The Game Rating and Administration Committee (GRAC) announced on November 6 that it will monitor the rating appropriateness of Dokkaebi's World following comments by Cha Myeong-soo, Head of Business Operations at Kakao Games, permitting so-called "RMT" (real-money trading). GRAC stated its policy is to take action if monitoring confirms rating inappropriateness. Currently rated 15+, Dokkaebi's World could face tightened regulations, including a reclassification to an Adults Only rating, depending on the measures taken.
In its response to an inquiry from Inven, GRAC cited Subparagraph B, Item 4, Article 12 of the Game Rating and Administration Committee Rating Classification Regulations as the criterion for classification. This clause stipulates that game systems permitting item transactions between users via paid currency fall under the Adults Only rating. When asked whether it plans to verify the facts, GRAC responded with the same monitoring policy.
GRAC also identified actual trading behavior as a subject of scrutiny. The committee explained that, separate from the broadcast remarks, if users' gameplay methods and transaction patterns fall under Article 32, Paragraph 1, Item 7 of the Game Industry Promotion Act—which regulates currency exchange—they may become subject to post-release oversight by the committee. This makes clear that the focus of regulation lies on transactions occurring within the game rather than statements made by the publisher.
However, GRAC drew a line regarding the remarks themselves. According to the committee, the Game Industry Promotion Act contains no provisions to directly penalize or punish statements made by game business entities during public broadcasts. If the game is operated in compliance with the law, the remarks alone can hardly be deemed a legal violation. Statements that contradict operating policies were also said to have no bearing on the committee's post-release oversight duties.
Earlier on November 5, Cha stated during a live community stream for Dokkaebi's World, "If you enjoy the game and sell items moderately, we won't stop you." He also implied approval of real-money trading for users who have progressed beyond a certain point, saying, "Once your combat power exceeds 250,000, make some money and sell." He added that gold farms, multi-accounts, and foreign-sourced accounts would continue to be sanctioned. Conversely, Kakao Games' operating policy (effective October 6) defines attempts to monetize game data and cash/goods transactions of items as "real-money trading activities," imposing penalties up to permanent account suspension for violations.
Meanwhile, GRAC explained that there are no known precedents where a game company publicly tolerated user-to-user real-money trading.
