Virtual Convergence Industry Promotion Act Set for Full Implementation

- On August 19, the "Enforcement Decree of the Virtual Convergence Industry Promotion Act" was approved at the Cabinet meeting.- The world's first law aimed at promoting the virtual convergence industry will officially take effect on August 28.- The Act introduces various promotion policies, regulatory improvements, and "Provisional Regulatory Guidelines" to systematically foster the virtual convergence industry.The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Yoo Sang-im, hereinafter “MSIT”) announced that the "Enforcement Decree of the Virtual Convergence Industry Promotion Act" was approved at the Cabinet meeting on August 19 and will be enforced starting on August 28.Recognizing the need for a dedicated legal framework to promote the virtual convergence industry (metaverse industry), the Virtual Convergence Industry Promotion Act was enacted on February 28, making Korea the first country in the world to introduce such legislation. Given the nature of the virtual convergence industry, which integrates various technologies and sectors, the Act was created to promote more systematic policies, establish a self-regulatory environment tailored to the characteristics of emerging industries, and introduce "Provisional Regulatory Guidelines" for proactive regulatory improvements.The Enforcement Decree of the Virtual Convergence Industry Promotion Act, which was approved at today's Cabinet meeting, was developed through seven rounds of discussions with metaverse companies and consultations with industry, academic, and research experts. It was finalized after inter-agency reviews (May 28-June 7, July 25-July 31) and the pre-announcement of legislation (May 28-July 8, July 31-August 2).The Act and its Enforcement Decree will lay the foundation for the systematic promotion of the virtual convergence industry by establishing key policies, including: ① developing a basic plan for promoting the industry, ② conducting surveys to assess the industry's status and identify necessary regulatory improvements, ③ fostering specialized personnel, and ④ designating regional virtual convergence industry support centers.The Act is expected to offer a range of administrative and financial support to virtual convergence businesses. The Enforcement Decree clearly outlines specific areas where central and local governments can assist businesses, such as providing information, consulting services, business spaces, and support for distribution networks. Additionally, a framework has been established to prioritize support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the virtual convergence industry, thus promoting the growth of specialized companies.Meanwhile, a "virtual convergence industry impact assessment" system will be introduced, requiring central government agencies and local governments to analyze the potential effects on the private market, such as market encroachment, when promoting virtual convergence projects. This will encourage central government agencies and local governments to leverage private virtual convergence services, thereby further activating the private-sector-led virtual convergence industry market.In addition, the Act is expected to foster a safe and reliable environment for providing and using virtual convergence technologies and services. It explicitly stipulates the principle of “initial permission and subsequent regulation” concerning the development of such technologies and services. Moreover, it establishes a legal basis for self-regulation led by the private sector, allowing the industry to proactively address new user protection issues that may arise, without stifling innovation.Furthermore, Provisional Regulatory Guidelines will be introduced to address regulatory uncertainties stemming from the convergence of various technologies and industries within the virtual convergence sector. These guidelines are designed to eliminate regulatory ambiguity by providing a basis for interpreting existing laws when their applicability or scope is unclear. With the Act's implementation, businesses are expected to benefit from greater legal predictability, further energizing the virtual convergence industrial ecosystem.The MSIT plans to quickly implement follow-up measures, such as drafting administrative rules, in line with the Act's full-scale enforcement. The Ministry will also establish a basic plan for promoting the virtual convergence industry (2025-2027) and identify leading examples of Provisional Regulatory Guidelines by gathering feedback from the industry on needed regulatory improvements."The virtual convergence industry, realized through digital technologies such as virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing, holds limitless potential for growth as digital innovation progresses," said Yoo Sang-im, Minister of Science and ICT. "This law has paved the way for systematic and long-term support for this emerging industry. We will do our utmost to foster an innovative industrial ecosystem."For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT. Please refer to the attached PDF.

MSIT Launches QuINSA, an International Information Standardization Organization in Quantum Information Technology

