20-F 1 d710660d20f.htm FORM 20-F Form 20-F
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2014

 

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 20-F

 

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

        For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

¨ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

        Date of event requiring this shell company report                                         

        For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number 1-14926

KT Corporation

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

KT Corporation   The Republic of Korea
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)   (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

90, Buljeong-ro

Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do

463-711 Korea

(Address of principal executive offices)

In Hoe Kim

90, Buljeong-ro

Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do

463-711 Korea

Telephone: +82-31-727-0114; E-mail: ian.ihkim@kt.com

(Name, telephone, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)

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

 

Title of each class

  

Name of each exchange on which registered

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

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

None

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

None

As of December 31, 2013, there were 261,111,808 shares of common stock, par value 5,000 per share, outstanding (not including 17,308,160 shares of common stock held by the company as treasury shares)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  x    No   ¨

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Yes  ¨    No   x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing. U.S. GAAP  ¨    IFRS  x    Other  ¨

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.    Item 17  ¨     Item 18  ¨

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

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

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

              Page  

PART I

     1   

ITEM 1.

 

IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGERS AND ADVISERS

     1   
 

Item 1.A.

  

Directors and Senior Management

     1   
 

Item 1.B.

  

Advisers

     1   
 

Item 1.C.

  

Auditors

     1   

ITEM 2.

 

OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

     1   
 

Item 2.A.

  

Offer Statistics

     1   
 

Item 2.B.

  

Method and Expected Timetable

     1   

ITEM 3.

 

KEY INFORMATION

     2   
 

Item 3.A.

  

Selected Financial Data

     2   
 

Item 3.B.

  

Capitalization and Indebtedness

     6   
 

Item 3.C.

  

Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

     6   
 

Item 3.D.

  

Risk Factors

     6   

ITEM 4.

 

INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

     21   
 

Item 4.A.

  

History and Development of the Company

     21   
 

Item 4.B.

  

Business Overview

     21   
 

Item 4.C.

  

Organizational Structure

     49   
 

Item 4.D.

  

Property, Plants and Equipment

     49   

ITEM 4A.

 

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

     53   

ITEM 5.

 

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

     53   
 

Item 5.A.

  

Operating Results

     53   
 

Item 5.B.

  

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     78   
 

Item 5.C.

  

Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc.

     82   
 

Item 5.D.

  

Trend Information

     83   
 

Item 5.E.

  

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

     83   
 

Item 5.F.

  

Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

     83   
 

Item 5.G.

  

Safe Harbor

     83   

ITEM 6.

 

DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

     83   
 

Item 6.A.

  

Directors and Senior Management

     83   
 

Item 6.B.

  

Compensation

     90   
 

Item 6.C.

  

Board Practices

     91   
 

Item 6.D.

  

Employees

     92   
 

Item 6.E.

  

Share Ownership

     94   

 

i


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

              Page  

ITEM 7.

 

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     95   
 

Item 7.A.

  

Major Shareholders

     95   
 

Item 7.B.

  

Related Party Transactions

     95   
 

Item 7.C.

  

Interests of Experts and Counsel

     95   

ITEM 8.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     95   
 

Item 8.A.

  

Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

     95   
 

Item 8.B.

  

Significant Changes

     98   

ITEM 9.

 

THE OFFER AND LISTING

     98   
 

Item 9.A.

  

Offer and Listing Details

     98   
 

Item 9.B.

  

Plan of Distribution

     99   
 

Item 9.C.

  

Markets

     100   
 

Item 9.D.

  

Selling Shareholders

     104   
 

Item 9.E.

  

Dilution

     104   
 

Item 9.F.

  

Expenses of the Issuer

     104   

ITEM 10.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     104   
 

Item 10.A.

  

Share Capital

     104   
 

Item 10.B.

  

Memorandum and Articles of Association

     104   
 

Item 10.C.

  

Material Contracts

     110   
 

Item 10.D.

  

Exchange Controls

     111   
 

Item 10.E.

  

Taxation

     115   
 

Item 10.F.

  

Dividends and Paying Agents

     120   
 

Item 10.G.

  

Statements by Experts

     120   
 

Item 10.H.

  

Documents on Display

     120   
 

Item 10.I.

  

Subsidiary Information

     120   

ITEM 11.

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     120   

ITEM 12.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

     123   
 

Item 12.A.

  

Debt Securities

     123   
 

Item 12.B.

  

Warrants and Rights

     123   
 

Item 12.C.

  

Other Securities

     123   
 

Item 12.D.

  

American Depositary Shares

     123   

PART II

     124   

ITEM 13.

 

DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

     124   

 

ii


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

               Page  

ITEM 14.

   MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS      124   

ITEM 15.

   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES      125   

ITEM 16.

   [RESERVED]      126   

ITEM 16A.

   AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT      126   

ITEM 16B.

   CODE OF ETHICS      126   

ITEM 16C.

   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES      126   

ITEM 16D.

   EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES      127   

ITEM 16E.

   PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS      127   

ITEM 16F.

   CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT      127   

ITEM 16G.

   CORPORATE GOVERNANCE      128   

ITEM 16H.

   MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE      129   

PART III

     130   

ITEM 17.

   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      130   

ITEM 18.

   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS      130   

ITEM 19.

   EXHIBITS      130   

 

iii


Table of Contents

PRESENTATION

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

All references to “Won” or “” in this annual report are to the currency of the Republic and all references to “Dollars,” “$,” “US$” or “U.S. dollars” are to the currency of the United States of America. Our monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated into Won at the market average exchange rate announced by Seoul Money Brokerage Services, Ltd. (the “Market Average Exchange Rate”) on the balance sheet dates, which were, for U.S. dollars, 1,153.3 to US$1.00, 1,071.1 to US$1.00 and 1,055.3 to US$1.00 at December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. Our consolidated financial statements are expressed in Won and, solely for the convenience of the reader, the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 have been translated into United States dollars at the rate of 1,055.3 to US$1.00, the Market Average Exchange Rate in effect on December 31, 2013.

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

All market share data contained in this annual report, unless otherwise specified, are based on the number of subscribers announced by the Korea Communications Commission (the “KCC”) or the Korea Telecommunications Operators Association.

PART I

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Managers and Advisers

Item 1.A.  Directors and Senior Management

Not applicable.

Item 1.B.  Advisers

Not applicable.

Item 1.C.  Auditors

Not applicable.

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

Item 2.A.  Offer Statistics

Not applicable.

Item 2.B.  Method and Expected Timetable

Not applicable.

 

1


Table of Contents

Item 3. Key Information

Item 3.A.  Selected Financial Data

You should read the selected consolidated financial data below in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013, and the report of the independent registered public accounting firm on these statements included herein. These audited financial statements and the related notes have been prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). The selected consolidated financial data for the three years ended December 31, 2013 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.

In addition to preparing financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB included in this annual report, we also prepare financial statements in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the Republic of Korea (“K-IFRS”), which we are required to file with the Financial Services Commission and the Korea Exchange under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act of Korea (“FSCMA”). English translations of such financial statements are furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission under Form 6-K. During the three years ended December 31, 2013, we are required to adopt certain amendments and interpretations to K-IFRS, relating to presentation of operating profit. Additionally, under K-IFRS, revenue from the development and sale of real estate is recognized using the percentage of completion method. However, under IFRS as issued by the IASB, revenue from the development and sale of real estate is recognized when an individual unit of residential real estate is delivered to the buyer. Furthermore, due to a subsequent event in which early redemption rights were exercised for certain commercial paper guaranteed by KT ENS Corporation (“KT ENS”), our consolidated subsidiary, we recognized financial losses relating to the resulting estimation of guarantee liabilities in our consolidated statements of operations prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB, which were not reflected in our financial statements prepared in accordance with K-IFRS, which were issued on March 13, 2014. As a result, the presentation of operating results in our consolidated statements of operations prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB included in this annual report differs from the presentation of operating results in our consolidated statements of operations prepared in accordance with K-IFRS. See “Item 5.A. Operating Results—Explanatory Note Regarding Presentation of Certain Financial Information under K-IFRS” for additional information. In accordance with rule amendments adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission which became effective on March 4, 2008, we are not required to provide a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP.

The information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of the results of future operations and should be read in conjunction with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this annual report.

 

2


Table of Contents

Consolidated statement of operations data

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
             2010(1)                     2011(1)                     2012(1)                     2013                     2013 (2)          
     (In billions of Won and millions of Dollars, except per share data)  

Continuing Operations:

          

Operating revenue

   20,310      22,088      24,644      24,058      US$ 22,797   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenue

     19,993        21,311        23,856        23,729        22,485   

Others

     317        777        787        329        312   

Operating expenses

     18,303        20,101        22,964        23,734        22,491   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit

     2,007        1,987        1,680        323        306   

Finance income

     238        270        499        279        265   

Finance costs

     (596     (642     (782     (648     (614

Income from jointly controlled entities and associates

     33        (6     18        7        6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit (loss) from continuing operations before income tax

     1,681        1,609        1,415        (38     (36
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense

     (396     318        278        50        47   

Profit (loss) for the year from the continuing operations

     1,285        1,291        1,137        (88     (83
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

          

Profit (loss) from discontinued operations

     29        165        (32              
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit (loss) for the year

   1,314      1,455      1,105      (88   US$ (83
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit (loss) for the year attributable to:

          

Equity holders of the parent company

   1,296      1,446      1,046      (190   US$ (180

Profit (loss) from continuing operations

     1,273        1,280        1,076        (190     (180

Profit (loss) from discontinued operations

     23        166        (30              

Non-controlling interest

   19      10      59      102      US$ 97   

Profit from continuing operations

     13        11        61        102        97   

Profit (loss) from discontinued operations

     6        (1     (2              

Earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of the Parent Company during the period (in won):

          

Basic earnings (loss) per share

   5,326      5,943      4,296      (779   US$ (1

From continuing operations

     5,293        5,262        4,417        (779     (1

From discontinued operations

     33        681        (121              

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   5,326      5,942      4,296      (782   US$ (1

From continuing operations

     5,293        5,261        4,417        (782     (1

From discontinued operations

     33        681        (121              

 

3


Table of Contents

Consolidated statement of financial position data

 

     As of December 31,  
Selected Statement of Financial Position Data        2010(1)              2011(1)              2012(1)              2013      
     (In billions of Won)  

Assets:

        

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   1,162      1,462      2,058      2,071   

Trade and other receivables, net

     4,193        6,191        5,908        5,240   

Short-term loans, net

     725        698        668        839   

Current finance lease receivables, net

     195        249        340        294   

Other financial assets

     270        259        246        480   

Current income tax assets

     0        1        1        35   

Inventories, net

     711        676        935        674   

Other current assets

     264        311        362        340   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     7,519        9,847        10,517        9,972   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current assets:

        

Trade and other receivables, net

     1,125        1,725        1,073        813   

Long-term loans, net

     408        491        513        510   

Non-current finance lease receivables, net

     403        488        522        416   

Other financial assets

     269        622        672        673   

Property and equipment, net

     13,398        14,090        15,806        16,387   

Investment property, net

     1,146        1,159        1,155        1,105   

Intangible assets, net

     1,419        2,645        3,214        3,827   

Investments in jointly controlled entities and associates

     638        500        379        364   

Deferred income tax assets

     565        530        611        707   

Other non-current assets

     50        86        95        76   

Total non-current assets

     19,422        22,336        24,040        24,878   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   26,942      32,183      34,558      34,850   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Equity:

        

Current liabilities:

        

Trade and other payables

   4,424      5,902      7,221      7,414   

Current finance lease liabilities, net

     33        46        14        19   

Borrowings

     2,722        2,125        3,197        3,021   

Other financial liabilities

     1        8        72        64   

Current income tax liabilities

     284        187        144        100   

Provisions

     58        123        206        115   

Deferred income

     177        168        171        144   

Other current liabilities

     185        220        242        348   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     7,885        8,780        11,267        11,224   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities:

        

Trade and other payables

     382        652        701        1,059   

Non-current finance lease liabilities, net

     61        90        28        49   

Borrowings

     6,660        8,897        8,239        8,463   

Other financial liabilities

     38        288        70        179   

Retirement benefit liabilities

     264        426        549        586   

Provisions

     110        143        150        134   

Deferred income

     157        161        157        148   

Deferred income tax liabilities

     4        126        137        169   

Other non-current liabilities

     27        32        41        2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

     7,703        10,815        10,073        10,789   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   15,588      19,595      21,340      22,013   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity attributable to owners of the Parent Company

        

Paid-in capital

        

Capital stock

   1,564      1,564      1,564      1,564   

Share premium

     1,440        1,440        1,440        1,440   

Retained earnings

     9,466        10,219        10,646        10,019   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (expense)

     (79     (23     1        25   

Other components of equity

     (1,258     (1,497     (1,343     (1,321
     11,133        11,704        12,309        11,728   

Non-controlling interest

     221        884        909        1,110   

Total equity

     11,354        12,588        13,218        12,837   

Total liabilities and equity

   26,942      32,183      34,558      34,850   

 

4


Table of Contents

Consolidated statement of cash flow data

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010 (1)     2011 (1)     2012 (1)     2013     2013 (2)  
     (In billions of Won and millions of Dollars)  

Net cash generated from operating activities

   2,973      2,164      5,725      4,111      US$ 3,896   

Net cash (used in) investing activities

     (2,949     (2,666     (3,851     (3,783     (3,584

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (398     772        (1,278     (312     (295

Operating Data

 

     As of December 31,  
     2009      2010      2011      2012      2013  

Lines installed (thousands) (3)

     25,907         25,524         23,925         25,242         24,264   

Lines in service (thousands) (3)

     17,069         16,620         15,900         15,121         14,032   

Lines in service per 100 inhabitants (3)

     35.0         34.0         30.8         30.2         27.4   

Mobile subscribers (thousands)

     15,016         16,041         16,563         16,502         16,454   

Broadband Internet subscribers (thousands)

     6,953         7,424         7,823         8,037         8,067   

 

 

(1) As a result of adoption of IFRS 10 in 2013, the comparative 2011 and 2012 consolidated financial data were retrospectively restated, but 2010 consolidated financial data were not restated as IFRS 10 does not require restatement of the earlier periods presented beyond the immediately preceded period. Also, the amendments to International Accounting Standard 19 were applied retrospectively and the comparative 2010, 2011, and 2012 consolidated statement of operations data were restated by reflecting the adjustments resulting from this retrospective application.

 

(2) For convenience, the Won amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars at the rate of 1,055.3 to US$1.00, the Market Average Exchange Rate in effect on December 31, 2013. This translation should not be construed as a representation that the Won amounts represent, have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars at that rate or any other rate.

 

(3) Including public telephones.

Exchange Rate Information

The following table sets out information concerning the Market Average Exchange Rate for the periods and dates indicated:

 

Period

   At End
of Period
     Average
Rate (1)
     High      Low  
     (Won per US$1.00)  

2009

     1,167.6         1,276.4         1,573.6         1,152.8   

2010

     1,138.9         1,156.3         1,261.5         1,104.0   

2011

     1,153.3         1,108.1         1,199.5         1,049.5   

2012

     1,071.1         1,126.9         1,181.8         1,071.1   

2013

     1,055.3         1,095.0         1,159.1         1,051.5   

November

     1,062.1         1,062.8         1,072.9         1,055.8   

December

     1,055.3         1,056.7         1,061.9         1,051.5   

2014 (through April 28)

     1,038.9         1,063.2         1,086.1         1,036.0   

January

     1,079.2         1,064.8         1,084.1         1,050.4   

February

     1,067.7         1,071.3         1,086.1         1,060.5   

March

     1,068.8         1,070.9         1,080.3         1,062.6   

April (through April 28)

     1,038.9         1,045.6         1,066.1         1,036.0   

 

Source: Seoul Money Brokerage Services, Ltd.

 

(1) Represents the average of the Market Average Exchange Rates on each business day during the relevant period (or portion thereof).

Our monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated into Won at the Market Average Exchange Rate on the balance sheet dates, which were, for U.S. dollars, 1,153.3 to US$1.00, 1,071.1 to US$1.00 and 1,055.3 to US$1.00 at December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively.

Our consolidated financial statements are expressed in Won and, solely for the convenience of the reader, the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 have been translated into United States dollars at the rate of 1,055.3 to US$1.00, the Market Average Exchange Rate in effect on December 31, 2013.

 

5


Table of Contents

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

Item 3.B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not applicable.

Item 3.C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

Item 3.D. Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the following factors.

Risks Relating to Our Business

Competition in the Korean telecommunications industry is intense.

Competition in the telecommunications sector in Korea is intense. In recent years, business combinations in the telecommunications industry have significantly changed the competitive landscape of the Korean telecommunications industry. In particular, SK Telecom Co., Ltd. (or SK Telecom) acquired a controlling stake in Hanarotelecom Incorporated in 2008, which was renamed SK Broadband Co., Ltd. (or SK Broadband). The acquisition enabled SK Telecom to provide fixed-line telecommunications, broadband Internet access and Internet television (or IP-TV) services together with its mobile telecommunications services. In January 2010, LG Dacom Corporation (or LG Dacom) and LG Powercom Co., Ltd. (or LG Powercom) merged into LG Telecom Co., Ltd., which subsequently changed its name to LG U+. The merger enabled LG U+ to provide a similar range of services as SK Telecom and us. Our inability to adapt to such changes in the competitive landscape could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition to our competition with integrated telecommunications service providers, we face increasing competition from specific service providers, such as Internet phone service providers, Internet text message service providers, voice resellers and call-back service providers. In recent years, the increasing popularity of Internet phone and free text message services, such as Skype and Kakao Talk, have had a negative impact on demand for our telecommunications and text message services while creating additional data transmission usage by our Internet and mobile subscribers. Our inability to adapt to such changes in the competitive landscape could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Mobile Service. We provide mobile services based on Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (or W-CDMA) technology and Long-Term Evolution (or LTE) technology. Competitors in the mobile telecommunications service industry are SK Telecom and LG U+. We had a market share of 30.1% as of December 31, 2013, making us the second largest mobile telecommunications service provider in Korea. SK Telecom had a market share of 50.0% as of December 31, 2013.

Mobile subscribers are allowed to switch their service provider while retaining the same mobile phone number. Mobile service providers also grant subsidies to subscribers who purchase new handsets and agree to a minimum subscription period. Mobile number portability and handset subsidies have intensified competition among the mobile service providers and increased their marketing expenses. If the mobile service providers adopt a strategy of expanding market share through price competition, it could lead to a decrease in our net profit margins.

 

6


Table of Contents

Since 2011, SK Telecom, LG U+ and we have launched fourth-generation mobile telecommunications services based on LTE technology, which we believe has further intensified competition among the three companies and resulted in an increase in marketing expenses and capital expenditures related to implementing and providing 4G LTE services. SK Telecom and LG U+ began providing 4G LTE services in July 2011, and we commenced providing commercial 4G LTE services on January 3, 2012 utilizing our bandwidths in the 1.8 GHz spectrum that became available upon termination of our 2G services based on Code Division Multiple Access (or CDMA) technology. In September 2013, we commenced providing wideband LTE services, which utilizes our adjoining 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum to provide transmission speed of up to 150 Mbps, twice faster than those offered under standard LTE services. SK Telecom also began providing its wideband LTE services in September 2013 and LG U+ commenced providing its wideband LTE services in January 2014. As of March 1, 2014, our wideband LTE services covered five metropolitan cities in Korea, and we expect to expand our wideband LTE services to all of Korea by July 2014. As of December 31, 2013, the number of our LTE subscribers exceeded 7.8 million. Furthermore, in March 2014, we commercialized advanced wideband LTE (“Wideband LTE-A”) services, which interconnects our 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum used to offer wideband LTE services with the 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 900 MHz spectrum used to offer standard LTE services by utilizing inter-band carrier aggregation technology to support transmission speed of up to 225 Mbps.

On April 2, 2014, LG U+ launched Korea’s first unlimited mobile service package, offering mobile subscribers with unlimited voice calls, text messaging, and LTE data at fees between 80,000 to 85,000 per month. Commencing on April 3, 2014, SK Telecom launched three different types of unlimited LTE data plans, which provide mobile subscribers with unlimited amounts of LTE data, voice calls, and text massaging. On April 7, 2014, we began offering mobile subscribers with unlimited LTE data, voice calls, and text messaging packages at fees of 70,000 per month. Although we expect that SK Telecom and LG U+ will face similar challenges to those that we expect to face in offering LTE services and in implementing improvements to LTE technology, such as increased fees and expenses and unforeseeable market responses to the new technology, we cannot assure you that we will continue to be able to successfully compete in fourth-generation mobile telecommunications services. Furthermore, we believe that the continuing intense competition among major telecommunications operators in Korea and the resulting pressure on our fees, including from offerings of unlimited usage plans, may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

Fixed-line Telephone Services. Before December 1991, we were the sole provider of local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone services in Korea. Since then, various competitors have entered the local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone service markets in Korea, which have eroded our market shares. LG U+ and SK Broadband currently provide local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone services. In addition, Onse Telecom Corporation and SK Telink, Inc. currently provide domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone services. We also compete with specific service providers, such as Internet phone service providers, voice resellers and call-back service providers, that offer international long-distance service in Korea. While we offer our own Internet phone service, the entry of these and other potential competitors into the local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone service markets has had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on our revenues and profitability from these businesses. As of December 31, 2013, we had a market share in local telephone service of 81.4% and a market share in domestic long distance service of 78.7%. Further increase in competition may decrease our market shares in such businesses. As part of our efforts to improve our operational efficiencies, we announced on April 8, 2014 that we will transfer any operations relating to fixed-line sales activities (including on-site sales, line activation, after service, and customer center operations) to our subsidiaries.

 

7


Table of Contents

Internet Services. The Korean broadband Internet access service market has experienced significant growth in the past decade. SK Broadband (formerly Hanarotelecom) entered the broadband market in 1999 offering both Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (or HFC) and Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (or ADSL) services. We also began offering broadband Internet access service in 1999, followed by Dreamline, Onse and LG U+. In recent years, numerous cable television operators have also begun to offer HFC-based services at rates lower than ours. We had a market share of 43.1% as of December 31, 2013. As a result of having to compete with a number of competitors and the maturing of the Internet access service market, we currently encounter, and we expect to encounter, pressure to increase marketing expenses in the future.

The market for other Internet-related services in Korea, including IP-TV and Internet phone services, is also very competitive. We anticipate that competition will continue to intensify as the usage and popularity of the Internet grows and as new domestic and international competitors enter the Internet industry in Korea. The substantial growth of the Internet industry in Korea has attracted many competitors and as a result may lead to increasing price competition to provide Internet-related services. Increased competition in the Internet industry could have a material adverse effect on the number of subscribers of our Internet-related service and on our results of operations.

Failure to renew existing bandwidth spectrum, acquire adequate additional bandwidth spectrum or use our bandwidth efficiently may adversely affect our mobile telecommunications business and results of operations.

One of the principal limitations on a wireless network’s subscriber capacity is the amount of bandwidth spectrum allocated to the service provider. We have a license to use 40 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum that we use to provide IMT-2000 services based on W-CDMA wireless network standards. Such license expires in December 2016, and we are required to pay approximately 1.3 trillion during the license period of 15 years. In April 2010, the KCC announced its decision to allocate 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 900 MHz spectrum to us, which became effective in July 2011, for which we are required to pay a portion of the actual sales generated from using the bandwidth in the 900 MHz spectrum during the license period of 10 years as a usage fee for the bandwidth, as well as a portion of expected sales that was determined by the KCC at the time of allocation. In June 2011, our right to use 40 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum expired, and the KCC allocated back to us the right to use 20 MHz of such bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum upon expiration pursuant to our application, for which we are required to pay a portion of the actual sales generated from using the bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum during the license period of 10 years as a usage fee for the bandwidth, as well as a portion of expected sales that was determined by the KCC at the time of allocation.

In August 2011, the KCC auctioned the right to use the remaining 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum that we relinquished, 10 MHz of additional bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum and 20 MHz of additional bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum. We acquired the right to use the 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum, for which we are required to pay a total usage fee of 261 billion during the license period of 10 years, SK Telecom acquired the right to use the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum and LG U+ acquired the right to use the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum. We began using the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum, which became available upon termination of our 2G services, to provide our 4G LTE services starting in January 2012, and also began using the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 900 MHz spectrum to provide our 4G LTE services starting in September 2013. We expect to utilize the newly allocated bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum to further expand our 4G LTE services in the future, if necessary.

In August 2013, the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning further auctioned 50 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum, which had been used by governmental entities such as the

 

8


Table of Contents

military, and 80 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.6 GHz spectrum, which had been used for digital multimedia broadcasting services. We acquired the right to use 15 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum, for which we are required to pay a total usage fee of approximately 900 billion during a license period of eight years. SK Telecom acquired the right to use 35 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum and LG U+ acquired the right to use 40 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.6 GHz spectrum. Acquiring the right to use additional bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum has enabled us to provide Wideband LTE services beginning in September 2013, as 15 MHz of the newly acquired bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum was adjacent to our existing 20 Mhz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum.

The growth of our mobile telecommunications business and the increase in usage of wireless data transmission services have been significant factors in the increased utilization of our bandwidth, since wireless data applications are generally more bandwidth-intensive than voice services. The current trend of increasing data transmission use and the increasing sophistication of multimedia contents are likely to put additional strain on the bandwidth capacity of mobile service providers. In the event we are unable to maintain sufficient bandwidth capacity by renewing existing bandwidth spectrum, receiving additional bandwidth allocation, or cost-effectively implementing technologies that enhance bandwidth usage efficiency, our subscribers may perceive a general decrease in quality of mobile telecommunications services. No assurance can be given that bandwidth constraints will not adversely affect the growth of our mobile telecommunications business.

Introduction of new services, including our 4G LTE services, poses challenges and risks to us.

The telecommunications industry is characterized by continual advances and improvements in telecommunications technology, and we have been continually researching and implementing technology upgrades and additional telecommunication services to maintain our competitiveness. For example, in March 2005, we acquired a license to provide wireless broadband Internet access (or WiBro) service for 126 billion, and commercially launched our service in June 2006. We completed the upgrade of our 4G WiBro network and expanded our WiBro service coverage to 84 cities nationwide and major highways in March 2011, which we believe allows us to provide WiBro services at speeds that are approximately three times faster than our previous 3G network at a lower cost, and had approximately 845,000 subscribers as of December 31, 2013. The number of our WiBro subscribers decreased in 2013 compared to 2012, as more WiBro subscribers chose to access the internet using our 4G LTE network rather than WiBro following the introduction and proliferation of 4G LTE services during 2012 and 2013. Furthermore, we focused our subscriber retention efforts during 2013 on our mobile subscribers rather than our WiBro subscribers. We are also upgrading our broadband network to enable FTTH connection, which enhances data transmission speed and connection quality. FTTH is a telecommunication architecture in which a communication path is provided over optical fiber cables extending from the telecommunications operator’s switching equipment to the boundary of home or office. FTTH uses fiber optic cable, which is able to carry a high-bandwidth signal for longer distances without degradation. FTTH also enables us to deliver digital media content, such as IP-TV, with higher stability.

In addition, we have been building more advanced mobile telecommunications networks based on LTE technology, which is generally referred to as 4G technology, and commenced providing commercial 4G LTE services in the Seoul metropolitan area on January 3, 2012. We completed the expansion of our 4G LTE service coverage nationwide in October 2012. Several wireless carriers in the United States, Europe and Asia commenced LTE services in recent years and LTE technology is currently widely accepted as the standard 4G technology. LTE technology enables data to be transmitted faster than W-CDMA, up to 150 Mbps for downloading and up to 50 Mbps for uploading. We believe that the faster data transmission speed of the LTE network, combined with our existing 4G nationwide WiBro network, allows us to offer significantly improved wireless data transmission services

 

9


Table of Contents

with faster wireless access to multimedia content. No assurance can be given that our new services will gain broad market acceptance such that we will be able to derive revenues from such services to justify the license fee, capital expenditures and other investments required to provide such services.

We may not be able to successfully pursue our strategy to acquire businesses and enter into joint ventures that complement or diversify our current business, and we may need to incur additional debt to finance such expansion activities.

One key aspect of our overall business strategy calls for acquisitions of businesses and entering into joint ventures that complement or diversify our current business. In October 2011, we, through our subsidiary KT Capital Co., Ltd., acquired 1,622,520 common shares of BC Card Co., Ltd. to further diversify our business and to create synergies through utilization of our mobile telecommunications network in financial services. We acquired an additional 1,349,920 common shares of BC Card Co., Ltd. in January 2012 for approximately 287 billion, and owned a 69.54% interest in BC Card Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 2013. In January 2011, we acquired 5,600,000 shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock with voting rights and convertible bonds that were convertible into 5,600,000 shares of common stock of KT Skylife Co., Ltd., a provider of satellite TV service which may also be packaged with our IP-TV services, from Dutch Savings Holdings B.V. for approximately 246 billion. We exercised the conversion rights on the redeemable convertible preferred stock and the convertible bonds in March 2011, and owned a 50.1% interest in KT Skylife Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 2013.

While we plan to continue our search for other suitable acquisition and joint venture opportunities, we cannot provide assurance that we will be able to identify additional attractive opportunities or that we will successfully complete the transactions, without encountering administrative, technical, political, financial or other difficulties, or at all. Even if we were to successfully complete the transactions, success of an acquisition or a joint venture depends largely on our ability to achieve the anticipated synergies, cost savings and growth opportunities from integrating the business of the acquired company or the joint venture with our business. There can be no assurance that we will achieve the anticipated benefits of the transaction, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Pursuing acquisitions or joint venture transactions also requires significant capital, and as we pursue further growth opportunities for the future, we may need to raise additional capital through incurring loans or through issuances of bonds or other securities in the international capital markets.

Disputes with our labor union may disrupt our business operations.

In the past, we have experienced opposition from our labor union for our strategy of restructuring to improve our efficiency and profitability by disposing of non-core businesses and reducing our employee base. Although we have not experienced any significant labor disputes or unrests in recent years, there can be no assurance that we will not experience labor disputes or unrests in the future, including expanded protests and strikes, which could disrupt our business operations and have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We also negotiate collective bargaining agreements every two years with our labor union and annually negotiate a wage agreement. Our current collective bargaining agreement expires on May 23, 2015. Although we have been able to reach collective bargaining agreements and wage agreements with our labor union in recent years, there can be no assurance that we will not experience labor disputes and unrests resulting from disagreements with the labor union in the future.

 

10


Table of Contents

The Korean telecommunications and Internet protocol broadcasting industries are subject to extensive Government regulations, and changes in Government policy relating to these industries could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.

The Government, primarily through the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning (the “MSIP”) (ICT standing for Information & Communication Technology) and the KCC, has authority to regulate the telecommunications industry. Until March 2013, regulation of the telecommunications industry had mainly been the responsibility of the KCC. With the establishment of the newly created MSIP on March 23, 2013, however, such regulatory responsibility has mostly been transferred to the MSIP. The MSIP’s policy is to promote competition in the Korean telecommunications markets through measures designed to prevent the dominant service provider in any such market from exercising its market power in such a way as to prevent the emergence and development of viable competitors.

Under current Government regulations, if a network service provider has the largest market share for a specified type of service and its revenue from that service for the previous year exceeds a specific revenue amount set by the MSIP, it must obtain prior approval from the MSIP for the rates and the general terms for that service. Each year the MSIP designates service providers the rates and the general terms of which must be approved by the MSIP. In recent years, the KCC had so designated us for local telephone service and SK Telecom for mobile service, and the MSIP, in consultation with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, currently approves rates charged by us and SK Telecom for such services.

The MSIP currently does not regulate our domestic long-distance, international long-distance, broadband internet access and mobile service rates, but the inability to freely set our local telephone service rates may hurt profits from such business and impede our ability to compete effectively against our competitors. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Item 4.B. Business Overview—Regulation—Rates.” The form of our standard agreement for providing local network service and each agreement for interconnection with other service providers are also subject to approval by the MSIP. In addition, the MSIP may periodically announce public policy guidelines or suggestions that we take into consideration in setting our tariff for non-regulated services. In June 2011, upon recommendation of the KCC, SK Telecom announced tariff reduction measures, including a reduction of the monthly fee by 1,000 for every subscriber, an exemption of usage charges for short text message service, or SMS, up to 50 messages per month and the introduction of flexible service plans for smartphone users. In August 2011, after discussions with the KCC, we announced the adoption of various tariff reduction measures, including a reduction of the monthly fee by 1,000 for every mobile subscriber (effective October 21, 2011), an exemption of usage charges for SMS, of up to 50 messages per month (effective November 1, 2011) and the introduction of customized flat rate plans for smartphone users (effective October 24, 2011). The MSIP, which took over the KCC’s tariff regulation function in March 2013, is planning to gradually reduce and abolish activation fees by 2015. Pursuant to this policy objective, the MSIP discussed with us, LG U+, and SK Telecom gradually reducing and abolishing activation fees and as a result of the discussions, in August 2013, we, LG U+ and SK Telecom reduced activation fees by 40%. We reduced our activation fee by 9,600 (from 24,000 to 14,400) and SK Telecom and LG U+ reduced their activation fee by 15,840 (from 39,600 to 23,760) and 12,000 (from 30,000 to 18,000), respectively. On January 1, 2014, the MSIP announced its plans to further reduce activation fees in the second half of 2014 so that such fees would be reduced to 50% of the current fee levels, and we expect the remaining activation fees to be abolished by 2015. There can be no assurance that we will not adopt other tariff-reducing measures in the future to comply with the Government’s public policy guidelines or suggestions.

Based on investigations conducted in December 2012 and January 2013, the KCC imposed a combined fine of approximately 12 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us in January 2013 (our fine being approximately 2.9 billion), for providing subsidies that were higher than those allowed under

 

11


Table of Contents

current regulations to new mobile phone purchasers and subscribers, and also imposed temporary suspensions from recruiting new subscribers ranging from 20 days to 24 days. In March 2013, the KCC again imposed a combined fine of approximately 5 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 1.6 billion) for continuing to offer subsidies during the suspension period. In July 2013, the KCC imposed a combined fine of approximately 67 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 20 billion) and also imposed a seven day suspension on us from recruiting new subscribers, also in connection with providing excessive handset subsidies to new subscribers. In December 2013, the KCC again imposed a combined fine of approximately 106 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 30 billion), which is the largest fine ever imposed by the KCC on local mobile operators for providing excessive subsidies to new subscribers. On March 7, 2014, the MSIP imposed a temporary suspension on us for 45 days (from March 13, 2014 to April 26, 2014), SK Telecom for 45 days (from April 5, 2014 to May 19, 2014), and LG U+ for 45 days (from March 13, 2014 to April 4, 2014 and again from April 27, 2014 to May 18, 2014) from recruiting new subscribers as a result of continuing to offer excessive handset subsidies to new subscribers, despite the order from the KCC prohibiting such subsidies. Additionally, the MSIP announced that it plans to bring criminal charges with fines of up to 150 million and imprisonment of less than three years against any carrier and responsible personnel that fails to adhere to the suspension or continues to offer illegal subsidies after the suspension is completed.

President Park Geun-hye, who took office on February 25, 2013 as the 18th President of Korea, announced that the new Government will work toward reducing telecommunications service charges and promoting transparency in the decision making of telecommunications service providers. Accordingly, the new Government has set detailed policy objectives to (1) gradually reduce and abolish activation fees by 2015, (2) expand mobile virtual network operator and mobile voice over Internet protocol (“m-VoIP”) service, (3) intensify regulations on handset subsidies and (4) construct a data-based tariff system. If the new Government goes forward with its new telecommunications policy, it will increase competition among wireless service providers and our business and our profitability may be adversely affected.

The Government also sets the policies regarding the use of radio frequencies and allocates the spectrum of radio frequencies used for wireless telecommunications. For a discussion of the Government’s recent policies and practices on bandwidth spectrum allocation, see “Item 3. Key information—Item 3.D. Risk Factors—“Failure to renew existing bandwidth spectrum, acquire adequate additional bandwidth spectrum or use our bandwidth efficiently may adversely affect our mobile telecommunications business and results of operations.” The new allocations of bandwidth could increase competition among wireless service providers, which may have an adverse effect on our business.

We also plan to put more focus on the Internet protocol (or IP) media market, and we began offering IP-TV services in November 2008. IP-TV is a service which combines video-on-demand services with real-time high definition broadcasting via broadband networks. The MSIP and the KCC have the authority to regulate IP-TV services. Under the Internet Multimedia Broadcasting Business Act, anyone intending to engage in the IP-TV services business must first obtain a license from the MSIP. Moreover, anyone intending to provide contents focused on news or contents that generally combine news, culture entertainment, and any other similar contents with IP-TV providers, must obtain approval from the KCC. Furthermore, anyone intending to provide contents relating to the introduction of consumer products and other similar marketing content with IP-TV providers must obtain additional approval from the MSIP. In addition, KT Skylife Co. (formerly Korea Digital Satellite Broadcasting Co., Ltd.), which became our consolidated subsidiary starting in January 2011, offers satellite TV services, which may also be packaged with our IP-TV services. KT Skylife is also subject to regulation by the MSIP and the KCC pursuant to the Korea Broadcasting Act.

 

12


Table of Contents

Government policies and regulations relating to the above as well as other regulations involving the Korean telecommunications and IP broadcasting industries (including as a result of the implementation of free trade agreements between Korea and other countries, including the United States and the European Union) may change, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Item 4.B. Business Overview—Regulation.”

We are subject to various regulations under the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act.

The Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act provides for various regulations and restrictions on large business groups enforced by the Korea Fair Trade Commission. The Korea Fair Trade Commission designated us as a large business group under the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act on April 1, 2002. Our business relationships and transactions with our subsidiaries, affiliates and other companies within the KT group are subject to ongoing scrutiny by the Fair Trade Commission as to, among other things, whether such relationships and transactions constitute undue financial support among companies of the same business group. We are also subject to the fair trade regulations limiting debt guarantees for other domestic member companies of the same group and cross-shareholdings among domestic member companies of the same group. Additionally, we are subject to a prohibition, in effect since July 25, 2014, against circular shareholding among any three or more entities within our business group. Any future determination by the Korea Fair Trade Commission that we have engaged in transactions that violate the fair trade laws and regulations may result in fines or other punitive measures and may have a material adverse effect on our reputation and our business.

The reported investigations of and any adverse publicity associated with Mr. Suk-Chae Lee, our former Chief Executive Officer, and our other former executive officers or directors could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation and stock price.

On November 12, 2013, Mr. Suk-Chae Lee resigned from his position as the president and chief executive officer of KT Corporation following the investigation by prosecutors for alleged embezzlement and breach of fiduciary duty. A warrant for Mr. Lee’s arrest and detainment was submitted for approval to the Seoul Central District Court on January 2, 2014, but was denied on January 15, 2014, due to lack of ascertainable evidence for his arrest. On April 15, 2014, the Seoul Central District prosecutor’s office charged Mr. Lee with embezzlement and breach of fiduciary duty, and also charged Mr. Il Yung Kim, our former non-independent director and former president of the KT Corporate Center, as a co-conspirator in the breach of fiduciary duty by Mr. Lee. On April 16, 2014, the Seoul Central District prosecutor’s office also arrested Mr. Yu-Yeol Seo, our former president of Home Business Group, for his alleged participation in Mr. Lee’s embezzlement. The investigations against these former employees are still ongoing, and we cannot be certain at this time what the outcome will be. However, there can be no assurance that any further developments in these investigations will not adversely affect our business or cause our stock price to decline.

The reported investigation of and any adverse publicity associated with one of our subsidiaries could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation and stock price.

An employee of KT ENS and several companies, some of which are KT ENS’s subcontractors, allegedly worked together to forge documents, including a forged proof of accounts receivable, to incur borrowings, of which 290 billion remains unpaid, from 16 Korean banks since 2008 in over 460 transactions, which were allegedly secured by the forged accounts receivable and endorsed by KT ENS. KT ENS’s management neither had knowledge of nor approved such transactions. On February 11, 2014, police raided the offices of the subcontractors in connection with their investigation

 

13


Table of Contents

of the loans. Upon discovery of the incident, KT ENS immediately suspended the employee in question without pay, pending the results of the investigations for any further disciplinary actions. The employee and seven other persons are currently under arrest, and authorities believe that some of these subcontractors have since fled Korea with a large portion of the borrowed money. The banks are demanding that KT ENS, and possibly KT Corporation, be held liable for the repayment of the loans. However, KT ENS and KT Corporation disclaim any responsibility for the employee’s personal misconduct and these transactions, and believe that the banks should be held responsible for failing to detect the fraud while screening the loan applications, given the lack of a board resolution in connection with such sizable loans, as well as the fact that the seal used in connection with the loans bore KT ENS’s former name, KT Networks, and is no longer legally effective.

On March 12, 2014, KT ENS filed for court receivership with the Seoul Central District Court, based on its inability to pay approximately 49 billion in commercial paper that became due after early redemption rights were exercised. The commercial paper had been issued in connection with construction of a solar power plant by a contractor of the project and guaranteed by KT ENS. KT ENS faced difficulties in preventing such exercise of redemption rights following the above incident, and we declined to provide additional financial support to KT ENS to repay the redeemed commercial paper. While KT ENS’s filing for court receivership is unlikely to have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition on a consolidated basis, as KT ENS’s revenue for 2013 was approximately 2.0% of our consolidated revenues for 2013, any future legal proceedings against KT ENS and/or us may lead to significant losses. Such losses, as well as any adverse publicity associated with the incident, could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation and stock price.

The data breach incidents involving us in recent years have resulted in government investigations and private litigation, and if our efforts to protect the personal information of our subscribers are unsuccessful, future issues may result in further government enforcement actions and private litigation and may significantly impact our results of operation and reputation.

The nature of our business involves the receipt and storage of personal information of our subscribers. The uninterrupted operation of our information systems and confidentiality of the customer information that resides in such systems are critical to our successful operations. As such, we have a program in place to detect and respond to data security incidents. However, even though we may take all steps we believe are necessary to protect personal information, hardware, software or applications we develop or procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information security. Unauthorized parties may also attempt to circumvent our security measures to gain access to our systems or facilities through fraud, trickery or other forms of deceiving our employees, contractors and temporary staff. In addition, because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or sabotage systems change frequently and may be difficult to detect for long periods of time, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventive measures.

For example, in July 2012, the police arrested two individuals in connection with the alleged theft of personal account information relating to approximately 8.7 million of our mobile phone subscribers. The individuals in question stole personal information through a series of hackings starting from February 2012 into our New Service and Technology Evolution Program (“N-STEP”), our mobile customer information system. Since the incident, approximately 30,000 mobile phone subscribers filed lawsuits against us in connection with the N-STEP hackings, alleging that we failed to protect their personal information, and are seeking a total of approximately 15 billion in damages. The trials are currently ongoing at various district courts.

Furthermore, in March 2014, the police arrested three individuals in connection with their alleged theft of personal information relating to approximately 9.8 million of our subscribers. The

 

14


Table of Contents

individuals in question stole the personal information of our subscribers through a series of hackings into our main homepage starting from February 2014. On March 19, 2014, approximately 100 individuals collectively filed a lawsuit against us in Seoul Central District Court, seeking damages of approximately 200,000 per person. According to news reports, several other subscribers and third party organizations have filed lawsuits against us in connection with the incident, which we are not yet able to confirm as we have not yet received any official notice from the courts regarding these additional lawsuits. As part of an ongoing public-private task force investigation into the recent hacking incidents, the MSIP announced in March 2014 that it confirmed that hackers accessed our websites more than 12 million times using automated hacking programs in the three months prior to the announcement. On March 17, 2014, the KCC announced and the MSIP further announced that we may be fined up to 100 million in light of the most recent hacking incident.

We are unable to predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of these incidents at this time, including the scope of investigations or the maximum potential exposure. However, if we experience additional significant data security breaches or fail to detect and appropriately respond to significant data security breaches, we could be subject to additional government enforcement actions, regulatory sanctions and litigation in the future. In addition, our mobile phone subscribers could lose confidence in our ability to protect their information, which could cause them to discontinue using our services altogether. Furthermore, adverse final determinations, decisions or resolutions in such matters could encourage other parties to bring related claims and actions against us. Accordingly, the outcome of these incidents may materially and adversely impact our business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition.

Concerns that radio frequency emissions may be linked to various health concerns could adversely affect our business and we could be subject to litigation relating to these health concerns.

In the past, allegations that serious health risks may result from the use of wireless telecommunications devices or other transmission equipment have adversely affected share prices of some wireless telecommunications companies in the United States. In May 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (“IARC”) announced that it has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields associated with wireless phone use as possibly carcinogenic to humans, based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer. The IARC is part of the World Health Organization that conducts research on the causes of human cancer and the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and aims to develop scientific strategies for cancer control. We cannot assure you that such health concerns will not adversely affect our business. Several class action and personal injury lawsuits have been filed in the United States against several wireless phone manufacturers and carriers, asserting product liability, breach of warranty and other claims relating to radio transmissions to and from wireless phones. Certain of these lawsuits have been dismissed. We could be subject to liability or incur significant costs defending lawsuits brought by our subscribers or other parties who claim to have been harmed by or as a result of our services. In addition, the actual or perceived risk of wireless telecommunications devices could have an adverse effect on us by reducing our number of subscribers or our usage per subscriber.

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

Substantially all of our revenues are denominated in Won. Depreciation of the Won may materially affect the results of our operations because, among other things, it causes an increase in the amount of Won required by us to make interest and principal payments on our foreign-currency-denominated debt, the costs of telecommunications equipment that we purchase from overseas

 

15


Table of Contents

sources, net settlement payments to foreign carriers and certain payments related to our derivative instruments entered into for foreign exchange risk hedging purposes. Of the 8,490 billion total principal amount of long-term borrowings (less current portion) outstanding as of December 31, 2013, 1,726 billion was denominated in foreign currencies with an average weighted interest rate of 3.52%. The interest rates of such long-term debt (less current portion) denominated in foreign currencies ranged from 0.59% (Japanese Yen 5 billion bond issued in 2013) to 6.50% (for US$100 million fixed rate notes due 2034 issued under our medium-term note program). Upon identification and evaluation of our currency risk exposures, we, having considered various circumstances, enter into derivative financial instruments to try to manage some of such risks. Although the impact of exchange rate fluctuations has in the past been partially mitigated by such strategies, our results of operations have historically been affected by exchange rate fluctuations and there can be no assurance that such strategies will be sufficient to reduce or eliminate the adverse impact of such fluctuations in the future. See “Item 3. Key Information—Item 3.A. Select Financial Data—Exchange Rate Information”, “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources” and “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Interest Rate Risk.”

Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Won and the Dollar will also affect the Dollar equivalent of the Won price of the shares of our common stock on the KRX KOSPI Market and, as a result, will likely affect the market price of the ADSs. These fluctuations will also affect the Dollar conversion by the depositary for the ADRs of cash dividends, if any, paid in Won on shares of common stock represented by the ADSs.

Risks Relating to Korea

Korea is our most important market, and our current business and future growth could be materially and adversely affected if economic conditions in Korea deteriorate.

Substantially all of our operations, customers and assets are located in Korea. Accordingly, the performance and successful fulfillment of our operational strategies are necessarily dependent on the overall Korean economy and the resulting impact on the demand for telecommunications services. The economic indicators in Korea in recent years have shown mixed signs of growth and uncertainty, and future growth of the Korean economy is subject to many factors beyond our control, including developments in the global economy.

In recent years, adverse conditions and volatility in the worldwide financial markets, fluctuations in oil and commodity prices and the general weakness of the U.S. and global economy have contributed to the uncertainty of global economic prospects in general and have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, the Korean economy. The value of the Won relative to major foreign currencies in general and the U.S. dollar in particular has also fluctuated widely. See “Item 3.A. Selected Financial Data—Exchange Rates.” A depreciation of the Won increases the cost of imported goods and services and the Won revenue needed by Korean companies to service foreign currency denominated debt. An appreciation of the Won, on the other hand, causes export products of Korean companies to be less competitive by raising their prices in terms of the relevant foreign currency and reduces the Won value of such export sales. Furthermore, as a result of adverse global and Korean economic conditions, there has been an overall decline and continuing volatility in the stock prices of Korean companies. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or KOSPI, declined from 1,897.1 on December 31, 2007 to 938.8 on October 24, 2008. While the KOSPI has recovered since 2008, closing at 1,969.3 on April 28, 2014, there is no guarantee that the stock prices of Korean companies will not decline again in the future. Future declines in the KOSPI and large amounts of sales of Korean securities by foreign investors and subsequent repatriation of the proceeds of such sales may continue to adversely affect the value of the Won, the foreign currency reserves held by financial institutions in Korea, and the ability of Korean companies to raise capital. Any future deterioration of the Korean or global economy could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

16


Table of Contents

Developments that could have an adverse impact on Korea’s economy in the future include:

 

   

difficulties in the financial sectors in Europe and elsewhere and increased sovereign default risks in selected countries and the resulting adverse effects on the global financial markets;

 

   

timing and potential economic impact of a future scale-down by the U.S. Federal Reserve of its “quantitative easing” stimulus program;

 

   

adverse changes or volatility in foreign currency reserve levels, commodity prices (including oil prices), exchange rates (including fluctuation of the U.S. dollar or Japanese Yen exchange rates or revaluation of the Chinese Renminbi), interest rates, inflation rates or stock markets;

 

   

increasing levels of household debt;

 

   

continuing adverse conditions in the economies of countries that are important export markets for Korea, such as the United States, Japan and China, or in emerging market economies in Asia or elsewhere;

 

   

further decreases in the market prices of Korean real estate;

 

   

increasing delinquencies and credit defaults by consumer and small- and medium-sized enterprise borrowers;

 

   

declines in consumer confidence and a slowdown in consumer spending;

 

   

the continued emergence of the Chinese economy, to the extent its benefits (such as increased exports to China) are outweighed by its costs (such as competition in export markets or for foreign investment and the relocation of the manufacturing base from Korea to China);

 

   

social and labor unrest;

 

   

a decrease in tax revenues and a substantial increase in the Korean government’s expenditures for fiscal stimulus measures, unemployment compensation and other economic and social programs that, together, would lead to an increased Korean government budget deficit;

 

   

financial problems or lack of progress in the restructuring of large troubled companies, their suppliers or the financial sector;

 

   

loss of investor confidence arising from corporate accounting irregularities or corporate governance issues at certain Korean companies;

 

   

the economic impact of any pending or future free trade agreements;

 

   

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

 

   

the occurrence of severe health epidemics in Korea or other parts of the world;

 

   

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

 

17


Table of Contents
   

political uncertainty or increasing strife among or within political parties in Korea;

 

   

natural disasters that have a significant adverse economic or other impact on Korea or its major trading partners;

 

   

hostilities or political or social tensions involving oil producing countries in the Middle East or North Africa and any material disruption in the supply of oil or increase in the price of oil; and

 

   

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

Escalations in tensions with North Korea could have an adverse effect on us.

Relations between Korea and North Korea have been tense throughout Korea’s modern history. The level of tension between the two Koreas has fluctuated and may increase abruptly as a result of future events. In particular, since the death of Kim Jong-il in December 2011, there has been increased uncertainty with respect to the future of North Korea’s political leadership and concern regarding its implications for political and economic stability in the region. Although Kim Jong-il’s third son, Kim Jong-eun, has assumed power as his father’s designated successor, the long-term outcome of such leadership transition remains uncertain.

In addition, there have been heightened security concerns in recent years stemming from North Korea’s nuclear weapon and long-range missile programs as well as its hostile military actions against Korea. Some of the significant incidents in recent years include the following:

 

   

In April 2013, North Korea blocked access to the inter-Korean industrial complex in its border city of Gaeseong to South Koreans, while the U.S. deployed nuclear-capable stealth bombers and destroyers to Korean air and sea space;

 

   

In March 2013, North Korea stated that it had entered “a state of war” with Korea, declaring the 1953 armistice invalid, and put its artillery at the highest level of combat readiness to protest the Korea-United States allies’ military drills and additional sanctions imposed on North Korea for its missile and nuclear tests;

 

   

North Korea renounced its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in January 2003 and conducted three rounds of nuclear tests between October 2006 to February 2013, which increased tensions in the region and elicited strong objections worldwide. In response, the United Nations Security Council unanimously passed resolutions that condemned North Korea for the nuclear tests and expanded sanctions against North Korea, most recently in March 2013;

 

   

In December 2012, North Korea launched a satellite into orbit using a long-range rocket, despite concerns in the international community that such a launch would be in violation of the agreement with the United States as well as United Nations Security Council resolutions that prohibit North Korea from conducting launches that use ballistic missile technology; and

 

   

In March 2010, a Korean naval vessel was destroyed by an underwater explosion, killing many of the crewmen on board. The Government formally accused North Korea of causing the sinking, while North Korea denied responsibility. Moreover, in November 2010, North Korea fired more than one hundred artillery shells that hit Korea’s Yeonpyeong Island near

 

18


Table of Contents
 

the Northern Limit Line, which acts as the de facto maritime boundary between Korea and North Korea on the west coast of the Korean peninsula, causing casualties and significant property damage. The Government condemned North Korea for the attack and vowed stern retaliation should there be further provocation.

North Korea’s economy also faces severe challenges. For example, in November 2009, the North Korean government redenominated its currency at a ratio of 100 to 1 as part of a currency reform undertaken in an attempt to control inflation and reduce income gaps. In tandem with the currency redenomination, the North Korean government banned the use or possession of foreign currency by its residents and closed down privately run markets, which led to severe inflation and food shortages. Such developments may further aggravate social and political tensions within North Korea.

There can be no assurance that the level of tension on the Korean peninsula will not escalate in the future. Any further increase in tensions, which may occur, for example, if North Korea experiences a leadership crisis, high level contacts between Korea and North Korea break down or military hostilities occur, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Risks Relating to the Securities

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

Korean law currently limits foreign ownership of the ADSs and our shares. In addition, under our deposit agreement, the depositary bank cannot accept deposits of shares and deliver ADSs representing those shares unless (1) we have consented to such deposit or (2) Korean counsel has advised the depositary bank that the consent required under (1) is no longer required under Korean laws and regulations. Under current Korean laws and regulations, the depositary bank is required to obtain our prior consent for the number of shares to be deposited in any given proposed deposit which exceeds the difference between (1) the aggregate number of shares deposited by us or with our consent for the issuance of ADSs (including deposits in connection with the initial and all subsequent offerings of ADSs and stock dividends or other distributions related to these ADSs) and (2) the number of shares on deposit with the depositary bank at the time of such proposed deposit. The depositary bank has informed us that, at a time it considers to be appropriate, the depositary bank plans to start accepting deposits of shares without our consent and to deliver ADSs representing those shares up to the amount allowed under current Korean laws and regulations. Until such time, however, the depositary bank will continue to obtain our consent for such deposits of shares and delivery of ADSs, which we may not provide. Consequently, if an investor surrenders his ADSs to withdraw the underlying shares, he may not be allowed to deposit the shares again to obtain ADSs. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.D. Exchange Controls.”

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

Under the Telecommunications Business Act, a foreign shareholder who holds 5.0% or more of our total shares is prohibited from becoming our largest shareholder. However, any foreign shareholder who held 5.0% or more of our total shares and was our largest shareholder on or prior to May 9, 2004 is exempt from the regulations, provided that such foreign shareholder may not acquire any more of our shares. Under the Telecommunications Business Act, the MSIP may, if it deems it necessary to preserve substantial public interests, prohibit a foreign shareholder from being our largest shareholder. In addition, the Foreign Investment Promotion Act prohibits any foreign shareholder from being our largest shareholder if such shareholder owns 5.0% or more of our shares with voting rights.

 

19


Table of Contents

In the event that any foreigner or foreign government acquires our shares in violation of the above provisions, such foreign shareholder may not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to common shares exceeding such threshold. The MSIP may also order us or the foreign shareholder to take corrective measures in respect of the excess shares within a specified period of six months or less. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.”

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

In some limited circumstances, including the transfer of the whole or any significant part of our business and our merger or consolidation with another company, dissenting shareholders have the right to require us to purchase their shares under Korean law. A holder of ADSs will not be able to exercise appraisal rights unless he has withdrawn the underlying common stock and become our direct shareholder. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.”

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

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

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

Forward-looking statements may prove to be inaccurate.

This annual report contains “forward-looking statements” that are based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about our company and our industry. The forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “project,” “should,” and similar expressions. Those statements include, among other things, the discussions of our business strategy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity and capital resources. We caution you that reliance on any forward-looking statement involves risks and uncertainties, and that although we believe that the assumptions on which our forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and, as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions could be incorrect. The uncertainties in this regard include, but are not

 

20


Table of Contents

limited to, those identified in the risk factors discussed above. In light of these and other uncertainties, you should not conclude that we will necessarily achieve any plans and objectives or projected financial results referred to in any of the forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to release the results of any revisions of these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

Item 4.  Information on the Company

Item 4.A.  History and Development of the Company

In 1981, the Government established us under the Korea Telecom Act to operate the telecommunications services business that it previously directly operated. Under the Korea Telecom Act and the Government-Invested Enterprises Management Basic Act, the Government exercised substantial control over our business and affairs. Effective October 1, 1997, the Korea Telecom Act was repealed and the Government-Invested Enterprises Management Basic Act became inapplicable to us. As a result, we became a corporation under the Commercial Code, and our corporate organization and shareholders’ rights were governed by the Privatization Law and the Commercial Code. Among other things, we began to exercise greater autonomy in setting our annual budget and making investments in the telecommunications industry, and our shareholders began electing our directors, who had previously been appointed by the Government under the Korea Telecom Act.

Prior to 1993, the Government owned all of the issued shares of our common stock. From 1993 through May 2002, the Government disposed of all of its equity interest in us, and the Privatization Law ceased to apply to us in August 2002. We amended our legal name from Korea Telecom Corp. to KT Corporation in March 2002.

Before December 1991, we were the sole provider of local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone services in Korea. The Government began to introduce competition in the telecommunications services market in the early 1990’s. As a result, including ourselves, there are currently three local telephone service providers, five domestic long-distance carriers and numerous international long-distance carriers (including voice resellers) in Korea. In addition, the Government awarded licenses to several service providers to promote competition in other telecommunications business areas such as mobile telephone services and data network services. In June 2009, KTF, a subsidiary providing mobile telephone services, merged into KT Corporation, with KT Corporation surviving the merger, with the objective of maximizing management efficiencies of our fixed-line and mobile telecommunications operations as well as more effectively responding to the convergence trends in the telecommunications industry. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview—Competition.”

Our legal and commercial name is KT Corporation. Our principal executive offices are located at 90, Buljeong-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea, and our telephone number is (8231) 727-0150.

Item 4.B.  Business Overview

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

 

   

mobile telecommunications services;

 

   

telephone services, including local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance fixed-line and VoIP telephone services and interconnection services to other telecommunications companies;

 

21


Table of Contents
   

broadband Internet access service and other Internet-related services, including IP-TV services;

 

   

credit card processing and other financial services through KT Capital Co., Ltd. and BC Card Co., Ltd.;

 

   

automobile rental services through KT Rental Co., Ltd.; and

 

   

various other services, including leased line service and other data communication service, satellite service and information technology, real estate business, satellite TV service, media contents business and network services such as cloud computing services.

Leveraging on our dominant position in the fixed-line telephone services market and our established customer base in Korea, we have successfully pursued new growth opportunities during the past decade and obtained strong market positions in each of our principal lines of business. In particular:

 

   

in the mobile services market in Korea, we achieved a market share of 30.1% with approximately 16.5 million subscribers as of December 31, 2013;

 

   

in the fixed-line telephone services market in Korea, we continue to be the dominant provider with approximately 24.3 million installed lines, of which 14.0 million lines were in service as of December 31, 2013. As of such date, our market share of the local market was 81.6% and our market share of the domestic long-distance market was 79.1%;

 

   

we are Korea’s largest broadband Internet access provider with 8.1 million subscribers as of December 31, 2013, representing a market share of 43.1%; and

 

   

we are also the leading provider of data communication services in Korea.

For the year ended December 31, 2013, our operating revenues were 24,058 billion, our loss for the period was 88 billion and our basic loss per share was 779. As of December 31, 2013, our total assets were 34,850 billion, total liabilities were 22,013 billion and total equity was 12,837 billion.

Business Strategy

We believe the telecommunications market in Korea is nearing saturation, despite certain areas of growth remaining due to Korea’s growing economy, consumers’ willingness to adopt new technologies, relatively high income and a relatively large middle class. To maintain our competitiveness, we believe we need to pursue growth in other areas, while maintaining our strength in existing businesses. In order to enhance the management efficiencies of our mobile and fixed-line telecommunications operations as well as more effectively respond to the convergence trends in the telecommunications industry, KTF merged into KT Corporation in June 2009, with KT Corporation surviving the merger. In 2014, we restructured our organization into four business groups, the Marketing Group, the Customer Group, the Global & Enterprise Group and the Future Convergence Strategy Group, so that we may achieve higher synergies, more effectively address differing needs of our customer segments, as well as strengthen our competitiveness and discover new growth opportunities. As part of our efforts to improve our operational efficiencies, we announced on April 8, 2014 that we will transfer any operations relating to fixed-line sales activities (including on-site sales, line activation, after service, and customer center operations) to our subsidiaries.

 

22


Table of Contents

We also established subsidiaries to oversee our media contents, satellite and real estate operations, and expanded the number of specialized employees for each business, to further strengthen such operations and to pursue strategic alliances with other global corporates. To seek further growth in a stagnant telecommunications market, we aim to become a global media distribution company, and utilizing our synergies, we intend to focus on developing the media contents, finance, security and automobile rental business and the expanding convergence market, as well as diversifying our portfolio into the advertising, education, health care and energy industries. Using our strong fixed-line/wireless and clouding technologies, we also aim to contribute to a global market environment for active distribution of media contents, applications and solutions. Consistent with our overall goals, we aim to pursue the following strategy for our business groups:

 

   

Marketing Group. Through our Marketing Group, we aim to expand our telecommunication and convergence operations by (i) improving our fixed-line and wireless telecommunication market shares and average revenue per user, (ii) developing business strategies and plans specifically related to telecommunications and convergence, (iii) strengthening our competitiveness over products, customer service and other related services and (iv) developing and executing efficient marketing strategies. We also focus on expanding our wireless data communication business to meet the rising demand for broadband Internet access using advanced wireless data communications devices such as smartphones. We are working closely with handset manufacturers to expand our offerings of smartphones and handsets designed to promote convergence of fixed-line and mobile telecommunications services, as well as promote development of various applications for such devices.

In line with this strategy, we began offering Apple’s iPhone for the first time in Korea in November 2009 and have expanded our offerings of smartphones from other mobile handset manufacturers. We believe that our WiBro network, which enables two-way wireless broadband Internet access to portable computers, mobile phones and other portable devices, as well as our extensive wireless LAN networks installed nationwide, enable our subscribers to maximize effective usage of their smartphones. We plan to take advantage of our industry-leading network infrastructure to attract more customers as this market further develops. In addition, we aim to further enhance our position in the mobile telecommunications market by leveraging on our strong brand, nationwide marketing network, competitive data usage rates, call centers dedicated to smartphone users, creative marketing strategies that address our potential customers’ needs and ability to bundle various mobile and fixed-line services. We also plan to further expand our contents and applications for smartphone users and mobile data users by cooperating with application developers in Korea and abroad, in order to further solidify our position as a leader in the convergence market.

In 2010, we launched a new brand “olleh” to promote our bundled products, which include broadband Internet access service, IP-TV service, Internet phone service and fixed-line telephone service. We aim to differentiate ourselves from our competitors by providing broadband Internet access service using high-speed fiber-to-the-home (or FTTH) connection and offering Internet phone service with value-added features such as video communication, short message service and phone banking. We also began offering real-time broadcasting service on our IP-TV service starting in November 2008.

We believe that convergence of fixed-line and mobile communications technologies provides a competitive advantage to us because we have the technological know-how and experience to design and construct a unified delivery platform for a new generation of value-added services. We plan to make such platform more readily available to others so

 

23


Table of Contents

that they may create additional contents and convenience solutions such as electronic commerce and digital transaction applications that can be utilized anywhere using various media and communications devices.

 

   

Customer Group. Through our Customer Group, we aim to improve our marketing and customer service efforts for all of our products and services by (i) planning and executing strategy for each product that we offer and our marketing efforts, (ii) contributing to expanding our market share by strengthening our marketing and customer service efforts, and (iii) maximizing customer satisfaction by providing high quality customer service.

 

   

Global & Enterprise Group. Through our Global & Enterprise Group, we aim to provide our corporate, small- and medium-sized enterprise and government agency customers with one-stop solution services, including designing data communications and information technology infrastructure and overseeing their day-to-day operations with the objective of achieving operational efficiencies and cost savings, as well as establishing and executing business plans for our global operations by (i) establishing active marketing strategy for expanding into the global market and (ii) entering into alliances and joint ventures with international corporates and agencies.

To that end, we provide solutions specifically tailored for individual clients, as well as Internet-based computing services, whereby shared resources, software and information are delivered from our data centers and servers. For example, we designed an urban transit infrastructure maintenance system for the Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation, in which workers are able to utilize their smartphones to report back their maintenance results to the headquarters remotely from the maintenance site. Leveraging our extensive customer base, we plan to further expand the range of innovative solutions for our enterprise customers.

 

   

Future Convergence Strategy Group. Due to the saturation within the Korean telecommunication market and limitations on growth in the traditional telecommunications services market, through our Future Convergence Strategy Group, we aim to concentrate our existing business capabilities in discovering new growth opportunities and expand our telecommunication capabilities.

The Telecommunications Industry in Korea

The Korean telecommunications industry is one of the most developed in Asia. According to the MSIP, the number of mobile subscribers in Korea was 54.7 million and the number of broadband Internet access subscribers in Korea was 18.7 million as of December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2013, the mobile penetration rate, which is calculated by dividing the number of mobile subscribers (including multiple counting of those who subscribe to more than one mobile service) by the population of Korea, was 106.9%, and the broadband Internet penetration rate, which is calculated by dividing the number of broadband Internet access service subscribers (including multiple counting of those who subscribe to more than one broadband Internet access service) by the number of households in Korea, was 102.9%.

Mobile Telecommunications Service Market

The Korean cellular market was formally established in 1984 when SK Telecom, formerly Korea Mobile Telecom, became the first mobile telephone operator in Korea. SK Telecom remained the only cellular operator in Korea until Shinsegi Telecom began service in 1994. In order to encourage

 

24


Table of Contents

further market growth and competition, the Government awarded three 2G licenses in June 1996. KTF was awarded a license alongside LG U+ and Hansol M.com, and commercial 2G service was launched in October 1997.

Since the introduction of three new operators in 1997, the Korean mobile market has undergone consolidation and significant growth. Following SK Telecom’s purchase of a controlling stake in Shinsegi, we acquired a 47.9% interest in Hansol M.com in 2000 and renamed the company KT M.com. KT M.com merged into KTF in May 2001 and Shinsegi merged into SK Telecom in January 2002. In June 2009, KTF merged into KT Corporation, with KT Corporation surviving the merger. KT Corporation and SK Telecom offer third-generation, high-capacity HSDPA-based IMT-2000 wireless Internet and video multimedia communications services that use significantly greater bandwidth capacity. In July 2011, SK Telecom and LG U+ began offering fourth-generation communications services based on LTE technology, which enables data transmission at a speed faster than W-CDMA or WiBro networks, and we began our 4G LTE services in January 2012. Additionally, in September 2013, we commenced providing wideband LTE services, which utilizes our adjoining 20 MHz of bandwidths in the 1.8 GHz spectrum to provide transmission speed of up to 150 Mbps, twice faster than those offered under standard LTE services. SK Telecom also began providing its wideband LTE services in September 2013 and LG U+ commenced providing its wideband LTE services in January 2014. As of March 1, 2014, our wideband LTE services covered five metropolitan cities in Korea, and we expect to expand our wideband LTE services to all of Korea by July 2014. As of December 31, 2013, the number of our LTE subscribers exceeded 7.8 million. Furthermore, in March 2014, we commercialized Wideband LTE-A services, which interconnects our 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum used to offer wideband LTE services with the 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 900 MHz spectrum used to offer standard LTE services by utilizing inter-band carrier aggregation technology to support transmission speed of up to 225 Mbps.

