 

 

 


 

The effective tax rates after adjustments of certain differences between amounts reported for financial accounting and income tax purpose, were approximately 16.3%, 19.8% and 25.3% for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively.

 

At December 31, 2002, the Company has investment credit carryforwards of (Won)43,215 million which are available to reduce future income taxes through 2006.

 

F-74


Table of Contents

KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(y)    Additional U.S. GAAP Disclosures, Continued

 

The tax effects of temporary differences that resulted in significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2001 and 2002, computed under U.S. GAAP, and a description of financial statement items that created these differences are as follows:

 

     Millions

 
     Years ended December 31

 
     2001

    2002

    2002
(note 3)


 

Deferred tax assets

                      

Retirement and severance benefits

   (Won) 79,811     22,597     $ 19.0  

Doubtful accounts

     47,761     80,807       68.1  

Refundable deposits for telephone installation

     40,102     26,505       22.3  

Investment securities

     24,865     24,400       20.6  

Inventories

     11,275     324       0.3  

Intangible assets

     6,947     4,742       4.0  

Unearned income

     155,954     161,160       135.9  

Equity securities of affiliates

     101,369     278,368       234.6  

Tax credit carryforwards

     186,510     43,215       36.4  

Other

     16,825     —         —    
    


 

 


Total deferred tax assets

     671,419     642,118       541.2  
    


 

 


Deferred tax liabilities

                      

Marketable equity securities

     (673,375 )   (222,999 )     (188.0 )

Property, plant and equipment

     (68,529 )   (45,210 )     (38.1 )

Accrued interest income

     (1,588 )   (789 )     (0.6 )

Other

     —       (25,360 )     (21.4 )
    


 

 


Total deferred tax liabilities

     (743,492 )   (294,358 )     (248.1 )
    


 

 


Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)

   (Won) (72,073 )   347,760     $ 293.1  
    


 

 


 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences.

 

F-75


Table of Contents

KT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

 

(37)    Reconciliation to United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Continued

 

(y)    Additional U.S. GAAP Disclosures, Continued

 

Gross and net property, plant and equipment under U.S. GAAP at December 31, 2001 and 2002 are summarized as follows:

 

     Millions

     Years ended December 31,

     2001

   2002

  

2002

(note 3)


Gross property, plant and equipment

   (Won) 33,029,289    33,825,965    $ 28,513.8

Accumulated depreciation

     20,224,874    21,830,937      18,402.5
    

  
  

Net property, plant and equipment

   (Won) 12,804,415    11,995,028    $ 10,111.3
    

  
  

 

(38)    Event (Unaudited) Subsequent to the Date of the Report of the Independent Auditor

 

Starting June 2 2003, the Company has been under the tax audit for the periods from 1998 to 2002 by the Korea National Tax Service. The tax audit will continue for the next 90 days. The Company cannot estimate the financial impacts of the tax audit to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-76


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

 

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

KT CORPORATION


(Registrant)

 

/s/    YONG-KYUNG LEE


Name:

 

Yong-Kyung Lee

Title:

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: June 25, 2003

 


Table of Contents

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Yong-Kyung Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of KT Corporation, hereby certify in connection with the filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) of KT Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 (the “Annual Report”) that:

 

  1.   I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of KT Corporation;

 

  2.   Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

 

  3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of KT Corporation as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

 

  4.   KT Corporation’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for KT Corporation and have:

 

  (a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to KT Corporation, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

 

  (b)   evaluated the effectiveness of KT Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

 

  (c)   presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

 

  5.   KT Corporation’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to KT Corporation’s auditors and the audit committee of KT Corporation’s board of directors:

 

  (a)   all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect KT Corporation’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for KT Corporation’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

 

  (b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in KT Corporation’s internal controls; and

 

  6.   KT Corporation’s other certifying officer and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

June 25, 2003

 

/s/    YONG-KYUNG LEE


Name:

 

Yong-Kyung Lee

Title:

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 


Table of Contents

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Jeong-Soo Suh, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of KT Corporation, hereby certify in connection with the filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) of KT Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 (the “Annual Report”) that:

 

  1.   I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of KT Corporation;

 

  2.   Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

 

  3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of KT Corporation as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

 

  4.   KT Corporation’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for KT Corporation and have:

 

  (a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to KT Corporation, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

 

  (b)   evaluated the effectiveness of KT Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

 

  (c)   presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

 

  5.   KT Corporation’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to KT Corporation’s auditors and the audit committee of KT Corporation’s board of directors:

 

  (c)   all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect KT Corporation’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for KT Corporation’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

 

  (d)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in KT Corporation’s internal controls; and

 

  6.   KT Corporation’s other certifying officer and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

June 25, 2003

 

/s/    JEONG-SOO SUH


Name:

 

Jeong-Soo Suh

Title:

 

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description of Exhibit


1.1    Articles of Incorporation of KT Corporation (English translation)
7.1    Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
8.1    List of subsidiaries of KT Corporation
10.1    Consent of KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp. with respect to the financial statements of KT Corporation
10.2    Consent of Anjin & Co. with respect to the financial statements of KT Freetel Co., Ltd. and KT M.com Co., Ltd.
10.3    Consent of Samil Accounting Corporation with respect to the financial statements of KT ICOM Co., Limited
10.4    The Telecommunications Basic Law (English translation)
10.5    Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Basic Law (English translation)
10.6    The Telecommunications Business Law (English translation)
10.7    Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Business Law (English translation)
10.8    Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

EX-1.1 3 dex11.htm ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION Articles of Incorporation

EXHIBIT 1.1

 

[Translation]

 

THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

 

OF

 

KT Corporation

 

Adopted on   October 1, 1997

 

Amended on   December 8, 1997

 

       September 18, 1998

 

       March 19, 1999

 

       March 24, 2000

 

       March 21, 2001

 

       March 22, 2002

 

       August 20, 2002

 

       March 14, 2003

 

CHAPTER I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Article 1. (Name) The name of the Corporation shall be “Chusik Hoesa KT”, which shall be written in English as “KT Corporation” (hereafter “KT”).

 

Article 2. (Purpose) The objective of KT is to engage in the following business activities:

 

1. Information and communications business;

2. New media business;

3. Development and sale of software and contents;

4. Sale and distribution of information communication equipment;

5. Testing and inspection of information communication equipment, device or facilities;

6. Advertisement business;

7. Retail business via telephone, mail order or online;

8. IT facility construction business;


9. Real estate and housing business;

10. Electronic banking and finance business;

11. Research and technical development, education, training and promotion, overseas businesses, and export and import, manufacture and distribution related to activities mentioned in Subparagraphs 1 through 10; and

12. Any and all other activities or businesses incidental to or necessary for the attainment of the foregoing.

 

Article 3. (Location of Offices)The head office of KT (the “head office”) shall be located in Seoul or Kyunggi Province. KT may establish requisite sub-offices at site(s) pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

Article 4. (Method of Public Notice) Public notices by KT shall be given in The Korea Daily News circulated in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Provided, however, that if the public notices cannot be published in The Korea Daily News due to unavoidable circumstances, such public notices may be given in any daily newspaper published in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

 

CHAPTER II. SHARES OF STOCK

 

Article 5. (Amount of Authorized Capital) The total number of shares authorized to be issued by KT shall be one billion shares.

 

Article 6. (Par Value and Types of Shares and Share Certificates) (1) Par value per share issued by KT shall be 5,000 Korean Won. The type of shares shall be common shares and preferred shares, both of which shall be in registered form.

 

(2) Share certificates shall be in eight (8) denominations of one (1), five (5), ten (10), fifty (50), one hundred (100), five hundred (500), one thousand (1000) and ten thousand (10,000) shares.

 

Article 7. (Shares to be Issued at the Time of Incorporation) The total number of shares to be issued by KT at the time of incorporation shall be 395,675,369 shares.

 

Article 8. (Number and Description of Preferred Shares) (1) The total number of Preferred

 

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Shares to be issued by KT shall be up to one-fourth (1/4) of the total number of shares issued and outstanding, which shall be without voting rights.

 

(2) Dividends on Preferred Shares shall be an amount not less than nine (9) percent p.a. of the par value as determined by the Board of Directors at the time of issuance.

 

(3) If the dividends on the Common Shares exceed those on Preferred Shares, the excess dividend amount shall also be paid to the holders of Preferred Shares commensurate to the rate applicable to Common Shares.

 

(4) If dividends on Preferred Shares are not paid for any fiscal year, the holders of such Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive such accumulated unpaid dividend in priority to the holders of Common Shares from the dividends payable in the next fiscal year.

 

Article 9. (Preemptive Rights) (1) When KT issues new shares, the shareholders of KT shall be entitled to subscribe for such new shares in proportion to their existing shareholdings.

 

(2) Notwithstanding Paragraph (1) above, new shares may be issued to persons other than the shareholders of KT, in the following cases:

 

  1.   When the new shares are issued by public offering or subscribed by underwriters pursuant to Article (2) and Article (8) of the Securities and Exchange Act (“SEA”);

 

  2.   When the members of the Employee Stock Ownership Association of KT have preemptive rights to subscribe for such new shares pursuant to Article 191-7 of the SEA;

 

  3.   When the new shares are represented by depositary receipt pursuant to Article 192 of the SEA;

 

  4.   When the new shares are issued by the exercise of stock options set forth in Article 10 of these Articles of Incorporation;

 

  5.   When the new shares are issued in order to accomplish specific business purposes such as strategic alliance, inducement of foreign funds, other capital raising requirements, introduction of new technology, and improvement of financial structure.

 

  6.   When the new shares are issued by a resolution of the Board of Directors through a general public offering pursuant to Article 189-3 of the SEA. However, in such case,

 

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the total number of the shares to be issued shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total number of KT issued and outstanding; or

 

  7.   When there exists an immediate need for the company to raise funds, new shares can be issued to domestic and foreign financial institutions (enacted on March 21, 2001).

 

(3) The method of disposition of shares in respect of which preemptive rights have not been exercised or where fractions of shares occur shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

(4) Notwithstanding Paragraph (1) above, shareholders who acquire shares in violation of any laws and regulations or these Articles of Incorporation shall not be entitled to subscribe for new shares in respect of such shares.

 

Article 10. (Stock Options) (1) KT may grant stock options to its officers and employees who have contributed, or are capable of contributing, to the establishment, management or technical innovation of KT, except for officers or employees in any of the following cases, by a Special Resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to Article (189-4) of the SEA, to the extent not exceeding fifteen percent (15%) of the total number of issued shares, provided that KT may grant stock options by a resolution of the Board of Directors, to the extent not exceeding one percent (1%) of the total number of issued shares. In such case, the provision of the latter part of the Proviso of Paragraph 1 of Article 38 shall apply mutatis mutandis:

 

  1.   The largest shareholder of KT and the Related Person thereto (refers to the Related Person as prescribed in Paragraph (2), Article (10-3) of the Enforcement Decree of the SEA. The same shall apply in this Article);

 

  2.   Major Shareholders (refers to the Major Shareholders as prescribed in Paragraph (1) of Article (188) of the SEA. The same shall apply hereinafter) and the Related Person thereto; or

 

  3.   Any person who shall become a Major Shareholder of KT by exercising his/her stock options.

 

(2) The shares to be issued to the officers or employees by the exercise of their stock options (in case where KT pays in cash or shares the difference between the exercise price of stock options and the market price, refers to the shares which are the basis for such calculation) shall be Common Shares in registered form.

 

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(3) The number of officers and employees of KT who are granted with stock options shall not exceed ninety nine percent (99%) of the total number of officers and employees in office. Stock options granted to one single officer or employee shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of total number of shares issued and outstanding.

 

(4) The exercise price per share of the stock options shall not be less than the price as set forth in the SEA. (amended on March 24, 2000)

 

(5) Unless otherwise provided for by the relevant laws, the exercise period of stock options shall be determined by separate agreements, to the extent that such exercise periods shall not exceed seven (7) years from the date two (2) years have elapsed after the date of the General Meeting of Shareholders or the Meeting of the Board of Directors at which a resolution to grant such stock option rights is adopted.

 

(6) KT may cancel the grant of stock options by a resolution of the Board of Directors in any of the following cases:

 

  1.   When the relevant officer or employee of KT voluntarily retires from his/her office within two (2) years after the date of the General Meeting of Shareholders or the Meeting of the Board of Directors at which a resolution to grant such stock option rights is adopted;

 

  2.   When the relevant officer or employee of KT is dismissed for substantial damages incurred to KT due to his/her willful misconduct or gross negligence; or

 

  3.   When any event for the cancellation set forth in the agreement for granting such stock options occurs.

 

Article 11. (Base Date Regarding Dividends of the New Shares) In case KT issues new shares through right issues, bonus issues and stock dividends, with respect to the distribution of dividends on the new shares, the new shares shall be deemed to have been issued at the end of the fiscal year immediately prior to the fiscal year during which the new shares are issued.

 

Article 12.(Transfer Agent) (1) KT may appoint a transfer agent to make entries in the register of shareholders.

 

(2) The transfer agent, and the place and scope of business of the transfer agent shall be

 

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determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors, and a public notice shall be given thereof.

 

Article 13. (Report of Names, Addresses and Seals of Shareholders) (1) Shareholders and registered pledges shall report their names, addresses, and seals to the transfer agent referred to in Article 12. Any changes thereto shall also be reported.

 

(2) Shareholders and registered pledgees who reside in foreign countries shall appoint and report the place where, and an agent to whom, notices will be given in Korea. Any changes there to shall also be reported.

 

Article 14. (Closing of the Register of Shareholders and the Record Date) (1) KT shall suspend the entries of any changes into the register of shareholders regarding any rights on Shares from January 1 to January 31 of each year.

 

(2) KT shall let the shareholders who are entered into the register of shareholders on December 31 of each year exercise their rights thereof at the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders.

 

(3) KT may, for convening an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders or when necessary, by a resolution of the Board of Directors, set the record date or close the register of shareholders for a certain period not exceeding three (3) months by giving at least two (2) weeks’ prior public notice.

 

CHAPTER III. DEBENTURES

 

Article 15. (Issuance of Convertible Bonds) (1) KT may issue convertible bonds to persons other than shareholders to the extent that the aggregate face value of the convertible bonds so issued shall not exceed 2 trillion (2,000,000,000,000) Korean Won. Provided that, the issuance of convertible bonds to persons other than shareholders may be made in cases provided for by any of the Subparagraphs of Paragraph (2) of Article 9.

 

(2) The Board of Directors may determine that the convertible bonds referred to in Paragraph (1) may be issued on the condition that conversion rights will be attached to only a portion of the convertible bonds.

 

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(3) The type of shares to be issued upon conversion of convertible bonds shall be common shares. The conversion price, which shall be equivalent to or more than the par value of the shares, shall be determined by the Board of Directors at the time of issuance.

 

(4) The period during which conversion rights may be exercised shall commence on the date set forth in the SEA after the date of issuance of the relevant convertible bonds and end on the date immediately preceding the redemption date thereof. However, the Board of Directors may adjust the conversion period in accordance with relevant laws within the above period by its resolution.

 

(5) For the purposes of any distribution of dividends on the shares issued upon conversion or any payment of interest on the convertible bonds, the convertible bonds shall be deemed to have been converted into shares at the end of the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the relevant conversion rights are exercised.

 

Article 16. (Issuance of Bonds with Warrants) (1) KT may issue bonds with warrants to persons other than shareholders to the extent that the aggregate face value of the bonds with warrants so issued shall not exceed 2 trillion (2,000,000,000,000) Korean Won. Provided that, the issuance of bonds with warrants to persons other than shareholders may be made in only in cases provided for by Subparagraphs of Pargraph(2) of Article 9.

 

(2) The amount of new shares which can be subscribed by the holders of the bonds with warrants shall be determined by the Board of Directors, provided that the maximum amount of such new shares shall not exceed the aggregate face value of the bonds with warrants.

 

(3) The type of shares to be issued upon exercise of warrants shall be common shares. The issue price, which shall be equivalent to or more than the par value of the shares, shall be determined by the Board of Directors at the time of issuance.

 

(4) The period during which warrants may be exercised shall commence on the date set forth in the SEA after the date of issuance of the relevant bonds with warrants and end on the date immediately preceding the redemption date thereof. Provided that, the Board of Directors may adjust the conversion period in accordance with the relevant laws within the above period by its resolution.

 

(5) For the purposes of any distribution of dividends on the shares issued upon exercise of warrants, shares shall be deemed to have been issued at the end of the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the subscription monies therefor are fully paid.

 

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Article 17. (Applicable Provisions regarding Issuance of Bonds) The provisions of Articles 12 and 13 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the issuance of bonds.

 

CHAPTER IV. GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

Article 18. (Convening of General Meeting)(1) The Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders shall be convened within three (3) months after the end of each fiscal year, and the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders may be convened at any time, by the President pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors except as otherwise provided by the relevant laws and regulations. Provided, however, that Paragraph (2) of Article 29 shall apply mutatis mutandis in the event the President fails to perform his duties.

 

(2) Notice of the General Meeting of Shareholders specifying the time, place and purpose thereof shall be sent to each shareholder two (2) weeks prior to the date set for the General Meeting of Shareholders. However, such notice to the shareholders who hold less than one-hundredth (1/100) of the total number of shares with voting rights may be given in the form of a public notice of the meeting appearing twice or more in The Korea Daily News, The Maeil Business Newspaper and The Korean Economic Daily instead.

 

(3) The General Meeting of Shareholders shall be held at the location of the head office, Seoul or its neighboring place.

 

Article 19. (Chairman)

 

The President shall preside at the General Meeting of Shareholders; provided, however, that Paragraph (2) of Article 29 shall apply mutatis mutandis in the event that the President fails to perform his duties.

 

Article 20. (Chairman’s Right to Maintain Order) (1) The Chairman shall suspend or cancel the proposal of any person who intentionally disrupts, by speech or behavior, the proceedings of the General Meeting of Shareholders or shall order such person to leave the General Meeting of Shareholders.

 

(2) If the Chairman deems it necessary for the smooth proceeding of the General Meeting of Shareholders, the Chairman may restrict the time and frequency of a shareholder’s proposal.

 

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Article 21. (Voting by Proxy) (1) A shareholder may exercise its voting rights by proxy.

 

(2) The proxy described in Paragraph (1) must file with KT a power of attorney before the opening of the General Meeting.

 

Article 22. (Method of Adoption of Resolutions) Resolutions of the General Meetings of Shareholders, except as otherwise provided by the relevant laws and regulations, shall be adopted if the approval of a majority vote of the shareholders present at such meeting is obtained and such majority also represents at least one-fourth (1/4) of the total number of shares issued and outstanding.

 

Article 23. (Minutes of the General Meeting) With respect to the proceedings of the General Meeting of Shareholders, the details of the proceedings and its resolutions shall be recorded in the minutes which shall bear the names and seals or signatures of the Chairman and the Directors present, and shall be preserved at the head office and branches.

 

CHAPTER V. DIRECTORS

 

Article 24. (Number of Directors) (1) KT shall have not more than fifteen (15)directors. The number of standing directors including the President shall not exceed six (6), and the number of outside directors shall not exceed nine (9).

 

Article 25. (Election of President and Directors) (1) The President shall be elected at the General Meeting of Shareholders among those who are recommended by the President Recommendation Committee pursuant to Article 34 of these Articles of Incorporation, and shall be deemed as the Representative Director under the Commercial Code of Korea.

 

(2) The dismissal of the President requires a resolution by the General Meeting of Shareholders adopted by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the voting rights of the shareholders in attendance at the Meeting; provided, however, that such votes shall represent at least one-third (1/3) of the total number of issued shares of KT.

 

(3) Standing directors other than the President shall be classified as Vice President and Executive Managing Director, and shall be elected at the General Meeting of Shareholders

 

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among those whom the President has recommended with the consent of the Board of Directors. The President may propose to the General Meeting of Shareholders with the consent of the Board of Directors the dismissal of any standing director even during his/her term of office, when any of the following event occurs. In this case, the standing directors other than the President shall not participate in the resolution of the Board of Directors:

 

  1.   Inability to perform his/her duties for a period not less than one (1) year due to his/her physical and/or mental disorders; or

 

  2.   Remarkably poor results of his/her business management due to deficient management abilities.

 

(4) Notwithstanding Paragraph 3 above, if the President Recommendation Committee has recommended a candidate for the President, the candidate for the President shall recommend candidates for the standing directors with the consent of the Board of Directors. Provided, however, that the candidate for the President is not elected as the President at the General Meeting of Shareholders, his recommendation of the candidacy for the standing directorship shall become null and void.

 

(5) Any person who falls under any of the following categories shall not become a director of KT, and upon any elected director of KT falling under any of the following categories, such director shall be dismissed:

 

  1.   Person who retired from his/her office within the last three (3) years due to his/her own faults or business responsibilities;

 

  2.   Person who is sentenced to imprisonment or more severe punishment, and three (3) years have not elapsed after the expiration of the execution of such imprisonment or determination not to execute such imprisonment;

 

  3.   Person who is currently under the suspension of pronouncement or who is sentenced to probation, and two (2) years have not elapsed after the expiration of the probation period;

 

  4.   The same person and his/her related party as defined in the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act (“MRFTA”) who controls a company in competition with KT (however, with respect to the definition of competitor of KT used herein, if the company engages in the same business as KT and belongs to the same enterprise group of KT, such company is not deemed to be in competition with KT. This shall have the same meaning hereafter);

 

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  5.   Any person who presently serves or has served at any time during the past two (2) years, as an officer or an employee for the company which is in competition with KT and for other companies which belong to the same enterprise group under the MRFTA of such company;

 

  6.   Any person who presently works or has worked at any time during the past two (2) years, as an officer or an employee for the largest or second largest shareholding company which is in competition with KT and for other companies which belong to the same enterprise group under the MRFTA of such company; or

 

  7.   The scope of a company which has competitive relationship with another company as prescribed in Subparagraphs 4 through 6 shall include a related party under the SEA.

 

(6) An outside director shall be a person who has expert knowledge or certain experience in the field of communication, economy, management, law or related professions and is capable of contributing to the development of KT and the protection of shareholder’s interests.

 

(7) Any candidate for the outside director falling under the disqualification criteria under the Commercial Code of Korea, the SEA of Korea and other relevant laws and regulations shall not become an outside director and any outside director subject to such disqualification criteria shall be dismissed.

 

Article 26 (Staggered Term of Office of Outside Director) One-third of the total number of the outside directors shall be elected every year.

 

Article 27. (Term of Office of Directors) (1) The term of office of directors shall be three (3) years; where the term of office expires before the closing date of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders in the last fiscal year of such term, the term of office shall be extended to the closing date of such General Meeting.

 

Article 28. (By-election of Directors) (1) In case of any vacancy in the office of a director, a director shall be elected to fill such vacancy at the General Meeting of Shareholders, provided that election thereof may not be made unless such vacancy results in lack of the requisite number of the directors or a difficulty in the administration of business.

 

(2) The term of office of an outside director elected to fill a vacancy shall be the remainder of

 

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the term of office of his/her predecessor.

 

Article 29. (Duties of President and Directors) (1) The President shall represent KT and take full responsibility for its business operations as CEO of KT.

 

(2) The standing directors shall assist the President and shall perform their duties. In the event the President fails to perform his duties, a standing director shall perform his/her duties in accordance with the order as provided in the Office Regulation. However, in the event both the President and the standing directors fail to perform their duties, a director shall perform his/her duties in accordance with the order as provided in the Office Regulation.

 

(3) If a director becomes aware of any event which may cause material damage to KT, such director should immediately report to the Audit Committee thereof.

 

Article 30. (Duties of Directors) (1) Directors shall perform their duties faithfully for the good of KT in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations and the provisions of these Articles of Incorporation.

 

(2) The directors shall not disclose any business secret of KT that they obtained in the course of performance of their duties, during and after their terms of offices.

 

Article 31. (Remuneration and Severance Allowance for Directors) (1) The Remuneration for the directors shall be determined by a resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders, and such remuneration may be paid either in cash or in combination of cash and stock.

 

(2) The criteria for remuneration for the President and the standing directors, and the method of payment thereof shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors, which shall be reported to the General Meeting of Shareholders.

 

(3) The President and the standing directors shall not participate in the resolution of the Board of Directors as set forth in Paragraph (2) above.

 

(4) Severance allowances for directors shall be paid in accordance with KT’s regulations for payment of officers’ severance allowance adopted at the General Meeting of Shareholders.

 

(5) The Outside directors may be reimbursed for expenses necessary for the performance of their duties.

 

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Article 32. (President Recommendation Committee) (1) KT may organize a President Recommendation Committee in order to recommend a presidential candidate. The President Recommendation Committee shall consist of the following members: However, any person who was elected as a member of the President Recommendation Committee shall not be a candidate for the President.

 

  1.   Three (3) outside directors who are elected by drawing from among the outside directors;

 

  2.   One (1) person who is designated by the Board of Directors from among ex-Presidents or the current President of KT; (provided, however, that the incumbent President who is interested to apply for candidacy for the new President shall not participate in any resolution of the Board of Directors.); and

 

  3.   One (1) non-government person who is designated as a member of the President Recommendation Committee by the Board of Directors with the President and the standing directors excluded (in any event excluding former (within 2 years) and present officers and employees of any telecommunications business operator who is in competition with KT and any of their related persons as defined in MRFTA, and officers and employees of KT, and the public officials).

 

(2) The President Recommendation Committee shall be organized two (2) months prior to the date of expiration of the term of office of the President (or within two (2) weeks from the date of retirement of the President when such retirement is due to reasons other than the expiration of the term of office thereof), and shall be dissolved after the execution of management agreement between the President so elected and the chairman of the President Recommendation Committee.

 

(3) The chairman of the President Recommendation Committee shall be elected by the Board of Directors from among its members who hold the position of outside directors of KT. In this case, the President and the standing directors shall not participate in the resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

(4) A resolution of the President Recommendation Committee shall be adopted by the affirmative votes of a majority of the members in office other than the chairman thereof. In this case, the chairman shall not have any voting rights.

 

(5) The President Recommendation Committee shall examine all the presidential candidates in compliance with the criteria for the examination of a candidate for the President prescribed

 

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by the Board of Directors, in consideration of the following requirements:

 

  1.   Experiences and scholastic achievements under which his/her knowledge with respect to the field of business management and economics can be evaluated in objective point of view;

 

  2.   Past business results and the management period of being in office under which his/her business experience can be evaluated in objective point of view;

 

  3.   Any requirements to evaluate qualification and ability as a chief executive officer; and

 

  4.   Any requirements to evaluate professional knowledge and experience with respect to the telecommunications and related fields.

 

Article 33. (Election of President) (1) President shall be elected from among CEO-qualified candidates who have a knowledge of management and economics or who have much managerial work experience.

 

(2) KT shall give a public notice to recruit candidates for its President and may, if necessary, conduct separate search for such candidates or hire a third party agency to perform searches.

 

(3) The President Recommendation Committee shall examine the candidates for the President who applied pursuant to the provision of Paragraph 2 above, in accordance with the candidates evaluation criteria determined by the Board of Directors.

 

(4) The President Recommendation Committee shall, in selecting the candidates for the President, consult with such candidates regarding the terms of employment contract including the management goal established by the Board of Directors. In such case, if deemed necessary, the President Recommendation Committee may change the terms of employment contract.

 

(5) The President Recommendation Committee shall recommend a candidate for the President to the General Shareholders’ Meeting, based on the evaluation under Paragraph 3 and the consultation under Paragraph 4 above, concurrently submitting a draft employment contract including the management goal during the tenure of the President.

 

(6) The President and standing directors shall not attend the Board of Directors’ Meeting for the resolution of the agenda prescribed in Paragraphs 2 through 4.

 

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Article 34 (Execution of Employment Contract with the Candidate for President) (1) When the draft employment contract submitted pursuant to Paragraph 5 of Article 33 above is approved at the General Shareholders’ Meeting, KT shall enter into such management contract with the candidate for President. In such case, the Chairman of the President Recommendation Committee shall, in the capacity of the representative of KT, sign the management contract.

 

(2) The Board of Directors may conduct a performance review to determine if the new President has performed his/her duties under the management contract as provided in Paragraph 1 or hire a professional evaluation agency for such purpose.

 

(3) When the Board of Directors determines, based on the result of performance review under the provision of Paragraph 2 above, that the new President has failed to achieve the management goal, it may propose to dismiss the President at the General Shareholders’ Meeting.

 

(4) The management goal shall include revenue increase, profitability improvement, investment plan and other related business objectives. and shall be determined, on a yearly basis, at the Board of Directors’ Meeting within the scope of target achievement during the term of office to be determined at the General Shareholders’ Meeting. Such management goal may be established on a numerical basis, if possible.

 

(5) The performance review prescribed in Paragraph 2 above, shall be conducted by the Board of Directors at the closing of each fiscal year or may be delegated by the Board of Directors to a professional evaluation agency; provided, however, that if the Board of Directors deems necessary, it may conduct the performance review during any fiscal year.

 

(6) The Board of Directors shall report the result of the performance review prescribed in Paragraph 2 above to the General Meeting of Shareholders.

 

(7) The President and the standing directors may not attend the Board of Directors’ Meeting for the resolution of the agenda prescribed in Paragraphs 2 through 4.

 

Article 35. (Executive Officers) (1) For the efficient operation of KT, the number of executive officers including standing directors shall not exceed seventy (70) persons..

 

(2) The executive officers other than standing directors shall be referred to as the executive managing officer, managing officer and assistant managing officer.

 

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(3) The number and remuneration of the executive officers who do not hold the position of standing directors of KT shall be determined by the Board of Directors. The severance allowance for the said executive officers shall be paid in accordance with KT’s regulations for payment of officers’ severance allowance adopted at the General Meeting of Shareholders.

 

(4) Executive officers who do not hold the position of standing directors of KT shall be elected by the President of KT, and their terms of offices shall not exceed three (3) years.

 

(5) All matters concerning the respective duties of the executive officers shall be determined by the President.

 

Article 36. (Advisor, etc.) The President may employ an Advisor or appoint an Advisory Council in order to receive advice and suggestions regarding important matters concerning the operation of KT’s businesses.

 

CHAPTER VI. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Article 37. (Organization and Operation) (1) The Board of Directors shall consist of the directors, and shall resolve important matters related to the execution of business of KT as prescribed in the laws and regulations and these Articles of Incorporation, which were submitted by a director as an agenda.

 

(2) The Board of Directors’ Meeting shall be convened by each director. However, this shall not apply in the event that a director to convene the Board of Directors’ Meeting is determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors’ Meeting.

 

(3) The rest of directors may request the director designated under Paragraph 2 above to convene the Board of Directors’ Meeting. However, if the designated director refuses to convene the Board of Directors’ Meeting without any justifiable reason therefor, other directors may convene the Board of Directors’ Meeting.

 

(4) In convening a meeting of Board of Directors, the notice thereof shall be given at least three (3) days prior to the date set for such meeting to each director; provided, however, that the above procedure may be omitted with the consent of all of the directors.

 

(5) Matters necessary for the operation of the Board of Directors shall be set forth in the Regulations of the Board of Directors.

