424B3 1 d424b3.htm FORM 424(B)(3) Form 424(b)(3)
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Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-156817

Extraordinary General Meeting of Stockholders of KT Freetel Co., Ltd.

MERGER PROPOSAL

The board of directors of KT Freetel Co., Ltd. (“KT Freetel”) and of KT Corporation each has approved the merger agreement that would result in KT Freetel merging with and into KT Corporation. In the merger, each holder of one outstanding share of KT Freetel common stock will receive 0.7192335 shares of KT Corporation common stock.

KT Corporation and KT Freetel believe the merger will:

 

   

maximize management efficiencies for their telecommunication operations;

 

   

enable them to effectively respond to the convergence trend of the telecommunications market environment in Korea;

 

   

enable them to deliver customer-oriented one-stop services;

 

   

enable them to efficiently allocate resources and reduce costs in their telecommunication operations; and

 

   

strengthen their overall competitiveness in the Korean telecommunications industry.

Before we can proceed with the merger, the merger agreement must be approved by KT Freetel stockholders and KT Corporation stockholders at their respective extraordinary general meetings. KT Freetel’s extraordinary general meeting will be held at Olympia Hall (1F), Olympic Parktel, 88-8 Bangi-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea on March 27, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. local time. KT Corporation’s extraordinary general meeting will be held at 2nd floor, Lecture Hall, KT Corporation R&D Center, 17 Woomyun-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea on March 27, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. local time. The date and time of the general meetings may be changed as agreed between KT Corporation and KT Freetel, pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement.

This prospectus has been prepared for stockholders of KT Freetel residing in the United States to provide information about the merger and the extraordinary general meeting of stockholders of KT Freetel. We encourage you to read this document in its entirety, including the section describing risk factors relating to the merger that begins on page 7.

Common stockholders of KT Freetel will be entitled to attend and vote, either in person or by proxy at the extraordinary general meeting if they are recorded on the stockholder register on February 5, 2009, which is 50 days prior to the date of the meeting.

Your vote is important, regardless of the number of shares you own. On behalf of your board of directors, I urge you to vote in favor of the merger.

Haing-Min Kwon

President and Chief Executive Officer

KT Freetel Co., Ltd.

WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY AND

YOU ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SEND US A PROXY.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the securities to be issued in connection with the merger or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

This prospectus is dated February 19, 2009 and is expected to be first mailed to stockholders on or about such date.


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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

KT Corporation has filed a registration statement on Form F-4 to register with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) the common stock of KT Corporation to be delivered in connection with the merger. This prospectus is a part of that registration statement. As allowed by SEC rules, this prospectus does not contain all the information you can find in the registration statement or the exhibits to the registration statement.

KT Corporation is subject to the information reporting requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and, under the Exchange Act, files reports and other information with the SEC. KT Corporation files annual and current reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy these reports and other information, including the registration statement filed by KT Corporation and the exhibits to the registration statement, at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the availability of the public reference room. KT Corporation’s SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the Internet world wide web site maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.

You can also inspect reports and other information about KT Corporation at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

The SEC permits KT Corporation to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus. This means that the company can disclose important information to you by referring to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus, except for any information superseded by information contained directly in this prospectus.

This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents set forth below that have been previously filed with or furnished to the SEC. These documents contain important information about KT Corporation and its financial condition.

 

KT CORPORATION SEC FILINGS

(COMMISSION FILE NO. 1-14926; CIK NO. 0000892450)

  

PERIOD

Annual Report on Form 20-F (the “KT 20-F”)

   Year ended December 31, 2007, filed on June 30, 2008

Reports on Form 6-K

   furnished on July 23, 2008, August 11, 2008, December 8, 2008, December 12, 2008, December 29, 2008, January 9, 2009, January 16, 2009 (both), January 20, 2009, January 23, 2009 (2008 4th quarter preliminary earnings commentary) and February 17, 2009 (together, the “Form 6-Ks”)

KT Corporation also incorporates by reference into this prospectus additional documents that it may file with the SEC from the date of this prospectus to the date of the KT Freetel extraordinary general meeting of stockholders. These include amendments to KT Corporation’s annual report on Form 20-F and any of its reports on Form 6-K specifically identified as being incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 

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If you are a KT Freetel stockholder, you can obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference from KT Corporation or the SEC as described above. Documents incorporated by reference are available without charge, excluding all exhibits unless an exhibit has been specifically incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Stockholders may obtain documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus by requesting them in writing, by telephone or by e-mail from KT Corporation at the following address:

KT Corporation

Investor Relations Team

206 Jungja-dong

Bundang-gu, Sungnam

Gyunggi-do, Korea 463-711

Telephone: +82-31-727-0950~9

Facsimile: +82-31-727-0949

e-mail: ir@kt.com

If you would like to request documents from KT Corporation, please do so by no later than March 20, 2009 in order to receive them before the KT Freetel extraordinary general meeting.

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus to vote on the merger. Neither KT Corporation nor KT Freetel has authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in the prospectus. This prospectus is dated February 19, 2009. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate as of any other date. Neither the mailing of this prospectus, nor the delivery of shares of KT Corporation common stock, cash or other consideration should be deemed to create any implication to the contrary.

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page

Where You Can Find More Information

   i

Notes

   1

Currencies and Exchange Rates

   1

Summary

   2

KT Corporation

   2

KT Freetel Co., Ltd.

   2

The Proposed Merger

   2

Treatment of KT Freetel Stock Options

   2

Share Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers

   3

Dissent and Appraisal Rights

   3

The Extraordinary General Meetings

   3

Interests of Directors and Officers in the Merger

   3

Accounting Treatment

   4

Income Tax Consequences of the Merger

   4

Conditions to the Completion of the Merger

   4

Termination of the Merger Agreement

   4

Creditor Protection Procedures

   5

Regulatory Matters

   5

Completion and Effectiveness of the Merger

   5

Summary Market Price Information

   5

Summary Financial Data of KT Corporation and KT Freetel

   6

Questions About the Merger

   6
Risk Factors    7
Forward-Looking Information    10
The Extraordinary General Meeting of KT Freetel Stockholders    11

Time, Place and Purpose

   11

Record Date and Outstanding Capital Stock

   11

Voting Rights and Votes Required

   11

Voting by Proxy

   11
The Merger    13

Background and Reasons for the Merger

   13

Conversion of KT Freetel Common Stock

   13

Interests of Certain KT Freetel Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger

   14

Completion and Effectiveness of the Merger

   14

Exchange of KT Freetel Common Stock for KT Corporation Common Stock

   15

Creditor Protection Procedures

   15

Treatment of KT Freetel Stock Options

   15

Accounting Treatment of the Merger

   15

Regulatory Matters

   15

Dissent and Appraisal Rights

   16

The Merger Agreement

   17
Information About KT Corporation    20
Information About KT Freetel    20
Description of KT Corporation’s Capital Stock    21
Comparison of Rights of KT Corporation Stockholders and KT Freetel Stockholders    21
Tax Considerations    22

United States Federal Income Taxation

   22

Korean Tax Considerations

   26
Legal Matters    29
Experts    29

Index to Financial Statements

   F-1
Annex I—Merger Agreement (English Version)    I-1

 

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NOTES

The fiscal years of KT Corporation and KT Freetel end on December 31 of each year. All references to a particular year are to the year ended December 31 of that year.

Unless otherwise indicated, the financial information presented in this document has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea, which are known as “Korean GAAP”, which differ in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). See (i) Note 36 of Notes to Financial Statements of KT Corporation as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007 included in the KT 20-F which is incorporated herein by reference, (ii) Note 19 of Notes to Financial Statements of KT Corporation as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2008 incorporated herein by reference to KT Corporation’s Form 6-K furnished on January 9, 2009, (iii) Note 31 of Notes to Financial Statements of KT Freetel as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007 included herein and (iv) Note 18 of Notes to Financial Statements of KT Freetel as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2008 included herein for descriptions of these differences. The financial statements of KT Freetel are included herein pursuant to Item 17(b)(5) of Form F-4, as stockholders of KT Corporation will be voting on the merger.

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

CURRENCIES AND EXCHANGE RATES

All references to “Won” or “(Won)” in this prospectus are to the currency of Korea, and all references to “Dollars”, “U.S. Dollars”, “$” or “US$” are to the currency of the United States of America.

The tables below set forth, for the periods and dates indicated, information concerning the noon buying rate for Won, expressed in Won per one U.S. Dollar. The “noon buying rate” is the rate in New York City for cable transfers in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Unless otherwise stated, translations of Won amounts into U.S. Dollars in this prospectus were made at the noon buying rate in effect on June 30, 2008 which was (Won)1,046.8 to US$1.00. We do not intend to imply that the Won or U.S. Dollar amounts referred to herein could have been or could be converted into U.S. Dollars or Won, as the case may be, at any particular rate, or at all. On February 13, 2009, the noon buying rate was (Won)1,403.5 = US$1.00.

 

     Won per U.S. Dollar (noon buying rate)
     Average(1)    High    Low    Period-End

2003

   (Won) 1,183.0    (Won) 1,262.0    (Won) 1,146.0    (Won) 1,192.0

2004

     1,139.3      1,195.1      1,035.1      1,035.1

2005

     1,023.2      1,059.8      997.0      1,010.0

2006

     950.1      1,002.9      913.7      930.0

2007

     928.0      950.2      903.2      935.8

2008

     1,105.8      1,507.9      935.2      1,262.0

2009 (through February 13)

     1,365.1      1,403.5      1,292.3      1,403.5

January

     1,354.4      1,391.5      1,292.3      1,380.0

February (through February 13)

     1,386.5      1,403.5      1,368.7      1,403.5

 

(1) The average rate for each full year is calculated as the average of the noon buying rates on the last business day of each month during the relevant year. The average rate for a full month is calculated as the average of the noon buying rates on each business day during the relevant month (or portion thereof).

 

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SUMMARY

This summary highlights material information in this prospectus and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. You should carefully read the entire prospectus for a complete understanding of the merger. In particular, you should read the documents attached to this prospectus, including the merger agreement, and the other documents to which this prospectus refers you. See “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page (i).

KT Corporation

206 Jungja-dong

Bundang-gu, Sungnam

Gyunggi-do, Korea, 463-711

Telephone: +82-2-31-727-0950~9

KT Corporation is the leading telecommunications service provider in Korea and one of the largest and most advanced in Asia. As of June 30, 2008, KT Corporation had total assets of (Won)24,983.9 billion and total liabilities of (Won)14,013.6 billion. KT Corporation owns 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 operation. In addition, through KT Freetel, KT Corporation operates nationwide personal communications service and High Speed Downlink Packet Access-based IMT-2000 networks. KT Corporation had operating revenues in the first six months of 2008 of (Won)10,057.9 billion, and net income of (Won)303.9 billion on a consolidated basis.

KT Freetel Co., Ltd. (see page 20)

7-18 Shincheon-dong, Songpa-gu

Seoul, Korea, 138-240

Telephone: +82-2-2010-0809

KT Freetel is one of the largest providers of mobile services based on Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”) technology and Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (“W-CDMA”) technology. KT Freetel (including resale subscribers of KT Corporation) had a market share of 31.5% as of June 30, 2008 in terms of the number of mobile service subscribers in Korea announced by the Korea Communications Commission, making KT Freetel the second largest mobile telecommunications service provider. As of June 30, 2008, KT Freetel had total assets of (Won)7,890.9 billion and total liabilities of (Won)3,655.7 billion. As of the date hereof, KT Freetel is 54.25% owned by KT Corporation and is a consolidated subsidiary of KT Corporation.

The Proposed Merger (see page 13)

In the merger, KT Freetel will merge with and into KT Corporation, with KT Corporation surviving the merger. In the merger, KT Freetel common stockholders will receive 0.7192335 shares of KT Corporation common stock for every one share of KT Freetel common stock they own, and cash instead of fractional shares that they would otherwise be entitled to receive in the merger. Immediately following the merger, we anticipate that current stockholders of KT Freetel, other than KT Corporation, will own approximately 18.9% of KT Corporation’s outstanding common stock.

Treatment of KT Freetel Stock Options (see page 15)

If we successfully complete the merger, KT Corporation intends to assume KT Freetel’s employee stock options by converting options to acquire shares of KT Freetel common stock into options to acquire shares of KT Corporation common stock. The number of shares that each option would represent the right to purchase and the

 

 

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exercise price per share will be adjusted based on the merger ratio. KT Corporation and KT Freetel will take all necessary measures to amend stock option agreements entered into between the directors, officers and employees of KT Freetel prior to the date of the merger, with such amendments to take effect on the date of the registration of the merger. Existing stock options to acquire shares of KT Corporation common stock will not be affected by the merger.

Share Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers

As of December 31, 2008, the latest date for which such information is currently available, KT Freetel’s directors, executive officers and their affiliates owned, in the aggregate, 43,998 shares of KT Freetel’s common stock, which is less than 0.03% of the shares of KT Freetel’s common stock outstanding on that date. The approval of the merger agreement will require a special resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the shares of common stock present or represented at each general meeting of the shareholders. See “—The Extraordinary General Meetings”. To our knowledge, directors and executive officers of KT Freetel intend to vote “FOR” approval of the merger.

Dissent and Appraisal Rights (see page 16)

Under Korean law, holders of shares of KT Corporation or KT Freetel common stock who oppose the merger may exercise an appraisal right and require KT Corporation or KT Freetel, as the case may be, to purchase their shares. In order for stockholders to exercise such right, dissenting stockholders must submit to KT Corporation or KT Freetel, as the case may be, written notice of their intention to dissent prior to the extraordinary general meeting and, within twenty days of such meeting, must request that their shares be repurchased.

If the merger is completed, KT Corporation or KT Freetel, as the case may be, expects to pay (Won)29,284 for each share of KT Freetel common stock properly submitted to KT Freetel for appraisal and (Won)38,535 for each share of KT Corporation common stock properly submitted to KT Corporation for appraisal. Under Korean law, any dissenting stockholder of KT Corporation or KT Freetel, as the case may be, may request a court to adjust the appraisal price. For a more complete description of the appraisal rights, see “The Merger—Dissent and Appraisal Rights”.

The Extraordinary General Meetings (see page 11)

The KT Freetel extraordinary general meeting will be held at Olympia Hall (1F), Olympic Parktel, 88-8 Bangi-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea on March 27, 2009, starting at 10:00 a.m. local time. The KT Corporation extraordinary general meeting will be held at 2nd floor, Lecture Hall, KT Corporation R&D Center, 17 Woomyun-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea on March 27, 2009, starting at 10:00 a.m. local time. The date and time of the general meetings may be changed as agreed between KT Corporation and KT Freetel, pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement. The agenda for both meetings is the approval of the merger agreement.

The approval of the merger agreement will require a special resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the shares of common stock present or represented at each meeting. The shares voting to approve the merger agreement must also represent at least one-third of the total issued and outstanding shares of common stock. Each share of common stock present or represented at the meetings will be entitled to one vote.

As of the date hereof, KT Corporation owned 102,129,938 shares of KT Freetel common stock, representing 54.26% of the total votes entitled to be cast at the KT Freetel extraordinary general meeting. KT Corporation intends to vote all of its KT Freetel shares in favor of the resolution to approve the merger agreement.

Interests of Directors and Officers in the Merger (see page 14)

You should be aware that a number of directors and officers of KT Freetel may have interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, your interests as a KT Freetel stockholder. We describe these interests beginning on page 14 of this prospectus.

 

 

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Accounting Treatment (see page 15)

Under Korean GAAP, KT Corporation will account for the merger using the carrying amounts in consolidated financial statements.

Income Tax Consequences of the Merger (see page 22)

As described in (and subject to the qualifications and assumptions set forth in) “Tax Considerations—United States Federal Income Taxation” below, a U.S. holder that exchanges all of its shares of KT Freetel common stock solely for KT Corporation common shares pursuant to the merger will not recognize any income, gain or loss, except with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional KT Corporation common share. Holders of KT Freetel common stock should consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of the merger and of holding common stock of KT Corporation in their particular circumstances.

Conditions to the Completion of the Merger (see page 18)

Each of KT Corporation’s and KT Freetel’s obligation to complete the merger is subject to satisfaction or waiver of specified conditions, including those listed below:

 

   

KT Corporation and KT Freetel must obtain all material governmental approvals necessary for the closing of the merger set forth in the merger agreement;

 

   

KT Corporation and KT Freetel must have performed their respective covenants and other obligations in the merger agreement in all material respects;

 

   

there shall not have occurred any material adverse effect on the assets or business conditions of either KT Corporation or KT Freetel;

 

   

respective representations and warranties of KT Corporation and KT Freetel in the merger agreement must be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the date of the merger; and

 

   

the merger must have been authorized and approved by the board of directors and stockholders of KT Corporation and KT Freetel.

Termination of the Merger Agreement (see page 19)

KT Corporation and KT Freetel can jointly agree in writing to terminate the merger agreement at any time prior to the completion of the merger. In addition, either entity may terminate the merger agreement if, among other things:

 

   

the completion of the merger becomes impossible or unlawful because any necessary governmental approval or consent is not granted or due to a change in applicable law, and the parties do not agree to an amended merger agreement within 30 days from the occurrence of any such event;

 

   

a material adverse effect results from a breach by the other party of any of its representations, warranties or obligations under the merger agreement and such breach is not cured within 30 days after notice;

 

   

either the aggregate purchase price to be paid by KT Corporation to its shareholders who exercise appraisal rights exceeds (Won)1 trillion, or the aggregate purchase price to be paid by KT Freetel to its shareholders who exercise appraisal rights exceeds (Won)700 billion; or

 

   

the material governmental approvals necessary for the closing of the merger set forth in the merger agreement have been obtained, but such approvals include conditions which (i) if complied with, are reasonably expected to result in a material adverse change in the financial condition, results of operation, the business condition or prospects of KT Corporation, or (ii) are impossible or extremely difficult to comply with within the time period set forth in such approvals.

 

 

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Creditor Protection Procedures (see page 15)

Under Korean law, KT Corporation and KT Freetel are required to implement creditor protection procedures in connection with the merger. After the merger agreement is approved at the extraordinary general meeting, creditors of KT Corporation and KT Freetel that are opposed to the merger may require them to perform their respective payment obligations to such creditors on an accelerated basis or provide collateral or property in trust to secure such payment.

Regulatory Matters (see page 15)

We are working to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals required under Korean and other laws and regulations. KT Corporation and KT Freetel submitted a report regarding the proposed merger to the Financial Services Commission and the Korea Exchange on January 20, 2009, the date of execution of the merger agreement. KT Corporation also submitted an application for approval of the merger, pursuant to the Telecommunication Business Act, to the Korea Communications Commission on January 21, 2009. KT Corporation and KT Freetel have undertaken in the merger agreement to use their best efforts to obtain all necessary Korean or non-Korean approvals required to complete the merger.

Completion and Effectiveness of the Merger

We will complete the merger when all the conditions to completion of the merger are satisfied or waived in accordance with the merger agreement. The merger will become effective when KT Corporation registers the merger with the commercial registry office of the Suwon District Court, Sungnam Branch, and KT Freetel registers its dissolution as a result of the merger with the commercial registry office of the Seoul Eastern District Court, pursuant to the applicable requirements of Korean law. We expect to complete the merger during the second quarter of 2009.

Summary Market Price Information

Shares of KT Corporation and KT Freetel common stock are traded on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange. The table below lists the closing prices of KT Corporation’s and KT Freetel’s common stock, and the equivalent value of KT Freetel’s common stock based upon the merger ratio, on January 19, 2009, the last trading day before the public announcement of the proposed merger, and on February 19, 2009.

 

     January 19, 2009    February 19, 2009

KT Corporation common stock

   (Won) 39,750    (Won) 36,500

KT Freetel common stock

     28,450      26,500

Pro forma equivalent per share value of KT Freetel common stock(1)

     28,590      26,252

 

(1) Calculated by multiplying the KT Corporation common stock closing price by the merger ratio of 0.7192335.

 

 

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Summary Financial Data of KT Corporation and KT Freetel

We present below per common share data on a Korean GAAP basis regarding the net income, cash dividends declared and book value of KT Corporation and KT Freetel on a historical basis.

Year Ended December 31, 2007

 

     KT Corporation
(Historical)
   KT Freetel
(Historical)

Net income (loss) per share

     

Basic

   (Won) 4,754    (Won) 1,277

Diluted

     4,754      1,277

Dividends per share

     2,000      —  

Book value per share

     40,472      22,693

Six Months Ended June 30, 2008

 

     KT Corporation
(Historical)
   KT Freetel
(Historical)
 

Net income (loss) per share

     

Basic

   (Won) 1,545    (Won) (57 )

Diluted

     1,545      (57 )

Dividends per share

     —        —    

Book value per share

     39,862      21,976  

Questions About the Merger

If you have any questions about the merger or the voting procedures in connection with the extraordinary general meeting of KT Freetel stockholders, you may contact:

KT Freetel

Investor Relations Team

7-18 Shincheon-dong, Songpa-gu

Seoul, Korea

Telephone: +82-2-2010-0809

Facsimile: +82-2-2016-1082

e-mail: shkang@ktf.com

 

 

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RISK FACTORS

As a result of the merger, KT Freetel’s businesses will be subject to the following new or increased risks related to KT Corporation’s other businesses and/or the structure of the merger. In addition to the risks described below, the combined company will continue to be subject to the risks described in the KT Form 20-F under the section entitled “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors”. You should carefully consider the following risk factors as well as the other information contained or incorporated into this prospectus in deciding whether to vote in favor of the merger.

Risks Relating to the Merger

Your vote at the extraordinary general meeting of stockholders may not affect the outcome with respect to the proposed merger.

The approval of the merger agreement at the extraordinary general meeting of KT Freetel stockholders will require a special resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the shares of common stock present or represented at the meeting and at least one-third of the total issued and outstanding shares of common stock. KT Corporation currently owns KT Freetel common stock representing 54.26% of total votes entitled to be cast at the extraordinary general meeting, and intends to vote all of its KT Freetel shares in favor of the resolution to approve the merger agreement. Accordingly, your vote at the extraordinary general meeting may have no effect on the outcome with respect to the proposed merger.

Furthermore, to be effective, the merger agreement must also be approved by KT Corporation stockholders at its extraordinary general meeting through a special resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of at least two-third of the shares of common stock present or represented at the meeting and at least one-third of KT Corporation’s total issued and outstanding shares of common stock. If the merger agreement is not approved by KT Corporation stockholders, then the proposed merger may not be successful, even if the merger agreement is approved by KT Freetel stockholders.

There was no formal valuation determining the fairness of the merger ratio.

The merger ratio was determined in accordance with Korean law and not by arms’ length negotiations between KT Corporation and KT Freetel. There was no formal valuation of KT Freetel or KT Corporation by an independent third party. Neither KT Freetel nor KT Corporation has obtained a fairness opinion by an investment banking firm or other qualified appraiser, and neither intends to obtain such an appraisal. Accordingly, the merger ratio may not represent what you would regard as fair or adequate consideration for your KT Freetel common stock.

The merger ratio is fixed and will not reflect market fluctuations; as a result, the value of KT Corporation common stock you receive in the merger may be less than when you vote.

Upon completion of the merger, shares of KT Freetel common stock will be converted into shares of KT Corporation common stock. The ratio at which KT Freetel common stock will be converted is fixed, and there will be no adjustment for changes in the market price of KT Corporation common stock. Any change in the price of KT Corporation common stock occurring prior to the effective date of the merger will affect the value that KT Freetel stockholders will receive in the merger. The value of KT Corporation common stock received in the merger may be higher or lower than the value calculated as of the date of the extraordinary general meeting, depending on whether the market price of KT Corporation’s common stock goes up or down. Stock price changes may result from a variety of factors that are beyond our control, including changes in KT Freetel’s or KT Corporation’s businesses, operations and prospects, regulatory considerations and general market and economic conditions. KT Freetel is not permitted to “walk away” from the merger or resolicit the vote of stockholders solely because of changes in the market price of KT Corporation’s common stock.

 

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We may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger.

The success of the merger of KT Freetel with KT Corporation will depend, in part, on our ability to realize the anticipated synergies, growth opportunities and, to a lesser extent, cost savings from combining those two businesses. The realization of these anticipated benefits may be blocked, delayed or reduced as a result of numerous factors, some of which are outside our control. These factors include:

 

   

difficulties in integrating the operations of KT Freetel with those of KT Corporation, including information systems, personnel, policies and procedures, and in reorganizing or reducing overlapping personnel, operations, marketing networks and administrative functions;

 

   

unforeseen contingent risks or latent liabilities relating to the merger that may become apparent in the future;

 

   

difficulties in managing a larger business;

 

   

loss of key personnel or customers; and

 

   

labor unrest.

Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will realize the anticipated benefits of the merger or that the merger will not adversely affect our combined business, financial condition and results of operations.

The integration of the operations of KT Freetel into KT Corporation may require significant amounts of time, financial resources and management attention. KT Corporation’s management intends to implement a business plan to effectively combine the operations of KT Freetel with the operations of KT Corporation. If this business plan is not effective in integrating these operations, however, we may not realize the anticipated benefits of the merger. Moreover, the integration process could result in the disruption of our ongoing business and information technology systems, or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies and a reduction in employee morale, each of which may adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with customers and to retain key personnel.

The merger is subject to various conditions and may not be completed as scheduled or at all.

Under the merger agreement, the obligation of KT Corporation and KT Freetel to complete the merger is subject to a number of specified conditions, including obtaining or satisfying all material regulatory approvals, permits, consents and requirements necessary for the consummation of the merger, as well as approval by the stockholders of KT Corporation. Regulatory authorities in Korea or elsewhere may seek to block or delay the merger or may impose conditions that reduce the anticipated benefits of the merger or make it difficult to complete as planned. In addition, both parties have the right to terminate the merger agreement at any time prior to the completion of the merger, upon mutual written consent. Either party may also terminate the merger agreement upon a continuing breach of the agreement by the other party that has a material adverse effect on the finances or business conditions of either party. Accordingly, even if the merger is approved at the extraordinary general meeting of stockholders of KT Freetel, the merger may not be completed as scheduled or at all. If the merger is not completed, we would fail to realize the anticipated benefits from the combination, see “The Merger—Background and Reasons for the Merger”.

The merger is subject to approval from the Korea Communications Commission, and delays, conditions or restrictions that may be imposed by the government authorities could have an adverse effect on the combined company.

The merger is subject to approval from the Korea Communications Commission under the Telecommunications Business Act. As part of its review process, the commission is obligated to consult with the Korea Fair Trade Commission relating to antitrust matters. KT Corporation made an application for approval of the merger to the Korea Communications Commission on January 21, 2009. The Korea Communications

 

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Commission typically makes a ruling on the application within 60 days from the date of the application but reserves the right to extend the deadline in its discretion.

As part of the review process, the Korea Fair Trade Commission solicited opinions regarding the proposed merger from our competitors, and our competitors presented their views to the commission in early February 2009. Our competitors argued that the merger should not be approved or certain conditions or restrictions should be imposed to the approval because, among other things, our control over essential telecommunications network facilities would give us an unfair advantage over our competitors and our strong market position may be leveraged by product bundling. Thus far, neither the Korea Communications Commission nor the Korea Fair Trade Commission has indicated any official position on our application or the views of our competitors.

We may not be able to obtain the regulatory approval from the Korea Communications Commission to complete the merger in the time period forecasted, if at all. Even if the merger is approved, the government authorities may impose conditions or restrictions that may adversely impact the expected benefits from the consummation of the merger, including limiting the combined company’s ability to offer combination products or change prices, restricting market share for a certain period following the merger and requiring the combined company to provide broader access to our broadband and fixed-line networks. Such conditions or restrictions may have a material adverse effect on the combined company’s business, results of operations or financial condition following the merger.

Additional Risks Relating to KT Corporation

Disruptions in global credit and financial markets and the resulting governmental actions around the world could have a material adverse impact on the business and funding needs of KT Corporation.

Global credit markets have been experiencing difficulties and volatility since the second half of 2008. The market uncertainty that started from the U.S. residential market further expanded to other markets such as those for leveraged finance, collateralized debt obligations and other structured products. These developments have resulted in significant contraction, de-leveraging and reduced liquidity in the global credit markets, as well as bankruptcy or acquisition of, and government assistance to, several major U.S. and European financial institutions, including the bankruptcy filing of Lehman Brothers in September 2008. In response to such developments, legislators and financial regulators in the United States and other jurisdictions, including Korea, have implemented a number of policy measures designed to add stability to financial markets. However, the overall impact of these legislative and regulatory efforts on the global financial markets is uncertain, and they may not have the intended stabilizing effects. The SEC, other regulators, self-regulatory organizations and exchanges are authorized to take extraordinary actions in the event of market emergencies, and may effect changes in law or interpretations of existing laws.

We are exposed to adverse changes in the global and Korean economic environments, changes in interest rates and instability in the global financial markets. As liquidity and credit concerns and volatility in the global financial markets increased significantly, the value of the Won relative to the Dollar has depreciated at an accelerated rate. In 2008, the market average exchange rate, as announced by the Seoul Monetary Brokerage Services Ltd., depreciated from a high of (Won)934.5 to US$1.00 on January 3, 2008 to a low of (Won)1,509.0 to US$1.00 on November 24, 2008. The market average exchange rate, as announced by the Seoul Monetary Brokerage Services Ltd., was (Won)1,465.7 to US$1.00 on February 19, 2009. Such depreciation of the Won has increased our cost in Won of servicing foreign currency-denominated debt, while continued exchange rate volatility may also result in foreign exchange losses for us. In addition, recent increases in credit spreads, as well as limitations on the availability of credit resulting from heightened concerns about the stability of the markets generally and the strength of counterparties specifically have led many lenders and institutional investors to reduce or cease providing funding to borrowers, which may negatively impact our liquidity and results of operation. Major market disruptions and the current adverse changes in market conditions and regulatory climate may further impair our ability to meet our desired funding needs. We cannot predict how long the current market conditions will last. These recent and developing economic and governmental factors may have a material adverse effect on our business and ability to meet our funding needs.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

The Securities and Exchange Commission encourages companies to disclose forward-looking information so that investors can better understand a company’s future prospects and make informed investment decisions. This prospectus contains forward-looking statements, which may include statements regarding the period following completion of the merger.

Words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “plan”, “believe” and words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance, or the merger of KT Corporation and KT Freetel, identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are management’s present expectations of future events and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. In addition to the risks related to the businesses of KT Corporation and KT Freetel, the factors relating to the merger discussed under “Risk Factors Relating to the Merger”, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, any downward adjustment of the value of KT Corporation common stock relative to KT Freetel common stock, failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger and adverse regulatory developments. We caution you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by law, neither KT Corporation nor KT Freetel is under any obligation, and each expressly disclaims any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

All subsequent forward-looking statements attributable to KT Corporation or KT Freetel or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section.

 

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THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF KT FREETEL STOCKHOLDERS

Time, Place and Purpose

The extraordinary general meeting of KT Freetel stockholders is scheduled to be held at Olympia Hall (1F), Olympic Parktel, 88-8 Bangi-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea on March 27, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. local time, which may be changed as agreed between KT Corporation and KT Freetel. The extraordinary general meeting is being held so that common stockholders of KT Freetel can consider and vote upon a special resolution approving the merger agreement between KT Corporation and KT Freetel, pursuant to which KT Freetel will be merged into KT Corporation, with KT Corporation continuing as the surviving entity.

Record Date and Outstanding Capital Stock

The board of directors of KT Freetel has fixed the close of business on February 5, 2009, as the record date for the determination of KT Freetel common stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the extraordinary general meeting. On the record date, there were 188,223,209 shares of KT Freetel stock outstanding held by 83,938 holders of record.

Voting Rights and Votes Required

Common stockholders of KT Freetel recorded on the stockholder register as of the record date will be entitled to attend and vote, either in person or by proxy, at the extraordinary general meeting. Each share of common stock present or represented at the meeting will be entitled to one vote.

The adoption of any special resolution at the extraordinary general meeting requires the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the shares of common stock present or represented at the meeting. The shares voting affirmatively must also represent at least one-third of the total issued and outstanding shares of common stock.

As of the date hereof, KT Corporation owned 102,129,938 shares of KT Freetel common stock, representing 54.26% of the total votes entitled to be cast on the merger. KT Corporation intends to vote, or cause to be voted, all of the shares of KT Freetel common stock owned by it in favor of the resolution to approve the merger agreement.

Voting by Proxy

Common stockholders of KT Freetel may vote either in person at the extraordinary general meeting or by proxy. Stockholders who wish to vote their shares of KT Freetel common stock by proxy can do so through one of the following methods:

 

   

Voting through Korea Securities Depository. Common stockholders will be entitled to instruct Korea Securities Depository, as depositary for KT Freetel common stock issued in book-entry form, as to how to vote their shares of common stock at the extraordinary general meeting. A stockholder wishing to provide voting instructions to Korea Securities Depository must:

 

   

If it has not received from its standing proxy in Korea a voting instruction form prepared by Korea Securities Depository, ask the standing proxy to obtain and send the voting instruction form to the stockholder; and

 

   

Complete the voting instruction form and return it to the stockholder’s standing proxy in Korea by no later than March 18, 2009 (Seoul time), with instructions for the standing proxy to submit the voting instruction form to the Korea Securities Depository by the end of business on March 19, 2009.

Although there is no guarantee, if Korea Securities Depository receives a completed voting instruction form from a stockholder through its standing proxy on or prior to March 19, 2009, Korea Securities

 

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Depository will try to vote the stockholder’s shares in accordance with the instructions of the stockholder, as far as practical and subject to the requirements of Korean law. Stockholders will be able to change their vote after they send in their voting instruction forms to Korea Securities Depository, by attending the meeting and voting their shares in person or, if available, by requesting their respective standing proxies to attend the meeting and vote the shares by proxy as described below.

 

   

Voting through a Standing Proxy in Korea. Depending on the terms of its agreement with its standing proxy in Korea, a KT Freetel common stockholder may also be entitled to request the standing proxy to attend the extraordinary general meeting on behalf of the stockholder and vote the stockholder’s shares by proxy in accordance with the stockholder’s instructions. Stockholders who wish to vote their shares of KT Freetel common stock in this manner should consult with their standing proxy. Among other things, in order to vote its shares by proxy in this manner, a stockholder must deliver a power of attorney to its standing proxy authorizing it to vote the shares on behalf of the stockholder at the extraordinary general meeting. The standing proxy will be required to produce the power of attorney at the meeting.

A stockholder may revoke a power of attorney after it is delivered and provide a different power of attorney to its standing proxy at any time prior to the extraordinary general meeting. A stockholder may also revoke any power of attorney and attend and vote directly at the extraordinary general meeting.

If you have further questions regarding your voting rights, you should contact your standing proxy in Korea, or KT Freetel at:

KT Freetel

7-18 Shincheon-dong, Songpa-gu

Seoul, Korea

Telephone: +82-2-2010-0809

Facsimile: +82-2-2016-1082

e-mail: shkang@ktf.com

 

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THE MERGER

Background and Reasons for the Merger

On January 20, 2009, the board of directors of KT Corporation and KT Freetel approved a merger agreement between the two entities providing for the merger of KT Freetel with and into KT Corporation. On the same date, KT Corporation and KT Freetel executed the merger agreement.

The purpose of the merger is to unify KT Corporation’s telecommunication businesses, which are currently split between the mobile communication service offered under the “KTF” brand operated by its 54.25% subsidiary, KT Freetel, and the fixed-line telephone service offered under the “KT” brand business operated directly by KT Corporation. KT Corporation and KT Freetel believe that unifying these businesses through the merger will:

 

   

maximize management efficiencies for their telecommunication operations;

 

   

enable them to effectively respond to the convergence trend of the telecommunications market environment in Korea;

 

   

enable them to deliver customer-oriented one-stop services;

 

   

enable them to efficiently allocate resources and reduce costs in their telecommunication operations; and

 

   

strengthen their overall competitiveness in the Korean telecommunications industry.

KT Corporation intends to permit the current KT Freetel operations to maintain their operational autonomy following the merger, though those operations will have access to KT Corporation’s management expertise and resources to allow them to increase their overall efficiency and competitiveness.

Conversion of KT Freetel Common Stock

When the merger is completed, KT Freetel common stockholders will receive 0.7192335 shares of KT Corporation common stock for every one share of KT Freetel common stock they own. KT Corporation will not issue any fractional shares of common stock to KT Freetel common stockholders in connection with the merger. Instead, common stockholders of KT Freetel will receive cash, calculated based on the closing price of the KT Corporation common stock as of the date the shares of KT Corporation common stock to be newly issued and delivered to the KT Freetel common stockholders will be listed on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange, in lieu of any fractional shares they would otherwise be entitled to receive.

The merger ratio was determined in accordance with Korean law and not by arms’ length negotiations between KT Corporation and KT Freetel. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Merger”. Applicable Korean law requires that the merger ratio be calculated based on the applicable prices of the common stock of the constituent corporations, which in each case is to be the lesser of:

 

   

The arithmetic average of

 

  (1) the closing price of the common stock on the day immediately prior to the date of the approval of the merger by the board of directors of KT Corporation and KT Freetel or the execution of the merger agreement, whichever is earlier,

 

  (2) the weighted average of the daily closing prices of the common stock during the one week period ending on such day and

 

  (3) the weighted average of the daily closing prices of the common stock during the one month period ending on such day, and

 

   

The closing price of the common stock on the day immediately prior to the date of the approval of the merger by the board of directors of KT Corporation and KT Freetel or the execution of the merger agreement, whichever is earlier.

 

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Accordingly, the applicable price of the common stock of each of KT Corporation and KT Freetel was calculated for purposes of determining the merger ratio based on the lesser of:

 

   

the arithmetic average of

 

  (1) the closing price of its common stock on January 19, 2009,

 

  (2) its weighted average daily closing stock prices for the one week period ending January 19, 2009 and

 

  (3) its weighted average daily closing stock prices for the one month period ending January 19, 2009, and

 

   

the closing price of its common stock on January 19, 2009.

Based on this calculation, the applicable prices of KT Corporation common stock and KT Freetel common stock were determined to be (Won)39,556 and (Won)28,450, respectively, and the merger ratio was determined to be 0.7192335.

Interests of Certain KT Freetel Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger

You should be aware that a number of directors and officers of KT Freetel may have agreements or arrangements that provide them with interests in the merger that differ from those of KT Freetel stockholders. The KT Freetel board of directors was aware of these interests during its deliberations of the merits of the merger.

Management Positions. Concurrently with the merger, the directors of KT Freetel will resign from their offices, and KT Corporation will not appoint any new directors by reason of the merger. However, we expect that the current executive officers of KT Freetel will become executive officers of KT Corporation following the merger.

Stock Ownership. As of December 31, 2008, the directors and executive officers of KT Freetel, together with their respective affiliates, beneficially owned 43,998 shares representing approximately 0.023% of the outstanding shares of KT Freetel common stock, as well as options to purchase an additional 444,471 shares.

In addition, as of December 31, 2008, the directors and executive officers of KT Freetel, together with their respective affiliates, beneficially owned 20,395 shares of common stock of KT Corporation, and no options to purchase additional shares of KT Corporation.

Indemnification and Insurance. KT Freetel’s directors and executive officers are insured against liability relating to the performance of their duties under a directors’ and officers’ insurance policy. The policy provides coverage of up to (Won)50 billion in the aggregate for all insured persons, with respect to each incident triggering liability.

Completion and Effectiveness of the Merger

The merger will be completed when all of the conditions to completion of the merger are satisfied or waived, including the approval of the merger agreement by the stockholders of KT Corporation and KT Freetel. The merger will become effective when KT Corporation registers the merger with the commercial registry office of the Suwon District Court, Sungnam Branch, and KT Freetel registers its dissolution as a result of the merger with the commercial registry office of the Seoul Eastern District Court, pursuant to applicable requirements of Korean law.

We are working on completing the merger as quickly as possible. We expect to complete the merger during the second quarter of 2009.

 

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Exchange of KT Freetel Common Stock for KT Corporation Common Stock

When the merger becomes effective or shortly thereafter, the Korea Securities Depository, which is the clearing agency for KT Freetel common stock, will register the newly issued KT Corporation common stock or treasury shares of KT Corporation common stock, each in book-entry form in the names of the common stockholders of record of KT Freetel as of the effective date of the merger, in exchange for KT Freetel common stock so registered as of such date.

Creditor Protection Procedures

Under the Korean Commercial Code, KT Freetel is required to implement the following creditor protection procedures in connection with the merger:

 

   

Within two weeks of the approval of the merger agreement by KT Freetel’s stockholders at its extraordinary general meeting, KT Freetel must provide a public notice to its creditors providing the creditors with a specified amount of time, not less than one month, to raise any objection to the merger.

 

   

Any creditor failing to raise an objection during the specified period of time will be deemed to have approved the merger.

 

   

If a creditor raises an objection to the merger, KT Freetel will be required to perform its payment obligation to such creditor on an accelerated basis, to provide such creditor with collateral, or to deposit property with a trust company for the benefit of such creditor.

Treatment of KT Freetel Stock Options

As of the date hereof, options to purchase an aggregate of 444,471 shares of KT Freetel common stock were outstanding and held by the officers, directors and employees of KT Freetel. Pursuant to the merger agreement, all outstanding KT Freetel stock options will be converted into corresponding options to purchase 319,678 shares of KT Corporation common stock for every share of KT Freetel common stock that an option holder is entitled to purchase under the outstanding KT Freetel stock options.

In the event that a director or officer of KT Freetel resigns from KT Freetel as a result of the merger prior to the expiration of a specified period of two years from the grant date of any options he or she holds, the number of shares he or she is entitled to purchase under the relevant options will be reduced proportionately to reflect the number of days remaining from the date of his or her resignation to the end of such two year period, as the case may be.

Accounting Treatment of the Merger

The consolidated financial statements of KT Corporation incorporated by reference into this prospectus have been prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP. KT Corporation intends to account for the merger using the carrying amounts in consolidated financial statements under Korean GAAP. The acquired KT Freetel assets and liabilities will be recorded at book value in the consolidated financial statements. Any excess will be recognized as capital surplus.