On April 2, 2014, LG U+ launched Korea’s first unlimited mobile service package, offering mobile subscribers with unlimited voice calls, text messaging, and LTE data at fees between 80,000 to 85,000 per month. Commencing on April 3, 2014, SK Telecom launched three different types of unlimited LTE data plans, which provide mobile subscribers with unlimited amounts of LTE data, voice calls, and text massaging. On April 7, 2014, we began offering mobile subscribers with unlimited LTE data, voice calls, and text messaging packages at fees of 70,000 per month. We believe that the continuing intense competition among major telecommunications operators in Korea and the resulting pressure on our fees, including from offerings of unlimited usage plans, may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

The table below gives the subscription and penetration information of the mobile telecommunications industry for the periods indicated:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013  

Total Korean Population (1)

     49,773        50,516        50,734        50,948        51,141   

Mobile Subscribers (2)

     47,944        50,767        52,507        53,624        54,681   

Mobile Subscriber Growth Rate

     5.1     5.9     3.4     2.1     2.0

Mobile Penetration (3)

     96.3     100.5     103.5     105.3     106.9

 

 

(1) In thousands, based on the number of registered residents as published by the Ministry of Security and Public Administration of Korea.

 

(2) In thousands, based on information announced by the KCC.

 

(3) Penetration is determined by dividing mobile subscribers by total Korean population.

 

25


Table of Contents

Broadband Internet Access Market

With the advancement of broadband technology, the Korean broadband Internet access market has experienced significant growth. The principal technologies used in providing high speed Internet access services are xDSL, HFC and fiber optic LAN. xDSL refers to various types of digital subscriber lines, including ADSL and VDSL. xDSL offers an access solution over existing telephone lines using a specialized modem while HFC service involves the use of two-way cable networks. Fiber optic LAN is a technology that combines fiber optic cables and Unshielded Twisted Pair (or UTP) cables. Fiber optic cables are connected to residential and commercial buildings with UTP cable-based LAN capabilities. While xDSL and HFC are more widely used technologies because of their relative reliability, ease of provisioning and cost effectiveness, fiber optic LAN usage in Korea has been steadily increasing in recent years.

Since the subscribers of two-way cable networks share a limited bandwidth, the downstream speed tends to slow down as the number of subscribers increases, thereby decreasing the quality of HFC-based service. While xDSL technology was commercially introduced after HFC technology, it has surpassed HFC to become the prevalent broadband access platform in Korea. VDSL, ADSL-based technology with enhanced downstream speed, became commercialized in 2002. Some of the service providers have upgraded their broadband network to provide fiber optic LAN-based service to their subscribers, which further enhances data transmission speed up to 100 Mbps as well as improves connection quality, and enables such service providers to offer video-on-demand services with real-time high definition broadcasting.

In recent years, broadband Internet access service providers and mobile telecommunications service providers have focused their attention on providing wireless Internet connection capabilities. They have introduced wireless LAN service with speed of up to 300 Mbps, which is designed to integrate fixed-line and wireless services by offering high speed wireless Internet access to laptops, PDAs and smartphones in hot-spot zones and at home. Some service providers have also developed wireless Internet networks to provide WiBro service, which enables two-way wireless broadband Internet access to portable computers, mobile phones and other portable devices at a speed averaging 3 Mbps.

Our Services

Mobile Service

We provide mobile services based on W-CDMA technology and LTE technology. Prior to the merger of KTF into KT Corporation, we provided such services through KTF, which was formerly a consolidated subsidiary. KTF obtained one of the three licenses to provide nationwide 2G service in June 1996 and began offering 2G service in October 1997. In June 2009, KTF merged into KT Corporation, with KT Corporation surviving the merger, with the objective of maximizing management efficiencies of our fixed-line and mobile telecommunications operations as well as more effectively responding to the convergence trends in the telecommunications industry. We currently offer HSDPA-based IMT-2000 services, which are third-generation, high-capacity wireless Internet and video multimedia communications services based on W-CDMA wireless network standards. In January 2012, we also began offering 4G LTE services following the termination of our 2G services. We completed the expansion of our 4G LTE service coverage nationwide in October 2012 and commenced providing wideband LTE services in September 2013, and commercialized Wideband LTE-A services in March 2014, as discussed above.

Revenues related to mobile service accounted for 27.9% of our operating revenues in 2013. In addition, our goods sold, which are primarily from mobile handset sales, accounted for 16.9% of our

 

26


Table of Contents

operating revenues in 2013. The following table shows selected information concerning the usage of our network during the periods indicated and the number of our subscribers as of the end of such periods:

 

     As of or for the Year Ended December 31,  
             2011                      2012                      2013          

Outgoing Minutes (in millions)

     36,102         34,520         34,164   

Average Monthly Outgoing Minutes per Subscriber (1)

     183         174         182   

Average Monthly Revenue per Subscriber (2)

   34,379       33,519       35,236   

Number of Subscribers (in thousands)

     16,563         16,502         16,454   

 

 

(1) The average monthly outgoing minutes per subscriber is computed by dividing the total minutes of usage for the period by the weighted average number of subscribers for the period and dividing the quotient by the number of months in the period. The weighted average number of subscribers is the sum of the total number of subscribers at the end of each month divided by the number of months in the period.

 

(2) The average monthly revenue per subscriber is computed by dividing initial activation fees, total monthly fees, usage charges, interconnection fees and value-added service fees for the period by the weighted average number of subscribers and dividing the quotient by the number of months in the period.

We compete with SK Telecom, a mobile service provider that has a longer operating history than us, and LG U+ that began its service at around the same time as KTF. As of December 31, 2013, we had approximately 16.5 million subscribers, or a market share of 30.1%, which was second largest among the three mobile service providers.

We market our mobile services primarily through independent exclusive dealers located throughout Korea. As of December 31, 2013, there were approximately 2,300 shops managed by our independent exclusive dealers. In addition to assisting new subscribers to activate mobile service and purchase handsets, authorized dealers are connected to our database and are able to assist customers with account information. Although most of these dealers sell exclusively our products and services, sub-dealers hired by exclusive dealers may sell products and services offered by other mobile telecommunications service providers. Authorized dealers are entitled to a commission for each new subscriber registered, as well as ongoing commissions for the first five years based primarily on the subscriber’s monthly fee, usage charges and length of subscription. The handsets sold by us to the dealers cannot be returned to us unless they are defective. If a handset is defective, it may be exchanged for a new one within 14 days from the date of purchase.

In response to the diversification of our customers’ demands and their increasing sophistication, we have also selectively engaged in opportunities to expand our internal sales channels in recent years. In 2007, we established a wholly-owned subsidiary, KT M&S Co., Ltd., that operates approximately 194 customer plazas that engage in mobile service sales activities as well as provide a one-stop shop for a wide range of other services and products that we offer. We also operate a website to promote and advertise our products and services to the general public and in particular to younger customers who are more familiar with the Internet.

We conduct the screening process for new subscribers with great caution. A potential subscriber must meet all minimum credit criteria before receiving mobile service. The procedure includes checking the history of non-payment and credit information from banks and credit agencies such as the National Information and Credit Evaluation Corporation. Applicants who do not meet the minimum criteria can only subscribe to the mobile service by using a pre-paid card.

Telephone Services

Fixed-line Telephone Services. We utilize our extensive nationwide telephone network to provide fixed-line telephone services, which consist of local, domestic long-distance, international long-distance services and land-to-mobile interconnection services. These fixed-line telephone services

 

27


Table of Contents

accounted for 12.4% of our operating revenues in 2013. Our telephone network includes exchanges, long-distance transmission equipment and fiber optic and copper cables. The following table gives some basic measures of the development of our telephone system. In recent years, the proliferation of mobile phones, as well as the availability of increasingly lower wireless pricing plans, some of which include unlimited voice minutes, have led to significant decreases in our domestic long-distance call minutes and local call pulses.

 

     As of or for the Year Ended December 31,  
     2009      2010      2011      2012      2013  

Total Korean population (thousands) (1)

     49,773         50,516         50,734         50,948         51,141   

Lines installed (thousands) (2)

     25,907         25,524         23,925         25,242         24,264   

Lines in service (thousands) (2)

     17,069         16,620         15,900         15,121         14,032   

Lines in service per 100 inhabitants (3)

     34.3         32.9         31.3         29.7         27.4   

Fiber optic cable (kilometers)

     405,528         448,328         527,188         584,932         636,347   

Number of public telephones installed (thousands)

     144         123         111         101         94   

Domestic long-distance call minutes (millions) (4) (5)

     9,526         7,318         6,574         6,067         4,842   

Local call pulses (millions) (4)

     8,406         7,973         6,697         6,071         4,895   

 

 

(1) Based on the number of registered residents as published by the Ministry of Security and Public Administration of Korea.

 

(2) Including lines used for public telephones but excluding lines dedicated to centralized extension system services for corporate subscribers.

 

(3) Determined based on lines in service and total Korean population.

 

(4) Excluding calls placed from public telephones.

 

(5) Estimated by KT Corporation.

Our domestic long-distance cable network is entirely made up of fiber optic cable and can carry both voice and data transmissions. Compared to conventional materials such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable provides significantly greater transmission capacity with less signal fading, thus requiring less frequent amplification. All of our lines are connected to exchanges capable of handling digital signal technology. A principal limitation of the older analog technology is that applications other than voice communications, such as the transmission of text and computer data, require either separate networks or conversion equipment. Digital systems permit a range of voice, text and data applications to be transmitted simultaneously on the same network.

The following table shows the number of minutes of international long-distance calls recorded by us and specific service providers utilizing our international long-distance network in each specified category for each year in the five-year period ended December 31, 2013:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2009      2010      2011      2012      2013  
     (In millions of billed minutes)  

Incoming international long-distance calls

     442.2         523.5         541.6         520.3         628.4   

Outgoing international long-distance calls

     325.9         325.1         332.1         289.7         244.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     768.1         848.6         873.7         810.0         872.6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Japan (23.2%), China (15.3%) and the United States (11.5%) accounted for the greatest percentage of our international long-distance call traffic measured in minutes in 2013. In recent years, the volume of our incoming calls has exceeded the volume of our outgoing calls. The agreed settlement rate is applied to the call minutes to determine the applicable net settlement payment.

Interconnection. Under the Telecommunications Business Act, we are required to permit other service providers to interconnect to our fixed-line network. Currently, the principal users of this interconnection capacity include SK Broadband and LG U+ (offering local, domestic long-distance and

 

28


Table of Contents

international long-distance services), Onse and SK Telink (offering international and domestic long-distance services), and SK Telecom and LG U+ (transmitting calls to and from their mobile networks). Revenues from a landline user for a call initiated by a landline user to a mobile service subscriber (land-to-mobile interconnection) accounted for 2.3% of our operating revenues in 2013. We recognize as land-to-mobile interconnection revenue the entire amount of the usage charge collected from the landline user and recognize as an expense the amount of interconnection charge paid to the mobile service provider.

Internet phone services. The volume of calls made through Internet phone services has significantly increased since Internet phone service was first introduced in Korea in 1998. We provide Internet phone services that enable VoIP phone devices with broadband connection to make domestic and international calls. In order to differentiate our Internet phone services from our competitors’ services, we provide value-added services such as video communication, short message service, phone banking and a variety of traffic and local news information. As of December 31, 2013, we had approximately 3.5 million subscribers.

Internet Services

Broadband Internet Access Service. Leveraging on our nationwide network of 636,347 kilometers of fiber optic cable network, we have achieved a leading market position in the broadband Internet access market in Korea. We believe we have a competitive advantage over other broadband Internet access service providers because, unlike our competitors, we can utilize our existing networks nationwide to provide broadband Internet access service. Our broadband Internet access service accounted for 8.4% of our operating revenues in 2013. Our principal Internet access services include:

 

   

ADSL, VDSL, Ethernet and FTTH services under the “olleh Internet” brand name;

 

   

wireless LAN service (or WiFi) under the “ollehWiFi” brand name, which is designed to integrate fixed-line and wireless services by offering high speed wireless Internet access to laptops, PDAs and smartphones in hot-spot zones and olleh Internet service in fixed-line environments. OllehWiFi enables subscribers to access the Internet at a speed of up to 150 Mbps. We sponsored approximately 114,000 hot-spot zones nationwide for wireless connection as of December 31, 2013; and

 

   

olleh 4G WiBro Internet access service, which enables two-way wireless broadband Internet access to portable computers, mobile phones and other portable devices at a speed averaging 5 Mbps per user.

We had approximately 8.1 million fixed-line olleh Internet subscribers and approximately 142,000 ollehWiFi service subscribers as of December 31, 2013. We commercially launched our WiBro service in June 2006, and we had approximately 846,000 subscribers as of December 31, 2013. We also bundle our WiBro service with olleh Internet and ollehWiFi services at a discount in order to attract additional subscribers.

Our olleh Internet service utilizes ADSL technology, which is a technology that converts existing copper twisted-pair telephone lines into access paths for multimedia and high-speed data communications. ADSL transforms the existing public telephone network from one limited to voice, text and low-resolution graphics to a system capable of bringing multimedia to subscriber premises without new cabling. The asymmetric design optimizes the bandwidth by maximizing the downstream speed for downloading information from the Internet. While ADSL technology was commercially introduced after HFC-based technology, it has surpassed HFC to become the prevalent access platform in Korea. VDSL, ADSL-based technology with enhanced downstream speed, became commercialized in July

 

29


Table of Contents

2002. We are currently upgrading our broadband network to enable FTTH connection, which further enhances data transmission speed of up to 100 Mbps and connection quality. FTTH is a telecommunication architecture in which a communication path is provided over optical fiber cables extending from the telecommunications operator’s switching equipment to the boundary of home or office. FTTH uses fiber optic cable, which is able to carry a high-bandwidth signal for longer distances without degradation. FTTH enables us to deliver enhanced products and services that require high bandwidth, such as IP-TV, and other digital media content with higher stability.

The high-speed downstream rates can reach up to 8 Mbps for ADSL and 100 Mbps for VDSL and FTTH. Downstream rates depend on a number of factors. For a constant wire gauge, the data rate decreases as the length of the copper wire increases. Generally, if the separation between the telephone office and the subscriber is greater than four kilometers, line attenuation is so severe that broadband speeds can no longer be achieved. Approximately 95% of the households subscribing to our basic local telephone service are located within a four kilometer radius of our telephone offices, making our olleh Internet service available to most of the Korean population. Fiber-optic cable used by FTTH, on the other hand, uses laser light to carry signals that travel long distances inside fiber optic cable without degradation.

Other Internet-related Services. Our other Internet-related services focus primarily on providing infrastructure and solutions for business enterprises, as well as IP-TV and network portal services. Our other Internet-related services accounted for 4.1% of our operating revenues in 2013.

We operate seven Internet data centers located throughout Korea and provide a wide range of computing services to companies which need servers, storage and leased lines. Internet data centers are facilities used to house, protect and maintain network server computers that store and deliver Internet and other network content, such as web pages, applications and data. Our Internet data centers are designed to meet international standards, and are equipped with temperature control systems, regulated and reliable power supplies, fire detection and suppression equipment, security monitoring and wide-bandwidth connections to the Internet. Internet data centers allow corporations to outsource their application and server hardware management.

Our Internet data centers offer network outsourcing services, server operation services and system support services. Our network outsourcing services include co-location, which is the installation of our customers’ network equipment at our Internet data centers. Co-location is designed to increase customers’ Internet connection speed and reduce connection time and costs by directly connecting the customers’ server to the Internet backbone switch at our Internet data centers. Our server operation services include optimal server management service and technical support service we provide with respect to the leased servers that are linked directly to our Internet backbone switch. We also lease servers and network equipment for a fixed monthly fee. Our system support services include providing system resources for a wide range of Internet computing services, such as application transfer, network storage, video streaming and application download, as well as sending short text messages and messages containing multimedia objects, such as images, audio and video.

We also offer a service called Bizmeka to develop and commercialize business-to-business solutions targeting small- and medium-sized business enterprises in Korea. Bizmeka is an applied application service provider which provides industry standard and specialized business solutions, including integrated business administration solutions and intranet collaboration solutions.

We also offer high definition video-on-demand and real-time broadcasting IP-TV services under the brand name “olleh TV.” Our IP-TV service offers access to an array of digital media contents, including movies, sports, news, educational programs and TV replay, for a fixed monthly fee or on a pay-per-view basis. Through a digital set-top box that we rent to our customers, our customers are able

 

30


Table of Contents

to browse the catalogue of digital media contents and view selected media streams on their television. A set-top box provides two-way communications on an IP network and decodes video streaming data. We expanded our IP-TV service to include real-time broadcasting in November 2008. We had 4.97 million olleh TV subscribers as of December 31, 2013.

Data Communications Service

Our data communications service involves offering exclusive lines that allow point-to-point connection for voice and data traffic between two or more geographically separate points. As of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, we leased 286,302 lines, 246,951 lines and 235,147 lines to domestic and international businesses. The data communication service accounted for 5.0% of our operating revenues in 2013.

We provide dedicated and secure broadband Internet connection service to institutional customers under the “Kornet” brand name. We provide high-speed connection up to 10.0 Gbps connected to our internet backbone network with capacity of 6.6 Tbps, as well as rent to our customers and install necessary routers to ensure reliable Internet connection and enhanced security. We provide discount rates to qualified customers, including small- and medium-sized enterprises, businesses engaging in Internet access services and government agencies.

Financial Services

To further diversify our business and to create synergies through utilization of our mobile telecommunications network in financial services, we, through our subsidiary KT Capital Co., Ltd., acquired 1,622,520 additional shares of common stock of BC Card Co., Ltd. from Woori Bank for approximately 252 billion in October 2011. As we were deemed to have control over BC Card Co., Ltd., it became our consolidated subsidiary starting in October 2011. We acquired an additional 1,349,920 common shares of BC Card Co., Ltd. in January 2012 for approximately 287 billion, and owned a 69.54% interest in BC Card Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 2013. BC Card Co., Ltd. offers various credit card and related financial services. KT Capital had consolidated operating revenues of 3,317 billion and net income of 129 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013 and consolidated assets of 5,462 billion and liabilities of 4,759 billion as of December 31, 2013. In March 2014, the investment business division of KT Capital Co., Ltd., including 3,059,560 common shares of BC Card Co., Ltd. that KT Capital Co., Ltd. held, was spun off and merged into KT Corporation, to further strengthen the synergy between telecommunication and finance operations within the KT group and increase shareholder value. Financial Services accounted for 13.6% of our operating revenues in 2013.

Automobile Rental Services

We also operate KT Rental, a subsidiary that provides rental cars and equipment. In March 2010, MBK Partners, a private equity firm, and we jointly acquired Kumho Rent-A-Car Co., Ltd. from Korea Express Inc. for 263 billion, with each taking a 50% stake. Kumho Rent-A-Car was subsequently merged with the car rental business unit of KT Rental in June 2010. KT Rental became a consolidated subsidiary starting in 2012, as the restriction on our controlling power over KT Rental pursuant to a shareholders’ agreement was resolved as a result of the acquisition of KT Rental’s common stock by Hana Daetoo Securities Co., Ltd. and other investors from the then-second largest shareholder in July 2012. KT Rental operated approximately 91,700 vehicles as of December 31, 2013 and has a market share of 24.7% of the domestic car rental market in 2013. See Note 37 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Automobile rental services accounted for 2.5% of our operating revenues in 2013.

 

31


Table of Contents

Miscellaneous Businesses

We also engage in various business activities that extend beyond telephone services and data communications services, including satellite services, information technology and network services, real estate development, satellite TV services, with the consolidation of KT Skylife Co. starting in January 2011, and media contents business with the establishment of KT Media Hub Co., Ltd. in December 2012. As of December 31, 2013, KT Media Hub Co., Ltd. had revenues of 305 billion. Our miscellaneous businesses accounted for 9.2% of our operating revenues for 2013.

We provide transponder leasing, broadcasting, video distribution and data communications services through our satellites. We currently operate two satellites, Koreasat 5 and Koreasat 6 (also known as olleh 1), and own interests in two additional satellites, Koreasat 7 (also known as ABS-1) and Koreasat 8 (also known as ABS-2). In August 2006, we launched Koreasat 5 to replace Koreasat 2 (also known as Mugunghwa 2, launched in 1996 with a design life of ten years). Koreasat 5, a combined civil and governmental communications satellite, is the first Korean satellite to provide commercial satellite services to neighboring countries, and the service coverage area includes Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, the eastern part of China and the far-eastern part of Russia. The design life of Koreasat 5 is 15 years, and it currently remains in operation.

We launched Koreasat 6 in December 2010, with a design life of 15 years, to replace Koreasat 3 (also known as Mugunghwa 3, launched in 1999 with a design life of 12 years). Koreasat 6 began its commercial operation in February 2011 and carries transponders that are mainly used for direct-to-home satellite broadcasting, video distributions and data communications services. Most of the direct-to-home satellite broadcasting transponders are utilized by KT Skylife Co. We also lease satellite capacity from other satellite operators to offer satellite services to both domestic and international customers. In August 2010, we procured from Asia Broadcast Satellite (“ABS”), a Hong Kong-based satellite operator, four transponders on the ABS-1 satellite and an additional eight transponders on the ABS-2 satellite in order to provide global satellite services. ABS-1 began its operations in September 2010 and ABS-2 launched its operations in February 2014. We sold to ABS the Mugunghwa 2 satellite in May 2010 and the Mugunghwa 3 satellite in September 2011 for a combined price of approximately 5 billion, as the satellites had reached the end of their design lives.

In December 2012, we spun-off our satellite service business by establishing KT Sat Co., Ltd., in an effort to enhance operational specialization and to foster management efficiency, enabling us to respond more promptly to the changing market environments and increasing competitiveness.

In December 2013, the MSIP declared that the contract over our sale of Mugunghwa 3 was null and void, on the grounds that the satellite was sold without obtaining proper government approval, and ordered us to take corrective measures. We are currently involved in arbitration proceedings against ABS at the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce and the American Arbitration Association over the Mugunghwa 3 satellite ownership rights and contract violation claims.

We offer a broad array of integrated information technology and network services to our business customers. Our range of services include consulting, designing, building and maintaining systems and communication networks that satisfy the individual needs of our customers in the public and private sectors.

We own land and real estate in various locations nationwide. Technological developments have enhanced the coverage area of individual telecommunications facilities, which enable us to better utilize our existing land and other real estate holdings. In recent years, we have engaged in the planning and development of commercial and office buildings and condominiums on our unused sites,

 

32


Table of Contents

as well as in the leasing of buildings we own. We established KT Estate Inc. in August 2010 to oversee the planning, development and operation of our real estate assets, and established KT AMC, an asset management company, in September 2011 as a subsidiary of KT Estate Inc. to create additional synergies with our real estate assets. We made a contribution in-kind of 1,254 billion to KT Estate Inc. in December 2012 to further strengthen KT Estate’s competitiveness and to better utilize our assets.

To respond to the trend of convergence in the telecommunications and broadcasting industries, and to seek additional synergies with our existing operations, we acquired 5,600,000 shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock with voting rights and convertible bonds that were convertible into 5,600,000 shares of common stock of KT Skylife Co., Ltd. from Dutch Savings Holdings B.V. in January 2011 for approximately 246 billion. We exercised the conversion rights on the redeemable convertible preferred stock and the convertible bonds in March 2011, and owned a 50.1% interest in KT Skylife Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 2013. KT Skylife offers satellite TV services, which may also be packaged with our IP-TV services as further described below, and had consolidated operating revenues of 630 billion and net income of 73 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013 and consolidated assets of 685 billion and liabilities of 283 billion as of December 31, 2013.

In December 2012, we also established KT Media Hub Co., Ltd., a subsidiary that specializes in the development of media contents, with a cash capital contribution of 80 billion. We believe that the media contents business will be a future growth opportunity for us, and this subsidiary further enhances our specialization in the media contents business. It also allows us to better adapt to the rapidly changing market environment in the field.

Revenues and Rates

The table below shows the percentage of our revenues derived from each category of services for each of the years from 2011 to 2013:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011     2012     2013  

Mobile services

     30.7     26.7     27.9

Fixed-line telephone services:

      

Local service

     10.3        8.2        7.7   

Non-refundable service initiation fees

     0.2        0.1        0.1   

Domestic long-distance service

     1.4        1.1        0.9   

International long-distance service

     1.8        1.6        1.4   

Land-to-mobile interconnection

     3.5        2.7        2.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

     17.2        13.7        12.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Internet services:

      

Broadband Internet access service

     8.4        8.3        8.4   

Other Internet-related services (1)

     3.9        3.5        4.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

     12.3        11.8        12.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Goods sold (2)

     19.8        18.6        16.9   

Data communications service (3)

     5.7        5.3        5.0   

Financial services

     4.5        13.5        13.6   

Automobile rental services (4)

     0.0        1.0        2.5   

Miscellaneous businesses (5)

     9.4        9.4        9.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating revenues

     100.0     100.0     100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes revenues from services provided by our Internet data centers, Bizmeka and olleh TV.

 

(2) Includes mobile handset sales.

 

(3) Includes revenues from Kornet Internet connection service and satellite services.

 

33


Table of Contents
(4) KT Rental Co., Ltd. became our consolidated subsidiary starting in 2011. See Note 37 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

(5) Includes revenues from satellite services, information technology and network services and real estate development business.

Mobile Services

We derive revenues from mobile services principally from:

 

   

activation fees;

 

   

monthly fees;

 

   

usage charges for outgoing calls;

 

   

usage charges for wireless data transmission;

 

   

contents download fees; and

 

   

value-added monthly service fees.

We offer various rate plans, including those that offer a specified number of free airtime minutes per month in return for a higher monthly fee and those that are geared toward business customers. In September 2009, we reduced our activation fee for new subscribers by 20% from 30,000 to 24,000. In August 2013, we, SK Telecom, and LG U+ reduced the activation fee for new subscribers by approximately 40%. Our activation fee was reduced from 24,000 to 14,400, SK Telecom’s activation fee was reduced from 39,600 to 23,760, and LG U+’s activation fee was reduced from 30,000 to 18,000. On January 1, 2014, the MSIP announced its plans to further reduce activation fees in the second half of 2014 so that such fees would be reduced to 50% of the current fee levels, and we expect our remaining activation fees to be abolished by 2015. In August 2011, we announced the adoption of various tariff reduction measures, including a reduction of the monthly fee by 1,000 for every mobile subscriber (effective October 21, 2011), an exemption of usage charges for SMS of up to 50 messages per month (effective November 1, 2011) and the introduction of customized flat rate plans for smartphone users (effective October 24, 2011). We currently only offer our standard rate plan for our HSDPA-based service. Under our standard rate plan we charge a monthly fee of 11,000, voice calling usage charges of 1.8 per second and video calling usage charges of 3 per second, without any free voice or video call airtime minutes.

A subscriber may also subscribe to an individually designed calling rate plan by mixing free voice calling airtime minutes and free text messages at a set monthly fee. We also provide plans specially designed for elderly and pre-teen subscribers as well as special discounts to our subscribers with physical disabilities.

We introduced rate plans specifically for smartphone users starting in September 2009. In June 2013, we introduced the Everyone olleh rate plan, which permits users to make unlimited voice calls within our wireless network, and the Fixed-Line & Wireless Unlimited rate plan, which permits

 

34


Table of Contents

users to make unlimited voice calls within both our fixed-line and wireless networks. The following table summarizes the charges associated with our representative smartphone service plans:

 

     Free Airtime Minutes (1)      Free Data
Transmission (2)
     Monthly Fee  
     Voice or video calls to
anyone
           Voice or video calls to
our mobile subscribers
     (in megabytes)         

i-teen (3)

       193             34,000   

i-Slim (3)

       150            100         34,000   

i-Lite (3)

       200            500         44,000   

i-Talk (3)

       250            100         44,000   

i-Value (3)

       300            Unlimited         54,000   

i-Medium (3)

       400            Unlimited         64,000   

i-Special (3)

       600            Unlimited         78,000   

i-Premium (3)

     800           Unlimited         Unlimited         94,000   

Everyone olleh 35(3G)

     130           Unlimited         750         35,000   

Everyone olleh 45(3G)

     185           Unlimited         1,536         45,000   

Everyone olleh 55(3G)

     250           Unlimited         2,560         55,000   

Fixed-Line & Wireless Unlimited 67(3G) (4)

     Unlimited (50)         Unlimited         5,120         67,000   

Fixed-Line & Wireless Unlimited 77(3G) (4)

     Unlimited (50)         Unlimited         9,216         77,000   

Fixed-Line & Wireless Unlimited 97(3G) (4)

     Unlimited (50)         Unlimited         17,408         97,000   

Fixed-Line & Wireless Unlimited 129(3G) (4) (5)

     Unlimited (50)         Unlimited         25,600         129,000   

 

 

(1) Starting in May 2012, each second of video call counts as 1.66 second of voice call.

 

(2) We do not charge for data transmission in wireless LAN zones and charge 0.01 per 0.5 kilobyte for any data transmission exceeding the free monthly quota, up to a maximum of 150,000.

 

(3) We provide discounts of up to 38.2% for mandatory subscription periods ranging from one to two years.

 

(4) Includes free voice calls from KT to KT and other carriers, free fixed-line voice calls, and 50 minutes of free video calls.

 

(5) Provides an additional daily quota of 1GB after the free monthly quota of 25GB has been exhausted and also provides unlimited use of data at transmission speed of up to 2Mbps after the daily quota of 1GB has been exhausted.

In connection with the rollout of our 4G LTE services in January 2012, we also introduced new rate plans specifically for LTE phone users. For a limited time between February and April 2013, we also offered LTE rate plans with unlimited data usage. The following table summarizes charges for our representative LTE service plans:

 

     Free Airtime Minutes (1)      Free Data
Transmission (2)
     Monthly Fee  
     Voice or video calls to
anyone
           Voice or video calls to
our mobile subscribers
     (in megabytes)         

LTE-340

       160            750       34,000   

LTE-420

       200            1,536         42,000   

LTE-520

       250            2,560         52,000   

LTE-620

       350            6,144         62,000   

LTE-720

       450            10,240         72,000   

LTE-G550

     250           3,000         2,560         55,000   

LTE-G650

     350           3,000         6,144         65,000   

LTE-G750

     450           3,000         10,240         75,000   

LTE-850

     650           3,000         14,336         85,000   

LTE-1000

     1,050           3,000         20,480         100,000   

LTE-1250

     1,250           Unlimited         25,600         125,000   

LTE -35 (3)

     130           Unlimited         750         35,000   

LTE-45 (3)

     185           Unlimited         1,536         45,000   

LTE-55 (3)

     250           Unlimited         2,560         55,000   

LTE-67 (3)

     Unlimited (200)         Unlimited         5,120         67,000   

LTE-77 (3)

     Unlimited (200)         Unlimited         9,216         77,000   

LTE-79 (3) (4)

     Unlimited (200)         Unlimited         10,240         79,000   

 

35


Table of Contents
     Free Airtime Minutes (1)      Free Data
Transmission (2)
     Monthly Fee  
     Voice or video calls to
anyone
         Voice or video calls to
our mobile subscribers
     (in megabytes)         

LTE-97 (3)

     Unlimited (200)         Unlimited         17,408       97,000   

LTE-129 (3) (4)

     Unlimited (200)         Unlimited         25,600         129,000   

Wideband Safe Unlimited 67 (5)

     100              15,360         67,000   

Wideband Safe Unlimited 77 (5)

     300              15,360         77,000   

 

 

(1) Starting in May 2012, each second of video call counts as 1.66 second of voice call.

 

(2) We do not charge for data transmission in wireless LAN zones. We charge 0.01 per 0.5 kilobyte for any additional data transmission exceeding the free monthly quota, up to a maximum of 150,000.

 

(3) Rates applicable to both wideband LTE and LTE-A.

 

(4) Provides an additional daily quota of 2GB after the free monthly quota of 10 GB (for LTE-79) or 25GB (for LTE-129) has been exhausted, and also provides unlimited use of data with speed of up to 3Mbps after the daily quota of 2GB has been exhausted.

 

(5) Provides unlimited use of data at transmission speed of up to 400Kbps after the monthly quota of 15GB has been exhausted, and also provides unlimited voice calls with one designated number within our network.

We have entered into arrangements with various partners including a leading discount store, a leading online shopping mall, several leading banks, an operator of cinema complexes, a leading automobile manufacturing company and Korea Railroad Corporation, and we offer subscribers of our mobile service monthly discount coupons, membership points or movie tickets from such partners as promotional gifts.

In December 2010, we also introduced 3G data-only plans targeting tablet PC users, smartphone users and other special phone users, offering subscription plans for data transmission amounts ranging from 1 GB to 4GB at monthly fees ranging from 25,000 to 49,000.

In June 2012, we introduced LTE data-only plans, in both basic and various discounted packages, which provides 1.5 GB to 6 GB of data at monthly fees ranging from 25,000 to 49,000. The following table summarizes charges for our representative data-only plans:

olleh Lifetime Data-Only Pricing Plan

 

     Monthly Data Quota
(3G Network)
     Monthly Fee      Discount (1)  

olleh Lifetime Data 1G (2) (3)

     1GB       22,500       10,000   

olleh Lifetime Data 2G (2) (3)

     2GB         27,500         11,500   

olleh Lifetime Data 4G (2) (3)

     2GB         42,500         18,000   

 

 

(1) Discounts are only plans are only available with a two year contract. Early termination will result in a cancellation fee.

 

(2) We charge 0.025 per 0.5 kilobyte for any additional data transmission in excess of the monthly quota.

 

(3) We provide olleh WiFi services.

Pricing Plan for LTE Pad users

 

     Monthly Data Quota
(3G and LTE  Networks)
     Monthly Fee      Discount  

LTE Lifetime Data Basic 1.5G (1) (2) (5)

     1.5GB       25,000       7,000   

LTE Lifetime Data Basic 3G (1) (2) (5)

     3GB         35,000         12,500   

LTE Lifetime Data Basic 6G (1) (2) (5)

     6GB         49,000         19,000   

LTE Lifetime Data Safe Blocking 1.5G (3) (4) (5)

     1.5GB         25,000         7,000   

LTE Lifetime Data Safe Blocking 3G (3) (4) (5)

     3GB         35,000         12,500   

LTE Lifetime Data Safe Blocking 6G (3) (4) (5)

     6GB         49,000         19,000   

 

 

(1) We provide free additional data in the form of Safe Zone data which amounts to 20% of the monthly data quota.

 

36


Table of Contents
(2) We charge 0.01 per 0.5 kilobyte for any additional data transmission in excess of the monthly data quota and Safe Zone data, regardless of network.

 

(3) Data is automatically blocked after the monthly data quota is exhausted.

 

(4) We provide additional data recharge in units of 500MB, 1GB and 2GB, at a fee of 8,000, 13,000 and 18,000, respectively. Additional data recharge is available a maximum of 10 times per month.

 

(5) Unused data is not carried over to the next month (applies to both monthly quota and additional recharge data). Customers may not subscribe to our m-VoIP services and data add-on services, such as Data Plus, Data Sharing, Genie Pack and OTN Pack.

Fixed-line Telephone Services

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

 

   

service initiation fees for new lines;

 

   

monthly basic charges; and

 

   

monthly usage charges based on the number of call pulses.

The rates we charge for local calls are currently subject to approval by the MSIP after consultation with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance. The rates are identical for residential and commercial customers. All calls are currently measured by call pulses. Each pulse is determined by the duration of the call and the time of the day at which the call is made. Our current local usage rates, which have been in effect since May 2002, are 39 per pulse for regular service and 70 per pulse for public telephones. For local calls, a pulse is triggered at the beginning of each local call and every three minutes thereafter from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and every 258 seconds thereafter on holidays and from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekdays.

We also charge a monthly basic charge ranging from 3,000 to 5,200, depending on location, and a non-refundable service initiation fee of 60,000 to new subscribers. The non-refundable service initiation fee is waived for the new subscribers who subscribe to our local service through our online application process. Until April 2001, we charged refundable service initiation deposits, which were refunded upon termination of service. As of December 31, 2013, we had 467 billion in refundable service initiation deposits outstanding and 2,162 thousand subscribers who are enrolled under the mandatory deposit plan and are eligible to switch to the no deposit plan and receive their service initiation deposit back (less the non-refundable service initial fees).

Domestic Long-distance Telephone Service. Our revenues from domestic long-distance service consist of charges for calls placed, charged for the duration, time of day and day of the week a call is placed, and the distance covered by the call. We are able to set our own rates for domestic long-distance service without approval from the MSIP.

Our current basic domestic long-distance rates, which have been in effect since November 2001, are 39 per three minutes for distances of up to 30 kilometers and 14.5 per ten seconds (equivalent to 261 per three minutes) for distances in excess of 30 kilometers. For domestic long-distance calls for distances of up to 30 kilometers, a pulse is triggered at the beginning of each call and every three minutes thereafter. For domestic long-distance calls for distances in excess of 30 kilometers, a pulse is triggered at the beginning of each call and every 10 seconds thereafter. Rates for domestic long-distance calls for distances up to 30 kilometers are currently discounted by an adjustment in the period between pulses, by approximately 11% (utilizing a pulse rate of 200 seconds) from 6:00 a.m. to midnight on holidays and from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekdays, and by approximately 43% (utilizing a pulse rate of 258 seconds) from midnight to 6:00 a.m. every day. Rates for domestic long-distance calls for distances in excess of 30 kilometers are currently discounted by

 

37


Table of Contents

approximately 10% (utilizing a rate of 13.1 per ten seconds) from 6:00 a.m. to midnight on holidays and from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekdays, and by approximately 30% (utilizing a rate of 10.2 per ten seconds) from midnight to 6:00 a.m. every day.

In recent years, we have begun to offer optional flat rate plans, discount plans and bundled product plans in order to mitigate the impact from lower usage of local and domestic long-distance calls and stabilize our revenues from fixed-line telephone services. For a discussion of our bundled products, see “— Bundled Products.” Some of our flat rate and discount plans that we currently offer include the following:

 

   

a subscriber who elects to pay a monthly flat rate of 12,500 is able to make free local and domestic long-distance calls after 9 p.m. on weekdays or at any time on weekends. Each month, the subscriber also receives a free movie ticket and free 60 minutes of land-to-mobile calls. The subscriber is also eligible to receive a discount of up to 20%, subject to the length of the mandatory subscription period;

 

   

a subscriber who elects to subscribe to our fixed-line phone service for a three year mandatory subscription period is able to make local and domestic long-distance calls at a flat rate of 39 per three minutes; and

 

   

a subscriber who elects to subscribe to our broadband Internet access service or HSDPA-based mobile service for a three year mandatory subscription period is able to make local, domestic long-distance and land-to-mobile calls of up to 150,000 with a flat rate payment of 50,000 or such calls up to 50,000 with a flat rate payment of 10,000. Standard rates apply to calls that exceed the capped amounts.

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

We bill outgoing calls made by customers in Korea (and calls made to Korea from foreign countries under our home country direct-dial service) in accordance with our international long-distance rate schedule for the country called. These rates vary depending on the time of day at which a call is placed. We bill outgoing international calls on the basis of one-second increments. We are able to set our own rates for international long-distance service without approval from the MSIP.

For incoming calls (including calls placed in Korea by customers of the foreign carriers for home country direct-dial service), we receive settlement payments from the relevant foreign carrier at the applicable settlement rate specified under the agreement with the foreign carrier. We have entered into numerous bilateral agreements with foreign carriers. We negotiate the settlement rates under these agreements with each foreign carrier, subject to the MSIP’s approval. It is the practice among international carriers for the carrier in the country in which the call is billed to collect payments due in respect of the use of overseas networks. Although we record the gross amounts due to and from us in our financial statements, we make settlements with most carriers monthly or quarterly on a net basis.

 

38


Table of Contents

Interconnection. We provide other telecommunications service providers, including mobile operators and other fixed-line operators, interconnection to our fixed-line network.

Land-to-mobile Interconnection. For a call initiated by a landline user to a mobile service subscriber, we collect from the landline user the land-to-mobile usage charge and remit to the mobile service provider a land-to-mobile interconnection charge. The MSIP periodically issues orders setting the interconnection charge calculation method applicable to interconnections with mobile service providers. The MSIP determines the land to mobile interconnection charge by calculating the long run incremental cost of mobile service providers, taking into consideration technology development and future expected costs.

The following table shows the interconnection charges we paid per minute (exclusive of value-added taxes) to mobile operators for landline to mobile calls:

 

     Effective Starting  
     January 1, 2011      January 1, 2012      January 1, 2013  

SK Telecom

   30.5       27.1       26.3   

LG U+

     31.9         28.2         27.0   

Since September 2004, the usage charges per minute collected from a landline user for a call initiated by a landline user to a mobile service subscriber are 87.0 during weekdays, 82.0 during weekends and 77.2 during evenings (defined as 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. every day). We recognize as land-to-mobile interconnection revenue the entire amount of the usage charge collected from the landline user and recognize as expense the amount of interconnection charge paid to the mobile service provider.

Land-to-land and Mobile-to-land Interconnection. For a call initiated by a landline subscriber of our competitor to our fixed-line user, the landline service provider collects from its subscriber its normal rate and remits to us a land-to-land interconnection charge. In addition, for a call initiated by a mobile service subscriber to our landline user, the mobile service provider collects from its subscriber its normal rate and remits to us a mobile-to-land interconnection charge.

The following table shows such interconnection charge per minute collected for a call depending on the type of call, as determined by the KCC:

 

     Effective Starting  
     January 1, 2011      January 1, 2012      January 1, 2013  

Local access (1)

   16.4       15.5       14.6   

Single toll access (2)

     18.6         17.4         16.7   

Double toll access (3)

     22.2         20.3         19.9   

 

 

Source: The KCC.

 

(1) Interconnection between local switching center and local access line.

 

(2) Interconnection involving access to single long-distance switching center.

 

(3) Interconnection involving access to two long-distance switching centers.

Mobile-to-mobile Interconnection. For a call initiated by a mobile subscriber of our competitor to our mobile subscriber, the mobile service provider collects from its subscriber its normal rate and remits to us a mobile-to-mobile interconnection charge. In addition, for a call initiated by our mobile subscriber to a mobile subscriber of our competitor, we collect from our subscriber our normal rate and remit to the mobile service provider a mobile-to-mobile interconnection charge.

 

39


Table of Contents

The following table shows the interconnection charges we paid per minute (exclusive of value-added taxes) to mobile operators, and the charges received per minute (exclusive of value-added taxes) from mobile operators for mobile to mobile calls:

 

     Effective Starting  
     January 1, 2011      January 1, 2012      January 1, 2013  

SK Telecom

   30.5       27.1       26.3   

LG U+

     31.9         28.2         27.0   

KT

     31.7         28.0         27.0   

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

Internet Services

Broadband Internet Access Service. We offer broadband Internet access service that primarily uses existing telephone lines to provide both voice and data transmission. We charge monthly fixed fees to customers of broadband Internet service. In addition, we charge customers a one-time installation fee per site of 30,000 and modem rental fee of up to 8,000 on a monthly basis.

The following table summarizes our charges for our representative broadband Internet service plans:

 

    

Maximum Service Speed

   Monthly Fee  

olleh Internet Special (1) (6)

   100 Mbps    36,000   

olleh Internet Lite (1) (6)

   50 Mbps      30,000   

WiBro 10G (2) (6)

   40 Mbps (for downloading) / 12 Mbps (for uploading)      10,000   

WiBro 20G (3) (6)

   40 Mbps (for downloading) / 12 Mbps (for uploading)      20,000   

WiBro 30G (4) (6)

   40 Mbps (for downloading) / 12 Mbps (for uploading)      30,000   

WiBro 50G (5) (6)

   40 Mbps (for downloading) / 12 Mbps (for uploading)      40,000   

 

 

(1) We waive the installation fee of 30,000 for mandatory subscription periods of one to four years.

 

(2) We charge a monthly fee of 10,000 for up to 10,000 megabytes of data transmission and 10 per megabyte for any additional data transmission in excess of 10,000 megabytes per month.

 

(3) We charge a monthly fee of 20,000 for up to 20,000 megabytes of data transmission and 10 per megabyte for any additional data transmission in excess of 20,000 megabytes per month.

 

(4) We charge a monthly fee of 30,000 for up to 30,000 megabytes of data transmission and 10 per megabyte for any additional data transmission in excess of 30,000 megabytes per month.

 

(5) We charge a monthly fee of 40,000 for up to 50,000 megabytes of data transmission and 10 per megabyte for any additional data transmission in excess of 50,000 megabytes per month.

 

(6) Various discounts and promotional rates are available depending on the time of subscription and the minimum subscription contract, which may reduce the actual monthly fee paid.

olleh TV Services. We charge our subscribers an installation fee per site of 24,000, which is waived with a three-year contract, a set-top box rental fee ranging from 2,000 to 8,000 on a monthly basis and a monthly subscription fee. The rates we charge for olleh TV services are subject to approval by the MSIP.

The following table summarizes charges for our representative olleh TV service plans:

 

     Real-time
Broadcasting Channels
     Monthly Fee (1)  

olleh TV Live Choice (2)

     91       8,000   

olleh TV Live Education (3)

     68         8,000   

 

40


Table of Contents
     Real-time
Broadcasting Channels
     Monthly Fee (1)  

olleh TV Live Thrift (4)

     170         12,000   

olleh TV Live Standard (4)

     201         16,000   

olleh TV Live Deluxe (4)

     205         23,000   

olleh TV SkyLife Economy (5)

     187         22,000   

olleh TV SkyLife Standard (5)

     194         27,500   

olleh TV SkyLife Premium (5)

     198         33,000   

olleh TV Mobile (6)

     70         5,000   

Olleh TV Live All-right (7)

     177         14,000   

Olleh TV Skylife All-right (7)

     177         14,000   

 

 

(1) We typically provide discounts of 5% to 20% for a mandatory subscription periods ranging from one to three years. For olleh TV SkyLife subscribers, we provide discounts of 20% for mandatory subscription period of three years.

 

(2) Assuming selection of one package. Subscribers must choose at least one channel package, each of which charges a monthly fee of 2,000. The packages include entertainment, media, leisure and education and multi-room.

 

(3) Assuming selection of one package. Subscribers must choose at least one Video-On-Demand package, each of which charges a monthly fee of 2,000. The packages include elementary school, middle/high school and English education.

 

(4) We charge additional monthly fees for value-added services such as short messaging service, video conferencing and high-definition channels from KT Skylife Co., our subsidiary satellite broadcasting operator.

 

(5) For subscription to olleh TV SkyLife service, installation fee is waived for a mandatory subscription period of three years.

 

(6) Product for N-Screen (a service which allows purchased content to be displayed on multiple devices) launched in October 2011. The service is offered free of charge if bundled with our Internet, olleh TV and mobile services.

 

(7) olleh TV all-right products are basic IPTV packages with more than 55 TV broadcasting channels, 25 data broadcasting channels, 30 radio broadcasting channels, and more than 40,000 video-on-demand channels.

 

Data Communication Service

We charge customers of domestic leased-lines on a monthly fixed-cost basis based on the distance of the leased line, the capacity of the line measured in bits per second (“bps”), the type of line provided and whether the service site is local or long-distance. In addition, we charge customers a one-time installation fee per line ranging from 56,000 to 1,940,000 depending on the capacity of the line.

Bundled Products

We utilize our extensive customer relationships and market knowledge to expand our revenue base by cross-selling our telecommunications products and services. In order to attract additional subscribers to our new services, we bundle our services, such as our broadband Internet access service with IP-TV, Internet phone, fixed-line telephone service, WiBro, and mobile services, at a discount.

The following table summarizes our various basic bundled packages that we currently offer. The packages require subscribers to agree to a subscription period of three years:

 

     Monthly Rates
     Flat Rate     

Mobile Monthly Fee

Internet / Internet Phone / Mobile

   24,000       Discounts are between 1,500 and 10,000, depending on the mobile fee plan (up to 5 mobile numbers) (2)

Internet / Fixed-Line Phone / Mobile

     27,000      

Internet / IP-TV / Mobile (1)

     34,000      

Internet / Fixed-Line Phone / IP-TV / Mobile (1)

     35,000      

 

 

(1) Assuming selection of olleh TV SkyLife Standard Plan. If olleh TV Live Video-on-Demand, olleh TV Live Choice, or olleh TV Live Education is selected, deduction of 5,000 from the monthly flat rate. If olleh TV SkyLife Economy Plan is selected, deduction of 3,000 from the monthly flat rate. If olleh TV SkyLife Premium Plan is selected, additional monthly charge of 5,000.

 

(2) Bundled rate plans are available only for olleh LTE subscribers.

 

41


Table of Contents

We believe that subscribers who sign up for bundled products are less likely to cancel our services than subscribers who subscribe to individual services. Subscription fees paid for our bundled products are allocated to each service in proportion to their fair value and the allocated amount is recognized as revenue according to the revenue recognition policy for each service.

Competition

Competition in the telecommunications sector in Korea is intense. In recent years, business combinations in the telecommunications industry have significantly changed the competitive landscape of the Korean telecommunications industry. In particular, SK Telecom acquired a controlling stake in Hanarotelecom Incorporated in 2008, which was renamed SK Broadband. The acquisition enabled SK Telecom to provide fixed-line telecommunications, broadband Internet access and IP-TV services together with its mobile telecommunications services. In January 2010, LG Dacom and LG Powercom merged into LG Telecom Co., Ltd., which subsequently changed its name to LG U+. The merger enabled LG U+ provide a similar range of services as SK Telecom and us.

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

Network Service Providers

All network service providers in Korea are permitted to set the rates for international or domestic long-distance services on their own without the MSIP’s approval. Many of our competitors have set their rates lower than ours. Currently, we can compete freely with other providers on the basis of rates in all services except for rates we charge for local calls, which require advance approval from the MSIP. In all service areas, we compete by endeavoring to provide superior customer service and superior technical quality, taking advantage of our broad customer base and our ability to provide various telecommunication services.

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

Mobile Service. Competition in the mobile telecommunications industry in Korea is intense among SK Telecom, LG U+ and us. Such competition has intensified in recent years due to the implementation of mobile number portability, which enabled mobile subscribers to switch their service provider while retaining the same mobile phone number, as well as payments of handset subsidies to purchasers of new handsets who agree to minimum subscription periods and the recent rollout of fourth-generation mobile services based on LTE technology by SK Telecom, LG U+ and us.

 

42


Table of Contents

The following table shows the market shares in the mobile telecommunications market as of the dates indicated:

 

     Market Share (%)  
     KT
Corporation
     SK Telecom      LG U+  

December 31, 2011

     31.5         50.6         17.9   

December 31, 2012

     30.8         50.3         18.9   

December 31, 2013

     30.1         50.0         19.9   

 

 

Source: The KCC.

We offer various rate plans, including those that offer a specified number of free airtime minutes per month in return for a higher monthly fee and those that are geared toward business customers. Our competitors also offer similar plans at competitive rates.

Local Telephone Service. We compete with SK Broadband and LG U+ in the local telephone service business. SK Broadband began providing local telephone service in 1999, followed by LG U+ in 2004. In addition, the services provided by mobile service providers have had a material adverse effect on us in terms of our revenues from fixed-line telephone services. We expect this trend to continue.

The following table shows the market shares in the local telephone service market as of the dates indicated:

 

     Market Share (%)  
     KT
Corporation
     SK Broadband      LG U+  

December 31, 2011

     84.3         13.3         2.4   

December 31, 2012

     82.8         14.5         2.7   

December 31, 2013

     81.5         15.6         2.9   

 

 

Source: The KCC.

Although the local usage charge of our competitors and us is the same at 39 per pulse (generally three minutes), our competitors’ non-refundable telephone service initiation charges are lower than ours. Our customers pay a non-refundable telephone service initiation charge of 60,000 while customers of our competitors pay a non-refundable telephone service initiation charge of 30,000. Also, the basic monthly charge of our competitors is 4,500 compared to our basic charge of 5,200.

Domestic Long-distance Telephone Service. We compete with SK Broadband, LG U+, Onse and SK Telink in the domestic long-distance market. LG U+ began offering domestic long-distance service in 1996, followed by Onse in 1999 and SK Broadband and SK Telink in 2004. The following table shows the market shares in the domestic long-distance market as of the dates indicated:

 

     Market Share (%)  
     KT
Corporation
     SK Broadband      LG U+      Onse      SK Telink  

December 31, 2011

     80.5         12.5         3.2         1.1         2.7   

December 31, 2012

     79.2         14.0         3.0         1.1         2.8   

December 31, 2013

     78.7         14.5         3.0         1.0         2.8   

 

 

Source: Korea Telecommunications Operators Association.

 

43


Table of Contents

Our competitors and we charge 39 per three minutes for domestic long-distance calls up to 30 kilometers. For domestic long-distance calls greater than 30 kilometers, our competitors typically charge between 3% to 5% less than us. The following table is a comparison of our standard long-distance usage charges per 10 seconds with the standard rates of our competitors as of December 31, 2013:

 

     KT
Corporation
     SK Broadband      LG U+      Onse      SK Telink  

30 kilometers or longer

   14.5       13.9       14.1       13.8       13.8   

 

 

Source: The KCC.

International Long-Distance Telephone Service. Four companies, SK Broadband, LG U+, Onse and SK Telink, directly compete with us in the international long-distance market. LG U+ began offering international long-distance service in 1991, followed by Onse in 1997 and SK Broadband in 2004. SK Telink, which only provides Internet phone service, entered the international long-distance market in 2003 and offers its services at rates lower than those for network-based international long-distance telephone services. The entry of Internet phone service providers and other telecommunications service providers, such as voice resellers, that can offer telecommunications services at rates lower than ours has increased competition in the international long-distance market and adversely affected our revenues and profitability from international long-distance services. See “—Specific Service Providers.”

Our competitors generally charge less than us for international long-distance calls. The following table is a comparison of our standard long-distance usage charges per one minute with the standard rates of our competitors as of December 31, 2013:

 

     KT
Corporation
     SK
Broadband
     LG U+      Onse      SK Telink  

United States

   282       276       288       276       156   

Japan

     696         672         678         672         384   

China

     990         984         996         984         780   

Australia

     1,086         1,044         1,086         1,044         528   

Great Britain

     1,008         966         996         966         498   

Germany

     948         912         942         912         402   

 

 

Source: KT Corporation.

Broadband Internet Access Service. The Korean broadband Internet access market has experienced significant growth in the past decade. SK Broadband entered the broadband market in 1999 offering both HFC and ADSL services, and we entered the market with our ADSL services in 1999, followed by Dreamline, Onse and LG U+. In addition, the entry of cable television providers that offer HFC-based broadband Internet access services at rates lower than ours has increased competition in the broadband Internet access market. We expect industry consolidation among our competitors in the near future, and smaller competitors in the broadband market today may become larger competitors.

 

44


Table of Contents

The following table shows the market share in the broadband Internet access market as of the dates indicated:

 

     Market Share (%)  
     KT
Corporation
     SK
Broadband
     LG U+      Others  

December 31, 2011

     43.8         23.5         15.7         17.0   

December 31, 2012

     44.0         24.1         15.0         16.9   

December 31, 2013

     43.1         24.4         15.6         16.9   

 

 

Source: The KCC.

Our competitors generally charge less than us for broadband Internet access service. The following table is a comparison of fees for our olleh Internet Lite service with three year mandatory subscription period with fees of our competitors for comparable services as of December 31, 2013:

 

     KT
Corporation
     SK
Broadband
     LG U+      Cable
Providers (1)
 

Monthly subscription fee

   25,500       25,000       25,000       20,000   

Monthly modem rental fee

     None         None         None         1,000   

Additional installation fee upon moving

     10,000         10,000         20,000         20,000   

 

 

Source: KT Corporation.

 

(1) These are typical fees charged by cable providers.

Data Communication Service. We had a monopoly in domestic data communication service until 1994, when LG U+ was authorized to provide the leased-line service. The data communications service market has become more competitive with limited growth during the past decade, and we primarily compete with SK Broadband and LG U+.

Value-Added Service Providers

Value-added service providers may commence operations following filing of a report to the MSIP. The scope of business of a value-added service provider includes specific value-added telecommunications activities (other than services reserved for network service providers), such as data communications utilizing telecommunications facilities leased from network service providers.

Specific Service Providers

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

Regulation

With the establishment of the MSIP in March 2013, many of the regulatory responsibilities formerly handled by the KCC have been transferred to the MSIP. Under the Framework Act of Telecommunications and the Telecommunications Business Act, the MSIP now has comprehensive regulatory authority over the telecommunications industry and all network service providers.

The MSIP has assumed primary policy and regulatory responsibility for matters such as: (i) licensing of network service providers (the MSIP authorizes the licensing of Internet Protocol Television (“IPTV”) service providers and, with the consent of the KCC, authorizes the licensing of satellite broadcasting companies); (ii) regulation of mergers and acquisitions, as well as license

 

45


Table of Contents

suspension and termination of network service providers; (iii) providing oversight on foreign ownership ratios in network service providers; and (iv) reviewing telecommunication matters as they relate to the public interest and approving ancillary telecommunication business activities. Additionally, the MSIP is responsible for a broad range of other policy and regulatory matters, including the administration and supervision of regulatory reporting by telecommunications companies, examination and analysis of accounting and business management practices in the industry, establishing and administering policies governing telecommunications service fees, value-added service providers and specific service providers, as well as supervising reporting requirements of standard telecommunications service/user contracts.

Under the revised supervisory framework, a network service provider must be licensed by the MSIP. Our license as a network service provider permits us to engage in a wide range of telecommunications services.

The KCC’s overall policy role is to play a key role in regulatory activities aimed at protecting service users in the broadcast and telecommunications market and it continues to be responsible for investigations and sanctions regarding violations by telecommunications companies, as well as for mediating disputes between service providers and users. The KCC is established under the direct jurisdiction of the President and is comprised of five standing commissioners. Commissioners of the KCC are appointed by the President, and the appointment of the Chairperson must be approved at a confirmation hearing at the National Assembly.

Under the Use and Protection of Credit Information Act, telecommunications service providers are also required to disclose personal credit information of their customers only for the purpose of validating and maintaining telecommunications service agreements. Korean telecommunications service providers may use their customers’ credit information only to the extent allowed by the Use and Protection of Credit Information Act, which has gained greater importance in recent years due to the occurrence of personal information leakage incidents.

The MSIP also has the authority to regulate the IP media market, including IP-TV services. We began offering IP-TV services with real-time high definition broadcasting in November 2008. Under the Internet Multimedia Broadcasting Business Act, anyone intending to engage in the IP media broadcasting business must obtain a license from the MSIP. The ownership of the shares of an IP media broadcasting company by a newspaper, a news agency or a foreigner is limited.

Rates

Under current regulations implementing the Telecommunications Business Act, a network service provider may set its rates at its discretion, although it must report to the MSIP the rates and the general terms and conditions for each type of network service provided by it. There is, however, one exception to this general rule: if a network service provider has the largest market share for a specified type of service and its revenue from that service for the previous year exceeds a specific revenue amount set by the MSIP, it must obtain prior approval from the MSIP for the rates and the general terms for that service. Each year the MSIP designates the service providers and the types of services for which the rates and the general terms must be approved by the MSIP. In 2013, the MSIP designated us for local telephone service and SK Telecom for mobile service, which currently remains in effect. The MSIP, in consultation with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, is required to approve the rates proposed by a network service provider if (1) the proposed rates are appropriate, fair and reasonable and (2) the calculation method for the rates are appropriate and transparent.

 

46


Table of Contents

Other Activities

A network service provider, such as us, must obtain the permission of the MSIP in order to:

 

   

engage in certain businesses specified under the Telecommunications Business Act, such as the telecommunications equipment manufacturing business and the telecommunications network construction business;

 

   

change the conditions for its licenses;

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

enter into a merger with another network service provider.

By submitting a report to the MSIP, a network service provider may enter into arrangements for services to be furnished to its customers by a different telecommunications service provider and, in connection therewith, may provide its telecommunications services to, or authorize the use of all or a portion of its telecommunications facilities by, such other telecommunications service provider. The MSIP can revoke our licenses or order the suspension of any of our businesses if we do not comply with the regulations of the MSIP under the Telecommunications Business Act.

In May 2010, the KCC issued a guideline that limits the marketing expenditure amounts of telecommunication service providers in Korea to 20% of their revenues, with the restrictions applicable to fixed-line and mobile segments to be calculated separately. However, as of October 2013, up to 100 billion of the marketing expenditures may be applied to either segment at the discretion of the service provider. The calculation of marketing expenditure amounts under the guideline excludes advertising expenses and the calculation of revenue amounts excludes revenues from handset sales. The MSIP may adjust the guideline to accommodate changes in market conditions.

The responsibilities of the MSIP include:

 

   

drafting and implementing plans for developing telecommunications technology;

 

   

fostering and providing guidance to institutions and entities that conduct research relating to telecommunications; and

 

   

recommending to network service providers that they invest in research and development or that they contribute to telecommunications research institutes in Korea.

In addition, all network service providers (other than regional paging service providers) are obligated to contribute toward the supply of “universal” telecommunications services in Korea. Telecommunications service providers designated as “universal service providers” by the MSIP are required to provide universal telecommunications services such as local services, local public telephone services, discount services for persons with disabilities and for certain low-income persons, telecommunications services for remote islands and wireless communication services for ships. We have been designated as a universal service provider. The costs and losses recognized by universal service providers in connection with providing these universal telecommunications services will be shared on an annual basis by all network service providers (other than regional paging service providers), including us, on a pro rata basis based on their respective net annual revenue calculated pursuant to a formula set by the MSIP.

 

47


Table of Contents

A network service provider must permit other network service providers, as designated by the MSIP, to co-use wirelines connecting the switching equipment to end-users, upon the request of such other network service providers. In addition, a network service provider may permit other network service providers to co-use its wireless communication systems upon the request of any of such other network service providers. The compensation method for the co-use must be determined by the MSIP and be settled, by fair and proper methods.

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

Foreign Investment

The Telecommunications Business Act restricts the ownership and control of network service providers by foreign shareholders. Foreigners, foreign governments and “foreign invested companies” may not own more than 49.0% of the issued shares with voting rights of a network service provider, including us, and a foreign shareholder may not become our largest shareholder if such shareholder holds 5.0% or more of our shares. For purposes of the Telecommunications Business Act, the term “foreign invested company” means a company in which foreigners and foreign governments hold 15.0% or more shares with voting rights in the aggregate and a foreigner or a foreign government is the largest shareholder, provided, however, that such company will not be counted as a foreign shareholder for the purposes of the above-referenced 49.0% limit if (1) it holds less than 1.0% of our total issued and outstanding shares with voting rights or (2) if the largest shareholder of such company is a government or foreign entity of a country that is a counterparty to a free trade agreement with Korea, as publicly announced by the MSIP, and the MSIP determines that the fact that such foreign government or entity holds a 15.0% or greater shareholding in such company does not present a risk of harm to the public interest. (However, the calculation of the above-referenced 49% ceiling will apply to: (x) any foreign entities that have entered into any major management-related agreement with a network service provider or the shareholder(s) thereof; and (y) foreign entities that have entered into any agreement pertaining to the settlement of fees relating to the handling of international electronic telecommunications services). As of December 31, 2013, 40.08% of our common shares were owned by foreign investors. In the event that a network service provider violates the shareholding restrictions, its foreign shareholders cannot exercise voting rights for their shares in excess of such limitation, and the MSIP may require corrective measures be taken to comply with the ownership restrictions. There is no restriction on foreign ownership for specific service providers and value-added service providers.

Individual Shareholding Limit

Under the Telecommunications Business Act, a foreign shareholder who holds 5.0% or more of our total shares is prohibited from becoming our largest shareholder. However, any foreign shareholder who held 5.0% or more of our total shares and was our largest shareholder on or prior to May 9, 2004 is exempt from the regulations, provided that such foreign shareholder may not acquire any more of our shares. In addition, under the Telecommunications Business Act, the MSIP may, if it deems it necessary to preserve substantial public interests, prohibit a foreign shareholder from being our largest shareholder. In the event that any foreigner or foreign government acquires our shares in violation of the above provisions, the Telecommunications Business Act restricts such foreign shareholder from exercising his or her voting rights with respect to common shares exceeding such threshold. The MSIP may also order us or the foreign shareholder to take corrective measures in respect of the excess shares within a specified period of six months or less.

 

48


Table of Contents

Customers and Customer Billing

We typically charge residential subscribers and business subscribers similar rates for services provided. On a case-by-case basis, we also provide discount rates for some of our high-volume business subscribers. We bill all of our customers on a monthly basis. Our customers may make payment at either payment points such as local post offices, banks or our service offices, through a direct-debit service that automatically deducts the monthly payment from a subscriber’s designated bank account, or through a direct-charge service that automatically charges the monthly payment to a subscriber’s designated credit card account. Approximately 70.2% of our subscribers as of December 31, 2013 pay through the direct-debit service. Accounts of subscribers who fail to pay our invoice are transferred to a collection agency, which sends out a notice of payment. If such charges are not paid after notice, we cease to provide outgoing service to such subscribers after a period of time determined by the type of subscribed service. If charges are still not paid two to three months after outgoing service is cut off, we cease all services to such subscribers. After service is ceased, the overdue charges that are not collected by the collection agency are written off.

Insurance

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

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

Information Technology and Operational Systems

Enhancement of our information technology and operational systems and efficient utilization of such systems are important in effectively promoting our core strategies. We are committed to continually investing in and enhancing our information technology systems, which provide support to many aspects of our businesses. In order to respond more effectively to a changing business environment, a new enterprise resource planning system (the “New ERP System”) was completed and implemented during the second half of 2012. The New ERP System has contributed to enhancing various aspects of our internal processes and control systems, and we are establishing various plans to effectively utilize the New ERP System and to stabilize our internal control processes in connection with the New ERP System.

Item 4.C.  Organizational Structure

These matters are discussed under Item 4.B. where relevant.

Item 4.D.  Property, Plants and Equipment

Our principal fixed asset is our integrated telecommunications networks. In addition, we own buildings and real estate throughout Korea.

Our fixed-line equipment vendors and mobile equipment suppliers include well-known international and local suppliers such as Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Cisco Systems and Apple Inc.

 

49


Table of Contents

Mobile Networks

Our mobile network architecture includes the following components:

 

   

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

 

   

base station controllers, which connect to and control, the base transceiver stations;

 

   

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

 

   

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

The following table lists selected information regarding our mobile networks as of December 31, 2013:

 

     W-CDMA      LTE  

Mobile switching centers

     86         33   

Base station controllers

     692           

Base transceiver stations

     11,540         21,436   

Indoor and outdoor repeaters

     322,693         226,090   

We have a license to use 40 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum that we use to provide IMT-2000 services based on W-CDMA wireless network standards. Such license expires in December 2016, and we are required to pay approximately 1.3 trillion for use of such bandwidth during the license period of 15 years. In April 2010, the KCC announced its decision to allocate 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 900 MHz spectrum to us, which became effective in July 2011, for which we are required to pay a portion of the actual sales generated from using the bandwidth in the 900 MHz spectrum during the license period of 10 years as a usage fee for the bandwidth, as well as a portion of expected sales that was determined by the KCC at the time of allocation. In June 2011, our right to use 40 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum expired, and the KCC allocated back to us the right to use 20 MHz of such bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum upon expiration pursuant to our application, for which we are required to pay a portion of the actual sales generated from using the bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum during the license period of 10 years as a usage fee for the bandwidth, as well as a portion of expected sales that was determined by the KCC at the time of allocation.