 

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(6) For the efficient management of the Board of Directors, a self evaluation regarding the activities of the Board of Directors may be conducted, and detailed matters therefor, including the evaluation method, etc. shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

Article 38. (Resolution and Delegation) (1) A resolution at a meeting of Board of Directors shall be adopted by the presence of a majority of all directors in offices and by the affirmative votes of a majority of the directors present. However, the resolution on the sale of equity in any subsidiary of KT accompanying transfer of management shall be adopted by affirmative votes of two-thirds (2/3) of the directors in offices, and the resolution on the dismissal of the President shall be adopted by the affirmative votes of two-thirds (2/3) of the outside directors in offices.

 

(2) The Board of Directors may delegate part of its authorities to the President.

 

Article 39. (Chairman) (1) The chairman of the Board of Directors shall be elected from among the outside directors by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

(2) The term of office of the chairman shall be one (1) year.

 

Article 40. (Minutes of the Board of Directors) The proceeding and the result of meeting of the Board of Directors shall be recorded in the minutes, which shall bear the names, seals or signatures of the Chairman and the directors present at the meeting, and shall be kept at the head office.

 

Article 41. (Committees within the Board of Directors) (1) The Board of Directors may have the following expert committees under its control by its resolution, in order to deliberate or decide with respect to the specific matters submitted to the Board of Directors:

 

  1.   Outside Director Candidates Recommendation Committee;

 

  2.   Audit Committee;

 

  3.   Other Committees which the Board of Directors deems necessary.

 

(2) Any matters necessary for the organization, powers and operation of the committees

 

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within the Board of Directors set forth in Paragraph (1) above shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

Article 42. (Outside Director Candidates Recommendation Committee) (1) The Outside Director Candidates Recommendation Committee shall consist of one (1) standing director and four () outside directors.

 

(2) The Outside Director Candidates Recommendation Committee shall recommend outside director candidates to the General Shareholders’ Meeting.

 

(3) Any other detailed matters regarding organization and operation of the Outside Director Candidates Recommendation Committee shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

Article 43. (Audit Committee) (1) The Audit Committee shall consist of three (3) outside directors.

 

(2) The Audit Committee shall perform an audit of KT’s accounting books and records, and of other aspects of its business operations.

 

(3) Any other detailed matters regarding organization and operation of the Audit Committee shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

Article 44. (Executive Officers’ Meeting) (1) KT may convene executive officers’ meeting in order to consider and resolve matters delegated by the Board of Directors.

 

(2) Matters necessary for the organization and operation of the executive officers’ meeting set forth in Paragraph 1 above shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

CHAPTER VII. ACCOUNTING

 

Article 45. (Fiscal Year) The fiscal year of KT shall be from January 1 to December 31 of each year.

 

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Article 46. (Preparation, Submission and Maintenance of the Financial Statements) (1) The President of KT shall prepare the following documents and supplementary documents thereto and the business report for each fiscal year, and submit such documents, after approved by the Board of Directors, to the Audit Committee, six (6) weeks prior to the date of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders:

 

  1.   A balance sheet;

 

  2.   A statement of profit and loss; and

 

  3.   A statement of appropriation of retained earnings or a statement of disposition of deficit.

 

(2) The Audit Committee shall submit an auditor’s report to the President at least one (1) week before the General Shareholders’ Meeting after the receipt of the documents listed in Paragraph (1) above.

 

(3) The President shall keep each document listed in Paragraph (1) together with the business report and the auditor’s report at the head office for a period of five (5) years, commencing from one week prior to the date of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders. Certified copies of these documents shall be kept in each respective branch office for a period of three (3) years.

 

(4) The President shall submit each document listed in Paragraph (1) to the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders and request approval therefor. With respect to the business report, he/she shall report the contents thereof to the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders.

 

(5) When the approval of the General Meeting of Shareholders is obtained for the documents listed in Paragraph (1), the President shall, without delay, give a public notice of the balance sheet and the audit opinion thereon of an independent auditor.

 

Article 47. (Disposition of Profits) The unappropriated retained earnings for each fiscal year of KT shall be disposed in the following order:

 

  1.   Legal Reserves;

 

  2.   Other statutory reserves;

 

  3.   Amortization by way of the appropriation of the retained earnings;

 

19


  4.   Dividends; and

 

  5.   Voluntary reserve.

 

Article 48. (Retirement of Shares) Pursuant to Article 189 of the SEA, KT may, by a resolution of the Board of Directors, retire the shares within the scope of profits attributable to the shareholders.

 

Article 49. (Payment of Dividends) (1) Dividends may be paid either in cash or in shares.

 

(2) In case of stock dividends, if KT has issued several types of shares, different types of shares may be allotted by a resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

 

(3) Pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors, KT may pay interim dividends in cash once during a fiscal year with June 30 as a base date(referred to as the fixed interim dividend date).

 

(4) The dividends referred to in Paragraphs (1) and (3) shall be paid to the shareholders or registered pledgees who are registered in the registry of shareholders as of the end of each fiscal year or as of the fixed interim dividend date.

 

(5) The rights to dividends shall be extinguished if it is not exercised within five (5) years from the date when the relevant dividend was declared, and such unclaimed dividends shall belong to KT.

 

SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS

 

Article 50. (Guarantee of Personnel Status) (1) Any employee of KT shall not receive a dismissal, suspension, reduction in compensation, reprimand and other disadvantageous orders, without any justifiable reasons therefor.

 

(2) The retirement age of the employee of KT shall be prescribed in accordance with Paragraph 2 of Article (6)of Addenda of the Laws Repealing the Korea Telecom Act.

 

20


Article 51. (Publication of Management Information) KT shall make public any and all matters deemed to be necessary for the promotion of transparency in management.

 

ADDENDUM

 

Article 1. (Enforcement Date) These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective from October 1, 1997.

 

Article 2. (Term of Office of the First President and Standing Directors) Notwithstanding Paragraph (1) of Article (29) hereof, the term of office of the first President and the standing directors to be elected at the General Meeting of Shareholders convened after the execution of these Articles of Incorporation shall be extended until the end of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders convened after the expiration of the said term of office.

 

Article 3. (Term of Office of First Non-Standing Director) (1) Pursuant to Article (3) of the Addenda of the Special Act, candidates for non-standing directors who are recommended by the Temporary Non-standing Directors Recommendation Committee shall be classified into three groups, i.e., first, second and third groups, which shall consist of two, two and three persons, respectively.

 

(2) Notwithstanding Paragraph (1) of Article (29) hereof, the term of office of a non-standing director in the first group shall expire at the close of the first Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders convened after one (1) year has elapsed. The term of office of non-standing directors in the second and third group shall expire at the close of the first Ordinary General Meetings of Shareholders convened after two (2) and three (3) years have elapsed, respectively.

 

Article 4. (Special Provisions for Term of Office of Standing Directors succeed to the Term of Office of an Executive Officer) In the event that a former executive officer who has been elected prior to the date of enforcement of these Articles of Incorporation is elected as a first standing director of KT after the enforcement of these Articles, his/her term of office may be shortened to the remainder of the term of office of a executive officer prior to the date of enforcement of these Articles of Incorporation.

 

21


ADDENDUM (December 8, 1997)

 

These articles of Incorporation shall be effective from the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders thereon.

 

ADDENDUM (September 18, 1998)

 

Article 1. (Enforcement Date)These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective from the date of resolution thereon of the General Meetings of Shareholders.

 

Article 2. (Interim Measures for the Acquisition of Shares of KT by non-Korean nationals) Those provisions of Paragraph (3) of Article (10) hereof shall not be applicable where non-Korean nationals have acquired any shares of KT prior to the date of enforcement of these Articles of Incorporation pursuant to the relevant laws and regulations. In this regard, the number of shares so acquired shall be included in the maximum aggregate shareholdings ceiling prescribed in Subparagraph 1, of Paragraph (2), of Article (10) above.

 

ADDENDUM (March 19, 1999)

 

Article 1. (Enforcement Date) These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective from the date of resolution thereon of the General Meetings of Shareholders.

 

Article 2. (Interim Measure) The cumulative voting system provided for in Article (382-2) of the Commercial Code of Korea shall not apply until every requirement set forth in Paragraph (1), of Article (21) of the Special Act has been satisfied.

 

ADDENDUM (March 24, 2000)

 

These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective from the date of resolution thereon of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

 

22


ADDENDUM (March 21, 2001)

 

These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective from the date of resolution thereon of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

 

ADDENDUM (March 22, 2002)

 

These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective as of the date of resolution thereon of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

 

ADDENDUM (August 20, 2002)

 

Article 1. (Enforcement Date) These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective from the date on which a resolution on the foregoing amendments is adopted at the General Meeting of Shareholders. Provided, however, that the amended provision of Article 41-3 shall become effective from the date following the day on which the first General Meeting of Shareholders is convened after the enforcement of these amended Articles of Incorporation.

 

Article 2. (Interim Measures regarding Auditor) (1) The amended provisions regarding auditor in Articles 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 37 and 40 shall remain invalid, until the Audit Committee is established.

 

(2) The term, “auditor” referred in Paragraph 3 of Article 31 and Article 44, shall be interpreted to be “Audit Committee”, respectively, until the establishment of the Audit Committee.

 

Article 3. (Interim Measures on Increase in Number of Outside Directors) Notwithstanding the amended provision of Article 26, a candidate for outside director recommended by the Shareholders’ Committee established in accordance with the previous AOI, shall be deemed to have been recommended by the Outside Director Recommendation Committee, and the term of office of such additionally appointed outside director in the above shall be until the

 

23


date on which the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders is held in the year of 2005.

 

ADDENDUM (March 14, 2003)

 

These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective from the date of resolution thereon of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

 

24

EX-7.1 4 dex71.htm RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

Exhibit 7.1

Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 

Korean GAAP


   2000

    2001

    2002

 
     (Millions of Won)  

Earnings:

                  

Net earnings

   986,210     1,112,975     1,946,934  

Income tax

   550,724     421,470     741,354  

Income from equity investees

   (8,937 )   (5,157 )   (8,524 )

Dividend from equity method affiliates

   572     1,995     469  

Fixed charges

   657,002     836,725     828,079  

Less interest capitalized

   (152,574 )   (119,147 )   (158,482 )

Minority interest in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries

   (54,329 )   260,422     316,918  
    

 

 

Total earnings

   1,978,668     2,509,283     3,666,748  
    

 

 

Fixed charges:

                  

Interest expense

   500,861     712,442     650,460  

Capitalized interest

   152,574     119,147     158,482  

Amortization of bond issue cost

   (a )   (a )   (a )

One-third of rental expenses on operating leases, deemed to be representative of interest expenses

   3,567     5,136     19,137  
    

 

 

Total fixed charges

   657,002     836,725     828,079  
    

 

 

Radios of earnings to fixed charges

   3.01:1     3.00:1     4.43:1  

U.S. GAAP


                  

Earnings:

                  

Net earnings

   701,391     1,006,324     1,556,262  

Income tax

   81,479     249,471     525,996  

Income from equity investees

   (18,000 )   (8,898 )   (10,713 )

Dividend from equity method affiliates

   572     1,995     1,278  

Fixed charges

   448,714     563,298     488,970  

Less interest capitalized

   (19,152 )   (43,925 )   (27,853 )

Minority interest in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries

   2,288     2,220     (3,222 )
    

 

 

Total earnings

   1,197,292     1,770,485     2,530,718  
    

 

 

Fixed charges:

                  

Interest expense

   427,402     517,051     461,117  

Capitalized interest

   19,152     43,925     27,853  

Amortization of bond issue cost

   (a )   (a )   (a )

One-third of rental expenses on operating leases, deemed to be representative of interest expenses

   2,160     2,322     —    
    

 

 

Total fixed charges

   448,714     563,298     488,970  
    

 

 

Radios of earnings to fixed charges

   2.67:1     3.14:1     5.18:1  

(a)   For the year ended December 31, 1999, under revised Korean GAAP, amortization of bond issue cost is to be included in interest expense. As a result, there is no separation of amortization of bond issue cost from interest expense under U.S. GAAP.

 

EX-8.1 5 dex81.htm LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES List of subsidiaries

Exhibit 8.1

 

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

(As of December 31, 2002)

 

Name


   Jurisdiction of
Incorporation


KT Powertel Co. Ltd. (“LTP”)

   Korea

KT Solution Corporation

   Korea

KT Linkus Co., Ltd.

   Korea

KT Hitel Co., Ltd. (KTH)

   Korea

Korea Telecom America, Inc.

   U.S.A.

Korea Telecom Philippines, Inc.

   Philippines

KT Submarine Co., Ltd. (KTSC)

   Korea

KT Freetel Co., Ltd. (KTF)

   Korea

New Telephone Company

   Russia

Korea Telecom Japan Co., Ltd.

   Japan

KT ICOM Co., Ltd. (KT ICOM)

   Korea

KTF Technologies Inc. (KTFT) .

   Korea

KT Commerce Inc. (KTC)

   Korea

 

EX-10.1 6 dex101.htm CONSENT OF KPMG SAMJONG Consent of KPMG Samjong

Exhibit 10.1

 

Consent of Independent Auditors

 

To the Board of Directors

KT Corporation:

 

We consent to incorporation by reference in the registration statement on Form F-3 (No. 333-100251) of KT Corporation (formerly Korea Telecom Corp.) of our report dated March 24, 2003 with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of KT Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2002 and the related consolidated statements of earnings and retained earnings and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002, and which report, which is partially based on the reports of other auditors, appears in the December 31, 2002 annual report on Form 20-F of KT Corporation.

 

 

KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.

Seoul, Korea

June 25, 2003

 

EX-10.2 7 dex102.htm CONSENT OF ANJIN & CO Consent of Anjin & Co

Exhibit 10.2

 

Independent Auditors’ Consent

 

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement of KT Corporation on Form F-3 (No. 333-100251) of our reports dated March 7, 2003 and January 26, 2002, relating to our audit of the financial statements of KT Freetel Co., Ltd., and our report dated May 25, 2001, relating to our audit of the financial statements of KT M.com Co., Ltd. (which reports express an unqualified opinion and include explanatory paragraphs related to the adverse economic circumstances in the Republic of Korea and Asia Pacific region in general, and refer to the acquisition of KT ICOM Co., Ltd.’s common share by KT Freetel Co., Ltd., the merger of KT Freetel Co., Ltd. with KT ICOM Co., Ltd., the name change of Korea Telecom Freetel Co., Ltd. to KT Freetel Co., Ltd., and the merger of KT Freetel Co., Ltd. with KT M.Com Co., Ltd.), appearing in the Annual Report on Form 20-F of KT Corporation for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in the registration statement on Form F-3 of KT Corporation.

 

Anjin & Co.

Seoul, Korea

June 25, 2003

 

EX-10.3 8 dex103.htm CONSENT OF SAMIL ACCOUNTING CORP. Consent of Samil Accounting Corp.

Exhibit 10.3

 

Consent of Independent Public Accountants

 

To the Board of Directors

KT Corporation:

 

We hereby consent to incorporation by reference in the registration statement on Form F-3 of KT Corporation (File no. 333-100251) of our report of independent accountants dated January 14, 2003, relating to the financial statements of KT ICOM which appears in the annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 on Form 20-F of KT Corporation. We also consent to the reference to us under the headings “Experts” in such registration statement.

 

Samil Accounting Corporation

Seoul, Korea

June 25, 2003

 

EX-10.4 9 dex104.htm THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BASIC LAW (TRANSLATION) The Telecommunications Basic Law (translation)

EXHIBIT 10.4

 

FRAMEWORK ACT ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS

 

Wholly amended By

 

1991· 8·10  

 

Act No. 4393

Amended By

 

1992·12· 8  

 

Act No. 4528

Amended By

 

1993· 3· 6    

 

Act No. 4541

Amended By

 

1995· 1· 5    

 

Act No. 4905

Amended By

 

1996·12·30 

 

Act No. 5219

Amended By

 

1997· 8·28  

 

Act No. 5385

Amended By

 

1997· 8·28  

 

Act No. 5386

Amended By

 

1997·12·13 

 

Act No. 5453

Amended By

 

1997·12·13 

 

Act No. 5454

Amended By

 

1999· 1·29  

 

Act No. 5733

Amended By

 

2000· 1·28  

 

Act No. 6231

Amended By

 

2001· 1·16  

 

Act No. 6360

Amended By

 

2002· 1·14  

 

Act No. 6602

Amended By

 

2002· 2· 4    

 

Act No. 6656

Amended By

 

2002.12.26 

 

Act No. 6823

 

CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Article 1 (Purpose)

 

The purpose of this Act is to contribute to the enhancement of the public welfare by managing telecommunications efficiently and stimulating the development of telecommunications by providing basic matters on telecommunications.

 

Article 2 (Definitions)

 

The definitions of the terms as used in this Act shall be as follows:


1.The term “telecommunications” means transmission or reception of code, words, sound or image through wired, wireless, optic, and other electro-magnetic processes;

 

2.The term “telecommunications facilities and equipment” means machinery, appliances, lines for telecommunications, and other facilities necessary for telecommunications;

 

3.The term “telecommunications line facilities and equipment” means the facilities and equipment which constitute communications channels between sending and receiving points for telecommunications among the telecommunications facilities and equipment, and the transmission and line facilities and equipment, with the exchange facilities installed as one body of the transmission and line facilities, and all facilities attached thereto;

 

4.The term “telecommunications business facilities and equipment” means the telecommunications facilities and equipment to be provided for telecommunications businesses;

 

5.The term “private telecommunications facilities and equipment” means the telecommunications facilities and equipment other than the telecommunications business facilities and equipment, installed by an individual to be used for his own telecommunications;

 

6.The term “telecommunications equipments” means apparatus, machinery, parts or line equipments, etc. used by the telecommunications facilities and equipment;

 

7.The term “telecommunications service” means services that mediate a third party’s communication through the telecommunications facilities and equipment or to provide the telecommunications facilities and equipment for the third party’s telecommunications; and

 

8.The term “telecommunications business” means a business that provides telecommunications services.

 

Article 3 (Supervision of Telecommunications)

 

The matters concerning telecommunications shall be governed by the Minister of Information and Communication, except the ones stipulated specifically by this Act or other Acts. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>


Article 4 (Government Policies)

 

The Minister of Information and Communication shall devise basic and comprehensive government policies concerning telecommunications to attain the purpose of this Act. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

Article 5 (Establishment of Basic Telecommunications Plans)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication shall establish and publicly notify basic telecommunications plans (hereinafter referred to as the “basic plan”) for smooth development of telecommunications and the promotion of the information society. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(2) The following matters shall be included in the basic plan of paragraph (1):

 

1.Matters concerning utilization efficiency of telecommunications;

 

2.Matters concerning maintenance of telecommunications order;

 

3.Matters concerning telecommunications business;

 

4.Matters concerning telecommunications facilities and equipment;

 

5.Matters concerning promotion of telecommunications technology (including technology about telecommunications construction; hereinafter the same shall apply); and

 

6.Other basic matters concerning telecommunications.

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication shall consult in advance with the heads of administrative agencies concerned, when establishing the basic plan for the matters of paragraph (2) 4 and 5 of this Article. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>


Article 6 (Annual Report)

 

The Government shall present an annual report on the policy and trend about telecommunications developments to the National Assembly prior to the opening of the regular session.

 

Article 7 (Classification of Telecommunications Business Operator)

 

The telecommunications business operator shall be classified as the key communications business operator, the special communications business operator and the value-added communications business operator pursuant to the Telecommunications Business Act. <Amended by Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997>

 

[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 4905, Jan. 5, 1995]

 

CHAPTER II PROMOTION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

 

Article 8 (Establishment and Execution of Enforcement Plan for Technology Development)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication shall establish and execute enforcement plans for the development of telecommunications technology as stipulated in Article 5 (2) 5. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(2) The following matters shall be included in the enforcement plans of the above paragraph (1):

 

1.Matters concerning the research and development of telecommunications technology;

 

2.Matters concerning the training and the supply and demand of telecommunications technicians;


3.Matters concerning the adoption of new telecommunications technologies and modes;

 

4.Matters concerning the standardization of telecommunications technologies;

 

5.Matters concerning promotion of telecommunications technology research institutes and organizations;

 

6.Matters concerning the international cooperation of telecommunications technology; and

 

7.Other matters concerning the development of telecommunications technology.

 

Article 9 (Management of Technical Information on Telecommunications)

 

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication shall devise measures necessary for the systematic and comprehensive management and the popularization of technical information on telecommunications for the promotion of telecommunications technology. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication may give advance notices of new technology concerning telecommunications for harmonious telecommunications development. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

Article 10 (Promotion of Research Institutes, etc.)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication shall guide and promote telecommunications research institutes and organizations for the development of telecommunications. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(2) The Government may give financial aid to the institutes and organizations under the above paragraph (1).

 

(3) Deleted. <by Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000>


(4) The scope of the institutes and organizations under above paragraph (1), the ways for guidance and promotion thereof and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by the Presidential Decree.

 

Article 11 (Designation of Research Projects, etc.)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication may select research projects concerning telecommunications technology and designate researchers, when necessary for research and development of telecommunications technology. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(2) Matters necessary for selection of research projects, designation of researchers and support for the research expenses, etc., under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by the Presidential Decree.

 

Article 12 (Investment, etc. for Research and Development)

 

When specially necessary for the promotion of telecommunications technology, the Minister of Information and Communication may advise the key communications business operator to invest more than the amount corresponding to a specific ratio of annual turnover to the business for research and development of high technology concerning telecommunications, or to contribute to the institutes and organizations carrying out the business for research and development of common technology or communication modes concerning telecommunications. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

Article 13 (Technical Guidance)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication shall provide technical guidance for technical standardization, technical training, supply of technical information or cooperation with international organizations, etc., to a manufacturer of telecommunications equipments and materials (hereinafter referred to as the “manufacturer of telecommunications equipments and


materials”) or a constructor of information and telecommunications works under the Information and Communications Work Business Act, when necessary for an accurate application of telecommunications modes and standards, etc., of telecommunications equipments and materials from their manufacturing stage and for securing quality of telecommunications works. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 5386, Aug. 28, 1997>

 

(2) The subjects, contents and other necessary matters of technical guidance under paragraph (1) above shall be prescribed by the Presidential Decree.

 

Articles 14 and 15

 

Deleted. <by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

Article 15-2

 

Deleted. <by Act No. 5733, Jan. 29, 1999>

 

CHAPTER III TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

 

SECTION 1 Telecommunications Facilities and Equipment for Business

 

Article 16 (Maintenance and Repair of Telecommunications Facilities and Equipment)

 

The telecommunications business operator shall maintain and repair his telecommunications facilities and equipment so as to have them compatible with technical criteria as determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication, for a stable supply of his telecommunications services. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>


Article 17 (Installation Report of Telecommunications Facilities and Equipment, and Approval thereon, etc.)

 

(1) Any key communications business operator shall, where he intends to install or alter major telecommunications facilities and equipment, file in advance a report thereon with the Minister of Information and Communication under the conditions as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication: Provided, That with respect to any telecommunications facilities and equipment which are first installed under a new telecommunications technology mode, an approval shall be obtained from the Minister of Information and Communication under the conditions as determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

(2) The scope of major telecommunications facilities and equipment under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed and publicly announced by the Minister of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

Article 18 (Joint Installation of Telecommunications Facilities and Equipment)

 

(1) The key communications business operator may jointly construct and use the telecommunications facilities and equipment with other key communications business operators. In this case, the key communications business operator shall make in advance a consultation with another key communications business operator. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6602, Jan. 14, 2002>

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication may, in case where a key communications business operator makes a consultation under paragraph (1), investigate and provide the required information, under the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 6602, Jan. 14, 2002>

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication may, in order to effectively perform the investigation of data under paragraph (2), have a specialized institution in the field of telecommunications perform the relevant investigation under the conditions as prescribed by the


Presidential Decree. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6602, Jan. 14, 2002>

 

(4) The Minister of Information and Communication may, where it falls under any of the following subparagraphs, advise the key communications business operator under paragraph (1) to jointly construct the telecommunications facilities and equipment, under the conditions as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication: <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6602, Jan. 14, 2002>

 

1.Where the consultation under paragraph (1) has not been achieved, and where there exists a request from the relevant key communications business operator; and

 

2.Where deemed necessary for promoting the public interests.

 

(5) Where it is necessary to use the land or structures, etc. owned by the State, local government, government-invested institution, or other key telecommunications business operator for a joint installation of telecommunications facilities and equipment, and where an agreement is not reached on it, the key communications business operator may ask the Minister of Information and Communication for his cooperation in the use of the relevant land or structures, etc.

 

(6) The Minister of Information and Communication may, upon receipt of a request for his cooperation under paragraph (5), ask the head of the State agency, local government or government-invested institution or other key communications business operator to comply with a consultation on the use of the relevant land or structures, etc. with the key communications business operator who has asked for a cooperation under paragraph (5). In this case, the State agency, local government, or the head of government-invested institution or other key communications business operator shall comply with a consultation with the key telecommunications business operator unless there exist any justifiable causes. <Amended by Act No. 6602, Jan. 14, 2002> [This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 19

 

Deleted. <by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>


SECTION 2 Private Telecommunications Facilities and Equipment

 

Article 20 (Installation of Private Telecommunications Facilities and Equipment)

 

(1) A person who intends to install private telecommunications facilities and equipment shall report thereon to the Minister of Information and Communication under the conditions as prescribed by the Presidential Decree. The same shall also apply in case where he intends to alter the important matters as determined by the Presidential Decree from among the reported matters. <Amended by Act No. 4905, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), the private telecommunications facilities and equipment with wireless modes, the military telecommunications facilities and equipment, etc., which are specially stipulated by other statutes, shall be governed by such statutes.

 

(3) A person who has made a report or a modified report on the installation of private telecommunications facilities and equipment under paragraph (1) shall obtain, upon completion of an installation work or a modifying work, a confirmation by the Minister of Information and Communication, prior to their use, under the conditions as stipulated by the Presidential Decree. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 4905, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(4) Any private telecommunications facilities and equipment prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication may, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), be installed without filing any report. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

Article 21 (Restriction on Use Beyond Its Purpose)

 

(1) Any person who has installed the private telecommunications facilities and equipment shall not mediate a third party’s communications with the facilities, nor operate the facilities against the installation purpose: Provided, That this shall not apply to cases of special provisions in other statutes or of uses falling under any of the following subparagraphs, within the limits not against


the installation purposes: <Amended by Act No. 4905, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 6602, Jan. 14, 2002>

 

1.In case of use for maintaining public peace or providing emergency rescue mission by the person engaged in police or accident rescue works;

 

2.In case of use, prescribed by the Minister of Information and Communication, between the person who installed private telecommunications facilities and equipment and the one specially related with him for the purpose of work; and

 

3.Deleted. <by Act No. 6602, Jan. 14, 2002>

 

(2) Any person who has installed his private telecommunications facilities and equipment may provide telecommunications facilities and equipment including line tracks, line equipments, etc., to the key communication business operator, pursuant to the Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 4905, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(3) The provisions of Articles 33-5, 34-6 (excluding paragraph (5)), and 35 of the Telecommunications Business Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the above paragraph (2) concerning the supply of facilities and equipment. <Amended by Act No. 4905, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(4) Deleted. <by Act No. 6602, Jan. 14, 2002>

 

Article 22 (Securing of telecommunications in Case of Emergency)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication may order the person who installed private telecommunications facilities and equipment to provide telecommunications services or other important communication services, or to interconnect the private facilities and equipment in question with other telecommunications facilities and equipment, when war, natural disaster or other national emergency situation corresponding to such happens or is likely to happen. This shall apply mutatis mutandis to the provisions concerning telecommunications services under the Telecommunications Business Act. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>


(2) The Minister of Information and Communication may make the key telecommunications business operator deal with such services, when deemed necessary of paragraph (1). <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(3) The expenses necessary for performing the services or for interconnection of the facilities of paragraph (1) shall be borne by the Government: Provided, That when the private telecommunications facilities and equipment are provided for telecommunications services, then the key communications business operator provided with the facilities, shall bear such expenses.

 

Article 23 (Orders for Correction, etc.)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication may, when any person who has installed the private telecommunications facilities and equipment violates this Act or the orders under this Act, order him to make a correction thereof with fixing a specified period. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication may, when any person who has installed the private telecommunications facilities and equipment falls under any of the following subparagraphs, order him to suspend the relevant uses with fixing a period of not more than one year: <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

1.Where he fails to execute an order under paragraph (1);

 

2.Where he uses the private telecommunications facilities and equipment without obtaining a confirmation in contravention of Article 20 (3); and

 

3.Where he intermediates other’s communications or operates the private telecommunications facilities and equipment in a manner contrary to the installation purposes, in contravention of Article 21 (1).

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication may, where deemed that any private telecommunications facilities and equipment impede other’s telecommunications or likely undermine other’s telecommunications facilities and equipment, order the person who has installed the relevant facilities and equipment to suspend a use of them or to renovate or repair


them, or take other measures. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

Article 24 (Imposition of Penalty Surcharge)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication may, in issuing an order to suspend a use of any private telecommunications facilities and equipment under Article 23 (2), and where a suspension of the relevant use is likely to cause any serious inconveniences to users of telecommunications services which are rendered by using such private telecommunications facilities and equipment, or to undermine other public interests, impose a penalty surcharge of not exceeding 1 billion won in lieu of such order to suspend the relevant use.

 

(2) Classifications of the violating acts subject to the imposition of a penalty surcharge under paragraph (1), the amount of penalty surcharge as determined by the relevant levels and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication.

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, where any person liable for the payment of a penalty surcharge under paragraph (1) fails to pay such penalty surcharge by a payment term, collect it according to the example of a disposition on the national taxes in arrears.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000]

 

SECTION 3 Technical Standards, etc. for Telecommunications Facilities and Equipment

 

Article 25 (Technical Standards)

 

(1) A person who installs and operates the telecommunications facilities and equipment shall keep such facilities and equipment compatible with the technical standards as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>


(2) In case of the installation of telecommunications facilities and equipment as determined and publicly announced by the Minister of Information and Communication or of the expansion of installed facilities and equipment, the key communication business operator and the special communications business operator shall test whether the relevant telecommunications facilities and equipment conform with the technical standards under paragraph (1) above, prior to commencing a provision of telecommunications services, and record and manage the results thereof. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

(3) The installation and conservation of telecommunications facilities and equipment shall be executed according to the design documents.

 

(4) Matters necessary for making the design documents under paragraph (3) shall be prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(5) If it is necessary to verify whether the telecommunications facilities and equipment are installed and operated in conformity with the technical standards, the Minister of Information and Communication may have public officials belonging to him investigate or test the facilities of the person who installs and operates the telecommunications facilities and equipment. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(6) The public official who conducts the investigation or test under paragraph (5) shall carry a certificate indicating his authority, and present it to the person concerned. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

Article 26 (Management Rules)

 

(1) The key communications business operator shall set forth the management rules for communications facilities and equipment and manage them, in order to provide a stable telecommunications service. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(2) Matters to be explicitly stipulated in the management rules under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication. <Amended by


Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

Article 27 (Correction Order for Violations of Technical Standards)

 

When the installed telecommunications facilities and equipment have come not to conform with the technical standards under Article 25, the Minister of Information and Communication may issue an order to make a correction thereto or take other necessary measures. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

Article 28 (Adoption of New Telecommunications Modes, etc.)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication may adopt the new telecommunications modes, etc., for a smooth development of telecommunications.