Regulatory Matters

We have summarized below the material regulatory requirements affecting the merger. Although we have not yet received all of the required approvals we discuss, we anticipate that we will receive them in time to complete the merger by the second quarter of 2009.

Korean Telecommunication Regulatory Requirements. Under the Telecommunication Business Act, we are required to obtain an approval in respect of the merger from the Korea Communications Commission. KT Corporation submitted an application for approval of the merger pursuant to this Act to the Korea Communications Commission on January 21, 2009.

 

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Korean Antitrust Requirements. Under the Monopoly Regulation & Fair Trade Act of Korea, we are required to file a business combination report with the Korea Fair Trade Commission within 30 days of the execution of the merger agreement. However, this filing requirement was waived under applicable Korean law because the Korea Communications Commission was obligated to consult directly with the Korea Fair Trade Commission after KT Corporation filed the application for approval of the merger with the Korea Communications Commission on January 21, 2009. The Korea Fair Trade Commission may require us to provide additional documents or information relating to the merger.

Other Requirements. In addition, KT Corporation and KT Freetel each submitted a report regarding the proposed merger to the Financial Services Commission and the Korea Exchange on January 20, 2009, the date of the execution of the merger agreement. KT Corporation and KT Freetel each have also undertaken in the merger agreement to use their best efforts to obtain all other Korean or non-Korean regulatory approvals necessary to complete the merger.

Dissent and Appraisal Rights

Holders of KT Corporation or KT Freetel common stock are entitled to appraisal rights under Korean law.

Under the Korean Securities and Exchange Act and the Regulation on Securities Issuance & Disclosure, in order to exercise the appraisal rights, a holder of KT Corporation or KT Freetel common stock, as the case may be, must:

 

   

have been listed on the stockholder registry as of February 5, 2009 and maintain such ownership until the day on which the appraisal rights are exercised;

 

   

provide written notice to KT Corporation or KT Freetel, as the case may be, of his or her objection to the merger prior to the extraordinary general meeting; and

 

   

within 20 days of the extraordinary general meeting, request that KT Corporation or KT Freetel, as the case may be, purchase his or her shares.

KT Corporation or KT Freetel, as the case may be, will purchase the shares of each dissenting stockholder who has properly submitted a purchase request to KT Corporation or KT Freetel, as the case may be, within one month from the expiry of such 20-day exercise period. Stockholders wishing to exercise their appraisal rights must hold their shares until KT Corporation or KT Freetel, as the case may be, purchases such shares within the specified one-month period.

Under Korean law, the purchase price for shares in respect of which appraisal rights have been exercised is to be determined through negotiation between the dissenting stockholders and KT Corporation or KT Freetel, as the case may be. However, if the dissenting stockholders and KT Corporation or KT Freetel, as the case may be, fail to agree on a purchase price, Korean law provides that the purchase price will be calculated as the arithmetic average of the weighted average daily closing prices of KT Corporation’s or KT Freetel’s common stock, as the case may be, for (1) the two month period, (2) the one month period and (3) the one week period ending the date immediately prior to January 20, 2009, the date KT Corporation and KT Freetel’s board of directors approved the execution of the merger agreement. The appraisal prices to be offered by KT Corporation and KT Freetel were calculated as follows using the formula described above:

 

     KT Corporation
Common Stock

(1) Two month daily closing price weighted average

   (Won) 36,687

(2) One month daily closing price weighted average

     39,401

(3) One week daily closing price weighted average

     39,516

Appraisal Price (arithmetic average of (1), (2) and (3))

   (Won) 38,535

 

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     KT Freetel
Common Stock

(1) Two month daily closing price weighted average

   (Won) 29,567

(2) One month daily closing price weighted average

     29,548

(3) One week daily closing price weighted average

     28,738

Appraisal Price (arithmetic average of (1), (2) and (3))

   (Won) 29,284

Under Korean law, any dissenting stockholder of KT Corporation or KT Freetel, as the case may be, may request a court to adjust the appraisal price.

If you own shares of common stock of KT Freetel and wish to find out more information about how to exercise your appraisal rights, you should contact KT Freetel at the following address:

KT Freetel 7-18 Shincheon-dong, Songpa-gu Seoul, Korea, 138-240

Telephone: +82-2-2010-0809 Facsimile: +82-2-2016-1082 e-mail: shkang@ktf.com

The Merger Agreement

We believe this summary describes all material terms of the merger agreement. However, because the merger agreement is the primary legal document that governs the merger, we urge you to read the full text of the merger agreement for its terms and provisions and other information that may be important to you. The merger agreement is attached as Annex I to this prospectus and is incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

General Terms of the Merger Agreement. KT Corporation and KT Freetel have agreed that through the merger, KT Freetel will be merged with and into KT Corporation, with KT Corporation being the surviving entity. Upon effectiveness of the merger, KT Freetel will cease to exist. The date of the merger will be May 18, 2009, and the date of registration of the merger will be May 19, 2009, either of which dates may be changed as agreed by KT Corporation and KT Freetel.

Merger Ratio. KT Freetel common stockholders will receive 0.7192335 share of KT Corporation common stock for every one share of KT Freetel common stock they own. KT Corporation will deliver 7,584,793 shares of its newly issued common stock (par value (Won)5,000) and 45,629,485 shares of its treasury stock (par value (Won)5,000) to KT Freetel stockholders listed on the stockholder registry of KT Freetel as of the date of the merger. KT Corporation has waived issuance of the merger consideration in respect of all of the outstanding shares of KT Freetel common stock held by KT Corporation immediately prior to the merger. The number of shares to be issued or delivered may be adjusted in the event (i) KT Freetel acquires its own shares as a result of the exercise of appraisal rights by its stockholders who oppose the merger, (ii) adjustment is necessary to comply with the foreign shareholding limitation rules under Article 6, Paragraph (1) of the Telecommunication Business Act of Korea, or (iii) a payment is made with respect to any fractional shares (although any such adjustment will not affect the Merger Ratio).

Stock Options. The stock options granted prior to the date of the merger agreement, to the directors, officers or employees of KT Freetel will be converted into stock options granting the rights to purchase the stock of KT Corporation, based on the following formula:

[Amount of Adjusted Stock Options] = [Amount of Stock Options Granted Prior to Adjustment] x [Merger Ratio]

[Adjusted Exercise Price] = [Exercise Price Prior to Adjustment] / [Merger Ratio]

KT Freetel and KT Corporation will take all necessary measures for the amendment, prior to the date of the merger, of stock option agreements entered into between directors, officers and employees of KT Freetel and KT Freetel. However, any such amendments to the stock option agreements will take effect on the date of the registration of the merger.

 

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Stockholder Approval of Merger. Pursuant to the merger agreement, KT Corporation and KT Freetel will hold their extraordinary meetings of stockholders for approval of the merger on March 27, 2009, which may be changed as agreed by KT Corporation and KT Freetel.

Effect of Merger. As of the date of the merger, all of the assets, liabilities, rights and obligations (including contractual rights and obligations) of KT Freetel will be comprehensively succeeded by KT Corporation. The employees of KT Freetel will become employees of KT Corporation as a result of the merger and the obligations to pay severance payments to those employees will be succeeded by KT Corporation.

Dividend Limitation. KT Corporation may distribute dividends for the fiscal year 2008. The exact amount of the dividends, which shall not exceed an aggregate of (Won)400 billion, will be determined at its ordinary general stockholders’ meeting for the fiscal year 2008.

Governance of KT Freetel. The directors and audit committee members of KT Corporation who assumed offices prior to the date of the merger will, unless there is any particular basis for terminations of office, continue to hold their positions until their current respective terms of office expire. However, the directors and audit committee members of KT Freetel shall cease to hold their respective offices as of the date of the registration of the merger.

Representations and Warranties. The merger agreement contains limited representations and warranties of KT Corporation and KT Freetel relating to, among other things:

 

   

corporate organization and other similar corporate matters;

 

   

authorization, execution, delivery and performance of the merger agreement;

 

   

capital structure and securities of KT Corporation and KT Freetel;

 

   

government approvals and conflicts; and

 

   

financial statements.

Covenants. The merger agreement contains covenants of KT Corporation and KT Freetel relating to, among other things:

 

   

making best efforts to complete the merger;

 

   

providing information to the other party and consulting with each other in connection with such delivery;

 

   

providing notice to the other party whenever either party is aware of an event (i) that may have a material adverse effect on the merger; (ii) that results in any of its representations and warranties no longer being true in any material respect; or (iii) that prevents the satisfaction of any condition to the merger;

 

   

obtaining any necessary third-party consents in connection with the consummation of the merger; and

 

   

continuing their business in the ordinary course.

Conditions to the Merger. The obligation of each of KT Corporation and KT Freetel to complete the merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of specified conditions, including those listed below:

 

   

obtaining or satisfying all material government approvals necessary for the closing of the merger set forth in the merger agreement;

 

   

the merger must have been authorized and approved by the board of directors and stockholders of KT Corporation and KT Freetel;

 

   

representations and warranties set out in the merger agreement must be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the date of the merger;

 

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there shall not have occurred any material adverse change in the assets or business conditions of either KT Corporation or KT Freetel; and

 

   

all covenants and other obligations required to be performed by the parties under the merger agreement must have been performed in all material aspects.

Termination. The merger agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the completion of the merger:

 

   

by mutual written consent of KT Corporation and KT Freetel;

 

   

with respect to either KT Corporation or KT Freetel, if a proceeding for bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation, insolvency or rehabilitation commences or an application has been made to commence any such proceeding;

 

   

(i) if stockholders’ approval for the merger is not obtained by either KT Corporation or KT Freetel within three (3) months from the closure of shareholders’ registry to determine the shareholders entitled to exercise voting rights at the general shareholders’ meeting convened for the purpose of approving the merger, (ii) any governmental approval required for the merger is definitively rejected by the relevant governmental authority even prior to the expiry of the three (3) month period described in (i) above, or (iii) it becomes evident that it will be infeasible or illegal to consummate the merger pursuant to the merger agreement due to a change in laws or governmental restrictions, and KT Corporation and KT Freetel do not agree to an amended merger agreement within 30 days from the occurrence of such event;

 

   

if a material adverse effect results from a breach by the other party of any of its representations, warranties or obligations under the merger agreement, and such breach is not cured within 30 days of receiving written notice from the non-breaching party;

 

   

if either (i) the aggregate purchase price to be paid by KT Corporation to its stockholders who exercise appraisal rights exceeds (Won)1 trillion, or (ii) the aggregate purchase price to be paid by KT Freetel to its stockholders who exercise appraisal rights exceeds (Won)700 billion;

 

   

if between the execution of the merger agreement and the merger date, there is a material adverse change in the financial condition, results of operation, the business condition or prospects, of either KT Corporation or KT Freetel; or

 

   

when necessary governmental approvals have been obtained for the merger, but such approvals include conditions which (i) if complied with, are reasonably expected to result in a material adverse change in the financial condition, results of operations, the business condition or prospects of KT Corporation, or (ii) are impossible or extremely difficult to comply with within the time period set forth in such approvals.

Effect of Termination. After termination, either party may seek damages and other rights or remedies from the party responsible for any default or breach under the merger agreement and each party shall, at the request of the other party, return or destroy any materials and information obtained from the other party within 14 days of the termination date.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction. The merger agreement is governed by the laws of Korea. KT Corporation and KT Freetel have both irrevocably submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Seoul Central District Court to hear and determine any suit, action or proceedings, and to settle any disputes, which may arise out of or in connection with the merger agreement.

 

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INFORMATION ABOUT KT CORPORATION

For information about KT Corporation, including an overview of its business, organizational structure and property and a review of its operations and financial results, see the KT 20-F and the Form 6-Ks, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

INFORMATION ABOUT KT FREETEL

KT Freetel, incorporated on January 3, 1997, provides personal communications service (“PCS”), value added services, and sale and lease of personal communications devices based on Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”) technology and Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (“W-CDMA”) technology, utilizing 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1800 MHz frequency. It obtained one of the three licenses to provide nationwide PCS service in June 1996 and began offering PCS service in all major population centers in Korea in October 1997. PCS service is a digital wireless telephone and data transmission system that uses portable handsets with long battery life to communicate via low-power antennae. In May 2001, KT Freetel launched its 2.5 generation high-speed wireless data services, thereby allowing subscribers who have Evolution-Data Optimized (or EV-DO)-compatible handsets to access high-speed multimedia services including voice, data and video transmission. KT Freetel also expanded its coverage area of High Speed Downlink Packet Access (or HSDPA)-based IMT-2000 services to 84 cities in December 2006 and nationwide in March 2007. HSDPA-based IMT-2000 is a third-generation, high-capacity wireless Internet and video multimedia communications technology, which allows an operator to provide to its subscribers significantly larger bandwidth capacity. KT Freetel currently offers such services under the brand name “SHOW”.

KT Freetel competes with SK Telecom, a mobile service provider that has a longer operating history than KT Freetel, and LG Telecom, that began its service at around the same time as KT Freetel. As of December 31, 2007, KT Freetel had approximately 13.7 million subscribers (including approximately 2.9 million resale subscribers of KT Corporation, who utilize KT Freetel’s mobile network through an air-time reselling arrangement between KT Corporation and KT Freetel), which was second largest among the three mobile service providers. As of December 31, 2007, KT Freetel had a market share of 31.5% of the mobile telecommunication service market, in terms of number of subscribers announced by the Korea Communications Commission, while SK Telecom had a market share of 50.5%. Among KT Freetel’s 13.7 million subscribers (including resale subscribers of KT Corporation), 3.2 million subscribers signed up for SHOW as of December 31, 2007, representing a market share of 56.2% in terms of number of subscribers using third-generation HSDPA-based IMT-2000 service as estimated by KT Freetel. KT Freetel is 54.25% owned by KT Corporation as of the date hereof, and is a consolidated subsidiary of KT Corporation.

For further information about KT Freetel, including an overview of its business, organizational structure and property and a review of its operations and financial results, see KT 20-F and Form 6-K furnished on January 9, 2009 and February 17, 2009, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF KT CORPORATION’S CAPITAL STOCK

For a description of the material terms of the capital stock of KT Corporation under the articles of incorporation currently in effect, and of certain relevant provisions of the Korean Commercial Code, the Korean Securities and Exchange Act of 1976, as amended and certain related laws of Korea, see “Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association” in KT Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December  31, 2007, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF KT CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS AND KT FREETEL STOCKHOLDERS

KT Corporation and KT Freetel are each organized under the law of the Republic of Korea. Any differences, therefore, in the rights of holders of KT Corporation common stock and holders of KT Freetel common stock would arise primarily from differences in their respective articles of incorporation.

There are no material differences in the rights of holders of KT Corporation common stock and holders of KT Freetel common stock under KT Corporation’s articles of incorporation and the articles of incorporation of KT Freetel, except that under KT Corporation’s articles of incorporation, holders of an aggregate of 1% or more of KT Corporation’s outstanding shares with voting rights may request cumulative voting when electing two or more directors. KT Freetel’s articles of incorporation currently do not allow cumulative voting.

 

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TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following summary is based upon tax laws of the United States and the Republic of Korea as in effect on the date hereof, and is subject to any change in United States or Korean law that may come into effect after such date. Holders of common stock of KT Freetel are advised to consult their own tax advisors as to the United States, Korean or other tax consequences of the merger and of the ownership of KT Corporation common stock, including the effect of any national, state or local tax laws.

United States Federal Income Taxation

This summary describes the anticipated material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger and of the ownership of KT Corporation common stock to a U.S. holder (as defined below) of KT Freetel common stock. This discussion assumes that holders of KT Freetel common stock hold such stock and will hold their KT Corporation common stock as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”), and does not address all the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to particular holders in light of their individual circumstances or to holders that are subject to special rules, such as:

 

   

financial institutions;

 

   

insurance companies;

 

   

tax-exempt organizations;

 

   

dealers in securities or currencies;

 

   

persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar;

 

   

traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting;

 

   

investors in pass-through entities;

 

   

persons that hold KT Freetel or KT Corporation common stock as part of a straddle, hedge, constructive sale or conversion transaction;

 

   

persons that acquired their shares of KT Freetel or KT Corporation common stock through the exercise of an employee stock option or otherwise as compensation;

 

   

holders of options granted under any KT Freetel or KT Corporation benefit plan; and

 

   

persons that own or are deemed to own 10% or more of any class of stock in KT Freetel or KT Corporation.

If a partnership holds common shares of KT Freetel or KT Corporation, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partners and the activities of the partnership. If a U.S. holder is a partner in a partnership holding common shares of KT Freetel or KT Corporation, the U.S. holder should consult its tax advisors.

The following discussion is based upon the Code, its legislative history, Treasury regulations promulgated pursuant to the Code, treaties and published rulings and decisions, all as currently in effect as of the date of this document, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, and to differing interpretations. Tax considerations under state, local and foreign laws, or U.S. federal tax laws other than those pertaining to income tax, are not addressed in this summary.

Holders of KT Freetel common stock should consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of the merger and of holding common stock of KT Corporation in their particular circumstances, including the applicability and effect of the alternative minimum tax and any state, local or foreign and other tax laws and of changes in those laws.

 

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For purposes of this discussion, the term “U.S. holder” means a beneficial owner of KT Freetel or KT Corporation common stock that is (i) a U.S. citizen or resident, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (ii) a corporation (or entity taxable as a corporation) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, or (iii) any other person that is subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis in respect of shares of KT Freetel or KT Corporation.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger

In connection with the merger, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP will provide an opinion (the “tax opinion”) substantially to the effect that the merger will be treated as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. This opinion will be subject to customary qualifications and assumptions, including the assumption that the merger will be completed according to the terms of the Merger Agreement. In rendering the tax opinion, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP may require and rely upon representations and covenants, including those contained in letters and certificates of officers of KT Freetel and KT Corporation.

Neither the tax opinion nor the discussion that follows is binding on the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) or the courts. In addition, neither KT Freetel nor KT Corporation intends to request a ruling from the IRS with respect to the merger. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge the conclusion expressed in the tax opinion or the discussion set forth below under “—Consequences to U.S. Holders of KT Freetel Common Stock”, or that a court will not sustain such a challenge. In addition, if any of the representations or assumptions upon which the tax opinion is based is inconsistent with the actual facts, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger could be adversely affected.

Based on KT Freetel’s past, current and projected income, assets, and activities, KT Freetel does not believe that it has been a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) since the initial public offering, and it does not expect to become a PFIC during its current taxable year. The following discussion assumes that KT Freetel is not a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If KT Freetel was a PFIC at any time during a U.S. holder’s holding period with respect to KT Freetel stock, the tax consequences of the merger to such U.S. holder would differ from those discussed below. U.S. holders should consult with their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of the merger to them if KT Freetel is a PFIC.

Consequences to U.S. Holders of KT Freetel Common Stock

Based on the conclusion set forth in the tax opinion, the following material U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders of KT Freetel common stock will result from the merger:

 

   

A U.S. holder that exchanges all of its shares of KT Freetel common stock solely for KT Corporation common shares pursuant to the merger will not recognize any income, gain or loss, except with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional KT Corporation common share.

 

   

A U.S. holder of KT Freetel common stock that exercises its appraisal rights under Korean law (and that exchanges all of its shares of KT Freetel common stock solely for cash in connection with the merger) generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and its tax basis in the KT Freetel common stock. Any such capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder has held the shares of KT Freetel common stock for more than one year at the time the merger is completed. Long-term capital gain of an individual U.S. holder generally is subject to a maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 15%. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

 

   

A U.S. holder’s aggregate tax basis in the KT Corporation common shares received in exchange for KT Freetel common shares pursuant to the merger (including any fractional share interests deemed received by the U.S. holder, as discussed below) will equal such holder’s aggregate tax basis in the KT Freetel common shares surrendered pursuant to the merger. A U.S. holder’s holding period for the KT Corporation common shares received pursuant to the merger generally will include the holding period of the KT Freetel common shares surrendered in exchange therefor. A U.S. holder with differing bases

 

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and/or holding periods with respect to shares of KT Freetel common stock should consult its tax advisor with regard to identifying the bases or holding periods of the particular shares of KT Corporation common stock received in the merger.

 

   

A U.S. holder that receives cash in lieu of a fractional KT Corporation common share pursuant to the merger will be treated as having received the fractional share pursuant to the merger and then as having exchanged the fractional share for cash in a redemption by KT Corporation. In general, this deemed redemption will be treated as a sale or exchange, provided the redemption is not determined to be essentially equivalent to a dividend. Although this determination will depend on whether and to what extent the redemption reduces the U.S. holder’s deemed percentage stock ownership of KT Corporation, the IRS has ruled that a redemption is not essentially equivalent to a dividend (and, therefore, will result in sale or exchange treatment) in the case of a stockholder of a publicly held company whose relative stock interest is minimal and who exercises no control over corporate affairs if the redemption results in any actual reduction in the stock interest of the stockholder. As a result, the redemption of a fractional share of KT Corporation common stock generally will be treated as a sale or exchange, and a U.S. holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the portion of the holder’s tax basis allocable to the fractional share. Any capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder has held the shares of KT Freetel common stock for more than one year at the time the merger is completed. Long-term capital gain of an individual U.S. holder generally is subject to a maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 15%. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Foreign Tax Credit Considerations

Under Korean tax laws, a non-Korean holder of KT Freetel common stock will be deemed to have received dividends from KT Corporation as a result of the merger to the extent the amount of cash received in lieu of a fractional share plus the aggregate value of KT Corporation common stock received (calculated based on the par value of KT Corporation common stock) exceeds such non-Korean holder’s basis in KT Freetel common stock. See “—Korean Tax Considerations—Consequences of the Merger” below. A U.S. holder may not be able to use the foreign tax credit associated with the Korean withholding tax imposed on any such deemed distribution unless the holder can use the credit against United States tax due on other foreign-source income. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of the foreign tax credit rules in their particular circumstances.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Payments of cash (if any) to a U.S. holder in or as a result of the merger 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 and demonstrates this fact when so required or (2) provides a taxpayer identification number and certifies that no loss of exemption from backup withholding has occurred. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against the U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is furnished to the IRS.

Reporting Requirements

A U.S. holder that receives KT Corporation common shares as a result of the merger will be required to retain records pertaining to the merger, and certain U.S. holders will be required to provide information to the IRS with respect to the merger. U.S. holders are urged to consult with their tax advisors regarding reporting requirements applicable to the merger.

 

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Ownership of KT Corporation Common Stock

The discussion set forth below is applicable to U.S. holders (1) that are residents of the United States for purposes of the current tax treaty between the United States and Korea (the “Treaty”), (2) whose KT Corporation shares are not, for purposes of the Treaty, effectively connected with a fixed base or permanent establishment in Korea and (3) that otherwise qualify for the full benefits of the Treaty.

Dividends

The gross amount of any cash dividend (prior to deduction of Korean taxes) that a U.S. holder receives with respect to KT Corporation common shares generally will be treated as a dividend and taxed as ordinary income at the time of receipt by a U.S. holder. Such dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to corporations under the Code.

Dividends paid in Won will be included in income in a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date of a U.S. holder’s receipt of the dividend, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars on such date. If such a dividend is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. holder generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. If the Won received as a dividend are not converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. holder will have a basis in the Won equal to their U.S. dollar value on the date of receipt. Any gain or loss realized on a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the Won will be treated as ordinary income or loss.

Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the U.S. dollar amount of dividends received by an individual prior to January 1, 2011 with respect to KT Corporation common stock will be subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 15% if the dividends are “qualified dividends”. Dividends paid on the KT Corporation common stock will be treated as qualified dividends if KT Corporation (i) is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the IRS has approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules and (ii) was not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and is not, in the year in which the dividend is paid, a PFIC. The Treaty has been approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules. KT Corporation believes that it was not treated as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to its 2008 taxable year. In addition, based on current expectations regarding the value and nature of its assets, the sources and nature of its income, and relevant market data, KT Corporation does not anticipate becoming a PFIC for its 2009 taxable year. Because the PFIC determination must be made annually, however, there can be no assurances that KT Corporation will not be considered a PFIC for any given taxable year.

Sales and Other Dispositions

Upon a sale, exchange, or other taxable disposition of KT Corporation common shares, a U.S. holder will generally recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized on the disposition and the U.S. holder’s U.S. dollar tax basis in the shares that are disposed of. 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.

Foreign Tax Credit Considerations

With certain exceptions as described below, the Korean withholding tax that is imposed on distributions with respect to KT Corporation common shares will be treated, up to any applicable reduced rates provided under the Treaty, as a foreign income tax that is eligible (subject to generally applicable limitations and conditions under U.S. tax laws) for credit against a U.S. holder’s federal income tax liability or, at the U.S. holder’s election, for deduction in computing the holder’s taxable income. Foreign tax credits will not be allowed for withholding taxes imposed in respect of certain short-term or hedged positions in securities. Dividends generally will constitute foreign-source “passive category income” (or, in the case of certain of certain U.S. holders,

 

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“general category income”) for foreign tax credit purposes. Any gain or loss recognized by a U.S. holder upon a sale or other taxable disposition of KT Corporation common shares generally will be treated as U.S.-source gain or loss.

Distributions of additional shares in respect of KT Corporation common stock that are made as part of a pro rata distribution to all stockholders of KT Corporation generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. A U.S. holder may not be able to use the foreign tax credit associated with any Korean withholding tax imposed on a distribution of additional shares that is not subject to U.S. tax unless the holder can use the credit against United States tax due on other foreign-source income.

Any Korean securities transaction tax or agricultural and fishery special surtax imposed on the sale or other disposition of KT Corporation shares will not be treated as a creditable foreign tax for U.S. federal income tax purposes, although U.S. holders may be entitled to deduct such taxes from the amount realized on the sale or other disposition, subject to applicable limitations under the Code.

U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of the foreign tax credit rules to their investment in KT Corporation common shares, including the possible adverse impact of failing to take advantage of benefits under the Treaty.

Estate and Gift Tax

Korea may impose an inheritance tax on a decedent who owns KT Corporation shares, even if the decedent was not a citizen or resident of Korea. See “—Korean Tax Considerations—Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax” below. The amount of any inheritance tax paid to Korea may be eligible for credit against the amount of U.S. federal estate tax imposed on the estate of a U.S. holder. Korea also may impose a gift tax. The Korean gift tax generally will not be treated as a creditable foreign tax for U.S. tax purposes. Prospective purchasers should consult their personal tax advisors regarding the consequences of the imposition of the Korean inheritance or gift tax.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Payments in respect of the shares of KT Corporation common stock 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 and demonstrates this fact when so required or (2) provides a taxpayer identification number and certifies that no loss of exemption from backup withholding has occurred. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against the U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is furnished to the IRS.

Korean Tax Considerations

The following discussion is a summary of the material Korean tax consequences to non-Korean holders of KT Freetel common stock of the merger and of the ownership of KT Corporation common stock.

For purposes of this discussion, a non-Korean holder means a holder who is not:

 

   

a resident of Korea;

 

   

a corporation organized under Korean law;

 

   

a corporation whose place of management is located in Korea; or

 

   

engaged in a trade or business in Korea through a permanent establishment or a fixed base to which the relevant income is attributable or with which the relevant income is effectively connected.

 

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This discussion regarding Korean tax laws set forth below is based on the Korean tax laws currently in effect and as currently interpreted by the Korean taxation authorities. This discussion is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations which may apply to a particular stockholder. The non-Korean holders of KT Freetel common stock are advised to consult their tax advisors as to the overall tax consequences to them of the merger and of ownership of KT Corporation common stock, including specifically the tax consequences under Korean law and the current tax treaty between Korea and the United States.

Consequences of the Merger

Under Korean tax laws, a non-Korean holder of KT Freetel common stock will be deemed to have received dividends from KT Corporation to the extent that the amount of cash received in lieu of a fractional share interest in KT Corporation common stock plus the aggregate value of KT Corporation common stock received for KT Freetel common stock as a result of a merger exceed such non-Korean holder’s basis in KT Freetel common stock. In this regard, the value of KT Corporation common stock received for KT Freetel common stock will be calculated based on the par value of KT Corporation common stock.

Dividends on Shares of Common Stock

The dividends paid, whether in cash or in shares, including deemed dividends described above, to a non-Korean holder of KT Corporation common stock are generally subject to withholding tax at a rate of 22% or a reduced rate of withholding under the tax treaty between Korea and the country in which a non-Korean holder resides provided that such non-Korean holder is the “beneficial owner” of the dividends. The net amount of dividends to be actually paid to the non-Korean holder of KT Corporation common stock will be the gross amount of dividends less the amount of withholding tax.

For example, if a non-Korean holder of KT Corporation common stock is a qualified resident of the United States for purposes of the tax treaty between the United States and Korea and such non-Korean holder is the “beneficial owner” of a dividend, a reduced withholding tax rate of 16.5% (including local surtax) will generally apply.

In order to be entitled to a reduced rate of withholding tax under the tax treaty between Korea and the country in which a non-Korean holder of KT Corporation common stock resides, such holder must submit to KT Corporation (or its agent), prior to the payment date of dividends, evidence of tax residence for Korean tax purposes. Excess taxes withheld may not be recoverable even if the non-Korean holder subsequently produces evidence that such holder was entitled to have tax withheld at a lower rate.

Dividends in the form of free shares which reflect transfers of certain capital reserves or asset revaluation reserves into paid-in-capital may be subject to Korean withholding tax.

Capital Gains

For Korean tax purposes, a non-Korean holder of KT Corporation common stock will recognize capital gain to the extent realized from sale or exchange of KT Corporation common stock unless (i) such non-Korean holder of KT Corporation common stock is entitled to the exemption provided by the tax treaty between Korea and the country in which a non-Korean holder resides provided that such non Korean holder is the “beneficial owner” of the dividends, or (ii) such non-resident holder of KT Corporation common stock does not have any permanent establishment in Korea and owns or has owned directly or beneficially less than 25% of the total issued and outstanding shares of KT Corporation common stock at any time during the year of sale or exchange and for the five calendar years before the year of sale or exchange and such sale or exchange is made on the Korea Exchange.

In the absence of the application of a tax treaty which exempts or reduces the rate of tax on capital gains, the amount of Korean withholding tax on capital gains of a non-Korean holder of KT Corporation common stock will be the lesser of 22% (subject to the production of satisfactory evidence of the acquisition cost and the

 

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transaction costs of KT Corporation common stock) of the net capital gains or 11% of the gross realization proceeds. However, if a non-Korean holder of KT Corporation common stock is a qualified resident of the United States for purposes of the tax treaty between the United States and Korea and such non-Korean holder is the “beneficial owner” of the capital gains, such non-Korean holder is generally entitled to an exemption from Korean withholding tax in respect of any capital gain realized in sale or exchange of shares of KT Corporation common stock.

If a non-Korean holder of KT Corporation common stock sells shares of KT Corporation common stock, the purchaser or, in the case of the sale of shares of KT Corporation common stock on the Korea 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 of this amount to the Korean tax authority, unless such non-Korean holder establishes the entitlement to an exemption of taxation under the tax treaty between Korea and the country in which such non-Korean holder resides or produces satisfactory evidence of the acquisition cost and transaction costs for KT Corporation common stock.

To obtain the benefit of an exemption available under applicable tax treaties, a non-Korean holder of KT Corporation common stock must submit to the purchaser or the licensed securities company, as the case may be, an application for exemption prior to the payment, with a certificate of non-Korean holder’s tax residence issued by a competent authority of non-Korean holder’s residence country. Excess taxes withheld may not be recoverable even if the non-Korean holder subsequently produces evidence that the non-Korean holder was entitled to have taxes withheld at a lower rate.

Application of the Tax Treaty between the United States and Korea

Under the tax treaty between the United States and Korea, a resident of the United States means (i) a United States corporation, and (ii) any other person (except a corporation or any entity treated as a corporation under United States law) residing in the United States for U.S. tax purposes.

Further, the reduced Korean withholding tax rate on dividends and capital gains under the tax treaty between the United States and Korea (including the capital gains exception) would not be available if (a) the U.S. resident holders of KT Corporation common stock are certain investment or holding companies, (b) the dividends or capital gains derived by residents of the United States from KT Corporation common stock are effectively connected with the United States residents’ permanent establishments in Korea or (c) in the case of capital gains derived by an individual, (i) such United States resident maintains a fixed base in Korea for a period aggregating 183 days or more during the taxable year and KT Corporation common stock is effectively connected with such fixed base or (ii) such United States resident is present in Korea for 183 days or more during the taxable year.

Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax

If a non-Korean holder of KT Corporation common stock dies while holding a share of KT Corporation common stock or donates a share of KT Corporation common stock, the heir or donee (or in certain circumstances, the non-Korean holder as the donor) will be subject to Korean inheritance or gift tax presently at the rate of 10% to 50%, provided that the value of KT Corporation common stock is greater than a specified amount.

Securities Transaction Tax

The transfer of shares of KT Corporation common stock generally will be subject to a securities transaction tax at the rate of 0.15% of the sale price of the shares of KT Corporation common stock when traded on the Korea Exchange and will be subject to an agriculture and fishery community special surtax at the rate of 0.15% of the sale price of the shares of KT Corporation common stock. If the transfer of shares of KT Corporation common stock is not made on the Korea Exchange, subject to certain exceptions, such transfer will be subject to a securities transaction tax at the rate of 0.5% and will not be subject to an agriculture and fishery community special surtax.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the common stock of KT Corporation that will be issued in the merger will be passed on for KT Corporation by Kim & Chang, Korean counsel to KT Corporation. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, special U.S. tax counsel to KT Corporation, will pass on certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to U.S. holders of KT Freetel common stock.

EXPERTS

The 2007 consolidated financial statements and the retrospective adjustments to the 2006 and 2005 consolidated financial statements included in the KT Form 20-F which is incorporated by reference into the registration statement filed on Form F-4, to which this Prospectus forms a part, and the effectiveness of KT Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte Anjin LLC, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference into the registration statement, which reports (1) express an unqualified opinion on the 2007 financial statements and include explanatory paragraphs referring to i) the adjustments to the 2006 and 2005 consolidated financial statements to retrospectively apply the adoption of Korean Accounting Standards and reclassify certain accounts in prior periods to conform to current period’s presentation, and ii) the translation of Won amounts into U.S. dollar amounts, and iii) information relating to the nature and effect of differences from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, (2) expresses an unqualified opinion on the retrospective adjustments to the 2006 and 2005 consolidated financial statements, and (3) expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Such financial statements have been so included in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

The consolidated financial statements of KT Corporation and its subsidiaries as of and for each of the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006, included in the KT Form 20-F which is incorporated by reference into the registration statement filed on Form F-4, to which this Prospectus forms a part, have been audited by KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp., an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report, which is incorporated by reference into the registration statement filed on Form F-4 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion on such financial statements before the effects of the adjustments and disclosures to retrospectively apply the changes in accounting and reclassifications pursuant to the adoption of Statements of Korean Accounting Standards). Such financial statements have been included in reliance upon the report of KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp., given upon its authority as experts in auditing and accounting.

The consolidated financial statements of KT Freetel and its subsidiaries included in the registration statement filed on Form F-4, to which this Prospectus forms a part, have been audited by Deloitte Anjin LLC, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing therein which report expresses an unqualified opinion on the consolidated financial statements and includes explanatory paragraphs relating to the translation of Won amounts into U.S. dollar amounts, and information relating to the nature and effect of differences from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Such financial statements have been so included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

29


Table of Contents

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page

Consolidated Financial Statements of KT Freetel Co., Ltd.

  

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008 (Unaudited)

   F-2

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 (Unaudited)

   F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 (Unaudited)

   F-6

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 (Unaudited)

   F-9

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008

   F-10

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-45

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2006 and 2007

   F-46

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007

   F-49

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007

   F-50

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007

   F-53

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007

   F-55

 

F-1


Table of Contents

KT FREETEL CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008

(Unaudited)

 

     In millions of Korean won    In thousands of
U.S. dollars

(Note 2)
     2007    2008    2008

ASSETS

        

CURRENT ASSETS:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   (Won) 330,473    (Won) 113,014    $ 107,961

Short-term financial instruments (Note 3)

     3,800      10,668      10,191

Short-term investment securities (Note 3)

     3,861      959      916

Accounts receivable-trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of (Won)210,347 million in 2007 and (Won)160,717 million in 2008 (Notes 2 and 15)

     1,175,000      1,352,588      1,292,117

Short-term loans (Note 2)

     4,906      4,912      4,692

Accounts receivable-other, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of (Won)18,034 million in 2007 and (Won)17,245 million in 2008 (Notes 2 and 15)

     34,268      42,213      40,326

Advance payments, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of (Won)12,051 million in 2007 and (Won)10,995 million in 2008 (Notes 2 and 15)

     30,514      35,063      33,495

Prepaid expenses

     16,334      21,282      20,331

Current portion of deferred income tax assets

     135,363      104,651      99,972

Inventories (Note 4)

     162,709      349,457      333,834

Other current assets (Note 2)

     1,243      6,212      5,934
                    

Total Current Assets

     1,898,471      2,041,019      1,949,769
                    

NON-CURRENT ASSETS:

        

Long-term financial instruments (Note 3)

     56      49      47

Long-term investment securities

     27,613      17,147      16,380

Equity method investment securities

     62,420      156,381      149,390

Long-term loans (Note 2)

     34,528      48,900      46,714

Other investment assets

     19,157      48,615      46,442

Property and equipment, net (Note 5 )

     4,266,945      4,230,084      4,040,967

Intangible assets, net (Note 6 )

     894,917      855,809      817,548

Long-term accounts receivable-trade, net of discount on present value of (Won)4,147 million in 2007 and (Won)15,479 million in 2008

     42,512      126,132      120,493

Guarantee deposits

     232,102      241,510      230,713

Deferred income tax assets

     54,748      120,396      115,013

Long-term accounts receivable-other

     —        493      471

Other non-current assets

     4,300      4,396      4,199
                    

Total Non-current Assets

     5,639,298      5,849,912      5,588,377
                    

TOTAL ASSETS

   (Won) 7,537,769    (Won) 7,890,931    $ 7,538,146
                    

(Continued)

 

F-2


Table of Contents

KT FREETEL CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets—(Continued)

As of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008

(Unaudited)

 

     In millions of Korean won    In thousands of
U.S. dollars
(Note 2)
     2007    2008    2008

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

        

CURRENT LIABILITIES :

        

Accounts payable-trade (Note 15)

   (Won) 327,200    (Won) 546,489    $ 522,058

Short-term borrowings

     35,893      118,403      113,109

Accounts payable-other (Note 15)

     659,798      789,139      753,858

Advance receipts

     4,121      13,678      13,066

Withholdings

     122,110      135,799      129,728

Accrued expenses

     175,687      184,826      176,563

Income taxes payable

     44,107      2,328      2,224

Current portion of long-term borrowings and debentures
(Note 7)

     332,614      382,368      365,273

Current portion of long-term accounts payable-other
(Note 8)

     108,920      125,748      120,126

Current portion of accrued provisions (Note 9)

     9,770      12,154      11,611

Current portion of deferred income tax liabilities

     —        13      12

Other current liabilities

     1,145      1,145      1,094
                    

Total Current Liabilities

     1,821,365      2,312,090      2,208,722
                    

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES :

        

Long-term borrowings (Note 7)

     14,618      76,219      72,811

Long-term debentures (Note 7)

     859,037      917,563      876,541

Long-term accounts payable-other (Note 8)

     406,288      289,391      276,453

Long-term guarantee deposits received

     2,526      2,688      2,568

Accrued provisions (Note 9)

     4,048      4,983      4,760

Accrued severance indemnities, net (Note 2)

     53,994      48,458      46,292

Other non-current liabilities

     2,514      4,261      4,071
                    

Total Non-current Liabilities

     1,343,025      1,343,563      1,283,496
                    

Total Liabilities

     3,164,390      3,655,653      3,492,218
                    

(Continued)

 

F-3


Table of Contents

KT FREETEL CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets—(Continued)

As of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008

(Unaudited)

 

     In millions of Korean won     In thousands of
U.S. dollars
(Note 2)
 
     2007     2008     2008  

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

      

EQUITY:

      

Common Stock (Note 10)

     1,044,181       1,044,181       997,498  

Capital Surplus

     1,725,493       1,725,493       1,648,350  

Capital Adjustments:

      

Treasury stock (Note 10)

     (2,078 )     (124,283 )     (118,727 )

Stock options (Note 11)

     4,088       4,088       3,905  

Loss on disposal of treasury stock

     —         (58 )     (55 )

Other share-based payment (Note 11)

     —         502       480  
                        

Total Capital Adjustments

     2,010       (119,751 )     (114,397 )
                        

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Note 12)

      

Unrealized gain on valuation of available-for-sale
securities

     5,717       (2,270 )     (2,169 )

Increase in equity of associates

     608       2,017       1,927  

Decrease in equity of associates

     —         (2 )     (2 )

Loss on translation of foreign operations

     (81 )     (10 )     (10 )

Gain on valuation of derivatives

     —         3,114       2,975  
                        

Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

     6,244       2,849       2,721  
                        

Retained Earnings

      

Legal reserve

     43,194       43,194       41,263  

Voluntary reserve

     1,350,000       1,500,000       1,432,938  

Unappropriated retained earnings

     172,587       11,655       11,134  
                        

Total Retained Earnings

     1,565,781       1,554,849       1,485,335  
                        

Minority Interest

     29,670       27,657       26,421  
                        

Total Equity

     4,373,379       4,235,278       4,045,928  
                        

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   (Won) 7,537,769     (Won) 7,890,931     $ 7,538,146  
                        

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

F-4


Table of Contents

KT FREETEL CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2008

(Unaudited)

 

     In millions of Korean won     In thousands
of U.S. dollars
(Note 2)
 
     2007     2008     2008  

OPERATING REVENUES (Notes 13 and 15)

   (Won) 3,647,713     (Won) 4,271,616     $ 4,080,642  

OPERATING EXPENSES (Notes 13 and 15)