In August 2011, the KCC auctioned the right to use the remaining 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum that we relinquished, 10 MHz of additional bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum and 20 MHz of additional bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum. We acquired the right to use the 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum, for which we are required to pay a total usage fee of 261 billion during the license period of 10 years, SK Telecom acquired the right to use the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum and LG U+ acquired the right to use the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum. We began using the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum, which became available upon termination of our 2G services, to provide our 4G LTE services starting in January 2012, and commenced providing wideband LTE services in September 2013 and commercialized Wideband LTE-A services in March 2014.

 

50


Table of Contents

Exchanges

Exchanges include local exchanges and “toll” exchanges that connect local exchanges to long-distance transmission facilities. We had 24.2 million lines connected to local exchanges and 1.6 million lines connected to toll exchanges as of December 31, 2013.

All of our exchanges are fully automatic. We completed replacement of all electromechanical analog exchanges with digital exchanges in June 2003 in order to provide higher speed and larger volume services. Starting in 2006, we also began conversion of our exchanges to be compatible to Internet protocol platform in preparation for building our next generation broadband convergence network by 2021. As of December 31, 2013, approximately 97% of our lines connected to toll exchanges are compatible to Internet protocol platform.

Internet Backbone

Our Internet backbone network, called KORNET, has the capacity to handle aggregate traffic of our broadband Internet access subscribers, Internet data centers and Internet exchange system at any given moment of up to 6.6 Tbps as of December 31, 2013. We have set up contingent plans to prepare against various incidents that could affect reliable Internet access service. Starting in 2005, we have also begun deploying our Internet protocol premium network that enables us to more reliably support olleh TV, WiBro, Internet Phone, upgraded VoIP services and other Internet protocol services. As of December 31, 2013, our Internet protocol premium network had 1,032 lines installed to provide voice over Internet protocol services and a total capacity to handle up to 1.4 Tbps of IP-TV, voice and WiBro service traffic.

Access Lines

As of December 31, 2013, we had 16.0 million access lines installed, which allow us to reach virtually all homes and businesses in Korea. As part of our broadband deployment strategy, we have upgraded many of our access lines by equipping them with broadband capability using xDSL and FTTH technology. As of December 31, 2013, we had approximately 14.4 million broadband lines with speed of at least 50 Mbps that enable us to deliver broadband Internet access and multimedia content to our customers.

Transmission Network

Our domestic fiber optic cable network consisted of 636,347 kilometers of fiber optic cables as of December 31, 2013 of which 116,117 kilometers of fiber optic cables are used to connect our backbone network and 520,230 kilometers are used to connect the backbone network to our subscribers. Our backbone network utilizes 64Tbp Long-haul Reconfigurable Optical Add Drop Multiplexer (“ROADM”) technology for connecting cities. ROADM technology improves bandwidth efficiency by enabling data to be transmitted from multiple signals across one fiber strand in a cable and carrying each signal on a separate wavelength. We enhanced our backbone network connecting six major cities in Korea by implementing an optical cross-connector (OXC) and access network by implementing multi-service provisioning platform (“MSPP”) architecture in 2008. We are in the process of building our next generation broadband convergence network by installing carrier ethernet architecture in 2014.

Our extensive domestic long-distance network is supplemented by our fully digital domestic microwave network, which consisted of 55 relay sites as of December 31, 2013.

 

51


Table of Contents

International Network

Our international network infrastructure consists of both submarine cables and satellite transmission systems, including two submarine cable-landing stations in Busan and Keoje and two satellite teleports in Kumsan and Boeun. Data services such as international private lease circuits, Internet protocol and very small aperture terminals are provided through submarine cables and satellite transmission. In order to guarantee high quality services to our end customers, our submarine cables and satellite transmission systems are linked to various points-of-presence in the United States, Asia and Europe. In addition, our international telecommunications networks are directly linked to approximately 240 telecommunications service providers in various international destinations and are routed through our three international switching centers in Seoul, Daejeon and Busan.

Our international Internet backbone with capacity of 542 Gbps is connected to approximately 180 Internet service providers through our two Internet gateways in Hyehwa and Guro. In addition, we operate a video backbone with capacity of one Gbps to transmit video signals from Korea to the rest of the world.

Satellites

In order to provide broadcasting, video distribution and broadband data services in select areas, we operate two satellites, Koreasat 5 and 6, launched in 2006 and 2010, respectively, and own certain of the transponders in two additional satellites, ABS-1 launched in 2010 and ABS-2 launched in February 2014. Additionally, we are currently undergoing international arbitration proceedings with ABS over the Mugunghwa 3 satellite, which we sold to ABS in 2011. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview—Our Services—Miscellaneous Businesses” and “Item 8.A. Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings.”

International Submarine Cable Networks

International traffic is handled by telecommunications satellites and submarine cables. Because of the high cost of laying a submarine cable, the usual practice is for multiple carriers to jointly commission a new cable and share the costs and the capacity. We own interests in several international fiber optic submarine cable networks, including:

 

   

a 1.4% interest in the 29,000-kilometer FLAG Europe-Asia network connecting Korea, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe, activated since April 1997;

 

   

a 1.8% interest in the 39,000-kilometer Southeast Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 3 Cable Network linking 34 countries, activated since December 1999;

 

   

a 6.7% interest in the 30,444-kilometer China-U.S. Cable Network linking Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan and the United States, activated since January 2000;

 

   

a 5.1% interest in the 19,000-kilometer Asia Pacific Cable Network 2 connecting Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia, activated since December 2001;

 

   

a 20.0% interest in the 500-kilometer Korea-Japan Cable Network linking Korea and Japan, activated since March 2002; and

 

   

a 13.1% interest in the 16,500-kilometer Trans Pacific Express Cable Network linking Korea, China, Taiwan and the United States, activated since September 2008.

 

52


Table of Contents

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

Item 4A.  Unresolved Staff Comments

We do not have any unresolved comments from the Securities and Exchange Commission staff regarding our periodic reports under the Exchange Act of 1934.

Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

Item 5.A.  Operating Results

The following discussion and analysis is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.

Overview

We are an integrated provider of telecommunications services. Our principal services include mobile service, fixed-line telephone services, Internet services including broadband Internet access service and data communication service. The principal factors affecting our revenues from these services have been our rates for, and the usage volume of, these services, as well as the number of subscribers. For information on rates we charge for our services, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Item 4.B. Business Overview—Revenues and Rates.” In 2012, we determined our operating segments for financial reporting purposes as (i) the Telecommunication & Convergence Customer Group, which engages in providing various telecommunication services to individual/home customers and the convergence business, (ii) the Global & Enterprise Customer Group, which engages in telecommunication services for the global market and corporate customers, as well as data communication service, (iii) the Finance/Rental Business Group, which engages in providing various financial services such as credit card and lending, as well as automobile rental and leasing business and (iv) others, which include security services, satellite service, information technology and network services, satellite TV service and real estate development businesses.

One of the major factors contributing to our historical performance was the growth of the Korean economy, and our future performance will depend at least in part on Korea’s general economic growth and prospects. For a description of recent developments that have had and may continue to have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition, see “Item 3. Key Information—Item 3.D. Risk Factors—Korea is our most important market, and our current business and future growth could be materially and adversely affected if economic conditions in Korea deteriorate.” A number of other developments have had or are expected to have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition and capital expenditures. These developments include:

 

   

acquisitions and disposals of interests in subsidiaries and joint ventures;

 

   

usage fees for bandwidths;

 

   

changes in the rate structure for our services;

 

   

handset subsidies; and

 

   

researching and implementing technology upgrades and additional telecommunication services.

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

 

53


Table of Contents

Acquisitions and Disposals of Interests in Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures

One key aspect of our overall business strategy calls for acquisitions of businesses and entering into joint ventures that complement or diversify our current business, as well as disposal or termination of such businesses from time to time. The following summarizes our recent acquisitions and disposals:

 

   

in January 2011, we acquired 5,600,000 shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock with voting rights and convertible bonds that were convertible into 5,600,000 shares of common stock of KT Skylife Co., Ltd. from Dutch Savings Holdings B.V. in January 2011 for approximately 246 billion, to respond to the trend of convergence in the telecommunications and broadcasting industries, and to seek additional synergies with our existing operations. We exercised the conversion rights on the redeemable convertible preferred stock and the convertible bonds in March 2011, and owned a 50.1% interest in KT Skylife Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 2013;

 

   

in June and October 2011, we sold a total of 5,309,189 common shares of New Telephone Company, Inc., representing all of our interests in New Telephone Company, Inc., for approximately 380 billion. Located in Russia, New Telephone Company, Inc. had previously been our consolidated subsidiary providing fixed-line telephone services in Vladivostok, and our decision to dispose of our interest in that company was in part affected by the changing landscape in the Russian telecommunications market, where telecommunications service providers were becoming more nationalized and increasing rapidly in size as a result;

 

   

in October 2011, we, through our subsidiary KT Capital Co., Ltd., acquired an additional 1,622,520 common shares of BC Card Co., Ltd. from Woori Bank for approximately 252 billion, to further diversify our business and to create synergies through utilization of our mobile telecommunications network in financial services, thereby increasing our ownership interest in BC Card Co., Ltd. to 38.86%, making it our consolidated subsidiary as a result of deemed control starting in October 2011. We acquired an additional 1,349,920 common shares of BC Card Co., Ltd. in January 2012 for approximately 287 billion, and owned a 69.54% interest in BC Card Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 2013; and

 

   

starting in July 2012, KT Rental Co., Ltd., our 58.0% owned subsidiary, became our consolidated subsidiary as a result of the acquisition of KT Rental’s common stock by Hana Daetoo Securities Co., Ltd. and other investors from the then-second largest shareholder in July 2012, and the restriction on our control over KT Rental pursuant to a shareholders’ agreement being resolved as a result.

Our financial condition and results of operations may be affected as a result of such acquisitions, disposals or consolidation. Furthermore, pursuing acquisitions or joint venture transactions also requires significant capital, and as we pursue further growth opportunities for the future, we may need to raise additional capital by incurring loans or through the issuances of bonds or other securities in the international capital markets, which may lead to increased levels of debt and debt servicing costs in the future.

Bandwidth Usage Fees

One of the principal limitations on a wireless network’s subscriber capacity is the amount of bandwidth spectrum allocated to the service provider. The growth of our mobile telecommunications business and the increase in usage of wireless data transmission services have been significant

 

54


Table of Contents

factors in the increased utilization of our bandwidth, since wireless data applications are generally more bandwidth-intensive than voice services. The current trend of increasing data transmission use and the increasing sophistication of multimedia content is likely to put additional strain on the bandwidth capacity of mobile service providers. We have acquired various licenses in recent years to secure additional bandwidth capacity to provide our broad range of services, for which we typically pay a portion of the actual sales generated from using the bandwidth during the license period as a usage fee, as well as a portion of expected sales as determined by the KCC at the time of allocation. In August 2013, the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning further auctioned 50 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum, which had been used by governmental entities such as the military, and 80 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.6 GHz spectrum, which had been used for digital multimedia broadcasting services. We acquired the right to use 15 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum, for which we are required to pay a total usage fee of approximately 900 billion during a license period of eight years. SK Telecom acquired the right to use 35 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum and LG U+ acquired the right to use 40 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.6 GHz spectrum. In September 2013, we commenced providing wideband LTE services, which utilizes our adjoining 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum to provide transmission speed of up to 150 Mbps, twice faster than those offered under standard LTE services. SK Telecom also began providing its wideband LTE services in September 2013 and LG U+ commenced providing its wideband LTE services in January 2014. As of March 1, 2014, our wideband LTE services covered five metropolitan cities in Korea, and we expect to expand our wideband LTE services to all of Korea by July 2014. As of December 31, 2013, the number of our LTE subscribers exceeded 7.8 million. Furthermore, in March 2014, we commercialized advanced wideband LTE (“Wideband LTE-A”) services, which interconnects our 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum used to offer wideband LTE services with the 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 900 MHz spectrum used to offer standard LTE services by utilizing inter-band carrier aggregation technology to support transmission speed of up to 225 Mbps.

Changes in the Rate Structure for Our Services

Periodically, we adjust our rate structure for our services. In order to mitigate the impact from lower usage charges of local and domestic long-distance calls, we have increased our basic monthly charges and offer various optional flat rate plans for our fixed-line subscribers. Such adjustments in the rate structure have increased the portion of fixed income and stabilized our cash flow. In addition, because the growing use of mobile telecommunications services has decreased the usage of our fixed-line telephone services, we believe we are able to maximize our revenues from fixed-line telephone services by adjusting the rate structure so as to increase our basic monthly charges. We also provide bundled packages of our various services at a discount in order to attract additional subscribers to our new services. We currently bundle our broadband Internet access service with IP-TV, Internet phone, fixed-line telephone service, WiBro, and mobile services, at a discount.

The MSIP, in consultation with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, currently approves rates charged by us for local telephone service. In addition, the MSIP currently does not regulate our domestic long-distance, international long-distance, broadband internet access and mobile service rates, but it periodically announces public policy guidelines or suggestions on tariffs for non-regulated services, which we have followed in the past. For a discussion of adjustments in our rate structure, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Item 4.B. Business Overview—Revenues and Rates.”

Handset Subsidies

In March 2008, the Government removed a prohibition on the provision of handset subsidies and allowed mobile service providers to subsidize the purchase of new handsets by certain qualifying customers. In order to compete more effectively, we began providing such handset subsidies, which have increased, and may continue to increase, our marketing expenses. We provide handset subsidies

 

55


Table of Contents

to subscribers who agree to use our service for a predetermined service period and purchase handsets on an installment basis. Generally, handset subsidies may be provided to any subscriber that uses our service and purchases handsets either directly from us or through third parties. Since we do not recognize revenues from sales of handsets by third parties, the trends between our handset sales and our provision for handset subsidies are not necessarily correlated. The amount recognized as a provision for handset subsidies is our best estimate of the expenditure required to settle current obligations to relevant subscribers at the end of the reporting period, which is calculated as the sum of the present values of the monthly balances for handset subsidies over the relevant service periods, taking into account the customer retention rate for relevant subscribers. On May 13, 2010, the KCC announced a guideline recommending that telecommunication service providers limit their marketing expenses to 22.0% of their annual sales, and the limit was subsequently lowered to 20.0% of their annual sales for the years 2013, 2012 and 2011. Such marketing expenses include initial commissions, monthly commissions and retention commissions paid to our authorized dealers and subscribers, including handset subsidies, but do not include advertising expenses. This guideline remains effective. While the guideline is not binding, we, as well as our competitors, nonetheless try to adhere to such guideline when feasible, which may have a material adverse effect on our businesses and results of operations. Furthermore, failure to comply with rules, regulations and corrective orders may lead to suspension of our business or imposition of monetary penalties.

For example, based on investigations conducted in December 2012 and January 2013, the KCC imposed a combined fine of approximately 12 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us in January 2013 (our fine being approximately 2.9 billion), for providing subsidies that were higher than those allowed under current regulations to new mobile phone purchasers and subscribers, and also imposed temporary suspensions from recruiting new subscribers ranging from 20 days to 24 days. In March 2013, the KCC again imposed a combined fine of approximately 5 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 1.6 billion) for continuing to offer subsidies during the suspension period. In July 2013, the KCC imposed a combined fine of approximately 67 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 20 billion) and also imposed a seven day suspension on us from recruiting new subscribers, also in connection with providing excessive handset subsidies to new subscribers. In December 2013, the KCC again imposed a combined fine of approximately 106 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 30 billion), which is the largest fine ever imposed by the KCC on local mobile operators for providing excessive subsidies to new subscribers. On March 7, 2014, the MSIP imposed a temporary suspension on us for 45 days (from March 13, 2014 to April 26, 2014), SK Telecom for 45 days (from April 5, 2014 to May 19, 2014), and LG U+ for 45 days (from March 13, 2014 to April 4, 2014 and again from April 27, 2014 to May 18, 2014) from recruiting new subscribers as a result of continuing to offer excessive handset subsidies to new subscribers, despite the order from the KCC prohibiting such subsidies, which is the longest suspension period imposed on us by the Government for providing discriminatory subsidies to subscribers. We expect that the business suspension imposed on us, as well as the continuing restriction by the Government on subsidies we provide, will have an adverse effect on our operating revenues for the first quarter of 2014. Any further suspension of our business or imposition of monetary penalties by the Government could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Researching and Implementing Technology Upgrades and Additional Telecommunication Services

The telecommunications industry is characterized by continual advances and improvements in telecommunications technology, and we have been continually researching and implementing technology upgrades and additional telecommunication services to maintain our competitiveness. For example, we are currently upgrading our broadband network to enable FTTH connection, which provides speed of up to 100 Mbps and better connection quality. FTTH is a telecommunication architecture in which a communication path is provided over optical fiber cables extending from the

 

56


Table of Contents

telecommunications operator’s switching equipment to the boundary of home or office. FTTH uses fiber optic cable, which is able to carry a high-bandwidth signal for longer distances without degradation. FTTH enables us to deliver enhanced products and services that require high bandwidth, such as IP-TV, and other digital media content with stronger stability.

In addition, we have been building more advanced mobile telecommunications networks based on LTE technology, which is generally referred to as 4G technology, and commenced providing commercial 4G LTE services in the Seoul metropolitan area on January 3, 2012. We completed the expansion of our 4G LTE service coverage nationwide in October 2012. Several wireless carriers in the United States, Europe and Asia commenced LTE services in recent years and LTE technology is currently widely accepted as the standard 4G technology. LTE technology enables data to be transmitted faster than W-CDMA, up to 150 Mbps for downloading and up to 50 Mbps for uploading. We expect that the faster data transmission speed of the LTE network, combined with our existing 4G nationwide WiBro network, will allow us to offer significantly improved wireless data transmission services, providing our subscribers with faster wireless access to multimedia content. In January 2012, we also began offering 4G LTE services following the termination of our 2G services. We completed the expansion of our 4G LTE service coverage nationwide in October 2012 and commenced providing wideband LTE services in September 2013, and commercialized Wideband LTE-A services in March 2014, as discussed above.

Critical Accounting Policies

We have prepared our consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. These accounting principles require our management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the years reported. We based our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

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

These critical accounting estimates include:

 

   

allowances for doubtful accounts;

 

   

useful lives of property and equipment;

 

   

impairment of long-lived assets, including goodwill;

 

   

valuation and impairment of investment securities;

 

   

income taxes;

 

   

deferred revenue relating to service installation fees and initial subscription fees;

 

57


Table of Contents
   

post-employment benefit liabilities;

 

   

provisions; and

 

   

employee reductions and changes in severance and retirement benefits.

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of impairment losses incurred on our existing notes and accounts receivable. We determine the allowance for doubtful notes and accounts receivable based on an aging analysis of balances, historical write-off experience, customer’s or counterparty’s credit ratings and changes in payment terms. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. Our past experience shows that the possibility of collection is remote after three years of collection effort.

Changes in the allowances for doubtful accounts for our trade and other receivables in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011     2012     2013  
     (In millions of Won)  

Balance at beginning of year

   647,139      642,475      644,058   

Provision

     133,442        113,808        160,166   

Reversal or written-off

     (167,413     (127,189     (127,206

Changes in the scope of consolidation

     26,970        12,119        2,687   

Others

     2,337        2,845        (1,443
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   642,475      644,058      678,262   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in the allowances for doubtful accounts for our loans receivables in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011     2012     2013  
     (In millions of Won)  

Balance at beginning of year

   35,583      43,587      65,196   

Provision

     30,808        32,914        40,743   

Reversal or written-off

     (22,804     (12,210     (30,448

Others

            905        (2,416
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   43,587      65,196      73,075   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

If economic or specific industry trends change, we would adjust our allowances for doubtful accounts by recording additional expense or benefit.

Useful Lives of Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over their useful lives as disclosed in Note 2.11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. An asset’s residual value and useful lives are reviewed and adjusted at the end of each financial reporting period, and are based on historical experience with similar assets as well as taking into account anticipated technological or other changes. If technological changes were to occur more rapidly than anticipated or in a different form than anticipated, the useful lives assigned to these assets may need to be shortened, resulting in the recognition of increased depreciation expense in future periods. A decrease of remaining estimated useful life by one year of our property and equipment would result in an increase of depreciation expense of approximately 286 billion in 2013.

 

58


Table of Contents

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, including Goodwill

Long-lived assets generally consist of property and equipment and intangible assets, including goodwill. We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In addition, we evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment each year as part of our annual forecasting process. An impairment loss would be recognized when the asset’s recoverable amount is less than its carrying amount. The recoverable amount of a long-lived asset is the greater of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. For the purpose of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash-generating units). The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units are based on their value in use calculated by applying the annual discount rate of 9.4% to the estimated future cash flows based on financial budgets for the next five years. Annual growth rates ranging from 0.0% to 2.0% were applied for the cash flows expected to be incurred after five years. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated recovery value.

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price paid over the fair value assigned to the identifiable net assets of acquired businesses. The determination of the fair values of goodwill is based on management’s judgment on the expected cash flows of the cash-generating units to which the goodwill is allocated, taking market demand, competition and other economic factors into consideration. The determination of impairments of goodwill involves the use of estimates that include, but are not limited to, the cause, timing and amount of the impairment. Impairment is based on a large number of factors, such as changes in current competitive conditions, expectations of growth in the telecommunications industry, a decline in our expected future cash flows, changes in the future availability of financing, technological obsolescence, discontinuance of services, current replacement costs and prices paid in comparable transactions.

Valuation and Impairment of Financial Assets

The fair value of financial instruments, including derivative instruments, that are not traded in an active market is determined by using valuation techniques. Our management uses its judgment to select a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are mainly based on market conditions existing at the end of each reporting period.

We record rights and obligations arising from derivative instruments as assets and liabilities, which are stated at fair value. Gains and losses that result from a change in the fair value of derivative instruments are recognized in current earnings. However, for derivative instruments that qualify for cash flow hedge accounting, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instruments are recorded as gain or loss on valuation of derivatives for cash flow hedge included in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, as applicable.

For financial assets, including assets carried at amortized cost and those classified as available-for-sale, we make an annual assessment at the end of each reporting date whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired. For financial assets carried at amortized cost and available-for-sale debt assets, such asset is considered impaired and impairment losses are incurred only if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events (a “loss event”) that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, which had an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset that can reliably be estimated. For equity investments classified as available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost, in addition to circumstances described below, may be considered as evidence that the asset is impaired.

 

59


Table of Contents

For assets carried at amortized cost, the amount of impairment is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate, and the carrying amount of the asset is reduced and the amount of loss is recognized in the statement of income. Loss on such asset may also be measured based on observable market price if there is an active market for the asset. For assets classified as available-for-sale, the cumulative loss, measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and the current fair value and recognized as accumulated other comprehensive income, less any impairment loss on such financial asset previously recognized in profit or loss, is removed from equity and recognized in the statement of income.

Significant management judgment is involved in evaluating whether a loss event has occurred. The estimates and assumptions used by management to evaluate whether a loss event has occurred can be impacted by many factors, such as the financial condition, earnings capacity and near-term prospects of the company in which we have invested, breach of contract such as default or delinquency in payments, disappearance of an active market for the financial asset and other adverse changes in the payment status of borrowers in the portfolio. The evaluation of these investments is also subject to the overall condition of the economy and its impact on the capital markets.

Income Taxes

We are required to estimate the amount of tax payable or refundable for the current year and the deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been reflected in our financial statements or tax returns. This process requires management to make assessments regarding the timing and probability of the tax impact. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law or unpredicted results from the final determination of each year’s liability by taxing authorities.

We believe that the accounting estimate related to assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets is a “critical accounting estimate” because: (1) it requires management to make assessments about the timing of future events, including the probability of expected future taxable income and available tax planning opportunities, and (2) the impact that changes in actual performance versus these estimates could have on the realization of tax benefits as reported in our results of operations could be material. Management’s assumptions require significant judgment because actual performance has fluctuated in the past and may continue to do so.

Deferred Revenue relating to Service Installation Fees and Initial Subscription Fees

We charge service installation fees and initial subscription fees related to activation of many of our services, which are deferred and recognized as revenue over the expected terms of customer relationships. Our estimate of expected terms of customer relationship is based on the historical rate, which may differ in the future. If the management’s estimation is amended, it may cause significant differences in the timing of revenue recognition and amount recognized.

Post-employment Benefit Liabilities

Our accounting of post-employment benefits, which mainly consist of a defined benefit plan (we began offering a defined contribution plan in December 2012), involves judgments about uncertain events including discount rates, life expectancy and future pay inflation. Any changes in these assumptions will impact the carrying amount of the defined benefit liability. The discount rates used to determine the present value of estimated future cash outflows expected to be required to settle the defined benefit liability, are determined at the end of each reporting period by reference to the yield at the reporting date on high-quality corporate bonds that have maturity dates approximating the terms of

 

60


Table of Contents

our benefits obligations and that are denominated in the same currency in which the benefits are expected to be paid. Other key assumptions for defined benefit liability are based in part on current market conditions. For defined contribution plans, we pay contributions to publicly or privately administered pension insurance plans on a mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis, and we have no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid.

Provisions

We recognize provisions at the end of the reporting period when we have a present legal or constructive obligation, such as litigation or assets requirement obligations, as a result of past events and an outflow of resources required to settle the obligation is probable and can be reliably estimated. We measure provisions at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation, which are estimated based on factors such as historical experience. We do not recognize provisions for future operating losses and recognize as interest expense any increase in the provisions due to passage of time. See Notes 2.22, 3.7 and 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Employee Reductions and Changes in Severance and Retirement Benefits

In April 2014, we announced the commencement of a special voluntary early retirement program where we provide employees who had been employed by us for more than 15 years with additional financial incentives to retire early or employment for two years at certain of our subsidiaries or affiliates. On April 23, 2014, our human resources committee determined that 8,304 employees will retire through this special early retirement program. We expect to record approximately 1.2 trillion as severance indemnity in connection with this special early retirement program, all of which is expected to be recorded during 2014.

Explanatory Note Regarding Presentation of Certain Financial Information under K-IFRS

In addition to preparing financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB included in this annual report, we also prepare financial statements in accordance with K-IFRS, which we are required to file with the Financial Services Commission and the Korea Exchange under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act of Korea.

During the three years ended December 31, 2013, we are required to adopt certain amendments and interpretations to K-IFRS, relating to presentation of operating profit. Additionally, under K-IFRS, revenue from the development and sale of real estate is recognized using the percentage of completion method. However, under IFRS as issued by the IASB, revenue from the development and sale of real estate is recognized when an individual unit of residential real estate is delivered to the buyer. Furthermore, due to a subsequent event in which early redemption rights were exercised for certain commercial paper guaranteed by KT ENS, our consolidated subsidiary, we recognized financial losses relating to the resulting estimation of guarantee liabilities in our consolidated statements of operations prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB, which were not reflected in our financial statements prepared in accordance with K-IFRS, which were issued on March 13, 2014. As a result, the presentation of operating results in our consolidated statements of operations prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB included in this annual report differs from the presentation of operating results in our consolidated statements of operations prepared in accordance with K-IFRS. The table below sets forth a reconciliation of our operating profit and net income or loss as presented in our consolidated statements of operations prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB for each of the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 to our

 

61


Table of Contents

operating profit and net income or loss in our consolidated statements of operations prepared in accordance with K-IFRS, for each of the corresponding years, taking into account such differences:

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  
             2011                     2012                     2013          
     (In millions of Won)  

Operating profit under IFRS as issued by the IASB

   1,987,096      1,680,099      323,384   

Effect of changes in operating income presentation

     (230,585     (470,866     493,589   

Revenue recognition of development and sale of real estate

                   22,370   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit under K-IFRS

   1,756,511      1,209,233      839,343   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  
             2011                      2012                      2013          
     (In millions of Won)  

Net income(loss) under IFRS as issued by the IASB

   1,290,763       1,136,973       (87,745

Profit before income tax

        

Revenue recognition of development and sale of real estate

                     22,370   

Guarantee liabilities and loss (KT ENS)

                     10,538   

Income tax

                     (5,414
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income(loss) under K-IFRS

   1,290,763       1,136,973       (60,251
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements under IFRS

For a summary of new standards, amendments and interpretations issued under IFRS as issued by the IASB but not effective for 2013, and which have not been adopted early by us, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Operating Revenues and Operating Expenses

Operating Revenues

Our operating revenues primarily consist of:

 

   

fees related to our mobile services, including initial subscription fees, monthly fees, usage charges for outgoing calls, usage charges for wireless data transmission, contents download fees and value-added monthly service fees;

 

   

fees from our fixed-line telephone services, including:

 

  Ø  

local service revenues, primarily consisting of (i) basic monthly charges and monthly usage charges (or fixed monthly charges for discount plans), (ii) revenues from value-added services, including local telephone directory assistance, call waiting and caller identification services, (iii) interconnection fees we charge to fixed-line and mobile service providers for their use of our local network in providing their services and (iv) revenues from local calls placed from public telephones;

 

  Ø  

non-refundable installation fees;

 

  Ø  

domestic long-distance service revenues, primarily consisting of (i) monthly usage charges (or fixed monthly charges for discount plans), (ii) interconnection fees we charge to fixed-line and mobile service providers and voice resellers for their use of our domestic long-distance network in providing their services and (iii) revenues from domestic long-distance calls placed from public telephones;

 

  Ø  

international long-distance service revenues, primarily consisting of (i) amounts we bill to our customers for outgoing calls made to foreign countries, (ii) amounts we bill to foreign telecommunications carriers for connection to the domestic telephone network

 

62


Table of Contents
 

in respect of incoming calls at the applicable settlement rate, (iii) amounts we charge to fixed-line and mobile service providers and voice resellers as interconnection fees for using our international network in providing their services and (iv) other revenues, including revenues from international calls placed from public telephones and international leased lines; and

 

  Ø  

land-to-mobile interconnection revenues;

 

   

Internet service revenues which consist of:

 

  Ø  

broadband Internet access service revenues, primarily consisting of installation fees and basic monthly charges; and

 

  Ø  

other Internet-related service revenues related to our infrastructure and solution services for business enterprises, IP-TV and network portal services;

 

   

revenues from goods sold that are generated primarily through sale of mobile handsets and specially designed phones for fixed-line and mobile convergence services;

 

   

data communications service revenues, primarily consisting of installation fees and basic monthly charges for our leased line services and Kornet Internet connection service and revenues from our satellite services;

 

   

financial service revenues, primarily consisting of fees from credit card services provided by BC Card Co., Ltd., which became our consolidated subsidiary starting in October 2011;

 

   

automobile rental service revenues, primarily consisting of fees generated from automobile rentals and leases by KT Rental Co., Ltd., which became our consolidated subsidiary starting in July 2012; and

 

   

miscellaneous revenues that are primarily derived from information technology and network services, satellite services, security services and real estate development.

Operating Expenses

Our operating expenses primarily include:

 

   

purchase of inventories, primarily consisting of our sale of mobile handsets and specially designed phones for fixed-line mobile convergence services;

 

   

salaries and wages, including post-employment benefits, termination benefits and share-based payments;

 

   

depreciation expenses incurred primarily in connection with our telecommunications network facilities;

 

   

sales commissions, primarily consisting of commissions to independent dealers related to procurement of mobile subscribers and mobile handset sales;

 

   

commissions, primarily consisting of commission-based payments for third-party outsourcing services, including commissions to the call center staff;

 

63


Table of Contents
   

card service costs, primarily consisting of costs in connection with credit card services provided by BC Card Co., Ltd., including fees paid to member credit card companies in our network for marketing expenses and for costs associated with the present value and default risks of installment card charges which are borne by such member companies;

 

   

service cost, primarily consisting of payments for third-party outsourcing services, including payments for software development and design, data analysis and processing, and installment and maintenance of IT and satellite equipment; and

 

   

interconnection charges, which are interconnection payments to telecommunication service providers for calls from landline users and our mobile subscribers to our competitors’ subscribers.

Operating Results—2012 Compared to 2013

The following table presents selected income statement data and changes therein for 2012 and 2013:

 

     For the Year Ended
December 31,
    Changes  
     2012 vs. 2013  
     2012     2013     Amount     %  
     (In billions of Won)  

Operating revenues

   24,644      24,058      (586     (2.4 )% 

Revenue

     23,856        23,729        (127     (0.5

Others

     787        329        (458     (58.2

Operating expenses

     22,964        23,734        770        3.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating profit

     1,680        323        (1,357     (80.8

Finance income

     499        279        (220     (44.1

Finance costs

     (782     (648     134        (17.1

Income from jointly controlled entities and associates

     18        7        (11     (61.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from continuing operations before income tax

     1,415        (38     (1,453     N.A.   

Income tax expense

     278        50        (228     (82.0

Profit for the period from continuing operations

     1,137        (88     (1,225     N.A.   

Profit from discontinued operations

     (32            32        N.A.   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit for the period

   1,105      (88     (1,193     N.A.   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

N.A. means not available.

Operating Revenues

The following table presents a breakdown of our operating revenues and changes therein for 2012 and 2013:

 

     For the Year Ended
December 31,
     Changes  
      2012 vs. 2013  
     2012      2013      Amount     %  
     (In billions of Won)  

Mobile services

   6,578       6,711       133        2.0

Fixed-line telephone services:

          

Local service revenues

     2,019         1,850         (169     (8.4

Non-refundable service installation fees

     32         27         (5     (15.6

Domestic long-distance revenues

     268         221         (47     (17.5

International long-distance revenues

     392         342         (50     (12.8

Land-to-mobile interconnection revenues

     663         544         (119     (17.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Sub-total

     3,374         2,984         (390     (11.6

 

64


Table of Contents
     For the Year Ended
December 31,
     Changes  
      2012 vs. 2013  
     2012      2013      Amount     %  
     (In billions of Won)  

Internet services:

          

Broadband internet access service

   2,036       2,011       (25     (1.2 )% 

Other Internet-related services

     874         985         111        12.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Sub-total

     2,910         2,996         86        3.0   

Sale of goods

     4,590         4,066         (524     (11.4

Data communication services

     1,309         1,199         (110     (8.4

Financial services

     3,320         3,274         (46     (1.4

Automobile rental service

     253         606         353        139.5   

Other

     2,310         2,222         (88     (3.8
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total operating revenues

   24,644       24,058       (586     (2.4 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

N.A. means not available.

Total operating revenues decreased by 2.4%, or 586 billion, from 24,644 billion in 2012 to 24,058 billion in 2013 primarily due to decreases in our sale of goods, fixed-line telephone service revenues and data communication services revenues, the impact of which was partially offset by increases in our automobile rental service revenues and mobile service revenues.

Mobile Services

Our mobile service revenues increased by 2.0%, or 133 billion, from 6,578 billion in 2012 to 6,711 billion in 2013 primarily due to the launching of our wideband LTE services in September 2013, and the corresponding increase in our average revenue per user, as wideband LTE service products generally have higher rates due to the greater amount of data included in such rates. Such increase in average revenue per user was partially offset by a 0.3% decrease in our mobile subscribers from approximately 16,502,000 as of December 31, 2012 to approximately 16,454,000 in December 31, 2013.

Fixed-line Telephone Services

Our fixed-line telephone service revenues decreased by 11.6%, or 390 billion, from 3,374 billion in 2012 to 2,984 billion in 2013 primarily due to decreases in local service revenues, land-to-mobile interconnection revenues, and international and domestic long-distance revenues. Specifically:

 

   

Local service revenues decreased by 8.4%, or 169 billion, from 2,019 billion in 2012 to 1,850 billion in 2013. The number of local call pulses decreased by 19.4% from 2012 to 2013, and the number of lines in service decreased by 7.2% from 2012 to 2013, primarily due to the continuing substitution effect from increase in usage of mobile telephone services, Internet phone services and other VoIP services such as Kakaotalk, Line and Skype.

 

   

Land-to-mobile interconnection revenues decreased by 17.9%, or 119 billion, from 663 billion in 2012 to 544 billion in 2013 primarily due to a decrease in the number of calls made from landline users to mobile subscribers in 2013 compared to 2012. We recognize as land-to-mobile interconnection revenue the entire amount of the usage charge collected from the landline user for a call initiated by a landline user to a mobile service subscriber.

 

   

International long-distance revenues decreased by 12.8%, or 50 billion, from 392 billion in 2012 to 342 billion in 2013 primarily due to a decrease in the outgoing

 

65


Table of Contents
 

international long-distance call minutes by 15.7% from 2012 to 2013, primarily due to the continuing substitution effect from increase in usage of Internet phone services and other VoIP services such as Kakaotalk, Line and Skype, as well as a 7.2% decrease in the number of lines in service from 2012 to 2013.

 

   

Domestic long-distance revenues decreased by 17.5%, or 47 billion, from 268 billion in 2012 to 221 billion in 2013 primarily due to a decrease in the number of domestic long-distance call minutes by 20.2% from 2012 to 2013, primarily due to the continuing substitution effect from increase in usage of mobile telephone services, Internet phone services and other VoIP services such as Kakaotalk, Line and Skype, as well as a 7.2% decrease in the number of lines in service from 2012 to 2013.

Internet Services

Our Internet service revenues increased by 3.0%, or 86 billion, from 2,910 billion in 2012 to 2,996 billion in 2013 primarily due to an increase in the number of IP-TV subscribers from 4.0 million as of December 31, 2012 to 5.0 million as of December 31, 2013, the impact of which was offset in part by an increase in our IP-TV subscribers who participate in bundled products that offer discounts when subscribing to our other services, and an increase in the number of our broadband subscribers from 8.0 million as of December 31, 2012 to 8.1 million as of December 31, 2013.

Sale of Goods

Revenues from sale of goods decreased by 11.4%, or 524 billion, from 4,590 billion in 2012 to 4,066 billion in 2013 primarily due to a decrease in the number of smartphones sold, resulting from increased competition in the mobile handset market, as well as business suspensions imposed on us by the KCC during 2013 in connection with excessive handset subsidies as discussed above.

Data Communications

Data communications service revenues decreased by 8.4%, or 110 billion, from 1,309 billion in 2012 to 1,199 billion in 2013 primarily due to a decrease in revenues from our leased lines, resulting from increased competition in the telecommunications market in Korea.

Financial Services

Financial service revenues decreased by 1.4%, or 46 billion, from 3,320 billion in 2012 to 3,274 billion in 2013 primarily due to a decrease in commission revenues from our financial subsidiaries, in particular BC Card Co., Ltd., resulting from a decrease in the rate of commission BC Card. Co., Ltd. charges for purchases, which in turn resulted from increased competition in the financial services market during 2013.

Automobile Rental

Automobile rental revenues increased by 139.5%, or 353 billion, from 253 billion in 2012 to 606 billion in 2013 primarily due to the recognition of full year income from KT Rental Co., Ltd. in 2013, which became our consolidated subsidiary and related revenues became a part of our consolidated revenue starting in July 2012, following the acquisition of KT Rental’s common stock by Hana Daetoo Securities Co., Ltd. and other investors from the second largest shareholder in July 2012, and the restriction on our control over KT Rental pursuant to a shareholders’ agreement being removed as a result. See Note 37 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

66


Table of Contents

Others

Other operating revenues decreased by 3.8%, or 88 billion, from 2,310 billion in 2012 to 2,222 billion in 2013 primarily due to a 19.3%, 57 billion, or decrease in operating revenues from KT Telecop Co., Ltd., our subsidiary specializing in security services.

Operating Expenses

The following table presents a breakdown of our operating expenses and changes therein for 2012 and 2013:

 

     For the Year Ended
December 31,
     Changes  
        2012 vs. 2013  
     2012     2013      Amount     %  
     (In billions of Won)  

Salaries and wages

   3,097      3,289       192        6.2

Depreciation

     2,894        3,108         214        7.4   

Commissions

     1,426        1,260         (166     (11.6

Interconnection charges

     901        885         (16     (1.8

Purchase of inventories

     4,851        3,566         (1,285     (26.5

Changes of inventories

     (259     321         580        N.A.   

Sales commission

     2,230        2,315         85        3.8   

Service cost

     1,264        1,834         570        45.1   

Card service costs

     2,771        2,703         (68     (2.5

Others (1)

     3,789        4,453         664        17.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total operating expenses

   22,964      23,734       770        3.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

N.A. means not available.

 

(1) Including other operating expenses (which include miscellaneous expenses, loss on disposal of property and equipment, impairment loss on property and equipment, loss on disposal of intangible assets, loss on disposal of investments in associates and joint ventures, impairment loss on investments in associates and joint ventures, donations and bad debt expenses), amortization of intangible assets, rent, insurance premium, utilities, international interconnection fee, installation fee, taxes and dues, research and development expenses and advertising expenses.

Total operating expenses increased by 3.4%, or 770 billion, from 22,964 billion in 2012 to 23,734 billion in 2013 primarily due to increases in other operating expenses, change of inventories, service costs, depreciation and salaries and wages, the impact of which was partially offset by a decrease in purchase of inventories. Specifically:

 

   

Other operating expenses increased by 17.5%, or 664 billion, from 3,789 billion in 2012 to 4,453 billion in 2013, primarily due to loss on disposal of approximately 277 billion in 2013 in connection with the expenses incurred for our business support system project, as well as loss on disposal of approximately 220 billion in 2013 on our obsolete tangible and intangible assets.

 

   

We recorded an increase in inventories of 259 billion in 2012, compared to a decrease of 321 billion in 2013, primarily due to temporary year-end accounting treatment of inventories for a shipment of smartphones which were in transit at the end of 2012, as well as an increase in impairment loss by 66 billion on our merchandise inventories incurred in 2013 compared to 2012.

 

   

Service cost increased by 45.1%, or 570 billion, from 1,264 billion in 2012 to 1,834 billion in 2013 as a result of increases in expenses relating to our systems/network integration business and expenses relating to purchase of multimedia contents from third-party developers.

 

67


Table of Contents
   

Depreciation expenses increased by 7.4%, or 214 billion, from 2,894 billion in 2012 to 3,108 billion in 2013 primarily due to an increase in depreciation expenses of 271 billion from a full-year recognition of depreciation expenses of KT Rental’s operating assets, which became our consolidated subsidiary starting in July 2012 as described above.

 

   

Salaries and wages increased by 6.2%, or 192 billion, from 3,097 billion in 2012 to 3,289 billion in 2013 primarily due to an increase in the number of our employees resulting from our newly consolidated subsidiaries in 2013, as well as an increase in salaries and severance benefits in 2013.

These factors were partially offset by the following:

 

   

Our operating expenses related to purchase of inventories decreased by 26.5%, or 1,285 billion, from 4,851 billion in 2012 to 3,566 billion in 2013 primarily due to a decrease in the number of smartphones sold as discussed above.

Operating Profit

Due to the factors described above, our operating profit decreased by 80.8%, or 1,357 billion, from 1,680 billion in 2012 to 323 billion in 2013. Our operating margin, which is operating profit as a percentage of operating revenues, decreased from 6.8% in 2012 to 1.3% in 2013.

Finance Income (Costs)

The following table presents a breakdown of our finance income and costs and changes therein for 2012 and 2013:

 

     For the Year  Ended
December 31,
    Changes  
     2012 vs. 2013  
       2012         2013       Amount     %  
     (In billions of Won)  

Interest income

   203      109      (94     (46.3 )% 

Interest expense

     (472     (450     22        (4.7

Net foreign currency transaction gain (loss)

     2        6        4        200.0   

Net foreign currency translation gain (loss)

     259        100        (159     (61.4

Net loss on settlement of derivatives

     (5     (3     2        (40.0

Net gain (loss) on valuation of derivatives

     (241     (105     136        (56.4

Net other finance costs

     (29     (25     4        (13.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net finance costs

   (283   (368   (85     30.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

N.A. means not available.

Our net finance costs increased by 30.0%, or 85 billion, from 283 billion in 2012 to 368 billion in 2013 primarily due to decreases in net foreign currency translation gain and interest income, the impact of which was partially offset by a decrease in net loss on valuation of derivatives. Specifically:

 

   

Our net foreign currency translation gain decreased by 61.4%, or 159 billion, from 259 billion in 2012 to 100 billion in 2013, as the Market Average Exchange Rate of the Won against the U.S. dollar appreciated from 1,153.3 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2011 to 1,071.1 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2012, and further appreciated at a lesser pace

 

68


Table of Contents
 

to 1,055.3 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2013. The impact of such decrease in net foreign currency translation gain was partially offset by a decrease in net loss on valuation of derivatives discussed below.

 

   

Our interest income decreased by 46.3%, or 94 billion, from 203 billion in 2012 to 109 billion in 2013 primarily due to a decrease in our average balance of interest-earning assets from 2012 to 2013, resulting from a reduction in our accounts receivables from our handset sales in 2013 due to the reasons discussed above, as well as a decrease in general interest rates from 2012 to 2013.

These factors were partially offset by the following:

 

   

Net loss on valuation of derivatives decreased by 56.4%, or 136 billion, from 241 billion in 2012 to 105 billion in 2013, primarily due to a decrease in losses from our currency swap contracts due to the lower rate of appreciation of the exchange rates of the Won against the Japanese Yen and the U.S. dollar from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2013.

Income (Loss) from Jointly Controlled Entities and Associates

Income from jointly controlled entities and associates decreased by 61.1%, or 11 billion, from 18 billion in 2012 to 7 billion in 2013, primarily due to the loss of income recognized under this line item from KT Rental in 2013, as it became our consolidated subsidiary in July 2012, and we recorded an income of 9 billion from KT Rental in 2012, as any associated gains from KT Rental until July 2012 were recognized under this line item.

Income Tax Expense

Our income tax expense decreased by 82.0%, or 228 billion, from 278 billion in 2012 to 50 billion in 2013 primarily due to our recognition of a loss from continuing operations before income tax of 38 billion in 2013 compared to a profit from continuing operation of 1,415 billion in 2012. We incurred a tax expense despite incurring a loss before income tax in 2013, as we, in preparing our consolidated financial statements, aggregate the tax results of ourselves and our subsidiaries, which had taxable income. See Note 29 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We had an effective tax rate of 19.6% in 2012. We had net deferred income tax assets of 537 billion as of December 31, 2013.

Profit from Discontinued Operations

We recognized a loss from discontinued operations of 32 billion in 2012, compared to none in 2013, primarily due to the loss recognized from our sale of our 93.8% interest in KT Tech, Inc. in August 2012, as well as our share of net loss of KT Tech, Inc. until the completion of sale, which we recorded under this category in 2012, whereas there were no discontinued operations in 2013 which required recognition of income or loss under this category. See Note 40 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Profit for the Period

Due to the factors described above, we recorded a profit for the period of 1,105 billion in 2012, compared to a loss of 88 billion in 2013. Our net income margin, which is profit for the period as a percentage of operating revenues, was 4.5% in 2012, and our net loss margin, which is loss for the period as a percentage of operating revenues, was 0.4% in 2013.

 

69


Table of Contents

Segment Results—Telecommunication & Convergence Customer Group

Our operating revenues for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 6.2%, or 994 billion, from 15,932 billion in 2012 to 14,938 billion in 2013, primarily due to a decrease in revenues from individual fixed-line telephone subscribers.

Our operating income for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 92.9%, or 681 billion, from 733 billion in 2012 to 52 billion in 2013, as the 6.2% decrease in the segment’s operating revenues outpaced a 2.1% decrease in operating expenses, primarily due to the reasons discussed above. Operating margin, which is operating income as a percentage of total operating revenues prior to adjusting for inter-company sales, decreased from 4.6% in 2012 to 0.3% in 2013.

Depreciation and amortization, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased slightly by 0.2%, or 5 billion, from 2,440 billion in 2012 to 2,445 billion in 2013.

Segment Results—Global & Enterprise Group

Our operating revenues for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 0.5%, or 14 billion, from 2,931 billion in 2012 to 2,917 billion in 2013, primarily due to the spin-offs of KT Sat Co., Ltd., KT Estate Inc. and KT Media Hub Co., Ltd. during 2013 and the corresponding decrease in operating revenues from such subsidiaries which were recognized under this segment.

Our operating income for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 27.8%, or 91 billion, from 327 billion in 2012 to 236 billion in 2013, as operating revenues decreased by 0.5% while operating expenses increased by 3.0%, primarily due to an increase in rental expenses recognized under this segment in connection with the sale and leaseback transactions of certain real estate properties which occurred during 2011 and 2012. Operating margin decreased from 11.2% in 2012 to 8.1% in 2013.

Depreciation and amortization, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 0.2%, or 1 billion, from 485 billion in 2012 to 486 billion in 2013.

Segment Results—Finance/Rental Business Group

Our operating revenues for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 9.0%, or 336 billion, from 3,717 billion in 2012 to 4,053 billion in 2013, primarily due to the consolidation of full year revenues in 2013 from KT Rental Co., Ltd. which became our consolidated subsidiary starting in July 2012.

Our operating income for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 51.4%, or 95 billion, from 185 billion in 2012 to 280 billion in 2013, as the 9.0% increase in the segment’s operating revenues outpaced a 6.8% increase in operating expenses, primarily due to the reasons discussed above. Operating margin increased from 5.0% in 2012 to 6.9% in 2013.

Depreciation and amortization, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 119.8%, or 218 billion, from 182 billion in 2012 to 400 billion in 2013, primarily due to the effect of full-year consolidation of KT Rental Co., Ltd. and the related assets in 2013 as described above, as well as additional purchases of automobiles by KT Rental Co., Ltd. during 2013 which increased the depreciable asset base.

 

70


Table of Contents

Segment Results—Others

Our operating revenues for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 19.8%, or 842 billion, from 4,252 billion in 2012 to 5,094 billion in 2013, primarily due to the spin-offs of KT Sat Co., Ltd., KT Estate Inc. and KT Media Hub Co., Ltd. during 2013 and the corresponding recognition of operating revenues from such subsidiaries under this segment.

Our operating income for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 245.8%, or 204 billion, from 83 billion in 2012 to 287 billion in 2013, as the 19.8% increase in the segment’s operating revenues outpaced a 15.3% increase in operating expenses, primarily due to the reasons discussed above. The operating margin increased from 2.0% in 2012 to 5.6% in 2013.

Depreciation and amortization, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 58.5%, or 86 billion, from 147 billion in 2012 to 233 billion in 2013, primarily due to the increase in depreciable assets under this segment due to the spin-off of subsidiaries as discussed above.

Operating Results—2011 Compared to 2012

The following table presents selected income statement data and changes therein for 2011 and 2012:

 

     For the Year Ended
December 31,
    Changes  
       2011 vs. 2012  
     2011     2012     Amount     %  
     (In billions of Won)  

Operating revenues

   22,088      24,644      2,556        11.6

Revenue

     21,311        23,856        2,545        11.9   

Others

     777        787        10        1.3   

Operating expenses

     20,101        22,964        2,863        14.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating profit

     1,987        1,680        (307     (15.5

Finance income

     270        499        229        84.8   

Finance costs

     (642     (782     (140     21.8   

Income (loss) from jointly controlled entities and associates

     (6     18        24        N.A.   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit from continuing operations before income tax

     1,609        1,415        (194     (12.1

Income tax expense

     318        278        (40     (12.6

Profits for the year from continuing operations

     1,291        1,137        (154     (11.9

Profit (loss) from discontinued operations

     165        (32     (197     N.A.   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Profit for the period

   1,455      1,105      (350     (24.1 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

N.A. means not available.

 

71


Table of Contents

Operating Revenues

The following table presents a breakdown of our operating revenues and changes therein for 2011 and 2012:

 

     For the Year Ended
December 31,
     Changes  
        2011 vs. 2012  
     2011      2012      Amount     %  
     (In billions of Won)  

Mobile services

   6,813       6,578       (235     (3.4 )% 

Fixed-line telephone services:

          

Local service revenues

     2,286         2,019         (267     (11.7

Non-refundable service installation fees

     38         32         (6     (15.8

Domestic long-distance revenues

     308         268         (40     (13.0

International long-distance revenues

     398         392         (6     (1.5

Land-to-mobile interconnection revenues

     782         663         (119     (15.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Sub-total

     3,812         3,374         (438     (11.5

Internet services:

          

Broadband internet access service

     1,868         2,036         168        9.0   

Other Internet-related services

     867         874         7        0.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Sub-total

     2,735         2,910         175        6.4   

Sale of goods

     4,369         4,590         221        5.0   

Data communication services

     1,271         1,309         38        3.0   

Financial services

     996         3,320         2,324        233.3   

Automobile rental service

             253         253        N.A.   

Other

     2,090         2,310         220        10.5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total operating revenues

   22,088       24,644       2,556        11.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

N.A. means not available.

Total operating revenues increased by 11.6%, or 2,556 billion, from 22,088 billion in 2011 to 24,644 billion in 2012 primarily due to increases in our financial service revenues, other revenues and automobile rental service revenues, the impact of which was partially offset by decreases in our fixed-line telephone service revenues and mobile service revenues.

Mobile Services

Our mobile service revenues decreased by 3.4%, or 235 billion, from 6,813 billion in 2011 to 6,578 billion in 2012 primarily due to various rate reduction measures we adopted in August 2011 upon discussion with the KCC, in particular for those applicable to 3G smartphones, the impact of which was further enhanced by a decrease in our mobile subscribers from 16.6 million as of December 31, 2011 to 16.5 million as of December 31, 2012. For a discussion of reduction in rates for our mobile services, see “Item 4.B.—Business Overview—Revenues and Rates—Mobile Services.”

Fixed-line Telephone Services

Our fixed-line telephone service revenues decreased by 11.5%, or 438 billion, from 3,812 billion in 2011 to 3,374 billion in 2012 primarily due to decreases in local service revenues, land-to-mobile interconnection revenues and domestic long-distance revenues. Specifically:

 

   

Local service revenues decreased by 11.7%, or 267 billion, from 2,286 billion in 2011 to 2,019 billion in 2012. The number of local call pulses decreased by 9.3% from 2011 to 2012, and the number of lines in service decreased by 4.9% from 2011 to 2012, primarily due to the substitution effect from increase in usage of mobile telephone services and Internet phone services.

 

72


Table of Contents
   

Land-to-mobile interconnection revenues decreased by 15.2%, or 119 billion, from 782 billion in 2011 to 663 billion in 2012 primarily due to a decrease in the number of calls made from landline users to mobile subscribers in 2012 compared to 2011. We recognize as land-to-mobile interconnection revenue the entire amount of the usage charge collected from the landline user for a call initiated by a landline user to a mobile service subscriber.

 

   

Domestic long-distance revenues decreased by 13.0%, or 40 billion, from 308 billion in 2011 to 268 billion in 2012 primarily due to a decrease in the number of domestic long-distance call minutes by 7.7% from 2011 to 2012, primarily due to the substitution effect from increase in usage of mobile telephone services and Internet phone services, as well as a 4.9% decrease in the number of lines in service from 2011 to 2012.

Internet Services

Our Internet service revenues increased by 6.4%, or 175 billion, from 2,735 billion in 2011 to 2,910 billion in 2012 primarily due to an increase in the number of our broadband subscribers from 7.8 million as of December 31, 2011 to 8.0 million as of December 31, 2012, and an increase in the number of IP-TV subscribers from 3.1 million as of December 31, 2011 to 4.0 million as of December 31, 2012, the impact of which was offset in part by an increase in our IP-TV subscribers who participate in bundled products that offer discounts when subscribing to our other services.

Sale of Goods

Revenues from sale of goods increased by 5.0%, or 221 billion, from 4,369 billion in 2011 to 4,590 billion in 2012 primarily due to an increase in the number of smartphones sold, in particular LTE smartphones, that had relatively higher prices.

Data Communications

Data communications service revenues increased by 3.0%, or 38 billion, from 1,271 billion in 2011 to 1,309 billion in 2012 primarily due to an increase in revenues from our network equipment installment, lease and maintenance services, primarily those relating to our IP-based integrated control solutions and equipment.

Financial Services

Financial service revenues increased by 233.3%, or 2,324 billion, from 996 billion in 2011 to 3,320 billion in 2012 primarily due to the recognition of full year income from BC Card Co., Ltd. in 2012, which became our consolidated subsidiary and related revenues became a part of our consolidated revenue starting in October 2011.

Automobile Rental

We did not record any automobile rental service revenues in 2011, while we recorded revenues of 253 billion in 2012, due to the consolidation of KT Rental Co., Ltd. starting in July 2012 as a result of acquisition of KT Rental’s common stock by Hana Daetoo Securities Co., Ltd. and other investors from the second largest shareholder in July 2012, and the restriction on our control over KT Rental pursuant to a shareholders’ agreement being removed as a result. See Note 37 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

73


Table of Contents

Others

Other operating revenues increased by 10.5%, or 220 billion, from 2,090 billion in 2011 to 2,310 billion in 2012 primarily due to a 112 billion increase in revenues (after intercompany elimination) from H&C Network, which provides call center services to BC Card Co., Ltd. and other financial service providers, as a result of the recognition of full year income from H&C Network in 2012, which became our consolidated subsidiary and related revenues became a part of our consolidated revenue starting in October 2011, a 85 billion increase in revenues from KT Skylife as a result of an increase in subscribers in 2012 compared to 2011, and the increases in related installment fees and home shopping network sales, and a 56 billion increase in revenues from KT Networks Corporation (which changed its name to KT ENS Corporation in 2013) as a result of an increase in our network construction projects as well as sales in our ecologically safe or “green” information technology equipment. Such increases were offset in part by a 47 billion decrease in gains from sale and leaseback of land and buildings to our equity-method investee or special purpose companies specializing in real estate investments, from 298 billion in 2011 to 251 billion in 2012. See Note 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Operating Expenses

The following table presents a breakdown of our operating expenses and changes therein for 2011 and 2012:

 

     For the Year Ended
December 31,
    Changes  
     2011 vs. 2012  
     2011      2012     Amount     %  
     (In billions of Won)  

Salaries and wages

   2,854       3,097      243        8.5   

Depreciation

     2,645         2,894        249        9.4   

Commissions

     1,448         1,426        (22     (1.5

Interconnection charges

     1,116         901        (215     (19.3

Purchase of inventories

     4,519         4,851        332        7.3   

Changes of inventories

     36         (259     (295     N.A.   

Sales commission

     1,865         2,230        365        19.6   

Service cost

     1,331         1,264        (67     (5.0

Card service costs

     708         2,771        2,063        291.4   

Others (1)

     3,579         3,789        210        5.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating expenses

   20,101       22,964      2,863        14.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

N.A. means not available.

 

(1) Including other operating expenses (which include miscellaneous expenses, loss on disposal of property and equipment, impairment loss on property and equipment, loss on disposal of intangible assets, loss on disposal of investments in associates and joint ventures, impairment loss on investments in associates and joint ventures, donations and bad debt expenses), amortization of intangible assets, rent, insurance premium, utilities, international interconnection fee, installation fee, taxes and dues, research and development expenses and advertising expenses.

Total operating expenses increased by 14.2%, or 2,863 billion, from 20,101 billion in 2011 to 22,964 billion in 2012 primarily due to increases in card service costs, purchase of handsets, sales commission and depreciation, the impact of which was partially offset by decreases in change of inventories and interconnection charges. Specifically:

 

   

Card service costs increased by 291.4%, or 2,063 billion, from 708 billion in 2011 to 2,771 billion in 2012 primarily due to the consolidation of the full year expenses of BC Card Co., Ltd. in 2012 compared to only three months of expenses in 2011 as described above.

 

   

Our operating expenses related to purchase of inventories increased by 7.3%, or 332 billion, from 4,519 billion in 2011 to 4,851 billion in 2012 primarily due to an increase in

 

74


Table of Contents
 

the number of smart phones sold. However, the rate of increase in our expenses relating to purchase of handsets was higher than the rate of increase in our revenues relating to sale of goods, due to the decrease in our margins as a result of increased competition.

 

   

Sales commissions, which primarily relate to commissions to our third-party vendors for sales of mobile handsets and mobile and fixed-line service products, increased by 19.6%, or 365 billion, from 1,865 billion in 2011 to 2,230 billion in 2012 primarily due to increases in sales of our LTE mobile service products and LTE smartphones by such third-party vendors, as a result of increases in our total mobile subscribers and subscribers switching to LTE services in 2012.

 

   

Depreciation expenses increased by 9.4%, or 249 billion, from 2,645 billion in 2011 to 2,894 billion in 2012 primarily due to an increase in depreciation expenses of 175 billion from depreciation expenses of KT Rental’s operating assets, which became our consolidated subsidiary starting in July 2012 as explained above, as well as an increase in depreciation expenses of 84 billion from an increase in capital expenditures made by KT Corporation, primarily for LTE-related structures.

These factors were partially offset by the following:

 

   

We recorded operating expenses relating to changes of inventories, which represent a decrease in our inventories, of 36 billion in 2011, compared to an increase in inventories of 259 billion in 2012, primarily due to temporary year-end accounting treatment of inventories for a shipment of smartphones which were in transit at the end of the year.

 

   

Interconnection charges decreased by 19.3%, or 215 billion, from 1,116 billion in 2011 to 901 billion in 2012 primarily due to decreases in land-to-mobile and mobile-to-mobile interconnection rates charged by other telecommunications operators or are set by the KCC, as applicable, as well as a decrease in the number of calls made from fixed-line phones to mobile phones.

Operating Profit

Due to the factors described above, our operating profit decreased by 15.5%, or 307 billion, from 1,987 billion in 2011 to 1,680 billion in 2012. Our operating margin, which is operating profit as a percentage of operating revenues, decreased from 9.0% in 2011 to 6.8% in 2012.

Finance Income (Costs)

The following table presents a breakdown of our finance income and costs and changes therein for 2011 and 2012:

 

     For the Year Ended
December 31,
    Changes  
       2011 vs. 2012  
   2011     2012     Amount     %  
     (In billions of Won)  

Interest income

   152      203      51        33.6

Interest expense

     (481     (472     9        (1.9

Net foreign currency transaction gain (loss)

     10        2        (8     (80.0

Net foreign currency translation gain (loss)

     (80     259        339        N.A.   

Net loss on settlement of derivatives

     (27     (5     22        (81.5

Net gain (loss) on valuation of derivatives

     55        (241     (296     N.A.   

Net other finance costs

     (1     (29     (28     2,800.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net finance costs

   (372   (283   89        (23.9 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

N.A. means not available.

 

75


Table of Contents

Our net finance costs decreased by 23.9%, or 89 billion, from 372 billion in 2011 to 283 billion in 2012 primarily due to our recognition of net foreign currency translation loss in 2011 compared to a net gain in 2012 and an increase in interest income, the impact of which was partially offset by our recognition of net gain on valuation of derivatives in 2011, compared to a net loss in 2012. Specifically:

 

   

We recorded net foreign currency translation loss of 80 billion in 2011 compared to net foreign currency translation gain of 259 billion in 2012 as the Market Average Exchange Rate of the Won against the U.S. dollar depreciated from 1,138.9 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2010 to 1,153.3 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2011 but it appreciated to 1,071.1 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2012. The impact of such net foreign currency translation gain was partially offset by a net loss on valuation of derivatives discussed below.

 

   

Our interest income increased by 33.6%, or 51 billion, from 152 billion in 2011 to 203 billion in 2012 primarily due to an increase in our average balance of interest-earning assets from 2011 to 2012, including our holdings of cash and cash equivalents.

These factors were partially offset by the following:

 

   

We recorded net gain on valuation of derivatives of 55 billion in 2011 compared to net loss on valuation of derivatives of 241 billion in 2012, primarily due to an increase in losses from our currency swap contracts due to the appreciation of the exchange rates of the Won against the Japanese Yen and the U.S. dollar from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2012, whereas we recorded gains in our currency swap contracts in 2011 due to the depreciation of the Won against the U.S. dollar and the Japanese Yen during 2011.

Income (Loss) from Jointly Controlled Entities and Associates

We recorded a loss from jointly controlled entities and associates of 6 billion in 2011 compared to a gain from jointly controlled entities and associates of 18 billion in 2012 primarily due to a gain of 9 billion recorded in connection with our share of KT Rental’s net income until July 2012 (KT Rental became our consolidated subsidiary starting in July 2012 as described above, and any associated gains until July 2012 are recognized under this category), whereas the loss in 2011 primarily resulted from a one-time unrealized loss of 30 billion recorded in connection with the sale and leaseback of certain of our properties to K-REALTY CR-REIT I, our equity-method investee specializing in real estate investments established in December 2011.

Income Tax Expense

Our income tax expense decreased by 12.6%, or 40 billion, from 318 billion in 2011 to 278 billion in 2012 primarily due to a decrease in our profit from continuing operations before income tax by 12.1%, or 194 billion, from 1,609 billion in 2011 to 1,415 billion in 2012. See Note 29 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As a result of the foregoing, our effective tax rate decreased from 19.8% in 2011 to 19.6% in 2012. We had net deferred income tax assets of 473 billion as of December 31, 2012.

Profit from Discontinued Operations

We recognized profit from discontinued operations of 165 billion in 2011, compared to loss from discontinued operations of 32 billion in 2012, primarily due to profits recognized from our sale of our 79.96% controlling interest in New Telephone Company to Vimpel-Communications in June and

 

76


Table of Contents

October 2011, as well as our share of net income of New Telephone Company until the completion of sale, and the loss recognized from our sale of our 93.8% interest in KT Tech, Inc. in August 2012, as well as our share of net loss of KT Tech, Inc. until the completion of sale, which we recorded under this category. See Note 40 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Profit for the Period

Due to the factors described above, our profit for the period decreased by 24.1%, or 350 billion, from 1,455 billion in 2011 to 1,105 billion in 2012. Our net income margin, which is profit for the period as a percentage of operating revenues, decreased from 6.6% in 2011 to 4.5% in 2012.

Segment Results—Telecommunication & Convergence Customer Group

Our operating revenues for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 1.4%, or 224 billion, from 16,156 billion in 2011 to 15,932 billion in 2012, primarily due to a decrease in revenues from individual fixed-line telephone subscribers as well as decrease in revenues from our mobile services resulting from a reduction in our mobile service charges.

Our operating income for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 35.7%, or 407 billion, from 1,140 billion in 2011 to 733 billion in 2012, as the segment recorded a 1.4% decrease in operating revenues while recording a 1.2% increase in operating expenses, primarily due to the reasons discussed above. Operating margin, which is operating income as a percentage of total operating revenues prior to adjusting for inter-company sales, decreased from 7.1% in 2011 to 4.6% in 2012.

Depreciation and amortization, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 4.7%, or 110 billion, from 2,330 billion in 2011 to 2,440 billion in 2012, primarily due to an increase in capital expenditures made for structures relating to our LTE network.

Segment Results—Global & Enterprise Group

Our operating revenues for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 7.5%, or 236 billion, from 3,167 billion in 2011 to 2,931 billion in 2012, primarily due to a decrease in revenues from sales of tangible assets (such as real estate and copper from our decommissioned telephone cables that are recognized in this segment) in 2012 compared to 2011, primarily due to adverse real estate and metal market conditions in 2012.

Our operating income for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 37.8%, or 199 billion, from 526 billion in 2011 to 327 billion in 2012, as the 7.5% decrease in the segment’s operating revenues outpaced a 1.4% decrease in operating expenses, primarily due to the reasons discussed above. Operating margin decreased from 16.6% in 2011 to 11.2% in 2012.

Depreciation and amortization, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 4.0%, or 20 billion, from 505 billion in 2011 to 485 billion in 2012, primarily due to the spin-off of our satellite business by establishing KT Sat Co., Ltd. in December 2012, and the resulting reduction in related depreciable assets.

Segment Results—Finance/Rental Business Group

Our operating revenues for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 267.7%, or 2,706 billion, from 1,011 billion in 2011 to 3,717 billion in 2012,

 

77


Table of Contents

primarily due to the consolidation of full year revenues in 2012 from BC Card Co., Ltd. which became our consolidated subsidiary starting in October 2011 and revenues from KT Rental Co., Ltd. which became our consolidated subsidiary starting in July 2012, as described above.

Our operating income for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 400.0%, or 148 billion, from 37 billion in 2011 to 185 billion in 2012, as the 267.7% increase in the segment’s operating revenues outpaced the 262.6% increase in operating expenses, primarily due to the reasons discussed above. Operating margin, which is operating income as a percentage of total operating revenues prior to adjusting for inter-company sales, increased from 3.7% in 2011 to 5.0% in 2012.

