Source: Game Rating and Administration Committee

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister Choi Hwi-young, hereinafter 'MCST') and the Game Rating and Administration Committee (Chair Seo Tae-geon, hereinafter 'GRAC') have strengthened efforts to prevent illegal operations and ensure compliance with relevant laws. These measures, which include requesting cooperation from local governments and holding industry meetings, aim to eradicate unregistered Internet game facility operations within guest rooms and establish a sound game distribution environment.

This measure was introduced to address the growing prevalence of so-called 'game-tels'—lodging establishments, such as motels, that operate similarly to Internet cafes by installing and providing games on guest room PCs without the proper registration required under the 'Game Industry Promotion Act.' This form of illegal operation was specifically highlighted during the recent parliamentary audit, where calls were made for the implementation of countermeasures.

In response, the MCST has sent official requests for cooperation to metropolitan and provincial governments across the country, urging them to strengthen guidance and oversight regarding relevant laws and compliance requirements for local accommodations.

The GRAC has also taken an active role in establishing sound gaming business practices. It first held meetings with Internet cafe associations and organizations to hear about the current state of unregistered gaming in accommodations and the resulting difficulties faced by the industry, and to discuss in-depth cooperation strategies to resolve these issues.

Furthermore, through consultations and meetings with three major domestic accommodation booking platforms, the committee shared examples of advertisements and operations that could be mistaken for unregistered gaming businesses and provided guidance on legal compliance. In particular, they requested that these platforms strengthen self-regulation regarding online and on-site advertisements that use specific terms such as 'game room' or 'Internet cafe.'

The MCST and GRAC stated that they will continue to work closely with local governments to strengthen guidance and oversight to eradicate unregistered gaming in accommodations. They further announced plans to conduct joint crackdowns with relevant agencies—including the MCST, local governments, the National Police Agency, and the GRAC—against any establishments found to be clearly violating the law following these guidance activities.