     3,434,732       4,245,583       4,055,773  
                        

OPERATING INCOME

     212,981       26,033       24,869  
                        

NON-OPERATING REVENUES (EXPENSES)

      

Interest income

     14,724       13,169       12,580  

Gain (loss) on foreign currency transaction, net

     318       (2,718 )     (2,596 )

Gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net

     335       (25,687 )     (24,539 )

Interest expense

     (68,644 )     (56,823 )     (54,283 )

Loss on disposal of accounts receivable—trade

     (39 )     (101 )     (96 )

Equity in income (loss) of associates, net

     638       (4,784 )     (4,570 )

Gain on disposal of short-term investment securities, net

     3,509       2,517       2,404  

Gain on disposal of long-term investment securities, net

     —         312       298  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment, net

     (14,940 )     (4,957 )     (4,735 )

Loss on impairment of property and equipment

     (1,058 )     (18,963 )     (18,115 )

Gain on disposal of intangible assets, net

     134       86       82  

Reversal of negative goodwill (Note 6)

     324       —         —    

Gain on valuation of derivatives, net (Note 17)

     281       31,313       29,913  

Loss on settlement of derivatives

     (39 )     —         —    

Dividend income

     301       310       296  

Donation

     (7,772 )     (7,488 )     (7,153 )

Other bad debt expense

     (72 )     (19 )     (18 )

Others

     5,173       4,371       4,176  
                        
     (66,827 )     (69,462 )     (66,356 )
                        

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE

     146,154       (43,429 )     (41,487 )

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

     11,467       (30,501 )     (29,137 )
                        

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   (Won) 134,687     (Won) (12,928 )   $ (12,350 )
                        

Attributable to:

      

EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE PARENT

   (Won) 130,859     (Won) (10,932 )   $ (10,443 )

MINORITY INTEREST

     3,828       (1,996 )     (1,907 )
                        
   (Won) 134,687     (Won) (12,928 )   $ (12,350 )
                        

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE (Note 14)(*)

      

Basic and diluted income (loss) per share (in Korean won)

   (Won) 669     (Won) (57 )   $ (0.05 )
                        

 

(*) Income per share attributable to the equity holders of the parent

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

F-5


Table of Contents

KT FREETEL CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2008

(Unaudited)

 

     In millions of Korean won     In thousands of
U.S. dollars
(Note 2)
 
     2007     2008     2008  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

      

Net income

   (Won) 134,687     (Won) (12,928 )   $ (12,350 )

Expenses not involving cash payments:

      

Provision for severance indemnities

     11,624       12,859       12,284  

Depreciation

     525,883       512,315       489,411  

Amortization of intangible assets

     64,074       56,834       54,293  

Bad debt expense

     29,661       6,845       6,539  

Stock compensation

     51       502       480  

Loss on valuation of inventories

     10,742       2,392       2,285  

Loss on foreign currency translation, net

     —         25,687       24,539  

Interest expense

     11,844       10,881       10,395  

Loss on disposal of accounts receivable—trade

     39       101       96  

Equity in loss of associates, net

     —         4,784       4,570  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment, net

     14,940       4,957       4,735  

Loss on impairment of property and equipment

     1,058       18,963       18,115  

Others

     6,673       5,663       5,410  
                        

Sub-total

     676,589       662,783       633,152  
                        

Income not involving cash receipts:

      

Gain on foreign currency translation, net

     347       —         —    

Equity in income of associates, net

     638       —         —    

Gain on disposal of short-term investment securities, net

     3,509       2,517       2,404  

Gain on disposal of long-term investment securities, net

     —         312       298  

Gain on disposal of intangible assets, net

     134       86       82  

Reversal of negative goodwill

     324       —         —    

Interest income (present value)

     —         5,976       5,709  

Gain on valuation of derivatives, net

     281       31,313       29,913  

Others

     48       11       11  
                        

Sub-total

     (5,281 )     (40,215 )     (38,417 )
                        

Changes in assets and liabilities related to operating activities:

      

Accounts receivable-trade

     82,522       (81,383 )     (77,745 )

Accounts receivable-other

     1,633       1,565       1,495  

Prepaid expenses

     (4,479 )     (4,948 )     (4,727 )

Inventories

     (88,823 )     (189,140 )     (180,684 )

Deferred income tax assets

     (30,148 )     (33,082 )     (31,603 )

Other current assets

     (4,914 )     (2,314 )     (2,211 )

Long-term accounts receivable-trade

     11,523       (77,648 )     (74,177 )

Guarantee deposits

     (6,050 )     (9,209 )     (8,797 )

Other non-current assets

     —         (296 )     (283 )

Accounts payable-trade

     148,003       112,265       107,246  

Accounts payable-other

     (28,289 )     124,038       118,493  

Withholdings

     (978 )     9,151       8,742  

Accrued expenses

     (11,508 )     9,758       9,322  

(Continued)

 

F-6


Table of Contents

KT FREETEL CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—(Continued)

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2008

(Unaudited)

 

     In millions of Korean won     In thousands of
U.S. dollars
(Note 2)
 
     2007     2008     2008  

Income taxes payable

   (6,221 )   (41,913 )   (40,039 )

Deferred income tax liabilities

   6     13     12  

Other current liabilities

   (14,859 )   6,044     5,774  

Long-term guarantee deposits received

   10     187     179  

Accrued provisions

   (4,916 )   (547 )   (523 )

Other non-current liabilities

   416     282     269  

Payment of severance indemnities

   (5,753 )   (18,774 )   (17,935 )
                  

Sub-total

   37,175     (195,951 )   (187,192 )
                  

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

   843,170     413,689     395,193  
                  

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

      

Cash inflows from investing activities:

      

Disposal of short-term financial instruments

   90,352     4,697     4,487  

Disposal of short-term investment securities

   678,604     313,635     299,613  

Collection of short-term loans

   9,295     11,910     11,378  

Disposal of long-term financial instruments

   —       5     5  

Disposal of long-term investment securities

   68     1,111     1,061  

Disposal of equity method investment securities

   —       1,579     1,508  

Disposal of property and equipment

   372     6,408     6,122  

Disposal of intangible assets

   286     595     568  

Others

   20,000     2,165     2,068  
                  

Sub-total

   798,978     342,105     326,810  
                  

Cash outflows for investing activities:

      

Acquisition of short-term financial instruments

   50,050     11,505     10,991  

Acquisition of short-term investment securities

   560,300     310,110     296,246  

Increase in short-term loans

   —       751     717  

Acquisition of long-term investment securities

   88     504     481  

Acquisition of equity method investment securities

   —       97,700     93,332  

Increase in long-term loans

   23,472     25,799     24,646  

Acquisition of property and equipment

   655,310     506,124     483,496  

Acquisition of intangible assets

   19,988     17,691     16,900  

Others

   —       3,838     3,666  
                  

Sub-total

   (1,309,208 )   (974,022 )   (930,475 )
                  

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

   (510,230 )   (631,917 )   (603,665 )
                  

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

      

Cash inflows from financing activities:

      

Increase in short-term borrowings

   69,664     113,143     108,085  

Increase in long-term borrowings

   —       68,166     65,118  

Proceeds from issuance of debentures

   —       397,791     380,007  
                  

Sub-total

   69,664     579,100     553,210  
                  

(Continued)

 

F-7


Table of Contents

KT FREETEL CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—(Continued)

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2008

(Unaudited)

 

     In millions of Korean won     In thousands of
U.S. dollars
(Note 2)
 
     2007     2008     2008  

Cash outflows for financing activities:

      

Repayment of short-term borrowings

     62,113       23,775       22,712  

Repayment of current portion of long-term borrowings and debentures

     300,000       320,608       306,274  

Repayment of long-term borrowings

     —         1,387       1,325  

Repayment of current portion of long-term accounts payable-other

     90,000       110,000       105,082  

Acquisition of treasury stock

     —         122,561       117,082  

Payment of dividends

     117,384       —         —    
                        

Sub-total

     (569,497 )     (578,331 )     (552,475 )
                        

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

     (499,833 )     769       735  
                        

NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (166,893 )     (217,459 )     (207,737 )

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD

     590,712       330,473       315,698  
                        

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE PERIOD

   (Won) 423,819     (Won) 113,014     $ 107,961  
                        

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

F-8


Table of Contents

KT FREETEL CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2008

(Unaudited)

 

(In millions of Korean won)

  Common
stock
  Capital
surplus
  Capital
adjustments
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
    Retained
earnings
    Minority
interest
    Total  

Balance as of January 1, 2007 (as reported)

  (Won) 1,044,181   (Won) 1,726,645   (Won) 3,188     (Won) 7,195     (Won) 1,527,847     (Won) 11,095     (Won) 4,320,151  

Dividends

    —       —       —         —         (117,384 )     —         (117,384 )
                               

Retained earnings after appropriations

    —       —       —         —         1,410,463       11,095       4,202,767  

Net income for the period

    —       —       —         —         130,859       3,828       134,687  

Compensation expense resulting from stock options

    —       —       51       —         —         —         51  

Unrealized loss on valuation of available-for-sale securities

    —       —       —         (2,039 )     —         (25 )     (2,064 )

Changes in equity of associates

    —       —       —         (32 )     —         —         (32 )

Others

    —       —       —         (7 )     369       —         362  
                                                   

Balance as of June 30, 2007

  (Won) 1,044,181   (Won) 1,726,645   (Won) 3,239     (Won) 5,117     (Won) 1,541,691     (Won) 14,898     (Won) 4,335,771  
                                                   

Balance as of January 1, 2008 (as reported)

  (Won) 1,044,181   (Won) 1,725,493   (Won) 2,010     (Won) 6,244     (Won) 1,565,781     (Won) 29,670     (Won) 4,373,379  

Retained earnings after appropriations

    —       —       —         —         1,565,781       29,670       4,373,379  

Net income for the period

    —       —       —         —         (10,932 )     (1,996 )     (12,928 )

Acquisition of treasury stock

    —       —       (122,561 )     —         —         —         (122,561 )

Disposal of treasury stock

    —       —       356       —         —         —         356  

Loss on disposal of treasury stock

        (58 )           (58 )

Share-based payment

    —       —       502       —         —         —         502  

Unrealized loss on valuation of available-for-sale securities

    —       —       —         (7,988 )     —         (14 )     (8,002 )

Changes in equity of associates

    —       —       —         1,408       —         (3 )     1,405  

Gain (loss) on valuation of derivatives, net

    —       —       —         3,114       —         —         3,114  

Others

    —       —       —         71       —         —         71  
                                                   

Balance as of June 30, 2008

  (Won) 1,044,181   (Won) 1,725,493   (Won) (119,751 )   (Won) 2,849     (Won) 1,554,849     (Won) 27,657     (Won) 4,235,278  
                                                   

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

                                     

Balance as of January 1, 2008 (as reported)

  $ 997,498   $ 1,648,350   $ 1,920     $ 5,964     $ 1,495,778     $ 28,344     $ 4,177,854  

Retained earnings after appropriations

    —       —       —         —         1,495,778       28,344       4,177,854  

Net income for the period

    —       —       —         —         (10,443 )     (1,907 )     (12,350 )

Acquisition of treasury stock

    —       —       (117,082 )     —         —         —         (117,082 )

Disposal of treasury stock

    —       —       340       —         —         —         340  

Loss on disposal of treasury stock

    —       —       (55 )     —         —         —         (55 )

Share-based payment

    —       —       480       —         —         —         480  

Unrealized loss on valuation of available-for-sale securities

    —       —       —         (7,631 )     —         (13 )     (7,644 )

Changes in equity of associates

    —       —       —         1,345       —         (3 )     1,342  

Gain (loss) on valuation of derivatives, net

    —       —       —         2,975       —         —         2,975  

Others

    —       —       —         68       —         —         68  
                                                   

Balance as of June 30, 2008

  $ 997,498   $ 1,648,350   $ (114,397 )   $ 2,721     $ 1,485,335     $ 26,421     $ 4,045,928  
                                                   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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KT FREETEL CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2008

1. ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

a. Parent

KT Freetel Co., Ltd. (“KTF”) was incorporated on January 3, 1997, under the Commercial Code of the Republic of Korea, and listed on the Korean Securities Dealers Association Automated Quotation System (the “KOSDAQ”) in December 1999. On April 19, 2004, KTF transferred its listing from the KOSDAQ to the Korea Stock Exchange. KTF is currently engaged in providing personal communications service (“PCS”), value added services, and sale and lease of personal communication devices in Korea.

b. Consolidated Subsidiaries

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of KTF and its controlled subsidiaries (the “Company”) listed below. Generally, control is deemed to exist when the investor has more than 50 percent of the total outstanding voting stock or when the investor is the largest shareholder and owns more than 30 percent of the total outstanding voting stock. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Subsidiary

  Financial
year end
  Year of
obtaining
control
  Ownership
percentage (%)
  

Primary business

      2007   2008   

KTF Technologies Co., Ltd. (“KTFT”)(*1)

  Dec.31   2002   74.94   74.94   

Developing and manufacturing of PCS handsets

PT. KTF Indonesia.
(“KTF Indonesia”)

  Dec.31   2004   99.00   99.00    Providing PCS

KTF Mhows Co., Ltd.
(“KTF Mhows”)

  Dec.31   2004   51.00   51.00    Mobile advertisement

KTF M&S Co., Ltd.
(“KTF M&S”)
(*2)

  Dec.31   2007   100.00   100.00    PCS distribution

KTF Music Corp. (“KTF Music”(* 3))
(formerly, “Bluecord Technology Co., Ltd.”).

  Dec.31   2007   35.28   35.28   

Semiconductor and telecommunication equipment manufacture

Doremi Media Co., Ltd. (“Doremi Media”)(*4)

  Dec.31   2007   64.24   64.24   

Recording device and music disc manufacture

 
  (*1) On November 30, 2002, KTF exercised the conversion right of convertible bonds at (Won)5,000 per share to acquire an additional 400,000 shares of common stock of KTFT. The acquisition of KTFT was recorded in accordance with the purchase method of accounting. As a result of this acquisition, KTF recorded negative goodwill of (Won)3,258 million for the fair value of KTFT’s net assets in excess of the acquisition cost. Negative goodwill is recognized as income on a systematic basis over the remaining weighted average useful life (5 years) of the identifiable acquired depreciable or amortizable assets.

On June 17, 2004, September 30, 2005 and March 23, 2006, KTF acquired KTFT’s minority interests, which represent the subsidiary’s outstanding common stocks of 13.35%, 2.30% and 1.88%, respectively. As a result of these acquisitions, KTF recorded the excess of the acquisition cost over the book value of KTFT’s net assets to capital surplus of (Won)953 million in 2004 and the excess of the book

 

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value of KTFT’s net assets over the acquisition costs to capital surplus of (Won)580 million in 2005 and the excess of the acquisition cost over the book value of KTFT’s net assets to capital surplus of (Won)1,132 million in 2006.

 

  (*2) In January 2007, KTF M&S was incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of KTF.

 

  (*3) On December 26, 2007, KTF acquired 35.28% ownership interest of KTF Music. As a result of this acquisition, KTF recorded goodwill of (Won)11,206 million for the acquisition cost of KTF Music’s net assets in excess of the fair value.

 

  (*4) Doremi Media is owned 64.24% by KTF Music.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a. Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

The Company maintains its official accounting records in Korean won and prepares statutory financial statements in the Korean language (Hangul) in conformity with the accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea. Certain accounting principles applied by the Company that conform with financial accounting standards and accounting principles in the Republic of Korea may not conform with generally accepted accounting principles in other countries. To conform more closely to presentations customary in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America, the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been restructured and translated into English for the convenience of the readers of financial statements. Certain supplementary information included in the statutory Korean language consolidated financial statements, not required for a fair presentation of the Company and its subsidiaries’ financial position or result of operations, is not presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

b. Adoption of New Accounting Standards

In 2008, the Company newly adopted the amendment to the Korea Accounting Institute (“KAI”) Opinion 06-2 “Deferred Income Taxes on Investments in Subsidiaries, Associates and Interests in Joint Ventures”. However, the Company’s adoption of new KAI Opinion 06-2 did not have an effect on net assets as of June 30, 2008 and net income for the six months ended June 30, 2008.

c. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash, substitute securities including checks issued by others, and checking accounts, ordinary deposits and financial instruments, which can be easily converted into cash and whose value changes due to changes in interest rates are not material, with maturities (or date of redemption) of three months or less upon acquisition.

d. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

An allowance for doubtful accounts is provided based on the estimated loss on uncollectible accounts and historical bad debt experience. Changes in allowance for doubtful accounts receivable-trade, accounts receivable-other and others for the year ended December 31, 2007 and for six months ended June 30, 2008 are summarized as follows (In millions of Korea won):

 

     2007
(12 months)
    2008
(6 months)
 

Balance at beginning of the period

   (Won) 224,470     (Won) 241,212  

Write-offs

     (31,840 )     (58,076 )

Provision

     48,582       6,864  
                

Balance at end of the period

   (Won) 241,212     (Won) 190,000  
                

 

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e. Inventories

Inventories, which consist mainly of supplies for telecommunication facilities and PCS handsets for sales, are stated at the acquisition cost, with cost determined using the moving average method. The Company maintains perpetual inventory system, which is adjusted to physical inventory counts performed at year end. When the market value of inventories (net realizable value for merchandise and current replacement cost for supplies) is less than the carrying value, carrying value is stated at the lower of cost or market. The Company applies the lower of cost or market method by group of inventories and loss on inventory valuation is presented as a deduction from inventories and charged to operating expenses. However, when the circumstances that previously caused inventories to be written down below cost no longer exist and the new market value of inventories subsequently recovers, the valuation loss is reversed to the extent of the original valuation loss and the reversal is deducted from operating expenses.

f. Securities (excluding the equity method investment securities)

Debt and equity securities are initially stated at the market value of consideration given for acquisition (market value of securities acquired if market value of consideration given is not available) plus incidental costs attributable to the acquisition of the securities and are classified into trading, available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities depending on the purpose and nature of acquisition. Trading securities are presented as short-term investments while available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities are presented as short-term investments or long-term investment securities depending on their nature in the balance sheet. The moving average method for equity securities and the specific identification method for debt securities are used to determine the cost of securities for the calculation of gain (loss) on disposal of those securities.

—Trading securities

Securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term with active and frequent buying and selling, including securities which consist of a portfolio of securities with the clear objective of generating profits on short-term differences in price, are classified as trading securities. Trading securities are recorded at their fair value and unrealized gains or losses from trading securities are recorded as gain (loss) on valuation of trading securities included in the non-operating revenues (expenses).

—Held-to-maturity securities

Debt securities that have fixed or determinable payments with a fixed maturity are classified as held-to-maturity securities only if the Company has both the positive intent and ability to hold those securities to maturity. However, debt securities, whose maturity dates are due within one year from the balance sheet date are classified as current assets.

After initial recognition, held-to-maturity securities are stated at amortized cost in the balance sheet. When held-to-maturity securities are measured at amortized costs, the difference between their acquisition cost and face value is amortized using the effective interest rate method and the amortization is included in the cost and interest income.

When the possibility of not being able to collect the principal and interest of held-to-maturity securities according to the terms of the contracts is highly likely, the difference between the recoverable amount (the present value of expected cash flows using the effective interest rate upon acquisition of the securities) and book value are recorded as loss on impairment of held-to-maturity securities included in the non-operating expenses and the held-to-maturity securities are stated at the recoverable amount after impairment loss. If the value of impaired securities subsequently recovers and the recovery can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized, the reversal of impairment loss are recorded as reversal of impairment loss on held-to-maturity

 

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securities included in non-operating revenues. However, the resulting carrying amount after the reversal of impairment loss shall not exceed the amortized cost that would have been measured, at the date of the reversal, if no impairment loss were recognized.

—Available-for-sale securities

Debt and equity securities that do not fall under the classifications of trading or held-to-maturity securities are categorized and presented as available-for-sale securities included in investment assets. However, if an available-for-sale security matures or it is certain that such security will be disposed of within one year from the balance sheet date, it is classified as a current asset.

Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized gain or loss from available-for-sale securities are presented as gain or loss on valuation of available-for-sale securities included in accumulated other comprehensive income of equity. In addition, accumulated gain or loss on valuation of available-for-sale securities are reflected in either gain or loss on disposal of available-for-sale securities or loss on impairment of available-for-sale securities upon disposal or recognition of impairment of the securities. However, available-for-sale equity securities that are not marketable and whose fair value cannot be reliably measured are recorded at acquisition cost.

When there is objective evidence that the available-for-sale securities are impaired and the recoverable amount is lower than the cost (amortized cost for debt securities) of the available-for-sale securities, an impairment loss is recognized as loss on impairment of available-for-sale securities of non-operating expenses and the related unrealized gain or loss remaining in stockholders’ equity is adjusted to the impairment loss. If the value of impaired securities subsequently recovers and the recovery can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized, the reversal of impairment loss can be recognized up to the previously recorded impairment loss as a reversal of loss on impairment of available-for-sale securities included in non-operating revenues. However, if the fair value increases after the impairment loss is recognized but does not relate to the recovery of impairment loss as described above, the increase in fair value is recorded in equity.

g. Equity Method Investment Securities

Investments in equity securities of companies, over which the Company exercises significant influence, are reported using the equity method of accounting.

—Accounting for changes in the equity of the investee

Under the equity method of accounting, the Company records changes in its proportionate equity of the net assets of the investee depending on the nature of the underlying changes in the investee as follows; (i) “equity in income (loss) of associates” in the non-operating revenues (expense) for net income (loss) of the investee; (ii) “increase (decrease) in retained earnings of associates” in the retained earnings for changes in beginning retained earnings of the investee; (iii) “increase (decrease) in equity of associates” in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for other changes in equity of the investee.

When the equity method investee’s unappropriated retained earnings carried over from prior period changes due to significant error corrections, the Company records the changes in equity as “equity in income (loss) of associates” included in the non-operating revenues (expenses) unless the impact of the changes on the Company’s consolidated financial statements is significant. If the changes results from the changes in accounting policies of the equity method investee, they are reflected in the unappropriated retained earnings carried over from prior period in accordance with Statement of Korea Accounting Standards (“SKAS”) on changes in accounting policy and errors corrections. When the investee declares cash dividends, the dividends to be received are deducted directly from equity method investment securities.

 

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—Treatment of investment difference

Difference between the acquisition cost and the Company’s proportionate equity in the fair value of net assets of the investee upon acquisition (“Investment difference”) are considered as (negative) goodwill and accounted for in accordance with accounting standards for business combination. The goodwill portion which is amortized over useful lives (5 years) on a straight line method and the negative goodwill portion which is amortized over the weighted average useful lives of depreciable non-monetary assets of the investee are included in “equity in income (loss) of associates”.

When the Company’s equity interest in the investee increases due to an increase (or decrease) in contributed capital with (or without) consideration, the changes in the Company’s proportionate equity in the investee is accounted for as investment difference. If the Company’s equity interest decreases, the changes are accounted for as “gain (loss) on disposal of the equity method investment securities”.

—Difference between the fair value and book value of net assets of the investee

Upon acquisition of the equity method investment securities, the Company’s proportionate shares in the differences between the fair values and book values of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the investee are amortized/reversed and included in “equity in income (loss) of associates” in accordance with the investee’s methods of accounting for the assets and liabilities.

—Elimination of unrealized gain or loss from intercompany transactions

The Company’s proportionate share in the gain (loss) arising from transactions between the Company and the investee, which remains in the book value of assets held as of balance sheet date is considered unrealized gain (loss) and adjusted to equity method investment securities.

—Impairment loss on equity method investment securities

When there is objective evidence that the equity method investment securities are impaired and the recoverable amount is lower than the carrying amount of the equity method investment securities, an impairment loss is recognized as “loss on impairment of equity method investment securities” included in non-operating expenses and shall first reduce the unamortized investment difference, if any. When the recoverable amount is recovered after the recognition of impairment loss, the reversal of impairment loss can be recognized as income up to the previously recorded impairment loss. The book value of the equity method investment securities after the reversal of the impairment loss cannot exceed the book value calculated as if the impairment loss had not been originally recognized. The reversal of the impairment loss recognized against the unamortized investment difference is not allowed.

—Translation of financial statements of overseas investees

For overseas investees whose financial statements are prepared in foreign currencies, the equity method of accounting is applied after assets and liabilities are translated in accordance with the accounting treatments for the translation of the financial statements of overseas’ subsidiaries for consolidated financial statements. The Company’s proportionate share of the difference between assets net of liabilities and equity after translation into Korean won is accounted for as “increase (decrease) in equity of associates” included in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

h. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost (acquisition cost or manufacturing cost plus expenditures directly related to preparing the asset ready for use). Expenditures after acquisition or completion that increase future economic benefit in excess of the most recently assessed capability level of the asset are capitalized; other expenditures are charged to expense as incurred.

 

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Interest expense, discount and other financial charges, including certain foreign exchange translation gains and losses on borrowings associated with the manufacture, purchase, or construction of property and equipment, incurred prior to the completion of the acquisition, were capitalized until the year ended December 31, 2002, and are no longer capitalized commencing from January 1, 2003 as allowed by SKAS No. 7.

Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method based on the following useful lives of the related units of property and equipment and the accumulated depreciation and impairment are directly deducted from the related assets.

 

     Useful lives (years)

Buildings and structures

   15~30

Machinery and equipment

   5~8

Vehicles

   4~8

Other

   2~8

When the expected future cash flow from use or disposal of the property and equipment is lower than the carrying amount due to obsolescence, physical damage and other, the carrying amount is adjusted to the recoverable amount (the higher of net sales price or value in use) and the difference is recognized as an impairment loss. The Company recorded loss on impairment of property and equipment totaling (Won)1,058 million and (Won)18,963 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, respectively.

i. Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are initially recognized at acquisition cost (purchase cost plus expenditures directly related to preparing the asset ready for use) and subsequently presented at amortized cost using the straight-line method, with amortization beginning when the asset is available for use.

Intangible assets are amortized based on the following useful lives:

 

     Useful lives (years)

Good will

   5

Frequency usage rights

   13

Intellectual property rights

   5~10

Facility usage rights

   10~20

Development costs

   2

Other intangible assets

   5

When the recoverable amount (the higher of net sales price or value in use) of intangible assets is significantly lower than the carrying amount due to obsolescence, and other, the difference is recognized as an impairment loss. When the recoverable amount subsequently exceeds the carrying amount of the impaired asset, the excess is recorded as a reversal of impairment loss to the extent that the reversed asset does not exceed the carrying amount before previous impairment as adjusted by amortization. There was no loss on impairment of intangible assets for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008.

j. Present Value Discount for Assets and Liabilities

Receivables or payables from long-term installment transactions, long-term loans/borrowings or the other similar transactions are stated at present value which is determined by discounting total amounts receivable or payable in the future using the effective interest rate, if the nominal value is significantly different from the present value. The discount or premium resulting from the determination of present value should be reported in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from or addition to the nominal value of the related receivables or payables and the amortization by the effective interest rate method is included in the period income (loss).

 

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k. Translation of Assets and Liabilities Denominated in Foreign Currency

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded in Korean won translated at the exchange rate prevailing on the transaction date and the resulting gain (loss) from foreign currency transactions is included in non-operating revenues (expenses). Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated into Korean won at the Base Rates announced by Seoul Money Brokerage Services, Ltd. on the balance sheet dates, which were, for U.S. dollars, (Won)938.2: USD 1 and (Won)1,043.4: USD 1 at December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008, respectively, and the resulting gain (loss) from foreign currency translation is included in non-operating revenues (expenses)

l. Discount on debenture

Discounts on debentures are amortized over the redemption period of the debentures using the effective interest rate method. Amortization of discounts is recognized as interest expense.

m. Provisions for Severance Indemnities

All employees with more than one year of service are entitled to receive a lump-sum payment upon termination of their employment with the Company, based on their length of service and rate of pay at the time of termination. The accrual for severance indemnities is computed as if all employees were to terminate at the balance sheet dates and amounted to (Won)53,994 million and (Won)48,458 million as of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008, respectively.

n. Provisions

The Company recognizes a provision for a liability with uncertain timing or amount when (1) there is a present obligation of the Company arising from past events, (2) it is highly likely that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and (3) the amount for the settlement of the obligation can be reliably measurable.

o. Derivative Instruments

The Company records rights and obligations arising from derivative instruments in assets and liabilities, which are stated at fair value. Gains and losses that result from the changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are recognized in current earnings. However, for derivative instruments that cash flow hedge accounting applies to, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivatives instruments are recorded as gain (loss) on valuation of derivatives included in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

p. Share-based Payment

The Company’s share-based payment transactions are accounted for in accordance with SKAS No.22 “Share-based Payment” which is effective from fiscal year beginning on or after December 31, 2006. As allowed in the transition clause of SKAS No. 22, for employee stock options granted before January 1, 2007, the Company accounts for them in accordance with Interpretation No. 39-35 “Accounting for Stock Options”.

(i) Stock options

The Company has granted stock options to its executive officers and directors prior to January 1, 2007, and for equity-settled stock options, the Company records compensation expenses which are allocated over the period in which the options vest with the corresponding credit to the stock options of the capital adjustments. When the options are exercised with the issuance of new shares, the difference between the exercise price plus the stock option cost recorded in the capital adjustments account and

 

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the par value of the new shares issued, is recorded as additional paid-in capital. In the event the Company grants stock options based on cash-settled share-based payment, the Company records compensation expenses which are allocated over the period in which the options vest with the corresponding liability recorded.

When stock options are forfeited because the specified vesting requirements are not satisfied, previously recognized compensation costs are reversed to earnings and the corresponding capital adjustments or liabilities are reversed as well. When stock options expire unexercised, previously recognized compensation costs and corresponding capital adjustments are reversed to capital surplus.

(ii) Other share-based payments

Other share -based payments granted on or after January 1, 2007 are measured as below:

For equity-settled share-based payment transactions, the Company measures the goods or services received, and the corresponding increase in equity (capital adjustments), directly, at the fair value of the goods or services received, unless that fair value cannot be estimated reliably. If the entity cannot estimate reliably the fair value of the goods or services received, the Company measures the value, and the corresponding increase in equity, indirectly, by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments granted.

For cash-settled share-based payment transactions, the Company measures the goods or services acquired and the liability incurred at the fair value of the liability. Until the liability is settled, the Company re-measures the fair value of the liability at each reporting date and at the date of settlement, with any changes in value recognized in profit or loss for the period.

For share-based payment transactions in which the terms of the arrangement provide either the Company or the supplier of goods or services with a choice of whether the Company settles the transaction in cash or by issuing equity instruments, the Company is required to account for that transaction, or the components of that transaction, as a cash-settled share-based payment transaction if, and to the extent that, the Company has incurred a liability to settle in cash (or other assets), or as an equity-settled share-based payment transaction if, and to the extent that, no such liability has been incurred.

q. Accounting for Leases

A lease is classified as a finance lease or an operating lease depending on the extent of transfer to the Company of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership. If a lease meets any one of the following criteria, it is accounted for as a finance lease:

 

   

The lease transfers ownership of the asset to the lessee by the end of the lease term;

 

   

The lessee has the option to purchase the asset at a bargain price and it is certain that the option will be exercised;

 

   

The lease term is for the major part (75% or more) of the economic life of the asset even if title is not transferred;

 

   

At the date of lease commencement the present value of the minimum lease payments amounts to at least substantially all (90% or more) of the fair value of the leased asset; or

 

   

The leased assets are of such a specialized nature that only the Company can use them without major modifications.

All other leases are treated as operating leases.

For operating leases, lease payments excluding guaranteed residual value are recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term and contingent rent is expensed as incurred. Finance leases are recognized as assets and liabilities at the lower of fair value of the leased property or the present value of the

 

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minimum lease payments discounted using the implicit interest rate of the lessor (or the Company’s incremental borrowing rate if the implicit interest rate is not practicable to determine). Any initial direct costs incurred by the Company are added to the amount recognized as an asset. The depreciation policy for depreciable leased assets is consistent with that for the similar depreciable assets that are owned by the Company. Annual minimum lease payments excluding guaranteed residual value is allocated to interest expense, which is calculated using the effective interest rate, and finance lease repayment amount. Contingent rent relating to finance are charged as expenses in the periods in which they are incurred, however, if the amount is material it is allocated to principal and interest, respectively, over the remaining lease term.

r. Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenues are principally derived from sales of PCS handsets and PCS service revenues, which consist of non-refundable activation fees, fixed monthly access fees and usage charges. The Company recognizes sales on PCS handsets when these are delivered to the dealers, fixed monthly access fees in the period of service, and usage charges and non-refundable activation fees at the time services are rendered. Each revenue element sold by the Company has its own standalone value to the customer, objective and reliable evidence of fair value, and the delivery or performance of related undelivered item(s), if any, is considered probable and substantially in the control of the Company.

In addition, the Company provides handset subsidies, call bonus mileages and warranties on PCS handsets, none of which cause deferral of revenue as such items are accounted for separately as described in Note 2 and Note 8.

The Company recognizes sales revenues on a gross basis when the Company is the primary obligor in the transactions with customers and if the Company merely acts as an agent for the buyer or seller from whom it earns a commission, then the sales revenues are recognized on a net basis.

s. Payment of a Handset Subsidy to Mobile Phone Users

According to the provisions of the Telecommunications Business Law (“TBL”), the Company has provided a one time handset subsidy to eligible mobile phone users, who have subscribed to the Company’s service or any other mobile carriers for 18 consecutive months, within the next two years from June 27, 2006 to March 26, 2008.

Above handset subsidy program was terminated effective March 27, 2008, however the Company currently provides a variety of handset subsidy programs to PCS subscribers according to its operation policy and sets forth the programs in details in the service agreement. The handset subsidy provided by the Company is expensed as incurred.

t. Income Taxes

When the Company recognizes deferred income tax assets or liabilities for the temporary differences between the carrying amount of an asset and liability and tax base, a deferred income tax liability for taxable temporary difference is fully recognized except to the extent in accordance with income tax related SKAS while a deferred tax asset for deductible temporary difference is recognized to the extent that it is almost certain that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary difference can be utilized. Deferred income tax asset (liability) is classified as current or non-current asset (liability) depending on the classification of related asset (liability) in the balance sheet. Deferred income tax asset (liability) which does not relate to specific asset (liability) account in the balance sheet such as deferred income tax asset recognized for tax loss carry forwards is classified as current or non-current asset (liability) depending on the expected reversal period. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the same tax jurisdiction and in the same current or non-current classification are presented on a net basis. Current and deferred income tax expense are included in income tax expense in the statement of operations and

 

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additional income taxes or tax refunds for the prior periods are included in income tax expense for the current period when recognized. However, income taxes resulting from transactions or events, which were directly recognized in stockholders’ equity in current or prior periods, or business combinations are directly adjusted to equity account or goodwill (or negative goodwill).

u. Use of Estimates

The Company’s management uses reasonable estimates and assumptions in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea. The estimates and assumptions can change according to additional experiences, changes in circumstances, new information and other and may be different from actual results.

v. Elimination of Inter-Company Unrealized Gain/Loss

Unrealized gains and losses included in the inventories, property and equipment and other which were acquired by transactions amongst KTF and subsidiaries are fully eliminated using the gross margin ratio of the transactions and the gains and losses on disposal.

w. Translation of Overseas Subsidiaries’ Financial Statements

For overseas subsidiaries whose financial statements are prepared in foreign currencies, assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate at the consolidated balance sheet date and statement of income items are translated at the average exchange rate for the respective fiscal period. Net translation adjustments are recorded as gain (loss) on translation of foreign operations included in the accumulated other comprehensive income.

x. Changes in Consolidated Entities

KTF M&S, KTF Music, Doremi Media were newly acquired in 2007 and included in the consolidation. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, there is no entity newly acquired and included in the consolidation.

In addition, when a subsidiary is acquired during the year, it is presented in the consolidated statements of operations as though it had been acquired at the beginning of the year, and its earning (loss) prior to acquisition is separately presented as a deductive (additive) line item in the consolidated statements of operations.

y. 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 six months ended June 30, 2008, have been translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of (Won)1,046.8 to USD1, the noon buying rate in the City of New York for cable transfers in Korean won as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the last business day of the period ended June 30, 2008. The translation should not be construed as a representation that any or all of the amounts shown could be converted into U.S. dollars at this or any other rate.

z. Reclassifications of Prior Period Financial Statements

Certain reclassifications have been made in prior period financial statements to conform to classifications used in the current period. Such reclassifications did not have an effect on the net assets of the Company as of December 31, 2007, or net income of the Company for the six months ended June 30, 2007.

 

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3. RESTRICTED DEPOSITS

Details of restricted deposits as of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

   

Financial institutions

  December 31,
2007
  June 30,
2008
  

Description

Short-term financial instruments

 

Korea Securities Financial Corp.

 

(Won)

277

 

(Won)

620

  

Collateral for loan to employees

 

Shinhan Bank

    835     —      Collateral for borrowings
 

Industrial Bank of Korea

    —       1,000    Collateral for third party
                
      1,112     1,620   
                

Short-term investment securities

 

Korea Post Office

 

 

50

 

 

—  

  

Collateral for buying PCS from Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Long-term financial instruments

 

Shinhan Bank and Others

 

 

22

 

 

13

  

Checking account deposit

                

Total

    (Won) 1,184   (Won) 1,633   
                

4. INVENTORIES

Inventory valuations as of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008 are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     December 31, 2007     June 30, 2008  
     Cost    Lower of
cost or
market value
   Valuation
allowance
    Cost    Lower of
cost or
market value
   Valuation
allowance
 

Merchandise

   (Won) 164,173    (Won) 152,974    (Won) (11,199 )   (Won) 338,896    (Won) 328,910    (Won) (9,986 )

Supply

     1,170      520      (650 )     3,460      2,736      (724 )

Raw material

     8,785      8,642      (143 )     17,799      17,212      (587 )

Other

     573      573      —         714      599      (115 )
                                            

Total

   (Won) 174,701    (Won) 162,709    (Won) (11,992 )   (Won) 360,869    (Won) 349,457    (Won) (11,412 )
                                            

5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment as of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008 are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     December 31, 2007     June 30, 2008  

Property and equipment, at cost

   (Won) 10,888,850     (Won) 11,335,640  

Less: accumulated depreciation

     (6,615,427 )     (7,099,586 )

Less: accumulated impairment loss

     (6,478 )     (5,970 )
                

Net

   (Won) 4,266,945     (Won) 4,230,084  
                

 

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6. GOODWILL

Change in goodwill and negative goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the six months ended June 30, 2008 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2007 (12 months)
     January 1,
2007
    Increase    Reversal
(Amortization)
    December 31,
2007

KTFT

   (Won) (648 )   (Won) —      (Won) 648     (Won) —  

KTF Music

     —         11,206      —         11,206
                             

Total

   (Won) (648 )   (Won) 11,206    (Won) 648     (Won) 11,206
                             
     2008 (6 months)
     January 1,
2008
    Increase    Reversal
(Amortization)
    June 30,
2008

KTF Music

   (Won) 11,206     (Won) —      (Won) (1,121 )   (Won) 10,085
                             

7. LONG-TERM BORROWINGS AND DEBENTURES

a. Long-term Borrowings in Korean Won

Long-term borrowings as of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008 are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

    

Financial institutions

   Interest rate
per annum
    December 31,
2007
    June 30,
2008
 

Working capital loans

   Shinhan Bank    6.15 %   (Won) 10,000     (Won) 10,000  
  

Hana Bank

   6.13 %     10,000       10,000  

Facility capital loans

   Shinhan Bank    4.50 %     797       797  
  

Shinhan Bank

   7.60 %     695       —    

Working capital loans

   Korea Credit Guarantee Fund    7.35 %     4,864       3,564  
                     

Total

          26,356       24,361  

Less: current portion

          (10,608 )     (10,000 )
                     

Long-term portion

          15,748       14,361  

Less: discount

          (1,130 )     (746 )
                     

Net

        (Won) 14,618     (Won) 13,615  
                     

b. Long-term Borrowings in Foreign Currency

Long-term borrowings in foreign currency as of June 30, 2008 are as follows (in millions of Korean won and thousands of U.S. dollars):

 

    

Financial institutions

 

Interest rate

per annum

  Foreign currency     Korean won
equivalent

Facility capital loans

   Korea Development Bank   LIBOR(3M)+2.00%   USD 70,000     (Won) 73,038

Less: current portion

       USD (10,000 )     10,434

Net

       USD 60,000     (Won) 62,604
                  

 

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c. Debentures

Debentures as of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008 are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

Type

   Issue date    Maturity    Interest rate
per annum
   December 31, 2007     June 30, 2008  

44th

   2/19/2004    2/19/2009    5.66%    (Won) 360,000     (Won) 360,000  

45th

   3/15/2004    3/15/2008    5.24%      320,000       —    

47-1st

   7/12/2004    7/12/2009    4.95%      230,000       230,000  

47-2nd

   7/12/2004    7/12/2011    5.32%      70,000       70,000  

48th

   2/15/2005    2/15/2010    5.31%      200,000       200,000  

51-2nd

   6/20/2008    6/20/2013    6.41%      —         70,000  

49th

   2/25/2008    2/25/2011    LIBOR(3M)+

1.50%

     —        

USD

182,595

(175,000

 

)

50th

   4/28/2008    4/28/2011    LIBOR(3M)+

1.60%

     —        

JPY

68,725

(7,000

 

)

51-1st

   6/20/2008    6/20/2011    LIBOR(3M)+

1.60%

     —        

USD

99,123

(95,000

 

)

2nd private bonds with warrant

   9/2/2005    9/2/2008    7.11%      2,100       2,100  
                         

Total

              1,182,100       1,282,543  

Less: current portion

              (322,100 )     (362,100 )
                         

Long-term portion

              860,000       920,443  

Less: discount

              (963 )     (2,880 )
                         

Net

            (Won) 859,037     (Won) 917,563  
                         

(*) Details of bonds with warrants are as follows:

 

Issued amount (in Korean won)

   :    (Won)3,000 million

Stated interest rate

   :    7.11%

Exercise price (in Korean won)

   :    (Won)4,518 per share

Exercise period

   :    September 3, 2006 ~ August 2, 2008

Number of total exercisable shares

   :    664,010

Exercised shares

   :    —  

Unexercised shares

   :    664,010

Others

   :    Subject to request by the holders, certain portion of the bonds are early redeemable before maturity; up to 10% of issued amount at one year after 1st anniversary of issuance and 20% of issued amount at the interest payment date after 2nd anniversary of issuance. (Won)900 million of the issued amount was early redeemed through
June 30, 2008.

