20-F

KT CORP (KT)

20-F 2025-04-29 For: 2024-12-31
View Original
Added on April 07, 2026
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2025

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 20-F

REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024
---

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report
---
For the transition period from<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> to
---

Commission file number 1-14926

KT Corpo ra tion

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

KT Corporation The Republic of Korea
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English) (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

KT Gwanghwamun Building East

33, Jong-ro

3-Gil ,

Jongno-gu

03155 Seoul, Korea

(Address of principal executive offices)

Min Jang

KT Gwanghwamun Building East

33, Jong-ro

3-Gil ,

Jongno-gu

03155 Seoul, Korea

Telephone: +82-70-4193-4036;

E-mail: ktir@kt.com

(Name, telephone, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

Title of each class Trading symbol Name of each exchange on which registered
American Depositary Shares, each representing <br>one-half<br> of one share of ordinary share KT New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Ordinary share, par value <br>₩<br>5,000 per share* KT New York Stock Exchange, Inc.*

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

None

As of December 31, 202

4

, there

were

245,832,946

ordinary shares, par value

5,000 per share, outstanding

(not Including 6,188,739 ordinary shares held by the registrant as treasury shares)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes ☒

No

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Yes

No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes

No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes

No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.  Yes

No

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.  Yes

No

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).

Yes

No

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing. U.S.

GAAP

IFRS

Other

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.  Item

17 ☐ Item

18 ☐

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes ☐ No ☒

* Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of the American Depositary Shares.
Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I 2
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Managers and Advisers 2
Item 1.A. Directors and Senior Management 2
Item 1.B. Advisers 2
Item 1.C. Auditors 2
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable 2
Item 2.A. Offer Statistics 2
Item 2.B. Method and Expected Timetable 2
Item 3. Key Information 2
Item 3.A. [RESERVED] 2
Item 3.B. Capitalization and Indebtedness 2
Item 3.C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds 2
Item 3.D. Risk Factors 2
Item 4. Information on the Company 20
Item 4.A. History and Development of the Company 20
Item 4.B. Business Overview 21
Item 4.C. Organizational Structure 45
Item 4.D. Property, Plant and Equipment 45
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments 47
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects 47
Item 5.A. Operating Results 47
Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources 68
Item 5.C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc. 71
Item 5.D. Trend Information 72
Item 5.E. Critical Accounting Estimates 72
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees 72
Item 6.A. Directors and Senior Management 72
Item 6.B. Compensation 75
Item 6.C. Board Practices 76
Item 6.D. Employees 78
Item 6.E. Share Ownership 79
Item 6.F. Disclosure of a Registrant’s Action to Recover Erroneously Awarded Compensation 81

i

Table of Contents
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions 81
Item 7.A. Major Shareholders 81
Item 7.B. Related Party Transactions 81
Item 7.C. Interests of Experts and Counsel 81
Item 8. Financial Information 81
Item 8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information 81
Item 8.B. Significant Changes 83
Item 9. The Offer and Listing 84
Item 9.A. Offer and Listing Details 84
Item 9.B. Plan of Distribution 84
Item 9.C. Markets 84
Item 9.D. Selling Shareholders 84
Item 9.E. Dilution 84
Item 9.F. Expenses of the Issuer 84
Item 10. Additional Information 84
Item 10.A. Share Capital 84
Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association 84
Item 10.C. Material Contracts 91
Item 10.D. Exchange Controls 91
Item 10.E. Taxation 95
Item 10.F. Dividends and Paying Agents 103
Item 10.G. Statements by Experts 103
Item 10.H. Documents on Display 104
Item 10.I. Subsidiary Information 104
Item 10.J. Annual Report to Security Holders 104
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 104
Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities 107
Item 12.A. Debt Securities 107
Item 12.B. Warrants and Rights 107
Item 12.C. Other Securities 107
Item 12.D. American Depositary Shares 107
Part II 109
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies 109
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds 109

ii

Table of Contents
Item 15. Controls and Procedures 109
Item 16. [Reserved] 110
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert 110
Item 16B. Code of Ethics 110
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 111
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees 111
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers 112
Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant 112
Item 16G. Corporate Governance 112
Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure 113
Item 16I. Disclosure regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections 113
Item 16J. Insider Trading Policies 114
Item 16K. Cybersecurity 114
Part III 117
Item 17. Financial Statements 117
Item 18. Financial Statements 117
Item 19. Exhibits 118

iii

Table of Contents

PRESENTATION

All references to “Korea” or the “Republic” contained in this annual report mean the Republic of Korea. All references to the “Government” are to the government of the Republic of Korea. All references to “we,” “us” or the “Company” are to KT Corporation and, as the context may require, its subsidiaries.

Our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2023 and 2024 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024 and related notes thereto (“Consolidated Financial Statements”) are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

All references to “Won” or “₩” in this annual report are to the currency of the Republic. All references to “Dollars,” “$,” “US$” or “U.S. dollars” are to the currency of the United States of America. All references to “Euro” or “EUR” are to the currency of the European Union. All references to “SGD” or “Singapore dollars” are to the currency of the Republic of Singapore. Our monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated into Won at the market average exchange rate announced by Seoul Money Brokerage Services, Ltd. (the “Market Average Exchange Rate”) on the balance sheet dates, which were, for U.S. dollars, ₩1,267.3 to US $1.00, ₩1,289.3 to US $1.00, and ₩1,470.0 to US $1.00 on December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively.

Any discrepancies in any table between totals and the sums of the amounts listed are due to rounding.

All market share data contained in this annual report, unless otherwise specified, are based on the number of subscribers announced by the Ministry of Science and ICT (the “MSIT”), the Korea Communications Commission (the “KCC”) or the Korea Telecommunications Operators Association.

In the past, we calculated the market share information of mobile services on the basis of (i) mobile network operator (“MNO”) mobile phone subscribers, (ii) mobile virtual network operator (“MVNO”) mobile phone subscribers and (iii) subscribers of mobile services for miscellaneous devices such as tablets and other Internet-of-Things (“IoT”) devices, taken as a whole. On March 15, 2024, the MSIT began publishing subscriber data specifically for MNO and MVNO mobile phone subscribers, covering the period from July 31, 2023 onward. Accordingly, in this annual report, we have revised our calculation methodology to include the market share information of mobile services as of December 31, 2024 based solely on MNO mobile phone subscribers. We have applied such revised calculation methodology to restate the market share information of mobile services as of December 31, 2022 and 2023 that were included in past annual reports.

In addition, in the past, we calculated the market share information of fixed-line local telephone and VoIP services on the basis of the aggregate number of retail subscribers of the three major network service providers (us, SK Broadband and LG U+). In this annual report, we have revised our calculation methodology to include the market share information of fixed-line local telephone and VoIP services as of December 31, 2024 on the basis of the retail and corporate subscribers of (i) the three major network service providers and (ii) other fixed-line telecommunications service providers that co-use our fixed-line telecommunications infrastructure, taken as a whole. We have applied such revised calculation methodology to restate the market share information of fixed-line local telephone and VoIP services as of December 31, 2022 and 2023 that were included in past annual reports.

1

Table of Contents

PART I

Item 1.  Identity of Directors, Senior Managers and Advisers

Item 1.A.  Directors and Senior Management

Not applicable.

Item 1.B.  Advisers

Not applicable.

Item 1.C.  Auditors

Not applicable.

Item 2.  Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

Item 2.A.  Offer Statistics

Not applicable.

Item 2.B.  Method and Expected Timetable

Not applicable.

Item 3.  Key Information

Item 3.A.  [RESERVED]

Item 3.B.  Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not applicable.

Item 3.C.  Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

Item 3.D.  Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the following risk factors, which have been identified by us.

Risks Relating to Our Business

Competition in each of our principal business areas is intense.

We face significant competition in each of our principal business areas. In the markets for mobile services, fixed-line services and media and content services, we compete primarily with SK Telecom Co., Ltd. (“SK Telecom”) and LG Uplus Corp. (“LG U+”) (including their affiliates). In the past two decades, considerable consolidation in the telecommunications industry has occurred, resulting in the current competitive landscape comprising three network service providers that offer a wide range of telecommunications and data communications services. In recent years, each of our primary competitors has acquired a leading cable TV operator in Korea to significantly increase their market shares in the pay TV market, which has further intensified competition.

2

Table of Contents

To a lesser extent, we also compete with various value-added service providers and network service providers as classified under the Framework Act on Telecommunications and the Telecommunications Business Act, including MVNOs that lease mobile networks and offer mobile services, VoIP service providers that offer Internet telephone services, cable TV operators, text messaging service providers (particularly Kakao Corp. (“Kakao”)) and voice resellers, many of which offer competing services at lower prices. We also face changes in the evolving landscape of the market for media and content services arising from the increasing popularity of global over-the-top (“OTT”) media services such as Netflix. In January 2023, the MSIT announced plans to encourage a fourth service provider to enter the Korean mobile service market by awarding a bandwidth license for the use of the 28 GHz spectrum and provide various measures to support the competitiveness of the new market entrant. In January 2024, Stage X, a consortium led by Stage Five, won the auction for 800 MHz of bandwidth license on the 28 GHz spectrum. However, in July 2024, the MSIT revoked Stage X’s bandwidth allocation, citing its failure to meet certain regulatory requirements for the license, and announced plans to facilitate the entry of new service providers in the future. The entrance of new service providers in the markets for mobile services, fixed-line services and media and content services may further increase competition, as well as cause downward price pressure on the fees we charge for our services. For a discussion of our market shares in key markets, please see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Item 4.B. Business Overview—Competition.”

We compete primarily based on our service performance, quality and reliability, ability to accurately identify and respond to evolving consumer demand, and pricing. With the launch of 5G mobile services in April 2019, competition has further intensified among the three network service providers, which has resulted in an increase in marketing expenses as well as additional capital expenditures related to implementing 5G mobile services. Mobile service providers also grant subsidies or subscription discount rates to subscribers who purchase new handsets and agree to a minimum subscription period, and we compete also based on such amounts. We and SK Telecom have been designated as market-dominating business entities in the local telephone and mobile markets, respectively, under the Telecommunications Business Act. Under this Act, a market-dominating business entity may not engage in any act of abuse, such as unreasonably interfering with business activities of other business entities, hindering unfairly the entry of newcomers or substantially restricting competition to the detriment of the interests of consumers. In addition, changes in our local telephone rates and mobile rates of SK Telecom are required to be reported to the MSIT, which has 15 days to object to such changes. The KCC has also issued guidelines on fair competition of the telecommunications companies. In line with these guidelines, from May to September 2024, the KCC conducted its first compliance review of network usage agreements between telecommunications carriers and value-added service providers. As of the date hereof, we have not received any feedback or indication that any further action will be taken as a result of the review.

In the financial services market, our credit and check cards issued under the “BC Card” brand pursuant to co-brand agreements with member companies compete principally with cards issued by other leading credit card companies in Korea with their own merchant payment networks, such as Shinhan Card, Hyundai Card and Samsung Card. Our member companies that issue co-branded credit or check cards include NH Card, Industrial Bank of Korea and KB Kookmin Card. We also compete with service providers that provide outsourcing services related to business operations of credit card companies. Competition in the credit card and check card businesses has intensified as existing credit card companies, consumer finance companies and other financial institutions in Korea have made significant investments and engaged in aggressive marketing campaigns and promotions for their credit and check cards, as well as invested in operational infrastructure that may reduce the need for our outsourcing services.

3

Table of Contents

Our inability to adapt to changes in the competitive landscape and compete against our competitors in our principal business areas could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Failure to renew existing bandwidth licenses, acquire adequate additional bandwidth licenses or use our bandwidth efficiently may adversely affect our mobile telecommunications business and results of operations.

One of the principal limitations on a wireless network’s subscriber capacity is the amount of bandwidth allocated to a service provider. We have acquired a number of licenses to secure bandwidth capacity to provide our broad range of services, for which we typically make an initial payment as well as pay usage fees during the license period. The MSIT reserves the right to reallocate bandwidths in order to address the changing needs for bandwidth capacity of mobile service providers, the consideration for which may depend on the extent of the buildout of the service provider’s telecommunications network to utilize the relevant bandwidth. For example, in recent years, the MSIT cancelled the bandwidth licenses for the use of the 28 GHz spectrum that had been issued to us, SK Telecom and LG U+, noting the failure to meet certain agreements made with the MSIT at the time of the license allocations. For all of our bandwidth licenses, we made aggregate payments of ₩319 billion in 2022, ₩327 billion in 2023 and ₩299 billion in 2024. For our outstanding payment obligations relating to our bandwidth licenses, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Item 5.A. Operating Results—Overview—Acquisition of New Bandwidth Licenses and Usage Fees.” For more information on our bandwidth licenses, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Item 4.D. Property, Plant and Equipment—Mobile Networks.”

The growth of our mobile telecommunications business and the increase in usage of wireless data transmission services have significantly increased the utilization of our bandwidth, because wireless data applications are generally more bandwidth-intensive than voice services. The current trend of increasing data transmission use and the increasing sophistication of multimedia contents are likely to put additional strain on the bandwidth capacity of mobile service providers. In the event we are unable to maintain sufficient bandwidth capacity by renewing existing bandwidth licenses, receiving additional bandwidth allocation or cost-effectively implementing technologies that enhance the efficiency of our bandwidth usage, our subscribers may perceive a general decrease in the quality of mobile telecommunications services. No assurance can be given that bandwidth constraints will not adversely affect the growth of our mobile telecommunications business. Furthermore, we may be required to make substantial payments to acquire additional bandwidth capacity in order to meet increasing bandwidth demand, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Introduction of new services poses challenges and risks to us.

The telecommunications industry is characterized by continual advances and improvements in telecommunications technology, and we have been continually researching and implementing technology upgrades and additional telecommunications services to maintain our competitiveness. For example, we commenced providing commercial 5G mobile services in April 2019 and completed the expansion of our coverage nationwide in April 2024. As we continue to compete with SK Telecom and LG U+ to improve network quality, introduce new services and accommodate increased data usage of subscribers, we may incur significant expenses to acquire additional bandwidth licenses and incur significant capital expenditures to build out and improve our network. We have made extensive efforts to develop advanced technologies as well as provide a variety of services with enhanced speed, latency and connectivity. Furthermore, we are continually upgrading our broadband network to enable better fiber-to-the-home (“FTTH”) connection, which enhances data transmission speed and connection quality.

4

Table of Contents

No assurance can be given that our new services will gain broad market acceptance such that we will be able to derive revenue from such services to justify the license fees, capital expenditures and other investments required to provide such services. If our new services do not gain broad market acceptance, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

We may not be able to successfully pursue our strategy to acquire businesses and enter into joint ventures that complement or diversify our current business, and we may need to incur additional debt to finance such expansion activities.

One key aspect of our overall business strategy calls for acquisitions of businesses and entering into joint ventures that complement or diversify our current businesses. For example, in September 2021, KT Skylife Co., Ltd. (“KT Skylife”), in which we held a 50.3% interest as of December 31, 2024, completed its acquisition of a 100.00% interest in KT HCN Co., Ltd. (formerly known as “HCN”), which is Korea’s fifth largest cable operator.

While we plan to continue searching for suitable acquisition and joint venture opportunities, we cannot provide assurance that we will be able to identify attractive opportunities or that we will successfully complete the transactions without encountering administrative, technical, political, financial or other difficulties, or at all. Even if we were to successfully complete a transaction, the success of an acquisition or a joint venture depends largely on our ability to achieve the anticipated synergies, cost savings and growth opportunities from integrating the business of the acquired company or the joint venture with our current businesses. There can be no assurance that we will achieve the anticipated benefits of the transaction, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Pursuing acquisitions or joint venture transactions also requires significant capital, and as we pursue further growth opportunities for the future, we may need to raise additional capital through incurring loans or through issuances of bonds or other securities in the international capital markets.

The Korean telecommunications and Internet-related industries are subject to extensive Government regulations, and changes in Government policy relating to these industries could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.

The Government, primarily through the MSIT and the KCC, has the authority to regulate the telecommunications industry in Korea. The MSIT and the KCC also have the authority to regulate the pay TV industry under the Korea Broadcasting Act and the Internet Multimedia Broadcasting Services Act, which cover our IPTV services, our satellite TV services provided through KT Skylife (in which we held a 50.3% interest as of December 31, 2024), and cable TV services that we provide through KT HCN, in which KT Skylife holds a 100.0% interest. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Item 4.B. Business Overview—Regulation.” The MSIT’s policy is to promote competition through measures designed to prevent the dominant service provider in any such market from exercising its market power in a way that would prevent the emergence and development of viable competitors. Under such regulations, if a network service provider has the largest market share for a specified type of telecommunications service and its revenue from that service for the previous year exceeds a specific revenue amount set by the MSIT, such entity may be designated as a market-dominating business entity that may not engage in any act of abuse, such as unreasonably interfering with business activities of other business entities, hindering unfairly the entry of newcomers or substantially restricting competition to the detriment of the interests of consumers. The KCC has also issued guidelines on fair competition of telecommunications and Internet-related companies. In line with these guidelines, from May to September 2024, the KCC conducted its first compliance review of network usage agreements between telecommunications carriers and value-added service providers. As of the date hereof, we have not received any feedback or indication that any further action will be taken as a

5

Table of Contents

result of the review. In addition, the Government sets the policies regarding the use of radio frequency bandwidths and allocates the bandwidths used for wireless telecommunications by an auction process or by a planned allocation.

We and SK Telecom have been designated as market-dominating business entities in the local telephone and mobile markets, respectively. Accordingly, changes in our local telephone rates and mobile rates of SK Telecom are required to be reported to the MSIT, which has 15 days to object to such changes. The form of our standard agreement for providing local network services and each agreement for interconnection with other service providers must also be reported to the MSIT. Although we compete freely with other network service providers in terms of rate plans for our principal telecommunications and Internet-related services except for rates we charge for local calls, our inability to freely set our local telephone service rates may hurt profits from such businesses and impede our ability to compete effectively against our competitors. In addition, the MSIT may periodically announce policy guidelines that telecommunications companies are recommended to take into consideration in their telecommunications and Internet-related businesses. In recent years, the Government has been promoting further diversification of mobile rate plans, in part to mitigate the burden of rising household expenditures. In response, the three network service providers in Korea, including us, have launched additional lower-priced mobile rate plans.

The repeal of the Mobile Device Distribution Improvement Act was passed on January 21, 2025, and is scheduled to be fully implemented on July 22, 2025. The repeal aims to encourage mobile service providers to offer differentiated benefits to customers. The Mobile Device Distribution Improvement Act permitted subscribers to choose between a designated handset subsidy for the purchase of a recently released mobile phone or a designated discount on the mobile service subscription rate. Starting July 22, 2025, the obligation for mobile carriers to disclose handset subsidies, as well as the regulation limiting additional subsidies provided by retailers to within 15% of the disclosed subsidy, will be abolished. Mobile service providers will be permitted to offer greater subsidies to subscribers who switch service providers, based on specific criteria designated by the KCC, such as estimated profit margins and subscriber switching costs. The repeal of the Mobile Device Distribution Improvement Act may have a material impact on the competitive landscape of the mobile telecommunications industry, as mobile service providers are given more flexibility to offer handset subsidies or discounts, which may in turn increase expenses.

The Government may pursue additional measures to regulate the markets in which we compete. There can be no assurance that we will not adopt additional measures that reduce rates charged to our subscribers as well as adjustments to our handset subsidies and other measures in the future to comply with regulatory requirements or the Government’s policy guidelines.

The MSIT may revoke our licenses or suspend any of our businesses if we fail to comply with its rules, regulations and corrective orders, including the rules restricting beneficial ownership and control or any violation of the conditions of our licenses. Alternatively, in lieu of suspension of our business, the MSIT may levy a monetary penalty of up to 3.0% of the average of our annual revenue from telecommunications services relating to the violation for the preceding three fiscal years. From time to time, we have been imposed fines for violation of regulations imposed by MSIT and KCC. There is no guarantee that the laws and regulations to which we are or become subject will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

6

Table of Contents

Legal cases involving our political donations and other incidents and allegations could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation and stock price.

In November 2021, the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office issued a summary indictment against our former representative director and chief executive officer, Hyeon-mo Ku, and nine other former executive officers, who had permitted the use of their names. They were indicted on charges including violations of the Political Funds Act and embezzlement. In February 2022, after a summary judgment was issued, the 10 former executive officers filed for a formal trial. In July 2023, with respect to the alleged violation of the Political Funds Act, the Seoul Central District Court found all 10 former executives guilty and imposed monetary penalties ranging from ₩3 million to ₩7 million on each person. The Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office appealed such decisions, and in June 2024, the Appellate Division of the Seoul Central District Court upheld the lower court’s rulings. In October 2023, with respect to the alleged embezzlement violations, the Seoul Central District Court found all 10 former executives guilty and imposed monetary penalties ranging from ₩2 million to ₩3 million on each person. The Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office and some of the former executive officers appealed such decisions, and the Appellate Division of the Seoul Central District Court overturned the lower court’s initial guilty verdict in June 2024, declaring the former executives not guilty of embezzlement charges. The Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office has appealed such decision, and the appeal is currently pending at the Supreme Court of Korea.

In November 2022, the KT New Labor Union and the People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy filed a criminal complaint with the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office against our former chief executive officer, Hyeon-mo Ku, and our board of directors, alleging a criminal breach of fiduciary duty related to (i) a settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) to resolve its investigation (described below) and (ii) inaction to take responsibility for the alleged violation of the Political Funds Act by our current and former executives described above. This matter is currently under investigation by the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office.

In March 2023, a civic group filed a complaint with the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office against Hyeon-mo Ku, our former chief executive officer, and Kyoung-Lim Yun, our former president, alleging breach of fiduciary duty in connection with various matters, particularly (i) their alleged involvement in Hyundai Motor Company’s acquisition of AirPlug Co., Ltd. (“AirPlug”), a company operated by the brother of Hyeon-mo Ku and (ii) Hyeon-mo Ku’s alleged improper funneling of subcontracting work from KT Telecop Co., Ltd. to KDFS Co., Ltd. (“KDFS”), a facility management company, in violation of the Fair Trade Act. As of the date hereof, Hyeon-mo Ku and Kyoung-Lim Yun have not been indicted with respect to their alleged involvement in AirPlug’s acquisition. Regarding the alleged violation of the Fair Trade Act, the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office issued a non-indictment decision on May 30, 2024, due to a lack of sufficient grounds for prosecution.

In February 2022, we entered into a settlement (the “Settlement”) with the SEC to resolve its investigation, which included matters related to charitable and political donations, as well as other incidents and allegations. These included connections to a scandal involving Ms. Soon-sil Choi, a confidante of former President Geun-hye Park, and certain payments made by some of our employees between 2014 and 2018 in connection with the procurement of two government contracts in Vietnam. Pursuant to the Settlement, which resolves these matters, and without admitting or denying any of the SEC’s findings (except for the SEC’s jurisdiction over us and the subject matter of the proceedings), we consented to the entry of an order in which the SEC made findings and ordered, pursuant to Section 21C of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that we cease and desist from committing or causing any violations and any future violations of the books and records and internal accounting control provisions of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) – Sections 13(b)(2)(A) and 13(b)(2)(B) of the Exchange Act. As part of the Settlement, we paid disgorgement of approximately $2.8 million (including prejudgment interest) and a civil penalty of $3.5

7

Table of Contents

million to the SEC. We also agreed to periodically report to the SEC staff on the status of our remediation and implementation of compliance measures to ensure compliance with the FCPA and other applicable anti-corruption laws for a two-year term, which concluded in April 2024. There can be no assurance that such development or any further developments relating to the above-mentioned matters, including adverse publicity, will not adversely affect our business, financial results, reputation or stock price.

Cybersecurity breaches may expose us to significant legal and financial exposure, damage to our reputation and a loss of confidence of our customers.

Our business involves the storage and transmission of large amounts of confidential information of our subscribers and cardholders, and cybersecurity breaches expose us to a risk of loss of this information, which may lead to improper use or disclosure of such information, ensuing potential liability and litigation, any of which could harm our reputation and adversely affect our business. Even though we strive to take all steps we believe are necessary to protect personal information, hardware, software or applications that we develop or procure from third parties may contain defects or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information security. For a discussion of our cybersecurity risk management and strategy, see “Item 16K. Cybersecurity.” Unauthorized parties may also attempt to circumvent our security measures to gain access to our systems or facilities through fraud, trickery or other forms of deception aimed at our employees, contractors and temporary staff. In addition, because the techniques used to gain unauthorized access or sabotage systems change frequently and may be difficult to detect for long periods of time, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventive measures.

In the past, we have experienced cyber-attacks of varying degrees, including incidents involving the theft of personal information of our subscribers by third parties. These incidents have led to lawsuits and administrative actions against us, alleging that the leaks were related to our mismanagement of subscribers’ personal information. If we experience additional significant cybersecurity breaches or fail to detect and appropriately respond to such breaches, we could be subject to additional government enforcement actions, regulatory sanctions and litigation. In addition, our subscribers and cardholders may lose confidence in our ability to protect their personal information, which could cause them to discontinue using our services altogether. Furthermore, adverse final determinations, decisions or resolutions regarding such matters could encourage other parties to bring related claims and actions against us. Accordingly, our failure to prevent cybersecurity breaches may materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business and performance may be harmed by a disruption in our services due to failures in or changes to our systems, or by our failure to timely and effectively expand and upgrade our technology and infrastructure.

Our reputation and ability to attract, retain, and serve our subscribers, cardholders and other business partners are dependent in large part upon the reliable performance of our services and the underlying technical infrastructure. Our telecommunications network systems and information technology systems may not be adequately designed with the necessary reliability and redundancy to avoid performance delays or outages that could be harmful to our business. We have experienced, and may in the future experience, service disruptions, outages and other performance problems due to a variety of factors, including infrastructure changes, human or software errors, hardware failures, capacity constraints due to an overwhelming number of people accessing our services simultaneously, computer viruses, power losses, fraud and security attacks. Our technical infrastructure is also vulnerable to risks of damage from natural and other disasters, such as fires, earthquakes, floods, and typhoons, as well as from acts of terrorism and other criminal acts. For example, in August 2024, a software error that occurred during our equipment upgrade process caused temporary disruptions to

8

Table of Contents

landline telephone services in certain regions of the country. This disruption affected approximately 123,000 landline connections, preventing customers from making or receiving calls for approximately 10 hours. In response to the disruption, KT implemented compensatory measures for affected customers, including waiving service fees for periods equivalent to ten times the duration of the outage for retail subscribers and offering a one-month service fee waiver for small business owners.

As the numbers of our subscribers and cardholders increase and as our customers access, download and transmit increasing volumes of media contents as well as engage in increasing volumes of financial transactions, we may be required to expand and upgrade our technology and infrastructure to continue to reliably deliver our services. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to expand and upgrade our technology and infrastructure to meet user demand in a timely manner, or on favorable economic terms. We purchase telecommunications network and other equipment from a limited number of key suppliers, and any discontinuation or interruption in the availability of equipment from our key suppliers for any reason could have an adverse effect on our operations. If our users are unable to easily access our services or if access is disrupted, they may seek other service providers and may not return to our services or use them as often in the future. This could negatively impact our ability to attract subscribers, cardholders and other business partners as well as increase engagement of our customers. To the extent that we do not effectively address capacity constraints, upgrade our systems as needed or continually develop our technology and infrastructure to accommodate actual and anticipated changes in our customers’ needs, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be harmed.

Occurrences of widespread infectious diseases could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Occurrences of widespread infectious diseases have impacted our business operations in the past. For example, COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, was declared a “pandemic” by the World Health Organization in March 2020. The global outbreak of COVID-19 had led to global economic and financial disruptions. While we do not believe that COVID-19 had a material adverse impact on our business, risks associated with similar widespread infectious diseases may include:

increase in unemployment among our customers who may not be able to meet payment obligations, which in turn may decrease demand for our products and services;
service disruptions, outages and performance problems due to capacity constraints caused by an overwhelming number of people accessing our services simultaneously;
--- ---
disruptions in the supply of mobile handsets or telecommunications equipment from our vendors;
--- ---
fluctuations of the Won against major foreign currencies, which in turn may impact the cost of imported equipment necessary for expansion and enhancement of our telecommunications infrastructure; and
--- ---
impairments in the fair value of our investments in companies that may be adversely affected by the pandemic.
--- ---

In the event that future occurrences of widespread infectious diseases cannot be effectively and timely contained, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

9

Table of Contents

Our intellectual property rights are valuable, and our inability to protect them could reduce the value of our products, services and brands.

Our trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property rights are important assets for us. We rely on, and expect to continue to rely on, a combination of confidentiality and license agreements with our employees, consultants and third parties with whom we have relationships, as well as trademark, trade dress, domain name, copyright, trade secret and patent laws, to protect our brands and other intellectual property rights. However, various events outside of our control may pose a threat to our intellectual property rights, as well as to our products, services and technologies. For example, we may fail to obtain effective intellectual property protection, or effective intellectual property protection may not be available, in every country in which our services are available. Also, the efforts we have taken to protect our intellectual property rights may not be sufficient or effective, and any of our intellectual property rights may be challenged, which could result in them being narrowed in scope or declared invalid or unenforceable. There can be no assurance that our intellectual property rights will be sufficient to protect us against others offering services that are substantially similar to ours and compete with our business.

We also rely on non-patented proprietary information and technology, such as trade secrets, confidential information, know-how and technical information. While in certain cases we have agreements in place with employees and third parties that place restrictions on the use and disclosure of such intellectual property, these agreements may be breached, or such intellectual property may otherwise be disclosed or become known to our competitors, which could cause us to lose competitive advantages resulting from such intellectual property.

We are also pursuing the registration of trademarks and domain names in Korea and select jurisdictions outside of Korea. Effective protection of trademarks, domain names and other intellectual property is expensive and difficult to maintain, both in terms of application and registration costs, as well as the costs of defending and enforcing those rights.

We also seek to obtain patent protection for some of our technology and have filed various applications in Korea and elsewhere to protect certain aspects of our intellectual property. We currently hold a number of issued patents in multiple jurisdictions. However, we may be unable to obtain patent or trademark protection for our technologies and brands, and our existing patents and trademarks, as well as any patents or trademarks that may be issued in the future, may not provide us with competitive advantages or effectively distinguish our products and services from those of our competitors. In addition, our patents and trademarks may be contested, circumvented, or found unenforceable or invalid, and we may not be able to prevent third parties from infringing, diluting or otherwise violating them. Significant infringements of our intellectual property rights, and limitations on our ability to assert our intellectual property rights against others, could harm our ability to compete and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

We may become party to intellectual property rights claims in the future that may be expensive and time consuming to defend, and such claims, if resolved adversely, could have a significant impact on our business.

Telecommunications and information technology companies own large numbers of patents, copyrights, trademarks, licenses and trade secrets, and frequently enter into litigation based on allegations of infringement, misappropriation or other violations of intellectual property or other rights. In addition, various “non-practicing entities” that own intellectual property rights often attempt to aggressively assert claims in order to extract payments from companies like us. From time to time, we have received, and may receive in the future, claims from third parties alleging that we have infringed upon their intellectual property rights. Furthermore, from time to time, we may introduce or acquire new

10

Table of Contents

services or content, including in areas where we currently do not compete, which could increase our exposure to intellectual property claims from competitors and non-practicing entities.

As we face increasing competition, the number and scope of intellectual property claims against us may grow. Any claim or litigation alleging that we have infringed or otherwise violated intellectual property or other rights of third parties, with or without merit, and whether or not settled out of court or determined in our favor, could be time-consuming and costly to address and resolve, and could divert the time and attention of our management and technical personnel. The outcome of any litigation is inherently uncertain, and there can be no assurance that favorable final outcomes will be obtained. In addition, plaintiffs may seek, and we may become subject to, preliminary or provisional rulings in the course of any such litigation, including potential preliminary injunctions requiring us to cease some or all of our operations.

If any litigation to which we are a party is resolved adversely, we may be subject to an unfavorable judgment that may not be reversed upon appeal. The terms of such a judgment or any settlement may require us to cease some or all of our operations, pay substantial amounts to the other party or seek licensing arrangements. If we are required or choose to enter into royalty or licensing arrangements, such arrangements may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. In addition, the development or procurement of alternative technology could require significant effort and expense or may not be feasible. Accordingly, an unfavorable resolution of any intellectual property rights claims could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We rely on key researchers and engineers, and the loss of the services of any such key personnel or the inability to attract and retain replacements may negatively affect our business.

Our success depends to a significant extent upon the continued service of our research and development and engineering personnel, and on our ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate qualified researchers and engineers. In particular, our focus on leading the market in introducing new telecommunications, Internet-related and artificial intelligence (“AI”)-related services requires us to aggressively recruit engineers with expertise in cutting-edge technologies. Any loss or interruption of the services of these individuals, whether from retirement, loss to competitors or other causes, or failure to attract and retain other qualified new personnel, could prevent us from effectively executing our business strategy, cause us to lose key business relationships, or otherwise materially affect our operations.

Government regulation of the credit card industry may adversely affect the operations of BC Card in which we held a 69.5% interest as of December 31, 2024.

Due to the rapid growth of the credit card market and rising consumer debt levels in Korea, the Government has heightened its regulatory oversight of the credit card industry in recent decades. In particular, the FSC and the Financial Supervisory Service (“FSS”) have adopted a variety of regulations governing the credit card industry. Among other things, these regulations impose minimum capital adequacy ratios, minimum required provisioning levels applicable to credit card receivables and stringent lending ratios. The FSC and FSS also impose rules governing the evaluation and reporting of credit card balances, procedures governing which persons may receive credit cards as well as processing fees paid by merchants.

Pursuant to the FSS’s capital adequacy guidelines, which are derived from standards established by the Bank for International Settlements, credit card companies in Korea are required to maintain a total capital adequacy ratio of at least 8.0% on a consolidated basis. If a credit card company fails to maintain such ratio, Korean regulatory authorities may impose penalties ranging from

11

Table of Contents

a warning to a suspension or revocation of its license. BC Card’s capital adequacy ratios were 27.3% as of December 31, 2022, 25.4% as of December 31, 2023 and 29.9% as of December 31, 2024. Such capital adequacy ratio will decrease if the growth in BC Card’s asset base is not matched by corresponding growth in its regulatory capital. In addition, BC Card’s capital base and its capital adequacy ratio may decrease if its results of operations or financial condition deteriorates. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that BC Card will not be required to obtain additional capital in the future in order to maintain its capital adequacy ratio above the minimum required levels. There can also be no assurance that, if BC Card requires additional capital in the future, it will be able to obtain such capital on favorable terms or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of BC Card.

The Government may adopt further regulatory changes in the future that affect the credit card industry. Depending on their nature, such changes may adversely affect the operations of BC Card, by restricting its growth or scope, subjecting it to stricter requirements and potential sanctions or greater competition, constraining its profitability or otherwise.

Disputes with our labor union may disrupt our business operations.

In the past, we have experienced opposition from our labor union for our strategy of restructuring to improve our efficiency and profitability by disposing of non-core businesses and reducing our employee base. Although we have not experienced any significant labor disputes or unrests in recent years, there can be no assurance that we will not experience labor disputes or unrests in the future, including extended protests and strikes, which could disrupt our business operations and have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We also negotiate collective bargaining agreements every two years with our labor union and annually negotiate a wage agreement. Our current collective bargaining agreement expires on October 9, 2025. Although we have been able to reach collective bargaining agreements and wage agreements with our labor union in recent years, there can be no assurance that we will not experience labor disputes and unrest resulting from disagreements with the labor union in the future.

We are subject to various laws and regulations in Korea and other jurisdictions, including the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act of Korea.

Our business operations and acts of our management, employees and other relevant parties are subject to various laws and regulations in and outside Korea. These laws are complicated and sometimes conflicting and our efforts to comply with these laws could increase our cost of doing business, restrict our business activities and expose us or our employees to legal sanctions and liabilities.

The Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act provides for various regulations and restrictions on large business groups enforced by the Korea Fair Trade Commission to prohibit or restrict actions that impede competition and fair trade. The Korea Fair Trade Commission designated us as a large business group under the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act on April 1, 2002. Our business relationships and transactions with our subsidiaries, affiliates and other companies within the KT group are subject to ongoing scrutiny by the Korea Fair Trade Commission as to, among other things, whether such relationships and transactions constitute undue financial support among companies of the same business group. We are also subject to the fair trade regulations limiting debt guarantees for other domestic member companies of the same group and cross-shareholdings among domestic member companies of the same group, as well as requiring disclosure of the status of such cross-shareholdings. Additionally, we are subject to a prohibition, in effect since July 2014, against circular shareholding among any three or more entities within our business group. Any future determination by

12

Table of Contents

the Korea Fair Trade Commission that we have engaged in transactions that violate the fair trade laws and regulations may result in fines or other punitive measures and may have a material adverse effect on our reputation and our business.

Concerns that radio frequency emissions may be linked to various health concerns could adversely affect our business and we could be subject to litigation relating to these health concerns.

In the past, allegations that serious health risks may result from the use of wireless telecommunications devices or other transmission equipment have adversely affected the share prices of some wireless telecommunications companies in the United States. In May 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (“IARC”) announced that it has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields associated with wireless phone use as possibly carcinogenic to humans, based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer. The IARC is part of the World Health Organization that conducts research on the causes of human cancer and the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and aims to develop scientific strategies for cancer control. We cannot assure you that such health concerns will not adversely affect our business. Several class action and personal injury lawsuits have been filed in the United States against several wireless phone manufacturers and carriers, asserting product liability, breach of warranty and other claims relating to radio transmissions to and from wireless phones. We could be subject to liability or incur significant costs defending lawsuits brought by our subscribers or other parties who claim to have been harmed by or as a result of our services. In addition, the actual or perceived risk of wireless telecommunications devices could have an adverse effect on us by reducing our number of subscribers or our usage per subscriber.

Depreciation of the value of the Won against the Dollar and other major foreign currencies may have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations and on the prices of our securities.

Substantially all of our revenues are denominated in Won. Depreciation of the Won may materially affect the results of our operations because, among other things, it causes an increase in the amount of Won required by us to make interest and principal payments on our foreign-currency-denominated debt, the costs of telecommunications equipment that we purchase from overseas sources, net settlement payments to foreign carriers and certain payments related to our derivative instruments entered into for foreign exchange risk hedging purposes. Of the ₩10,521 billion total borrowings (including short-term borrowings) outstanding as of December 31, 2024, ₩3,336 billion was denominated in foreign currencies. Upon identification and evaluation of our currency risk exposures, we, having considered various circumstances, enter into derivative financial instruments to try to mitigate such risks. Although the impact of exchange rate fluctuations has in the past been partially mitigated by such strategies, our results of operations have historically been affected by exchange rate fluctuations, and there can be no assurance that such strategies will be sufficient to reduce or eliminate the adverse impact of such fluctuations in the future. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources” and “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Exchange Rate Risk.”

Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Won and the Dollar will also affect the Dollar equivalent of the Won price of our ordinary shares on the KRX Korea Composite Stock Price Index (“KOSPI”) Market and, as a result, will likely affect the market price of the ADSs. These fluctuations will also affect the Dollar conversion by the depositary for the American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) of cash dividends, if any, paid in Won on our ordinary shares represented by the ADSs.

13

Table of Contents

We may be exposed to potential claims for unpaid wages and become subject to additional labor costs arising from the Supreme Court of Korea’s interpretation of ordinary wages.

Under the Labor Standards Act, an employee’s “ordinary wage” is used as the basis for calculating various statutory benefits. In December 2013, the Supreme Court of Korea ruled that regularly paid bonuses, including those that are paid other than on a monthly basis, are included in the scope of employees’ ordinary wages if these bonuses are paid (i) “regularly,” (ii) “uniformly” and (iii) on a “fixed basis,” notwithstanding differential amounts based on seniority. However, in December 2024, the Supreme Court of Korea reversed its prior ruling and excluded “fixed basis” from the attributes of ordinary wage and redefined the concept and judgment criteria of what constitutes ordinary wage. According to the Supreme Court of Korea’s decision in December 2024, a wage determined to be paid regularly and uniformly in exchange for prescribed work constitutes ordinary wage regardless of the existence or fulfillment of conditions attached to it. In addition, wages based on tenure or on the number of working days are recognized as ordinary wages, but performance wages paid according to work performance are not recognized as ordinary wages in principle. In order to minimize confusion resulting from this change, the Supreme Court of Korea also ruled that the revised legal principle will apply to ordinary wage calculations starting from December 19, 2024. Under this decision, any provision of a collective bargaining agreement or other agreements that attempt to exclude such regular bonuses from employees’ ordinary wages will be deemed void.

In February 2025, the Ministry of Employment and Labor subsequently revised the ‘Guidelines for Labor-Management Guidance on Ordinary Wage’ (the “Guidelines”). The new legal principle on ordinary wages is effective for ordinary wage calculations starting from December 19, 2024. Following the Supreme Court of Korea’s decision and the revised Guidelines, we have accounted for additional payments related to employees’ ordinary wages in 2024 and anticipate similar recognition in the current fiscal year as part of our employee benefit costs. Any such additional payments may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Relating to Korea

If economic conditions in Korea deteriorate, our current business and future growth could be materially and adversely affected.

We are incorporated in Korea, and we generate most of our operating revenue in Korea. As a result, we are subject to economic, political, legal and regulatory risks specific to Korea. The economic indicators in Korea in recent years have shown mixed signs of growth and uncertainty, and future growth of the Korean economy is subject to many factors beyond our control, including developments in the global economy.