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, in case where he has adopted the new telecommunications modes, etc. under paragraph (1), make a pubic announcement thereof. [This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 29 (Promotion of Standardization)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication may promote the standardization of telecommunications, and recommend it to the telecommunications business operator or the manufacturers of telecommunications equipments, for a sound development of telecommunications and for ensuring the convenience of users: Provided, That in a case of matters for which the Korean Industrial Standards under the Industrial Standardization Act are set, such standards shall govern. <Amended by Act No. 4528, Dec. 8, 1992; Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, in case where he has adopted the telecommunications standards, make a public announcement thereof. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>


(3) Matters necessary for the promotion of standardization of telecommunications under paragraph (1) shall be determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6602, Jan. 14, 2002>

 

Article 30 (Telecommunications Technology Association)

 

(1) The Telecommunications Technology Association (hereinafter referred to as the “Association”) may be established for efficient promotion of the business concerning telecommunications standardization. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(2) The Association shall be established in the form of a juristic person.

 

(3) The Government may contribute to the Association within the budget limit, when necessary for the establishment and operation of the Association.

 

(4) The Minister of Information and Communication may order changes of articles of incorporation, project plans, or reelection of officers, when the operation of the Association is deemed in violation of the Acts and subordinate statutes or articles of incorporation. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(5) Except for those stipulated under this Act, the provisions pertaining to an incorporated foundation in the Civil Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to matters on the Association.

 

SECTION 4 Integrated Operation of Telecommunications Facilities and Equipment, etc.

 

Article 30-2 (Securing Pipeline Facilities, etc.)

 

(1) A person who installs or builds up the facilities, etc. falling under any of the following


subparagraphs (hereinafter referred to as the “facilities installer”) shall listen to the views of key communications business operators on the installation of joint-use tunnels in which the telecommunications facilities and equipment may be accommodated and the pipelines, etc. as well, and reflect its contents: Provided, That the same shall not apply to the case where the reflection of the views of key communications business operators are very difficult: <Amended by Act No. 6602, Jan. 14, 2002>

 

1.Roads under Article 2 of the Road Act;

 

2.Railroads under Article 2 (1) of the Railroad Act;

 

3.Urban railroads under subparagraph 1 of Article 3 of the Urban Railroad Act;

 

4.Industrial complex under subparagraph 5 of Article 2 of the Industrial Sites and Development Act;

 

5.Free trade zone under subparagraph 1 of Article 2 of the Act on the Designation, etc. of Free Trade Zone;

 

6.Airport area under subparagraph 7 of Article 2 of the Aviation Act;

 

7.Harbor area under subparagraph 4 of Article 2 of the Harbor Act; and

 

8.Other facilities or housing sites as prescribed by the Presidential Decree.

 

(2) Any views expressed by the key communications business operators on the installation of joint-use tunnels or pipelines under paragraph (1) shall be in conformity with the standards for the installation of pipelines as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication.

 

(3) The provisions of Articles 33-5, 34-6 (excluding paragraph (5) of the same Article) and 35 of the Telecommunications Business Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the offer of joint-use tunnels or pipelines, etc., installed under paragraph (1).

 

(4) A facilities installer shall, where he is unable to reflect the views of key communications business operators under paragraph (1), notify the relevant key communications business


operators of the relevant reasons within 30 days from the date of receiving their views.

 

(5) Where any facilities installer fails to reflect the views of key communications business operators under paragraph (1), the relevant telecommunications business operator may ask the Minister of Information and Communication for his adjustments.

 

(6) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, where he makes such adjustments upon receipt of a request for adjustments under paragraph (5), consult in advance with the heads of the related central administrative agencies.

 

(7) Matters necessary for the adjustments under paragraphs (5) and (6) shall be prescribed by the Presidential Decree. [This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000]

 

Article 30-3 (Installation of Telecommunications Facilities and Equipment for Extension)

 

(1) The structures under subparagraph 2 of Article 2 of the Building Act shall be equipped with the telecommunications line facilities, etc. for extension, and secure a specified area for a connection with the telecommunications line facilities and equipment.

 

(2) Matters on the scope of structures, the criteria for installation of telecommunications line facilities, etc., and the securing, etc., of an area for a connection with telecommunications line facilities and equipment under paragraph (1) shall be determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996] <Deleted by Act No. 6823, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

Article 31 (Integrated Operation of Telecommunications Facilities and Equipment, etc.)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication may, where it is necessary for an efficient


management and operation of telecommunications facilities and equipment, have a key communications business operator selected according to the standards and procedures as prescribed by the Presidential Decree (hereinafter referred to as the “communications business operator under integrated operations”) make an integrated operation of the telecommunications facilities and equipment installed under this Act or other Acts, and the land, buildings and other structures appurtenant thereto (hereinafter referred to as the “telecommunications facilities and equipment, etc.”). <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 5454, Dec. 13, 1997; Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, in case where he intends to put the telecommunications facilities and equipment, etc. under an integrated operation under paragraph (1), formulate an integrated operation plan for telecommunications facilities and equipment (hereinafter referred to as the “integrated operation plan”), consult with the heads of the related administrative agencies, and obtain an approval of the President by going through a deliberation by the State Council. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(3) The integrated operation plan under paragraph (2) shall contain the matters falling under one of the following subparagraphs:

 

1.Objects, time, methods and procedures for the integration;

 

2.Matters concerning an operation of telecommunications facilities and equipment, etc. after integration; and

 

3.Other matters as prescribed by the Presidential Decree.

 

(4) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, in case where he intends to formulate an integrated operation plan under paragraph (2), consult in advance with the installer of the telecommunications facilities and equipment, etc. to be integrated. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

Article 32 (Purchase of Telecommunications Facilities and Equipment, etc.)

 

(1) The communications business operator under integrated operations may, when necessary for


an integrated operation of the telecommunications facilities and equipment, etc. under Article 31 (1), make a request for purchase of the relevant telecommunications facilities and equipment, etc. In this case, the owner of relevant telecommunications facilities and equipment, etc. shall not refuse it without any justifiable reasons. <Amended by Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

(2) National or public telecommunications facilities and equipment, etc. for which the communications business operator under integrated operations has made a request for their purchase under paragraph (1) may be sold to the communications business operator under integrated operations, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 20 of the State Properties Act or Article 82 of the Local Finance Act. In this case, matters necessary for the sale such as the calculation method of sale price, procedures for the sale, and payment methods of sale price, etc., shall be prescribed by the Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

(3) The provisions of Articles 67 (1), 70, 71, 74 through 77, and 78 (5) through (7) of the Act on the Acquisition of Land, etc. for Public Works and the Compensation Therefor shall be applied mutatis mutandis to the calculation method, criteria, etc. for purchase price of the telecommunications facilities and equipment other than the national or public ones which are purchased by the communications business operator under integrated operations under paragraph (1). <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000; Act No. 6656, Feb. 4, 2002>

 

CHAPTER IV MANAGEMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENTS

 

Article 33 (Approval for Types)

 

(1) A person who intends to manufacture, sell or import the telecommunications equipments which are specified by the Minister of Information and Communication after consulting with the heads of the related administrative agencies, shall obtain an approval with respect to such telecommunications equipments from the Minister of Information and Communication: Provided, That this shall not apply to the cases of telecommunications equipments as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication, such as the telecommunications


equipments for the purpose of test, research or export. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(2) Objects, methods and procedures, etc. for the approval of types under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication shall grant a type approval, when the telecommunications equipments conform with technical criteria for telecommunications equipments as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(4) When a person who has obtained a type approval of telecommunications equipments under paragraph (1) intends to sell or display such telecommunications equipments, the sign of type approval shall be marked pursuant to the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(5) A person who has obtained the type approval for the telecommunications equipments under paragraph (1) shall, when he intends to modify the matters for which a type approval has been obtained, file a report thereon with the Minister of Information and Communication under the conditions as determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication. In this case, if the matters reported on modification are related to the technical criteria under paragraph (3), the said paragraph shall apply mutatis mutandis. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6602, Jan. 14, 2002>

 

(6) A person who intends to obtain the type approval under paragraph (1) or a person who files a report on modification under paragraph (5) shall pay the fees as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 6602, Jan. 14, 2002>

 

Article 33-2 (Designation, etc. of Performance Testing Institution)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication may, in granting the type approval under Article 33, have a testing institution designated by the said Minister (hereinafter referred to as the “designated testing institution”) conduct the performance test.


(2) A person who is eligible for a designation as a designated testing institution shall be limited to a juristic person.

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication may inspect any designated testing institution under the conditions as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication.

 

(4) The Minister of Information and Communication may, when a designated testing institution falls under any of the following subparagraphs, cancel the relevant designation or order a suspension of the testing service, in whole or in part, for a fixed period of not more than one year: Provided, That where it falls under subparagraph 1, its designation shall be cancelled:

 

1.When it has obtained a designation by deceit or other illegal means;

 

2.When it has failed to conduct the testing service without any justifiable reasons;

 

3.When it has conducted an inaccurate testing service by deliberation or gross negligence;

 

4.When it has refused, obstructed or evaded the inspection under paragraph (3) without any justifiable reasons, or flunked the inspection; and

 

5.When it has violated the Acts and subordinate statutes relating to telecommunications.

 

(5) Any person who intends to be designated as a testing institution under paragraph (1) and a person who undergoes the inspection under paragraph (3) shall pay fees under the conditions as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication.

 

(6) Matters necessary concerning the designation, management, testing standards, and supervision, etc. of any designated testing institution shall be determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication.

[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000]

 

Article 33-3 (Mutual Recognition of Type Approval between States)


(1) The Government may conclude an agreement with a foreign government on the mutual recognition of type approval of telecommunications equipment.

 

(2) Where the Government has concluded an agreement under paragraph (1), it may recognize the telecommunications equipment which have obtained an authentication of a foreign government same as or similar to the type approval under Article 33 as have been granted a type approval under Article 33, or make the designation of a foreign testing agency as a designated testing institution under Article 33-2 (1) the content of the relevant agreement.

 

(3) Where an agreement has been concluded with a foreign government on the mutual recognition of type approval of the telecommunications equipment under paragraph (1), the Minister of Information and Communication shall publicly announce its contents.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 34

 

  Deleted.   <by Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

Article 34-2 (Termination of Type Approval)

 

(1) When a person who has obtained the type approval of telecommunications equipment under Article 33 (1) intends to discontinue the manufacture, sale or import of the telecommunications equipment, he may make an application to the Minister of Information and Communication for a termination of the relevant type approval.

 

(2) Matters necessary for the application for a termination of the type approval under paragraph (1) shall be determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 35 (Cancellation, etc. of Type Approval)


(1) In case where a person who has obtained a type approval of the telecommunications equipments under Article 33 (1) falls under any of the following subparagraphs, the Minister of Information and Communication may cancel the relevant type approval, or suspend the manufacture of relevant products or take other necessary measures: <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

1.When he has obtained a type approval by deceit and other illegal means;

 

2.When the telecommunications equipments have come not to conform with the technical criteria under Article 33 (3); and

 

3.When the sign of type approval under Article 33 (4) is not marked, or a false sign is marked.

 

(2) Where a person who has obtained a type approval under Article 33 (1) comes to fall under paragraph (1) 1 or 3 and his type approval has thus been cancelled, he shall not file an application for the type approval of telecommunications equipments within the period as fixed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication within the scope of 6 months after from the day when type approval is cancelled. <Amended by Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

Article 36 (Follow-up Management)

 

(1) No person shall sell, or display for the purpose of selling, the telecommunications equipments for which a type approval under Article 33 (1) has not been obtained or other telecommunications equipments which are not marked with a sign of the type approval under Article 33 (4): Provided, That the same shall not apply to the telecommunications equipments for tests or research. <Amended by Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication may, in case where necessary to confirm whether the matters concerning a type approval of the telecommunications equipments are implemented, have the public officials belonging to him investigate or test the telecommunications equipments in the process of production, import or circulation. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>


(3) The Minister of Information and Communication may order a person who has manufactured, imported, sold or displayed with intention of sale the telecommunications equipments which have been sold or displayed with intention of sale in violation of paragraph (1), or the telecommunications equipments which have been found as the inferior goods upon the investigation or tests under paragraph (2), to destroy or recall the relevant telecommunications equipments, under the conditions as prescribed by the Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(4) The provisions of Article 25 (6) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the cases under paragraph (2). <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(5) Matters necessary for the procedures for and methods of the investigation or tests under paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

CHAPTER V KOREA COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

 

Article 37 (Establishment and Composition of Korea Communications Commission)

 

(1) In order to create an environment of fair competition in the telecommunications business, to make deliberations and decisions on matters related to the protection of the rights and interests of the users of telecommunications service, and to rule the disputes among the telecommunications business operators or between the telecommunications business operator and the users, the Korea Communications Commission shall be established under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000><Amended by Act No. 6823, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

(2) The Korea Communications Commission shall consist of not more than nine members including one chairman, and among the members, one shall be permanent. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>


(3) The members including the chairman shall be appointed or commissioned by the President, under the conditions as prescribed by the Presidential Decree.

 

(4) A secretariat shall be established under the jurisdiction of the Korea Communications Commission in order to manage the affairs of the Korea Communications Commission. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

Article 38 (Qualifications, etc. for Members)

 

 

(1) The qualifications for members shall be as follows: <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

1.A person who holds or has held a post of public officials higher than Grade III;

 

2.A person who serves or has served as a judge, prosecutor or attorney at law for not less than fifteen years;

 

3.A person who has majored in law, economics, business administration, electronic engineering, communications engineering, and other courses of study related to telecommunications, and who serves or has served in a position higher than an associate professorship at a university under the Higher Education Act or an approved research institution, or who serves or has served at a position equivalent to it for not less than ten years;

 

4.A person who has served as the representative of organizations or institutions, or as an officer of a company related to telecommunications for not less than ten years; and

 

5.A person who serves or has served in a position related to the protection of users of telecommunications service for not less than fifteen years.

 

(2) The tenure of office for the members who are not government officials shall be three years, but he may be reappointed.

 

Article 39 (Guarantee of Status of Members)


The members of the Korea Communications Commission shall not be dismissed or withdrawn from his commissioned post against his own will, except for the following cases:

 

1.Where he is sentenced to imprisonment without prison labor or heavier punishment; and

 

2.Where he becomes unable to perform the duties due to the mental and physical weakness for a long period.

 

Article 40 (Functions of Korea Communications Commission)

 

The Korea Communications Commission shall deliberate and decide on the matters falling under any of the following subparagraphs in accordance with the provisions of this Act and other laws and regulations, and make a ruling under Article 40-2: <Amended by Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000; Act No. 6602, Jan. 14, 2002> <Amended by Act No. 6823, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

1.Matters relating to the supply of the telecommunications facilities and equipment under Article 33-5 (3) of the Telecommunications Business Act, to a joint utilization of the subscriber’s lines under Article 33-6 (2) of the same Act, to a joint utilization of the radio communications facilities under Article 33-7 (3) of the same Act, to the interconnections of the telecommunications facilities under Article 34 (2) of the same Act, to a joint use, etc. of the telecommunications facilities and equipment under Article 34-3 (2) of the same Act, or to the standards for providing information under Article 34-4 (2) of the same Act;

 

2.Matters relating to the approval of criteria under Article 34-4 (4) of the Telecommunications Business Act;

 

3.Matters relating to the supply, joint utilization, interconnection or joint use, etc., of the telecommunications facilities and equipment, or the authorization or report of the agreement on supply of information under Article 34-6 of the Telecommunications Business Act;

 

4.Matters relating to the formulation and modification of a plan for the administration of telecommunications numbers under Article 36 (1) and (2) of the Telecommunications Business Act; <Deleted by Act No. 6823, Dec. 26, 2002>


6.Matters relating to the measures against prohibited acts under Article 37 (1) of the Telecommunications Business Act;

 

6-2. Matters relating to the imposition of fines for the acts prohibited under Article 37-2 (1) of the Telecommunications Business Act.

 

7.Matters concerning the performance of the prior selection systems of telecommunications business operators under Article 38-3 (4) of the Telecommunications Business Act, and those necessary for the designation of the prior selection registration center and the method of its business dispositions, etc.;

 

8.Matters concerning the plans for mobility of numbers of telecommunications under Article 38-4 (4) of the Telecommunications Business Act;

 

9.Matters prescribed by other Acts as the matters to be deliberated by the Korea Communications Commission; and

 

10.Other matters deemed by the Minister of Information and Communication to be in need of a deliberation by the Korea Communications Commission, in order to create an environment of fair competition of the telecommunications business and to protect the interest of the users of the telecommunications service. [This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 40-2 (Ruling by Korea Communications Commission)

 

(1) The telecommunications business operators or users may make an application to the Korea Communications Commission for a ruling, in case where an agreement between the parties has not been reached, or they are unable to make an agreement on the matters falling under any of the following subparagraphs: <Amended by Act No. 6602, Jan. 14, 2002>

 

1.Compensation for damages under Article 33-2 of the Telecommunications Business Act, or compensation for actual expenses under Article 46;


2.The supply of telecommunications facilities and equipment under Article 33-5 (1) and (2) of the Telecommunications Business Act, the joint utilization of the radio communications facilities under Article 33-7 (1) and (2) of the same Act, the interconnection under Article 34 (1), the joint use, etc. under Article 34-3 (1), or the conclusion of an agreement on supply, etc. of information under Article 34-4 (1);

 

3.The supply of telecommunications facilities and equipment under Article 33-5 (1) and (2) of the Telecommunications Business Act, the joint utilization of the radio communications facilities under Article 33-7 (1) and (2) of the same Act, the interconnection under Article 34 (1), the joint use, etc. under Article 34-3 (1), or the implementation of an agreement on supply, etc. of information under Article 34-4 (1) or a compensation for damages; and

 

4.Other disputes related to the telecommunications business, or other matters prescribed by other Acts as the matters to be ruled by the Korea Communications Commission.

 

(2) The Korea Communications Commission shall, upon receipt of an application for ruling under paragraph (1), notify the other party of the relevant fact, and provide him with an opportunity to state an opinion with fixing a period: Provided, That this shall not apply in case where the interested parties fail to comply to it without any justifiable reasons.

 

(3) The Korea Communications Commission shall, in case where it makes a ruling on the application for ruling under paragraph (1), forward the document of such ruling to the parties concerned without delay.

 

(4) When the Korea Communications Commission makes a ruling, and where a lawsuit has not been initiated or it has been withdrawn concerning the content of the relevant ruling, within sixty days from the date when the authentic copy of the document of ruling is served to the parties concerned, an agreement which is identical with the content of the relevant ruling is deemed to have been reached between the parties concerned.

 

(5) A person who is dissatisfied with the amount which shall be paid or received by the parties concerned from among the rulings of the Korea Communications Commissiion, may request an increase or decrease of the relevant amount by a lawsuit, within sixty days from the date when he has been served with the written ruling.

 

(6) In the lawsuit under paragraph (5), the other party shall be the defendant.


[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 40-3 (Good Offices of Disputes)

 

The Korea Communications Commission may, in case where deemed inadequate to make a ruling or when necessary, upon receipt of an application for ruling under Article 40-2 (1), set up the subcommission by cases of dispute, and offer its good offices thereon.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 41 (Quorum of Voting)

 

The deliberation of the Korea Communications Commission shall be decided by a majority of registered members.

 

Article 42 (Exclusion, Avoidance, Refrainment of Members)

 

(1) Any member of the Korea Communications Commission shall, where he falls under any of the following subparagraphs, be excluded from the deliberation and resolution of a relevant case:

 

1.Where he or his spouse or his former spouse is a party to the relevant case, or in a relationship of a co-creditor or a liable person with regard to the relevant case;

 

2.Where he is or has been in a kinship with a party to the relevant case;

 

3.Where he or a corporation whereto he belongs serves as a consultant or an advisor on the legal and management affairs, etc. of a party concerned;

 

4.Where he or a corporation whereto he belongs testifies or appraises; and

 

5.Where he or a corporation whereto he belongs intervenes or has intervened as an agent for a party concerned.


(2) A party concerned may, when the situation exists that makes it difficult to expect a fair deliberation or resolution, file an application for the avoidance. In this case, the Korea Communications Commission shall decide on it by a resolution.

 

(3) A member falling under the causes of paragraph (1) or (2) may refrain by himself from the deliberation or resolution of a relevant case.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000]

 

Article 43 (Investigation and Listening to Opinions, etc.)

 

The Korea Communications Commission may, in case where deemed necessary to deal with a case for ruling, carry out the acts falling under any of the following subparagraphs, upon a request from a party concerned or ex officio:

 

1.A request for the presence of a party concerned or a relevant witness, and listening to his opinions;

 

2.A request to an appraiser for an appraisal;

 

3.A request for the furnishing of any document or articles related to a case of dispute, and the provisional holding of furnished document or articles; and

 

4.An act of letting civil servants belonging to the Korea Communications Commission enter the business place of a party concerned and other places related to the case of dispute to examine and peruse the documents or articles, or copy such documents. [This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000]

 

Article 44 (Operation, etc. of Korea Communications Commission)

 

Matters necessary for the organization, operation, etc. of the Korea Communications Commission other than those stipulated in this Act shall be prescribed by the Presidential Decree.

 

Article 44-2 (Information and Communications Policy Deliberation Council)


(1) In order to deliberate on the major policies related to the information and communications falling under any of the following subparagraphs, the Information and Communications Policy Deliberation Council shall be established under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Information and Communication:

 

1.Basic plans for telecommunications under Article 5;

 

2.Enforcement plan for technology promotion under Article 8;

 

3.Permission for the key communications service under Article 5 (1) of the Telecommunications Business Act;

 

4.Principal policies related to the information and communications industry; and

 

5.Other matters recognized by the Minister of Information and Communication to require the deliberation by the Information and Communications Policy Deliberation Council.

 

(2) Matters necessary for the composition and operation of the Information and Communication Policy Deliberation Council under paragraph (1) shall be determined by the Presidential Decree. [This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

CHAPTER V-2

 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS DISASTERS <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6823, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

Article 44-3 (Establishment of Basic Plan on Telecommunications Disasters Management)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication shall establish a basic plan on telecommunications disasters management (hereinafter referred to as the “Basic Plan”) to prevent disasters under the Disaster Management Act, calamities under the Act on Natural Disaster Countermeasures and any physical and technical defects (the “Telecommunications


Disasters”) related to telecommunication services of telecommunication service providers (the “Primary Telecommunication Service Providers”) as set forth in the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication, and to control and recover from such a Telecommunications Disaster rapidly. The Basic Plan shall be considered to be a plan for telecommunications under the National Disaster Management Plan in Article 12 of the Disaster Management Act and under the Basic Disaster Management Plan in Article 16 of the Act on Natural Disaster Countermeasures.

 

(2) The Basic Plan shall include the following matters:

 

  1.   Designation and management of telecommunications equipments and installation areas with high risks of Telecommunication Disasters or need for constant management to prevent Telecommunications Disasters;

 

  2.   The following matters required to prepare for Telecommunications Disasters:

 

  A.   Circuitous routes of telecommunications,

 

  B.   Organization of an information system to operate multi-telecommunications circuit equipments, and

 

  C.   Other supplies for damage recovery

 

  3.   Other matters recognized to be required for Telecommunication Disaster management

 

(3) Before the establishment of the Basic Plan set forth in the previous paragraph, the Minister of Information and Communication shall formulate guidelines on the establishment of the Basic Plan and give Primary Telecommunication Service Providers notice of such guidelines.

 

(4) Primary Telecommunication Service Providers shall formulate plans on Telecommunications Disasters Management in accordance with the guideline under the previous Paragraph and submit the plans to the Minister of Information and Communication.

 

(5) The Minister of Information and Communication shall put all the basic management plans of Telecommunications Disasters together submitted by Primary Telecommunication Service Providers under the previous paragraph, and formulate a Basic Plan. Such Basic Plan shall be confirmed after the review of the Telecommunication Disaster Management Committee under Article 44-5.

 

(6) The Minister of Information and Communication shall give a notice to Primary Telecommunication Service Providers on the matters concerning Primary Telecommunication


Service Providers in the basic plan confirmed under the previous Paragraph.

 

(7) The detailed matters required to establish the Basic Plan shall be set forth by a Presidential decree.

 

(8) Paragraphs from (3) to (7) shall apply to changing the Basic Plan.

 

Article 44-4 (Provisions for Telecommunications Disasters)

 

(1) If any telecommunications disaster occurs or it is clear that such a disaster will occur, the Minister of Information and Communication may allow a telecommunication service provider to integrate the operations of the telecommunications equipments with the operations of the equipments of the other telecommunication service provider or a private telecommunication equipment owner to facilitate restoration of communications in the affected area.

 

(2) If the operations of the telecommunication equipment is integrated under the previous Paragraph and the operating expenses incurred is reimbursed, Article 22-3 shall apply.

 

(3) Any matters required to integrate operations of such telecommunication equipments under Paragraph (1) shall be set forth under an Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication.

 

Article 44-5 (Telecommunication Disaster Management Committee)

 

(1) The Ministry of Information and Communication shall have the Telecommunication Disaster Management Committee to review matters related to managing telecommunication disasters.

 

(2) The Telecommunication Disaster Management Committee shall consist of 15 or less members including one Chairman.

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication shall be the Chairman and the Vice Ministers of concerned central governmental agencies as set forth under a Presidential decree,


and the persons appointed by the Chairman among the following shall be the members:

 

  1.   Representatives of Primary Telecommunication Service Providers,

 

  2.   Presidents of organizations of telecommunication service carriers, and

 

  3.   Persons of learning and experience on telecommunication disaster management.

 

(4) To effectively operate the Telecommunication Disaster Management Committee, the Committee shall have an Executive Committee.

 

(5) Any matters related to the organization and operation of the Telecommunication Disaster Management Committee and the Executive Committee shall be set forth under a Presidential decree.

 

Article 44-6 (Functions of the Telecommunication Disaster Management Committee)

 

The Telecommunication Disaster Management Committee shall review the following matters:

 

1. Fundamental directions of Telecommunication Disaster Management,

 

2. The Basic Plan, and

 

3. Other policy-making matters related to Telecommunications Disasters that the Chairman shall submit to the Committee.

 

Article 44-7 (Report of Telecommunications Disasters)

 

If any Telecommunication Disaster occurs related to their telecommunication services, the Primary Telecommunication Service Providers shall promptly report the situation, causes, temporary measures and recovery plans to the Minister of Information and Communication.

 

Article 44-8 (Telecommunication Disaster Prevention and Countermeasures Headquarters)


(1) The Minister of Information and Communication shall establish and operate Telecommunication Disaster Prevention and Countermeasures Headquarters (the “TDPCH”) if such a Telecommunication Disaster brings broad and heavy damages and the government’s comprehensive countermeasures are required.

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication shall be the head of the TDPCH.

 

(3) The matters required to constitute and operate the Countermeasures Headquarters shall be set forth under a Presidential decree.

 

(4) Primary Telecommunication Service Providers shall report the progresses of Telecommunications Disaster recovery as set forth under an Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication to the TDPCH.

 

CHAPTER VI SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS

 

Article 45 (Report, Inspection, etc.)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication may have, when the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication so determines, the installer of the telecommunications facilities and equipment report on the relevant facilities, the government officials belonging to him enter the relevant office, business office, factory or business place and inspect the status of facilities, account books or documents, etc. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication may, where there exists a person who has installed the telecommunications facilities and equipment in violation of this Act, order him to remove the relevant facilities and take other necessary measures. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(3) The provisions of Article 25 (6) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the cases under paragraph (1). <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>


Article 45-2 (Hearing)

 

The Minister of Information and Communication shall, in case where he intends to make a disposition falling under any of the following subparagraphs, hold a hearing: <Amended by Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

1.Cancellation of a designation under Article 33-2 (4); and

 

2.Cancellation of a type approval under Article 35 (1).

[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 5453, Dec. 13, 1997]

 

Article 46 (Delegation and Entrustment of Authority)

 

(1) Part of the authority of the Minister of Information and Communication under this Act may be delegated to the head of Communications Office or of the Radio Research Laboratory, under the conditions as prescribed by the Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication may commission the tasks under Article 29 to the Association, under the conditions as prescribed by the Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

CHAPTER VII PENAL PROVISIONS

 

Article 47 (Penal Provisions)

 

(1) A person who has publicly made a false communication over the telecommunications facilities and equipment for the purpose of harming the public interest shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than five years or by a fine not exceeding fifty million won.


<Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(2) A person who has publicly made a false communication over the telecommunications facilities and equipment for the purpose of benefiting oneself or the third party or inflicting damages on the third party shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than three years or by a fine not exceeding thirty million won. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(3) In case where the false communication under paragraph (2) is of a telegraphic remittance, it shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than five years or by a fine not exceeding fifty million won. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(4) When a person engaged in the telecommunications business commits the act under paragraph (1) or (3), he shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than ten years or by a fine not exceeding 100 million won, and in case of committing the act under paragraph (2), he shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than five years or by a fine not exceeding fifty million won. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

Article 48 (Penal Provisions)

 

A person who has produced, sold, or imported the telecommunications equipment without obtaining type approval, in violation of Article 33 (1), shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than three years or by a fine not exceeding thirty million won. [This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 48-2

 

Deleted. <by Act No. 6360, Jan. 16, 2001>

 

Article 49 (Penal Provisions)

 

A person who falls under any of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than one year or by a fine not exceeding ten million won:

 

1.A person who has installed or modified the telecommunications facilities and equipment


without making a report under the text of Article 17 (1), or who has installed the telecommunications facilities and equipment without obtaining an approval under the proviso of the same Article and same paragraph;

 

2.A person who has installed the private telecommunications facilities and equipment without making a report or modified report under Article 20 (1);

 

3.A person who has intermediated other person’s communications by utilizing the private telecommunications facilities and equipment under Article 21 (1), or who has operated them in a manner contrary to the installation purposes;

 

4.A person who has violated an order to provide telecommunications services or other important communication services, or to interconnect the relevant facilities and equipment with other telecommunications facilities and equipment under Article 22 (1);

 

5.A person who has violated an order to suspend the use under Article 23 (2), or an order to suspend their use, to renovate, or to repair under paragraph (3) of the same Article;

 

6.A person who has displayed the telecommunications equipments with intention of sale without obtaining type approval under Article 33 (1);

 

7.A person who has violated an order to suspend production under Article 35 (1);

 

8.A person who has violated an order to destroy or recall under Article 36 (3); and

 

9.A person who has violated an order to remove telecommunications facilities under Article 45 (2). [This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 6602, Jan. 14, 2002]

 

Article 50

 

Deleted. <by Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

Article 51 (Joint Penal Provisions)


When the representative of a juristic person, or an agent, employee or any other employed of the juristic person or of an individual commits violations of Articles 48, 48-2 and 49 concerning the business of the relevant juristic person or individual, the relevant juristic person or individual shall be punished by a fine as stipulated under the corresponding Articles, in addition to the punishment of the violator. <Amended by Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

Article 52 (Legal Fiction of Government Officials in Application of Penal Provisions)

 

Members of the Korea Communications Commission who are not public officials, from among the members of the said Committee, a person who carries out a performance test under Article 33-2 (1), and a person who deals with the entrusted business under Articles 46 (2), shall be deemed the public officials in the application of Articles 129 through 132 of the Criminal Act. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

Article 53 (Fine for Negligence)

 

(1) A person falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by a fine for negligence not exceeding ten million won: <Amended by Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000; Act No. 6602, Jan. 14, 2002> <Amended by Act No. 6823, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

1.A person who has used the private telecommunications facilities and equipment without obtaining a confirmation, in contravention of Article 20 (3);

 

2.A person who has failed to conduct the testing under Article 25 (2) or to record and manage its results;

 

3.A person who has committed the act of refusing, evading or obstructing the inspection and the testing under Article 25 (5);

 

4.A person who has managed the telecommunications facilities and equipment without setting forth the management regulations under Article 26 (1);


5.A person who has violated the orders under Article 27;

 

6.A person who has sold the telecommunications equipments, or displayed them with intention of sale, without making any indication of type approval, in violation of Article 33 (4);

 

7.A person who has produced or imported the telecommunications equipments which were judged as inferior goods by the investigation or test under Article 36 (2), or who has sold them or displayed them with intention of sale while being aware that they were judged as inferior goods;

 

8.A person who has refused, obstructed or evaded the inspection and testing under Article 36 (2);

 

9. A person who has not submitted the management plans of telecommunications disasters under Article 44-3(4);

 

10. A person who has not reported the telecommunication disaster under Article 44-7 or made a false report thereon;

 

11. A person who has not reported the progresses of telecommunications disaster recovery, etc. under Article 44-8 (4) or made a false report thereon;

 

12. A person who has failed to file a report under Article 45 (1), or filed a false report; and

 

13. A person who has refused, obstructed or evaded the inspection under Article 45 (1).

 

(2) The fine for negligence under paragraph (1) shall be imposed and collected by the Minister of Information and Communication, under the conditions as prescribed by the Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(3) A person who does not accede to a disposition of fine for negligence under paragraph (2) may raise an objection to the Minister of Information and Communication within 30 days from the date of notification of such disposition. <Amended by Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(4) When the person notified of a disposition of fine for negligence under paragraph (2) raises an objection under paragraph (3), the Minister of Information and Communication shall notify without delay the competent court thereof, and the court so notified shall make judgements of a fine for negligence based on the Non-Contentious Case Litigation Procedure Act. <Amended by


Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(5) In case where neither an objection to nor the payment of the fine for negligence within the period specified under paragraph (3) is made, it shall be collected pursuant to the example of the disposition on the national taxes in arrears.

 

ADDENDA

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force four months after its promulgation.

 

Article 2 (Transitional Measures on Confirmation of Technical Criteria Suitability)

 

The person who installed the telecommunications line facilities and equipment and ran the public telecommunications business, at the time of implementation of this Act, shall obtain confirmation from the Minister of Information and Communication as stipulated under Article 25 (2), on the telecommunications facilities and equipment already installed within one year from the effective date of this Act.

 

Article 3 (Transitional Measures on Management Rules)

 

The person who installed the telecommunications line facilities and equipment and ran the public telecommunications business, at the time of implementation of this Act, shall make the management rules pursuant to Article 26 and report to the Minister of Information and Communication within one year from the time when this Act enters into force.

 

Article 4 (Transitional Measures on Type Approval)

 

The telecommunications equipments that already obtained the type approval under above Article


30 (1), at the time of implementation of this Act, shall be presumed to have obtained the type approval from the Minister of Information and Communication pursuant to Article 33 (1), and the valid period shall be presumed to have been renewed pursuant to Article 34 (1) at the time when this Act enters into force.

 

Article 5 (Transitional Measures on Association)

 

(1) The incorporated juristic person, Korea Telecommunications Technology Association established pursuant to Article 32 of the Civil Act (hereinafter referred to as the “juristic person”), at the time when this Act enters into force, may apply for the approval from the Minister of Information and Communication in order that the Association to be established pursuant to Article 30 of this Act may succeed all rights and duties of the foundation, through resolutions of the board of directors thereof.

 

(2) The juristic person which obtained the approval through application, pursuant to the above paragraph (1), shall be presumed to be dissolved in spite of the provisions concerning dissolution and liquidation of a juristic person in the Civil Act, simultaneously with establishment of the Association under this Act, and the Association to be established pursuant to this Act shall succeed all rights and duties that belonged to the foundation.

 

Article 6 (Transitional Measures on Approval, etc.)

 

In case where there exist corresponding provisions in this Act, apart from Articles 2 and 4 of the Addenda, to those approval, license, measures, orders, application, etc., pursuant to the former provisions, at the time when this Act enters into force, then these shall be presumed to have been made pursuant to this Act.

 

Article 7

 

Omitted.


ADDENDA <Act No. 4528, Dec. 8, 1992>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force six moths after the date of its promulgation.

 

Articles 2 through 11

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 4541, Mar. 6, 1993>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force on the day of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)

 

Articles 2 through 5

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 4905, Jan. 5, 1995>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force three moths after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the preparatory works for enforcement of Article 2 (1) of the Addenda may be initiated even before the enforcement date of this Act.


Article 2 (Transitional Measures, etc. on Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute)

 

(1) When the foundational juristic person, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute established under an approval of the Minister of Information and Communication pursuant to Article 32 of the Civil Act at the time when this Act entered into force, obtains an approval from the Minister of Information and Communication on a succession of its status via the resolution of the board of directors, it shall be considered as the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute established under the amendment to Article 15-2 (hereinafter referred to as the “Research Institute”).

 

(2) When the foundational juristic person, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute obtains an approval under paragraph (1), it shall without delay file a registration of incorporation for the research institute. In this case, the foundational juristic person, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, shall be considered to have been dissolved.

 

(3) In a case of paragraph (1), all properties, rights and duties of the foundational juristic person, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, shall be presumed to belong to the Research Institute, and the title of the foundational juristic person, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute on the register and public books, etc. related to its property, rights and duties shall be considered as that of the Research Institute.

 

(4) The value of property which is considered as that of the Research Institute under paragraph (3), shall be calculated according to a book value, based on the prior date of the registration of incorporation under paragraph (2).

 

(5) In a case of paragraph (1), the activities done before the enforcement of this Act by the foundational juristic person, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, shall be presumed to have been done by the Research Institute under this Act, and the activities done before the enforcement of this Act against the foundational juristic person, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, shall be presumed to have been done against the Research Institute under this Act.

 

(6) In a case of paragraph (1), the officers and employees of the foundational juristic person, the


Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute at the time when this Act enters into force, shall be presumed to have been elected or appointed to the positions of the Research Institute. In this case, the tenure of office for officers shall be reckoned from the date elected as an officer of the foundational juristic person, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute.

 

Article 3 (Transitional Measures on Supply Agreements of Telecommunications Facilities and Equipment)

 

The approval of supply agreements of the telecommunications facilities and equipment, obtained pursuant to former Article 18 at the time when this Act enters into force, shall be presumed as the report done pursuant to the amended provisions of Article 18.

 

Article 4 (Transitional Measures on Valid Period of Type Approval)

 

The valid period of the telecommunications facilities and equipment, the type approval of which were obtained pursuant to Article 33, prior to enforcement of this Act, but the valid period thereof has not been expired, shall be regulated pursuant to the amended provisions of Article 34, In this case, the valid period shall be reckoned from the type approval date obtained.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 5219, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force one month after the date of its promulgation.

 

Article 2 (Transitional Measures on Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, etc.)

 

(1) The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, under the previous provisions at


the time when this Act enters into force, shall be deemed the research institute established pursuant to the amended provisions of Article 15-2.

 

(2) The Korea Telecommunications Technology Association under the previous provisions at the time when this act enters into force shall be deemed the Association established pursuant to the amended provisions of Article 30.

 

Article 3 (Transitional Measures on Installation of Private Telecommunications Facilities and Equipment)

 

The person who has obtained the permission of installation or permission of modified installation of the private telecommunications facilities and equipment, pursuant to the previous provisions at the time when this Act enters into force, shall be deemed to have made a report to the relevant authority pursuant to the amended provisions of Article 20 (1).

 

Article 4

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force on January 1, 1998.

 

Articles 2 through 8

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 5386, Aug. 28, 1997>


Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force on January 1, 1998. (Proviso Omitted.)

 

Articles 2 through 8

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 5453, Dec. 13, 1997>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force on January 1, 1998. (Proviso Omitted.)

 

Article 2

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDUM <Act No. 5454, Dec. 13, 1997>

 

This Act shall enter into force on January 1, 1998. (Proviso Omitted.)

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 5733, Jan. 29, 1999>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.


Articles 2 through 11

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 6231, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

(1) (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.

 

(2) (Transitional Measures concerning Penal Provisions) In the application of the penal provisions to any act committed prior to the enforcement of this Act, the previous provisions shall govern.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 6360, Jan. 16, 2001>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force on July 1, 2001.

 

Articles 2 through 6

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 6602, Jan. 14, 2002>

 

(1) (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force on July 1, 2002.

 

(2) (Transitional Measures concerning Penal Provisions) In the application of the penal


provisions to any act committed prior to the enforcement of this Act, the previous provisions shall govern.

 

(3) Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 6656, Feb. 4, 2002>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force on January 1, 2003.

 

Articles 2 through 12

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 6823, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.

EX-10.5 10 dex105.htm ENFORCEMENT DECREE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BASIC LAW (TRANSLATION) Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Basic Law (translation)

EXHIBIT 10.5

 

ENFORCEMENT DECREE OF THE FRAMEWORK ACT ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS

 

Wholly amended By

  

1991·12·31

  

Presidential Decree No. 13557

Amended By

  

1994· 4·30

  

Presidential Decree No. 14226

Amended By

  

1995· 4· 6  

  

Presidential Decree No. 14571

Amended By

  

1997· 2·22

  

Presidential Decree No. 15282

Amended By

  

1997·12·31

  

Presidential Decree No. 15598

Amended By

  

1998· 6·24

  

Presidential Decree No. 15817

Amended By

  

1999· 1·29

  

Presidential Decree No. 16093

Amended By

  

2000· 4·29

  

Presidential Decree No. 16797

Amended By

  

2002· 6·29

  

Presidential Decree No. 17659

Amended By

  

2003· 6·5  

  

Presidential Decree No. 17989

 

CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Article 1 (Purpose)

 

The purpose of this Decree is to provide matters delegated under the Framework Act on Telecommunications (hereinafter referred to as the “Act”) and matters necessary for its enforcement.

 

Article 2 (Definitions)

 

The definitions of terms used in this Decree shall be in accordance with the Act.


CHAPTER II PROMOTION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

 

Article 3

 

Deleted. <by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997>

 

Article 4 (Financial Support for Research Institute, etc.)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication may appropriate into the budget the required funds for the financial support under Article 10 (2) of the Act and for subsidies of research funds under Article 11 (2) of the Act. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14571, Apr. 6, 1995>

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication shall determine detailed matters necessary for the method and procedure of financial support and performance of research tasks. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14571, Apr. 6, 1995>

 

Article 5 (Research Institute, etc. Subject to Guidance and Fostering and Method of Guidance and Fostering)

 

(1) The research institutes, etc. which the Minister of Information and Communication guides and fosters under Article 10 (4) of the Act are: <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14571, Apr. 6, 1995; Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997; Presidential Decree No. 16093, Jan. 29, 1999>

 

1.The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute established under Article 8 of the Act on the Establishment, Operation and Fosterage of Government-Invested Research Institutions, etc.;

 

2.Research institutes established for the purpose of conducting researches on telecommunications and designated by the Minister of Information and


Communication;

 

3.An institute or an organization which carries out researches, developments, education, or training in telecommunications; and

 

4.A corporation or an organization which is engaged in collecting, analyzing, and publicizing information on telecommunications.

 

(2) Methods of the guidance and fostering concerning research institutes, etc. under paragraph (1) shall be as follows:

 

1.Financial support for the ground research and performance of special tasks in the field of telecommunications;

 

2.Support of the education and training in order to foster skilled technicians in the field of telecommunications;

 

3.Supply of technological information on telecommunications; and

 

4.Support for cooperations with other institutes, organizations, or international bodies.

 

(3) The following funds shall be given to the institutes mentioned in paragraph (1) 1 and 2:

 

1.Research and development funds for telecommunications technology and policy on telecommunications;

 

2.Construction expenses for facilities, etc. necessary for research and development; and

 

3.Expenses for the management of other research institutes.

 

Article 6 (Selection of Research Tasks)


The Minister of Information and Communication may select, under Article 11 (2) of the Act, the following research tasks: <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14571, Apr. 6, 1995; Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997>

 

1.Matters of the basic research relating to telecommunications;

 

2.Matters concerning the research and development of a new telecommunications method or of technology;

 

3.Matters concerning the technical improvement on telecommunications equipment; and

 

4.Other matters necessary for the security of the core telecommunications technology.

 

Article 7 (Designation of Researcher)

 

The Minister of Information and Communication designates, under Article 11 (2) of the Act, a person who will work on the research task in accordance with the following order: <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14571, Apr. 6, 1995>

 

1.A proposer of research tasks concerned; and

 

2.A person who has successfully carried out a research dealing with similar subject matters to the research tasks concerned.

 

Article 8 (Joint Research, etc.)

 

The Minister of Information and Communication may allow the designated person under Article 7 to work jointly on the research tasks under Article 6, if it is deemed specially necessary to do so. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14571, Apr. 6, 1995>


Article 9 (Contents of Technical Guidance, etc.)

 

(1) The subject matters and contents for technical guidance conducted by the Minister of Information and Communication under Article 13 (2) of the Act shall be as follows: <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14571, Apr. 6, 1995; Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997>

 

1.Matters concerning the application of technical standards of telecommunications equipment;

 

2.Matters concerning the adoption, practical application and development of a new telecommunications method and technology;

 

3.Matters concerning the improvement of production technology of telecommunications equipment;

 

4.Matters concerning the improvement of functions and special features of telecommunications equipment; and

 

5.Matters concerning the standard construction method applied to the installation and maintenance of telecommunications facilities.

 

(2) Methods of the technical guidance carried by the Minister of Information and Communication for the person subject to the technical guidance shall be as follows: <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14571, Apr. 6, 1995>

 

1.Guidance concerning the quality assurance of telecommunications equipment;

 

2.Supply of technical information;

 

3.Support for technical training and overseas technical cooperation; and

 

4.Transfer of technology.


CHAPTER III TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES

 

Article 10 (Selection of Specialized Agency for Data Survey)

 

(1) When the Minister of Information and Communication intends to have a specialized agency in the field of telecommunications conduct data survey necessary for consultation among the key communications business operators regarding joint installation of telecommunications facilities under the provisions of Article 18 (3) of the Act, he shall select an agency recognized as having speciality with regard to the relevant survey and being capable of ensuring impartiality and objectiveness and have such agency conduct it.

 

(2) When the Minister of Information and Communication selects a specialized agency to conduct data survey as provided for in paragraph (1), he shall inform the key communications business operators concerned thereof.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 17659, Jun. 29, 2002]

 

Articles 11 through 13

 

Deleted. <by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997>

 

Article 14 (Report of Private Telecommunications Facilities)

 

(1) A person who intends to install private telecommunications facilities under Article 20 of the Act shall submit a report specifying the following contents to the Minister of Information and Communication in accordance with the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication not later than twenty-one days prior to the beginning date of installation work for such facilities: <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997; Presidential Decree No. 16797, Apr. 29, 2000; Presidential Decree No. 17659, Jun. 29,


2002>

 

1.Reporter;

 

2.Type of business;

 

3.Purpose of business;

 

4.Telecommunications method;

 

5.Installation place of facilities;

 

6.Outline of the installation; and

 

7.(Expected) Date of the facilities’use.

 

(2) “Matters specified by the Presidential Decree” in the latter part of Article 20 (1) of the Act means matters in paragraph (1) 2 through 6 inclusive.

 

(3) If a person, who has made a report on installation of private telecommunications facilities, intends to alter the matters stipulated in paragraph (2), he shall file with the Minister of Information and Communication a report on alteration stating the matters he intends to alter not later than twenty-one days (beginning date of the relevant alteration work in case where intending to alter the facilities falling under paragraph (1) 4 through 6) prior to the relevant beginning date of alteration. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997; Presidential Decree No. 16797, Apr. 29, 2000; Presidential Decree No. 17659, Jun. 29, 2002>

 

(4) Deleted. <by Presidential Decree No. 16797, Apr. 29, 2000>

[This Article Wholly Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14571, Apr. 6, 1995]

 

Article 15 (Confirmation on Construction Work, etc. for Installation)


(1) A person who has made installation or modification report on private telecommunications facilities under Article 20 (3) of the Act shall be confirmed by the Minister of Information and Communication within seven days after the construction work for the installation of facilities and modification is completed. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14571, Apr. 6, 1995; Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997>

 

(2) A person who intends to be confirmed by the Minister of Information and Communication under paragraph (1) shall confirm whether it has been executed properly meeting the following requirements and shall submit the results to the Minister of Information and Communication: <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997>

 

1.Technical criteria referred to in Article 25 (1) of the Act; and

 

2.Contents of the design documents referred to in Article 25 (3) of the Act.

 

Articles 16 and 17

 

Deleted. <by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997>

 

Article 18

 

Deleted. <by Presidential Decree No. 14571, Apr. 6, 1995>

 

Article 19 (Supply of Private Telecommunications Facilities)

 

(1) A person who has installed the private telecommunications facilities may supply them for the facilities-based telecommunications service provider where there are the unused telecommunications facilities in excess of the capacity necessary for his employment of telecommunication from among the private telecommunications facilities installed where the facilities-based telecommunications service provider asked to install pursuant to Article 21 (2) of the Act.


(2) The consideration for supply where the private telecommunications facilities are supplied for the facilities-based telecommunications service provider pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be in accordance with the criteria announced publicly by the Minister of Information and Communication within the limit of the amount which adds the amount of investment and repair to the expenses required for the network and operation of the private telecommunications facilities concerned.

[This Article Wholly Amended by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997]

 

Article 19-2

 

Deleted. <by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997>

 

Article 19-3 (Facilities Subject to Securing Pipeline)

 

The term “other facilities or housing sites as determined by the Presidential Decree” in Article 30-2 (1) 8 of the Act means the facilities, etc. of falling under any of the following subparagraphs: <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 15817, Jun. 24, 1998; Presidential Decree No. 16797, Apr. 29, 2000; Presidential Decree No. 17659, Jun. 29, 2002>

 

1.Passenger automobile terminals under the Passenger Automobile Transport Business Act;

 

2.Freight terminals under the Goods Distribution Promotion Act;

 

3.Complexes for the cooperating business of small and medium enterprises created under the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises and Encouragement of Purchase of Their Products Act;

 

4.Distribution complexes developed under the Promotion of Distribution Complex Development Act;


5.Tourist resorts or sightseeing complexes created under the Tourism Promotion Act; and

 

6.Sewer box culvert under the Sewerage Act.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997]

 

Article 19-4 (Conciliation on Rights of Way)

 

(1) Where the Minister of Information and Communication is asked for conciliation referred to in Article 30-2 (5) of the Act and prepares a draft conciliation, he shall be advised by the head of the related administrative agency and the parties.

 

(2) Where the Minister of Information and Communication prepares a draft conciliation referred to in paragraph (1), he shall notify it to the parties and may recommend an acceptance by specifying a period of not less than 30 days.

 

(3) Where the draft conciliation referred to in paragraph (2) is accepted by the parties concerned, the Minister of Information and Communication shall prepare a draft conciliation containing matters falling under the following subparagraphs and have the parties concerned sign and seal it:

 

1.Case number;

 

2.Names and addresses of parties, appointed parties or agents;

 

3.Purport of request for conciliation;

 

4.Conciliation provisions; and

 

5.Date of preparation.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997]


Article 19-5 (Selection of Operators of Integrated Operation Communication Service)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, where he intends to select operators of key communication business who are able to operate telecommunication facilities and equipment, etc. in an integrated manner under Article 31 (1) of the Act, examine matters falling under each of the following subparagraphs and select such operators from among the operators of key communication business who render the telecommunications service in areas or their adjacent areas where telecommunications facilities and equipment subject to the integrated operation are installed:

 

1.Manpower and organizations of the operators of key communication business;

 

2.Facilities and equipment in possession of the operators of key communication business;

 

3.Technical levels of the operators of key communication business; and

 

4.Financial structures of the operators of key communication business.

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, where he intends to select operators of integrated operation communication business in accordance with Article 31 (1) of the Act, go through in advance deliberation of the Information and Communications Policy Deliberation Council (hereinafter referred to as the “Council”) pursuant to Article 44-2 (1) of the Act.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 16797, Apr. 29, 2000]

 

Article 20 (Matters to be Included in Integrated Operation Plan)

 

“Other matters prescribed by the Presidential Decree” in Article 31 (3) 3 of the Act means matters falling under the following subparagraphs:

 

1.Matters concerning charge for integrated telecommunications facilities; and


2.Matters concerning workers who operated integrated telecommunications facilities.

 

Article 21 (Purchase of Telecommunications Facilities, etc.)

 

(1) Sale price of telecommunications facilities, etc. under Article 32 (2) of the Act is calculated by an appraisal of certified public appraisers under the Public Notice of Values and Appraisal of Lands, etc. Act: Provided, That if it is difficult for certified public appraisers to appraise the telecommunications facilities, selling price may be calculated through the consultation between parties concerned.

 

(2) Purchase procedure of telecommunications facilities and payment method of sale price under Article 32 (2) of the Act are decided by virtue of the consultation between parties concerned.

 

CHAPTER IV MANAGEMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

 

Article 22

 

Deleted. <by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997>

 

Article 23

 

Deleted. <by Presidential Decree No. 14571, Apr. 6, 1995>

 

Article 24

 

Deleted. <by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997>


Article 25 (Disposal and Collection of Telecommunications Equipment)

 

An order of the Minister of Information and Communication for the disposal or collection of telecommunications equipment under Article 36 (3) of the Act shall be made in writing and the reason and period for the disposal or collection shall be specified. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14571, Apr. 6, 1995>

 

CHAPTER V KOREA COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

 

Article 26 (Designation of Officials, etc.)

 

Officials including the chairman of the Korea Communications Commission under Article 37 (1) of the Act (hereinafter referred to as “Korea Communications Commission”) shall be appointed or commissioned by the President after seconded by the Minister of Information and Communication. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14571, Apr. 6, 1995>

 

Article 27 (Management, etc. of Meeting)

 

(1) A chairman of the Korea Communications Commission shall convene a meeting of the Commission and preside over the meeting.

 

(2) When the chairman of the Korea Communications Commission intends to convene the meeting, he shall fix date, place, and matters to be presented in the meeting and notify thereof in writing to each official by seven days before the fixed date for the meeting: Provided, That this shall not apply to an urgent matter.

 

(3) The Korea Communications Commission may allow interested parties or witnesses to present the meeting and state their opinions or submit necessary


information.

 

(4) Witnesses presented in the meeting under paragraph (3) may be supplied with traveling expenses within the scope of budget.

 

Article 28 (Payment of Allowance, etc.)

 

For officials of the Korea Communications Commission, allowance within the scope of budget may be paid: Provided, That this shall not apply in case where a commissioner, who is a public official, presents himself in the meeting directly in relation to his own tasks.

 

Article 29 (Detailed Management Provisions)

 

Necessary matters concerning the management of the Korea Communications Commission other than ones provided in this Decree shall be stipulated by the Korea Communications Commission.

 

Article 30 (Period for Ruling)

 

(1) The Korea Communications Commission shall make a ruling within 60 days after it receives an application for a ruling under Article 40-2 of the Act. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997>

 

(2) If the Korea Communications Commission fails to make a ruling within the fixed period as provided in paragraph (1) due to an unavoidable circumstance, a period for the ruling may be extended, for one occasion only, for not more than 30 days by the resolution of the Korea Communications Commission.

 

Article 31 (Ruling)


(1) Ruling of the Korea Communications Commission shall be in writing.

 

(2) A ruling as provided paragraph (1) shall specify an order, the reason of order, and date of decision, and the chairman, and officials presented in the meeting shall sign or seal the ruling and send it to parties concerned.

 

Article 31-2 (Composition of Information and Communications Policy Deliberation Council, etc.)

 

(1) The Council shall be composed of not more than 20 members including one chairman. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 16797, Apr. 29, 2000>

 

(2) The chairman and members of the Council shall be those appointed or commissioned by the Minister of Information and communication from among those falling under any of the following subparagraphs: <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 16797, Apr. 29, 2000>

 

1.Public officials of Grade 3 or higher, or equivalent to Grade 3 or higher of related administrative agencies;

 

2.Persons in charge of lecture and research on the information and communications-related fields at universities or research institutes under the Higher Education Act;

 

3.Representatives of information and communications-related organizations or agencies, or persons who have been or were in office as executive officers of information and communications-related enterprises not less than 5 years;

 

4.Persons who have much knowledge and experience in information and communications; and

 

5.Persons who are recommended by civil groups (referring to nonprofit organizations under Article 2 of the Assistance for Nonprofit Non-Governmental


Organizations Act.

 

(3) The terms of office for members shall be two years, but they may be reelected: Provided, That the term of office for any member who is designated or commissioned after the decision of his office shall be the period for which he holds such office. <Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 16797, Apr. 29, 2000>

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997]

 

Article 31-3 (Functions of Chairman)

 

(1) The chairman shall exercise overall control over the affairs and represent the Council.

 

(2) Where the chairman is unable to discharge his functions due to compelling reasons, a member appointed in advance by the chairman shall act as chairman on his behalf.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997]

 

Article 31-4 (Meetings of Information and Communications Policy Deliberation Council)

 

(1) The chairman shall convene a meeting of the Council and shall preside over it.

 

(2) Decisions of a meeting of the Council shall be taken by a majority of all the members attending and by affirmative vote of a majority of members present.

 

(3) Where deemed necessary, the Council may be advised by the related public officials or related experts.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997]


Article 31-5 (Secretary of Information and Communications Policy Deliberation Council)

 

The Council shall have a secretary to handle the affairs of the Council, and the secretary shall be appointed by the Minister of Information and Communication from among the public officials belonging to the Ministry of Information and Communications.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997]

 

Article 31-6 (Subcommissions)

 

The Council may have subcommissions where the matters which the Minister of Information and Communication submits for deliberation need the technical review.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997]

 

Article 31-7 (Allowance)

 

The members who attend the Council or subcommissions shall be paid allowance within the limits of the budget: Provided, That this shall not apply in case where the members who are public officials attend it in direct connection with their affairs concerned.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997]

 

Article 31-8 (Operational Regulations)

 

The necessary matters, as except provided in this Decree, about the operation of the Council and the composition and operation etc. of subcommissions shall be determined by the chairman through a resolution of the Council.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997]


CHAPTER V-2 TELECOMMUNICATIONS DISASTERS MANAGEMENT <Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 17989, June. 5, 2003>

 

Article 31-9 (Establishment Procedures for Basic Plan on Telecommunications Disasters Management)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication shall formulate guidelines on the establishment of the basic plan on telecommunications disasters management for the following year by the end of April every year under Article 44-3-(3) of the Act and give notice to primary telecommunication service providers (the “Primary Telecommunication Service Providers”) under Article 44-3-(1) of the Act.

 

(2) The Primary Telecommunication Service Providers shall formulate plans on telecommunications disasters for the following year in accordance with the guideline under the previous Paragraph and submit the plans to the Minister of Information and Communication by the end of May every year.

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication shall formulate a Basic Plan on telecommunications disasters management for the following year until the end of July every year in accordance with Article 44-3-(5) of the Act.

 

Article 31-10 (Organization and Operation of the Telecommunication Disaster Management Committee)

 

(1) The Vice Ministers who may be appointed as members of the Telecommunication Disaster Management Committee (the “Committee”) set forth in Article 44-4-(3) of the Act shall be the Vice Minister of Government Administration and Home Affairs, the Vice Minister of National Defense, the Deputy Director of National Intelligence Service, and other vice ministers of central government agencies as recognized to be required by the Chairman.

 

(2) The Chairman shall call meetings of the Committee and preside at the meeting.


(3) If the Chairman fails to perform his duties due to an unavoidable reason, members shall act as the Chairman in an order designated by the Chairman.

 

(4) If the Chairman calls a meeting of the Committee, the Chairman shall give a notice of the meeting specifying date, time, place and agenda in writing or electronically to each member at least seven days before the meeting, except in situations where a meeting involves an urgent matter or where it is inevitable.

 

(5) The agenda shall be decided in the presence of majority ofthe members and agreement of majority of members who are present at the meeting.

 

(6) The Committee may hear opinions of a concerned public official or a concerned expert, if necessary.

 

(7) To administrate the affairs of the Committee, the Committee shall have one executive secretary, who shall be appointed among the public officials in the Ministry of Information and Communication by the Chairman.

 

Article 31-11 (Organization and Operation of Executive Committee)

 

(1) The Executive Committee in the Committee under the Article 44-5-(4) of the Act shall consist of no more than 15 executive members including one Chairman.

 

(2) The Chairman shall be the Director of the Telecommunication Business Promotion Bureau in the Ministry of Information and Communication, and the following persons shall be executive members:

 

  1.   A person who serves as public official equivalent to the class four level in any related administrative agencies mentioned in Article 31-10-11) which is recognized by the central government agency and the Chairman of the Executive Committee, can be designated by the director of the agency, and

 

  2.   Persons of the following who are appointed by the Chairman of the Executive Committee:


  A.   A person who takes responsibility of Telecommunications Disasters among employees of the Primary Telecommunication Service Providers and telecommunication service carriers, and

 

  B.   A person has knowledge and experience on Telecommunications Disasters management.

 

(3) The Chairman of the Executive Committee shall call meetings and preside at the meetings as the Chairman.

 

(4) To administrate the affairs of the Committee, the Committee shall have one executive secretary, who shall be appointed, among public officials which the Ministry of Information, by the Chairman.

 

(5) The Executive Committee shall review and discuss the bills submitted to the Committee and the matters entrusted from the Committee or instructed by the Chairman of the Committee.

 

Article 31-12 (Allowances)

 

Allowances may be paid to members or executive members who are present at the Committee or the Executive Committee meeting within the scope of the budget. However, exceptions will be made if such a member or an executive member attends a meeting as a public official directly related to his duties.

 

Article 31-13 (Rules for Committee Administration)

 

Other matters which are required to organize and operate the Committee which are not set forth in this enforcement decree shall be stipulated by the Chairman through the final decision of the Committee and the matters required to organize and operate the Executive Committee shall be set forth by the Chairman of the Executive Committee though the resolution of the Executive Committee.