 

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d. Repayment Schedule of Long-term Borrowings and Debentures

Repayment schedule of the Company’s long-term borrowings and debentures as of June 30, 2008 is as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

Year ending June 30,

   Debentures    Borrowings

2009

   (Won) 362,100    (Won) 20,434

2010

     430,000      52,260

2011

     350,443      21,476

2012

     70,000      608

2013

     70,000      608

Thereafter

     —        2,013
             

Total

   (Won) 1,282,543    (Won) 97,399
             

8. LONG-TERM ACCOUNTS PAYABLE-OTHER

Long-term accounts payable-other is almost related to the purchase of frequency use right and required to be paid including applicable interest from 2009 to 2011. Long-term accounts payable-other as of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008 are stated at the net present value of future cash flows, calculated using the effective interest rate (9.93%) at the time of receipt of frequency use license as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     December 31, 2007     June 30, 2008  

Long-term accounts payable-other

   (Won) 560,000     (Won) 450,000  

Less: current portion

     (110,000 )     (130,000 )

Less: discount

     (43,712 )     (30,609 )
                

Net

   (Won) 406,288     (Won) 289,391  
                

The maturities of the Company’s long-term accounts payable-other as of June 30, 2008 is as follow (in millions of Korean won):

 

Year ending June 30,

   Amount

2009

   (Won) 130,000

2010

     150,000

2011

     170,000
      

Total

   (Won) 450,000
      

9. ACCRUED PROVISIONS

The Company has accounted for the call bonus mileage and warranty, which the Company is obliged to pay to its customers, as accrued provisions. Warranties related to sales of handset are provided for one year and are recorded as liability based on the management’s estimate according to the historical experience.

Changes in accrued provisions for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the six months ended June 30, 2008 are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

    2007 (12 months)     2008 (6 months)  
    Call bonus     Warranty     Others(*)     Total     Call bonus     Warranty     Others(*)     Total  

Beginning of the period

  (Won) 16,265     (Won) 3,505     (Won) —       (Won) 19,770     (Won) 8,380     (Won) 5,412     (Won) 26     (Won) 13,818  

Provision

    —         10,549       26       10,575       3,717       5,559       7       9,283  

Payment

    (7,885 )     (8,642 )     —         (16,527 )     (1,425 )     (4,539 )     —         (5,964 )
                                                               

Total

    8,380       5,412       26       13,818       10,672       6,432       33       17,137  

Less: current portion

    (4,332 )     (5,412 )     (26 )     (9,770 )     (5,689 )     (6,432 )     (33 )     (12,154 )
                                                               

Net

  (Won) 4,048     (Won) —       (Won) —       (Won) 4,048     (Won) 4,983     (Won) —       (Won) —         4,983  
                                                               

 

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10. COMMON STOCKS AND CAPITAL SURPLUS

a. Common Stocks

As of June 30, 2008, the Company’s number of shares authorized are 400,000,000 shares with par value of (Won)5,000 per share.

As of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008, the number of shares issued by the Company are 192,722,091, and the common stock amounted to (Won)1,044,181 million. As allowed by the Korean Securities Exchange Law, the Company has retired treasury stocks by charges against retained earnings. Therefore, the common stock amount differs from the amount resulting from multiplying the number of shares issued by (Won)5,000 par value of common stock.

b. Treasury Stocks

Changes in treasury stocks for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the six months ended June 30, 2008 are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2007 (12 months)     2008 (6 months)  

Accounts

   Number of
shares
    Amount     Number of
shares
    Amount  

Beginning of the period

   61,273     (Won) 2,077     61,334     (Won) 2,078  

Acquisition

   2,979,061       94,072     4,291,556       122,561  

Retirement

   (2,979,000 )     (94,071 )   —         —    

Disposal

   —         —       (10,505 )     (356 )
                            

End of the period

   61,334     (Won) 2,078     4,342,385     (Won) 124,283  
                            

11. STOCK OPTION

The Company entered into stock option agreements with its chief executive officer and senior managers. The stock option will be vested after two or three years from the date of grant and can be exercised for five years from the date when they are vested. Upon the exercise of stock options, the Company will issue its common stocks or provide the treasury stocks.

Principal assumptions made in relation to estimation of compensation expense for the stock options are as follows:

 

     1st   2nd     3rd     4th  

Grant date

     2001.03.29     2002.03.25       2003.09.08       2005.03.04  

Grantee

     Former CEO    
 
Senior
managers
 
 
   

 

CEO,

Senior managers

 

 

   
 
Senior
managers
 
 

Number of shares

     18,000     44,800       629,500       128,800  

Exercise price per share (in Korean won)

   (Won) 41,273   (Won) 45,178     (Won) 30,000     (Won) 30,700  

Type

     Equity settled     Equity settled       Equity settled       Equity settled  

Exercise period

    

 

2004.3.30 ~

2009.3.29

   

 

2005.3.26 ~

2010.3.25

 

 

   

 

2005.9.9 ~

2010.9.8

 

 

   

 

2007.3.5 ~

2012.3.4

 

 

Risk free interest rate

     (*)     6.44 %     4.31 %     4.18 %

Expected duration (year)

     (*)     3.0       3.0       3.0  

Expected volatility

     (*)     97.05 %     63.14 %     37.33 %

Fair value per option (in Korean won)

     (*)     30,565       8,812       4,715  

Total compensation expense (in millions of Korean won)

     (*)   (Won) 874     (Won) 2,694     (Won) 520  

 

(*) 1st stock option was all expired without exercise.

 

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Changes in stock options for the six months ended June 30, 2008 are as follows:

 

     1st     2nd     3rd     4th     Total  

Outstanding at beginning of the period

   18,000     44,800     629,500     128,800     821,100  

Cancelled

   —       —       (308,587 )   —       (308,587 )

Forfeited or expired

   (18,000 )   (16,200 )   —       —       (34,200 )

Performance condition adjustment

   —       —       (15,159 )   (18,683 )   (33,842 )

Exercised

   —       —       —       —       —    
                              

Outstanding and exercisable at end of the period

   —       28,600     305,754     110,117     444,471  
                              

The Company values stock options granted based on the fair value method. Total compensation expense of (Won)4,088 million is allocated over the vesting period and the compensation expense charged to operations for the six months ended June 30, 2008 is nil.

Details of other share-based payments (stock grants) to directors including chief executive officer are as follows:

 

    

Description

Grant date

   June 20, 2007

Grantee

   CEO, non-permanent directors

Estimated number of shares granted

   17,120 shares

Vesting Conditions

  

Service condition: six months

Non-market performance condition: achievement of performance for 2008

Fair value per option (in Korean won)

   (Won)29,300

Above compensation costs were calculated based on the fair value method and charged to current operations for the six months ended June 30, 2008 as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     Amount  

Total compensation costs

   (Won) 502  

Compensation costs recognized in prior periods

     —    

Compensation costs recognized in the current period

     (502 )
        

Compensation costs to be recognized after the current period

   (Won) —    
        

 

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12. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

Description

  2007
(6 months)
    2008
(6 months)
 

Net income (loss)

  (Won) 134,687     (Won) (12,928 )

Other comprehensive income (loss),:

   

Loss on translation of foreign operations (Tax effect: nil in 2007 and 2008)

    (7 )     71  

Unrealized loss on valuation of available-for-sale securities (Tax effect: (Won)(749) million in 2007 and (Won)(3,035) million in 2008)

    (2,064 )     (8,002 )

Increase in equity of associates (Tax effect: nil in 2007 and 2008)

    (40 )     1,408  

Decrease in equity of associates (Tax effect: nil in 2007 and 2008)

    8       (3 )

Gain on valuation of derivatives (Tax effect: nil in 2007 and (Won)1,181 million in 2008)

    —         3,114  
               

Comprehensive income (loss)

  (Won) 132,584     (Won) (16,340 )
               

Attributable to:

   

Equity holders of the parent

  (Won) 128,781     (Won) (14,327 )

Minority interest

    3,803       (2,013 )
               
  (Won) 132,584     (Won) (16,340 )
               

13. OPERATING REVENUES AND EXPENSES

Operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2007
(6 months)
   2008
(6 months)

PCS service

   (Won) 2,782,904    (Won) 3,215,189

Sales of PCS Handsets

     864,809      1,056,427
             

Total

   (Won) 3,647,713    (Won) 4,271,616
             

Operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2007
(6 months)
   2008
(6 months)

Cost of merchandise

   (Won) 598,089    (Won) 938,680

Salaries and wages

     92,423      108,173

Provision for severance indemnities

     11,067      12,264

Employee welfare

     17,324      19,416

Rent

     76,097      87,416

Commissions

     251,700      282,088

Depreciation

     523,033      509,256

Amortization

     62,745      55,729

Tax and dues

     21,367      16,855

Interconnection charges

     350,999      404,360

Leased line charges

     195,978      186,003

Ordinary development costs

     13,068      14,190

Sales promotion

     247,899      433,758

Sales commissions

     589,804      784,245

Advertisements

     67,338      64,237

Bad debt expense

     29,661      6,845

Water and electricity

     34,610      36,944

Communications

     14,424      16,117

Repairs and maintenance

     32,740      29,586

Other

     204,366      239,421
             

Total

   (Won) 3,434,732    (Won) 4,245,583
             

 

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14. INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE

The Company’s net incomes (loss) per share for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 are computed as follows (in millions of Korean won, except for per share data):

 

     2007 (6 months)    2008 (6 months)  

Net income (loss)

   (Won) 130,858    (Won) (10,932 )

Weighted average number of common stock outstanding

     195,639,818      191,777,366  
               

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (in Korean won)

   (Won) 669    (Won) (57 )
               

Potential common stocks as of June 30, 2008 are as follows:

 

    

Exercisable Period

   Common stock to be issued

2nd stock option(*)

   March 25, 2005 ~ March 24, 2010    28,600

3rd stock option(*)

   September 9, 2005 ~ September 8, 2010    305,754

4th stock option(*)

   March 5, 2007 ~ March 4, 2012    110,117

Other share-based payments
(stock grants)
(*)

   April 14, 2009    17,120
       

Total

      461,591
       

 

(*) Share-based payments have no dilutive effect and are excluded from the calculation of diluted income per share.

15. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

Significant transactions amongst the Company’s consolidated parties for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

Seller

   Purchaser   

Transactions

   2007
(6 months)
   2008
(6 months)

KTF

   KTF Mhows    PCS services    (Won) 1,445    (Won) 2,620
   KTFT    PCS services      63      686
   KTF M&S    Purchase of PCS networks and other      18,911      261,143

KTF Mhows

   KTFT    Sales of Mobile      —        34
   KTF    Advertising expenses      2,476      2,271

KTF M&S

   KTFT    Commission and other      4,962      14,369
   KTF    Commissions of sale      36,490      149,759

KTF Music

   Doremi Media    Sales of sound source      462      202

KTFT

   KTF    Purchase of PCS networks and other      189,835      196,825
   KTF M&S    Purchase of PCS networks and other      105      —  

Doremi Media

   KTF Music    Cost of sound source      182      206
                   

Total

         (Won) 254,931    (Won) 628,115
                   

 

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Significant account balances amongst the Company’s consolidated parties as of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008 are as follows (in millions of Korea won):

 

Debtor

   Creditor    December 31, 2007    June 30, 2008

KTF

   KTF M&S    (Won) 761    (Won) 54,035
   KTF Mhows      518      1,222
   KTFT      10      995
   KTF Music      —        20

KTF Mhows

   KTFT      14      —  
   KTF      3,257      2,199

KTF M&S

   KTF      5,594      —  

KTF Music

   KTF      —        1,505
   Doremi Media      290      332

KTFT

   KTF      100,569      107,154
   KTF M&S      5,445      —  

Doremi Media

   KTF Music      72      71
                

Total

      (Won) 116,530    (Won) 167,533
                

The Company’s relationships with affiliates as of June 30, 2008 are as follows:

 

Relationship

  

Name

Parent

   KT Corporation (“KT”)

Subsidiaries of the parent company

   KTN, KTH, KTP, KTJ, KTS, KTR, KTC, KTL, KTPI, KTCC, NTC, Telecop Service, KT Capital, Olive Nine, KTAI, KT FDS and Others

Equity method investee

   KDB, Harex Info Tech, eNtoB, Boston Film Fund, Sidus FNH, KTF-CJ Music Contents Investment Fund, Sidus FNH-BENEX Cinema Fund1, KTF-DoCoMo Mobile Investment Fund, Bluecord Technology and others

The Company considers management of vice president or higher and non-permanent directors who have the authority and responsibility for planning, operation and control and are in charge of business or division unit as key management personnel. Compensation to key management personnel of the Company for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

Account

   2007
(6 months)
   2008
(6 months)
  

Description

Share-based payments

   (Won) 15    (Won) 501    Stock options

Other benefits

     517      601   

Salaries, bonuses, other allowances,

retirement benefits, medical benefits and other

                
   (Won) 532    (Won) 1,102   
                

 

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Significant transactions between KTF and its related parties for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won):

Revenues

 

Related party

  

Transactions

   2007
(6 months)
   2008
(6 months)

Parent

        

KT

   Interconnection charges and others    (Won) 434,098    (Won) 420,588

Subsidiaries of the parent company

        

KTN

   Purchase of PCS handsets      8,174      16,947

KTH

   PCS services      188      1,257

KTP

   Interconnection charges and others      531      607

KTL

   Interconnection charges and others      3      —  

KTC

   Interconnection charges and others      10      85

KTR

   Interconnection charges and others      1      —  

Others

   Interconnection charges and others      1,806      606

Equity method investee

        

KDB

   PCS services      18      1

eNtoB Corp

   PCS services      1      —  

Sidus FNH-BENEX Cinema Fund1

   Others      —        3

Others

   Commissions and other      —        13
                

Total

      (Won) 444,830    (Won) 440,107
                

Purchases

 

Related party

  

Transactions

   2007
(6 months)
   2008
(6 months)

Parent

        

KT

   Leased line charges and others    (Won) 229,575    (Won) 228,294

Subsidiaries of the parent company

        

KTN

   Sales commissions      7,581      16,077

KTH

   Commissions      8,632      4,442

KTP

   Interconnection charges      426      724

KTL

   Commissions      2      5

KTC

   Sales promotion      1,358      1,107

KTR

   Rent      1,048      386

Telecop Service

   Commissions      43      69

Olive Nine

   Advertisements      30      —  

Others

   Commissions and others      —        2,280

Equity method investee

        

KDB

   Commissions      271      141

Harex Info Tech

   Commissions and others      909      543

eNtoB

   Others      —        586

Others

   Royalty and others      —        337
                

Total

      (Won) 249,875    (Won) 254,991
                

 

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Significant account balances between KTF and its related parties as of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

Receivables

 

Related party

  

Description

   December 31,
2007
   June 30,
2008

Parent

        

KT

   Receivables and others    (Won) 222,813    (Won) 206,480

Subsidiaries of the parent company

        

KTN

   Receivables and others      1,712      619

KTH

   Receivables      95      1,407

KTP

   Receivables-other      232      233

KTR

   Advance payments      6      1

Others

   Receivables      79      1,511

Equity method investee

        

Others

   Receivables and others      1,137      1,438
                

Total

      (Won) 226,074    (Won) 211,689
                

Payables

 

Related party

  

Description

   December 31,
2007
   June 30,
2008

Parent

        

KT

   Payables and others    (Won) 52,499    (Won) 63,646

Subsidiaries of the parent company

        

KTN

   Payables-other      536      5,232

KTH

   Payables-other      3,487      2,160

KTP

   Payables-other and Others      5      8

KTC

   Payables-other      353      371

KTR

   Payables-other      38      43

Telecop Service

   Payables-other      3      16

Others

   Payables-other and Others      1,442      1,573

Equity method investee

        

KDB

   Commissions      61      155

Harex Info Tech

   Commissions and others      59      250

Others

   Royalty and others      39      584
                

Total

      (Won) 58,522    (Won) 74,038
                

As of June 30, 2008, the Company has provided guarantees for related parties as follows (in millions of Korean won and thousands of U.S. dollars):

 

Guarantor

  

Guarantee

  

Description

   Amount

KTF Music

   Music City Media    Guarantee for loan    (Won) 83

 

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16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

KTF has entered into an agreement covering the resale of PCS with KT. As compensation for providing telecommunications network, KTF receives certain amount by multiplying outgoing call generated from KT’s subscribers by the rate per minute.

As of June 30, 2008, the Company has bank overdraft agreements with Shinhan Bank with guarantee limits of (Won)50,000 million.

As of June 30, 2008, the Company is faced with various lawsuits as the defendant for total claims of (Won)15,566 million. The management of the Company believes the outcome of these lawsuits will not have a material impact on the financial statements

KTF entered into a PCS production contract with Dasung Technology Inc. and Netrontech Co., Ltd.

KTF pays a 5.25% royalty of the unit net price of CDMA PCS to Qualcomm Incorporated.

17. DERIVATIVES

As of June 30, 2008, the Company has entered into various derivatives contracts with financial institutions as follows:

 

Type of transaction

   Financial institution   

Description

Combined interest rate currency swap

   Calyon etc.    Exchange of foreign currency fixed (variable) interest with local currency variable (fixed) interest

Put option

   —      Contract giving the right to sell an underlying security at a specified price

The assets and liabilities recorded relating to the outstanding contracts as of June 30, 2008 are as follows (in millions of Korean won, and thousands of U.S. dollars and Japanese yen):

 

Type of transaction

   Contract amount    Assets
(Current)
   Assets
(Non-
Current)
   Liabilities
(Current)

Combined interest rate currency swap

   USD 340,000         

(Note)

   JPY 7,000,000    (Won) —      (Won) 29,418    (Won) —  

Put option

     —        8,161      —        —  
                           
   USD 340,000         

Total

   JPY 7,000,000    (Won) 8,161    (Won) 29,418    (Won) —  
                           

 

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(Note) Details of the combined interest rate currency swap contracts to which cash flow hedge accounting is applied as of June 30, 2008 are as follows (in thousands of U.S. dollars and Japanese yen, and millions of Korean won):

 

Type of transaction

  Contract date   Maturity date   Contract amount   Fair value
(Non-current)

Combined interest rate currency swap

  February 12, 2008   February 25, 2011   USD 70,000     7,717
  February 13, 2008   February 25, 2011   USD 35,000     3,919
  February 13, 2008   February 25, 2011   USD 30,000     3,183
  February 14, 2008   February 25, 2011   USD 20,000     2,313
  February 14, 2008   February 25, 2011   USD 20,000     2,334
  March 3, 2008   December 13, 2010   USD 70,000     8,107
  April 18, 2008   April 28, 2011   JPY 4,000,000     458
  April 21, 2008   April 28, 2011   JPY 3,000,000     990
  June 11, 2008   June 20, 2011   USD 50,000     88
  June 11, 2008   June 20, 2011   USD 15,000     34
  June 13, 2008   June 20, 2011   USD 30,000     275
               
      USD 340,000  

Total

      JPY 7,000,000   (Won) 29,418
               

Above foreign currency swap contracts are to hedge the risk of variability of future cash flows from variable rate foreign currency bonds and as of June 30, 2008, the gain and loss on valuation of the swap contracts amounting to (Won)4,481 million and (Won)1,367 million, net of income tax effect, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income and minority interest and for the six months ended June 30, 2008 the gain on valuation of the swap contract totaling (Won)25,122 million is recognized in current operations as a result of foreign currency translation gain from foreign currency bonds. In applying cash flow hedge accounting, the Company hedges its exposures to cash flow fluctuation until June 20, 2011. Approximately (Won)1,391 million of net derivative gain included in accumulated other comprehensive income at June 30, 2008 is expected to be reclassified into current operations within 12 months from that date.

The valuation gains and losses on the derivative contracts for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2007 (6 months)
     Valuation gain    Valuation loss

Type of transaction

   For trading    For hedging    Total    For trading    For hedging    Total

Currency swap

   (Won) —      (Won) —      (Won) —      (Won) 23    (Won) —      (Won) 23

Put option

     304      —        304      —        —        —  
                                         

Total

   (Won) 304    (Won) —      (Won) 304    (Won) 23    (Won) —      (Won) 23
                                         

 

     2008 (6 months)
     Valuation gain    Valuation loss    Valuation
gain (Note)

Type of transaction

   For trading    For hedging    Total    For trading    For hedging    Total    For hedging

Combined interest rate currency swap

   (Won) —      (Won) 25,122    (Won) 25,122    (Won) —      (Won) —      (Won) —      (Won) 4,296

Put option

     6,190      —        6,190      —        —        —        —  
                                                

Total

   (Won) 6,190    (Won) 25,122    (Won) 31,312    (Won) —      (Won) —      (Won) —      (Won) 4,296
                                                

 

(Note) The amounts are before adjustment of deferred income tax which shall be directly reflected to equity and are included in equity.

 

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18. RECONCILIATION TO UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Korea (“Korean GAAP”), which differ in certain respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The significant differences are described below. Other differences do not have a significant effect on either consolidated net income or stockholders’ equity.

a. Companies Included in Consolidation

Under Korean GAAP, investments in subsidiaries and controlled entities are consolidated and substantial control is deemed to exist when the investor is the largest stockholder and owns more than 30 percent of total outstanding voting stock. However, U.S. GAAP generally requires that all majority-owned subsidiaries be consolidated and 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.

Under U.S. GAAP, if a business enterprise has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity, which is defined by FASB Interpretation No. 46 Revised (“FIN 46R”), the assets, liabilities and results of the activities of the variable interest entity should be included in the consolidated financial statements with those of the business enterprise. Under the Korean GAAP, there is no specific provision for the accounting treatment of variable interest entities.

b. Capitalization of Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)

Under previous Korean GAAP, certain unrealized foreign currency translation gains and losses were excluded from the results of operations and included in the cost of property and equipment. However, under U.S. GAAP, all unrealized foreign currency translation gains and losses on monetary assets and liabilities are to be included in the current year’s results of operations.

The amounts of foreign currency translation gains and losses included in property and equipment under previous Korean GAAP were adjusted to comply with U.S. GAAP.

c. Interest Capitalization

Under Korean GAAP, the Company elected, starting from January 1, 2003, to no longer capitalize interest expense. However, under U.S. GAAP, the Company’s policy is to capitalize interest 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 uses.

d. Deferred Charges

Deferred charges in intangibles consist primarily of development costs. The development costs which are recoverable from future earnings are deferred under Korean GAAP.

Under U.S. GAAP, development costs are charged to expenses when incurred and are classified as operating expenses.

e. Revenue Recognition

Under Korean GAAP, activation fees are recorded as revenue when billed and the related direct incremental acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.

Under U.S. GAAP, such amounts are deferred and recognized over the period of the customer relationship.

 

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f. Handset Subsidies to Long-term Mobile Subscribers

Under Korean GAAP, handset subsidies are recorded as operating expenses. Under US GAAP, such amounts are directly deducted from revenue.

g. Merger with KTM.Com

Under Korean GAAP, as KTF and KTM.Com Co., Ltd. (“KTM.Com”) were subsidiaries of KT prior to the merger, assets and liabilities were transferred from KTM.Com to KTF at book values and the difference between the par value of capital stock issued and the value of net assets transferred was recorded in the capital surplus account.

Under U.S. GAAP, as KTF and KTM.Com were not subsidiaries but equity method investees of KT prior to the merger, assets and liabilities were transferred from KTM.Com to KTF at fair values and the difference between the fair value of capital stock issued and the fair value of net assets transferred was recorded as intangible assets and goodwill.

The Company classified the intangible assets into three components: subscriber base, licensing cost and goodwill.

h. Merger with KT ICOM

Under Korean GAAP, as KTF and KT ICOM were subsidiaries of KT prior to the merger, assets and liabilities were transferred from KT ICOM to KTF at book values as shown in the consolidated financial statements of KT and the difference between the par value of capital stock issued and the value of net assets transferred was recorded in the capital surplus account.

The merger was not accounted for as a merger of entities under common control as KTF and KT ICOM are not subsidiaries of KT and assets and liabilities were transferred from KT ICOM to KT Freetel at fair value under U.S. GAAP. As the fair values of net assets transferred amounting to (Won)228,244 million exceed the fair value of capital stock issued amounting to (Won)190,755 million, the non-current assets of (Won)37,489 million were reduced proportionally.

i. Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Under Korean GAAP, the purchase price over the fair value of net assets being acquired was recorded as goodwill and it is amortized over 20 years. Impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the fair value.

Under SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Intangible Assets”, intangible assets with finite lives continue to be amortized over their useful economic lives. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but tested for impairment, at least annually.

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the goodwill and intangibles acquired from KTM.Com and KT ICOM and amortization expense for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

          Initial amount    Amortization expense
         2007
(6 months)
   2008
(6 months)

KTM.Com

   Goodwill    (Won) 753,065    (Won) —      (Won) —  
   Subscriber base      605,563      —        —  
   Licensing cost      83,875      7,292      7,292

KT ICOM

   Frequency usage right      1,194,045      45,911      45,911

Under Korean GAAP, licensing costs paid by the initial stockholders to obtain the operating licenses prior to the establishment of the Company were not recorded in the accounts of the Company.

 

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Under U.S. GAAP, licensing costs were accounted for as an intangible asset and capital surplus at the time of establishment of the Company.

Since the Company determined the useful life of licensing costs of second generation service (“2G”) to be indefinite, the Company determined not to amortize the related costs until December 31, 2005.

On December 31, 2005, the Korea Communication Act (“Act”) was revised, which is effective July 1, 2006. Under the Act, the right of the usage of frequency for 2G will expire in June 2011. As such, the Company is amortizing licensing costs of 2G of (Won)162,708 million over the remaining useful life and amortization expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 are (Won)14,792 million, respectively.

j. Investor-level Goodwill

Under Korean GAAP, 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. Under U.S. GAAP, the investor-level goodwill is not amortized, but instead tested for impairment in accordance with APB No. 18. The investor-level goodwill which is recorded only at the investor’s financial statements represents the excess of the acquisition cost of equity method investees over the fair value of investor’s share of net identifiable assets acquired.

k. Additional Equity Investment in Subsidiaries

Under Korean GAAP, when additional interest is acquired after acquiring a majority interest in a subsidiary, the differences between the Company’s acquisition cost of the additional interest and the corresponding carrying amount of the acquired additional interest in a subsidiary is presented as an adjustment to capital surplus.

Under U.S. GAAP, the cost of an additional interest would be allocated based on the fair value of net assets at the time the additional interest is acquired, with the excess allocated to goodwill.

l. Minority Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries

Under Korean GAAP, minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries is presented as a component of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets.

Under U.S. GAAP, minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries is not included in stockholders’ equity; rather, it is presented between liabilities and stockholders’ equity item in the consolidated balance sheets.

m. Income Taxes

Under U.S. GAAP, effective January 1, 2007 the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48), which supplements SFAS No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes (SFAS No. 109), by defining the confidence level that a tax position must meet in order to be recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires that the tax effect(s) of a position be recognized only if it is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained based solely on its technical merits as of the reporting date. The more-likely-than-not threshold represents a positive assertion by management that a company is entitled to the economic benefits of a tax position. If a tax position is not considered more-likely-than-not to be sustained based solely on its technical merits, no benefits of the tax position are to be recognized. The more-likely-than-not threshold must continue to be met in each reporting period to support continued recognition of a benefit. With the adoption of FIN 48, companies are required to adjust their financial statements to reflect only those tax positions that are more-likely-than-not to be sustained. Any necessary adjustment would be recorded directly to retained earnings and reported as a change in accounting principle.

 

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n. Comprehensive Income

Prior to January 1, 2007, Korean GAAP did not require to present comprehensive income, however, effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted SKAS No. 21, “Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements 1”, which requires separate disclosure of the details of comprehensive income. Consequently, there is no GAAP difference as of December 31, 2007, in terms of disclosure of comprehensive income and its components.

Under U.S. GAAP, comprehensive income and its components must be presented in the financial statements. Comprehensive income includes all changes in stockholders’ equity during a period except those resulting from investments by, or distributions to, owners, including certain items not included in the current results of operations.

Comprehensive income for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 and accumulated other comprehensive income balance as of June 30, 2007 and 2008 is summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2007
(6 months)
    2008
(6 months)
 

Net earnings (losses) as adjusted in accordance with U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 109,920     (Won) (43,954 )

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

    

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (7 )     72  

Unrealized gains (losses) on investments:

    

Unrealized holding losses, net of tax of ((Won)1,138) million and ((Won)1,634) million in 2007 and 2008, respectively

     (2,884 )     (4,309 )

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) realized in net earning due to disposal, net of tax of (Won)391 million and ((Won)1,062) million in 2007 and 2008, respectively

     1,032       (2,798 )

Unrealized gains on valuation of derivatives, net of tax of (Won)1,181 million in 2008

     —         3,114  
                

Comprehensive income (loss) as adjusted in accordance with
U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 108,061     (Won) (47,875 )
                

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balances:

    

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (Won) (72 )   (Won) (10 )

Unrealized gains on investments

     5,293       2,261  
                
   (Won) 5,221     (Won) 2,251  
                

o. New Accounting Pronouncements

 

  (i)

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (SFAS No. 141(R)) which retained the underlying concepts of SFAS No. 141 in that all business combinations are still required to be accounted for at fair value under the acquisition method of accounting but SFAS No. 141(R) changed the method of applying the acquisition method in a number of significant aspects. SFAS No. 141(R) will require that: (1) for all business combinations, the acquirer records all assets and liabilities of the acquired business, including goodwill, generally at their fair values; (2) certain contingent assets and liabilities acquired be recognized at their fair values on the acquisition date; (3) contingent consideration be recognized at its fair value on the acquisition date and, for certain arrangements, changes in fair value will be recognized in earnings until settled; (4) acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs be expensed rather than treated as part of the cost of the acquisition and included in the amount recorded for assets acquired; (5) in step acquisitions, previous equity interests in an acquiree held prior to obtaining control be re-measured to their acquisition-date fair values, with any gain or loss recognized in earnings; and

 

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(6) when making adjustments to finalize initial accounting, companies revise any previously issued post- acquisition financial information in future financial statements to reflect any adjustments as if they had been recorded on the acquisition date. SFAS No. 141(R) is effective on a prospective basis for all business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual period subsequent to December 15, 2008, with the exception of the accounting for valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies. SFAS No. 141(R) amends SFAS No. 109 such that adjustments made to valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies associated with acquisitions that closed prior to the effective date of this statement should also apply the provisions of SFAS No. 141(R). This standard will be applied to all future business combinations after December 31, 2008.

 

  (ii) In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an Amendment of ARB 51” (SFAS No. 160) which amends ARB 51 to establish new standards that will govern the accounting for and reporting of noncontrolling interests in partially owned consolidated subsidiaries and the loss of control of subsidiaries. Also, SFAS No. 160 requires that: (1) noncontrolling interest, previously referred to as minority interest, be reported as part of equity in the consolidated financial statements; (2) losses be allocated to the noncontrolling interest even when such allocation might result in a deficit balance, reducing the losses attributed to the controlling interest; (3) changes in ownership interests be treated as equity transactions if control is maintained; and, (4) upon a loss of control, any gain or loss on the interest sold be recognized in earnings. SFAS No. 160 is effective on a prospective basis for all fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which will be applied retrospectively. Management is currently evaluating the effects, if any, that SFAS No. 160 may have on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

  (iii) In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (SFAS No. 161), that expands the disclosure requirements of FASB Statement No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (SFAS No. 133). SFAS No. 161 requires additional disclosures regarding: (1) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments; (2) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133; and (3) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. In addition, SFAS No. 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives described in the context of an entity’s risk exposures, quantitative disclosures about the location and fair value of derivative instruments and associated gains and losses, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative instruments. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.

 

  (iv) In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“SFAS No. 162”) that is intended to improve financial reporting by identifying a consistent framework, for selecting accounting principles to be used in preparing financial statements that are presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP for nongovernmental entities. SFAS No. 162 is effective 60 days following the Securities and Exchanges Commission’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.”

 

  (v)

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 163, “Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 60” (SFAS No. 163) that clarifies how FASB Statement No. 60 applies to financial guarantee insurance contracts, including the recognition and measurement of premium revenue and claim liabilities and also requires expanded disclosures about financial guarantee insurance contracts. SFAS No. 163 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, except for some disclosures about the insurance enterprise’s risk-management activities and requires that disclosures about the risk-management activities of the insurance enterprise be effective for the first period beginning after issuance of this

 

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Statement. Except for those disclosures, earlier application is not permitted. Management is currently evaluating the effects, if any, that SFAS No. 163 may have on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

p. U.S GAAP Reconciliations

The effects of the significant adjustments to net earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 and stockholders’ equity for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the six months ended June 30, 2008 which would be required if U.S. GAAP were to be applied instead of Korean GAAP are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won except per share data):

 

     Note
Reference
   2007
(6 months)
    2008
(6 months)
 

Net income (attributable to equity holders of the parent) under Korean GAAP

      (Won) 130,859     (Won) (10,932 )

Adjustments:

       

Capitalization of foreign currency translation gain (loss), net

   18.b      269       317  

Interest capitalization

   18.c      (1,873 )     (1,538 )

Deferred charges

   18.d      7,267       460  

Revenue recognition

   18.e      (22,686 )     (42,991 )

Merger with KT ICOM

   18.h      2,051       2,051  

Licensing cost

   18.i      (14,792 )     (14,792 )

Investor- level goodwill

   18.j      773       4,809  

Deferred income tax effects of U.S. GAAP adjustments

        8,052       18,662  
                   
        (20,939 )     (33,022 )
                   

Adjusted net income under U.S. GAAP

      (Won) 109,920     (Won) (43,954 )
                   

Basic and diluted earnings per share

      (Won) 562     (Won) (229 )
                   
     Note
Reference
   December 31,
2007
    June 30,
2008
 

Stockholder’s equity under Korean GAAP

      (Won) 4,373,379     (Won) 4,235,278  

Adjustments:

       

Capitalization of foreign currency translation gain (loss), net

   18.b      (297 )     20  

Interest capitalization

   18.c      62,841       61,303  

Deferred charges

   18.d      (1,338 )     (878 )

Revenue recognition

   18.e      (70,553 )     (113,544 )

Merger with KTM.Com

   18.g      688,653       688,653  

Merger with KT ICOM

   18.h      (36,577 )     (34,526 )

Licensing cost

   18.i      103,542       88,750  

Investor- level goodwill

   18.j      3,473       8,282  

Additional equity investment in subsidiaries

   18.k      1,132       1,132  

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

   18.l      (29,670 )     (27,658 )

Deferred income tax effects of U.S. GAAP adjustments

        (16,415 )     1,721  
                   
        704,791       673,255  
                   

Stockholders’ equity as adjusted in accordance with U.S. GAAP

      (Won) 5,078,170     (Won) 4,908,533  
                   

 

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Condensed balance sheets in accordance with U.S. GAAP as of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     December 31,
2007
   June 30,
2008

Assets

     

Current assets

   (Won) 1,870,669    (Won) 2,020,950

Non-current assets

     6,449,944      6,664,371
             

Total assets

   (Won) 8,320,613    (Won) 8,685,321
             

Liabilities

     

Current liabilities

   (Won) 1,833,051    (Won) 2,341,525

Long-term liabilities

     1,396,433      1,424,459
             

Total liabilities

     3,229,484      3,765,984
             

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

     12,959      10,804
             

Stockholders’ equity

     5,078,170      4,908,533
             

Total liabilities, minority interest and stockholders’ equity

   (Won) 8,320,613    (Won) 8,685,321
             

The following table reconciles cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 under Korean GAAP, as reported in the consolidated financial statements to cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 under U.S. GAAP (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2007 (6 months)     2008 (6 months)  

Cash flows from operating activities under Korean GAAP

   (Won) 843,170     (Won) 413,689  

Adjustments:

    

Difference in consolidation scope(*)

     —         1,855  
                

Cash flows from operating activities under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 843,170     (Won) 415,544  
                

Cash flows from investing activities under Korean GAAP

   (Won) (510,230 )   (Won) (631,917 )

Adjustments:

    

Difference in consolidation scope(*)

     —         4,037  
                

Cash flows from investing activities under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) (510,230 )   (Won) (627,880 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities under Korean GAAP:

   (Won) (499,833 )   (Won) 769  

Adjustments:

    

Difference in consolidation scope(*)

     —         5,770  
                

Cash flows from financing activities under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) (499,833 )   (Won) 6,539  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period under Korean GAAP

   (Won) 423,819     (Won) 113,014  

Adjustments:

    

Difference in consolidation scope(*)

     —         (4,874 )
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 423,819     (Won) 108,140  
                
 
  (*) Reconciling items affecting cash flows related to difference in consolidation scope between Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP

 

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19. ADDITIONAL U.S. GAAP DISCLOSURES

a. Income Tax Expense

The components of income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2007
(6 months)
    2008
(6 months)
 

Current income tax expense

   (Won) 40,602     (Won) 2,600  

Deferred income tax benefit

     (37,188 )     (48,949 )
                

Income tax expense (benefit)

   (Won) 3,414     (Won) (46,349 )
                

Substantially all income before income taxes and related income tax expense (benefit) are attributable to domestic operations. The provision for income taxes using statutory tax rates differs from the actual provision for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008 for the following reasons (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2007
(6 months)
    2008
(6 months)
 

Provision for income taxes at statutory tax rates

   (Won) 36,116     (Won) (25,681 )

Investment tax credits

     (32,109 )     (37,354 )

Additional income tax payment (refund) related to prior periods

     844       (922 )

Non-temporary difference

     1,268       10,211  

Changes in deferred income tax unrecognized

     (1,379 )     13,431  

Others

     (1,326 )     (6,034 )
                

Actual provision for income taxes

   (Won) 3,414     (Won) (46,349 )
                

The effective tax rates after adjustments of certain differences between amounts reported for financial accounting and income tax purpose were approximately 2.9% and 50.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2008, respectively.

 

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The tax effects of temporary differences that resulted in significant portions of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities computed under U.S. GAAP at December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008 and a description of financial statement items that created these differences are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     December 31, 2007     June 30, 2008  

Deferred income tax assets:

    

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   (Won) 47,589     (Won) 25,999  

Inventories

     12,984       11,931  

Unearned revenue

     23,309       35,131  

Equity method investment securities

     5,055       30,906  

Tax credit carryforwards

     94,546       128,023  

Tax loss carryforwards

     4,379       8,670  

Accrued expenses

     33,988       42,317  

Accounts payable-other

     3,618       5,224  

Donation

     14    

Loss on impairment of long-term investment securities

     3,449       3,364  

Provision for severance indemnities

     10,203       11,711  

Other

     4,558       13,701  
                

Total deferred income tax assets

     243,692       316,977  

Valuation allowance

     (33,843 )     (53,680 )
                

Deferred income tax assets

     209,849       263,297  

Deferred income tax liabilities:

    

Available-for-sale securities

     (2,155 )     —    

Property and equipment

     (8,189 )     (3,271 )

Intangible assets

     (21,754 )     (17,989 )

Gain on valuation of derivatives

     (542 )     (10,335 )

Other

     (209 )     (4,425 )
                

Deferred income tax liabilities

     (32,849 )     (36,020 )
                

Net deferred income tax assets

   (Won) 177,000     (Won) 227,277  
                

In 2007 and 2008, valuation allowance was recognized as realization of deferred income tax asset was not assessed as more likely than not mainly due to lack of expected future taxable income.

In assessing the recoverability of deferred income tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differenced become deductible and tax carryforwards are utilizable. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred income 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 income tax assets are deductible, management believes that it is more likely than not the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences and tax carryforwards.

Upon adoption of FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007, the Company recorded a decrease to retained earnings of (Won)4,439 million as a cumulative effect of the liability for uncertain tax positions. At January 1, 2007, the Company had (Won)4,439 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which (Won)4,272 million represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods. At December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008 the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods was (Won)130 million and (Won)19 million. These amounts consider the guidance in FIN 48-1, “Definition of Settlement in FASB Interpretation No. 48”. The liability for uncertain tax positions is classified as a non-current liability.

 

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A reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of the period is as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2007
(12 months)
    2008
(6 months)
 

Beginning balance

   (Won) 4,439     (Won) 3,303  

Additions to tax positions recorded during the current period

     155       120  

Additions to tax positions recorded during prior periods

     —         23  

Reductions to tax positions recorded during prior periods

     —         —    

Reductions to tax positions due to a lapse of statutory limitations

     —         —    

Reductions for settlement

     (1,291 )     (2,924 )
                

Ending balance

   (Won) 3,303     (Won) 522  
                

The Company’s practice is to classify interest on uncertain tax positions in non-operating expense. The Company recognized (Won)25 million and (Won)13 million in penalties for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. The Company had (Won)191 million and (Won)93 million accrued for the payment of penalties as of December 31, 2007 and June 30, 2008, respectively.

The Company has open tax years ranging from 2003 to 2008, by which our taxes remain subject to examination. However, the Company does not anticipate that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next 12 months.

b. Fair Value Measurements

On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, for all financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities recognized at fair value in the consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis. The adoption of this statement did not change our previous accounting for financial assets and liabilities. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 will be applied to nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized at fair value in the consolidated financial statements on a nonrecurring basis beginning January 1, 2009. Upon application of the remaining provisions of SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2009, the Company will provide additional disclosures regarding our nonrecurring fair value measurements, including our annual impairment review of goodwill and intangible assets.

SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. SFAS No. 157 also establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

 

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The following fair value hierarchy table presents information regarding our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2008 (in millions of Korean won):

 

Assets

   Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total

Cash and Cash equivalents

   (Won) 61,333    (Won) 46,807    (Won) —      (Won) 108,140

Short-term financial instruments

     1,100      1,648      —        2,748

Short-term investment securities

     —        959      —        959

Long-term investment securities:

           

Marketable equity securities

     9,948      —        —        9,948

Debt securities

     —        64      —        64

Derivative assets:

           

Cross currency interest rate swap

        29,418         29,418

Put option

     —           8,161      8,161
                           
   (Won) 72,381    (Won) 78,896    (Won) 8,161    (Won) 159,438
                           

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

Cash equivalents: The carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value as maturities are less than three months. Fair values of cash equivalent instruments that do not trade on a regular basis in active markets are classified as Level 2. The cash equivalents are primarily comprised of trust deposit, RP, money market deposit account and money market funds.

Short-term financial instruments: The carrying amount of short-term financial instruments approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity. Fair values of short-term financial instruments are measured at the quoted price obtained from brokers for identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The short-term financial instruments are comprised of installment saving-type fund and others.

Marketable equity securities: The fair value of marketable equity securities is measured using quoted market prices and accordingly, they are classified as Level 1 as they are traded in an active market for which closing stock prices are readily available.

Derivative instruments assets: The derivative instruments assets consist of cross currency interest rate swap and put option contracts. The fair value of cross currency interest rate swap derivatives is primarily based on the quoted price obtained from brokers. The Company generally classifies this instrument within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy, however, the Company also classifies put option contracts that are valued based upon models with significant unobservable inputs as Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. The fair value of the put option is measured using Black-Sholes option pricing model that utilizes unobservable inputs such as expectation about dividend and future volatility.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the six months ended June 30, 2008 of the Company’s put option, as the option is measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (in millions of Korean won):

 

Balances at beginning of period (January 1, 2008)

   (Won) 1,971

Unrealized gain included in earnings

     6,190

Unrealized gain (loss) included in other comprehensive income

     —  

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net

     —  

Transfer in and/or (out) of Level 3

     —  
      

Balances as of June 30, 2008

   (Won) 8,161
      

 

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c. Accrued Severance Indemnities

The Company expects to pay the following future benefits to its employees upon their normal retirement age (in millions of Korean won):

 

Year ending June 30,

   Amount

Prior to June 30, 2015

   (Won) —  

2015

     445

2016

     1,235

2017

     1,724

2018

     4,808
      
   (Won) 8,212
      

The above amounts were determined based on the employees’ current salary rates and the number of service years that will be accumulated upon their expected retirement date. These amounts do not include amounts that might be paid to employees that will cease working with the Company before their normal retirement age.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

KT Freetel Co., Ltd.

Seoul, Korea

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of KT Freetel Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows and changes in equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 (all 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 audit.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of KT Freetel Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, and the results of their operations, their cash flows and changes in their equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea.

Our audit also comprehended the translation of Korean won amounts into U.S. dollar amounts and, in our opinion, such convenience translation has been made in conformity with the basis stated in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. Such U.S. dollar amounts are presented solely for the convenience of readers of the financial statements.

Principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Note 31 to the consolidated financial statements.

/s/ Deloitte Anjin LLC

Seoul, Korea

August 29, 2008

 

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KT FREETEL CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of December 31, 2006 and 2007

 

     In millions of Korean won    In thousands
of U.S. dollars
(Note 2)
     2006    2007    2007

ASSETS

        

CURRENT ASSETS:

        

Cash and cash equivalents (Notes 25 and 28)

   (Won) 590,712    (Won) 330,473    $ 353,145

Short-term financial instruments (Notes 3 and 26)

     90,500      3,800      4,061

Short-term investment securities (Notes 3 and 6)

     202,544      3,861      4,126

Accounts receivable-trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of (Won)214,650 million in 2006 and (Won)210,347 million in 2007 (Notes 2, 4, 12, 25 and 26)

     1,216,244      1,175,000      1,255,610

Short-term loans (Notes 2 and 8)

     10,408      4,906      5,243

Accounts receivable-other, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of (Won)9,820 million in 2006 and (Won)18,034 million in 2007 (Notes 2 and 26)

     76,659      34,268      36,619

Advance payments, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of (Won)12,051 million in 2007 (Notes 2 and 26)

     20,064      30,514      32,607

Prepaid expenses

     14,218      16,334      17,455

Current portion of deferred income tax assets (Note 23)

     107,956      135,363      144,649

Inventories (Notes 5 and 9)

     130,163      162,709      173,871

Other current assets (Note 2)

     3,274      1,243      1,328
                    

Total Current Assets

     2,462,742      1,898,471      2,028,714
                    

NON-CURRENT ASSETS:

        

Long-term financial instruments (Note 3)

     20      56      60

Long-term investment securities (Note 6)

     29,882      27,613      29,507

Equity method investment securities (Note 7)

     57,205      62,420      66,702

Long-term loans (Notes 2, 8 and 26)

     15,066      34,528      36,897

Other investment assets

     39,991      19,157      20,471

Property and equipment, net (Notes 9 and 10)

     4,236,328      4,266,945      4,559,677

Intangible assets, net (Notes 9 and 11)

     967,712      894,917      956,312

Long-term accounts receivable-trade (Note 12)

     53,801      42,512      45,429

Guarantee deposits

     214,313      232,102      248,025

Deferred income tax assets (Note 23)

     42,553      54,748      58,504

Other non-current assets

     —        4,300      4,595
                    

Total Non-current Assets

     5,656,871      5,639,298      6,026,179
                    

TOTAL ASSETS

   (Won) 8,119,613    (Won) 7,537,769    $ 8,054,893
                    

(Continued)

 

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KT FREETEL CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets—(Continued)

As of December 31, 2006 and 2007

 

     In millions of Korean won    In thousands
of U.S. dollars
(Note 2)
     2006    2007    2007

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

        

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

        

Accounts payable-trade (Notes 25 and 26)

   (Won) 229,066    (Won) 327,200    $ 349,648

Short-term borrowings (Notes 13 and 25)

     60,038      35,893      38,355

Accounts payable-other (Notes 25 and 26)

     845,134      659,798      705,063

Advance receipts

     30,240      4,121      4,404

Withholdings

     102,202      122,110      130,487

Accrued expenses (Note 25)

     128,064      175,687      187,740

Income taxes payable

     43,889      44,107      47,133

Current portion of long-term borrowings and debentures (Notes 13 and 14)

     509,764      332,614      355,433

Current portion of long-term accounts payable-other (Notes 12 and 15)

     89,116      108,920      116,392

Current portion of accrued provisions (Note 16)

     10,305      9,770      10,440

Other current liabilities

     216      1,145      1,224
                    

Total Current Liabilities

     2,048,034      1,821,365      1,946,319
                    

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:

        

Long-term borrowings (Notes 12 and 13)

     20,000      14,618      15,621

Long-term debentures (Note 14)

     1,178,159      859,037      917,971

Long-term accounts payable-other (Notes 12 and 15)

     493,877      406,288      434,161

Long-term guarantee deposits received (Note 26)

     5,558      2,526      2,699

Accrued provisions (Note 16)

     9,465      4,048      4,326

Accrued severance indemnities, net (Note 2)

     44,365      53,994      57,698

Other non-current liabilities

     4      2,514      2,686
                    

Total Non-current Liabilities

     1,751,428      1,343,025      1,435,162
                    

Total Liabilities

     3,799,462      3,164,390      3,381,481
                    

(Continued)

 

F-47


Table of Contents

KT FREETEL CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets—(Continued)

As of December 31, 2006 and 2007

 

     In millions of Korean won     In thousands
of U.S. dollars
(Note 2)
 
     2006     2007     2007  

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

      

EQUITY:

      

Common Stock (Note 17)

     1,044,181       1,044,181       1,115,816  

Capital Surplus

     1,726,645       1,725,493       1,843,869  

Capital Adjustments:

      

Treasury stock (Note 17)

     (2,077 )     (2,078 )     (2,221 )

Stock option (Note 20)

     5,265       4,088       4,369  
                        

Total Capital Adjustments

     3,188       2,010       2,148  
                        

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Note 21)

      

Unrealized gain on valuation of available-for-sale securities

     7,231       5,717       6,109  

Increase in equity of associates

     29       608       650  

Loss on translation of foreign operations

     (65 )     (81 )     (86 )
                        

Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

     7,195       6,244       6,673  
                        

Retained Earnings (Note 18)

      

Legal reserve

     31,455       43,194       46,157  

Voluntary reserve

     1,200,000       1,350,000       1,442,616  

Unappropriated retained earnings

     296,392       172,587       184,427  
                        

Total Retained Earnings

     1,527,847       1,565,781       1,673,200  
                        

Minority Interest

     11,095       29,670       31,706  
                        

Total Equity

     4,320,151       4,373,379       4,673,412  
                        

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   (Won) 8,119,613     (Won) 7,537,769     $ 8,054,893  
                        

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

F-48


Table of Contents

KT FREETEL CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income

For the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007

 

    In millions of Korean won     In thousands of
U.S. dollars

(Note 2)
 
    2005     2006     2007     2007  

OPERATING REVENUES (Notes 22 and 26)

  (Won) 6,152,812     (Won) 6,627,720     (Won) 7,326,783     $ 7,829,433  

OPERATING EXPENSES (Notes 22 and 26)

    5,292,745       5,924,681       6,901,714       7,375,202  
                               

OPERATING INCOME

    860,067       703,039       425,069       454,231  
                               

NON-OPERATING REVENUE (EXPENSES):

       

Interest income

    9,406       26,213       24,218       25,879  

Gain on foreign currency transaction, net

    9,455       6,001       365       390  

Gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net (Note 25)

    7,821       1,824       (555 )     (593 )

Interest expense

    (186,701 )     (145,244 )     (132,993 )     (142,117 )

Loss on disposal of accounts receivable—trade (Note 4)

    (12,511 )     (12,281 )     (409 )     (437 )

Equity in income (loss) of associates, net (Note 7)

    146       (2,505 )     (2,461 )     (2,630 )

Loss on impairment of equity method investment securities (Note 7)

    —         —         (3,238 )     (3,460 )

Gain on disposal of short-term investment securities, net

    8,713       22,850       4,585       4,900  

Gain on disposal of long-term investment securities, net

    386       139       1,226       1,310  

Loss on impairment of long-term investment securities, net (Note 6)

    (25,131 )     (586 )     (1,481 )     (1,583 )

Loss on disposal of property and equipment, net

    (58,502 )     (42,044 )     (43,529 )     (46,515 )

Loss on impairment of property and equipment (Note 10)

    (1,011 )     (1,133 )     (3,059 )     (3,269 )

Gain on disposal of intangible assets, net

    108       42       154       165  

Loss on impairment of intangible assets (Note 11)

    (3,762 )     (9,047 )     (3,698 )     (3,952 )

Reversal of negative goodwill (Note 11)

    648       648       648       692  

Gain (loss) on settlement of derivatives

    (9,292 )     (1,415 )     3       3  

Loss on valuation of derivatives

    (2,340 )     (216 )     —         —    

Dividend income

    301       552       306       327  

Gain on restructuring of debt (Note 13)

    —         —         2,797       2,989  

Donation

    (19,647 )     (21,579 )     (16,136 )     (17,243 )

Other bad debt expense

    —         —         (1,236 )     (1,321 )

Loss on cancellation of a lease

    —         (22,695 )     —         —    

Others

    23,978       25,794       24,505       26,187  
                               
    (257,935 )     (174,682 )     (149,988 )     (160,278 )
                               

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE

    602,132       528,357       275,081       293,953  

INCOME TAX EXPENSE (Note 23)

    53,845       115,549       37,419       39,986  

NEWLY INCLUDED SUBSIDIARIES’ NET LOSS BEFORE ACQUISITION

    —         —         12,820       13,699  
                               

NET INCOME (Note 30)

  (Won) 548,287     (Won) 412,808     (Won) 250,482       267,666  
                               

Attributable to:

       

Equity holders of the parent

  (Won) 547,297     (Won) 412,001     (Won) 249,019     $ 266,103  

Minority interest

    990       807       1,463       1,563  
                               
  (Won) 548,287     (Won) 412,808     (Won) 250,482     $ 267,666  
                               

NET INCOME PER SHARE (Note 24)(*)

       

Basic and diluted net income per share (in Korean won)

  (Won) 3,013     (Won) 2,049     (Won) 1,277     $ 1.365  
                               

 

(*) Income per share attributable to the equity holders of the parent

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

F-49


Table of Contents

KT FREETEL CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007

 

    In millions of Korean won     In thousands
of U.S. dollars
(Note 2)
 
    2005     2006     2007     2007  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

       

Net income

  (Won) 548,287     (Won) 412,808     (Won) 250,482     $ 267,666  

Expenses not involving cash payments:

       

Provision for severance indemnities

    15,085       15,035       20,845       22,275  

Depreciation

    1,044,506       1,045,521       1,051,634       1,123,781  

Amortization of intangible assets

    119,484       128,263       121,036       129,340  

Bad debt expense

    54,375       89,240       47,346       50,594  

Stock compensation

    5,160       304       56       60  

Loss on valuation of inventories

    13,498       24,231       14,890       15,912  

Loss on foreign currency translation, net

    —         —         558       596  

Interest expense

    26,719       25,099       23,537       25,152  

Loss on disposal of accounts receivable—trade

    12,511       12,281       409       437  

Equity in loss of associates, net

    —         2,505       2,461       2,630  

Loss on impairment of equity method investment securities

    —         —         3,238       3,460  

Loss on impairment of long-term investment securities, net

    25,131       586       1,481       1,583  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment, net

    58,502       42,044       43,529       46,515  

Loss on impairment of property and equipment

    1,011       1,133       3,059       3,269  

Loss on impairment of intangible assets

    3,762       9,047       3,698       3,952  

Loss on settlement of derivatives

    9,292       1,415       —         —    

Loss on valuation of derivatives

    2,340       216       —         —    

Others

    5,656       8,889       12,171       13,004  
                               

Sub-total

    1,397,032       1,405,809       1,349,948       1,442,560  
                               

Income not involving cash receipts:

       

Gain on foreign currency translation, net

    7,821       1,824       —         —    

Equity in income of associates, net

    146       —         —         —    

Gain on disposal of short-term investment securities, net

    8,713       22,850       4,585       4,900  

Gain on disposal of long-term investment securities, net

    386       139       1,226       1,310  

Gain on disposal of intangible assets, net

    108       42       154       165  

Reversal of negative goodwill

    648       648       648       692  

Gain on restructuring of debt (Note 13)

    —         —         2,797       2,989  

Interest income (present value)

    2,828       —         —         —    

Cancellation of stock options

    103       —         —         —    

Others

    436       15,425       1,852       1,979  

Newly included subsidiaries’ net income before acquisition (not involving cash receipts)

    —         —         12,156       12,990  
                               

Sub-total

    (21,189 )     (40,928 )     (23,418 )     (25,025 )
                               

(Continued)

 

F-50


Table of Contents

KT FREETEL CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007

 

    In millions of Korean won     In thousands
of U.S. dollars
(Note 2)
 
    2005     2006     2007     2007  

Changes in assets and liabilities related to operating activities:

       

Accounts receivable-trade

  62,652     137,665     80,081     85,575  

Accounts receivable-other

  (14,395 )   27,640     33,510     35,809  

Prepaid expenses

  (1,405 )   (1,489 )   (2,091 )   (2,235 )

Inventories

  22,437     67,427     (47,247 )   (50,488 )

Deferred income tax assets

  (52,584 )   13,094     (39,055 )   (41,734 )

Other current assets

  6,042     553     (1,201 )   (1,283 )

Long-term accounts receivable-trade

  28,858     2,158     11,289     12,063  

Guarantee deposits

  (15,109 )   10,319     (15,451 )   (16,511 )

Other non-current assets

  —       —       (3,683 )   (3,936 )

Accounts payable-trade

  (6,049 )   (101,239 )   (3,628 )   (3,877 )

Accounts payable-other

  216,205     117,548     (187,689 )   (200,565 )

Withholdings

  (22,573 )   89     19,665     21,014  

Accrued expenses

  (5,578 )   (14,289 )   47,208     50,447  

Income taxes payable

  67,772     (50,098 )   229     245  

Other current liabilities

  7,318     (8,089 )   (25,216 )   (26,946 )

Long-term guarantee deposits received

  —       5,457     (4,103 )   (4,384 )

Accrued provisions

  (2,743 )   (8,960 )   (16,526 )   (17,660 )

Other non-current liabilities

  135     (922 )   2,505     2,677  

Payment of severance indemnities

  (11,332 )   (12,198 )   (11,089 )   (11,850 )
                       

Sub-total

  279,651     184,666     (162,492 )   (173,639 )
                       

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

  2,203,781     1,962,355     1,414,520     1,511,562  
                       

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

       

Cash inflows from investing activities:

       

Disposal of short-term financial instruments

  371,300     2,185,000     140,000     149,604  

Disposal of short-term investment securities

  119,173     1,734,497     1,201,824     1,284,274  

Collection of short-term loans

  24,332     19,287     9,908     10,588  

Disposal of long-term investment securities

  1,151     1,195     1,656     1,770  

Disposal of equity method investment securities

  —       —       1,949     2,083  

Collection of long-term loans

  1,702     43     —       —    

Disposal of property and equipment

  127,694     16,016     2,595     2,773  

Disposal of intangible assets

  464     249     374     400  

Others

  1,133     760     —       —    
                       

Sub-total

  646,949     3,957,047     1,358,306     1,451,492  
                       

Cash outflows for investing activities:

       

Acquisition of short-term financial instruments

  801,300     1,845,500     50,948     54,443  

Acquisition of short-term investment securities

  350,049     1,669,051     996,842     1,065,230  

Acquisition of long-term investment securities

  2,237     1,521     1,288     1,376  

Acquisition of equity method investment securities

  16,590     7,000     4,026     4,302  

Increase in long-term loans

  13,527     9,556     22,818     24,384  

Acquisition of property and equipment

  729,456     1,232,481     1,126,988     1,204,305  

Acquisition of intangible assets

  28,974     40,324     32,014     34,210  

Others

  13,742     26,166     255     272  
                       

Sub-total

  (1,955,875 )   (4,831,599 )   (2,235,179 )   (2,388,522 )
                       

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

  (1,308,926 )   (874,552 )   (876,873 )   (937,030 )
                       

(Continued)

 

F-51


Table of Contents

KT FREETEL CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007

 

     In millions of Korean won     In thousands
of U.S. dollars
(Note 2)
 
     2005     2006     2007     2007  

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

        

Cash inflows from financing activities:

        

Increase in short-term borrowings

     230,787       46,951       28,300       30,242  

Increase in long-term borrowings

     10,000       20,000       —         —    

Proceeds from issuance of debentures

     199,297       —         —         —    

Paid-in capital increase

     514,811       —         —         —    

Disposal of treasury stock

     69,108       —         —         —    

Others

     5,936       —         —         —    
                                

Sub-total

     1,029,939       66,951       28,300       30,242  
                                

Cash outflows for financing activities:

        

Takeover of accounts receivable-trade

     —         200,000       —         —    

Repayment of short-term borrowings

     500,000       27,398       30,115       32,181  

Repayment of current portion of long-term borrowings and debentures

     1,035,653       340,280       510,000       544,988  

Acquisition of treasury stock

     13,368       164,885       94,071       100,525  

Payment of dividends

     99,715       120,688       117,384       125,437  

Capital transactions in consolidated entities

     —         —         1,152       1,231  

Others

     —         3,170       90,000       96,174  
                                

Sub-total

     (1,648,736 )     (856,421 )     (842,722 )     (900,536 )
                                

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

     (618,797 )     (789,470 )     (814,422 )     (870,294 )
                                

EFFECT OF CHANGES IN CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES

     601       (15,221 )     16,536       17,670  
                                

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     276,659       283,112       (260,239 )     (278,092 )

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF THE YEAR

     30,941       307,600       590,712       631,237  
                                

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE YEAR (Note 28)

   (Won) 307,600     (Won) 590,712     (Won) 330,473     $ 353,145  
                                

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

F-52


Table of Contents

KT FREETEL CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

For the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007

 

(In millions of Korean won)

  Common
stock
  Capital
surplus
    Capital
adjustments
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
    Retained
earnings
    Minority
interest
    Total  

Balance as of January 1, 2005 (as reported)

  (Won) 955,702   (Won) 1,324,536     (Won) (88,668 )   (Won) 4,965     (Won) 985,573     (Won) 8,041     (Won) 3,190,149  

Dividends

    —       —         —         —         (99,715 )     —         (99,715 )
                               

Retained earnings after appropriations

    —       —         —         —         885,858       8,041       3,090,434  

Net income for the period

    —       —         —         —         547,297       990       548,287  

Paid-in capital increase

    88,479     405,832       —         —         —         —         494,311  

Changes in consolidated entities

    —       580       (65 )     —         158       11,739       12,412  

Retirement of treasury stock

    —       —         13,366       —         (13,366 )     —         —    

Loss on disposal of treasury stock

    —       —         (17,457 )     —         —         —         (17,457 )

Purchase of treasury stock

    —       —         (13,368 )     —         —         —         (13,368 )

Disposal of treasury stock

    —       —         91,724       —         —         —         91,724  

Compensation expense resulting from stock options

    —       —         (103 )     —         —         —         (103 )

Changes in equity of affiliates

    —       —         —         (14 )     —         —         (14 )

Unrealized gain on valuation of available-for-sale securities

    —       —         —         1,204       —         —         1,204  

Changes in minority interest

    —       —         —         —         —         17       17  

Others

    —       —         —         —         (725 )     —         (725 )
                                                     

Balance as of December 31, 2005

  (Won) 1,044,181   (Won) 1,730,948     (Won) (14,571 )   (Won) 6,155     (Won) 1,419,222     (Won) 20,787     (Won) 4,206,722  
                                                     

Balance as of January 1, 2006 (as reported)

  (Won) 1,044,181   (Won) 1,730,948     (Won) (14,571 )   (Won) 6,155     (Won) 1,419,222     (Won) 20,787     (Won) 4,206,722  

Dividends

    —       —         —         —         (120,688 )     —         (120,688 )
                               

Retained earnings after appropriations

    —       —         —         —         1,298,534       20,787       4,086,034  

Changes in ownership interests in consolidated entities

    —       (1,132 )     —         —         —         (526 )     (1,658 )

Paid-in capital increase

    —       (3,171 )     —         —         —         —         (3,171 )

Net income for the period

    —       —         —         —         412,001       807       412,808  

Changes in consolidated entities

    —       —         —         —         —         (10,038 )     (10,038 )

Appropriation of loss on disposal of treasury stock

    —       —         17,457       —         (17,457 )     —         —    

Acquisition of treasury stock

    —       —         (164,885 )     —           —         (164,885 )

Retirement of treasury stock

    —       —         164,884       —         (164,884 )     —         —    

Compensation expense resulting from stock options

    —       —         303       —         —         —         303  

Unrealized gain on valuation of available-for-sale securities

    —       —         —         973       —         —         973  

Changes in equity of associates

    —       —         —         43       —         —         43  

Others

    —       —         —         24       (347 )     65       (258 )
                                                     

Balance as of December 31, 2006

  (Won) 1,044,181   (Won) 1,726,645     (Won) 3,188     (Won) 7,195     (Won) 1,527,847     (Won) 11,095     (Won) 4,320,151  
                                                     

(Continued)

 

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KT FREETEL CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity—(Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007

 

(In millions of Korean won)

  Common
stock
  Capital
surplus
    Capital
adjustments
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
    Retained
earnings
    Minority
interest
    Total  

Balance as of January 1, 2007 (as reported)

  (Won) 1,044,181   (Won) 1,726,645     (Won) 3,188     (Won) 7,195     (Won) 1,527,847     (Won) 11,095     (Won) 4,320,151  

Dividends

    —       —         —         —         (117,384 )     —         (117,384 )
                               

Retained earnings after appropriations

    —       —         —         —         1,410,463       11,095       4,202,767  

Changes in ownership interests in consolidated entities

    —       (1,152 )     —         —         —         —         (1,152 )

Net income for the period

    —       —         —         —         249,019       1,463       250,482  

Changes in consolidated entities

    —       —         —         —         —         17,129       17,129  

Acquisition of treasury stock

    —       —         (94,071 )     —         —         —         (94,071 )

Retirement of treasury stock

    —       —         94,071       —         (94,071 )     —         —    

Compensation expense resulting from stock options

    —       —         (1,178 )     —         —         —         (1,178 )

Unrealized loss on valuation of available-for-sale securities

    —       —         —         (1,514 )     —         (17 )     (1,531 )

Changes in equity of associates

    —       —         —         579       —         —         579  

Others

    —       —         —         (16 )     370       —         354  
                                                     

Balance as of December 31, 2007

  (Won) 1,044,181   (Won) 1,725,493     (Won) 2,010     (Won) 6,244     (Won) 1,565,781     (Won) 29,670     (Won) 4,373,379  
                                                     

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

     

Balance as of January 1, 2007 (as reported)

  $ 1,115,816   $ 1,845,100     $ 3,407     $ 7,689     $ 1,632,664     $ 11,856     $ 4,616,532  

Dividends

    —       —         —         —         (125,437 )     —         (125,437 )
                               

Retained earnings after appropriations

    —       —         —         —         1,507,227       11,856       4,491,095  

Changes in ownership interests in consolidated entities

    —       (1,231 )     —         —         —         —         (1,231 )

Net income for the period

    —       —         —         —         266,103       1,563       267,666  

Changes in consolidated entities

    —       —         —         —         —         18,305       18,305  

Acquisition of treasury stock

    —       —         (100,525 )     —         —         —         (100,525 )

Retirement of treasury stock

    —       —         100,525       —         (100,525 )     —         —    

Compensation expense resulting from stock options

    —       —         (1,259 )     —         —         —         (1,259 )

Unrealized loss on valuation of available-for-sale securities

    —       —         —         (1,618 )     —         (18 )     (1,636 )

Changes in equity of associates

    —       —         —         619       —         —         619  

Others

    —       —         —         (17 )     395       —         378  
                                                     

Balance as of December 31, 2007

  $ 1,115,816   $ 1,843,869     $ 2,148     $ 6,673     $ 1,673,200     $ 31,706     $ 4,673,412  
                                                     

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

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KT FREETEL CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007

1. ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

a. Parent

KT Freetel Co., Ltd. (“KTF”) was incorporated on January 3, 1997, under the Commercial Code of the Republic of Korea, and listed on the Korean Securities Dealers Association Automated Quotation System (the “KOSDAQ”) in December 1999. On April 19, 2004, KTF transferred its listing from the KOSDAQ to the Korea Stock Exchange. KTF is currently engaged in providing personal communications service (“PCS”), value added services, and sale and lease of personal communication devices in Korea.

KTF’s shares as of December 31, 2007 are owned as follows:

 

     Number of shares    Ownership
Percentage (%)

KT Corporation (“KT”)

   102,129,938    52.99

NTT DoCoMo Inc.

   20,176,309    10.47

Prism Offshore Fund, Ltd.

   5,063,030    2.63

Qualcomm Incorporated

   4,016,350    2.08

MSCOP-Pledgee OF 12676

   2,241,287    1.16

National Pension Service

   2,014,142    1.05

Microsoft Corp.

   2,030,000    1.05

Others

   55,051,035    28.57
         

Total

   192,722,091    100.00
         

b. Consolidated Subsidiaries

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of KTF and its controlled subsidiaries (the “Company”) listed below. Generally, control is deemed to exist when the investor has more than 50 percent of the total outstanding voting stock or when the investor is the largest shareholder and owns more than 30 percent of the total outstanding voting stock. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Subsidiary

  Financial
year end
  Year of
obtaining
control
  Ownership percentage (%)  

Primary business

      2005   2006   2007  

KTF Technologies Co., Ltd.
(“KTFT”)
(*1)

  Dec.31   2002   73.05   74.94   74.94  

Developing and manufacturing of PCS handsets

PT. KTF Indonesia. (“KTF Indonesia”)

  Dec.31   2004   99.00   99.00   99.00  

Providing PCS

KTF Mhows Co., Ltd. (“KTF Mhows”)

  Dec.31   2004   51.00   51.00   51.00  

Mobile advertisement

KTF M&S Co., Ltd. (“KTF M&S”)(*2)

  Dec.31   2007   —     —     100.00  

PCS distribution

Bluecord Technology Corp. (“Bluecord Technology”)(*3)

  Dec.31   2007   —     —     35.28  

Semiconductor and telecommunication equipment manufacture

Doremi Media Co., Ltd. (“Doremi Media”)(*4)

  Dec.31   2007   —     —     64.24  

Recording device and music disc manufacture

 

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(*1) On November 30, 2002, KTF exercised the conversion right of convertible bonds at (Won)5,000 per share to acquire an additional 400,000 shares of common stock of KTFT. The acquisition of KTFT was recorded in accordance with the purchase method of accounting. As a result of this acquisition, KTF recorded negative goodwill of (Won)3,258 million for the fair value of KTFT’s net assets in excess of the acquisition cost. Negative goodwill is recognized as income on a systematic basis over the remaining weighted average useful life (5 years) of the identifiable acquired depreciable or amortizable assets.

On June 17, 2004, September 30, 2005 and March 23, 2006, KTF acquired KTFT’s minority interest, which represents the subsidiary’s outstanding common stocks of 13.35 percent, 2.30% and 1.88%, respectively. As a result of these acquisitions, KTF recorded the excess of the acquisition cost over the book value of KTFT’s net assets to capital surplus of (Won)953 million in 2004 and the excess of the book value of KTFT’s net assets over the acquisition costs to capital surplus of (Won)580 million in 2005 and the excess of the acquisition cost over the book value of KTFT’s net assets to capital surplus of (Won)1,132 million in 2006.

 

(*2) In January 2007, KTF M&S was incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of KTF.

 

(*3) On December 26, 2007, KTF acquired 35.28% ownership interest of Bluecord Technology. As a result of this acquisition, KTF recorded goodwill of (Won)11,206 million for the acquisition cost of Bluecord Technology’s net assets in excess of the fair value.

 

(*4) Doremi Media is owned 64.24% by Bluecord Technology.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a. Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

The Company maintains its official accounting records in Korean won and prepares statutory financial statements in the Korean language (Hangul) in conformity with the accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea. Certain accounting principles applied by the Company that conform with financial accounting standards and accounting principles in the Republic of Korea may not conform with generally accepted accounting principles in other countries. To conform more closely to presentations customary in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America, the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been restructured and translated into English for the convenience of the readers of financial statements. Certain supplementary information included in the statutory Korean language consolidated financial statements, not required for a fair presentation of the Company and its subsidiaries’ financial position or result of operations, is not presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

b. Adoption of Statements of Korea Accounting Standards (“SKAS”)

Through December 31, 2007, the Korea Accounting Standards Board (“KASB”) has issued SKAS No. 1 through No. 25 to revise the previous Financial Accounting Standards. Among these statements, SKAS No. 1 through No. 20 (excluding No. 11) should be applied in the prior periods whereas SKAS No. 11 and No. 21 through No. 25 shall be applied from the current period. Application of these SKAS’s has no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the current period.

 

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Summary of major changes from the application of new SKAS’s during the current period are as follows:

 

SKAS

  

Summary of major changes

No. 11 “Discontinuing Operations”

  

•     Present income (loss) from discontinuing operations and continuing operations separately on the face of the income statement.

 

•     Disclose the details of discontinuing operations in the notes to the financial statements of the period in which the initial disclosure event of a discontinuing operation occurs.

 

•     Reclassify into income (loss) from discontinuing operations in the comparative financial statements of the period in which an initial disclosure event occurs any income or loss that arose in the prior period(s) from the discontinuing operation.

No. 21 “Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements I”

  

•     Separate previous investment assets into investment assets and other non-current assets.

 

•     Separate previous capital adjustments into capital adjustments and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

 

•     Include statement of changes in equity in the set of financial statements.

 

•     Disclose the details of comprehensive income in the notes.

No. 22 “Share-based Payment”

  

•     Record compensation cost for stock appreciation right settled by treasury stock in equity.

 

•     Provide detail guidelines about vesting conditions.

 

•     Do not allow measurement by intrinsic value for cash settled share-based payment (except for non-public companies).

 

•     Do not re-measure share-based payment transactions previously granted upon initial public offerings (IPO).

No. 23 “Earnings Per Share”

  

•     Do not require non-public companies (except for those in the process of IPO) to disclose earnings per share (under the previous Interpretation, only dilutive earnings per share could be omitted).

 

•     Clarify calculation methods for basic earnings per share and outstanding average common stock.

 

•     Present earnings per share on the face of the income statement.

No. 25 “Consolidated Financial Statements”

  

•     Present negative minority interest as a deductive item in equity.

 

•     Present income (loss) attributable to equity holders of the parent and minority interest separately on the face of the income statement.

In addition, any additional income taxes and tax refunds attributable to prior periods are included in income tax expense for the current period in accordance with the amendment of SKAS No. 16 “Income Taxes”.

Such adoptions of new SKASs and amendments to SKASs did not have an effect on the net assets as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 and net income of the Company for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. The changes of accounting are retroactively applied in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for the prior periods in accordance with SKAS No. 21 and SKAS No. 16.

 

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c. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash, substitute securities including checks issued by others, and checking accounts, ordinary deposits and financial instruments, which can be easily converted into cash and whose value changes due to changes in interest rates are not material, with maturities (or date of redemption) of three months or less upon acquisition.

d. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

An allowance for doubtful accounts is provided based on the estimated loss on uncollectible accounts and historical bad debt experience. Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable-trade, accounts receivable-other and others for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 are summarized as follows (in millions of Korea won):

 

     2005     2006     2007  

Balance at beginning of the year

   (Won) 143,138     (Won) 158,332     (Won) 224,470  

Write-offs

     (39,181 )     (23,102 )     (31,840 )

Provision

     54,375       89,240       48,582  
                        

Balance at end of the year

   (Won) 158,332     (Won) 224,470     (Won) 241,212  
                        

e. Inventories

Inventories, which consist mainly of supplies for telecommunication facilities and PCS handsets for sales, are stated at the acquisition cost, with cost determined using the moving average method. The Company maintains perpetual inventory system, which is adjusted to physical inventory counts performed at year end. When the market value of inventories (net realizable value for merchandise and current replacement cost for supplies) is less than the carrying value, carrying value is stated at the lower of cost or market. The Company applies the lower of cost or market method by group of inventories and loss on inventory valuation is presented as a deduction from inventories and charged to operating expenses. However, when the circumstances that previously caused inventories to be written down below cost no longer exist and the new market value of inventories subsequently recovers, the valuation loss is reversed to the extent of the original valuation loss and the reversal is deducted from operating expenses. The Company recorded loss on inventory valuation totaling (Won)13,498 million, (Won)24,231 million and (Won)14,890 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

f. Securities (excluding the equity method investment securities)

Debt and equity securities are initially stated at the market value of consideration given for acquisition (market value of securities acquired if market value of consideration given is not available) plus incidental costs attributable to the acquisition of the securities and are classified into trading, available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities depending on the purpose and nature of acquisition. Trading securities are presented as short-term investments while available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities are presented as short-term investments or long-term investment securities depending on their nature in the balance sheet. The moving average method for equity securities and the specific identification method for debt securities are used to determine the cost of securities for the calculation of gain (loss) on disposal of those securities.

—Trading securities

Securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term with active and frequent buying and selling, including securities which consist of a portfolio of securities with the clear objective of generating profits on short-term differences in price, are classified

 

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as trading securities. Trading securities are recorded at their fair value and unrealized gains or losses from trading securities are recorded as gain (loss) on valuation of trading securities included in the non-operating revenues (expenses).

—Held-to-maturity securities

Debt securities that have fixed or determinable payments with a fixed maturity are classified as held-to-maturity securities only if the Company has both the positive intent and ability to hold those securities to maturity. However, debt securities, whose maturity dates are due within one year from the balance sheet date are classified as current assets.

After initial recognition, held-to-maturity securities are stated at amortized cost in the balance sheet. When held-to-maturity securities are measured at amortized costs, the difference between their acquisition cost and face value is amortized using the effective interest rate method and the amortization is included in the cost and interest income.

When the possibility of not being able to collect the principal and interest of held-to-maturity securities according to the terms of the contracts is highly likely, the difference between the recoverable amount (the present value of expected cash flows using the effective interest rate upon acquisition of the securities) and book value are recorded as loss on impairment of held-to-maturity securities included in the non-operating expenses and the held-to-maturity securities are stated at the recoverable amount after impairment loss. If the value of impaired securities subsequently recovers and the recovery can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized, the reversal of impairment loss are recorded as reversal of impairment loss on held-to-maturity securities included in non-operating revenues. However, the resulting carrying amount after the reversal of impairment loss shall not exceed the amortized cost that would have been measured, at the date of the reversal, if no impairment loss were recognized.

—Available-for-sale securities

Debt and equity securities that do not fall under the classifications of trading or held-to-maturity securities are categorized and presented as available-for-sale securities included in investment assets. However, if an available-for-sale security matures or it is certain that such security will be disposed of within one year from the balance sheet date, it is classified as a current asset.

Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized gain or loss from available-for-sale securities are presented as gain or loss on valuation of available-for-sale securities included in accumulated other comprehensive income of stockholders’ equity. In addition, accumulated gain or loss on valuation of available-for-sale securities are reflected in either gain or loss on disposal of available-for-sale securities or loss on impairment of available-for-sale securities upon disposal or recognition of impairment of the securities. However, available-for-sale equity securities that are not marketable and whose fair value cannot be reliably measured are recorded at acquisition cost.

When there is objective evidence that the available-for-sale securities are impaired and the recoverable amount is lower than the cost (amortized cost for debt securities) of the available-for-sale securities, an impairment loss is recognized as loss on impairment of available-for-sale securities of non-operating expenses and the related unrealized gain or loss remaining in equity is adjusted to the impairment loss. If the value of impaired securities subsequently recovers and the recovery can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized, the reversal of impairment loss can be recognized up to the previously recorded impairment loss as a reversal of loss on impairment of available-for-sale securities included in non-operating revenues. However, if the fair value increases after the impairment loss is recognized but does not relate to the recovery of impairment loss as described above, the increase in fair value is recorded in equity.

 

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g. Equity Method Investment Securities

Investments in equity securities of companies, over which the Company exercises significant influence, are reported using the equity method of accounting.

—Accounting for changes in the equity of the investee

Under the equity method of accounting, the Company records changes in its proportionate equity of the net assets of the investee depending on the nature of the underlying changes in the investee as follows; (i) “equity in income (loss) of associates” in the non-operating revenues (expense) for net income (loss) of the investee; (ii) “increase (decrease) in retained earnings of associates” in the retained earnings for changes in beginning retained earnings of the investee; (iii) “increase (decrease) in equity of associates” in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for other changes in equity of the investee.

When the equity method investee’s unappropriated retained earnings carried over from prior period changes due to significant error corrections, the Company records the changes in equity as “equity in income (loss) of associates” included in the non-operating revenues (expenses) unless the impact of the changes on the Company’s consolidated financial statements is significant. If the changes results from the changes in accounting policies of the equity method investee, they are reflected in the unappropriated retained earnings carried over from prior period in accordance with Statement of Korea Accounting Standards (“SKAS”) on changes in accounting policy and errors corrections. When the investee declares cash dividends, the dividends to be received are deducted directly from equity method investment securities.

—Treatment of investment difference

Difference between the acquisition cost and the Company’s proportionate equity in the fair value of net assets of the investee upon acquisition (“Investment difference”) are considered as (negative) goodwill and accounted for in accordance with accounting standards for business combination. The goodwill portion which is amortized over useful lives (5 years) on a straight line method and the negative goodwill portion which is amortized over the weighted average useful lives of depreciable non-monetary assets of the investee are included in “equity in income (loss) of associates”.

When the Company’s equity interest in the investee increases due to an increase (or decrease) in contributed capital with (or without) consideration, the changes in the Company’s proportionate equity in the investee is accounted for as investment difference. If the Company’s equity interest decreases, the changes are accounted for as “gain (loss) on disposal of the equity method investment securities”.

—Difference between the fair value and book value of net assets of the investee

Upon acquisition of the equity method investment securities, the Company’s proportionate shares in the differences between the fair values and book values of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the investee are amortized/reversed and included in “equity in income (loss) of associates” in accordance with the investee’s methods of accounting for the assets and liabilities.

—Elimination of unrealized gain or loss from intercompany transactions

The Company’s proportionate share in the gain (loss) arising from transactions between the Company and the investee, which remains in the book value of assets held as of balance sheet date is considered unrealized gain (loss) and adjusted to equity method investment securities.

—Impairment loss on equity method investment securities

When there is objective evidence that the equity method investment securities are impaired and the recoverable amount is lower than the carrying amount of the equity method investment securities,

 

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an impairment loss is recognized as “loss on impairment of equity method investment securities” included in non-operating expenses and shall first reduce the unamortized investment difference, if any. When the recoverable amount is recovered after the recognition of impairment loss, the reversal of impairment loss can be recognized as income up to the previously recorded impairment loss. The book value of the equity method investment securities after the reversal of the impairment loss cannot exceed the book value calculated as if the impairment loss had not been originally recognized. The reversal of the impairment loss recognized against the unamortized investment difference is not allowed.

—Translation of financial statements of overseas investees

For overseas investees whose financial statements are prepared in foreign currencies, the equity method of accounting is applied after assets and liabilities are translated in accordance with the accounting treatments for the translation of the financial statements of overseas’ subsidiaries for consolidated financial statements. The Company’s proportionate share of the difference between assets net of liabilities and equity after translation into Korean won is accounted for as “increase (decrease) in equity of associates” included in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

h. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost (acquisition cost or manufacturing cost plus expenditures directly related to preparing the asset ready for use). Expenditures after acquisition or completion that increase future economic benefit in excess of the most recently assessed capability level of the asset are capitalized; other expenditures are charged to expense as incurred.