Following a period of deterioration due to the debilitating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Korean economy as well as on the economies of Korea’s major trading partners in 2020, the overall Korean economy showed signs of recovery in 2021. However, adverse conditions and volatility in the worldwide financial markets, fluctuations in oil and commodity prices, supply chain disruptions and the increasing weakness of the global economy, in particular due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and beginning in the second half of 2021 until recent months, rapid increases in interest rates globally to combat inflation, have contributed to the uncertainty of global economic prospects in recent years and have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, the Korean economy. The value of the Won relative to major foreign currencies has fluctuated significantly and, as a result of uncertain global and Korean economic conditions, there has been significant volatility in the stock prices of Korean companies in recent periods. Future declines in the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (the “KOSPI”), and large amounts of sales of Korean securities by foreign investors and subsequent repatriation of the proceeds of such sales may adversely affect the value of the Won, the foreign currency reserves held

14

Table of Contents

by financial institutions in Korea, and the ability of Korean companies to raise capital. Any future deterioration of the Korean or global economy could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Other developments that could have an adverse impact on Korea’s economy include:

declines in consumer confidence and a slowdown in consumer spending, including as a result of severe health epidemics and increases in market interest rates;
political uncertainty or increasing strife among or within political parties in Korea and the ensuing societal unrest, including as a result of political uncertainty following the removal of President Yoon from office on April 4, 2025 by the Constitutional Court of Korea, which upheld the National Assembly’s vote to impeach him following his declaration of martial law in December 2024 (which declaration had been swiftly rescinded), as a result of which a special presidential election to elect his successor will be held on June 3, 2025;
--- ---
rising inflationary pressures leading to increases in costs of goods and services and a decrease in purchasing power;
--- ---
hostilities or political or social tensions involving Russia (including the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and ensuing actions that the United States and other countries have taken and may take in the future) and any resulting adverse effects on the global supply of oil and other natural resources or the global financial markets;
--- ---
adverse conditions or developments in the economies of countries and regions that are important export markets for Korea, such as China, the United States, Europe and Japan, or in emerging market economies in Asia or elsewhere, including as a result of the deteriorating economic and trade relations between the United States and such other countries (including the imposition of significant tariffs by the United States on its trading partners, which has been followed by retaliatory tariffs in some cases) and increased uncertainties in the global financial markets and industry;
--- ---
the imposition of significant tariffs on Korea’s exports by any of its major export markets, such as the imposition of a 25% tariff on Korea’s exports to the United States announced in April 2025, which has since been paused for a period of 90 days;
--- ---
adverse changes or volatility in foreign currency reserve levels, commodity prices (including oil prices), exchange rates (including fluctuation of the U.S. dollar, Euro or Japanese Yen exchange rates or revaluation of the Chinese Yuan), interest rates or stock markets;
--- ---
the occurrence of severe health epidemics in Korea or other parts of the world, in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic;
--- ---
a deterioration in economic or diplomatic relations between Korea and its trading partners or allies, including deterioration resulting from territorial or trade disputes or disagreements in foreign policy;
--- ---
increased sovereign default risks in select countries and the resulting adverse effects on the global financial markets;
--- ---
a deterioration in the financial condition or performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises and other companies in Korea;
--- ---

15

Table of Contents
investigations of large Korean business groups and their senior management for possible misconduct;
a continuing rise in the level of household debt and increasing delinquencies and credit defaults by retail and small- and medium-sized enterprise borrowers in Korea;
--- ---
shortages of imported raw materials, natural resources, rare earth minerals or component parts due to disruptions to the global supply chain;
--- ---
the economic impact of any pending or future free trade agreements or of any changes to existing free trade agreements;
--- ---
social and labor unrest;
--- ---
substantial changes in the market prices of Korean real estate;
--- ---
a substantial decrease in tax revenues and a substantial increase in the Government’s expenditures for fiscal stimulus measures, unemployment compensation and other economic and social programs, which, together, would likely lead to a national budget deficit as well as an increase in the Government’s debt;
--- ---
financial problems or lack of progress in the restructuring of Korean business groups, other large troubled companies, their suppliers or the financial sector;
--- ---
loss of investor confidence arising from corporate accounting irregularities or corporate governance issues concerning certain Korean companies;
--- ---
increases in social expenditures to support an aging population in Korea or decreases in economic productivity due to the declining population size in Korea;
--- ---
geopolitical uncertainty and the risk of further attacks by terrorist groups around the world;
--- ---
hostilities or political or social tensions involving countries in the Middle East (including those resulting from the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East following the Israel-Hamas war) and Northern Africa and any material disruption in the global supply of oil or sudden increase in the price of oil;
--- ---
natural or man-made disasters that have a significant adverse economic or other impact on Korea or its major trading partners; and
--- ---
an increase in the level of tensions or an outbreak of hostilities between North Korea and Korea or the United States.
--- ---

Escalations in tensions with North Korea could have an adverse effect on us and the market value of our common shares and ADSs.

Relations between Korea and North Korea have been tense throughout Korea’s modern history. The level of tension between the two Koreas has fluctuated and may increase abruptly as a result of current and future events. In particular, there have been heightened security concerns in

16

Table of Contents

recent years stemming from North Korea’s nuclear weapon, ballistic missile and satellite programs as well as its hostile military actions against Korea. Some of the significant incidents in recent years include the following:

North Korea renounced its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in January 2003 and has conducted six rounds of nuclear tests since October 2006, including claimed detonations of hydrogen bombs, and warheads that can be mounted on ballistic missiles. Over the years, North Korea has also conducted a series of ballistic missile tests, including missiles launched from submarines and intercontinental ballistic missiles that it claims can reach the United States mainland. North Korea has increased the frequency of such activities since the beginning of 2022, firing numerous ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, and in November 2023, successfully launched its first spy satellite. In response, the Korean Government has repeatedly condemned the provocations and flagrant violations of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. In February 2016, the Korean Government also closed the inter-Korea Gaeseong Industrial Complex in response to North Korea’s fourth nuclear test in January 2016. Internationally, the United Nations Security Council has passed a series of resolutions condemning North Korea’s actions and significantly expanding the scope of sanctions applicable to North Korea. Over the years, the United States and the European Union have also expanded their sanctions applicable to North Korea.
In March 2010, a Korean naval vessel was destroyed by an underwater explosion, killing many of the crewmen on board. The Korean Government formally accused North Korea of causing the sinking, while North Korea denied responsibility. Moreover, in November 2010, North Korea fired more than 100 artillery shells that hit Korea’s Yeonpyeong Island near the Northern Limit Line, which acts as the de facto maritime boundary between Korea and North Korea on the west coast of the Korean peninsula, causing casualties and significant property damage. The Korean Government condemned North Korea for the attack and vowed stern retaliation should there be further provocation.
--- ---

North Korea’s economy also faces severe challenges, which may further aggravate social and political pressures within North Korea. Although bilateral summit meetings between Korea and North Korea were held in April, May and September 2018 and between North Korea and the United States in June 2018, February 2019 and June 2019, there can be no assurance that the level of tensions affecting the Korean peninsula will not escalate in the future. Any further increase in tensions, which may occur, for example, if North Korea experiences a leadership crisis, high-level contacts between Korea and North Korea or between the United States and North Korea break down or military hostilities occur, could have a material adverse effect on the Korean economy and on our business, financial condition and results of operations and the market value of our common shares and ADSs.

Korea’s legislation allowing class action suits related to securities transactions may expose us to additional litigation risk.

The Securities-related Class Action Act of Korea enacted in January 2004 allows class action suits to be brought by shareholders of companies (including us) listed on the KRX KOSPI Market for losses incurred in connection with purchases and sales of securities and other securities transactions arising from (1) false or inaccurate statements provided in the registration statements, prospectuses, business reports, audit reports, semi-annual or quarterly reports and material fact reports and omission of material information in such documents, (2) insider trading, (3) market manipulation and (4) unfair trading. This law permits 50 or more shareholders who collectively hold 0.01% of the shares of a company to bring a class action suit against, among others, the issuer and its directors and officers. Because of the enactment of the act, there is not enough judicial precedent to predict how the courts will apply the law. Litigation can be time-consuming and expensive to resolve, and can divert

17

Table of Contents

management time and attention from business operation. We are not aware of any basis upon which such suit may be brought against us, nor are any such suits pending or threatened. Any such litigation brought against us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are generally subject to Korean corporate governance and disclosure standards, which differ in significant respects from those in other countries.

Companies in Korea, including us, are subject to corporate governance standards applicable to Korean public companies which differ in some respects from standards applicable in other countries, including the United States. As a reporting company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and listed on the New York Stock Exchange, we are, and will continue to be, subject to certain corporate governance standards. However, foreign private issuers, including us, are exempt from certain corporate governance standards required under the New York Stock Exchange. For a description of significant differences in corporate governance practice compared to corporate governance standards of the New York Stock Exchange applicable to U.S. issuers, see “Item 16G. Corporate Governance.” There may also be less publicly available information about Korean companies, such as us, than is regularly made available by public or non-public companies in other countries.

Risks Relating to the Securities

If an investor surrenders his American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) to withdraw the underlying shares, he may not be allowed to deposit the shares again to obtain ADSs.

Korean law currently limits foreign ownership of the ADSs and our shares. In addition, under our deposit agreement, the depositary bank cannot accept deposits of shares and deliver ADSs representing those shares unless (1) we have consented to such deposit or (2) Korean counsel has advised the depositary bank that the consent required under (1) is no longer required under Korean laws and regulations. Under current Korean laws and regulations, the depositary bank is required to obtain our prior consent for the number of shares to be deposited in any given proposed deposit which exceeds the difference between (1) the aggregate number of shares deposited by us or with our consent for the issuance of ADSs (including deposits in connection with the initial and all subsequent offerings of ADSs and stock dividends or other distributions related to these ADSs) and (2) the number of shares on deposit with the depositary bank at the time of such proposed deposit. The depositary bank has informed us that, at a time it considers to be appropriate, the depositary bank plans to start accepting deposits of shares without our consent and to deliver ADSs representing those shares up to the amount allowed under current Korean laws and regulations. Until such time, however, the depositary bank will continue to obtain our consent for such deposits of shares and delivery of ADSs, which we may not provide. Consequently, if an investor surrenders his ADSs to withdraw the underlying shares, he may not be allowed to deposit the shares again to obtain ADSs. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.D. Exchange Controls.”

A foreign investor may not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to common shares exceeding certain restrictions.

Under the Telecommunications Business Act, a foreign shareholder who holds 5.0% or more of our total shares is prohibited from becoming our largest shareholder. However, any foreign shareholder who held 5.0% or more of our total shares and was our largest shareholder on or prior to May 9, 2004 is exempt from the regulations, provided that such foreign shareholder may not acquire any more of our shares. In addition, under the Telecommunications Business Act, the MSIT may, if it deems it necessary to preserve substantial public interests, prohibit a foreign shareholder from being

18

Table of Contents

our largest shareholder. In the event that any foreigner or foreign government acquires our shares in violation of the above provisions, such foreign shareholder may not be able to exercise voting rights with respect to common shares exceeding such threshold. The MSIT may also order us or the foreign shareholder to take corrective measures in respect of the excess shares within a specified period of six months or less.

In addition, the Telecommunications Business Act restricts the ownership and control of network service providers by foreign shareholders. Foreigners (based on citizenship), foreign governments and “companies deemed as foreigners” may not own more than 49.0% of the issued shares with voting rights of a network service provider, including us. For purposes of the Telecommunications Business Act, the term “company deemed as a foreigner” means a company in which a foreigner or a foreign government is the largest shareholder and holds 15.0% or more of the company’s shares with voting rights, provided, however, that such company will not be counted as a foreign shareholder for the purposes of the 49.0% limit if (1) it holds less than 1.0% of our total issued and outstanding shares with voting rights or (2) if the MSIT determines that the fact that such foreign government or entity holds a 15.0% or greater shareholding in such company does not present a risk of harm to the public interest.

Notwithstanding the above, pursuant to an amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act that became effective in April 2022, a company, so long as (i) its largest shareholder (determined by aggregating the shareholdings of such shareholder and its related parties) is a foreign government or a foreigner of a country that has entered into a bilateral or multilateral free trade agreement with Korea (an “FTA Country”) that is designated by the MSIT, and (ii) such shareholder (together with the shareholdings of its related parties) owns 15.0% or more of the issued voting stock of such entity, may own more than 49.0% of our issued shares with voting rights but may not exercise its voting rights with respect to the shares held in excess of the 49.0% ceiling until the conclusion of the MSIT’s public interest review. Furthermore, this exemption from the restriction of foreign ownership of a network service provider beyond the 49.0% threshold applies not only to a foreign government or a foreigner from an FTA Country but also to a foreign government or a foreigner from an Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) country.

As of December 31, 2024, 49.0% of our common shares were owned by foreign investors. See “Item 4. Information of the Company—Item 4.B. Business Overview—Regulation—Foreign Investment” and “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Limitations on Shareholding.”

Holders of ADSs will not be able to exercise appraisal rights unless they have withdrawn the underlying ordinary shares and become our direct shareholders.

In some limited circumstances, including the transfer of the whole or any significant part of our business and our merger or consolidation with another company, dissenting shareholders have the right to require us to purchase their shares under Korean law. A holder of ADSs will not be able to exercise appraisal rights unless he has withdrawn the underlying ordinary shares and become our direct shareholder. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.”

An investor may not be able to exercise preemptive rights for additional shares and may suffer dilution of his equity interest in us.

The Commercial Code of Korea and our articles of incorporation require us, with some exceptions, to offer shareholders the right to subscribe for new shares in proportion to their existing ownership percentage whenever new shares are issued. If we offer any rights to subscribe for

19

Table of Contents

additional ordinary shares or any rights of any other nature, the depositary bank, after consultation with us, may make the rights available to an ADS holder or use reasonable efforts to dispose of the rights on behalf of the ADS holder and make the net proceeds available to the ADS holder. The depositary bank, however, is not required to make available to an ADS holder any rights to purchase any additional shares unless it deems that doing so is lawful and feasible and:

a registration statement filed by us under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is in effect with respect to those shares; or
the offering and sale of those shares is exempt from or is not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
--- ---

We are under no obligation to file any registration statement. If a registration statement is required for an ADS holder to exercise preemptive rights but is not filed by us, the ADS holder will not be able to exercise his preemptive rights for additional shares. As a result, the ADS holder may suffer dilution of his equity interest in us.

Forward-looking statements may prove to be inaccurate.

This annual report contains “forward-looking statements” that are based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about us and the industries in which we operate. The forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those statements using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continues,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project,” “aim,” “plan,” “likely to,” “target,” “contemplate,” “predict,” “potential” and similar expressions and future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “can,” “may,” or similar expressions generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Those statements include, among other things, the discussions of our business strategy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity and capital resources. We caution you that reliance on any forward-looking statement involves risks and uncertainties, and that although we believe that the assumptions on which our forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and, as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions could be incorrect. The uncertainties in this regard include, but are not limited to, those identified in the risk factors discussed above. In light of these and other uncertainties, you should not conclude that we will necessarily achieve any plans and objectives or projected financial results referred to in any of the forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to release the results of any revisions of these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

Item 4.  Information on the Company

Item 4.A.  History and Development of the Company

In 1981, the Government established us under the Korea Telecom Act to operate the telecommunications services business that it previously directly operated. Under the Korea Telecom Act and the Government-Invested Enterprises Management Basic Act, the Government exercised substantial control over our business and affairs. Effective October 1, 1997, the Korea Telecom Act was repealed and the Government-Invested Enterprises Management Basic Act became inapplicable to us. As a result, we became a corporation under the Commercial Code, and our corporate organization and shareholders’ rights were governed by the Government’s privatization laws and the Commercial Code. Among other things, we began to exercise greater autonomy in setting our annual budget and making investments in the telecommunications industry, and our shareholders began electing our directors, who had previously been appointed by the Government under the Korea Telecom Act.

20

Table of Contents

Prior to 1993, the Government owned all of the issued shares of our common stock. From 1993 through May 2002, the Government disposed of all of its equity interest in us, and the privatization laws ceased to apply to us in August 2002. We amended our legal name from Korea Telecom Corp. to KT Corporation in March 2002.

Before December 1991, we were the sole provider of local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone services in Korea. The Government began to introduce competition in the telecommunications services market in the early 1990’s. As a result, there are currently three local telephone service providers, five domestic long-distance carriers and numerous international long-distance carriers (including voice resellers) in Korea, including ourselves. In addition, the Government awarded licenses to several service providers to promote competition in other telecommunications business areas such as mobile telephone services and data network services. In June 2009, KT Freetel Co., Ltd. (“KTF”), a subsidiary providing mobile telephone services, merged into KT Corporation, with KT Corporation surviving the merger, with the objective of maximizing management efficiencies of our fixed-line and mobile telecommunications operations as well as more effectively responding to the convergence trends in the telecommunications industry. There are currently three mobile telephone service providers in Korea. See “—Item 4.B. Business Overview—Competition.”

We are a corporation with limited liability organized under the laws of Korea, and our legal and commercial name is KT Corporation. Our principal executive offices are located at KT Gwanghwamun Building East, 33, Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, 03155, Seoul, Korea, our telephone number is

+82-70-4193-4036

and the address of our English website is https://corp.kt.com/eng/.
The SEC maintains a website (http://www.sec.gov), which contains reports, information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

Item 4.B.  Business Overview

We are the leading integrated telecommunications and platform service provider in Korea and one of the most advanced in Asia. We plan to transform ourselves into an AI driven information and communication technology (“ICT”) company that integrates AI and information technology into our existing communication technology business and expands into new businesses that utilize AI. In addition, we will continue to pursue innovation in our other major business areas, including media and content services, Internet data centers and cloud services, real estate operations and financial services.

Our principal services include:

mobile voice and data telecommunications services based on 5G, 4G LTE and 3G ₩-CDMA technology;
fixed-line services, which include:
--- ---
Ø (i) fixed-line telephone services, including local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance services, (ii) Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) telephone services (i.e., provision of communication services over the Internet, and not over the fixed-line PSTN) and (iii) interconnection services to other telecommunications companies;
--- ---
Ø broadband Internet access services; and
--- ---

21

Table of Contents
Ø data communication services, including fixed-line and satellite leased line services and dedicated broadband Internet connection service to corporate and other institutional customers;
media and content services, including IPTV, satellite TV, media content creation and distribution services, digital music services, e-commerce services, online advertising consulting services and web comics and novels services;
--- ---
financial services, including credit card processing and other financial services offered primarily through BC Card;
--- ---
other business activities, including information technology and network services and rental of real estate by KT Estate Inc. (“KT Estate”); and
--- ---
sale of goods, primarily sale of handsets related to our mobile services and miscellaneous telecommunications equipment, as well as sale of residential units and commercial real estate developed by KT Estate.
--- ---

Leveraging our dominant position in the fixed-line telephone services market and our established customer base in Korea, we have successfully pursued new growth opportunities and obtained strong market positions in each of our principal lines of business. In particular:

in mobile services, we had approximately 26.1 million subscribers, consisting of 18.9 million MNO mobile subscribers and 7.2 million MVNO mobile subscribers. We achieved a market share of 28.2% with approximately 13.4 million MNO mobile phone subscribers as of December 31, 2024;
in fixed-line and VoIP telephone services, we had approximately 11.5 million subscribers, consisting of 8.3 million PSTN subscribers and 3.2 million VoIP subscribers as of December 31, 2024. As of such date, our market share of the fixed-line local telephone and VoIP services was 53.7%; and
--- ---
we are Korea’s largest broadband Internet access provider with approximately 10.0 million subscribers as of December 31, 2024, representing a market share of 39.8%.
--- ---

For the year ended December 31, 2024, our operating revenue was ₩26,724 billion, our profit for the year was ₩407 billion and our basic earnings per share was ₩1,870. As of December 31, 2024, our total assets were ₩42,003 billion, total liabilities were ₩24,035 billion and total equity was ₩17,968 billion.

22

Table of Contents

Our Services

The following table sets out our operating revenue by principal product categories and the respective percentage of total operating revenue in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

For the Year Ended December 31,
2022 2023 2024
Products and services Billions of<br>Won % Billions of<br>Won % Billions of<br>Won %
Mobile services 7,014 26.7 % 7,140 26.8 % 7,318 27.4 %
Fixed-line services:
Fixed-line and VoIP telephone services 1,378 5.3 1,249 4.7 1,188 4.4
Broadband Internet access services 2,505 9.5 2,579 9.7 2,634 9.9
Data communication services 1,173 4.5 1,315 4.9 1,335 5.0
Subtotal 5,057 19.3 5,142 19.3 5,158 19.3
Media and content services 3,100 11.8 3,207 12.1 3,107 11.6
Financial services 3,837 14.6 3,968 14.9 3,743 14.0
Others 3,834 14.6 3,846 14.5 4,025 15.1
Sale of goods ^(1)^ 3,394 12.9 3,293 12.4 3,374 12.6
Total operating revenue 26,234 100.0 % 26,595 100.0 % 26,724 100.0 %
(1) Primarily related to sale of handsets for our mobile service and miscellaneous telecommunications equipment, as well as sale of residential units and commercial real estate developed by KT Estate.
--- ---

Mobile Services

We provide mobile services based on 5G, 4G LTE and 3G W-CDMA technology. We have made extensive efforts to continually develop advanced technologies as well as to provide a variety of new mobile services with enhanced speed, latency and connectivity. We commercially launched our next generation 5G mobile services in April 2019 and completed the expansion of our coverage nationwide in April 2024. We believe that the faster data transmission speed and lower latency of the 5G network enables us to offer significantly enhanced wireless data transmission with faster access to multimedia contents. We began offering 4G LTE services in the Seoul metropolitan area in January 2012, and we completed the expansion of our coverage nationwide in October 2012.

Revenue related to mobile services accounted for 27.4% of our operating revenue in 2024. The following table shows selected information concerning the usage of our network during the periods indicated and the number of our mobile subscribers as of the end of such periods:

As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
2022 2023 2024
Average monthly revenue per subscriber ^(1)^ 32,803 33,965 34,524
Total number of mobile subscribers (in thousands) 24,062 24,897 26,132
MNO mobile subscribers (in thousands) ^(2)^ 17,500 17,759 18,950
MNO mobile phone subscribers:
LTE mobile phone subscribers 5,193 3,683 2,894
5G mobile phone subscribers 8,375 9,722 10,400
W-CDMA mobile phone subscribers 179 112 75
Sub-total 13,747 13,517 13,369
Subscribers of miscellaneous devices ^(3)^ 3,754 4,242 5,581
MVNO mobile subscribers (in thousands) ^(4)^ 6,562 7,138 7,182
(1) The average monthly revenue per subscriber is computed by dividing total monthly fees, usage charges and value-added service fees for the period by the weighted average number of subscribers (other than MVNO subscribers and subscribers of miscellaneous IoT services) and dividing the quotient by the number of months in the period.
--- ---

23

Table of Contents
(2) Represents the number of mobile subscribers who directly subscribe to mobile services provided by us.
(3) Includes tablets and other IoT devices.
--- ---
(4) Represents the number of mobile subscribers served by MVNOs (consisting of third-party companies as well as subsidiaries and affiliates of KT Corporation), which lease network access from us to provide mobile services.
--- ---

We compete with SK Telecom, a mobile service provider that has a longer operating history than us, and LG U+ which began its service at around the same time as KTF. As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately 13.4 million MNO mobile subscribers, or a market share of 28.2%.

We market our mobile services primarily through independent exclusive dealers located throughout Korea. In addition to assisting new subscribers to activate mobile service and purchase handsets, authorized dealers are connected to our database and are able to assist customers with their account. Although most of these dealers sell exclusively our products and services, sub-dealers hired by exclusive dealers may sell products and services offered by other mobile telecommunications service providers. Authorized dealers are entitled to a commission for each new subscriber registered, as well as ongoing commissions for the first five years based primarily on the subscriber’s monthly fee, usage charges and length of subscription.

In response to the diversification of our customers’ demands and their increasing sophistication, we have also selectively engaged in opportunities to expand our internal sales channels. We operate customer plazas in key areas that engage in mobile service sales activities as well as provide a one-stop shop for a wide range of other services and products that we offer. We also operate a website to promote and advertise our products and services to the general public and in particular to younger customers who are more familiar with the Internet.

We conduct the screening process for new subscribers with great caution. A potential subscriber must meet all minimum credit criteria before receiving mobile service. The procedure includes checking the history of non-payment and credit information from banks and credit agencies such as the National Information and Credit Evaluation Corporation. Applicants who do not meet the minimum criteria can only subscribe to the mobile service by using a pre-paid card.

Fixed-line Services

We provide a variety of fixed-line services, including various telephone services, broadband Internet access and data communication services.

Fixed-line and VoIP Telephone Services

We utilize our extensive nationwide telephone network to provide fixed-line telephone services, which consist of local, domestic long-distance, international long-distance services and land-to-mobile interconnection services. Our fixed-line telephone network includes exchanges, long-distance transmission equipment and fiber optic and copper cables. We also provide VoIP telephone services that enable VoIP phone devices with broadband connection to make domestic and international calls. These fixed-line and VoIP telephone services accounted for 4.4% of our operating revenue in 2024. In recent years, the proliferation of mobile phones, as well as the availability of increasingly lower wireless pricing plans, some of which include unlimited voice minutes, has led to significant decreases in our domestic long-distance call minutes and local call pulses.

24

Table of Contents

The following table shows selected information concerning our fixed-line telephone network and the number of PSTN and VoIP subscribers as of the end of the periods indicated as well as their engagement levels during such periods.

As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Total Korean population (thousands) ^(1)^ 51,829 51,639 51,439 51,325 51,217
PSTN and VoIP lines in service (thousands) 13,582 13,096 12,581 12,035 11,475
PSTN lines in service 10,449 9,905 9,376 8,820 8,264
Local lines in service 9,475 8,937 8,430 7,892 7,347
Group lines in service 973 968 946 928 917
VoIP lines in service 3,133 3,191 3,206 3,215 3,211
Fiber optic cable (kilometers) 867,051 896,076 917,114 937,146 953,183
Domestic long-distance call minutes (millions) ^(2)^ 620 500 395 321 242
Local call pulses (millions) ^(2)^ 638 554 463 363 294
(1) Based on the number of registered residents as published by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety of Korea.
--- ---
(2) Excluding calls placed from public telephones.
--- ---

Our domestic long-distance cable network is entirely made up of fiber optic cable and can carry both voice and data transmissions. Compared to conventional materials such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable provides significantly greater transmission capacity with less signal fading, thus requiring less frequent amplification. All of our lines are connected to exchanges capable of handling digital signal technology. A principal limitation of the older analog technology is that applications other than voice communications, such as the transmission of text and computer data, require either separate networks or conversion equipment. Digital systems permit a range of voice, text and data applications to be transmitted simultaneously on the same network.

In recent years, the volume of our incoming international calls has significantly exceeded the volume of our outgoing international calls. The agreed settlement rate is applied to the call minutes to determine the applicable net settlement payment. The following table shows the number of minutes of international long-distance calls recorded by us and network service providers utilizing our international long-distance network in each specified category for each year in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024:

Year Ended December 31,
2022 2023 2024
(In millions of billed minutes)
Incoming international long-distance calls 422.2 615.8 518.3
Outgoing international long-distance calls 36.1 31.5 27.5
Total 458.3 647.3 545.8
(1) Includes incoming traffic of application-to-person correspondence.
--- ---

Under the Telecommunications Business Act, we are required to permit other service providers to interconnect to our fixed-line network. Currently, the principal users of this interconnection capacity include affiliates of SK Telecom and LG U+ (offering local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance services, and transmitting calls to and from their mobile networks). We recognize as land-to-mobile interconnection revenue the entire amount of the usage charge collected from the landline user and recognize as an expense the amount of interconnection charge paid to the mobile service provider.

Broadband Internet Access Services

Leveraging our nationwide network of 953,183 kilometers of fiber optic cables as of December 31, 2024, we have achieved a leading market position in the broadband Internet access

25

Table of Contents

market in Korea. We believe we have a competitive advantage over other broadband Internet access service providers because, unlike our competitors, we can utilize our existing networks nationwide to provide broadband Internet access service. Our principal Internet access services are offered under the “KT Internet” and “KT GiGA Internet” brand names. We also offer WiFi services under the “KT WiFi” brand name, which is designed to integrate fixed-line and wireless services by offering high speed wireless Internet access to laptops and smartphones in hot-spot zones and KT Internet service in fixed-line environments. Our broadband Internet access services accounted for 9.9% of our operating revenue in 2024.

As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately 10.0 million broadband Internet subscribers, including approximately 6.9 million KT GiGA Internet service subscribers with enhanced data transmission speeds. We also sponsored approximately 89 thousand hot-spot zones nationwide for wireless connection as of December 31, 2024.

Our KT Internet services primarily utilize ADSL technology, which is a technology that converts existing copper twisted-pair telephone lines into access paths for multimedia and high-speed data communications. ADSL transforms the existing public telephone network from one limited to voice, text and low-resolution graphics to a system capable of bringing multimedia to subscriber premises without new cabling. The asymmetric design optimizes the bandwidth by maximizing the downstream speed for downloading information from the Internet. We are continually upgrading our broadband network to enable better FTTH connection, which further enhances data transmission speed and connection quality. FTTH is a telecommunication architecture in which a communication path is provided over optical fiber cables extending from the telecommunications operator’s switching equipment to the boundary of home or office. FTTH uses fiber optic cable, which is able to carry a high-bandwidth signal for longer distances without degradation. FTTH enables us to deliver enhanced services that require high bandwidth, such as IPTV, and other digital media contents with higher stability.

Data Communication Services

Our data communication services involve offering exclusive lines that allow point-to-point connection for voice and data traffic between two or more geographically separate points. As of December 31, 2024, we leased 321,771 lines to domestic and international businesses. We provide dedicated and secure broadband Internet connection service to institutional customers under the “Kornet” brand name. We provide high-speed connection to our Internet backbone network, as well as rent to our customers and install necessary routers to ensure reliable Internet connection and enhanced security. We provide discount rates to qualified customers, including small- and medium-sized enterprises, businesses engaging in Internet access services and government agencies. Data communication services accounted for 5.0% of our operating revenue in 2024.

Through our wholly owned subsidiary KT Sat Co., Ltd., we also provide transponder leasing, broadcasting, video distribution and data communication services through satellites periodically launched by us. We also lease satellite capacity from other satellite operators to offer satellite services to both domestic and international customers.

Media and Content Services

We offer a variety of media and content services, including IPTV, satellite TV, media content creation and distribution services, e-commerce services, digital music services, online advertising consulting services, web comics and novels services and media content creation and distribution services. Media and content services accounted for 11.6% of our operating revenue in 2024. In addition, in September 2021, KT Skylife, in which we held a 50.3% interest as of December 31, 2024, acquired a 100.00% interest in KT HCN, which is Korea’s fifth largest cable TV operator. See “Item 5.

26

Table of Contents

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Item 5.A. Operating Results—Overview—Acquisitions and Disposals of Interests in Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures.”

IPTV

We offer high definition video-on-demand and real-time broadcasting and ultra-high-definition (“UHD”) IPTV services under the brand name “Genie tv.” Our IPTV service offers access to an array of digital media contents, including broadcast channels, movies, sports, news, educational programs and TV replay, for a fixed monthly fee or on a pay-per-view basis. Through a digital set-top box that we rent to our customers, our customers are able to browse the catalogue of digital media contents and view selected media streams on their television. A set-top box provides two-way communications on an IP network and decodes video streaming data. We had approximately 9.4 million IPTV subscribers as of December 31, 2024.

We are also leveraging our big data analytics capabilities and AI technology to further enhance our IPTV services. We offer AI-based “GiGA genie” service to our IPTV subscribers through a voice recognition speaker that also serves as the IPTV’s set-top box, which enables us to take advantage of big data analytics and enhance our product offerings as well as operate a more effective automated customer service center.

Satellite TV

We offer satellite TV services with features similar to our IPTV services through KT Skylife. As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately 3.4 million subscribers for our satellite TV services, including Genie tv Skylife combination services.

Digital Music Services

We operate Genie, our platform for music contents as well as subscription-based access to digital music streaming and downloading services, through our subsidiary Genie Music Corporation, in which KT Studio Genie Co., Ltd. (“KT Studio Genie”) held a 36.0% interest as of December 31, 2024. Genie offers a broad selection of Korean and international music, both in streaming and download formats, as well as a variety of features designed to enhance the experience of users. In addition, we provide a variety of original audio contents through Genie, including audio books and novels. We offer Genie services in various formats that are specifically designed for mobile and other connected devices, PCs, TVs and automobiles. Genie Music Corporation also provides online streaming of live music performances through STAYG platform.

E-commerce Services

Through KT alpha Co., Ltd. (“KT alpha”), in which we held a 73.0% interest on a consolidated basis as of December 31, 2024, we offer TV home shopping and digital content distribution services. Furthermore, we offer a variety of consumer products and food items on our IPTV and satellite TV platforms. We also secure rights to digital entertainment contents such as movies, animations and TV series and distribute such contents to other media platforms.

We also offer mobile gift card services through KT alpha under the brand name “giftishow” and other mobile advertising solutions to corporate customers.

Online Advertising Consulting Services

We provide strategic advertising consulting services for the online advertising industry through our subsidiaries Nasmedia, Co., Ltd. (“Nasmedia”), in which we held a 43.1% interest as of

27

Table of Contents

December 31, 2024, and PlayD Co., Ltd. (“PlayD”), in which Nasmedia and we in the aggregate held a 70.4% interest as of December 31, 2024. We provide a variety of services for advertising agencies, online media companies and their clients, ranging from market studies to advertising campaign planning as well as analysis of such campaign’s effectiveness. Our proprietary data analysis tools enable us to define specific advertising targets for the clients as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of various marketing channels to provide an optimal advertising campaign strategy.

Web Comics and Novels Services

StoryWiz, which was established in February 2020 and in which KT Studio Genie held a 100.0% interest as of December 31, 2024, specializes in producing and distributing web comics and web novels. StoryWiz operates a platform called Blice for web novels and web comics. Through Blice, numerous writers distribute their web novels and web comics, and we support them in various ways, including holding contests and providing funding for new and promising writers. Blice also offers a diverse selection of genres including comedy, romance, action and fantasy. We strive to further expand our intellectual property to movies and dramas.

Media Content Creation and Distribution Services

We engage in media content creation and distribution services through KT Studio Genie, in which we held a 90.9% interest as of December 31, 2024. KT Studio Genie produces and sells a wide range of media contents, including multi-episode drama series, to traditional media channels and OTT services. KT Studio Genie also serves as a distribution agency of media contents produced by third-parties.

Financial Services

As part of our overall strategy, we selectively pursue new business opportunities in the financial sector that complement our telecommunications business. In October 2011, we acquired a controlling interest in BC Card, a leading credit card solutions provider in Korea in which we held a 69.5% interest as of December 31, 2024. As of such date, BC Card held a 33.7% interest in Kbank, an Internet-only bank that began its commercial operations in April 2017. Revenue from our financial services, which consist primarily of revenue from BC Card, accounted for 14.0% of our operating revenue in 2024.

BC Card

Through BC Card, we offer various credit card processing and related financial services. We operate the largest merchant payment network in Korea as measured by transaction volume. We also provide outsourcing services to a wide range of financial institutions for their credit card and check card business operations, including production and delivery of new credit cards, the preparation of monthly statements, management of merchants and other ancillary services. BC Card also offers its own credit cards as well as financial services including card loans and consumer loans to individuals, corporate loans and real estate project finance loans. In recent years, BC Card has been focusing on lending activities secured by collateral assets. BC Card offers services in select countries in Asia, including Korea, China, Indonesia and Vietnam.

A minority interest in BC Card is owned by various financial institutions in Korea, many of which are member companies that enter into co-branding agreements with us and issue credit cards and check cards under the “BC Card” brand. Our member companies that issue co-branded credit or check cards include NH Card, Industrial Bank of Korea and KB Kookmin Card. We engage in joint marketing efforts to promote cards issued pursuant to our co-branding agreements. However, we

28

Table of Contents

typically do not assume credit risks related to the inability of cardholders to make payments on their card usage, which are typically assumed by the member companies. We also provide ancillary outsourcing services to various other banks, securities companies and financial institutions that do not issue co-branded cards with us.

We charge commissions for merchant fees paid by merchants to credit card companies for processing transactions. Merchant fees vary depending on the type of merchant and the total transaction amounts generated by the merchant. In addition to merchant fees, we receive commissions related to nominal interchange fees for international card transactions, as well as service fees from financial institutions that outsource their credit card business operations.

Kbank

Kbank is one of three Internet-only banks in Korea. Internet-only banks generally operate without branches and conduct their operations primarily through electronic means, which enable them to minimize costs and offer customers higher interest rates on deposits as well as lower lending rates. As of December 31, 2024, Kbank had approximately 12.7 million account holders, with total deposits of ₩28.6 trillion and outstanding loans of ₩16.3 trillion. Other shareholders of Kbank include Woori Bank, a leading bank in Korea.

Pursuant to the Act on Special Cases Concerning Internet-Only Banks, starting from January 2019, a company with its ICT assets comprising more than 50% of its total assets (such as us) may obtain up to a 34.0% interest in an Internet-only bank, and is required to obtain approval from the FSC in order to become its largest shareholder.

Other Businesses

We also engage in various business activities that extend beyond telecommunications and financial services, including real estate development. Our other businesses accounted for 15.1% of our operating revenue in 2024.

Information Technology and Network Services

Digital transformation has increased in recent years. Leveraging our (i) data communications networks, (ii) infrastructure operational know-how and (iii) big data analytics capabilities, we believe that we are well-positioned to take advantage of the attractive opportunities in this era of digital transformation. We offer a broad array of information technology and network services to our corporate and other institutional customers under our “KT Enterprise” brand.

Our range of systems integration services includes consulting, designing, building and maintaining systems and communication networks that satisfy the individual needs of our customers in the public and private sectors. We also provide one-stop global ICT services specifically targeting multinational corporations and international agencies, which range from ICT infrastructure design and buildout to operational solutions that address their multinational needs. In addition, we provide consulting services to optimize energy consumption by corporate and other institutional customers, as well as security surveillance services ranging from buildout of monitoring systems to dispatching of security personnel. We also offer a wide range of “KT AX platform” services for our corporate and other institutional customers that provide customized and integrated digital transformation services that address their technical infrastructure, platform and solution needs.

Information Data Center and Cloud Services

We operate Internet data centers located throughout Korea and provide a wide range of computing services to companies that need servers, storage and leased lines. In April 2022, we

29

Table of Contents

completed a vertical spin-off of our Internet data centers business and established a wholly-owned subsidiary, kt cloud Co., Ltd., (“kt cloud”) to more effectively promote the growth of our Internet data center and cloud operations. As of December 31, 2024, we held an 86.3% interest in kt cloud. Data centers are facilities used to house, protect and maintain network server computers that store and deliver Internet and other network contents. kt cloud’s data centers are designed to meet international standards, and are equipped with temperature and humidity control systems, regulated and reliable power supplies, mechanical equipment, fire detection and suppression equipment, security monitoring and wide-bandwidth connections to the Internet. kt cloud’s data center businesses include (i) colocation services (provision of infrastructure services necessary for clients’ server operations), (ii) interconnection services (direct private connections of counterparties, including global cloud service providers), (iii) DBO (design, build and operation) services for clients’ data centers and (iv) managed service provider offerings (operation and maintenance of information technology equipment).

kt cloud also provides a wide range of cloud services that are tailored to address specific needs of its customers in public and private sectors. kt cloud’s cloud businesses include (i) customized cloud infrastructure services for government institutions and major enterprises, (ii) CDN (content delivery network) services offering geographically distributed and interconnected servers for enhanced data traffic and content delivery, (iii) private cloud computing services with infrastructure dedicated to a single customer and (iv) marketplace platform services that enable users to access SaaS (software as a solution) services of various partners of kt cloud.

Real Estate Development

We own land and real estate in various locations throughout Korea. Technological developments have enhanced the coverage area of telecommunications facilities, which enable us to better utilize our existing land and other real estate holdings. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary KT Estate, we engage in the planning and development of residential complexes and commercial buildings on our unused sites, as well as in the leasing of buildings we own. Under the “Remark VILL” brand, we also lease units in residential complexes developed by us in urban areas such as Seoul and Busan.

Sale of Goods

We recognize revenue related to sale of goods, primarily handsets sold to subscribers of our mobile services as well as miscellaneous telecommunications equipment sold to vendors and other telecommunications companies and sale of residential units and commercial real estate developed by KT Estate. We purchase handsets primarily from Samsung Electronics and Apple. Sale of goods accounted for 12.6% of our operating revenue in 2024.

Our Rates

We offer various service plans for our mobile, fixed-line and media and content services. For our individual customers, we offer rate plans targeting specific customer segments that aim to address their individual needs. We also offer bundled rate plans that provide discounts for subscribing to a combination of our services, as well as family plans that provide discounts for multiple line subscriptions under one household. For many of our services, we provide additional discounts for customers who commit to extended subscription periods. We provide an online tool designed to help our customers select a plan that is customized to their needs. Our service rates are typically charged on a monthly basis and are due at the end of the month. Our customers are also assessed a 10.0% VAT, which is included in the monthly subscription rates that we charge to our customers.

Our rates for business customers are tailored to the specific needs of the business customers.

30

Table of Contents

Mobile Services

We offer a wide range of mobile service plans that vary depending, among others, on mobile technology (5G, LTE or W-CDMA), mobile device (mobile phone, tablet or other WiFi device) and age category, under which we offer plans based on usage volume for voice calling, data transmission and text messaging as well as addition of value-added services. Our premium packages offer unlimited voice calling, data transmission and text messaging as well as additional media content. We also provide plans specially designed for elderly and young subscribers as well as special discounts to subscribers with physical disabilities or on welfare programs. We do not charge an activation fee for our mobile services.

For mobile service plans that offer unlimited data transmission, we typically decelerate data transmission speeds after a subscriber reaches a set data usage threshold. For usage-based data transmission plans, our subscribers are typically charged additional data transmission fees if usage exceeds the applicable quota. However, for many of our plans, we provide our subscribers the ability to carry over unused data transmission quota of the current month to the following month, or borrow quota allocated to the following month if the current monthly quota have been exhausted. We also subsidize the purchase of new handsets by our qualifying subscribers who agree to use our service for a predetermined service period and purchase handsets on an installment basis.