Depreciation and amortization, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 970.6%, or 165 billion, from 17 billion in 2011 to 182 billion in 2012, primarily due to the effect of consolidation of KT Rental Co., Ltd. and the related assets starting in July 2012 as described above.

Segment Results—Others

Our operating revenues for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 5.3%, or 213 billion, from 4,039 billion in 2011 to 4,252 billion in 2012, primarily due to increases in revenues from H&C Network Co., Ltd. and KT Skylife Co., Ltd. as discussed above.

Our operating income for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 21.0%, or 22 billion, from 105 billion in 2011 to 83 billion in 2012, as the 5.3% increase in operating revenues was outpaced by a 6.0% increase in operating expenses, primarily due to the reasons discussed above. Operating margin decreased from 2.6% in 2011 to 2.0% in 2012.

Depreciation and amortization, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 20.5%, or 25 billion, from 122 billion in 2011 to 147 billion in 2012, primarily due to an increase in 2012 of depreciable assets owned by KT Skylife such as home satellite equipment, as a result of an increase in subscribers.

Item 5.B.  Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following table sets forth the summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2011     2012     2013  
     (In billions of Won)  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   2,164      5,725      4,111   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (2,666     (3,851     (3,783

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     772        (1,278     (312

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     1,179        1,462        2,058   

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

     1,462        2,058        2,071   

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     284        595        13   

Capital Requirements

Historically, our capital requirements consisted principally of purchases of property and equipment and other assets and repayments of borrowings. In our investing activities, we used cash of 3,236 billion in 2011, 3,760 billion in 2012 and 3,088 billion in 2013 for the acquisition of property and equipment and investment property, primarily construction-in-progress. In our financing activities, we used cash of 6,058 billion in 2011, 4,591 billion in 2012 and 5,956 billion in 2013 for repayment of borrowings and bonds.

 

78


Table of Contents

In recent years, we have also required capital for payments of retirement and severance benefits related to our early retirement programs. We recorded payments of severance benefits of 235 billion in 2011, 111 billion in 2012 and 371 billion in 2013.

From time to time, we may also require capital for investments involving acquisitions, including shares of our affiliates, and strategic relationships. For example, we acquired redeemable convertible preferred stock with voting rights and convertible bonds of KT Skylife for 246 billion in January 2011, which increased our interest in the company from 32.1% to 53.1% subsequent to exercise of conversion rights. In October 2011, we, through our subsidiary KT Capital Co., Ltd., acquired an additional 1,622,520 common shares of BC Card Co., Ltd. from Woori Bank for approximately 252 billion. We acquired an additional 1,349,920 common shares of BC Card Co., Ltd. in January 2012 for approximately 287 billion, and owned a 69.54% interest in BC Card Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 2013. Any such additional investments or acquisitions may require significant capital.

Our cash dividends paid to shareholders and non-controlling interests amounted to 595 billion in 2011, 498 billion in 2012 and 511 billion in 2013.

We anticipate that capital expenditures, and, to a lesser extent, repayment of outstanding contractual obligations and commitments will represent the most significant use of funds for the next several years. We may also require capital for purchase of shares of our affiliates as well as investments involving acquisitions and strategic relationships. We compete in the telecommunications sector in Korea, which is rapidly evolving. In recent years, business combinations in the telecommunications industry have significantly changed the competitive landscape of the Korean telecommunications industry. We may need to incur additional capital expenditures to keep up with unexpected developments in rapidly evolving telecommunications technology. There can be no assurance that we will be able to secure funds on satisfactory terms from financial institutions or other sources that are sufficient for our unanticipated needs.

Payments of contractual obligations and commitments will also require considerable resources. In our ordinary course of business, we routinely enter into commercial commitments for various aspects of our operations, including repair and maintenance. We have also provided guarantees to our affiliates. See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a disclosure of the guarantees provided.

The following table sets forth selected information regarding our contractual obligations to make future payments as of December 31, 2013:

 

     Payments Due by Period  

Contractual Obligations (1)

   Total      Less than
1 Year
     1-3
Years
     4-5
Years
     After 5
Years
 
     (In billions of Won)  

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

   10,873       2,382       4,097       2,673       1,721   

Capital lease obligations (including any interests)

     75         22         53                   

Operating lease obligations

     633         78         152         156         247   

Severance payment obligations (2)

     4,655         112         298         398         3,847   

Long-term accounts payable—others

     1,177         276         372         204         325   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   17,413       2,870       4,972       3,431       6,140   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Estimate of interest payment based on contractual interest rates effective as of December 31, 2013

   1,624       401       538       261       424   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

(2) Does not include any severance payments due beyond 10 years, due to the uncertainties involved in the calculation of such payments.

 

79


Table of Contents

Capital Resources

We have traditionally met our working capital and other capital requirements principally from cash provided by operations, while raising the remainder of our requirements primarily through debt financing. From time to time, we have also disposed of our treasury shares to meet our capital requirements.

Our major sources of cash have been net cash provided by operating activities, including profits for the period, expenses not involving cash payments such as depreciation and amortization, and proceeds from issuance of bonds and borrowings. We expect that these sources will continue to be our principal sources of cash in the future. Profit for the period was 1,455 billion in 2011 and 1,105 billion in 2012, and we recorded a loss for the period of 88 billion in 2013 due to the reasons discussed in Item 5.A. Operating Results. Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets was 2,996 billion in 2011, 3,314 billion in 2012 and 3,621 billion in 2013 primarily reflecting our capital investment activities during the recent years, including our purchase of bandwidths for our operations, investments in LTE-related structures and acquisition of real estate. Cash proceeds from issuance of bonds and borrowings were 7,262 billion in 2011,4,259 billion in 2012 and 6,200 billion in 2013. As of December 31, 2013, we held 17,308,160 treasury shares.

In 2013, we spun off a portion of our trade receivables relating to handset sales to several special purpose companies, as part of our efforts to improve our cash and asset management. We also entered into asset management agreements with each of these special purpose companies, and will be receiving management fees from such companies. See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

We believe that we have sufficient working capital available to us for our current requirements and that we have a variety of alternatives available to us to satisfy our financial requirements to the extent that they are not met by funds generated by operations, including the issuance of debt securities and bank borrowings denominated in Won and various foreign currencies. For example, we successfully issued US$350 million of 3.875% notes due 2017 in January 2012, three series of notes for an aggregate amount of Japanese Yen 30 billion in January 2013, three series of notes for an aggregate amount of 410 billion in April 2013, US$300 million floating rate notes due 2018 in August 2013 and 300 billion of commercial paper due 2019 in February 2014. See Note 41 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. However, our ability to rely on some of these alternatives could be affected by factors such as the liquidity of the Korean and the global financial markets, prevailing interest rates, our credit rating and the Government’s policies regarding Won currency and foreign currency borrowings. Other factors which could materially affect our liquidity in the future include unanticipated increase in capital expenditures and decrease in cash provided by operations resulting from a significant decrease in demand for our services. We may also need to raise additional capital sooner than we expect in order to fund unanticipated investments and acquisitions.

Our total equity was 12,588 billion as of December 31, 2011, 13,218 billion as of December 31, 2012 and 12,837 billion as of December 31, 2013.

Liquidity

We had a working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) surplus of 1,067 billion as of December 31, 2011, deficit of 750 billion as of December 31, 2012 and deficit of 1,252 billion as of December 31, 2013. The following table sets forth the summary of our significant current assets for the periods indicated:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2011      2012      2013  
     (In billions of Won)  

Cash and cash equivalents

   1,462       2,058       2,071   

Short-term loans receivables, net

     698         668         839   

Trade and other receivables, net

     6,191         5,908         5,240   

Inventories, net

     676         935         674   

 

80


Table of Contents

Our cash, cash equivalents and net short-term loans receivable maturing within one year totaled 2,160 billion as of December 31, 2011, 2,726 billion as of December 31, 2012 and 2,910 billion as of December 31, 2013. Under IFRS as issued by IASB, bank deposits held at call and all other highly liquid temporary cash instruments within maturities of three months are considered as cash equivalents. Short-term loans receivables primarily consist of loans and other non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market with maturities of twelve months or less.

The following table sets forth the summary of our significant current liabilities for the periods indicated:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2011      2012      2013  
     (In billions of Won)  

Trade and other payables

   5,902       7,221       7,414   

Borrowings

     2,125         3,197         3,021   

As of December 31, 2013, we entered into various commitments with financial institutions totaling 2,892 billion and US$81 million. See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As of December 31, 2013, 155 billion was used under these facilities. We have not had, and do not believe that we will have, difficulty gaining access to short-term financing sufficient to meet our current requirements.

Capital Expenditures

We used cash of 3,236 billion in 2011, 3,760 billion in 2012 and 3,088 billion in 2013 for the acquisition of property and equipment and investment property, primarily construction-in-progress.

Our current capital expenditure plan, on a non-consolidated basis, calls for the expenditure of approximately 2,700 billion in 2014, which may be adjusted depending on market conditions and our results of operations. The principal components of our capital investment plans are:

 

   

approximately 1,014 billion in general expansion and modernization of our wireless network infrastructure (including approximately 978 billion in capital investments for LTE service);

 

   

approximately 1,209 billion for general expansion and modernization of our fixed-line network infrastructure; and

 

   

approximately 477 billion in capital investments for our other services, including overhead costs.

Inflation

We do not consider that inflation in Korea has had a material impact on our results of operations in recent years. Inflation in Korea was 4.0% in 2011, 2.2% in 2012 and 1.3% in 2013. See “Item 3. Key Information—Item 3.D. Risk Factors—Korea is our most important market, and our current business and future growth could be materially and adversely affected if economic conditions in Korea deteriorate.”

 

81


Table of Contents

Item 5.C.  Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc.

In order to maintain our leadership in the converging telecommunications business environment and develop additional platforms, services and applications, we operate:

 

   

a new business development and incubation center;

 

   

an infrastructure R&D laboratory;

 

   

a service R&D laboratory; and

 

   

a convergence R&D laboratory.

As of December 31, 2013, KT Corporation had 5,183 registered patents domestically and 808 registered patents internationally.

The MSIP has the authority to recommend to network service providers that they provide funds for national research and development of telecommunications technology and related projects. The required annual contribution is 0.5% (0.75% for market dominant service providers like us) of revenues attributable to key communications services (excluding revenues from telecommunications service using an allotted frequency if the consideration for such allotted frequency has been paid) from wireless subscribers for the previous year, and is applicable only to those network service providers who have at least 30 billion in total sales for the previous year and have recorded no net loss in the current period. Under the policy, the maximum amount of the annual contribution to be made cannot exceed 70.0% of the net profit for the corresponding period of each company. Including such contributions, total expenditures (which include capitalized expenses) on research and development were 304 billion in 2011, 476 billion in 2012 and 309 billion in 2013.

In recent years, we have focused our research and development efforts in the following areas:

 

   

simplifying complex core networks and reducing costs;

 

   

combining in-building management solutions for fixed-line and wireless networks;

 

   

combining operation management systems for fixed-line and wireless networks;

 

   

finding solutions for ultra-definition television set top box and additional solutions for smart IPTV;

 

   

aggregating heterogeneous wireless access for double network throughput;

 

   

a broadband internet solution that is 10 times faster using legacy copper and fiber lines;

 

   

a smart-grid platform for global energy control operation centers from South Korea to Finland;

 

   

a telecommunication cloud solution which combines network resource virtualization with cloud computing resource; and

 

   

creating a new convergence business model based on Information Communication Technology (ICT) and incubating new businesses.

 

82


Table of Contents

Item 5.D.  Trend Information

These matters are discussed under Item 5.A. above where relevant.

Item 5.E.  Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

These matters are discussed under Item 5.B. above where relevant.

Item 5.F.  Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

These matters are discussed under Item 5.B. above where relevant.

Item 5.G.  Safe Harbor

See “Item 3. Key Information—Item 3.D. Risk Factors—Forward-looking statements may prove to be inaccurate.”

Item 6.  Directors, Senior Management and Employees

Item 6.A.  Directors and Senior Management

Directors

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

 

   

up to three non-independent directors, including the Chief Executive Officer; and

 

   

up to eight outside directors.

All of our directors are elected at the general shareholders’ meeting. If the total assets of a company listed on the KRX KOSPI Market as of the end of the preceding year exceeds 2,000 billion, which is the case with us, the Commercial Code of Korea requires such company to have more than three outside directors with more than half of its total directors being outside directors. The term of office for a director is up to three years, but the term is extended to the close of the annual shareholders’ meeting convened with respect to the last full fiscal year of a director’s term of office. If the term of office for a director is not completed and ends before the close of the annual general meeting of shareholders convened with respect to the last full fiscal year of such director’s term of office and a new director is appointed in his or her place, the term of office for such replacement director will coincide with the uncompleted remaining term of office of his or her predecessor.

Under the Commercial Code of Korea, we must establish a committee to nominate candidates for outside directors within the board of directors, and outside directors must make up more than half of the total members of the outside director candidate nominating committee. According to our articles of incorporation, such committee must consist of one non-independent director and all of our outside directors, other than for election of an outside director resulting from the expiration of the term of the office, in which case such outside director whose term is expiring may not be a member of the committee. Our Outside Director Candidate Nominating Committee nominates outside director candidates for appointment at the general shareholders’ meeting.

Upon the request of any director (to the extent that the board of directors does not separately authorize only a particular director to make such request), a meeting of the board of directors will be

 

83


Table of Contents

assembled. The chairperson of the board of directors is elected from among the outside directors by a resolution of the board of directors. The term of office of the chairperson is for one year.

Our current directors are as follows:

 

Name

  

Position

  Director
Since
  Date of Birth    Expiration
of

Term of
Office
 

Non-Independent Directors (1)

         

Chang-Gyu Hwang

  

Chief Executive Officer

  January 2014 (2)   January 23, 1953      2017   

Hoon Han

  

Senior Executive Vice President

  March 2014   March 23, 1958      2015   

Heon Moon Lim

  

Senior Executive Vice President

  March 2014   November 15, 1960      2015   

Outside Directors (1)

         

Do Kyun Song

  

Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Advisor, Bae, Kim & Lee LLC

  March 2013   September 20, 1943      2016   

Keuk Je Sung

  

Professor, Graduate School of Pan Pacific International Studies, Kyunghee University

  March 2012   June 4, 1943      2015   

Sang Kyun Cha

  

Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seoul National University

  March 2012   February 19, 1958      2016   

Jong-Goo Kim

  

Of Counsel, New Dimension Law Group

  March 2014   July 7, 1941      2017   

Chu-Hwan Yim

  

Honorary President, Korean Institute of Communications and Information Sciences

  March 2014   February 9, 1949      2016   

Pil Hwa Yoo

  

Professor, Graduate School of Business, Sungkyunkwan University

  March 2014   January 13, 1954      2015   

Suk-Gwon Chang

  

Professor, Department of Business Administration, Hanyang University

  March 2014   February 21, 1956      2015   

Dae-Keun Park

  

Professor, Department of Economics and Finance, Hanyang University

  March 2014   March 15 1958      2017   

 

 

(1) All of our non-independent and outside directors beneficially own less than one percent of the issued shares of KT Corporation in the aggregate.

 

(2) On November 12, 2013, Mr. Suk-Chae Lee resigned from his position as the President and Chief Executive Officer of KT Corporation. Mr. Chang-Gyu Hwang’s appointment as the new Chief Executive Officer was approved at an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders held on January 27, 2014.

Chang-Gyu Hwang is a non-independent director and has served as our chief executive officer since January 2014. Prior to joining us, he served as a Distinguished Chair Professor at Sungkyunkwan University, president and National Chief Technology Officer of the Office of Strategic Research and Development Planning at the former Ministry of Knowledge and Economy, president and chief technology officer of the Corporate Technology Office at Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and as president and chief executive officer of the Semiconductor Business at Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Mr. Hwang holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in electric engineering from Seoul National University and a Ph.D. in electronic and computer engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

 

84


Table of Contents

Hoon Han is a non-independent director and has served as the senior executive vice president of the Corporate Planning Group since February 2014. He has previously served as the chairperson of the board of directors of Spatial Information Industry Promotion Institute, chief executive officer of KT Networks and as executive director of KT’s Home Consumer Strategy department. Mr. Han holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Seoul National University, a master’s degree in industrial engineering from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, and a Ph.D. in engineering economic systems from Stanford University.

Heon Moon Lim is a non-independent director and has served as senior executive vice president of KT’s Customer Business Group since February 2014. He has previously served as a professor of economics and management at Chungnam University, executive director for KT’s Telecom & Convergence department, and as executive director of KT’s Home Consumer department. Mr. Lim holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Yonsei University and a Ph.D. in business administration from Seoul National University.

Do Kyun Song has served as our outside director since March 2013. He is currently an advisor to the law firm of Bae, Kim & Lee LLC. He was formerly a standing member of the KCC and the chief executive officer of Seoul Broadcasting System Co., Ltd. Mr. Song holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish literature from Hanguk University of Foreign Studies.

Keuk Je Sung has served as our outside director since March 2012. He is currently a professor at Kyunghee University Graduate School of Pan-Pacific International Studies. He was formerly Korea’s chief negotiator to the World Trade Organization’s General Agreement on Trade in Services. Mr. Sung holds a Ph.D. in managerial economics and decision sciences from Kellogg Graduate School of Business at Northwestern University.

Sang Kyun Cha has served as our outside director since March 2012. He is currently a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Seoul National University. Previously, he founded Transact In Memory, Inc. in the United States, which was acquired by SAP AG in 2005, and was subsequently transformed into SAP Labs Korea, Inc. He continues to serve as a director of SAP Labs Korea, Inc. Mr. Cha holds a Ph.D. in database systems from Stanford University.

Jong-Goo Kim has served as our outside director since March 2014. He is currently of counsel to the New Dimension Law Group. Previously, he served as the minister of the Ministry of Justice and as the head of the Seoul Supreme Prosecutors’ Office. Mr. Kim holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in law from Seoul National University and a Ph.D. in law from Dongguk University.

Chu-Hwan Yim has served as our outside director since March 2014. He is currently an honorary president of the Korean Institute of Communications and Information Sciences and is currently serving as an outside director for Korea Electric Power Corporation. Mr. Yim was formerly the president of Korea Digital Cable Laboratories, president of Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, and secretary general of the Telecommunications Technology Association. Mr. Yim holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in industrial education from Seoul National University and a Ph.D. in telecommunication systems from Technical University of Braunshweig.

Pil Hwa Yoo has served as our outside director since March 2014 and is a current member of our audit committee. He is also the dean and professor of marketing at the Graduate School of Business at Sungkyunkwan University and serves as an outside director for Kyobo Life Insurance Co. Ltd. Mr. Yoo was formerly the vice president of Korean Academic Society of Business Administration and an editor of Korea Management Review. Mr. Yoo holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Seoul National University, a master’s degree in business from Northwestern University and a Ph.D. from Harvard University.

 

85


Table of Contents

Suk-Gwon Chang has served as our outside director since March 2014. He is currently a professor of business administration at Hanyang University and the president of the Korea Operations Research and Management Science Society. Mr. Chang was formerly the dean of Hanyang Cyber University Graduate School and the president of the Korea Association for Telecommunication Policy and Korea Media Management Association. Mr. Chang holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Seoul National University, a master’s degree in industrial engineering from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, and a Ph.D. in management science from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.

Dae-Keun Park has served as our outside director since March 2014. He is currently a professor of economics and finance at Hanyang University, chair of the Financial Development Review Committee at the Financial Services Commission and director of Hanyang Economic Research Institute. Mr. Park was formerly vice president of the Korea Finance and Money Association and a member of the Steering Committee at the Korea Finance Corporation. Mr. Park holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Seoul National University, a master’s degree in management science from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University.

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

 

   

all of our outside directors; and

 

   

one non-independent director who is not a candidate.

Under our articles of incorporation, the Chief Executive Officer Candidate Nominating Committee must submit a draft management contract between the company and the candidate covering the management objectives of the company to the shareholders’ meeting at the time of nomination of the candidate to the meeting. When the draft management contract has been approved at the shareholders’ meeting, the company enters into such management contract with the Chief Executive Officer. In such case, the chairperson of the Chief Executive Officer Candidate Nominating Committee, on behalf of the company, signs the management contract.

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

Senior Management

Our executive officers consist of Senior Executive Vice President, Executive Vice Presidents and Senior Vice Presidents. The executive officers other than the non-independent directors are appointed by the Chief Executive Officer and may serve up to three years.

 

86


Table of Contents

The current executive officers are as follows:

 

Name (1)

  

Title and Responsibilities

   Current
Position Held
Since
   Years
with the
Company
     Date of Birth

Kyu-Taek Nam

   Senior Executive Vice President, Marketing Group    January 2014      28       February 6, 1961

Kyu-Shik Shin

   Senior Executive Vice President, Global & Enterprise Group    January 2014      3       June 7, 1957

Seong-Mook Oh

   Senior Executive Vice President, Network Group    January 2014      28       August 20, 1960

Ki Chul Kim

   Senior Executive Vice President, IT Group    January 2014      9       January 1, 1955

In-Sung Jun

   Senior Executive Vice President, Corporate Relations Group    January 2014      32       October 9, 1958

Jeong-Tae Park

   Senior Executive Vice President, Legal & Ethics Office    January 2014      30       December 10, 1959

Hae-Jung Park

   Executive Vice President, Integrated Marketing Communication Business Unit    January 2014      7       May 23, 1963

Jong-Jin Chae

   Executive Vice President, Enterprise Network Business Unit    January 2014      26       June 25, 1961

Cha-Hyun Yoon

   Executive Vice President, Network Design Unit    January 2014      29       December 2, 1961

Dong-Myun Lee

   Executive Vice President, Institute of Convergence Technology    January 2014      23       October 15, 1962

Yoon-Young Park

   Executive Vice President, Future Business Development Group, Institute of Convergence Technology    January 2014      22       April 18, 1962

Kyoung-Lim Yun

   Executive Vice President, Future Convergence Strategy Office    February 2014      4       June 14, 1963

Mun-Whan Lee

   Executive Vice President, Strategy & Planning Office    January 2014      25       October 1, 1963

Bum-Joon Kim

   Executive Vice President, Synergy Management Office    January 2014      9       March 25, 1965

In-Hoe Kim

   Executive Vice President, Financial Management Office, Corporate Planning Group    January 2014      0       June 25, 1964

Kwang-Suk Shin

   Executive Vice President, Value Management Department, Financial Management Office, Corporate Planning Group    January 2014      25       January 5, 1960

Dong-Hoon Han

   Executive Vice President, Management Support Group    January 2014      33       September 12, 1959

Sang-Bong Nam

   Executive Vice President, Legal Affairs Center, Legal & Ethics Office    January 2014      1       October 19, 1963

Tae-Yol Yoo

   Executive Vice President, Economics & Management Research Institute    January 2014      30       April 4, 1960

Hyeon-Mo Ku

   Executive Vice President, CEO Office    January 2014      27       January 13, 1964

Dae-San Lee

   Executive Vice President, Group Department, CEO Office    January 2014      27       January 10, 1961

Yun-Su Kim

   Senior Vice President, Customer Strategy Business Unit    January 2014      22       November 2, 1963

Jae-Hyeon Kim

   Senior Vice President, Sales Operating Business Unit    January 2014      17       September 26, 1962

Young-Sik Park

   Senior Vice President, Small & Medium Business Unit    January 2014      36       April 9, 1957

Jin-Chul Kim

   Senior Vice President, Customer Satisfaction Unit    January 2014      25       May 25, 1962

Myung-Beom Pyun

   Senior Vice President, Northern Seoul Sales Headquarter    January 2014      17       June 19, 1960

Dae-Gi Gong

   Senior Vice President, Gwanghwamun Sales Branch, Northern Seoul Sales Headquarter    January 2014      27       March 13, 1960

Hyon-Seog Lee

   Senior Vice President, Southern Seoul Sales Headquarter    January 2014      22       March 10, 1962

 

87


Table of Contents

Name (1)

  

Title and Responsibilities

   Current
Position Held
Since
   Years
with the
Company
     Date of Birth

Hee-Youp Chang

   Senior Vice President, Gangnam Sales Branch, Southern Seoul Sales Headquarter    January 2014      28       October 1, 1959

Seong-Yll Cheon

   Senior Vice President, Sinsa Sales Branch, Southern Seoul Sales Headquarter    January 2014      27       April 15, 1960

Hong-Jae Lee

   Senior Vice President, Western Seoul Sales Headquarter    January 2014      29       August 29, 1962

Gang-Geun Lee

   Senior Vice President, Busan Sales Headquarter    January 2014      25       June 22, 1961

Dong-Kwang Kim

   Senior Vice President, Daegu Sales Headquarter    January 2014      19       March 23, 1962

Hyeong-Chul Park

   Senior Vice President, Jeonnam Sales Headquarter    January 2014      28       February 2, 1962

Youn-Mo Jeon

   Senior Vice President, Jeonbuk Sales Headquarter    January 2014      17       September 6, 1960

Dae-Su Park

   Senior Vice President, Chungnam Sales Headquarter    January 2014      25       October 28, 1963

Jun-Su Jeong

   Senior Vice President, Chungbuk Sales Headquarter    January 2014      22       November 2, 1962

Seung-Gyum Kim

   Senior Vice President, Gangwon Sales Headquarter    January 2014      28       June 21, 1961

Sung-Kyu Yang

   Senior Vice President, Jeju Sales Headquarter    January 2014      26       March 14, 1962

Kook-Hyun Kang

   Senior Vice President, Marketing Strategy Business Unit    January 2014      25       September 8, 1963

Jong-Jin Park

   Senior Vice President, Marketing Strategy Department, Marketing Strategy Business Unit    January 2014      22       August 14, 1963

Hyoung-Wook Kim

   Senior Vice President, Device Business Unit    January 2014      17       April 24, 1963

Bong-Goon Kwak

   Senior Vice President, Data Service Business Unit    January 2014      29       March 2, 1960

Hye-Jeong Yun

   Senior Vice President, Service Development Department, Data Service Business Unit    January 2014      23       June 12, 1966

Hee Kyoung Song

   Senior Vice President, Enterprise IT Business Unit    January 2014      1       July 24, 1964

Ki-Jong Moon

   Senior Vice President, Enterprise Business Performing Unit    January 2014      37       September 30, 1957

Yang-Hwan Ryoo

   Senior Vice President, Enterprise Business Consulting Unit    January 2014      36       October 12, 1958

Jae-Gyo Kim

   Senior Vice President, Public Customer Business Unit    January 2014      35       September 23, 1958

Yoon-Sik Jeong

   Senior Vice President, Enterprise Customer Business Unit    January 2014      5       September 30, 1964

Tae-Sung Lim

   Senior Vice President, Global Business Unit    January 2014      23       March 4, 1963

Pan-Sik Shin

   Senior Vice President, Global Professional Group, Global Business Unit    January 2014      27       February 25, 1959

Jae-Yoon Park

   Senior Vice President, Network Strategy Business Unit    January 2014      28       December 18, 1960

Cheol-Gyu Lee

   Senior Vice President, Network Operation & Maintenance Unit    January 2014      28       August 24, 1960

Chang-Seok Seo

   Senior Vice President, Network Technology Unit    January 2014      20       July 5, 1967

Mi-Na Oh

   Senior Vice President, Core Network Technology Department, Network Technology Unit    January 2014      20       April 11, 1969

Young-Hyun Kim

   Senior Vice President, Gangbuk Network Operation & Maintenance Headquarter    January 2014      36       December 19, 1958

Young-Sik Kim

   Senior Vice President, Gangnam Network Operation & Maintenance Headquarter    January 2014      24       March 15, 1961

Ho-Won Moon

   Senior Vice President, Busan Network Operation & Maintenance Headquarter    January 2014      28       January 7, 1959

 

88


Table of Contents

Name (1)

  

Title and Responsibilities

   Current
Position Held
Since
   Years
with the
Company
     Date of Birth

Jong-Ok Park

   Senior Vice President, IT Strategy & Planning Business Unit    January 2014      23       January 24, 1962

June-Keun Kim

   Senior Vice President, Management Infrastructure Department, IT Strategy & Planning Business Unit    January 2014      4       November 12, 1966

Sang-Yong Lee

   Senior Vice President, Data & Information Security Department, IT Strategy & Planning Business Unit    January 2014      3       December 23, 1967

Yi-Shik Kim

   Senior Vice President, Big Data Analysis Department, IT Strategy & Planning Business Unit    January 2014      1       October 16, 1968

Dong-Sik Yun

   Senior Vice President, Service Platform Business Unit    January 2014      26       June 9, 1963

Ji-Yun Kim

   Senior Vice President, Cloud Platform Business Unit    January 2014      2       January 27, 1968

Young-Myoung Kim

   Senior Vice President, Research Support Department, Institute of Convergence Technology    January 2014      25       November 13, 1961

Hong-Beom Jeon

   Senior Vice President, Infra Laboratory    January 2014      23       October 3, 1962

Sook-Kyung Sung

   Senior Vice President, Intellectual Property Rights Department, Infra Laboratory    January 2014      14       November 18, 1964

Seong-Choon Lee

   Senior Vice President, Service Laboratory    January 2014      29       March 28, 1960

Ji-Hie Kim

   Senior Vice President, Big Data Development Practical Job Training, Future Business Development Group, Institute of Convergence Technology    January 2014      1       August 6, 1965

Jae-Ho Song

   Senior Vice President, Future Convergence Strategy Office    January 2014      21       March 26, 1966

Seong-Hoon Kim

   Senior Vice President, Future Convergence Strategy Office    January 2014      1       September 29, 1964

Dong-Seope Park

   Senior Vice President, Corporate Planning Department, Strategy & Planning Office    January 2014      29       November 5, 1961

Pill-Jai Lee

   Senior Vice President, Strategic Investment Department, Strategy & Planning Office    February 2014      26       October 3, 1961

Jeff Kahng

   Senior Vice President, Valuation Department, Synergy Management Office    January 2014      1       August 13, 1966

Weon-Kyung Kim

   Senior Vice President, Human Resources Office    January 2014      23       June 15, 1963

Doo-Seong Cheon

   Senior Vice President, HR Development Center, Human Resources Office    January 2014      4       May 1, 1968

Jae-Eui Choi

   Senior Vice President, Educational Dispatch, Human Resources Office    February 2014      27       April 17, 1961

Hoon Cho

   Senior Vice President, Educational Dispatch, Human Resources Office    February 2014      21       December 4, 1966

Eung-Ho Lee

   Senior Vice President, Educational Dispatch, Human Resources Office    February 2014      23       December 7, 1962

Min-Woo Seo

   Senior Vice President, Educational Dispatch, Human Resources Office    January 2014      28       February 7, 1960

Hyun-Yok Sheen

   Senior Vice President, Management Support Office    January 2014      21       August 25, 1968

Won-Sic Hahn

   Senior Vice President, Procurement Cooperation Office    January 2014      29       October 26, 1960

Han-Sup Lee

   Senior Vice President, Network Technology Investigation Department, Procurement Cooperation Office    January 2014      18       March 6, 1966

Young-Pil Park

   Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations Support Department, Corporate Relations Group    January 2014      8       February 9, 1968

Young-Ho Oh

   Senior Vice President, Public Relations Office    March 2014      16       September 16, 1962

Min-Woo Seo

   Senior Vice President, Public Relations Office    January 2014      28       February 7, 1960

 

89


Table of Contents

Name (1)

  

Title and Responsibilities

   Current
Position Held
Since
   Years
with the
Company
     Date of Birth

Byung-Sam Park

   Senior Vice President, Legal Affairs Department, Legal Affairs Center, Legal & Ethics Office    January 2014      1       October 13, 1966

Hee-Su Kim

   Senior Vice President, Economics & Management Research Institute    January 2014      3       October 15, 1962

Kyung-Joon Lee

   Senior Vice President, Project Planning Department, Economics & Management Research Institute    January 2014      23       June 2, 1963

Hwa Jung

   Senior Vice President, PEG, Project Planning Department, Economics & Management Research Institute    January 2014      25       August 10, 1964

Sang-Wook Seo

   Senior Vice President, PEG, Project Planning Department, Economics & Management Research Institute    January 2014      2       January 26, 1972

Hyo-Sill Kim

   Senior Vice President, PEG, Project Planning Department, Economics & Management Research Institute    January 2014      21       April 17, 1963

Jae-Yon Cha

   Senior Vice President, Finance Department, CEO Office    January 2014      23       September 25, 1965

 

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

Item 6.B.  Compensation

Compensation of Directors

In 2013, the total amount of salaries, bonuses (including long-term performance-based incentives for directors) and allowances paid to all directors of KT Corporation for services in all capacities was approximately 6.2 billion, which were paid on a cash basis.

Until February 2010, we had no incentive based compensation program for outside directors. Instead, compensation was paid to outside directors in fixed amounts as an allowance for any expenses they incurred in executing their duties. The board of directors introduced a new compensation program for outside directors in March 2010, which consists of cash and stock grants and requires a one year lock-up period, at a ratio of 3 to 1. The total cash basis remuneration for outside directors for 2013 was recorded at 639 million.

The compensation of our directors and executive officers who received total annual compensation exceeding 500 million in 2013 were as follows:

 

Name

  

Position

   Total Compensation
in 2013
  

Composition of
Total Compensation

          (In millions of Won)

Lee, Seok Chae

  

Former Representative

Director

   2,979    476 million (salary); 1,339 million (bonus); 11 million (benefits); 1153 million (severance)

Pyo, Hyeon Myeong

   President    890    406 million (salary); 446 million (bonus); 38 million (benefits)

Kim, II Yeong

   President    768    302 million (salary); 363 million (bonus); 103 million (benefits)

Lee, Sang Hun

   President    966    75 million (salary); 512 million (bonus); 15 million (benefits); 364 million (severance)

 

90


Table of Contents

The chairperson of the Chief Executive Officer Candidate Nominating Committee enters into an employment agreement on our behalf with our Chief Executive Officer. The employment agreement sets certain management targets to be achieved by the Chief Executive Officer, including a target for the amount of “EBITDA” to be achieved in each year. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization. Failure to achieve certain thresholds below the targets will allow the board of directors to take actions with respect to the Chief Executive Officer’s employment, including proposing to the shareholders’ meeting an early termination of his employment. In addition, the head of each of our functional departments, the president of each of our subsidiaries and the heads of each regional head office have entered into employment agreements with the Chief Executive Officer that provide for similar management targets to be achieved by each of our departments, subsidiaries and regional head offices.

Item 6.C.  Board Practices

As of December 31, 2013, none of our non-independent or outside directors maintained directors’ service contracts with us or with any of our subsidiaries providing for benefits upon termination of employment.

Corporate Governance Committee

The Corporate Governance Committee is comprised of four outside directors and one non-independent director, Suk-Gwon Chang, Do Kyun Song, Sang Kyun Cha, Dae-Keun Park and Hoon Han. The chairperson is Suk-Gwon Chang. The committee is responsible for the review of matters with respect to our Corporate Governance Guidelines and our performance under such guidelines to monitor effectiveness of our corporate governance.

Outside Director Candidate Nominating Committee

The Outside Director Candidate Nominating Committee consists of one non-independent director and all of our outside directors, other than for election of an outside director resulting from the expiration of the term of the office, in which case such outside director whose term is expiring may not be a member of the committee. The committee’s duties include reviewing the qualifications of potential candidates and proposing nominees to serve as outside directors on our board of directors to the shareholders at the general meeting of shareholders. The committee members’ terms expire immediately after the adjournment of the shareholders’ meeting where the outside directors are elected.

Evaluation and Compensation Committee

The Evaluation and Compensation Committee is currently comprised of four outside directors, Chu-Hwan Yim, Do Kyun Song, Pil Hwa Yoo and Suk-Gwon Chang. The chairperson is Chu-Hwan Yim. The committee’s duties include prior review of the Chief Executive Officer’s management goals, terms and conditions proposed for inclusion in the management contract of the Chief Executive Officer, including, but not limited to, determining whether the Chief Executive Officer has achieved the management goals, and the determination of compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and the non-independent directors. The committee members are elected by the board after the closing of the annual meeting, and the term of the committee members is for one year.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is currently comprised of all of the non-independent directors. The chairperson is Chang-Gyu Hwang. The committee’s duties include the establishment and management

 

91


Table of Contents

of branch offices, the acquisition and disposal of real estate having market value between 15 billion to 30 billion, making investments and providing guarantees between 15 billion to 30 billion, the disposal and sale of stocks of our subsidiaries, which stocks have a market value of between 15 billion and 30 billion, provided that no change of control with respect to such subsidiary occurs as a result of such disposal or sale, the authorization of charitable contributions between 100 million to 1 billion and the issuance of certain debt securities.

Related-Party Transactions Committee

The Related-Party Transactions Committee is currently comprised of four outside directors, Keuk Je Sung, Jong-Goo Kim, Chu-Hwan Yim and Dae-Keun Park. The chairperson is Keuk Je Sung. This committee reviews transactions between KT Corporation and its subsidiaries and ensures compliance with applicable antitrust laws. The committee members are elected by the board after the annual meeting, and the term of the committee members is for one year.

Audit Committee

Under the Commercial Code of Korea and our articles of incorporation, we are required to establish an audit committee comprised of three or more outside directors comprised of at least two-thirds of the audit committee members. Audit Committee members must also meet the applicable independence criteria set forth under the rules and regulations of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The committee is currently comprised of Jong-Goo Kim, Keuk Je Sung, Sang Kyun Cha and Pil Hwa Yoo. The chairperson is Jong-Goo Kim and the financial expert is Pil Hwa Yoo. Members of the committee are elected by our shareholders at the shareholders’ meeting. Our internal and external auditors report directly to the committee.

The duties of the committee include:

 

   

appointing independent auditors;

 

   

approving the appointment and recommending the dismissal of the internal auditor;

 

   

evaluating performance of independent auditors;

 

   

approving services to be provided by the independent auditors;

 

   

reviewing annual financial statements;

 

   

reviewing audit results and reports;

 

   

reviewing and evaluating our system of internal controls and policies; and

 

   

examining improprieties or suspected improprieties.

In addition, in connection with the shareholders’ meeting, the committee examines the agenda for, and financial statement and other reports to be submitted by the board of directors, at each shareholders’ meeting.

Item 6.D.  Employees

On a non-consolidated basis, we had 32,451 employees as of December 31, 2013, compared to 32,186 employees as of December 31, 2012 and 31,981 employees as of December 31, 2011.

 

92


Table of Contents

Voluntary Early Retirement Plans

We regularly sponsor voluntary early retirement plans where we provide additional financial incentives for our employees to retire early, as part of our efforts to improve operational efficiencies. In 2011, 2012 and 2013, 314, 183 and 269 employees, respectively, retired under this program.

In April 2014, we announced the commencement of a special early retirement program for employees who have been employed by us for more than 15 years. This special early retirement program provides our employees with incentives to retire early as part of our efforts to improve operational efficiencies. Our employees will be offered the option of either receiving additional severance payment or employment for two years at certain of our subsidiaries or affiliates as part of the special retirement scheme. On April 23, 2014, our human resources committee determined that 8,304 employees will retire through this special early retirement program. We expect to record approximately 1.2 trillion as severance indemnity in connection with this special early retirement program, all of which is expected to be recorded during 2014.

Labor Relations

We consider our current relations with our work force to be good. However, in the past, we have experienced opposition from our labor union for our strategy of restructuring to improve our efficiency and profitability by disposing of non-core businesses and reducing our employee base.

As of December 31, 2013, about 78.0% of the employees of KT Corporation were members of the KT Trade Union. On behalf of its members, the Union negotiates with us a collective bargaining agreement every two years, and our current collective bargaining agreement expires on May 23, 2015. The current collective bargaining agreement provides that even in the event of a strike, the minimum number of employees necessary to operate the telecommunications business must continue to work.

The Union also negotiates with us an annual agreement on wages on behalf of its members. Under the Act of the Promotion of Worker’s Participation and Cooperation, our Employee-Employer Cooperation Committees, which are composed of representatives of management and labor for each business unit and regional office, meet quarterly to discuss employee grievances, working conditions and potential employee-initiated improvements in service or management.

Recent amendments to the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act (“Labor Act”), which became effective on July 1, 2011, allow multiple labor unions to be formed within one company. Therefore, additional labor unions may be formed by our employees. Pursuant to such amendments, our employees formed a new labor union called “KT New Union” in August 2011. The amended Labor Act also requires such multiple unions to consolidate themselves into a single channel when negotiating with the company on behalf of their members and to enter into a single collective bargaining agreement with the company. As a result of the recent consolidation of labor unions, KT Trade Union was selected as the bargaining representative of the labor unions. Its term as the bargaining representative will last for two years from January 1, 2014, and will expire on December 31, 2015.

Employee Stock Ownership and Benefits

We have an employee stock ownership association, which may purchase on behalf of its members up to 20.0% of any of our shares offered publicly in Korea. The employee stock ownership association owned 1.05% of our issued shares as of December 31, 2013.

 

93


Table of Contents

In accordance with the National Pension Act of Korea, we contribute an amount equal to 4.5% of an employee’s standard monthly wages, and each employee contributes 4.5% of his or her standard monthly wages, into his or her personal pension account. Our employees, including executive officers as well as non-executive employees, are subject to a pension insurance system, under which we make monthly contributions to the pension accounts of the employees, and upon retirement, such employees are paid the pension amount due from their pension accounts. Prior to April 2011, our executive and non-executive employees were subject to a lump-sum severance payment system, under which they were entitled to receive a lump-sum severance payment upon termination of their employment, based on their length of service and salary level at the time of termination. Starting in April 2011, in accordance with the Korean Employee Retirement Income Security Act, we replaced such lump-sum severance payment system with our current pension insurance system in the form of a defined benefit plan, and also introduced a defined contribution plan in December 2012, with a total combined unfunded portion of approximately 586 billion as of December 31, 2013. Lump-sum severance amounts previously accrued prior to our adoption of the current pension insurance system continue to remain payable. We also provide a wide range of fringe benefits to our employees, including housing, housing loans, company-provided hospitals and schools, a company-sponsored pension program, an employee welfare fund, industrial disaster insurance, cultural and athletic facilities, physical education grants, meal allowances, medical examinations and training and resort centers. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Item. 5.A. Operating Results—Salaries and Related Costs.”

Employee Training

The objective of our training program is to develop information and technology specialists who are able to create value for our customers. In order to develop skills of our employees, we require 60 hours of training per year from most of our employees, using individually-tailored curriculums based on individual assessments. We also operate Cyber Academy to provide online classes to our employees, as well as offer various foreign language classes to our employees. In addition, we provide tuition and living expense reimbursements to our high potential individuals who pursue graduate programs in Korea and abroad, as well as provide financial assistance to those who pursue work-related professional licenses or participate in after-work study programs.

Item 6.E.  Share Ownership

Common Stock

The persons who are currently our directors held, as a group, 5,599 common shares as of March 31, 2014, the most recent date for which this information is available. The table below shows the ownership of our common shares by directors:

 

Shareholders

   Number of Common
Shares Owned
 

Chang-Gyu Hwang

       

Hoon Han

     1,500   

Heon Moon Lim

     907   

Pil Hwa Yoo

       

Suk-Gwon Chang

       

Keuk Je Sung

     396   

Sang Kyun Cha

     2,796   

Do Kyun Song

       

Jong-Goo Kim

       

Dae-Keun Park

       

Chu-Hwan Yim

       

 

94


Table of Contents

Stock Options

We have not granted any stock options to our current directors and executive officers.

Item 7.  Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

Item 7.A.  Major Shareholders

The following table sets forth certain information relating to the shareholders of our common stock as of December 31, 2013:

 

Shareholders

   Number of
Shares
     Percent of
Total
Shares Issued
 

National Pension Corporation

     23,298,800         8.92

NTTDoCoMo, Inc.

     14,257,813         5.46

Employee stock ownership association

     2,748,359         1.05

Directors as a group

     16,721         0.01

Public

     203,481,955         77.93

KT Corporation (held in the form of treasury stock)

     17,308,160         6.63
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total issued shares

     261,111,808         100.00
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Item 7.B.  Related Party Transactions

We have engaged in various transactions with our subsidiaries and affiliated companies. See Note 34 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We have not issued any guarantees in favor of our consolidated subsidiaries.

Item 7.C.  Interests of Experts and Counsel

Not applicable.

Item 8.  Financial Information

Item 8.A.  Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

See “Item 18—Financial Statements” and pages F-1 through F-95.

Legal Proceedings

In November 2009, 56 of our former customers began a claim against us for an aggregate 130 million in damages, alleging that we improperly subscribed them to our optional flat rate plans for fixed-line services without properly obtaining their consent or giving notification. The Seoul Central District Court ruled in our favor on all claims in May 2011, and the plaintiffs filed an appeal in June 2011. The Seoul High Court overruled the plaintiffs’ appeal in December 2011, and the plaintiffs subsequently filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of Korea. In March 2012, the Supreme Court of Korea denied the plaintiffs’ appeal. In connection with this complaint, the KCC investigated our past practices regarding our subscription of customers to optional flat rate plans, and issued an administrative decision in April 2011 which imposed several corrective orders including amendments to our standard terms of use and issuance of an administrative fine of approximately 10 billion. We paid such fines to the KCC and implemented its corrective orders.

 

95


Table of Contents

As part of our decision to apply for reallocation of the 20 MHz bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum, we applied to the KCC to terminate our 2G services, and on November 23, 2011, the KCC approved our plan. However, on November 30, 2011, approximately 900 of our 2G service subscribers filed a class-action suit against the KCC for its approval of our plan, claiming that we used improper means to reduce our 2G subscribers to comply with regulatory requirements before terminating the 2G PSC services and that the KCC did not consider such factor in approving our plan. On December 6, 2011, the Seoul Administrative Court issued a preliminary injunction, which temporarily suspended our termination of the 2G services until the case went to trial. We immediately appealed the decision and the Seoul High Court overruled the preliminary injunction on December 26, 2011 and reinstated the KCC’s approval. Accordingly, we terminated our 2G services in the Seoul metropolitan area and began the termination process for the rest of Korea on January 3, 2012. On January 12, 2012, the 2G subscribers filed an appeal of the Seoul High Court’s decision with the Supreme Court of Korea, and on February 1, 2012, the Supreme Court of Korea denied such appeal. On January 17, 2012, trial for the original class-action suit filed by the 2G subscribers began in the Seoul Administrative Court. On May 8, 2012, the Seoul Administrative court ruled in our favor on all claims and the plaintiffs subsequently filed an appeal with the Seoul High Court. On September 15, 2012, the Seoul High Court denied the plaintiffs’ appeal, and the plaintiffs appealed the decision to the Supreme Court of Korea. On February 15, 2013, the Supreme Court of Korea denied the plaintiffs’ appeal. On May 24, 2013, three other appeals by plaintiffs involving the termination of our 2G services were denied by the Supreme Court of Korea. Currently, there are no other pending disputes with respect to these claims.

In July 2012, the Fair Trade Commission issued to us an administrative fine of approximately 5 billion as well as certain corrective orders, after investigating certain pricing and subsidy practices of mobile service carriers and handset manufacturers. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., LG Electronics Co., Ltd., Pantech Curitel Co., Ltd., SK Telecom and LG U+ were also issued administrative fines as a result of the investigation. We filed for a stay of execution of the Fair Trade Commission’s decision, and on January 18, 2013, the Supreme Court of Korea granted a stay of execution with respect to the corrective order, and denied the stay of execution with respect to the administrative fine. We paid the entire fine in September 2012. In September 2012, we filed a lawsuit with the Seoul High Court against the Fair Trade Commission to appeal the administrative fine and the corrective order, and on February 6, 2014, the Seoul High Court ruled against us on our appeal. On February 18, 2014, we filed another appeal with respect to the administrative fine with the Supreme Court of Korea and plan to file for a stay of execution with respect to the corrective order. The outcome of this case will not result in any fine in addition to the fine we already paid in September 2012.

Based on investigations conducted in December 2012 and January 2013, the KCC imposed a combined fine of approximately 12 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us in January 2013 (our fine being approximately 2.9 billion), for providing subsidies that were higher than those allowed under current regulations to new mobile phone purchasers and subscribers, and also imposed temporary suspensions from recruiting new subscribers ranging from 20 days to 24 days. In March 2013, the KCC again imposed a combined fine of approximately 5 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 1.6 billion) for continuing to offer subsidies during the suspension period. In July 2013, the KCC imposed a combined fine of approximately 67 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 20 billion) and also imposed a seven day suspension on us from recruiting new subscribers, also in connection with providing excessive handset subsidies to new subscribers. In December 2013, the KCC again imposed a combined fine of approximately 106 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 30 billion), which is the largest fine ever imposed by the KCC on local mobile operators for providing excessive subsidies to new subscribers. On March 7, 2014, the MSIP imposed a temporary suspension on us for 45 days (from March 13, 2014 to April 26, 2014), SK Telecom for 45 days (from April 5, 2014 to May 19, 2014), and LG U+ for 45 days (from March 13, 2014 to April 4, 2014 and again from April 27, 2014 to May 18, 2014) from recruiting new subscribers as a result of continuing to offer excessive handset subsidies to

 

96


Table of Contents

new subscribers, despite the order from the KCC prohibiting such subsidies. Additionally, the MSIP announced that it plans to bring criminal charges with fines of up to 150 million and imprisonment of less than three years against any carrier and responsible personnel that fails to adhere to the suspension or continues to offer illegal subsidies after the suspension is completed.

In July 2012, the police arrested two individuals in connection with the alleged theft of personal account information relating to approximately 8.7 million of our mobile phone subscribers. The individuals in question stole personal information through a series of hackings starting from February 2012 into our New Service and Technology Evolution Program (“N-STEP”), our mobile customer information system. Since the incident, approximately 30,000 mobile phone subscribers filed lawsuits against us in connection with the N-STEP hackings, alleging that we failed to protect their personal information, and are seeking a total of approximately 15 billion in damages. The trials are currently ongoing at various district courts.

Furthermore, in March 2014, the police arrested three individuals in connection with their alleged theft of personal information relating to approximately 9.8 million of our subscribers. The individuals in question stole the personal information of our subscribers through a series of hackings into our main homepage starting from February 2014. On March 19, 2014, approximately 100 individuals collectively filed a lawsuit against us in Seoul Central District Court, seeking damages of approximately 200,000 per person. According to news reports, several other subscribers and third party organizations have filed lawsuits against us in connection with the incident, which we are not yet able to confirm as we have not yet received any official notice from the courts regarding these additional lawsuits. As part of an ongoing public-private task force investigation into the recent hacking incidents, the MSIP announced in March 2014 that it confirmed that hackers accessed our websites more than 12 million times using automated hacking programs in the three months prior to the announcement. On March 17, 2014, the KCC announced and the MSIP further announced that we may be fined up to 100 million in light of the most recent hacking incident.

In December 2013, the MSIP declared that the contract over our sale of Mugunghwa 3 was null and void, on the grounds that the satellite was sold without obtaining proper government approval, and ordered us to take corrective measures. We are currently involved in arbitration proceedings against ABS at the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce and the American Arbitration Association over the Mugunghwa 3 satellite ownership rights and contract violation claims.

We are a defendant in various other court proceedings involving claims for civil damages arising in the ordinary course of our business. While we are unable to predict the ultimate disposition of these claims, in the opinion of our management, the ultimate disposition of these claims will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Dividends

The table below sets out the annual dividends declared on the outstanding common stock to shareholders of record on December 31 of the years indicated and the interim dividends declared on the outstanding common stock to shareholders of record on June 30 of the years indicated:

 

Year

   Annual Dividend per
Common Stock
     Interim Dividend per
Common Stock
     Average Total
Dividend per Common
Stock
 
     (In Won)      (In Won)      (In Won)  

2009

     2,000                 2,000   

2010

     2,410                 2,410   

2011

     2,000                 2,000   

2012

     2,000                 2,000   

2013

     800                 800   

 

97


Table of Contents

If sufficient profits are available, the Board of Directors may propose annual dividends on the outstanding common stock, which our shareholders must approve by a resolution at the ordinary general meeting of shareholders. This meeting is generally held in March of the following year and if our shareholders at such ordinary general meeting of shareholders approve the annual dividend, we must pay such dividend within one month following the date of such resolution. Typically, we pay such dividends shortly after the meeting. The declaration of annual dividends is subject to the vote of our shareholders, and consequently, there can be no assurance as to the amount of dividends per common stock or that any such dividends will be declared. Interim dividends paid in cash can be declared by a resolution of the board of directors. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Dividends” and “Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities—Description of American Depositary Shares—Dividends and Distributions.”

The Commercial Code provides that shares of a company of the same class must receive equal treatment. However, major shareholders may consent to receive dividend distributions at a lesser rate than minor shareholders. Previously, the Government consented to receiving a smaller dividend compared to other shareholders. The Government no longer holds any interest in us.

Any cash dividends relating to the shares held in the form of ADSs will be paid to the depositary bank in Won. The deposit agreement provides that, except in certain circumstances, cash dividends received by the depositary bank will be converted by the depositary bank into Dollars and distributed to the holders of the ADRs, less withholding tax, other governmental charges and the depositary bank’s fees and expenses. See “Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities—Description of the American Depositary Shares—Dividends and Distributions.”

Item 8.B.  Significant Changes

Except as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we have not experienced any significant changes since the date of our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.

Item 9.  The Offer and Listing

Item 9.A.  Offer and Listing Details

Market Price Information

Common Stock

Our shares were listed on the KRX KOSPI Market on December 23, 1998. The price of the shares on the KRX KOSPI Market as of the close of trading on April 28, 2014 was 32,600 per share. The table below shows the high and low closing prices and the average daily volume of trading activity on the KRX KOSPI Market for the shares since January 2009:

 

     Price      Average Daily
Trading  Volume
 
     High      Low     
     (In Won)      (Number of shares)  

2009

     42,000         33,100         1,371,110   

2010

     50,600         39,150         1,343,486   

2011

     45,500         34,200         1,063,506   

2012

     39,750         27,700         1,067,315   

First quarter

     35,450         31,450         1,031,595   

Second quarter

     31,600         27,700         1,056,858   

Third quarter

     36,350         30,650         1,181,895   

Fourth quarter

     39,750         34,500         993,862   

 

98


Table of Contents
     Price      Average Daily
Trading  Volume
 
     High      Low     
     (In Won)      (Number of shares)  

2013

     40,850         29,850         1,149,143   

First quarter

     38,750         34,600         1,037,037   

Second quarter

     40,850         34,000         1,112,465   

Third quarter

     37,300         33,900         1,018,216   

Fourth quarter

     36,900         29,850         1,427,046   

2014 (through April 28)

     32,650         28,300         1,230,056   

First quarter

     31,900         28,300         981,580   

January

     31,900         29,850         1,007,246   

February

     31,900         29,100         1,121,649   

March

     29,900         28,300         823,737   

Second quarter (through April 28)

     32,650         28,700         1,987,907   

April (through April 28)

     32,650         28,700         1,987,907   

 

 

Source: KRX KOSPI Market.

ADSs

The outstanding ADSs, each of which represents one-half of one share of our common stock, have been traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange since May 25, 1999.

The price of the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange as of the close of trading on April 25, 2014 was $15.36 per ADS. The table below shows the high and low trading prices and the average daily volume of trading activity on the New York Stock Exchange for our ADSs since January 2009:

 

     Price      Average Daily
Trading  Volume
 
     High      Low     
     (In US$)      (Number of ADSs)  

2009

     17.64         11.42         639,566   

2010

     22.62         17.12         784,905   

2011

     20.86         14.49         1,124,692   

2012

     18.23         11.65         1,004,064   

First quarter

     15.49         13.69         1,436,411   

Second quarter

     13.90         11.65         938,943   

Third quarter

     16.24         13.38         887,720   

Fourth quarter

     18.23         15.38         756,111   

2013

     18.16         14.33         528,291   

First quarter

     18.07         15.65         766,282   

Second quarter

     18.16         14.92         518,995   

Third quarter

     17.25         15.00         368,603   

Fourth quarter

     17.24         14.33         474,159   

2014 (through April 25)

     15.73         13.24         527,105   

First quarter

     14.75         13.24         515,373   

January

     14.75         13.41         711,009   

February

     14.19         13.56         443,384   

March

     13.89         13.24         384,870   

Second quarter (through April 25)

     15.73         13.45         566,862   

April (through April 25)

     15.73         13.45         566,862   

 

Source: New York Stock Exchange.

Item 9.B.  Plan of Distribution

Not applicable.

 

99


Table of Contents

Item 9.C.  Markets

The KRX KOSPI Market

On January 27, 2005, the Korea Exchange was established pursuant to the Korea Securities and Futures Exchange Act through the consolidation of the Korea Stock Exchange, the Korea Futures Exchange, the KOSDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (the “KOSDAQ”) and the KOSDAQ Committee within the Korea Securities Dealers Association, which was in charge of the management of the KOSDAQ. There are four different markets operated by the Korea Exchange: the KRX KOSPI Market, the KRX KOSDAQ Market, the KRX KONEX Market and the KRX Derivatives Market. The Korea Exchange has three trading floors located in Seoul, one for the KRX KOSPI Market, one for the KRX KOSDAQ Market, one for the KRX KONEX Market, and one trading floor in Busan for the KRX Derivatives Market. The Korea Exchange is a limited liability company, the shares of which are held by (i) securities companies and futures companies that were formerly members of the Korea Stock Exchange or the Korea Futures Exchange, (ii) the Small & Medium Business Corporation, (iii) the Korea Securities Finance Corporation and (iv) the Korea Financial Investment Association. Currently, the Korea Exchange is the only stock exchange in Korea and is operated by membership, having as its members most of the Korean securities companies and some Korean branches of foreign securities companies.

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

The KRX KOSPI Market publishes the Korea Composite Stock Price Index every ten seconds, which is an index of all equity securities listed on the KRX KOSPI Market. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index is calculated using the aggregate value method, in which the market capitalizations of all listed companies are aggregated, subject to certain adjustments, and this aggregate is expressed as a percentage of the aggregate market capitalization of all listed companies as of the base date, January 4, 1980.

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

 

                                 Period Average  

Year

   Opening      High      Low      Closing      Dividend
Yield (1) (2)
(Percent)
     Price
Earnings
Ratio (2) (3)
 

1985

     139.53         163.37         131.40         163.37         5.3         5.2   

1986

     161.40         279.67         153.85         272.61         4.3         7.6   

1987

     264.82         525.11         264.82         525.11         2.6         10.9   

1988

     532.04         922.56         527.89         907.20         2.4         11.2   

1989

     919.61         1,007.77         844.75         909.72         2.0         13.9   

1990

     908.59         928.82         566.27         696.11         2.2         12.8   

1991

     679.75         763.10         586.51         610.92         2.6         11.2   

1992

     624.23         691.48         459.07         678.44         2.2         10.9   

1993

     697.41         874.10         605.93         866.18         1.6         12.7   

1994

     879.32         1,138.75         855.37         1,027.37         1.2         16.2   

1995

     1,027.45         1,016.77         847.09         882.94         1.2         16.4   

1996

     882.29         986.84         651.22         651.22         1.3         17.8   

1997

     647.67         792.29         350.68         376.31         1.5         17.0   

1998

     374.41         579.86         280.00         562.46         1.9         10.8   

1999

     565.10         1,028.07         498.42         1,028.07         1.1         13.5   

2000

     1,028.33         1,059.04         500.60         504.62         2.1         12.9   

 

100


Table of Contents
                                 Period Average  

Year

   Opening      High      Low      Closing      Dividend
Yield (1) (2)
(Percent)
     Price
Earnings
Ratio (2) (3)
 

2001

     503.31         704.50         468.76         693.70         1.7         16.4   

2002

     698.00         937.61         584.04         627.55         1.6         15.2   

2003

     633.03         822.16         515.24         810.71         2.0         11.8   

2004

     821.26         936.06         719.59         895.92         2.0         13.8   

2005

     896.00         1,379.37         870.84         1,379.37         1.8         10.6   

2006

     1,383.32         1,464.70         1,203.86         1,434.46         1.6         11.1   

2007

     1,438.89         2,064.85         1,355.79         1,897.13         1.4         15.8   

2008

     1,891.45         1,888.88         938.75         1,124.47         2.6         8.9   

2009

     1,132.87         1,718.88         1,018.81         1,682.77         1.6         22.9   

2010

     1,696.14         2,051.00         1,552.79         2,051.00         1.1         17.8   

2011

     2,078.08         2,228.96         1,652.71         1,825.74         1.5         10.5   

2012

     1,826.37         2,049.28         1,769.31         1,997.05         1.3         12.3   

2013

     2,031.10         2,059.58         1,780.63         2,011.34         1.2         13.5   

2014 (through April 25)

     1,967.19         2,008.61         1,886.85         1,971.66         1.2         14.7   

 

 

Source: The KRX KOSPI Market

 

(1) Dividend yields are based on daily figures. Dividend yields after January 3, 1984 include cash dividends only.

 

(2) Starting in April 2000, dividend yield and price earnings ratio are calculated based on KOSPI 200, an index of 200 equity securities listed on the KRX KOSPI Market. Starting in April 2000, KOSPI 200 excludes classified companies, companies which did not submit annual reports to the KRX KOSPI Market, and companies which received qualified opinion from external auditors.

 

(3) The price earnings ratio is based on figures for companies that record a profit in the preceding year.

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

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

 

Previous Days’ Closing Price

   Rounded Down To  

Less than 5,000

   5   

5,000 to less than 10,000

   10   

10,000 to less than 50,000

   50   

50,000 to less than 100,000

   100   

100,000 to less than 500,000

   500   

500,000 or more

   1,000   

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

Due to a deregulation of restrictions on brokerage commission rates, the brokerage commission rate on equity securities transactions may be determined by the parties, subject to commission schedules being filed with the KRX KOSPI Market by the securities companies. In addition, a securities transaction tax will generally be imposed on the transfer of shares or certain securities representing rights to subscribe for shares at the rate of 0.15% if such transfer is made through the KRX KOSPI Market. A special agricultural and fishery tax of 0.15% of the sales prices will

 

101


Table of Contents

also be imposed on transfer of these shares and securities on the KRX KOSPI Market. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.A. Taxation—Korean Taxation.”

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

 

     Market Capitalization
on the Last Day of Each Period
     Average Daily Trading Volume, Value  

Year

   Number of
Listed
Companies
     (Billions
of Won)
     (Millions of
Dollars)  (1)
     Thousands
of Shares
     (Millions
of Won)
     (Thousands of
Dollars)  (1)
 

1985

     342         6,570         7,381         18,925         12,315         13,834   

1986

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

1987

     389         26,172         33,033         20,353         70,185         88,583   

1988

     502         64,544         94,348         10,367         198,364         289,963   

1989

     626         95,477         140,490         11,757         280,967         414,430   

1990

     669         79,020         110,301         10,866         183,692         256,411   

1991

     686         73,118         96,107         14,022         214,263         281,629   

1992

     688         84,712         107,448         24,028         308,246         390,977   

1993

     693         112,665         139,420         35,130         574,048         710,367   

1994

     699         151,217         191,730         36,862         776,257         984,223   

1995

     721         141,151         182,201         26,130         487,762         629,613   

1996

     760         117,370         139,031         26,571         486,834         575,680   

1997

     776         70,989         50,162         41,525         555,759         392,707   

1998

     748         137,799         114,091         97,716         660,429         546,803   

1999

     725         349,504         305,137         278,551         3,481,620         3,039,655   

2000

     704         188,042         149,275         306,163         2,602,211         2,065,739   

2001

     689         253,843         191,421         473,241         1,997,420         1,506,237   

2002

     683         258,681         215,496         857,245         3,041,598         2,533,815   

2003

     684         355,363         296,679         542,010         2,216,636         1,850,589   

2004

     683         412,588         395,275         372,895         2,232,109         2,138,445   

2005

     702         655,075         646,668         467,629         3,157,662         3,117,139   

2006

     731         704,588         757,948         279,096         3,435,180         3,695,332   

2007

     746         951,887         1,014,589         363,732         5,539,588         5,904,485   

2008

     765         576,888         458,757         355,205         5,189,644         4,126,953   

2009

     770         887,316         759,949         483,902         5,783,552         4,953,367   

2010

     777         1,141,885         1,002,621         380,859         5,619,768         4,934,382   

2011

     791         1,041,999         903,493         353,760         6,863,146         5,950,877   

2012

     784         1,154,294         1,077,672         486,480         4,823,643         4,503,448   

2013

     777         1,185,974         1,123,826         328,325         3,993,422         3,784,158   

2014 (through April 25)

     770         1,174,879         1,131,541         233,289         3,721,007         3,583,749   

 

 

Source: The KRX KOSPI Market

 

(1) Converted at the Concentration Base Rate of The Bank of Korea or the Market Average Exchange Rate as announced by Seoul Money Brokerage Services Limited, as the case may be, at the end of the periods indicated.

The Korean securities markets are principally regulated by the Financial Services Commission of Korea and the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act. The Securities and Exchange Act which regulated the securities markets in the past was replaced with the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act on February 4, 2009. The new law, as did the Securities and Exchange Act, imposes restrictions on insider trading and price manipulation, requires specified information to be made available by listed companies to investors and establishes rules regarding margin trading, proxy solicitation, takeover bids, acquisition of treasury shares and reporting requirements for shareholders holding substantial interests.

 

102


Table of Contents

Further Opening of the Korean Securities Market

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

Foreign investors are permitted to invest in warrants representing the right to subscribe for shares of a company listed on the KRX KOSPI Market or registered on the KRX KOSDAQ Market, subject to certain investment limitations. A foreign investor may not acquire such warrants with respect to shares of a class of a company for which the ceiling on aggregate investment by foreigners has been reached or exceeded.

Foreign investors are permitted to invest in all types of corporate bonds, bonds issued by national or local governments and bonds issued in accordance with certain special laws without being subject to any aggregate or individual investment ceiling. The Financial Services Commission sets forth procedural requirements for such investments. Foreigners are permitted to invest in certificates of deposit and repurchase agreements.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

103


Table of Contents

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

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

Item 9.D.  Selling Shareholders

Not applicable.

Item 9.E.  Dilution

Not applicable.

Item 9.F.  Expenses of the Issuer

Not applicable.

Item 10.  Additional Information

Item 10.A. Share Capital

Currently, our authorized share capital is 1,000,000,000 shares, which consists of shares of common stock, par value 5,000 per share (“Common Shares”) and shares of non-voting preferred stock, par value 5,000 per share (“Non-Voting Shares”). Common Shares and Non-Voting Shares together are referred to as “Shares.” Under our articles of incorporation, we are authorized to issue Non-Voting Shares up to one-fourth of our total issued capital stock. As of December 31, 2013, 261,111,808 Common Shares were issued, of which 17,308,160 shares were held by the treasury stock fund or us as treasury shares. We have never issued any Non-Voting Shares. All of the issued Common Shares are fully-paid and non-assessable and are in registered form. We issue share certificates in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 and 10,000 shares.

Item 10.B.  Memorandum and Articles of Association

This section provides information relating to our capital stock, including brief summaries of material provisions of our articles of incorporation, the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, the Commercial Code and related laws of Korea, all as currently in effect. The following summaries are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, our articles of incorporation and the applicable provisions of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act and the Commercial Code. We have filed a copy of our articles of incorporation as an exhibit to registration statements under the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act previously filed by us.

 

104


Table of Contents

Dividends

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

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

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

Under the Commercial Code, we may pay our dividend only out of the excess of our net assets, on a non-consolidated basis, over the sum of (1) our stated capital and (2) the total amount of our capital surplus reserve and earned surplus reserve (the “Legal Reserve”) accumulated up to the end of the relevant dividend period. In addition, we may not pay any dividend unless we have set aside as earned surplus reserve an amount equal to at least 10% of the cash portion of the dividend or unless we have accumulated an earned surplus reserve of not less than one-half of our stated capital. We may not use the Legal Reserve to pay cash dividends but may transfer amounts from the Legal Reserve to capital stock or use the Legal Reserve to reduce an accumulated deficit.