- Participation from Korea's three major telecom operators, LG Electronics, POSCO as well as multinational companies such as IBM (USA), and IQM (Finland) The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister: Lee Jong Ho, hereinafter referred to as MSIT) held a launch ceremony* on Tuesday, August 13th, in Seoul for the Quantum Industrial Standard Association (QuINSA), an international standardization organization led by Korea in the field of quantum information technology.*Host: MSITOrganizer: QuINSA (Secretariat: Future Quantum Convergence Institute)Sponsor: Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA)The term "quantum" refers to the smallest discrete unit of energy, matter, or light that can be individually counted, such as a single photon. In the quantum realm, phenomena* occur that defy the intuition we have based on the macroscopic world. Quantum information technology leverages these phenomena to advance information science.*Example: Quantum Superposition – A phenomenon where multiple states exist simultaneously within a single quantum system, with the precise state remaining indeterminate until measured.Utilizing these quantum phenomena has the potential to surpass existing theoretical limits, enhancing measurement precision (quantum sensing), encryption security (quantum communication), and computational speed (quantum computing). Consequently, countries around the world have designated quantum information technology as a strategic national priority and are ramping up their investments. Korea has also been actively pursuing policies to secure leadership in this field, such as the "Korea’s National Quantum Strategy" (June 2023) and the "Quantum Initiative" (April 2024).※Examples: The U.S. National Quantum Initiative (2018), the U.K. National Quantum Strategy (2023), and Japan's Vision of Quantum Future Society (2022).Given the transformative potential of quantum information technology for the future industrial ecosystem, global interest in standardization as a crucial link between technology and industry is growing. As the industry is still in its early stages, it is essential to foster the quantum information technology ecosystem, expand international cooperation, and prepare for upcoming global standardization discussions.QuINSA, launched today, is an international standardization organization led by the private sector, focusing on the standardization of the quantum information technology industry. QuINSA will take on various roles, including facilitating collaboration among experts to develop international standards for specific technologies such as quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum sensing. It will also monitor and analyze domestic and international trends in quantum information technology standardization, identify and promote case studies and industrial applications, and collaborate with other international standardization bodies.Founding members of QuINSA include organizations actively developing or commercializing quantum technology. In Korea, 107 companies are participating, ranging from large corporations like SKT, KT, LG U+, LG Electronics, POSCO, and LIG Nex1, to SMEs and startups like IDQ, JIN INFRA, and SDT. International participants include IBM, a global leader in quantum computing, as well as advanced quantum information technology companies such as Qusecure (USA), IQM (Finland), SemiQon (Finland), Quantum Machines (Israel), and BTQ (Canada). It is also reported that Amazon (USA) is considering joining.[QuINSA Membership Overview] CategoryDomestic IndustryInternational IndustryGovernment-funded/Public InstitutionsAcademiaTotalLarge EnterprisesSMEsNumber of Entities2681182332180During the event, Suvi Sundquist, Director of Northeast Asia at Business Finland, will present on trends in the European quantum information technology ecosystem, and Baek Seung-wook, Director of the National Center for Quantum Technology & Strategy at the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), will discuss Korea's quantum information technology policy trends.Following the launch ceremony, an international academic conference will be held, divided into sessions on quantum communication, sensing, and computing. IBM and IQM will each present on global trends in quantum computing technology, KT will discuss domestic and international quantum communication technology trends, KRISS will cover trends in quantum sensing technology, and SKT will share case studies and trends in the industrialization of quantum information technology.Cho Sun Hak, Director General of the R&D Investment Coordination Bureau at MSIT, emphasized the importance of industry-led information standardization efforts to rapidly activate the quantum industry ecosystem and promote its industrial applications. He expressed hope that QuINSA, launched under Korea's leadership, will establish itself as a globally recognized information standardization organization and play a pivotal role in advancing international quantum information technology and fostering its ecosystem.For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT. 

Cancellation of Frequency Allocation Designation for ‘Stage X’ Confirmed

- MSIT will establish a research group to evaluate the frequency allocation system and develop improved future communication policies The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) announced on July 31, 2024, the final decision to revoke the frequency allocation designation previously given to Stage X for mobile communication services. This action follows a formal hearing process conducted in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, as previously notified to Stage X.On June 14, MSIT notified Stage X of its intent to cancel the designation due to the company’s failure to fulfill the requirements for frequency allocation. A hearing was held on June 27, presided over by attorney Song Do-young of the law firm Veat. As per the Administrative Procedures Act, Stage X had the opportunity to review and amend the hearing records from July 17 to 18. The hearing officer submitted the final records and the officer’s opinion to the MSIT on July 24.The hearing officer determined that Stage X did not fulfill the requirements outlined in the Radio Waves Act and other relevant regulations, and had also breached its contractual obligations. This conclusion provided sufficient grounds for the cancellation of the frequency allocation. MSIT formally revoked the designation on July 31, 2024, and returned the frequency allocation fee of KRW 43.01 billion to Stage X.In response to this incident, MSIT plans to conduct a comprehensive review of the frequency allocation system to identify potential weaknesses and develop strategies for improving future communication policies. To achieve this, a research group comprised of experts from academia (economics, management, law, and technology) and relevant organizations will be established.For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT. Please refer to the attached PDF.