The following table summarizes the terms of our representative 5G and LTE mobile service plans that we currently offer:

Plan Monthly<br>Rate Voice<br>Calls Video<br>Calls Data Transmission Additional Features
5G Premium Choice ₩130,000 Unlimited 300 min. Unlimited •    Unlimited data roaming at 3 Mbps<br> <br>•    Handset insurance using reward points<br> <br>•    No service fee for additional smart device<br> <br>•    Free benefits (subscribers can choose one benefit from each category: 1) Tving / Netflix / YouTube Premium / Disney / Samsung; and 2) Music / E-book / Webtoon)
5G Special Choice ₩110,000 Unlimited 300 min. Unlimited •    Unlimited data roaming at 100 kbps<br> <br>•    Handset insurance using reward points<br> <br>•    No service fee for additional smart device<br> <br>•    Free benefits (subscribers can choose one benefit from each category: 1) Tving / Netflix / YouTube Premium / Disney / Samsung; and 2) Music / E-book / Webtoon)
5G Special ₩100,000 Unlimited 300 min. Unlimited •    Unlimited data roaming at 100 kbps<br> <br>•    Handset insurance using reward points<br> <br>•    No service fee for additional smart device
5G Basic Choice ₩90,000 Unlimited 300 min. Unlimited •    Unlimited data roaming at 100 kbps<br> <br>•    Free benefits (subscribers can choose one benefit among Tving / Netflix / YouTube Premium / Disney / Samsung)
5G Basic ₩80,000 Unlimited 300 min. Unlimited •    Unlimited data roaming at 100 kbps
5G Simple 110 GB ₩69,000 Unlimited 300 min. Unlimited, but decelerate to 5 Mbps after 110 GB

31

Table of Contents
Plan Monthly<br>Rate Voice<br>Calls Video<br>Calls Data Transmission Additional Features
5G Simple 90 GB ₩67,000 Unlimited 300 min. Unlimited, but decelerate to 1 Mbps after 90 GB
5G Simple 70 GB ₩65,000 Unlimited 300 min. Unlimited, but decelerate to 1 Mbps after 70 GB
5G Simple 50 GB ₩63,000 Unlimited 300 min. Unlimited, but decelerate to 1 Mbps after 50 GB
5G Simple 30 GB ₩61,000 Unlimited 300 min. Unlimited, but decelerate to 1 Mbps after 30 GB
5G Slim 21 GB ₩58,000 Unlimited 300 min. Unlimited, but decelerate to 1 Mbps after 21 GB
5G Slim 14 GB ₩55,000 Unlimited 300 min. Unlimited, but decelerate to 1 Mbps after 14 GB
5G Slim 10 GB ₩50,000 Unlimited 300 min. Unlimited, but decelerate to 400 kbps after 10 GB
5G Slim 7 GB ₩45,000 Unlimited 300 min. Unlimited, but decelerate to 400 kbps after 7 GB
5G Slim 4 GB ₩37,000 Unlimited 300 min. Unlimited, but decelerate to 400 kbps after 4 GB
Data On Premium ₩89,000 Unlimited 300 min. Unlimited •    Handset insurance using reward points<br> <br>•    No service fee for additional smart device<br> <br>•    Media package offering music, e-book and audio books.
Data On Video Plus ₩69,000 Unlimited 300 min. Unlimited, but decelerate to 5 Mbps after 110 GB
LTE Basic ₩33,000 Unlimited 50 min. 1.4 GB with an option to transfer data from and into the next month’s usage

In addition to our mobile service plans, we offer value-added services for additional monthly fees that can be added to the subscription such as media packages, mobile TV packages, additional data transmission packages, caller ID, music service packages and ring tone services and usage reporting services. We also offer fixed-rate international roaming plans that provide data roaming services in various countries around the world, which may be scheduled or automatically activated upon access from an overseas location.

Our mobile services also generate interconnection charges and expenses. For a call initiated by a mobile subscriber of one of our competitors to our mobile subscriber, the competitor collects from its subscriber its normal rate and remits to us a mobile-to-mobile interconnection charge. In addition,

32

Table of Contents

for a call initiated by our mobile subscriber to a mobile subscriber of one of our competitors, we collect from our subscriber our normal rate and remit to the competitor a mobile-to-mobile interconnection charge.

The following table shows the interconnection charges we paid per minute (exclusive of VAT) to our competitors, and the charges received per minute (exclusive of VAT) from mobile operators for mobile to mobile calls:

Effective Starting
January 1, 2022 January 1, 2023 January 1, 2024
9.7 9.2 8.6

Fixed-line Services

Fixed-line Telephone Services

Local and Domestic Long-distance. Our standard usage-based fixed-line telephone service plan consists of a base monthly rate of ₩5,720 and usage fees for local and domestic long-distance calls, as well as calls to VoIP phones and mobile phones. We charge ₩42.9 per three-minute increment for local calls, ₩15.95 per ten second increment for domestic long-distance calls, ₩53.9 per three-minute increment for calls to VoIP phones and ₩15.95 per ten second increment for calls to mobile phones. All usage-based fees are subject to discounts during certain low-usage periods of the day and on national holidays. The rates we charge for local calls are required to be reported to the MSIT, which has 15 days to object to such changes. For our subscribers who are initiating fixed-line telephone services, we charge a one-time nonrefundable activation fee of ₩36,000.

Calls to mobile phones are not included in the free 50 hours, and we charge ₩14.50 per ten second increment for such calls. For a premium plan with a base monthly fee of ₩16,500 (or ₩11,550 for a three year subscription commitment), calls to KT mobile subscribers are included as part of the free 50 hours.

International Long-distance. For our international long-distance services, fees for out-going calls vary based on the destination country and whether the user has subscribed to an international long-distance services plan, which can be customized based on the type of telecommunication device (mobile or fixed-line), destination countries and other customer preferences. Usage is typically measured in one-second increments. We pay a settlement fee to the relevant foreign carrier for such calls under a bilateral agreement with the foreign carrier. For incoming calls (including those placed in Korea by customers of the foreign carriers for home country direct-dial services), we receive settlement payments from the relevant foreign carrier at the applicable settlement rate specified under the relevant bilateral agreement.

Land-to-mobile Interconnection. We provide other telecommunications service providers, including mobile operators and other fixed-line operators, interconnection to our fixed-line network. For a call initiated by a landline user to a mobile service subscriber, we collect from the landline user the land-to-mobile usage charge and remit to the mobile service provider a land-to-mobile interconnection charge. We recognize as land-to-mobile interconnection revenue the entire amount of the usage charge collected from the landline user and recognize as expense the amount of interconnection charge paid to the mobile service provider. The MSIT periodically issues orders setting the interconnection charge calculation method applicable to interconnections with mobile service providers. The MSIT determines the land to mobile interconnection charge by calculating the long run incremental cost of mobile service providers, taking into consideration technology development and future expected costs.

33

Table of Contents

The following table shows the interconnection charges we paid per minute (exclusive of VAT) to mobile operators for landline to mobile calls:

Effective Starting
January 1, 2022 January 1, 2023 January 1, 2024
9.7 9.2 8.6
9.7 9.2 8.6

Land-to-land and Mobile-to-land Interconnection. For a call initiated by a landline subscriber of our competitor to our fixed-line user, the landline service provider collects from its subscriber its normal rate and remits to us a land-to-land interconnection charge. In addition, for a call initiated by a mobile service subscriber to our landline user, the mobile service provider collects from its subscriber its normal rate and remits to us a mobile-to-land interconnection charge.

The following table shows such interconnection charge per minute collected for a call depending on the type of call, as determined by the MSIT:

Effective Starting
January 1, 2022 January 1, 2023 January 1, 2024
Local access ^(1)^ 6.7 6.3 6.2
Single toll access ^(2)^ 7.6 7.2 6.9
Double toll access ^(3)^ 10.4 10.1 9.1

Source: The MSIT.

(1) Interconnection between local switching center and local access line.
(2) Interconnection involving access to single long-distance switching center.
--- ---
(3) Interconnection involving access to two long-distance switching centers.
--- ---

VoIP Telephone Services

Our VoIP telephone services offer rate plans that charge generally lower base monthly rates and usage-based fees compared to our fixed-line telephone services. For our subscribers who are initiating VoIP telephone services, we charge a one-time nonrefundable activation fee of ₩36,000, which may be waived if the subscriber opts for self-installation.

Broadband Internet Access Services

We offer various broadband Internet access service plans based on data transmission speed and data usage thresholds and offer discounts based on length of commitment that are applied for periods of up to four years. Most of our plans also include WiFi routers that enable our subscribers to create a WiFi environment in their residences. We charge our customers a one-time installation fee per site of ₩27,500. We also charge a modem rental fee ranging from ₩4,400 to ₩22,000 per year that varies depending on the type of model required for the service plan, which is also subject to discounts and waivers based on length of subscription commitment period.

34

Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the terms of our representative broadband Internet access service plans that we currently offer.

Plan Monthly Rate Rate with<br>3 Year Term Maximum<br>Speed Max Speed<br>Daily Limit ^(1)^ Additional Features
Internet Super Premium 110,000 88,000 10 Gbps 1000 GB 2 WiFi routers included.
Internet Premium Plus 82,500 60,500 5 Gbps 500 GB 2 WiFi routers included.
Internet Premium 60,500 44,000 2.5 Gbps 250 GB Discount on 1 WiFi router rental.
Internet Essence 55,000 38,500 1.0 Gbps 150 GB
Internet Slim 39,600 22,000 100 Mbps None
(1) Data transmission speed is reduced to 100 Mbps if data usage exceeds the specified maximum speed daily limit.
--- ---

Media and Content Services

Our IPTV and satellite TV service plans vary based on the package of media channels provided, availability of UHD channels and the inclusion of other value-added services. In addition to monthly rates for subscription, we charge a one-time installation fee of ₩31,400 per set-top box and a digital set-top box rental fee ranging from ₩7,700 to ₩22,000 per year that varies depending on the type of set-top box required for the service plan, which is also subject to discounts and waivers based on length of subscription commitment period. We also offer various video-on-demand contents for streaming and downloading for a fee.

The following table summarizes the terms of our representative IPTV service plans that we currently offer:

Plan Monthly<br>Rate Rate for<br>3 Year Term Channels<br>(UHD) Additional Features
Genie tv
NETFLIX Choice UHD ₩42,300 ₩35,480 266 (6) •    Genie tv Essence and NETFLIX premium service
NETFLIX Choice HD ₩38,800 ₩29,680 266 (6) •    Genie tv Essence and NETFLIX standard service
SuperPack Choice ₩36,300 ₩29,480 266 (6) •    Genie tv Essence and free movie, drama and animation contents
VOD Choice ₩31,020 ₩24,816 266 (6) •    Genie tv Essence and monthly coupon of ₩10,000 for video-on-demand
Essence Plus ₩28,160 ₩22,484 266 (6) •    Genie tv Essence and monthly coupon of ₩5,000 for video-on-demand
Essence ₩25,300 ₩20,240 266 (6)
Lite ₩19,800 ₩15,840 240 (3)
Basic ₩18,150 ₩14,740 236 (3)
Slim ₩16,500 ₩13,200 220 (3)
Genie tv skylife
Entertainment ₩31,020 ₩24,816 228 (6) •    Monthly coupon of ₩10,000 for video-on-demand.
Slim ₩16,500 ₩13,200 220 (6)

Bundled Rate Plans

In order to provide our customers with additional value and further promote our marketing efforts to cross sell our various services, we provide our customers with various bundled rate plans that provide discounts for subscribing to a combination of our services, as well as family plans that provide

35

Table of Contents

discounts for multiple line subscriptions under one household. The majority of our subscribers participate in our bundled rate plans.

Fixed-line Packages

We offer substantial discounts to customers who subscribe to two or more of our fixed-line and TV services consisting of fixed-line telephone, VoIP telephone, broadband Internet access, IPTV and satellite TV services. Subscription payments collected pursuant to our bundled rate plans are allocated to each service.

Mobile Packages

For our mobile services, we offer family plans that provide monthly discounts of up to ₩22,110 per mobile phone subscription. Up to five members of a household may participate in our family plans.

Fixed-line and Mobile Combination Packages

We also offer various bundled rate plans that combine our fixed-line and TV services with mobile services, for both households and single subscribers. For households that subscribe to broadband Internet access as well as mobile services, our premium family plan provides discounts of approximately 50% for broadband Internet access subscription as well as for mobile services of each additional family member (up to four additional members).

Competition

We face significant competition in each of our principal business areas. In the markets for mobile services, fixed-line services and media and content services, we compete primarily with SK Telecom and LG U+ (including their affiliates). Over time, considerable consolidation in the telecommunications industry has occurred, resulting in the current competitive landscape comprising three network service providers that offer a wide range of telecommunications and data communications services. In recent years, each of our primary competitors has acquired a leading cable TV operator in Korea to significantly increase their market shares in the pay TV market, which has further intensified competition.

To a lesser extent, we also compete with various value-added service providers and network service providers as classified under the Framework Act on Telecommunications and the Telecommunications Business Act, including MVNOs that lease mobile networks and offer mobile services, VoIP service providers that offer Internet telephone services, cable TV operators, text messaging service providers (particularly Kakao) and voice resellers, many of which offer competing services at lower prices. We also face changes in the evolving landscape of the market for media and content services arising from the increasing popularity of global OTT media services such as Netflix. In January 2023, the MSIT announced plans to encourage a fourth service provider to enter the Korean mobile service market by awarding a bandwidth license for the use of the 28 GHz spectrum and provide various measures to support the competitiveness of the new market entrant. In January 2024, Stage X, a consortium led by Stage Five, won the auction for 800 MHz of bandwidth license on the 28 GHz spectrum. However, in July 2024, the MSIT revoked Stage X’s bandwidth allocation, citing its failure to meet certain regulatory requirements for the license, and announced plans to facilitate the entry of new service providers in the future.

We compete primarily based on our service performance, quality and reliability, ability to accurately identify and respond to evolving consumer demand, and pricing. With the launch of 5G mobile services in April 2019, competition has further intensified among the three network service

36

Table of Contents

providers, which has resulted in an increase in marketing expenses, as well as additional capital expenditures related to implementing 5G mobile services. Mobile service providers also grant subsidies or subscription discount rates to subscribers who purchase new handsets and agree to a minimum subscription period, and we compete also based on such amounts. We and SK Telecom have been designated as market-dominating business entities in the local telephone and mobile markets, respectively, under the Telecommunications Business Act. Under this Act, a market-dominating business entity may not engage in any act of abuse, such as unreasonably interfering with business activities of other business entities, hindering unfairly the entry of newcomers or substantially restricting competition to the detriment of the interests of consumers. In addition, changes in our local telephone rates and mobile rates of SK Telecom are required to be reported to the MSIT, which has 15 days to object to such changes. The KCC has also issued guidelines on fair competition of the telecommunications companies. In line with these guidelines, from May to September 2024, the KCC conducted its first compliance review of network usage agreements between telecommunications carriers and value-added service providers. As of the date hereof, we have not received any feedback or indication that any further action will be taken as a result of the review.

In the financial services market, our credit and check cards issued under the “BC Card” brand pursuant to co-brand agreements with member companies compete principally with cards issued by other leading credit card companies in Korea with their own merchant payment networks, such as Shinhan Card, Hyundai Card and Samsung Card. Our member companies that issue co-branded credit or check cards include NH Card, Industrial Bank of Korea and KB Kookmin Card. We also compete with service providers that provide outsourcing services related to business operations of credit card companies. Competition in the credit card and check card businesses has increased substantially as existing credit card companies, consumer finance companies and other financial institutions in Korea have made significant investments and engaged in aggressive marketing campaigns and promotions for their credit and check cards, as well as investing in operational infrastructure that may reduce the need for our outsourcing services.

The following tables show the market shares in our principal markets in terms of subscribers as of the dates indicated:

Mobile Services

Market Share (%)^(1)^
KT Corporation SK Telecom LG U+
December 31, 2022 28.5 48.3 23.2
December 31, 2023 28.5 48.4 23.1
December 31, 2024 28.2 48.7 23.1

Source: The MSIT.

(1) Calculated in terms of the number of MNO mobile phone subscribers (not including MVNO mobile subscribers and subscribers of miscellaneous devices such as tablets and other IoT devices).

Fixed-line Local Telephone and VoIP Services

Market Share (%)
KT Corporation SK Broadband LG U+ Others
December 31, 2022^(1)^ 55.0 15.6 17.2 12.2
December 31, 2023^(1)^ 54.2 15.7 17.0 13.1
December 31, 2024^(1)^ 53.7 15.8 16.7 13.8

Source: Korea Telecommunications Operators Association.

(1) Calculated in terms of an aggregation of the retail and corporate subscribers of (i) the three major network service providers and (ii) other fixed-line telecommunications service providers that co-use our fixed-line telecommunications infrastructure.

37

Table of Contents

Broadband Internet Access Services

Market Share (%)
KT Corporation SK Broadband LG U+ Others
December 31, 2022 41.3 28.5 21.0 9.2
December 31, 2023 40.8 28.7 21.4 9.1
December 31, 2024 39.8 28.6 22.6 9.0

Source: The MSIT.

IPTV Services

Market Share (%)
KT Corporation^(1)^ SK Broadband LG U+
December 31, 2022 44.3 30.6 25.1
December 31, 2023 43.6 31.2 25.2
December 31, 2024 43.3 31.2 25.5

Source: Investor relations report of each company.

(1) Includes market share of IPTV services offered by KT Skylife.

Regulation

Under the Framework Act on Telecommunications, the Telecommunications Business Act, the Broadcasting Act and the Radio Waves Act, the MSIT has comprehensive regulatory authority over the telecommunications industry and all network service providers.

The MSIT has primary policy and regulatory responsibility for matters such as: (i) registration of network service providers and licensing of select services (the MSIT authorizes the licensing of IPTV service providers and, with the prior consent of the KCC, authorizes the licensing of satellite broadcasting companies); (ii) regulation of mergers and acquisitions, as well as license suspension and termination of network service providers; (iii) providing oversight on foreign ownership ratios in network service providers; and (iv) reviewing telecommunication matters as they relate to the public interest and approving ancillary telecommunication business activities. Additionally, the MSIT is responsible for a broad range of other policy and regulatory matters, including the administration and supervision of regulatory reporting by telecommunications companies, examination and analysis of accounting and business management practices in the industry, establishment and administration of policies governing telecommunications service fees, value-added service providers and network service providers, as well as supervision of reporting requirements of standard telecommunications service/user contracts.

The KCC’s overall policy role is to play a key role in regulatory activities aimed at protecting service users in the broadcast and telecommunications market and it continues to be responsible for investigations and sanctions regarding violations by telecommunications companies, as well as for mediating disputes between service providers and users. The KCC is established under the direct jurisdiction of the President of Korea and is comprised of five standing commissioners. Commissioners of the KCC are appointed by the President, and the appointment of the Chairperson must be approved at a confirmation hearing at the National Assembly.

Under the Personal Information Protection Act, telecommunications service providers are also required to protect personal information of their customers. Generally, when a telecommunications service provider intends to collect or use its customer’s personal information, such telecommunications service provider, with certain exceptions, must notify and receive the customers’ consent in relation to

38

Table of Contents

the purpose of collection, the use of the collected personal information, types of personal information collected and period during which the personal information will be possessed and used. Certain exceptions for collecting or using personal information without consent came into effect on September 15, 2023 under the amended Personal Information Protection Act, which relaxed the regulations to some extent. Under the Personal Information Protection Act, any enterprise, including Korean telecommunications providers, may not use their customers’ personal information for any purpose other than the purpose their customers have consented to. In addition, there are various internal processes that the telecommunications providers are mandated to install in order to collect and handle personal information of their customers.

The MSIT also has the authority to regulate the pay TV market, including IPTV services. Under the Internet Multimedia Broadcasting Services Act, anyone intending to engage in the Internet multimedia broadcasting business must obtain a license from the MSIT. The ownership of the shares of an Internet multimedia broadcasting company by a newspaper, a news agency or a foreigner is limited.

Rates

Under current regulations implementing the Telecommunications Business Act, a network service provider may set its rates at its discretion, although it must report to the MSIT the rates and the general terms and conditions for each type of network service provided by it. However, the MSIT may object to the rates set by a market-dominating business entity within 15 days from the date of receipt of such report if there is a high risk of (i) harming the users’ interests (including unfair discrimination against specific users based on contract length and usage volume with such service provider) or (ii) harming fair competition (including the provision of telecommunication services at unfair rates compared to the wholesale price offered by other telecommunications service providers). In 1997, we and SK Telecom were designated as market-dominating business entities for local telephone service and for mobile service, respectively, which currently remains in effect. As a result, changes in our local telephone rates and in the mobile rates of SK Telecom are required to be reported to the MSIT, which has 15 days to object to such changes. The form of our standard agreement for providing local network service and each agreement for interconnection with other service providers must also be reported to the MSIT.

The repeal of the Mobile Device Distribution Improvement Act was passed on January 21, 2025, and is scheduled to be fully implemented on July 22, 2025. The repeal aims to encourage mobile service providers to offer differentiated benefits to customers. The Mobile Device Distribution Improvement Act permitted subscribers to choose between a designated handset subsidy for the purchase of a recently released mobile phone or a designated discount on the mobile service subscription rate. Starting July 22, 2025, the obligation for mobile carriers to disclose handset subsidies, as well as the regulation limiting additional subsidies provided by retailers to within 15% of the disclosed subsidy, will be abolished. Mobile service providers will be permitted to offer greater subsidies to subscribers who switch service providers, based on specific criteria designated by the KCC, such as estimated profit margins and subscriber switching costs. The repeal of the Mobile Device Distribution Improvement Act may have a material impact on the competitive landscape of the mobile telecommunications industry, as mobile service providers are given more flexibility to offer handset subsidies or discounts, which may in turn increase expenses. In addition, the MSIT may periodically announce policy guidelines that telecommunications companies are recommended to take into consideration in their telecommunications and Internet-related businesses.

39

Table of Contents

Other Activities

A network service provider, such as us, must obtain the permission of the MSIT in order to:

modify its licenses;
discontinue, suspend or spin off all or a part of the business for which it is licensed;
--- ---
transfer or acquire all or a part of the business of another network service provider; or
--- ---
enter into a merger with another network service provider.
--- ---

By submitting a report to the MSIT, a network service provider may enter into arrangements for services to be furnished to its customers by a different telecommunications service provider and, in connection therewith, may provide its telecommunications services to, or authorize the use of all or a portion of its telecommunications facilities by, such other telecommunications service provider. The MSIT can revoke our licenses or order the suspension of any of our businesses if we do not comply with the regulations of the MSIT under the Telecommunications Business Act.

The responsibilities of the MSIT include:

drafting and implementing plans for developing telecommunications technology;
fostering and providing guidance to institutions and entities that conduct research relating to telecommunications; and
--- ---
recommending to network service providers that they invest in research and development or that they contribute to telecommunications research institutes in Korea.
--- ---

In addition, all network service providers (other than regional paging service providers) are obligated to contribute toward the supply of “universal” telecommunications services in Korea. Telecommunications service providers designated as “universal service providers” by the MSIT are required to provide universal telecommunications services such as local services, local public telephone services, broadband services, discount services for persons with disabilities and for certain low-income persons, telecommunications services for remote islands and wireless communication services for ships. We have been designated as a universal service provider. The costs and losses recognized by universal service providers in connection with providing these universal telecommunications services, except for discount services for persons with disabilities and for certain low-income persons, will be shared on an annual basis by all network service providers (other than regional paging service providers), including us, on a pro rata basis based on their respective net annual revenue calculated pursuant to a formula set by the MSIT. As for the costs and losses recognized by a universal service provider in connection with providing discount services for persons with disabilities and for certain low-income persons, such costs and losses will be borne by such universal service provider.

Prior to April 2018, in accordance with the MSIT’s determination that we possessed essential infrastructure, we were required to permit other fixed-line communications service providers to co-use our fixed-line telecommunication infrastructure, upon the request of such other fixed-line telecommunications service providers. Subsequently, to facilitate expedient establishment of 5G mobile services infrastructure, the Government amended the co-use system as follows: (i) we should permit not only fixed-line telecommunications service providers, but also mobile service providers such as SK Telecom and LG U+ to co-use our telecommunications infrastructure necessary for provision of

40

Table of Contents

5G mobile services, (ii) the Government determined that we, SK Telecom, SK Broadband and LG U+ possessed essential infrastructure with respect to the interval between the cable entry at a building and the initial occurrence of connection within the building and required that the three companies share such infrastructure throughout buildings in Korea with each other, and (iii) fixed-line telecommunications service providers and mobile service providers are required to participate in joint efforts to construct additional fixed-line and mobile network architecture. For more information on our mobile network architecture, see “Item 4.D. Property, Plant and Equipment—Mobile Networks.”

In addition, we are required to lease to other companies our fixed-lines that connect subscribers to our network. This system, which is called local loop unbundling, is intended to prevent excessive investment in local loops. This system requires us to lease the portion of our copper lines that represent our excess capacity to other companies upon their request at rates that are determined by the MSIT based on our cost, and taking into consideration an appropriate rate of return, to enable them to provide voice and broadband services. Revenue from local loop unbundling, if any, are recognized as revenue from other businesses.

All telecommunications service providers must also provide compensation to their users in the following cases: (i) damage is caused to the user in connection with the service provider’s provision of telecommunication services (including from disruptions in service) and (ii) damage is caused to the user due to the reasons stated in such user’s complaint addressed to the service provider or a delay in the service provider’s processing of such complaint. However, if damage to a user is caused by force majeure, or if damage is caused intentionally by, or due to the negligence of, the user, the service provider’s liability for any compensation to such user is mitigated or absolved. In cases where the provision of telecommunication services is disrupted, the service provider must inform its user of the disruption as well as the standards and procedures for obtaining compensation for any damages.

In addition, if the number of users and the network traffic of a value-added service provider exceeds a certain threshold set by the MSIT, such value-added service provider must secure adequate measures to provide stable services to its users, which may require cooperation with other network service providers. According to an amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act effective July 2023, a value-added service provider that (i) averages greater than one million domestic users per day during the last three months of the preceding year and (ii) records domestic communication traffic volume in excess of a certain threshold set by the MSIT is obligated, among other things, to submit to the MSIT information regarding the status and its plans on measures to provide stable services, on an annual basis. Furthermore, the amended Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Business Act, scheduled to take effect on February 12, 2026, imposes additional obligations on value-added service providers that meet the above criteria, including: (i) operating both an online and a telephone automated response system, (ii) processing user requests in real-time and in Korean during business hours, and (iii) if real-time processing is not feasible, addressing user requests within three business days from the date of receipt. If there are justifiable reasons for not completing the process within this timeframe, the user must be informed of the reason and provided with a processing schedule.

Furthermore, pursuant to an amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act in December 2023, which became effective on June 30, 2024, a network service provider that exceeds certain thresholds set forth in the Enforcement Decree is obliged to make efforts to provide stable services by (i) taking certain technical and managerial measures, such as vulnerability analysis and assessment, and the management and monitoring of core equipment, (ii) submitting the implementation results of the technical and managerial measures to the MSIT and (iii) disclosing an annual report on the stability of its network services. Such thresholds are set forth in the amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Business Act, which took effect on June 28, 2024. Under the Enforcement Decree, network service providers with annual network service sales of at least ₩1 trillion and either at least 100,000 subscribers or 500,000 lines must implement technical and

41

Table of Contents

managerial measures. They may be required to submit implementation results by January 31 and must publish an annual service stability report on their website by June 30. Additionally, beginning February 12, 2026, facilities-based network service providers that meet either (i) annual telecommunications service sales of at least ₩1 trillion, or (ii) at least 100,000 subscribers or 500,000 lines as of the end of the preceding year, must take appropriate technical and managerial measures to ensure stable services, submit the implementation results of these measures to the MSIT, and publicly disclose reports regarding their actions taken to maintain service stability.

Foreign Investment

The Telecommunications Business Act restricts the ownership and control of network service providers by foreign shareholders. Foreigners (based on citizenship), foreign governments and “companies deemed as foreigners” may not in the aggregate own more than 49.0% of the issued shares with voting rights of a network service provider, including us. For purposes of the Telecommunications Business Act, the term “company deemed as a foreigner” means a company in which a foreigner or a foreign government is the largest shareholder and holds 15.0% or more of the company’s shares with voting rights, provided, however, that such company will not be counted as a foreign shareholder for the purposes of the 49.0% limit if (1) it holds less than 1.0% of our total issued and outstanding shares with voting rights or (2) if the MSIT determines that the fact that such foreign government or entity holds a 15.0% or greater shareholding in such company does not present a risk of harm to the public interest.

Notwithstanding the above, pursuant to an amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act that became effective in April 2022, a company, so long as (i) its largest shareholder (determined by aggregating the shareholdings of such shareholder and its related parties) is a foreign government or a foreigner of a country that has entered into a bilateral or multilateral free trade agreement with Korea that is designated by the MSIT, and (ii) such shareholder (together with the shareholdings of its related parties) owns 15.0% or more of the issued voting stock of such entity, may own more than 49.0% of our issued shares with voting rights but may not exercise its voting rights with respect to the shares held in excess of the 49.0% ceiling until the conclusion of the MSIT’s public interest review. Furthermore, this exemption from the restriction of foreign ownership of a network service provider beyond the 49.0% threshold applies not only to a foreign government or a foreigner from an FTA Country but also to a foreign government or a foreigner from an OECD country.

In addition, the calculation of the above-referenced 49% ceiling applies to: (x) any foreign entities that have entered into a major management-related agreement with a network service provider or the shareholder(s) thereof; and (y) foreign entities that have entered into an agreement pertaining to the settlement of fees relating to the handling of international electronic telecommunications services. As of December 31, 2024, 49.0% of our common shares were owned by foreign investors. In the event that a network service provider violates the shareholding restrictions, its foreign shareholders cannot exercise voting rights for their shares in excess of such limitation, and the MSIT may require corrective measures be taken to comply with the ownership restrictions.

In addition to the 49.0% limit referenced above, under the Telecommunications Business Act, a foreign shareholder who holds 5.0% or more of our total shares is prohibited from becoming our largest shareholder. In addition, under the Telecommunications Business Act, the MSIT may, if it deems it necessary to preserve substantial public interests, prohibit a foreign shareholder from being our largest shareholder. In the event that any foreigner or foreign government acquires our shares in violation of the above provisions, the Telecommunications Business Act restricts such foreign shareholder from exercising his or her voting rights with respect to common shares exceeding such threshold. The MSIT may also order us or the foreign shareholder to take corrective measures in respect of the excess shares within a period of up to six months.

42

Table of Contents

Customers and Customer Billing

We typically charge residential subscribers and business subscribers similar rates for services provided. On a case-by-case basis, we also provide discount rates for some of our high-volume business subscribers. We bill all of our customers on a monthly basis. Our customers may make payment at either payment points such as local post offices, banks or our service offices, through a direct-debit service that automatically deducts the monthly payment from a subscriber’s designated bank account, or through a direct-charge service that automatically charges the monthly payment to a subscriber’s designated credit card account. Approximately 89.4% of our subscribers as of December 31, 2024 pay through the direct-debit service. Accounts of subscribers who fail to pay our invoice are transferred to a collection agency, which sends out a notice of payment. If such charges are not paid after notice, we cease to provide outgoing service to such subscribers after a period of time determined by the type of subscribed service. If charges are still not paid two to three months after outgoing service is cut off, we cease all services to such subscribers. After service is ceased, the overdue charges that are not collected by the collection agency are written off.

Credit Card Business

Through BC Card in which we held a 69.5% interest as of December 31, 2024, we offer various credit card processing and related financial services. BC Card is regulated and supervised as a Specialized Credit Financial Business (“SCFB”), as defined under the Specialized Credit Financial Businesses Act of Korea (“SCFBA”). The SCFBA subjects SCFB companies to licensing (for credit card businesses) and registration (for leasing, installment finance or new technology finance businesses) requirements and provides guidance and restrictions regarding capital adequacy, liquidity ratios, loans to major shareholders, reporting and other matters relating to the supervision of SCFB companies. The SCFBA delegates regulatory authority over SCFB companies to the FSC and FSS. The FSC has the authority to suspend the operations of an SCFB company for up to six months for non-compliance with certain regulations under the SCFBA and issue certain administrative orders. The FSC is also entitled to cancel a license or registration if an SCFB company fails to comply with certain SCFBA regulations or FSC administrative orders, including a suspension order.

The SCFBA and the regulations thereunder require an SCFB company to satisfy a minimum paid-in capital amount of (i) ₩20 billion, where the SCFB company engages in no more than two kinds of core businesses and (ii) ₩40 billion, where the SCFB company, such as BC Card, engages in three or more kinds of core businesses. An SCFB engaging in a credit card business must maintain a total Tier I and Tier II capital adequacy ratio (adjusted equity capital divided by adjusted total assets) of 8% or more. In addition, an SCFB company must maintain a one-month-or-longer delinquent claim ratio (delinquent claims divided by total claims) of less than 10%.

Under the SCFBA and the regulations thereunder, an SCFB company is required to maintain a Won liquidity ratio (Won-denominated current assets divided by Won-denominated current liabilities) of 100% or more. In addition, if an SCFB company is registered as a foreign exchange business institution with the MOEF, such SCFB company is required to maintain (1) a foreign-currency liquidity ratio (foreign currency liquid assets due within three months divided by foreign-currency liabilities due within three months) of not less than 80%, (2) a ratio of foreign currency liquid assets due within seven days less foreign currency liabilities due within seven days, divided by total foreign-currency assets, of not less than 0%, and (3) a ratio of foreign currency liquid assets due within a month less foreign currency liabilities due within a month, divided by total foreign-currency assets, of not less than negative 10%.

Under the SCFBA and the regulations thereunder, an SCFB company may not provide loans in the aggregate exceeding 50% of its equity capital to its major shareholders (including their specially related persons).

43

Table of Contents

Pursuant to the SCFBA and the regulations thereunder, an SCFB company is required to submit business reports to the FSC regarding, among others, financial statements, actual results of management and soundness of assets. An SCFB company is also required to provide information regarding specific matters, including: (i) the amount of loans provided to major shareholders as of the end of each quarter; (ii) changes in the aggregate amount of such loans and the terms and conditions of the credit extension transactions for each quarter; (iii) the amount of stocks acquired by major shareholders as of the end of each quarter; and (iv) changes in the aggregate amount of stocks held and the acquisition price of such stocks for each quarter, in each case within one month of the end of each quarter. In addition, an SCFB company is required to file a report to the FSC upon the occurrence of certain events, including (i) changes to its name; (ii) changes to the largest shareholder; or (iii) changes of 1% or more in the ownership of stocks with voting rights held by a major shareholder and such major shareholder’s specially related persons, in each case within seven days from the date of its occurrence.

Insurance

We carry insurance against loss or damage to all significant buildings and automobiles. Except for our insurance coverage of our satellites and data centers, we do not carry insurance covering losses to outside plants or to equipment because we believe the cost of such insurance is excessive and the risk of material loss or damage is insignificant. We do not have any provisions or reserves against such loss or damage. We do not carry any business interruption insurance.

We provide co-location and a variety of value-added services including server-hosting services to a number of corporations whose business largely depends on critical data operated on our servers or on their servers located at our data centers. Any disruptions, interruptions, physical or electronic data loss, delays or slowdowns in communication connections could expose us to potential liabilities for losses relating to the disrupted businesses of our customers relying on our services.

Information Technology and Operational Systems

Enhancement of our information technology and operational systems and efficient utilization of such systems are important in effectively promoting our core strategies. We are committed to continually investing in and enhancing our information technology systems, which provide support to many aspects of our businesses. In June 2017, we implemented KT One System (“KOS”), a wired/wireless system integration program that unified wired/wireless workflows, structures and systems that had been separated previously. KOS has contributed to enhancing various aspects of our business processes and control systems.

Patents and Licensed Technology

The ability to obtain and protect intellectual property rights to the latest telecommunications technology is important for our business. We own or have licenses to various patents and trademarks in Korea and overseas, and have applications for patents pending in Korea and other select countries such as the United States, Europe, China and Japan. A majority of our patents registered in Korea and overseas relate to our wireless and fixed-line telecommunications, media services and technologies related to IoT and AI. In addition, we operate several research and development (“R&D”) laboratories to develop latest technology and additional platforms, as described in “Item 5.C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc.” We license our intellectual property rights to third parties in return for periodic royal payments. We currently do not license any material technologies or patents from third parties.

44

Table of Contents

Seasonality of the Business

Our main business generally does not experience significant seasonality.

Item 4.C.  Organizational Structure

These matters are discussed under Item 4.B. where relevant.

Item 4.D.  Property, Plant and Equipment

Our principal fixed asset consists of our integrated telecommunications networks. In addition, we own buildings and real estate throughout Korea. As of December 31, 2024, the net book value of our property and equipment was ₩14,826 billion, of which ₩3,786 billion is accounted for by the net book value of our land, buildings and structures. As of December 31, 2024, the net book value of our investment properties, which is accounted for separately from our property and equipment, was ₩2,300 billion. Other than as may be described in this annual report, no significant amount of our properties is leased. There are no material encumbrances on our properties including the fixed assets below.

Mobile Networks

Our mobile network architecture includes the following components:

cell sites, which are physical locations equipped with radio units of base transceiver stations and other equipment used to communicate through radio channels with subscribers’ mobile telephone handsets within the range of a cell;
centralized centers, which are physical locations with baseband units of base transceiver stations;
--- ---
core networks, which connect to and control the base transceiver stations and provide the gateway to other networks and services; and
--- ---
transmission lines, which connect the mobile switching centers, base station controllers, base transceiver stations and the public switched telephone network.
--- ---

One of the principal limitations on a wireless network’s subscriber capacity is the amount of bandwidth allocated to a service provider. We have acquired a number of bandwidth licenses to secure additional bandwidth capacity to provide our broad range of services, for which we typically make an initial payment as well as pay usage fees during the license period. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Item 5.A. Operating Results—Overview—Acquisition of New Bandwidth Licenses and Usage Fees.”

Exchanges

Exchanges include local exchanges and “toll” exchanges that connect local exchanges to long-distance transmission facilities. We had approximately 19.6 million lines connected to local exchanges and 2.4 million lines connected to toll exchanges as of December 31, 2024.

All of our exchanges are fully digital and automatic in order to provide higher speed and larger volume services. In addition, all of our lines connected to toll exchanges are compatible with IP platforms.

45

Table of Contents

Internet Backbone

Our Internet backbone network, called KORNET, has the capacity to handle aggregate traffic of our broadband Internet access subscribers, data centers and Internet exchange system at any given moment of up to 39.4 Tbps as of December 31, 2024. Our IP premium network enables us to more reliably support our IPTV, VoIP and other IP-related services. As of December 31, 2024, our IP premium network had capacity of 4.7 Tbps to support LTE data, IPTV, voice and virtual private network (“VPN”) service traffic. In addition, our 5G backbone network had capacity of 5.6 Tbps to support 5G data service traffic.

Access Lines

As of December 31, 2024, we had 26.2 million access lines installed, which allow us to reach virtually all homes and businesses in Korea. As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately 26.0 million broadband lines with speed of at least 50 Mbps that enable us to deliver broadband Internet access and multimedia contents to our customers.

Transmission Networks

Our domestic fiber optic cable network consisted of 953,183 kilometers of fiber optic cables as of December 31, 2024 of which 136,974 kilometers of fiber optic cables are used to connect our backbone network and 816,209 kilometers are used to connect the backbone network to our subscribers. As of December 31, 2024, our backbone network utilizes 64 Tbp Long-haul Reconfigurable Optical Add Drop Multiplexer (“ROADM”) technology for connecting cities. ROADM technology improves bandwidth efficiency by enabling data to be transmitted from multiple signals across one fiber strand in a cable and carrying each signal on a separate wavelength. Our transmission backbone network connecting major cities in Korea utilize Packet Optical Transport Network (“POTN”), and we access such network through multi-service provisioning platform (“MSPP”) architecture.

Our extensive domestic long-distance network is supplemented by our fully digital domestic microwave network, which consisted of 52 relay sites as of December 31, 2024.

International Networks

Our international network infrastructure consists of both submarine cables and satellite transmission systems, including two submarine cable-landing stations in Busan and Keoje and one satellite teleport in Kumsan. International traffic is handled by submarine cables and telecommunications satellites. Because of the high cost of laying a submarine cable, the usual practice is for multiple carriers to jointly commission a new cable and share the costs and the capacity. We own interests in several international fiber optic submarine cable networks. We also operate satellites periodically launched by us, as well as lease satellite capacity from other satellite operators. Data services such as international private lease circuits, IP and very small aperture terminals are provided through submarine cables and satellite transmission. In order to guarantee high quality services to our end customers, our submarine cables and satellite transmission systems are linked to various points-of-presence in the United States, Asia and Europe. In addition, as of December 31, 2024, our international telecommunications networks were directly linked to 203 telecommunications service providers in various international destinations and are routed through our three international switching centers in Seoul, Daejeon and Busan.

As of December 31, 2024, our international Internet backbone with capacity of approximately 9,680 Gbps is connected to approximately 320 Internet service and content providers through our two Internet gateways in Busan. In addition, we operate a broadcasting backbone with capacity of 0.69 Gbps to transmit broadcasting signals from Korea to the rest of the world.

46

Table of Contents

Item 4A.  Unresolved Staff Comments

We do not have any unresolved comments from the Securities and Exchange Commission staff regarding our periodic reports under the Exchange Act.

Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

Item 5.A.  Operating Results

The following discussion and analysis is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.

Overview

We are an integrated provider of telecommunications services. Our principal telecommunications and Internet-related services include mobile voice and data telecommunications services, fixed-line services (consisting of fixed-line telephone, VoIP telephone, broadband Internet access and data communication services) and media and content services (including IPTV and satellite TV). The principal factors affecting our revenue from these services have been our rates for, and the usage volume of, these services, as well as the number of subscribers. For information on rates we charge for our services, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Item 4.B. Business Overview—Our Rates.” In addition, we derive revenue from credit card processing and other financial services, sale of goods (primarily handsets related to our mobile services and miscellaneous telecommunications equipment, as well as sale of residential units and commercial real estate developed KT Estate), and miscellaneous business activities including information technology and network services, real estate development and satellite services.

Our five operating segments for financial reporting purposes are organized as the following:

the ICT segment, which primarily consists of KT Corporation on a standalone basis that is primarily engaged in providing various telecommunications and platform services to individual, household and corporate customers as well as selling handsets;
the finance segment, which engages in providing various financial services such as credit card services and value-added network and payment gateway services;
--- ---
the satellite TV segment, which engages in satellite TV services;
--- ---
the real estate segment, which engages in real property development and leasing services; and
--- ---
the others segment, which includes (i) information technology and network services, (ii) contents and commerce services, (iii) security services, (iv) satellite service, (v) global business services that provide global network services to multinational or domestic corporate customers and telecommunications companies and (vi) miscellaneous services provided by our subsidiaries.
--- ---

Our future performance will depend at least in part on Korea’s general economic growth and prospects. For a description of recent developments that have had and may continue to have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition, see “Item 3. Key Information—Item 3.D. Risk Factors—If economic conditions in Korea deteriorate, our current business and future growth could be materially and adversely affected” and “—Occurrences of widespread infectious diseases

47

Table of Contents

could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.” A number of other developments have had or are expected to have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition and capital expenditures. These developments include:

acquisition of new bandwidth licenses and usage fees;
researching and implementing technology upgrades and additional telecommunications services;
--- ---
changes in the rate structure for our telecommunications services; and
--- ---
acquisitions and disposals of interests in subsidiaries and joint ventures.
--- ---

As a result of these factors, our financial results in the past may not be indicative of future results or trends in those results.

Acquisition of New Bandwidth Licenses and Usage Fees

One of the principal limitations on a wireless network’s subscriber capacity is the amount of bandwidth allocated to a service provider. The growth of our mobile telecommunications business and the increase in usage of wireless data transmission services have been significant factors in the increased utilization of our bandwidth, since wireless data applications are generally more bandwidth-intensive than voice services. The current trend of increasing data transmission use and the increasing sophistication of multimedia contents are likely to put additional strain on the bandwidth capacity of mobile service providers. We have acquired a number of licenses in recent years to secure additional bandwidth capacity to provide our broad range of services, for which we typically make an initial payment as well as pay usage fees during the license period. The MSIT reserves the right to reallocate bandwidths in order to address the changing needs for bandwidth capacity of mobile service providers, the consideration for which may depend on the extent of the buildout of the service provider’s telecommunications network to utilize the relevant bandwidth. For example, in recent years, the MSIT cancelled the bandwidth licenses for the use of the 28 GHz spectrum that had been issued to us, SK Telecom and LG U+, noting the failure to meet certain agreements made with the MSIT at the time of the license allocations.