Distribution of Free Shares

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

Preemptive Rights and Issuance of Additional Shares

We may issue authorized but unissued shares at times and, unless otherwise provided in the Commercial Code, on terms our board of directors may determine. Subject to the limitation described in “Limitation on Shareholdings” below, all our shareholders are generally entitled to subscribe for any newly issued Shares in proportion to their existing shareholdings. We must offer new Shares on uniform terms to all shareholders who have preemptive rights and are listed on our shareholders’ register as of the relevant record date. Under the Commercial Code, we may vary, without shareholders’ approval, the terms of these preemptive rights for different classes of shares. We must give notice to all persons who are entitled to exercise preemptive rights regarding new Shares and

 

105


Table of Contents

their transferability at least two weeks before the relevant record date. Our board of directors may determine how to distribute Shares for which preemptive rights have not been exercised or where fractions of Shares occur.

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

 

   

publicly offered pursuant to Articles 4 and 119 of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act;

 

   

issued to members of our employee stock ownership association;

 

   

represented by depositary receipts;

 

   

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

 

   

issued through an offering to public investors pursuant to Article 165-6 of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, the amount of which is no more than 10% of the issued Shares;

 

   

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

 

   

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

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

Members of our employee stock ownership association, whether or not they are our shareholders, generally have a preemptive right to subscribe for up to 20.0% of the Shares publicly offered pursuant to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act. This right is exercisable only to the extent that the total number of Shares so acquired and held by members of our employee stock ownership association does not then exceed 20.0% of the total number of Shares then issued (including in such total both: (i) all issued and outstanding Shares at the time the preemptive rights are exercised; and (ii) all Shares to be newly issued in the applicable share issuance transaction in connection with which such preemptive rights are exercised). As of December 31, 2013, 1.05% of the issued Shares were held by members of our employee stock ownership association.

Limitation on Shareholdings

The Telecommunications Business Act permits maximum aggregate foreign shareholding in us to be 49.0% of our total issued and outstanding Shares with voting rights (including equivalent securities with voting rights, e.g., depositary certificates and certain other equity interests). For the purposes of the foregoing, a shareholder is a “foreign shareholder” if such shareholder is: (1) a foreign person; (2) a foreign government; or (3) a company whose largest shareholder is a foreign person (including any “specially related persons” as determined under the Financial Investment Services and

 

106


Table of Contents

Capital Markets Act) or a foreign government, in circumstances where (i) such foreign person or foreign government holds, in aggregate, 15.0% or more of such company’s total voting shares, and (ii) such company holds at least 1.0% of our total issued and outstanding Shares with voting rights. For the avoidance of doubt, both of conditions (i) and (ii) in the foregoing item (3) must exist for such a company to be counted as a “foreign shareholder” for the purposes of calculating whether the 49.0% foreign shareholding threshold is reached under the Telecommunications Business Act. In addition, the Telecommunications Business Act prohibits a foreign shareholder from being our largest shareholder if such shareholder owns 5.0% or more of our Shares with voting rights. For the purposes of this restriction, any two or more foreign persons or foreign governments who enter into an agreement to act in concert in the exercise of their voting rights will be counted together and prohibited from becoming our largest shareholder in the event that they collectively hold 5.0% or more of our Shares. For the purposes of this restriction under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act, a “foreign shareholder” is defined in the same manner as described above with respect to the foreign shareholding restriction under the Telecommunications Business Act, provided, however, that no exception is made under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act regulations for companies that own less than 1.0% of our Shares (see item (3)(ii) above in this paragraph). A foreigner who has acquired the Shares in excess of such ceiling described above may not exercise its voting rights for shares in excess of such limitation, and the MSIP may require corrective measures to comply with the ownership restrictions.

General Meeting of Shareholders

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

 

   

as necessary;

 

   

at the request of shareholders of an aggregate of 3.0% or more of our issued Common Shares;

 

   

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

 

   

at the request of our audit committee.

We must give shareholders written notice setting out the date, place and agenda of the meeting at least two weeks before the date of the general meeting of shareholders. However, for holders of less than 1.0% of the total number of issued and outstanding Common Shares, we may give notice by placing at least two public notices in at least two daily newspapers at least two weeks in advance of the meeting. Currently, we use Seoul Shinmun, Maeil Business Newspaper and The Korea Economic Daily published in Seoul for this purpose. Shareholders not on the shareholders’ register as of the record date are not entitled to receive notice of the general meeting of shareholders or attend or vote at the meeting. Holders of Non-Voting Shares are not entitled to receive notice of general meetings of shareholders, but may attend such meetings.

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

Voting Rights

Holders of our Common Shares are entitled to one vote for each Common Share, except that voting rights of Common Shares held by us, or by a corporate shareholder that is more than 10.0%

 

107


Table of Contents

owned by us either directly or indirectly, may not be exercised. The Commercial Code permits cumulative voting, under which voting method each shareholder has multiple voting rights corresponding to the number of directors to be appointed in the voting and may exercise all voting rights cumulatively to elect one director. Our articles of incorporation permit cumulative voting at our shareholders’ meeting. Under the Commercial Code of Korea, any shareholder holding shares equivalent to not less than 1/100 of the total number of shares issued may apply to us for selecting and appointing such directors by cumulative voting.

Our shareholders may adopt resolutions at a general meeting by an affirmative majority vote of the voting shares present or represented at the meeting, where the affirmative votes also represent at least one-fourth of our total voting shares then outstanding. However, under the Commercial Code and our articles of incorporation, the following matters, among others, require approval by the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting shares present or represented at a meeting, where the affirmative votes also represent at least one-third of our total voting shares then outstanding:

 

   

amending our articles of incorporation;

 

   

removing a director;

 

   

reduction of our capital stock;

 

   

effecting any dissolution, merger or consolidation of us;

 

   

transferring the whole or any significant part of our business;

 

   

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

 

   

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

In general, holders of Non-Voting Shares are not entitled to vote on any resolution or receive notice of any general meeting of shareholders. However, in the case of amendments to our articles of incorporation, any merger or consolidation of us, or in some other cases that affect the rights or interests of the Non-Voting Shares, approval of the holders of Non-Voting Shares is required. We may obtain such approval by a resolution of holders of at least two-thirds of the Non-Voting Shares present or represented at a class meeting of the holders of Non-Voting Shares, where the affirmative votes also represent at least one-third of our total outstanding Non-Voting Shares.

Shareholders may exercise their voting rights by proxy. The proxy must present a document evidencing an appropriate power of attorney prior to the start of the general meeting of shareholders. Additionally, shareholders may exercise their voting rights in absentia by submission of signed write-in voting forms. To make it possible for our shareholders to proceed with voting on a write-in basis, we are required to attach the appropriate write-in voting form and related informational material to the notices distributed to shareholders for convening the relevant general meeting of shareholders. Any of our shareholders who desires to vote on such write-in basis must submit their completed and signed write-in voting forms to us no later than one day prior to the date that the relevant general meeting of shareholders is convened.

Holders of ADRs exercise their voting rights through the ADR depositary, an agent of which is the record holder of the underlying Common Shares. Subject to the provisions of the deposit agreement, ADR holders are entitled to instruct the ADR depositary how to vote the Common Shares underlying their ADSs. See “Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities—Description of American Depositary Shares—Voting Rights.”

 

108


Table of Contents

Appraisal Rights of Dissenting Shareholders

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

Register of Shareholders and Record Dates

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

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

Annual Reports

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

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

 

109


Table of Contents

Transfer of Shares

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

Under current Korean regulations, Korean securities companies and banks, including licensed branches of non-Korean securities companies and banks, investment management companies, futures trading companies, internationally recognized foreign custodians and the Korea Securities Depository may act as agents and provide related services for foreign shareholders. Certain foreign exchange controls and securities regulations apply to the transfer of Shares by non-residents or non-Koreans. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.D. Exchange Controls.”

Our transfer agent is Kookmin Bank, located at 24, Gukjegeumyung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Korea.

Acquisition of Shares by Us

Under the Commercial Code, we may acquire our own Shares by (i) purchasing on the KRX KOSPI Market, or (ii) purchasing from shareholders on a pro rata basis in accordance with the number of shares held by each shareholder. The aggregate purchase price for the Shares may not exceed the total amount available for distribution of dividends at the end of the preceding fiscal year. Moreover, we must acquire our own Shares from dissenting shareholders who exercise their appraisal rights.

Under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, we may acquire Shares only by (i) purchasing on the KRX KOSPI Market, (ii) purchasing from shareholders on a pro rata basis in accordance with the number of shares held by each shareholder, or (iii) receiving Shares returned to us upon the cancellation or termination of a trust agreement with a trustee who acquired the Shares by either of the methods indicated above. The aggregate purchase price for the Shares may not exceed the total amount available for distribution of dividends at the end of the preceding fiscal year.

In general, corporate entities in which we own a 50.0% or more equity interest may not acquire our Shares.

As of December 31, 2013, there were 17,221,575 treasury shares including shares held by our treasury stock fund.

Liquidation Rights

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

Item 10.C.  Material Contracts

We have not entered into any material contracts since January 1, 2010, other than in the ordinary course of our business. For information regarding our agreements and transactions with

 

110


Table of Contents

certain related parties, see “Item 7.B. Related Party Transactions” and Note 34 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For a description of certain agreements entered into during the past two years related to our capital commitments and obligations, see “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Item 10.D.  Exchange Controls

General

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

Under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws, if the Government deems that certain emergency circumstances, including, but not limited to, the outbreak of natural calamities, wars or grave and sudden changes in domestic or foreign economies, are likely to occur, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance may temporarily suspend the transactions where Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws are applicable, or impose an obligation to deposit or sell capital to certain Korean governmental agencies or financial institutions. In addition, if the Government deems that it is confronted or is likely to be confronted with serious difficulty in movement of capital between Korea and abroad which will bring serious obstacles in carrying out its currency policies, exchange rate policies and other macroeconomic policies, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance may take measures to require any person who performs transactions to deposit such capital to certain Korean governmental agencies or financial institutions.

Government Review of Issuance of ADSs

In order for us to issue shares represented by ADSs, we are required to file a prior report of the issuance with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance if our securities and borrowings denominated in foreign currencies issued during the one-year period preceding such filing date exceed US$30 million in aggregate. No further Korean governmental approval is necessary for the initial offering and issuance of the ADSs.

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

Reporting Requirements for Holders of Substantial Interests

Any person whose direct or beneficial ownership of shares, whether in the form of shares or ADSs, certificates representing the rights to subscribe for Shares and equity-related debt securities

 

111


Table of Contents

including convertible bonds and bonds with warrants (collectively, the “Equity Securities”) together with the Equity Securities beneficially owned by certain related persons or by any person acting in concert with the person accounts for 5.0% or more of the total issued Equity Securities is required to report the status of the holdings to the Financial Services Commission and the KRX KOSPI Market within five business days after reaching the 5.0% ownership interest. In addition, any change in the ownership interest subsequent to the report which equals or exceeds 1.0% of the total issued Equity Securities is required to be reported to the Financial Services Commission and the KRX KOSPI Market within five business days from the date of the change. The required information to be included in the 5.0% report may be different if the acquisition of such shareholding interest is for the purpose of exercising influence over the management, as opposed to an acquisition for investment purposes. Any person reporting the holding of 5.0% or more of the total issued Equity Securities and any person reporting the change in the ownership interest which equals or exceeds 1.0% of the total issued Equity Securities pursuant to the requirements described above must also deliver a copy of such reports to us.

Violation of these reporting requirements may subject a person to criminal sanctions such as fines or imprisonment and may result in a loss of voting rights with respect to the unreported ownership of Equity Securities exceeding 5.0%. Furthermore, the Financial Services Commission may issue an order to dispose of non-reported Equity Securities.

Restrictions Applicable to ADSs

No Korean governmental approval is necessary for the sale and purchase of ADSs in the secondary market outside Korea or for the withdrawal of shares underlying ADSs and the delivery inside Korea of shares in connection with the withdrawal, provided that a foreigner who intends to acquire the shares must obtain an investment registration certificate from the Financial Supervisory Service as described below. In general, the acquisition of the shares by a foreigner must be reported by the foreigner or his standing proxy in Korea immediately to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service; provided, however, that in cases where a foreigner acquires shares through the exercise of rights as a holder of ADSs (or other depositary certificates), the foreigner must cause such report to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service to be filed by the Korea Securities Depository.

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

Restrictions Applicable to Shares

As a result of amendments to the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws and Financial Services Commission regulations adopted in connection with the stock market opening from January 1992, which we refer to collectively as the Investment Rules, foreigners may invest, with limited exceptions and subject to procedural requirements, in all shares of Korean companies, whether listed on the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market, unless prohibited by specific laws. Foreign investors may trade shares listed on the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market only through the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market, except in limited circumstances, including:

 

   

odd-lot trading of shares;

 

   

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

 

112


Table of Contents
   

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

 

   

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

 

   

shares acquired by foreign direct investment as defined in the Foreign Investment Promotion Act;

 

   

disposal of shares pursuant to the exercise of appraisal rights of dissenting shareholders;

 

   

disposal of shares in connection with a tender offer;

 

   

acquisition of shares by a foreign depositary in connection with the issuance of depositary receipts;

 

   

acquisition and disposal of shares through overseas stock exchange market if such shares are simultaneously listed on the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market and such overseas stock exchange;

 

   

acquisition and disposal of shares through alternative trading systems (ATS);

 

   

arm’s length transactions between foreigners, if all of such foreigners belong to an investment group managed by the same person.

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

The Investment Rules require a foreign investor who wishes to invest in shares on the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market (including Converted Shares) to register its identity with the Financial Supervisory Service prior to making any such investment; however, the registration requirement does not apply to foreign investors who acquire Converted Shares with the intention of selling such Converted Shares within three months from the date of acquisition of the Converted Shares or who acquire the shares in an over-the-counter transaction or dispose of shares where such acquisition or disposal is a foreign direct investment as defined in the Foreign Investment Promotion Act. Upon registration, the Financial Supervisory Service will issue to the foreign investor an investment registration certificate that must be presented each time the foreign investor opens a brokerage account with a financial investment business entity. Foreigners eligible to obtain an investment registration certificate include foreign nationals who are individuals residing abroad for more than six months, foreign governments, foreign municipal authorities, foreign public institutions, corporations incorporated under foreign laws, international organizations, funds and associations as defined under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act. All Korean offices of a foreign corporation as a group are treated as a separate entity from the offices of the corporation outside Korea. However, a foreign corporation or depositary bank issuing depositary receipts may obtain one or more investment registration certificates in its name in certain circumstances as described in the relevant regulations.

 

113


Table of Contents

Upon a foreign investor’s purchase of shares through the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market, no separate report by the investor is required because the investment registration certificate system is designed to control and oversee foreign investment through a computer system. However, a foreign investor’s acquisition or sale of shares outside the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market (as discussed above) must be reported by the foreign investor or his standing proxy to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service at the time of each such acquisition or sale; provided, however, that in cases where a foreigner acquires shares through the exercise of rights as a holder of ADSs (or other depositary certificates), the foreigner must cause such report to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service to be filed by the Korea Securities Depository; and further provided that a foreign investor must ensure that any acquisition or sale by it of shares outside the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market in the case of trades in connection with a tender offer, odd-lot trading of shares or trades of a class of shares for which the aggregate foreign ownership limit has been reached or exceeded, is reported to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service by the investment trader, the investment broker, the Korea Securities Depository or the financial securities company engaged to facilitate such transaction. A foreign investor may appoint one or more standing proxies from among the Korea Securities Depository, foreign exchange banks, including domestic branches of foreign banks, investment traders, investment brokers, the Korea Securities Depository, financial securities companies and internationally recognized custodians that satisfies all relevant requirements under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act.

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

Under the Investment Rules, with certain exceptions, foreign investors may acquire shares of a Korean company without being subject to any foreign investment ceiling. As one such exception, designated public corporations are subject to a 40.0% ceiling on the acquisition of shares by foreigners in the aggregate and a ceiling on the acquisition of shares by a single foreign investor pursuant to the articles of incorporation of such corporation. Currently, Korea Electric Power Corporation is the only designated public corporation which has set such a ceiling. Furthermore, an investment by a foreign investor of not less than 10.0% of the issued shares with voting rights of a Korean company is defined as a direct foreign investment under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act, which is, in general, subject to the report to, and acceptance, by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy. The acquisition of shares of a Korean company by a foreign investor may also be subject to certain foreign shareholding restrictions in the event that the restrictions are prescribed in each specific law which regulates the business of the Korean company. A foreigner who has acquired shares of our common stock in excess of this ceiling may not exercise his voting rights with respect to the shares of our common stock exceeding the limit.

Under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws, a foreign investor who intends to acquire shares must designate a foreign exchange bank at which he must open a foreign currency account and a Won account exclusively for stock investments. No approval is required for remittance into Korea and deposit of foreign currency funds in the foreign currency account. Foreign currency funds may be transferred from the foreign currency account at the time required to place a deposit for, or settle the

 

114


Table of Contents

purchase price of, a stock purchase transaction to a Won account opened at an investment broker or an investment trader. Funds in the foreign currency account may be remitted abroad without any governmental approval.

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

Investment brokers and investment traders are allowed to open foreign currency accounts with foreign exchange banks exclusively for accommodating foreign investors’ stock investments in Korea. Through these accounts, these investment brokers and investment traders may enter into foreign exchange transactions on a limited basis, such as conversion of foreign currency funds and Won funds, either as a counterparty to or on behalf of foreign investors, without the investors having to open their own accounts with foreign exchange banks.

Item 10.E.  Taxation

The following summary is based upon tax laws of the United States and the Republic of Korea as in effect on the date of this annual report on Form 20-F, and is subject to any change in United States or Korean law that may come into effect after such date. Investors in the shares of common stock or ADSs are advised to consult their own tax advisers as to the United States, Korean or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of such securities, including the effect of any national, state or local tax laws.

Korean Taxation

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

 

   

a resident of Korea;

 

   

a corporation organized under Korean law; or

 

   

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

Shares or ADSs

Dividends on Shares of Common Stock or ADSs

Unless an applicable tax treaty provides otherwise, we will deduct Korean withholding tax from dividends paid to you either in cash or shares at a rate of 22.0% (including local income tax). If you are a resident of a country that has entered into a tax treaty with Korea, you may qualify for a reduced rate of Korean withholding tax under such a treaty. For example, if you are a qualified resident of the United States for purposes of the US-Korea Tax Treaty (the “Treaty”) and you are the beneficial owner of a dividend, a reduced withholding tax rate of 16.5% (including local income tax) generally will apply. You will not be entitled to claim treaty benefits if you are not the beneficial owner of a dividend.

 

115


Table of Contents

In order to obtain the benefits of a reduced withholding tax rate under a tax treaty, you must submit to us, prior to the dividend payment date, such evidence of tax residence as may be required by the Korean tax authorities. In the case of ADSs, evidence of tax residence may be submitted to us through the depositary. Excess taxes withheld may be recoverable if you subsequently produce satisfactory evidence that you were entitled to have tax withheld at a lower rate.

If we distribute to you free shares representing a transfer of certain capital reserves or asset revaluation reserves into paid-in capital, that distribution may be a deemed dividend subject to Korean tax.

Capital Gains

Capital gain from a sale of shares of common stock will generally be exempt from Korean taxation if you have owned, together with certain related parties, less than 25.0% of our total issued shares during the year of sale and the five calendar years before the year of sale, and the sale is made through the KRX KOSPI Market, and you have no permanent establishment in Korea. Capital gain earned by a non-Korean holder from a sale of ADSs outside of Korea are exempt from Korean taxation by virtue of the Special Tax Treatment Control Law of Korea (the “STTCL”), provided that the issuance of the ADSs is deemed to be an overseas issuance under the STTCL.

If you are subject to Korean taxation on capital gain from a sale of ADSs, or shares of common stock that you acquired as a result of a withdrawal, your gain will be calculated based on your cost of acquiring the ADSs representing the shares of common stock, although there are no specific Korean tax provisions or rulings on this issue. In the absence of the application of a tax treaty that exempts tax on capital gain, the amount of Korean tax imposed on such capital gains will be the lesser of 11.0% (including local income tax) of the gross realization proceeds or, subject to the production of satisfactory evidence of the acquisition cost and the transaction costs of the ADSs, 22.0% (including local income tax) of the net capital gain.

If you are subject to Korean taxation on capital gains from a sale of ADSs, shares of common stock that you acquire as a result of a withdrawal, and you sell your shares of common stock or ADSs, the purchaser or, in the case of a sale of shares of common stock on the KRX KOSPI Market 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% (including local income tax) of the gross realization proceeds and to make payment thereof to the Korean tax authorities, unless you establish your entitlement to an exemption of taxation under an applicable tax treaty or produce satisfactory evidence of your acquisition cost and the transaction costs for the shares of common stock or ADSs. In order to obtain the benefit of an exemption of tax pursuant to a tax treaty, you must submit to the purchaser or the securities company (or through the depositary), as the case may be, prior to the first payment, an exemption application, together with a certificate of your tax residence issued by a competent authority of your residence country. This requirement will not apply to exemptions under Korean tax law. Excess taxes withheld may be recoverable if you subsequently produce satisfactory evidence that you were entitled to have taxes withheld at a lower rate.

Most tax treaties that Korea has entered into provide exemptions for capital gains tax for capital gains from sale and purchase of shares of common stock. However, Korea’s tax treaties with Japan, Austria, Spain and a few other countries do not provide an exemption from such capital gains tax. For example, Article 13 of Korea’s tax treaty with Japan provides that if a taxpayer holding 25% or more (including those shares held by any related party of the taxpayer) of total issued shares of a company in a taxable year sells 5% or more (including those sold by any related party of the taxpayer) of total issued shares of the same company in the same taxable year, the country where the company is a resident may impose tax on such taxpayer.

 

116


Table of Contents

Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax

Korean inheritance tax is imposed upon (a) all assets (wherever located) of the deceased if at the time of his death he was domiciled in Korea and (b) all property located in Korea which passes on death (irrespective of the domicile of the deceased). Gift tax is imposed in similar circumstances to the above. Taxes are currently imposed at the rate of 10% to 50% if the value of the relevant property is above a certain limit and vary according to the identity of the parties involved.

Under Korean Inheritance and Gift Tax Law, shares issued by a Korean corporation are deemed located in Korea irrespective of where they are physically located or by whom they are owned. It remains unclear whether, for Korean inheritance and gift tax purposes, a non-resident holder of ADSs will be treated as the owner of the shares underlying the ADSs. If such non-resident is treated as the owner of the shares, the heir or donee of such non-resident (or in certain circumstances, the non-resident as the donor) will be subject to Korean inheritance or gift tax at the same rate as described above.

Securities Transaction Tax

If you transfer shares of common stock on the KRX KOSPI Market, you will be subject to the securities transaction tax at a rate of 0.15% and an agriculture and fishery special tax at a rate of 0.15%, calculated based on the sales price of the shares. If you transfer shares of common stock and your transfer is not made on the KRX KOSPI Market you will generally be subject to the securities transaction tax at a rate of 0.5% and will generally not be subject to the agriculture and fishery special tax.

With respect to transfers of ADSs, a tax ruling issued in 2004 by the Korean tax authority appears to hold that depositary receipts (such as the ADSs) constitute share certificates subject to the securities transaction tax. In May 2007, the Seoul Administrative Court held that depositary receipts do not constitute share certificates subject to the securities transaction tax. In 2008, the Seoul Administrative Court’s holding was upheld by the Seoul High Court and was further upheld by the Supreme Court. Subsequent to this series of rulings, however, the Securities Transaction Tax Law was amended to expressly provide that depositary receipts constituted a form of share certificates subject to the securities transaction tax. However, the sale price of ADSs from a transfer of depositary receipts listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq National Market or other qualified foreign exchanges are exempt from the securities transaction tax.

United States Federal Income Taxation

This summary describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to you, if you are a U.S. holder (as defined below), of owning our shares of common stock or ADSs. This summary applies to you only if you hold shares of common stock or ADSs as capital assets for tax purposes. This summary does not apply to you if you are a member of a class of holders subject to special rules, such as:

 

   

a dealer in securities or currencies;

 

   

a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for your securities holdings;

 

   

a bank;

 

   

an insurance company;

 

117


Table of Contents
   

a tax-exempt organization;

 

   

a person that holds shares of common stock or ADSs that are a hedge or that are hedged against interest rate or currency risks;

 

   

a person that holds shares of common stock or ADSs as part of a straddle or conversion transaction for tax purposes;

 

   

a person whose functional currency for tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar; or

 

   

a person that owns or is deemed to own 10% or more of any class of our stock.

Further, this summary does not address the alternative minimum tax, the Medicare tax on net investment income or other aspects of U.S. federal income or state and local taxation that may be relevant to a holder in light of such holder’s particular circumstances.

This summary is based on laws, treaties and regulatory interpretations in effect on the date hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.

Please consult your own tax advisers concerning the U.S. federal, state, local and other national tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of shares of common stock or ADSs in your particular circumstances.

For purposes of this summary, you are a “U.S. holder” if you are a beneficial owner of shares of common stock or ADSs and are:

 

   

a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

   

an entity treated as a U.S. domestic corporation; or

 

   

otherwise subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis with respect to income from the shares of common stock or ADSs.

If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds shares of common stock or ADSs, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will depend upon the status of the partnership and the activities of the partner. A partner of a partnership holding shares of common stock or ADSs should consult its own tax adviser regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to the partner of the acquisition, ownership and disposition by the partnership of shares of common stock or ADSs.

Shares of Common Stock and ADSs

In general, if you hold ADSs, you will be treated as the holder of the shares of common stock represented by those ADSs for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and no gain or loss will be recognized if you exchange an ADS for the shares of common stock represented by that ADS.

Dividends

The gross amount of cash dividends that you receive (prior to deduction of Korean taxes) generally will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation as foreign source dividend income. Dividends paid in Won will be included in your income in a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date of your (or, in the case of ADSs, the depositary’s) receipt of the

 

118


Table of Contents

dividend, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. If such a dividend is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, you generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the treatment of any foreign currency gain or loss on any Won received by U.S. holders that are converted into U.S. dollars on a date subsequent to receipt.

Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the U.S. dollar amount of dividends received by an individual with respect to the ADSs and common stock will be subject to taxation at the reduced rates applicable to capital gains if the dividends are “qualified dividends.” Dividends paid on the ADSs and common stock will be treated as qualified dividends if (i) we are eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the Internal Revenue Service has approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules and (ii) we were not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and are not, in the year in which the dividend is paid, a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”). The income tax treaty between Korea and the United States (the “Treaty”) has been approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules, and we believe we are eligible for benefits under the Treaty. Based on our audited financial statements and relevant market and shareholder data, we do not anticipate being classified as a PFIC. You should consult your own tax advisers regarding the availability of the reduced dividend tax rate in light of your own particular circumstances.

Distributions of additional shares in respect of shares of common stock or ADSs that are made as part of a pro-rata distribution to all of our shareholders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.

Sales and Other Dispositions

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, gain or loss that you realize on the sale or other disposition of shares of common stock or ADSs will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares of common stock or ADSs were held for more than one year.

Foreign Tax Credit Considerations

You should consult your own tax advisers to determine whether you are subject to any special rules that limit your ability to make effective use of foreign tax credits, including the possible adverse impact of failing to take advantage of benefits under the income tax treaty between the United States and Korea. If no such rules apply, you generally may claim a credit, up to any applicable reduced rates provided under the Treaty, against your U.S. federal income tax liability for Korean taxes withheld from dividends on shares of common stock or ADSs, so long as you have owned the shares of common stock or ADSs (and not entered into certain kinds of hedging transactions) for at least a 16-day period that includes the ex-dividend date. Instead of claiming a credit, you may generally elect to deduct such Korean taxes in computing your taxable income provided that you do not elect to claim a foreign tax credit for any foreign income taxes paid or accrued for the relevant tax year. Foreign tax credits will not be allowed for withholding taxes imposed in respect of certain hedged positions in securities and may not be allowed in respect of arrangements in which your expected economic profit is insubstantial. You 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 you can use the credit against United States tax due on other foreign-source income.

Any Korean securities transaction tax or agriculture and fishery special tax that you pay will not be creditable for foreign tax credit purposes.

 

119


Table of Contents

The calculation of foreign tax credits and, in the case of a U.S. holder that elects to deduct foreign taxes, the availability of deductions involve the application of complex rules that depend on a U.S. holder’s particular circumstances. You should consult your own tax advisers regarding the creditability or deductibility of such taxes.

U.S. Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Rules

Payments in respect of the shares of common stock or ADSs that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries are subject to information reporting and may be subject to backup withholding unless the holder (1) is a corporation or other exempt recipient or (2) provides a taxpayer identification number and certifies that no loss of exemption from backup withholding has occurred. Holders that are not U.S. persons generally are not subject to information reporting or backup withholding. However, such a holder may be required to provide a certification of its non-U.S. status in connection with payments received within the United States or through a U.S.-related financial intermediary.

Item 10.F.  Dividends and Paying Agents

See “Item 8. Financial Information—Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Dividends” for information concerning our dividend policies and our payment of dividends. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Dividends” for a discussion of the process by which dividends are paid on our common shares. See “Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities—Description of American Depositary Shares—Dividends and Distributions” for a discussion of the process by which dividends are paid on our ADSs. The paying agent for payment of our dividends on ADSs in the United States is Citibank, N.A.

Item 10.G.  Statements by Experts

Not applicable.

Item 10.H.  Documents on Display

We are subject to the information requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and, in accordance therewith, are required to file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These materials, including this annual report and the exhibits thereto, may be inspected and copied at the Commission’s public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. We are required to make filings with the Commission by electronic means, which will be available to the public over the Internet at the Commission’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.

Item 10.I.  Subsidiary Information

Not applicable.

Item 11.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to foreign exchange rate and interest rate risks primarily associated with underlying liabilities, and to equity price risk as a result of our investment in equity securities. Our long-term financial policies are annually reported to our Board of Directors, and our Finance Office conducts financial risk management and assessment. Upon identification and evaluation of our risk exposures,

 

120


Table of Contents

we, having considered various circumstances, enter into derivative financial instruments to try to manage some of such risks. These contracts are entered into with major financial institutions, thereby minimizing the risk of credit loss. The activities of our finance division are subject to policies approved by our foreign exchange and interest rate risk management committee. These policies address the use of derivative financial instruments, including the approval of counterparties, setting of limits and investment of excess liquidity. Our general policy is to hold or issue derivative financial instruments largely for hedging purposes.

For our trading financial instruments, we recognized a valuation gain of 13 billion and a valuation loss of 0 billion in 2011, a valuation gain of 0 billion and a valuation loss of 0 billion in 2012 and a valuation gain of 4 billion and a valuation loss of 10 billion in 2013. For our hedging derivative contracts, we recognized a valuation gain of 53 billion, a valuation loss of 9 billion and accumulated other comprehensive income of 83 billion in 2011, a valuation gain of 0 billion, a valuation loss of 241 billion and accumulated other comprehensive expense of 171 billion in 2012 and a valuation gain of 0 billion, a valuation loss of 97 billion and accumulated other comprehensive expense of 95 billion in 2013. For further details regarding the assets, liabilities, gains and losses recorded relating to our derivative contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Exchange Rate Risk

Substantially all of our cash flow is denominated in Won. We are exposed to foreign exchange risk related to foreign currency denominated liabilities and anticipated foreign exchange payments. Anticipated foreign exchange payments, mostly in Dollars, relate primarily to payments of foreign currency denominated debt, net settlements paid to foreign telecommunication carriers and payments for equipment purchased from foreign suppliers. We have entered into several currency swap contracts, combined interest currency swap contracts and currency forward contracts to hedge our foreign currency risks.

The following table shows our assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency as of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2011      2012      2013  

(in thousands of foreign currencies)

   Financial
assets
     Financial
liabilities
     Financial
assets
     Financial
liabilities
     Financial
assets
     Financial
liabilities
 

U.S. Dollar

     235,435         2,323,677         217,488         2,377,137         254,917         2,225,700   

Special Drawing Right

     1,160         744         494         1,130         1,105         1,211   

Japanese Yen

     1,080,822         35,451,398         657,947         35,102,877         190,520         30,054,316   

British Pound

     7         131         1         9                 134   

Euro

     1,239         3,357         5,395         2,614         1,342         4,943   

Algerian Dinar

     18,714                 3,770                 2,798           

Chinese Yuan

     14,495         700         10,236         197                   

Uzbekistani Som

     13,534,203         44,788,561         7,920,825         38,727,985         1,805,565           

Rwandan Franc

                                     11,962           

Indonesian Rupiah

     411,687         10,000         347,447                           

As of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, a 10% increase in the exchange rate between the Won and all foreign currencies, with all other variables held constant, would have decreased our income before income tax by 57 billion, 65 billion and 46 billion, respectively, and total equity by 50 billion, 52 billion and 48 billion, respectively, with a 10% decrease in the exchange rate having the opposite effect. The foregoing sensitivity analysis assumes that all variables other than foreign exchange rates are held constant, and as such, does not reflect any correlation between foreign exchange rates and other variables, nor our decision to decrease the risk. See Note 35 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

121


Table of Contents

Interest Rate Risk

We are also subject to market risk exposure arising from changing interest rates. A reduction of interest rates increases the fair value of our debt portfolio, which is primarily of a fixed interest nature. We use, to a limited extent, interest rate swap contracts and combined interest rate and currency swap contracts to reduce interest rate volatility on some of our debt and manage our interest expense by achieving a balanced mixture of floating and fixed rate debt. We entered into several interest rate swap contracts in which we exchange fixed interest rate payments with variable interest rate payments for a specified period, as well as entered into the combined interest rate and currency swap contracts to hedge our interest rate risk.

The following table summarizes the principal amounts, fair values, principal cash flows by maturity date and weighted average interest rates of our short-term and long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2013 which are sensitive to exchange rates and/or interest rates. The information is presented in Won, which is our reporting currency:

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    December 31, 2013  
     2014     2015     2016     2017     Thereafter     Total     Fair Value  

Local currency:

              

Fixed rate

     2,171,414        1,269,235        1,900,179        707,493        2,826,023        8,874,344        8,913,379   

Average weighted rate (1)

     4.47     4.33     4.06     4.00     3.91     4.15    

Variable rate

     101,640        41,280        20,000                      162,920        164,686   

Average weighted rate (1)

     3.66     3.08     3.09     0.00     0.00     3.44    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

     2,273,054        1,310,515        1,920,179        707,493        2,826,023        9,037,264        9,078,065   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign currency:

              

Fixed rate

     635,495        472,353        393,908        369,355        173,847        2,044,958        2,018,733   

Average weighted rate (1)

     5.86     4.42     3.48     3.88     4.28     4.58    

Variable rate

     107,852                             316,590        424,442        402,847   

Average weighted rate (1)

     1.32     0.00     0.00     0.00     1.40     1.38     0.00
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

     743,347        472,353        393,908        369,355        490,437        2,469,400        2,421,580   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     3,016,401        1,782,868        2,314,087        1,076,848        3,316,460        11,506,664        11,499,645   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Weighted average rates of the portfolio at the period end.

As of December 31, 2011 and 2012 a 100 basis point increase in the market interest rates, with all other variables held constant, would have decreased our profit before income tax by 2 billion and 562 million, respectively and increased our profit before income tax by 10 billion, as of December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2011 and 2012, a 100 basis point increase in the market interest rates, with all other variables held constant would have decreased total equity by 581 million and 368 million, respectively and increased our total equity by 13 billion, as of December 31, 2013.

As of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, a 100 basis point decrease in the market interest rates, with all other variables held constant, would have decreased our profit before income tax by 13 billion, 5 billion and 17 billion, respectively, and total equity by 14 billion, 5 billion and 19 billion, respectively. The foregoing sensitivity analysis assumes that all variables other than market interest rates are held constant, and as such, does not reflect any correlation between market interest rates and other variables, nor our decision to decrease the risk, but reflects the effects of derivative contracts in place at the time of conducting the analysis.

Equity Price Risk

We are also subject to market risk exposure arising from changes in the equity securities market, which affect the fair value of our equity portfolio. As of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, a

 

122


Table of Contents

10% increase in the equity indices where our marketable equity securities are listed, with all other variables held constant, would have increased our total equity by 10 billion, 5 billion and 6 billion, respectively, with a 10% decrease in the equity index having the opposite effect. The foregoing sensitivity analysis assumes that all variables other than changes in the equity index are held constant, and that our marketable equity instruments had moved according to the historical correlation to the index, and as such, does not reflect any correlation between the equity index and other variables.

Item 12.  Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

Item 12.A.  Debt Securities

Not applicable.

Item 12.B.  Warrants and Rights

Not applicable.

Item 12.C.  Other Securities

Not applicable.

Item 12.D.  American Depositary Shares

Fees and Charges

Under the terms of the deposit agreement, holders of our ADSs are required to pay the following service fees to the depositary:

 

Services

  

Fees

Issuance of ADSs upon deposit of shares

   Up to $0.05 per ADS issued

Delivery of deposited shares against surrender of ADSs

   Up to $0.05 per ADS surrendered

Distribution delivery of ADSs pursuant to sale or exercise of rights

   Up to $0.02 per ADS held

Distributions of dividends

   None

Distribution of securities other than ADSs

   Up to $0.02 per ADS held

Other corporate action involving distributions to shareholders

   Up to $0.02 per ADS held

Holders of our ADSs are also responsible for paying certain fees and expenses incurred by the depositary and certain taxes and governmental charges such as:

 

   

fees for the transfer and registration of shares charged by the registrar and transfer agent for the shares in Korea (i.e., upon deposit and withdrawal of shares);

 

   

expenses incurred for converting foreign currency into U.S. dollars;

 

   

expenses for cable, telex and fax transmissions and for delivery of securities;

 

   

taxes and duties upon the transfer of securities (i.e., when shares are deposited or withdrawn from deposit); and

 

   

fees and expenses incurred in connection with the delivery or servicing of shares on deposit.

 

123


Table of Contents

Depositary fees payable upon the issuance and surrender of ADSs are typically paid to the depositary by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) receiving the newly issued ADSs from the depositary and by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) delivering the ADSs to the depositary for surrender. The brokers in turn charge these fees to their clients. Depositary fees payable in connection with distributions of cash or securities to ADS holders and the depositary services fee are charged by the depositary to the holders of record of ADSs as of the applicable ADS record date.

The depositary fees payable for cash distributions are generally deducted from the cash being distributed. In the case of distributions other than cash (i.e., stock dividend, rights), the depositary charges the applicable fee to the ADS record date holders concurrent with the distribution. In the case of ADSs registered in the name of the investor (whether certificated or uncertificated in direct registration), the depositary sends invoices to the applicable record date ADS holders. In the case of ADSs held in brokerage and custodian accounts (via the Depository Trust Company, or DTC), the depositary generally collects its fees through the systems provided by DTC (whose nominee is the registered holder of the ADSs held in DTC) from the brokers and custodians holding ADSs in their DTC accounts. The brokers and custodians who hold their clients’ ADSs in DTC accounts in turn charge their clients’ accounts the amount of the fees paid to the depositary.

In the event of refusal to pay the depositary fees, the depositary may, under the terms of the deposit agreement, refuse to provide the requested service until payment is received or may set off the amount of the depositary fees from any distribution to be made to such holder of ADSs.

The fees and charges that holders of our ADSs may be required to pay may vary over time and may be changed by us and by the depositary. Holders of our ADSs will receive prior notice of such changes.

Fees and Payments from the Depositary to Us

In 2013, we received the following payments, after deduction of applicable U.S. taxes, from the depositary:

 

Reimbursement of NYSE listing fees

   $ 131,492.00   

Reimbursement of SEC filing fees

   $ 49,303.74   

Reimbursement of settlement infrastructure fees (including maintenance fees)

   $ 118,320.88   

Reimbursement of proxy process expenses (printing, postage and distribution)

   $ 47,025.36   

Reimbursement of legal fees (reimbursement received in April 2014 in respect of 2013)

   $ 610,673.92   

Contributions toward our investor relations efforts (including non-deal roadshows, investor conferences and investor relations agency fees)

   $ 210,566.24   

PART II

Item 13.  Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

Not applicable.

Item 14.  Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

 

124


Table of Contents

Item 15. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management has evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of December 31, 2013. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon our evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2013. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. Our disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, and under the supervision of, our principal executive, principal operating and principal financial officers, and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records, that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of our financial statements would be prevented or detected. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Originally issued in 1992, the “Internal Control—Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “1992 Framework”) was amended in May 2013 (as amended, the “2013 Framework”), with application of the 1992 Framework available until December 15, 2014, after which only the 2013 Framework will be available. Our management has completed an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013 based on criteria in the 1992 Framework. Based on this assessment, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2013. We expect to conduct our assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the 2013 Framework for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

125


Table of Contents

Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers, an independent registered public accounting firm, which also audited our consolidated financial statements as of, and for the year ended December 31, 2013, as stated in their report which is included herein, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

The attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting is furnished in Item 18 of this Form 20-F.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We completed the implementation of the New ERP System in July 2012, and changed, established or reevaluated any related parts in our internal control over financial reporting accordingly. We also conducted evaluations prior to and after the implementation of the New ERP System, and confirmed that our internal control over financial reporting remains effective.

Item 16.  [Reserved]

Item 16A.  Audit Committee Financial Expert

In March 2014, our shareholders elected Keuk Je Sung, Jong-Goo Kim and Pil Hwa Yoo as members of the Audit Committee at our annual shareholders’ meeting. Our Audit Committee is comprised of Sang Kyun Cha, Keuk Je Sung, Jong-Goo Kim and Pil Hwa Yoo. The board of directors has determined that Pil Hwa Yoo is the audit committee financial expert.

Item 16B.  Code of Ethics

We have adopted a code of ethics, as defined in Item 16B. of Form 20-F under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our code of ethics applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and persons performing similar functions, as well as to our directors, other officers and employees. Our code of ethics is available on our web site at www.kt.com. If we amend the provisions of our code of ethics that apply to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and persons performing similar functions, or if we grant any waiver of such provisions, we will disclose such amendment or waiver on our website.

Item 16C.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Audit and Non-Audit Fees

The following table sets forth the fees billed to us by Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers, our independent registered public accounting firm, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 and 2013:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2012      2013  
     (In millions)  

Audit fees (1)

   2,830       2,840   

Audit-related fees

     0         0   

Tax fees (2)

     188         1,778   

Other fees

     0         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fees

   3,018       4,621   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Audit fees consist of fees for the annual audit and quarterly review services engagement and the comfort letters.

 

(2) Tax fees consist of fee for tax services which are mainly the preparation or non-recurring tax compliance review of original or amended tax returns.

 

126


Table of Contents

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

Our audit committee has established pre-approval policies and procedures to pre-approve all audit services to be provided by Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers, our independent registered public accounting firm. Our audit committee’s policy regarding the pre-approval of non-audit services to be provided to us by our independent registered public accounting firm is that all such services shall be pre-approved by our audit committee. Non-audit services that are prohibited to be provided to us by our independent registered public accounting firm under the rules of the SEC and applicable law may not be pre-approved. In addition, prior to the granting of any pre-approval, our audit committee must be satisfied that the performance of the services in question will not compromise the independence of our independent registered public accounting firm and does not include delegation of the audit committee’s responsibilities to the management under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Our audit committee did not pre-approve any non-audit services under the de minimis exception of Rule 2-01 (c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the SEC.

Item 16D.  Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

Not applicable.

Item 16E.  Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

The following table sets forth the repurchases of common shares by us or any affiliated purchasers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013:

 

Period

   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
     Average Price
Paid per Share
(In Won)
     Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
     Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet
be Purchased

Under the Plans
 

January 1 to January 31

         —             —             —             —   

February 1 to February 29

                               

March 1 to March 31

                               

April 1 to April 30

                               

May 1 to May 31

                               

June 1 to June 30

                               

July 1 to July 31

                               

August 1 to August 31

                               

September 1 to September 30

                               

October 1 to October 31

                               

November 1 to November 30

                               

December 1 to December 31

                               
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

                               
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Neither we nor any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) of the Exchange Act, purchased any of our equity securities during the period covered by this annual report.

Item 16F.  Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

Not applicable.

 

127


Table of Contents

Item 16G.  Corporate Governance

The following is a summary of the significant differences between the New York Stock Exchange’s corporate governance standards and those that we follow under Korean law:

 

NYSE Corporate Governance Standards

  

KT Corporation’s Corporate Governance Practice

Director Independence

  
Independent directors must comprise a majority of the board.   

The Commercial Code of Korea requires that our board of directors must comprise no less than a majority of outside directors. Our outside directors must meet the criteria for outside directorship set forth under the Commercial Code of Korea.

 

The majority of our board of directors is independent (as defined in accordance with the New York Stock Exchange’s standards), and 8 out of 11 directors are outside directors.

Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee

  
Listed companies must have a nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors.    We have not established a nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors. However, we maintain an Outside Director Candidate Nominating Committee composed of all of our outside directors and one non-independent director. We also maintain a Corporate Governance Committee comprised of four outside directors and one non-independent director. The committee is responsible for the review of matters with respect to our Corporate Governance Guidelines and our performance under such guidelines to monitor effectiveness of our corporate governance.

Compensation Committee

  
Listed companies must have a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors.    We maintain an Evaluation and Compensation Committee composed of four outside directors.

Executive Session

  
Non-management directors must meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions without management.    Our outside directors hold meetings solely attended by outside directors in accordance with the charter of our board of directors.

Audit Committee

  
Listed companies must have an audit committee that is composed of more than three directors and satisfy the requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.    We maintain an Audit Committee comprised of four outside directors who meet the applicable independence criteria set forth under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.

Shareholder Approval of Equity Compensation Plan

  
Listed companies must allow their shareholders to exercise their voting rights with respect to any material revision to the company’s equity compensation plan.   

We currently have two equity compensation plans: one providing for the grant of stock options to officers and non-independent directors; and an employee stock ownership association program.

 

All material matters related to the granting stock options are provided in our articles of incorporation, and any amendments to the articles of incorporation are subject to shareholders’ approval. Matters related to the employee stock ownership association program are not subject to shareholders’ approval under Korean law.

 

128


Table of Contents

NYSE Corporate Governance Standards

  

KT Corporation’s Corporate Governance Practice

Corporate Governance Guidelines

  
Listed companies must adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines.    We have adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines in March 2007 setting forth our practices with respect to corporate governance matters. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines are in compliance with Korean law but do not meet all requirements established by the New York Stock Exchange for U.S. companies listed on the exchange. A copy of our Corporate Governance Guidelines in Korean is available on our website at www.kt.com.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

  
Listed companies must adopt and disclose a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees, and promptly disclose any waivers of the code for executive officers.    We have adopted a Code of Ethics for all directors, officers and employees. A copy of our Code of Ethics in Korean is available on our website at www.kt.com

Item 16H.  Mine Safety Disclosure

Not applicable.

 

129


Table of Contents

PART III

Item 17.  Financial Statements

Not applicable.

Item 18.  Financial Statements

AUDITED CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF KT CORPORATION

 

     Page  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2   

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2012 and 2013

     F-3   

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013

     F-5   

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013

     F-6   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder’s Equity for the Years Ended December  31, 2011, 2012 and 2013

     F-7   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013

     F-11   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-12   

Item 19.  Exhibits

 

    1       Articles of Incorporation of KT Corporation (English translation)
  2.1    Deposit Agreement dated as of May 25, 1999 entered into among KT Corporation, Citibank, N.A., as depositary, and all Holders and Beneficial Owners of American Depositary Shares evidenced by the American Depositary Receipts issued thereunder, including the form of American depositary receipt (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(i) of the Registrant’s Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-13578) on Form F-6)
  2.2    Form of Amendment No. 1 Deposit Agreement dated as of May 25, 1999 entered into among KT Corporation, Citibank, N.A., as depositary, and all Holders and Beneficial Owners of American Depositary Shares evidenced by the American Depositary Receipts issued thereunder, including the form of American depositary receipt (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(ii) of the Registrant’s Registration Statement (Registration No.
333-13578) on Form F-6)
  2.3    Letter from Citibank, N.A., as depositary, to the Registrant relating to the pre-release of the American depositary receipts (incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-10330) on Form F-6)
  2.4    Letter from Citibank, N.A., as depositary, to the Registrant relating to the establishment of a direct registration system for ADSs and the issuance of uncertified ADSs as part of the direct registration system. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.4 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 30, 2008)
  8.1       List of subsidiaries of KT Corporation
  12.1       Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  12.2       Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  13.1       Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

130


Table of Contents
15.1    The Framework Act on Telecommunications (English translation)
15.2    Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Telecommunications (English translation)
15.3    The Telecommunications Business Act (English translation)
15.4    Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Business Act (English translation)

 

* Filed previously.

 

131


Table of Contents

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-2

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2012 and 2013

   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013

   F-5

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013

   F-6

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder’s Equity for the years ended December  31, 2011, 2012 and 2013

   F-7

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013

   F-11

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-12

 

F-1


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

KT Corporation

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income, of changes in shareholders’ equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of KT Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2013 and 2012 , and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework 1992 issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting in Item 15 of Form 20-F. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. 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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers

Seoul Korea

April 28, 2014

 

F-2


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

December 31, 2012 and 2013

 

                         (in thousands of
U.S dollars)
 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Notes    2012      2013      2013  
          (Restated)             (Unaudited) (Note 2)  

Assets

           

Current assets

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   4, 5    2,057,613       2,070,869       $ 1,962,350   

Trade and other receivables, net

   4, 6      5,907,508         5,239,569         4,965,004   

Short-term loans, net

   4, 7      668,113         838,724         794,773   

Current finance lease receivables, net

   4, 21      339,846         294,208         278,791   

Other financial assets

   4, 8      245,985         480,062         454,906   

Current income tax assets

        862         35,273         33,425   

Inventories, net

   9      935,033         673,618         638,319   

Other current assets

   10      362,459         339,596         321,800   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

        10,517,419         9,971,919         9,449,368   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current assets

           

Trade and other receivables, net

   4, 6      1,072,966         813,471         770,843   

Long-term loans, net

   4, 7      512,587         509,873         483,155   

Non-current finance lease receivables, net

   4, 21      521,809         415,729         393,944   

Other financial assets

   4, 8      672,475         672,645         637,397   

Property and equipment, net

   11, 21      15,806,366         16,386,964         15,528,252   

Investment property, net

   12      1,155,213         1,105,495         1,047,565   

Intangible assets, net

   13      3,213,638         3,827,393         3,626,829   

Investments in jointly controlled entities and associates

   14      379,495         363,903         344,834   

Deferred income tax assets

   29      610,762         706,977         669,930   

Other non-current assets

   10      95,178         75,748         71,779   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

        24,040,489         24,878,198         23,574,528   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

      34,557,908       34,850,117       $ 33,023,896   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-3


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (continued)

December 31, 2012 and 2013

 

                     (in thousands of
U.S dollars)
 

(in millions of Korean won)

  Notes   2012     2013     2013  
        (Restated)           (Unaudited) (Note 2)  

Liabilities and Equity

       

Current liabilities

       

Trade and other payables

  4, 15   7,221,302      7,413,823      $ 7,025,323   

Current finance lease liabilities, net

  4, 21     14,033        19,487        18,466   

Borrowings

  4, 16     3,197,029        3,020,706        2,862,414   

Other financial liabilities

  4, 8, 20     71,983        63,820        60,476   

Current income tax liabilities

      143,741        99,848        94,616   

Provisions

  17     205,591        114,755        108,742   

Deferred revenue

      170,682        143,601        136,076   

Other current liabilities

  10     242,405        348,076        329,836   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

      11,266,766        11,224,116        10,635,949   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

       

Trade and other payables

  4, 15     701,360        1,058,884        1,003,396   

Non-current finance lease liabilities, net

  4, 21     27,613        48,723        46,170   

Borrowings

  4, 16     8,239,090        8,463,187        8,019,698   

Other financial liabilities

  4, 8, 20     69,813        178,812        169,442   

Defined benefit liabilities, net

  18     549,243        586,083        555,371   

Provisions

  17     149,940        133,561        126,562   

Deferred revenue

      157,395        147,837        140,090   

Deferred income tax liabilities

  29     137,287        169,498        160,616   

Other non-current liabilities

  10     41,426        2,000        1,895   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

      10,073,167        10,788,585        10,223,240   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

      21,339,933        22,012,701        20,859,189   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity attributable to owners of the Parent Company

       

Capital stock

  22     1,564,499        1,564,499        1,482,516   

Share premium

      1,440,258        1,440,258        1,364,785   

Retained earnings

  23     10,646,383        10,019,389        9,494,351   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

  24     1,325        24,538        23,252   

Other components of equity

  24, 25     (1,343,286     (1,320,943     (1,251,723
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      12,309,179        11,727,741        11,113,181   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-controlling interest

      908,796        1,109,675        1,051,526   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

      13,217,975        12,837,416        12,164,707   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

    34,557,908      34,850,117      $ 33,023,896   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013

 

(in millions of Korean won, except
per share amounts)

                          (in thousands
of U.S dollars)
 
  Notes     2011     2012     2013     2013  
          (Restated)     (Restated)           (Unaudited) (Note 2)  

Continuing Operations

         

Operating revenue

    4, 14, 26      22,087,830      24,643,772      24,057,881      $ 22,797,196   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenue

      21,310,805        23,856,375        23,728,673        22,485,239   

Others

      777,025        787,397        329,208        311,957   

Operating expenses

    4, 14, 27        20,100,734        22,963,673        23,734,497        22,490,758   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit

      1,987,096        1,680,099        323,384        306,438   

Finance income

    28        269,992        498,657        279,349        264,711   

Finance costs

    28        (642,355     (781,993     (647,500     (613,570

Income(loss) from jointly controlled entities and associates

    14        (5,511     18,079        6,601        6,255   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit(loss) from continuing operations before income tax

      1,609,222        1,414,842        (38,166     (36,166

Income tax expense

    29        318,459        277,869        49,579        46,982   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit(loss) for the year from the continuing operations

      1,290,763        1,136,973        (87,745     (83,148
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Discontinued Operations

         

Profit(loss) from discontinued operations

      164,594        (31,534              
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit(loss) for the year

    1,455,357      1,105,439      (87,745   $ (83,148
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit(loss) for the year attributable to:

         

Equity holders of the Parent Company

    1,445,690      1,046,127      (189,931   $ (179,978

Profit(loss) from continuing operations

      1,280,015        1,075,694        (189,931     (179,978

Profit(loss) from discontinued operations

      165,675        (29,567              

Non-controlling interest

    9,667      59,312      102,186      $ 96,830   

Profit from continuing operations

      10,748        61,279        102,186        96,830   

Loss from discontinued operations

      (1,081     (1,967              

Earnings(loss) per share attributable to the equity holders of the Parent Company during the year (in won):

         

Basic earnings(loss) per share

    30      5,943      4,296      (779   $ (1

From continuing operations

      5,262        4,417        (779     (1

From discontinued operations

      681        (121              

Diluted earnings(loss) per share

    30      5,942      4,296      (782   $ (1

From continuing operations

      5,261        4,417        (782     (1

From discontinued operations

      681        (121              

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013

 

                              (In thousands
of U.S dollars)
 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Notes      2011     2012     2013     2013  
            (Restated)     (Restated)           (Unaudited) (Note 2)  

Profit(loss) for the year

      1,455,357      1,105,439      (87,745   $ (83,148

Other comprehensive income

           

Items not reclassifiable subsequently to profit or loss:

           

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability

     18         (104,327     (130,492     56,583        53,617   

Shares of remeasurement loss from jointly controlled entities and associates

        (1,911     (1,131     (455     (431

Items reclassifiable subsequently to profit or loss:

           

Changes in value of available-for-sale financial assets

     4, 8         60,834        23,952        49,778        47,170   

Other comprehensive income from available-for sale financial assets reclassified to income

        (1,376     (4,865     6,554        6,211   

Net gains(losses) on cashflow hedges

     4, 8         63,204        (129,290     (72,303     (68,514

Other comprehensive income from cashflow hedges reclassified to income

        (35,033     154,867        67,607        64,064   

Shares of other comprehensive income from jointly controlled entities and associates

        (5,735     (8,730     2,896        2,744   

Currency translation differences

        28,545        (6,645     (2,053     (1,945
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income after income tax for the year

        4,201        (102,334     108,607        102,916   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year

      1,459,558      1,003,105      20,862      $ 19,768   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income for the year attributable to:

           

Equity holders of the Parent Company

        1,396,415        937,542        (109,539     (103,800

Non-controlling interest

        63,143        65,563        130,401        123,568   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder’s Equity

Years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013

 

        Attributable to equity holders of the Parent Company              

(in millions of Korean won)

  Notes   Capital
stock
    Share
premium
    Retained
earnings
    Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
income (loss)
    Other
Components
of equity
    Total     Non-controlling
interest
    Total equity  

Balance at January 1, 2011

    1,564,499      1,440,258      9,466,168      (79,370   (1,258,293   11,133,262      220,793      11,354,055   

Effect of the retrospective application of IFRS 10

  2.2                                               45,842        45,842   

Adjusted balances

      1,564,499        1,440,258        9,466,168        (79,370     (1,258,293     11,133,262        266,635        11,399,897   

Comprehensive income

                 

Profit for the year

                    1,445,690                      1,445,690        9,667        1,455,357   

Changes in value of available-for-sale financial assets

  4                          5,090               5,090        54,368        59,458   

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability

  18                   (103,869                   (103,869     (458     (104,327

Valuation gains(losses) on cashflow hedge

  4                          28,171               28,171               28,171   

Shares of other comprehensive income of jointly controlled entities and associates

                           (5,277            (5,277     (458     (5,735

Shares of gain on remeasurements of jointly controlled entities and associates

                    (1,911                   (1,911            (1,911

Currency translation differences

                           28,521               28,521        24        28,545   

Transactions with equity holders

                 

Dividends

                    (586,150                   (586,150     (9,235     (595,385

Appropriations of loss on disposal of treasury stock

                    (295            295                        

Changes in consolidation scope

                                                503,588        503,588   

Change in ownership interest in subsidiaries

                                  (253,445     (253,445     36,457        (216,988

Others

                                  14,154        14,154        22,936        37,090   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

    1,564,499      1,440,258      10,219,633      (22,865   (1,497,289   11,704,236      883,524      12,587,760   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-7


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder’s Equity (Continued)

Years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013

 

        Attributable to equity holders of the Parent Company              

(in millions of Korean won)

  Notes   Capital
stock
    Share
premium
    Retained
earnings
    Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
income (loss)
    Other
Components
of equity
    Total     Non-controlling
interest
    Total equity  

Balance at January 1, 2012

      1,564,499        1,440,258        10,219,633        (22,865     (1,497,289     11,704,236        883,524        12,587,760   

Comprehensive income

                 

Profit for the year

                    1,046,127                      1,046,127        59,312        1,105,439   

Changes in value of available-for-sale financial assets

  4                          12,019               12,019        7,068        19,087   

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability

  18                   (131,644                   (131,644     1,152        (130,492

Valuation gains(losses) on cashflow hedge

  4                          25,628               25,628        (51     25,577   

Shares of other comprehensive income of jointly controlled entities and associates

                           (8,440            (8,440     (290     (8,730

Shares of gain on remeasurements of jointly controlled entities and associates

                    (1,131                   (1,131            (1,131

Currency translation differences

                           (5,017            (5,017     (1,628     (6,645

Transactions with equity holders

                 

Dividends

                    (486,602                   (486,602     (11,455     (498,057

Disposal of treasury stock

                                  13,353        13,353               13,353   

Changes in consolidation scope

                                                133,767        133,767   

Change in ownership interest in subsidiaries

                                  141,303        141,303        (163,404     (22,101

Others

                                  (653     (653     801        148   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2012

    1,564,499      1,440,258      10,646,383      1,325      (1,343,286   12,309,179      908,796      13,217,975   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-8


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder’s Equity (Continued)

Years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013

 

        Attributable to equity holders of the Parent Company              

(in millions of Korean won)

  Notes   Capital
stock
    Share
premium
    Retained
earnings
    Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
income (loss)
    Other
Components
of equity
    Total     Non-controlling
interest
    Total equity  

Balance at January 1, 2013

    1,564,499      1,440,258      10,646,383      1,325      (1,343,286   12,309,179      908,796      13,217,975   

Comprehensive income

                 

Profit for the year

                    (189,931                   (189,931     102,186        (87,745

Changes in value of available-for-sale financial assets

  4                          32,098               32,098        24,234        56,332   

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability

  18                   57,641                      57,641        (1,058     56,583   

Valuation gains(losses) on cashflow hedge

  4                          (4,711            (4,711     15        (4,696

Shares of other comprehensive income of jointly controlled entities and associates

                           2,570               2,570        326        2,896   

Shares of gain on remeasurements of jointly controlled entities and associates

                    (463                   (463     7        (456

Currency translation differences

                           (6,744            (6,744     4,691        (2,053

Transactions with equity holders

                 

Dividends

                    (487,445                   (487,445     (23,830     (511,275

Appropriations of loss on disposal of treasury stock

                    (6,796            6,796                        

Changes in consolidation scope

                                                9,452        9,452   

Change in ownership interest in subsidiaries

                                  14,150        14,150        85,971        100,121   

Others

                                  1,397        1,397        (1,115     282   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2013

    1,564,499      1,440,258      10,019,389      24,538      (1,320,943   11,727,741      1,109,675      12,837,416   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-9


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder’s Equity (Continued)

Years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013

 

        Attributable to equity holders of the Parent Company              

(in thousands of U.S dollars)
(Unaudited), (Note 2)

  Notes   Capital
stock
    Share
premium
    Retained
earnings
    Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
income (loss)
    Other
Components
of equity
    Total     Non-controlling
interest
    Total equity  

Balance at January 1, 2013

    $ 1,482,516      $ 1,364,785      $ 10,088,489      $ 1,256      $ (1,272,896   $ 11,664,150      $ 861,174      $ 12,525,324   

Comprehensive income

                 

Profit for the year

                    (179,978                   (179,978     96,830        (83,148

Changes in value of available-for-sale financial assets

  4                          30,416               30,416        22,965        53,381   

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability

  18                   54,620                      54,620        (1,003     53,617   

Valuation gains(losses) on cashflow hedge

  4                          (4,464            (4,464     14        (4,450

Shares of other comprehensive income of jointly controlled entities and associates

                           2,435               2,435        309        2,744   

Shares of gain on remeasurements of jointly controlled entities and associates

                    (438                   (438     7        (431

Currency translation differences

                           (6,391            (6,391     4,446        (1,945

Transactions with equity holders

                 

Dividends

                    (461,902                   (461,902     (22,581     (484,483

Appropriations of loss on disposal of treasury stock

                    (6,440            6,440                        

Changes in consolidation scope

                                                8,957        8,957   

Change in ownership interest in subsidiaries

                                  13,409        13,409        81,466        94,875   

Others

                                  1,324        1,324        (1,058     266   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2013

    $ 1,482,516      $ 1,364,785      $ 9,494,351      $ 23,252      $ (1,251,723   $ 11,113,181      $ 1,051,526      $ 12,164,707   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-10


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013

 

(in millions of Korean won)

  Notes     2011     2012     2013     (in thousands
of U.S dollars)
 
          2013  
          (Restated)     (Restated)          

(Unaudited)

(Note 2)

 

Cash flows from operating activities

         

Cash generated from operations

    32      2,919,255      6,439,692      4,677,260      $ 4,432,161   

Interest paid

      (513,418     (561,378     (546,802     (518,148

Interest received

      157,442        208,640        194,065        183,896   

Dividends received

      15,224        17,742        24,641        23,350   

Income tax paid

      (414,471     (379,211     (238,091     (225,615
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash generated from operating activities

      2,164,032        5,725,485        4,111,073        3,895,644   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

         

Collection of loans

      66,732        106,896        70,451        66,759   

Origination of loans

      (71,468     (130,425     (31,279     (29,640

Disposal of available-for-sale financial assets

      65,760        113,068        78,811        74,681   

Acquisition of available-for-sale financial assets

      (188,752     (86,622     (127,052     (120,394

Disposal of investments in jointly controlled entities and associates

      102,563        21,818        22,455           21,278   

Acquisition of investments in jointly controlled entities and associates

      (65,055     (59,464     (16,338     (15,482

Disposal of current and non-current financial instruments

      262,965        362,481        319,465        302,724   

Acquisition of current and non-current financial instruments

      (269,619     (511,914     (588,893     (558,034

Disposal of property, equipment and investment property

      594,257        618,786        100,469        95,204   

Acquisition of property and equipment and investment property

      (3,235,956     (3,760,255     (3,088,185     (2,926,357

Disposal of intangible assets

      14,763        7,061        18,336        17,375   

Acquisition of intangible assets

      (477,106     (526,878     (549,967     (521,148

Increase in cash due to exclusion from consolidation scope

      727,351        25,857        7,498        7,105   

Cash inflow (outflow) from changes in scope of consolidation

      (192,075     (31,588     1,646        1,560   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

      (2,665,640     (3,851,179     (3,782,583     (3,584,369
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

         

Proceeds from borrowings and bonds

      7,261,735        4,258,995        6,199,601        5,874,729   

Repayments of borrowings and bonds

      (6,057,987     (4,590,608     (5,956,340     (5,644,215

Settlement of derivative assets and liabilities, net

      130,119        39,001        (67,413     (63,880

Disposal of treasury stock

             11,369                 

Cash inflow from consolidated capital transaction

      83,855        7,232        34,581        32,769   

Cash outflow from consolidated capital transaction

      (2,213     (315,356     (4,107     (3,892

Dividends paid to shareholders

      (595,385     (498,057     (511,275     (484,483

Decrease in finance leases liabilities

      (47,701     (190,380     (6,841     (6,483
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

      772,423        (1,277,804     (311,794     (295,455
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents

      12,795        (1,038     (3,440     (3,260
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

      283,610        595,464        13,256        12,560   

Cash and cash equivalents

         

Beginning of the year

    5        1,178,539        1,462,149        2,057,613        1,949,790   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of the year

    5      1,462,149      2,057,613      2,070,869      $ 1,962,350   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-11


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013

1.    General Information

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of KT Corporation, which is the controlling company as defined under IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements, and its 68 controlled subsidiaries as described in Note 1.2 (collectively referred to as the “Group”).

The Controlling Company

KT Corporation (the “Company”) commenced operations on January 1, 1982, when it spun off from the Korea Communications Commission (formerly the Korean Ministry of Information and Communications) to provide telephone services and to engage in the development of advanced communications services under the Act of Telecommunications of Korea. The headquarters are located in Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea, and the address of its registered head office is 90, Buljeong-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province.

On October 1, 1997, upon the announcement of the Government-Investment Enterprises Management Basic Act and the Privatization Law, the Company became a government-funded institution under the Commercial Code of Korea.

On December 23, 1998, the Company’s shares were listed on the Korea Exchange.

On May 29, 1999, the Company issued 24,282,195 additional shares and issued American Depository Shares (ADS), representing new shares and government-owned shares, at the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. On July 2, 2001, the additional ADS representing 55,502,161 government-owned shares were issued at the New York Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange.

In 2002, the Company acquired the entire government-owned shares in accordance with the Korean government’s privatization plan. As of the end of the reporting period, the Korean government does not own any shares in the Company.

Consolidated Subsidiaries

The consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

  

Type of Business

   Location      Percentage
of
ownership  1
(%)
 

Subsidiary

        

KT Powertel Co., Ltd. 2

   Trunk radio system business      Domestic         44.8   

KT ENS Corporation (formerly KT Networks Corporation)

   Wire/wireless network construction and network infrastructure management      Domestic         100.0   

KT Linkus Co., Ltd.