Interest expense, discount and other financial charges, including certain foreign exchange translation gains and losses on borrowings associated with the manufacture, purchase, or construction of property and equipment, incurred prior to the completion of the acquisition, were capitalized until the year ended December 31, 2002, and are no longer capitalized commencing from January 1, 2003 as allowed by SKAS No. 7.

Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method based on the following useful lives of the related units of property and equipment and the accumulated depreciation and impairment are directly deducted from the related assets.

 

     Useful lives (years)

Buildings and structures

   15~30

Machinery and equipment

   5~8

Vehicles

   4~8

Other

   2~8

When the expected future cash flow from use or disposal of the property and equipment is lower than the carrying amount due to obsolescence, physical damage and other, the carrying amount is adjusted to the recoverable amount (the higher of net sales price or value in use) and the difference is recognized as an impairment loss. The Company recorded loss on impairment of property and equipment totaling (Won)1,011 million, (Won)1,133 million and (Won)3,059 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

i. Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are initially recognized at acquisition cost (purchase cost plus expenditures directly related to preparing the asset ready for use) and subsequently presented at amortized cost using the straight-line method, with amortization beginning when the asset is available for use.

 

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Intangible assets are amortized based on the following useful lives:

 

     Useful lives (years)

Intellectual property rights

   5~10

Facility usage rights

   10~20

Frequency usage rights

   13

Development cost

   2

Other intangible assets

   5

When the recoverable amount (the higher of net sales price or value in use) of intangible assets is significantly lower than the carrying amount due to obsolescence, and other, the difference is recognized as an impairment loss. When the recoverable amount subsequently exceeds the carrying amount of the impaired asset, the excess is recorded as a reversal of impairment loss to the extent that the reversed asset does not exceed the carrying amount before previous impairment as adjusted by amortization. The Company recorded loss on impairment of intangible assets totaling (Won)3,762 million, (Won)9,047 million and (Won)3,698 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

j. Present Value Discount for Assets and Liabilities

Receivables or payables from long-term installment transactions, long-term loans/borrowings or the other similar transactions are stated at present value which is determined by discounting total amounts receivable or payable in the future using the effective interest rate, if the nominal value is significantly different from the present value. The discount or premium resulting from the determination of present value should be reported in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from or addition to the nominal value of the related receivables or payables and the amortization by the effective interest rate method is included in the period income (loss).

k. Translation of Assets and Liabilities Denominated in Foreign Currency

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded in Korean won translated at the exchange rate prevailing on the transaction date and the resulting gain (loss) from foreign currency transactions is included in non-operating revenues (expenses). Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated into Korean won at the Base Rates announced by Seoul Money Brokerage Services, Ltd. on the balance sheet dates, which were, for U.S. dollars, (Won)1,013.0: USD 1, (Won)929.6: USD 1 and (Won)938.2: USD 1 at December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively, and the resulting gain (loss) from foreign currency translation is included in non-operating revenues (expenses).

l. Discount on debenture

Discounts on debentures are amortized over the redemption period of the debentures using the effective interest rate method. Amortization of discounts is recognized as interest expense.

m. Provisions for Severance Indemnities

All employees with more than one year of service are entitled to receive a lump-sum payment upon termination of their employment with the Company, based on their length of service and rate of pay at the time of termination. The accrual for severance indemnities is computed as if all employees were to terminate at the balance sheet dates and amounted to (Won)44,365 million and (Won)53,994 million as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

 

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Changes in accrued severance indemnities for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2005     2006     2007  

Beginning of the year

   (Won) 37,517     (Won) 41,465     (Won) 44,365  

Severance payments

     (11,332 )     (12,198 )     (11,089 )

Provision

     15,754       15,925       21,734  

Other changes

     (474 )     (827 )     (1,016 )
                        

End of the year

   (Won) 41,465     (Won) 44,365     (Won) 53,994  
                        

n. Provisions

The Company recognizes a provision for a liability with uncertain timing or amount when (1) there is a present obligation of the Company arising from past events, (2) it is highly likely that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and (3) the amount for the settlement of the obligation can be reliably measurable.

o. Derivative Instruments

The Company records rights and obligations arising from derivative instruments in assets and liabilities, which are stated at fair value. Gains and losses that result from the changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are recognized in current earnings. However, for derivative instruments that cash flow hedge accounting applies to, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivatives instruments are recorded as gain (loss) on valuation of derivatives included in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

p. Share-based Payment

The Company’s share-based payment transactions are accounted for in accordance with SKAS No.22 “Share-based Payment” which is effective from fiscal year beginning on or after December 31, 2006. As allowed in the transition clause of SKAS No. 22, for employee stock options granted before January 1, 2007, the Company accounts for them in accordance with Interpretation No. 39-35 “Accounting for Stock Options”.

(i) Stock options

The Company has granted stock options to its executive officers and directors prior to January 1, 2007, and for equity-settled stock options, the Company records compensation expenses which are allocated over the period in which the options vest with the corresponding credit to the stock options of the capital adjustments. When the options are exercised with the issuance of new shares, the difference between the exercise price plus the stock option cost recorded in the capital adjustments account and the par value of the new shares issued, is recorded as additional paid-in capital. In the event the Company grants stock options based on cash-settled share-based payment, the Company records compensation expenses which are allocated over the period in which the options vest with the corresponding liability recorded.

When stock options are forfeited because the specified vesting requirements are not satisfied, previously recognized compensation costs are reversed to earnings and the corresponding capital adjustments or liabilities are reversed as well. When stock options expire unexercised, previously recognized compensation costs and corresponding capital adjustments are reversed to capital surplus.

 

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(ii) Other share-based payments

Other share-based payments granted on or after January 1, 2007 are measured as below:

For equity-settled share-based payment transactions, the Company measures the goods or services received, and the corresponding increase in equity (capital adjustments), directly, at the fair value of the goods or services received, unless that fair value cannot be estimated reliably. If the entity cannot estimate reliably the fair value of the goods or services received, the Company measures the value, and the corresponding increase in equity, indirectly, by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments granted.

For cash-settled share-based payment transactions, the Company measures the goods or services acquired and the liability incurred at the fair value of the liability. Until the liability is settled, the Company re-measures the fair value of the liability at each reporting date and at the date of settlement, with any changes in value recognized in profit or loss for the period.

For share-based payment transactions in which the terms of the arrangement provide either the Company or the supplier of goods or services with a choice of whether the Company settles the transaction in cash or by issuing equity instruments, the Company is required to account for that transaction, or the components of that transaction, as a cash-settled share-based payment transaction if, and to the extent that, the Company has incurred a liability to settle in cash (or other assets), or as an equity-settled share-based payment transaction if, and to the extent that, no such liability has been incurred.

q. Accounting for Leases

A lease is classified as a finance lease or an operating lease depending on the extent of transfer to the Company of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership. If a lease meets any one of the following criteria, it is accounted for as a finance lease:

 

   

The lease transfers ownership of the asset to the lessee by the end of the lease term;

 

   

The lessee has the option to purchase the asset at a bargain price and it is certain that the option will be exercised;

 

   

The lease term is for the major part (75% or more) of the economic life of the asset even if title is not transferred;

 

   

At the date of lease commencement the present value of the minimum lease payments amounts to at least substantially all (90% or more) of the fair value of the leased asset; or

 

   

The leased assets are of such a specialized nature that only the Company can use them without major modifications.

All other leases are treated as operating leases.

For operating leases, lease payments excluding guaranteed residual value are recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term and contingent rent is expensed as incurred. Finance leases are recognized as assets and liabilities at the lower of fair value of the leased property or the present value of the minimum lease payments discounted using the implicit interest rate of the lessor (or the Company’s incremental borrowing rate if the implicit interest rate is not practicable to determine). Any initial direct costs incurred by the Company are added to the amount recognized as an asset. The depreciation policy for depreciable leased assets is consistent with that for the similar depreciable assets that are owned by the Company. Annual minimum lease payments excluding guaranteed residual value is allocated to interest expense, which is calculated using the effective interest rate, and finance lease repayment amount. Contingent rent relating to finance are charged as expenses in the periods in which they are incurred, however, if the amount is material it is allocated to principal and interest, respectively, over the remaining lease term.

 

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r. Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenues are principally derived from sales of PCS handsets and PCS service revenues, which consist of non-refundable activation fees, fixed monthly access fees and usage charges. The Company recognizes sales on PCS handsets when these are delivered to the dealers, fixed monthly access fees in the period of service, and usage charges and non-refundable activation fees at the time services are rendered. Each revenue element sold by the Company has its own standalone value to the customer, objective and reliable evidence of fair value, and the delivery or performance of related undelivered item(s), if any, is considered probable and substantially in the control of the Company.

In addition, the Company provides handset subsidies, call bonus mileages and warranties on PCS handsets, none of which cause deferral of revenue as such items are accounted for separately as described in Note 2 and Note 16

The Company recognizes sales revenues on a gross basis when the Company is the primary obligor in the transactions with customers and if the Company merely acts as an agent for the buyer or seller from whom it earns a commission, then the sales revenues are recognized on a net basis.

s. Payment of a Handset Subsidy to Mobile Phone Users

According to the revised provisions of the Telecommunications Business Law (“TBL”), the Company is allowed to provide a one time handset subsidy to eligible mobile phone users within the next two years from March 27, 2006 to March 26, 2008. Pursuant to the TBL, the Company may establish its subsidy policy regarding the eligibility criteria and amount of payment. Consistent with the TBL, the Company provides a subsidy for mobile phone users who have subscribed to the Company’s service or any other mobile carriers for 18 consecutive months. Moreover, the Company has the right to discontinue the payment depending on marketing strategies, if necessary. However, the Company is required to report changes in the service agreement, should they take place, to the Ministry of Information and Communication within 30 days of the effective date.

t. Income Taxes

When the Company recognizes deferred income tax assets or liabilities for the temporary differences between the carrying amount of an asset and liability and tax base, a deferred income tax liability for taxable temporary difference is fully recognized except to the extent in accordance with income tax related SKAS while a deferred tax asset for deductible temporary difference is recognized to the extent that it is almost certain that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary difference can be utilized. Deferred income tax asset (liability) is classified as current or non-current asset (liability) depending on the classification of related asset (liability) in the balance sheet. Deferred income tax asset (liability) which does not relate to specific asset (liability) account in the balance sheet such as deferred income tax asset recognized for tax loss carry forwards is classified as current or non-current asset (liability) depending on the expected reversal period. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the same tax jurisdiction and in the same current or non-current classification are presented on a net basis. Current and deferred income tax expense are included in income tax expense in the statement of operations and additional income taxes or tax refunds for the prior periods are included in income tax expense for the current period when recognized. However, income taxes resulting from transactions or events, which were directly recognized in stockholders’ equity in current or prior periods, or business combinations are directly adjusted to equity account or goodwill (or negative goodwill).

u. Use of Estimates

The Company’s management uses reasonable estimates and assumptions in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally

 

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accepted in the Republic of Korea. The estimates and assumptions can change according to additional experiences, changes in circumstances, new information and other and may be different from actual results.

v. Elimination of Inter-Company Unrealized Gain/Loss

Unrealized gains and losses included in the inventories, property and equipment and other which were acquired by transactions amongst KTF and subsidiaries are fully eliminated using the gross margin ratio of the transactions and the gains and losses on disposal.

w. Translation of Overseas Subsidiaries’ Financial Statements

For overseas subsidiaries whose financial statements are prepared in foreign currencies, assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate at the consolidated balance sheet date and statement of income items are translated at the average exchange rate for the respective fiscal period. Net translation adjustments are recorded as gain (loss) on translation of foreign operations included in the accumulated other comprehensive income.

x. Changes in Consolidated Entities

For the year ended December 31, 2007, KTF M&S, Bluecord Technology, Doremi Media were newly acquired in 2007 and included in the consolidation.

In addition, when a subsidiary is acquired during the year, it is presented in the consolidated statements of income as though it had been acquired at the beginning of the year, and its earning (loss) prior to acquisition is separately presented as a deductive (additive) line item in the consolidated statements of income.

y. 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, 2007, have been translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of (Won)935.8 to USD 1, the noon buying rate in the City of New York for cable transfers in Korean won as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the last business day of the year ended December 31, 2007. The translation should not be construed as a representation that any or all of the amounts shown could be converted into U.S. dollars at this or any other rate.

z. Reclassifications of Prior Period Financial Statements

Certain reclassifications have been made in prior period financial statements to conform to classifications used in the current period. Such reclassifications did not have an effect on the net assets of the Company as of December 31, 2006, or net income of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006.

 

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3. RESTRICTED DEPOSITS

Details of restricted deposits as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

    

Financial institutions

   2006    2007   

Description

Short-term financial instruments

  

Korea Securities Financial Corp.

   (Won)
—  
   (Won)
277
  

Collateral for loan to employees

  

Shinhan Bank

     —        835    Collateral for borrowings
                   
        —        1,112   
                   

Short-term investment securities

  

Korea Post Office

    
—  
    
50
  

Collateral for buying PCS from Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Long-term financial instruments

  

Shinhan Bank and Others

    
20
    
22
  

Checking account deposit

                   

Total

   (Won) 20    (Won) 1,184   
                   

4. DISPOSAL OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE-TRADE

On December 19, 2003, the Company transferred PCS service accounts receivable-trade with a total balance of (Won)253,247 million as of October 31, 2003 to Shinhan Bank Trust. The Company received (Won)200,000 million of cash and (Won)53,247 million of beneficiary certificates as a result of transferring such PCS service accounts receivable-trade, for which the outstanding balance is revolved on a continuous basis through February 28, 2007 with Shinhan Bank Trust. In connection with revolving the outstanding balance of PCS service accounts receivable-trade, the Company recognized a “loss on disposal of accounts receivable-trade” of (Won)11,862 million, and (Won)10,881 million for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively. On December 21, 2006, call option on Asset Based Securitization (“ABS”) was exercised.

5. INVENTORIES

Inventory valuations as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2006     2007  
     Cost    Lower of
cost or
market value
   Valuation
allowance
    Cost    Lower of
cost or
market value
   Valuation
allowance
 

Merchandise

   (Won) 145,972    (Won) 117,922    (Won) (28,050 )   (Won) 164,173    (Won) 152,974    (Won) (11,199 )

Supply

     3,442      2,895      (547 )     1,170      520      (650 )

Raw material

     9,206      8,717      (489 )     8,785      8,642      (143 )

Other

     629      629      —         573      573      —    
                                            

Total

   (Won) 159,249    (Won) 130,163    (Won) (29,086 )   (Won) 174,701    (Won) 162,709    (Won) (11,992 )
                                            

6. SECURITIES

Securities as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

          2006    2007

Short-term investment securities

   Available-for-sale securities    (Won) 202,544    (Won) 3,861

Long-term investment securities

   Available-for-sale securities      29,882      27,553
   Held-to-maturity securities      —        60
                
        29,882      27,613

Total

   (Won) 232,426    (Won) 31,474
                

 

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Short-term investment securities

 

     2006
     Acquisition cost    Fair value    Unrealized gains

Beneficiary certificates

   (Won) 200,503    (Won) 202,005    (Won) 1,502

Debt securities

     539      539      —  
                    

Total

   (Won) 201,042    (Won) 202,544    (Won) 1,502
                    
     2007
     Acquisition cost    Fair value    Unrealized gains

Beneficiary certificates

   (Won) 503    (Won) 881    (Won) 378

Equity securities

     200      2,091      1,891

Debt securities

     889      889      —  
                    

Total

   (Won) 1,592    (Won) 3,861    (Won) 2,269
                    

Available-for-sale securities (long-term investment securities)

 

     2006  

Equity securities

   Percentage
of ownership
    Acquisition
cost
   Fair value or
net book
value
   Book value    Unrealized
gains (losses)(*1)
 

Listed equity securities:

             

Zakang Inc.

   0.04 %   (Won) 300    (Won) 13    (Won) 13    (Won) (287 )

GaeaSoft Corp.

   2.01 %     533      1,084      1,084      551  

KRTnet Corp.

   7.39 %     1,954      4,200      4,200      2,246  

Geotel Corp.

   7.83 %     262      2,970      2,970      2,707  

PT. Mobile-8 Telecom

   2.30 %     10,069      13,323      13,323      3,255  
                               

Sub total

       13,118      21,590      21,590      8,472  
                               

Non-listed equity securities:

             

Mondex Korea Co., Ltd.

   6.02 %     920      —        —        —    

Internet Metrix Inc.

   2.00 %     200      14      14      —    

Inews24. Co., Ltd.

   2.83 %     350      —        —        —    

The Radio News Co., Ltd.

   10.73 %     624      —        —        —    

Prime Venture Capital Co., Ltd.

   4.00 %     1,000      —        —        —    

NAZCA Entertainment Co., Ltd.

   7.13 %     500      130      46      —    

Toysoft Co., Ltd.

   8.78 %     500      32      28      —    

CXP, Inc.

   12.06 %     1,200      50      50      —    

IMM Investment Corp.

   1.09 %     500      283      210      —    

Vacom Wireless, Inc.

   16.77 %     1,880      641      641      —    

WIZcommunications Co., Ltd.

   10.91 %     290      291      290      —    

Intromobile Co., Ltd.

   8.00 %     200      437      200      —    

Korea Smart Card Co., Ltd.

   1.06 %     326      24      24      —    

Directmedia Co., Ltd.

   12.87 %     435      285      248      —    

Ncerti Co., Ltd.

   19.90 %     328      476      328      —    

Neighbor System, Inc.

   10.40 %     525      462      525      —    

Entaz Co., Ltd.

   10.14 %     1,000      702      1,000      —    

CEC Mobile Ltd.

   16.67 %     4,456      1,508      1,508      —    

Engineering Financial Corp.

   0.01 %     15      11      15      —    

MIC2001-4TG Venture

   5.00 %     350      677      350      —    

KTOA

   —         689      689      689      —    

Others

   —         1,622      1,663      1,097      —    
                               

Sub total

       17,910      8,375      7,263      —    
                               

Total

     (Won) 31,028    (Won) 29,965    (Won) 28,853    (Won) 8,472  
                               

 

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     2007  

Equity securities

   Percentage
of ownership
(%)
    Acquisition
cost
   Fair value or
net book
value
   Book value    Unrealized
gains (losses)(*1)
 

Listed equity securities:

             

Zakang Inc.

   0.04 %   (Won) 300    (Won) 5    (Won) 5    (Won) (295 )

GaeaSoft Corp.

   2.01 %     533      756      756      223  

KRTnet Corp.

   7.39 %     1,954      4,122      4,122      2,168  

Geotel Corp.

   7.83 %     1,143      4,323      4,323      3,180  

PT. Mobile-8 Telecom

   2.30 %     10,069      10,508      10,508      439  
                               

Sub total

       13,999      19,714      19,714      5,715  
                               

Non-listed equity securities(*2):

             

Mondex Korea Co., Ltd.

   6.02 %     920      —        —        —    

Internet Metrix Inc.

   2.00 %     200      25      14      —    

Inews24. Co., Ltd.

   2.83 %     350      27      —        —    

The Radio News Co., Ltd.

   10.73 %     624      —        —        —    

Prime Venture Capital Co., Ltd.

   2.67 %     1,000      194      —        —    

NAZCA Entertainment Co., Ltd.

   7.13 %     500      154      46      —    

Toysoft Co., Ltd

   8.78 %     500      29      28      —    

CXP, Inc.

   12.06 %     1,200      8      50      —    

IMM Investment Corp.

   1.09 %     500      233      210      —    

Vacom Wireless, Inc.

   16.77 %     1,880      1,122      641      —    

WIZcommunications Co., Ltd.

   10.91 %     290      430      290      —    

Korea Smart Card Co., Ltd.

   0.66 %     326      90      24      —    

Directmedia Co., Ltd.

   12.54 %     435      309      248      —    

Ncerti Co., Ltd.

   19.90 %     328      407      328      —    

Neighbor System, Inc.

   10.40 %     525      451      525      —    

Entaz Co., Ltd.

   10.14 %     1,000      828      1,000      —    

Luxpia Co., Ltd.

   5.96 %     1,000      1,000      1,000      —    

Paramount Music Co., Ltd.(*3)

   48.90 %     1,000      368      1,000      —    

CEC Mobile Ltd.(*4)

   16.67 %     4,456      —        —        —    

Engineering Financial Corp.

   0.01 %     15      32      15      —    

MIC2001-4TG Venture

   5.00 %     350      350      350      —    

KTOA

   —         689      689      689      —    

Others(*4)

   —         1,983      1,913      1,210      —    
                               

Sub total

       20,071      8,659      7,668      —    
                               

Total

     (Won) 34,070    (Won) 28,373    (Won) 27,382    (Won) 5,715  
                               

 

(*1) The amounts are not adjusted for the tax effects.

 

(*2) The fair value of these non-listed equity securities could not be measured reliably and these securities were recorded at acquisition cost.

 

(*3) Although the Company’s ownership in this company is more than 20%, the Company does not have significant influence over these companies through the participation in these companies’ various management decisions. As a result, the Company accounts for this investment as available-for-sale securities.

 

(*4) For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company recognized an impairment loss of (Won)1,557 million on non-listed equity securities of which the net equity value had declined compared to the acquisition cost and it is not expected to recover. The Company recognized a reversal of impairment loss of (Won)76 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 on non-listed equity securities of which the value of impaired securities subsequently recovered up to the previously recorded loss on impairment of long-term securities.

 

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Debt securities

  

Description

   2006
      Maturity    Fair
value
   Amortized
cost
   Unrealized
gains (losses)

Government and public bonds

   National and local governments    2008~2013    (Won) 1,029    (Won) 1,029    (Won) —  
                          

 

Debt securities

  

Description

   2007
      Maturity    Fair
value
   Amortized
cost
   Unrealized
gains (losses)

Government and public bonds

   National and local governments    2009~2013    (Won) 171    (Won) 171    (Won) —  
                          

 

Changes in unrealized gain (loss)

   2006     2007  

Balance at beginning of the year

   (Won) 8,632     (Won) 9,974  

Realized losses (gains) on disposal of securities, net

     (5,431 )     (1,922 )

Changes in unrealized gains (losses), net

     6,773       (68 )
                

Balance at end of the year before tax effects and minority interest

     9,974       7,984  

Less: tax effects

     (2,743 )     (2,196 )

Less: minority interest

     —         (71 )
                

Balance at end of the year after tax effects and minority interest

   (Won) 7,231     (Won) 5,717  
                

7. EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENT SECURITIES

Details of investments in securities accounted for using the equity method as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2006
     Percentage of
ownership
    Acquisition cost    Equity in net
asset value
    Book value

Korea Digital Satellite Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (“KDB”)

   2.12 %   (Won) 9,954    (Won) (228 )   (Won) —  

Harex Info Tech Inc.

   21.17 %     3,375      753       1,902

Korea IT Fund

   10.00 %     30,000      30,483       30,483

Korea Telecom Strategy Fund

   10.00 %     2,000      1,837       1,837

eNtoB Corp.

   3.13 %     500      673       673

Boston Film Fund

   39.02 %     8,000      8,014       8,014

Sidus FNH Corp.

   15.30 %     8,400      2,615       7,264

KTF-CJ Music Contents Investment Fund (Centurion Music 1)

   50.00 %     5,000      5,025       5,025

Sidus FNH-BENEX Cinema Fund1

   6.67 %     2,000      2,007       2,007
                       

Total

     (Won) 69,229    (Won) 51,179     (Won) 57,205
                       

 

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     2007
     Percentage of
ownership
    Acquisition cost    Equity in net
asset value
   Book value

Korea Digital Satellite Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (“KDB”)(*2)

   2.12 %   (Won) 9,954    (Won) —      (Won) —  

Harex Info Tech Inc.

   21.17 %     3,375      417      1,183

Korea IT Fund(*2)

   10.00 %     30,000      33,248      33,248

eNtoB Corp.(*2)(*4)

   3.13 %     500      755      755

Boston Film Fund(*3)(*4)

   39.02 %     8,000      7,149      7,149

Sidus FNH Corp.(*2)

   15.30 %     8,400      2,688      6,175

KTF-CJ Music Contents Investment Fund (Centurion Music 1)(*3)(*4)

   50.00 %     5,000      5,011      5,011

Sidus FNH-BENEX Cinema Fund1(*2)

   6.67 %     2,000      1,993      1,993

KTF-DoCoMo Mobile Investment Fund(*3)(*4)

   45.00 %     4,500      4,491      4,491

Dooristar Co., Ltd.(*1)(*4)

   49.00 %     1,500      230      112

Music City China Co., Ltd.(*1)(*4)

   100.00 %     144      —        —  

Doremi Music Publishing Co., Ltd.(*1)(*4)

   100.00 %     200      217      217

Music City Media Co., Ltd.(*1)(*4)

   94.55 %     1,040      527      —  

Oscar ent. Co., Ltd.(*1)(*4)

   49.00 %     650      417      417

Bluecord Corp.(*1)(*4)

   100.00 %     2,778      1,611      1,611

Parangoyangi Co., Ltd(*1)(*4)

   100.00 %     2,900      58      58
                      

Total

     (Won) 80,941    (Won) 58,812    (Won) 62,420
                      

 

(*1) Bluecord Technology is newly included in the consolidation in 2007 and its investment in Music City China Co., Ltd. and other six companies are accounted for using the equity method.

 

(*2) Although the Company’s ownership in these companies is less than 20%, the ownership percentages including KT’s ownership in these companies are over 20%. As a result, the Company accounts for these investments using the equity method.

 

(*3) The Company’s ownership in these companies is more than 30%. However, since KTF has no control over these companies, these investments are accounted for using the equity method.

 

(*4) These securities were accounted for using the equity method of accounting based on unaudited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007 as the audited financial statements on these companies could not be obtained by the Company’s year-end closing. In order to verify the reliability of such unaudited financial statements, the Company has performed the following procedures and found no significant exceptions:

 

  i) Obtain the unaudited financial statements signed by the investee’s chief executive officer and statutory auditor.

 

  ii) Identified whether the major transactions or accounting events, including those disclosed to public by the investee, which were acknowledged by the Company are properly reflected in the unaudited financial statements.

 

  iii) Identify the major accounting issues under discussion between the investee and its external auditors and the investee’s plan to resolve such issues.

 

  iv) Analyze the effect of potential difference between the unaudited and audited financial statements.

 

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Changes in carrying amount resulting from the equity method of accounting for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2006
     January 1,
2006
   Increase
(decrease)
in equity of
associates
    Equity in
income (loss)
    Others
increase
(decrease)
    December 31,
2006

Harex Info Tech Inc.

   (Won) 2,698    (Won) —       (Won) (796 )   (Won) —       (Won) 1,902

KTF Mhows

     2,508      —         —         (2,508 )     —  

Korea IT Fund

     30,857      —         (488 )     114       30,483

Korea Telecom Strategy Fund

     2,015      —         (195 )     17       1,837

eNtoB Corp.

     630      —         43       —         673

Boston Film Fund

     —        —         35       7,979       8,014

Sidus FNH Corp.

     8,400      —         (1,136 )     —         7,264

KTF-CJ Music Contents Investment Fund (Centurion Music 1)

     —        5,000       25       —         5,025

Sidus FNH-BENEX Cinema Fund1

     —        2,000       7       —         2,007
                                     

Total

   (Won) 47,108    (Won) 7,000     (Won) (2,505 )   (Won) 5,602     (Won) 57,205
                                     
     2007
     January 1,
2007
   Increase
(decrease)
in equity of
associates(*1)
    Equity in
income (loss)
    Others
increase
(decrease)(*2)
    December 31,
2007

Harex Info Tech Inc.

   (Won) 1,902    (Won) —       (Won) (719 )   (Won) —       (Won) 1,183

Korea IT Fund

     30,483      —         2,272       493       33,248

Korea Telecom Strategy Fund

     1,837      (1,837 )     —         —         —  

eNtoB Corp.

     673      —         82       —         755

Boston Film Fund

     8,014      —         (865 )     —         7,149

Sidus FNH Corp.

     7,264      —         (1,089 )     —         6,175

KTF-CJ Music Contents Investment Fund (Centurion Music 1)

     5,025      —         (14 )     —         5,011

Sidus FNH-BENEX Cinema Fund1

     2,007      —         (14 )     —         1,993

KTF-DoCoMo Mobile Investment Fund

     —        4,500       (9 )     —         4,491

Dooristar Co., Ltd.

     —        1,002       (314 )     (576 )     112

Music City China Co., Ltd.

     —        71       —         (71 )     —  

Doremi Music Publishing Co., Ltd.

     —        240       (23 )     —         217

Music City Media Co., Ltd.

     —        —         (527 )     527       —  

Oscar ent. Co., Ltd.

     —        636       35       (254 )     417

Bluecord Corp.

     —        2,369       (763 )     5       1,611

Parangoyangi Co., Ltd

     —        2,900       (513 )     (2,329 )     58
                                     

Total

   (Won) 57,205    (Won) 9,881     (Won) (2,461 )   (Won) (2,205 )   (Won) 62,420
                                     

 

(*1) Initial carrying amounts of Bluecord Technology’s equity method investment securities are included.

 

(*2) Others consist of equity in capital adjustment of affiliates and loss on impairment of equity method investment securities. Also, the Company recognized loss on impairment of equity method investment securities of (Won)3,238 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

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Changes in investment differences from equity method investment securities for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

    2006   2007  

Affiliate

  January 1,
2006
  Increase   Amortization     December 31,
2006
  January 1,
2007
  Increase
(decrease)
    Reversal
(amortization)
    Loss on
impairment
    December 31,
2007
 

Harex Info Tech

  (Won) 1,531   (Won)     —     (Won) (383 )   (Won) 1,148   (Won) 1,148   (Won) —       (Won) (382 )   (Won) —       (Won) 766  

Sidus FNH

    5,812     —       (1,162 )     4,650     4,650     —         (1,163 )     —         3,487  

Dooristar.

    —       —       —         —       —       783       (207 )     (576 )     —    

Doremi Music Publishing

    —       —       —         —       —       (32 )     9       —         (23 )

Oscar ent.

    —       —       —         —       —       339       (85 )     (254 )     —    

Parangoyangi

    —       —       —         —       —       2,541       (212 )     (2,329 )     —    
                                                               

Total

  (Won) 7,343   (Won) —     (Won) (1,545 )   (Won) 5,798   (Won) 5,798   (Won) 3,631     (Won) (2,040 )   (Won) (3,159 )   (Won) 4,230  
                                                               

Details of unrealized gains (losses) arising from intercompany transactions, which are eliminated, as of December 31, 2007 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

Company

  

Accounts

   January 1, 2007    Increase     Decrease     December 31, 2007  

Bluecord Corp.

   Land    (Won)     —      (Won) (167 )   (Won) —       (Won) (167 )
   Buildings      —        240       (4 )     236  
   Other      —        4       —         4  
                                  

Total

      (Won) —      (Won) 77     (Won) (4 )   (Won) 73  
                                  

The Company’s equity in net asset value of the investees not recognized due to the discontinuance of the equity method of accounting as of December 31, 2007 is as follows. (in millions of Korean won):

 

Company

   Changes in 2007    Changes
through 2006
    Balance at
December 31, 2007
 

KDB

   (Won) 527    (Won) (674 )   (Won) (147 )

Music City China Co., Ltd.

     613      (613 )     —    
                       

Total

   (Won) 1,140    (Won) (1,287 )   (Won) (147 )
                       

Condensed financial information of the investees in which investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007 is as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     Total assets    Total liabilities    Revenue    Net income (loss)  

KDB

   (Won) 513,708    (Won) 341,515    (Won) 387,393    (Won) 38,199  

Harex Info Tech Inc.

     3,544      1,573      5,626      (1,589 )

Korea IT Fund

     332,476      —        —        22,710  

eNtoB Corp.

     64,663      40,494      553,608      2,653  

Boston Film Fund

     18,832      513      1,319      (2,215 )

Sidus FNH Corp.

     27,439      9,868      22,603      478  

KTF-CJ Music Contents Investment Fund (Centurion Music 1)

     10,133      112      —        8  

Sidus FNH-BENEX Cinema Fund1

     30,043      151      1,150      (209 )

KTF-DoCoMo Mobile Investment Fund

     10,083      104      —        (20 )

Dooristar Co., Ltd.

     998      529      533      (218 )

Doremi Music Publishing Co., Ltd.

     251      14      179      (32 )

Music City Media Co., Ltd.

     556      1,114      1,322      92  

Oscar ent. Co., Ltd.

     1,129      278      1,606      250  

Bluecord Corp.

     5,003      3,323      1,685      (690 )

Parangoyangi Co., Ltd.

     856      798      2,789      (279 )

 

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8. LOAN TO EMPLOYEES

As of December 31, 2006 and 2007, the Company has provided loans to its employees for purchase of the Company’s stock with the balance of (Won)1,245 million ((Won)901 million in short-term loans and (Won)344 million in long-term loans) and (Won)637 million ((Won)419 million in short-term loans and (Won)218 million in long-term loans), respectively. Also, as of December 31, 2007, the Company has provided loans to its employees for their housing with the balance of (Won)100 million.

9. INSURANCE

As of December 31, 2006 and 2007, certain assets are insured with Hyundai Fire and Marine Insurance Co., Ltd. and other insurance companies as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

          2006    2007
    

Risk covered

   Book value    Coverage    Book value    Coverage

Land

   Property package    (Won) 42    (Won) 42    (Won) —      (Won) —  

Buildings

        231,895      347,641      252,427      257,609

Structures

        35,366      36,885      47,863      49,436

Machinery

        532,947      657,434      813,888      969,507

Equipment usage rights

        31      34      102,669      102,669

Inventories

   Theft and fire      —        —        8,000      6,500

Others

   Others      —        —        —        90
                              

Total

      (Won) 800,281    (Won) 1,042,036    (Won) 1,224,847    (Won) 1,385,811
                              

Also, as of December 31, 2007, the Company carries product liability insurance, comprehensive automobile insurance for its vehicles, industrial accident insurance for its employees and other.

10. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2006     2007  

Property and equipment, at cost

   (Won) 9,984,816     (Won) 10,888,850  

Less: accumulated depreciation

     (5,745,070 )     (6,615,427 )

Less: accumulated impairment loss

     (3,418 )     (6,478 )
                

Net

   (Won) 4,236,328     (Won) 4,266,945  
                

Changes in property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

    2006
    January 1,
2006
  Acquisition
cost
  Disposal     Depreciation     Others     December 31,
2006

Land

  (Won) 119,546   (Won) 60   (Won) (305 )   (Won) —       (Won) —       (Won) 119,301

Buildings

    276,570     333     (350 )     (10,826 )     4,399       270,126

Structures

    74,086     29     (1,174 )     (3,642 )     2,800       72,099

Machinery

    3,379,962     33,701     (53,767 )     (916,236 )     1,047,370       3,491,030

Vehicles

    2,774     11     (68 )     (1,313 )     420       1,824

Others

    217,964     16,111     (1,595 )     (113,504 )     68,105       187,081

Construction-in-progress

    40,577     1,182,237     (902 )     —         (1,127,045 )     94,867
                                         

Total

  (Won) 4,111,479   (Won) 1,232,482   (Won) (58,161 )   (Won) (1,045,521 )   (Won) (3,951 )   (Won) 4,236,328
                                         

 

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     2007
     January 1,
2007
   Acquisition
cost
   Disposal     Depreciation     Others(*)     December 31,
2007

Land

   (Won) 119,301    (Won) —      (Won) (231 )   (Won) —       (Won) 2,771     (Won) 121,841

Buildings

     270,126      220      (243 )     (11,100 )     8,457       267,460

Structures

     72,099      37      (1,073 )     (3,832 )     7,522       74,753

Machinery

     3,491,030      21,641      (43,087 )     (931,048 )     962,441       3,500,977

Vehicles

     1,824      127      (121 )     (1,101 )     2,354       3,083

Others

     187,081      12,188      (1,195 )     (104,553 )     122,106       215,627

Construction-in-progress

     94,867      1,092,775      —         —         (1,104,438 )     83,204
                                            

Total

   (Won) 4,236,328    (Won) 1,126,988    (Won) (45,950 )   (Won) (1,051,634 )   (Won) 1,213     (Won) 4,266,945
                                            

 

(*) Others include increase due to changes in consolidated entities. KTFT recognized loss on impairment of property and equipment of (Won)1,011 million, (Won)1,133 million and (Won)3,059 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

11. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Changes in intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2006  
           Increase    Decrease       
     January 1,
2006
    Acquisition    Other    Amortization
(Reversal)
    Other    December 31,
2006
 

Intellectual property rights

   (Won) 2,363     (Won) 1,718    (Won) —      (Won) 585     (Won) —      (Won) 3,496  

Facility usage rights

     7,786       1,310      —        1,456       43      7,597  

Frequency usage rights

     1,021,374       —        —        93,528       —        927,846  

Development costs

     16,198       25,946      691      24,101       9,047      9,687  

Other

     16,251       12,240      —        8,594       164      19,733  

Negative goodwill

     (1,295 )     —        —        (648 )     —        (647 )
                                             

Total

   (Won) 1,062,677     (Won) 41,214    (Won) 691    (Won) 127,616     (Won) 9,254    (Won) 967,712  
                                             

 

     2007
           Increase    Decrease     
     January 1,
2007
    Acquisition    Other(*1)    Amortization
(Reversal)
    Other(*2)    December 31,
2007

Intellectual property rights

   (Won) 3,496     (Won) 1,799    (Won) 8    (Won) 761     (Won) —      (Won) 4,542

Facility usage rights

     7,597       3,783      —        1,896       26      9,458

Frequency usage rights

     927,846       —        —        93,527       —        834,319

Development costs

     9,687       1,436      1,732      11,127       391      1,337

Other

     19,733       24,996      18,350      13,725       4,093      45,261

Negative goodwill

     (647 )     —        —        (647 )     —        —  
                                           

Total

   (Won) 967,712     (Won) 32,014    (Won) 20,090    (Won) 120,389     (Won) 4,510    (Won) 894,917
                                           

 

(*1) Other includes initial carrying amounts of Bluecord Technology and Doremi media’s goodwill.

 

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(*2) Loss on impairment of intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007 are included as follow (in millions of Korean won):

 

Subsidiary

  

Description

   2006    2007

KTFT

   Development costs    (Won) 9,047    (Won) —  

Bluecord Technology

   Goodwill      —        3,477

Bluecord Technology

   Other      —        21

Doremi media

   Other      —        200
                

Total

      (Won) 9,047    (Won) 3,698
                

Ordinary development costs of (Won)9,652, (Won)7,303 million and (Won)31,068 million were charged to expense for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

 

(*3) On December 15, 2000, KT ICOM acquired the license to provide third generation mobile services utilizing 2GHz frequency band (“IMT-2000 service”) with W-CDMA technology. KT ICOM paid (Won)650 billion of the total license fee of (Won)1,300 billion on March 20, 2001 and the remaining balance was required to be paid including interest for the period from 2007 to 2011. On December 4, 2001, MIC granted the license to KT ICOM and assigned the related frequency band, giving KT ICOM the right to provide IMT-2000 services using W-CDMA technology for 15 years from that date.

On March 6, 2003, KT ICOM was merged into KTF, and the Company started to provide IMT-2000 service on December 28, 2003.

12. PRESENT VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Assets and liabilities measured at present value as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2006

Accounts

   Discount
rate
    Collection
period
   Nominal
value
   Present
value
   Discount

Accounts receivable-trade

   5.37 %   2007    (Won) 292,498    (Won) 288,344    (Won) 4,154

Current portion of long-term accounts payable-other

   9.93 %   2007      90,000      89,116      884

Long-term accounts receivable-trade

   5.37 %   2008~2009      58,487      53,801      4,686

Long-term accounts payable-other

   9.93 %   2008~2011      560,000      493,877      66,123

 

     2007

Accounts

   Discount
rate
    Collection
period
   Nominal
value
   Present
value
   Discount

Accounts receivable-trade

   5.43 %   2008    (Won) 218,491    (Won) 214,600    (Won) 3,891

Current portion of long-term accounts payable-other

   9.93 %   2008      110,000      108,920      1,080

Long-term accounts receivable-trade

   5.43 %   2009~2010      46,659      42,512      4,147

Long-term accounts payable-other

   9.93 %   2009~2011      450,000      406,288      43,712

Long-term borrowings

   7.35 %   2008~2015      4,864      3,734      1,130

 

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13. BORROWINGS

a. Short-term Borrowings

Short-term borrowings as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 are summarized as follows (in thousands of foreign currencies and millions of Korean won):

 

    

Financial institutions

   Interest rate
per annum
  2006     2007  

General loans

  

Shinhan Bank and

   7.14~11.5%   (Won) —       (Won) 2,575  
  

others

      

General loans(*)

   Woori Bank    7,87~8.12%     —         3,500  

Discounted promissory notes

  

Shinhan Bank and

   4.45~5.38%     28,687       8,300  
  

others

      

Usance letter of credit

  

Woori Bank and

   LIBOR+0.5%     17,910       9,290  
  

others

      
        USD (19,267 )   USD (9,902 )
      LIBOR+0.5%     1,897       2,228  
        JPY (242,694 )   JPY (267,296 )
      LIBOR+0.5%     1,544       —    
        EUR (1,263 )     —    

Other

   Korea Exchange Bank    4.85%     10,000       10,000  
                     

Total

        (Won) 60,038     (Won) 35,893  
                     

 

(*) Real estates and fire insurances for construction are pledged as collateral with a pledged amount of (Won)5,700 million as of December 31, 2007.

b. Long-term Borrowings

Long-term borrowings as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

    

Financial institutions

   Interest rate
per annum
    2006     2007  

Working capital loans

   Woori Bank    5.80 %   (Won) 10,000     (Won) —    
   Shinhan Bank    6.15 %     10,000       10,000  
   Hana Bank    6.13 %     10,000       10,000  

Facility capital loans

   Shinhan Bank    4.50 %     —         797  
   Shinhan Bank    7.60 %     —         695  

Working capital loans

  

Korea Credit Guarantee Fund(*)

   7.35 %     —         4,864  
                     

Total

          30,000       26,356  

Less: current portion

          (10,000 )     (10,608 )
                     

Long-term portion

          20,000       15,748  

Less: discount

          —         (1,130 )
                     

Net

        (Won) 20,000     (Won) 14,618  
                     

 

(*) The Company recognized a gain on restructuring of debts of (Won)2,763 million and real estates are pledged as collateral with a pledged amount of (Won)10,000 million as of December 31, 2007.