For all of our bandwidth licenses, we made aggregate payments of ₩319 billion in 2022, ₩327 billion in 2023 and ₩299 billion in 2024. The following table sets forth our outstanding payment obligations relating to our bandwidth licenses as of December 31, 2024.

Spectrum Bandwidth License<br>Acquisition<br>Date Total<br>Payable<br>Amount<br>(in billions<br>of Won) Total<br>remaining<br>amount<br>(in billions<br>of Won) Initial<br>Payment<br>Amount<br>(in billions<br>of Won) Initial<br>Payment<br>Year Annual<br>Usage<br>Fee<br>(in billions<br>of Won) Annual<br>Usage<br> <br>Fee Payment<br>Term
900 MHz 20 MHz July 1, 2021 141 42 35 2021 21 2022 to 2026
1.8 GHz 35 MHz July 1, 2021 548 164 137 2021 82 2022 to 2026
1.8 GHz 20 MHz Aug. 4, 2016 470 70 118 2016 35 2017 to 2026
2.1 GHz 40 MHz Dec. 6, 2021 412 124 103 2021 62 2022 to 2026
3.5 GHz 100 MHz Dec. 1, 2018 968 292 242 2018 73 2019 to 2028

Researching and Implementing Technology Upgrades and Additional Telecommunications Services such as 5G Technologies

The telecommunications industry is characterized by continued advances and improvements in telecommunications technology, and we have been continually researching and implementing network

48

Table of Contents

upgrades and launching additional telecommunications services to maintain our competitiveness. In recent years, we have made extensive efforts to continue to develop mobile services with enhanced speed, latency and connectivity that enable us to offer significantly improved wireless data transmission with faster access to multimedia content.

We also make investments to continually upgrade our broadband network to enable better FTTH connection, which further enhances data transmission speed and connection quality. FTTH is a telecommunication architecture in which a communication path is provided over optical fiber cables extending from the telecommunications operator’s switching equipment to the boundary of home or office. FTTH uses fiber optic cable, which is able to carry a high-bandwidth signal for longer distances without degradation. FTTH enables us to deliver enhanced services that require high bandwidth with stability, such as IPTV and other digital media content. The MSIT has the authority to recommend to network service providers that they provide funds for national research and development of telecommunications technology and related projects. Including such contributions, total expenditures (which include capitalized expenses) on research and development were ₩231 billion in 2022, ₩225 billion in 2023 and ₩212 billion in 2024. We plan to continue to invest in researching and implementing network upgrades, which will entail additional operating expenses as well as capital expenditures.

Fee Discounts and Adjustments to the Rates for Our Telecommunications Services

We provide bundled packages of our various services at a discount in order to attract additional subscribers to our new services. We offer discounts to customers who subscribe to two or more of our fixed-line and TV services consisting of fixed-line telephone, VoIP telephone, broadband Internet access, IPTV and satellite TV services. For our mobile services, we offer a family plan that provides a discount for each additional mobile phone subscription. We also offer various bundled rate plans that combine our fixed-line and TV services with mobile services, for both households and single subscribers. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Item 4.B. Business Overview—Our Rates.”

Changes in our local telephone rates are required to be reported to the MSIT, which has 15 days to object to such changes. The form of our standard agreement for providing local network service and each agreement for interconnection with other service providers must also be reported to the MSIT. Although we compete freely with other network service providers in terms of rate plans for our principal telecommunications and Internet-related services except for rates we charge for local calls, the MSIT may periodically announce policy guidelines that we may be recommended to take into consideration.

The Government may pursue additional measures to regulate the markets in which we compete. There can be no assurance that we will not adopt additional measures that reduce rates charged to our subscribers as well as adjustments to our handset subsidies and other measures in the future to comply with regulatory requirements or the Government’s policy guidelines. For a discussion of adjustments in our rate structure, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Item 4.B. Business Overview—Our Rates.”

Acquisitions and Disposals of Interests in Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures

One key aspect of our overall business strategy calls for acquisitions of businesses and entering into joint ventures that complement or diversify our current business, as well as disposal or termination of such businesses from time to time. For example, in September 2021, KT Skylife, in which we held a 50.3% interest as of December 31, 2024, completed its acquisition of a 100.00% interest in KT HCN, which is Korea’s fifth largest cable operator. The identification of suitable acquisition candidates can be difficult, time-consuming and costly, and our financial condition and results of operations may be affected as a result of such acquisitions, disposals or consolidation.

49

Table of Contents

Furthermore, pursuing acquisitions, joint venture and certain investment transactions also requires significant capital, and as we pursue further growth opportunities for the future, we may need to raise additional capital by incurring loans or through the issuances of bonds or other securities in the international capital markets, which may lead to increased levels of debt and debt servicing costs in the future.

Explanatory Note Regarding Presentation of Certain Financial Information under K-IFRS

In addition to preparing financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB included in this annual report, we prepare financial statements in accordance with K-IFRS, which we are required to file with the Financial Services Commission and the Korea Exchange under the FSCMA.

K-IFRS differs in certain respects from IFRS as issued by the IASB in the presentation of operating profit. Additionally, under K-IFRS, revenue from the development and sale of real estate is recognized using the percentage of completion method. However, under IFRS as issued by the IASB, revenue from the development and sale of real estate is recognized when an individual unit of residential real estate is delivered to the buyer. Primarily due to such differences, our consolidated statements of comprehensive income and our consolidated statements of financial position prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB included in this annual report differ from our consolidated statements of comprehensive income and consolidated statements of financial position prepared in accordance with K-IFRS.

The table below sets forth a reconciliation of our operating profit and net income or loss as presented in our consolidated statements of profit or loss prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB for each of the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024 to our operating profit and net income or loss in our consolidated statements of profit or loss prepared in accordance with K-IFRS, for each of the corresponding years, taking into account such differences:

For the Year Ended December 31,
2022 2023 2024
(In billions of Won)
Operating profit under IFRS as issued by the IASB 1,968 1,428 640
Differences under K-IFRS requiring other income and other expenses to be distinguished from operating revenue (280 ) 200 156
Revenue recognition of development, sale of real estate, etc. 3 22 13
Operating profit under K-IFRS 1,690 1,650 809
For the Year Ended December 31,
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
2022 2023 2024
(In billions of Won)
Net income under IFRS as issued by the IASB 1,386 972 407
Revenue recognition of development, sale of real estate, etc. 3 22 13
Income tax (1 ) (5 ) (3 )
Profit for the year under K-IFRS 1,388 989 417

Changes in Accounting Policies

For a summary of new standards, amendments and interpretations issued under IFRS as issued by the IASB, see Note 2.2 of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

50

Table of Contents

Operating Revenue and Operating Expenses

Operating Revenue

Our operating revenue primarily consists of:

fees related to our mobile services, including monthly fees, usage charges for outgoing calls, usage charges for wireless data transmission, contents download fees, mobile-to-mobile interconnection revenue and value-added monthly service fees;
fees from our fixed-line services, including:
--- ---
Ø broadband Internet access service revenue, primarily consisting of installation fees and basic monthly charges;
--- ---
Ø fees from our fixed-line and VoIP telephone services, which include:
--- ---
Ø monthly basic charges, which are one-time or monthly fixed charges primarily consisting of (i) non-refundable activation fees; and (ii) monthly fixed charges from local telephone services (or monthly fixed charges for discount plans);
--- ---
Ø monthly usage charges, which are usage fees based on the amount of services used, primarily consisting of (i) monthly usage charges for local telephone and domestic long distance services; (ii) international long-distance service revenue, (primarily (a) amounts we bill to our customers for outgoing calls made to foreign countries, (b) amounts we bill to foreign telecommunications carriers for connection to the domestic telephone network in respect of incoming calls at the applicable settlement rate, and (c) other revenue, including revenue from international leased lines); (iii) land-to-mobile and land-to-land interconnection revenue; and (iv) interconnection fees we charge to fixed-line and mobile service providers and voice resellers for their use of our local, domestic long-distance and international networks in providing their services; and
--- ---
Ø other revenue from (i) value-added services, local telephone directory assistance, call waiting and caller identification services; and (ii) local, domestic long-distance and international calls placed from public telephones; and
--- ---
Ø data communication services, primarily consisting of installation fees and basic monthly charges for our fixed-line and satellite leased line services and Kornet Internet connection service;
--- ---
revenue from media and content services, primarily consisting of installation fees and basic monthly charges of IPTV and satellite TV services, as well as revenue from digital music services, e-commerce services, online advertising consulting services and web comics and novels services;
--- ---
financial service revenue, primarily consisting of fees from credit card services provided by BC Card, our consolidated subsidiary in which we held a 69.5% interest as of December 31, 2024;
--- ---
revenue from our miscellaneous business activities categorized as “others,” including information technology and network services and rental of real estate; and
--- ---
revenue from sale of goods, primarily handsets related to our mobile services and miscellaneous telecommunications equipment, as well as sale of residential units and commercial real estate developed by KT Estate.
--- ---

51

Table of Contents

Operating Expenses

Our operating expenses primarily include:

employee benefit costs, including salaries and wages, post-employment benefits, termination benefits (including severance benefits for voluntary and special early retirements) and share-based payments;
purchase of inventories, primarily consisting of (i) inventories purchased for our sale of mobile handsets and (ii) development costs of KT Estate for real estate units to be sold, and changes of inventories, which reflects increases or decreases of inventories of handsets, phones and for-sale real estate units during the applicable period;
--- ---
card service costs, primarily consisting of costs in connection with credit and cash card services provided by BC Card, including fees paid to member credit card companies in our network for marketing expenses;
--- ---
depreciation expenses incurred primarily in connection with our telecommunications network facilities;
--- ---
sales commissions, primarily consisting of sales commissions to third-party dealers related to procurement of mobile subscribers and mobile handset sales;
--- ---
service cost, primarily consisting of payments to IPTV and satellite TV content providers;
--- ---
commissions, primarily consisting of commission-based payments for certain third-party outsourcing services, including commissions to the outsourced call center staff;
--- ---
amortization expenses incurred primarily in connection with our intangible assets; and
--- ---
interconnection charges, which are interconnection payments to telecommunication service providers for calls from landline users and our mobile subscribers to our competitors’ subscribers.
--- ---

Operating Results—2024 Compared to 2023

The following table presents selected income statement data and changes therein for 2023 and 2024:

For the Year Ended<br>December 31, Changes
2023 vs. 2024
2023 2024 Amount %
(In billions of Won)
Operating revenue 26,595 26,724 129 0.5 %
Operating expenses 25,167 26,084 918 3.6
Operating profit 1,428 640 (788 ) (55.2 )
Finance income 486 918 431 88.7
Finance costs 569 995 426 74.9
Share of net profits of associates and joint ventures (43 ) 9 52 N.A. ^(1)^
Profit before income tax 1,303 572 (731 ) (56.1 )
Income tax expense 330 165 (165 ) (50.0 )
Profit for the year 972 407 (566 ) (58.2 )

N.A. means not available.

52

Table of Contents

Operating Revenue

The following table presents a breakdown of our operating revenue and changes therein for 2023 and 2024:

For the Year Ended<br>December 31, Changes
2023 vs. 2024
Products and services 2023 2024 Amount %
(In billions of Won)
Mobile services 7,140 7,318 178 2.5 %
Fixed-line services:
Fixed-line and VoIP telephone services 1,249 1,188 (61 ) (4.9 )
Broadband Internet access services 2,579 2,634 56 2.2
Data communication services 1,315 1,335 20 1.6
Subtotal 5,142 5,158 15 0.3
Media and content services 3,207 3,107 (99 ) (3.1 )
Financial services 3,968 3,743 (225 ) (5.7 )
Others 3,846 4,025 179 4.7
Sale of goods ^(1)^ 3,293 3,374 81 2.5
Total operating revenue 26,595 26,724 129 0.5
(1) Primarily related to sale of handsets for our mobile service and miscellaneous telecommunications equipment, as well as sale of residential units and commercial real estate developed by KT Estate.
--- ---

Total operating revenue increased by 0.5%, or ₩129 billion, from ₩26,595 billion in 2023 to ₩26,724 billion in 2024 primarily due to increases in revenue from our information technology and network services categorized as “others” (particularly from the operation of Internet data centers and systems integration services), mobile services, sale of goods and broadband Internet access services, which impact was partially offset by decreases in revenue from financial services, media and content services and fixed-line and VoIP telephone services.

Mobile Services

Our mobile services revenue increased by 2.5%, or ₩178 billion, from ₩7,140 billion in 2023 to ₩7,318 billion in 2024 primarily due to increases in our average revenue per subscriber and the number of our MVNO mobile subscribers, as well as the reclassification of revenue generated from KT Skylife related to MVNO mobile subscribers procured by it starting in 2024, which was previously recognized under media and content services.

Our average revenue per user increased by 1.6%, or ₩559, from ₩33,965 in 2023 to ₩34,524 in 2024 mainly due to an increase in our users subscribing to 5G services and roaming services.

We recorded a 5.0% increase in our mobile subscribers from 24.9 million subscribers as of December 31, 2023 to 26.1 million subscribers as of December 31, 2024 due to (i) a 31.6% increase in our subscribers of mobile services for miscellaneous devices such as tablets and other IoT devices from 4.2 million as of December 31, 2023 to 5.6 million as of December 31, 2024 (primarily from an addition of a significant number of IoT subscribers of Korea Electric Power Corporation’s electricity usage reporting services in the second half of 2024) and (ii) a 0.6% increase in our subscribers of MVNO mobile subscribers from 7.1 million as of December 31, 2023 to 7.2 million as of December 31, 2024, the impact of which was partially offset by a 1.1% decrease in our MNO mobile phone subscribers from 13.5 million as of December 31, 2023 to 13.4 million as of December 31, 2024.

53

Table of Contents

Fixed-line Services

Our fixed-line services revenue increased by 0.3%, or ₩15 billion, from ₩5,142 billion in 2023 to ₩5,158 billion in 2024, reflecting increases in revenue from broadband Internet access services and data communication services, the impact of which was partially offset by a decrease in revenue from fixed-line and VoIP telephone services.

Fixed-line and VoIP Telephone Services. Our fixed-line and VoIP telephone services revenue decreased by 4.9%, or ₩61 billion, from ₩1,249 billion in 2023 to ₩1,188 billion in 2024 primarily due to a decrease in the number of PSTN and VoIP lines in service from 12.0 million as of December 31, 2023 to 11.5 million as of December 31, 2024.

Broadband Internet Access Services. Our broadband Internet access services revenue increased by 2.2%, or ₩56 billion, from ₩2,579 billion in 2023 to ₩2,634 billion in 2024 primarily due to an increase in the number of subscribers to our premium services. The number of our KT GiGA Internet service subscribers increased from approximately 6.7 million as of December 31, 2023 to approximately 6.9 million as of December 31, 2024.

Data Communication Services. Our data communication services revenue increased by 1.6%, or ₩20 billion, from ₩1,315 billion in 2023 to ₩1,335 billion in 2024 primarily due to increases in revenue from (i) major content service providers that experienced increases in traffic volume and data usage and (ii) the provision of additional services to local governments, including installations of additional CCTVs as well as enhancements of network lines.

Media and Content Services

Our media and content services revenue decreased by 3.1%, or ₩99 billion, from ₩3,207 billion in 2023 to ₩3,107 billion in 2024 primarily due to (i) the reclassification of revenue generated from KT Skylife related to MVNO mobile subscribers procured by it as mobile services starting in 2024, and (ii) a downturn in the content creation and online advertising industries caused by deteriorating economic conditions, which in turn led to decreases in original content productions and online advertisements provided through Nasmedia and PlayD. Such impacts were partially offset by an increase in the number of IPTV subscribers opting for higher priced premium plans. The number of IPTV subscribers remained constant at approximately 9.4 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2024.

Financial Services

Financial services revenue decreased by 5.7%, or ₩225 billion, from ₩3,968 billion in 2023 to ₩3,743 billion in 2024 primarily due to a decrease in fees from credit card services of BC Card reflecting a reduction in the transaction volume of credit cards utilizing BC Card services.

Others

Other operating revenue increased by 4.7%, or ₩179 billion, from ₩3,846 billion in 2023 to ₩4,025 billion in 2024 primarily due to an increase in revenue from our information technology services, particularly from the operation of Internet data centers, as well an increase in revenue from KT Estate driven by increases in revenue from hotel operations and rental housing.

Sale of Goods

Revenue from sale of goods increased by 2.5%, or ₩81 billion, from ₩3,293 billion in 2023 to ₩3,374 billion in 2024 primarily reflecting increases in sales of educational smart devices and e-commerce products, particularly cosmetics.

54

Table of Contents

Operating Expenses

The following table presents a breakdown of our operating expenses and changes therein for 2023 and 2024:

For the Year Ended<br>December 31, Changes
2023 vs. 2024
2023 2024 Amount %
(In billions of Won)
Employee benefit costs 4,557 5,628 1,071 23.5 %
Depreciation 2,724 2,828 104 3.8
Depreciation of right-of-use assets 403 411 8 2.0
Amortization of intangible assets 684 639 (45 ) (6.5 )
Commissions 1,265 1,403 139 11.0
Interconnection charges 437 411 (26 ) (5.9 )
International interconnection fee 140 139 (2 ) (1.2 )
Purchase of inventories 3,595 3,527 (69 ) (1.9 )
Changes of inventories (203 ) (28 ) 175 (86.2 )
Sales commissions 2,353 2,258 (95 ) (4.0 )
Service costs 2,230 2,142 (88 ) (3.9 )
Utilities 545 556 11 2.1
Taxes and dues 251 265 15 5.8
Rent 168 148 (20 ) (11.9 )
Insurance premium 67 68 2 2.6
Installation fees 174 165 (9 ) (5.3 )
Advertising expenses 154 169 15 10.0
Allowance for bad debts 151 151 1 0.6
Card service costs 3,189 3,009 (180 ) (5.7 )
Loss on disposal of property and equipment 73 90 18 24.3
Loss on disposal of intangible assets 5 10 4 82.3
Loss on disposal of right-of-use assets 2 3 0 21.9
Loss on disposal of investments in associates 0 0 N.A. ^(1)^
Loss on disposal of investments in subsidiaries 8 8 N.A. ^(1)^
Impairment loss on property and equipment 8 7 (1 ) (8.7 )
Impairment loss on intangible assets 236 239 3 1.3
Donations 25 9 (15 ) (61.5 )
Other allowance for bad debts 34 26 (8 ) (22.4 )
Others 1,902 1,802 (101) (5.3 )
Total operating expenses 25,167 26,084 918 3.6

N.A. means not available.

Total operating expenses increased by 3.6%, or ₩918 billion, from ₩25,167 billion in 2023 to ₩26,084 billion in 2024 primarily due to increases in employee benefit costs, changes of inventories, commissions and depreciation expenses, which impact was partially offset by decreases in card service costs, sales commissions and service cost. Specifically:

Employee benefit costs, which include salaries and wages, post-employment benefits and termination benefits, increased by 23.5%, or ₩1,071 billion, from ₩4,557 billion in 2023 to ₩5,628 billion in 2024 primarily due to ₩956 billion of benefits paid under our special voluntary retirement program implemented in the fourth quarter of 2024 to optimize our workforce, pursuant to which approximately 2,700 employees elected to retire early and approximately 1,700 employees chose to transfer to a newly established KT subsidiary, for which they were paid additional benefits for making this transition.

55

Table of Contents
Changes of inventories decreased by 86.2%, or ₩175 billion, from ₩(203) billion in 2023 to ₩(28) billion in 2024 primarily due to an increase in inventories related to KT Estate’s large-scale real estate project in Gangbuk, Seoul, in 2024.
Commissions increased by 11.0%, or ₩139 billion, from ₩1,265 billion in 2023 to ₩1,403 billion in 2024 primarily reflecting general increases in commission costs related to system development for the launch of new services, as well as other miscellaneous commission costs.
--- ---
Depreciation expenses increased by 3.8%, or ₩104 billion, from ₩2,724 billion in 2023 to ₩2,828 billion in 2024 primarily reflecting increase in depreciable assets.
--- ---

These factors were partially offset by the following:

Card service costs decreased by 5.7%, or ₩180 billion, from ₩3,189 billion in 2023 to ₩3,009 billion in 2024 primarily due to a decrease in the card service costs of BC Card reflecting a reduction in the transaction volume of credit cards utilizing BC Card services.
Sales commissions decreased by 4.0%, or ₩95 billion, from ₩2,353 billion in 2023 to ₩2,258 billion in 2024 primarily due to a decrease in the number of newly acquired MNO mobile subscribers.
--- ---
Service costs decreased by 3.9%, or ₩88 billion, from ₩2,230 billion in 2023 to ₩2,142 billion in 2024 primarily due to the elimination of service cost related to Lolab Co., Ltd., following our divestiture.
--- ---

Operating Profit

Due to the factors described above, our operating profit decreased by 55.2%, or ₩788 billion, from ₩1,428 billion in 2023 to ₩640 billion in 2024. Our operating margin, which is operating profit as a percentage of operating revenue, decreased from 5.4% in 2023 to 2.4% in 2024.

56

Table of Contents

Finance Income (Costs)

The following table presents a breakdown of our finance income and costs and changes therein for 2023 and 2024:

For the Year Ended<br>December 31, Changes
2023 vs. 2024
2023 2024 Amount %
(In billions of Won)
Interest income 280 304 24 8.6 %
Gain on foreign currency transactions 27 27 (0 ) (0.5 )
Gain on foreign currency translation 12 44 32 264.8
Gain on derivative transactions 12 49 36 294.7
Gain on valuation of derivatives 50 399 349 700.4
Gain on disposal of trade receivables 3 (3 ) N.A.
Gain on valuation of financial instruments 32 13 (19 ) (59.5 )
Others 69 82 13 18.9
Total finance income 486 918 431 88.7
Interest expenses 356 375 18 5.1
Loss on foreign currency transactions 34 49 15 43.8
Loss on foreign currency translation 96 427 331 345.9
Loss on derivative transactions 0 11 10 2,454.2
Loss on valuation of derivatives 7 4 (3 ) (42.5 )
Loss on disposal of trade receivables 18 8 (10 ) (55.8 )
Loss on valuation of financial instruments 55 112 57 103.7
Others 2 9 7 312.5
Total finance costs 569 995 426 74.9

N.A. means not available.

Our net loss on foreign currency translation increased by 357.4%, or ₩299 billion, from ₩84 billion in 2023 to ₩383 billion in 2024, as the Won depreciated against the U.S. dollar at year-end 2023 and further depreciated (to a much greater extent) at year-end 2024. In terms of the Market Average Exchange Rate, the Won depreciated against the U.S. dollar from ₩1,267.3 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2022 to ₩1,289.4 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2023, and further depreciated to ₩1,470.0 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2024. In addition, our net loss on foreign currency transactions increased by 220.6%, or ₩15 billion, from ₩7 billion in 2023 to ₩22 billion in 2024, as the average value of the Won against the U.S. dollar depreciated in 2023 and further depreciated (to a much greater extent) in 2024. The Market Average Exchange Rate, which was ₩1,292.0 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2022, depreciated during 2023 to an average of ₩1,305.4 to US$1.00 in 2023 and further depreciated during 2024 to an average of ₩1,364.0 to US$1.00 in 2024. Against such fluctuations, our net gain on valuation of derivatives increased by 813.7%, or ₩352 billion, from ₩43 billion in 2023 to ₩395 billion in 2024, and our net gain on derivative transactions increased by 219.0%, or ₩26 billion, from ₩12 billion in 2023 to ₩38 billion in 2024.

Our net loss on valuation of financial instruments increased by 338.5%, or ₩76 billion, from ₩23 billion in 2023 to ₩99 billion in 2024 primarily due to an increase in the valuation loss of our investments in TeamFresh Corp.

Our interest income increased by 8.6%, or ₩24 billion, from ₩280 billion in 2023 to ₩304 billion in 2024 primarily due to an increase in our interest-earning cash and cash equivalents in 2024 compared to 2023.

57

Table of Contents

Our interest expenses increased by 5.1%, or ₩18 billion, from ₩356 billion in 2023 to ₩375 billion in 2024 primarily due to general increases in interest rates in Korea and abroad in 2024 compared to 2023.

Share of Net Profits (Losses) of Associates and Joint Ventures

We recognized net loss of associates and joint ventures of ₩43 billion in 2023 compared to net profit of associates and joint ventures of ₩9 billion in 2024. In 2023, our share of net loss of associates and joint ventures consisted primarily of our share of loss from (i) a real estate investment company invested by KT Estate of ₩25 billion, (ii) IGIS Professional Investors Private Investment Real Estate Investment LLC No. 395 of ₩5 billion and (iii) Megazone Cloud Corporation of ₩5 billion, the impact of which was partially offset by our share of profit from KIF Investment Fund of ₩5 billion. In 2024, our share of net profit of associates and joint ventures consisted primarily of our share of profit from (i) Kbank of ₩44 billion and (ii) KIF Investment Fund of ₩12 billion, the impact of which was significantly offset by our share of loss from other associates and joint ventures of ₩36 billion, partly attributable to KT Investment Co., Ltd.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense decreased by 50.0%, or ₩165 billion, from ₩330 billion in 2023 to ₩165 billion in 2024, as our profit before income tax decreased by 56.1%, or ₩731 billion, from ₩1,303 billion in 2023 to ₩572 billion in 2024. Our effective tax rate was 25.4% in 2023 and 28.8% in 2024. See Note 29 of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Profit for the Year

Due to the factors described above, our profit for the year decreased by 58.2%, or ₩566 billion, from ₩972 billion in 2023 to ₩407 billion in 2024. Our net profit margin, which is net profit for the year as a percentage of operating revenue, decreased from 3.7% in 2023 to 1.5% in 2024.

Segment Results—ICT

The following table presents selected income statement data of the ICT segment and changes therein for 2023 and 2024:

For the Year Ended<br>December 31, Changes
2023 vs. 2024
2023 2024 Amount %
(In billions of Won)
Operating revenue 18,699 18,929 230 1.2 %
Operating expenses 17,506 18,496 990 5.7
Operating income 1,193 433 (761 ) (63.7 )
Depreciation and amortization ^(1)^ 3,183 3,231 47 1.5
(1) Sum of the amortization of tangible assets, intangible assets, investment properties and right-of-use assets.
--- ---

The operating revenue for our ICT segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 1.2%, or ₩230 billion, from ₩18,699 billion in 2023 to ₩18,929 billion in 2024, primarily due to increases in revenue from our mobile services, broadband Internet access services and data communication services, which impact was offset by decreases in revenue from our fixed-line and VoIP telephone services, as described above.

58

Table of Contents

The operating income for our ICT segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 63.7%, or ₩761 billion, from ₩1,193 billion in 2023 to ₩433 billion in 2024, as the ₩990 billion increase in the segment’s operating expenses outpaced the ₩230 billion increase in operating revenue. For this segment, operating margin, which is operating profit as a percentage of total operating revenue prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased from 6.4% in 2023 to 2.3% in 2024.

Depreciation and amortization for our ICT segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 1.5%, or ₩47 billion, from ₩3,183 billion in 2023 to ₩3,231 billion in 2024.

Segment Results—Finance

The following table presents selected income statement data of the finance segment and changes therein for 2023 and 2024:

For the Year<br>Ended<br>December 31, Changes
2023 vs. 2024
2023 2024 Amount %
(In billions of Won)
Operating revenue 3,723 3,559 (165 ) (4.4 )%
Operating expenses 3,632 3,415 (216 ) (6.0 )
Operating income 92 143 52 56.4
Depreciation and amortization ^(1)^ 37 34 (4 ) (9.5 )
(1) Sum of the amortization of tangible assets, intangible assets, investment properties and right-of-use assets.
--- ---

The operating revenue for our finance segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 4.4%, or ₩165 billion, from ₩3,723 billion in 2023 to ₩3,559 billion in 2024 primarily due to a decrease in revenue of BC Card’s value added network business.

The operating income for our finance segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 56.4%, or ₩52 billion, from ₩92 billion in 2023 to ₩143 billion in 2024, as the ₩216 billion decrease in the segment’s operating expenses outpaced the ₩165 billion decrease in operating revenue. For this segment, operating margin increased from 2.5% in 2023 to 4.0% in 2024.

Depreciation and amortization for our finance segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 9.5%, or ₩4 billion, from ₩37 billion in 2023 to ₩34 billion in 2024.

Segment Results—Satellite TV

The following table presents selected income statement data of the satellite TV segment and changes therein for 2023 and 2024:

For the Year<br>Ended<br>December 31, Changes
2023 vs. 2024
2023 2024 Amount %
(In billions of Won)
Operating revenue 715 710 (5 ) (0.6 )%
Operating expenses 785 817 33 4.2
Operating loss (70 ) (107 ) (37 ) 53.1
Depreciation and amortization ^(1)^ 53 48 (5 ) (9.0 )
(1) Sum of the amortization of tangible assets, intangible assets, investment properties and right-of-use assets.
--- ---

59

Table of Contents

Our operating revenue for the satellite TV segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 0.6%, or ₩5 billion, from ₩715 billion in 2023 to ₩710 billion in 2024 due to a decrease in consolidated operating revenue of KT Skylife.

Our operating loss for the satellite TV segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 53.1%, or ₩37 billion from ₩70 billion in 2023 to ₩107 billion in 2024, as the ₩33 billion increase in the segment’s operating expenses was enhanced by the ₩5 billion decrease in operating revenue. Operating loss margin for this segment increased from 9.8% in 2023 to 15.1% in 2024.

Depreciation and amortization for our satellite TV segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 9.0%, or ₩5 billion, from ₩53 billion in 2023 to ₩48 billion in 2024.

Segment Results—Real Estate

The following table presents selected income statement data of the real estate segment and changes therein for 2023 and 2024:

For the Year Ended<br>December 31, Changes
2023 vs. 2024
2023 2024 Amount %
(In billions of Won)
Operating revenue 500 547 47 9.4 %
Operating expenses 427 462 35 8.2
Operating income 73 85 12 16.1
Depreciation and amortization ^(1)^ 71 69 (1 ) (1.8 )
(1) Sum of the amortization of tangible assets, intangible assets, investment properties and right-of-use assets.
--- ---

The operating revenue for our real estate segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 9.4%, or ₩47 billion, from ₩500 billion in 2023 to ₩547 billion in 2024 primarily due to increases in revenues from apartment presales and hotel operations.

The operating income for our real estate segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 16.1%, or ₩12 billion, from ₩73 billion in 2023 to ₩85 billion in 2024, as the ₩47 billion increase in the segment’s operating revenue outpaced the ₩35 billion increase in operating expenses. Operating margin for this segment increased from 14.7% in 2023 to 15.6% in 2024.

Depreciation and amortization for our real estate segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 1.8%, or ₩1 billion, from ₩71 billion in 2023 to ₩69 billion in 2024.

Segment Results—Others

The following table presents selected income statement data of the others segment and changes therein for 2023 and 2024:

For the Year<br>Ended<br>December 31, Changes
2023 vs. 2024
2023 2024 Amount %
(In billions of Won)
Operating revenue 8,145 8,223 78 1.0 %
Operating expenses 8,048 8,157 110 1.4
Operating income 98 66 (32 ) (32.8 )
Depreciation and amortization ^(1)^ 585 605 20 3.4
(1) Sum of the amortization of tangible assets, intangible assets, investment properties and right-of-use assets.
--- ---

60

Table of Contents

The operating revenue for our others segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 1.0%, or ₩78 billion, from ₩8,145 billion in 2023 to ₩8,223 billion in 2024, primarily due to an increase in revenue from our information technology and network services, particularly from the operation of Internet data centers and systems integration services.

The operating income for our others segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 32.8%, or ₩32 billion, from ₩98 billion in 2023 to ₩66 billion in 2024, as the ₩110 billion increase in the segment’s operating expenses outpaced the ₩78 billion increase in the segment’s operating revenue. Operating margin for this segment decreased from 1.2% in 2023 to 0.8% in 2024.

Depreciation and amortization for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 3.4%, or ₩20 billion, from ₩585 billion in 2023 to ₩605 billion in 2024.

Operating Results—2023 Compared to 2022

The following table presents selected income statement data and changes therein for 2022 and 2023:

For the Year Ended<br>December 31, Changes
2022 vs. 2023
2022 2023 Amount %
(In billions of Won)
Operating revenue 26,234 26,595 361 1.4 %
Operating expenses 24,266 25,167 901 3.7
Operating profit 1,968 1,428 (540 ) (27.4 )
Finance income 690 486 (204 ) (29.6 )
Finance costs 750 569 (181 ) (24.2 )
Share of net profits of associates and joint ventures (17 ) (43 ) (26 ) 151.2
Profit before income tax 1,891 1,303 (589 ) (31.1 )
Income tax expense 506 330 (175 ) (34.7 )
Profit for the year 1,386 972 (413 ) (29.8 )

Operating Revenue

The following table presents a breakdown of our operating revenue and changes therein for 2022 and 2023:

For the Year Ended<br>December 31, Changes
2022 vs. 2023
Products and services 2022 2023 Amount %
(In billions of Won)
Mobile services 7,014 7,140 126 1.8 %
Fixed-line services:
Fixed-line and VoIP telephone services 1,378 1,249 (129 ) (9.4 )
Broadband Internet access services 2,505 2,579 74 2.9
Data communication services 1,173 1,315 141 12.0
Subtotal 5,057 5,142 86 1.7
Media and content services 3,100 3,207 107 3.4
Financial services 3,837 3,968 131 3.4
Others 3,834 3,846 12 0.3
Sale of goods ^(1)^ 3,394 3,293 (101 ) (3.0 )
Total operating revenue 26,234 26,595 361 1.4
(1) Primarily related to sale of handsets for our mobile service and miscellaneous telecommunications equipment, as well as sale of residential units and commercial real estate developed by KT Estate.
--- ---

61

Table of Contents

Total operating revenue increased by 1.4%, or ₩361 billion, from ₩26,234 billion in 2022 to ₩26,595 billion in 2023 primarily due to increases in revenue from data communication services, financial services, mobile services, media and content services and broadband Internet access services, which impact was partially offset by decreases in revenue from fixed-line and VoIP telephone services and sale of goods.

Mobile Services

Our mobile services revenue increased by 1.8%, or ₩126 billion, from ₩7,014 billion in 2022 to ₩7,140 billion in 2023 primarily due to increases in the number of our mobile subscribers and our average revenue per subscriber.

We recorded a 3.5% increase in our mobile subscribers from approximately 24.1 million (including 8.5 million subscribers of 5G services) as of December 31, 2022 to approximately 24.9 million (including 9.9 million subscribers of 5G services) as of December 31, 2023.

Our average revenue per user increased by 3.5%, or ₩1,162, from ₩32,803 in 2022 to ₩33,965 in 2023 mainly due to an increase in our users subscribing to 5G services.

Fixed-line Services

Our fixed-line services revenue increased by 1.7%, or ₩86 billion, from ₩5,057 billion in 2022 to ₩5,142 billion in 2023, reflecting increases in revenue from data communication services and broadband Internet access services, the impact of which was partially offset by a decrease in revenue from fixed-line and VoIP telephone services.

Fixed-line and VoIP Telephone Services. Our fixed-line and VoIP telephone services revenue decreased by 9.4%, or ₩129 billion, from ₩1,378 billion in 2022 to ₩1,249 billion in 2023 primarily due to a decrease in the number of PSTN and VoIP lines in service from 12.5 million as of December 31, 2022 to 12.0 million as of December 31, 2023.

Broadband Internet Access Services. Our broadband Internet access services revenue increased by 2.9%, or ₩74 billion, from ₩2,505 billion in 2022 to ₩2,579 billion in 2023 primarily due to an increase in the number of subscribers to our premium services. The number of our KT GiGA Internet service subscribers increased from approximately 6.5 million as of December 31, 2022 to approximately 6.7 million as of December 31, 2023.

Data Communication Services. Our data communication services revenue increased by 12.0%, or ₩141 billion, from ₩1,173 billion in 2022 to ₩1,315 billion in 2023 primarily due to increases in revenue from (i) major content service providers that experienced increases in traffic volume and (ii) provision of additional backbone lines to global content service providers.

Media and Content Services

Our media and content services revenue increased by 3.4%, or ₩107 billion, from ₩3,100 billion in 2022 to ₩3,207 billion in 2023 primarily due to (i) an increase in the number of IPTV subscribers subscribing to higher priced premium plans and (ii) an increase in the production and sale of original contents. The number of IPTV subscribers remained constant at approximately 9.4 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2023.

Financial Services

Financial services revenue increased by 3.4%, or ₩131 billion, from ₩3,837 billion in 2022 to ₩3,968 billion in 2023 primarily due to an increase in fees from credit card services of BC Card.

62

Table of Contents

Others

Other operating revenue increased by 0.3%, or ₩12 billion, from ₩3,834 billion in 2022 to ₩3,846 billion in 2023 primarily due to increases in revenue from our information technology and network services, particularly from the operation of Internet data centers and systems integration services.

Sale of Goods

Revenue from sale of goods decreased by 3.0%, or ₩101 billion, from ₩3,394 billion in 2022 to ₩3,293 billion in 2023 primarily reflecting a decline in sales of mobile handsets.

Operating Expenses

The following table presents a breakdown of our operating expenses and changes therein for 2022 and 2023:

For the Year Ended<br>December 31, Changes
2022 vs. 2023
2022 2023 Amount %
(In billions of Won)
Employee benefit costs 4,496 4,557 61 1.4 %
Depreciation 2,637 2,724 86 3.3
Depreciation of right-of-use assets 396 403 7 1.6
Amortization of intangible assets 622 684 62 9.9
Commissions 1,295 1,265 (31 ) (2.4 )
Interconnection charges 480 437 (43 ) (8.9 )
International interconnection fee 186 140 (46 ) (24.6 )
Purchase of inventories 3,656 3,595 (61 ) (1.7 )
Changes of inventories (195 ) (203 ) (8 ) 4.1
Sales commissions 2,354 2,353 (1 ) (0.0 )
Service costs 2,334 2,230 (104 ) (4.5 )
Utilities 368 545 176 47.9
Taxes and dues 277 251 (26 ) (9.5 )
Rent 161 168 7 4.2
Insurance premium 68 67 (2 ) (2.2 )
Installation fees 150 174 24 16.1
Advertising expenses 196 154 (42 ) (21.4 )
Allowance for bad debts 115 151 35 30.5
Card service costs 3,128 3,189 62 2.0
Loss on disposal of property and equipment 81 73 (9 ) (10.7 )
Loss on disposal of intangible assets 7 5 (2 ) (24.0 )
Loss on disposal of right-of-use assets 2 2 (0 ) (9.9 )
Impairment loss on property and equipment 16 8 (8 ) (51.1 )
Impairment loss on intangible assets 31 236 205 662.8
Donations 16 25 9 57.7
Other allowance for bad debts 18 34 17 94.4
Others 1,370 1,902 533 38.9
Total operating expenses 24,266 25,167 901 3.7

Total operating expenses increased by 3.7%, or ₩901 billion, from ₩24,266 billion in 2022 to ₩25,167 billion in 2023 primarily due to increases in other expenses, impairment loss on intangible assets, utilities and depreciation expenses, which impact was partially offset by decreases in service costs and purchase of inventories. Specifically:

Other expenses increased by 38.9%, or ₩533 billion, from ₩1,370 billion in 2022 to ₩1,902 billion in 2023 primarily due to increases in interest costs and credit losses of BC Card, which were adversely impacted by increases in interest rates throughout 2022 that remained relatively high in 2023.

63

Table of Contents
Impairment loss on intangible assets increased by 662.8%, or ₩205 billion, from ₩31 billion in 2022 to ₩236 billion in 2023 primarily due to (i) impairment of goodwill of ₩119 billion related to Epsilon Global Communications Pte. Ltd. in 2023 and (ii) impairment of goodwill of ₩98 billion related to KT HCN in 2023.
Utilities increased by 47.9%, or ₩176 billion, from ₩368 billion in 2022 to ₩545 billion in 2023 primarily due to increases in unit prices of electricity and our usage volume thereof.
--- ---
Depreciation expenses increased by 3.3%, or ₩86 billion, from ₩2,637 billion in 2022 to ₩2,724 billion in 2023 primarily reflecting increase in depreciable assets.
--- ---

These factors were partially offset by the following:

Service costs decreased by 4.5%, or ₩104 billion, from ₩2,334 billion in 2022 to ₩2,230 billion in 2023 primarily due to decreases in corporate messaging volume and interconnection fees.
Purchase of inventories decreased by 1.7%, or ₩61 billion, from ₩3,656 billion in 2022 to ₩3,595 billion in 2023 primarily due to a decrease in purchase of mobile handsets used in connection with subscription of our mobile services.
--- ---

Operating Profit

Due to the factors described above, our operating profit decreased by 27.4%, or ₩540 billion, from ₩1,968 billion in 2022 to ₩1,428 billion in 2023. Our operating margin, which is operating profit as a percentage of operating revenue, was 7.5% in 2022 and 5.4% in 2023.

Finance Income (Costs)

The following table presents a breakdown of our finance income and costs and changes therein for 2022 and 2023:

For the Year Ended<br>December 31, Changes
2022 vs. 2023
2022 2023 Amount %
(In billions of Won)
Interest income 272 280 8 2.8 %
Gain on foreign currency transactions 68 27 (41 ) (59.7 )
Gain on foreign currency translation 43 12 (31 ) (72.3 )
Gain on settlement of derivatives 51 12 (38 ) (75.7 )
Gain on valuation of derivatives 183 50 (133 ) (72.7 )
Gain on disposal of trade receivables 3 3 N.A. ^(1)^
Gain on valuation of financial instruments 31 32 1 4.7
Others 43 69 26 62.0
Total finance income 690 486 (204 ) (29.6 )
Interest expenses 294 356 62 21.3
Loss on foreign currency transactions 81 34 (47 ) (57.8 )
Loss on foreign currency translation 200 96 (104 ) (52.2 )
Loss on settlement of derivatives 24 0 (24 ) (98.3 )
Loss on valuation of derivatives 22 7 (15 ) (69.5 )
Loss on disposal of trade receivables 63 18 (45 ) (71.3 )
Loss on valuation of financial instruments 66 55 (11 ) (16.2 )
Others 0 2 2 370.5
Total finance costs 750 569 (181 ) (24.2 )

N.A. means not available.

