Source: Game Rating and Administration Committee (GRAC)

Since expanding and reorganizing its post-management division on February 1 to better protect users and strengthen oversight, the Game Rating and Administration Committee (Chair Seo Tae-geon, hereinafter 'the Committee') has significantly upgraded its post-management system. This includes strengthening the response framework against illegal gaming through police cooperation, pursuing institutional improvements to foster a healthy gaming culture, and engaging in inter-agency collaboration and preventive outreach.

The Committee has bolstered its cooperation with the police to eradicate the distribution of illegal gaming content and enhance on-site response capabilities. In the first half of 2026, the Committee provided support for 248 on-site crackdowns on illegal gambling-related Internet cafes, a 24% (48 cases) increase compared to the same period last year. Additionally, it provided support for 1220 crackdowns through the appraisal of illegal gaming content, a 18.9% (194 cases) increase year-on-year.

Furthermore, to strengthen the police's ability to crack down on illegal gaming, the Committee conducted 54 training sessions on enforcement techniques for 1049 police officers in the first half of 2026. The number of trainees increased by 591 (129%) compared to the same period last year, and the Committee continues to expand practical, case-based training to effectively respond to the diversifying types and operational methods of illegal gaming.

In addition, following a re-inspection of illegal gambling-related Internet cafes that were found to have violated facility standards in the second half of last year, the Committee requested administrative action from local governments against 109 establishments where repeat violations were confirmed. The Committee also continues to support planned investigations in cooperation with the police to apprehend those involved in the production and distribution of illegal gaming content.

The Committee has consistently pursued institutional improvements and inter-agency cooperation to establish order in the gaming industry and protect users. To address the issue of unregistered Internet cafe operations within hotel rooms, the Committee held meetings with Internet cafe associations and major domestic hotel booking platform operators to gather feedback from the field.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Committee also strengthened inter-agency cooperation by sending official requests to local governments nationwide to eradicate unregistered Internet cafe operations in lodging facilities. Furthermore, it has increased on-site understanding of regulations and encouraged voluntary compliance through press releases and guidance activities.

To improve the effectiveness of blocking programs for obscene and gambling-related content, the Committee selected an additional blocking program and improved its management system by introducing a 'three-strikes' policy and an interim evaluation system. It also refined the operational guidelines and payment criteria for the illegal gaming reporting reward system, while strengthening online and offline promotion to increase the system's effectiveness.

The Committee has also expanded public outreach and inter-agency cooperation to foster a healthy gaming culture. In the first half of the year, it conducted joint promotional activities with relevant associations, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Gangwon Provincial Police Agency and Kangwon Land to establish a cooperative response system against illegal gambling, and operated promotional events in conjunction with Kangwon Land.

In the second half of the year, the Committee plans to continue its promotional efforts to spread a healthy gaming culture and strengthen communication with the public by utilizing various channels, including the production of online promotional materials, the operation of online supporters, and joint promotions at G-STAR.

"We will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the police, local governments, and relevant associations to further solidify our on-site response system to eradicate illegal gaming," said Seo Tae-geon, Chair of the Game Rating and Administration Committee. "We are committed to doing our utmost to create a healthy gaming environment that users can trust by continuing to pursue institutional improvements and prevention-focused promotional activities."