Article 31-14 (Organization and Operation of Telecommunication Disaster Prevention and Countermeasure Headquarters)

 

(1) Telecommunication Disaster Prevention and Countermeasure Headquarters (the “TDPCH”) shall consist of public officials of central government agencies directly related to the telecommunication disaster recovery and employees of the primary Telecommunication Service Providers.

 

(2) To settle a telecommunication disaster rapidly, the Minister of Information and Communication shall set the organization of the TDPCH in advance and give notice to the director of the central government agencies and the Primary Telecommunication Service Providers for whom the members of the Countermeasure Headquarters works for.

 

(3) The director of the TDPCH shall represent the TDPCH and govern the following duties:

 

1. Mobilize materials for urgent recovery and command and control recovery activities of the Primary Telecommunication Service Providers,

 

2. Set up a recovery system in emergency, and establish countermeasures for more effective recovery activities by assigning roles between the Primary Telecommunication Service Providers,

 

3. Support telecommunication services to the areas suffering Telecommunication Disasters, and

 

4. Other matters which the president of the TDPCH recognizes to be needed.

 

(4) The director of the TDPCH may request a Primary Telecommunication Service Provider to dispatch its employees for more effective operation of the TDPCH. In such case, the primary telecommunication service provider shall consent to the dispatch unless there is a valid excuse.

 

(5) Other matters, which are required in organizing and operating the TDPCH which are not set forth in this enforcement decree, shall be stipulated by the director of the TDPCH.


CHAPTER VI SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS

 

Article 32 (Opinion Statement Procedure)

 

(1) If the Korea Communications Commission intends to give an opportunity to state an opinion under Article 40-2 (2) of the Act, it shall notify a person concerned or his representative not later than ten days before the fixed date for stating opinion. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997>

 

(2) The person or his representative notified under paragraph (1) may present himself in the fixed date and state his opinion or submit his opinion in writing.

 

(3) When the person concerned or his representative present himself and state his opinion as provided in paragraph (2), public officials concerned shall write out the abstract thereof, have the present person confirm it and affix sign and seal thereto.

 

(4) Notification under paragraph (1) shall specify that the person concerned be deemed to have no opinion in the absence of any oral or written statement of opinion without due reason.

 

(5) Deleted. <by Presidential Decree No. 15598, Dec. 31, 1997>

 

Article 33 (Delegation and Commission of Powers)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication shall delegate following powers to the chief of the competent communications office under Article 46 (1) of the Act: <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14571, Apr. 6, 1995: Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997; Presidential Decree No. 16797,


Apr. 29, 2000; Presidential Decree No. 17659, Jun. 29, 2002>

 

1.Acceptance of report on the installation of private telecommunications facilities and equipment under Article 20 (1) of the Act, and an acceptance of modification report on the installation of the facilities;

 

1-2.Confirmation under Article 20 (3) of the Act;

 

2.Order for handling telecommunications business affairs concerning the person who has installed the private telecommunications facilities and equipment under Article 22 (1) of the Act, or an order for connection between a private telecommunications facility concerned and the other telecommunications facility;

 

3.Order given to a person who has installed the private telecommunications facilities and equipment under Article 23 (1) of the Act to make corrections;

 

4.Order given to suspend the use of private telecommunications facilities, and an order for the reorganization and repair of the facilities, etc. under Article 23 (2) and (3) of the Act;

 

5.Imposition and collection of penalty surcharges under Article 24 of the Act;

 

6.Correction with respect to the person who installs the telecommunications facilities under Article 27 of the Act and other necessary measures;

 

7.Investigation of telecommunications equipment (limited to the telecommunications equipment to which type approval has not been granted in contravention of the main sentence of Article 33 (1) of the Act) under Article 36 (2) of the Act;

 

8.Order for destruction or taking away of telecommunications equipment as referred to in Article 36 (3) of the Act (limited to the telecommunications equipment to which type approval has not been granted in contravention of the provisions of the main sentence of Article 33 (1) of the Act);

 

9.Acceptance of report with respect to a person who installs telecommunications


facilities and inspection under Article 45 (1) of the Act;

 

10.Order for the elimination of illegal telecommunication facilities under Article 45 (2) of the Act, and other necessary measures; and

 

11.Imposition of a fine for negligence on any person who falls under Article 53 (1) 1, 2, 4, 5, 8 (limited to any person who has rejected, hindered and dodged investigation for the telecommunications equipment to which type approval has not been granted in contravention of the main sentence of Article 33 (1) of the Act), 9 or 10 of the Act in accordance with Article 53 (2) of the Act.

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication shall delegate the following authorities to the head of Radio Waves Institute under Article 46 (1) of the Act: <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997; Presidential Decree No. 16797, Apr. 29, 2000; Presidential Decree No. 17659, Jun. 29, 2002>

 

1.Examination or test whether the telecommunications equipment conform to the technical criteria referred to in Article 25 (5) of the Act;

 

2.Type approval of telecommunications equipment under Article 33 (1) of the Act;

 

3.Designation, inspection, cancellation, suspension of business and supervision of designated testing institutions referred to in Article 33-2 of the Act;

 

4.Deleted; <by Presidential Decree No. 16797, Apr. 29, 2000>

 

5.Termination of the type approval under Article 34-2 of the Act;

 

6.Cancellation of the type approval and suspension of manufacturing product under Article 35 (1) of the Act, and other necessary measures;

 

7.Affairs concerning investigation and test of telecommunications equipment (limited to the telecommunications equipment to which type approval has been granted under the main sentence of Article 33 (1) of the Act) under Article 36


(2) of the Act;

 

8.Order for destruction or tacking away of telecommunications equipment referred to in Article 36 (3) of the Act (limited to the telecommunications equipment for which sign of type approval has not been marked in contravention of the provisions of Article 33 (4) of the Act, or which has been judged inferior in quality after investigation and test as referred to in Article 36 (2) of the Act);

 

9.Hearing under Article 45-2 of the Act; and

 

10.Imposition of a fine for negligence on any person who falls under Article 53 (1) 3, 6, 7 or 8 (limited to any person who has rejected, hindered or dodged investigation and test for the telecommunications equipment to which type approval has been granted under the main sentence of Article 33 (1) of the Act) of the Act in accordance with Article 53 (2) of the Act.

 

(3) Deleted. <by Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997>

 

Article 34 (Fine for Negligence)

 

(1) When the Minister of Information and Communication intends to impose a fine for negligence under Article 53 (2) of the Act, he shall, after investigating and confirming the offense in question, specify in writing what has been violated, the method of objection, period for the submission of objection, and notify the person subject to the disposition of the fine for negligence to pay the fine. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14571, Apr. 6, 1995>

 

(2) When the Minister of Information and Communication intends to impose the fine pursuant to paragraph (1), he shall specify the period not less than 10 days and give the person subject to the disposition of an opportunity to state his opinion. In this case, it is deemed that there is no opinion in the absence of any oral or written statement of opinion within that period. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14571, Apr. 6, 1995; Presidential Decree No. 16797, Apr. 29, 2000>


(3) In determining the amount of the fine, the Minister of Information and Communication shall take into account the motive and consequence of such an offense. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14571, Apr. 6, 1995>

 

(4) Procedure for the collection of the fine shall be prescribed by the Ordinance of Ministry of Information and Communication. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14571, Apr. 6, 1995>

 

ADDENDA

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.

 

Article 2 (Transitional Measures on Disposition, etc.)

 

At the time when this Decree enters into force, any disposition, procedure, and other conducts carried by the previous provisions shall be deemed to be performed by this Decree if there is a provision applicable to the disposition, procedure, and other conducts in this Decree.

 

Article 3

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 14226, Apr. 30, 1994>

 

(1) (Enforcement Date) This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation


(2) (Transitional Measures on Installation of Private Telecommunications Facilities) A person obtaining a permission on the installation of private telecommunications facilities under the previous provisions who is falling under the amended provisions of Article 12 (2) 7 shall be regarded to make a report under the same provisions.

 

ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 14571, Apr. 6, 1995>

 

This Decree shall enter into force on April 6, 1995.

 

ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 15282, Feb. 22, 1997>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.

 

Article 2

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 15598, Dec. 31, 1997>

 

This Decree shall enter into force on January 1, 1998.

 

ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 15817, Jun. 24, 1998>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)


This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.

 

Articles 2 through 6

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 16093, Jan. 29, 1999>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.

 

Articles 2 through 4

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 16797, Apr. 29, 2000>

 

(1) (Enforcement Date) This Decree shall enter into on April 29, 2000.

 

(2) (Application Example for Terms of Office of Members of Information and Communications Policy Deliberation Council) The amended provisions of Article 31-2 (3) of the Act shall apply starting with members of the Information and Communications Policy Deliberation Council who are commissioned first after the enforcement of this Decree.

 

ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 17659, Jun. 29, 2002>

 

This Decree shall enter into force on July 1, 2002.

EX-10.6 11 dex106.htm THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS LAW (TRANSLATION) The Telecommunications Business Law (translation)

EXHIBIT 10.6

 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS ACT

 

Wholly amended By

 

1991· 8·10  

 

Act No. 4394

Amended By

 

1991·12·14 

 

Act No. 4439

Amended By

 

1991·12·14 

 

Act No. 4441

Amended By

 

1995· 1· 5    

 

Act No. 4861

Amended By

 

1995· 1· 5    

 

Act No. 4903

Amended By

 

1996·12·30 

 

Act No. 5220

Amended By

 

1997· 8·28  

 

Act No. 5385

Amended By

 

1998· 9·17  

 

Act No. 5564

Amended By

 

1999· 2· 8    

 

Act No. 5835

Amended By

 

1999· 5·24  

 

Act No. 5986

Amended By

 

2000· 1·28  

 

Act No. 6230

Amended By

 

2001· 1· 8    

 

Act No. 6346

Amended By

 

2001· 1·16  

 

Act No. 6360

Amended By

 

2002· 1·14  

 

Act No. 6602

Amended By

 

2002· 2· 4    

 

Act No. 6656

Amended By

 

2002· 12· 26

 

Act No. 6822

 

CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Article 1 (Purpose)

 

The purpose of this Act is to contribute to the promotion of public welfare by encouraging sound development of telecommunications business and ensuring convenience to the users of telecommunications service through proper management of such business.

 

Article 2 (Definitions)


(1) For the purpose of this Act, <Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997; Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998>

 

1.the term “telecommunications business operator” means a person who provides telecommunications service with holding a license or making a registration or report under this Act;

 

2.the term “user” means a person who has made a contract for the use of any telecommunications service with the telecommunications business operator in order to receive a provision of telecommunications service; and

 

3.the term “universal service” means the basic telecommunications service which any user may receive at reasonable fees anytime and anywhere.

 

(2) The terms used in this Act shall be the same as defined in the Framework Act on Telecommunications, except for those defined in paragraph (1) above.

 

Article 3 (Duty of Providing Services, etc.)

 

(1) A telecommunications business operator shall not refuse to provide any telecommunications service, without justifiable reasons.

 

(2) A telecommunications business operator shall guarantee the fairness, speediness and accuracy in performing his business.

 

(3) A fee for telecommunications service shall be reasonably fixed so as to ensure a smooth development of telecommunications business and to provide the users with convenient and diverse telecommunications services in the fair and inexpensive manner.

 

Article 3-2 (Universal Service)


(1) All telecommunications business operators shall have the obligation to provide universal service or to replenish the losses incurred by such provisions. <Amended by Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001>

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication may, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), exempt the telecommunications business operator determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication as a telecommunications business operator for whom an imposition of obligation under paragraph (1) is deemed inadequate in view of the peculiarity of telecommunications service, or the telecommunications business operator whose turnover of telecommunications service is less than the amount as determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication within the limit of 1/100 of total turnover of the telecommunications services, from the relevant obligations. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001>

 

(3) The details of universal service shall be determined in consideration of the following matters:

 

1.Level of the development of information and communications technology;

 

2.Level of the dissemination of telecommunications service;

 

3.Public interest and safety;

 

4.Promotion of social welfare; and

 

5.Acceleration of informationalization.

 

(4) Matters necessary for the details of universal service, designation of a business operator providing universal service, and compensation for losses incurred in the course of providing universal service and creation of relevant financial resources shall be prescribed by the Presidential Decree.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998]


CHAPTER II TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS

 

SECTION 1 General Provisions

 

Article 4 (Classification, etc. of Telecommunications Business)

 

(1) The telecommunications businesses shall be classified into a key communications business, a specific communications business and a value-added communications business. <Amended by Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997>

 

(2) The key communications business shall be the business to install telecommunications line facilities, and thereby provide telecommunications services such as telegraph and telephone service (hereinafter referred to as the “key telecommunications services”), whose types and contents are determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication, in consideration of impacts on the public interest and national industries and the necessity for stable provision of services. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(3) The specific communications business shall correspond to one of the following subparagraphs: <Newly Inserted by Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997>

 

1.Business which provides a key telecommunications service by making use of telecommunications line facilities, etc. of a person who has obtained a license for key communications business under Article 5 (hereinafter referred to as a “key communications business operator”); and

 

2.Business which installs the telecommunications facilities in the premises as determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication, and provides a telecommunications service therein by making use of the said facilities.


(4) The value-added communications business shall be the business which leases telecommunications line facilities from a key communications business operator, and provides a telecommunications business service other than the key telecommunications services under paragraph (2) (hereinafter referred to as the “value-added communications service”). <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997>

[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995]

 

SECTION 2 Key Communications Business

 

Article 5 (License, etc. of Key Communications Business Operator)

 

(1) A person who intends to run a key communications business shall obtain a license from the Minister of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, in case where he intends to grant a license under paragraph (1), go through a deliberation by the Information and Communications Policy Deliberation Council under Article 44-2 of the Framework Act on Telecommunications: Provided, That this shall not apply to the licence of minor business as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, in granting a license under paragraph (1), comprehensively examine the matters falling under each of the following subparagraphs: <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

1.Propriety of the plans for providing the key telecommunications services;

 

2.Appropriateness of the size of telecommunications facilities;


3.Financial and technical capability;

 

4.Actual results of technical developments related to key telecommunications services to be provided;

 

5.Technical development plans related to key telecommunications services;

 

6.Support plans for technical developments for promoting telecommunications; and

 

7.Other necessary matters for the performance of business.

 

(4) The Minister of Information and Communication shall set forth the detailed examination criteria by examining item under paragraph (3), period for license and outline of application for license, and make a public announcement thereof. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(5) The Minister of Information and Communication may, in case where he grants a license for key communications business under paragraph (1), attach the conditions necessary for provision of services, or research and development, etc. for promotion of telecommunications industry. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(6) A person subject to a license under paragraph (1) shall be limited to a juristic person.

 

(7) Procedures for a license under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be determined by the Ordinance of Ministry of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995]

 

Article 5-2

 

Deleted. <by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998>


Article 6 (Disqualifications for License)

 

A person falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall not obtain a license for key communications business under Article 5: <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997>

 

1.A foreign government or a foreign juristic person;

 

2.Deleted; <by Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997>

 

3.A juristic person in which a person falling under any of the following items owns its stocks (limited to voting stocks, and including the investment equities; hereinafter the same shall apply) in excess of 49/100 of the total issued stocks:

 

(a) A foreign government;

 

(b) A foreigner; and

 

(c) A juristic person in which a foreign government or foreigner owns its stocks in excess of a ratio as prescribed by the Presidential Decree;

 

4.and 5.Deleted; <by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998>

 

6.A juristic person whose largest stockholder (referring to a person who owns the highest ratio of voting stocks or investment equities; hereinafter the same shall apply) comes to fall under one of the following items:

 

(a) The State;

 

(b) Local governments;

 

(c) and (d) Deleted; and <by Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001>

 

7.through 9.Deleted. <by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995]


Article 6-2 (Qualification Requirements for Officers)

 

(1) A person falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall not become an officer of a key communications business operator: <Amended by Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997; Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000; Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

1. A minor or a person who has been declared as incompetent or quasi-incompetent;

 

2.A person who has been declared bankrupt and not yet reinstated;

 

3.A person who has been sentenced to an imprisonment or heavier punishment for violations of this Act, the Framework Act on Telecommunications, the Radio Waves Act or the Act on Promotion, etc. of Utilization of Information System, and for whom three years have not passed since the termination of execution of the sentence (including the case of deemed termination of execution) or the confirmation of non-execution of the sentence;

 

4.A person who has been sentenced to an imprisonment or heavier punishment for violations of this Act, the Framework Act on Telecommunications, the Radio Waves Act or the Act on Promotion, etc. of Utilization of Information System, and who is in the period of suspended sentence;

 

5.A person who has been sentenced to a fine or heavier punishment for violations of this Act, the Framework Act on Telecommunications or the Act on Promotion, etc. of Utilization of Information System, and for whom three years have not passed since such sentence;

 

6.A person for whom three years have not passed since a revocation of his license under Article 15 (1), a revocation of his registration under Article 28 (1), or a receipt of an order for business closedown under paragraph (2) of the same Article. In this case, if it is a juristic person, it refers to the person who has committed an act causing a revocation of license or registration, or an order for business closedown, and the representative thereof.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996]


(2) If an officer falls into any of subparagraphs of paragraph (1) above or if it is found that an officer fell into any of those at the time of appointment, such officer shall resign from his/her office.

 

(3) Any action made by the officer who resigns pursuant to paragraph (2) above shall not be invalidated due to such resignation.

 

Article 7 (Restrictions, etc. on Stockholders of Excessive Possession)

 

(1) When the owner of the stocks of a key communications business operator licensed under Article 5 (1) has come to fall under subparagraphs 3 through 6 of Article 6, he shall not exercise the voting rights vested in the relevant possessive portion or the excessive portion.

 

(2) When a key communications business operator or a stockholder comes to fall under one of subparagraphs of Article 6, the Minister of Information and Communication may order the said operator or stockholder to make corrections in the relevant matters by specifying a period within the limit of six months. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(3) The key communications business operator or stockholder shall, upon receipt of corrections order under paragraph (2), make corrections in the relevant matters within the specified period.

 

(4) A key communications business operator may refuse a rewriting in the register of stockholders or employees with respect to the possessive portion or excessive portion, for a stockholder falling under subparagraphs 3 through 6 of Article 6.

[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995]

 

Article 8 (Issuance of Stocks)

 

A key communications business operator shall, in a case of an issuance of stocks, issue the registered ones. <Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995>


Article 9 (Obligation of Commencing Business)

 

(1) A key communications business operator shall install telecommunications facilities and commence business within the period as fixed by the Minister of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication may, in case where the said business operator is unable to commence business within the period under paragraph (1) due to force majeure and other unavoidable reasons, extend the relevant period only once, upon an application of the key communications business operator. <Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(3) Deleted. <by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998>

 

Article 10 (Addition of Service and Modification of License)

 

(1) A key communications business operator shall, in case where he intends to additionally provide a key communications service other than that already licensed under Article 5, obtain a modified license for such change from the Minister of Information and Communication, under the conditions as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication: Provided, That where a key communications business operator who provides a telephone service intends to additionally provide a key communications service prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication within the limit of not hampering a key communications service which is provided by making use of existing facilities, he shall make a report thereon to the Minister of Information and Communication.

 

(2) Where a key communications business operator intends to modify the


important matters prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication from among the matters licensed under Article 5, he shall obtain a modified license from the Minister of Information and Communication, under the conditions as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication.

 

(3) The provisions of Articles 5 (5) and Article 9 shall be applicable mutatis mutandis to a modified license for change under paragraph (1). [This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998]

 

Article 11 (Concurrent Operation of Business)

 

(1) A key communications business operator shall, in case where he intends to run a business other than the telecommunications, obtain approval from the Minister of Information and Communication: Provided, That this shall not apply to the business as prescribed by the Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication shall grant approval under paragraph (1), in case where deemed that a key communications business operator is not likely to cause any impediments to the operation of telecommunications service by running a business under paragraph (1), and that it is required for the development of telecommunications. <Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

Article 12

 

Deleted. <by Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999>

 

Article 13 (Takeover of Business and Merger of Juristic Persons, etc.)

 

(1) A person who intends to take over the whole or part of a business of a key


communications business operator or to merge with a juristic person which is a key communications business operator, shall obtain an authorization from the Minister of Information and Communication under the conditions as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication.

 

(2) Where a key communications business operator intends to establish a juristic person in order to provide a part of key communications services from among the plural key communications services licensed, he shall obtain approval from the Minister of Information and Communication, under the conditions as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication.

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, in case where he intends to grant authorization or approval under paragraph (1) or (2), comprehensively examine the matters falling under each of the following subparagraphs: <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

1.Appropriateness of financial and technical capability and business operational capability;

 

2.Appropriateness of management of resources for information and communications, such as frequencies and telecommunications numbers, etc.;

 

3.Impact on the competition of key communications business; and

 

4.Impact on the protection of users and the public interests.

 

(4) Matters necessary for the detailed examination standards by examination items and the examination procedures, etc. under paragraphs (3) shall be fixed and publicly announced by the Minister of Information and Communication. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

(5) A person who has taken over the business of a key communications business operator by obtaining an authorization under paragraph (1), or a juristic person surviving a merger or that established by a merger, or that established by obtaining an authorization under paragraph (2), shall succeed to the status which is related to a license of the relevant key communications business.


(6) The Minister of Information and Communication may, in case where he grants authorization or approval under paragraph (1) or (2), attach conditions required for fair competition and protection of users, etc. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

(7) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, in case where he intends to grant an authorization under paragraph (1), go through a deliberation by the Information and Communications Policy Deliberation Council under Article 44-2 of the Framework Act on Telecommunications, and consultation with the Fair Trade Commission. <Amended by Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

(8) The provisions of Article 6 shall apply mutatis mutandis to an authorization under paragraph (1) and approval under paragraph (2).

[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998]

 

Article 14 (Suspension, Closedown of Business or Dissolution of Juristic Persons, etc.)

 

(1) A key communications business operator shall, in case where he intends to suspend or discontinue the whole or part of a key communications business run by him, obtain approval from Minister of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(2) The resolution for a dissolution of a juristic person which is a key communications business operator or all employee’s consent to such dissolution shall be subject to authorization from the Minister of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, in case where an application for approval or authorization under paragraph (1) or (2) is made, and where deemed that suspension, discontinuance of relevant business or a dissolution of a juristic person is likely to hamper the public interests, not grant the relevant approval or authorization. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>


[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995]

 

Article 15 (Cancellation of License, etc.)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication may, in case where a key communications business operator falls under any of the following subparagraphs, cancel the relevant license or give an order to suspend the whole or part of business with fixing a period of no more than one year: <Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998; Act No. 5835, Feb. 8, 1999; Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

1.Where he has obtained a license by deceit and other illegal means;

 

2.Where he has failed to implement the conditions under Articles 5 (5) and 13 (6);

 

3.Where he has failed to observe the orders under Article 7 (2);

 

4.Where he has failed to commence business within the period under Article 9 (1) (in case of obtaining an extention of the period under Article 9 (2), the extended period);

 

5.Where he has failed to comply with the standardized use contract, that is authorized or reported under Article 29 (1); and

 

6.Where he has violated this Act (excluding the provisions of Articles 36-3 and 36-4), the Framework Act on Telecommunications, the Radio Waves Act, the Act on Promotion, etc. of Utilization of Information System, the Framework Act on Informationalization Promotion or the orders under these Acts.

 

(2) Criteria and procedures for the dispositions under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be determined by the Ordinance of Ministry of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>


Article 16

 

Deleted. <by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998>

 

SECTION 3 Deleted.

 

Articles 17 and 18

 

Deleted. <by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995>

 

SECTION 4 Specific Communications Business and Value-Added Communications Business

 

Article 19 (Registration of Specific Communications Business Operator)

 

(1) A person who intends to operate a specific communications service shall register the following matters with the Minister of Information and Communication under the conditions as determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication:

 

1.Financial and technical capability;

 

2.Plans for a user protection; and

 

3.Business plans, etc, and other matters as determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication.

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication may, upon receipt of the registration of a specific communications business under paragraph (1), attach


the conditions necessary for a provision of services or research and development for the promotion of telecommunications industry.

 

(3) A person subject to the registration of specific communications business under paragraph (1) shall be limited to a juristic person.

 

(4) Procedures and requirements for the registration under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997]

 

Article 20

 

Deleted. <by Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999>

 

Article 21 (Report, etc. of Value-Added Communications Business Operator)

 

A person who intends to run a value-added communications business shall report to the Minister of Information and Communication, under the conditions as prescribed by the Presidential Decree: Provided, That this shall not apply to a case where a key communications business operator intends to run a value-added communications business, and a case of minor business as prescribed by the Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995]

 

Article 22 (Modification of Registered or Reported Matters)

 

A person who has registered as a specific communications business operator under Article 19 (hereinafter referred to as a “specific communications business operator”) or who has made a report of a value-added communications business operator under Article 21 (hereinafter referred to as a “value-added communications business operator”) shall, when he intends to modify the matters as determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication from among the relevant registered or reported matters, make in


advance a modified registration or modified report to the Minister of Information and Communication, under the conditions as prescribed by the said Ordinance.

[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997]

 

Article 23

 

Deleted. <by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995>

 

Articles 24 and 24-2

 

Deleted. <by Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999>

 

Article 25 (Transfer or Takeover, etc. of Business)

 

In case where there exists a transfer or takeover of the whole or part of a specific communications business or a value-added communications business, or a merger or succession of a juristic person which is a specific communications business operator or a value-added communications business operator, a person who has taken over the relevant business, the juristic person surviving the merger, the juristic person founded by the merger, or the successor shall make the report thereon to the Minister of Information and Communication, under the conditions as determined by the Ordinance of Ministry of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997; Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998>

 

Article 26 (Succession of Business)

 

In case where there have existed a transfer or takeover of a specific communications business or a value-added communications business, a merger of a juristic person which is a value-added communications business operator, or a succession of a value-added communications business, under Article 25, a person who has taken over the business, a juristic person surviving a merger, a juristic person founded by a merger or a successor shall succeed to the status of a former specific communications business operator or a value-added


communications business operator. <Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997>

 

Article 27 (Suspension or Closedown, etc. of Business)

 

(1) A specific communications business operator or a value-added communications business operator shall, in case where he intends to suspend or close down the whole or part of his business, notify the relevant contents to the users of relevant services, and report thereon to the Minister of Information and Communication not later than thirty days prior to the slated date of the relevant suspension or closedown. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997>

 

(2) Where a juristic person which is a specific communications business operator or a value-added communications business operator is dissolved for reasons other than a merger, a relevant liquidator (referred to a trustee in a bankruptcy, when it is dissolved by bankruptcy) shall report thereon without delay to the Minister of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997>

 

Article 28 (Cancellation of Registration and Order for Closedown of Business)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication may, when a specific communications business operator falls under any of the following subparagraphs, cancel his registration, or suspend his business by specifying the period of not more than one year: Provided, That when he falls under subparagraph 1, the Minister of Information and Communication shall cancel his registration: <Newly Inserted by Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997; Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998; Act No. 5835, Feb. 8, 1999; Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999; Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000; Act No. 6360, Jan. 16, 2001>

 

1.Where he makes a registration by deceit and other illegal means;


2.Where he fails to commence business within one year from the date on which a registration was made under Article 19 (1), or continually suspends business operation for not less than one year;

 

3.Where he fails to implement the conditions under Article 19 (2);

 

4.Deleted; <by Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999>

 

5.Where he fails to comply with an order for correction under Article 65 (1) without any justifiable reasons;

 

6.Where he fails to comply with an order under Article 7 (2) which applies mutatis mutandis under Article 6 (2) of the Addenda; and

 

7.Where he violates this Act (excluding the provisions of Articles 36-3 and 36-4), the Framework Act on Telecommunications, the Radio Waves Act, the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc., or the Framework Act on Informatization Promotion, or any order issued under such Acts.

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication may, when a value-added communications business operator falls under any of the following subparagraphs, issue an order to him for a closedown of business or for a suspension of business by specifying a period of not more than one year: Provided, That where he falls under subparagraph 1, the said Minister shall issue an order to him for a closedown of business: <Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan 5, 1995; Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998; Act No. 5835, Feb. 8, 1999; Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999; Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000; Act No. 6360, Jan. 16, 2001>

 

1.Where he makes a report by deceit and other illegal means;

 

2.Where he fails to commence the business within one year from the reporting date under Article 21, or suspend the business operation for not less than one year;


3.Deleted; <by Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999>

 

4.Where he fails to comply with a correction order under Article 65 (1) without any justifiable reasons; and

 

5.Where he violates this Act (excluding the provisions of Articles 36-3 and 36-4), the Framework Act on Telecommunications, the Radio Waves Act, the Act on the Promotion, etc. of Utilization of Information Communication Networks, the Framework Act on Informatization Promotion or any order issued under such Acts.

 

(3) Criteria and procedures for dispositions taken under paragraph (1) or (2) and other necessary matters shall be determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997>

 

CHAPTER III TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE

 

Article 29 (Report, etc. of Standardized Use Contract)

 

(1) A key communications business operator shall set forth the fees and other terms for use by service with respect to the telecommunications service which he intends to provide (hereinafter referred to as the “standardized use contract”), and report thereon (including a modified report) to the Minister of Information and Communication: Provided, That in a case of a key communications service whose size of business and market share correspond to the standards as determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication, it shall obtain an authorization of the Minister of Information and Communication (including a modified authorization). <Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>


(2) Deleted. <by Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997>

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication shall authorize the standardized use contract under the proviso of paragraph (1), if it falls under the criteria of any of the following subparagraphs: <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

1.Fees for telecommunications service shall be proper, fair and reasonable;

 

2.Computing methods of telecommunications service fees shall be proper and definite;

 

3.Matters concerning the responsibility of key communications business operators and relevant users, cost-sharing methods concerning the installation work of telecommunications facilities and other works shall be proper and definite;

 

4.Forms of use of telecommunications line facilities by other telecommunications business operators or users shall not be unduly restricted;

 

5.Undue discriminatory treatments shall not be made to specific persons; and

 

6.Matters on securing the important communications under Article 55 shall be adequately considered.

 

(4) The Minister of Information and Communication may, when there exists any need for a key communications business operator to provide telecommunications service on a trial basis, grant a temporary authorization for a standardized use contract, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1). <Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(5) The standardized use contract under paragraph (1) shall be applicable with respect to use of telecommunications line facilities, in case where a specific communications business operator or a value-added communications business operator makes use of telecommunications line facilities of a key


communications business operator. <Amended by Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997>

 

Article 30 (Alteration, etc. of Standardized Use Contract)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication may, after going through a deliberation by the Korea Communications Commission under Article 37 of the Framework Act on Telecommunications (hereinafter referred to as the “Korea Communications Commission”), order the telecommunications business operator to make alterations in the standardized use contract, with fixing a considerable period, in case where deemed that there exist obstructions to the advancement of the public interests as the standardized use contract by the telecommunications business operator becomes significantly unreasonable due to the fluctuations in the social or economic status. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000; Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

(2) A telecommunications business operator shall, in case where there exists an order for alterations under paragraph (1), make alterations in the relevant standardized use contract within the specified period.

 

Article 31

 

Deleted. <by Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999>

 

Article 32 (Reduction or Exemption of Fees)

 

A key communications business operator may reduce or exempt the fees for telecommunications service, under the conditions as prescribed by the Presidential Decree.