   Public telephone maintenance      Domestic         93.8   

KT Submarine Co., Ltd. 2

   Submarine cable construction and maintenance      Domestic         36.9   

KT Telecop Co., Ltd.

   Security service      Domestic         86.8   

KT Hitel Co., Ltd.

   Data communication      Domestic         63.7   

KT Commerce Inc.

   B2C, B2B service      Domestic         100.0   

KT Capital Co., Ltd.

   Financing service      Domestic         100.0   

KT New Business Fund No.1

   Investment fund      Domestic         100.0   

Gyeonggi-KT Green Growth Fund

   Venture investment of Green Growth Business      Domestic         56.5   

 

F-12


Table of Contents

(in millions of Korean won)

  

Type of Business

   Location    Percentage
of
ownership  1
(%)

Subsidiary

        

KTC Media Contents Fund 2

   New technology investment fund    Domestic    85.7

KT Strategic Investment Fund No.1

   Investment fund    Domestic    100.0

KT Strategic Investment Fund No.2

   Investment fund    Domestic    100.0

BC Card Co., Ltd.

   Credit card business    Domestic    69.5

VP Inc.

   Payment security service for credit card and etc.    Domestic    50.9

H&C Network

   Call center for financial sectors    Domestic    100.0

BC Card China Co., Ltd.

   Research and development of calculation system and software    China    100.0

INITECH Co., Ltd.

   Internet banking ASP and security solutions    Domestic    57.0

InitechSmartro Holdings Co., Ltd.

   Holding company of Initech co., Ltd., Smartro Co., Ltd    Domestic    100.0

Smartro Co., Ltd.

   VAN (Value Added Network) business    Domestic    81.1

Sidus FNH Corporation

   Movie production    Domestic    72.4

Sofnics, Inc.

   Software development and sales    Domestic    80.6

KTDS Co., Ltd.

   System integration and maintenance    Domestic    95.3

KT M Hows Co., Ltd.

   Mobile marketing    Domestic    51.0

KT M&S Co., Ltd.

   PCS distribution    Domestic    100.0

KT Music Corporation

   Online music production and distribution    Domestic    57.8

KT Skylife Co., Ltd.

   Satellite broadcasting business    Domestic    50.1

Korea HD Broadcasting Corp.

   TV contents provider    Domestic    92.6

KT Estate Inc.

   Residential building development and supply    Domestic    100.0

KT AMC Co., Ltd.

   Asset management and consulting services    Domestic    100.0

NEXR Co., Ltd.

   Cloud system implementation    Domestic    99.8

KTSB Data service Co., Ltd.

   Data center development and related service    Domestic    51.0

KT Cloudware Corporation

   Development of cloud computing operation    Domestic    86.2

CENTIOS Co., Ltd.

   U-City solution business    Domestic    82.8

Centios Philippines, Inc.

   Smart space business    Philippines    100.0

Enswers Inc. 3

   Video-clip searching service    Domestic    45.2

Soompi USA, LLC

   Operation service for “soompi.com”    U.S.A.    100.0

KT OIC Co., Ltd.

   Development and distribution of education contents and software    Domestic    79.2

Ustream Inc.

   Live video-streaming service business    Domestic    51.0

Incheonucity Co., Ltd.

   U-City development and operation agent    Domestic    51.4

KT Innoedu Co., Ltd. 3

   E-learning business    Domestic    48.4

KT Rental

   Computer rental and general rental business    Domestic    58.0

KT Auto Lease Corporation

   Car rental business    Domestic    100.0

Kumho Rent a car (Vietnam) Co. Ltd.

   Car rental business    Vietnam    100.0

KT Rental Auto Care Corporation

   Wholesale and retail for automobile component    Domestic    100.0

KT Sat Co., Ltd.

   Satellite communication business    Domestic    100.0

KT Media Hub Co. Ltd.

   Media contents development and distribution    Domestic    100.0

Best Partners Co., Ltd.

   Outsourcing service for HR, administration, and accounting service    Domestic    100.0

Nasmedia, Inc. 3

   Online advertisement    Domestic    45.4

T-ON Telecom

   Trunk radio system business and data communication    Domestic    100.0

KT Sports

   Management of sports group    Domestic    100.0

KT Music Contents Fund No.1

   Music contents investment business    Domestic    80.0

Consus Changwon Private Estate Investment Trust

   Investment in real estate    Domestic    93.6

KT-Michigan Global Contents Fund

   Content investment business    Domestic    81.3

Autopion Co. Ltd.

   Service for information and communication    Domestic    100.0

GreenPoint Co., Ltd.

   Car sharing business    Domestic    52.3

K-REALTY CR-REIT IV

   Investment in real estate    Domestic    100.0

K-REALTY REIT V

   Investment in real estate    Domestic    100.0

Olleh Rwanda Networks Ltd.

   Network installation and management    Rwanda    51.0

KT Belgium

   Foreign investment business    Belgium    100.0

KT ORS Belgium

   Foreign investment business    Belgium    100.0

 

F-13


Table of Contents

(in millions of Korean won)

  

Type of Business

   Location    Percentage
of
ownership  1
(%)

Subsidiary

        

Korea Telecom Japan Co., Ltd.

   Foreign telecommunication business    Japan    100.0

Korea Telecom China Co., Ltd.

   Foreign telecommunication business    China    100.0

KT Dutch B.V

   Super iMax and East Telecom management    Netherlands    100.0

Super iMax, LLC

   Wireless high speed internet business    Uzbekistan    100.0

East Telecom, LLC

   Fixed line telecommunication business    Uzbekistan    91.0

Korea Telecom America, Inc.

   Foreign telecommunication business    U.S.A.    100.0

PT. KT Indonesia

   Foreign telecommunication business    Indonesia    99.0

 

 

1 Sum of the ownership interests owned by the Company and subsidiaries

 

2 Even though the Company has less than 50% ownership in these subsidiaries, these entities are consolidated as the Company can exercise the majority voting rights in its decision-making process at all times considering historical voting pattern at the shareholders’ meetings.

 

3 Even though the Company has less than 50% ownership in these subsidiaries, these entities are consolidated as the Company holds the majority of voting right based on an agreement with other investors

Changes in scope of consolidation in 2013 are as follows:

 

Changes

   Location   

Subsidiaries

  

Reason

Included

   Domestic    T-ON Telecom.    Acquisition of ownership interest
      KT Rental Auto Care Corporation    Newly established through spin-off
      KT Sports    Newly incorporated
      KT Music Contents Fund No.1    Newly incorporated
      Consus Changwon Private Estate Investment Trust    Newly incorporated
      KT-Michigan Global Contents Fund    Newly incorporated
      Autopion Co., Ltd.    Newly incorporated
      GreenPoint Co., Ltd.    Acquisition of ownership interest
      K-REALTY CR-REIT IV    Newly incorporated
      K-REALTY REIT V    Newly incorporated
   Rwanda    Olleh Rwanda Networks Ltd.    Newly incorporated
   Belgium    KT Belgium    Newly incorporated
      KT ORS Belgium    Newly incorporated

Excluded

   Domestic    U payment Co., Ltd.    Disposal of ownership interest
      Kumho Rent-a-car Co., Ltd.    Liquidation
      Revlix    Liquidation
      KMP Holdings Co., Ltd.    Merged
      KT Tech Inc.    Liquidation
      KT Innotz Inc.    Merged

A summary of financial data of the major consolidated subsidiaries as of and for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

     2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Total assets      Total liabilities      Operating
revenue
     Net
income (loss)
 

KT Powertel Co., Ltd.

   167,075       59,061       126,354       14,569   

KT ENS Corporation (formerly KT Networks Corporation)

     212,867         161,864         374,518         389   

KT Linkus Co., Ltd.

     67,419         64,081         77,523         (6,667

KT Submarine Co., Ltd

     127,062         48,004         111,453         6,700   

KT Telecop Co., Ltd.

     156,479         106,836         259,468         7,075   

KT Hitel Co., Ltd. 1

     249,730         69,376         463,032         (2,002

KT Tech, Inc.

     110,923         139,873         246,948         641   

KT Capital Co., Ltd. 1

     4,454,475         4,043,072         1,010,503         25,195   

 

F-14


Table of Contents
     2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Total assets      Total liabilities      Operating
revenue
     Net
income (loss)
 

H&C Network 1,2

     197,726         81,351         44,892         1,124   

Sidus FNH Corporation

     9,838         5,824         6,904         (2,975

Nasmedia, Inc.

     92,384         53,744         21,656         6,004   

Sofnics, Inc.

     970         521         626         (481

KTDS Co., Ltd.

     146,236         106,006         497,925         10,298   

KT M Hows Co., Ltd.

     15,148         7,078         34,933         1,092   

KT M&S Co., Ltd.

     249,280         226,651         917,176         (3,256

KT Music Corporation

     27,840         7,691         31,279         (2,385

KT Edui Co., Ltd.

     1,119         1,589         3,986         (2,366

KT Innotz Inc.

     5,520         1,727         3,795         (4,623

KT Skylife Co., Ltd. 1,2

     550,443         258,231         480,468         26,649   

KT Estate Inc. 1

     33,382         3,175         7,838         1,337   

NEXR Co., Ltd. 2

     3,887         1,726         3,359         756   

KTSB Dataservice Co., Ltd. 2

     58,755         21,904                 (149

KT Cloudware Corporation 2

     916         81                 (165

CENTIOS Co., Ltd. 2

     25,493         357                 (377

Enswers Inc. 1,2

     16,543         18,185         759         (331

KT OIC Co., Ltd. 2

     5,201         68         30         (396

Korea Telecom Japan Co., Ltd.

     15,359         9,813         33,113         731   

Korea Telecom China Co., Ltd.

     2,804         128         3,419         111   

KT Dutch B.V. (formerly KTSC Investment Management B.V) 1

     65,587         18,458         17,014         (5,026

Korea Telecom America, Inc.

     6,368         2,069         11,134         149   

PT. KT Indonesia

     52         1                 (8

KT Powertel Co., Ltd.

     175,862         55,613         124,936         12,527   

KT ENS Corporation (formerly KT Networks Corporation)

     258,430         201,076         500,555         4,644   

KT Linkus Co., Ltd.

     68,260         62,686         81,564         2,302   

KT Submarine Co., Ltd.

     109,787         25,037         68,900         7,953   

KT Telecop Co., Ltd.

     180,870         130,719         296,180         2,642   

KT Hitel Co.,Ltd. 1

     249,231         79,511         443,431         (8,902

KT Tech, Inc.

     13,190         42,562         175,861         2,731   

KT Capital Co., Ltd. 1

     5,058,883         4,519,485         3,348,952         98,353   

H&C Network 1

     244,031         119,086         199,143         8,713   

Sidus FNH Corporation

     9,534         1,921         2,066         209   

Nasmedia, Inc.

     90,675         47,053         23,463         6,445   

Sofnics, Inc.

     1,564         207         782         (279

KTDS Co., Ltd.

     171,546         115,994         570,703         17,155   

KT M Hows Co., Ltd.

     26,498         16,511         28,874         1,933   

KT M&S Co., Ltd.

     257,809         224,430         1,009,331         (78,241

KT Music Corporation 1

     73,050         33,086         31,393         (2,124

KT Innotz Inc.

     3,012         344         2,609         (1,411

KT Skylife Co., Ltd. 1

     641,564         292,649         574,829         55,546   

KT Estate Inc. 1

     1,460,511         145,885         24,861         3,124   

NEXR Co., Ltd.

     2,305         1,964         2,651         (1,787

KTSB Dataservice

     32,733         265         439         (4,383

KT Cloudware Corporation

     21,345         2,321         3,878         (5,397

CENTIOS Co., Ltd 1

     32,848         9,259         171         (3,163

Enswers Inc. 1

     13,966         18,330         4,896         (3,010

KT OIC Co., Ltd.

     3,968         406         325         (1,569

Ustream Inc.

     3,171         858         321         (2,683

KT Innoedu Co., Ltd. 2

     10,561         5,218         10,522         308   

KT Rental 1,2

     1,694,021         1,426,484         368,228         11,072   

KT Media Hub Co., Ltd. 2

     95,703         13,679         14,381         2,237   

KT Sat Co., Ltd. 2

     417,886         16,269         10,310         1,739   

Best Partners Co., Ltd. 2

     1,526         79         15         (57

Korea Telecom Japan Co., Ltd.

     8,284         3,955         14,458         (324

Korea Telecom China Co., Ltd.

     1,895         38         1,863         (675

KT Dutch B.V. (formerly KTSC Investment Management B.V) 1

     47,277         14,748         12,086         (9,837

 

F-15


Table of Contents
     2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Total assets      Total liabilities      Operating
revenue
     Net
income (loss)
 

Korea Telecom America, Inc.

     5,850         1,904         13,392         (31

PT. KT Indonesia

     38                         (6

KT Powertel Co., Ltd.

     167,131         44,012         112,905         5,453   

KT ENS Corporation (formerly KT Networks Corporation)

     291,636         225,285         587,438         11,133   

KT Linkus Co., Ltd.

     70,562         62,993         103,003         1,920   

KT Submarine Co., Ltd.

     115,781         27,449         83,006         6,146   

KT Telecop Co., Ltd.

     192,126         138,357         239,166         3,840   

KT Hitel Co.,Ltd. 1

     293,665         102,644         582,925         3,551   

KT Capital Co., Ltd. 1

     5,462,028         4,759,100         3,317,337         129,354   

H&C Network 1

     257,390         110,126         225,402         18,870   

Sidus FNH Corporation

     9,481         2,549         5,729         (387

Nasmedia, Inc.

     97,140         40,943         24,769         5,615   

Sofnics, Inc.

     1,431         267         881         (178

KTDS Co., Ltd.

     189,983         125,172         574,792         18,245   

KT M Hows Co., Ltd.

     25,845         14,341         48,047         1,739   

KT M&S Co., Ltd.

     281,011         223,089         884,125         22,614   

KT Music Corporation 1

     82,997         48,289         51,350         (5,088

KT Skylife Co., Ltd. 1

     684,651         283,068         630,469         72,724   

KT Estate Inc. 1

     1,434,685         109,634         253,367         22,692   

NEXR Co., Ltd.

     2,814         4,451         4,540         (1,965

KTSB Dataservice

     28,001         321         1,447         (4,802

KT Cloudware Corporation

     15,995         1,128         4,682         (2,913

Centios Co., Ltd 1

     27,873         9,793         1,060         (5,097

Enswers Inc. 1

     8,722         20,148         5,922         (4,990

KT OIC Co., Ltd.

     3,626         512         2,039         (448

Ustream Inc.

     2,677         1,050         2,831         (2,363

KT Innoedu Co., Ltd.

     12,618         8,450         21,578         (1,020

KT Rental 1

     2,188,271         1,896,259         886,959         32,400   

KT Media Hub Co., Ltd.

     184,702         81,578         304,713         21,146   

KT Sat Co., Ltd.

     492,965         35,237         169,463         56,859   

Best Partners Co., Ltd.

     882         116         265         (681

T-ON Telecom 2

     3,347         2,298         1,152         (2,358

KT Sports 2

     15,672         6,750         21,794         (970

KT Music Contents Fund No.1 2

     10,529         185         72         (157

KT-Michigan Global Contents Fund 2

     6,227                 26         (173

Autopion Co., Ltd. 2

     5,314         3,314                   

Korea Telecom Japan Co., Ltd.

     17,752         14,204         22,154         30   

Korea Telecom China Co., Ltd.

     1,178         367         1,338         (1,108

KT Dutch B.V. (formerly KTSC Investment Management B.V) 1

     46,347         14,684         22,077         (4,131

Korea Telecom America, Inc.

     5,773         1,825         13,881         32   

PT. KT Indonesia

     30                         1   

Olleh Rwanda Networks Ltd. 2

     226,776         217,132                 (943

KT Belguium 2

     38,033                         (11

KT ORS Belgium 2

     95                           

 

1 These companies are the intermediate parent companies of other subsidiaries and the above financial information is from their consolidated financial statements.

 

2 These entities were newly consolidated for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013. Only operating revenues and net income subsequent to the inclusion of consolidation scope are disclosed above.

2.    Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Group in the preparation of its financial statements. These policies have been consistently applied to all the periods presented, unless otherwise stated.

 

F-16


Table of Contents

2.1    Basis of Preparation

The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards(“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”)

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgment in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements are disclosed in Note 3.

2.2    Changes in Accounting Policy and Disclosures

(1) New standards and amendments adopted by the Group

The Group adopted the following amended and enacted standards for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2013:

—Amendment to IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements: Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income

The amendment requires entities to group items presented in other comprehensive income based on whether they are potentially reclassifiable to profit or loss subsequently. The Group applied the amendment retroactively and there is no impact of the application of this amendment on its total comprehensive income or loss.

—Amendment to IAS 19, Employee Benefits

The amendment requires entities to immediately recognize all actuarial gains and losses incurred in other comprehensive income or loss. All past service costs incurred are immediately recognized in accordance with the change of the plan, and the previous separate calculation of the interest cost and the expected returns on plan assets has been revised to calculate net interest expense (income) by applying the discount rate used in the defined benefit obligation measurement in the net defined benefit liabilities (assets). The Group applies the amendment retroactively and the comparative consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of comprehensive income are restated by reflecting adjustments resulting from the retrospective application.

—IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements

IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements, introduces a single control concept and provides additional guidance for evaluating control.

As a result of the adoption of IFRS 10, the Group consolidated KT Submarine Co., Ltd. by virtue of de-facto control because the Group is able to exercise the majority voting rights in its decision-making process considering historical voting pattern at the shareholders’ meeting, although the Group has 36.9% of ownership (39.34% including treasury stocks). KT Submarine Co., Ltd. was classified as an associate in accordance with the previous standard and accounted for using the equity method. Accordingly, the comparative consolidated financial statements were retrospectively adjusted and restated as if the Group obtained control over the entity from the initial acquisition of its interest.

 

F-17


Table of Contents

Results of retrospective application of amendment to IAS 19 and IFRS 10 are as follows.

 

(in millions of Korean won, except per share amounts)

   2012  
Accounts    As reported     IFRS 10     IAS 19     Restated  

Current assets

     10,482,845        34,574               10,517,419   

Non-current assets

     23,996,654        43,835               24,040,489   

Current liabilities

     11,247,314        19,452               11,266,766   

Non-current liabilities

     10,067,673        5,494               10,073,167   

Operating revenue

     24,577,709        66,063               24,643,772   

Operating expenses

     22,892,776        56,360        14,537        22,963,673   

Profit(loss) from continuing operations before income tax

     1,422,502        6,877        (14,537     1,414,842   

Profit(loss) for the year from the continuing operations

     1,111,450        5,017        (11,028     1,105,439   

Basic earnings per share (in won)

     4,341               (45     4,296   

Cash flows from operating activities

     5,721,398        4,087               5,725,485   

Cash flows from investing activities

     (3,844,381     (6,798            (3,851,179

Cash flows from financing activities

     (1,266,474     (11,330            (1,277,804

 

(in millions of Korean won, except per share amounts)

   2011  
Accounts    As reported     IFRS 10     IAS 19     Restated  

Current assets

     9,790,659        55,998               9,846,657   

Non-current assets

     22,294,750        41,140               22,335,890   

Current liabilities

     8,745,125        34,481               8,779,606   

Non-current liabilities

     10,802,475        12,785               10,815,260   

Operating revenue

     21,979,299        108,531               22,087,830   

Operating expenses

     20,002,551        97,010        1,173        20,100,734   

Profit(loss) from continuing operations before income tax

     1,603,371        7,024        (1,173     1,609,222   

Profit(loss) for the year from the continuing operations

     1,452,019        4,227        (889     1,455,357   

Basic earnings per share (in won)

     5,947               (4     5,943   

Cash flows from operating activities

     2,150,309        13,723               2,164,032   

Cash flows from investing activities

     (2,647,997     (17,643            (2,665,640

Cash flows from financing activities

     768,472        3951               772,423   

—IFRS 11, Joint Arrangements

IFRS 11, Joint Arrangements, reflects the substance of joint arrangements and focuses on the rights and obligations of the parties to the joint arrangements rather than on the legal forms of the arrangements. Joint arrangements are classified into joint operations or joint ventures. The adoption of this standard does not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.

—IFRS 12, Disclosures of Interests in Other Entities

IFRS 12, Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities, provides disclosure requirements for all types of equity investments in other entities including subsidiaries, associates, joint ventures and unconsolidated structured entities (Notes 14, 38 and 39).

—IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement

IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement, provides a precise definition of fair value, and a single source of fair value measurement and disclosure requirements for use across IFRS. The Group has applied this standard prospectively according to the transitional provisions of IFRS 13 and there is no material impact of the application of this standard on the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-18


Table of Contents

(2) New standards, amendments and interpretations not yet adopted

New standards, amendments and interpretations effective for annual periods beginning after January 1, 2013, and not early adopted by the Group are as follows:

—Amendment to IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements

Amendment to IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements, provides that, if a parent company qualifies as an investment entity, it is required to measure its investments in subsidiaries at fair value through profit and loss instead of consolidating these subsidiaries in its consolidated financial statements. The amendment does not apply for a parent of an investment entity if the parent itself is not an investment entity. This amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Group expects that the application of this amendment would not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

—Amendment to IAS 32, Financial Instruments: Presentation

Amendment to IAS 32, Financial Instruments: Presentation, provides that the right to offset must not be contingent on a future event and must be legally enforceable in all of circumstances; and if an entity can settle amounts in a manner such that outcome is, in effect, equivalent to net settlement, the entity will meet the net settlement criterion. This amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014, and the Group is assessing the impact of application of this amendment on its consolidated financial statements.

—Amendment to IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement

Amendment to IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, allows the continuation of hedge accounting for a derivative that has been designated as a hedging instrument in a circumstance in which that derivative is novated to a central counterparty (CCP) as a consequence of laws or regulations. This amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Group is assessing the impact of application of this amendment on its consolidated financial statements.

—Enactment of IFRIC interpretations 2121, Levies

IFRIC interpretations 2121, Levies, are applied to a liability to pay a levy imposed by a government in accordance with the legislation. The interpretation requires that the liability to pay a levy, which is not income tax, is recognized when the activity that triggers the payment of the levy occurs, as identified by the legislation (the obligating event). This interpretation is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Group expects that the application of this interpretation would not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

2.3    Consolidation

The Group has prepared the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements.

(1) Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are all entities (including special purpose entities) over which the Group has control. The Group controls the corresponding investee when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to,

 

F-19


Table of Contents

variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. Consolidation of a subsidiary begins from the date the Group obtains control of the subsidiary and is deconsolidated when the subsidiary ceases when the Group loses control of the subsidiary.

The Group applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred is measured at the fair values of the assets transferred, and identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are initially measured at their fair values at the acquisition date. The Group recognizes any non-controlling interest in the acquiree on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis, either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the recognized amounts of acquiree’s identifiable net assets. All other non-controlling interests are measured at their acquisition-date fair values, unless another measurement basis is required by IFRSs. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

Goodwill is recognized as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree, and the acquisition-date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree over the identifiable net assets acquired. If this consideration is lower than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized in profit or loss.

Balances of receivables and payables, income and expenses and unrealized gains and losses on transactions between the Company’s subsidiaries are eliminated. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Company.

(2) Changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries without change of control

In transactions with non-controlling interests, which do not result in loss of control, the Group recognizes directly in equity any difference between the amount by which the non-controlling interests are adjusted and the fair value of the consideration paid or received, and attribute it to the owners of the parent.

(3) Disposal of subsidiaries

If the Group loses control of a subsidiary, any investment continuously retained in the subsidiary is re-measured to its fair value at the date when control is lost and any resulting differences are recognized in profit or loss.

(4) Associates

Associates are all entities over which the Group has significant influence which is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but is not control or joint control over those policies. Investments in associates are initially recognized at acquisition cost using the equity method. Unrealized gains on transactions between the Group and its associates are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the associates. If there is any objective evidence that the investment in the associate is impaired, the Group recognizes the difference between the recoverable amount of the associate and its book value as impairment loss.

(5) Jointly controlled entities

A joint arrangement of which two or more parties have joint control is classified as either a joint operation or a joint venture. A joint operator has rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities,

 

F-20


Table of Contents

relating to the joint operation and recognizes the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses relating to its interest in a joint operation. A joint venture has rights to the net assets relating to the joint venture and accounts for that investment using the equity method.

2.4    Segment Reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker (Note 33). The chief operating decision-maker is responsible for making strategic decisions on resource allocation and performance assessment of the operating segments.

2.5    Foreign Currency Translation

(1) Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the “functional currency”). The consolidated financial statements are presented in Korean won, which is the Company’s functional and presentation currency.

(2) Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions or valuation when items are re-measured. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in profit or loss.

Exchange differences arising on non-monetary financial assets and liabilities such as equity instruments at fair value through profit or loss and available-for-sale equity instruments are recognized in profit or loss and included in other comprehensive income, respectively, as part of the fair value gain or loss.

(3) Translation into presentation currency

Different functional currencies are translated into presentation currency using the following procedures.

 

   

Assets and liabilities at the closing rate at the date of that statement of financial position

 

   

Income and expenses at average rate for the period

 

   

Equity at historical rate

 

   

All resulting exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income

2.6    Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than three months.

 

F-21


Table of Contents

2.7    Financial Assets

(1) Classification and measurement

The Group classifies its financial assets in the following categories: financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, available-for-sale financial assets, loans and receivables, and held-to-maturity financial assets. Regular purchases and sales of financial assets are recognized on trade date.

At initial recognition, financial assets are measured at fair value plus, in the case of financial assets not carried at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs. Transaction costs of financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss are expensed in the statement of income. After the initial recognition, available-for-sale financial assets and financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are subsequently carried at fair value. Loans and receivables, and held-to-maturity investments are subsequently carried at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are recognized in profit or loss and changes in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets are recognized in other comprehensive income. When the available-for-sale financial assets are sold or impaired, the fair value adjustments recorded in equity are reclassified into profit or loss.

(2) Impairment

The Group assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired and impairment losses are incurred only if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a ‘loss event’) and that loss event (or events) has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or a group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated.

Impairment of loans and receivables is presented as a deduction in an allowance account. Impairment of other financial assets is directly deducted from their carrying amount. The Group writes off financial assets when the assets are determined to be no longer recoverable.

The objective evidence that a financial asset is impaired includes significant financial difficulty of the issuer or obligor; a delinquency in interest or principal payments over three months; or the disappearance of an active market for that financial asset because of financial difficulties. A decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale equity instrument by more than 30% from its cost or a prolonged decline below its cost for more than six months is also objective evidence of impairment.

(3) Derecognition

If the Group transfers a financial asset and the transfer does not result in derecognition because the Company has retained substantially of all risks and rewards of ownership of the transferred asset due to a recourse in the event the debtor defaults, the Group continues to recognize the transferred asset in its entirety and recognizes a financial liability for the consideration received. The related financial liability is classified as ‘borrowings’ in the statement of financial position (Note 16).

2.8    Derivative Instruments

Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value on the date when a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of the

 

F-22


Table of Contents

derivatives that are not qualified for hedge accounting are recognized in the statement of income within ‘finance income (expenses)’ according to the nature of transactions.

The Group applies cash flow hedge accounting for hedging price changes risks on forecast purchases of inventories. The effective portion of changes in fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognized in other comprehensive income and the ineffective portion is recognized in ‘operating income (expenses)’. Amounts of changes in fair value of effective hedging instruments accumulated in other comprehensive income are included in the initial measurement of the cost of non-financial assets as hedging transactions and recognized as ‘cost of sales’ for the periods when the corresponding transactions affect profit or loss. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that is reported in other comprehensive income is recognized as ‘operating income (expenses)’.

The Group applies fair value hedge accounting for hedging fixed interest risks on borrowings. The effective portion of changes in fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges is recognized as ’finance cost’, and the ineffective portion is recognized as ‘operating income (expenses)’. However, changes in the fair value of the hedged items attributable to hedged risk are recognized as ‘finance cost’.

If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, the adjustment to the carrying amount of a hedged item for which the effective interest method is used is amortized to profit or loss over the period to maturity.

2.9    Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined using the weighted-average method, except for inventories in-transit which is determined using the specific identification method.

2.10    Non-current Assets (or Disposal Group) Held-for-sale

Non-current assets (or disposal group) are classified as assets held-for-sale when their carrying amount is to be recovered principally through a sale transaction and a sale is considered highly probable. The assets are measured at the lower amount between their carrying amount and the fair value less costs to sell.

2.11    Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at its cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditures that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items.

The fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation is recorded in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. In periods subsequent to initial measurement, we recognize period-to-period changes in the liability resulting from the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate.

 

F-23


Table of Contents

Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on other assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the difference between their cost and their residual values over their estimated useful lives, as follows:

 

    

Estimated Useful Lives

Buildings

   5 – 40 years

Structures

   5 – 40 years

Machinery and equipment

   3 – 40 years

(Telecommunications equipment and others)

  

Others

  

Vehicles

   4 – 6 years

Tools

   4 – 6 years

Office equipment

   4 – 6 years

The depreciation method, residual values and useful lives of property and equipment are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and, if appropriate, accounted for as changes in accounting estimates.

2.12    Investment Property

Property held to earn rentals or for capital appreciation or both is classified as investment property. Investment property is measured initially at its cost. After recognition as an asset, investment property is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Investment property, except for land, is depreciated using the straight-line method over their useful lives from 10 to 40 years.

2.13    Intangible Assets

(1)     Goodwill

Goodwill is measured as explained in Note 2.3 (1) and goodwill arising from acquisition of subsidiaries and business are included in intangible assets. Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment and carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Impairment losses on goodwill are not reversed. The calculation of the gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to each of the acquirer’s cash-generating units, or groups of cash-generating units (“CGU”), that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. Goodwill is monitored at the operating segment level.

Goodwill impairment reviews are undertaken annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment. The carrying value of goodwill is compared to the recoverable amount, which is the higher of value in use and the fair value less costs to sell. Any impairment is recognized immediately as an expense and is not subsequently reversed.

(2)    Intangible assets except goodwill

Separately acquired Intangible assets except for goodwill are shown at historical cost. These assets have definite useful lives and are carried at historical cost less accumulated amortization. Assets with definite useful lives are amortized using the straight-line method according to the estimated useful lives presented below. However, facility usage rights (condominium membership and golf membership) and broadcast license are regarded as intangible assets with indefinite useful life and not amortized, because there is no foreseeable limit to the period over which the asset is expected to generate net cash inflows.

 

F-24


Table of Contents

 

The estimated useful life used for amortizing intangible assets is as follows:

 

    

Estimated Useful Lives

Development costs

   5 – 6 years

Goodwill

   Unlimited useful life

Software

   6 years

Industrial property rights

   2 – 10 years

Frequency usage rights

   5.75 – 15 years

Others 1

   3 – 50 years

 

 

1 Facility usage rights (condominium membership and golf membership) and broadcast license included in others are classified as intangible assets with indefinite useful life.

(3) Research and development costs

Expenditure on research is recognized as an expense as incurred. If the expense as incurred that is identifiable and when the probable future economic benefits are expected, the cost for the new merchandises and technology is recognized as intangible assets when all the following criteria are met:

 

   

It is technically feasible to complete the intangible asset so that it will be available for use;

 

   

Management intends to complete the intangible asset and use or sell it;

 

   

There is the ability to use or sell the intangible asset;

 

   

It can be demonstrated how the intangible asset will generate probable future economic benefits;

 

   

Adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the intangible asset are available; and

 

   

The expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development can be reliably measured

Other development expenditures that do not meet these criteria are recognized as expenses as incurred. Development costs previously recognized as an expense are not recognized as an asset in a subsequent period. Capitalized development costs, which are stated as intangible assets, are amortized using the straight-line method when the assets are available for use and are tested for impairment.

2.14    Borrowing Costs

Borrowing costs incurred in the acquisition or construction of a qualifying asset are capitalized in the period when it is prepared for its intended use, and investment income earned on the temporary investment of borrowings made specifically for the purpose obtaining a qualifying asset is deducted from the borrowing costs eligible for capitalization during the period. Other borrowing costs are recognized as expenses for the period in which they are incurred.

2.15    Government Grants

Government grants related to assets are recognized in profit or loss on a systematic and rational basis over the useful life of the asset by setting up the grant as deferred income, and government grants related to income are deferred and recognized in the statement of income as part of operating income for the period in which the related expenses for the purpose of the government grants are incurred.

 

F-25


Table of Contents

2.16    Impairment of Non-Financial Assets

Goodwill or intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not subject to amortization and are tested at least annually for impairment. Assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Non-financial assets, other than goodwill, that suffered impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date.

2.17    Financial Liabilities

(1) Classification and measurement

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are financial instruments held for trading. Financial liabilities are classified in this category if incurred principally for the purpose of repurchasing them in the near term. Derivatives that are not designated as hedges or bifurcated from financial instruments containing embedded derivatives are also categorized as held-for-trading.

The Group classifies non-derivative financial liabilities, except for financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, financial guarantee contracts and financial liabilities that arise when a transfer of financial assets does not qualify for derecognition, as financial liabilities carried at amortized cost and presented as ‘trade payables’, ‘borrowings’, and ‘other financial liabilities’ in the statement of financial position.

Preferred shares that provide for a mandatory redemption at a particular date are classified as liabilities. Interest expenses on these preferred shares calculated using the effective interest method are recognized in the statement of income as ‘finance costs’, together with interest expenses recognized on other financial liabilities.

The Group’s financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are financial instruments held for trading and designated as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss. Financial liabilities held for trading are financial liabilities that are incurred principally for the purpose of repurchasing them in the near term and derivatives that are not designated as hedges or bifurcated from financial instruments containing embedded derivatives. Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are structured financial liabilities containing embedded derivatives issued by the Group.

As it was unable to measure the embedded derivatives separately from its host contract, the Group designated the entire hybrid contact as at fair value through profit or loss. The financial liability that the Group designated as at fair value through profit or loss is a foreign convertible bond.

(2) Derecognition

Financial liabilities are removed from the statement of financial position when it is extinguished, for example, when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expired or when the terms of an existing financial liability are substantially modified.

 

F-26


Table of Contents

2.18    Financial Guarantee Contracts

Financial guarantee contracts provided by the Group are initially measured at fair value on the date the guarantee was given. Subsequent to initial recognition, the Group’s liabilities under such guarantees are measured at the higher of the amounts below and recognized as ‘other financial liabilities’:

 

   

the amount determined in accordance with IAS 37, Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets; or

 

   

the initial amount, less accumulated amortization recognized in accordance with IAS 18, Revenue.

2.19    Compound Financial Instruments

Compound financial instruments are convertible bonds that can be converted into equity instruments at the option of the holder. The liability component of a compound financial instrument is recognized initially at the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an equity conversion option. The equity component is recognized initially on the difference between the fair value of the compound financial instrument as a whole and the fair value of the liability component. Any directly attributable transaction costs are allocated to the liability and equity components in proportion to their initial carrying amounts.

2.20    Employee Benefits

(1) Post-employment benefits

The Group has both defined benefit and defined contribution plans.

A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. The contributions are recognized as employee benefit expenses when an employee has rendered service.

A defined benefit plan is a pension plan that is not a defined contribution plan. Typically defined benefit plans define an amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one or more factors such as age, years of service and compensation. The liability recognized in the statement of financial position in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period less the fair value of plan assets. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds and that have terms to maturity approximating to the terms of the related pension obligation. The remeasurement of the net defined benefit liability is recognized in other comprehensive income.

If any plan amendments, curtailments, or settlements occur, past service costs or any gains or losses on settlement are recognized as profit or loss for the year.

(2) Termination benefits

Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated by the Group before the normal retirement date, or whenever an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The Group recognizes termination benefits at the earlier of the following dates: when the entity can no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits or when the entity recognizes costs for a restructuring.

 

F-27


Table of Contents

2.21    Share-based payments

Equity-settled share-based payments granted to employees are estimated at the grant date fair value of equity instruments and recognized as employee benefit expenses over the vesting period. The number of equity instruments expected to vest is remeasured with consideration to non-market vesting conditions at the end of the reporting period, with any changes from the original measurement recognized in the profit for the year and equity.

When the options are exercised, the Company issues new shares. The proceeds received, net of any directly attributable transaction costs, are recognized as share capital (nominal value) and share premium.

2.22    Provisions

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation and the increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognized as interest expense.

2.23    Leases

(1) Lessee

A lease is an agreement, whereby the lessor conveys to the lessee, in return for a payment or series of payments, the right to use an asset for an agreed period of time. Leases where all the risks and rewards of ownership are not transferred to the Group are classified as operating leases. Lease payments under operating leases are recognized as expenses on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Leases where the Group has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases and recognized as lease assets and liabilities at the lower of the fair value of the leased property and the present value of the minimum lease payments on the opening date of the lease period.

(2) Lessor

A lease is classified as a finance lease if it transfers substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership at the inception of the lease. A lease other than a finance lease is classified as an operating lease. Lease income from operating leases is recognized in income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Initial direct costs incurred by the lessor in negotiating and arranging an operating lease is added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognized as an expense over the lease term on the same basis as the lease income.

2.24    Capital Stock

Common stocks are classified as equity.

Where the Company purchases its own equity share capital, the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs, is deducted from equity attributable to the Company’s equity holders until the stocks are cancelled or reissued. Where such shares are subsequently reissued, any consideration received is included in equity attributable to the Company’s equity holders.

 

F-28


Table of Contents

2.25    Revenue Recognition

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the sale of goods or rendering of services arising from the normal activities of the Group. It is stated as net of value added taxes, returns, rebates and discounts, after elimination of intra-company transactions.

The Group recognizes revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured; when it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity; and when specific criteria have been met for each of the Group’s activities, as described below. The Group bases its estimate on historical results, taking into consideration the type of customer, the type of transaction and the specifics of each arrangement.

(1) Sales of Services

When providing interconnection or telecommunications service to a customer based on service plans, the related revenue is recognized at the time service is provided. If the customer uses the telecommunications equipment according to the service plans, the related revenue is recognized on straight-line basis over the contract period. Revenue related to the other telecommunications services is recognized when the service is provided to the customer.

For other services, when the outcome of a transaction involving the rendering of services can be estimated reliably, revenue associated with such a transaction is recognized by reference to the stage of performance of the services. When the outcome of the transaction involving the rendering of services cannot be estimated reliably, revenue is recognized only to the extent of the expenses recognized that are recoverable.

Total consideration for combined services is allocated to each service in proportion to its fair value and the allocated amount is recognized as revenue according to revenue recognition policy for the service.

(2) Sales of goods

The Group sells a range of handsets and other telephone products. Revenue from the sale of goods is recognized when products are delivered to the purchaser.

(3) Interest income

Interest income is recognized using the effective interest method according to the time passed. When a loan and receivable is impaired, the Group reduces the carrying amount to its recoverable amount and continues unwinding the discount as interest income. Interest income on impaired loans and receivables is recognized using the original effective interest rate.

(4) Commission fees

Commission fees related to the credit card business is recognized when it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity and these benefits can be reliably measured. Revenues from acquiree fee, agent fee, optional service fees, member service fees and credit card service charge are measured at the fair value of the consideration received and recognized on a accrual basis.

(5) Royalty income

Royalty income is recognized on an accrual basis in accordance with the substance of the relevant agreements.

 

F-29


Table of Contents

(6) Dividend income

Dividend income is recognized when the right to receive payment is established.

(7) Customer loyalty programme

The Group operates a customer loyalty program where customers accumulate points for purchases made which entitle them to discounts on future purchases. The reward points are recognized as a separately identifiable component of the initial sale transaction. The fair value of the consideration received or receivable in respect of the initial sale is allocated between the reward points and the other components of the sale. The fair value of the reward points is measured by taking into account the proportion of the reward points that are not expected to be redeemed by customers. Revenue from the reward points is recognized when the points are redeemed.

2.26    Current and Deferred Income Tax

The tax expense for the period consists of current and deferred tax. Tax is recognized on the profit for the period in the statement of income, except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively. The tax expense is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period.

Deferred tax is recognized for temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts as expected tax consequences at the recovery or settlement of the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities. However, deferred tax assets and liabilities are not recognized if they arise from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss.

Deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences can be utilized.

Deferred tax liability is recognized for taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates, and interests in joint ventures, except to the extent that the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. In addition, deferred tax asset is recognized for deductible temporary differences arising from such investments to the extent that it is probable the temporary difference will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary difference can be utilized.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income taxes assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis.

2.27    Deferred Loan Fees and Costs

Loan origination fees in relation to loan origination process such as upfront fee, are deferred and amortized over the life of the loan as an adjustment to the yield of the loan using the effective interest rate method. Loan origination costs, which relates to loan origination activities such as commissions to brokers, are deferred and amortized over the life of the loan as an adjustment to the yield of the loan, using the effective interest rate method, if the future economic benefit related costs incurred can be matched with each loan.

 

F-30


Table of Contents

In addition, the deferred loan origination fees and costs are offset and the net amounts are presented in the consolidated statement of financial position.

2.28    Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations

When a component of the Group representing a separate major line of business or geographical area of operation has been disposed of, or is subject to a sale plan involving loss of control of a subsidiary, the Group discloses in the statement of income the post-tax profit or loss of discontinued operations and the post-tax gain or loss recognized on the measurement to fair value less costs to sell or on the disposal of the assets or group to be sold constituting the discontinued operation. The net cash flows attributable to the operating, investing and financing activities of discontinued operations are presented in the notes to the financial statements (Note 40).

2.29    Dividend

Dividend distribution to the Company’s shareholders is recognized as a liability in the financial statements in the period in which the dividends are approved by the Company’s shareholders.

2.30    Approval of Issuance of the Financial Statements

The issuance of the December 31, 2013 financial statements of the Company was approved by the directors on April 11, 2014.

2.31    US Dollar Convenience Translation

The December 31, 2013 consolidated financial statements are expressed in Korean Won and have been translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of 1,055.3 to US$1, the market average exchange rate announced by Seoul Money Brokerage Services, Ltd. and in effect on December 31, 2013, solely for the convenience of the reader. These translations 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.

3.    Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions

The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The estimates and assumptions are continuously evaluated with consideration to factors such as events reasonably predictable in the foreseeable future within the present circumstance according to historical experience. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below.

3.1    Impairment of Goodwill

The Group tests whether goodwill has suffered any impairment annually and also when there are indications that an asset may be impaired. The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units have been determined based on value-in-use calculations (Note 13).

3.2    Income Taxes

The Group is operating in numerous countries and the income generated from these operations is subject to income taxes based on tax laws and interpretations of tax authorities in numerous jurisdictions. There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain.

 

F-31


Table of Contents

3.3    Fair Value of Derivatives and Financial Instruments

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined by using valuation techniques. The Group uses its judgment to select a variety of methods and make assumptions that are mainly based on market conditions existing at the end of each reporting period (Note 36).

3.4    Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Group recognizes provisions for accounting of estimated loss in customers’ insolvency. When the allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated, it is based on the aging analysis of trade receivables balances, incurred loss experience, customers’ credit rates and changes of payment terms. If the customer’s financial position becomes worse, the actual loss amount will be increased more than the estimated.

3.5    Net defined benefit liability

The present value of net defined benefit liability depends on a number of factors that are determined on an actuarial basis using a number of assumptions including the discount rate (Note 18).

3.6    Deferred Revenue

Service installation fees and initial subscription fees related to activation of service are deferred and recognized as revenue over the expected terms of customer relationships. The estimate of expected terms of customer relationship is based on the historical rate. If management’s estimation is amended, it may cause significant differences in the timing of revenue recognition and amount recognized.

3.7    Provisions

As described in Note 17, the Group records provisions for litigation and asset retirement obligations as of the end of the reporting period. The provisions are estimated based on the factors such as the historical experiences.

3.8    Useful lives of Property and Equipment and Investment Property

Depreciation on property and equipment excluding land, condominium memberships, golf club memberships, and broadcasting concession is calculated using the straight-line method over their useful lives. The estimated useful lives are determined based on expected usage of the assets and the estimates can be materially affected by technical changes and other factors. The Group will increase depreciation if the useful lives are considered shorter than the previously estimated useful lives.

 

F-32


Table of Contents

4.    Financial Instruments by category

Financial instruments by category as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   2012  

Financial assets

   Loans
and
receivables
     Assets at fair
value through
the profit and
loss
     Derivatives
used for
hedge
     Available-
for-sale
     Held-to-Maturity      Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   2,057,613                               2,057,613   

Trade and other receivables

     6,980,474                                         6,980,474   

Loans receivable

     1,180,700                                         1,180,700   

Finance lease receivables

     861,655                                         861,655   

Other financial assets

     460,394         6,407         21,348         429,875         436         918,460   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   11,540,836       6,407       21,348       429,875       436       11,998,902   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   2012  

Financial liabilities

   Liabilities at fair
value through the
profit and loss
     Derivatives
used for
hedge
     Financial
liabilities at
amortized cost
     Other
liabilities
     Total  

Trade and other payables

               7,922,662             7,922,662   

Finance lease liabilities

                     41,646                 41,646   

Borrowings

                     11,436,119                 11,436,119   

Other financial liabilities

     3,216         112,603         16,649         9,328         141,796   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   3,216       112,603       19,417,076       9,328       19,542,223   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   2013  

Financial assets

   Loans
and
receivables
     Assets at fair
value through
the profit and
loss
     Derivatives
used for
hedge
     Available-
for-sale
     Held-to-Maturity      Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   2,070,869                               2,070,869   

Trade and other receivables

     6,053,040                                         6,053,040   

Loans receivable

     1,348,597                                         1,348,597   

Finance lease receivables

     709,937                                         709,937   

Other financial assets

     582,693         15,643         3,496         547,627         3,248         1,152,707   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   10,765,136       15,643       3,496       547,627       3,248       11,335,150   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   2013  

Financial liabilities

   Liabilities at fair
value through the
profit and loss
     Derivatives
used for
hedge
     Financial
liabilities at
amortized cost
     Other
liabilities
     Total  

Trade and other payables

               8,472,707             8,472,707   

Finance lease liabilities

                     68,210                 68,210   

Borrowings

                     11,483,893                 11,483,893   

Other financial liabilities

     2,956         150,612         73,080         15,984         242,632   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   2,956       150,612       20,097,890       15,984       20,267,442   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-33


Table of Contents

Income or expense (gain or loss) by financial instrument category for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   2011     2012     2013  

Loans and receivables

      

Interest income 1

   324,985      387,254      279,047   

Foreign currency transaction gain(loss)

     6,108        (1,198     23,509   

Foreign currency translation gain(loss)

     4,762        (3,208     (5,245

Loss on disposal

     (3,807     (15,809     (7,534

Loss on valuation

     (149,667     (150,389     (189,665

Assets at fair value through the profit and loss

      

Dividend income

     13                 

Gain(loss) on disposal

     (1,120     10        375   

Gain(loss) on valuation

     12,951        (80     (5,427

Derivatives used for hedging

      

Transaction gain(loss)

     (26,882     (4,023     1,134   

Gain(loss) on valuation

     42,755        (49,729     127   

Other comprehensive income(loss) 2

     52,414        (9,407     (1,936

Reclassified to profit or loss from other comprehensive income 2,3

     (31,151     24,764        1,408   

Available-for-sale

      

Interest income 1

     389        142        345   

Dividend income

     7,810        6,370        20,841   

Gain on disposal

     6,724        7,991        2,339   

Impairment loss

     (4,727     (3,401     (5,053

Other comprehensive income(loss) 2

     60,834        23,952        49,778   

Reclassified to profit or loss from other comprehensive income 2

     (1,376     (4,865     6,554   

Liabilities at fair value through the profit and loss

      

Foreign currency transaction loss

            199        42   

Gain(loss) on disposal

     40        (78     (676

Gain on valuation

     (142     331        156   

Derivatives used for hedging

      

Gain(loss) on disposal

            2,352        (3,339

Gain(loss) on valuation

     1,041        (191,627     (97,289

Other comprehensive income(loss) 2

     10,790        (119,883     (70,367

Reclassified to profit or loss from other comprehensive income 2,3

     (3,882     130,103        66,199   

Financial liabilities at amortized cost

      

Interest expense 1,4

     (587,560     (589,727     (548,129

Foreign currency transaction gain(loss)

     4,063        3,383        (330

Foreign currency translation gain(loss)

     (85,198     262,383        104,820   

Other liabilities

      

Financial guarantee gain or loss

     (4,973     (11,216     9,034   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (364,806   (305,406   (369,282
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 KT Capital Co., Ltd. and KT Rental, a subsidiary of the Group, recognizes interest income and expense as operating revenue and expense. Interest income recognized as operating revenue is 170,598 million (2011: 173,740 million, 2012: 184,182 million) and interest expense recognized as operating expense is 97,827 million (2011: 106,951 million, 2012: 116,810 million) for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

2 The amounts directly reflected in equity before adjustments of deferred income tax.

 

3 During the year, the certain derivatives of the Group were settled and the related gain or loss on valuation of cash flow hedge in other comprehensive income was reclassified to profit or loss for the year.

 

4 The amounts reflected as interest expense arising from derivatives.

 

F-34


Table of Contents

5.    Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   2012      2013  

Cash on hand

   5,943       5,712   

Cash in banks

     860,956         885,620   

Money market trust

     768,259         817,466   

Other financial instruments

     422,455         362,071   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   2,057,613       2,070,869   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of financial position equal cash and cash equivalents in the statements of cash flows.

Restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   Type    2012      2013      Description  

Cash and cash equivalents

   Restricted
deposit
   6,690       1,998        
 
Deposit restricted for
governmental project
  
  

6.    Trade and Other Receivables

Trade and other receivables as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

     2012  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Total
amounts
     Allowance for
doubtful
accounts
    Present value
discount
    Carrying
value
 

Current assets

         

Trade receivables

   4,468,062       (464,126   (30,906   3,973,030   

Other receivables

     2,101,533         (166,204     (851     1,934,478   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   6,569,595       (630,330   (31,757   5,907,508   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current assets

         

Trade receivables

   688,303       (3,992   (52,252   632,059   

Other receivables

     494,494         (9,736     (43,851     440,907   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   1,182,797       (13,728   (96,103   1,072,966   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Total
amounts
     Allowance for
doubtful
accounts
    Present
value discount
    Carrying
value
 

Current assets

         

Trade receivables

   3,791,089       (523,098   (28,248   3,239,743   

Other receivables

     2,143,203         (142,821     (556     1,999,826   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   5,934,292       (665,919   (28,804   5,239,569   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current assets

         

Trade receivables

   404,372       (2,568   (33,539   368,265   

Other receivables

     500,028         (9,775     (45,047     445,206   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   904,400       (12,343   (78,586   813,471   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The fair values of trade and other receivables with original maturities less than one year equal their carrying values because the discounting effect is immaterial. The fair value of trade and other

 

F-35


Table of Contents

receivables with original maturities longer than one year, which are mainly from sales of goods, is determined discounting the expected future cash flow at the weighted average borrowing rate.

Details of changes in allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

     2012     2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Trade
receivables
    Other
receivables
    Trade
receivables
    Other
receivables
 

Beginning balance

   473,311      169,164      468,118      175,940   

Provision

     99,037        14,771        151,240        8,926   

Reversal or written-off

     (117,567     (9,622     (92,979     (34,227

Changes in the scope of consolidation

     10,487        1,632        338        2,349   

Others

     2,850        (5     (1,051     (392
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   468,118      175,940      525,666      152,596   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provisions for doubtful trade and other receivables are recognized as operating expenses or finance costs.

Details of aging analysis of trade receivables as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012     2013  

Neither past due nor impaired

   3,874,113      2,959,284   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Past due and impaired

    

Up to six months

     700,683        725,681   

Six months to twelve months

     131,928        105,607   

Over twelve months

     366,483        343,102   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     1,199,094        1,174,390   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (468,118     (525,666
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   4,605,089      3,608,008   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The detail of other receivables as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012     2013  

Loans

   131,324      89,134   

Receivables 1

     2,029,077        2,096,086   

Accrued income

     24,656        22,603   

Refundable deposits

     365,161        389,199   

Others

     1,107        606   

Allowance

     (175,940     (152,596
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   2,375,385      2,445,032   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

     1,934,478        1,999,826   

Non-current

     440,907        445,206   

 

1 The settlement receivables of BC Card Co., Ltd. of 1,553,823 million (2012: 1,343,859 million) included.

 

F-36


Table of Contents

Details of aging analysis of other receivables as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012     2013  

Neither past due nor impaired

   2,180,948      2,312,757   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Past due and impaired

    

Up to six months

     193,559        105,712   

Six months to twelve months

     21,041        16,641   

Over twelve months

     155,777        162,518   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     370,377        284,871   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (175,940     (152,596
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   2,375,385      2,445,032   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The maximum exposure of trade and other receivables to credit risk is the carrying value of each class of receivables mentioned above as of December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2013, the Company is provided with guarantees of 667,817 million by Seoul Guarantee Insurance related to the collection of certain accounts receivable arising from the handset sales.

7.    Loans Receivable

Loans receivable are from the Group’s Finance/Rental Business Group, which provides credit card, loan and lease services. Loans receivable as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

Current

 

     2012      2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Original
amount
     Allowance
for doubtful
accounts
    Carrying
Value
     Original
amount
    Allowance
for doubtful
accounts
    Carrying
Value
 

Factoring receivables

   71,293            71,293       82,994      (1,245   81,749   

Loans

     581,351         (33,256     548,095         752,165        (32,722     719,443   

Loans for installment credit

     49,205         (1,235     47,970         38,799        (1,205     37,594   

Deferred loan origination costs

     755                755         (62            (62
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   702,604       (34,491   668,113       873,896      (35,172   838,724   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-Current

 

     2012      2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Original
amount
     Allowance
for doubtful
accounts
    Carrying
Value
     Original
amount
     Allowance
for doubtful
accounts
    Carrying
Value
 

Factoring receivables

   6,051       (1,599   4,452       1,073       (103   970   

Loans

     406,410         (15,161     391,249         426,218         (15,929     410,289   

Loans for installment credit

     66,517         (1,935     64,582         46,849         (5,007     41,842   

Deferred loan origination costs

     2,336                2,336         3,432                3,432   

New technology financial investment assets

     6,788         (2,433     4,355         6,629         (803     5,826   

New technology financial loans

     55,190         (9,577     45,613         63,575         (16,061     47,514   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   543,292       (30,705   512,587       547,776       (37,903   509,873   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The fair values of trade and other receivables with maturities less than one year equal their carrying values because the discounting effect is immaterial. The fair value of loans receivables is determined discounting the future cash flow at the weighted average borrowing rate.

 

F-37


Table of Contents

Details of changes in allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012     2013  

Beginning

   43,587      65,196   

Provision

     32,914        40,743   

Reversal or written-off

     (12,210     (30,448

Others

     905        (2,416
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending

   65,196      73,075   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provisions for doubtful loans receivable are recognized as operating expenses.

Details of aging analysis of loans receivables as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012     2013  

Neither past due nor impaired

   1,155,838      1,322,206   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Past due and impaired

    

Up to six months

     75,942        54,263   

Six months to twelve months

     3,767        27,312   

Over twelve months

     10,349        7,891   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     90,058        89,466   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (65,196     (73,075
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   1,180,700      1,348,597   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The maximum exposure of loans receivables to credit risk is carrying value as of December 31, 2013.

8.    Other Financial Assets and Liabilities

Other financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   2012     2013  

Other financial assets

    

Assets at fair value through the profit and loss

   6,407      15,643   

Derivatives used for hedge

     21,348        3,496   

Financial instruments 1

     460,394        582,693   

Available-for-sale financial assets

     429,875        547,627   

Held-to-maturity investments

     436        3,248   

Less: Non-current

     (672,475     (672,645
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

   245,985      480,062   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other financial liabilities

    

Liabilities at fair value through the profit and loss

   3,216      2,956   

Derivatives used for hedge

     112,603        150,612   

Financial guarantee liabilities 2

     9,328        15,984   

Other financial liabilities

     16,649        73,080   

Less: Non-current

     (69,813     (178,812
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

   71,983      63,820   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 Financial assets amounting to 23,870 million (2012: 20,834 million) and 70 million (2012: 77 million) are collaterals pledged against the investee’s debt and checking account deposit, which are subject to withdrawal restrictions.

 

2 As of December 31, 2013, the Company has funding obligation to Smart Channel Co., Ltd. The related financial guarantee liabilities of 5,393 million are recognized (Note 20).

 

 

F-38


Table of Contents

Financial instruments at fair value through the profit and loss as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

     2012      2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Assets      Liabilities      Assets      Liabilities  

Financial instruments held for trading

           

Interest rate swap

   1       63       1         

Currency swap

                     7,238           

Currency forward

     119                 499         6   

Other derivatives

     6,287                 7,905         148   

Financial instruments at fair value through the profit and loss

             3,153                 2,802   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   6,407       3,216       15,643       2,956   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The valuation gains and losses on financial instruments held for trading for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

     2011      2012      2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Valuation
gain
     Valuation
loss
     Valuation
gain
     Valuation
loss
     Valuation
gain
     Valuation
loss
 

Interest rate swap

   3       45             2               

Currency swap

     10,229                                         8,395   

Currency forward

     294         180         118                 499         6   

Other derivatives

     2,271         36                         3,789         1,467   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   12,797       261       118       2       4,288       9,868   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The valuation gains and losses on financial instruments at fair value through the profit and loss for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   2011      2012      2013  

Foreign currency translation gain

         199       42   

Gain on transactions

     112         547           

Gain on valuations

     273         135         309   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   385       881       351   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The maximum exposure of debt securities of financial instruments at fair value through the profit and loss to credit risk is carrying value as of December 31, 2013.

Derivatives used for hedge as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

     2012      2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Assets      Liabilities      Assets      Liabilities  

Interest rate swap 1

         1,340             934   

Currency swap 2

     21,348         111,263         3,496         149,678   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     21,348         112,603         3,496         150,612   

Less: Non-current

     (21,348      (50,032      (3,496      (105,679
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current

         62,571             44,933   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 The interest rate swap contract is to hedge the risk of variability in future fair value of the bond (Note 16).

 

2 The currency swap contract is to hedge the risk of variability in cash flow from the bond (Note 16). In applying the cash flow hedge accounting, the Company hedges its exposures to cash flow fluctuations until September 7, 2034.

The full value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability if the remaining maturity of the hedged item is more than 12 months and, as a current asset or liability, if the maturity of the hedged item is less than 12 months.

 

F-39


Table of Contents

The valuation gains and losses on the derivatives contracts for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean
won)

  2011     2012     2013  

Type of Transaction

  Valuation
gain
    Valuation
loss
    Accumulated
other

comprehensive
income 1
    Valuation
gain
    Valuation
loss
    Accumulated
other

comprehensive
income 1
    Valuation
gain
    Valuation
loss
    Accumulated
other

comprehensive
income 1
 

Interest rate swap

            (135             (1,206             405   

Currency swap

    52,727        8,931        83,517               241,356        (169,361     127        97,289        (95,792
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  52,727      8,931      83,382           241,356      (170,567   127      97,289      (95,387
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 The amounts before adjustments of deferred income tax directly reflected in equity and allocation to the non-controlling interest.

The ineffective portion recognized in profit or loss on the cash flow hedge is valuation loss of 1,241 million for the current period (2011: valuation profit of 2,714 million, 2012: valuation loss of 29,183 million).

Details of available-for-sale financial assets as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   2012     2013  

Marketable equity securities

   49,156      55,347   

Non-marketable equity securities

     369,766        466,302   

Marketable debt securities

     4,935        25,211   

Non-marketable debt securities

     6,018        767   

Less: Non-current

     (424,814     (544,968
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

   5,061      2,659   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes of available-for-sale financial assets for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   2012     2013  

Beginning

   429,065      429,875   

Acquisition

     86,622        127,052   

Disposal

     (111,194     (66,917

Valuation 1

     31,599        65,670   

Impairment

     (3,401     (5,053

Reclassification

     (3,762     (3,000

Changes in scope of consolidation

     1,056          

Others

     (110       
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending

   429,875      547,627   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 The amount before adjustment of deferred income tax directly reflected in equity and allocation to the non-controlling interest.

The maximum exposure of debt securities of available-for-sale financial assets to credit risk is carrying value as of December 31, 2013.

Available-for-sale financial assets are measured at fair value. However, non-marketable equity securities that do not have quoted market prices in an active market and the fair value of which cannot be reliably measured are recognized at cost and the impairment loss is recognized if any.

 

F-40


Table of Contents

9.    Inventories

Inventories as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

     2012      2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Acquisition
cost
     Valuation
allowance
    Book
Value
     Acquisition
cost
     Valuation
allowance
    Book
Value
 

Merchandise

   702,249       (33,988   668,261       719,164       (122,919   596,245   

Goods in transit

     193,720                193,720         611                611   

Others

     73,326         (274     73,052         77,051         (289     76,762   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   969,295       (34,262   935,033       796,826       (123,208   673,618   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of inventories and valuation loss on inventory write-downs recognized as expenses amount to 3,797,973 million (2011: 4,530,779 million, 2012: 4,568,286 million) and 88,946 million, respectively, during the year (2011: 23,877 million, 2012: 23,931 million).

10.    Other Assets and Liabilities

Other assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   2012     2013  

Other assets

    

Advance payments

   128,838      134,758   

Prepaid expenses

     244,771        258,387   

Others

     84,028        22,199   

Less: Non-current

     (95,178     (75,748
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

   362,459      339,596   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other liabilities

    

Advances received

   146,678      191,767   

Withholdings

     93,910        129,484   

Unearned revenue

     42,208        27,313   

Others

     1,035        1,512   

Less: Non-current

     (41,426     (2,000
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

   242,405      348,076   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

11.    Property and Equipment

The changes in property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

    2012  

(in millions of Korean won)

  Land     Buildings
and
structures
    Machinery
and
equipment
    Others     Construction-
in-progress
    Total  

Acquisition cost

  1,207,203      3,578,231      33,484,020      2,012,681      758,345      41,040,480   

Accumulated depreciation (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

    (132     (1,218,432     (24,259,715     (1,445,321     (26,886     (26,950,486
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 2012.1.1

  1,207,071      2,359,799      9,224,305      567,360      731,459      14,089,994   

Acquisition

    9,554        4,582        151,698        447,717        3,253,263        3,866,814   

Disposal/Abandonment 1

    (17,200     (42,335     (65,727     (156,694     (12,065     (294,021

Depreciation

           (134,673     (2,389,952     (351,539            (2,876,164

Transfer in (out)

    16,049        82,700        2,922,815        121,294        (3,142,858       

Inclusion in scope of consolidation 2

    13,097        5,565        81        967,914        1,524        988,181   

Exclusion from scope of consolidation

                  (63     (18            (81

Others

    14,685        (89,708     9,801        75,164        21,701        31,643   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 2012.12.31

  1,243,256      2,185,930      9,852,958      1,671,198      853,024      15,806,366   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-41


Table of Contents
    2012  

(in millions of Korean won)

  Land     Buildings
and
structures
    Machinery
and
equipment
    Others     Construction-
in-progress
    Total  

Acquisition cost

  1,243,388      3,264,020      32,184,133      3,632,642      867,842      41,192,025   

Accumulated depreciation (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

    (132     (1,078,090     (22,331,175     (1,961,444     (14,818     (25,385,659

 

1 Land and buildings disposed of in connection with the sale and leaseback transactions with AJU-KTM private funding real-estate investment trust No. 1 and K-REALTY CR-REIT 2 were included (Note 29).

 

2 Operating lease of 959,056 million with KT Rental is included in changes in scope of consolidation.

 

    2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

  Land     Buildings
and
structures
    Machinery
and
equipment
    Others     Construction-
in-progress
    Total  

Acquisition cost

  1,243,388      3,264,020      32,184,133      3,632,642      867,842      41,192,025   

Accumulated depreciation (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

    (132     (1,078,090     (22,331,175     (1,961,444     (14,818     (25,385,659
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 2013.1.1

  1,243,256      2,185,930      9,852,958      1,671,198      853,024      15,806,366   

Acquisition

    2,718        14,178        417,218        1,051,278        2,843,801        4,329,193   

Disposal/Abandonment

    (3,297     (21,448     (173,102     (157,278     (283,677     (638,802

Depreciation

           (112,046     (2,428,859     (553,709            (3,094,614

Transfer in (out)

    9,671        12,544        2,188,686        104,024        (2,314,925       

Inclusion in scope of consolidation

    42        39        293        9               383   

Exclusion from scope of consolidation

           (379     (87     (348            (814

Others

    1,090        (18,848     36,618        (13,792     (19,816     (14,748
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 2013.12.31

  1,253,480      2,059,970      9,893,725      2,101,382      1,078,407      16,386,964   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Acquisition cost

  1,253,612      3,270,339      32,103,084      4,232,627      1,092,155      41,951,817   

Accumulated depreciation (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

    (132     (1,210,369     (22,209,359     (2,131,245     (13,748     (25,564,853

Details of property, plant and equipment provided as collateral as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

     2012

(in millions of Korean won)

   Carrying
amount
     Secured
amount
     Related
line item
     Related
amount
     Secured
party

Buildings

   11,836       7,800         Borrowings         6,000       Shinhan Bank

Machinery and equipment

     48,232         12,439         Borrowings         10,411       Korea Exchange Bank

 

     2013

(in millions of Korean won)

   Carrying
amount
     Secured
amount
     Related
line item
     Related
amount
     Secured
party

Buildings

   11,356       7,800         Borrowings         6,000       Shinhan bank

Machinery and equipment

     37,248         2,786         Borrowings         2,322       Korea Exchange bank

The borrowing costs capitalized for qualifying assets amount to 20,144 million (2011: 14,675 million, 2012: 12,126 million) in 2013. The interest rate applied to calculate the capitalized borrowing costs in 2013 is 3.95% to 4.44%. (2012: 4.46% to 4.89%).

 

F-42


Table of Contents

12.    Investment Property

The changes in investment property for years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

     2012  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Land     Buildings     Total  

Acquisition cost

   325,158      1,195,175      1,520,333   

Accumulated depreciation

            (361,228     (361,228
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Beginning

   325,158      833,947      1,159,105   

Disposal 1

     (2,619     (70,024     (72,643

Depreciation

            (49,006     (49,006

Transfer

     12,908        104,849        117,757   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending

   335,447      819,766      1,155,213   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Acquisition cost

   335,447      1,022,454      1,357,901   

Accumulated depreciation

            (202,688     (202,688

 

1 Land and buildings disposed of in connection with the sale and leaseback transactions with Aju-KTM private funding real estate investment trust No.1 and K-REALTY CR-REIT 2 were included.

 

     2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Land     Buildings     Construction-
in-progress
     Total  

Acquisition cost

   335,447      1,022,454            1,357,901   

Accumulated depreciation

            (202,688             (202,688
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Beginning

   335,447      819,766            1,155,213   

Acquisition

     3,053        11,352        3,778         18,183   

Disposal

     (420     (7,657             (8,077

Depreciation

            (47,232             (47,232

Transfer

     (9,116     (3,476             (12,592
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending

   328,964      772,753      3,778       1,105,495   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Acquisition cost

   328,964      1,015,079      3,778       1,347,821   

Accumulated depreciation

            (242,326             (242,326

The fair value of investment property is 2,051,183 million as of December 31, 2013 (2012: 2,335,642 million). The fair value of investment property is estimated based on the expected cash flow.

Rental income from investment property is 197,673 million in 2013 (2011: 150,752 million, 2012: 203,328 million) and direct operating expenses (including repairs and maintenance) arising from investment property that generated rental income during the period are recognized as operating expenses.