64

Table of Contents

Our interest expenses increased by 21.3%, or ₩62 billion, from ₩294 billion in 2022 to ₩356 billion in 2023 primarily due to general increases in interest rates in Korea and abroad in 2023 compared to 2022.

Our net loss on foreign currency translation decreased by 46.6%, or ₩73 billion, from ₩157 billion in 2022 to ₩84 billion in 2023, as the Won depreciated against the U.S. dollar at year-end 2022 and further depreciated (to a lesser extent) at year-end 2023. In terms of the Market Average Exchange Rate, the Won depreciated against the U.S. dollar from ₩1,185.5 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2021 to ₩1,267.3 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2022, and further depreciated to ₩1,289.4 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2023. In addition, our net loss on foreign currency transactions decreased by 47.9%, or ₩6 billion, from ₩13 billion in 2022 to ₩7 billion in 2023, as the average value of the Won against the U.S. dollar depreciated in 2022 and further depreciated (to a lesser extent) in 2023. The Market Average Exchange Rate, which was ₩1,144.4 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2021, depreciated during 2022 to an average of ₩1,292.0 to US$1.00 in 2022 and further depreciated during 2023 to an average of ₩1,305.4 to US$1.00 in 2023. Against such fluctuations, our net gain on valuation of derivatives decreased by 73.2%, or ₩118 billion, from ₩161 billion in 2022 to ₩43 billion in 2023, and our net gain on derivative transactions decreased by 54.9%, or ₩14 billion, from ₩26 billion in 2022 to ₩12 billion in 2023.

Our loss on disposal of trade receivables decreased by 71.3%, or ₩45 billion, from ₩63 billion in 2022 to ₩18 billion in 2023 primarily due to a decrease in loss from our sale of handset receivables.

Share of Net Losses of Associates and Joint Ventures

Our share of net losses of associates and joint ventures increased by 151.2%, or ₩26 billion, from ₩17 billion in 2022 to ₩43 billion in 2023. In 2022, our share of net loss of associates and joint ventures consisted primarily of our share of loss from Megazone Cloud Corporation of ₩23 billion as well as various other associates, the impact of which was partially offset by our share of profit from K Bank of ₩29 billion. In 2023, our share of net loss of associates and joint ventures consisted primarily of our share of loss from (i) a real estate investment company invested by KT Estate of ₩25 billion, (ii) IGIS Professional Investors Private Investment Real Estate Investment LLC No. 395 of ₩5 billion and (iii) Megazone Cloud Corporation of ₩5 billion, the impact of which was partially offset by our share of profit from KIF Investment Fund of ₩5 billion.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense decreased by 34.7%, or ₩175 billion, from ₩506 billion in 2022 to ₩330 billion in 2023, as our profit before income tax decreased by 31.1%, or ₩589 billion, from ₩1,891 billion in 2022 to ₩1,303 billion in 2023. Our effective tax rate was 26.7% in 2022 and 25.4% in 2023. See Note 29 of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Profit for the Year

Due to the factors described above, our profit for the year decreased by 29.8%, or ₩413 billion, from ₩1,386 billion in 2022 to ₩972 billion in 2023. Our net profit margin, which is net profit for the year as a percentage of operating revenue, was 5.3% in 2022 and 3.7% in 2023.

65

Table of Contents

Segment Results—ICT

The following table presents selected income statement data of the ICT segment and changes therein for 2022 and 2023:

For the Year Ended<br>December 31, Changes
2022 vs. 2023
2022 2023 Amount %
(In billions of Won)
Operating revenue 18,697 18,699 2 0.0 %
Operating expenses 17,350 17,506 156 0.9
Operating income 1,347 1,193 (154 ) (11.4 )
Depreciation and amortization ^(1)^ 3,106 3,183 78 2.5
(1) Sum of the amortization of tangible assets, intangible assets, investment properties and right-of-use assets.
--- ---

The operating revenue for our ICT segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased slightly by ₩2 billion, from ₩18,697 billion in 2022 to ₩18,699 billion in 2023, primarily due to increases in revenue from our data communication services, mobile services, broadband Internet access services and IPTV services, which impact was offset by decreases in revenue from our fixed-line and VoIP telephone services, as described above.

The operating income for our ICT segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 11.4%, or ₩154 billion, from ₩1,347 billion in 2022 to ₩1,193 billion in 2023, as the ₩156 billion increase in the segment’s operating expenses outpaced the ₩2 billion increase in operating revenue. For this segment, operating margin, which is operating profit as a percentage of total operating revenue prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased from 7.2% in 2022 to 6.4% in 2023.

Depreciation and amortization for our ICT segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 2.5%, or ₩78 billion, from ₩3,106 billion in 2022 to ₩3,183 billion in 2023.

Segment Results—Finance

The following table presents selected income statement data of the finance segment and changes therein for 2022 and 2023:

For the Year Ended<br>December 31, Changes
2022 vs. 2023
2022 2023 Amount %
(In billions of Won)
Operating revenue 3,615 3,723 108 3.0 %
Operating expenses 3,496 3,632 136 3.9
Operating income 120 92 (28 ) (23.5 )
Depreciation and amortization ^(1)^ 48 37 (10 ) (22.0 )
(1) Sum of the amortization of tangible assets, intangible assets, investment properties and right-of-use assets.
--- ---

The operating revenue for our finance segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 3.0%, or ₩108 billion, from ₩3,615 billion in 2022 to ₩3,723 billion in 2023 primarily due to an increase in standalone revenue of BC Card’s value added network business.

The operating income for our finance segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 23.5%, or ₩28 billion, from ₩120 billion in 2022 to ₩92 billion in 2023, as

66

Table of Contents

the ₩136 billion increase in the segment’s operating expenses outpaced the ₩108 billion increase in operating revenue. For this segment, operating margin decreased from 3.3% in 2022 to 2.5% in 2023.

Depreciation and amortization for our finance segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 22.0%, or ₩10 billion, from ₩48 billion in 2022 to ₩37 billion in 2023.

Segment Results—Satellite TV

The following table presents selected income statement data of the satellite TV segment and changes therein for 2022 and 2023:

For the Year Ended<br>December 31, Changes
2022 vs. 2023
2022 2023 Amount %
(In billions of Won)
Operating revenue 709 715 5 0.8 %
Operating expenses 689 785 95 13.8
Operating income (loss) 20 (70 ) (90 ) N.A. ^(1)^
Depreciation and amortization ^(2)^ 58 53 (6 ) (9.5 )
(1) N.A. means not applicable.
--- ---
(2) Sum of the amortization of tangible assets, intangible assets, investment properties and right-of-use assets.
--- ---

The operating revenue for our satellite TV segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 0.8%, or ₩5 billion, from ₩709 billion in 2022 to ₩715 billion in 2023 due to an increase in consolidated operating revenue of KT Skylife.

The satellite TV segment recognized operating income, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, of ₩20 billion in 2022 compared to operating loss, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, of ₩70 billion in 2023, as the ₩95 billion increase in the segment’s operating expenses outpaced the ₩5 billion increase in operating revenue. Operating expenses for this segment increased by 13.8% from 2022 to 2023 primarily due to an increase in expenses related to procurement of programs for our channels. For this segment, operating income margin was 2.8% in 2022 and operating loss margin was 9.8% in 2023.

Depreciation and amortization for our satellite TV segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 9.5%, or ₩6 billion, from ₩58 billion in 2022 to ₩53 billion in 2023.

Segment Results—Real Estate

The following table presents selected income statement data of the real estate segment and changes therein for 2022 and 2023:

For the Year Ended<br>December 31, Changes
2022 vs. 2023
2022 2023 Amount %
(In billions of Won)
Operating revenue 475 500 25 5.3 %
Operating expenses 362 427 65 17.9
Operating income 113 73 (40 ) (35.0 )
Depreciation and amortization ^(1)^ 65 71 5 7.9
(1) Sum of the amortization of tangible assets, intangible assets, investment properties and right-of-use assets.
--- ---

67

Table of Contents

The operating revenue for our real estate segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 5.3%, or ₩25 billion, from ₩475 billion in 2022 to ₩500 billion in 2023 primarily due to increases in revenues from apartment presales and hotel operations.

The operating income for our real estate segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 35.0%, or ₩40 billion, from ₩113 billion in 2022 to ₩73 billion in 2023, as the ₩65 billion increase in the segment’s operating expenses outpaced the ₩25 billion increase in operating revenue. Operating margin for this segment decreased from 23.8% in 2022 to 14.7% in 2023 primarily due to decreases in operating profits from disposal of real estate properties.

Depreciation and amortization for our real estate segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 7.9%, or ₩5 billion, from ₩65 billion in 2022 to ₩71 billion in 2023.

Segment Results—Others

The following table presents selected income statement data of the others segment and changes therein for 2022 and 2023:

For the Year<br>Ended<br>December 31, Changes
2022 vs. 2023
2022 2023 Amount %
(In billions of Won)
Operating revenue 7,960 8,145 185 2.3 %
Operating expenses 7,487 8,048 561 7.5
Operating income 473 98 (376 ) (79.4 )
Depreciation and amortization ^(1)^ 575 585 10 1.7
(1) Sum of the amortization of tangible assets, intangible assets, investment properties and right-of-use assets.
--- ---

The operating revenue for our others segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 2.3%, or ₩185 billion, from ₩7,960 billion in 2022 to ₩8,145 billion in 2023, primarily due to an increase in revenue from our information technology and network services, particularly from the operation of Internet data centers and systems integration services.

The operating income for our others segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 79.4%, or ₩376 billion, from ₩473 billion in 2022 to ₩98 billion in 2023, as the ₩561 billion increase in the segment’s operating expenses outpaced the ₩185 billion increase in the segment’s operating revenue. Operating margin for this segment decreased from 5.9% in 2022 to 1.2% in 2023.

Depreciation and amortization for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 1.7%, or ₩10 billion, from ₩575 billion in 2022 to ₩585 billion in 2023.

Item 5.B.  Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following table sets forth the summary of our cash flows for the years indicated:

For the Years Ended December 31,
2022 2023 2024
(In billions of Won)
Net cash inflow from operating activities 3,597 5,503 5,066
Net cash outflow from investing activities (4,839 ) (4,621 ) (2,845 )
Net cash inflow (outflow) from financing activities 669 (453 ) (1,390 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year 3,020 2,449 2,880
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year 2,449 2,880 3,717
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (571 ) 430 837

68

Table of Contents

Capital Requirements

Historically, our capital requirements consisted principally of purchases of property and equipment and other assets and repayments of borrowings. In our investing activities, we used cash of ₩3,440 billion in 2022, ₩3,693 billion in 2023 and ₩2,909 billion in 2024, for the acquisition of property and equipment and investment properties. In addition, we used cash of ₩545 billion in 2022, ₩479 billion in 2023 and ₩439 billion in 2024 for the acquisition of intangible assets, which consisted primarily of acquisition of bandwidth licenses. In our financing activities, we used cash of ₩2,843 billion in 2022, ₩5,275 billion in 2023 and ₩4,733 billion in 2024, for repayments of borrowings (including debentures). From time to time, we may also require capital for investments involving acquisitions, including shares of our affiliates, and strategic relationships, as well as repurchases of our shares. We used cash of ₩0 in 2022, ₩300 billion in 2023 and ₩27 billion in 2024 for the repurchase of our shares.

Our cash dividends paid to shareholders and non-controlling interests amounted to ₩477 billion in 2022, ₩527 billion in 2023 and ₩872 billion in 2024.

We anticipate that capital expenditures and repayment of outstanding contractual obligations and commitments (including for bandwidth licenses) will represent the most significant use of funds for the next several years. We currently expect our capital expenditures for the acquisition of property and equipment and investment property and acquisition of intangible assets in 2025 to remain at a similar level compared to those in 2024 on a standalone basis. However, the actual amount remains subject to adjustment depending on market conditions, our results of operations and changes in our build-out plan for our telecommunications network and other infrastructure. We may also require capital for purchase of shares of our affiliates as well as investments involving acquisitions and strategic relationships.

Payments of contractual obligations and commitments will also require considerable resources. In our ordinary course of business, we routinely enter into commercial commitments for various aspects of our operations, including repair and maintenance. We have also provided guarantees to our affiliates. See Note 19 of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a disclosure of the guarantees provided.

Capital Resources

We have traditionally met our working capital and other capital requirements principally from cash provided by operations, while raising the remainder of our requirements primarily through debt financing. Our major sources of cash have been net cash provided by operating activities, including profits for the year, and proceeds from issuance of bonds and borrowings. We expect that these sources will continue to be our principal sources of cash in the future. We recorded profits for the year of ₩1,386 billion in 2022, ₩972 billion in 2023 and ₩407 billion in 2024 as discussed in “Item 5.A. Operating Results.” Non-cash expense adjustments in our statement of cash flows from depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of right-of-use assets amounted to ₩3,711 billion in 2022, ₩3,868 billion in 2023 and ₩3,930 billion in 2024, primarily reflecting our capital investment activities during the recent years, including our payments on bandwidth licenses for our operations, investments in network infrastructures and acquisition of real estate.

We had net proceeds from borrowings and debentures, after adjusting for repayments of borrowings and debentures, of ₩1,391 billion in 2022 and ₩106 billion in 2023, and net repayments of borrowings and debentures, after adjusting for proceeds from borrowings and debentures, of ₩135 billion in 2024. Long-term borrowings, excluding current installments, were ₩8,180 billion in December 31, 2022, ₩7,160 billion as of December 31, 2023 and ₩6,616 billion as of December 31,

69

Table of Contents
  1. Total short-term borrowings were ₩1,827 billion as of December 31, 2022, ₩3,059 billion as of December 31, 2023 and ₩3,905 billion as of December 31, 2024. We periodically increase our short-term borrowings and adjust our long-term debt financing levels depending on changes in our capital requirements. For the maturity profile of our borrowings, their currency denomination and interest rates, see Note 15 of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Under our borrowing policy, we continually take into consideration various factors, including financial market conditions and our business environment, in order to decide on specific terms of the borrowing, such as borrowing amount, maturity date, currency denomination and type of interest rate (fixed or floating). We also strive to prudently manage our borrowing level and mitigate our refinancing risks through various methods, including diversification of currency denominations and borrowing lines. Our debt-to-equity ratio, which is calculated by dividing total liabilities by total equity, was 123% as of December 31, 2022, 131% as of December 31, 2023 and 134% as of December 31, 2024.

We also dispose of a portion of our trade receivables relating to handset sales to several special purpose companies, as part of our efforts to improve our cash and asset management. We entered into asset management agreements with each of these special purpose companies, and will be receiving management fees from such companies. See Note 19 of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. From time to time, we also generate cash from the sale of our treasury shares.

We believe that we have sufficient working capital available to us for our current requirements and that we have a variety of alternatives available to us to satisfy our financial requirements to the extent that they are not met by funds generated by operations, including the issuance of debt securities and bank borrowings denominated in Won and various foreign currencies. See Note 15 of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. However, our ability to rely on some of these alternatives could be affected by factors such as the liquidity of the Korean and the global financial markets, prevailing interest rates, our credit rating and the Government’s policies regarding Won currency and foreign currency borrowings. Other factors which could materially affect our liquidity in the future include unanticipated increase in capital expenditures and decrease in cash provided by operations resulting from a significant decrease in demand for our services. We may also need to raise additional capital sooner than we expect in order to fund unanticipated investments and acquisitions.

Our total equity was ₩18,413 billion as of December 31, 2022, ₩18,543 billion as of December 31, 2023 and ₩17,968 billion as of December 31, 2024.

Liquidity

We had a working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) surplus of ₩1,991 billion as of December 31, 2022, ₩1,347 billion as of December 31, 2023 and ₩340 billion as of December 31, 2024.

The following table sets forth the summary of our significant current assets for the years indicated:

As of December 31,
2022 2023 2024
(In billions of Won)
Cash and cash equivalents 2,449 2,880 3,717
Trade and other receivables, net 6,098 7,170 6,147
Inventories, net 718 988 1,055
Other financial assets 1,322 1,440 1,344

Our cash and cash equivalents (substantially all of which are in Won) totaled ₩2,449 billion as of December 31, 2022, ₩2,880 billion as of December 31, 2023 and ₩3,717 billion as of

70

Table of Contents

December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, we held approximately 97.3% of our cash and cash equivalents denominated in Won and the remainder denominated in foreign currencies. Other current financial assets primarily consist of financial instruments, available-for-sale financial assets and derivative assets used for hedging. For a discussion of our use of financial instruments for hedging purposes, see “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

The following table sets forth the summary of our significant current liabilities for the years indicated:

As of December 31,
2022 2023 2024
(In billions of Won)
Trade and other payables 7,333 8,055 7,395
Borrowings 1,827 3,059 3,905

Substantially all of our revenues are denominated in Won. Depreciation of the Won may materially affect the results of our operations because, among other things, it causes an increase in the amount of Won required by us to make interest and principal payments on our foreign currency-denominated debt, the costs of telecommunications equipment that we purchase from overseas sources, net settlement payments to foreign carriers and certain payments related to our derivative instruments entered into for foreign exchange risk hedging purposes. As of December 31, 2024, we entered into various commitments with financial institutions totaling ₩3,415 billion, US$2,185 million, and EUR 7 million, of which ₩542 billion, US$2,185 million and EUR 7 million were used. See Note 19 of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Of the ₩10,521 billion total borrowings (including short-term borrowings) outstanding as of December 31, 2024, ₩3,353 billion was denominated in foreign currencies. See Note 15 of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Upon the identification and evaluation of our currency risk exposures, we, having considered various circumstances, enter into derivative financial instruments to manage such risks. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Exchange Rate Risk and Interest Rate Risk.” We have not had, and do not anticipate that we will have, difficulty gaining access to short-term financing sufficient to meet our current requirements.

Item 5.C.  Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc.

In order to maintain our leadership in the converging telecommunications business environment and develop additional platforms, services and applications, we engage in research and development (“R&D”) activities together with our various business units and also operate the following R&D laboratories:

Responsible AI Policy and Technology Leadership (“AI Future”) R&D laboratory;
Development of Multi-Modal AI Core Technologies (“Gen AI”) R&D laboratory;
--- ---
Development of AI Agent Core Technologies and Commercial Agents (“Agentic”) R&D laboratory; and
--- ---
Implementation of Data Science Across KT’s Business and CDO Office (“Decision Intelligence”) R&D laboratory.
--- ---

As of December 31, 2024, KT Corporation had 3,807 domestic and 1,999 international registered patents.

The MSIT has the authority to recommend to network service providers that they provide funds for national research and development of telecommunications technology and related projects.

71

Table of Contents

Including such contributions, total expenditures (which include capitalized expenses) on research and development were ₩231 billion in 2022, ₩225 billion in 2023 and ₩212 billion in 2024.

Item 5.D.  Trend Information

These matters are discussed under Item 5.A. above where relevant.

Item 5.E.  Critical Accounting Estimates

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by IASB. See Note 3 of the notes to our financial statements for a discussion of our critical accounting estimates.

Item 6.  Directors, Senior Management and Employees

Item 6.A.  Directors and Senior Management

Directors

Our board of directors has the ultimate responsibility for the administration of our affairs. Our articles of incorporation provide for a board of directors consisting of:

up to two inside directors, including the Representative Director; and
up to eight outside directors.
--- ---

All of our directors are elected at the general shareholders’ meeting. If the total assets of a company listed on the KRX KOSPI Market exceed ₩2,000 billion as of the end of the preceding year, which is the case with us, the Commercial Code of Korea requires such company to have more than three outside directors, with outside directors being the majority of the board of directors. Under our articles of incorporation, the term of office for a director is up to three years. The term of office for an outside director may be up to six years, pursuant to the Commercial Code of Korea. The term of office for our outside directors is currently three years. The terms for both an inside director and an outside director are, however, extended to the close of the annual shareholders’ meeting convened with respect to the last full fiscal year of a director’s term of office. If the term of office for a director is not completed and ends before the close of the annual general shareholders’ meeting and a new director is appointed in his or her place, the term of office for such replacement director will coincide with the uncompleted remaining term of office of his or her predecessor.

Under the Commercial Code of Korea, we must establish a committee to nominate candidates for outside directors within the board of directors, and outside directors must make up more than half of the total members of the outside director candidate nominating committee. According to our articles of incorporation, such committee must consist of all of our outside directors, other than for election of an outside director resulting from the expiration of the term of the office, in which case such outside director whose term is expiring may not be a member of the committee. Our Director Candidate Recommendation Committee nominates outside director candidates for appointment at the general shareholders’ meeting.

According to our articles of incorporation, upon the request of any director (to the extent that the board of directors does not separately authorize only a particular director to make such request), a meeting of the board of directors will be assembled. The chairperson of the board of directors is elected from among the outside directors by a resolution of the board of directors. The term of office of the chairperson is one year.

72

Table of Contents

Our current directors are as follows:

Name Position Director<br>Since Date of Birth Expiration<br>of <br>Term of<br>Office
Inside Directors ^(1)^
Young Shub Kim Representative Director and Chief Executive Officer August 2023 April 10, 1959 March 2026
Chang-Seok Seo Senior Executive Vice President, Network Group August 2023 July 5, 1967 March 2026
Outside Directors ^(1)^
Seongcheol Kim Professor, School of Media and Communication, Korea University June 2023 June 12, 1964 March 2028
Yong-Hun Kim Partner, DR & AJU LLC March 2022 March 29, 1955 March 2028
YangHee Choi President, Hallym University June 2023 July 27, 1955 March 2026
Woo-Young Kwak Former Chairman of Steering Committee, Vehicle IT Fusion and Innovation Center, Ministry of Science and ICT June 2023 September 3, 1956 March 2028
Jong Soo Yoon Senior Advisor, Kim & Chang June 2023 August 13, 1958 March 2026
Yeong Kyun Ahn Board member of IFAC June 2023 February 6, 1959 March 2026
Seung Hoon Lee Member of the Steering Committee—Korea Investment Corporation June 2023 December 25, 1962 March 2028
Seung Ah Theresa Cho Professor, Strategic Management and International Business, Seoul National University Business School June 2023 October 22, 1967 March 2026
(1) All of our inside and outside directors beneficially own less than one percent of the issued shares of KT Corporation in the aggregate.
--- ---

Our “Representative Director” is authorized to perform all judicial and extra-judicial acts relating to our business. Our shareholders elect the Representative Director in accordance with the provisions of the Commercial Code and our articles of incorporation. In June 2023, we amended our articles of incorporation in efforts to add more rigor and transparency to the process of selecting our Representative Director. Our Director Candidate Recommendation Committee conducts the investigation on, and composition of, a pool of candidates and selects the representative director candidates whose candidacy will be further examined. Subsequently, the Director Candidate Recommendation Committee examines and selects Representative Director candidates and submits an examination report of such candidates to our board of directors. The Representative Director candidate recommended by our board of directors is nominated at the shareholders’ meeting.

Under our articles of incorporation, the board of directors must submit a draft management contract between KT Corporation and the Representative Director candidate covering our management objectives to the shareholders’ meeting at the time of candidate nomination to the meeting. When the draft management contract has been approved at the shareholders’ meeting, we enter into such management contract with the Representative Director. In such case, the chairperson of the board of directors, on our behalf, signs the management contract. In March 2020, our articles of incorporation were amended to have management goals be set based on objectives that can be accomplished during a Representative Director’s term in office.

The board of directors may conduct performance review discussions to determine if the new Representative Director performed his or her duties under the management contract, or hire a professional evaluation agency for such purpose. If the board of directors determines, based on the results of the performance review, that the new Representative Director has failed to achieve the management goals, it may propose to dismiss the Representative Director at a shareholders’ meeting.

73

Table of Contents

Senior Management

In addition to our inside directors who are also our executive officers, we have the following executive officers as of April 1, 2025:

Name Title and Responsibility Year of<br>Birth
Chang-Yong Ahn Senior Executive Vice President, Enterprise Business Group 1966
Seung-Phil Oh Senior Executive Vice President, Tech Innovation Group 1970
Young-Bok Lee Senior Executive Vice President, Legal Affairs Office 1961
Hyeon-Seuk Lee Senior Executive Vice President, Customer Business Group 1966
Hyun-Kyu Lim Senior Executive Vice President, Corporate Management Group 1964
Choong-Rim Ko Executive Vice President, Group Human Resources Office 1967
Kwang-Dong Kim Executive Vice President, Corporate Relations Office 1970
Byung-Kyun Kim Executive Vice President, Daegu/Gyeongbuk Regional Headquarter 1968
Young-In Kim Executive Vice President, Western Seoul Regional Headquarter 1968
Young-Ho Kim Executive Vice President, Southern Seoul Regional Headquarter 1966
Won-Tae Kim Executive Vice President, Strategic Customer Business Unit 1969
Chae-Hee Kim Executive Vice President, Media Business Group 1974
Song-Yul Park Executive Vice President, Northern Seoul/Gangwon Regional Headquarter 1969
Hyo-Il Park Executive Vice President, Strategy Office 1970
Jeong-Hyun Seo Executive Vice President, Legal Consulting Group 1971
Jin-Ho Yang Executive Vice President, Litigation Consulting Group 1973
Kyung-Hwa Ok Executive Vice President, IT Ops Unit 1968
Yong-Kyu Yoo Executive Vice President, Public Customer Business Unit 1971
Won-Joon Lee Executive Vice President, Procurement Office 1967
Jong-Sik Lee Executive Vice President, Future Network Laboratory 1972
Chang-Ho Yi Executive Vice President, Chungnam/Chungbuk Regional Headquarter 1972
Min Jang Executive Vice President, Financial Management Office 1968
Woo-Jin Jung Executive Vice President, Strategy&Business Consulting Group 1975
Jae-Wook Jeong Executive Vice President, Busan/Gyeongnam Regional Headquarter 1972
Eui-Jeung Choo Executive Vice President, Audit Office 1976
Seong-Kwon Kang Senior Vice President, Cloud Lead 1971
Lee-Hwan Kang Senior Vice President, Micro Enterprise Business Unit 1970
Jae-Hyung Koo Senior Vice President, Network Technology Unit 1972
Hye-Jin Kwon Senior Vice President, Network Strategy Unit 1971
Hee-Keun Kwon Senior Vice President, Marketing Innovation Business Unit 1970
Mong-Ryong Kim Senior Vice President, Western Seoul Enterprise Customer Sales Headquarter 1971
Young-Geol Kim Senior Vice President, Service Product Unit 1973
Young-Min Kim Senior Vice President, IT Dev Unit 1971
Yong-Nam Kim Senior Vice President, Jeonnam/Jeonbuk Enterprise Customer Sales Headquarter 1969
You-Tae Kim Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy Department 1972
Jee-Hyeon Kim Senior Vice President, Partnership & Investment Department 1969
Jin-Chul Kim Senior Vice President, Jeonnam/Jeonbuk Regional Headquarter 1967
Hoon-Dong Kim Senior Vice President, AI Lead 1976
Hyeong-Rae Roh Senior Vice President, Busan/Gyeongnam Enterprise Customer Sales Headquarter 1970
Je-Hoon Myung Senior Vice President, Service Product Unit 1972
Min-Woo Bahk Senior Vice President, Modern IT Lead 1971
Chul-Woo Park Senior Vice President, Finance Customer Business Unit 1975
Cheal-Ho Park Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations Office Communication Policy Department 1972
Soon-Min Bae Senior Vice President, AI Future Lab 1980
Won-Je Sung Senior Vice President, Southern Seoul Enterprise Customer Sales Headquarter 1972
Je-Hyun Sung Senior Vice President, Northern Seoul/Gangwon Enterprise Customer Sales Headquarter 1972
Jeung-Yeup Son Senior Vice President, Device Business Unit 1972
Seung-Ho Song Senior Vice President, SPA Unit 1974
Young-Tae Song Senior Vice President, Chungnam/Chungbuk Enterprise Customer Sales Headquarter 1967
Chang-Seog Song Senior Vice President, Safety&Health Office 1970
Dong-Hoon Shin Senior Vice President, Gen AI Lab 1976

74

Table of Contents
Name Title and Responsibility Year of<br>Birth
Young-Woon Shin Senior Vice President, Group Human Resources Department 1971
Jong-Su Shin Senior Vice President, Media Strategy Unit 1977
Sung-Min Oh Senior Vice President, Sales Operating & Channel Business Unit 1972
Tae-Sung Oh Senior Vice President, ESG Management & Implementation Office 1968
Taek-Gyun Oh Senior Vice President, Network O&M Innovation Unit 1968
Jung-Han Woo Senior Vice President, TMO Unit 1974
Man-Ho Won Senior Vice President, Experience Engineering Unit 1974
Seo-Bong Yu Senior Vice President, AX Business Unit 1975
Kyung-A Yoon Senior Vice President, Agentic AI Lab 1973
Byoung-Hyu Yoon Senior Vice President, Chungnam/Chungbuk Customer Sales Headquarter 1972
Sang-Woong Yoon Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations Office AX Policy Department 1977
Young-Kyoon Yun Senior Vice President, IR Department 1971
Jin-Hyoun Youn Senior Vice President, Platform Technology Unit 1968
Tae-Sik Yoon Senior Vice President, Brand Strategy Office 1969
Kyong-Chae Yi Senior Vice President, Western Seoul Customer Sales Headquarter 1971
Byeong-Moo Lee Senior Vice President, AX Innovation Support Department 1971
Sang-Ki Lee Senior Vice President, Global Cooperation Department 1970
Sung-Kyu Lee Senior Vice President, Northern Seoul/Gangwon Network O&M Headquarter 1969
Se-Jung Lee Senior Vice President, Decision Intelligence Lab 1974
Jeong-Soo Lee Senior Vice President, CEO Support Office 1972
Jung-Woo Lee Senior Vice President, Public Relations Office 1971
Jin-Kwon Yi Senior Vice President, Enterprise Business Implementation Unit 1 1969
Bo-Heon Im Senior Vice President, Busan/Gyeongnam Network O&M Headquarter 1967
Hye-Jin Lim Senior Vice President, Legal Consulting Group Legal Consulting Department 1978
Byung-Gwan Jang Senior Vice President, Win-Win Cooperation Unit 1970
Seung-Rok Jeon Senior Vice President, GTM Unit 1977
Kil-Sung Jung Senior Vice President, Strategy-Planning Department 1974
Seon-Il Jeong Senior Vice President, Jeonnam/Jeonbuk Network O&M Headquarter 1968
Chan-Ho Jung Senior Vice President, Human Resources Development Department 1968
Young-Geun Ji Senior Vice President, Southern Seoul Network O&M Headquarter 1972
Young-Sim Jin Senior Vice President, Education Business Cooperation Department 1972
Kwang-Chul Choi Senior Vice President, IPTV Business Unit 1971
Dong-Ryul Choi Senior Vice President, Daegu/Gyeongbuk Enterprise Customer Sales Headquarter 1971
Yung Choi Senior Vice President, Financial Planning Department 1971
Woo-Hyung Choi Senior Vice President, Network Core Service Unit 1970
Ho-Chang Choi Senior Vice President, On External Training 1971
Soo-Kyung Han Senior Vice President, Corporate Synergy Department 1977
Tae-Won Hur Senior Vice President, Compliance Office 1970
Tae-Jun Heo Senior Vice President, Enterprise Business Unit 1970
Hae-Chon Hong Senior Vice President, Enterprise Business Implementation Unit 2 1972
Kyeng-Hee Hwang Senior Vice President, Daegu/Gyeongbuk Network O&M Headquarter 1970

Item 6.B.  Compensation

Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers

In 2024, the aggregate compensation paid to and accrued for all directors and executive officers was approximately ₩43.3 billion and the aggregate amount set aside or accrued by us to provide pension and retirement benefits to such persons was approximately ₩4.3 billion.

75

Table of Contents

The compensation of our directors and executive officers in 2024 that was disclosed on an individual basis in Korea was as follows:

Name Position Total Compensation<br>in 2024 Composition of Total<br>Compensation
(In millions of Won)
Young-Shub Kim Chief Executive Officer ₩901 ₩556 (salary); ₩332 (bonus); ₩13 (benefits)
Chang-Seok Seo Inside Director ₩750 ₩392 (salary); ₩339 (bonus); ₩19 (benefits)
Hyeon-Seuk Lee Senior Executive Vice President ₩683 ₩355 (salary); ₩302 (bonus); ₩26 (benefits)
Soo-Jung Shin Former Senior Executive Vice President ₩1,677 ₩408 (salary); ₩224 (bonus); ₩22 (benefits); ₩1,023 (severance pay)
Hoon-Bae Kim Former Executive Vice President ₩949 ₩230 (salary); ₩177 (bonus); ₩22 (benefits); ₩520 (severance pay)

The chairperson of our board of directors enters into an employment agreement on our behalf with our Representative Director. The employment agreement sets certain management targets to be achieved by the Representative Director as determined by the Evaluation and Compensation Committee each year, including a target for the amount of “EBITDA” to be achieved in each year. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization. Other management targets include (i) short-term operational and strategic goals centered around key performance indices and (ii) increase on a long-term basis in shareholder value measured against performance of companies listed on KOSPI and the shares of our competitors. Failure to achieve certain thresholds below the targets will allow the board of directors to take actions with respect to the Representative Director’s employment, including proposing at the shareholders’ meeting an early termination of his employment. In addition, the head of each of our functional departments, the president of each of our subsidiaries and the heads of each regional head office have entered into employment agreements with the Representative Director that provide for similar management targets to be achieved by each of our departments, subsidiaries and regional head offices.

Item 6.C.  Board Practices

As of April 15, 2025, none of our inside or outside directors maintained directors’ service contracts with us or with any of our subsidiaries providing for benefits upon termination of employment.

Corporate Governance Committee

The Corporate Governance Committee is comprised of four outside directors (YangHee Choi, Woo-Young Kwak, Seung Hoon Lee and Seongcheol Kim). The chairperson is YangHee Choi. The committee is responsible for the review of matters with respect to our Corporate Governance Guidelines and our performance under such guidelines to monitor effectiveness of our corporate governance. The committee members are elected by the board after the annual meeting.

Director Candidate Recommendation Committee

The Director Candidate Recommendation Committee is comprised of all of our outside directors. The chairperson is Seongcheol Kim. The committee’s duties include (i) authorizing the investigation and composition of a pool of internal and external Representative Director candidates, (ii) examining the Representative Director candidates selected under the examination criteria determined by our board of directors, selecting the Representative Director candidates pursuant to

76

Table of Contents

such criteria and reporting to the board of directors the outcome of the examination and (iii) reviewing the qualifications of outside director candidates and proposing nominees to our shareholders for consideration at the general shareholders’ meeting.

Evaluation and Compensation Committee

The Evaluation and Compensation Committee is comprised of four outside directors (Seongcheol Kim, YangHee Choi, Jong Soo Yoon and Seung Ah Theresa Cho). The chairperson is Seongcheol Kim. The committee’s duties include prior review of the Representative Director’s management goals, terms and conditions proposed for inclusion in the management contract of the Representative Director, including, but not limited to, determining whether the Representative Director has achieved the management goals, and the determination of compensation for the Representative Director and the inside directors. The committee members are elected by the board after the closing of the annual meeting.

Related-Party Transactions Committee

The Related-Party Transactions Committee is comprised of four outside directors (Woo-Young Kwak, Yong-Hun Kim, Jong Soo Yoon and Yeong Kyun Ahn). The chairperson is Woo-Young Kwak. This committee’s duties include reviews of transactions between KT Corporation and its subsidiaries and ensures compliance with applicable antitrust laws. The committee members are elected by the board after the annual meeting.

Sustainability Management Committee

The Sustainability Management Committee is comprised of four outside directors (YangHee Choi, Woo-Young Kwak, Jong Soo Yoon and Seongcheol Kim) and one inside director (Chang-Seok Seo). The chairperson is YangHee Choi. The committee’s duties include reviews of sustainable management plans, the authorization of establishment of medium- and long-term sustainable management strategies, sustainable management results, regular reporting and risk management of sustainable management activities and charitable contributions. The committee members are elected by the board after the annual meeting.

Audit Committee

Under the Commercial Code of Korea and our articles of incorporation, we are required to establish an audit committee comprised of three or more outside directors and at least two-thirds of the Audit Committee members are required to be outside directors. Audit Committee members must also meet the applicable independence criteria set forth under the rules and regulations of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The committee is comprised of Yeong Kyun Ahn, Yong-Hun Kim, Seong Hoon Lee, Seung Ah Theresa Cho and Seongcheol Kim. The chairperson is Yeong Kyun Ahn. Yeong Kyun Ahn serves as the financial expert of the Audit Committee. Members of the committee are elected by our shareholders at the shareholders’ meeting. Our internal and external auditors report directly to the committee.

The duties of the committee include:

appointing an independent registered public accounting firm;
approving the appointment and recommending the dismissal of the internal auditor;
--- ---
evaluating performance of the independent registered public accounting firm;
--- ---

77

Table of Contents
approving services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm;
reviewing annual financial statements;
--- ---
reviewing audit results and reports;
--- ---
reviewing and evaluating our system of internal controls and policies
--- ---
examining improprieties or suspected improprieties; and
--- ---
on a quarterly basis, reviewing reports on internal controls for legal compliance, including with respect to cybersecurity laws.
--- ---

In addition, regarding the shareholders’ meeting, the committee may examine the agenda, financial statement and other reports to be submitted by the board of directors at each shareholders’ meeting.

Item 6.D.  Employees

On a standalone basis, we had 16,927 employees as of December 31, 2024, compared to 19,737 employees as of December 31, 2023 and 20,544 employees as of December 31, 2022.

Labor Relations

We consider our current relations with our work force to be good. However, in the past, we have experienced opposition from our labor union for our strategy of restructuring to improve our efficiency and profitability by disposing of non-core businesses and reducing our employee base.

As of December 31, 2024, approximately 76.7% of the employees of KT Corporation were members of labor unions. The representative of the labor unions negotiates a collective bargaining agreement with us every two years, and our current collective bargaining agreement expires on October 9, 2025. The current collective bargaining agreement provides that even in the event of a strike, the minimum number of employees necessary to operate the telecommunications business must continue to work.

KT Trade Union also negotiates its members’ wages with us every year. Under the Act of the Promotion of Worker’s Participation and Cooperation, our Employee-Employer Cooperation Committees, which are composed of representatives of management and labor for each business unit and regional office, meet quarterly to discuss employee grievances, working conditions and potential employee-initiated improvements in service or management.

Employee Stock Ownership and Benefits

We operate an employee stock ownership plan (the “ESOP”) with the purpose of enabling our employees to build financial assets, enhancing corporate productivity, and fostering cooperative labor-management relations. Through the ESOP, our employee stock ownership association owned 3.20% of our issued shares as of December 31, 2024.

In accordance with the National Pension Act of Korea, we contribute an amount equal to 4.5% of an employee’s standard monthly wages, and each employee contributes 4.5% of his or her standard monthly wages, into his or her personal pension account. Our employees, including executive officers as well as non-executive employees, are subject to a pension insurance system, under which we make

78

Table of Contents

monthly contributions to the pension accounts of the employees, and upon retirement, such employees are paid the pension amount due from their pension accounts. Prior to April 2011, our executive and non-executive employees were subject to a lump-sum severance payment system, under which they were entitled to receive a lump-sum severance payment upon termination of their employment, based on their length of service and salary level at the time of termination. Starting in April 2011, in accordance with the Korean Employee Retirement Income Security Act, we replaced such lump-sum severance payment system with our current pension insurance system in the form of a defined benefit plan, and also introduced a defined contribution plan in December 2012, with a total combined unfunded portion of approximately ₩215 billion as of December 31, 2024. Lump-sum severance amounts previously accrued prior to our adoption of the current pension insurance system continue to remain payable. We also provide a wide range of fringe benefits to our employees, including housing, housing loans, company-provided hospitals and schools, a company-sponsored pension program, an employee welfare fund, industrial disaster insurance, cultural and athletic facilities, physical education grants, meal allowances, medical examinations and training and resort centers. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Item 5.A. Operating Results.”

Employee Training

The objective of our training program is to develop professionals who can create value for our customers by leveraging core digital transformation technologies such as telecommunications, AI, big data and cloud computing. To support the development of our employees, we provide individually tailored curricula based on competency assessments, who complete an average of approximately 77 hours of training per year. We also operate a Cyber Academy to provide online classes to our employees, as well as offer various foreign language classes to our employees. In addition, we provide tuition reimbursements to select employees who pursue graduate programs in Korea, as well as provide financial assistance to those who pursue work-related professional licenses or study foreign languages.

Item 6.E.  Share Ownership

Ordinary Shares

The persons who currently serve as our directors or executive officers held, as a group, 223,780 common shares as of April 3, 2025. The table below shows the ownership of our ordinary shares by our directors and executive officers as of April 3, 2025:

Shareholders Number of Common<br>Shares Owned
Young Shub Kim 7,282
Chang-Seok Seo 17,826
Seongcheol Kim 357
Yong-Hun Kim 811
YangHee Choi 357
Woo-Young Kwak 357
Jong Soo Yoon 357
Yeong Kyun Ahn 357
Seung Hoon Lee 357
Seung Ah Theresa Cho 357
Chang-Yong Ahn 10,272
Hyeon-Seuk Lee 13,902
Choong-Rim Ko 2,446
Kwang-Dong Kim 2,323
Byung-Kyun Kim 8,560
Young-In Kim 8,255
Young-Ho Kim 8,254
Chae-Hee Kim 10,816
Song-Yul Park 1,003

79

Table of Contents
Shareholders Number of Common<br>Shares Owned
Hyo-Il Park 10,636
Jeong-Hyun Seo 2,909
Jin-Ho Yang 6,132
Kyung-Hwa Ok 11,372
Yong-Kyu Yoo 10,274
Won-Joon Lee 2,983
Jong-Sik Lee 8,919
Chang-Ho Yi 10,749
Min Jang 745
Jae-Wook Jeong 10,693
Eui-Jeung Choo 200
Jae-Hyung Koo 2,876
Hye-Jin Kwon 5,985
Hee-Keun Kwon 2,136
Mong-Ryong Kim 36
Young-Geol Kim 735
Yong-Nam Kim 786
Jee-Hyeon Kim 586
Jin-Chul Kim 2,443
Hyeong-Rae Roh 262
Je-Hoon Myung 2,601
Cheal-Ho Park 147
Soon-Min Bae 8,785
Won-Je Sung 2,854
Je-Hyun Sung 647
Jeung-Yeup Son 208
Young-Tae Song 939
Chang-Seog Song 281
Sung-Min Oh 302
Tae-Sung Oh 1,018
Byoung-Hyu Yoon 157
Jin-Hyoun Youn 1,784
Kyong-Chae Yi 111
Byeong-Moo Lee 169
Sung-Kyu Lee 147
Jeong-Soo Lee 153
Jung-Woo Lee 265
Jin-Kwon Yi 147
Bo-Heon Im 1,013
Hye-Jin Lim 451
Kil-Sung Jung 2,872
Seon-Il Jeong 307
Chan-Ho Jung 158
Young-Sim Jin 4,763
Kwang-Chul Choi 183
Dong-Ryul Choi 81
Yung Choi 1,547
Woo-Hyung Choi 147
Ho-Chang Choi 3,128
Soo-Kyung Han 257
Tae-Jun Heo 2,052
Hae-Chon Hong 147
Kyeng-Hee Hwang 253
Total 223,780

80

Table of Contents

Share-based Payments

We have granted share-based payments to our chief executive officer, inside directors, outside directors and executive officers. For details of our share-based payments, see Note 24 of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 6.F.  Disclosure of a Registrant’s Action to Recover Erroneously Awarded Compensation

Not applicable.