 

Article 32-2 (Restriction on Use by Others)

 

No person shall intermediate other’s communications or provide for other’s


communications by making use of telecommunications services provided by a telecommunications business operator: Provided, That this shall not apply to any of the following cases:

 

1. If necessary to prevent, or rescue from, accident, or to secure transportation, communications and electricity and to maintain the public order under the national emergent circumstances;

 

2. If the telecommunications services are incidentally provided to the customers of the business other than a telecommunications business;

 

3. If the telecommunications services are used for the purpose of test of telecommunications equipment, such as telephones, etc., to be developed and sold;

 

4. If the telecommunications services are not repeatedly used by a third party; or

 

5. If necessary for public interest or if the use of telecommunications services does not interfere with the business of a telecommunications business operator, as prescribed by the Presidential Decree.[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Amended by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002]

 

Article 32-3

 

Deleted. <by Act No. 6602, Jan. 14, 2002>

 

Article 32-4 (Use of Transmission or Line Equipments, etc.)

 

(1) The composite cable TV business operator, transmission network business operator, or relay cable broadcasting business operator under the Broadcasting Act may provide the transmission or line equipments or the cable broadcasting equipments possessed under the conditions as prescribed by the Presidential Decree to the key communications business operators. <Amended by Act No.


6346, Jan. 8, 2001>

 

(2) The composite cable TV business operator, transmission network business operator, or relay cable broadcasting business operator under the Broadcasting Act shall, when he intends to provide a value-added communications services by making use of the transmission or line equipments or cable broadcasting equipments, make a report thereon to the Minister of Information and Communication pursuant to Article 21. <Amended by Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001>

 

(3) The provisions of Articles 33-5 through 37 and 38 shall be applicable mutatis mutandis to the transmission or line facilities or cable broadcasting facilities under paragraph (1). <Amended by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998; Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001>

 

(4) The provisions of Article 25 (2) through (6) of the Framework Act on Telecommunications shall be applicable mutatis mutandis to the offer of services under paragraph (2).

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 33 (Protection of Users)

 

(1) Deleted. <by Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999>

 

(2) A telecommunications business operator shall take a prompt measure on the reasonable opinions or dissatisfactions raised by the users with respect to the telecommunications service. In this case, if it is difficult to take a prompt measure, he shall notify the users of the reasons thereof and the schedule for measures.

 

(3) Compensations for the damages incurred by the occurrence of reasons causing the opinions or dissatisfactions under paragraph (2) and by the delay of relevant measures shall be made pursuant to Article 33-2. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>


Article 33-2 (Compensation for Damages)

 

A telecommunications business operator shall make compensations when he inflicts any damages on the users in the course of providing telecommunications services: Provided, That if such damages are the results of force majeure, or of intent or negligence of the users, the relevant liability for compensations shall be reduced or exempted.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 33-3 (Request for Ruling and Compensation Procedures for Damages)

 

(1) In a case of making a compensation for damages under Article 33-2, a consultation shall be made with the recipient of compensations for damages.

 

(2) If a consultation on the compensations for damages under paragraph (1) has not been made or is unable to be made, the parties concerned may request the Korea Communications Commission for a ruling.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Amended by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002]

 

CHAPTER IV PROMOTION OF COMPETITION AMONG THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

 

Article 33-4 (Promotion of Competition)

 

The Minister of Information and Communication shall exert efforts to construct an efficient competition system and to promote fair competitive environments, in


the telecommunications services.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 33-5 (Provision of Telecommunications Facilities)

 

(1) A key communications business operator may, upon receipt of a request for the provision of telecommunications facilities from other key communications business operator, provide the telecommunications facilities by concluding an agreement with him.

 

(2) A key communications business operator falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall, upon receipt of a request under paragraph (1), provide the telecommunications facilities by concluding an agreement, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1): <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001>

 

1.A key communications business operator who possesses the equipments which are indispensable for other telecommunications business operators in providing the telecommunications services; and

 

2.A key communications business operator whose business scale and market shares, etc. of key telecommunications services are equivalent to the criteria as determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication.

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication shall set forth and publicly notify the scope of telecommunications facilities, the conditions, procedures and methods for the provision of facilities, and the standards for calculation of prices under paragraphs (1) and (2). In this case, the scope of telecommunications facilities to be provided under paragraph (2) shall be determined in view of the demand for telecommunications facilities by the key communications business operators falling under each subparagraph of the same paragraph. <Amended by Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001>

 

(4) A key communications business operator in receipt of provisions of the telecommunications facilities may install the apparatus enhancing the efficiency


of the relevant facilities, within the limit necessary for the provision of the licensed telecommunications services.

 

(5) The Minister of Information and Communication shall go through a deliberation of the Korea Communications Commission, in case where he intends to set forth the standards under paragraph (3). <Amended by Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001>

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 33-6 (Joint Utilization of Subscriber’s Lines)

 

(1) A key communications business operator shall, in case where other telecommunications business operators as determined and publicly noticed by the Minister of Information and Communication have made a request for a joint utilization with respect to the lines installed in the section from the exchange facilities directly connected with the users to the users (hereafter in this Article, referred to as the “subscriber’s lines”), allow it.

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication shall set forth and publicly notify the scope of joint utilization of the subscriber’s lines under paragraph (1), its conditions, procedures and methods, and the standards for calculation of prices.

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, in case where he intends to set forth the criteria under paragraph (2), go through the deliberation of the Korea Communications Commission.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001]

 

Article 33-7 (Joint Utilization of Radio Communications Facilities)

 

(1) A key communications business operator may, upon receipt of a request for the joint utilization of radio communications facilities (hereinafter referred to as


the “joint utilization”) from other key communications business operators, allow it by concluding an agreement. In this case, the prices for the joint utilization among the key communications business operators as set forth and publicly notified by the Minister of Information and Communication shall be computed and settled accounts by a fair and reasonable means.

 

(2) The key communications business operators as determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Information and Communication shall, upon receipt of a request for the joint utilization from other key communications business operators as determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Information and Communication, allow it by concluding an agreement, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), in order to enhance the efficiency of the telecommunications business and to protect the users.

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication shall set forth and publicly notify the standard for computing the prices for joint utilization under the latter part of paragraph (1) and its procedures and payment methods, etc., and the scope of joint utilization under paragraph (2), its conditions, procedures and methods, and the computation of prices, etc.

 

(4) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, in case where he intends to set forth the criteria under paragraph (3), go through in advance the deliberation of the Korea Communications Commission.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001]

 

Article 34 (Interconnection)

 

(1) A telecommunications business operator may allow the interconnection by concluding an agreement, upon a request from other telecommunications business operators for an interconnection of telecommunications facilities.

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication shall set forth and publicly notify the scope of interconnections of telecommunications facilities, the conditions, procedures and methods, and the standards for calculation of prices


under paragraph (1).

 

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2), the key communication business operators falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall allow the interconnection by concluding an agreement, upon receipt of a request under paragraph (1):

 

1.A key communications business operator who possesses such facilities as are indispensable for a provision of telecommunications services by other telecommunications business operators; and

 

2.A key telecommunications business operator whose business size of key communications services and the ratio of market shares are compatible with the standards as determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication.

 

(4) The Minister of Information and Communication shall go through a deliberation of the Korea Communications Commission, in case where he intends to set forth the standards under paragraph (2).

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 34-2 (Prices of Interconnection)

 

(1) Prices for using the interconnection shall be calculated by a fair and proper means and deducted from each other’s accounts. The detailed standards for such calculation, their procedures and methods shall be governed by the standards of Article 34 (2).

 

(2) A key communications business operator may deduct the prices for interconnection from each other’s accounts under the conditions as prescribed by the standards under Article 34 (2), if he suffers any disadvantages due to the causes of no liability on his part, in the method of interconnection, the quality of connected conversations, or the provision of information required for interconnection, etc.


[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 34-3 (Joint Use, etc. of Telecommunications Facilities)

 

(1) A key communications business operator may allow an access to or a joint use of the telecommunications equipment or facilities by concluding an agreement, upon receipt of a request from other telecommunications business operators for an access to or a joint use of the telecommunications equipment or facilities such as pipes, cables, poles, or stations of the relevant key communications business operator, for the establishment or operation of facilities required for interconnection of telecommunications facilities.

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication shall set forth, and make a public notice of, the scope, conditions, procedures and methods for an access to or a joint use of telecommunications equipment or facilities, and the standards for computation of prices under paragraph (1).

 

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), a key communications business operator falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall allow an access to or a joint use of the telecommunications equipment or facilities under paragraph (1) by concluding an agreement, upon a receipt of request under paragraph (1):

 

1.A key communications business operator who possesses such facilities as are indispensable for a provision of telecommunications services by other telecommunications business operators; and

 

2.A key telecommunications business operator whose business size of key telecommunications services and the ratio of market shares are compatible with the standards as determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication.

 

(4) The Minister of Information and Communication shall go through a deliberation of the Korea Communications Commission, in case where he intends


to set forth the standards under paragraph (2).

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 34-4 (Provision of Information)

 

(1) A key communications business operator may provide requested information by concluding an agreement, upon a receipt of request from other telecommunications business operators for a provision of information related to technological information or the user’s personal matters which are required for a provision of telecommunications facilities, interconnection, or joint use, etc. and imposition and collection of fees and a guide to the telecommunications number. <Amended by Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997>

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication shall set forth, and make a public notice of, the scope, conditions, procedures and methods for a provision of information, and the standards for computation of prices under paragraph (1).

 

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), a key communications business operator falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall provide the requested information by concluding an agreement, upon a receipt of request under paragraph (1):

 

1.A key communications business operator who possesses such facilities as are indispensable for a provision of telecommunications services by other telecommunications business operators; and

 

2.A key communications business operator whose business size of key telecommunications services and the ratio of market shares are compatible with the standards as determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication.

 

(4) A key communications business operator under paragraph (3) shall set forth the technical standards required for a use by other telecommunications business operators or users by means of a connection of a monitor and other


telecommunications equipment on the relevant telecommunications facilities, the standards for use and provision, and other standards required for a creation of fair competitive environments, and make a public notice thereof by obtaining approval from the Minister of Information and Communication.

 

(5) The Minister of Information and Communication shall go through a deliberation of the Korea Communications Commission, when determining the standards under paragraph (2), or granting approval under paragraph (4).

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 34-5 (Prohibition of Information Diversion)

 

(1) A telecommunications business operator shall not divulge any information concerning an individual user which has been obtained due to a provision of his own service, a provision of telecommunications facilities, or an interconnection: Provided, That the same shall not apply, when there exists the consent of the principal or the case under a lawful procedure pursuant to the provisions of the Acts.

 

(2) A telecommunications business operator shall use the information obtained under Article 34-4 within the context of purposes thereof, and may not use it unjustly, or provide it to the third parties.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 34-6 (Report, etc. of Agreement on Interconnection, etc.)

 

(1) A key communications business operator shall conclude an agreement under Articles 33-5 (1) and (2), the former part of 33-7 (1), 34 (1), 34-3 (1) or 34-4 (1) and report it to the Korea Communications Commission within ninety days unless there exist any special reasons, upon receipt of a request from other telecommunications business operators for a provision or joint utilization of telecommunications facilities, an interconnection, a joint use or a provision of


information. The same applies in the case of a change or abolition of the agreement. <Amended by Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001; Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

(2) Notwithstanding the provision of paragraph (1), in a case of the agreement in which a key communications business operator under the latter part of Article 33-7 (1) and (2), Articles 34 (3), 34-3 (3) and 34-4 (3) is a party concerned, an authorization of the Korea Communications Commission shall be obtained. <Amended by Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001; Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

(3) The agreement under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall meet the standards which are publicly notified by the Minister of Information and Communication under Article 33-5 (3), 33-7 (3), 34 (2), 34-3 (2), or 34-4 (2). <Amended by Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001>

 

(4) The Korea Communications Commission may, upon receipt of a request for an authorization under paragraph (2), order the relevant supplement with fixing a period, if such supplement is required. <Amended by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

(5) The agreement under Articles 34-3 (1) and 34-4 (1) may be concluded by an inclusion in the agreement under Article 34 (1).

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 35 (Application for Ruling, etc.)

 

(1) A telecommunications business operator may make an application to the Korea Communications Commission for a ruling under Article 40-2 of the Framework Act on Telecommunications, when the agreement between the telecommunications business operators on a provision and joint utilization of telecommunications facilities, an interconnection, or a joint use, etc. or a furnishing of information is not concluded within the period specified by Article 34-6 (1) or is unable to be concluded. <Amended by Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001>


(2) A telecommunications business operator may make an application to the Korea Communications Commission for a ruling with the contents of an implementation of the agreement or a compensation for damages, when the damages occur due to the non-performance of the agreement concerning a provision and joint utilization of telecommunications facilities, an interconnection, a joint use, etc. or a furnishing of information, on the part of other telecommunications business operators. <Amended by Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001>

 

(3) through (5) Deleted. <by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998>

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 36 (Telecommunications Number, etc.)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication shall formulate and enforce the management plan for telecommunications number, in order to make an efficient provision of telecommunications service, and the promotion of user’s convenience and of the environments of fair competition among telecommunications business operators.

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, when he has formulated the plans under paragraph (1), make a public notice thereof. This shall also apply to any alterations in the established plan.

 

(3) A telecommunications business operator shall observe the matters publicly noticed under paragraph (2).

 

(4) Where the Minister of Information and Communication intends to formulate or change the management plan for the telecommunications number under paragraph (1), he shall go in advance through a deliberation by the Korea Communications Commission. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998>

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996]


Article 36-2 (Accounting Adjustment)

 

(1) A key communications business operator shall adjust the accounting, prepare a business report for the preceding year by the end of March every year, and submit it to the Minister of Information and Communication, under the conditions as determined by the Ordinance of the Korea Communications Commission , and keep the related books and authoritative documents. <Amended by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, when he intends to determine the matters of accounting adjustments under paragraph (1), go in advance through a deliberation by the Korea Communications Commission and a consultation with the Minister of Finance and Economy. <Amended by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998>

 

(3) The Korea Communications Commission may validate the contents of business report submitted by the key communications business operators under paragraph (1).. <Amended by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

(4) The Korea Communications Commission may, in case where deemed necessary for a validation under paragraph (3), order the key communications business operators to submit the related data, or carry out an investigation for a confirmation of facts. <Amended by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

(5) When the Korea Communications Commission completes the validation of the contents of business report under paragraph (3), the Korea Communications Commission shall notify the Minister of Information and Communication of the results of such validation. < Newly Inserted by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 36-3 (Prohibited Acts)

 

(1) A telecommunications business operator shall not commit any of the


following acts (hereinafter referred to as “prohibited acts”) which hamper, or are likely to hamper, fair competitions and the users’ interests, or have other telecommunications business operators or the third parties commit these acts: <Amended by Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999; Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001; Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

1.Acts of unfair discriminations in a provision and joint utilization of telecommunications facilities, an interconnection, a joint application or use, etc. or a provision of information, etc. or acts of unfairly refusing a conclusion of agreement, or acts of non-performance of the concluded agreement without any justifiable reasons;

 

2.Acts of unfairly diverting the information of other telecommunications business operators to his own business activities, which have been known to him in the course of a provision and joint utilization of telecommunications facilities, an interconnection, a joint application or use, etc. and a provision of information, etc.;

 

3.Acts of computing the fees for a use of telecommunications services, or the prices for a provision and joint utilization of telecommunications facilities, an interconnection, a joint application or use, etc. or a provision of information, by unfairly itemizing the expenses or revenues; and

 

4.Acts of providing the telecommunications services in a manner different from the standardized use contract, or acts of providing the telecommunications services in a manner which significantly hampers the profits of users.

 

5. Acts of supporting or assisting the users for all or portion of purchase price of telephone on condition of signing of service agreement when a telecommunications business operator provides key communications services by using the frequency allotted pursuant to Article 11 or 12 of the Radio Waves Act. Provided that, it shall not apply to the case necessary for the sound development of a telecommunications business and for the users’ and public interest, as set forth by the Presidential Decree. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>


(2) If a person representing a telecommunications business operator by contract for the singing of agreement with the users, etc. (including the change of such agreement) commits any acts of subparagraph 4 or 5 of paragraph (1), the telecommunications business operator shall be deemed to do so and the provisions of Articles 37 and 37-2 shall apply to the telecommunications business operator. Provided that, it shall not apply the case where the telecommunications business operator takes reasonable actions to prevent such prohibited acts. <Amended by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

(3) The types and standards of prohibited acts shall be determined by the Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 36-4 (Investigation, etc. of Facts)

 

(1) The Korea Communications Commission may, in case where deemed by a report or acknowledgement that there has been an act under Article 36-3, have its public officials conduct an investigation required for it. <Amended by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

(2) The Korea Communications Commission may, where required for the investigation under paragraph (1), order a telecommunications business operator to submit the necessary data or articles, and have its public official visit an office and business place of a telecommunications business operator or a business place of a person who is entrusted with the affairs of a telecommunications business operator, and investigate the books, documents, other data or articles, under the conditions as prescribed by the Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998; Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

(3) A person who investigates by visiting the offices or workplaces of the telecommunications business operators, or the workplaces of the persons handling, under an entrustment, the business of telecommunications business operators, under paragraph (2) shall carry a certificate indicating the authority,


and present it to the persons concerned. <Amended by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998>

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 37 (Measures on Prohibited Acts)

 

(1) The Korea Communications Commission may order the following measures upon the telecommunications business operators when it is recognized that the act under Article 36-3 has taken place: <Amended by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998; Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001; Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

1.Separation of the supply system of telecommunications service;

 

2.Change of internal accounting regulations, etc. concerning telecommunications service;

 

3.Disclosure of information concerning telecommunications service;

 

4.Conclusion, performance or change of contents of the agreement between the telecommunications business operators;

 

5.Change of the standardized use contract and the articles of incorporation of the telecommunications business operators;

 

6.Suspension of prohibited acts;

 

7.Public announcement of a fact of receiving a correction order due to committing the prohibited acts;

 

8.Measures necessary for restoring the violated matters due to the prohibited acts to their original status, such as the removal of telecommunications facilities which have caused the prohibited acts; and

 

9.Other matters as prescribed by the Presidential Decree.


(2) The telecommunications business operators shall carry out an order of the Korea Communications Commission under paragraph (1) within the period specified by the Presidential Decree: Provided, That the said Minister may extend the relevant period only once, if it is deemed that the telecommunications business operators are unable to carry out the order within the specified period due to natural disasters and other unavoidable causes. <Amended by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

(3) The Korea Communications Commission shall, before ordering the measures under paragraph (1), notify the parties concerned of the content of relevant measures, and provide them with an opportunity to make a statement within a specified period, and may hear, where deemed necessary, the opinions of the interested parties: Provided, That this shall not apply when the parties concerned fail to respond without any justifiable reasons. <Amended by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 37-2 (Imposition, etc. of Penalty Surcharge on Prohibited Acts)

 

(1) The Korea Communications Commission may, in case where there exists an act under Article 36-3, impose a penalty surcharge equal to not less than 3/100 of the turnover as prescribed by the Presidential Decree on the relevant telecommunications business operators: Provided, That where there is no turnover or it is difficult to calculate the turnover as prescribed by the Presidential Decree, he may impose the penalty surcharge not exceeding one billion won. <Amended by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

(2) The classifications of offenses subject to the imposition of a penalty surcharge under paragraph (1), the upper limit of the penalty surcharge on such offenses, and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by the Presidential Decree.

 

(3) The Korea Communications Commission shall, where a person liable to pay a


penalty surcharge under paragraph (1) fails to do so within a payment deadline, collect an additional due equivalent to 6/100 per year, with respect to the penalty surcharge in arrears, from the day following the expiry of such payment deadline. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000> <Amended by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

(4) The Korea Communications Commission shall, where a person liable to pay a penalty surcharge under paragraph (1) fails to do so by the payment deadline, demand him to pay it with fixing a period, and if he fails to pay the penalty surcharge and an additional due under paragraph (3) within the fixed period, collect them according to the example of a disposition taken to collect the national taxes in arrears. <Amended by Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000; Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998]

 

Article 37-3 (Relations with Other Acts)

 

In case where a measure is taken under Article 37 or a penalty surcharge is imposed under Article 37-2 against the acts of a telecommunications business operator under any subparagraph of Article 36-3 (1), a corrective measure or an imposition of penalty surcharge under the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act shall not be made under the same grounds against the same acts of the relevant business operator. <Amended by Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000>

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998]

 

Article 38 (Compensation for Damages)

 

In case where a correction measure has been taken under Article 37 (1), a person who is damaged by the prohibited act may claim for compensation against the telecommunications business operator who conducted the prohibited act, and the relevant telecommunications business operator may not shirk liability unless he can prove that there was no malicious intention or negligence.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996]


Article 38-2 (Quality Improvement of Telecommunications Services)

 

(1) A telecommunications business operator shall endeavor to make a quality improvement of the telecommunications services he provides.

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication shall devise the required policy measures, such as an evaluation of quality of the telecommunications services, in order to improve a quality of telecommunications services and to enhance the conveniences of users.

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication may order the telecommunications business operator to furnish data necessary for an evaluation of quality of the telecommunications services, etc. under paragraph (2).

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000]

 

Article 38-3 (Prior Selection Systems)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication shall perform the systems in which the users may select in advance the telecommunications business operator from whom they desire to receive the telecommunications service (hereinafter referred to as the “prior selection systems”). In this case, the telecommunications service shall refer to the telecommunications service as determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication from among the same telecommunications service provided by the plural number of telecommunications business operators.

 

(2) The telecommunications business operator shall not force the users to select in advance a specified telecommunications business operator, or commit the acts to recommend or induce by unlawful means.

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication may, for the purpose of


performing the prior selection systems efficiently and neutrally, designate the specialized institutes performing the registration or alteration affairs of the prior selection (hereinafter referred to as the “prior selection registration center”).

 

(4) The Minister of Information and Communication shall determine and publicly notify the matters necessary for performing the prior selection systems and for the designation of the prior selection registration center and the method of dealing with its affairs, etc., by going through the deliberation of the Korea Communications Commission.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001]

 

Article 38-4 (Mobility of Numbers)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication may, in order to have the users to be able to maintain the previous telecommunications numbers despite of the changes of the telecommunications business operators, etc., devise and perform the plans for mobility of telecommunications numbers (hereafter in this Article, referred to as the “plans for mobility of numbers”).

 

(2) The plans for mobility of numbers shall contain the contents falling under any of the following subparagraphs:

 

1.Kinds of services subject to the mobility of telecommunications numbers;

 

2.Time for introduction by service subject to the mobility of telecommunications numbers; and

 

3.Matters on sharing the expenses required for the performance of mobility of telecommunications numbers by telecommunications business operator.

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication may, in order to perform the plans for mobility of numbers, order the relevant telecommunications business operators to take the necessary measures.


(4) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, in case where he devises or alters the plans for mobility of numbers, go in advance through the deliberation of the Korea Communications Commission.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001]

 

(5) The Minister of Information and Communication may designate a specialized agency to perform the duties of registration, change, etc. of numbers (hereafter referred to as the “numbers mobility administration agency”) in order to efficiently and fairly carry out the mobility of numbers. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

(6)Matters regarding the performance of the mobility of numbers, designation of the numbers mobility administration agency and its handling of duties, etc. shall be determined and publicly notified by the Minister of Information and Communication through the deliberation of the Korea Communications Commission. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

CHAPTER V INSTALLATION AND PRESERVATION OF TELECOMUNICATIONS FACILITIES

 

Article 39 (Use of Land, etc.)

 

(1) A key communications business operator may, when necessary for the installation of line tracks, aerial lines and the appurtenant facilities to be available for telecommunications service (hereinafter referred to as the “line tracks, etc.”), make use of others’ land, or buildings and structures appurtenant thereto, and surface and bottom of the water (hereinafter referred to as the “land, etc.”). In this case, a key communications business operator shall make a consultation with owners or possessors of the relevant land, etc. in advance.


(2) Where a consultation under paragraph (1) is not or may not be made, a key communications business operator may use the land, etc. owned by others, pursuant to the Act on the Acquisition of Land, etc. for Public Works and the Compensation therefor. <Amended by Act No. 6656, Feb. 4, 2002>

 

(3) Deleted. <by Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999>

 

Article 40 (Temporary Use of Land, etc.)

 

(1) A key communications business operator may, when necessary for the measurement of line tracks, etc. and the installation or preservation works of the telecommunications facilities, temporarily use the private, national or public telecommunications facilities, and the land, etc., within the limit of not substantially impeding a current use.

 

(2) A key communications business operator shall, when intending to temporarily use the private, national or public property under paragraph (1), notify the possessors, in advance, of the purposes and period of such use: Provided, That in case where it is difficult to make a prior notification, a prompt notification shall be made during or after its use, and in case where such notification may not be made due to an obscurity of address and whereabout of possessors, a public notice thereof shall be made.

 

(3) The temporary period of use of the land, etc. under paragraph (1) shall not exceed six months.

 

(4) A person who temporarily uses the private, national or public telecommuication facilities or the land, etc. under paragraph (1) shall carry the certificate indicating the authority, and present it to the persons related.

 

Article 41 (Entry to Land, etc.)


(1) A key communications business operator may enter others’ land, etc., when necessary for a measurement, examination, etc., for the installation and preservation of his telecommunications facilities: Provided, That in case where the place intended for such entry is a residential building, a consent from residents shall be obtained.

 

(2) The provisions of Article 40 (2) and (4) shall be applied mutatis mutandis to the entry into the private, national or public land, etc., by those engaged in a measurement or examination, etc. under paragraph (1).

 

Article 42 (Request for Elimination of Obstacles, etc.)

 

(1) A key communications business operator may request the owners or possessors of gas pipes, water pipes, drain pipes, electric lamp lines, electricity lines or private telecommunications facilities, which impede or are likely to impede the installation of line tracks, etc. or telecommunications facilities themselves (hereinafter referred to as the “obstacles, etc.”), for the removal, remodeling, repair and other measures with respect to the relevant obstacles, etc.

 

(2) A key communications business operator may request the owners or possessors to remove the plants, when they may impede or are likely to impede the installation or maintenance of line tracks, etc. or telecommunications themselves.

 

(3) A key communications business operator may, when the owners or possessors of the plants do not comply with the request under paragraph (2) or there exist any other unavoidable reasons, fell or transplant the relevant plants by obtaining permission from the Minister of Information and Communication. In this case, a prompt notification shall be made to the owners or possessors of the relevant plants. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(4) The owners or possessors of the obstacles, etc., which impede or are likely to impede the telecommunications facilities of a key communications business


operator, shall make a consultation in advance with a key communications business operator, when they are in need of a new construction, enlargement, improvement, removal or alteration of the relevant obstacles, etc.

 

Article 43 (Utilization of Transportation Facilities)

 

(1) A key communications business operator may, when necessary for establishing a radio-wave station to be provided for the telecommunications service, utilize the private, national or public vessels, airplanes and other transportation facilities, or may make in advance a consultation with the owners or possessors on a special supply or a provision of facilities needed for such establishment, and make use of them.

 

(2) The provisions of Articles 40 (2) and 44 shall be applied mutatis mutandis to the case of paragraph (1).

 

Article 44 (Obligation for Restoration to Original State)

 

A key communications business operator shall restore the relevant land, etc. to its original state, when a use of the land, etc. under Articles 39 and 40 is finished or a need of providing the land, etc. for telecommunications service is gone, and in case where a restoration to the original state becomes impossible, make a proper compensation for damages suffered by the owners or possessors.

 

Article 45 (Compensation for Damages)

 

A key communications business operator shall, in case of incurring damages on others in case of Article 40 (1), 41 (1) or 42, make a proper compensation to the suffered person.

 

Article 46 (Compensation for Actual Expenses)


(1) A key telecommunications business operator shall, in case where a special supply or a provision of facilities necessary for establishing a radio-wave station to be provided for telecommunications service has been provided by the owners or possessors of the vessels, airplanes and other transportation facilities under Article 43 (1), make a compensation for the actual expenses thereof.

 

(2) The provisions of Article 33 (3) shall apply to the request for ruling and compensation procedures for actual expenses under paragraph (1). <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

Article 47 (Procedures for Compensation for Damages on Land, etc.)

 

(1) A consultation with the suffered party shall be made, in case where a compensation under Article 44 or 45 is made due to a use of or an entry into the land, etc., a removal of the obstacles, etc., or an impossibility of restoration to the original state under Article 40 (1), 41 (1), 42 or 44.

 

(2) When a consultation under paragraph (1) is not or unable to be made, an application for adjudications shall be filed with the competent Land Expropriation Commission under the Act on the Acquisition of Land, etc. for Public Works and the Compensation therefor. <Amended by Act No. 6656, Feb. 4, 2002>

 

(3) Except for those as otherwise prescribed by this Act, the provisions of the Act on the Acquisition of Land, etc. for Public Works and the Compensation therefor shall be applied mutatis mutandis to the criteria, methods and procedures regarding a compensation for damages, etc. to the land, etc. under paragraph (1), and an application for adjudications under paragraph (2). <Amended by Act No. 6656, Feb. 4, 2002>.

 

Articles 48 and 49

 

Deleted. <by Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999>


Article 50 (Protection of Telecommunications Facilities)

 

(1) No person shall destruct the telecommunications facilities, and obstruct the flow of telecommunications by impeding the function of telecommunications facilities by means of having other objects contact them or by any other devices.

 

(2) No person shall stain the telecommunications facilities or damage the measurement marks of the telecommunications facilities by means of throwing objects to the telecommunications facilities or fastening an animal, vessel or a log raft thereto.

 

Article 51 (Moving of Facilities, etc.)

 

(1) The owners or possessors of the land, etc. may, in case where the telecommunications facilities of a key communications business operator have become an obstacle to a use of the land, etc. due to changes in the purpose of use or in the methods of using the land, etc. where such facilities are located, or the land adjacent to it, request a key communications business operator to move the telecommunications facilities, and take other measures necessary for removing the obstacles.

 

(2) A key communications business operator shall, upon receipt of a request under paragraph (1), take necessary measures, except for the cases where such measures are difficult to be taken for a business performance or technologies.

 

(3) Expenses necessary for the measures under paragraph (2) shall be borne by the requester: Provided, That they may be reduced or exempted under the conditions as prescribed by the Presidential Decree.

 

Article 52 (Cooperation of Other Organizations, etc.)


A key communications business operator may ask the related public agencies for a cooperation, in case where the operation of vehicles, vessels, airplanes and other carriers for the installation and preservation of his telecommunications facilities. In this case, the public agency in receipt of a request for cooperation shall comply with it, unless there exist any justifiable reasons.