 

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c. Repayment Schedule of Long-term Borrowings

Repayment schedule of the Company’s long-term borrowings as of December 31, 2007 is as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

Year ending December 31,

   Amount

              2008

   (Won) 10,608

              2009

     10,608

              2010

     1,303

              2011

     608

              2012

     1,405

         Thereafter

     1,824
      

              Total

   (Won) 26,356
      

14. DEBENTURES

Debentures as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

Type

   Issue date    Maturity    Interest rate
per annum
  2006     2007  

42nd

   11/14/2002    11/14/2007    5.94%   (Won) 200,000     (Won) —    

44th

   2/19/2004    2/19/2009    5.66%     360,000       360,000  

45th

   3/15/2004    3/15/2008    5.24%     320,000       320,000  

46th

   5/10/2004    5/10/2007    4.61%     300,000       —    

47-1st

   7/12/2004    7/12/2009    4.95%     230,000       230,000  

47-2nd

   7/12/2004    7/12/2011    5.32%     70,000       70,000  

48th

   2/15/2005    2/15/2010    5.31%     200,000       200,000  

2nd private bonds with warrant

   9/2/2005    9/2/2008    7.11%     —         2,100  
                        

Total

             1,680,000       1,182,100  

Less: current portion

             (500,000 )     (322,100 )
                        

Long-term portion

             1,180,000       860,000  

Less: discount

             (1,841 )     (963 )
                        

Net

           (Won) 1,178,159     (Won) 859,037  
                        

(*) Details of bonds with warrants are as follows:

 

Issued amount (in Korean won)

   :    (Won)3,000 million

Stated interest rate

   :    7.11%

Exercise price (in Korean won)

   :    (Won)4,518 per share

Exercise period

   :    September 3, 2006 ~ August 2, 2008

Number of total exercisable shares

   :    664,010

Exercised shares

   :    —  

Unexercised shares

   :    664,010

Others

   :    Subject to request by the holders, certain portion of the bonds are early redeemable before maturity; up to 10% of issued amount at one year after 1st anniversary of issuance and 20% of issued amount at the interest payment date after 2nd anniversary of issuance. (Won)900 million of the issued amount was early redeemed through December 31, 2007.

 

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Repayment schedule of the Company’s debentures as of December 31, 2007 is as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

Year ending December 31,

   Amount

              2008

   (Won) 322,100

              2009

     590,000

              2010

     200,000

              2011

     70,000
      

              Total

   (Won) 1,182,100
      

15. LONG-TERM ACCOUNTS PAYABLE-OTHER

Long-term accounts payable-other is related to the purchase of frequency usage right and required to be paid including applicable interest from 2008 to 2011. Long-term accounts payable-other as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 are stated at the net present value of future cash flows, calculated using the effective interest rate (9.93%) at the time of receipt of frequency usage license as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2006     2007  

Long-term accounts payable-other

   (Won) 650,000     (Won) 560,000  

Less: current portion

     (90,000 )     (110,000 )

Less: discount

     (66,123 )     (43,712 )
                

Net

   (Won) 493,877     (Won) 406,288  
                

The maturities of the Company’s long-term accounts payable-other as of December 31, 2007 are as follow (in millions of Korean won):

 

Year ending December 31,

   Amount

              2008

   (Won) 110,000

              2009

     130,000

              2010

     150,000

              2011

     170,000
      

              Total

   (Won) 560,000
      

16. ACCRUED PROVISIONS

The Company has accounted for the call bonus mileage and warranty, which the Company is obliged to pay to its customers, as accrued provisions. Warranties related to sales of handset are provided for one year and are recorded as liability based on the management’s estimate according to the historical experience.

Changes in accrued provisions for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007 are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2006     2007  
     Call bonus     Warranty     Total     Call bonus     Warranty     Others     Total  

Beginning of the year

   (Won) 18,896     (Won) 2,835     (Won) 21,731     (Won) 16,265     (Won) 3,505     (Won) —       (Won) 19,770  

Provision

     297       6,999       7,296       —         10,549       26       10,575  

Payment

     (2,928 )     (6,329 )     (9,257 )     (7,885 )     (8,642 )     —         (16,527 )
                                                        

Total

     16,265       3,505       19,770       8,380       5,412       26       13,818  

Less: current portion

     (6,800 )     (3,505 )     (10,305 )     (4,332 )     (5,412 )     (26 )     (9,770 )
                                                        

Net

   (Won) 9,465       —       (Won) 9,465     (Won) 4,048       —         —       (Won) 4,048  
                                                        

 

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Call bonus mileages provided by the Company expires in 5 years from the date when call bonus mileages are earned. The Company expects its call bonus mileages to be used as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

Year ending December 31,

   Nominal amount    Present value

              2008

   (Won) 4,467    (Won) 4,332

              2009

     2,350      2,159

              2010

     1,239      1,078

              2011

     656      540

              2012

     348      271
             

              Total

   (Won) 9,060    (Won) 8,380
             

17. COMMON STOCK AND CAPITAL SURPLUS

a. Common Stocks

As of December 31, 2007, the Company’s number of shares authorized are 400,000,000 shares with par value of (Won)5,000 per share.

As of December 31, 2006 and 2007, the numbers of shares issued by the Company are 195,701,091 shares and 192,722,091 shares, respectively, and the common stock amounted to 1,044,181 million. As allowed by the Korean Securities Exchange Law, the Company retired 2,979,000 treasury stocks through December 31, 2007 by charges against retained earnings. Therefore, the common stock amount differs from the amount resulting from multiplying the number of shares issued by (Won)5,000 par value of common stock.

b. Treasury Stocks

Changes in treasury stocks for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007 are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2006    2007

Accounts

   Number of
shares
   Amount    Number of
shares
   Amount

Beginning of the year

   61,247    (Won) 2,076    61,273    (Won) 2,077

Acquisition

   5,507,026      164,885    2,979,061      94,072

Retirement

   5,507,000      164,884    2,979,000      94,071
                       

End of the year

   61,273    (Won) 2,077    61,334    (Won) 2,078
                       

18. RETAINED EARNINGS

Retained earnings appropriated to the legal reserve cannot be used as cash dividends under the applicable laws and regulations. The Korean Commercial Code requires the Company to appropriate an amount equal to at least 10% of the cash dividend amount to a legal reserve 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 capital.

In accordance with the relevant tax laws, the Company is allowed to appropriate a reserve for technology and human resource development to recognize certain tax deductible benefits through the early recognition of future expenditures for tax purposes. This reserve used for its original purpose and the remaining balance after use are restored to retained earnings and may be used for dividends in accordance with the relevant tax laws.

 

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19. DIVIDENDS

Details of KTF’s dividends for common stocks for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007 are as follows (in Korean won except for share data):

 

     2006     2007

Dividends of per share (dividend ratio)

   (Won) 600(12% )   (Won) —  

Number of shares outstanding

     195,639,818       192,660,757
              

Dividends

   (Won) 117,383,890,800     (Won) —  
              

20. STOCK OPTION

The Company entered into stock option agreements with its chief executive officer and senior managers. The stock option will be vested after two or three years from the date of grant and can be exercised for five years from the date when they are vested. Upon the exercise of stock options, the Company will issue its common stocks or provide treasury stocks.

Principal assumptions made in relation to estimation of compensation expense for the stock options are as follows:

 

    1st     2nd     3rd     4th  

Grant date

    2001.03.29       2002.03.25       2003.09.08       2005.03.04  

Grantee

    Former CEO       Senior managers       CEO,       Senior managers  
        Senior managers    

Number of shares

    18,000       44,800       629,500       128,800  

Exercise price per share
(in Korean won)

  (Won) 41,273     (Won) 45,178     (Won) 30,000     (Won) 30,700  

Type

    Equity settled       Equity settled       Equity settled       Equity settled  

Exercise period

   

 

2004.3.30~

2009.3.29

 

 

   

 

2005.3.26~

2010.3.25

 

 

   

 

2005.9.9~

2010.9.8

 

 

   

 

2007.3.5~

2012.3.4

 

 

Risk free interest rate

    ( *)     6.44 %     4.31 %     4.18 %

Expected duration (year)

    ( *)     3.0       3.0       3.0  

Expected volatility

    ( *)     97.05 %     63.14 %     37.33 %

Fair value per option
(in Korean won)

    ( *)     30,565       8,812       4,715  

Total compensation expense
(in millions of Korean won)

    ( *)   (Won) 874     (Won) 2,695     (Won) 519  

 

(*) 1st stock option was all expired without exercise.

Changes in stock options for the year ended December 31, 2007 are as follows:

 

     1st     2nd     3rd     4th     Total  

Outstanding at beginning of the period

   18,000     44,800     629,500     128,800     821,100  

Cancelled

   —       —       (308,587 )   —       (308,587 )

Forfeited or expired

   (18,000 )   (16,200 )   —       —       (34,200 )

Performance condition adjustment

   —       —       (15,159 )   (18,683 )   (33,842 )

Exercised

   —       —       —       —       —    
                              

Outstanding and exercisable at end of the period

   —       28,600     305,754     110,117     444,471  
                              

 

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The Company values stock options granted based on the fair value method. Total compensation expense of (Won)4,088 million is allocated over the vesting period and the compensation expense charged to operations for the year ended December 31, 2007 are (Won)43 million. As of December 31, 2007, approximately 19,299,709 shares of common stocks have been reserved for issuance under the stock option plan.

21. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007 is as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

Description

   2006    2007  

Net income

   (Won) 412,808    (Won) 250,482  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

     

Gain on translation of foreign operations (Tax effect: nil in 2006 and 2007)

     1      —    

Loss on translation of foreign operations (Tax effect: nil in 2006 and 2007)

     —        (16 )

Unrealized gain (loss) on valuation of available-for-sale securities
(Tax effect: (Won)369 million in 2006 and (Won)(574) million in 2007)

     973      (1,531 )

Increase in equity of associates (Tax effect: nil in 2006 and 2007)

     —        579  

Decrease in equity of associates (Tax effect: nil in 2006 and 2007)

     43      —    
               

Comprehensive income

   (Won) 413,825    (Won) 249,514  
               

Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent

   (Won) 413,018    (Won) 248,068  

Minority interest

     807      1,446  
               

Total

   (Won) 413,825    (Won) 249,514  
               

22. OPERATING REVENUES AND EXPENSES

Operating revenues for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006, and 2007 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2005    2006    2007

PCS Service

   (Won) 5,108,349    (Won) 5,339,781    (Won) 5,708,930

Sales of PCS handsets

     1,044,463      1,287,939      1,617,853
                    
   (Won) 6,152,812    (Won) 6,627,720    (Won) 7,326,783
                    

 

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Operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2005    2006    2007

Cost of merchandise

   (Won) 1,000,824    (Won) 1,174,261    (Won) 1,101,659

Salaries and wages

     180,242      176,922      195,630

Provision for severance indemnities

     14,968      14,858      19,693

Employee welfare

     31,308      35,119      35,524

Rent

     114,971      135,828      159,577

Lease

     61,307      32,601      1,172

Commissions

     414,632      471,363      477,245

Depreciation

     1,043,022      1,041,066      1,044,563

Amortization

     116,947      126,465      117,839

Tax and dues

     44,363      55,319      38,682

Interconnection charges

     603,160      679,462      724,237

Leased line charges

     360,655      356,129      386,542

Ordinary development costs

     9,652      7,303      31,068

Sales promotion

     162,040      330,687      539,381

Sales commissions

     721,154      812,095      1,184,890

Advertisements

     114,711      121,186      136,197

Bad debt expense

     54,375      89,240      47,346

Water and electricity

     54,900      62,230      75,861

Communications

     30,485      27,429      29,533

Repairs and maintenance

     74,340      78,723      72,906

Other

     84,689      96,395      482,169
                    

Total

   (Won) 5,292,745    (Won) 5,924,681    (Won) 6,901,714
                    

23. INCOME TAX EXPENSE

Components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2005     2006    2007  

Current income tax expense (including additional income taxes and tax refunds)

   (Won) 78,819     (Won) 102,497    (Won) 76,474  

Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities related to temporary differences (including tax loss and credits carryforwards)(*)

     (24,974 )     13,052      (39,055 )
                       

Income tax expense

   (Won) 53,845     (Won) 115,549    (Won) 37,419  
                       

 

(*) Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2006     2007  

Beginning balance from temporary difference

   (Won) 98,899     (Won) 78,803  

Ending balance from temporary difference

     (82,224 )     (115,135 )

Beginning balance from tax credit carryforwards

     65,031       68,285  

Ending balance from tax credit carryforwards

     (68,285 )     (71,555 )

Directly added to (deducted from) equity

     (369 )     547  
                

Changes in deferred income tax assets

   (Won) 13,052     (Won) (39,055 )
                

 

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An explanation of the relationship between income tax expense and accounting income before income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 is as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2005     2006     2007  

Ordinary income before income tax expense

   (Won) 602,132     (Won) 528,357     (Won) 275,081  
                        

Income tax expense at statutory income tax rate (14.3% of taxable income less than (Won)100 million and 27.5% of taxable income exceeding (Won)100 million)

     165,586       146,165       82,335  

Differences (Note)

     (111,741 )     (30,616 )     (44,916 )
                        

Income tax expense

   (Won) 53,845     (Won) 115,549     (Won) 37,419  
                        

Effective tax rates

     9.3 %     21.9 %     13.6 %
                        

(Note) Differences:

      

Non-temporary difference

   (Won) (27,026 )   (Won) 11,800     (Won) 1,568  

Changes in deferred income tax assets (liabilities) unrecognized related to equity method investment securities

     2,539       930       6,062  

Tax credit carryforwards

     (83,497 )     (43,394 )     (36,355 )

Other tax credits

     —         (1,826 )     (4,798 )

Additional income tax and tax refund for prior periods

     (2,665 )     14,873       1,214  

Other

     (1,092 )     (12,999 )     (12,607 )
                        
   (Won) (111,741 )   (Won) (30,616 )   (Won) (44,916 )
                        

 

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Changes in temporary differences, including tax loss and credits carryforwards, and deferred income tax assets (liabilities) for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007 are as follows (in millions of won):

 

    2006  
    January 1,
2006
    Final tax
return
amount(*1)
    Increase     Decrease     December 31,
2006
    Deferred income tax
asset (liabilities)
 
              Current     Non-
current
 

(Deductible temporary differences)

             

Inventories

  (Won) 27,996     (Won) 27,996     (Won) 29,128     (Won) 27,996     (Won) 29,128     (Won) 29,128     (Won) —    

Allowance for doubtful accounts

    101,881       104,889       131,354       104,851       131,392       131,392       —    

Provision for severance indemnities

    26,060       25,746       2,233       —         27,979       —         27,979  

Accrued expense

    92,032       92,032       69,258       92,032       69,258       69,258       —    

Account payable—other

    7,271       7,271       6,345       7,262       6,354       6,347       7  

Loss on impairment of long-term investment securities

    76,179       76,139       586       65,973       10,752       —         10,752  

Available-for-sale securities

    —         —         287       —         287       —         287  

Reserve for liabilities

    21,731       21,731       19,769       21,731       19,769       10,304       9,465  

Equity method investment securities

    9,218       4,369       3,723       3,849       4,243       —         4,243  

Donation

    4,200       4,200       3,600       4,200       3,600       3,600       —    

Amortization

    1,754       1,754       1,123       349       2,528       —         2,528  

Development costs

    5,438       5,438       6,309       5,438       6,309       —         6,309  

Depreciation

    5,884       5,884       5,626       1,210       10,300       —         10,300  

Derivatives

    3,690       3,690       216       3,690       216       216       —    

Other

    4,811       7,806       3,039       5,571       5,274       880       4,394  
                                                       

Sub total

    388,145     (Won) 388,945     (Won) 282,596     (Won) 344,152       327,389       251,125       76,264  
                               

Not recognized as deferred income tax assets(*2)

    9,298             8,998       —         8,998  
                                     

Recognized as deferred income tax assets

    378,847             318,391       251,125       67,266  

Tax rate(*3)

    27.5 %           27.5 %    
                                     

Deferred income tax assets

    104,183             87,557       69,059       18,498  
                                     

(Tax credit carryforwards)

             

Total tax credit

    111,238             101,695       49,641       52,054  

Not recognized as deferred income tax assets

    30,628             16,905       —         16,905  
                                     

Recognized as deferred income tax assets

    80,610             84,790       49,641       35,149  
                                     

Deferred income tax assets

    65,032             68,286       40,114       28,171  
                                     

(Taxable temporary differences)

             

Accrued revenue

    (755 )   (Won) (756 )   (Won) (2,931 )   (Won) (756 )     (2,931 )     (2,931 )     —    

Available-for-sale securities

    (8,632 )     (6,249 )     (10,151 )     (6,179 )     (10,221 )     —         (10,221 )

Derivatives

    —         —         (1,494 )     —         (1,494 )     (1,494 )     —    

Deposit for severance indemnity

    (1,610 )     (1,557 )     (984 )     (289 )     (2,252 )     —         (2,252 )

Short term investment securities

    (97 )     (97 )     —         (97 )     —         —         —    

Depreciation

    (8,015 )     (8,015 )     —         (1,781 )     (6,234 )     —         (6,234 )

Other

    (171 )     (735 )     (198 )     (735 )     (198 )     —         (198 )
                                                       

Sub total

    (19,280 )   (Won) (17,409 )   (Won) (15,758 )   (Won) (9,837 )     (23,330 )     (4,425 )     (18,905 )
                               

Not recognized as deferred income tax liabilities(*2)

    (66 )           (3,937 )     —         (3,937 )
                                     

Recognized as deferred income tax liabilities

    (19,214 )           (19,393 )     (4,425 )     (14,968 )

Tax rate(*3)

    27.5 %           27.5 %    
                                     

Deferred income tax liabilities

    (5,284 )           (5,333 )     (1,217 )     (4,116 )
                                     

Deferred income tax assets, net

  (Won) 163,931           (Won) 150,510     (Won) 107,956     (Won) 42,553  
                                     

 

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    2007  
    January 1,
2007
    Final tax
return
amount(*1)
    Increase     Decrease     December 31,
2007
    Deferred income tax
asset (liabilities)
 
            Current     Non-
current
 

(Deductible temporary differences)

             

Inventories

  (Won) 29,128     (Won) 29,128     (Won) 48,800     (Won) 29,877     (Won) 48,051     (Won) 48,051     (Won) —    

Allowance for doubtful accounts

    131,392       131,392       197,187       142,660       185,919       185,919       —    

Provision for severance indemnities

    27,979       27,979       11,995       55       39,919       —         39,919  

Accrued expense

    69,258       69,258       123,594       69,258       123,594       123,594       —    

Account payable—other

    6,354       6,345       13,437       6,622       13,160       12,784       376  

Loss on impairment of long-term investment securities

    10,752       10,753       1,791       —         12,544       —         12,544  

Available-for-sale securities

    287       287       1,854       —         2,141       —         2,141  

Reserve for liabilities

    19,769       19,769       16,332       19,769       16,332       9,770       6,562  

Equity method investment securities

    4,243       3,134       31,373       3,378       31,129       —         31,129  

Donation

    3,600       3,600       50       3,600       50       50       —    

Amortization

    2,528       2,529       1,173       727       2,975       —         2,975  

Development costs

    6,309       6,309       (781 )     5,084       444       —         444  

Depreciation

    10,300       10,301       8,423       2,870       15,854       —         15,854  

Derivatives

    216       216       —         216       —         —         —    

Other

    5,274       4,933       39,416       900       43,449       236       43,213  
                                                       

Sub total

    327,389     (Won) 325,933     (Won) 494,644     (Won) 285,016       535,561       380,404       155,157  
                               

Not recognized as deferred income tax assets(*2)

    8,998             86,607       14,458       72,149  
                                     

Recognized as deferred income tax assets

    318,391             448,954       365,946       83,008  

Tax rate(*3)

    27.5 %           27.5 %    
                                     

Deferred income tax assets

    87,557             123,462       100,635       22,827  
                                     

(Tax credit carryforwards)

             

Total tax credit

    101,695             114,697       43,750       70,947  

Not recognized as deferred income tax assets

    16,905             22,991       —         22,991  
                                     

Recognized as deferred income tax assets

    84,790             91,706       43,750       47,956  
                                     

Deferred income tax assets

    68,286             71,555       35,000       36,555  
                                     

(Taxable temporary differences)

             

Accrued revenue

    (2,931 )   (Won) (3,265 )   (Won) (1,225 )   (Won) (3,431 )     (1,059 )     (868 )     (191 )

Available-for-sale securities

    (10,221 )     (7,608 )     (724 )     (203 )     (8,129 )     (227 )     (7,902 )

Derivatives

    (1,494 )     (1,494 )     —         477       (1,971 )     —         (1,971 )

Deposit for severance indemnity

    (2,253 )     (2,253 )     (838 )     (569 )     (2,522 )     —         (2,522 )

Short term investment securities

    —         —         (37 )     (37 )     —         —         —    

Depreciation

    (6,234 )     (6,234 )     —         (1,778 )     (4,456 )     —         (4,456 )

Other

    (197 )     (768 )     (898 )     (1,009 )     (657 )     —         (657 )
                                                       

Sub total

    (23,330 )   (Won) (21,622 )   (Won) (3,722 )   (Won) (6,550 )     (18,794 )     (1,095 )     (17,699 )
                               

Not recognized as deferred income tax liabilities(*2)

    (3,937 )           (956 )     (107 )     (849 )
                                     

Recognized as deferred income tax liabilities

    (19,393 )           (17,838 )     (988 )     (16,850 )

Tax rate(*3)

    27.5 %           27.5 %    
                                     

Deferred income tax liabilities

    (5,333 )           (4,905 )     (272 )     (4,634 )
                                     

Deferred income tax assets, net

  (Won) 150,510           (Won) 190,112     (Won) 135,363     (Won) 54,748  
                                     

 

(*1) Tax effects from true-up for prior year tax return arising from temporary difference and non-temporary differences were adjusted in deferred income tax assets and current earnings, respectively.

 

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(*2) The Company did not recognize deferred income tax assets related to the tax effects of deductible temporary differences from equity in losses of affiliates since it was not almost certain that the Company would be able to realize the related tax benefits in the foreseeable future. The Company also did not recognize deferred income tax liabilities representing the tax effect of taxable temporary differences from equity method investees, since it is almost certain that the differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future given that the Company is able to control the timing of reversal of the temporary difference and the investees have not declared dividends in the past 5 years.

 

(*3) Tax rate is the enacted marginal tax rate which is expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred income tax liability or asset is expected to be settled or realized.

Deferred income tax assets (liabilities) and income tax benefit (expense) added to (deducted from) equity as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2006
     Total    Income tax
expense
   Deferred income tax
assets (liabilities)
    Net of tax

Gain on valuation of available-for-sale securities

   (Won) 9,974    —      (Won) (2,743 )   (Won) 7,231
                          

 

     2007
     Total    Income tax
expense
   Deferred income tax
assets (liabilities)
    Net of tax

Gain on valuation of available-for-sale securities

   (Won) 7,886    —      (Won) (2,169 )   (Won) 5,717
                          

24. INCOME PER SHARE

The Company’s net income per share for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 is computed as follows (in millions of Korean won, except for per share data):

 

     2005    2006    2007

Net income

   (Won) 547,297    (Won) 412,001    (Won) 249,019

Weighted average number of common stock outstanding

     181,629,486      201,086,493      194,948,875
                    

Basic and diluted net income per share (in Korean won)

   (Won) 3,013    (Won) 2,049    (Won) 1,277
                    

Potential common stocks as of December 31, 2007 are as follows:

 

    

Exercisable Period

   Common stock to be issued

2nd stock option

   March 25, 2005 ~ March 24, 2010    28,600

3rd stock option

   September 9, 2005 ~ September 8, 2010    305,754

4th stock option

   March 5, 2007 ~ March 4, 2012    110,117
       

Total

      444,471
       

Stock options have no dilutive effect and are excluded from the calculation of diluted income per share.

 

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25. ASSETS AND LIABILITIES DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES

Significant assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies (excluding those held by overseas subsidiaries) as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won and thousands of foreign currencies):

 

     2006    2007
     Foreign
currencies
   Korean won
equivalent
   Foreign
currencies
   Korean won
equivalent

Assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   USD 8    (Won) 8    USD 88    (Won) 83
   JPY  5,492      43    JPY  3,090      26

Accounts receivable-trade

   USD 120      111    USD 58      54
   JPY —        —      JPY 6,898      58
                           
   USD 128       USD 146   

Total assets

   JPY 5,492    (Won) 162    JPY 9,988    (Won) 221
                           

Liabilities:

           

Accounts payable-trade

   USD  1,187    (Won) 1,103    USD  3,861    (Won) 3,622
   JPY 25,522      200    JPY  107,080      892

Short-term borrowings

   USD 19,267      17,910    USD 9,902      9,290
   EUR 1,263      1,544    EUR —        —  
   JPY 242,694      1,897    JPY 267,296      2,227

Accounts payable-other

   USD 21,091      19,606    USD 12,391      11,626
   EUR 133      162    EUR 31      43
   JPY —        —      JPY 22,664      189

Accrued expenses

   USD 411      382    USD 524      492
   EUR 16      20    EUR 15      21
                           
   USD  41,956       USD 26,678   
   JPY  268,216       JPY 397,040   

Total liabilities

   EUR 1,412    (Won) 42,824    EUR 46    (Won) 28,402
                           

26. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

Significant transactions amongst the Company’s consolidated parties for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

Seller

  

Purchaser

  

Transactions

   2005    2006    2007

KTF

   KTF M&S   

Sales of PCS handsets

   (Won) —      (Won) —      (Won) 137,601
   KTF Mhows    PCS services      —        2,803      2,837
   KTFT    PCS services      992      126      138
   KTF Indonesia    Others      776      500      —  

KTF Mhows

   KTFT    Sales of Mobile      —        —        145
   KTF    Advertising expenses      —        10,660      10,805

KTFT

   KTF   

Purchase of PCS networks and other

     237,024      218,924      358,150
   KTF M&S   

Purchase of PCS networks and other

     —        —        5,055

KTF M&S

   KTFT   

Commission and other

     —        —        5,160
   KTF    Commissions of sale      —        —        61,326

KTF Indonesia

   KTF    Commissions      —        —        361

Doremi Media

   Bluecord Technology    Cost of sound source      —        —        314

Bluecord Technology

   Doremi Media    Sales of sound source      —        —        587
                          

Total

         (Won) 238,792    (Won) 233,013    (Won) 582,479
                          

 

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Significant account balances amongst the Company’s consolidated parties as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 are as follows (in millions of Korea won):

 

Debtor

  

Creditor

   2006    2007

KTF

   KTF M&S    (Won) —      (Won) 761
   KTF Mhows      497      518
   KTFT      104      10

KTF Mhows

   KTFT      —        14
   KTF      3,606      3,257

KTF M&S

   KTF      —        5,594

KTFT

   KTF      92,108      100,569
   KTF M&S      —        5,445

Doremi Media

   Bluecord Technology      —        72

Bluecord Technology

   Doremi Media      —        290
                

Total

      (Won) 96,315    (Won) 116,530
                

The Company’s relationships with affiliates as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 are as follows:

 

Relationship

  

Name

Parent

   KT

Subsidiaries of

the parent company

   KTN, KTH, KTP, KTJ, KTS, KTR, KTC, KTL, KTPI, KTCC, NTC, Telecop Service, KT Capital, Olive Nine, KTAI, KT FDS and Others

Equity method investee

   KDB, Harex Info Tech, eNtoB, Boston Film Fund, Sidus FNH, KTF-CJ Music Contents Investment Fund, Sidus FNH-BENEX Cinema Fund1, KTF-DoCoMo Mobile Investment Fund, Bluecord Technology and others

The Company considers management of vice president or higher and non-permanent directors who have the authority and responsibility for planning, operation and control and are in charge of business or division unit as key management personnel. Compensation to key management personnel of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2007 is as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

Account

   Amount   

Description

Share-based payments

   (Won) 91    Stock options

Other benefits

    
757
  

Salaries, bonuses, other allowances, retirement benefits, medical benefits and other

         
   (Won) 848   
         

 

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Significant transactions between KTF and its related parties for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won):

Revenues

 

Related party

 

Transactions

  2005   2006   2007

Parent

       

KT

  Interconnection charges and others   (Won) 779,524   (Won) 730,504   (Won) 850,117

Subsidiaries of the parent company

       

KTN

  Purchase of PCS handsets     2,348     2,658     12,267

KTH

  PCS services     50     127     688

KTP

  Interconnection charges and others     1,000     2,421     1,239

KTJ

  Interconnection charges and others     44     19     1

KTL

  Interconnection charges and others     1     1     1

KTC

  Interconnection charges and others     40     10     16

KTR

  Interconnection charges and others     —       1     103

Equity method investee

       

Harex Info Tech

  PCS services     —       1     —  

eNtoB

  PCS services     —       1     1

Sidus FNH-BENEX
Cinema Fund1

  PCS services     —       —       3

Others

  Commissions and other     2,124     —       1,070
                   

Total

    (Won) 785,131   (Won) 735,743   (Won) 865,506
                   

Purchases

 

Related party

 

Transactions

  2005   2006   2007

Parent

       

KT

  Leased line charges and others   (Won) 512,426   (Won) 424,533   (Won) 455,121

Subsidiaries of the parent company

       

KTN

  Sales commissions     7,671     4,514     11,720

KTH

  Commissions     26,833     15,884     16,989

KTP

  Interconnection charges     539     695     907

KTL

  Commissions     43     53     11

KTC

  Sales promotion     454     2,228     2,435

KTR

  Rent     22     2,321     1,558

Telecop Service

  Commissions     —       30     88

Olive Nine

  Advertisements     —       —       30

Equity method investee

       

KDB

  Commissions     377     265     435

Harex Info Tech

  Commissions and others     326     1,390     1,402

eNtoB Corp

  others     —       1     —  

Sidus FNH-BENEX
Cinema Fund1

  Sales promotion     —       41     10

Others

  Royalty and others     6,367     —       1,555
                   

Total

    (Won) 550,058   (Won) 451,955   (Won) 492,261
                   

 

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Significant account balances between KTF and its related parties as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

Receivables

 

Related party

  

Description

   2006    2007

Parent

        

KT

   Receivables and others    (Won) 146,628    (Won) 199,026
   Guarantee deposits      29,902      23,788

Subsidiaries of the parent company

        

KTN

   Receivables and others      560      1,712

KTH

   Receivables      17      95

KTP

   Receivables-other      276      231

KTJ

   Receivables      1      —  

Equity method investee

        

Others

   Receivables and others      —        1,222
                

Total

      (Won) 177,384    (Won) 226,074
                

Payables

 

Related party

  

Description

   2006    2007

Parent

        

KT

   Payables and others    (Won) 81,031    (Won) 48,548
   Long-term deposit received      4,390      3,951

Subsidiaries of the parent company

        848      536

KTN

   Payables-other      4,222      3,487

KTH

   Payables-other      40      5

KTP

   Payables-other and Others      880      353

KTC

   Payables-other      4      38

KTR

   Payables-other      6      3

Telecop Service

   Payables-other      

Equity method investee

        

KDB

   Commissions      —        61

Harex Info Tech

   Commissions and others      —        59

Others

   Royalty and others      —        1,481
                

Total

      (Won) 91,421    (Won) 58,522
                

As of December 31, 2007, the Company has provided guarantees for related parties as follows (in millions of Korean won and thousands of U.S. dollars):

 

Guarantor

  

Creditor

  

Description

   Amount

Joint liability on guarantee

  

The Korea Securities Finance Corporation

  

Guarantee for Employee Stock Ownership Association

   (Won) 277
   Shinhan Bank    Performance for guarantee    (Won) 104
   Korea Exchange Bank    Guarantee for loan    (Won) 520
   Shinhan Bank    Guarantee for loan    (Won) 3,076

 

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27. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

KTF has entered into an agreement covering the resale of PCS with KT. As compensation for providing telecommunications network, KTF receives certain amount by multiplying outgoing call generated from KT’s subscribers by the rate per minute.

As of December 31, 2007, the Company has bank overdraft agreements with Shinhan Bank with guarantee limits of (Won)50,000 million.

Accounts receivable-trade sold but not matured as of December 31, 2007 is (Won)15,306 million.

As of December 31, 2007, the Company is faced with various lawsuits as the defendant for total claims of (Won)11,664 million. The management of the Company believes the outcome of these lawsuits will not have a material impact on the financial statements.

KTF entered into a PCS production contract with Dasung Technology Inc. and Netrontech Co., Ltd.

KTF pays a 5.25% royalty of the unit net price of CDMA PCS to Qualcomm Incorporated.

28. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

The statements of cash flows have been presented using the indirect method. Significant non-cash transactions for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 are detailed as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

    2005   2006   2007

Transfer of long-term investment securities to equity method investment securities

  (Won) 38,659   (Won) —     (Won) —  

Transfer of accounts receivable-other to equity method investment securities

    586     —       —  

Transfer of other current assets to equity method investment securities

    283     —       —  

Transfer of other investment assets to equity method investment securities

    —       —       20,000

Transfer of long-term loans to short-term loans

    12,414     21,418     3,559

Transfer of loner-term debentures to current portion

    340,280     500,000     322,100

Transfer of long-term accounts payable-other to current portion

    —       90,000     110,000

Retirement of treasury stock

    13,366     164,884     94,071

Transfer of accrued provisions to current portion

    9,096     6,800     4,322

29. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

As of February 25, 2008, The Company has issued foreign currency bond as follows

 

    

Description

Class

   Unregistered and unsecured debenture (floating interest)

Amounts

   (Won)165,305 million (USD 175,000 thousand)

Interest

   LIBOR +1.5% (3 month)

 

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30. NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE PARENT AND MINORITY INTEREST

Details of net income attributable to equity holders of the parents and minority interest as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 are as follows (in millions of Korean won)

 

     2005     2006    2007  

Net income

       

Minority interest(*)

   (Won) 990     (Won) 807    (Won) 1,463  

Holders of the parents

     547,297       412,001      249,019  
                       
   (Won) 548,287     (Won) 412,808    (Won) 250,482  
                       

 

(*)    Details of net income of minority interest:

 

       

Net income of subsidiaries

   (Won) 2,844     (Won) 455    (Won) 2,677  

Elimination of inter-company transactions

     (1,854 )     352      (1,214 )
                       
   (Won) 990     (Won) 807    (Won) 1,463  
                       

31. RECONCILIATION TO UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Korea (“Korean GAAP”), which differ in certain respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The significant differences are described below. Other differences do not have a significant effect on either consolidated net income or stockholders’ equity.

a. Companies Included in Consolidation

Under Korean GAAP, investments in subsidiaries and controlled entities are consolidated and substantial control is deemed to exist when the investor is the largest stockholder and owns more than 30 percent of total outstanding voting stock. However, U.S. GAAP generally requires that all majority-owned subsidiaries be consolidated and 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.

Under U.S. GAAP, if a business enterprise has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity, which is defined by FASB Interpretation No. 46 Revised (“FIN 46R”), the assets, liabilities and results of the activities of the variable interest entity should be included in the consolidated financial statements with those of the business enterprise. Under the Korean GAAP, there is no specific provision for the accounting treatment of variable interest entities.

b. Capitalization of Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)

Under previous Korean GAAP, certain unrealized foreign currency translation gains and losses were excluded from the results of operations and included in the cost of property and equipment. However, under U.S. GAAP, all unrealized foreign currency translation gains and losses on monetary assets and liabilities are to be included in the current year’s results of operations.

The amounts of foreign currency translation gains and losses included in property and equipment under previous Korean GAAP were adjusted to comply with U.S. GAAP.

 

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c. Interest Capitalization

Under Korean GAAP, the Company elected, starting from January 1, 2003, to no longer capitalize interest expense. However, under U.S. GAAP, the Company’s policy is to capitalize interest 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 uses.

d. Deferred Charges

Deferred charges in intangibles consist primarily of development costs. The development costs which are recoverable from future earnings are deferred under Korean GAAP.

Under U.S. GAAP, development costs are charged to expenses when incurred and are classified as operating expenses.

e. Revenue Recognition

Under Korean GAAP, activation fees are recorded as revenue when billed and the related direct incremental acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.

Under U.S. GAAP, such amounts are deferred and recognized over the period of the customer relationship.

f. Handset Subsidies to Long-term Mobile Subscribers

Under Korean GAAP, handset subsidies are recorded as operating expenses. Under US GAAP, such amounts are directly deducted from revenue.

g. Merger with KTM.Com

Under Korean GAAP, as KTF and KTM.Com Co., Ltd. (“KTM.Com”) were subsidiaries of KT prior to the merger, assets and liabilities were transferred from KTM.Com to KTF at book values and the difference between the par value of capital stock issued and the value of net assets transferred was recorded in the capital surplus account.

Under U.S. GAAP, as KTF and KTM.Com were not subsidiaries but equity method investees of KT prior to the merger, assets and liabilities were transferred from KTM.Com to KTF at fair values and the difference between the fair value of capital stock issued and the fair value of net assets transferred was recorded as intangible assets and goodwill.

The Company classified the intangible assets into three components: subscriber base, licensing cost and goodwill.

h. Merger with KT ICOM

Under Korean GAAP, as KTF and KT ICOM were subsidiaries of KT prior to the merger, assets and liabilities were transferred from KT ICOM to KTF at book values as shown in the consolidated financial statements of KT and the difference between the par value of capital stock issued and the value of net assets transferred was recorded in the capital surplus account.

The merger was not accounted for as a merger of entities under common control as KTF and KT ICOM are not subsidiaries of KT and assets and liabilities were transferred from KT ICOM to KT Freetel at fair value under U.S. GAAP. As the fair values of net assets transferred amounting to (Won)228,244 million exceed the fair value of capital stock issued amounting to (Won)190,755 million, the non-current assets of (Won)37,489 million were reduced proportionally.

 

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i. Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Under Korean GAAP, the purchase price over the fair value of net assets being acquired was recorded as goodwill and it is amortized over 20 years. Impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the fair value.

Under SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Intangible Assets”, intangible assets with finite lives continue to be amortized over their useful economic lives. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but tested for impairment, at least annually.

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the goodwill and intangibles acquired from KTM.Com and KT ICOM and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

               Amortization expense
          Initial amount    2005    2006    2007

KTM.Com

  

Goodwill

   (Won) 753,065    (Won) —      (Won) —      (Won) —  
  

Subscriber base

     605,563      54,068      —        —  
  

Licensing cost

     83,875      —        14,583      14,583

KT ICOM

  

Frequency usage right

     1,194,045      94,134      89,283      91,822

Under Korean GAAP, licensing costs paid by the initial stockholders to obtain the operating licenses prior to the establishment of the Company were not recorded in the accounts of the Company.

Under U.S. GAAP, licensing costs were accounted for as an intangible asset and capital surplus at the time of establishment of the Company.

Since the Company determined the useful life of licensing costs of second generation service (“2G”) to be indefinite, the Company determined not to amortize the related costs until December 31, 2005.

On December 31, 2005, the Korea Communication Act (“Act”) was revised, which is effective July 1, 2006. Under the Act, the right of the usage of frequency for 2G will expire in June 2011. As such, the Company is amortizing licensing costs of 2G of (Won)162,708 million over the remaining useful life and amortization expenses for the years ended 2006 and 2007 are (Won)29,583 million, respectively.

j. Disposal of Accounts Receivable-Trade

Under Korean GAAP, the transaction between KT Freetel and Shinhan Bank Trust is recorded as a sale of accounts receivable-trade. Under U.S. GAAP, this transaction does not qualify for sale accounting and as such, the transaction is classified as borrowings. There has no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the current period.

k. Investor-level Goodwill

Under Korean GAAP, 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. Under U.S. GAAP, the investor-level goodwill is not amortized, but instead tested for impairment in accordance with APB No. 18. The investor-level goodwill which is recorded only at the investor’s financial statements represents the excess of the acquisition cost of equity method investees over the fair value of investor’s share of net identifiable assets acquired.

l. Additional Equity Investment in Subsidiaries

Under Korean GAAP, when additional interest is acquired after acquiring a majority interest in a subsidiary, the differences between the Company’s acquisition cost of the additional interest and the corresponding carrying amount of the acquired additional interest in a subsidiary is presented as an adjustment to capital surplus.

 

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Under U.S. GAAP, the cost of an additional interest would be allocated based on the fair value of net assets at the time the additional interest is acquired, with the excess allocated to goodwill.

m. Minority Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries

Under Korean GAAP, minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries is presented as a component of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets.

Under U.S. GAAP, minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries is not included in stockholders’ equity; rather, it is presented between liabilities and stockholders’ equity item in the consolidated balance sheets.

n. Income Taxes

Under U.S. GAAP, effective January 1, 2007 the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48), which supplements SFAS No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes” (SFAS No. 109), by defining the confidence level that a tax position must meet in order to be recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires that the tax effect(s) of a position be recognized only if it is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained based solely on its technical merits as of the reporting date. The more-likely-than-not threshold represents a positive assertion by management that a company is entitled to the economic benefits of a tax position. If a tax position is not considered more-likely-than-not to be sustained based solely on its technical merits, no benefits of the tax position are to be recognized. The more-likely-than-not threshold must continue to be met in each reporting period to support continued recognition of a benefit. With the adoption of FIN 48, companies are required to adjust their financial statements to reflect only those tax positions that are more-likely-than-not to be sustained. Any necessary adjustment would be recorded directly to retained earnings and reported as a change in accounting principle. As a result of the adoption of FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007, the Company recorded a decrease to retained earnings of (Won)4,439 million as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle with an increase to the liability amounting to (Won)4,439 million for uncertain tax positions.

o. Comprehensive Income

Prior to January 1, 2007, Korean GAAP did not require to present comprehensive income, however, effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted SKAS No. 21, “Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements 1”, which requires separate disclosure of the details of comprehensive income. Consequently, there is no GAAP difference as of December 31, 2007, in terms of disclosure of comprehensive income and its components.