Item  7.  Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

Item  7.A.  Major Shareholders

The following table sets forth certain information relating to the shareholders of our ordinary shares as of December 31, 2024:

Shareholders Number of<br>Shares Percent of<br>Total<br>Shares Issued
National Pension Service 19,572,583 7.77 %
Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd 14,525,096 5.76 %
Hyundai Motor Company 12,251,234 4.86 %
Silchester International Investors LLP 12,154,357 4.82 %
Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd. 8,094,466 3.21 %
Employee stock ownership association 8,057,639 3.20 %
KT Corporation (held in the form of treasury stock) 6,188,739 2.46 %
Director as a group 28,418 0.01 %
Public 171,149,153 67.91 %
Total issued shares 252,021,685 100.00 %

Major shareholders of our ordinary shares do not have voting rights that are different from those of our public shareholders.

Item  7.B.  Related Party Transactions

We have engaged in various transactions with our subsidiaries and affiliated companies. See Note 35 of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We have not issued any guarantees in favor of our consolidated subsidiaries.

Item  7.C.  Interests of Experts and Counsel

Not applicable.

Item  8.  Financial Information

Item  8.A.  Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

See “Item 18. Financial Statements” and pages F-1 through F-121.

Legal Proceedings

In April 2019, the Korea Fair Trade Commission determined that we, LG U+, SK Broadband and Sejong Telecom colluded in numerous biddings held by public institutions, including the Public

81

Table of Contents

Procurement Service and the Korea Racing Authority, between April 2015 to June 2017 for the engagement of telecommunications companies to provide dedicated fixed-line services, in violation of the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act, and issued an order to cease and desist, imposed a penalty surcharge of ₩5.7 billion on us and filed a criminal complaint against us. In April 2020, several plaintiffs, including the Government and Korea Racing Authority, filed lawsuits alleging damages. There are nine pending lawsuits related to such matters, alleging damages in aggregate of approximately ₩7.25 billion, which remains subject to adjustments. We intend to vigorously defend against such lawsuits.

In July 2023, the Korea Fair Trade Commission imposed fines on three network service providers, including ₩13.9 billion to us, for unfair advertising related to performance of 5G mobile services. In August 2023, we filed an administrative lawsuit requesting the cancellation of such fine, which proceeding is currently pending at the Seoul High Court.

From April 2021 to April 2024, 568 of our subscribers have filed seven class action lawsuits claiming damages totaling approximately ₩0.6 billion alleging poor service quality of our 5G mobile services. There can be no assurance that such class action lawsuits may not result in additional subscribers making similar claims in the future. We intend to vigorously defend against such lawsuits, but there can be no assurance that such lawsuits will not lead to compensation for our 5G subscribers, which may lead to significant expenses.

In July 2023, seven leading credit card companies in Korea, which have entered into joint marketing arrangements with us, filed a lawsuit against us at the Seoul Central District Court, alleging our unjust enrichment from refund of certain value-added tax to us related to joint marketing activities. We offer discounts to our subscribers who pay their service fees or handset installment payments through certain credit cards issued by the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs claim that the value-added tax refunds of approximately ₩86.2 billion to us, which relate to such discount activities, should be returned to the plaintiffs. We intend to vigorously defend against such lawsuit.

In May 2024, we filed a lawsuit against Ssangyong Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. (“Ssangyong”) seeking a court declaration that no additional payment obligations exist under the construction contract for a building constructed for us in Pangyo, Korea. In June 2024, Ssangyong filed a counterclaim against us, demanding an additional construction payment of ₩5 billion. Ssangyong has also indicated that it intends to increase the claim amount following completion of the court appraisal process. We intend to vigorously defend against such lawsuit.

The Korea Fair Trade Commission conducted an investigation into us, along with two other major telecommunications providers, for potential violations of the Fair Trade Act, alleging that the companies had conferred in (i) limiting the overall level of mobile service subscribers switching service providers and (ii) setting the range of sales incentives offered to authorized dealers. In March 2025, the Korea Fair Trade Commission held a plenary session and, based on its press release dated March 12, 2025, announced its intention to impose an aggregate provisional fine of approximately ₩114 billion (including a provisional fine of ₩33 billion on us), and to issue a corrective order aimed at prohibiting similar joint conduct in the future. The fines were calculated based on preliminary figures, prior to the final confirmation of related sales and mobile number portability subscriber data. The fines may be adjusted following the submission of updated data. Upon receipt of the final decision from the Korea Fair Trade Commission, we intend to vigorously defend against the alleged violations.

For a description of our additional legal proceedings, see “Item 3. Key Information—Item 3.D. Risk Factors—Legal cases involving our political donations and other incidents and allegations could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation and stock price.”

82

Table of Contents

As of December 31, 2024, we have established provisions relating to litigation proceedings of ₩22 billion. See Notes 16 and 19 of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Dividends

The table below sets forth the interim and annual dividends declared on the outstanding ordinary shares with respect to the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The annual dividend was paid in the immediately following year, and the interim dividends were paid in the same year.

Dividend Type Dividend per Ordinary<br>Share
(In Won)
Interim dividend (for the period ended March 31, 2022)
Interim dividend (for the period ended June 30, 2022)
Interim dividend (for the period ended September 30, 2022)
Annual dividend (for the year ended December 31, 2022) 1,960
Interim dividend (for the period ended March 31, 2023)
Interim dividend (for the period ended June 30, 2023)
Interim dividend (for the period ended September 30, 2023)
Annual dividend (for the year ended December 31, 2023) 1,960
Interim dividend (for the period ended March 31, 2024) 500
Interim dividend (for the period ended June 30, 2024) 500
Interim dividend (for the period ended March 31, 2024) 500
Annual dividend (for the year ended December 31, 2024) 500

If sufficient profits are available, the board of directors may propose annual dividends on the outstanding ordinary shares, which our shareholders must approve by a resolution at the annual general meeting of shareholders. This meeting is generally held in March of the following year and if our shareholders at such annual general meeting of shareholders approve the annual dividend, we must pay such dividend within one month following the date of such resolution. Typically, we pay such dividends shortly after the meeting. The declaration of annual dividends is subject to the vote of our shareholders, and consequently, there can be no assurance as to the amount of dividends per ordinary share or that any such dividends will be declared. Interim dividends paid in cash can be declared by a resolution of the board of directors. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Dividends” and “Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities—Item 12.D. American Depositary Shares.”

The Commercial Code provides that shares of a company of the same class must receive equal treatment. However, major shareholders may consent to receive dividend distributions at a lesser rate than minor shareholders.

Any cash dividends relating to the shares held in the form of ADSs will be paid to the depositary bank in Won. The deposit agreement provides that, except in certain circumstances, cash dividends received by the depositary bank will be converted by the depositary bank into Dollars and distributed to the holders of the ADRs, less withholding tax, other governmental charges and the depositary bank’s fees and expenses. See “Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities—Item 12.D. American Depositary Shares.”

Item 8.B.  Significant Changes

Except as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we have not experienced any significant changes since the date of our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.

83

Table of Contents

Item 9.  The Offer and Listing

Item 9.A.  Offer and Listing Details

Market Price Information

Ordinary Shares

Our shares were listed on the KRX KOSPI Market on December 23, 1998 under the securities identification code “030200.”

ADSs

The outstanding ADSs, each of which represents one-half of one share of our ordinary share, have been traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “KT” since May 25, 1999.

Item 9.B.  Plan of Distribution

Not applicable.

Item 9.C.  Markets

Please refer to “Item 9.A. Offering and Listing Details.”

Item 9.D.  Selling Shareholders

Not applicable.

Item 9.E.  Dilution

Not applicable.

Item 9.F.  Expenses of the Issuer

Not applicable.

Item 10.  Additional Information

Item 10.A.  Share Capital

Currently, our authorized share capital is 1,000,000,000 shares, which consists of ordinary shares, par value ₩5,000 per share (“Ordinary Shares”) and shares of non-voting preferred stock, par value ₩5,000 per share (“Non-Voting Shares”). Ordinary Shares and Non-Voting Shares together are referred to as “Shares.” Under our articles of incorporation, we are authorized to issue Non-Voting Shares up to one-fourth of our total issued share capital. As of December 31, 2024, 252,021,685 Ordinary Shares were issued, of which 6,188,739 shares were held by the treasury stock fund or us as treasury shares. We have never issued any Non-Voting Shares. All of the issued Ordinary Shares are fully-paid and non-assessable and are in registered form.

Item 10.B.  Memorandum and Articles of Association

Under Article 2 of our articles of incorporation, the primary purpose of KT Corporation is to engage in, including but not limited to, the integrated telecommunications business, the new media and

84

Table of Contents

internet multimedia broadcasting business, the development and sale of media contents and software, the sale of telecommunications devices, the testing and inspection of telecommunications equipment, the telemarketing business and financial data services. This section provides information relating to our share capital, including brief summaries of material provisions of our articles of incorporation, the FSCMA, the Commercial Code and related laws of Korea, all as currently in effect. The following summaries are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, our articles of incorporation and the applicable provisions of the FSCMA and the Commercial Code. We have filed a copy of our articles of incorporation as an exhibit to registration statements under the Securities Act or annual reports under the Securities Exchange Act previously filed by us.

Directors

According to the Commercial Code of Korea, a director is prohibited from voting on a proposal, arrangement or contract in which the director has an interest. Director compensation is determined based on the standards and methods of compensation as determined by the board of directors and reviewed by the Compensation Committee and approved by the board of directors in accordance with our articles of incorporation. See “Item 6.B. Compensation—Compensation of Directors.” Directors appointed at the general shareholders meeting may not be beneficiaries nor participants of the employee welfare fund, which includes borrowings. There is no explicit age limit relating to a director’s retirement or non-retirement, and there is no number of shares required for purposes of determining a director’s qualifications.

Dividends

We distribute dividends to our shareholders in proportion to the number of shares owned by each shareholder. No dividends are distributed with respect to shares held by us or our treasury stock fund. The Ordinary Shares represented by the ADSs have the same dividend rights as other outstanding Ordinary Shares.

Holders of Non-Voting Shares are entitled to receive dividends in priority to the holders of Ordinary Shares in an amount of not less than 9% of the par value of the Non-Voting Shares as determined by the board of directors at the time of their issuance, provided that if the dividends on the Ordinary Shares exceed those on the Non-Voting Shares, the Non-Voting Shares will also participate in the distribution of such excess dividend amount in the same proportion as the Ordinary Shares. If the amount available for dividends is less than the aggregate amount of such minimum dividend, the holders of Non-Voting Shares will be entitled to receive such accumulated unpaid dividend in priority to the holders of Ordinary Shares from the dividends payable in respect of the next fiscal year.

We declare dividends annually at the annual general meeting of shareholders which is held within three months after December 31 of each year. We pay the annual dividend shortly after the annual general meeting to the shareholders of record as December 31 of the preceding year. We may distribute the annual dividend in cash or in Shares. However, a dividend of Shares must be distributed at par value. If the market price of the Shares is less than their par value, dividends in Shares may not exceed one-half of the annual dividend. We may, by a resolution of the board of directors within 45 days after the end of March, June or September, pay quarterly dividends in cash to shareholders or registered pledgees who hold the Shares as of the record date determined by the board of directors. We have no obligation to pay any annual dividend unclaimed for five years from the payment date.

Under the Commercial Code, we may pay dividends only out of the excess of our net assets, on a non-consolidated basis, over the sum of (1) our stated capital and (2) the total amount of our capital surplus reserve and earned surplus reserve (the “Legal Reserve”) accumulated up to the end of the relevant dividend period. In addition, we may not pay any dividend unless we have set aside as

85

Table of Contents

earned surplus reserve an amount equal to at least 10% of the cash portion of the dividend or unless we have accumulated an earned surplus reserve of not less than one-half of our stated capital. We may not use the Legal Reserve to pay cash dividends but may transfer amounts from the Legal Reserve to share capital or use the Legal Reserve to reduce an accumulated deficit.

Distribution of Free Shares

In addition to paying dividends in Shares out of our retained or current earnings, we may also distribute to our shareholders an amount transferred from the Legal Reserve to our stated capital in the form of free shares. We must distribute such free shares to all our shareholders in proportion to their existing shareholdings.

Preemptive Rights and Issuance of Additional Shares

We may issue authorized but unissued shares at times and, unless otherwise provided in the Commercial Code, on terms our board of directors may determine. Subject to the limitation described in “Limitation on Shareholdings” below, all our shareholders are generally entitled to subscribe for any newly issued Shares in proportion to their existing shareholdings. We must offer new Shares on uniform terms to all shareholders who have preemptive rights and are listed on our shareholders’ register as of the relevant record date. Under the Commercial Code, we may vary, without shareholders’ approval, the terms of these preemptive rights for different classes of shares. We must give notice to all persons who are entitled to exercise preemptive rights regarding new Shares and their transferability at least two weeks before the relevant record date. Our board of directors may determine how to distribute Shares for which preemptive rights have not been exercised or where fractions of Shares occur.

Under the Commercial Code, it is required that new Shares, convertible bonds or bonds with warrants be issued to persons other than the existing shareholders solely for the purpose of achieving managerial objectives. Under our articles of incorporation, we may issue new Shares pursuant to a board resolution to persons other than existing shareholders, who in these circumstances will not have preemptive rights, if the new Shares are:

publicly offered pursuant to Articles 4 and 119 of the FSCMA;
issued to members of our employee stock ownership association;
--- ---
represented by depositary receipts;
--- ---
issued upon exercise of stock options granted to our officers and employees;
--- ---
issued through an offering to public investors pursuant to Article 165-6 of the FSCMA, the amount of which is no more than 10% of the issued Shares;
--- ---
issued in order to satisfy specific needs such as strategic alliance, inducement of foreign funds or new technology, improvement of financial structure or other capital raising requirement; or
--- ---
issued to domestic or foreign financial institutions when necessary for raising funds in emergency cases.
--- ---

In addition, we may issue convertible bonds or bonds with warrants, each up to an aggregate principal amount of ₩2,000 billion, to persons other than existing shareholders in the situations described above.

86

Table of Contents

Members of our employee stock ownership association, whether or not they are our shareholders, generally have a preemptive right to subscribe for up to 20.0% of the Shares publicly offered pursuant to the FSCMA. This right is exercisable only to the extent that the total number of Shares so acquired and held by members of our employee stock ownership association does not then exceed 20.0% of the total number of Shares then issued (including in such total both: (i) all issued and outstanding Shares at the time the preemptive rights are exercised; and (ii) all Shares to be newly issued in the applicable share issuance transaction in connection with which such preemptive rights are exercised). As of December 31, 2024, 3.20% of the issued Shares were held by members of our employee stock ownership association.

Limitations on Shareholding

The Telecommunications Business Act limits the maximum aggregate foreign shareholding in us to 49.0% of our total issued and outstanding Shares with voting rights (including equivalent securities with voting rights, e.g., depositary certificates and certain other equity interests). For the purposes of the foregoing, a shareholder is a “foreign shareholder” if such shareholder is: (1) a foreign person; (2) a foreign government; or (3) a company whose largest shareholder is a foreign person (including any “specially related persons” as determined under the FSCMA) or a foreign government, in circumstances where (i) such foreign person or foreign government holds, in aggregate, 15.0% or more of such company’s total voting shares, and (ii) such company holds at least 1.0% of our total issued and outstanding Shares with voting rights. For the avoidance of doubt, both of conditions (i) and (ii) in the foregoing item (3) must exist for such a company to be considered as a “foreign shareholder” for the purposes of calculating whether the 49.0% foreign shareholding threshold is reached under the Telecommunications Business Act. In addition, the Telecommunications Business Act prohibits a foreign shareholder from being our largest shareholder if such shareholder owns 5.0% or more of our Shares with voting rights. For the purposes of this restriction, any two or more foreign persons or foreign governments who enter into an agreement to act in concert in the exercise of their voting rights will be counted together and prohibited from becoming our largest shareholder in the event that they collectively hold 5.0% or more of our Shares. For the purposes of this restriction under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act, a “foreign shareholder” is defined in the same manner as described above with respect to the foreign shareholding restriction under the Telecommunications Business Act, provided, however, that no exception is made under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act regulations for companies that own less than 1.0% of our Shares (see item (3)(ii) above in this paragraph). A foreigner who has acquired the Shares in excess of such ceiling described above may not exercise its voting rights for shares in excess of such limitation, and the MSIT may require corrective measures to comply with the ownership restrictions.

General Meeting of Shareholders

We hold the annual general meeting of shareholders within three months after December 31 of each year. Subject to a board resolution or court approval, we may hold an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders:

as necessary;
at the request of shareholders of an aggregate of 3.0% or more of our issued Ordinary Shares;
--- ---
at the request of shareholders holding an aggregate of 1.5% or more of our issued Shares for at least six months; or
--- ---
at the request of our Audit Committee.
--- ---

87

Table of Contents

We must give shareholders written notice specifying the date, place and agenda of the meeting at least two weeks before the date of the general meeting of shareholders. However, for holders of less than 1.0% of the total number of issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares, we may give notice either by placing at least two public notices in at least two daily newspapers, or by making a public announcement on the Data Analysis, Retrieval and Transfer System (“DART”) operated by the Financial Supervisory Service or the Korea Exchange, at least two weeks in advance of the meeting. Currently, we use DART for such public announcements. Shareholders not on the shareholders’ register as of the record date are not entitled to receive notice of the general meeting of shareholders or attend or vote at the meeting. Holders of Non-Voting Shares are not entitled to receive notice of general meetings of shareholders, but may attend such meetings.

Our general meetings of shareholders are held at our office in Seoul, or if necessary, may be held elsewhere.

Voting Rights

Holders of our Ordinary Shares are entitled to one vote for each Ordinary Share, except that voting rights of Ordinary Shares held by us, or by a corporate shareholder that is more than 10.0% owned by us either directly or indirectly, may not be exercised. The Commercial Code permits cumulative voting, under which voting method each shareholder has multiple voting rights corresponding to the number of directors to be appointed in the voting and may exercise all voting rights cumulatively to elect one director. Our articles of incorporation permit cumulative voting at our shareholders’ meeting. Under the Commercial Code of Korea, any shareholder holding shares equivalent to not less than 1/100 of the total number of shares issued may apply to us for selecting and appointing such directors by cumulative voting.

Our shareholders may adopt resolutions at a general meeting by an affirmative majority vote of the voting shares present or represented at the meeting, where the affirmative votes also represent at least one-fourth of our total voting shares then outstanding, except that where voting rights can be exercised electronically, members of the Audit Committee may be elected by an affirmative majority vote of the voting shares present at the meeting. In addition, under the Commercial Code and our articles of incorporation, the following matters, among others, require approval by the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting shares present or represented at a meeting, where the affirmative votes also represent at least one-third of our total voting shares then outstanding:

amending our articles of incorporation;
removing a director;
--- ---
reduction of our share capital;
--- ---
effecting any dissolution, merger or consolidation of us;
--- ---
transferring the whole or any significant part of our business;
--- ---
effecting our acquisition of all of the business of any other company or our acquisition of a part of the business of any other company which will significantly affect our business; or
--- ---
issuing any new Shares at a price lower than their par value.
--- ---

In general, holders of Non-Voting Shares are not entitled to vote on any resolution or receive notice of any general meeting of shareholders. However, in the case of amendments to our articles of

88

Table of Contents

incorporation, any merger or consolidation of us, or in some other cases that affect the rights or interests of the Non-Voting Shares, approval of the holders of Non-Voting Shares is required. We may obtain such approval by a resolution of holders of at least two-thirds of the Non-Voting Shares present or represented at a class meeting of the holders of Non-Voting Shares, where the affirmative votes also represent at least one-third of our total outstanding Non-Voting Shares.

Shareholders may exercise their voting rights by proxy. The proxy must present a document evidencing an appropriate power of attorney prior to the start of the general meeting of shareholders. Additionally, shareholders may exercise their voting rights in absentia by submission of signed write-in voting forms. To make it possible for our shareholders to proceed with voting on a write-in basis, we are required to attach the appropriate write-in voting form and related informational material to the notices distributed to shareholders for convening the relevant general meeting of shareholders. Any of our shareholders who desire to vote on such write-in basis must submit their completed and signed write-in voting forms to us no later than one day prior to the date that the relevant general meeting of shareholders is convened.

Holders of ADRs exercise their voting rights through the ADR depositary, an agent of which is the record holder of the underlying Ordinary Shares. Subject to the provisions of the deposit agreement, ADR holders are entitled to instruct the ADR depositary how to vote the Ordinary Shares underlying their ADSs.

Appraisal Rights of Dissenting Shareholders

In some limited circumstances, including the transfer of the whole or any significant part of our business and our merger or consolidation with another company, dissenting shareholders have the right to require us to purchase their Shares. To exercise this right, shareholders must submit to us a written notice of their intention to dissent before the general meeting of shareholders. Within 20 days after the relevant resolution is passed at a meeting, the dissenting shareholders must request us in writing to purchase their Shares. We are obligated to purchase the Shares of dissenting shareholders within one month after the expiration of the 20-day period. The purchase price for the Shares is required to be determined through negotiation between the dissenting shareholders and us. If we cannot agree on a price through negotiation, the purchase price will be the average of (1) the weighted average of the daily Share prices on the KRX KOSPI Market for the two-month period before the date of the adoption of the relevant board resolution, (2) the weighted average of the daily Share price on the KRX KOSPI Market for the one month period before the date of the adoption of the relevant board resolution and (3) the weighted average of the daily Share price on the KRX KOSPI Market for the one week period before the date of the adoption of the relevant board resolution. However, if we or any of the dissenting shareholders do not accept the purchase price calculated using the above method, the rejecting party may request the court to determine the purchase price. Holders of ADSs will not be able to exercise appraisal rights unless they have withdrawn the underlying ordinary shares and become our direct shareholders.

Register of Shareholders and Record Dates

Our account management institution, Kookmin Bank, maintains the electronic register of our shareholders at its office in Seoul, Korea. Our account management institution effects transfers of Shares on the electronic register of shareholders only upon the electronic registration of such transfers pursuant to the Act on Electronic Registration of Stocks, Bonds, Etc. of Korea (the “Electronic Registration Act”).

The record date is December 31. Further, we may set a record date for the purpose of determining the shareholders entitled to rights pertaining to the Shares, and we must announce such

89

Table of Contents

record date at least two weeks prior to such record date. The trading of Shares and the delivery of share certificates may continue while the register of shareholders is closed.

Annual Reports

At least one week before the annual general meeting of shareholders, we must make our annual report and audited consolidated financial statements available for inspection at our principal office and at all of our branch offices. In addition, copies of annual reports, the audited consolidated financial statements and any resolutions adopted at the general meeting of shareholders will be available to our shareholders.

Under the FSCMA, we must file with the Financial Services Commission and the KRX KOSPI Market (1) an annual report within 90 days after the end of our fiscal year and (2) interim reports with respect to the three month period, six month period and nine month period from the beginning of each fiscal year within 45 calendar days following the end of each period. Copies of these reports are or will be available for public inspection at the Financial Services Commission and the KRX KOSPI Market.

Transfer of Shares

Under the Electronic Registration Act, the transfer of Shares is effected by the electronic registration of such transfers on an electronic registry pursuant to the Electronic Registration Act, under which the electronic registration of stocks, bonds and transfers thereof will be required. To assert shareholders’ rights against us, the transferee must have his name and address registered on our electronic register of shareholders. For this purpose, a shareholder is required to apply for electronic registration of transfer between accounts. The above requirements do not apply to the holders of ADSs.

Under current Korean regulations, Korean securities companies and banks, including licensed branches of non-Korean securities companies and banks, investment management companies, futures trading companies, internationally recognized foreign custodians and the Korea Securities Depository may act as agents and provide related services for foreign shareholders. Certain foreign exchange controls and securities regulations apply to the transfer of Shares by non-residents or non-Koreans. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.D. Exchange Controls.”

Our account management institution is Kookmin Bank, located at 26, Gukjegeumyung-ro 8-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Korea.

Acquisition of Shares by Us

Under the Commercial Code, we may acquire our own Shares by (i) purchasing on the KRX KOSPI Market, or (ii) purchasing from shareholders on a pro rata basis in accordance with the number of shares held by each shareholder. The aggregate purchase price for the Shares may not exceed the total amount available for distribution of dividends at the end of the preceding fiscal year. Moreover, we must acquire our own Shares from dissenting shareholders who exercise their appraisal rights.

Under the FSCMA, we may acquire Shares only by (i) purchasing on the KRX KOSPI Market, (ii) purchasing from shareholders on a pro rata basis in accordance with the number of shares held by each shareholder, or (iii) receiving Shares returned to us upon the cancellation or termination of a trust agreement with a trustee who acquired the Shares by either of the methods indicated above. The aggregate purchase price for the Shares may not exceed the total amount available for distribution of dividends at the end of the preceding fiscal year.

90

Table of Contents

Under our articles of incorporation, we are required to report the purpose of holding our own Shares and plans for disposition at each annual general meeting of shareholders. We are also required to obtain approval at the annual general meeting of shareholders if we acquire cross-held shares of another company through a sale or exchange of treasury stock.

In general, corporate entities in which we own a 50.0% or more equity interest may not acquire our Shares.

As of December 31, 2024, there were 6,188,739 treasury shares, including shares held by our treasury stock fund.

Liquidation Rights

In the event of our liquidation, after payment of all debts, liquidation expenses and taxes, our remaining assets will be distributed among shareholders in proportion to their shareholdings. Holders of Non-Voting Shares have no preference in liquidation.

Item 10.C.  Material Contracts

None.

Item 10.D.  Exchange Controls

General

The Foreign Exchange Transaction Act and the Presidential Decree and regulations under that Act and Decree (collectively the “Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws”) regulate investment in Korean securities by non-residents and issuance of securities outside Korea by Korean companies. Under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws, non-residents may invest in Korean securities only in compliance with the provisions of, and to the extent specifically allowed by, these laws or otherwise permitted by the MOEF. The Financial Services Commission has also adopted, pursuant to its authority under the FSCMA, regulations that control investment by foreigners in Korean securities and regulate the issuance of securities outside Korea by Korean companies.

Under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws, if the Government deems that certain emergency circumstances, including, but not limited to, the outbreak of natural calamities, wars or grave and sudden changes in domestic or foreign economies, are likely to occur, the MOEF may temporarily suspend the transactions where Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws are applicable, or impose an obligation to deposit or sell capital to certain Korean governmental agencies or financial institutions. In addition, if the Government deems that it is confronted or is likely to be confronted with serious difficulty in movement of capital between Korea and abroad which will bring serious obstacles in carrying out its currency policies, exchange rate policies and other macroeconomic policies, the MOEF may take measures to require any person who performs transactions to deposit such capital to certain Korean governmental agencies or financial institutions.

Government Review of Issuance of ADSs

In order for us to issue shares represented by ADSs, we are required to file a prior report of the issuance with the MOEF if our securities and borrowings denominated in foreign currencies issued during the one-year period preceding such filing date exceed US$50 million in aggregate. No further Korean governmental approval is necessary for the initial offering and issuance of the ADSs.

91

Table of Contents

Under current Korean laws and regulations, the depositary bank is required to obtain our prior consent for the number of shares to be deposited in any given proposed deposit which exceeds the difference between (1) the aggregate number of shares deposited by us or with the consent of us for the issuance of ADSs (including deposits in connection with the initial and all subsequent offerings of ADSs and stock dividends or other distributions related to these ADSs) and (2) the number of shares on deposit with the depositary bank at the time of such proposed deposit. We can give no assurance that we would grant our consent, if our consent is required. Therefore, a holder of ADRs who surrenders ADRs and withdraws shares may not be permitted subsequently to deposit those shares and obtain ADRs.

Reporting Requirements for Holders of Substantial Interests

Any person whose direct or beneficial ownership of shares, whether in the form of shares or ADSs, certificates representing the rights to subscribe for Shares and equity-related debt securities including convertible bonds and bonds with warrants (collectively, the “Equity Securities”) together with the Equity Securities beneficially owned by certain related persons or by any person acting in concert with the person accounts for 5.0% or more of the total issued Equity Securities is required to report the status of the holdings to the Financial Services Commission and the KRX KOSPI Market within five business days after reaching the 5.0% ownership interest. In addition, any change in the ownership interest subsequent to the report which equals or exceeds 1.0% of the total issued Equity Securities is required to be reported to the Financial Services Commission and the KRX KOSPI Market within five business days from the date of the change. The required information to be included in the 5.0% report may be different if the acquisition of such shareholding interest is for the purpose of exercising influence over the management, as opposed to an acquisition for investment purposes. Any person reporting the holding of 5.0% or more of the total issued Equity Securities and any person reporting the change in the ownership interest which equals or exceeds 1.0% of the total issued Equity Securities pursuant to the requirements described above must also deliver a copy of such reports to us.

Violation of these reporting requirements may subject a person to criminal sanctions such as fines or imprisonment and may result in a loss of voting rights with respect to the unreported ownership of Equity Securities exceeding 5.0%. Furthermore, the Financial Services Commission may issue an order to dispose of non-reported Equity Securities.

Restrictions Applicable to ADSs

No Korean governmental approval is necessary for the sale and purchase of ADSs in the secondary market outside Korea or for the withdrawal of shares underlying ADSs and the delivery inside Korea of shares in connection with the withdrawal. In general, the acquisition of the shares by a foreigner must be reported by the foreigner or his standing proxy in Korea immediately to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service; provided, however, that in cases where a foreigner acquires shares through the exercise of rights as a holder of ADSs (or other depositary certificates), the foreigner must cause such report to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service to be filed by the Korea Securities Depository.

Persons who have acquired shares as a result of the withdrawal of shares underlying the ADSs may exercise their preemptive rights for new shares, participate in free distributions and receive dividends on shares without any further governmental approval.

Restrictions Applicable to Shares

As a result of amendments to the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws and Financial Services Commission regulations adopted in connection with the stock market opening from January 1992,

92

Table of Contents

which we refer to collectively as the Investment Rules, foreigners may invest, with limited exceptions and subject to procedural requirements, in all shares of Korean companies, whether listed on the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market, unless prohibited by specific laws. Foreign investors may trade shares listed on the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market only through the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market, except in limited circumstances, including:

odd-lot trading of shares;
acquisition of shares (“Converted Shares”) by exercise of warrant, conversion right under convertible bonds or withdrawal right under depositary receipts issued outside of Korea by a Korean company;
--- ---
acquisition of shares as a result of inheritance, donation, bequest or exercise of shareholders’ rights, including preemptive rights or rights to participate in free distributions and receive dividends;
--- ---
over-the-counter transactions between foreigners of a class of shares for which the ceiling on aggregate acquisition by foreigners, as explained below, has been reached or exceeded;
--- ---
shares acquired by foreign direct investment as defined in the Foreign Investment Promotion Act;
--- ---
disposal of shares pursuant to the exercise of appraisal rights of dissenting shareholders;
--- ---
disposal of shares in connection with a tender offer;
--- ---
acquisition of shares by a foreign depositary in connection with the issuance of depositary receipts;
--- ---
acquisition and disposal of shares through an overseas stock exchange market if such shares are simultaneously listed on the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market and such overseas stock exchange;
--- ---
acquisition and disposal of shares through alternative trading systems (ATS);
--- ---
arm’s length transactions between foreigners, if all of such foreigners belong to an investment group managed by the same person.
--- ---

For over-the-counter transactions of shares between foreigners outside the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market for shares with respect to which the limit on aggregate foreign ownership has been reached or exceeded, an investment broker licensed in Korea must act as an intermediary. Odd-lot trading of shares outside the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market must involve a licensed investment trader in Korea as the other party. Foreign investors are prohibited from engaging in margin transactions through borrowing shares from a securities company with respect to shares which are subject to a foreign ownership limit.

Pursuant to amendments to the Investment Rules that became effective on December 14, 2023, foreign investors who wish to invest in shares on the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market (including Converted Shares) may do so using their Legal Entity Identifier, instead of having to register their identity with the Financial Supervisory Service prior to making any such investment. However, those who have already registered as a foreign investor may continue to make investments using their investment registration card.

93

Table of Contents

Upon a foreign investor’s purchase of shares through the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market, no separate report by the investor is required because the investment registration certificate system is designed to control and oversee foreign investment through a computer system. However, a foreign investor’s acquisition or sale of shares outside the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market (as discussed above) must be reported by the foreign investor or his standing proxy to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service at the time of each such acquisition or sale; provided, however, that in cases where a foreigner acquires shares through the exercise of rights as a holder of ADSs (or other depositary certificates), the foreigner must cause such report to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service to be filed by the Korea Securities Depository; and further provided that a foreign investor must ensure that any acquisition or sale by it of shares outside the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market in the case of trades in connection with a tender offer, odd-lot trading of shares or trades of a class of shares for which the aggregate foreign ownership limit has been reached or exceeded, is reported to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service by the investment trader, the investment broker, the Korea Securities Depository or the financial securities company engaged to facilitate such transaction. A foreign investor may appoint one or more standing proxies from among the Korea Securities Depository, foreign exchange banks, including domestic branches of foreign banks, investment traders, investment brokers, the Korea Securities Depository, financial securities companies and internationally recognized custodians that satisfy all relevant requirements under the FSCMA.

Certificates evidencing shares of Korean companies must be kept in custody with an eligible custodian in Korea. Only the Korea Securities Depository, foreign exchange banks including domestic branches of foreign banks, investment traders, investment brokers, collective investment business entities and internationally recognized custodians satisfying the relevant requirements under the FSCMA are eligible to act as a custodian of shares for a non-resident or foreign investor. A foreign investor must ensure that his custodian deposits its shares with the Korea Securities Depository. However, a foreign investor may be exempted from complying with this deposit requirement with the approval of the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service in circumstances where compliance with that requirement is made impracticable, including cases where compliance would contravene the laws of the home country of such foreign investor.

Under the Investment Rules, with certain exceptions, foreign investors may acquire shares of a Korean company without being subject to any foreign investment ceiling. As one such exception, designated public corporations are subject to a 40.0% ceiling on the acquisition of shares by foreigners in the aggregate and a ceiling on the acquisition of shares by a single foreign investor pursuant to the articles of incorporation of such corporation. Currently, Korea Electric Power Corporation is the only designated public corporation which has set such a ceiling. Furthermore, an investment by a foreign investor of not less than 10.0% of the issued shares with voting rights of a Korean company is defined as a direct foreign investment under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act, which is, in general, subject to the report to, and acceptance, by the Ministry of Trade Industry & Energy. The acquisition of shares of a Korean company by a foreign investor may also be subject to certain foreign shareholding restrictions in the event that the restrictions are prescribed in each specific law which regulates the business of the Korean company. A foreigner who has acquired our ordinary shares in excess of this ceiling may not exercise his voting rights with respect to our ordinary shares exceeding the limit.

Under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws, a foreign investor who intends to acquire shares must designate a foreign exchange bank at which he must open a foreign currency account and a Won account exclusively for stock investments. No approval is required for remittance into Korea and deposit of foreign currency funds in the foreign currency account. Foreign currency funds may be transferred from the foreign currency account at the time required to place a deposit for, or settle the purchase price of, a stock purchase transaction to a Won account opened at an investment broker or

94

Table of Contents

an investment trader. Funds in the foreign currency account may be remitted abroad without any governmental approval.

Dividends on Shares are paid in Won. No governmental approval is required for foreign investors to receive dividends on, or the Won proceeds of the sale of, any shares to be paid, received and retained in Korea. Dividends paid on, and the Won proceeds of the sale of, any shares held by a non-resident of Korea must be deposited either in a Won account with the investor’s investment broker or investment trader or his Won Account. Funds in the investor’s Won Account may be transferred to his foreign currency account or withdrawn for local living expenses up to certain limitations. Funds in the Won Account may also be used for future investment in shares or for payment of the subscription price of new shares obtained through the exercise of preemptive rights.

Investment brokers and investment traders are allowed to open foreign currency accounts with foreign exchange banks exclusively for accommodating foreign investors’ stock investments in Korea. Through these accounts, these investment brokers and investment traders may enter into foreign exchange transactions on a limited basis, such as conversion of foreign currency funds and Won funds, either as a counterparty to or on behalf of foreign investors, without the investors having to open their own accounts with foreign exchange banks.

Item 10.E.  Taxation

The following summary is based upon tax laws of the United States and the Republic of Korea as in effect on the date of this annual report on Form 20-F, and is subject to any change in United States or Korean law that may come into effect after such date. Investors in the ordinary shares or ADSs are advised to consult their own tax advisers as to the United States, Korean or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of such securities, including the effect of any national, state or local tax laws.

Korean Taxation

The following summary of Korean tax considerations applies to you as long as you are not:

a resident of Korea;
a corporation organized under Korean law; or
--- ---
engaged in a trade or business in Korea through a permanent establishment or a fixed base.
--- ---

Shares or ADSs

Dividends on Ordinary Shares or ADSs

Unless an applicable tax treaty provides otherwise, we will deduct Korean withholding tax from dividends paid to you either in cash or shares at a rate of 22.0% (including local income tax). If you are a resident of a country that has entered into a tax treaty with Korea, you may qualify for a reduced rate of Korean withholding tax under such a treaty. For example, if you are a qualified resident of the United States for purposes of the US-Korea Tax Treaty (the “Treaty”) and you are the beneficial owner of a dividend, a reduced withholding tax rate of 16.5% (including local income tax) generally will apply. You will not be entitled to claim treaty benefits if you are not the beneficial owner of a dividend.

In order to obtain the benefits of a reduced withholding tax rate under a tax treaty, you must submit to us, prior to the dividend payment date, an application for entitlement to a reduced tax rate. If

95

Table of Contents

you hold ADSs and receive the dividends through a depositary, you are not required to submit the application for entitlement to a reduced tax rate. If you are an overseas investment vehicle (an “OIV”), which is defined as an organization established in a non-Korean jurisdiction that manages funds collected through investment solicitation by way of acquiring, disposing, or otherwise investing in any such assets and distributes the yield therefrom to investors, you must submit to us a report of the OIV and a schedule of beneficial owners together with their applications for entitlement to a reduced tax rate, which you should collect from each beneficial owner. Excess taxes withheld may be recoverable if you subsequently produce satisfactory evidence that you were entitled to have tax withheld at a lower rate.

If we distribute to you free shares representing a transfer of certain capital reserves or asset revaluation reserves into paid-in capital, that distribution may be a deemed dividend subject to Korean tax.

Capital Gains

Capital gains from a sale of ordinary shares will generally be exempt from Korean taxation if you have owned, together with certain related parties, less than 25.0% of our total issued shares during the year of sale and the five calendar years before the year of sale, and the sale is made through the KRX KOSPI Market, and you have no permanent establishment in Korea. Capital gains earned by a non-Korean holder from a sale of ADSs outside of Korea are exempt from Korean taxation by virtue of the Special Tax Treatment Control Law of Korea (the “STTCL”), provided that the issuance of the ADSs is deemed to be an overseas issuance under the STTCL.

If you are subject to Korean taxation on capital gains from a sale of ADSs, or ordinary shares that you acquired as a result of a withdrawal, your gain will be calculated based on your cost of acquiring the ADSs representing the ordinary shares, although there are no specific Korean tax provisions or rulings on this issue. In the absence of the application of a tax treaty that exempts tax on capital gains, the amount of Korean tax imposed on such capital gains will be the lesser of 11.0% (including local income tax) of the gross realization proceeds or, subject to the production of satisfactory evidence of the acquisition cost and the transaction costs of the ADSs, 22.0% (including local income tax) of the net capital gain.

If you are subject to Korean taxation on capital gains from a sale of ADSs, or ordinary shares that you acquire as a result of a withdrawal, and you sell your ordinary shares or ADSs, the purchaser or, in the case of a sale of ordinary shares on the KRX KOSPI Market or through a licensed securities company in Korea, the licensed securities company, is required to withhold Korean tax from the sales price in an amount equal to 11% (including local income tax) of the gross realization proceeds and to make payment thereof to the Korean tax authorities, unless you establish your entitlement to an exemption from taxation under an applicable tax treaty or produce satisfactory evidence of your acquisition cost and the transaction costs for the ordinary shares or ADSs. In order to obtain the benefit of an exemption from tax pursuant to a tax treaty, you must submit to the purchaser or the securities company (or through the depositary), as the case may be, prior to the first payment, an exemption application, together with a certificate of your tax residence issued by a competent authority of your residence country, provided that if such tax exemption is being sought to be applied to an amount that is ₩1 billion or more (including where the aggregate amount exempted within one year from the last day of the month in which the payment was made, is ₩1 billion or more), in addition to the certificate of your tax residence issued by a competent authority of your residence country, you will also be required to submit the names and addresses of all of the members of your board of directors, the identities and shareholding percentages of all of your shareholders (provided that if you have more than 100 shareholders, you may instead provide a statement showing the total number of shareholders and aggregate investment amount from each country), and financial statements (including appendices), tax

96

Table of Contents

returns or audit reports for the most recent three years (or, if your entity has been in existence for less than three years, the aforementioned documents since incorporation), which must be submitted with a Korean translation in principle. If you are an OIV, you must submit a report of the OIV and a schedule of beneficial owners together with their applications for exemption, which you should collect from each beneficial owner. The withholding obligor must submit the application and the report to the relevant tax office by the ninth day of the month following the date of the first payment of such income. This requirement will not apply to exemptions under Korean tax law. Excess taxes withheld may be recoverable if you subsequently produce satisfactory evidence that you were entitled to have taxes withheld at a lower rate.

Most tax treaties that Korea has entered into provide exemptions for capital gains tax for capital gains from sale of ordinary shares. However, Korea’s tax treaties with Japan, Austria, Spain and a few other countries do not provide an exemption from such capital gains tax. For example, Article 13 of Korea’s tax treaty with Japan provides that if a taxpayer holding 25% or more (including those shares held by any related party of the taxpayer) of total issued shares of a company in a taxable year sells 5% or more (including those sold by any related party of the taxpayer) of total issued shares of the same company in the same taxable year, the country where the company is a resident may impose tax on such taxpayer.

Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax

Korean inheritance tax is imposed upon (a) all assets (wherever located) of the deceased if at the time of his death he was domiciled in Korea or had resided in Korea for at least 183 days immediately prior to his death and (b) all property located in Korea which passes on death (irrespective of the domicile of the deceased). Gift tax is imposed in similar circumstances to the above. Taxes are currently imposed at the rate of 10% to 50% if the value of the relevant property is above a certain limit and vary according to the identity of the parties involved.

Under Korean Inheritance and Gift Tax Law, shares issued by a Korean corporation are deemed located in Korea irrespective of where they are physically located or by whom they are owned. It remains unclear whether, for Korean inheritance and gift tax purposes, a non-resident holder of ADSs will be treated as the owner of the shares underlying the ADSs. If such non-resident is treated as the owner of the shares, the heir or donee of such non-resident (or in certain circumstances, the non-resident as the donor) will be subject to Korean inheritance or gift tax at the same rate as described above.

Securities Transaction Tax

If you transfer ordinary shares on the KRX KOSPI Market, you are subject to securities transaction tax at a rate of 0.03% for any transfers made during 2024 and 0% for any transfers made on and after January 1, 2025 and an agriculture and fishery special tax at a rate of 0.15%, calculated based on the sales price of the shares. If you transfer ordinary shares on the KRX KOSDAQ Market, you are subject to securities transaction tax at a rate of 0.18% for any transfers made during 2024 and 0.15% for any transfers made on and after January 1, 2025, and will generally not be subject to the agriculture and fishery special tax. If you transfer ordinary shares and your transfer is not made on the KRX KOSPI or KRX KOSDAQ Market (e.g., shares of private companies), you will generally be subject to the securities transaction tax at a rate of 0.35% for transfers on and after January 1, 2023 and will generally not be subject to the agriculture and fishery special tax.

With respect to transfers of ADSs, a tax ruling issued in 2004 by the Korean tax authority appears to hold that depositary receipts (such as the ADSs) constitute share certificates subject to the securities transaction tax. In May 2007, the Seoul Administrative Court held that depositary receipts do

97

Table of Contents

not constitute share certificates subject to the securities transaction tax. In 2008, the Seoul Administrative Court’s holding was upheld by the Seoul High Court and was further upheld by the Supreme Court. Subsequent to this series of rulings, however, the Securities Transaction Tax Law was amended to expressly provide that depositary receipts constituted a form of share certificates subject to the securities transaction tax. However, the sale price of ADSs from a transfer of depositary receipts listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq National Market or other qualified foreign exchanges are exempt from the securities transaction tax.

United States Federal Income Taxation

The following discussion describes the material United States federal income tax consequences of the ownership of our ADSs and ordinary shares as of the date hereof. This discussion deals only with ADSs and ordinary shares that are held as capital assets by a U.S. Holder (as defined below). In addition, the discussion set forth below is applicable only to U.S. Holders (i) who are residents of the United States for purposes of the current Treaty, (ii) whose ADSs or ordinary shares are not, for purposes of the Treaty, effectively connected with a permanent establishment in Korea and (iii) who otherwise qualify for the full benefits of the Treaty.

For purposes of this summary, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of our ADSs or ordinary shares that is:

a citizen or resident of the United States;
a United States domestic corporation; or
--- ---
otherwise is subject to United States federal income taxation on a net income basis in respect of such ADSs or ordinary shares.
--- ---

This discussion is based upon provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and regulations, rulings and judicial decisions thereunder as of the date hereof, as well as the Treaty (as defined above). Those authorities may be changed, perhaps retroactively, so as to result in United States federal income tax consequences different from those summarized below. In addition, this discussion is based, in part, upon representations made by the depositary to us and assumes that the deposit agreement, and all other related agreements, will be performed in accordance with their terms.

This discussion does not represent a detailed description of the United States federal income tax consequences applicable to you if you are subject to special treatment under the United States federal income tax laws, including if you are:

a dealer in securities or currencies;
a financial institution;
--- ---
a regulated investment company;
--- ---
a real estate investment trust;
--- ---
an insurance company;
--- ---
a tax-exempt organization;
--- ---

98

Table of Contents
a person holding our ADSs or ordinary shares as part of a hedging, integrated or conversion transaction, a constructive sale or a straddle;
a trader in securities that has elected the mark-to-market method of accounting for securities;
--- ---
a person liable for alternative minimum tax;
--- ---
a person who owns or is deemed to own 10% or more of our stock (by vote or value);
--- ---
a partnership or other pass-through entity for United States federal income tax purposes; or
--- ---
a person whose “functional currency” is not the United States dollar.
--- ---

If a partnership (or other entity treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) holds our ADSs or ordinary shares, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding our ADSs or ordinary shares, you should consult your tax advisors.

This discussion does not contain a detailed description of all the United States federal income tax consequences to you in light of your particular circumstances and does not address the estate or gift taxes, the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income or the effects of any state, local or non-United States tax laws. If you are considering the purchase of our ADSs or ordinary shares, you should consult your own tax advisors concerning the particular United States federal income tax consequences to you of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our ADSs or ordinary shares, as well as the consequences to you arising under other United States federal tax laws and the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

ADSs

If you hold ADSs, for United States federal income tax purposes, you generally will be treated as the owner of the underlying ordinary shares that are represented by such ADSs. Accordingly, deposits or withdrawals of ordinary shares for ADSs will not be subject to United States federal income tax. For the remainder of this discussion, references to “ordinary shares” should be interpreted to include ADSs, unless otherwise specified.

Taxation of Dividends

The gross amount of distributions of cash or property with respect to the ordinary shares (including any amounts withheld to reflect Korean withholding taxes) will be taxable as dividends to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax principles. Because we do not expect to determine earnings and profits in accordance with United States federal income tax principles, you should expect that a distribution will generally be treated as a dividend for United States federal income tax purposes.

Any dividends that you receive (including any withheld taxes) will be includable in your gross income as ordinary income on the day actually or constructively received by you, in the case of ordinary shares, or by the depositary, in the case of ADSs. Such dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations under the Code.

99

Table of Contents

Dividends received by an individual will be subject to taxation at a preferential rate if the dividends are “qualified dividends.” Subject to certain exceptions for short-term positions, dividends will be treated as qualified dividends if: (i) the ordinary shares or ADSs, as applicable, are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States or we are eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States that the United States Treasury Department determines is satisfactory for purposes of this provision and that includes an exchange of information program; and (ii) we were not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and are not, in the year in which the dividend is paid, a passive foreign investment company (a “PFIC”) (see “—Passive Foreign Investment Company” below). The ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and will qualify as readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States as long as they are so listed. In addition, the United States Treasury Department has determined that the Treaty meets the requirements for reduced rates of taxation, and we believe we are eligible for the benefits of the Treaty.

The amount of any dividend paid in Won will equal the United States dollar value of the Won received calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date the dividend is received by you, in the case of ordinary shares, or by the depositary, in the case of ADSs, regardless of whether the Won are converted into United States dollars. If the Won received as a dividend are converted into United States dollars on the date they are received, you generally will not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. If the Won received as a dividend are not converted into United States dollars on the date of receipt, you will have a basis in the Won equal to their United States dollar value on the date of receipt. Any gain or loss realized on a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the Won will be treated as United States source ordinary income or loss.

Subject to generally applicable limitations and conditions, Korean tax on dividends paid at the appropriate rate applicable to the U.S. Holder may be eligible for a credit against such U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. These generally applicable limitations and conditions include requirements adopted by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in regulations promulgated in December 2021, and any Korean tax will need to satisfy these requirements in order to be eligible to be a creditable tax for a U.S. Holder. In the case of a U.S. Holder that consistently elects to apply a modified version of these rules under temporary guidance and complies with specific requirements as set forth in such guidance, the Korean tax on dividends may be treated as meeting the requirements and therefore as a creditable tax. In the case of all other U.S. Holders, the application of these requirements to the Korean tax on dividends is uncertain and we have not determined whether these requirements have been met, including requirements applicable to the Treaty. Dividends paid on the ordinary shares will be treated as income from sources outside the United States and, for U.S. Holders that elect to claim foreign tax credits, will generally constitute passive category income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. If the Korean dividend tax is not a creditable tax for a U.S. Holder or the U.S. Holder does not elect to claim a foreign tax credit for any foreign income taxes paid or accrued in the same taxable year, a U.S. Holder may elect to deduct the Korean tax in computing such U.S. Holder’s taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The rules governing the foreign tax credit and deductions for foreign taxes depend on a U.S. Holder’s particular circumstances and involve the application of complex rules to those circumstances. The temporary guidance discussed above also indicates that the Treasury and the IRS are considering proposing amendments to the December 2021 regulations and that the temporary guidance can be relied upon until additional guidance is issued that withdraws or modifies the temporary guidance. You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the availability and calculation of the foreign tax credit under your particular situations.

100

Table of Contents

Taxation of Capital Gains

Subject to the discussion above under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company,” for United States federal income tax purposes, you will recognize taxable gain or loss on any sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of the ordinary shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized for the ordinary shares and your adjusted tax basis in the ordinary shares. Such gain or loss will generally be capital gain or loss and will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if you have held the ordinary shares for more than one year. Long-term capital gains of non-corporate U.S. Holders (including individuals) are eligible for reduced rates of taxation. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Any gain or loss recognized by you will generally be treated as United States source gain or loss.

You should note that any Korean securities transaction tax or agriculture and fishery special tax will not be treated as a creditable foreign tax for United States federal income tax purposes, although you may be entitled to deduct such taxes, subject to applicable limitations under the Code. You should consult your own tax advisors regarding the application of the foreign tax credit rules to your investment in, and disposition of, the ordinary shares.

Passive Foreign Investment Company

Based on the past and projected composition of our income and assets and the valuation of our assets, we do not believe we were a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for our most recent taxable year or in the preceding taxable year and do not expect to become a PFIC in the current taxable year or the foreseeable future, although there can be no assurance in this regard.

In general, we will be a PFIC for any taxable year in which, taking into account our proportionate share of the income and assets of our subsidiaries under applicable “look-through” rules:

at least 75% of our gross income is passive income, or
at least 50% of the value (determined based on a quarterly average) of our assets is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income.
--- ---

For this purpose, passive income generally includes dividends, interest, royalties and rents. If we own at least 25% (by value) of the stock of another corporation, for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC, we will be treated as owning our proportionate share of the other corporation’s assets and receiving our proportionate share of the other corporation’s income.

If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold our ordinary shares and any of our non-United States subsidiaries is also a PFIC (a “Lower-tier PFIC”), you will be treated as owning a proportionate amount (by value) of the shares of the Lower-tier PFIC for purposes of the application of the PFIC rules. You are urged to consult your tax advisors about the application of the PFIC rules to any of our subsidiaries.

The determination of whether we are a PFIC is made annually based on the facts and circumstances at the time, some of which may be beyond our control, such as the amount and composition of our income and the valuation and composition of our assets, including goodwill and other intangible assets, as implied by the market price of our ordinary shares. Recent stock market volatility could exacerbate these considerations. Accordingly, we cannot be certain that we will not be a PFIC in the current or any future taxable year. If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold our ordinary shares, you will be subject to special tax rules discussed below.

101

Table of Contents

If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold our ordinary shares and you do not make a timely mark-to-market election, as described below, you will be subject to special tax rules with respect to any “excess distribution” received and any gain realized from a sale or other disposition, including a pledge, of ordinary shares. Distributions received in a taxable year will be treated as excess distributions to the extent that they are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions received during the shorter of the three preceding taxable years or your holding period for the ordinary shares. Under these special tax rules:

the excess distribution or gain will be allocated ratably over your holding period for the ordinary shares,
the amount allocated to the current taxable year, and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which we were a PFIC, will be treated as ordinary income, and
--- ---
the amount allocated to each other year will be subject to tax at the highest tax rate in effect for that year and the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the resulting tax attributable to each such year.
--- ---

Although the determination of whether we are a PFIC is made annually, if we are a PFIC for any taxable year in which you hold our ordinary shares, you will generally be subject to the special tax rules described above for that year and for each subsequent year in which you hold the ordinary shares (even if we do not qualify as a PFIC in such subsequent years). However, if we cease to be a PFIC, you can avoid the continuing impact of the PFIC rules by making a special election to recognize gain as if your ordinary shares had been sold on the last day of the last taxable year during which we were a PFIC. You are urged to consult your own tax advisor about this election.

In lieu of being subject to the special tax rules discussed above, you may make a mark-to-market election with respect to your ordinary shares provided such ordinary shares are treated as “marketable stock.” The ordinary shares generally will be treated as marketable stock if they are regularly traded on a “qualified exchange or other market” (within the meaning of the applicable Treasury regulations).

If you make an effective mark-to-market election, for each taxable year that we are a PFIC you will include as ordinary income the excess of the fair market value of your ordinary shares at the end of the year over your adjusted tax basis in the ordinary shares. You will be entitled to deduct as an ordinary loss in each such year the excess of your adjusted tax basis in the ordinary shares over their fair market value at the end of the year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. Your adjusted tax basis in the ordinary shares will be increased by the amount of any income inclusion and decreased by the amount of any deductions under the mark-to-market rules. In addition, upon the sale or other disposition of your ordinary shares in a year that we are a PFIC, any gain will be treated as ordinary income and any loss will be treated as ordinary loss, but only to the extent of the net amount of income previously included as a result of the mark-to-market election.

If you make a mark-to-market election, it will be effective for the taxable year for which the election is made and all subsequent taxable years unless the ordinary shares are no longer regularly traded on a qualified exchange or other market, or the IRS consents to the revocation of the election.

A mark-to-market election cannot be made with respect to any Lower-tier PFIC unless the shares of such Lower-tier PFIC are themselves “marketable.” As a result, if a U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election with respect to the ordinary shares or ADSs, the holder could nevertheless be subject to the PFIC rules described in the preceding paragraph with respect to the holder’s indirect interest in any Lower-tier PFIC.

102

Table of Contents

You are urged to consult your tax advisor about the availability of the mark-to-market election, and whether making the election would be advisable in your particular circumstances.

Alternatively, you can sometimes avoid the special tax rules described above by electing to treat a PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” under Section 1295 of the Code. However, this option is not available to you because we do not intend to comply with the requirements necessary to permit you to make this election.

You will generally be required to file IRS Form 8621 if you hold our ordinary shares in any year in which we are classified as a PFIC. You are urged to consult your tax advisors concerning the United States federal income tax consequences of holding ordinary shares if we are considered a PFIC in any taxable year.

Foreign Financial Asset Reporting

Certain U.S. Holders that own “specified foreign financial assets” with an aggregate value in excess of U.S.$50,000 on the last day of the taxable year or U.S.$75,000 at any time during the taxable year are generally required to file an information statement along with their tax returns, currently on IRS Form 8938, with respect to such assets. “Specified foreign financial assets” include any financial accounts held at a non-United States financial institution, as well as securities issued by a non-United States issuer that are not held in accounts maintained by financial institutions. The understatement of income attributable to “specified foreign financial assets” in excess of U.S.$5,000 extends the statute of limitations with respect to the tax return to six years after the return was filed. U.S. Holders who fail to report the required information could be subject to substantial penalties. You are encouraged to consult with your own tax advisors regarding the possible application of these rules, including the application of the rules to your particular circumstances.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

In general, information reporting will apply to dividends in respect of our ordinary shares and the proceeds from the sale, exchange or other disposition of our ordinary shares that are paid to you within the United States (and in certain cases, outside the United States), unless you are an exempt recipient. A backup withholding tax may apply to such payments if you fail to provide a taxpayer identification number or certification of exempt status or fail to report in full dividend and interest income.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against your United States federal income tax liability provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Item 10.F.  Dividends and Paying Agents

See “Item 8. Financial Information—Item 8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Dividends” for information concerning our dividend policies and our payment of dividends. See “—Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Dividends” for a discussion of the process by which dividends are paid on our ordinary shares. See “Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities—Item 12.D. American Depositary Shares” for a discussion of the process by which dividends are paid on our ADSs. The paying agent for payment of our dividends on ADSs in the United States is Citibank, N.A.

Item 10.G.  Statements by Experts

Not applicable.

103

Table of Contents

Item 10.H.  Documents on Display

We are subject to the information requirements of the Exchange Act, and, in accordance therewith, are required to file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These materials, including this annual report and the exhibits thereto, may be inspected and copied at the Commission’s public reference rooms in Washington, D.C. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. We are required to make filings with the Commission by electronic means, which will be available to the public over the Internet at the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

Item 10.I.  Subsidiary Information

Not applicable.

Item 10.J.  Annual Report to Security Holders

Not applicable.

Item 11.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to foreign exchange rate and interest rate risks primarily associated with underlying liabilities, and to equity price risk as a result of our investment in equity securities. Our long-term financial policies are annually reported to our Board of Directors, and our finance division conducts financial risk management and assessment. Upon identification and evaluation of our risk exposures, we, having considered various circumstances, enter into derivative financial instruments to try to manage some of such risks. These contracts are entered into with major financial institutions, thereby minimizing the risk of credit loss. The activities of our finance division are subject to policies approved by our foreign exchange and interest rate risk management committee. These policies address the use of derivative financial instruments, including the approval of counterparties, setting of limits and investment of excess liquidity. Our general policy is to hold or issue derivative financial instruments largely for hedging purposes. For details regarding the assets, liabilities, gains and losses recorded relating to our derivative contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, see Notes 4 and 7 of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Exchange Rate Risk

Most of our cash flow is denominated in Won. We are exposed to foreign exchange risk related to foreign currency denominated liabilities and anticipated foreign exchange payments. Anticipated foreign exchange payments, mostly in U.S. Dollars, relate primarily to payments of foreign currency denominated debt, net settlements paid to foreign telecommunication carriers and payments for equipment purchased from foreign suppliers. We have entered into several currency swap contracts, combined interest currency swap contracts and currency forward contracts to hedge our foreign currency risks.

104

Table of Contents

The following table shows our assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency as of December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024:

As of December 31,
2022 2023 2024
(in thousands of foreign currencies) Financial<br>assets Financial<br>liabilities Financial<br>assets Financial<br>liabilities Financial<br>assets Financial<br>liabilities
U.S. Dollar 106,426 2,336,607 139,807 2,271,673 139,459 2,346,061
Special Drawing Right 255 722 254 722 254 721
Japanese Yen 32,801 400,002 17,496 400,002 10,032 7
British Pound 30 83
Euro 185 7,832 304 7,810 156 7,814
Rwandan Franc 15,521 13,025 402
Thai Bhat 265 244 8,764
Tanzanian Shilling 1,464 21,958 21,868
Botswana Pula 183 680 664
Hong Kong Dollar 37
Vietnamese Dong 280,226 380,629 222,914
Singapore Dollar 448 284,000 1,375 8,339 7
Taiwan Dollar 1,685
Swiss Franc 25 33
Ringgit Malaysia 1
Bulgarian Lev. 62
Pakistani Rupee 114,025 13,732

As of December 31, 2022, a 10% strengthening in the exchange rate between the Won and all foreign currencies, with all other variables held constant, would have decreased our income before income tax by ₩6 billion, and decreased our total equity by ₩16 billion, with a 10% weakening in the exchange rate having the opposite effect. As of December 31, 2023, a 10% strengthening in the exchange rate between the Won and all foreign currencies, with all other variable held constant, would have decreased our income before income tax by ₩10 billion, and decreased our total equity by ₩18 billion, with a 10% weakening in the exchange rate having the opposite effect. As of December 31, 2024, a 10% strengthening in the exchange rate between the Won and all foreign currencies, with all other variables held constant, would have decreased our income before income tax by ₩6 billion, and decreased our total equity by ₩15 billion, with a 10% weakening in the exchange rate having the opposite effect. The foregoing sensitivity analysis assumes that all variables other than foreign exchange rates are held constant, and as such, does not reflect any correlation between foreign exchange rates and other variables, nor our decision to decrease the risk. See Note 36 of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest Rate Risk

We are also subject to market risk exposure arising from changing interest rates. A reduction of interest rates increases the fair value of our debt portfolio, which is primarily of a fixed interest nature. We use, to a limited extent, interest rate swap contracts and combined interest rate and currency swap contracts to reduce interest rate volatility on some of our debt and manage our interest expense by achieving a balanced mixture of floating and fixed rate debt. We entered into several interest rate swap contracts in which we exchange fixed interest rate payments with variable interest rate payments for a specified period, as well as entered into the combined interest rate and currency swap contracts to hedge our interest rate risk.

105

Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the principal amounts, fair values, principal cash flows by maturity date and weighted average interest rates of our short-term and long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2024 which are sensitive to exchange rates and/or interest rates. The information is presented in Won, which is our reporting currency:

December 31, 2024
2025 2026 2027 2028 Thereafter Total Fair Value
(in millions of Won, except rates)
Local currency:
Fixed rate 2,293,831 1,184,308 1,267,000 515,000 1,678,924 6,939,063 6,897,060
Average weighted rate ^(1)^ 3.57 % 2.96 % 3.57 % 3.78 % 2.91 % 3.32 %
Variable rate 211,241 40,000 251,241 251,241
Average weighted rate ^(1)^ 4.88 % 0.00 % 0.00 % 0.00 % 3.75 % 4.70 %
Subtotal 2,505,072 1,184,308 1,267,000 515,000 1,718,924 7,190,304 7,148,301
Foreign currency:
Fixed rate 1,323,000 588,000 441,000 735,000 159,724 3,246,724 3,338,248
Average weighted rate ^(1)^ 2.67 % 2.50 % 1.38 % 4.13 % 7.20 % 3.01 %
Variable rate 75,096 31,056 106,152 106,152
Average weighted rate ^(1)^ 6.11 % 5.61 % 0.00 % 0.00 % 0.00 % 5.96 %
Subtotal 1,398,096 619,056 441,000 735,000 159,724 3,352,876 3,444,400
Total 3,903,168 1,803,364 1,708,000 1,250,000 1,878,648 10,543,180 10,592,701
(1) Weighted average rates of the portfolio at the period end.
--- ---

As of December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, a 100 basis point increase in the market interest rates, with all other variables held constant, would have increased our income before income tax by ₩0.6 billion, decreased our income before income tax by ₩2.7 billion and decreased our income before income tax by ₩1.7 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, such increase, with all other variables held constant, would have decreased our total equity by ₩2 billion, ₩5 billion and ₩12 billion, respectively.

As of December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, a 100 basis point decrease in the market interest rates, with all other variables held constant, would have decreased our income before income tax by ₩0.7 billion, increased our income before income tax by ₩2.7 billion and increased our income before income tax by ₩1.7 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, a 100 basis point decrease in the market interest rates, with all other variables held constant, would have increased our total equity by ₩2 billion, ₩5 billion and ₩12 billion, respectively.

The foregoing sensitivity analyses assume that all variables other than market interest rates are held constant, and as such, does not reflect any correlation between market interest rates and other variables, nor our decision to decrease the risk, but reflects the effects of derivative contracts in place at the time of conducting the analysis.

Equity Price Risk

We are also subject to market risk exposure arising from changes in the equity securities market, which affect the fair value of our equity portfolio. As of December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, a 10% increase in the equity indices where our marketable equity securities are listed, with all other variables held constant, would have increased our income before income tax by ₩3 billion, ₩1 billion and ₩0.5 billion, respectively, with a 10% decrease in the equity index having the opposite effect. As of December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, a 10% increase in the equity indices where our marketable equity securities are listed, with all other variables held constant, would have increased our total equity by ₩114 billion, ₩121 billion and ₩129 billion, respectively, with a 10% decrease in the equity index

106

Table of Contents

having the opposite effect. The foregoing sensitivity analysis assumes that all variables other than changes in the equity index are held constant, and that our marketable equity instruments had moved according to the historical correlation to the index, and as such, does not reflect any correlation between the equity index and other variables.

Item 12.  Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

Item 12.A.  Debt Securities

Not applicable.

Item 12.B.  Warrants and Rights

Not applicable.

Item 12.C.  Other Securities

Not applicable.

Item 12.D.  American Depositary Shares

Fees and Charges

Under the terms of the deposit agreement, holders of our ADSs are required to pay the following service fees to the depositary:

Services Fees
Issuance of ADSs upon deposit of shares Up to $0.05 per ADS issued
Delivery of deposited shares against surrender of ADSs Up to $0.05 per ADS surrendered
Distribution delivery of ADSs pursuant to sale or exercise of rights Up to $0.02 per ADS held
Distributions of dividends None
Distribution of securities other than ADSs Up to $0.02 per ADS held
Other corporate action involving distributions to shareholders Up to $0.02 per ADS held

Holders of our ADSs are also responsible for paying certain fees and expenses incurred by the depositary and certain taxes and governmental charges such as:

fees for the transfer and registration of shares charged by the registrar and transfer agent for the shares in Korea (i.e., upon deposit and withdrawal of shares);
expenses incurred for converting foreign currency into U.S. dollars;
--- ---
expenses for cable, telex and fax transmissions and for delivery of securities;
--- ---
taxes and duties upon the transfer of securities (i.e., when shares are deposited or withdrawn from deposit); and
--- ---
fees and expenses incurred in connection with the delivery or servicing of shares on deposit.
--- ---

107

Table of Contents

Depositary fees payable upon the issuance and surrender of ADSs are typically paid to the depositary by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) receiving the newly issued ADSs from the depositary and by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) delivering the ADSs to the depositary for surrender. The brokers in turn charge these fees to their clients. Depositary fees payable in connection with distributions of cash or securities to ADS holders and the depositary services fee are charged by the depositary to the holders of record of ADSs as of the applicable ADS record date.

The depositary fees payable for cash distributions are generally deducted from the cash being distributed. In the case of distributions other than cash (i.e., stock dividend rights), the depositary charges the applicable fee to the ADS record-date holders concurrent with the distribution. In the case of ADSs registered in the name of the investor (whether certificated or uncertificated in direct registration), the depositary sends invoices to the applicable record-date ADS holders. In the case of ADSs held in brokerage and custodian accounts (via the Depository Trust Company, or DTC), the depositary generally collects its fees through the systems provided by DTC (whose nominee is the registered holder of the ADSs held in DTC) from the brokers and custodians holding ADSs in their DTC accounts. The brokers and custodians who hold their clients’ ADSs in DTC accounts in turn charge their clients’ accounts the amount of the fees paid to the depositary.

In the event of refusal to pay the depositary fees, the depositary may, under the terms of the deposit agreement, refuse to provide the requested service until payment is received or may set off the amount of the depositary fees from any distribution to be made to such holder of ADSs.

The fees and charges that holders of our ADSs may be required to pay may vary over time and may be changed by us and by the depositary. Holders of our ADSs will receive prior notice of such changes.

Fees and Payments from the Depositary to Us

In 2024, we received the following payments, after deduction of applicable U.S. taxes, from the depositary:

Reimbursement of NYSE listing fees $
Reimbursement of SEC filing fees $
Reimbursement of proxy process expenses (printing, postage and distribution) $ 218,467.13
Reimbursement of legal fees $
Contributions toward our investor relations efforts (including non-deal roadshows, investor conferences and investor relations agency fees) $ 230,478.56

108

Table of Contents

PART II

Item 13.  Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

Not applicable.

Item 14.  Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

Item 15.  Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management has evaluated, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of December 31, 2024. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon our evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2024. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. Our disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, and under the supervision of, our principal executive, principal operating and principal financial officers, and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records, that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of our financial statements would be prevented or detected. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk

109

Table of Contents

that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Our management has performed an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, utilizing the criteria discussed in the Internal Control—Integrated Framework 2013 issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, we concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2024.

Deloitte Anjin, an independent registered public accounting firm, which also audited our consolidated financial statements as of, and for the year ended December 31, 2024, as stated in their report which is included herein, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

The attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting is furnished in Item 18 of this Form 20-F.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during 2024 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 16.  [Reserved]

Item 16A.  Audit Committee Financial Expert

Our Audit Committee is comprised of Yeong Kyun Ahn, Yong-Hun Kim, Seong Hoon Lee, Seung Ah Theresa Cho and Seongcheol Kim. The board of directors has determined that Yeong Kyun Ahn is the financial expert of the Audit Committee. Yeong Kyun Ahn is independent as such term is defined in Section 303A.02 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and the Korea Stock Exchange listing standards.

Item 16B.  Code of Ethics

We have adopted a code of ethics, as defined in Item 16B. of Form 20-F under the Exchange Act. Our code of ethics applies to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and persons performing similar functions, as well as to our directors, other officers and employees. Our code of ethics is available on our web site at www.kt.com. If we amend the provisions of our code of ethics that apply to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and persons performing similar functions, or if we grant any waiver of such provisions, we will disclose such amendment or waiver on our website.

110

Table of Contents

Item 16C.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Audit and Non-Audit Fees

The following table sets forth the fees billed to us by Deloitte Anjin for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024.

For the Year Ended<br>December 31,
2023 2024
(In millions)
Audit fees ^(1)^ 6,679 6,806
Tax fees ^(2)^ 22 19
All other fees 390 585
Total fees 7,091 7,410
(1) Audit fees consist of fees for the annual audit and quarterly review services engagement and issuance of comfort letters.
--- ---
(2) Tax fees consist of fee for tax services which are mainly the preparation of tax returns or non-recurring tax compliance review of original or amended tax returns.
--- ---

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

Our Audit Committee has established pre-approval policies and procedures to pre-approve all audit services to be provided by Deloitte Anjin, our independent registered public accounting firm. Our Audit Committee’s policy regarding the pre-approval of non-audit services to be provided to us by our independent registered public accounting firm is that all such services shall be pre-approved by our Audit Committee. Non-audit services that are prohibited to be provided to us by our independent registered public accounting firm under the rules of the SEC and applicable law may not be pre-approved. In addition, prior to the granting of any pre-approval, our Audit Committee must be satisfied that the performance of the services in question will not compromise the independence of our independent registered public accounting firm and does not include delegation of the Audit Committee’s responsibilities to the management under the Exchange Act.

Our Audit Committee did not pre-approve any non-audit services under the de minimis exception of Rule 2-01 (c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the SEC.

Item 16D.  Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

Not applicable.

111

Table of Contents

Item 16E.  Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

The following table sets forth the repurchases of ordinary shares by us or any affiliated purchasers during 2024:

Period Total Number<br>of Shares<br>Purchased Average Price<br>Paid per Share<br>(In Won) Total Number of<br>Shares Purchased<br>as Part of Publicly<br>Announced Plans Approximate Value<br>of Shares that May<br>Yet Be Purchased<br>Under the Plans<br>(In billions of Won)
January 1 to January 31
February 1 to February 29 321,111 39,325 321,111 14.5
March 1 to March 31 374,664 38,628 374,664
April 1 to April 30
May 1 to May 31
June 1 to June 30
July 1 to July 31
August 1 to August 31
September 1 to September 30
October 1 to October 31
November 1 to November 30
December 1 to December 31
Total 695,775 38,949 695,775

Item 16F.  Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

The disclosure called for by paragraph (a) of this Item 16F was previously reported, as that term is defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed on April 28, 2023.

Item 16G.  Corporate Governance

The following is a summary of the significant differences between the New York Stock Exchange’s corporate governance standards and those that we follow under Korean law:

NYSE Corporate Governance Standards KT Corporation’s Corporate Governance Practice
Director Independence
Independent directors must comprise a majority of the board. The Commercial Code of Korea requires that our board of directors must comprise no less than a majority of outside directors. Our outside directors must meet the criteria for outside directorship set forth under the Commercial Code of Korea.<br> <br><br> <br>The majority of our board of directors is independent (as defined in accordance with the New York Stock Exchange’s standards), and 8 out of 10 directors are outside directors.
Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee
Listed companies must have a nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors. We maintain a Director Candidate Recommendation Committee composed of all of our outside directors. We also maintain a Corporate Governance Committee comprised of four outside directors. The committee is responsible for the review of matters with respect to our Corporate Governance Guidelines and our performance under such guidelines to monitor effectiveness of our corporate governance.

112

Table of Contents
Compensation Committee
Listed companies must have a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors. We maintain an Evaluation and Compensation Committee composed of four outside directors.
Executive Session
Non-management directors must meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions without management. Our outside directors hold meetings solely attended by outside directors in accordance with the charter of our board of directors.
Audit Committee
Listed companies must have an audit committee which has a minimum of three directors and satisfy the requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. We maintain an Audit Committee comprised of five outside directors who meet the applicable independence criteria set forth under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.
Shareholder Approval of Equity Compensation Plan
Listed companies must allow their shareholders to exercise their voting rights with respect to any material revision to the company’s equity compensation plan. We currently have three equity compensation plans: one providing for restricted stock units to officers and non-executive directors as compensation for management performance, aimed at enhancing corporate value, along with stock grants for outside directors as part of their compensation; another providing for performance bonuses to employees that are payable in cash or common shares based on election by the employees; and an employee stock ownership association program.<br> <br><br> <br>All material matters related to the granting stock options are provided in our articles of incorporation, and any amendments to the articles of incorporation are subject to shareholders’ approval. Matters related to performance bonuses or the employee stock ownership association program are not subject to shareholders’ approval under Korean law.
Shareholder Approval of Equity Offerings
Listed companies must allow its shareholders to exercise their voting rights with respect to equity offerings that do not qualify as public offerings for cash, and offerings of equity of related parties. Voting rights are not separately provided for equity offerings that do not qualify as public offerings for cash, or offerings of equity of related parties.
Corporate Governance Guidelines
Listed companies must adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines. We have adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines setting forth our practices with respect to corporate governance matters. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines are in compliance with Korean law but do not meet all requirements established by the New York Stock Exchange for U.S. companies listed on the exchange. A copy of our Corporate Governance Guidelines in Korean is available on our website at https://corp.kt.com/eng/.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Listed companies must adopt and disclose a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees, and promptly disclose any waivers of the code for executive officers. We have adopted a Code of Ethics for all directors, officers and employees. A copy of our Code of Ethics in Korean is available on our website at https://corp.kt.com/eng/.

Item 16H.  Mine Safety Disclosure

Not applicable.

Item 16I.  Disclosure regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections

Not applicable.

113

Table of Contents

Item 16J.  Insider Trading Policies

We have adopted insider trading policies governing the purchase, sale, and other dispositions of our securities by directors, senior management and employees. A copy of the insider trading policies is attached as an exhibit to this annual report.

Item 16K.  Cybersecurity

Risk Management and Strategy

We maintain a comprehensive process for assessing, identifying and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats, including risks related to disruption of business operations and financial reporting systems and customer information protection, as part of our overall enterprise risk management system and processes. Our enterprise risk management program considers cybersecurity risks alongside other company risks, and our enterprise risk professionals consult with company subject matter experts to gather information necessary to identify cybersecurity risks, and evaluate their nature and severity, as well as identify mitigations and assess the impact of those mitigations on residual risk. Our cybersecurity risk management practices include development, implementation and improvement of policies and procedures to safeguard our network infrastructure and customer information and ensure availability of critical data and systems.

We understand the importance of protecting our network infrastructure and preserving trust and protecting personal information from cybersecurity threats including distributed denial-of-service (“DDoS”) attacks and advanced persistent threat (“APT”) attacks. To assist us, we have a cybersecurity governance framework in place, which is designed to protect network infrastructure and information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification or destruction. Our cybersecurity program consists of controls designed to identify, protect against, detect, respond to and recover from, cybersecurity incidents. The program is built upon a foundation of advanced security technology and overseen by an experienced and trained team of experts with substantial knowledge of cybersecurity best practices.

We actively engage in various activities to protect our network infrastructure from cybersecurity threats and to ensure that our customers can use the Internet safely. We believe we are the first Korean telecommunications company to deploy security measures to all overseas interconnection network sections utilized by us in order to preemptively block abnormal traffic from both domestic and international sources. Our technical measures also include:

operation of a comprehensive security control system to protect against and monitor suspected hacking and abnormal behaviors in real-time;
operation of the IT/ Network Integrated Cyber Security Center, a non-stop comprehensive response system;
--- ---
digital rights management to control access to copyrighted materials; and
--- ---
encryption of personal information and control database commands.
--- ---

When we adopt a new information system or change an existing system, we carry out a security approval process to review technical and administrative protection measures and make improvements if any issues are found. We conduct technical security review during the designing stage of our system development. We utilize policies, software, training programs and hardware solutions to protect and monitor our environment, including multifactor authentication on all critical systems, firewalls, intrusion

114

Table of Contents

detection and prevention systems, vulnerability and penetration testing and identity management systems. Our platform includes a host of encryption, antivirus, multi-factor authentication, firewall and patch-management technologies designed to protect and maintain the systems and computers across our business. We also conduct mock hackings of our websites and application services. To strengthen customer information protection, we engage in inspection of suppliers and other third parties that possess customer information as well as perform mock drills to prepare against infringement or leakage of personal information. We subscribe to liability insurance to ensure compensation for our customers in the unlikely event of any damage caused by information leakage.

Our cybersecurity team regularly tests our controls through penetration testing, vulnerability scanning and attack simulation. We conduct risk assessments periodically to identify threats and vulnerabilities, and then determine the likelihood and impact for each risk using a qualitative risk assessment methodology. Risks are identified from various sources, including vulnerability scans, penetration tests, vendors risk assessments, product and services audits, internal compliance assessments and threat-hunting operations. We monitor our infrastructure and applications to identify evolving cyber threats, scan for vulnerabilities and mitigate risks.

We also maintain a robust cybersecurity incident response plan, which provides a framework for handling cybersecurity incidents based on the severity of the incident and facilitates cross-functional coordination across the company. Our incident response plan coordinates the activities we take to prepare for, detect, respond to and recover from cybersecurity incidents, which include processes to triage, assess the severity of, escalate, contain, investigate and remediate, the incident, as well as to comply with potentially applicable legal obligations and mitigate brand and reputational damage. In order to efficiently respond to company-wide crises, such as large-scale network infrastructure failures and personal information leaks, we regularly update our crisis response action manual and conduct annual mock drills.

We value collaboration with external evaluators, consultants, auditors and other third parties to strengthen and continually improve our cybersecurity risk management processes. In connection with our cybersecurity risk management processes, we engage external consultants from security companies to assist in the design and implementation of our cybersecurity risk assessment and management processes. In particular, they provide the expertise necessary to (i) identify and analyze new cybersecurity threats, (ii) identify and improve vulnerabilities through mock hacking and (iii) analyze and respond to new threats in real time through integrated security control.

Our cybersecurity risk management processes extend to the oversight and identification of threats associated with our use of third-party service providers. Our cybersecurity risk management program includes due diligence on service providers’ information security programs. We review our service providers’ cybersecurity practices before we enter into business transactions with them, and we seek to contractually obligate them to operate their environments in accordance with strict cybersecurity standards.

In the past, we have experienced cyber-attacks of varying degrees from time to time, including theft of personal information of our subscribers by third parties that have led to lawsuits and administrative actions against us alleging that the leak was related to our mismanagement of subscribers’ personal information. Although our business, financial condition and results of operations have not been materially affected by such incidents, we cannot provide any assurance that we will not be materially affected in the future by risks from cybersecurity threats. See “Item 3.D. Risk Factors — Cybersecurity breaches may expose us to significant legal and financial exposure, damage to our reputation and a loss of confidence of our customers” for more information on risks from cybersecurity threats that are reasonably likely to materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

115

Table of Contents

Governance

Management

The cybersecurity risk management processes described above are managed by the Chief Information Security Officer, who reports to our Chief Executive Officer. Our current Chief Information Security Officer, who has been with KT Corporation since 2004, has served in this role since May 2024. He holds a master’s degree in a field related to information technology and has approximately 30 years of experience in the information security field. Our Chief Information Security Officer is supported by the company at the highest levels and regularly collaborates with information security managers from each division.

Our Chief Information Security Officer heads the Information Security Department under the IT Division and serves as the chairperson of the Information Security Committee, which discusses the latest trends in cybersecurity, risks identified, security measures implemented, coordination of security protocols among various business divisions, and effectiveness of such security protocols. The Information Security Committee annually reviews and approves our cybersecurity risk management processes. In addition, starting in 2022, we have been strengthening our risk detection and response capabilities by consolidating the enterprise risk management of the KT Group through collaborative measures such as implementing a bi-weekly working council with regional headquarters, business divisions and member companies of the KT Group.

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is committed to mitigating data privacy and cybersecurity risks and reco gn izes the importance of these issues as part of our risk management framework. While the Board of Directors maintains ultimate responsibility for the oversight of our data privacy and cybersecurity program and risks, it has delegated certain responsibilities to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. This committee-level focus on data privacy and cybersecurity allows the board to further enhance its understanding of these issues. The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in its oversight of our data privacy and cybersecurity needs by staying apprised of our data privacy and information security programs, strategy, policies, standards, architecture, processes and material risks, and overseeing responses to security and data incidents.

Our Board of Directors and the Audit Committee’s principal role is one of oversight, recognizing that management is responsible for the design, implementation and maintenance of an effective program for protecting against and mitigating data privacy and cybersecurity risks. The Chief Information Security Officer, as the chairperson of the Information Security Committee , provides updates to the Compliance Subcommittee operated by the Audit Committee on a periodic basis and, as necessary, to the Board of Directors. These regular reports include detailed updates on our performance preparing for, preventing, detecting, responding to and recovering from cyber incidents. The Chief Information Security Officer also promptly informs and updates the Compliance Subcommittee operated by the Audit Committee about any information security incidents that may pose significant risk to the KT Group. Members of the Board of Directors stay apprised of the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape and provide guidance to management as appropriate in order to address the effectiveness of our overall data privacy and cybersecurity program.

116

Table of Contents

PART III

Item  17.  Financial Statements

Not applicable.