 

CHAPTER VI SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS

 

Article 53 (Prohibition of Unlawful Communication)

 

(1) A person in use of telecommunications shall not commit any of the following acts:<Amended by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

1. Telecommunications activities of distributing, selling, leasing or displaying lewd symbol, words, sound, pictures or image;

 

2. Telecommunications activities of distributing fact or fiction in order to defame other person;

 

3. Telecommunications activities of repeatedly sending symbol, words, sound, pictures or image, which are likely to cause horror or uneasiness;

 

4. Telecommunications activities of damaging, changing or forging the information and communication system, data, program, etc., or interfering with the operation thereof without justifiable reason;

 

5. Telecommunications activities of providing the media materials harmful to juveniles for business profit without performing the obligations, such as affirmation of age of the counter party, indication, etc. under the Juvenile Protection Act;


6. Speculative telecommunications activities prohibited by the laws;

 

7. Telecommunications activities of disclosing the information classified as secret by the laws or other national confidential information;

 

8. Telecommunications activities prohibited by the National Security Act; or

 

9. Telecommunications activities for, or of directing or aiding, crime.

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication may order a telecommunications business operator to refuse, suspend or restrict the communication under paragraph (1) through the deliberation of the Korea Communications Commission. Provided that, for the acts of subparagraph 2 or 3 of paragraph (1), such order cannot be given if dissented by the person who suffers damages therefrom, and for the acts of subparagraphs 7 through 9 of paragraph (1), such order can be given only when requested by the head of a central administrative agency. <Amended by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication shall give the opportunity to present their opinion to the telecommunications business operator and the user concerned subject to the order under paragraph (2). Provided that, it shall not apply in any of the following instances: <Amended by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

1. If there is need to take urgent action for the public safety or interest;

 

2. If it is difficult, or clearly unnecessary, to hear such opinion, as set forth by the Presidential Decree; or

 

3. If the telecommunications business operator and the user concerned indicate their intent to waive the opportunity of presentment of their opinion.

<Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

Article 53-2 (Information Communication Ethics Committee)


(1) For the purpose of creating the healthy information culture and promoting good use environment of telecommunications, the Information Communication Ethics Committee (hereinafter referred to as the “Committee”) shall be established. <Amended by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

(2) The Committee shall be composed of the members no less than eleven, but no more than fifteen, including the chairman.

 

(3) The members shall be commissioned by the Minister of Information and Communication from among those engaged in the academic circle, legal circle, users’ organization and business circles related to the information communication. In such case, the Minister of Information and Communication shall commission the members from among those engaged in the legal circle and the users’ organization such that each number of such members from such circle and organization shall be 1/5 or more of the total number of members. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

(4) The Committee shall execute the following tasks: <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

1.Presentation of fundamental principles on information communication ethics;

 

2.Deliberation of information as prescribed by this Act and the Presidential Decree from among those disclosed and circulated to the public through telecommunications line, and a request for correction thereof;

 

3.Recommendation to devise a countermeasure for making the information sound, which are circulated through telecommunications line;

 

4.Operation of a center for reporting on the information unlawful or harmful to juveniles;

 

5.Activities necessary for a promotion of healthy information culture; and


6.Other matters entrusted by the Minister of Information and Communication with respect to the activation of the distribution of sound information.

 

(5) Matters necessary for organization and operation of the Committee shall be determined by the Presidential Decree.

 

(6) The State may grant a subsidy for the expenses required for a operation of the Committee within the limit of its budget. [This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995]

 

Article 54 (Protection of Communication Secrecy)

 

(1) No person shall infringe on or divulge the secrecy of communication dealt with by telecommunications business operator.

 

(2) A person who is or has been engaged in the telecommunications service shall not divulge others’ secrecy obtained with respect to communication while in office.

 

(3) A telecommunications business operator may, when a court, prosecutor or the head of an investigating authority (including a military investigating agency; hereinafter the same shall apply) or the head of an intelligence and investigating agency asks him for a perusal or submission of the data (hereinafter referred to as “supply of communication data”) concerning the followings, under the necessity of gathering information for the purpose of conducting court hearing or investigations or of executing a sentence, and of preventing harms to the national security, comply with such requests. <Amended by Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000; Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

1. Name of user;

 

2. Resident registration number of user;

 

3. Address of user;


4. Telephone number of user;

 

5. ID (user’s identification code to distinguish the proper user of computer system or communication network); and

 

6. Date of entry or termination of user.

 

(4) The request for supply of communication data under paragraph (3) shall be made in writing (hereinafter referred to as a “written request for data supply”), which states a reason for such request, relation with the relevant user and the scope of necessary data: Provided, That where an urgent reason exists that makes a request in writing impossible, such request may be made without resorting to writing, and when such reason disappears, a written request for data supply shall be promptly filed with the telecommunications business operator. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

(5) A telecommunications business operator shall, where he has supplied the communication data pursuant to the procedures of paragraphs (3) and (4), keep the ledgers as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication, which contain necessary matters such as the facts of supplies of communication data, and the related data such as the written requests for data supply, etc. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

(6) A telecommunications business operator shall report, to the Minister of Information and Communication, twice a year the current status, etc. of supplying the communication data, under the conditions as prescribed by the Presidential Decree, and the Minister of Information and Communication may check whether the content of a report made by a telecommunications business operator is authentic and the management status of related data under paragraph (5). <Amended by Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

(7) A telecommunications business operator shall, under the conditions as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Minister of Information and Communication, notify the contents entered in the ledgers under paragraph (5) to the head of a central administrative agency whereto a person requesting supply of


communication data under paragraph (3) belongs. Provided that, if a person requesting supply of communication data is a court, a telecommunications business operator shall notify the Director of the Court Administration Office of such contents. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000> (Amended by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

(8) A telecommunications business operator shall establish and operate a setup in full charge of the affairs related to the users’ communication secrets; and the matters concerning the function and composition, etc. of the relevant setup shall be prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

(9) Matters necessary for the scope of persons holding the decisive power on the written requests filed with the telecommunications business operators under paragraph (4) shall be prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

Article 54-2 (Notice of Transmitter’s Telephone Number)

 

(1) The telecommunications business operator may, upon request from the recipient, notify him of the transmitter’s telephone number, etc. under the conditions as determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication: Provided, That this shall not apply to the case where the transmitter expresses his content to refuse the transmission of his telephone number, etc.

 

(2) The telecommunications business operator may, in case where the recipient requests and where determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication from among the telephone services with the special numbers, notify the recipient of the transmitter’s telephone number, etc. under the conditions as determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication in order to protect the recipients from the violent languages, intimidations, jestings, etc., notwithstanding the proviso of paragraph (1).


[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001]

 

Article 55 (Restriction and Suspension of Business)

 

The Minister of Information and Communication may order the telecommunications business operators to restrict or suspend the whole or part of telecommunications service under the conditions as prescribed by the Presidential Decree, when there occurs or is likely to occur a national emergency of war, incident, natural calamity, or that corresponding to them, or when other unavoidable causes exist, and when necessary for securing important communications. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

Article 56

 

Deleted. <by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

Articles 57 and 58

 

Deleted. <by Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999>

 

Article 59 (Approval for International Telecommunications Services)

 

(1) When there exist special provisions in the treaties or agreements on international telecommunications business joined by the Government, those provisions shall govern.

 

(2) A telecommunications business operator shall, where he intends to conclude an agreement or a contract with a foreign government or a foreigner with respect to the adjustments of fees following the handling of international telecommunications services (excluding the case of a value-added communications business operator) and other international telecommunications business as prescribed by the Presidential Decree, obtain approval from the Minister of Information and Communication under the conditions as prescribed


by the Presidential Decree. The same shall apply to the case where he intends to alter or abolish such agreement or contract. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999; Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

(3) Standards for approving an agreement or a contract with respect to fees on the handling of international telecommunications services shall be determined and publicly announced by the Minister of Information and Communication. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

Article 59-2 (Transboundary Provision of Key Telecommunications Services)

 

(1) A person, who intends to provide key telecommunications service from abroad into the homeland without establishing a domestic business place (hereinafter referred to as the “transboundary provision of key telecommunications services”), shall conclude a contract on transboundary provision of key telecommunications services with a domestic key communications business operator or a specific communications business operator who provides the same key telecommunications service.

 

(2) The provisions of Articles 29, 30, 33 through 33-3, 36-3 through 37, 38, 53 through 55, 62 and 65 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the provision of services as determined in a contract by a key communications business operator or a specific communications business operator who has concluded the contract under paragraph (1). <Amended by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998; Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999>

 

(3) Where a person, who intends to provide a transboundary key telecommunications service under paragraph (1), or a key communications business operator or a specific communications business operator, who has concluded a contract with him, violates the relevant provisions which applies mutatis mutandis under paragraph (2), the Minister of Information and Communication may cancel approval under Article 59 (2), or issue an order to suspend a transboundary provision of the whole or part of key telecommunications services as determined in the relevant contract, with fixing


a period of less than one year.

 

(4) Criteria and procedures for dispositions under paragraph (3) and other necessary matters shall be determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997]

 

Article 60

 

Deleted. <by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

<Deleted by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

Article 62 (Report, etc. on Statistics)

 

(1) A telecommunications business operator shall report the statistics on a provision of telecommunications service as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication, such as a current status of facilities by telecommunications service, subscription record, current status of users, and the data related to telephone traffic required for the imposition and collection of fees, to the Minister of Information and Communication under the conditions as determined by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication, and keep the related data available. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(2) A key communications business operator and stockholders thereof, or the specific communications business operator and stockholders thereof shall submit the related data necessary for a verification of the facts of Article 6, pursuant to the provisions of the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication, upon receipt of a request from the Minister of Information and Communication. <Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997; Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999>

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication may, in order to verify the facts under paragraph (2), or to examine the genuineness of the data submitted,


request the administrative agencies and other related agencies to examine the data submitted or to submit the related data. In this case, the agencies in receipt of such request shall accede thereto unless there exist any justifiable reasons. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

Article 63 (Hearing)

 

The Minister of Information and Communication shall, in case where he intends to make a disposition falling under any of the following subparagraphs, hold a hearing:

 

1.Cancellation of license for a key communications business operator under Article 15 (1);

 

2.Cancellation of registration of a specific communications business or closedown of a value-added communications business under Article 28 (1) and (2); and

 

3.Cancellation of approval under Article 59-2 (3).

[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997]

 

Article 64 (Imposition, etc. of Penalty Surcharge)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication may impose a penalty surcharge in the amount equivalent to 3% or less of the revenue to be calculated as set forth by the Presidential Decree in lieu of a relevant business suspension, in case where he has to order a business suspension to a telecommunications business operator who falls under subparagraphs of Article 15 (1) or under any of subparagraphs of Article 28 (1) and (2), or a suspension of relevant business is likely to cause substantial inconveniences to the users, etc. of relevant business or to harm other public interests. Provided that, if there is not such revenue or if it is difficult to calculate such revenue, the Minister of Information and Communication may impose a penalty surcharge in the amount equivalent to


1 billion won or less, as set forth by the Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997; Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998; Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

(2) Classifications of offenses subject to an imposition of penalty surcharge under paragraph (1), the amount of penalty surcharge according to a level of offenses, and other necessary matters shall be determined by the Presidential Decree.

 

(3) The provisions of Article 37-2 (3) and (4) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the collection of a penalty surcharge under paragraph (1). <Amended by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998; Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

(4) Deleted. <by Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997>

 

Article 64-2 (Extension of Time Limit of Payment of Penalty Surcharge and Payment in Installments)

 

(1) Where a penalty surcharge to be paid by a telecommunications business operator under Articles 37-2 and 64 exceeds the amount as prescribed by the Presidential Decree, and where deemed that a person liable for a payment of penalty surcharge finds it difficult to pay it in a lump sum due to the reasons falling under any of the following subparagraphs, the Minister of Information and Communication may either extend the time limit of payment, or have him pay it in installments. In this case, the Minister may, if deemed necessary, have him put up a security therefor:

 

1.Where he suffers a severe loss of property due to natural disasters or fire;

 

2.Where his business faces a serious crisis due to an aggravation of his business environments; and

 

3.Where it is expected that he will be in great financial difficulty if he pays the penalty surcharge in a lump sum.


(2) Matters necessary for an extension of the deadline for payment of a penalty surcharge, the payment in installments and the laying of a security shall be prescribed by the Presidential Decree.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998]

 

Article 65 (Correction Orders, etc.)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication shall issue correction orders in case where a telecommunications business operator falls under any of the following subparagraphs: <Amended by Act No. 4441, Dec. 14, 1991; Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 5835, Feb. 8, 1999; Act No. 6360, Jan. 16, 2001>

 

1.Where he violates this Act, the Framework Act on Telecommunications, the Radio Waves Act, the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc., the Framework Act on Informationalization Promotion, or the orders issued under these Acts;

 

2.Where the procedures for business performances of telecommunications business operator are deemed to inflict significant harms on the users’ interests; and

 

3.Where he fails to take swift measures necessary for removing obstructions such as repairs, etc. when impediments have occurred to the supply of telecommunications services.

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication may order a telecommunications business operator to conduct the matters of the following subparagraphs, when necessary for development of telecommunications: <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

1.Integrated operation and management of telecommunications facilities, etc.;

 

2.Expansion of communications facilities for the enhancement of social welfare;


3.Construction and management of communications networks for important communications to achieve efficient performance of State’s functions; and

 

4.Other matters as prescribed by the Presidential Decree.

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication may order the persons falling under any of the following subparagraphs to take measures, such as the suspension of acts to provide telecommunications service or the removal of telecommunications facilities, etc.: <Newly Inserted by Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001>

 

1.Persons who operate a key communications business without obtaining a permit under Article 5 (1);

 

2.Persons who operate a specific communications business without making a registration under Article 19 (1); and

 

3.Persons who operate a value-added communications business without making a report under Article 21 (1).

 

Articles 66 and 67

 

Deleted. <by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

Article 68 (Delegation and Entrustment of Authority)

 

(1) The authority of the Minister of Information and Communication under this Act may be delegated in part to the Commissioner of Communications Office, under the conditions as prescribed by the Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication may entrust a part of affairs related to reports under Article 21 (1) to a telecommunications business


operator or to the Korea Information Communication Promotion Association under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc.,under the conditions as prescribed by the Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 4439, Dec. 14, 1991; Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 5835, Feb. 8, 1999; Act No. 6360, Jan. 16, 2001>

 

CHAPTER VII PENAL PROVISIONS

 

Article 69 (Penal Provisions)

 

Any person falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than five years or by a fine not exceeding two hundred million won: <Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000; Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

1.A person who runs a key communications business without obtaining a license under Article 5 (1);

 

2.A person who obstructs the flow of telecommunications by impeding a function of telecommunications facilities by means of damaging telecommunications facilities, or having the objects contacted thereon and other methods, in violation of Article 50 (1);

 

3.A person who divulges other’s secrets with respect to communications which have been known to him while in office, in violation of Article 54 (2); and

 

4.Aperson who supplies communication data, and person who receives such supply, in violation of Article 54 (3).

 

Article 70 (Penal Provisions)

 

A person falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by


imprisonment for not more than three years or by a fine not exceeding one hundred fifty million won: <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997; Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

1.A person who refuses a provision of telecommunications service without any justifiable reasons, in violation of Article 3 (1);

 

2.A person who is ordered the business suspension under Article 15 (1);

 

3. A person who operates a specific communications business without making a registration under Article 19 (1);

 

4. A person who commits the prohibited acts falling under any of subparagraphs 1 through 4 of Article 36-3 (1);

 

5. A person who fails to implement an order under Article 37 (2);

 

6. A person who obstructs the measurement of line tracks, etc. and the installation and preservation activities of telecommunications facilities under Article 40 (1); and

 

7. A person who encroaches upon or divulges a secret of communications handled by telecommunications business operator, in violation of Article 54 (1).

 

Article 71 (Penal Provisions)

 

A person falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than two years or by a fine not exceeding one hundred million won: <Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998; Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999; Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

1.A person who fails to obtain a modified license or to make a report thereon under Article 10;


2.A person who fails to obtain approval under Articles 11 (1) and 34-4 (4);

 

3.A person who fails to obtain an authorization under Article 13 (1) or approval under Article 13 (2) or 14 (1);

 

4.A person who runs the value-added communications business without making a report under Article 21;

 

5. A person who is ordered the business suspension under Article 28 (1);

 

6. A person who is ordered the business closedown under Article 28 (2);

 

7. A person who discloses, uses or provides the information, in violation of the text of Article 34-5 (1) or paragraph (2) of the same Article;

 

8. A person who fails to implement orders under Article 53 (2) or 55; and

 

9. A person who fails to obtain approval, approval for alteration, or approval for abolition, under Article 59 (2).

 

Article 72 (Penal Provisions)

 

A person falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than one year or by a fine not exceeding fifty million won: <Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997; Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998; Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000; Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

1.A person who violates the orders issued under Articles 7 (2) (including the case applied mutatis mutandis under Article 4 (4) of the Addenda of Amended Telecommunications Business Act (Law No. 5385));

 

2.Deleted; <by Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999>

 

3.A person who fails to make a modified registration or a modified report under


Article 22;

 

4.A person who fails to make a report under Article 25;

 

5. A person who violates the order of suspension of business under Article 28 (2);

 

6. A person who provides telecommunications service without making a report or receiving an authorization under Article 29 (1); and

 

7. A person who intermediates other person’s communication or furnishes them for use by other person, by making use of telecommunications services rendered by the telecommunications business operator, in contravention of the provisions of the text of Article 32-2.

 

Article 73 (Penal Provisions)

 

A person falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by a fine not exceeding fifty million won: <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

1. A person who commits any of the prohibited acts set forth in Article 36-3 (1) 5;

 

2. A person who refuses or impedes a temporary use of private telecommunications facilities or lands under Article 40 (1), without justifiable reasons;

 

3. A person who refuses or impedes an entry to the land, etc. under Article 41 (1), without justifiable reasons;

 

4. A person who refuses the moving, alteration, repair and other measures on the obstacles, etc. under Article 42 (1), or the request for removal of the plants under Article 42 (2), without justifiable reasons;


5. A person who refuses a use of transport devices or a request for provision of facilities, etc. under Article 43 (1), without justifiable reasons;

 

5.Deleted; <by Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999>

 

6.Deleted; and <by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998>

 

7.Deleted. <by Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999>

 

Article 74

 

Deleted. <Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

Article 75 (Penal Provisions)

 

A person who stains the telecommunications facilities or damages the measurement marks of the telecommunications facilities, in violation of Article 50 (2) shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one million won. [This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996]

 

Article 76 (Attempted Criminal)

 

An attempted criminal under subparagraphs 2 and 3 of Article 69 and subparagraph 7 of Article 70 shall be punished. <Amended by Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997; Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

Article 77 (Joint Penal Provisions)

 

When a representative of a juristic person or an agent, an employee or any other employed person of the juristic person or individual commits violation under Articles 69 through 73 in connection with the business of such juristic person or individual, then a fine under the related Article shall be imposed on the juristic person or individual, in addition to the punishment of the violator.


<Amended by Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

Article 78 (Fine for Negligence)

 

(1) A person who falls under any of the following subparagraphs shall be punished by a fine for negligence not exceeding ten million won: <Amended by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995; Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996; Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997; Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998; Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999; Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000; Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

1.A person who fails to make a report under Article 27;

 

2.A person who fails to implement an order for modification in the standardized use contract under Article 30;

 

3.Deleted; <by Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999>

 

4.A person who violates the obligation concerning the protection of users under Article 33 (2);

 

5.A person who fails to make a public announcement of the technical standards, and the standards for use and provision, or the standards for a creation of fair competitive environments, in violation of Article 34-4 (4);

 

6.A person who fails to observe the publicly announced matters, in violation of Article 36 (3);

 

7.A person who fails to adjust the accounting, to submit a business report, or to keep the books or evidential data, in violation of Article 36-2 (1);

 

8.A person who fails to implement an order for the submission of related data under Article 36-2 (4);

 

9.A person who refuses, avoids or hampers an order for submission, or an


investigation, of the data or articles under Article 36-4 (2);

 

10.A person who fails to execute orders given to furnish related data under the provisions of Article 38-2 (3);

 

11.A person who fails to keep related data or makes false entries in such data, in contravention of the provisions of Article 54 (5) ;

 

12.A person who fails to notify the head of central administrative agency, in contravention of the provisions of Article 54 (7);

 

13. Deleted; <Deleted by Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

14.A person who fails to make reports or submit the data under Article 62, or falsely do such acts; and

 

15.A person who fails to follow correction orders, etc., under Article 65.

 

(2) The fine for negligence under paragraph (1) shall be imposed and collected by the Minister of Information and Communication, under the conditions as prescribed by the Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(3) A person who is dissatisfied with the imposition of the fine for negligence under paragraph (2) may make an objection to the Minister of Information and Communication within thirty days from the notification date of such imposition. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(4) When a person subjected to the imposition of the fine for negligence under paragraph (2) makes an objection under paragraph (3), the Minister of Information and Communication shall notify a competent court of the fact without delay, and the court so notified shall bring the case of fine for negligence to trial under the Non-Contentious Case Litigation Procedure Act. <Amended by Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(5) When neither the objection against nor the payment of the fine for


negligence is made within the specified period under paragraph (3), it shall be collected in accordance with examples of disposition for the national taxes in arrears.

 

ADDENDA

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force four months after the date of its promulgation.

 

Article 2 (Transitional Measures concerning Public Communications Business Operator, etc.)

 

(1) At the time when this Act enters into force, the Korea Telecommunications Corporation under the Korea Telecommunication Corporation Act (hereinafter referred to as the “Corporation”) shall be deemed to have been designated as the one capable of running a general communications business under Article 5 (1).

 

(2) Among the persons designated to be able to run public telecommunications business by the Minister of Information and Communication under Article 7 (2) of the former Framework Act on Telecommunications, at the time when this Act enters into force, the one running a general communications business under Article 4 (3) 1 shall be deemed to have been designated as a general communications business operator under Article 5, and the one running specific communications business under Article 4 (3) 2 shall be deemed to have the license of specific communications business operator under Article 16 (1).

 

(3) At the time when this Act enters into force, the person providing the information communications services on travel information with the leased telecommunications line facilities from among the persons designated to be able


to run public telecommunications business by the Minister of Information and Communication under Article 7 (2) of the former Framework Act on Telecommunications, and the person who has made a registration of a business providing the information communications service to the Minister of Information and Communication under former Article 73-2 (1), shall be deemed to have registered the value-added communications business under Article 21 (1).

 

(4) The person falling under paragraphs (1) through (3) shall report the matters as prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication, such as classifications, contents etc., of telecommunications service provided by him, to the Minister of Information and Communication within one month after enforcement of this Act.

 

Article 3 (Transitional Measures concerning Entrusted Business)

 

At the time when this Act enters into force, the business entrusted to others under former Article 5 by a public telecommunications business operator with approval from the Minister of Information and Communication shall be deemed to be entrusted by a general communications business operator or a specific communications business operator with approval from the Minister of Information and Communication, under Article 12 (including the case applied mutatis mutandis under Article 20).

 

Article 4 (Transitional Measures concerning Authorization of Standard Form of Contract for Users, etc.)

 

At the time when this Act enters into force, the standard form of contract for users authorized under the former Article 9 (2), shall be considered as the standard form of contract for users authorized by the Minister of Information and Communication under Article 29 (1) until three months after the enforcement of this Act.

 

Article 5 (Transitional Measures concerning Disposition, etc.)


Where the approval, license, disposition, orders and applications, etc. have been executed under the former provisions at the time when this Act enters into force, except for the cases under Articles 2 and 3 of the Addenda, and where there exist the provisions which correspond thereto in this Act, such shall be deemed to have been executed under this Act.

 

Article 6 (Special Case on Ownership Limitation of Stocks, etc.)

 

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 6 (1) 4, the Corporation may, within the limit of par value of stocks issued by other general communications business operator which have been owned by the Corporation at the time when this Act enters into force, possess the relevant stocks up to two years after the enforcement of this Act. In this case, the Corporation shall submit the plans for disposal of the relevant stocks such as a donation to the State, to the Minister of Information and Communication within six months after enforcement of this Act, and take measures so as to have them in conformity with Article 6 (1) 4 according to the said plans.

 

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 6 (1) 6, the facilities manufacturer may possess the stocks issued by other general communications business operator within the limit of par value of stocks which have been owned by him at the time when this Act enters into force: Provided, That additional investments shall not be made until the ownership ratio of stocks with voting rights comes to fall short of the ownership limitation ratio under Article 6 (1) 6.

 

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 18 (1) 5, the Corporation may, up to two years after enforcement of this Act, possess in excess of 10/100 of the stocks with voting rights, issued by a specific communications business operator who mainly provides telecommunications service based upon a wireless mode with technical limits: Provided, That when two years have passed after an enforcement of this Act, it shall not possess them in excess of 1/3.

 

(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 18 (1) 5, the Corporation may


possess in excess of 10/100 of the stocks with voting rights issued by a specific communications business operator whose main business areas are harbor districts.

 

Article 7

 

Deleted. <by Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995>

 

Article 8 (Amendment of Other Acts, etc.)

 

(1) through (8) Omitted.

 

(9) At the time when this Act enters into force, where other Acts cite former provisions of the Public Telecommunication Service Act, and where there exist provisions corresponding thereto in this Act, it shall be considered to have cited the corresponding provisions in this Act in lieu of the former provisions.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 4439, Dec. 14, 1991>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.

 

Articles 2 through 4

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 4441, Dec. 14, 1991>

 


Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force on July 1, 1992.

 

Articles 2 and 3

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 4861, Jan. 5, 1995>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force four months after the date of its promulgation.

 

Articles 2 through 5

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 4903, Jan. 5, 1995>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.

 

Article 2 (Transitional Measures concerning License for Key Communications Business Operator, etc.)


(1) At the time when this Act enters into force, a general communications business operator and a specific communications business operator under the former provisions shall be deemed to have been licensed for a key communications business operator under the amended provisions of Article 5.

 

(2) At the time when this Act enters into force, the value-added communications business operator under the former provisions shall be deemed to have made the report of a value-added communications business operator under the amended provisions of Article 21.

 

Article 3 (Special Case on Ownership Limitation of Stocks, etc.)

 

(1) At the time when this Act enters into force, the stocks issued by other key communications business operator which have been possessed by the Corporation under the Korea Telecommunication Corporation Act, shall be deemed to have been approved under the amended provision of proviso of subparagraph 4 of Article 6.

 

(2) The amended provisions of subparagraph 5 of Article 6 shall not be applied mutatis mutandis to the case where the Corporation possesses the stocks of Korea Port Telephone Company.

 

Article 4 (Transitional Measures concerning Application of Penal Provisions)

 

In the application of penal provisions to the activities prior to the enforcement of this Act, the former provisions shall govern.

 

Article 5 (Relations with Other Acts and Subordinate Statutes)

 

At the time when this Act enters into force, where a general communications business operator or a specific communications business operator is cited by other Acts and subordinate statutes, it shall be deemed to have cited a key


communication business operator.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 5220, Dec. 30, 1996>

 

(1) (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force one month after the date of its promulgation.

 

(2) (Transitional Measures concerning Standard Form of Contract for Users) The standard form of contract for users which has been authorized or reported under the previous provisions at the time when this Act enters into force, shall be deemed to have been authorized or reported under the amended provisions of Article 29.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 5385, Aug. 28, 1997>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force on January 1, 1998.

 

Article 2 (Valid Term)

 

The amended provisions of subparagraph 6 (c) and (d) of Article 6 shall continue to be valid until December 31, 1998.

 

Article 3 (Special Cases concerning Application of Disqualifications for License of Key Communications Business)

 

(1) Notwithstanding the amended provisions of subparagraph 3 of Article 6, a


juristic person in which those who fall under subparagraphs 3 (a) through (c) of Article 6 (hereinafter referred to as the “foreigners, etc.”) are major stockholders, shall not obtain a license for a key communications business until December 31, 1998.

 

(2) Deleted. <by Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999>

 

Article 4 (Special Cases concerning Acquisition of Stocks)

 

(1) The foreigners, etc. shall not become major stockholders of the stock company which assumes the property, rights and obligations of the Korea Telecommunications Corporation under Article 3 (1) of the Addenda of the Repeal Act of the Act on the Korea Telecommunications Corporation (Law No. 5387). <Amended by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998; Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001>

 

(2) Deleted. <by Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001>

 

(3) Deleted.

 

(4) The provisions of Article 7 shall apply mutatis mutandis to a violation of paragraph (1).

 

Article 5 (Transitional Measures on Appointment of Part-time Directors)

 

A nationwide telephone service provider shall appoint a majority of directors as part-time members at a general meeting of stockholders convened for the first time after the entry into force of this Act.

 

Article 6 (Special Cases on Application of Disqualifications for Specific Communications Business Operators)


(1) No juristic person falling under any of the following subparagraphs shall, notwithstanding the amended provisions of Article 24, become a specific communications business operator who provides a telephone service by connecting to telecommunications networks:

 

1. Deleted; and <by Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998>

 

2. Juristic person in which the stocks owned by the foreigners, etc. exceed 49/100 of the total issued stocks until December 31, 2000.

 

(2) The provisions of Article 7 shall apply mutatis mutandis to a violation of paragraph (1).

 

Article 7 (Special Cases on Transboundary Provision of Key Telecommunications Services)

 

A person who intends to provide a telephone service which connects to the telecommunications networks, from among the business falling under Article 4 (3) 1 by a transboundary provision of key telecommunications services, shall establish within the country a juristic person which operates a specific communications business not later than December 31, 2000, and provide the relevant services through the said juristic person.

 

Article 8

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDUM <Act No. 5564, Sep. 17, 1998>

 

This Act shall enter into force on January 1, 1999: Provided, That the amended provisions of Article 5-2, subparagraphs 4 and 5 of Article 6, Articles 9 (3), 12, and 16, and the amended provisions of Articles 4 (1) and 6 (1) 1 of the Addenda of the amendments of the Act No. 5385, Telecommunications Business Act, shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.


ADDENDA <Act No. 5835, Feb. 8, 1999>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force on July 1, 1999. (Proviso Omitted.)

 

Articles 2 through 4

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 5986, May 24, 1999>

 

(1) (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force on July 1, 1999.

 

(2) Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 6230, Jan. 28, 2000>

 

(1) (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force on April 1, 2000.

 

(2) (Application Example of Application Exclusion of Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act) The amended provisions of Article 37-3 shall apply starting with any act first performed by the telecommunications business operator in accordance with each subparagraph of Article 36-3 (1) after the enforcement of this Act.

 

(3) (Transitional Measures concerning Penal Provisions) The application of the penal provisions to any act committed prior to the enforcement of this Act shall


be governed by the previous provisions.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 6346, Jan. 8, 2001>

 

(1) (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amendments to Article 38-4 shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation, and the amendments to Article 54-2 two months after the date of its promulgation.

 

(2) Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 6360, Jan. 16, 2001>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force on July 1, 2001.

 

Articles 2 through 6

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 6602, Jan. 14, 2002>

 

(1) (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force on July 1, 2002.

 

(2) and (3) Omitted.


ADDENDA <Act No. 6656, Feb. 4, 2002>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force on January 1, 2003.

 

Articles 2 through 12

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Act No. 6822, Dec. 26, 2002>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amendments to Articles 53, paragraph (1), the latter part of paragraph (3) and paragraph (4) of 53-2, and paragraph (3) and proviso of paragraph (7) of Article 54 and subparagraph 8 of Article 71 shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation, and the amendments to Article 36-3 (3) six months after the date of its promulgation.

