en.Wedoany.com Reported - South Korean law firm Yulchon held a commemorative seminar for the establishment of its Integrated TMT Center on the 7th at its headquarters in Parnas Tower, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, focusing on complex regulatory risks in communications, media, and personal information in the AI era. With the establishment of the AI legal framework, the introduction of punitive fines, and the convergence of trade variables related to network usage fees and platform regulation, companies face unprecedented changes in the regulatory environment, making comprehensive regulatory response capabilities a core management strategy.
Co-hosted by Yulchon, the Korean Society for Information and Communications Law, and the Korean Society for Artificial Intelligence Law, the seminar was themed "The Intersection of Technological Innovation and Regulation in the AI Era." Attendees included Democratic Party lawmaker Im Mun-yeong, Broadcasting and Media Communications Commission Standing Member Ko Min-su, Ministry of Science and ICT Director Choi Woo-hyuk, and representatives from the three major mobile carriers, platform companies, and academia, industry, and government sectors.
The first presentation was led by attorney Son Geum-ju, who emphasized that companies need to pre-establish compliance systems to address the Ministry of Science and ICT's regulatory and promotional policies in areas such as building AI trust systems, network advancement, and securing technological sovereignty through 6G satellite communications. Son noted that with the enactment of the AI Basic Act, the ex-ante regulatory system for AI scope and standards has been strengthened, requiring companies to internalize compliance from the service design and planning stages. He also mentioned that for the government's recently announced plan to build a Korean-type low-orbit satellite communication network, companies must comply with regulations while seizing market opportunities through preemptive innovation. Legal improvements, such as the approval system for direct satellite-to-device (D2D) communication and frequency coexistence standards with terrestrial networks, are prerequisite tasks.
Attorney Han Seung-hyeok, analyzing regulatory issues in the broadcasting media sector, pointed out that network usage fees for major overseas tech companies need to be handled cautiously in light of Korea-U.S. relations. He noted that the European Digital Network Act does not explicitly stipulate payment obligations but introduces a regulatory dispute mediation process to avoid trade friction—a design worth referencing. The revised Information and Communications Network Act, which took effect on the same day, poses new risks for platforms. Large-scale information and communications service providers are now obligated to handle reports of false and defamatory information and face up to five times the aggravated damages for malicious distributors, requiring platforms to urgently establish response systems.
Attorney Kim Seon-hee introduced the key changes, points of contention, and corporate information security response plans under the revised Personal Information Protection Act, set to take effect in September. She noted that security vulnerabilities have increased in the AI era, with the issue expanding from a compliance problem to a business risk, requiring proactive corporate responses. Since information security investment performance is explicitly stipulated as a ground for fine reduction, designing governance structures centered on top management and making preemptive investments are crucial.
During the comprehensive discussion session, participants included SK Telecom Policy Cooperation Office Director Seong Seok-ham, KT AX Policy Head Lee Un-mun, LG U+ Business Cooperation Head Lee Gyu-hwa, Naver Policy Strategy General Manager Son Ji-yun, Google Cloud Korea Policy General Manager Kim Myeong-su, and National Changwon University Professor Kim Tae-o. Panelists jointly pointed out the burden of AI infrastructure investment and overlapping regulations across departments. SK Telecom Director Seong Seok-ham stated that beyond investing in AI data centers (AIDC), the company will actively pursue investments in 6G and satellite communications, and suggested public discussions on how much companies should invest in AI and satellite networks, as well as the role of the state. KT Head Lee Un-mun revealed a strategic vision for bundling AI infrastructure connecting AIDCs, submarine cables, and satellites. LG U+ Head Lee Gyu-hwa proposed reexamining existing communication regulations, such as universal service obligations for local calls and network neutrality, to adapt to the AI era and secure investment funding.
In his opening remarks, Yulchon Managing Partner Son Do-il stated that good regulation does not hinder innovation but builds trust for it. When AI technology gains social trust, companies can achieve sustainable growth, and South Korea can take the lead in the global AI competition.