Under U.S. GAAP, comprehensive income and its components must be presented in the financial statements. Comprehensive income includes all changes in stockholders’ equity during a period except those resulting from investments by, or distributions to, owners, including certain items not included in the current results of operations.

 

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Comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 and accumulated other comprehensive income balance as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 is summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2005     2006     2007  

Net earnings as adjusted in accordance with U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 503,798     (Won) 402,991     (Won) 199,395  

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (89 )     24       (17 )

Unrealized gains on investments:

      

Unrealized holding gains, net of tax of (Won)990 million, (Won)1,860 million and (Won)102 million in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively

     5,989       4,904       385  

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) realized in net earning due to disposal, net of tax of ((Won)1,240) million, ((Won)1,524) million and ((Won)484) million in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively

     (3,268 )     (4,017 )     (1,276 )
                        

Comprehensive income as adjusted in accordance with U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 506,430     (Won) 403,902     (Won) 198,487  
                        

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balances:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (Won) (89 )   (Won) (65 )   (Won) (82 )

Unrealized gains on investments

     6,258       7,145       6,254  
                        
   (Won) 6,169     (Won) 7,080     (Won) 6,172  
                        

p. New Accounting Pronouncements

 

  (i) In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157) which provides a consistent definition of fair value which focuses on exit price and prioritizes, within a measurement of fair value, the use of market-based inputs over entity-specific inputs.

 

       SFAS No. 157 requires expanded disclosures about fair value measurements and establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based on the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The standard also requires that a company use its own nonperformance risk when measuring liabilities carried at fair value, including derivatives. In February 2008, the FASB approved FSP No. 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (FSP No. 157-2), that permits companies to partially defer the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for one year for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis. The FSP did not permit companies to defer recognition and disclosure requirements for financial assets and financial liabilities or for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are remeasured at least annually. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial assets and financial liabilities and for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are remeasured at least annually for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 will be applied prospectively. Management intends to defer adoption of SFAS No. 157 for one year for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis and is currently evaluating the effects, if any, that SFAS No. 157 may have on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

  (ii)

In September 2006, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 06-1, “Accounting for Consideration Given by a Service Provider to a Manufacturer or Reseller of Equipment Necessary for an End-Customer to Receive Service from the Service Provider” (EITF No. 06-1), which provides guidance regarding whether the consideration given by a service provider to a manufacturer or reseller of specialized equipment should be characterized as a reduction of revenue or as an expense. EITF No. 06-1 is effective for the first annual reporting period beginning after June 15, 2007. Entities are required to recognize the effects of applying this issue as a change in accounting principle through retrospective

 

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application to all prior periods unless it is impracticable to do so. Management estimates that upon adoption, this guidance will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

  (iii) In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—including an Amendment of SFAS No. 115” (SFAS No. 159), which permits an entity to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. Entities that elect the fair value option will report unrealized gains and losses in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The fair value option may be elected on an instrument-by-instrument basis, with few exceptions. SFAS No. 159 amends previous guidance to extend the use of the fair value option to available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities. The Statement also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements to help financial statement users understand the effect of the election. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. Management does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

  (iv) In June 2007, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 07-3, “Accounting for Nonrefundable Payments for Goods or Services to Be Used in Future Research and Development Activities” (EITF 07-3), requiring that nonrefundable advance payments for future research and development activities be deferred and capitalized. Such amounts should be expensed as the related goods are delivered or the related services are performed. The Statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. Management estimates that upon adoption, this guidance will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

  (v) In June 2007, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 06-11, “Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards” (EITF 06-11), which requires entities to record to additional paid in capital the tax benefits on dividends or dividend equivalents that are charged to retained earnings for certain share-based awards. In a share-based payment arrangement, employees may receive dividends or dividend equivalents on awards of nonvested equity shares, nonvested equity share units during the vesting period, and share options until the exercise date. Generally, the payment of such dividends can be treated as deductible compensation for tax purposes. The amount of tax benefits recognized in additional paid-in capital should be included in the pool of excess tax benefits available to absorb tax deficiencies on share-based payment awards. EITF 06-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. Management estimates that upon adoption, this guidance will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

  (vi) In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (SFAS No. 141(R)) which retained the underlying concepts of SFAS No. 141 in that all business combinations are still required to be accounted for at fair value under the acquisition method of accounting but SFAS No. 141(R) changed the method of applying the acquisition method in a number of significant aspects.

 

      

SFAS No. 141(R) will require that: (1) for all business combinations, the acquirer records all assets and liabilities of the acquired business, including goodwill, generally at their fair values; (2) certain contingent assets and liabilities acquired be recognized at their fair values on the acquisition date; (3) contingent consideration be recognized at its fair value on the acquisition date and, for certain arrangements, changes in fair value will be recognized in earnings until settled; (4) acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs be expensed rather than treated as part of the cost of the acquisition and included in the amount recorded for assets acquired; (5) in step acquisitions, previous equity interest in an acquiree held prior to obtaining control be re-measured to their acquisition-date fair values, with any gain or loss recognized in earnings; and (6) when making adjustments to finalize initial accounting, companies revise any previously issued post-acquisition financial information in future financial statements to reflect any adjustments as if they had been

 

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recorded on the acquisition date. SFAS No. 141(R) is effective on a prospective basis for all business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual period subsequent to December 15, 2008, with the exception of the accounting for valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies. SFAS No. 141(R) amends SFAS No. 109 such that adjustments made to valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies associated with acquisitions that closed prior to the effective date of this statement should also apply the provisions of SFAS No. 141(R). This standard will be applied to all future business combinations after December 31, 2008.

 

  (vii) In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements, an Amendment of ARB 51” (SFAS No. 160) which amends ARB 51 to establish new standards that will govern the accounting for and reporting of noncontrolling interest in partially owned consolidated subsidiaries and the loss of control of subsidiaries. Also, SFAS No. 160 requires that: (1) noncontrolling interest, previously referred to as minority interest, be reported as part of equity in the consolidated financial statements; (2) losses be allocated to the noncontrolling interest even when such allocation might result in a deficit balance, reducing the losses attributed to the controlling interest; (3) changes in ownership interest be treated as equity transactions if control is maintained; and, (4) upon a loss of control, any gain or loss on the interest sold be recognized in earnings. SFAS No. 160 is effective on a prospective basis for all fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which will be applied retrospectively. Management is currently evaluating the effects, if any, that SFAS No. 160 may have on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

  (viii) In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (SFAS No. 161), that expands the disclosure requirements of FASB Statement No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (SFAS No. 133). SFAS No. 161 requires additional disclosures regarding: (1) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments; (2) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133; and (3) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. In addition, SFAS No. 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives described in the context of an entity’s risk exposures, quantitative disclosures about the location and fair value of derivative instruments and associated gains and losses, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative instruments. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.

 

  (ix) In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“SFAS No. 162”) that is intended to improve financial reporting by identifying a consistent framework, for selecting accounting principles to be used in preparing financial statements that are presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP for nongovernmental entities. SFAS No. 162 is effective 60 days following the Securities and Exchanges Commission’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.”

 

  (x) In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 163, “Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 60” (SFAS No. 163) that clarifies how FASB Statement No. 60 applies to financial guarantee insurance contracts, including the recognition and measurement of premium revenue and claim liabilities and also requires expanded disclosures about financial guarantee insurance contracts. SFAS No. 163 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, except for some disclosures about the insurance enterprise’s risk-management activities and requires that disclosures about the risk-management activities of the insurance enterprise be effective for the first period beginning after issuance of this Statement. Except for those disclosures, earlier application is not permitted. Management is currently evaluating the effects, if any, that SFAS No. 163 may have on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

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q. U.S GAAP Reconciliations

The effects of the significant adjustments to net earnings for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 and stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 that are required if U.S. GAAP were applied instead of Korean GAAP are summarized as follows (in millions of Korean won, except per share amounts):

 

     Note
reference
   2005     2006     2007  

Net income (attributable to equity holders of the parent) under Korean GAAP

      (Won) 547,297     (Won) 412,001     (Won) 249,019  

Adjustments:

         

Capitalization of foreign currency translation gain (loss), net

   31.b      820       (228 )     538  

Interest capitalization

   31.c      (1,050 )     (1,881 )     (4,017 )

Deferred charges

   31.d      (5,058 )     4,809       5,815  

Revenue recognition

   31.e      (3,348 )     (15,290 )     (49,097 )

Merger with KT ICOM

   31.h      2,884       6,640       4,102  

Amortization of subscriber base

   31.i      (54,068 )     —         —    

Licensing cost

   31.i      —         (29,583 )     (29,583 )

Disposal of account receivable-trade

   31.j      (179 )     (147 )     —    

Investor- level goodwill

   31.k      —         1,928       1,545  

Deferred income tax effects of U.S. GAAP adjustments

        16,500       24,742       21,073  
                           
        (43,499 )     (9,010 )     (49,624 )
                           

Adjusted net income under U.S. GAAP

      (Won) 503,798     (Won) 402,991     (Won) 199,395  
                           

Basic and diluted earnings per shares

      (Won) 2,774     (Won) 2,004     (Won) 1,023  
                           

 

     Note
reference
   2006     2007  

Stockholders’ equity under Korean GAAP

      (Won) 4,320,151     (Won) 4,373,379  

Adjustments:

       

Capitalization of foreign currency translation gain (loss), net

   31.b      (835 )     (297 )

Interest capitalization

   31.c      66,858       62,841  

Deferred charges

   31.d      (7,152 )     (1,338 )

Revenue recognition

   31.e      (21,456 )     (70,553 )

Merger with KTM.Com

   31.g      688,653       688,653  

Merger with KT ICOM

   31.h      (40,679 )     (36,577 )

Licensing cost

   31.i      133,125       103,542  

Investor- level goodwill

   31.k      1,928       3,473  

Additional equity investment in subsidiaries

   31.l      1,132       1,132  

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

   31.m      (11,095 )     (29,670 )

Deferred income tax effects of U.S. GAAP adjustments

        (32,978 )     (16,415 )
                   
        777,501       704,791  
                   

Stockholders’ equity as adjusted in accordance with U.S. GAAP

      (Won) 5,097,652     (Won) 5,078,170  
                   

 

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Condensed balance sheets in accordance with U.S. GAAP as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2006    2007

Assets

     

Current assets

   (Won) 2,462,797    (Won) 1,870,669

Non-current assets

     6,479,293      6,449,944
             

Total assets

   (Won) 8,942,090    (Won) 8,320,613
             

Liabilities

     

Current liabilities

   (Won) 2,061,279    (Won) 1,833,051

Long-term liabilities

     1,773,901      1,396,433
             

Total liabilities

     3,835,180      3,229,484
             

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

     9,258      12,959
             

Stockholders’ equity

     5,097,652      5,078,170
             

Total liabilities, minority interest and stockholders’ equity

   (Won) 8,942,090    (Won) 8,320,613
             

The following table reconciles cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 under Korean GAAP, as reported in the consolidated financial statements to cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 under U.S. GAAP (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2005     2006     2007  

Cash flows from operating activities under Korean GAAP

   (Won) 2,203,781     (Won) 1,962,355     (Won) 1,414,520  

Adjustments:

      

Trading securities

     (240,000 )     241,823       —    

Difference in consolidation scope(*)

     (1,021 )     —         —    
                        

Cash flows from operating activities under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 1,962,760     (Won) 2,204,178     (Won) 1,414,520  
                        

Cash flows from investing activities under Korean GAAP

   (Won) (1,308,926 )   (Won) (874,552 )   (Won) (876,873 )

Adjustments:

      

Trading securities

     240,000       (241,823 )     —    

Difference in consolidation scope(*)

     6,082       —         —    
                        

Cash flows from investing activities under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) (1,062,844 )   (Won) (1,116,375 )   (Won) (876,873 )
                        

Cash flows from financing activities under Korean GAAP:

   (Won) (618,797 )   (Won) (789,470 )   (Won) (814,422 )

Adjustments:

      

Difference in consolidation scope(*)

     (20,282 )     —         —    
                        

Cash flows from financing activities under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) (639,079 )   (Won) (789,470 )   (Won) (814,422 )
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year under Korean GAAP

   (Won) 307,600     (Won) 590,712     (Won) 330,473  

Adjustments:

      

Difference in consolidation scope(*)

     (15,221 )     —         (16,535 )
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year under U.S. GAAP

   (Won) 292,379     (Won) 590,712     (Won) 313,938  
                        

 

(*) Reconciling items affecting cash flows related to difference in consolidation scope between Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP

 

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32. ADDITIONAL U.S. GAAP DISCLOSURES

a. Income Tax Expense

The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2005     2006     2007  

Current income tax expense

   (Won) 106,429     (Won) 102,497     (Won) 75,337  

Deferred income tax benefit

     (70,249 )     (11,221 )     (58,295 )
                        

Income tax expense

   (Won) 36,180     (Won) 91,276     (Won) 17,042  
                        

Substantially all income before income taxes and related income tax expense (benefit) are attributable to domestic operations. The provision for income taxes using statutory tax rates differs from the actual provision for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 for the following reasons (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2005     2006     2007  

Provision for income taxes at statutory tax rates

   (Won) 147,921     (Won) 121,892     (Won) 63,165  

Investment tax credits

     (83,497 )     (45,219 )     (41,153 )

Additional income tax payment (refund) related to prior years

     (2,665 )     14,873       1,214  

Non-temporary difference

     (27,026 )     11,800       1,568  

Changes in deferred income tax unrecognized

     2,539       930       5,992  

Others

     (1, 092 )     (13,000 )     (13,744 )
                        

Actual provision for income taxes

   (Won) 36,180     (Won) 91,276     (Won) 17,042  
                        

The effective tax rates after adjustments of certain differences between amounts reported for financial accounting and income tax purpose, were approximately 6.7%, 18.4% and 7.7% for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

The tax effects of temporary differences that resulted in significant portions of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2006 and 2007, computed under U.S. GAAP, and a description of financial statement items that created these differences are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     2006     2007  

Deferred income tax assets:

    

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   (Won) 36,133     (Won) 47,589  

Inventories

     8,010       12,984  

Unearned revenue

     9,808       23,309  

Equity method investment securities

     274       5,055  

Tax credit carryforwards

     85,191       94,546  

Tax loss carryforwards

     —         4,379  

Accrued expenses

     19,046       33,988  

Accounts payable-other

     1,747       3,618  

Donation

     990       14  

Loss on impairment of long-term investment securities

     2,957       3,449  

Provision for severance indemnities

     7,075       10,203  

Other

     5,680       4,558  
                

Total deferred income tax assets

     176,911       243,692  

Valuation allowance

     (19,381 )     (33,843 )
                

Deferred income tax assets

     157,530       209,849  

Deferred income tax liabilities:

    

Available-for-sale securities

     (2,732 )     (2,155 )

Property and equipment

     (9,903 )     (8,189 )

Intangible assets

     (25,508 )     (21,754 )

Other

     (1,158 )     (751 )
                

Deferred income tax liabilities

     (39,301 )     (32,849 )
                

Net deferred income tax assets

   (Won) 118,229     (Won) 177,000  
                

 

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In 2006 and 2007, valuation allowance was recognized as realization of deferred income tax asset was not assessed as more likely than not mainly due to lack of expected future taxable income.

In 2007, the Company was eligible for investment tax credits of (Won)157,709 million. However, due to the minimum tax provisions, the Company utilized only (Won)43,012 million. The remaining tax credit will expire in 2012. During 2007, the Company concluded that the remaining tax credit was more likely than not of realization in the future based on future taxable income estimates. As a result, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of (Won)71,555 million for the tax credit.

In assessing the recoverability of deferred income tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differenced become deductible and tax carryforwards are utilizable. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred income 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 income tax assets are deductible, management believes that it is more likely than not the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences and tax carryforwards.

Upon adoption of FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007, the Company recorded a decrease to retained earnings of (Won)4,439 million as a cumulative effect of the liability for uncertain tax positions. At January 1, 2007, the Company had (Won)4,439 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which (Won)4,272 million represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods. At December 31, 2007, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods was (Won)130 million. These amounts consider the guidance in FIN 48-1, “Definition of Settlement in FASB Interpretation No. 48”. The liability for uncertain tax positions is classified as a non-current liability.

A reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of the period is as follows (in millions of Korean won):

 

     Total  

Balance at January 1, 2007

   (Won) 4,439  

Additions to tax positions recorded during the current year

     155  

Additions to tax positions recorded during prior years

     —    

Reductions to tax positions recorded during prior years

     —    

Reductions to tax positions due to a lapse of statutory limitations

     —    

Reductions for settlement

     (1,291 )
        

Balance at December 31, 2007

   (Won) 3,303  
        

The Company’s practice is to classify interest on uncertain tax positions in interest income (expense) and penalties in non-operating expense. The Company recognized (Won)25 million in penalties in 2007. As of December 31, 2007, the Company had (Won)191 million accrued for the payment of penalties.

The Company has open tax years ranging from 2003 to 2007, by which our taxes remain subject to examination. However, the Company does not anticipate that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next 12 months.

 

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b. Accrued Severance Indemnities

The Company expects to pay the following future benefits to its employees upon their normal retirement age (in millions of Korean won):

 

Year ending December 31

   Amount

Prior to 2014

   (Won) —  

2014

     483

2015

     1,343

2016

     1,797

2017

     3,290
      
   (Won) 6,913
      

The above amounts were determined based on the employees’ current salary rates and the number of service years that will be accumulated upon their expected retirement date. These amounts do not include amounts that might be paid to employees that will cease working with the Company before their normal retirement age.

 

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Annex I

MERGER AGREEMENT

This Merger Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into on this 20th day of January, 2009, by and between KT CORPORATION, a corporation (chusik hoesa) duly organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of Korea (“Korea”) and having its principal place of business located at 206 Jungja-dong, Bundang-gu, Sungnam City, Kyunggi Province, Korea (“KT”) and KT FREETEL CO., LTD., a corporation (chusik hoesa) duly organized and existing under the laws of Korea and having its principal place of business located at 7-18 Shincheon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea (“KTF”).

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, KT primarily engages in the information and telecommunications business and is listed on the Securities Market Division of the Korea Exchange (“KRX”), and KTF primarily engages in the telecommunications business, including providing utility services from the use of frequency and is listed on the Securities Market Division of KRX; and

WHEREAS, the boards of directors of KT and KTF have each determined that a merger of KTF with and into KT (the “Merger”) is desirable.

NOW, THEREFORE, KT and KTF agree as follows:

Article 1    Merger

 

1.1 Through the Merger, KTF will be merged with and into KT, with KT being the surviving entity, and upon effectiveness of the Merger, KTF will cease to exist.

 

1.2 The date of the Merger will be May 18, 2009 (the “Merger Date”) and the date of the registration of the Merger will be May 19, 2009, both of which may be changed as agreed by KT and KTF if necessary, depending on the progress of the Merger procedures.

Article 2    Merger Ratio and Total Number of Shares to be Delivered upon Merger

 

2.1 The exchange ratio for the shares of KT and KTF, respectively, shall be 1:0.7192335 (the “Merger Ratio”). KT will deliver 7,584,793 shares of its newly issued common stock (par value 5,000 Korean Won) (the “New Shares”) and 45,629,485 shares of its treasury stock (par value 5,000 Korean Won) (the “Treasury Shares”) to shareholders listed on the shareholders registry of KTF as of the Merger Date.

 

2.2 KT may decide not to deliver either New Shares or Treasury Shares in respect of all or part of the shares of KTF common stock held by KT or all or part of the treasury shares of KTF common stock held by KTF.

 

2.3 Any fractional shares arising as a result of the issuance of the New Shares or the Treasury Shares shall be paid in cash to the shareholders of KTF set forth in Section 2.1 above, to which such fractional shares are attributable, calculated on the basis of the closing price of the New Shares on the KRX as of the listing date thereof.

 

2.4 The starting date for the calculation of dividends in connection with the New Shares to be issued by KT pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof shall be January 1, 2009.

Article 3    Total Amount of Increases in Paid-in Capital and Reserves of KT

 

3.1 KT shall increase its paid-in capital by 37,923,965,000 Korean Won through the Merger so that its paid-in capital shall be 1,598,922,260,000 Korean Won immediately after the date of the registration of the Merger.

 

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3.2 The reserves of KT shall increase in the amount equal to net assets to which it succeeds as of the Merger Date (which shall mean total assets of KTF to which KT succeeds minus total liabilities of KTF to which KT succeeds) minus the increased amount of paid-in capital of KT after the Merger; provided, that to the extent that the amount of reserves does not exceed the amount as calculated in the aforesaid manner, KT may succeed to all or part of the earned surplus reserves or other statutory reserves of KTF in accordance with the applicable laws and generally accepted accounting principles.

 

3.3 The total authorized number of shares that can be issued by KT shall not be affected by the Merger.

 

3.4 The number of the New Shares to be issued and the Treasury Shares to be delivered as set forth in Section 2.1 and the amount of paid-in capital as set forth in Section 3.1 may be adjusted in the event (i) the adjustment is necessary to comply with the limitation on foreign shareholding of KT shares under Article 6, Paragraph (1) of the Telecommunication Business Act of Korea, (ii) KTF acquires its own shares as a result of the exercise of appraisal rights by its shareholders who oppose the Merger, or (iii) the payment is made with respect to any fractional shares pursuant to Section 2.3 hereof; provided, that any such adjustment shall not affect the Merger Ratio set forth in Section 2.1.

 

3.5 The stock options granted to the directors, officers or employees of KTF prior to the date of this Agreement and validly existing as of the Merger Date (the “KTF Stock Options”) shall be converted into stock options of KT granting the rights to purchase the stock of KT, based on the following terms:

[Amount of Adjusted Stock Options] = [Amount of Stock Options Granted Prior to Adjustment] × [Merger Ratio set forth in Section 2.1]

[Adjusted Exercise Price] = [Exercise Price Prior to Adjustment] / [Merger Ratio set forth in Section 2.1]

KT and KTF shall take all necessary measures to amend the stock option agreements relating to the KTF Stock Options entered into by and between KTF and its directors, officers and employees to reflect the adjustments described above. However, any such amendments to the stock option agreements shall take effect on the date of the registration of the Merger as set forth in Section 1.2 hereof.

Article 4    Shareholders’ Meeting Approving Merger

Each of KT and KTF shall convene a shareholders’ meeting, respectively, on March 27, 2009 for approval of the Merger; provided, that the date of the meeting may be changed as agreed by KT and KTF when there are unavoidable reasons.

Article 5    Performance on the Merger Date

 

5.1 KTF shall transfer to KT, and KT shall assume from KTF, any and all documents related to assets, liabilities and shareholders of KTF.

 

5.2 KTF shall transfer to KT, and KT shall assume from KTF, any and all businesses of KTF. KTF shall provide any and all necessary information unimpaired and any necessary cooperation in order to enable KT to assume the business in ordinary condition, and any specific matters shall be determined by mutual agreement between KT and KTF.

 

5.3. KTF shall transfer to KT, and KT shall assume from KTF, any and all rights and obligations of service users of KTF. KT and KTF shall exercise their best efforts in order to protect users by performing the obligations under relevant regulations in good faith upon mutual consultation.

Article 6    Effect of Merger

 

6.1 As of the Merger Date, all of the assets, liabilities, rights, obligations and contractual capacities of KTF shall be comprehensively succeeded to by KT. KT shall succeed to all disputes and legal proceedings in which KTF is involved.

 

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6.2 The employees of KTF as of the Merger Date shall become employees of KT as of the Merger Date and KT shall succeed to the obligation to pay the severance payments of such employees.

 

6.3 KT and KTF agree to amend the articles of incorporation of KT as described in Exhibit 1 at the general shareholders’ meeting approving the Merger pursuant to this Agreement.

Article 7    Completion and Effectiveness of Merger

 

7.1 Immediately after the Merger Date, KT shall hold a meeting of its board of directors to report and resolve on matters regarding the Merger, and shall publicly notify matters related thereto.

 

7.2 The Merger shall take effect upon completion of the registration of the Merger.

Article 8    Dividend Limitation

KT may distribute dividends for the fiscal year 2008. The amount of dividends, which shall not exceed 400 billion Won, shall be determined at the ordinary general shareholders’ meeting for the fiscal year 2008.

Article 9    Directors and Audit Committee Members

Notwithstanding Article 527-4, Paragraph (1) of the Korean Commercial Code, the directors and audit committee members of KT who assumed offices prior to the Merger Date shall continue to hold their positions until their respective terms of office determined at the time of the assumption of their offices, unless there is any particular basis for termination of office. However, the directors and audit committee members of KTF shall cease to hold their respective offices as of the date of the registration of the Merger.

Article 10    Representations and Warranties

 

10.1 In connection with the Merger, KTF hereby represents and warrants to KT as follows, as of the date hereof and as of the Merger Date (or, if made as of a specified date, as of such date):

 

  10.1.1 Incorporation. KTF is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of Korea and has all power and authority required to own, lease and use its properties and business and to conduct its business as it is now being conducted.

 

  10.1.2 Authorization. KTF has all requisite corporate power and authority to prepare, execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. As of the date hereof, the execution and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of KTF, other than the approval by its general shareholders’ meeting for approval of the Merger, and thereafter, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by KTF.

 

  10.1.3 Capitalization. As of the date hereof, information relating to (i) the issued and outstanding capital stock, convertible bonds, bonds with warrants and exchangeable bonds of KTF, (ii) stock options granted by KTF to its directors, officers and employees, (iii) options or contracts under which KTF may be required to issue or deliver stock upon the exercise of a conversion right or an exchange right by third parties, and (iv) treasury stock held by KTF, is set forth in Exhibit 2-1 attached hereto and is true and correct in all material respects. The authorized capital stock of KTF is 400,000,000 shares, of which 188,274,091 shares were duly authorized, validly issued and fully paid as of the date hereof.

 

  10.1.4 Consent; No Violation. (i) In connection with the execution and performance of its obligations under this Agreement, KTF is not required to obtain any governmental approval, which if not obtained, would have a material adverse effect on the closing of the Merger, and (ii) neither the execution nor performance of KTF’s obligations under this Agreement (a) violates its articles of incorporation or other by-laws, or (b) causes any violation of any laws to which it is subject.

 

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  10.1.5 Financial Statements. The financial statements of KTF as of September 30, 2008 fairly present the financial conditions of KTF as of such date.

 

10.2 In connection with the Merger, KT hereby represents and warrants to KTF as follows, as of the date hereof and as of the Merger Date (or, if made as of a specified date, as of such date):

 

  10.2.1 Incorporation. KT is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of Korea and has all power and authority required to own, lease and use its properties and business and to conduct its business as it is now being conducted.

 

  10.2.2 Authorization. KT has all requisite corporate power and authority to prepare, execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. As of the date hereof, the execution and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of KT, other than the approval by its general shareholders’ meeting for approval of the Merger, and thereafter, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by KT.

 

  10.2.3 Capitalization. As of the date hereof, information relating to (i) the issued and outstanding capital stock, convertible bonds, bonds with warrants and exchangeable bonds of KT, (ii) stock options granted by KT to its directors, officers and employees, (iii) options or contracts under which KT may be required to issue or deliver stock upon the exercise of a conversion right or an exchange right by third parties, and (iv) treasury stock held by KT, is set forth in Exhibit 2-2 attached hereto and is true and correct in all material respects. The authorized capital stock of KT is 1,000,000,000 shares, of which 273,535,700 shares were duly authorized, validly issued and fully paid as of the date hereof.

 

  10.2.4 Consent; No Violation. (i) In connection with the execution and performance of its obligations under this Agreement, KT is not required to obtain any governmental approval, which if not obtained, would have a material adverse effect on the closing of the Merger, except for the approval by the Korea Communications Commission of the Merger pursuant to Article 13 of the Telecommunication Business Act, and (ii) neither the execution nor performance of KT’s obligations under this Agreement (a) violates its articles of incorporation or other by-laws, or (b) causes any violation of any laws to which it is subject.

 

  10.2.5 Financial Statements. The financial statements of KT as of September 30, 2008 fairly present the financial conditions of KT as of such date

Article 11    Covenants

During the period from the date hereof to the Merger Date, KT and KTF hereby covenant to each other to undertake the following:

 

11.1 Best Efforts. Each of KT and KTF shall use its best efforts to cause the Merger to be consummated within the dates specified herein.

 

11.2 Access to Information. Each of KT and KTF shall deliver to the other party or its representatives such documents or information as are reasonably requested by the other party or its representatives, to the extent that such delivery does not interfere with its ordinary course of business. Each of KT and KTF shall cause its representatives to consult with the other party in connection with the delivery of such documents or information.

 

11.3 Notice. Each of KT and KTF shall immediately notify the other party in writing of any condition or event that may have a material adverse effect on the Merger, or that results in any of the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement no longer being true in any material respect or that prevents the satisfaction of any condition precedent to the Merger set forth in Article 12 hereof.

 

11.4 Consent of Third Party. Each of KT and KTF shall use its best efforts to give notice to, or obtain any consent from, any third party required in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

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11.5 Ordinary Course of Business. Each of KT and KTF (i) shall not engage in any corporate business activities other than in the ordinary course of business and shall operate its business activities generally consistent with its past business practices, (ii) shall not institute any unusual or uncommon method of manufacture, purchase, sale, lease, management, accounting or operation that vary materially from those methods used by it as of the date hereof, and (iii) shall not violate any applicable laws.

Article 12    Conditions Precedent

The obligations of each of KT and KTF to complete the Merger under this Agreement is subject to the satisfaction prior to or on the Merger Date of the conditions set forth below; provided, that KT and KTF may waive or provide exemption from any of the conditions specified below, in whole or in part, in writing:

 

12.1 Authorizations. The authorization and approval for the Merger by the board of directors and at the general shareholders meeting of KT and KTF, respectively, and any and all necessary governmental approvals set forth in Section 10.2.4 shall have been obtained, and all requirements under the applicable laws and regulations of Korea should have been satisfied, as required for the execution of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

12.2 Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of KT and KTF made in Article 10 hereof shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and as of the Merger Date.

 

12.3 Covenants. All covenants and other obligations required to be performed by KT and KTF as set forth in Article 11 hereof shall have been performed in all material respects.

 

12.4 No Material Adverse Change. From the date of this Agreement until the Merger Date, any material adverse change shall not have occurred in the assets or business conditions of either KT or KTF.

Article 13    Termination

 

13.1 This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Merger Date if any of the following events occur; provided, that any party liable for the occurrence of any event of termination may not terminate this Agreement:

 

  13.1.1 if KT and KTF mutually agree in writing to terminate this Agreement;

 

  13.1.2 if the proceeding for bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation, insolvency or rehabilitation commences or an application thereof has been made to commence any such proceeding with respect to either KT or KTF;

 

  13.1.3 (i) if shareholders’ approval for the Merger is not obtained by either KT or KTF within three (3) months from the closure of its shareholders registry to determine the shareholders entitled to exercise voting rights at the general shareholders’ meeting convened for the purpose of approving the Merger, (ii) any governmental approval necessary for the Merger as set forth in Section 10.2.4 is definitively rejected by the relevant governmental authority even prior to the expiry of the three (3) month period prescribed in (i) above, or (iii) it becomes evident that it will be infeasible or illegal to consummate the Merger under this Agreement due to a change in the laws or governmental restrictions and KT and KTF do not otherwise agree on alternative terms within thirty (30) days from the occurrence of such event;

 

  13.1.4 if a material adverse effect results from a breach by either KT or KTF of any of its respective representations and warranties, covenants or obligations under this Agreement, and such breach fails to be cured within thirty (30) days from the receipt of a written notice requiring to cure such breach delivered by the non-breaching party;

 

  13.1.5 if either the aggregate purchase price to be paid by KT to its shareholders who exercise appraisal rights exceeds 1 trillion Korean Won, or the aggregate purchase price to be paid by KTF to its shareholders who exercise appraisal rights exceeds 700 billion Korean Won;

 

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  13.1.6 if from the date hereof until the Merger Date, there is a material adverse change in the financial condition, results of operations, the business condition or prospects, of either KT or KTF; or

 

  13.1.7 when the governmental approvals necessary for the Merger set forth in Section 10.2.4 have been obtained, but such approvals include conditions which (i) if complied with, are reasonably expected to result in a material adverse change in the financial condition, results of operations, the business condition or prospects of KT, or (ii) are impossible or extremely difficult to comply with within the time period set forth in such approvals.

 

13.2 The effect of termination of the Agreement is as follows:

 

  13.2.1 If this Agreement is terminated, either party shall, at the request of the other party, return or destroy any material or information obtained from the other party within fourteen (14) days of the date of termination of this Agreement.

 

  13.2.2 Any termination of this Agreement shall not affect either party’s rights to claim damages and other rights or remedies against the other party arising from a default or breach by such other party under this Agreement.

 

  13.2.3 Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, the provisions of Sections 13.2, 15.1, 15.2 and 15.8 shall survive and remain effective.

Article 14    Other Matters

Matters necessary to the Merger not specified in this Agreement shall be determined by mutual consultation between KT and KTF in accordance with the purpose of this Agreement.

Article 15    Miscellaneous

 

15.1 Confidentiality. Neither party to this Agreement shall disclose, divulge or release the contents of this Agreement or the material or information provided by the other party in the course of negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement, to any third party, without prior written consent of the other party, except when such disclosure is required by laws and regulations or an order of the court.

 

15.2 Notice. All notices, requests, claims and other communications relevant to this Agreement shall be delivered in person or by letter in registered mail or by facsimile transmission to the addresses as follows; provided, that any party may change such addresses by giving a prior written notice to the other party at any time.

 

  15.2.1 Notice to KT

 

       Address: 206 Jungja-dong, Bundang-gu, Sungnam, Gyunggi-do, Korea
       Phone: 822-31-727-0700
       Fax: 822-31-727-0709
       Attention: Head of the Group Strategy CFT

 

  15.2.2 Notice to KTF

 

       Address: 7-18 Shincheon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
       Phone: 822-2010-0023
       Fax: 822-2016-1048
       Attention: Head of the Strategy and Planning Division

 

15.3 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by a written agreement between KT and KTF; provided, that the Merger Ratio, amendment to articles of incorporation and matters regarding the appointment of a director or an audit committee member shall not be amended after such matters have been approved at the general shareholders’ meeting.

 

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15.4 Waiver. If any party (i) fails to exercise or delays the exercise of the rights hereunder, or (ii) exercises the rights hereunder in a single or partial manner, such party shall not be precluded from further exercising such rights.

 

15.5 Entire Agreement. This Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement by and among the parties regarding the matters set forth in this Agreement as of the date of this Agreement, and any and all prior oral or written agreement, express or implied, other than as set forth in this Agreement, shall be invalid.

 

15.6 Severability. If any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement (including any sentence, phrase or a part thereof) shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

15.7 Assignment. No party to this Agreement may assign or delegate its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party.

 

15.8 Governing Law and Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Korea. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with the execution, performance, construction or violation of this Agreement shall be settled subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Seoul Central District Court.

[Signature page to follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, KT and KTF have executed two (2) counterparts of the original of this Agreement as of January 20, 2009, and each party shall keep each such counterpart.

KT CORPORATION

206 Jungja-dong, Bundang-gu, Sungnam City, Kyunggi Province

Representative Director Suk-Chae Lee (/s/    SUK-CHAE LEE)

KT Freetel Co., Ltd.

7-18 Shincheon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul

Representative Director Haing-Min Kwon (/s/    HAING-MIN KWON)

 

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Exhibit 1

Amendments to Articles of Incorporation of KT

 

Article

  

Original

  

Amended

Article 2

(Purpose)

  

…(Omission of what precedes)

 

14.    Any and all other activities or businesses incidental to or necessary for the attainment of the foregoing.

  

14.    Telecommunications business including services provided by using frequency

 

15.    Value added communications service business

 

16.    Business of production, provision (showing) and distribution of contents such as phonograph records, musical pictures, films, videos and games, etc.

 

17.    Electronic finance-related business such as issuance and management of electronic prepayment means and electronic payment settlement agency systems, etc.

 

18.    Sale and lease of equipments and facilities relating to Subparagraphs 14 through 17.

 

19.    Overseas business and export & import business relating to Subparagraphs 14 through 18.

 

20.    Travel business

 

21.    Insurance agent business

 

22.    Any and all other activities or businesses incidental to or necessary for the attainment of the foregoing.

 

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Exhibit 2-1

Capitalization of KTF (As of the date hereof)

 

1. Issued and outstanding capital stock, convertible bonds, bonds with warrants and exchangeable bonds of KTF

 

  (1) Capital stock: 188,274,091 common shares in registered form with par value 5,000 Korean Won

 

  (2) Convertible bonds, bonds with warrants and exchangeable bonds: N/A

 

2. Stock options granted by KTF to its directors, officers and employees

 

Date of
Grant

 

Recipient

   Number
of Shares
Granted
Under
Stock
Option
   Number
of Shares
Granted
but Not
Exercised
Under
Stock
Option
   Exercise
Price
   Exercise Period

2002.03.25

 

Woo-Sik Kim

   5,800    5,800    45,178    2005.03.25~2010.03.24

2002.03.25

 

Won-Pyo Hong

   5,800    5,800    45,178    2005.03.25~2010.03.24

2002.03.25

 

Min-Hee Lee

   5,800    5,800    45,178    2005.03.25~2010.03.24

2002.03.25

 

Joo-Young Song

   5,800    5,800    45,178    2005.03.25~2010.03.24

2002.03.25

 

Yi-Sun Kim

   5,400    5,400    45,178    2005.03.25~2010.03.24

2003.09.08

 

Joong-Woong Kim

   9,900    5,000    30,000    2005.09.09~2010.09.08

2003.09.08

 

Il-Chong Nam

   9,900    5,000    30,000    2005.09.09~2010.09.08

2003.09.08

 

Seong-Cheol Jeon

   9,900    5,000    30,000    2005.09.09~2010.09.08

2003.09.08

 

Young-Joo Cho

   60,000    56,740    30,000    2005.09.09~2010.09.08

2003.09.08

 

In-Moo Huh

   40,000    4,500    30,000    2005.09.09~2010.09.08

2003.09.08

 

Joo-Young Song

   40,000    37,881    30,000    2005.09.09~2010.09.08

2003.09.08

 

Min-Hee Lee

   30,000    28,370    30,000    2005.09.09~2010.09.08

2003.09.08

 

Soo-Sung Jeong

   30,000    28,370    30,000    2005.09.09~2010.09.08

2003.09.08

 

Seo-Hwan Cho

   30,000    28,730    30,000    2005.09.09~2010.09.08

2003.09.08

 

Hyun-Myung Pyo

   30,000    28,370    30,000    2005.09.09~2010.09.08

2003.09.08

 

Hun-Cheol Shin

   30,000    2,500    30,000    2005.09.09~2010.09.08

2003.09.08

 

Moon-Ho Lee

   30,000    28,370    30,000    2005.09.09~2010.09.08

2003.09.08

 

Tae-Beom Noh

   30,000    18,913    30,000    2005.09.09~2010.09.08

2003.09.08

 

Gi-Cheol Kim

   30,000    28,370    30,000    2005.09.09~2010.09.08

2005.03.04

 

Hong-Gi Kim

   9,700    9,700    30,700    2007.03.05~2012.03.04

2005.03.04

 

Jae-Cheol Lee

   9,700    9,700    30,700    2007.03.05~2012.03.04

2005.03.04

 

Gi-Gwon Doh

   9,700    9,700    30,700    2007.03.05~2012.03.04

2005.03.04

 

Deok-Nam Hwang

   9,700    9,700    30,700    2007.03.05~2012.03.04

2005.03.04

 

Hoon Han

   30,000    21,705    30,700    2007.03.05~2012.03.04

2005.03.04

 

Young-Doh Hong

   30,000    24,806    30,700    2007.03.05~2012.03.04

2005.03.04

 

Tae-Geun Kim

   30,000    24,806    30,700    2007.03.05~2012.03.04
 

Total

   567,100    444,471      

 

3. Options or contracts under which KTF may be required to issue or deliver stock upon the exercise of a conversion right or an exchange right by third parties: N/A

 

4. Treasury stock held by KTF: 50,882 shares

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit 2-2

Capitalization of KT (As of the date hereof)

 

1. Issued and outstanding capital stock, convertible bonds, bonds with warrants and exchangeable bonds of KT

 

  (1) Capital stock: 273,535,700 common shares in registered form with par value 5,000 Korean Won

 

  (2) Convertible bonds, bonds with warrants and exchangeable bonds: N/A

 

2. Stock options granted by KT to its directors, officers and employees

 

Date of
Grant

  

Recipient

   Number
of Shares
Granted
Under
Stock
Option
   Number
of Shares
Granted
But Not
Exercised
Under
Stock
Option
   Exercise
Price
   Exercise Period

2002.12.26

  

Yong-Gyung Lee

   300,000    253,100    70,000    2004.12.27~2009.12.26

2002.12.26

  

Tae-Won Jeong

   100,000    45,145    70,000    2004.12.27~2009.12.26

2002.12.26

  

Young Han Song

   60,000    28,717    70,000    2004.12.27~2009.12.26

2002.12.26

  

Ahn-Yong Choi

   60,000    32,170    70,000    2004.12.27~2009.12.26

2002.12.26

  

Hong-Sik Jeon

   100,000    12,500    70,000    2004.12.27~2009.12.26

2003.09.16

  

Hyun-Joon Chang

   5,200    3,000    57,000    2005.09.17~2010.09.16

2005.02.04

  

Hee-Chang Noh

   60,000    43,153    54,600    2007.02.05~2012.02.04
  

Total

   685,200    417,785      

 

3. Options or contracts under which KT may be required to issue or deliver stock upon the exercise of a conversion right or an exchange right by third parties: N/A

 

4. Treasury stock held by KT: 71,500,404 shares

 

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