Details of investment property provided as collaterals as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

     2012  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Carrying
amount
     Secured
amount
    

Collateral
for

   Amount of deposit
received
 

Buildings

   545,872       59,098       Deposits received    37,741   
     2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Carrying
amount
     Secured
amount
    

Collateral
for

   Amount of deposit
received
 

Land

   23,258       1,484       Deposits    31,727   

Buildings

     360,489         40,713       received   

 

F-43


Table of Contents

13. Intangible Assets

The changes in intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

    2012  

(in millions of Korean won)

  Goodwill     Development
costs
    Software     Frequency
usage
rights
    Others     Total  

Acquisition cost

  457,144      1,069,158      555,808      1,783,508      886,785      4,752,403   

Accumulated amortization (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

    (7,749     (642,530     (331,169     (887,811     (238,549     (2,107,808
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 2012.1.1

  449,395      426,628      224,639      895,697      648,236      2,644,595   

Acquisition 1

           322,350        72,434        267,161        68,572        730,517   

Disposal /Abandonment

    (1,705     (612     (1,142            (4,413     (7,872

Amortization

           (127,237     (59,931     (118,500     (82,995     (388,663

Inclusion in scope of consolidation 2

    150,337        9,341        1,176               77,035        237,889   

Exclusion in scope of consolidation

                  (234                   (234

Others

           (1,807     3,084               (3,871     (2,594
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 2012.12.31

  598,027      628,663      240,026      1,044,358      702,564      3,213,638   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Acquisition cost

  605,776      1,393,089      614,069      1,924,869      1,013,046      5,550,849   

Accumulated amortization (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

    (7,749     (764,426     (374,043     (880,511     (310,482     (2,337,211

 

1 The Company acquired 800MHz frequency and 2.3GHz frequency amortized over the life of usage rights using the straight-line method.

 

2 As a result of additional acquisition of ownership interest in KT Rental, intangible assets such as the customer base measured at fair value in accordance with IFRS 3, “Business Combination”, are included (Note 37). These intangible assets were not recorded in the statements of financial position of KT Rental.
    2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

  Goodwill     Development
costs
    Software     Frequency
usage
rights
    Others     Total  

Acquisition cost

  605,776      1,393,089      614,069      1,924,869      1,013,046      5,550,849   

Accumulated amortization (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

    (7,749     (764,426     (374,043     (880,511     (310,482     (2,337,211
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 2013.1.1

  598,027      628,663      240,026      1,044,358      702,564      3,213,638   

Acquisition 1

    9,272        137,420        87,898        844,462        125,563        1,204,615   

Disposal / Abandonment

           (57,956     (5,645            (7,617     (71,218

Amortization

           (155,280     (61,413     (161,226     (100,983     (478,902

Impairment

    (12,954     (4,743     (1,019            (17,490     (36,206

Inclusion in scope of consolidation 2

                  501                      501   

Exclusion in scope of consolidation

                                         

Others

    (2,006     (30     1,968        (388     (4,579     (5,035
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 2013.12.31

  592,339      548,074      262,316      1,727,206      697,458      3,827,393   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Acquisition cost

  610,715      1,359,478      681,176      2,768,943      1,100,540      6,520,852   

Accumulated amortization (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

    (18,376     (811,404     (418,860     (1,041,737     (403,082     (2,693,459

 

1 The Company had acquired the 1.8GHz frequency amortized using the straight-line method.

The carrying value of facility usage rights with indefinite useful life not subject to amortization is 150,654 million (2012: 160,299 million) as of December 31, 2013.

 

F-44


Table of Contents

Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash-generating unit. As of December 31, 2013, goodwill allocated to each cash-generation unit is as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

      

Telecom wireless business & Convergence/Customer 1

   65,057   

Finance and Rental

  

KT Rental 2

     131,426   

BC Card Co., Ltd. 3

     41,234   

Others

  

KT Skylife Co., Ltd. 4

     306,303   

KT Powertel Co., Ltd. and others

     48,319   
  

 

 

 

Total

   592,339   
  

 

 

 

 

1 The recoverable amounts of mobile business are calculated based on value-in use calculations. These calculations use pre-tax cash flow projections for the next four years based on financial budgets approved by management. Cash flow exceeds the financial budgets are estimated by the expected growth rate. This growth rate does not exceed the long-term average growth rate of the industry which the cash-generate unit belongs in. The Company estimated its revenue growth rate based on past performance and its expectation of future market changes. The Company determined pre-tax cash flow projections based on past performance and its estimation of market growth. Specific risks of the related operating segment are reflected in its discount rate. As a result of the impairment test, there is no impairment loss on goodwill allocated to the mobile business as of December 31, 2013.

 

2 The recoverable amounts of KT Rental are calculated based on value-in use calculations. These calculations use pre-tax cash flow projections for the next five years based on financial budgets approved by management. Cash flow exceeds the financial budgets are projected by expected growth rate. This growth rate does not exceed the long-term average growth rate of the industry which the cash-generating unit belongs in. The Company estimated its revenue growth rate based on past performance and its expectation of future market changes. The Company determined pre-tax cash flow projections based on past performance and its estimation of market growth. Specific risks of the related operating segment are reflected in its discount rate. As a result of the impairment test, there is no impairment loss on goodwill allocated to KT Rental as of December 31, 2013.

 

3 The recoverable amounts of BC Card Co., Ltd. are calculated based on value-in use calculations. These calculations use pre-tax cash flow projections for the next five years based on financial budgets approved by management. Cash flow exceeds the financial budgets are projected by expected growth rate. This growth rate does not exceed the long-term average growth rate of the industry which the cash-generating unit belongs in. The Company estimated its revenue growth rate based on past performance and its expectation of future market changes. The Company determined pre-tax cash flow projections based on past performance and its estimation of market growth. Specific risks of the related operating segment are reflected in its discount rate. As a result of the impairment test, there is no impairment loss on goodwill allocated to BC Card as of December 31, 2013.

 

4 The recoverable amounts of KT Skylife Co., Ltd. are determined based on fair value of KT Skylife less costs to sell. As a result of the impairment test based on the determined recoverable amounts, there is no impairment loss on goodwill allocated to KT Skylife as of December 31, 2013.

As a result of the impairment test, the Group recognized the impairment losses of 12,954 million on goodwill allocated to Enswers Inc. and others and recognized the losses as operating expenses in the consolidated statement of the income. The Group considers that the carrying value of other cash generating units does not exceed the recoverable amount of the CGUs.

14.    Investments in Associates and Jointly Controlled Entities

Details of associates as of December 31, 2013, are as follows:

(a) Associates

 

Company

   Percentage of
ownership (%)
   

Location

  

Date of financial
statements

   Remarks  
   2012     2013          

KTCS Corporation 1

     17.8     17.8   Korea    December 31      1   

KTIS Corporation 1

     17.8     17.8   Korea    December 31      1   

 

F-45


Table of Contents

Company

   Percentage of
ownership (%)
   

Location

  

Date of financial
statements

   Remarks  
   2012     2013          

Korea Information & Technology Fund

     33.3     33.3   Korea    December 31   

KT-SB Venture Investment 2

     50.0     50.0   Korea    December 31   

Boston Global Film & Contents Fund L.P

     27.7     27.7   Korea    December 31      2   

Mongolian Telecommunications

     40.0     40.0   Mongolia    December 31   

Metropol Property LLC

     34.0     34.0   Uzbekistan    December 31   

KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd.

     26.2     26.2   Korea    December 31   

QTT Global (Group) Company Limited

     25.0     25.0   China    December 31   

 

1 KTCS Corporation and KTIS Corporation provide telephone number directory enquiries services. At the end of the reporting period, even though the Group has less than 20% ownership, the equity method of accounting has been applied as it is considered that the Group has significant influence over the operating and financial policies of these entities.

 

2 At the end of the reporting period, even though the Group has 50% ownership, the equity method of accounting has been applied as the Group, which is a limited partner in the investment fund, cannot participate in determining the operating and financial policies.

The changes in investments in associates and jointly controlled entities for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

    2012  

(in millions of Korean won)

  Beginning     Acquisition
(Disposal)
    Reclassification     Share of income (loss)
from jointly controlled
entities and associates
 1
    Other     Ending  

KT Rental 2

  175,235           (179,719   9,370      (4,886     

KTCS Corporation

    20,327                      1,456        1        21,784   

KTIS Corporation

    21,088                      782               21,870   

Korea Information & Technology Fund

    119,492                      1,621               121,113   

KT-SB Venture Investment

    12,643                      (258            12,385   

Boston Global Film & Contents Fund L.P

    7,535                      (633            6,902   

Mongolian Telecommunications

    11,232                      232        (1,465     9,999   

Metropol Property LLC

    1,746                      37               1,783   

KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd.

    66,206                      534        1        66,741   

SMART CHANNEL Co., Ltd.

    2,748                      (2,748              

KTF-CJ Music Contents Investment Fund 3

    5,038                      14               5,052   

QTT Global (Group) Company Limited

           12,746               203               12,949   

Others

    56,707        38,540               13,698        (10,028     98,917   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  499,997      51,286      (179,719   24,308      16,377      379,495   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 KT Capital Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company, recognizes its share in income (loss) from jointly controlled entities and associates as operating revenue and expense. These include its share in income from jointly controlled entities and associates of 4,155 million (2011: 2,701 million, 2012: 6,591 million) recognized as operating revenue and the share in loss from jointly controlled entities and associates of 534 million (2011: 136 million , 2012: 362 million) recognized as operating expense.

 

2 The Company had joint control over the entity until December 31, 2011, based on an agreement among the shareholders and classified the related investments as investments in joint ventures. However, during 2012, the restriction on controlling power of the Company under the shareholders’ agreement between the Company and the second major shareholder was lifted, and therefore KT rental became a subsidiary (Note 37),

 

F-46


Table of Contents
     2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Beginning      Acquisition
(Disposal)
    Share of income (loss)
from jointly controlled
entities and associates
 1
    Other     Ending  

KTCS Corporation

   21,784            2,702      (2,306   22,180   

KTIS Corporation

     21,870                2,511        (1,053     23,328   

Korea Information & Technology Fund

     121,113                2,910        (241     123,782   

KT-SB Venture Investment

     12,385         3,750        216        (421     15,930   

Boston Global Film & Contents Fund L.P

     6,902                94               6,996   

Mongolian Telecommunications

     9,999                172        (1,475     8,696   

Metropol Property LLC

     1,783                558        (982     1,359   

KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd.

     66,741                812               67,553   

KTF-CJ Music Contents Investment Fund

     5,052         (3,561     (1,491              

QTT Global (Group) Company Limited

     12,949                121        45        13,115   

KT-CKP new media Investment Fund

             2,250        (73            2,177   

Others

     98,917         (9,188     1,690        (12,632     78,787   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   379,495       (6,749   10,222      (19,065   363,903   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The summary of financial information of associates and joint ventures as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, follows:

 

     2012  

(In millions of Korean won)

   Current assets      Non-current
assets
     Current liabilities      Non-current
liabilities
 

KTCS Corporation

   145,616       34,224       55,562       1,748   

KTIS Corporation

     141,634         37,076         50,387         5,287   

Korea Information & Technology Fund

     195,164         168,182         6           

KT-SB Venture Investment

     4,898         20,411         538           

Boston Global Film & Contents Fund L.P.

     18,004         6,925         6           

Mongolian Telecommunications

     16,675         15,707         7,383           

Metropol Property LLC

     2,665                 491           

KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd

     135,638         123,727         4,772         30   

K-Realty CR-REITs No.1

     13,376         488,177         3,739         294,281   

Others

     140,956         312,872         130,740         59,479   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   814,626       1,207,301       253,624       360,825   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

      2012  

(In millions of Korean won)

   Operating
revenue
     Net profit
(loss)
    Other
comprehensive
income
    Total
comprehensive
income
    Dividends
received from
associates
 

KTCS Corporation

   384,165       17,714      (1,041   16,673      407   

KTIS Corporation

     388,370         17,535        (340     17,195        310   

Korea Information & Technology Fund

     19,444         5,820               5,820        208   

KT-SB Venture Investment

     141         (384            (384       

Boston Global Film & Contents Fund L.P.

     762         (2,284            (2,284       

Mongolian Telecommunications

     17,058         342        23        365        120   

Metropol Property LLC

     747         224        3        227          

KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd

     2,084         2,700               2,700          

K-Realty CR-REITs No.1

     36,912         12,280               12,280        1,142   

Others

     445,690         2,997        92        3,089        5,981   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   1,295,373       56,944      (1,263   55,681      8,168   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-47


Table of Contents
      2013  

(In millions of Korean won)

   Current assets      Non-current
assets
     Current liabilities      Non-current
liabilities
 

KTCS Corporation

   130,585       50,403       54,115       2,061   

KTIS Corporation

     140,119         41,733         48,636         2,124   

Korea Information & Technology Fund

     132,143         239,203                   

KT-SB Venture Investment

     5,578         26,964         682           

Boston Global Film & Contents Fund L.P.

     12,905         12,504         147           

Mongolian Telecommunications

     14,670         12,869         5,798           

Metropol Property LLC

     4,267                 3,340           

KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd

     159,309         103,401         5,004         45   

K-Realty CR-REITs No.1

     11,620         484,204         3,534         294,474   

Others

     126,914         293,899         122,742         62,038   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   738,110       1,265,180       243,998       360,742   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

      2013  

(In millions of Korean won)

   Operating
revenue
     Net profit
(loss)
    Other
comprehensive
income
    Total
comprehensive
income
    Dividends
received from
associates
 

KTCS Corporation

   396,212       14,480      (4,293   10,187      813   

KTIS Corporation

     387,720         13,573        (3,274     10,299        620   

Korea Information & Technology Fund

     17,345         8,730               8,730          

KT-SB Venture Investment

     370         637               637        421   

Boston Global Film & Contents Fund L.P.

     513         339               339          

Mongolian Telecommunications

     10,877         447        (42     405        23   

Metropol Property LLC

     502         133        6        139        911   

KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd

     1,660         3,169               3,169          

K-Realty CR-REITs No.1

     39,064         11,091               11,091        2,521   

Others

     395,534         (4,589     (336     (4,925     5,292   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   1,249,797       48,010      (7,939   40,071      10,601   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Details of a reconciliation of the summarized financial information to the carrying amount of interests in the associates and joint ventures as of and for the years end December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

    2012  

(in millions of Korean won)

  Net assets     Percentage of
ownership
    Share in net
assets
    Goodwill     Intercompany
transaction
    Book value  

KTCS Corporation

  122,530        17.8   21,811           (27   21,784   

KTIS Corporation 2

    123,036        17.8     21,906               (36     21,870   

Korea Information & Technology Fund

    363,340        33.3     121,113                      121,113   

KT-SB Venture Investment 3

    24,771        50.0     12,385                      12,385   

Boston Global Film & Contents Fund L.P

    24,923        27.7     6,902                      6,902   

Mongolian Telecommunications

    24,999        40.0     9,999                      9,999   

Metropol Property LLC

    2,174        34.0     739        1,044               1,783   

KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd.

    254,563        26.2     66,741                      66,741   
    2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

  Net assets     Percentage of
ownership
    Share in net
assets
    Goodwill     Intercompany
transaction
    Book value  

KTCS Corporation

  124,812        17.8   22,217           (37   22,180   

KTIS Corporation

    131,092        17.8     23,340               (12     23,328   

Korea Information & Technology Fund

    371,346        33.3     123,782                      123,782   

KT-SB Venture Investment 3

    31,860        50.0     15,930                      15,930   

Boston Global Film & Contents Fund L.P

    25,262        27.7     6,996                      6,996   

Mongolian Telecommunications

    21,741        40.0     8,696                      8,696   

Metropol Property LLC

    927        34.0     315        1,044               1,359   

KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd.

    257,661        26.2     67,553                      67,553   

 

F-48


Table of Contents

Marketable investments in associates and joint ventures as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

     2012  
     Number of
shares
     Book Value
(In millions of
Korean won)
     Fair Value
(In millions of
Korean won)
 

KTCS Corporation

     8,132,130         21,784         18,623   

KTIS Corporation

     6,196,190         21,870         19,518   

Mongolian Telecommunications

     10,348,111         9,999         14,741   

 

     2013  
     Number of
shares
     Book Value
(In millions of
Korean won)
     Fair Value
(In millions of
Korean won)
 

KTCS Corporation

     8,132,130         22,180         28,218   

KTIS Corporation

     6,196,190         23,328         31,539   

Mongolian Telecommunications

     10,348,111         8,696         10,083   

The Group has not recognized loss from associates and jointly controlled entities of 17,428 million for the year (2011: 5,633 million, 2012: 7,308 million). The accumulated comprehensive loss of joint ventures and associates as of December 31, 2013, which was not recognized by the Group is 39,571 million (2011: 15,490 million, 2012: 22,143 million).

The following equity securities owned by the Company are pledged as collateral for the investee’s borrowings:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

  

Investee

   Amount  

Investments in associate

   Smart Channel Co., Ltd.    6,500   

15.    Trade and other payables

The Group’s trade and other payables as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   2012      2013  

Current liabilities

     

Trade payables

   1,822,895       1,716,686   

Other payables

     5,398,407         5,697,137   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   7,221,302       7,413,823   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

     

Trade payables

   10,696       10,430   

Other payables

     690,664         1,048,454   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   701,360       1,058,884   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Details of other payables as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   2012     2013  

Non-trade payables 1

   3,969,065      4,469,781   

Accrued expenses

     772,013        937,307   

Operating deposits

     880,895        863,494   

Other

     467,098        475,009   

Less: non-current

     (690,664     (1,048,454
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

   5,398,407      5,697,137   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 Settlement payables of BC Card Co., Ltd. of 1,725,396 million related to credit card transaction included as of December 31, 2013 (2012: 1,519,242 million).

 

F-49


Table of Contents

16.    Bonds Payable and Borrowings

Details of bonds payable and borrowings as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

Bonds Payable

 

(in millions of Korean won and

thousands of foreign currencies)

        2012     2013  

Type

  Maturity   Annual interest
rates
    Foreign
currency
    Korean won     Foreign
currency
    Korean won  

MTNP notes 1

  Jun 24, 2014     5.88   USD 600,000         642,660      USD 600,000         633,180   

MTNP notes 1

  Sep 07, 2034     6.50   USD 100,000        107,110      USD 100,000        105,530   

MTNP notes 1

  Jul 15, 2015     4.88   USD 400,000        428,440      USD 400,000        422,120   

MTNP notes 1

  May 03, 2016     5.88   USD 200,000        214,220      USD 200,000        211,060   

Reg S bonds

  Jan 20, 2017     3.88   USD 350,000        374,885      USD 350,000        369,355   

FR notes

  Sep 11, 2013     LIBOR(3M) +1.50   USD 200,000        214,220                 

FR notes 2

  Apr 9, 2013     LIBOR(3M) +0.47   USD 100,000        107,110                 

FR notes 2

  Jan 25, 2013     1.58   JPY 35,000,000        436,625                 

FR notes

  Aug 28, 2018     LIBOR(3M) +1.15                 USD 300,000        316,590   

Japanese yen bonds

  Jan 29, 2015     0.59                 JPY 5,000,000        50,233   

Japanese yen bonds

  Jan 29, 2016     0.70                 JPY 18,200,000        182,848   

Japanese yen bonds

  Jan 29, 2018     0.86                 JPY 6,800,000        68,317   

The 159th Public bond

  Oct 27, 2013     5.39            300,000                 

The 163rd Public bond

  Mar 30, 2014     5.51            170,000               170,000   

The 165-2nd Public bond

  Aug 26, 2014     4.44            140,000               140,000   

The 167-2nd Public bond

  Apr 20, 2015     4.84            100,000               100,000   

The 168-2nd Public bond

  Jun 21, 2015     4.66            90,000               90,000   

The 171st Public bond

  Feb 28, 2013     5.41            100,000                 

The 173-1st Public bond

  Aug 6, 2013     6.49            100,000                 

The 173-2nd Public bond

  Aug 06, 2018     6.62            100,000               100,000   

The 175-2nd Public bond

  Feb 27, 2014     5.47            360,000               360,000   

The 176-2nd Public bond

  May 28, 2014     5.06            170,000               170,000   

The 176-3rd Public bond

  May 28, 2016     5.24            260,000               260,000   

The 177-1st Public bond

  Feb 9, 2013     4.86            240,000                 

The 177-2nd Public bond

  Feb 09, 2015     5.26            190,000               190,000   

The 177-3rd Public bond

  Feb 09, 2017     5.38            170,000               170,000   

The 178-1st Public bond 2

  Jan 18, 2013     LIBOR(3M) +1.05   USD 100,000        107,110                 

The 178-2nd Public bond 2

  Jan 17, 2014     LIBOR(3M) +1.05   USD 100,000        107,110      USD 100,000        105,530   

The 179th Public bond

  Mar 29, 2018     4.47            260,000               260,000   

The 180-1st Public bond

  Apr 26, 2016     4.35            210,000               210,000   

The 180-2nd Public bond

  Apr 26, 2021     4.71            380,000               380,000   

The 181-1st Public bond

  Aug 26, 2016     3.94            260,000               260,000   

The 181-2nd Public bond

  Aug 26, 2018     3.99            90,000               90,000   

The 181-3rd Public bond

  Aug 26, 2021     4.09            250,000               250,000   

The 182-1st Public bond

  Oct 28, 2016     4.11            320,000               320,000   

The 182-2nd Public bond

  Oct 28, 2021     4.31            100,000               100,000   

The 183-1st Public bond

  Dec 22, 2016     3.81            50,000               50,000   

The 183-2nd Public bond

  Dec 22, 2021     4.09            90,000               90,000   

The 183-3rd Public bond

  Dec 22, 2031     4.27            160,000               160,000   

The 184-1st Public bond

  Apr 10, 2018     2.74                          120,000   

The 184-2nd Public bond

  Apr 10, 2023     2.95                          190,000   

The 184-3rd Public bond

  Apr 10, 2033     3.17                          100,000   

The 185-1st Public bond

  Sep 16, 2018     3.46                          200,000   

The 185-2nd Public bond

  Sep 16, 2020     3.65                          300,000   

The 51-2nd Public bond

  Jun 20,2013     6.41            70,000                 

The 52-2nd Public bond

  Oct 4, 2013     6.64            100,000                 

The 26th Public bond

  Apr 19, 2013     5.15            10,000                 

The 27th Public bond

  Jul 25, 2014     5.04            5,000               5,000   

The 17-3rd Public bond

  May 30, 2013     7.14            50,000                 

The 18-4th Public bond

  Jun 23, 2013     7.55            10,000                 

The 32-2nd Public bond

  Jan 22, 2013     5.95            50,000                 

 

F-50


Table of Contents

(in millions of Korean won and

thousands of foreign currencies)

        2012     2013  

Type

  Maturity   Annual interest
rates
    Foreign
currency
    Korean won     Foreign
currency
    Korean won  

The 32-3rd Public bond

  Jan 22, 2015     6.70            30,000               30,000   

The 33rd Public bond

  Feb 11, 2015     6.45            50,000               50,000   

The 34-2nd Public bond

  Feb 26, 2013     5.60            10,000                 

The 35-2nd Public bond

  Mar 22, 2013     5.05            30,000                 

The 36-2nd Public bond

  Apr 30, 2013     4.75            30,000                 

The 36-3rd Public bond

  Apr 30, 2015     5.65            20,000               20,000   

The 37-3rd Public bond

  Jun 30, 2013     5.45            20,000                 

The 37-4th Public bond

  June 30, 2014     5.85            10,000               10,000   

The 38-3rd Public bond

  Jul 19, 2014     5.85            10,000               10,000   

The 39th Public bond

  Jul 30, 2013     5.35            30,000                 

The 40-2nd Public bond

  Aug 10, 2013     5.33            20,000                 

The 40-3rd Public bond

  Aug 10, 2015     5.95            20,000               20,000   

The 41-2nd Public bond

  Sep 17, 2013     4.63            20,000                 

The 41-3rd Public bond

  Sep 17, 2014     5.10            10,000               10,000   

The 42-1st Public bond

  Nov 22, 2013     4.62            30,000                 

The 42-2nd Public bond

  Nov 22, 2014     5.10            20,000               20,000   

The 42-3rd Public bond

  Nov 22, 2015     5.44            10,000               10,000   

The 43-1st Public bond

  Jan 28, 2014     5.05            40,000               40,000   

The 43-2nd Public bond

  Jan 28, 2015     5.32            10,000               10,000   

The 43-3rd Public bond

  Jan 28, 2016     5.75            30,000               30,000   

The 44-2nd Public bond

  Apr 28, 2013     4.53            30,000                 

The 44-3rd Public bond

  Oct 28, 2013     4.76            20,000                 

The 45th Private bond

  May 18, 2014     4.80            30,000               30,000   

The 46-1st Public bond

  Feb 26, 2013     4.10            20,000                 

The 46-2nd Public bond

  May 26, 2014     4.50            40,000               40,000   

The 46-3rd Public bond

  May 26, 2015     4.71            20,000               20,000   

The 46-4th Public bond

  May 26, 2016     4.90            20,000               20,000   

The 47th Public bond

  Jun 23, 2014     4.50            30,000               30,000   

The 48th Public bond

  Aug 11, 2016     4.71            10,000               10,000   

The 49th Public bond

  Aug 23, 2014     CD(91D) +0.93            20,000               20,000   

The 50-1st Public bond

  Mar 21, 2013     4.30            20,000                 

The 50-2nd Public bond

  Sep 21, 2016     4.87            5,000               5,000   

The 51-1st Public bond

  Sep 30, 2014     4.69            10,000               10,000   

The 51-2nd Public bond

  Sep 30, 2016     4.92            20,000               20,000   

The 52-1st Public bond

  Oct 11, 2013     4.49            10,000                 

The 52-2nd Public bond

  Oct 11, 2014     CD(91D) +1.10            10,000               10,000   

The 53rd Public bond

  Oct 17, 2013     4.39            20,000                 

The 54th Public bond

  Oct 28, 2014     4.64            10,000               10,000   

The 55-1st Public bond

  Nov 16, 2014     4.46            40,000               40,000   

The 55-2nd Public bond

  Nov 16, 2015     4.56            20,000               20,000   

The 55-3rd Public bond

  Nov 16, 2016     4.74            5,000               5,000   

The 56th Public bond

  Dec 13, 2014     4.18            35,000               35,000   

The 57-1st Public bond

  Oct 05, 2014     CD(91D) +0.87            50,000               50,000   

The 57-2nd Public bond

  Jan 05, 2016     4.44            20,000               20,000   

The 57-3rd Public bond

  Jan 05, 2017     4.61            30,000               30,000   

The 58-1st Public bond

  Jul 10, 2014     4.27            30,000               30,000   

The 58-2nd Public bond

  Jul 10, 2015     4.37            20,000               20,000   

The 59-1st Public bond

  May 25, 2015     3.78            20,000               20,000   

The 59-2nd Public bond

  May 25, 2016     3.87            20,000               20,000   

The 59-3rd Public bond

  May 25, 2017     4.03            40,000               40,000   

The 60th Public bond

  Jul 13, 2015     CD(91D) +0.39            40,000               40,000   

The 61st Public bond

  Sep 22, 2017     3.65            45,000               45,000   

The 62-1st Public bond

  Aug 27, 2015     3.19            20,000               20,000   

The 62-2nd Public bond

  Oct 11, 2017     3.43            50,000               50,000   

The 63rd Public bond

  Sep 27, 2017     3.44            40,000               40,000   

The 64-1st Public bond

  Oct 29, 2015     3.26            20,000               20,000   

The 64-2nd Public bond

  Dec 21, 2017     3.46            50,000               50,000   

The 65th Public bond

  Mar 22, 2018     3.47            55,000               55,000   

 

F-51


Table of Contents

(in millions of Korean won and

thousands of foreign currencies)

          2012     2013  

Type

  Maturity     Annual interest
rates
    Foreign
currency
    Korean won     Foreign
currency
    Korean won  

The 66th Public bond

    Apr 02, 2018        3.52            54,000               54,000   

The 67-1st Public bond

    Mar 22, 2017        3.00                          30,000   

The 67-2nd Public bond

    Mar 22, 2018        3.10                          40,000   

The 67-3rd Public bond

    Mar 22, 2020        3.37                          20,000   

The 68-1st Public bond

    Apr 30, 2016        2.85                          40,000   

The 68-2nd Public bond

    Apr 30, 2017        2.92                          10,000   

The 69-1st Public bond

    Dec 27, 2014        3.11                          20,000   

The 69-2nd Public bond

    June 27, 2016        CD(91D) +0.43                          20,000   

The 69-3rd Public bond

    Jun 27, 2018        3.81                          20,000   

The 70-1st Public bond

    Oct 28, 2016        3.29                          40,000   

The 70-2nd Public bond

    Oct 28, 2018        3.63                          10,000   

The 71-1st Public bond

    Nov 29, 2016        3.46                          10,000   

The 71-2nd Public bond

    Nov 29, 2020        4.14                          30,000   

The 72-1st Public bond

    Dec 23, 2015        3.18                          10,000   

The 72-2nd Public bond

    Dec 23, 2016        3.41                          30,000   

Asset backed short-term bond

    Mar 10, 2014        2.85                          10,000   

Asset backed short-term bond

    Mar 12, 2014        2.91                          10,000   

Asset backed short-term bond

    Mar 18, 2014        3.02                          10,000   

Asset backed short-term bond

    Jan 28, 2014        3.03                          10,000   

Unsecured private convertible bond 3

    Jan 20, 2016        2.00            15,000               15,000   

Unsecured public bond in won

    Jan 24, 2016        3.43                          30,000   

The 16th unsecured bond

    Apr 23, 2015        3.80            80,000               80,000   

The 1st convertible preferred stock 3

    Dec 30, 2014        3.00            2,000               2,000   

The 32-1st Public bond

    Nov 20, 2015        3.19            100,000               100,000   

The 32-2nd Public bond

    Nov 20, 2017        3.33            100,000               100,000   

The 33rd Public bond

    Mar 21, 2018        3.26                          53,000   

The 17-2nd Public bond

    Mar 11, 2013        5.45            30,000                 

The 27-2nd Public bond

    Apr 9, 2013        5.04            70,000                 

The 28-1st Public bond

    Apr 05, 2014        4.61            50,000               50,000   

The 28-2nd Public bond

    Apr 05, 2016        5.25            65,000               65,000   

The 29th Public bond

    Sep 05, 2016        4.85            45,000               45,000   

The 30th Public bond

    Oct 31, 2014        4.50            90,000               90,000   

The 31-1st Public bond

    Jun 15, 2015        3.73            100,000               100,000   

The 31-2nd Public bond

    Jun 15, 2017        3.97            100,000               100,000   

The 34th Public bond

    Mar 21, 2018        3.21                          54,000   

The 35th Public bond

    Jun 21, 2018        2.92                          50,000   

The 36th Public bond

    Jun 21, 2018        2.92                          50,000   

The 37th Public bond

    Jun 21, 2018        2.98                          50,000   

The 38-1st Public bond

    Nov 20, 2015        3.13                          40,000   

The 38-2nd Public bond

    Nov 20, 2016        3.39                          60,000   

The 2nd unsecured convertible bond 3

    Sep 30, 2018        2.00                          179   

The 8th unsecured convertible bond 3

    Nov 26, 2015                      19,052               19,052   
       

 

 

     

 

 

 
          10,059,542          10,011,994   

Less: Current portion

          (2,305,065       (2,185,017

Discount on bonds

          (26,600       (22,348

Conversion right adjustment

          (5,800       (3,987

Add: Premium on bonds redemption

          3,517          3,566   
       

 

 

     

 

 

 
        7,725,594        7,804,208   
       

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

F-52


Table of Contents

 

1 As of December 31, 2013, the Company has outstanding notes in the amount of USD 1,300 million with fixed interest rates under the Medium Term Note Program (“MTNP”) registered in the Singapore Stock Exchange, which allowed issuance of notes of up to USD 2,000 million. The MTN Program has been suspended since 2007.

 

2 Libor (3M) and CD (91D) are approximately 0.247 % and 2.66 %, respectively, as of December 31, 2013.

 

3 At the end of the reporting period, the terms and conditions of the convertible bonds are as follows:

 

      Issuers  

Type

   KT Telecop Co., Ltd.     Korea
HD Broadcasting
Corp.
    KT Music Co., Ltd.     Green point Co.,
Ltd.
 

Issue date

     Jan 20, 2011        Apr 30, 2010        Nov 26, 2012        Oct 1, 2013   

Issue price

   15,000 million      2,000 million      19,502 million      179 million   

Coupon rate

     2     3     0     2

Guaranteed margin ratio

     4     3     3     Compound annual 5

Conversion period

    
 
 
From one year after
the issue date to
December 20, 2015
  
  
  
   
 
 
From one year after
the issue date to
bond maturity
  
  
  
   
 
 
From one year after
the issue date to
November 19, 2015
  
  
  
   
 
 
 
From the day
succeeding the
issue date till bond
maturity
  
  
  
  

Conversion price

   26,000      500      3,380      27,952   

Short-term borrowings

 

(in millions of Korean won and
thousands of foreign currencies)

    2012      2013  

Financial institution

   Type   Annual
interest rates
    Foreign
Currency
     Korean
won
     Foreign
Currency
     Korean
Won
 

Shinhan Bank

   Commercial papers     2.78~3.75                         40,000   
   General loan 1     4.45~5.17%                93,200                 81,200   
   Credit loan     4.84~5.84                             12,000   
   Usance 1    
 
Financial bonds(6M)
+1.27%
  
  
                            5,000   

Samsung Securities

   Commercial papers     2.78~4.02             90,000                 15,000   

Woori Bank

   General loans     4.88             14,500                 500   
   Usance 1    

 

KO-RIBOR(3M)

+1.33%

 

  

                            9,000   

Korea Exchange Bank

   Commercial papers     3.22~3.89             20,000                 30,000   

Kookmin Bank

   Commercial papers     2.10                        10,494   

Citibank

   General loans     4.88             2,000                 1,500   
   Usance 1    
 
3.95%(fixed rate) / CD3M
+1.2%(variable rate)
  
  
            10,000                 10,000   

KTB Investment & Securities

   Commercial papers     2.93 ~ 4.02             70,000                   

Hanyang Securities

   Commercial papers     2.70 ~ 4.02             50,000                 50,000   

SK Securities

   Commercial papers     3.06 ~ 4.12             20,000                 10,000   

Korea Development Bank

   Usance 1    
 
Industrial financial
debentures + 1.28
  
            5,000                 7,000   

Hana Bank

   General loans     4.45 ~ 4.95             22,500                   

IBK Bank

   Credit loans     4.75 ~ 5.89             7,000                 8,000   

Daegu Bank

   Commercial papers     5.54 ~ 5.93             11,932                   

DGB Capital

   Commercial papers     5.80             5,000                   

NH Investment & Securities

   Commercial papers     2.78 ~ 3.04             20,000                 10,000   

HYUNDAI Securities

   Commercial papers     2.71 ~ 3.10             30,000                 100,000   

Dongbu Securities

   Commercial papers     2.72 ~ 4.12                             95,000   

Woori Investment & Securities

   Commercial papers     2.92 ~ 3.06                             30,000   

Korea Money Brokerage Corporation

   Commercial papers     2.81 ~ 2.91                             20,000   

Meritz Securities

   Commercial papers     2.78 ~ 2.92                             30,000   

Others 2

   General loans     3.98 ~ 4.12             82,201                 —         60,000   
         

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total

          553,333          634,694   
         

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

F-53


Table of Contents

 

1 KO-RIBOR(3M), CD(91D), Industrial financial debentures(1Y) and Financial Bond(6M, AAA) are approximately 2.66%, 2.66 %, 2.75%, and 2.71 %, respectively, as of December 31, 2013.

 

2 As of December 31, 2012, KT ENS Corporation, a subsidiary of the Company, accounted for the transferred accounts receivable of 17,276 million, which do not qualify as derecognition, as secured borrowings.

Long-term borrowings

 

(in millions of Korean won and
thousands of foreign currencies)

    2012     2013  

Financial institution

  Type   Annual
interest rates
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
    Foreign
currency
    Korean
won
 

Kookmin Bank

  Informatization
promotion funds
    3.04          911               
  Working capital
loans
    6.30            10,000                 
  Facility loans     3.49~4.98            80,000               60,000   

Shinhan Bank

  Informatization
promotion funds 1
    3.22            11,985               6,048   
  General loans 2     3.95~5.70            37,560               20,000   
  loan on real estate     4.00            358                 
  Facility loans 2     2.22~5.23            67,723               42,331   

Export-Import Bank of Korea

  Inter-Korean
Cooperation Fund 1
    2.00            6,415               6,415   

Korea Exchange Bank

  General loans 2     LIBOR(3M)+2.03   USD 6,520        6,984      USD 2,200        2,322   
  General loans     3.94~4.18                          25,210   

Woori Bank

  General loans     CD(91D)+1.39~5.98            45,000                 

Hana Bank

  General loans     LIBOR(3M)+1.60   USD 3,200        3,428                 

National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives

  General loans     4.63            50,000               50,000   

NH Bank

  General loans     3.99~6.00            50,000               60,000   
  Facility loans     4.32~4.68            187,500               135,000   

Korea Development Bank

  General loans     4.32~4.91                          3,750   
  Facility loans     4.49            88,750               20,000   

Industrial Bank of Korea

  Facility loans     2.22            1,500               833   

Samsung Securities

  Commercial papers     2.78~3.08            60,000               100,000   

Dongbu Securities

  Commercial papers     4.12            20,000                 

SK Securities

  Commercial papers     4.12            10,000                 

Cardnet

  General loans     6.50            348                 

HYUNDAI Securities

  Commercial papers     2.81~3.08                          179,945   
  General loans -     3.08            49,947                 

IBK Securities

  Commercial papers     2.78                          50,000   

Shinhan invest corp

  Commercial papers     2.93                          39,963   

Others

  Redeemable
convertible preferred
stock 3
                  51,044               53,736   
  Other     2.75~17.50            7,465               4,423   
       

 

 

     

 

 

 
  Total         846,918          859,976   

Less: Current portion

          (333,422       (200,997
       

 

 

     

 

 

 
  Net       513,496        658,979   
       

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

1 The above Informatization Promotion Funds are repayable in installments over three years after a two-year grace period, while Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund is repayable in installments over 20 years after a seven-year grace period.

 

2 Interest rates of LIBOR (3M) is approximately 0.247% as of December 31, 2013.

 

3 As of the end of the reporting period, the terms and conditions of the redeemable convertible preferred stocks are as follows:

 

F-54


Table of Contents
      Issued by  
      Enswers Inc.      Korea HD
Broadcasting
Corp.
     KT Telecop
Co., Ltd.
 

Type

   The  A
Redeemable
convertible
preferred

stock
     The B
Redeemable
convertible
preferred
stock
     The C
Redeemable
convertible
preferred
stock
     Redeemable
convertible
preferred
stock
     Redeemable
convertible
preferred stock
 

Issue date

     2008.08.14         2009.11.24         2011.11.30         2010.12.21         2011.1.20   

Issue price (per share)

   272,000       408,400       893,400       500       5,000   

Number of share issued

     5,875         1,225         11,194         1,900,000         1,346,154   

Conversion price (per share)

   272,000       408,400       893,400       500       26,000   

Exercisable date of conversion rights

  

 
 
 

From the issue
date to
2018.08.14

  
  
  

  

 
 
 

From the issue
date to
2019.11.24

  
  
  

  

 
 
 

From the issue
date to
2021.11.30

  
  
  

  

 
 
 

From the issue
date to
2013.12.21

  
  
  

  

 
 
 
 

From one year
after the issue
date until exercise
date

  
  
  
  

 

Redemption price

  

 
 
 

Issue price +
5% compound
annual interest

  
  
  

  

 
 
 

Issue price +
5% compound
annual interest

  
  
  

  

 
 
 

Issue price +
5% compound
annual interest

  
  
  

  

 
 
 

Issue price +
1% compound
annual interest

  
  
  

    
 

 

 
 

 
 

Issue price of
preferred stock

not converted

+ 5% compound
annual interest

less dividends
received

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

Exercisable date of redemption Rights

  

 
 
 
 

From three
years after the
issue date to
2018.08.14

  
  
  
  

  

 
 
 
 

From three
years after the
issue date to
2019.11.24

  
  
  
  

  

 
 
 
 

From three
years after the
issue date to
2021.11.30

  
  
  
  

  

 
 
 
 

From two
years after the
issue date to
2013.12.21

  
  
  
  

  

 
 
 
 

From five years
(2016.01.20) after
the issue date up
to 3 months

  
  
  
  

Repayment schedule of the Group’s bonds payable and borrowings including the portion of current liabilities as of December 31, 2013, is as follows:

 

    Bonds     Borrowings     Total  

(in millions of Korean
won)

  In local
currency
    In foreign
currency
    Sub-total     In local
currency
    In foreign
currency
    Sub-total    

2014

  1,442,000      738,710      2,180,710      833,369      2,322      835,691      3,016,401   

2015

    1,029,052        472,353        1,501,405        281,463               281,463        1,782,868   

2016

    1,585,179        393,908        1,979,087        335,000               335,000        2,314,087   

2017

    667,000        369,355        1,036,355        40,493               40,493        1,076,848   

Thereafter

    2,824,000        490,437        3,314,437        2,023               2,023        3,316,460   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  7,547,231      2,464,763      10,011,994      1,492,348      2,322      1,494,670      11,506,664   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Book value and fair value of the Group’s bonds payable and borrowings as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

     2012      2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

Type

   Book
Value
     Fair
Value
     Book
Value
     Fair
Value
 

Bonds payable

   10,035,868       10,191,819       9,989,223       10,066,124   

Long-term borrowings (Including current borrowings)

     846,918         820,849         859,976         798,827   

Short-term borrowings

     553,333         553,333         634,694         634,694   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   11,436,119       11,566,001       11,483,893       11,499,645   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The fair values of bonds payable and long-term borrowings are calculated by discounting the expected future cash flows at weighted average borrowing rate. The weighted average borrowing rate is approximately 4.53% as of December 31, 2013 (2012: 4.56%).

 

F-55


Table of Contents

17.    Provisions

The changes in provisions during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

     2012  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Litigation     Asset retirement obligation     Other 1     Total  

Balance at 2012.1.1

   28,915      108,651       128,085       265,651   

Increase(Transfer)

     9,610        12,533        171,816        193,959   

Usage

     (492     (2,470     (83,753     (86,715

Reversal

     (747     (9,124     (7,501     (17,372

Changes in scope of consolidation

            8               8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 2012.12.31

   37,286      109,598      208,647      355,531   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current portion

     33,678        54        171,859        205,591   

Non-current portion

     3,608        109,544        36,788        149,940   

 

     2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Litigation     Asset retirement obligation     Other 1     Total  

Balance at 2013.1.1

   37,286      109,598      208,647      355,531   

Increase (Transfer)

     4,440        1,936        55,120        61,496   

Usage

     (714     (1,966     (139,569     (142,249

Reversal

     (1,897     (5,251     (20,276     (27,424

Changes in scope of consolidation

            962               962   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 2013.12.31

   39,115      105,279      103,922      248,316   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current portion

     35,507        46        79,202        114,755   

Non-current portion

     3,608        105,233        24,720        133,561   

 

1 The Company has commitments to pay the subsidies to the customers relating to the handset sales, and the payment commitments are accounted for as deduction from receivables. The Company disposed of its trade receivables arising from handset sales to special purpose entities for securitization and the related payment commitments are accounted for as other provisions.

18.    Net Defined Benefit Liabilities

The amounts recognized in the statements of financial position are determined as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012     2013  

Present value of defined benefit obligations

   1,724,246      1,636,593   

Fair value of plan assets

     (1,175,003     (1,050,510
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

   549,243      586,083   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The changes in the defined benefit obligations for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012     2013  

Beginning

   1,474,481      1,724,246   

Current service cost

     206,389        210,466   

Interest expense

     57,156        57,891   

Benefit paid

     (78,625     (97,956

Gains on settlements of plan 1

     (3,630     2,171   

Changes due to settlements of plan 1

     (125,540     (188,512

Remeasurements:

    

Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in demographic assumptions

     52,497        81,616   

Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in financial assumptions

     10,326        (144,111

Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments

     120,579        (9,521

Changes in scope of Consolidation

     10,613        303   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending

   1,724,246      1,636,593   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-56


Table of Contents

 

1 A settlement is a transaction that eliminates all further legal or constructive obligations for part or all of the benefits provided under a defined benefit plan. The Group has entitled employees to choose to transfer from defined benefit plans to contribution plans from December 2012.

Changes in the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012     2013  

Beginning

   1,048,436      1,175,003   

Interest income

     40,787        42,964   

Remeasurements:

    

Return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in interest income)

     8,800        2,612   

Benefits paid

     (44,448     (57,866

Changes due to settlements of plan 1

     (99,853     (138,220

Employer contributions

     214,981        26,161   

Changes in scope of consolidation

     6,300        (144
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending

   1,175,003      1,050,510   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 The Group has operated both defined contribution plans and defined benefit plans from December 2012. The employees are entitled to choose either defined contribution plans and defined benefit plans.

Amounts recognized in the statement of income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2011     2012     2013  

Current service cost

   174,402      206,389      210,466   

Interest cost

     53,320        57,156        57,891   

Interest income

     (40,018     (40,787     (42,964

Costs(gains) on settlements

            (3,630     2,171   

Transfer out

     (4,405     (8,763     (10,502
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

   183,299      210,365      217,062   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Principal actuarial assumptions used are as follows:

 

      2011.12.31      2012.12.31      2013.12.31  

Discount rate

     4.00% ~ 4.80%         3.13% ~ 4.10%         3.10% ~ 4.05%   

Future salary increase

     2.00% ~ 9.30%         3.00% ~ 8.10%         2.10% ~ 8.10%   

Also, the life expectancy is based on the data provided by Korea Insurance Development Institute.

As of December 31, 2013, all of the plan assets are invested in guaranteed financial instruments.

The sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation as of December 31, 2013, to changes in the weighted principal assumptions is:

 

      Effect on defined benefit obligation  

(in percentage, in millions of Korean won)

   Changes in principal
assumption
    Increase in principal
assumption
    Decrease in principal
assumption
 

Discount rate

     0.50 % point    (61,946   65,821   

Salary growth rate

     0.50 % point      62,069        (59,111

A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase plan liabilities, although this will be partially offset by an increase in the value of the plans’ bond holdings.

 

F-57


Table of Contents

The above sensitivity analyses are based on a change in an assumption while holding all other assumptions constant. In practice, this is unlikely to occur, and changes in some of the assumptions may be correlated. The sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation to changes in principal actuarial assumptions is calculated using the projected unit credit method, the same method applied when calculating the defined benefit obligations recognized on the statement of financial position.

The Group annually reviews funding levels of plan assets and has plan asset policies that require maintaining the funding level of the Group equal to or more than the level required under the Employee Retirement Benefit Security Act. Expected contributions to post-employment benefit plans for the year ending December 31, 2014, are 219,753 million.

Expected maturity analysis of undiscounted pension benefits as of December 31, 2013, is as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Less than
1 year
     Between
1 and 2 years
     Between
2 and 5 years
     Over 5
years
     Total  

Pension benefits

   112,402       139,406       556,304       3,847,327       4,655,439   

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligations is 9.06 years.

19.    Defined Contribution Plan

Recognized expense related to the defined contribution plan for the year ended December 31, 2013, is 23,857 million (2012: 1,703 million, 2011: 230 million).

20.    Commitments and Contingencies

As of December 31, 2013, major commitments with local financial institutions are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won and
thousands of foreign currencies)

  

Financial institution

   Currency      Limit      Used
amount
 

Bank overdraft

   Kookmin Bank and others      KRW         1,573,500           

Commercial paper factoring

   Korea Exchange Bank      KRW         220,000           

Loan on information and communications fund

   Shinhan Bank      KRW         6,048         6,048   

Green energy factoring

   Shinhan Bank      KRW         374         374   

Collateralized loan on accounts receivable-trade

   Kookmin Bank and others      KRW         757,000         131,175   

Purchase commitment for foreign currency checks

   Korea Exchange Bank      USD         1,000           

Plus electronic notes payable

   Industrial Bank of Korea      KRW         50,000         1,875   

Loans for working capital

   Industrial Bank of Korea      KRW         100,000           

Comprehensive credit line

   Korea Exchange Bank      KRW         65,000         15,277   

Foreign currency transaction

   HSBC      USD         80,000           

Credit line for call loan

   Tongyang Securities Inc      KRW         120,000           

As of December 31, 2013, guarantees received from financial institutions are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won and
thousands of foreign currencies)

  

Financial institution

   Currency     Limit  

Performance guarantee

        USD        975   
        DZD  1      25,863   

Warranty guarantee

   Export-Import Bank of Korea      USD        2,497   

Guarantee for advances received

        USD        2,925   
        DZD  1      77,589   

Bid guarantee

   Korea Software Financial Cooperative      KRW        27,796   

 

F-58


Table of Contents

(in millions of Korean won and
thousands of foreign currencies)

  

Financial institution

   Currency     Limit  

Guarantees for accounts receivable from the handset sales

   Seoul Guarantee Insurance      KRW        667,817   

Performance guarantee/Warranty guarantee

   Korea Software Financial Cooperative      KRW        201,892   

Prepayment and other guarantee

        KRW        77,284   

Guarantee for payment in local currency

   Korea Exchange Bank      KRW        3,600   
   Woori Bank      KRW        1,000   

Guarantee for payment in foreign currency

   Kookmin Bank      USD        19,148   
   Shinhan Bank      USD        7,471   
   Hana Bank      USD        4,000   
   Korea Exchange Bank      USD        15,000   
        PLN  2      23,000   

Guarantee for import letters of credit

   Korea Exchange Bank      USD        10,000   

Performance guarantees

   Hana Bank      KRW        9,222   
        USD        4,148   

Performance guarantees

   Seoul Guarantee Insurance      KRW        60,215   

Guarantees for licensing

   Seoul Guarantee Insurance      KRW        4,052   

Guarantees for deposits

   Seoul Guarantee Insurance      KRW        3,535   

Other

   Seoul Guarantee Insurance      KRW        137,552   

Performance guarantees

   Korea Federation of small and medium business      KRW        5,818   

 

1 Algerian Dinar.

 

2 Polish Zloty.

Details of collateral that KT Capital Co., Ltd., a subsidiary, is provided with by third parties as of December 31, 2013, are as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

 

Details

 

Amounts

Credits

  Movables, real-estate, financial collateral   858,444

As of December 31, 2013, guarantees provided by the Group for a third party, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Creditor    Limit      Used amount      Period  

Individuals with the right of ownership of Gimhae apartment

   Shinhan Bank    108,500       36,560         2012.5.21~2014.3.31   

Ssangyong Information & Communication Corporation

   Nonghyup Bank      20,000         47         2011.11.18~2014.11.28   

Other Project Financing 1

   NH Investment & Securities      247,661         246,202         2010.1.31~2025.2.28   

 

1 As of December 31, 2013, guarantee liabilities and loss of 10,538 million in relation to guarantees for Project Financing loan are recorded as ‘other financial liabilities’ and ‘finance costs’ in the financial statements. NH Investment & Securities requested early repayment of 45,372 million, representing the principal and interest related to the Romanian sunlight generation project on February 20, 2014, and KT ENS took over the debt. However, KT ENS could not execute payment guarantee according to the request of early payment of 49,106 million, representing the principal and interest, on March 12, 2014 and therefore filed for court receivership. (Note 41)

As of December 31, 2013, the Company has provided a payment guarantee to Smart Channel Co., Ltd(“Smart Channel”). The Company pledged investment securities in Smart Channel Co., Ltd. as collateral to the creditors of Smart Channel (Note 14). Furthermore, the Company recorded allowance for doubtful receivables of 49,362 million against other receivables from Smart Channel.

The Company is jointly and severally obligated with KT Sat Co., Ltd. to pay KT Sat Co., Ltd.’s outstanding liabilities as of December 4, 2012, spin-off date. As of December 31, 2013, the Company and KT Sat Co., Ltd. are jointly and severally liable for 7,949 million of KT Sat Co., Ltd.’s outstanding liabilities.

For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company made agreements with the Securitization Specialty Companies Olleh KT Seventh to twelfth Securitization Specialty Co., Ltd. (in

 

F-59


Table of Contents

2012: Olleh KT First to Sixth Securitization Specialty Co., Ltd.), and disposed of its trade receivables related to handset sales. The Company also made asset management agreements with each securitization specialty company and will receive the related management fees.

On March 6, 2014, the website of the Company was accessed by unauthorized person and personal information of our customers was stolen by hackers. There is one lawsuit against the Company over this breach seeking damages of approximately 20 million. The resolution of the lawsuit cannot yet be reasonably predicted. Also, there may be more lawsuits filed against the Company in the future. However, the size and result of any potential lawsuits cannot yet be reasonably predicted.

As of December 31, 2013, the Group is a defendant in 279 lawsuits, with an aggregate amount of 159,434 million. As of December 31, 2013, litigation provisions of 39,115 million for various pending lawsuits and unasserted claims are recorded as liabilities for potential loss in the ordinary course of business. On January 24, 2014, the Company lost a lawsuit in relation to the interconnection with SK Telecom Co., Ltd. and recognized expenses of 34,636 million relative to this in the 2013 statement of operations. The Company appealed to the Supreme Court and the final outcome of this case cannot yet be predicted.

According to the financial and other covenants included in certain bonds and borrowings, the Group is required to maintain certain financial ratios such as debt to equity ratio, use the funds for the designated purpose and report to the creditors periodically. The covenant also contains restriction on provision of additional collateral and disposal of certain assets. The bond holders may request early repayment upon non-compliance of such covenants. As of December 31, 2013, the Group is in compliance with the related covenants.

KT ENS, a wholly owned subsidiary, has been under investigation by the police and prosecutor’s office due to the allegation in which suppliers of KT ENS borrowed loans from several financial institutions collateralizing accounts receivable from KT ENS, however such collateralized accounts receivable are allegedly fictitious. The investigation has been ongoing to determine the authenticity of the accounts receivable from KT ENS and reasonable due care exercised by financial institutions to approve such loans in their loan approval process. There may be lawsuits depending on the outcome of this investigation. The Group expects the impact of this investigation on the financial statements will not be significant, but the final result cannot be reasonably predicted.

Asia Broadcast Satellite Holdings, Ltd.(ABS) filed an arbitration against the Company and KT Sat, a subsidiary of the Company at The International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce on December 31, 2013, claiming on the ownership of satellite Mugunghwa and compensation of damages due to the breach of sales contract of the satellite, Mugunghwa, In addition, ABS filed an arbitration against the Company and KT Sat, a subsidiary of the Company, at International Centre for Dispute Resolution of the American Arbitration Association on December 24, 2013, claiming on the compensation of damages arising from the breach of entrustment contract. The outcome of these arbitrations cannot yet be reasonably predicted.

 

F-60


Table of Contents

21.    Lease

The Group’s non-cancellable lease arrangements are as follows:

The Group as the Lessee

Finance Lease

Details of finance lease assets as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012     2013  

Acquisition costs

   55,477      99,702   

Accumulated depreciation

     (15,282     (27,980
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance

   40,195      71,722   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2013, the Group recognizes financial lease assets as other property and equipment.

Details of future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, under finance lease contracts are summarized below:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012     2013  

Total amount of minimum lease payments

    

Within one year

   15,826      22,498   

From one year to five years

     29,474        52,877   

Thereafter

              
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   45,300      75,375   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized interest expense

   (3,654   (7,166
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amount of minimum lease payments

    

Within one year

   14,033      19,486   

From one year to five years

     27,613        48,723   

Thereafter

              
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   41,646      68,209   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Lease

Details of future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, under operating lease contracts are summarized below:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012      2013  

Within one year

   67,571       78,245   

From one year to five years

     279,906         308,292   

Thereafter

     312,778         246,632   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   660,255       633,169   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating lease expenses incurred for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, amounted to 41,999 million, 61,201 million and 77,657 million respectively.

 

F-61


Table of Contents

The Group as the Lessor

Finance Lease

Details of finance lease assets as of December 31, 2012, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Minimum lease
payments
     Gross investment
in the lease
     Unaccrued
interest
    Net investment
in the lease
 

Within one year

   382,821       382,821       (35,663   347,158   

From one year to five years

     550,919         550,919         (25,063     525,856   

Thereafter

     11,848         11,848         (1,273     10,575   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   945,588       945,588       (61,999   883,589   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Details of finance lease assets as of December 31, 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Minimum lease
payments
     Gross investment
in the lease
     Unaccrued
interest
    Net investment
in the lease
 

Within one year

   337,804       337,804       (38,779   299,025   

From one year to five years

     454,542         454,542         (32,922     421,620   

Thereafter

     10,395         10,395         (913     9,482   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   802,741       802,741       (72,614   730,127   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Details of bad debt allowance for finance lease receivables as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012      2013  

Within one year

   7,312       4,817   

From one year to five years

     14,414         15,245   

Thereafter

     208         128   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   21,934       20,190   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating Lease

Details of operating lease assets as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012     2013  

Acquisition costs

   1,556,762      2,073,592   

Accumulated depreciation

     (488,514     (606,148
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance

   1,068,248      1,467,444   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Details of future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, under operating lease contracts are summarized below:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012      2013  

Within one year

   364,404       203,014   

From one year to five years

     347,364         687,162   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   711,768       890,176   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-62


Table of Contents

22.    Capital Stock

As of December 31, 2012 and 2013, the Company’s number of authorized shares is one billion.

 

     2012      2013  
     Number of
outstanding
shares
     Par value
per share
(Korean
won)
     Common stock
(in millions of
Korean won)
     Number of
outstanding
shares
     Par value
per share
(Korean
won)
     Common stock
(in millions of
Korean won)
 

Common stock 1

     261,111,808       5,000       1,564,499         261,111,808       5,000       1,564,499   

 

1 The Company retired 51,787,959 treasury shares against retained earnings. Therefore, the common stock amount differs from the amount resulting from multiplying the number of shares issued by 5,000 par value per share of common stock.

23.    Retained Earnings

Details of retained earnings as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012      2013  

Legal reserve 1

   782,249       782,249   

Voluntary reserves 2

     4,911,362         4,911,362   

Unappropriated retained earnings

     4,952,772         4,325,778   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   10,646,383       10,019,389   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 The Commercial Code of the Republic of Korea requires the Company to appropriate, as a legal reserve, an amount equal to a minimum of 10% of cash dividends paid until such reserve equals 50% of its issued capital stock. The reserve is not available for the payment of cash dividends, but may be transferred to capital stock with the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors or used to reduce accumulated deficit, if any, with the ratification of a company’s of majority shareholders.

 

2 Reserve for research and development discretionary reserves is accumulated separately when taxable reserves are appropriated to retained earnings. According to the Tax Reduction and Exemption Control Act, taxable reserves are included in deductible expenses when returns are adjusted in the process of calculating tax expenses. The reversed amount from the reserve can be allocated according to the related tax act.

24.    Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and Other Components of Equity

As of December 31, 2012 and 2013, the details of the Group’s accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to owners of the Company are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012     2013  

Investments in associates and joint ventures

   (15,251   (12,681

Gain or loss on derivatives

     (4,626     (9,337

Available-for-sale

     23,738        55,836   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (2,536     (9,280
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   1,325      24,538   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

     2012  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Beginning     Increase/decrease     Reclassification as
gain or loss
    Ending  

Investments in associates and joint ventures

   (6,811   (8,819   379      (15,251

Gain or loss on derivatives

     (30,254     (129,239     154,867        (4,626

Available-for-sale

     11,719        15,543        (3,524     23,738   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     2,481        (5,017            (2,536
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (22,865   (127,532   151,722      1,325   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-63


Table of Contents
     2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Beginning     Increase/decrease     Reclassification as
gain or loss
     Ending  

Investments in associates and joint ventures

   (15,251   2,570            (12,681

Gain or loss on derivatives

     (4,626     (71,778     67,067         (9,337

Available-for-sale

     23,738        25,814        6,284         55,836   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (2,536     (6,744             (9,280
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   1,325      (50,138   73,351       24,538   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2012 and 2013, the Group’s other components of equity are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012     2013  

Treasury stock

   (931,132   (922,175

Gain(loss) on disposal of treasury stock 1

     (6,797     (2,170

Share-based payments

     3,912        (9,609

Others 2

     (409,269     (386,989
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   (1,343,286   (1,320,943
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 The tax effect directly reflected in equity is 693 million (2012: 2,170 million) as of December 31, 2013.

 

2 Profit and loss occurred from transactions with non-controlling interest and investment difference occurred from change in proportion of subsidiaries are included.

As of December 31, 2012 and 2013, the details of treasury stock are as follows:

 

     2012      2013  

Number of shares

     17,476,002         17,308,160   

Amounts (In millions of Korean won)

   931,132       922,175   

Treasury stock is expected to be used as stock compensation for the Company’s directors and employees and other purposes.

25.    Share-Based Payments

The details of share-based payments as of December 31, 2013, are as follows:

 

    

7th

Grant date

   2013.04.26

Grantee

   CEO, inside directors, outside directors, executives

Vesting conditions

  

Service condition: 1 year

Non-market performance condition: achievement of performance

Fair value per option (in Korean won)

   35,750

Total compensation costs (in Korean won)

   4,082 million

Estimated exercise date (exercise date)

   During 2014

Valuation method

   Fair value method

The changes in the number of stock options and the weighted-average exercise price, as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

     2012  
     Beginning      Granted      Expired      Exercised 1      Ending      Number of
shares
exercisable
 

5th grant

     190,658                 90,869         99,789                   

6th grant

             255,110                         255,110           

Total

     190,658         255,110         90,869         99,789         255,110           

 

F-64


Table of Contents
     2013  
     Beginning      Granted      Expired      Forfeited      Exercised 1      Ending      Number of
shares
exercisable
 

6th grant

     255,110                 154,137                 100,973                   

7th grant

             288,459                 6,231                 282,228           

Total

     255,110         288,459         154,137         6,231         100,973         282,228           

 

1 The weighted average price of common stock at the time of exercise during 2013 was 40,300 (2012: 28,700).

26.    Operating Revenues

Operating revenues for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2011      2012      2013 4  

Sales of services

   16,941,430       19,266,545       19,663,014   

Sale of goods

     4,369,375         4,589,830         4,065,659   

Others 1, 2, 3

     777,025         787,397         329,208   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating revenues

   22,087,830       24,643,772       24,057,881   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 Disposed land and building (carrying amount: 171,989 million) for 470,347 million K-REALTY CR-REIT 1 and leased them in 2011. The Company recognized gain on disposal of property and equipment 298,358 million and accounted for as an operating lease.

 

2 Disposed land and building (carrying amount: 93,250 million) for 232,000 million to AJU-KTM private funding real-estate investment trust No.1 and leased them in September 2012. The Company recognized gain on disposal of property and equipment of 138,750 million and accounted for as an operating lease.

 

3 Disposed land and building (carrying amount: 32,232 million) for 144,100 million to K-REALTY CR-REIT 2 and leased them in November 2012. The Company recognized gain on disposal of property and equipment of 111,868 million and accounted for as an operating lease.

 

4 Off-plan sales amounting to 45,010 million, which should have been recorded as a deduction of operating revenue in 2012, was recorded as a deduction of operating revenue in 2013.

27.    Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2011      2012     2013 2  

Salaries and wages

   2,854,361       3,096,766      3,288,942   

Depreciation

     2,644,796         2,894,400        3,107,792   

Amortization of intangible assets

     312,693         379,678        458,382   

Commissions 1

     3,313,431         3,655,057        3,575,488   

Interconnection charges

     1,115,792         901,314        885,479   

International interconnection fee

     333,659         309,955        265,467   

Purchase of inventories

     4,518,983         4,851,295        3,565,948   

Changes of inventories

     35,673         (259,078     320,971   

Service Cost

     1,331,302         1,264,218        1,834,425   

Utilities

     262,454         271,277        309,497   

Taxes and Dues

     219,245         299,567        257,931   

Rent

     327,274         371,030        432,543   

Insurance premium

     11,925         243,666        313,056   

Installation fee

     339,860         291,057        260,498   

Advertising expenses

     172,183         150,399        161,013   

Research and development

     147,825         153,171        171,461   

Expenses

       

Card service cost

     707,588         2,771,383        2,702,653   

Others

     1,451,690         1,318,518        1,822,951   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   20,100,734       22,963,673      23,734,497   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 The sales commission is included in commissions

 

2 32,835 million of Operating expenses related to off-plan sales, which should have been recorded as a deduction of operating expenses in 2012, was recorded as a deduction of operating expenses in 2013.

 

F-65


Table of Contents

Details of salaries and wages for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2011      2012      2013  

Short-term employee benefits

   2,598,889       2,855,024       3,031,435   

Post-employment benefits(Defined benefit plan)

     183,299         210,365         217,062   

Post-employment benefits(Defined contribution plan)

     230         1,703         23,857   

Post-employment benefits (Others)

     65,217         25,762         12,506   

Share-based payment

     6,726         3,912         4,082   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   2,854,361       3,096,766       3,288,942   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

28.    Financial Income and Expenses

Details of financial income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2011      2012      2013  

Interest income

   151,634       203,214       108,794   

Foreign currency transaction gain

     46,161         20,159         37,371   

Foreign currency translation gain

     6,161         266,623         106,135   

Gain on settlement of derivatives

     496         2,824         13,878   

Gain on valuation of derivatives

     63,959         118         627   

Others

     1,581         5,719         12,544   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   269,992       498,657       279,349   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Details of financial expenses for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2011      2012      2013  

Interest expense

   480,609       472,917       450,302   

Foreign currency transaction loss

     35,725         17,974         31,611   

Foreign currency translation loss

     86,597         7,249         6,518   

Loss on settlement of derivatives

     27,055         7,804         16,384   

Loss on valuation of derivatives

     9,147         241,358         105,691   

Others 1

     3,222         34,691         36,994   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   642,355       781,993       647,500   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 The Company recognized funding obligation to Smart Channel Co., Ltd. as financial liabilities and recognized 5,393 million as an expense in 2012.

29.    Deferred Income Tax and Income Tax Expense

The analyses of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012     2013  

Deferred tax assets

    

Deferred tax assets to be recovered within 12 months

   261,217      396,831   

Deferred tax assets to be recovered after more than 12 months

     764,563        741,047   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   1,025,780      1,137,878   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities

    

Deferred tax liability to be recovered within 12 months

   (973   (1,015

Deferred tax liability to be recovered after more than 12 months

     (551,332     (599,384
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (552,305     (600,399
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets (liabilities), net

   473,475      537,479   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-66


Table of Contents

The gross movements on the deferred income tax account for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, are calculated as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012      2013  

Beginning

   404,210       473,475   

Charged(credited) to the income statement

     24,409         98,680   

Charged(credited) to other comprehensive income

     32,670         (34,676

Changes in scope of consolidation

     12,186           
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending

   473,475       537,479   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The movement in deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the year, without taking into consideration the offsetting of balances within the same tax jurisdiction, is as follows:

 

      2012  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Beginning     Income
statement
    Other
comprehensive
income
    Changes in
scope of
consolidation
    Ending  

Deferred tax liabilities

          

Derivative financial assets

   (37,861   37,294      270           (297

Available-for-sale financial assets

     (12,945     7,732        (6,094     638        (10,669

Investment in joint venture and associates

     (200     (4,643     3,148        43        (1,652

Depreciation

     (84,366     51,350               1,118        (31,898

Deposits for severance benefits

     (271,233     (23,283     (1,261     (1,339     (297,116

Accrued income

     (1,855     243               (61     (1,673

Prepaid expenses

            220                      220   

Reserve for technology and human resource development

     (63,491     (1,079                   (64,570

Other

     (149,388     7,190               (2,452     (144,650
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (621,339     75,024        (3,937     (2,053     (552,305
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets

          

Derivatives

            30,155        (8,436            21,719   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     112,203        23,965               3,108        139,276   

Inventory valuation

     594        (292                   302   

Contribution for construction

     29,301        (2,169                   27,132   

Accrued expenses

     24,397        3,316                      27,713   

Provisions

     55,260        7,115               321        62,696   

Retirement benefit obligations

     257,248        18,981        42,922        1,758        320,909   

Withholding of facilities expenses

     9,389        (528                   8,861   

Accrued payroll expenses

     28,670        3,193               322        32,185   

Deduction of installment receivables

     78,880        (67,356                   11,524   

Present value discount

     34,176        (19,276                   14,900   

Assets retirement obligation

     16,283        2,478                      18,761   

Gain or loss foreign currency translation

     97,942        (77,215                   20,727   

Deferred revenue

     51,183        15,645                      66,828   

Real-estate sales

     6,456        (5,762                   694   

Tax credit carryforwards

     80,854        69,480                      150,334   

Foreign operation translation difference

     386               2,121               2,507   

Other

     142,327        (52,345            8,730        98,712   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     1,025,549        (50,615     36,607        14,239        1,025,780   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net balance 1

   404,210      24,409      32,670      12,186      473,475   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 Deferred tax liabilities, amounting to 1,680 million (2012: Deferred tax liabilities of 43,693 million) that are related to the tax receivable of certain subsidiaries’ undistributed profit, are not recognized as of December 31, 2013. This undistributed profit is permanently reinvested. As of December 31, 2013, temporary difference of unrecognized deferred tax liabilities is 381,666 million (2012: 399,339 million).

