Apple seeks settlement with South Korean authorities over antitrust charges

Apple is seeking a settlement with the South Korean government after the company is accused of abusing its dominant position. In South Korea, Apple is said to have pressured telecom providers to pay for iPhone advertisements out of their own pockets.

This is reported by South Korea’s The Investor, based on an application submitted by Apple to the South Korean watchdog Fair Trade Commission. With this, Apple hopes to end the legal battle over the alleged pressure from telecom providers to pay for advertisements for the iPhone. It is still unclear how the Cupertino company wants to settle the case and whether there is a sum of money associated with it.

Apple allegedly charged SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus for broadcasting iPhone ads, arguing that the carriers would benefit from it. However, the authorities believe that it is an attempt by Apple to abuse its dominant position and make profits at the expense of the carriers.

The Fair Trade Commission is expected to make a decision on the settlement application in a few weeks. It is therefore not yet clear whether the settlement will be accepted.