 

Article 2 (Valid Term)

 

The amended provisions of subparagraph 5 of Article 36-3 (1) shall continue to be valid for three years after the enforcement date.

 

Article 3 (Transitional Measures on Disposition, etc.)

 

License, acceptance of report, corrective order for prohibited acts, imposition of penalty, etc. made by the Minister of Information and Communication under the prior provisions of Articles 34-6, 37 and 37-2 shall be deemed made by the Korea Communications Commission under the provisions equivalent thereto.


Article 4 (Transitional Measures on Penalty)

 

Notwithstanding the amendments to Article 64 (1), the penalty for the acts committed prior to the enforcement of this Act shall be subject to the prior provisions.

EX-10.7 12 dex107.htm ENFORCEMENT DECREE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS LAW (TRANSLATION) Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Business Law (translation)

EXHIBIT 10.7

 

ENFORCEMENT DECREE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS ACT

 

Wholly amended By

 

1991·12·31 

 

Presidential Decree No. 13558

Amended By

 

1993· 7·23  

 

Presidential Decree No. 13935

Amended By

 

1995· 4· 6    

 

Presidential Decree No. 14572

Amended By

 

1997· 2·22  

 

Presidential Decree No. 15283

Amended By

 

1997· 3·31  

 

Presidential Decree No. 15328

Amended By

 

1997·12·31 

 

Presidential Decree No. 15579

Amended By

 

1999· 3·17  

 

Presidential Decree No. 16186

Amended By

 

1999· 6·30  

 

Presidential Decree No. 16424

Amended By

 

2000· 3·13  

 

Presidential Decree No. 16751

Amended By

 

2000· 4· 1    

 

Presidential Decree No. 16774

Amended By

 

2001· 6·12  

 

Presidential Decree No. 17237

 

Article 1 (Purpose)

 

The purpose of this Decree is to provide for matters delegated under Telecommunications Business Act (hereinafter referred to as the “Act”) and matters necessary for its enforcement.


Article 2 (Definition)

 

The terms in this Decree shall be the same as defined in the Act.

 

Article 2-2 (Contents of Universal Service)

 

(1) The contents of universal services as prescribed in Article 3-2 (4) of the Act shall be as follows: <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 17237, Jun. 12, 2001>

 

1.Wire telephone services;

 

2.Telephone services for emergency communications; and

 

3.Telephone services whose fees are reduced or exempted for the handicapped and the low income class.

 

(2) The detailed contents of universal services under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication. [This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 16186, Mar. 17, 1999]

 

Article 2-3 (Designation of Telecommunications Business Operator who Provides Universal Services)

 

(1) For the purpose of the efficient and stabilized provision of universal services, the Minister of Information and Communication may designate a telecommunications business operator who provides universal services (hereinafter referred to as a “business operator providing universal services”) in consideration of the scale, quality and level of fees of universal services and the technical capacity of a telecommunications business operator.

 

(2) If the Minister of Information and Communication intends to designate a


business operator providing universal services under paragraph (1), the Information and Communications Policy Deliberation Council as prescribed in Article 44-2 of the Framework Act on Telecommunications shall deliberate thereon.

 

(3) A telecommunications business operator who is designated as a business operator providing universal services under paragraph (1) shall submit, to the Minister of Information and Communication every year not later than the end of the year preceding the provision of relevant services, a written plan for provision of universal services which includes the method of, and the expenses for, providing the relevant services.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 16186, Mar. 17, 1999]

 

Article 2-4 (Replenishment of Losses Incurred by Provision of Universal Services)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication may have the telecommunications business operators, who are not business operators providing universal services, bear the fund for replenishing the whole or part of losses incurred by a provision of universal services by business operators providing universal services (hereinafter referred to as the “money to replenish losses from universal services”), according to their turnovers.

 

(2) A business operator providing universal services, who intends to receive the money to replenish losses from universal services, shall submit a report on the actual results of a provision of universal services, including expenses for and incomes and losses from the provision thereof, to the Minister of Information and Communication within three months after the expiration of the relevant fiscal year.

 

(3) The Minister of Information and Communication may, if deemed necessary for the verification of the report on actual results of a provision of universal services under paragraph (2), request a specialized institution to examine it.

 

(4) Matters necessary for computing method and the criteria for sharing the


money to replenish losses from universal services shall be prescribed by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Information and Communication.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 16186, Mar. 17, 1999]

 

Article 2-5 (Application for License, etc.)

 

(1) A person who intends to obtain a license under Article 5 (1) of the Act may make an application in the name of the representative of a juristic person, or of the name of representative of the stockholders, etc. of a juristic person to be established.

 

(2) If the Minister of Information and Communication intends to give a public notice under Article 5 (4) of the Act, the subject matters shall be deliberated in advance by the Information and Communications Policy Deliberation Council as stipulated in Article 44-2 of the Framework Act on Telecommunications: Provided, That this shall not apply to the license on the minor business as provided for in proviso of Article 5 (2) of the Act. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 15283, Feb. 22, 1997>

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 14572, Apr. 6, 1995]

 

Article 3 (Stockholding Ratio of Foreigners, etc.)

 

The ratio of holding stocks as prescribed by the Presidential Decree under subparagraph 3 (c) of Article 6 of the Act shall be 80/100 [15/100 when a foreigner or a foreign government is the major stockholder (referring to a person whose holding ratio of the voting stocks or investment equities is highest; hereinafter the same shall apply)]. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 15579, Dec. 31, 1997; Presidential Decree No. 17237, Jun. 12, 2001>

[This Article Wholly Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14572, Apr. 6, 1995]

 

Article 4

 

Deleted. <by Presidential Decree No. 16186, Mar. 17, 1999>


Article 5 (Business Excluded from Approval for Concurrent Operation)

 

The term “business as prescribed by the Presidential Decree” referred to in the proviso of Article 11 (1) of the Act means the business except for those falling under any of the following subparagraphs:

 

1.Business to manufacture the telecommunications equipments;

 

2.Information and communications work business under subparagraph 3 of Article 2 of the Information and Communications Work Business Act (excluding the business to improve or integrate the telecommunications networks); and

 

3.Service business under subparagraph 6 of Article 2 of the Information and Communications Work Business Act (excluding the business to improve or integrate the telecommunications networks).

[This Article Wholly Amended by Presidential Decree No. 17237, Jun. 12, 2001]

 

Article 6

 

Deleted. <by Presidential Decree No. 16186, Mar. 17, 1999>

 

Article 7

 

Deleted. <by Presidential Decree No. 16424, Jun. 30, 1999>

 

Articles 8 through 8-4

 

Deleted. <by Presidential Decree No. 16186, Mar. 17, 1999>

 

Article 9 (Report, etc. of Value-Added Communications Business Operator)

 

(1) A person who intends to make a report of a value-added communications


business under the text of Article 21 of the Act shall submit, to the Minister of Information and Communication, a telecommunications business report as determined by the Ordinance of Ministry of Information and Communication.

 

(2) The term “minor business” in the proviso of Article 21 of the Act refers to the business providing the service which does not intermediate other’s communication by leasing telecommunications line facilities. [This Article Wholly Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14572, Apr. 6, 1995]

 

Article 10 (Services Subject to Reduction and Exemption of Fees)

 

Telecommunications services subject to the reduction and exemption of fees under Article 32 of the Act shall be as follows: <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14572, Apr. 6, 1995>

 

1.Telecommunications services for the communications concerning the rescue of human lives and properties in danger, and the rescue from disasters or for the communications by the victims of disasters;

 

2.Telecommunications services for the whole or part of exclusive line communications used by such agencies, in case where the exclusive line communications of agencies which are fully responsible for military, public order and national security, and a part of self-communications network of the State, local governments or government-invested institutions are integrated into the telecommunications net-work of a key communications business;

 

3.Telecommunications services for the communications required for military operations in wartime;

 

4.Telecommunications services for the newspapers and news agency service under the Registration, etc. of Periodicals Act, and for communication for news reports by the broadcasting stations under the Broadcasting Act;

 

5.Telecommunications services for a communication which is required for facilitating the use, and for diffusing the distribution, of information


communications;

 

6.Telecommunications services for a communication by those who are in need of the protection for the improvement of social welfare;

 

7.Telecommunications services for a communication which is required for the promotion of interchange and cooperation between North and South Korea; and

 

8.Telecommunications services for a communication which is specially required for the operation of postal and telegraphic services.

 

Article 10-2 (Exception to Limitation on Use by Others)

 

The term “cases as determined by the Presidential Decree” in the proviso of Article 32-2 of the Act means the case of any of the following subparagraphs:

 

1.Where it is necessary for the prevention of and rescue from disasters, the assurance of traffic, communications and power supply, or the maintenance of order under a national emergency; and

 

2.Where it is necessary for the public interests or the minor matters not incurring any obstacles to the business operation of the telecommunication business operator, as deemed by the Minister of Information and Communication. [This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 15283, Feb. 22, 1997]

 

Article 10-3 (Provision of Transmission or Line Facilities, etc.)

 

A CATV broadcasting business operator, a signal transmission network business operator, or a relay CATV broadcasting business operator under the Broadcasting Act may, pursuant to Article 32-4 (1) of the Act, provide the transmission or line facilities or the CATV broadcasting facilities (hereinafter referred to as the “transmission or line facilities, etc.”) to the key communications business operator in a manner falling under one of the following subparagraphs:


1.Sale or lease of transmission or line facilities, etc.;

 

2.Commissioned performance of the communications or exchange operations, etc. by making use of transmission or line facilities, etc.; and

 

3.Manners corresponding to subparagraphs 1 and 2, which are determined by a consultation between a CATV broadcasting business operator, a signal transmission network business operator, or a relay CATV broadcasting business operator.

[This Article Wholly Amended by Presidential Decree No. 17237, Jun. 12, 2001]

 

Article 11 (Investigation of Facts)

 

A public official who intends to enter and investigate an office and business place of a telecommunications business operator or a business place of a person who is entrusted with the affairs of a telecommunications business operator pursuant to Article 36-4 (2) of the Act, shall have any parties concerned of the relevant office or business place be present at the investigation. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 16186, Mar. 17, 1999>

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 15579, Dec. 31, 1997]

 

Article 12 (Measures, etc. on Prohibited Acts)

 

The term “other matters as prescribed by the Presidential Decree” in Article 37 (1) 9 of the Act refers to: <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 15283, Feb. 22, 1997; Presidential Decree No. 17237, Jun. 12, 2001>

 

1.Suspension of an act which unjustly hinders a participation of a new telecommunications business operator; and

 

2.Suspension of the provision of the services, installation of telecommunications facilities, or other similar acts which are likely to actually restrict the competitions among the telecommunications business operators, or substantially


hamper the user’s interests.

 

Article 13 (Offenses Subject to Imposition of Penalty Surcharge, and Amount of Penalty Surcharge, etc.)

 

(1) The classifications of offenses subject to the imposition of a penalty surcharge under Article 37-2 (2) of the Act and the upper limit of the penalty surcharge on such offences shall be stated in attached Table 1.

 

(2) In determining the amount of a penalty surcharge under paragraph (1), the Minister of Information and Communication shall take the following reasons into consideration: <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 16774, Apr. 1, 2000>

 

1.Contents and levels of the offenses;

 

2.Period and frequency of the offenses;

 

3.Scale of any profits acquired by the offenses; and

 

4.Amount of sales of telecommunications services relating to the prohibited act of a business operator who has committed a violation.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 16186, Mar. 17, 1999]

 

Article 13-2 (Computation Methods of Penalty Surcharge)

 

(1) The term “turnover as prescribed by the Presidential Decree” in the text of Article 37-2 (1) of the Act means the average annual turnover for three preceding business years of the telecommunications services related to the prohibited acts of the relevant telecommunications business operator: Provided, That if three years have not elapsed since the commencement of business as of the first day of the relevant business year, it shall mean the amount of converting the turnover till the end of preceding business year since the


commencement of the said business into the average annual turnover, and if the business is commenced in the said business year, it shall mean the amount of converting the turnover from the commencement of business to the date of offense into the average annual turnover.

 

(2) The term “where there is no turnover or it is difficult to calculate the turnover as prescribed by the Presidential Decree” in the proviso of Article 37-2 (1) of the Act means any of the following subparagraphs:

 

1.Where there is no actual business result due to a non-commencement of business or a suspension thereof, etc.;

 

2.Where a telecommunications business operator refuses a submission of the data for turnover computation, or submits the false data; and

 

3.Where it is difficult to make an objective computation of turnovers.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 16186, Mar. 17, 1999]

 

Article 13-3 (Imposition and Payment of Penalty Surcharge)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, in case where he intends to impose a penalty surcharge under Article 37-2 of the Act, notify a person subject to an imposition of penalty surcharge, after investigating and confirming the relevant offense, of the payment thereof, by clarifying in writing the fact of offense, the amount of imposition, the method of objection and its period.

 

(2) A person in receipt of a notification under paragraph (1) shall pay it to a postal agency within twenty days from the date of receiving such a notification: Provided, That if he is unable to pay a penalty surcharge within the relevant period due to a natural disaster or other inevitable reasons, he shall pay it within seven days from the date when the said reasons have disappeared.

 

(3) A postal agency in receipt of a payment of penalty surcharge under


paragraph (2), shall deliver a receipt to a person who has paid it.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 16186, Mar. 17, 1999]

 

Article 13-4 (Demand for Penalty Surcharge Payment)

 

(1) A demand under Article 37-2 (4) of the Act shall be made in writing within 7 days from the date on which the payment deadline elapsed.

 

(2) Where a demand note is issued under paragraph (1), a deadline for payment of any penalty surcharge in arrear shall be within 10 days from the date on which such demand note is issued.

[This Article Wholly Amended by Presidential Decree No. 16774, Apr. 1, 2000]

 

Article 14

 

Deleted. <by Presidential Decree No. 16424, Jun. 30, 1999>

 

Article 15 (Reduction and Exemption of Expenses for Moving)

 

(1) Expenses necessary for a moving of telecommunications facilities or a removal of other obstacles may be reduced or exempted by the key communications business operator under the proviso of Article 51 (3) of the Act in the cases of the following subparagraphs:

 

1.Where the plan for a moving of relevant telecommunications facilities or a removal of other obstacles has already been fixed;

 

2.Where a moving of relevant telecommunications facilities or a removal of other obstacles is beneficial to other telecommunications facilities; and

 

3.Where the telecommunications facilities in the private land inflict a significant impediment to the use of relevant land.


(2) Apart from the cases under paragraph (1), if the State or the local government requests a moving of telecommunications facilities or a removal of other obstacles, the expenses necessary for a moving and other measures for a removal of obstacles may be reduced or exempted in consultation with the relevant requester.

 

Article 16 (Subversive Communication)

 

Telecommunications which are deemed to be harmful to the public peace and order or the public morals under Article 53 (2) of the Act shall be as follows:

 

1.Telecommunications with the contents of aiming at a criminal act or of instigating a criminal act;

 

2.Telecommunications with the contents of aiming at committing the anti-state activities; and

 

3.Telecommunications with the contents of impeding the good morals and other social orders.

 

Article 16-2 (Organization of Information Communication Ethics Committee, etc.)

 

(1) The Chairman of the Information Communication Ethics Committee (hereinafter referred to as the “Committee”) under Article 53-2 of the Act shall be elected by mutual vote among the members of the Committee, and shall obtain approval of the Minister of Information and Communication.

 

(2) The Chairman shall represent the Committee, assume overall control of the business of the Committee, convene the Committee, and preside over the Committee.

 

(3) The Committee shall deliberate on the matters of each of the following


subparagraphs: <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 15579, Dec. 31, 1997>

 

1.Basic principles concerning the ethics of information and communication;

 

2.Deliberation on the information under Article 16-3, and request for correction thereof;

 

3.Matters on the settlement of users’ discontents related to the restriction on the use of information under Article 16-3;

 

4.Plans for ensuring a soundness of information circulated by using telecommunications lines;

 

5.Formulation and amendment of the Committee’s regulations;

 

6.Formulation and amendment of the regulations on information and communication ethics;

 

7.Business plans, budget and settlement of accounts of the Committee; and

 

8.Other matters referred by the Chairman.

 

(4) The Committee may establish specialized committees by field in order to efficiently carry out the deliberation on the matters listed in any subparagraphs of paragraph (3). <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 15579, Dec. 31, 1997>

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 14572, Apr. 6, 1995]

 

Article 16-3 (Scope of Information Subject to Deliberation)

 

(1) The term “Information as prescribed by the Presidential Decree” under Article 53-2 (4) 2 of the Act means other information transmitted through telecommunications services provided by a telecommunications business operator than any of the followings:


1.Information provided by the State, local governments or public organizations; and

 

2.Information subject to a deliberation pursuant to other Acts and subordinate statutes.

 

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), the Committee may deliberate on the information as deemed necessary to restrain the subversive communication from among those provided by the public organizations under paragraph (1) 1 and those falling under subparagraph 2 of the same paragraph. <Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 15579, Dec. 31, 1997>

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 14572, Apr. 6, 1995]

 

Article 16-4 (Request, etc. for Corrections)

 

(1) The Committee may, in case where the information comes to fall under the subversive communication under Article 16 as a result of its deliberation on the information under Article 16-3 pursuant to Article 53-2 (4) 2 of the Act, request any telecommunications business operator to correct the following matters:

 

1.Warning against the users;

 

2.Deletion of the relevant information; and

 

3.Suspension and termination of use by the persons who transmit subversive communication falling under the provisions of Article 16.

 

(2) A telecommunications business operator in receipt of a request for corrections under paragraph (1) shall notify the results of relevant measures to the Committee.

 

(3) The Committee may, in case where a telecommunications business operator fails to comply with a request for corrections under paragraph (1), recommend the Minister of Information and Communication to order the refusal, suspension


or restriction on handling the subversive communication under Article 53 of the Act.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 15579, Dec. 31, 1997]

 

Article 16-5 (Report on Results of Deliberation, etc.)

 

If the Committee deliberates on the circulated information or makes a request for corrections under Article 53-2 (4) 2 of the Act, the Chairman shall report the results thereof to the Minister of Information and Communication within 20 days after the date of such deliberation or request for corrections.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 14572, Apr. 6, 1995]

 

Article 16-6 (Secretariat of Information and Communication Ethics Committee)

 

(1) Under the Committee, a Secretariat shall be established in order to assist the Committee in its affairs.

 

(2) There shall be one Secretary-General and the necessary personnel in the Secretariat, and the Secretary-General shall handle the relevant affairs under orders of the Chairman. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 16186, Mar. 17, 1999>

 

(3) Organization, regular staff and operation of the Secretariat and other necessary matters shall be determined by rule of the Committee. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 16186, Mar. 17, 1999>

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 15579, Dec. 31, 1997]

 

Article 16-7 (Report of Current Status of Supplying Communication Data)

 

A report of the current status of supplying communication data under Article 54 (6) of the Act shall be made within 30 days after the end of every half term.

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 16774, Apr. 1, 2000]


Article 17 (Restriction on and Suspension of Service)

 

(1) If the Minister of Information and Communication issues, under Article 55 of the Act, an order to restrict or suspend the whole or part of telecommunications services of the telecommunications business operators, he may allow the communications for performing the business falling under any of the following subparagraphs, in accordance with the scope and level of the relevant restriction or suspension: <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14572, Apr. 6, 1995>

 

1.First priority:

 

(a) National security;

 

(b) Military affairs and public security;

 

(c) Transmission of the civil defense alarm; and

 

(d) Electronic wave control.

 

2.Second priority:

 

(a) Disaster relief;

 

(b) Telecommunications, navigation safety, weather, fire fighting, electricity, gas, water service, transportation and the press;

 

(c) Affairs of the State and local government, except for those mentioned in items (a) and (b); and

 

(d) Affairs of the foreign diplomatic missions and the organizations of the United Nations in Korea;


3.Third priority: and

 

(a) Affairs of the enterprises subject to resources control and the firms of defense industry; and

 

(b) Affairs of government-invested institutions, and medical institutions;

 

4.Forth priority:

Other matters than those in subparagraphs 1 through 3.

 

(2) The restriction or suspension on the telecommunication services under paragraph (1) shall be the least of those required for securing the important communications.

 

(3) A telecommunications business operator shall, in case where he restricts or suspends the whole or part of telecommunications services under paragraph (1), report the content thereof without delay to the Minister of Information and Communication. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14572, Apr. 6, 1995>

 

Article 18

 

Deleted. <by Presidential Decree No. 16424, Jun. 30, 1999>

 

Article 19 (Approval, etc. for International Telecommunications Services)

 

(1) The term “international telecommunications business as prescribed by the Presidential Decree” in Article 59 (2) of the Act means the services falling under any of the following subparagraphs: <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 15579, Dec. 31, 1997; Presidential Decree No. 16774, Apr. 1, 2000>

 

1.Installation and lease of a satellite for providing international telecommunications services; and

 

2.Transboundary provision of key communications services under Article 59-2


of the Act.

 

(2) A person who intends to obtain approval under Article 59 (2) of the Act shall submit the following documents to the Minister of Information and Communication: <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 16424, Jun. 30, 1999; Presidential Decree No. 16774, Apr. 1, 2000>

 

1.Duplicate copy of written agreement or contract;

 

2.Comparative table between new and old agreements or contracts (limited to the cases where an application for modified approval is filed); and

 

3.Document certifying the fact that the agreements or contracts have been abrogated (limited to the cases where an application for approval of abrogation is filed).

[This Article Wholly Amended by Presidential Decree No. 15283, Feb. 22, 1997]

 

Article 19-2

 

Deleted. <by Presidential Decree No. 16424, Jun. 30, 1999>

 

Article 20

 

Deleted. <by Presidential Decree No. 15283, Feb. 22, 1997>

 

Article 21 (Offences Subject to Imposition of Penalty Surcharge, and Amount of Penalty Surcharge, etc.)

 

(1) Classifications of offenses subject to the imposition of a penalty surcharge and the amount of a penalty surcharge under Article 64 (2) of the Act shall be stated in attached Table 2. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 16186, Mar. 17, 1999>


(2) The Minister of Information and Communication may aggravate or reduce a penalty surcharge within one half of the amount of a penalty surcharge under paragraph (1) in consideration of the peculiarity of services provided by the telecommunications business and the level and frequency of offenses, etc. In this case, the total sum of penalty surcharge shall, even when aggravated, not exceed one billion won. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14572, Apr. 6, 1995; Presidential Decree No. 16186, Mar. 17, 1999>

 

(3) The provisions of Articles 13-3 and 13-4 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the imposition, payment and demand of a penalty surcharge under Article 64 of the Act. <Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 16186, Mar. 17, 1999; Presidential Decree No. 16774, Apr. 1, 2000>

 

Article 22 (Extension of Time Limit of Payment of Penalty Surcharge, and Payment in Installments Thereof)

 

(1) A person who intends to extend the time limit of payment of a penalty surcharge or pay it in installments under Article 64-2 of the Act, shall make an application to the Minister of Information and Communication along with the document certifying grounds of the extension of time limit of payment or the payment in installments not later than ten days prior to the relevant time limit of payment.

 

(2) The term “amount as prescribed by the Presidential Decree” in Article 64-2 (1) of the Act means the amount arrived at by multiplying a turnover under Article 13-2 by 1/100, or 300 million won.

 

(3) The extension of time limit of payment of a penalty surcharge under Article 64-2 of the Act shall not exceed one year as from the day following the said time limit.

 

(4) In a case of making payment in installments under Article 64-2 of the Act, the intervals between a respective time limit of installment payment shall not exceed four months, and the frequency of installments shall not exceed three


times.

 

(5) The Minister of Information and Communication may, if a person liable for a payment of penalty surcharge for whom the time limit of payment has been extended or the payment in installments has been permitted under Article 64-2 of the Act comes to fall under any of the following subparagraphs, revoke such extension of the time limit of payment or a decision of such payment in installments, and collect it in a lump sum:

 

1.Where he fails to pay a penalty surcharge for which the payment in installments has been decided, within the time limit of payment thereof;

 

2.Where he fails to implement an order necessary for a change of security or other security integrity, which is given by the Minister of Information and Communication; or

 

3.Where deemed that the whole or remainder of a penalty surcharge is uncollectable, such as the compulsory execution, commencement of auction, adjudication of bankruptcy, dissolution of a juristic person or dispositions on national or local taxes in arrears, etc.

[This Article Wholly Amended by Presidential Decree No. 16186, Mar. 17, 1999]

 

Article 23 (Classification and Appraisal, etc. of Securities)

 

The provisions of Articles 29 through 34 of the Framework Act on National Taxes, and of Articles 13 through 17 of its Enforcement Decree shall apply mutatis mutandis to the furnishing of security under Article 64-2 of the Act.

[This Article Wholly Amended by Presidential Decree No. 16186, Mar. 17, 1999]

 

Article 23-2 (Important Communications)


(1) The term “important communications” in Article 65 (2) 3 of the Act means:

 

1.Business telecommunications related to the national security, military affairs, public peace and order, civil defense alarm transmission and radio wave control;

 

2.Deleted; and <by Presidential Decree No. 16424, Jun. 30, 1999>

 

3.Other communications publicly notified by the Minister of Information and Communication in order to efficiently perform the State affairs.

 

(2) The Government may grant a subsidy for the expenses required for the construction and management of the important communications in order to secure the important communications under paragraph (1).

[This Article Newly Inserted by Presidential Decree No. 15579, Dec. 31, 1997]

 

Article 24 (Delegation of Authority)

 

The Minister of Industry and Communication shall delegate the authority falling under any of the following subparagraphs to the Commissioner of the competent Communications Office pursuant to Article 68 (1) of the Act:

 

1.Registration of specific communications business under Article 19 (1) of the Act;

 

2.Acceptance of a report on the value-added communications business under the text of Article 21 of the Act;

 

3.Acceptance of a modified registration for the specific communications business, and of a modified report for value-added communications business, under Article 22 of the Act;

 

4.Acceptance of a report on the transfer or takeover of a specific communications business or a value-added communications business, and on the merger or succession of a juristic person, under Article 25 of the Act;


5.Acceptance of a report on the suspension or discontinuation of a specific communications business or a value-added communications business, and on the dissolution of a juristic person under Article 27 of the Act;

 

6.Cancellation of a registration for a specific communications business, and an order for business suspension under Article 28 (1) of the Act;

 

7.Orders for a closedown and suspension of a value-added communications business under Article 28 (2) of the Act;

 

8.Permission for a felling or transplanting of the plants under the former part of Article 42 (3) of the Act;

 

9.Hearings on a disposition of cancelling a registration of a specific communications business, and on a disposition of closing down a value-added communications business, under subparagraph 2 of Article 63 of the Act;

 

10.Imposition and collection of a penalty surcharge under Article 64 of the Act (excluding the case of a key communications business operator);

 

11.Correction orders under Article 65 (1) of the Act (excluding the case of a key communications business operator); and

 

12.Imposition and collection of a fine for negligence under Article 78 of the Act (excluding the case of a key communications business operator). [This Article Wholly Amended by Presidential Decree No. 16774, Apr. 1, 2000]

 

Article 25 (Fine for Negligence)

 

(1) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, where he imposes a fine for negligence under Article 78 (2) of the Act, specify in writing the fact of violation, method of objection, objection period, etc., after investigating and confirming the relevant offence, and give notice to pay the said fine to the person subject to a disposition of a fine for negligence. <Amended by


Presidential Decree No. 14572, Apr. 6, 1995>

 

(2) The Minister of Information and Communication shall, where he intends to impose a fine for negligence under paragraph (1), provide the person subject to a disposition of fine for negligence with an opportunity for stating his opinion orally or in writing with fixing a period of not less than 10 days. In this case, he shall deem it as non-existence of opinion, if no oral or written statement of opinion is presented within the specified period. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14572, Apr. 6, 1995>

 

(3) In determining the amount of a fine for negligence, the Minister of Information and Communication shall take into account the motivation of the offence and the consequences thereof. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14572, Apr. 6, 1995>

 

(4) Collection procedures for a fine for negligence shall be determined by the Ordinance of Ministry of Information and Communication. <Amended by Presidential Decree No. 14572, Apr. 6, 1995>

 

ADDENDA

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.

 

Article 2 (Contents of Restructuring)

 

The number of key communications business operators, their business areas and scopes of business under Article 7 in Addenda of the Act shall be as follows:

 

1. Operations of local telephone business from among the general telecommunications business may be given to the Korea Telecommunication


Corporation (hereinafter refer to as the “Corporation”) under the Telecommunication Corporation Act, and the international telephone business may be operated by the Corporation and a person deemed to have received a designation for a universal telecommunications service provider under Article 2 (2) of Addenda of the Act, and the long distance telephone business may be operated by one designated telecommunications service provider in addition to the Corporation; and

 

2. The mobile telephone business among the special communications businesses may be operated by one telecommunications business operator with a nation-wide business area who is additionally permitted, and the special telecommunications business other than the mobile telephone business (excluding the minor business under the proviso of Article 16 (2) of the Act) may be operated by less than two telecommunications business operators who are additionally permitted by telecommunications service provided or by service area. Article 3 Omitted.

 

ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 13935, Jul. 23, 1993>

 

(1) (Enforcement Date) This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.

 

(2) (Transitional Measures on Registration of Value-Added Communications Business) In case where the Information and Communication Promotion Association receives an application for the registration of the value-added communications business under the previous provisions at the time when this Decree enters into force, it shall send a registration application along with accompanying documents to the chief of the competent Communication Office.

 

ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 14572, Apr. 6, 1995>

 

This Decree shall enter into force on April 6, 1995.


ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 15283. Feb. 22, 1997>

This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.

 

ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 15328, Mar. 31, 1997>

 

Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Decree shall enter into force on April 1, 1997.

 

Articles 2 through 5

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 15579, Dec. 31, 1997>

This Decree shall enter into force on January 1, 1998.

 

ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 16186, Mar. 17, 1999>

This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.

 

ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 16424, Jun. 30, 1999>

This Decree shall enter into force on July 1, 1999.

 

ADDENDA <Presidential Decree No. 16751, Mar. 13, 2000>


Article 1 (Enforcement Date)

 

This Decree shall enter into force on March 13, 2000. (Proviso Omitted.)

 

Articles 2 through 10

 

Omitted.

 

ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 16774, Apr. 1, 2000>

This Decree shall enter into force on April 1, 2000.

 

ADDENDUM <Presidential Decree No. 17237, Jun. 12, 2001>

This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.

EX-10.8 13 dex108.htm SARBANES-OXLEY CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 Sarbanes-Oxley Certification pursuant to Section 906

Exhibit 10.8

 

Certification

 

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(Subsection (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)

 

Pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsection (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), each of the undersigned officers of KT Corporation, a corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of Korea (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

 

The annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2002 (the “Form 20-F”) fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in the Form 20-F fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operation of the Company.

 

         
Dated: June 25, 2003           

/s/    YONG-KYUNG LEE


           

Name:

 

Yong-Kyung Lee

           

Title:

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

         
Dated: June 25, 2003           

/s/    JEONG-SOO SUH


           

Name:

 

Jeong-Soo Suh

           

Title:

 

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has been provided to KT Corporation and will be retained by KT Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

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