 

F-67


Table of Contents
      2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Beginning     Income
statement
    Other
comprehensive
income
    Changes in
scope of
consolidation
     Ending  

Deferred tax liabilities

           

Derivative financial assets

   (297   (116            —       (413

Available-for-sale financial assets

     (10,669     (5,198     (17,985             (33,852

Investment in joint venture and associates

     (1,652     (30,140     (780             (32,572

Depreciation

     (31,898     (38,229                    (70,127

Deposits for severance benefits

     (297,116     29,963        (10             (267,163

Accrued income

     (1,673     65                       (1,608

Prepaid expenses

     220        70                       290   

Reserve for technology and human resource development

     (64,570     20,681                       (43,889

Other

     (144,650     (6,415                    (151,065
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (552,305     (29,319     (18,775             (600,399
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets

           

Derivatives

   21,719      9,377      1,499            32,595   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     139,276        13,538                       152,814   

Inventory valuation

     302        1                       303   

Contribution for construction

     27,132        (6                    27,126   

Accrued expenses

     27,713        27,576                       55,289   

Provisions

     62,696        (28,976                    33,720   

Retirement benefit obligations

     320,909        16,263        (18,055             319,117   

Withholding of facilities expenses

     8,861        (521                    8,340   

Accrued payroll expenses

     32,185        14,536                       46,721   

Deduction of installment receivables

     11,524        (4,479                    7,045   

Present value discount

     14,900        (9,931                    4,969   

Assets retirement obligation

     18,761        485                       19,246   

Gain or loss foreign currency translation

     20,727        (10,491                    10,236   

Deferred revenue

     66,828        (2,388                    64,440   

Real-estate sales

     694        4,720                       5,414   

Tax credit carryforwards

     150,334        14,067                       164,401   

Foreign operation translation difference

     2,507               655                3,162   

Other

     98,712        84,228                       182,940   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,025,780        127,999        (15,901             1,137,878   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net balance

   473,475      98,680      (34,676         537,479   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The tax impacts directly to equity as of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, are as follows

 

    2011     2012     2013  

(in millions of
Korean won)

  Before
recognition
    Tax
effect
    After
recognition
    Before
recognition
    Tax
effect
    After
recognition
    Before
recognition
    Tax
effect
    After
recognition
 

Available-for-sale valuation gain (loss)

  78,441      (18,983   59,458      25,181      (6,094   19,087      74,317      (17,985   56,332   

Hedge instruments valuation gain (loss)

    37,165        (8,994     28,171        33,743        (8,166     25,577        (6,195     1,499        (4,696

Remeasurements from net defined benefit liabilities

    (137,635     33,308        (104,327     (172,153     41,661        (130,492     74,648        (18,065     56,583   

Shares of gain(loss) of joint ventures and associates

    (10,087     2,441        (7,646     (13,009     3,148        (9,861     3,221        (780     2,441   

Foreign operation translation difference

    37,658        (9,113     28,545        (8,766     2,121        (6,645     (2,708     655        (2,053
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  5,542      (1,341   4,201      (135,004   32,670      (102,334   143,283      (34,676   108,607   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-68


Table of Contents

Details of income tax expenses for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, are calculated as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2011     2012     2013  

Current income tax expenses

   230,378      282,499      160,319   

Adjustments of the current income tax expenses of prior year

            15,988        (5,910

Impact of change in temporary difference

     162,121        (24,409     (104,830

Impact of change in tax rate

     (18,144              
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income tax expense

   374,385      274,078      49,579   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense from continued operations

     318,459        277,869        49,579   

Income tax expense for discontinued operations

     55,926        (3,791       

The tax on the Group’s profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the weighted average tax rate applicable to profits of the consolidated entities as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2011     2012     2013  

Profit from continuing operations before income tax expenses

   1,609,222      1,414,842      (38,166
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expected tax expense at statutory tax rate

     389,432        342,392        9,263   

Tax effects of Income not subject to tax

     (393,557     (1,407     (25,130

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

     396,673        39,136        87,220   

Tax credit carry forwards and deductions

     (169,217     (83,311     (15,673

Supplementary pay of corporation tax

            59,755        (5,910

Changes in unrealizable deferred tax assets

     10,188        (55,006     10,815   

Deferred tax effects due to changes in tax rates and others

     85,146        (17,656     (62

Tax effect and adjustment on consolidation

                   (4,251

Others

     (206     (6,034     (6,693
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expenses for continuing operations

   318,459      277,869      49,579   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

30.    Earnings Per Share

Calculation of earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, is as follows:

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit from operations attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of common stocks outstanding during the period, excluding common stocks purchased by the Company and held as treasury stock (Note 24).

Basic earnings per share from operations for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, is calculated as follows:

 

     2011      2012      2013  

Profit (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stock
(in millions of Korean won)

   1,280,015       1,075,694       (189,931

Profit (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to common stock
(in millions of Korean won)

     165,675         29,567           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,445,690         1,046,127         (189,931
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common stock outstanding

     243,268,052         243,517,103         243,737,431   

Basic earnings (loss) per share

   5,943       4,296       (779

Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations
(in Korean won)

     5,262         4,417         (779

Basic earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations
(in Korean won)

     681         121           

 

F-69


Table of Contents

Diluted earnings per share from operations are calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of common stocks outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential common stocks. The Company has dilutive potential common stocks from stock options.

Diluted earnings per share from operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, is calculated as follows:

 

    2011     2012     2013  

Adjusted profit(loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stock
(in millions of Korean won)

  1,280,015      1,075,694      (190,485

Adjusted profit(loss) from discontinued operations attributable to common stock
(in millions of Korean won)

    165,675        (29,567       
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  1,445,690      1,046,127      (190,485
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Number of dilutive potential common shares outstanding

    32,960        23,851          

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and dilutive common shares

    243,301,012        243,540,954        243,737,431   

Diluted earnings per share

  5,942      4,296      (782

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
(in Korean won)

    5,261        4,417        (782

Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations
(in Korean won)

    681        121          

31.    Dividend

The dividends paid by the Controlling Company in 2011, 2012 and 2013 were 586,150 (2,410 per share), 486,602 million (2,000 per share) and 487,445 million (2,000 per share), respectively. A dividend in respect of the year ended December 31, 2013, of 800 per share, amounting to a total dividend of 195,112 million, was approved at the shareholders’ meeting on March 21, 2014. These consolidated financial statements do not reflect this dividend payable.

 

F-70


Table of Contents

32.    Cash Generated from Operations

Cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2011     2012     2013  

1. Profit(loss) for the year

   1,455,357      1,105,439      (87,745

2. Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)

      

Income tax expenses

     318,459        277,869        49,579   

Interest income

     (325,374     (387,396     (279,392

Interest expense

     587,560        589,727        548,129   

Dividend income

     (7,823     (6,370     (20,841

Depreciation

     2,676,495        2,925,170        3,141,846   

Amortization of intangible assets

     319,949        388,663        478,902   

Provision for severance benefits

     183,299        219,128        227,564   

Bad debt expense

     149,667        150,389        189,665   

Income from jointly controlled entities and associates

     2,947        (24,308     (10,222

Gain on disposal of jointly controlled entities and associates

     (190,631     (125,754     1,254   

Impairment loss on jointly controlled entities and associates

     5,107        3,202        6,006   

Gain or loss on disposal of property and equipment

     (287,932     (407,485     393,567   

Gains or loss on disposition of intangible assets

     (1,528     (1,402     52,008   

Loss on impairment of intangible assets

     2,376        6,115        36,207   

Foreign currency translation gain

     80,436        (259,374     (99,617

Gain or loss on valuation of derivatives

     (28,370     242,979        105,248   

Others

     (51,529     (96,416     (53,907

3. Changes in operating assets and liabilities

      

Decrease(increase) in trade receivables

     (1,419,033     1,848,011        938,495   

Decrease(increase) in other receivables

     875,140        (533,319     (7,194

Decrease(increase) in loans receivable

     (152,497     47,990        (156,418

Decrease(increase) in finance lease receivables

     (183,669     130,987        147,735   

Increase in other assets

     (77,528     (86,993     (721,127

Decrease(increase) in inventories

     31,896        (286,513     169,567   

Increase(decrease) in trade payables

     98,761        177,577        (145,363

Increase(decrease) in other payables

     (1,069,737     948,480        (69,265

Increase(decrease) in other liabilities

     63,975        (196,076     181,610   

Increase(decrease) in provisions

     28,423        (86,715     (150,457

Increase(decrease) in deferred revenue

     196,511        153,034        (66,519

Decrease(increase) in plan assets

     (126,384     (165,755     249,102   

Payment of severance benefits

     (235,068     (111,192     (371,157
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

4. Net cash provided by operating activities (1+2+3)

   2,919,255      6,439,692      4,677,260   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company entered into agreements with securitization specialty companies and disposed of its trade receivables related to handset sales (Note 20). Cash flows from the disposals are presented as cash generated from operations.

Significant transactions not affecting cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2011      2012      2013  

Reclassification of the current portion of bonds payable

   1,181,049       2,157,522       1,791,454   

Reclassification of construction-in-progress to property and equipment

     3,279,678         3,142,858         2,314,925   

Reclassification of provisions

             183,806         43,522   

Reclassification of accounts payable from property and equipment

             68,766         181,816   

Reclassification of accounts payable from intangible assets

     252,690                 567,550   

Write-off of loans and receivables

     33,999         13,245         43,186   

Transfer of prepaid lease

     23,529         127,111         94,196   

Valuation of available-for-sale financial assets

     8,016         31,599         65,670   

Contributions in kind of non-controlling interest

                     84,122   

 

F-71


Table of Contents

33.    Segment Information

The Group’s operating segments are as follows:

 

Details

  

Business service

Telecom & Convergence/ Customer Group

   Telecommunication service to mass customers and convergence business

Global & Enterprise Group

   Telecommunication service to global market and enterprise customers and data service

Finance / Rental Business Group

   Credit card, loan, lease and others

Others

   Satellite TV, and others

Details of each segment for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012, and 2013 are as follows:

 

     2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Operating
revenues
    Operating
income(loss)
     Depreciation
and Amortization
 

Telecom & Convergence/Customer

   16,156,235      1,139,933       2,330,200   

Global & Enterprise

     3,167,398        525,989         504,593   

Finance/Rental

     1,010,502        36,937         16,988   

Others

     4,039,112        105,399         121,557   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     24,373,247        1,808,258         2,973,338   

Adjustment 1

     (2,285,417     178,838         (15,849
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consolidated amount

   22,087,830      1,987,096       2,957,489   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2012  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Operating
revenues
    Operating
income (loss)
     Depreciation
and Amortization
 

Telecom & Convergence/Customer

   15,932,278      733,461       2,440,338   

Global & Enterprise

     2,930,958        327,300         485,267   

Finance/Rental

     3,717,181        185,220         181,904   

Others

     4,252,074        83,039         147,238   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     26,832,491        1,329,020         3,254,747   

Adjustment 1

     (2,188,719     351,079         19,331   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consolidated amount

   24,643,772      1,680,099       3,274,078   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Operating
revenues
    Operating
income (loss)
    Depreciation
and Amortization
 

Telecom & Convergence/Customer

   14,938,037      51,853      2,445,321   

Global & Enterprise

     2,917,116        235,728        486,258   

Finance/Rental

     4,053,481        279,856        400,223   

Others

     5,093,995        287,482        233,322   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     27,002,629        854,919        3,565,124   

Adjustment 1

     (2,944,748     (531,535     1,050   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated amount

   24,057,881      323,384      3,566,174   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 The basis of accounting for any transactions between reportable segments such as elimination, etc.

 

F-72


Table of Contents

The regional segment information provided to the management for the reportable segments as of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Operating revenues      Non-current assets 3  
      2011      2012      2013      2012      2013  

Location

              

Domestic

   22,032,296       24,609,126       23,999,635       20,136,194       21,143,152   

Overseas

     55,534         34,646         58,246         39,023         176,700   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   22,087,830       24,643,772       24,057,881       20,175,217       21,319,852   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 Non-current assets include fixed assets, intangible assets (excluding goodwill) and investment property.

Assets and liabilities of each segments as of December 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012  
      Non-finance      Finance
/Rental
     Total      Adjustment     Consolidated
amount
 

Assets

             

Current

   7,870,747       3,363,384       11,234,131       (716,712   10,517,419   

Trade and other receivables

     4,767,604         1,620,451         6,388,055         (480,547     5,907,508   

Short-term loans

             777,095         777,095         (108,982     668,113   

Inventories

     931,979         30,434         962,413         (27,380     935,033   

Other assets

     2,171,164         935,404         3,106,568         (99,803     3,006,765   

Non-current

     23,278,749         3,389,520         26,668,269         (2,627,780     24,040,489   

Trade and other receivables

     1,050,481         51,075         1,101,556         (28,590     1,072,966   

Long-term loans

             520,603         520,603         (8,016     512,587   

Property, equipment and intangible assets (including investment property)

     18,022,270         1,518,491         19,540,761         634,456        20,175,217   

Other assets

     4,205,998         1,299,351         5,505,349         (3,225,630     2,279,719   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   31,149,496       6,752,904       37,902,400       (3,344,492   34,557,908   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

             

Current

   8,617,269       3,324,813       11,942,082       (675,316   11,266,766   

Trade and other payables

     5,742,946         2,064,281         7,807,227         (585,925     7,221,302   

Borrowings

     2,066,871         1,123,754         3,190,625         6,404        3,197,029   

Other liabilities

     807,452         136,778         944,230         (95,795     848,435   

Non-current

     7,681,087         2,621,156         10,302,243         (229,076     10,073,167   

Trade and other payables

     547,830         168,589         716,419         (15,059     701,360   

Borrowings

     6,005,239         2,274,466         8,279,705         (40,615     8,239,090   

Other liabilities

     1,128,018         178,101         1,306,119         (173,402     1,132,717   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   16,298,356       5,945,969       22,244,325       (904,392   21,339,933   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Non-finance      Finance
/Rental
     Total      Adjustment     Consolidated
amount
 

Assets

             

Current

   7,023,358       3,920,164       10,943,522       (971,603   9,971,919   

Trade and other receivables

     4,142,237         1,864,709         6,006,946         (767,377     5,239,569   

Short-term loans

             889,418         889,418         (50,694     838,724   

Inventories

     649,754         25,596         675,350         (1,732     673,618   

Other assets

     2,231,367         1,140,441         3,371,808         (151,800     3,220,008   

Non-current

     24,060,958         3,730,135         27,791,093         (2,912,895     24,878,198   

Trade and other receivables

     796,622         68,877         865,499         (52,028     813,471   

Long-term loans

             542,267         542,267         (32,394     509,873   

Property, equipment and intangible assets (including investment property)

     18,817,659         1,931,006         20,748,665         571,187        21,319,852   

Other assets

     4,446,677         1,187,985         5,634,662         (3,399,660     2,235,002   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   31,084,316       7,650,299       38,734,615       (3,884,498   34,850,117   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-73


Table of Contents
     2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Non-finance      Finance
/Rental
     Total      Adjustment     Consolidated
amount
 

Liabilities

             

Current

   8,452,101       3,716,585       12,168,686       (944,570   11,224,116   

Trade and other payables

     5,866,180         2,344,098         8,210,278         (796,455     7,413,823   

Borrowings

     1,785,879         1,224,852         3,010,731         9,975        3,020,706   

Other liabilities

     800,042         147,635         947,677         (158,090     789,587   

Non-current

     8,238,497         2,938,773         11,177,270         (388,685     10,788,585   

Trade and other payables

     919,486         168,630         1,088,116         (29,232     1,058,884   

Borrowings

     6,024,803         2,561,893         8,586,696         (123,509     8,463,187   

Other liabilities

     1,294,208         208,250         1,502,458         (235,944     1,266,514   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   16,690,598       6,655,358       23,345,956       (1,333,255   22,012,701   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

34.    Related Party Transactions

The list of related parties of the Group as of December 31, 2013, is as follows:

 

Type of control

  

Related parties

Associates and jointly controlled entities

   Korea Information & Technology Investment Fund, WiBro Infra Co., Ltd., K-REALTY CR REIT 1, KTCS Corporation, KTIS Corporation, Mongolian Telecommunications, KT-SB Venture Investment Fund, Company K Movie Asset Fund No.1, Boston Global Film & Contents Fund L.P., Metropol Property LLC, KTF-CJ Music Contents Investment, QTT Global (Group) Company Limited, Korea Telephone Directory Co., Ltd., CU Industrial Development Co., Ltd., MOS Facilities Co., Ltd., Exdell Corporation, Information Technology Solution Bukbu Corporation, Information Technology Solution Nambu Corporation, Information Technology Solution Seobu Corporation, Information Technology Solution Busan Corporation, Information Technology Solution Jungbu Corporation, Information Technology Solution Honam Corporation, Information Technology Solution Daegu Corporation, VANGUARD Private Equity Fund, KT-LIG ACE Private Equity Fund, Smart Channel Co., Ltd., HooH Healthcare Inc., KD Living, Inc., ChungHo EZ-Cash Co., Ltd., JNK Retech Co., Ltd., Harex Info Tech Inc., Boston Film Fund, KT-DoCoMo Mobile Investment Fund, MOS GS Co., Ltd., MOS Daegu Co., Ltd., MOS Chungcheong Co., Ltd., MOS Gangnam Co., Ltd., MOS GB Co., Ltd., MOS BS Co., Ltd., MOS Honam Co., Ltd., ANIMAX BROADCASTING KOREA Co., Ltd., SPERA Private Equity Fund, QCP New Technology Investment Fund No. 20, KT-IMM Investment Fund, Mirae Asset Good Company Investment Fund No.3, 2010 KIF-IMM IT Investment Fund, Saehacoms Co., Ltd., Oscar Ent. Co., Ltd., KoFC KTC-ORIX Korea-Japan Partnership Private Equity Fund II, Texno Pro Sistem, East Telecom Networks LLC, Hyundai Swiss Smartmall Private Special Asset Investment Trust, KT-CKP New Media Investment Fund, KT-Michigan Global Contents Fund, SP1 Private Equity Fund, LoginD Co., Ltd., Tosster Media Co., Ltd.

 

F-74


Table of Contents

The related receivables and payables as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

    2012  
    Receivables     Payables  

(in millions of Korean won)

  Trade
receivables
    Loans     Other
receivables
    Trade
payables
    Other
payables
 

Associates and jointly controlled entities

  KTCS Corporation   2,597           162           23,307   
  KTIS Corporation     3,587        654        57        1,897        26,782   
  Information Technology Solution Bukbu Corporation     2                             3,410   
  Information Technology Solution Nambu Corporation     1               9               3,961   
  Information Technology Solution Seobu Corporation     5                             3,703   
  Information Technology Solution Busan Corporation     1               1        34        1,561   
  Information Technology Solution Jungbu Corporation     2                             3,282   
  Information Technology Solution Honam Corporation     103                             3,152   
  Information Technology Solution Daegu Corporation     100                             1,698   
  KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd.                                 214,866   
  Smart Channel Co., Ltd.     7,824        9,638        39,724        1,589        1,668   
  K-REALTY CR REIT1     948               36,000                 
  MOS GS Co., Ltd.     64               1        1,552        773   
  MOS Daegu Co., Ltd.     11               6        1,181        8   
  MOS Chungcheong Co., Ltd.     1               1        962        85   
  MOS Gangnam Co., Ltd.     20               8               58   
  MOS GB Co., Ltd.     96               5        2,045        400   
  MOS BS Co., Ltd.     2               1        1,169        13   
  MOS Honam Co., Ltd.     4               2        1,310        220   
  Others     187               110        273        3,339   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    15,555      10,292      76,087      12,012      292,286   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-75


Table of Contents
    2013  
    Receivables     Payables  

(in millions of Korean won)

  Trade
receivables
    Loans     Other
receivables
    Trade
payables
    Other
payables
 

Associates and jointly controlled entities

  KTCS Corporation   2,079           606      765      14,372   
  KTIS Corporation     1,388               95        137        35,416   
  Information Technology Solution Bukbu Corporation     3               610        2        4,555   
  Information Technology Solution Nambu Corporation     2               9               3,989   
  Information Technology Solution Seobu Corporation     8               577               4,095   
  Information Technology Solution Busan Corporation     1               191        20        1,810   
  Information Technology Solution Jungbu Corporation     2               375               3,697   
  Information Technology Solution Honam Corporation     2               239               3,110   
  Information Technology Solution Daegu Corporation     3               198               2,257   
  KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd.                                 172,081   
  Smart Channel Co., Ltd.     9,717        9,638        39,724        2,261        75   
  K-REALTY CR REIT1     949               36,000                 
  MOS GS Co., Ltd.     74               1               1,813   
  MOS Daegu Co., Ltd.     4                      1,154        17   
  MOS Chungcheong Co., Ltd.     39               1        1,186        230   
  MOS Gangnam Co., Ltd.     2               1               180   
  MOS GB Co., Ltd.     94               5        2,442        131   
  MOS BS Co., Ltd.     3               1        1,006        53   
  MOS Honam Co., Ltd.     1               2        1,517        183   
  Others     226        400        1,889        52        1,989   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    14,597      10,038      80,524      10,542      250,053   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Significant transactions with related parties for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

     2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Sales      Purchases  

Associates and jointly controlled entities

   KTCS Corporation    16,613       279,840   
   KTIS Corporation      28,545         258,902   
   Information Technology Solution Bukbu Corporation      3,091         27,249   
   Information Technology Solution Nambu Corporation      3,505         33,220   
   Information Technology Solution Seobu Corporation      1,874         37,862   
   Information Technology Solution Busan Corporation      2,736         22,001   
   Information Technology Solution Jungbu Corporation      3,946         30,004   
   Information Technology Solution Honam Corporation      2,698         41,790   
   Information Technology Solution Daegu Corporation      1,862         14,961   
   KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd.      6         2,294   
   K-REALTY CR REIT1      3,315           
   MOS GS Co., Ltd.      677         16,625   
   MOS Daegu Co., Ltd.      197         11,829   
   MOS Chungcheong Co., Ltd      333         9,385   
   MOS Gangnam Co., Ltd.      65         13,881   
   MOS GB Co., Ltd.      692         20,694   
   MOS BS Co., Ltd.      335         15,434   
   MOS Honam Co., Ltd.      309         13,691   
   Others      18,653         74,909   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
      89,452       924,571   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-76


Table of Contents
     2012  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Sales      Purchases  

Associates and jointly controlled entities

   KTCS Corporation    44,649       262,227   
   KTIS Corporation      38,144         273,938   
   Information Technology Solution Bukbu Corporation      4,081         26,004   
   Information Technology Solution Nambu Corporation      3,344         31,156   
   Information Technology Solution Seobu Corporation      4,589         33,548   
   Information Technology Solution Busan Corporation      2,750         18,327   
   Information Technology Solution Jungbu Corporation      4,228         26,394   
   Information Technology Solution Honam Corporation      2,845         35,666   
   Information Technology Solution Daegu Corporation      1,872         12,696   
   KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd.      6         2,083   
   Smart Channel Co., Ltd.      5,039         1,670   
   K-REALTY CR REIT1      2,038         35,290   
   MOS GS Co., Ltd.      1,033         17,620   
   MOS Daegu Co., Ltd.      429         12,318   
   MOS Chungcheong Co., Ltd      462         12,760   
   MOS Gangnam Co., Ltd.      372         14,474   
   MOS GB Co., Ltd.      1,401         22,113   
   MOS BS Co., Ltd.      575         15,716   
   MOS Honam Co., Ltd.      542         13,799   
   Others      3,002         19,895   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
      121,401       887,694   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Sales      Purchases  

Associates and jointly controlled entities

   KTCS Corporation    45,172       258,203   
   KTIS Corporation      59,537         281,219   
   Information Technology Solution Bukbu Corporation      4,784         29,626   
   Information Technology Solution Nambu Corporation      4,871         33,232   
   Information Technology Solution Seobu Corporation      5,397         34,526   
   Information Technology Solution Busan Corporation      2,920         18,967   
   Information Technology Solution Jungbu Corporation      5,318         27,483   
   Information Technology Solution Honam Corporation      3,122         36,096   
   Information Technology Solution Daegu Corporation      2,048         13,462   
   KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd.      9         1,660   
   Smart Channel Co., Ltd.      8,188           
   K-REALTY CR REIT1      2,039         36,349   
   MOS GS Co., Ltd.      1,465         17,337   
   MOS Daegu Co., Ltd.      806         12,061   
   MOS Chungcheong Co., Ltd      819         12,111   
   MOS Gangnam Co., Ltd.      749         15,078   
   MOS GB Co., Ltd.      1,981         22,858   
   MOS BS Co., Ltd.      914         15,117   
   MOS Honam Co., Ltd.      948         13,803   
   Others      2,739         15,766   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
      153,826       894,954   
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Key management compensation for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, consists of:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2011      2012      2013  

Salaries and other short-term benefits

   3,153       3,166       3,203   

Provision for severance benefits

     270         274         335   

Stock-based compensation

     1,990         1,078         842   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   5,413       4,518       4,380   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-77


Table of Contents

Fund transactions with related parties for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012, 2013, are as follows:

 

    2011  
        Loan transactions     Borrowing transactions     Equity
contributions
in cash
 

(in millions of Korean won)

  Loans     Repayments     Borrowings     Repayments    

Associates and jointly controlled entities

  KTIS Corporation   338                       
  Kan Communications Co., Ltd.                                 3,000   
  K-REALTY CR REIT1                                 30,000   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    338                     33,000   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    2012  
        Loan transactions     Borrowing transactions     Equity
contributions
in cash
 

(in millions of Korean won)

  Loans     Repayments     Borrowings     Repayments    

Associates and jointly controlled entities

  KTIS Corporation   654      338                  
  Smart Channel Co., Ltd. 1     9,638                               
  ChungHo EZ-Cash Co., Ltd.                                 3,440   
  QTT Global (Group) Company Limited                                 12,746   
  HooH Healthcare Inc.                                 490   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    10,292      338                16,676   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 Provisions are made for loans to Smart Channel Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 2013.

 

     2013  
         Loan transactions      Borrowing transactions      Equity
contributions
in cash
 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Loans      Repayments      Borrowings      Repayments     

Associates and jointly controlled entities

  KTIS Corporation          654                     
  KT-SB Venture Investment Fund                                      6,000   
  JNK Retech Co., Ltd                                      1,176   
  KT-CKP New Media Investment Fund                                      2,250   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
           654                   9,426   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Payment guarantees and collateral provided by the Group

As of December 31, 2013, based on the investors’ agreement, the Company has an obligation to provide funding to Smart Channel Co., Ltd. if Smart Channel Co, Ltd. is unable to fulfill its obligation. The Company pledged investment securities in Smart Channel Co., Ltd. as collateral (Note 14).

There are no collateral and payment guarantees provided by the related parties.

35.    Financial risk management

(1) Financial risk factors

The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk, fair value interest rate risk, cash flow interest rate risk and price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimize potential adverse effects on the Group’s financial performance. The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge certain risk exposures.

 

F-78


Table of Contents

The Group’s financial policy is set up in the long-term perspective and annually reported to the Board of Directors. The financial risk management is carried out by the Value Management Office, which identifies, evaluates and hedges financial risks. The treasury department in the Value Management Office considers various finance market conditions to estimate the effect from the market changes.

1) Market risk

The Group’s market risk management focuses on controlling the extent of exposure to the risk in order to minimize revenue volatility. Market risk is a risk that decreases value or profit of the Group’s portfolio due to changes in market interest rate, foreign exchange rate and other factors.

(i) Sensitivity analysis

Sensitivity analysis is performed for each type of market risk to which the Group is exposed. Reasonably possible changes in the relevant risk variable such as prevailing market interest rates, currency rates, equity prices or commodity prices are estimated and if the rate of change in the underlying risk variable is stable, the Group does not alter the chosen reasonably possible change in the risk variable. The reasonably possible change does not include remote or ‘worst case’ scenarios or ‘stress tests’.

(ii) Foreign exchange risk

The Group is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from operating, investing and financing activities. Foreign exchange risk is managed within the range of the possible effect on the Group’s cash flows. Foreign exchange risk unaffecting the Group’s cash flows is not hedged but can be hedged at a particular situation.

As of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, if the foreign exchange rate had strengthened/weakened by 10% with all other variables held constant, the effects on profit before income tax and shareholders’ equity would have been as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Fluctuation of
foreign exchange  rate
    Income before tax     Shareholders’ equity  

2011

     +10   (56,994   (50,291
     -10     56,994        50,291   

2012

     +10     (64,746     (52,203
     -10     64,746        52,203   

2013

     +10     (46,173     (47,888
     -10     46,173        47,888   

The above analysis is a simple sensitivity analysis which assumes that all the variables other than foreign exchange rates are held constant. Therefore, the analysis does not reflect any correlation between foreign exchange rates and other variables, nor the management’s decision to decrease the risk.

 

F-79


Table of Contents

Details of foreign assets and liabilities of the Group as of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

     2011      2012      2013  

(in thousands of
Foreign currencies)

   Financial
assets
     Financial
liabilities
     Financial
assets
     Financial
liabilities
     Financial
assets
     Financial
liabilities
 

USD

     235,435         2,323,677         217,488         2,377,137         254,917         2,225,700   

SDR

     1,160         744         494         1,130         1,105         1,211   

JPY

     1,080,822         35,451,398         657,947         35,102,877         190,520         30,054,316   

GBP

     7         131         1         9                 134   

EUR

     1,239         3,357         5,395         2,614         1,342         4,943   

DZD

     18,714                 3,770                 2,798           

CNY

     14,495         700         10,236         197                   

UZS

     13,534,203         44,788,561         7,920,825         38,727,985         1,805,565           

RWF

                                     11,962           

IDR

     411,687         10,000         347,447                           

(iii) Price risk

As of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, the Group is exposed to equity securities price risk because the securities held by the Group are traded in active markets. If the market prices had increased/decreased by 10% with all other variables held constant, the effects on profit before income tax and shareholders’ equity would have been as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Fluctuation of price     Income before tax      Shareholders’ equity  

2011

     +10       —       10,118   
     -10             (10,118

2012

     +10             4,916   
     -10             (4,916

2013

     +10             5,535   
     -10             (5,535

The above analysis is based on the assumption that the equity index had increased/decreased by 10% with all other variables held constant and all the Group’s marketable equity instruments had moved according to the historical correlation with the index.

(iv) Cashflow and fair value interest rate risk

The Group’s interest rate risk arises from liabilities in foreign currency such as foreign currency bonds payable. Bonds payable in foreign currency issued at variable rates expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk which is partially offset by swap transactions. Bonds payable and borrowings issued at fixed rates expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk. The Group sets the policy and operates to minimize the uncertainty of the changes in interest rates and financial costs.

As of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, if the market interest rate had increased/decreased by 100bp with other variables held constant, the effects on profit before income tax and shareholders’ equity would be as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   Fluctuation of
interest rate
     Income before tax     Shareholders’ equity  

2011

     + 100 bp       (1,724   (581
     - 100 bp         (12,872     (14,209

2012

     + 100 bp         (562     (368
     - 100 bp         (5,100     (5,361

2013

     + 100 bp         10,345        12,846   
     - 100 bp         (17,201     (19,017

 

F-80


Table of Contents

The above analysis is a simple sensitivity analysis which assumes that all the variables other than market interest rates are held constant. Therefore, the analysis does not reflect any correlation between market interest rates and other variables, nor the management’s decision to decrease the risk.

2) Credit risk

Credit risk is managed on the Group basis with the purpose of minimizing financial loss. Credit risk arises from the normal transactions and investing activities, where clients or other party fails to discharge an obligation on contract conditions. To manage credit risk, the Group considers the counterparty’s credit based on the counterparty’s financial conditions, default history and other important factors.

Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments and deposits with banks and financial institutions, as well as outstanding receivables. To minimize such risk, only the financial institutions with strong credit ratings are accepted.

As of December 31, 2012 and 2013, maximum exposure to credit risk is as follows:

 

(In millions of Korean won)

   2012      2013  

Cash equivalents(except cash on hand)

   2,051,670       2,065,157   

Trade and other receivables 1

     6,980,474         6,053,040   

Loans receivable

     1,180,700         1,348,597   

Finance lease receivables

     861,655         709,937   

Other financial assets

     

Financial assets at fair value through the profit or loss

     6,407         15,643   

Derivative used for hedging

     21,348         3,496   

Time deposits and others

     460,394         582,693   

Available-for-sale financial assets

     10,953         25,978   

Held-to-maturity financial assets

     436         3,248   

Financial guarantee contracts 2

     213,947         389,814   

Performance guarantee contracts 2

     14,490           
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   11,802,474       11,197,603   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 As of December 31, 2013, the Company is provided with a payment guarantee of 667,817 million from Seoul Guarantee Insurance related to the sale of certain accounts receivable arising from handset sales.

 

2 Total amounts guaranteed by the Group according to the guarantee contracts.

3) Liquidity risk

The Group manages its liquidity risk by liquidity strategy and plans. The Group considers the maturity of financial assets and financial liabilities and the estimated cash flows from operations.

The table below analyzes the Group’s liabilities into relevant maturity groups based on the remaining period at the date of the end of each reporting period to the contractual maturity date as of December 31, 2012 and 2013. These amounts are contractual undiscounted cash flows.

 

     2012  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Less than 1 year      1-5 years      More than 5 years      Total  

Trade and other payables

   7,253,043       686,700       104,857       8,044,600   

Finance lease payables

     15,826         29,474                 45,300   

Borrowings(including bonds payable)

     3,631,441         7,578,276         1,878,606         13,088,323   

Other non-derivative financial liabilities

             80,752                 80,752   

Financial guarantee contracts 1

     213,947                         213,947   

Performance guarantee contracts 1

     14,490                         14,490   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   11,128,747       8,375,202       1,983,463       21,487,412   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-81


Table of Contents

 

1 

Total amount guaranteed by the Group according to guarantee contracts. Cash flow from financial guarantee contracts is classified as the maturity group in the earliest period when the financial guarantee contracts can be executed.

 

     2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Less than 1 year      1-5 years      More than 5 years      Total  

Trade and other payables

   7,429,289       789,999       352,928       8,572,216   

Finance lease payables

     22,498         52,877                 75,375   

Borrowings(including bond payables)

     3,147,761         5,408,176         3,468,282         12,024,219   

Other non-derivative financial liabilities

             3,166         53,704         56,870   

Financial guarantee contracts 1

     389,814                         389,814   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   10,989,362       6,254,218       3,874,914       21,118,494   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash outflow and inflow of derivatives settled gross or net are undiscounted contractual cash flow and can differ from the amount in the financial statements.

 

     2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Less than 1 year      1-5 years      More than 5 years      Total  

Outflow

   414,646       1,949,253       42,541       2,406,440   

Inflow

     436,469         2,038,288         50,053         2,524,810   

 

     2012  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Less than 1 year      1-5 years      More than 5 years      Total  

Outflow

   1,020,494       1,507,287       41,292       2,569,073   

Inflow

     949,921         1,550,822         45,093         2,545,836   

 

     2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Less than 1 year      1-5 years      More than 5 years      Total  

Outflow

   971,454       1,377,071       38,795       2,387,320   

Inflow

     910,488         1,256,407         41,648         2,208,543   

(2) Disclosure of capital management

The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other shareholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.

The Group’s capital structure consists of liabilities including borrowings, cash and cash equivalents, and shareholders’ equity. The treasury department monitors the Group’s capital structure and considers cost of capital and risks related each capital component.

The debt-to-equity ratios as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012     2013  

Total liabilities

   21,339,933      22,012,701   

Total equity

     13,217,975        12,837,416   

Debt-to-equity ratio

     161     171

The Group manages capital on the basis of the gearing ratio. This ratio is calculated as net debt divided by total capital. Net debt is calculated as total borrowings less cash and cash equivalents. Total capital is calculated as ‘equity’ in the statement of financial position plus net debt.

 

F-82


Table of Contents

The gearing ratios as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won, %)

   2012     2013  

Total borrowings

   11,477,765        11,552,103   

Less: cash and cash equivalents

     (2,057,613     (2,070,869
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net debt

     9,420,152        9,481,234   

Total equity

     13,217,975        12,837,416   

Total capital

     22,638,127        22,318,650   

Gearing ratio

     42     42

(3) Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

Details of the Group’s recognized financial assets subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements are as follows:

 

    2012  

(in millions of Korean won)

  Gross
assets
    Gross
liabilities
offset
    Net amounts
presented in
the statement
of financial

position
    Amounts not offset     Net
amount
 
        Financial
instruments
    Cash
collateral
   

Derivative assets for hedging purpose 1

  11,120           11,120      (11,120          

Trade receivables 2

    103,733        (32     103,701        (87,276            16,425   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  114,853      (32   114,821      (98,396        16,425   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

  Gross
assets
    Gross
liabilities
offset
    Net amounts
presented in
the statement
of financial

position
    Amounts not offset     Net
amount
 
        Financial
instruments
    Cash
collateral
   

Derivative assets for hedging purpose 1

  5,393           5,393      (5,393          

Trade receivables 2

    100,989        (60     100,929        (92,979            7,950   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  106,382      (60   106,322      (98,372        7,950   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 The amount applied with master netting arrangements under the standard contract of ISDA(International Swap and Derivatives Association).

 

2 The amount applied with netting arrangements under the reference offer of the telecommunication facility interconnection and sharing data among telecommunications companies.

The Group’s recognized financial liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements are as follows:

 

     2012  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Gross
liabilities
     Gross
assets
offset
    Net amounts
presented in
the statement
of  financial
position
     Amounts not offset      Net
amount
 
           Financial
instruments
    Cash
collateral
    

Derivative liabilities for hedging purpose 1

   16,848            16,848       (11,120         5,728   

Trade payables 2

     89,665                89,665         (87,276             2,389   

Other payables 2

     4         (1     3                        3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   106,517       (1   106,516       (98,396         8,120   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-83


Table of Contents
     2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Gross
liabilities
     Gross
assets
offset
    Net amounts
presented  in
the statement
of financial
position
     Amounts not offset      Net
amount
 
           Financial
instruments
    Cash
collateral
    

Derivative liabilities for hedging purpose 1

   9,889            9,889       (5,393         4,496   

Trade payables 2

     95,754                95,754         (92,979             2,775   

Other payables 2

     11         (2     9                        9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   105,654       (2   105,652       (98,372         7,280   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 The amount applied with master netting arrangements under the standard contract of ISDA(International Swap and Derivatives Association).

 

2 The amount applied with netting arrangements under the reference offer of the telecommunication facility interconnection and sharing data among telecommunications companies.

36.    Fair Value

(1) Fair Value of Financial Instruments by Category

Carrying amount and fair value of financial instruments by category as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

     2012      2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Carrying
amount
     Fair value      Carrying
amount
     Fair value  

Financial assets

           

Cash and cash equivalents 1

   2,057,613       2,057,613       2,070,869       2,070,869   

Trade and other receivables 1

     6,980,474         6,980,474         6,053,040         6,053,040   

Other financial assets

           

Financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss

     6,407         6,407         15,643         15,643   

Derivative financial instruments for hedging purpose

     21,348         21,348         3,496         3,496   

Time deposits and others 1

     460,830         460,830         585,941         585,941   

Available-for-sale financial assets 2

     301,718         301,718         405,194         405,194   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   9,828,390       9,828,390       9,134,183       9,134,183   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities

           

Trade and other liabilities 1

   7,922,662       7,922,662       8,472,707       8,472,707   

Financial lease liabilities

     41,646         41,646         68,210         68,210   

Borrowings

     11,436,119         11,566,001         11,483,893         11,499,645   

Other financial liabilities

           

Financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss

     3,216         3,216         2,956         2,956   

Derivative financial instruments for hedging purpose

     112,603         112,603         150,612         150,612   

Financial guarantee liability 1

     9,328         9,328         15,984         15,984   

Other financial liabilities 1

     16,649         16,649         73,080         73,080   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   19,542,223       19,672,105       20,267,442       20,283,194   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 The Group did not conduct fair value estimation since the book value is a reasonable approximation of the fair value.

 

2 Equity instruments that do not have a quoted price in an active market are measured at cost because their fair value cannot be measured reliably and excluded from the fair value disclosures.

 

F-84


Table of Contents

(2) Financial Instruments Measured at Cost

Available-for-sale financial assets measured at cost as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012      2013  

SBS KT SPC

   25,000       25,000   

MBC KT SPC

     11,000         11,000   

KBS KT SPC

     11,000         11,000   

IBK-AUCTUS Green Growth Private Equity Fund

     14,319         14,319   

Ustream Inc.

     11,295         11,295   

KOCREF REITs

             7,000   

Presto Private Equity Fund

             4,000   

Enterprise DB(Convertible Preferred Stock)

     3,013         3,013   

The 1st Praxis PE

             3,000   

Soulbay Indochina Private Equity Fund

             3,000   

AMOGREENTECH

     3,000         3,000   

Kokam Co., Ltd.

     2,794         2,794   

Channel A

     2,391         2,391   

Nexenta Systems(Convertible Preferred Stock)

     2,260         2,260   

KOFSGSK Corporate’s Financial Stabilization Private Equity Fund

             2,000   

Kamur Private Equity Fund No.1(Partnership enterprises)

             2,000   

JTBC

     2,000         2,000   

CSTV

     2,000         2,000   

Shinhan K2 Secondary Fund

     1,050         1,950   

JKL Private Equity Fund No.4

     1,905         1,905   

JKL-Quintessa Private Equity Fund

             1,833   

Minigate(Convertible Preferred Stock)

     1,800         1,800   

United Turnaround PEF No.3

             1,187   

Newkyunggi Resort Corp

     1,240         1,240   

Nexenta Systems

     1,029         1,029   

Goods Flow Co., Ltd.

     1,000         1,000   

Mirae Asset Good Company Secondary Investment Fund

             1,000   

Innopolis-CJ Bio Healthcare Fund

             1,000   

KaKao Co., Ltd

             1,000   

Others

     30,061         16,417   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   128,157       142,433   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The range of cashflow estimates is significant and the probabilities of the various estimates cannot be reasonably assessed and therefore these instruments are measured at cost.

The Group does not have any plans to dispose of the above-mentioned equities instruments in the near future. These instruments will be measured at fair value when the Group can develop a reliable estimate of the fair value.

(3) Fair Value Hierarchy

Assets measured at fair value or for which the fair value is disclosed are categorized within the fair value hierarchy, and the defined levels are as follows:

 

   

Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1)

 

   

Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices) (Level 2)

 

   

Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) (Level 3)

 

F-85


Table of Contents

Fair value hierarchy classifications of the financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value or its fair value is disclosed as of December 31, 2013, are as follows:

 

     2012  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Recurring fair value measurements

           

Other financial assets

           

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

         119       6,288       6,407   

Derivative financial assets for hedging purpose

             837         20,511         21,348   

Available-for-sale financial assets

     49,156         35,361         217,201         301,718   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     49,156         36,317         244,000         329,473   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Disclosed fair value

           

Jointly controlled entities and associates

     52,882                         52,882   

Investment property 1

                     2,335,642         2,335,642   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     52,882                 2,335,642         2,388,524   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   102,038       36,317       2,579,642       2,717,997   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Recurring fair value measurements

           

Other financial liabilities

           

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

         63       3,153       3,216   

Derivative financial liabilities for hedging purpose

             89,063         23,540         112,603   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
             89,126         26,693         115,819   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Disclosed fair value

           

Borrowings

                     11,566,001         11,566,001   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                     11,566,001         11,566,001   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
         89,126       11,592,694       11,681,820   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 The highest and best use of a non-financial asset does not differ from its current use.

 

     2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Recurring fair value measurements

           

Other financial assets

           

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

         499       15,144       15,643   

Derivative financial assets for hedging purpose

                     3,496         3,496   

Available-for-sale financial assets

     55,347         57,533         292,314         405,194   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     55,347         58,032         310,954         424,333   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Disclosed fair value

           

Jointly controlled entities and associates

     69,840                         69,840   

Investment property 1

                     2,051,183         2,051,183   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     69,840                 2,051,183         2,121,023   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   125,187       58,032       2,362,137       2,545,356   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Recurring fair value measurements

           

Other financial liabilities

           

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

         6       2,950       2,956   

Derivative financial liabilities for hedging purpose

             113,980         36,632         150,612   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
             113,986         39,582         153,568   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Disclosed fair value

           

Borrowings

                     11,499,645         11,499,645   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                     11,499,645         11,499,645   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
         113,986       11,539,227       11,653,213   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-86


Table of Contents

(4) Transfers Between Fair Value Hierarchy Levels of Recurring Fair Value Measurements

(a) Details of transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy for the recurring fair value measurements are as follows:

There are no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy for the recurring fair value measurements.

(b) Details of changes in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy for the recurring fair value measurements are as follows:

 

    2012  
    Interest rate
swap
    Other
derivative
assets
    Derivative
financial
assets for
hedging
purpose
    Available-
for-sale
    Financial
liabilities
designated
as at  fair
value
through
profit or
loss
    Derivative
financial
liabilities
for

hedging
purpose
 

Beginning balance

      —      4,151      63,689      134,346             

Reclassification

                  (12,886                   12,886   

Amount recognized in profit or loss 1

    1               (29,350     (1,122     (334     28,708   

Amount recognized in other comprehensive income 2

                  (942     38,679               (18,054

Purchases

           2,136               13,209        3,487          

Sales

                         (6,164              

Transfer into Level 3 (From Cost method)

                         38,253                 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

  1      6,287      20,511      217,201      3,153      23,540   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

    2013  
    Interest rate
swap
    Other
derivative
assets
    Derivative
financial
assets for
hedging
purpose
    Available-
for-sale
    Other
derivative
liabilities
    Financial
liabilities
designated
as at  fair
value
through
profit or
loss
    Derivative
financial
liabilities
for
hedging
purpose
 

Beginning balance

  1      6,287      20,511      217,201          —      3,153      23,540   

Reclassification

    15,633               (15,633                            

Amount recognized in profit or loss 1

    (8,395     2,469        127        (3,844     148        (351     9,268   

Amount recognized in other comprehensive income 2

                  (1,509     95,434                      3,824   

Purchases

                         3,009                        

Sales

           (851            (29,851                     

Transfer into Level 3 (From Cost method)

                         10,365                        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

  7,239      7,905      3,496      292,314      148      2,802      36,632   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-87


Table of Contents

(5) Valuation Technique and the Inputs

Valuation techniques and inputs used in the recurring, non-recurring fair value measurements and disclosed fair values categorized within Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

     2012

(in millions of Korean won)

   Fair value      Level     

Valuation

techniques

Recurring fair value measurements

        

Other financial assets

        

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

        

Held for trading financial assets

        

Interest rate swap

   1         3       Hull-White model

Currency forward

     119         2       Discounted cash flow model

Other derivative assets

     6,287         3       Option model (binomial trees)

Derivative financial assets for hedging purpose

     837         2       Discounted cash flow model
     20,511         3       Hull-White model

Available-for-sale financial assets

     252,562         2,3       Discounted cash flow model

Disclosed fair value

        

Investment property

     2,335,642         3       Discounted cash flow model

Recurring fair value measurements

        

Other financial liabilities

        

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

        

Held for trading financial assets

        

Interest rate swap

     63         2       Discounted cash flow model

Financial liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss

     3,153         3       Option model (binomial trees)

Derivative financial liabilities for hedging purpose

     89,063         2       Discounted cash flow model
     23,540         3       Hull-White model

Disclosed fair value
Borrowings

     11,566,001         3       Discounted cash flow model

 

     2013

(in millions of Korean won)

   Fair value      Level     

Valuation

techniques

Recurring fair value measurements

        

Other financial assets

        

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

        

Held for trading financial assets

        

Interest rate and currency swap

   7,239         3       Hull-White model

Currency forward

     499         2       Discounted cash flow model

Other derivative assets

     7,905         3      

Monte-Carlo Simulation

Option model (binomial trees)

Derivative financial assets for hedging purpose

     3,496         3       Discounted cash flow model

Available-for-sale financial assets

     349,847         2,3       Discounted cash flow model

Disclosed fair value

        

Investment property

     2,051,183         3       Discounted cash flow model

Recurring fair value measurements

        

Other financial liabilities

        

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

        

Held for trading financial assets

        

Currency forward

     6         2       Discounted cash flow model

Other derivatives

     148         3       Option model (binomial trees)

Financial liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss

     2,802         3       Option model (binomial trees)

Derivative financial liabilities for hedging purpose

     113,980         2       Discounted cash flow model
     36,632         3       Hull-White model

Disclosed fair value
Borrowings

     11,499,645         3       Discounted cash flow model

 

F-88


Table of Contents

(6) Gains and losses on valuation at the transaction date

In the case that the Group estimates the fair value of derivative financial instruments using inputs not based on observable market data, and the fair value calculated by the said valuation technique differs from the transaction price, then the fair value of the financial instruments is recognized as the transaction price. The difference between the fair value at initial recognition and the transaction price is deferred and amortized using a straight-line method by maturity of the financial instrument. However, in the case that inputs of the valuation techniques become observable in the markets, the remaining deferred difference is immediately recognized in full in profit for the year.

In relation to this, details and changes of the total deferred difference for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012      2013  

Beginning balance

         54,152   

New transactions

     54,152           

Amortization

             (10,830
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

   54,152       43,322   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

37.    Business Combination

(1) KT Rental Co., Ltd.

On July 2012, the restriction on controlling power of the Company under the shareholders’ agreement between the Company and the second major shareholder was lifted, and therefore KT rental became a subsidiary. These transactions were accounted for in accordance with IFRS 3, Business Combinations. As a result of applying acquisition method, the Company recognized goodwill of 131,426 million.

Details of the consideration transferred, fair value of the acquired identifiable assets and liabilities and goodwill at the acquisition date are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

      

Fair value of existing shares before business combination

   305,730   
  

 

 

 

Consideration transferred (a)

   305,730   
  

 

 

 

Recognized amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed 1

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   23,160   

Trade and other receivables

     120,964   

Loans receivable

     49,805   

Financial lease receivables

     254,264   

Other financial assets

     1,983   

Inventories

     779   

Tangible assets (rental vehicle, others)

     992,516   

Intangible assets (orders on hand, customer relationship, others)

     69,866   

Other assets

     34,031   

Trade and other payables

     (195,933

Borrowings

     (985,790

Current income tax liabilities

     (5,138

Retirement benefit obligation

     (4,065

Deferred income tax liabilities

     (9,151

Other liabilities

     (46,759
  

 

 

 

The net of total amounts of identifiable assets and liabilities measured at fair value (b)

   300,532   

Non-controlling interests 2 (c)

     126,228   
  

 

 

 

Goodwill (a-b+c)

   131,426   
  

 

 

 

 

F-89


Table of Contents

 

1 The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are measured at fair value in accordance with IFRS 3, Business Combination.

 

2 At the date of acquisition, the Company measures any non-controlling interest in KT Rental Co., Ltd. at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets.

As described in Note 14, the previously held interest in KT Rental Co., Ltd. was measured at fair value, and the Company recognized other income of 126,011 million arising from the value measurement on acquisition.

After the acquisition date, the operating revenue and net income for consolidation of KT Rental Co., Ltd. before the elimination of related party transactions with its subsidiaries are 368,228 million and 11,072 million, respectively. If KT Rental Co., Ltd. was consolidated on January 1, 2012, the operating revenue and net income included in consolidated income statement would have been 715,604 million and 25,995 million, respectively.

The fair value of trade accounts receivable and others acquired from KT Rental Co., Ltd. is 120,964 million, but the full contract value is 132,915 million. The uncollectible amounts from these receivables are expected to be 11,951 million.

38.    Interests in Unconsolidated Structured Entities

Details of information about its interests in unconsolidated structured entities, which the Group does not have control over, including the nature, purpose and activities of the structured entities and how the structured entities are financed, are as follows:

 

Remarks

  

Nature, Purpose, Activities and Others

Real estate finance

   A structured entity incorporated for the purpose of real estate development is provided with funds by investors’ investments in equity and borrowings from financial institutions (including long-term and short-term loans and issuance of Asset Based Commercial Paper due in three months), and based on these, the structured entity implements activities such as real estate acquisition, development and mortgage loans. The structured entity repays loan principals with funds from installment house sales after the completion of real estate development or with collection of the principal of mortgage loan. The remaining shares are distributed to investors. As of December 31, 2013, the Group is engaged in real estate finance structured entity, and generates revenues by receiving dividends from direct investments in or receiving interests on loans to the structured entity. Financial institutions including the Group are provided with guarantees including joint guarantees or real estate collateral from investors and others. Consequently, the Group has priority order than other parties in collecting loans to and investments in structured entity. However, when the credit rating of investors and others decreases or when the value of real estate decreases, the Group may incur losses.

PEF and investment funds

   Minority investors including managing members contribute to Private Equity Fund (PEF) and investment funds incorporated for the purpose of providing funds to the small, medium, or venture entities, and the managing member implements activities such as investments in equity or loans based on the contributions. As of December 31, 2013, the Group is engaged in PEF and investment funds structured entity, and after contributing to PEF and investment funds, the Group receives dividends for operating revenues from these contributions. The Group is provided with underlying assets of PEF and investment funds as collateral. However, when the value of the underlying assets decreases, the Group may incur losses.

 

F-90


Table of Contents

Remarks

  

Nature, Purpose, Activities and Others

M&A finance

   A structured entity incorporated for the purpose of supporting a certain company’s financial structure improvement or acquiring equity or convertible bonds is provided with funds by investors’ investments in equity and long-term or short-term borrowings from financial institutions, and based on these, the structured entity acquires shares held by the entity, which has plans to improve its financial structure, or to dispose convertible bonds and others. The structured entity repays loan principals with funds from disposals of holding shares after a certain period. The remaining shares are distributed to investors. As of December 31, 2013, the Group is engaged in M&A finance structured entity, and receives interests. Financial institutions are provided with guarantees including joint guarantees or shares subject to M&A from investors and others. Consequently, the Group has priority order than other parties in collecting loans and investments. However, when the credit rating of investors and others decreases or when the value of shares provided as collateral decreases, the Group may incur losses.

Asset securitization

   A transferor other than the Group transfers the assets, which are subject to securitization, to a structured entity incorporated by the transferor or other financial institutions other than the Group, and based on this as underlying assets, the structured entity is provided with funds by asset-backed borrowings and pays acquisition costs of the acquired underlying assets. As of December 31, 2013, the Group is engaged in the structured entity, and generates revenues by receiving interest income as the Group provides asset-backed loans directly to the structured entity. When the structured entity has difficulty repaying loan principal, the transferor has obligation to cover the lack of funds. Consequently, the Group has priority order than other parties in collecting loans to structured entity. However, when the credit rating of transferor decreases, the Group may incur losses.

Other

   There are other structured entity types, which the Group is engaged in, such as Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) and others. Interest income is realized from the Group’s loans to the relevant structured entity. When SPAC is listed or merged after the Group invests in shares or convertible bonds issued by the relevant structured entity, revenues are realized from disposal of the shares of the convertible bonds. However, the Group may incur losses when SPAC is liquidated if the SPAC is not listed or merged.

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Real Estate
Finance
     PEF &
Investment
Fund
     Acquisition
Finance
     Asset-
backed
     Others      Total  

Total amount of Unconsolidated Structured Entities

   4,970,665       7,915,355       2,175,476       5,981,382       163,702       21,206,580   

Assets recognized in statement of financial position

                 

Loans

   277,663       360       101,969       228,413       12,043       620,448   

Other financial assets

     32,244         134,523         981                 8,690         176,438   

Jointly investment entities and associates

             183,200                         28,406         211,606   
   309,907       318,083       102,950       228,413       49,139       1,008,492   

Maximum loss exposure 1

                 

Investment Assets

   309,907       318,083       102,950       228,413       49,139       1,008,492   

Credit grants

     103,500                                         103,500   
   413,407       318,083       102,950       228,413       49,139       1,111,992   

 

1 Maximum exposure to loss includes the investments recognized in the Group’s financial statements and the amounts which are probable to be determined when certain conditions are met by agreements including purchase agreements, credit granting and others.

 

F-91


Table of Contents

39.    Information About Non-controlling Interests

Summarized Financial Information on Subsidiaries

The summarized financial information for each subsidiary with non-controlling interests that are material to the Group before inter-company eliminations as of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, are as follows:

 

     2011  

(in millions of Korean won)

   KT Skylife
Co., Ltd.
    BC Card Co.,
Ltd.
    KT Powertel Co.,
Ltd.
    KT Hitel Co.,
Ltd.
 

Non-controlling Interests

     49.73     63.57     55.15     34.06

Current assets

   251,268      1,316,363      87,053      130,307   

Non-current assets

     299,175        557,973        80,022        119,423   

Current liabilities

     235,849        1,180,578        41,709        65,428   

Non-current liabilities

     22,382        186,109        17,352        3,948   

Equity

     292,212        507,649        108,014        180,353   

Accumulated non-controlling interests

     145,315        322,728        59,575        61,425   

Sales

     480,468        782,262        126,354        463,032   

Profit or loss for the year

     26,649        (945     14,566        (2,016

Total comprehensive income

     28,022        8,505        14,189        (3,913

The profit or loss allocated to non-controlling interests

     13,252        (601     8,034        (687

Cash flows from operating activities

     92,889        (300,423     26,984        1,654   

Cash flows from investing activities

     (116,410     (24,453     (20,903     1,197   

Cash flows from financing activities before dividends paid to non-controlling interests

     (13,346     2,000        (5,000     (25

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

                            

Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents

            (13     5        1   

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (36,867     (322,889     1,086        2,827   

 

     2012  

(in millions of Korean won)

   KT Skylife
Co., Ltd.
    BC Card Co.,
Ltd.
    KT Rental     KT Powertel Co.,
Ltd.
    KT Hitel Co.,
Ltd.
 

Non-controlling Interests

     49.85     34.35     42.00     55.15     34.06

Current assets

   303,069      1,792,439      305,651      93,877      132,892   

Non-current assets

     338,495        735,663        1,388,370        81,985        116,339   

Current liabilities

     197,972        1,696,058        537,424        39,029        75,727   

Non-current liabilities

     94,677        211,820        889,060        16,584        3,784   

Equity

     348,915        620,224        267,537        120,249        169,719   

Accumulated non-controlling interests

     173,932        213,049        112,369        66,323        57,803   

Sales

     574,829        3,128,882        368,228        124,936        443,431   

Profit or loss for the year

     55,546        103,797        11,072        12,527        (8,902

Total comprehensive income

     52,152        127,976        10,107        12,229        (10,659

The profit or loss allocated to non-controlling interests

     27,689        35,655        4,650        6,909        (3,032

Cash flows from operating activities

     170,815        18,310        105,771        8,734        (14,954

Cash flows from investing activities

     (76,320     (35,116     (265,429     (6,997     5,263   

Cash flows from financing activities before dividends paid to non-controlling interests

     (18,642     8,070        169,963                 

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

            (5,290                     

Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents

                                 (10

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

     75,853        (14,026     10,305        1,737        (9,701

 

F-92


Table of Contents
     2013  

(in millions of Korean won)

   KT Skylife
Co., Ltd.
    BC Card Co.,
Ltd.
    KT Rental     KT Powertel Co.,
Ltd.
    KT Hitel Co.,
Ltd.
 

Non-controlling Interests

     49.89     34.61     42.00     55.15     36.30

Current assets

   287,142      2,292,323      362,040      87,932      178,659   

Non-current assets

     397,509        672,427        1,826,231        79,199        115,006   

Current liabilities

     191,181        1,958,506        532,634        30,433        99,348   

Non-current liabilities

     91,887        216,505        1,363,625        13,579        3,296   

Equity

     401,583        789,738        292,013        123,119        191,021   

Accumulated non-controlling interests

     200,360        273,328        122,650        67,906        69,343   

Sales

     627,415        3,090,434        885,294        112,742        579,987   

Profit or loss for the year

     72,724        128,475        32,400        5,453        3,551   

Total comprehensive income

     73,943        198,778        31,041        5,661        8,109   

The profit or loss allocated to non-controlling interests

     36,284        44,465        13,608        3,008        1,289   

Cash flows from operating activities

     141,282        273,904        (346,309     16,010        11,108   

Cash flows from investing activities

     (218,797     (17,335     (39,246     (15,794     (18,199

Cash flows from financing activities before dividends paid to non-controlling interests

     (14,346     10,216        392,098        (6,252     13,192   

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

     (8,344     (10,051     (2,075     (1,538       

Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents

                   (287            (49

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (100,205     256,734        4,181        (7,574     6,052   

Transactions with Non-controlling Interests

The effects of changes in the ownership interest on the equity attributable to owners of the Company during the year are summarized as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2011     2012     2013  

Carrying amount of non-controlling interests acquired 1

   2,846      178,763      14,353   

Consideration paid to non-controlling interests 2

     (39,302     (15,359     (16,202
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Excess of consideration paid recognized in parent’s equity

   (36,456   163,404      (1,849
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 In 2013, the Company acquired the remaining 40% of the issued shares of KT Dutch B.V., a subsidiary, for a purchase consideration of 3,980 million. The Company now holds 100% equity interest in KT Dutch B.V. The carrying amount of the non-controlling interests in KT Dutch B.V.at the date of acquisition was 14,353 million. As a result, the Company derecognized non-controlling interests of 14,353 million and recorded an increase in equity attributable to owners of the parent of 10,373 million.

 

  In 2012, the Company acquired 30.68% of the issued shares of BC Card Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of Vogo-BCC Investment Holdings Co., Ltd. and KGF-BCC LIMITED, for a purchase consideration of 288,828 million. The Company now holds 69.54% equity interest in BC Card Co., Ltd. The carrying amount of the non-controlling interests in BC Card Co., Ltd. at the date of acquisition was 272,273 million. As a result, the Company derecognized non-controlling interests of 172,376 million and recorded an increase in equity attributable to owners of the parent of 116,452 million.

 

  In 2011, the Company’s non-controlling interest decreased by 2.68% through inequality capital increase of KT Capital Co., Ltd. on September 30, 2011. This resulted in a decrease in the carrying amount of non-controlling interest of 1,615 million. Also, the Company acquired the remaining 20% of the issued shares of KT Innotz Inc., a subsidiary. As a result, the Company holds 100% of the issued shares of KT Innotz Inc and the carrying amount of non-controlling interest decreased by 1,049 million.

 

2 In 2013, the Company’s non-controlling interest increased by 2.24% through inequality capital increase of KT Hitel Co., Ltd. This resulted in an increase in the carrying amount of non-controlling interest of 8,439 million. Also, on July 11, 2013, the Company’s non-controlling interest increased by 6.04% through inequality capital increase of Nasmedia, Inc. As a result, the carrying amount of non-controlling interest increased by 7,239 million.

 

  In 2012, the Company’s non-controlling interest increased by 13.85% through inequality capital increase of KT Cloudware Corporation on March 26, June 13 and November 30, 2012. This resulted in an increase in the carrying amount of non-controlling interest of 4,060 million. Also, on November 21, 2012, the Company’s non-controlling interest increased by 9.09% through inequality capital increase of KT music Corporation. As a result, the carrying amount of non-controlling interest increased by 5,360 million.

 

F-93


Table of Contents
  In 2011, the Company’s non-controlling interest increased by 2.78% through inequality capital increase of KT Skylife Co., Ltd. on June 1, 2011. This resulted in an increase in the carrying amount of non-controlling interest of 32,294 million. Also, on December 29 and 30, 2011, the Company’s non-controlling interest increased by 17.24% through inequality capital increase of Centios Co., Ltd. As a result, the carrying amount of non-controlling interest increased by 4,399 million.

40. Discontinued Operations

As approved by the Company’s Board of Directors on August 9, 2012, the Company decided to sell KT Tech, Inc., its subsidiary, and discontinued the operations related to handset development. KT-Tech’s liquidation procedure has been completed and KT Tech’s electrical operating performance was reflected in profit or loss from discontinued operations.

Income and loss from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2012, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012  

Revenue

   431   

Expense

     (35,756

Income from discontinued operations before income taxes

   (35,325

Income tax expense for discontinued operations

     3,791   
  

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

   (31,534
  

 

 

 

Cash flows from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2012, are as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   2012  

Cash flows from operating activities

   40,017   

Cash flows from investing activities

     (3,609

Cash flows from financing activities

     (28,243

Changes in foreign exchange rates

     (6
  

 

 

 

Total cash flows

   8,159   
  

 

 

 

41.    Subsequent Events

The investment business division of KT Capital Co., Ltd., a consolidated subsidiary, was spun off and merged with the Company on March 13, 2014.

Subsequent to December 31, 2013, the Company has issued commercial paper securities, as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)

   Issue date      Face value of
bond
     Total issued
amount
     Maturity date  

Commercial paper securities

     2014.02.17       300,000       252,398         2019.02.18   

Subsequent to December 31, 2013, the Company has decided to acquire these debts, as follows:

 

(in millions of Korean won)
Original debtor

 

Creditor

  Acquisition
price
    Acquisition
date
   

Remarks

Malou (1st)

  Green power(17th)   11,584        2014.2.20      Debt related to Romania solar PF

Korean alpha solar (2nd)

  Grand(1st)     15,416        2014.2.20      Debt related to Romania solar PF

Korean alpha solar (2nd)

  Grand(1st)     18,372        2014.2.20      Debt related to Romania solar PF

On March 12, 2014, KT ENS has filed for court receivership after failing to pay 49,106 million of commercial paper. There may be lawsuits against KT ENS on this matter in the future, and the effect of this matter cannot be reasonably predicted.

 

F-94


Table of Contents

KT Skylife and NDS Limited have had a dispute on the right to use of conditional access system provided by NDS Limited and business interruption of KT Skylife. On February 24, 2014, KT Skylife and NDS Limited sent the first written form of compensation for the damages to the other party. KT Skylife and NDS Limited have requested 33,457 million and 28,163 million, respectively, with 6% of annual interest rate to the other party.

As of March 7, 2014, the Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning banned the mobile carriers including the Company from subscribing new customers and selling handsets to the existing customers. These mobile carriers are those who violated the prohibition released by the Korea Communications Commission and provided discriminative subsidy on handsets. This ban on the Company lasts for 45 days, from March 13, 2014 to April 26, 2014.

In April 2014, the Company announced that it will discontinue operations related to fixed-line sales activities such as on-site sales, activation, after service and customer centers. These operations will be outsourced to certain of subsidiaries and associates of the Company. On April 23, 2014, the Company determined that 8,304 employees will retire through its special early retirement program. It is expected to record approximately 1.2 trillion as severance indemnity in connection with the special early retirement program, all of which is expected to be recorded during 2014.

 

F-95


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

KT CORPORATION
(Registrant)

/s/ CHANG-GYU HWANG

Name: Chang-Gyu Hwang
Title: Chief Executive Officer

Date: April 28, 2014