Item  18.  Financial Statements

AUDITED CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF KT CORPORATION

Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 1098) F-2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 1103) F-5
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024 F-6
Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss for the Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024 F-8
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024 F-9
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024 F-10
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024 F-13
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements F-14

117

Table of Contents

Item 19.  Exhibits

1 Articles of Incorporation of KT Corporation (English translation)
2.1* Deposit Agreement dated as of May 25, 1999 entered into among KT Corporation, Citibank, N.A., as depositary, and all Holders and Beneficial Owners of American Depositary Shares evidenced by the American Depositary Receipts issued thereunder, including the form of American depositary receipt (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(i) of the Registrant’s Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-13578) on Form F-6)
2.2* Form of Amendment No. 1 to Deposit Agreement dated as of May 25, 1999 entered into among KT Corporation, Citibank, N.A., as depositary, and all Holders and Beneficial Owners of American Depositary Shares evidenced by the American Depositary Receipts issued thereunder, including the form of American depositary receipt (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(ii) of the Registrant’s Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-13578) on Form F-6)
2.3* Letter from Citibank, N.A., as depositary, to the Registrant relating to the establishment of a direct registration system for ADSs and the issuance of uncertified ADSs as part of the direct registration system (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.4 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 30, 2008)
2.4 Description of common stock (see Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association)
2.5* Description of American Depositary Shares (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.6 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 29, 2020)
8.1 List of subsidiaries of KT Corporation
11.1 Insider Trading Policy (English translation)
12.1 Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
12.2 Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
13.1 Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
97.1* Regulation on Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation to Executive Officers (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 97.1 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 30, 2024)
101.INS Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File as its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104 The cover page for the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, has been formatted in Inline XBRL
* Filed previously.
--- ---

118

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

KT CORPORATION
(Registrant)
/s/ YOUNG-SHUB KIM
Name: Young-Shub Kim
Title: Representative Director and Chief Executive Officer

Date: April 29, 2025

Table of Contents

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 1098) F-2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 1103) F-5
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024 F-6
Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss for the Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024 F-8
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024 F-9
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024 F-10
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024 F-13
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements F-14

F-1

Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of KT Corporation

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of KT Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of profit or loss, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows, for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in  Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

Basis for Opinions

The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting included in Item 15. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures to respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audits of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for

F-2

Table of Contents

external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Mobile services revenue and handset revenue for mobile services (“Mobile revenue”) – Refer to Notes 2 and 25 to the consolidated financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

As described in Note 2.24 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recognizes handset revenue for mobile services at the point in time when control of the handset is transferred to the customer. The Company recognizes telecommunication services revenue over the estimated periods of each service by transferring promised services to customers. Due to the large volume of low-dollar transactions with customers, the Company needs complex and elaborate information technology systems to accurately record mobile revenue.

We identified the occurrence and accuracy of mobile revenue as a critical audit matter given the magnitude and complexity of mobile revenue recorded in the billing system of the Company, which required the involvement of professionals with expertise in information technology (IT) necessary for us to identify and test the Company’s billing system used in processing the mobile revenue transactions.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the Company’s mobile revenue transactions included the following, among others:

We obtained an understanding of the Company’s information system and business processes, relevant to mobile revenue.
With the assistance of our IT specialists, we identified the relevant systems used to process mobile revenue and tested the relevant general information technology controls.
--- ---
We reconciled the mobile revenue in the billing system with the revenue in the ledger.
--- ---
We developed an expectation of mobile services revenue amounts using historical service revenue and subscriber information and compared it to the recorded amount.
--- ---

F-3

Table of Contents

We performed tests of the control activities addressing the accuracy and completeness of the subscriber information used in our audit procedures.
To verify the occurrence and accuracy of handset revenue for mobile services, we selected transactions from the sub-ledger, reconciled the selection with contractual terms between the Company and customers of the Company, and compared the billed amounts to receipts.
--- ---

/s/ Deloitte Anjin LLC

Seoul, Korea

April 25, 2025

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2023.

F-4

Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of KT Corporation

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the consolidated statements of profit or loss, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows of KT Corporation, and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2022, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2022 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers

Seoul, Korea

April 28, 2023

We served as the Company’s auditor from 2010 to 2023.

F-5

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

As of December 31, 2023 and 2024

(In millions of Korean won) Notes December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 4,5,37 2,879,554 3,716,680
Trade and other receivables, net 4,6,37 7,170,289 6,147,456
Other financial assets 4,7,37 1,440,200 1,344,248
Current income tax assets 3,299 1,213
Inventories, net 8 988,351 1,054,671
Other current assets 9 2,112,553 2,102,131
Total current assets 14,594,246 14,366,399
Non-current assets
Trade and other receivables, net 4,6,37 1,404,168 1,540,727
Other financial assets 4,7,37 2,724,761 2,759,170
Property and equipment, net 10 14,872,079 14,825,814
Right-of-use assets 20 1,304,963 1,212,770
Investment properties, net 11,37 2,198,135 2,299,616
Intangible assets, net 12 2,533,861 1,862,740
Investments in associates and joint ventures 13 1,556,889 1,562,232
Deferred income tax assets 29 614,500 679,948
Net defined benefit assets 17 160,748 49,351
Other non-current assets 9 827,297 843,991
Total non-current assets 28,197,401 27,636,359
Total assets 42,791,647 42,002,758

F-6

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Continued)

As of December 31, 2023 and 2024

(In millions of Korean won) Notes December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 4,14,37 8,054,922 7,394,791
Borrowings 4,15,37 3,058,564 3,904,752
Other financial liabilities 4,7,37 322,099 351,632
Current income tax liabilities 236,463 123,145
Provisions 16 115,209 112,530
Deferred revenue 25 51,537 62,247
Other current liabilities 9 1,408,843 2,077,426
Total current liabilities 13,247,637 14,026,523
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables 4,14,37 819,558 578,409
Borrowings 4,15,37 7,159,601 6,615,938
Other financial liabilities 4,7,37 753,739 722,517
Defined benefit liabilities, net 17 63,616 128,457
Provisions 16 107,014 111,877
Deferred revenue 25 153,563 148,960
Deferred income tax liabilities 29 994,330 919,996
Other non-current liabilities 9 950,015 782,520
Total non-current liabilities 11,001,436 10,008,674
Total liabilities 24,249,073 24,035,197
Equity
Share capital 21 1,564,499 1,564,499
Share premium 1,440,258 1,440,258
Retained earnings 22 14,475,867 13,750,788
Accumulated other comprehensive income 23 52,407 63,729
Other components of equity 23 (802,418 ) (637,560 )
Equity attributable to owners of the Controlling Company 16,730,614 16,181,714
Non-controlling interest 1,811,961 1,785,847
Total equity 18,542,575 17,967,561
Total liabilities and equity 42,791,647 42,002,758

The above consolidated statements of financial position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

F-7

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss

Years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(In millions of Korean won) Notes 2022 2023 2024
Operating revenue and other income 25 26,234,206 26,595,245 26,724,473
Revenue 25,638,855 26,287,201 26,379,644
Other income 26 595,351 308,044 344,829
Operating expenses 27 24,266,049 25,166,796 26,084,415
Operating profit 1,968,157 1,428,449 640,058
Finance income 28 690,428 486,277 917,650
Finance costs 28 (749,908 ) (568,682 ) (994,781 )
Share of net profits of associates and joint ventures 13 (17,285 ) (43,424 ) 8,587
Profit before income tax 1,891,392 1,302,620 571,514
Income tax expense 29 505,757 330,438 164,845
Profit for the year 1,385,635 972,182 406,669
Profit for the year attributable to:
Owners of the Controlling Company 1,260,470 993,325 459,861
Non-controlling interest 125,165 (21,143 ) (53,192 )
Earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of the Controlling Company during the year (in Korean won):
Basic earnings per share 30 5,200 3,982 1,870
Diluted earnings per share 30 5,196 3,977 1,868

The above consolidated statements of profit or loss should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

F-8

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(In millions of Korean won)
Notes 2022 2023 2024
Profit for the year 1,385,635 972,182 406,669
Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability 17 181,429 (137,465 ) (117,057 )
Shares of remeasurement gain (loss) of associates and joint ventures (332 ) (105 ) (490 )
Gain (loss) on valuation of equity instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income 4 (141,944 ) 121,271 (8,600 )
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss:
Gain(loss) on valuation of debt instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income 4 (16,630 ) 534 998
Valuation gain (loss) on cash flow hedge 4,7 64,091 15,329 272,802
Other comprehensive income (loss) from cash flow hedges reclassified to profit (loss) 4 (95,421 ) (37,942 ) (285,954 )
Share of other comprehensive income (loss) from associates and joint ventures (10,851 ) 21,595 4,011
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 17,464 24,230 44,095
Total other comprehensive income (2,194 ) 7,447 (90,195 )
Total comprehensive income for the year 1,383,441 979,629 316,474
Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to:
Owners of the Controlling Company 1,234,651 996,999 343,854
Non-controlling interest 148,790 (17,370 ) (27,380 )

The above consolidated statements of comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

F-9

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

Years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

Attributable to owners of the Controlling Company
(In millions of Korean won) Notes Share<br> capital Share<br> premium Retained<br> earnings Accumulated<br> other<br> comprehensive<br> income Other<br> components<br> of equity Total Non-controlling<br> interest Total equity
Balance as at January 1, 2022 1,564,499 1,440,258 13,287,390 117,469 (1,433,080 ) 14,976,536 1,590,625 16,567,161
Comprehensive income
Profit for the year 1,260,470 1,260,470 125,165 1,385,635
Remeasurements of net defined benefit liabilities 17,29 165,524 165,524 15,905 181,429
Share of gain on remeasurements of associates and joint ventures (189 ) (189 ) (143 ) (332 )
Share of other comprehensive loss of associates and joint ventures (8,291 ) (8,291 ) (2,560 ) (10,851 )
Valuation loss on cash flow hedge 4,29 (32,140 ) (32,140 ) 810 (31,330 )
Gain (Loss) on valuation of financial instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income 4,29 4,091 (160,785 ) (156,694 ) (1,880 ) (158,574 )
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 5,971 5,971 11,493 17,464
Total comprehensive income for the year 1,429,896 (195,245 ) 1,234,651 148,790 1,383,441
Transactions with owners
Dividends paid by the Controlling Company 31 (450,393 ) (450,393 ) (450,393 )
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest of subsidiaries (26,407 ) (26,407 )
Acquisition and disposition of businesses 3,152 3,152
Changes in ownership interest in subsidiaries 88,924 88,924 32,695 121,619
Appropriations of loss on disposal of treasury stock (11,577 ) 11,577
Disposal of treasury stock 763,081 763,081 763,081
Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred shares of subsidiaries to common shares 51,476 51,476
Others (2,654 ) (2,654 ) 2,220 (434 )
Subtotal (461,970 ) 860,928 398,958 63,136 462,094
Balance as at December 31, 2022 1,564,499 1,440,258 14,255,316 (77,776 ) (572,152 ) 16,610,145 1,802,551 18,412,696

The above consolidated statements of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

F-10

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Continued)

Years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

Attributable to owners of the Controlling Company
(In millions of Korean won) Notes Share<br> capital Share<br> premium Retained<br> earnings Accumulated<br> other<br> comprehensive<br> income Other<br> components<br> of equity Total Non-controlling<br> interest Total equity
Balance as at January 1, 2023 1,564,499 1,440,258 14,255,316 (77,776 ) (572,152 ) 16,610,145 1,802,551 18,412,696
Comprehensive income
Profit for the year 993,325 993,325 (21,143 ) 972,182
Remeasurements of net defined benefit liabilities 17,29 (126,613 ) (126,613 ) (10,852 ) (137,465 )
Share of gain(loss) on remeasurements of associates and joint ventures (118 ) (118 ) 13 (105 )
Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures 15,775 15,775 5,820 21,595
Valuation loss on cash flow hedge 4,29 (22,252 ) (22,252 ) (361 ) (22,613 )
Gain(loss) on valuation of financial instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income 4,29 222 126,028 126,250 (4,445 ) 121,805
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 10,632 10,632 13,598 24,230
Total comprehensive income for the year 866,816 130,183 996,999 (17,370 ) 979,629
Transactions with owners
Dividends paid by the Controlling Company 31 (501,844 ) (501,844 ) (501,844 )
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest of subsidiaries (24,964 ) (24,964 )
Acquisition and disposition of businesses (79,134 ) (79,134 )
Changes in ownership interest in subsidiaries 216,841 216,841 128,526 345,367
Appropriations of loss on disposal of treasury stock (44,421 ) 44,421
Acquisition of treasury stock (300,243 ) (300,243 ) (300,243 )
Disposal of treasury stock 4,463 4,463 4,463
Retirement of treasury stock (100,000 ) 100,000
Recognition of the obligation to purchase its own equity (298,196 ) (298,196 ) (298,196 )
Others 2,448 2,448 2,352 4,800
Subtotal (646,265 ) (230,266 ) (876,531 ) 26,780 (849,751 )
Balance as at December 31, 2023 1,564,499 1,440,258 14,475,867 52,407 (802,418 ) 16,730,614 1,811,961 18,542,575

The above consolidated statements of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

F-11

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Continued)

Years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

Attributable to owners of the Controlling Company
(In millions of Korean won) Notes Share<br> capital Share<br> premium Retained<br> earnings Accumulated<br> other<br> comprehensive<br> income Other<br> components<br> of equity Total Non-controlling<br> interest Total equity
Balance as at January 1, 2024 1,564,499 1,440,258 14,475,867 52,407 (802,418 ) 16,730,614 1,811,961 18,542,575
Comprehensive income
Profit for the year 459,861 459,861 (53,192 ) 406,669
Remeasurements of net defined benefit liabilities 17,29 (113,423 ) (113,423 ) (3,634 ) (117,057 )
Share of gain(loss) on remeasurements of associates and joint ventures (482 ) (482 ) (8 ) (490 )
Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures 3,723 3,723 288 4,011
Valuation loss on cash flow hedge 4,29 (12,817 ) (12,817 ) (335 ) (13,152 )
Gain(loss) on valuation of financial instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income 4,29 (13,424 ) 6,917 (6,507 ) (1,095 ) (7,602 )
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 13,499 13,499 30,596 44,095
Total comprehensive income for the year 332,532 11,322 343,854 (27,380 ) 316,474
Transactions with owners
Dividends paid by the Controlling Company 31 (482,970 ) (482,970 ) (482,970 )
Interim Dividends paid by the Parent Company 31 (368,685 ) (368,685 ) (368,685 )
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest of subsidiaries (20,578 ) (20,578 )
Change in Consolidation Scope 20 20
Changes in ownership interest in subsidiaries (20,367 ) (20,367 ) 22,181 1,814
Acquisition of treasury stock (27,100 ) (27,100 ) (27,100 )
Disposal of treasury stock 4,009 4,009 4,009
Retirement of treasury stock (205,956 ) 205,956
Others 2,360 2,360 (357 ) 2,003
Subtotal (1,057,611 ) 164,858 (892,753 ) 1,266 (891,487 )
Balance as at December 31, 2024 1,564,499 1,440,258 13,750,788 63,729 (637,560 ) 16,181,714 1,785,847 17,967,561

The above consolidated statements of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

F-12

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(In millions of Korean won)
Notes 2022 2023 2024
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations 32 3,835,879 5,747,195 5,349,248
Interest paid (263,520 ) (361,741 ) (394,162 )
Interest received 307,091 360,614 385,672
Dividends received 68,827 60,987 75,613
Income tax paid (351,212 ) (303,766 ) (350,575 )
Net cash inflow from operating activities 3,597,065 5,503,289 5,065,796
Cash flows from investing activities
Collection of loans 44,287 53,885 34,510
Loans granted (43,694 ) (37,771 ) (30,099 )
Disposal of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 1,298,621 90,487 122,497
Disposal of financial assets at amortized cost 1,046,115 1,543,663 1,633,074
Disposal of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 97,932 306 37,134
Disposal of assets held-for-sale 4,600
Disposal of investments in associates and joint ventures 34,828 6,890 21,981
Acquisition of investments in associates and joint ventures (280,988 ) (106,389 ) (49,399 )
Disposal of property and equipment, and investment properties 178,063 100,348 103,295
Acquisition of property and equipment, and investment properties (3,439,857 ) (3,692,972 ) (2,909,481 )
Acquisition of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (1,317,175 ) (220,989 ) (172,476 )
Acquisition of financial assets at amortized cost (1,450,442 ) (1,875,525 ) (1,187,651 )
Acquisition of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (449,504 ) (10,267 ) (400 )
Disposal of intangible assets 20,088 7,078 6,955
Disposal of right-of-use assets 97 529 186
Settlement of derivative assets and liabilities 4,888
Acquisition of intangible assets (545,190 ) (478,685 ) (438,653 )
Acquisition of right-of-use assets (2,090 ) (1,065 ) (16,447 )
Acquisition of businesses (41,088 ) (51,561 ) (10,310 )
Disposal of businesses 6,754 46,642 9,847
Net cash outflow from investing activities (4,838,643 ) (4,620,508 ) (2,845,437 )
Cash flows from financing activities 33
Proceeds from borrowings and debentures 4,234,570 5,381,231 4,597,704
Repayments of borrowings and debentures (2,843,249 ) (5,275,113 ) (4,732,931 )
Settlement of derivative assets and liabilities, net 35,083 48,183 81,443
Cash inflow from issuance of shares to NCI 125,066 632,776 812
Cash outflow from issuance of shares to NCI (28,848 ) (7,988 ) (32,124 )
Cash inflow from other financing activities 2,193 2,082 10,442
Dividends paid to shareholders (476,800 ) (526,826 ) (872,350 )
Acquisition of treasury stock (300,086 ) (27,100 )
Cash outflow from other financing activities (922 )
Cash outflow under derivatives contracts (855 )
Repayment of leases liabilities (378,684 ) (407,051 ) (414,172 )
Net cash outflow from financing activities 669,331 (452,792 ) (1,390,053 )
Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents 1,717 503 6,820
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (570,530 ) 430,492 837,126
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of the year 5 3,019,592 2,449,062 2,879,554
End of the year 5 2,449,062 2,879,554 3,716,680

The above consolidated statements of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

F-13

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

1. General Information

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by KT Corporation, the “Controlling Company,” by consolidating 83 subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Group”), including BC Card Co., Ltd. Further details are provided in Note 1.2. The terms “Controlling Company” and “Subsidiaries” used in the note are adopted from International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 10 - Consolidated Financial Statements.

1.1 The Controlling Company

KT Corporation (the “Controlling Company”) commenced operations on January 1, 1982, when it spun off from the Korea Communications Commission (formerly the Korean Ministry of Information and Communications) to provide telecommunication services and to engage in the development of advanced communications services under the Act of Telecommunications of Korea. The address of the Controlling Company’s registered office is 90, Buljeong-ro,

Bundang-gu, Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province, Korea.

On October 1, 1997, upon the announcement of the Government-Investment Enterprises Management Basic Act and the Privatization Law, the Controlling Company became a government-funded institution under the Commercial Code of Korea.

On December 23, 1998, the Controlling Company’s shares were listed on the Korea Exchange.

On May 29, 1999, the Controlling Company issued 24,282,195 additional shares and issued American Depository Shares (ADS), which represents new shares and 20,813,311 government-owned shares, on the New York Stock Exchange. On July 2, 2001, additional ADS representing 55,502,161 government-owned shares were issued on the New York Stock Exchange.

In 2002, the Controlling Company acquired all government-owned shares in accordance with the Korean government’s privatization plan. As of December 31, 2024, the Korean government no longer owns any shares in the Controlling Company.

1.2 Consolidated Subsidiaries

(1) The consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

Controlling Interest<br>1<br> (%)
Subsidiary Type of business Location December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024 Closing<br> month
KT Linkus Co., Ltd. Public telephone maintenance Korea 92.4% 92.4% December
KT Telecop Co., Ltd. Security service Korea 86.8% 92.7% December
KT Alpha Co., Ltd. <br>4 Data communication Korea 73.0% 73.0% December
KT Service Bukbu Co., Ltd. Opening services of fixed line Korea 67.3% 67.3% December
KT Service Nambu Co., Ltd. Opening services of fixed line Korea 77.3% 77.3% December
KT Commerce Inc. B2C, B2B service Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
KT Strategic Investment Fund No.3 Investment fund Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
KT Strategic Investment Fund No.4 Investment fund Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
KT Strategic Investment Fund No.5 Investment fund Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
BC-VP<br> Strategic Investment Fund No.1 Investment fund Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
BC Card Co., Ltd. Credit card business Korea 69.5% 69.5% December
VP Inc. <br>4 Payment security service for credit card, others Korea 72.2% 72.2% December
H&C Network Call center for financial sectors Korea 100.0% 100.0% December

F-14


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

Controlling Interest<br>1<br> (%)
Subsidiary Type of business Location December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024 Closing<br> month
BC Card China Co., Ltd. Software development and data processing China 100.0% 100.0% December
INITECH Co., Ltd. <br>4 Internet banking ASP and security solutions Korea 63.9% 67.3% December
Smartro Co., Ltd. VAN (Value Added Network) business Korea 64.5% 64.5% December
KTDS Co., Ltd. <br>4 System integration and maintenance Korea 91.6% 91.6% December
KT M&S Co., Ltd. PCS distribution Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
GENIE Music Corporation <br>2 Online music production and distribution Korea 36.0% 36.0% December
KT MOS Bukbu Co., Ltd. <br>4 Telecommunication facility maintenance Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
KT MOS Nambu Co., Ltd. <br>4 Telecommunication facility maintenance Korea 98.4% 98.4% December
KT Skylife <br>4 Satellite TV Korea 50.6% 50.5% December
Skylife TV Co., Ltd. TV contents provider Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
KT Estate Inc. Residential building development and supply Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
KT Investment Management Inc. Asset management, real estate, and consulting services Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
KT GDH Co., Ltd. Data center development and related service Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
KT Sat Co., Ltd. Satellite communication business Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
Nasmedia Co., Ltd. <br>2,4 Solution provider and IPTV advertisement sales business Korea 44.1% 44.1% December
KT Sports Co., Ltd. Management of sports teams Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
KT Music Contents Fund No.2 Music and contents investment business Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
KTCS Corporation <br>2,4 Database and online information provider Korea 34.1% 34.1% December
KTIS Corporation <br>2,4 Database and online information provider Korea 33.3% 33.3% December
KT M Mobile Co., Ltd. Special category telecommunications operator and sales of communication device Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
KT Investment Co., Ltd. Financing business for new technology Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
PlayD Co., Ltd. Advertising agency Korea 70.4% 70.4% December
Next Connect PFV Residential building development and supply Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
KT Rwanda Networks Ltd. Network install management Rwanda 51.0% 51.0% December
AOS Ltd. System integration and maintenance Rwanda 51.0% 51.0% December
KT Japan Co., Ltd. Foreign investment business and local counter work Japan 100.0% 100.0% December
East Telecom LLC Wireless/fixed line internet business Uzbekistan 91.6% 91.6% December
KT America, Inc. Foreign investment business and local counter work USA 100.0% 100.0% December

F-15

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

Controlling Interest<br>1<br> (%)
Subsidiary Type of business Location December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024 Closing<br> month
PT. BC Card Asia Pacific Software development and supply Indonesia 99.9% 99.9% December
KT Hong Kong Telecommunications Co., Ltd. Fixed line telecommunication business Hong Kong 100.0% 100.0% December
Korea Telecom Singapore Pte. Ltd. Foreign investment business and local counter work Singapore 100.0% 100.0% December
Texnoprosistem LLC Fixed line internet business Uzbekistan 100.0% 100.0% December
Nasmedia Thailand Co., Ltd. Internet advertising solution Thailand 99.9% 99.9% December
KT Huimangjieum Manufacturing Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
K-REALTY<br> RENTAL HOUSING REIT 3 Residential building Korea 88.6% 88.6% December
Storywiz Co., Ltd. Contents and software development and supply Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
KT Engineering Co., Ltd. Telecommunication facility construction and maintenance Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
KT Studio Genie Co., Ltd. Data communication service and data communication construction business Korea 90.9% 90.9% December
KHS Corporation Operation and maintenance of facilities Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
HCN Co., Ltd. Cable television service Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
Millie Seojae <br>2 Book contents service Korea 30.2% 38.7% December
KT ES Pte. Ltd. Foreign investment business Singapore 57.6% 68.8% December
Epsilon Global Communications<br><br>PTE. Ltd. Network service industry Singapore 100.0% 100.0% December
Epsilon Telecommunications<br><br>(SP) PTE. Ltd. Fixed line telecommunication business Singapore 100.0% 100.0% December
Epsilon Telecommunications<br><br>(US) PTE. Ltd. Fixed line telecommunication business Singapore 100.0% 100.0% December
Epsilon Telecommunications Limited Fixed line telecommunication business UK 100.0% 100.0% December
Epsilon Telecommunications<br><br>(HK) Limited Fixed line telecommunication business Hong Kong 100.0% 100.0% December
Epsilon US Inc. Fixed line telecommunication business USA 100.0% 100.0% December
Epsilon Telecommunications<br><br>(BG) EOOD Employee support service Bulgaria 100.0% 100.0% December
Nasmedia-KT<br> Alpha Future Growth<br><br>Strategic Investment Fund Investment fund Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
KT Strategic Investment Fund 6 Investment fund Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
Altimedia Corporation Software development and delivery Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
Altimidia B.V. Software development and delivery Netherlands 100.0% 100.0% December
Altimidia Vietnam Software development and delivery Vietnam 100.0% 100.0% December
BCCARD VIETNAM LTD. Software sales business Vietnam 100.0% 100.0% December
KTP SERVICES INC. Fixed line telecommunication business Philippines 100.0% 100.0% December
KT RUS LLC Foreign investment business Russia 100.0% 100.0% December
Hangang Real Estate Investment Trust No. 24 Investment fund Korea 75.0% 75.0% December

F-16


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

Controlling Interest<br>1<br> (%)
Subsidiary Type of business Location December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024 Closing<br> month
KT DX VIETNAM COMPANY LIMITED Software development Vietnam 100.0% 100.0% December
kt Cloud Co., Ltd. Information and communications development Korea 92.7% 92.7% December
PT CRANIUM ROYAL ADITAMA Software development Indonesia 67.0% 67.0% December
Open cloud lab Co., Ltd. IT consulting service and Telecommunication equipment sales Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
KT Living, Inc.<br><br>(formerly KD Living, Inc.) Residential building management Korea 100.0% 100.0% December
K-Realty<br> Qualified Private Real Estate Investment Trust No. 1 <br>3 Real estate management Korea 6.5% 6.5% December
AQUA RETAIL VIETNAM COMPANY LIMITED E-voucher<br> issuance and trading business Vietnam 100.0% 100.0% December
K-Realty<br> Qualified Private Real Estate Investment Trust No. 4 Real estate management Korea 93.9% 93.9% December
BC Strategic Investment Fund 2 Investment fund Korea 100.0% December
K-Logis<br> Hwaseong Inc. Residential building development and supply Korea 80.0% December
kt netcore. Co. Ltd. Telecommunication facility maintenance and service business Korea 100.0% December
kt p&m Information and communications development and Electrical design corporation Korea 100.0% December
1 Sum of the interests owned by the Controlling Company and subsidiaries.
--- ---
2 Although the Controlling Company owns less than 50% of the interest in<br><br>Nasmedia Co., Ltd., KTCS Corporation and KTIS Corporation, Millie Seojae, and GENIE Music Corporation, these entities are consolidated as the Controlling Company can exercise the majority of voting rights in its decision-making process at all times, based on voting patterns at previous shareholders’ meetings.
--- ---
3 Although the Controlling Company owns less than 50% interest in <br>K-Realty<br> Qualified Private Real Estate Investment Trust No. 1, this entity is consolidated by comprehensively considering the criteria for determining control, such as ‘power’, ‘variable profit’, and ‘relationship between power and variable profit’, rather than simply judging by the interests owned by the Controlling Company.
--- ---
4 The number of treasury stock held by subsidiaries are deducted from the total number of shares when calculating the controlling percentage interest.
--- ---

(2) Changes in Scope of Consolidation

F-17

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

Subsidiaries newly included and excluded in the consolidation during the year ended December 31, 2024:

Changes Location Name of subsidiary Reason
Included Korea BC Strategic Investment Fund 2 Newly established
Included Korea K-Logis<br> Hwaseong Inc. Newly established
Included Korea kt netcore. Co. Ltd. Newly established
Included Korea kt p&m Newly established
Excluded Korea Lolab Co., Ltd. Shares disposed
Excluded Korea Pocheon Jeonggyori Development Co., Ltd. Liquidated
Excluded Vietnam KT HEALTHCARE VINA COMPANY LIMITED Shares disposed
Excluded Korea KT NEXR Co., Ltd. Merged
Excluded Korea Juice Shares disposed

F-18


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(3) Summarized information for consolidated subsidiaries as at and for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, is as follows:
(In millions of Korean won) December 31, 2022 2022<br>3
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Total assets Total liabilities Operating<br> revenues Profit(loss)<br><br>for the period
KT Linkus Co., Ltd. 47,734 47,498 76,135 (614 )
KT Submarine Co., Ltd. 120,255 7,884 42,848 (12,126 )
KT Telecop Co., Ltd. 370,004 230,965 517,406 4,267
KT Alpha Co., Ltd.<br> <br>1<br><br>(KT Hitel Co., Ltd.) 406,236 172,211 516,737 13,115
KT Service Bukbu Co., Ltd. 74,673 65,820 252,304 3,227
KT Service Nambu Co., Ltd. 80,450 66,479 301,720 3,067
BC Card Co., Ltd. <br>1 5,666,075 4,109,200 3,897,090 148,341
H&C Network 82,737 6,640 27,392 992
Nasmedia Co., Ltd. <br>1 516,945 275,730 153,211 27,691
KTDS Co., Ltd. <br>1 401,932 228,474 723,161 30,941
KT M&S Co., Ltd. 255,310 204,336 730,802 8,105
KT MOS Bukbu Co., Ltd. 38,684 22,553 83,085 4,607
KT MOS Nambu Co., Ltd. 42,011 25,416 83,330 5,035
KT Skylife Co., Ltd. <br>1 1,359,166 503,679 1,038,468 20,941
KT Estate Inc. <br>1 2,480,333 833,842 478,188 58,780
KT GDH Co., Ltd. 12,059 1,596 4,323 451
KT Sat Co., Ltd. 677,980 89,644 185,313 28,073
KT Sports Co., Ltd. 28,220 15,461 65,350 (7,302 )
KT Music Contents Fund No.2 15,718 277 1,040 735
KT-Michigan<br> Global Content Fund 2,371 27 33 (1,095 )
KT M Mobile Co., Ltd. 152,114 49,816 262,918 4,731
KT Investment Co., Ltd. <br>1 103,354 79,182 15,136 2,840
KTCS Corporation <br>1 419,726 228,618 1,031,010 17,634
KTIS Corporation 396,208 199,204 536,229 15,917
Next Connect PFV 624,734 277,967 3 (3,712 )
KT Japan Co., Ltd. <br>1 1,888 3,141 3,263 226
KT America, Inc. 5,945 843 8,070 37
KT Rwanda Networks Ltd. <br>2 126,721 267,369 30,834 (27,467 )
AOS Ltd. <br>2 10,972 905 8,049 1,274
KT Hong Kong Telecommunications Co., Ltd. 10,505 4,768 20,413 51
KT Huimangjieum <br>1 6,984 2,582 22,860 494
KT Engineering Co., Ltd.<br><br>(KT ENGCORE Co., Ltd.) 141,463 89,853 258,435 10,302
KT Studio Genie Co., Ltd. <br>1 987,270 268,911 723,580 189,498
Lolab Co., Ltd. 35,091 17,247 74,881 (7,985 )
East Telecom LLC <br>1 42,691 21,645 27,030 6,419
KT ES Pte. Ltd. <br>1 240,721 88,640 78,815 (23,957 )
KTP SERVICES INC. 3,832 2,044 776 (255 )
Altimedia Corporation <br>1 44,861 15,777 47,203 6,035
KT RUS LLC <br>1 967 16 5 (871 )
KT DX Vietnam Company Limited 1,815 6 26
kt cloud Co., Ltd.<br>1 1,348,684 245,872 432,118 14,712
1 As intermediate controlling companies, financial information from their consolidated financial statements is presented.
--- ---
2 Convertible preferred stock issued by subsidiaries as of the end of the reporting period is included in liabilities.
--- ---
3 Profit or loss is included from the date of acquisition of control to the end of the reporting period.
--- ---

F-19

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial State ments

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(In millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023 2023<br>3
Total assets Total liabilities Operating<br>revenues Profit(loss)<br><br>for the period
KT Linkus Co., Ltd. 64,178 63,452 81,645 821
KT Telecop Co., Ltd. 375,596 235,947 527,015 5,728
KT Alpha Co., Ltd. 443,639 191,254 437,308 19,352
KT Service Bukbu Co., Ltd. 63,760 55,360 242,119 1,212
KT Service Nambu Co., Ltd. 71,576 58,745 291,170 1,354
BC Card Co., Ltd. <br>1 6,352,878 4,722,432 4,027,450 76,545
H&C Network 81,107 4,863 27,205 1,814
Nasmedia Co., Ltd. <br>1 513,311 262,336 147,934 17,703
KTDS Co., Ltd. <br>1 393,667 202,067 727,477 33,971
KT M&S Co., Ltd. 258,477 209,075 695,856 3,783
KT MOS Bukbu Co., Ltd. 50,750 28,431 101,428 8,457
KT MOS Nambu Co., Ltd. 46,839 26,012 101,422 5,749
KT Skylife Co., Ltd. <br>1 1,220,842 479,369 1,034,342 (109,407 )
KT Estate Inc. <br>1 2,746,546 1,121,970 511,018 871
KT GDH Co., Ltd. 7,760 1,501 4,346 648
KT Sat Co., Ltd. 699,607 88,524 182,274 30,502
KT Sports Co., Ltd. 26,615 11,299 66,309 (12,386 )
KT Music Contents Fund No.2 5,558 1,772 534 (992 )
KT M Mobile Co., Ltd. 176,838 69,317 301,049 5,605
KT Investment Co., Ltd. <br>1 83,638 57,420 24,976 2,180
KTCS Corporation <br>1 434,900 234,850 1,035,911 15,804
KTIS Corporation 447,609 243,519 593,162 13,922
Next Connect PFV 946,687 629,809 (29,889 )
KT Japan Co., Ltd. <br>1 2,015 3,341 2,793 (110 )
KT America, Inc. 6,013 701 8,928 133
KT Rwanda Networks Ltd. <br>2 134,847 313,787 26,788 (57,628 )
AOS Ltd. <br>2 10,763 1,983 8,287 128
KT Hong Kong Telecommunications Co., Ltd. 11,142 5,121 19,373 143
KT Huimangjieum <br>1 8,073 2,715 17,687 1,012
KT Engineering Co., Ltd. 160,243 104,005 262,063 5,327
KT Studio Genie Co., Ltd. <br>1 989,187 259,413 542,955 13,507
Lolab Co., Ltd. 42,744 37,838 173,035 (12,938 )
East Telecom LLC <br>1 48,483 22,632 30,350 7,723
KT ES Pte. Ltd. <br>1 117,009 90,392 87,865 (124,850 )
KTP SERVICES INC. 2,967 919 671 235
Altimedia Corporation <br>1 48,381 12,374 45,035 7,352
KT RUS LLC 501 10 1 (378 )
KT DX VIETNAM COMPANY LIMITED 1,694 102 82 (207 )
kt cloud Co., Ltd. <br>1 1,983,972 503,241 679,825 63,956
KT HEALTHCARE VINA COMPANY LIMITED 12,730 439 (721 )
K-Realty<br> Qualified Private Real Estate Investment<br>Trust No. 1 80,266 50,693 4,682 (1,037 )
AQUA RETAIL VIETNAM COMPANY LIMITED 1,202 62 16 (248 )
1 As intermediate controlling companies, financial information from their consolidated financial statements is presented.
--- ---
2 Convertible preferred stock issued by subsidiaries as of the end of the reporting period is included in liabilities.
--- ---
3 Profit or loss is included from the date of acquisition of control to the end of the reporting period.
--- ---

F-20


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(In millions of Korean won) December 31, 2024 2024<br>3
Total assets Total liabilities Operating<br> revenues Profit (loss)<br><br>for the period
KT Linkus Co., Ltd. 54,247 55,750 79,171 (1,726 )
KT Telecop Co., Ltd. 400,437 253,509 532,687 8,793
KT Alpha Co., Ltd. 464,180 201,902 421,191 20,682
KT Service Bukbu Co., Ltd. 56,706 56,846 228,816 (6,665 )
KT Service Nambu Co., Ltd. 57,827 51,826 285,634 (5,881 )
BC Card Co., Ltd. <br>1 5,961,047 4,196,724 3,806,858 141,149
H&C Network 59,808 5,039 26,188 1,868
Nasmedia Co., Ltd. <br>1 492,782 252,707 143,639 (3,884 )
KTDS Co., Ltd. <br>1 388,812 179,630 721,962 34,883
KT M&S Co., Ltd. 261,539 193,526 807,735 19,681
KT MOS Bukbu Co., Ltd. 50,262 32,012 103,410 1,287
KT MOS Nambu Co., Ltd. 51,458 28,427 103,765 3,719
KT Skylife Co., Ltd. <br>1 1,040,188 463,594 1,026,644 (156,033 )
KT Estate Inc. <br>1 2,740,463 1,099,622 555,984 24,290
KT GDH Co., Ltd. 7,998 1,462 3,977 303
KT Sat Co., Ltd. 733,574 92,877 188,412 30,741
KT Sports Co., Ltd. 23,299 7,435 83,888 859
KT Music Contents Fund No. 2 5,508 1,589 199 134
KT M Mobile Co., Ltd. 195,196 74,570 347,933 13,142
KT Investment Co., Ltd. <br>1 84,369 56,721 19,355 1,621
KTCS Corporation <br>1 435,066 232,129 1,122,264 6,814
KTIS Corporation 469,932 261,826 604,479 11,862
Next Connect PFV 1,429,260 1,133,891 137 (21,508 )
KT Japan Co., Ltd. <br>1 1,750 3,289 2,897 (180 )
KT America, Inc. 6,843 614 7,445 192
KT Rwanda Networks Ltd. <br>2 131,362 341,313 21,624 (21,025 )
AOS Ltd. <br>2 14,305 19,422 10,768 643
KT Hong Kong Telecommunications Co., Ltd. 9,105 1,680 16,917 423
KT Huimangjieum <br>1 8,854 2,275 19,285 1,338
KT Engineering Co., Ltd. 183,753 123,132 333,874 2,634
KT Studio Genie Co., Ltd. <br>1 880,509 212,683 452,685 (29,364 )
East Telecom LLC <br>1 75,828 40,371 38,100 6,938
KT ES Pte. Ltd. <br>1 78,800 59,114 93,358 (79,014 )
KTP SERVICES INC. 3,257 750 718 272
Altimedia Corporation <br>1 45,287 11,919 36,774 290
KT RUS LLC 420 1 (31 )
KT DX VIETNAM COMPANY LIMITED 1,568 120 469 (262 )
kt Cloud Co., Ltd. <br>1 2,061,020 542,569 784,284 35,676
K-Realty<br> Qualified Private Real Estate Investment Trust No. 1 79,220 50,681 4,358 (1,034 )
AQUA RETAIL VIETNAM COMPANY LIMITED 1,903 497 531 (827 )
kt netcore. Co. Ltd. 61,213 79 134
kt p&m 10,029 96 (67 )
1 As intermediate controlling companies, financial information from their consolidated financial statements is presented.
--- ---
2 Convertible preferred stock issued by subsidiaries as of the end of the reporting period is included in liabilities.
--- ---
3 Profit or loss is included from the date of acquisition of control to the end of the reporting period.
--- ---

F-21

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

2 Material Accounting Policies

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

2.1 Basis of Preparation

The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for the following:

Certain financial assets and liabilities (including derivative instruments)
Defined benefit pension plans – plan assets measured at fair value
--- ---

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires the use of critical accounting estimates. Management also needs to exercise judgement in applying the Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements are disclosed in Note 3.

2.2 Changes in Accounting Policy and Disclosures

(1) New and amended standards and interpretations adopted by the Group

The Group has the following standards and interpretations for the first time for their annual reporting period commencing January 1, 2024.

  • IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements (Amendment in 2020) – Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current

The amendments clarify that the classification of liabilities as current or non-current is based on rights that are in existence at the end of the reporting period, specify that classification is unaffected by expectations about whether an entity will exercise its right to defer settlement of a liability, explain that rights are in existence if covenants are complied with at the end of the reporting period, and introduce a definition of ‘settlement’ to make clear that settlement refers to the transfer to the counterparty of cash, equity instruments, other assets or services.

  • IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements – Non-current Liabilities with Covenants (Amendment)

The amendments specify that only covenants that an entity is required to comply with on or before the end of the reporting period affect the entity’s right to defer settlement of a liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date.

The amendments also specifies that the right to defer settlement of a liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date is not affected if an entity only has to comply with a covenant after the reporting period. However, if the entity’s right to defer settlement of a liability is subject to the

F-22

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

entity complying with covenants within twelve months after the reporting period, an entity discloses information that enables users of financial statements to understand the risk of the liabilities becoming repayable within twelve months after the reporting period. This would include information about the covenants (including the nature of the covenants and when the entity is required to comply with them), the carrying amount of related liabilities and facts and circumstances, if any, that indicate that the entity may have difficulties complying with the covenants.

  • IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows and IFRS 17 Financial Instruments : Disclosures – Supplier Finance Arrangements (Amendment)

The amendments add a disclosure objective to IAS 7 stating that an entity is required to disclose information about its supplier finance arrangements that enables users of financial statements to assess the effects of those arrangements on the entity’s liabilities and cash flows. In addition, IFRS 17 was amended to add supplier finance arrangements as an example within the requirements to disclose information about an entity’s exposure to concentration of liquidity risk.

Note 19 provides the required disclosures related to these amendments.

  • IFRS 16 Leases – Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback (Amendment)

The amendments to IFRS 16 add subsequent measurement requirements for sale and leaseback transactions that satisfy the requirements in IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers to be accounted for as a sale. The amendments require the seller-lessee to determine ‘lease payments’ or ‘revised lease payments’ such that the seller-lessee does not recognize a gain or loss that relates to the right of use retained by the seller-lessee, after the commencement date.

A seller-lessee applies the amendments retrospectively in accordance with IAS 8 to sale and leaseback transactions entered into after the date of initial application, which is defined as the beginning of the annual reporting period in which the entity first applied IFRS 16.

  • IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements – Disclosure of Virtual Assets (Amendment)

The amendments to IAS 1 add additional disclosure requirements required by other standards for transactions related to virtual assets, setting out disclosure requirement for each case of 1) holding virtual assets, 2) holding virtual assets on behalf of customer, and 3) issuing virtual assets.

When holding a virtual asset, disclosure on the general information about virtual assets, the accounting policy applied and each virtual asset’s acquisition method, cost and the fair value at the end of the reporting period is required. Also, when issuing a virtual asset, the entity’s obligations and status of fulfillment of the obligation related to the issued virtual asset, the timing and amount of the recognized revenue of the sold virtual asset, the number of virtual assets held after issuance, and important contract details shall be disclosed.

There is no significant impact of the amendments listed above on the consolidated financial statements.

F-23


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(2) New and revised standards and interpretations in issue but not yet effective or adopted by the Group

At the date of authorization of these financial statements, the Group has not applied the following new and amended IFRS standards that have been issued but are not yet effective:

  • IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates – Lack of Exchangeability

The amendments specify how to assess whether a currency is exchangeable, and how to determine the exchange rate when it is not.

The amendments state that a currency is exchangeable into another currency when an entity is able to obtain the other currency within a time frame that allows for a normal administrative delay and through a market or exchange mechanism in which an exchange transaction would create enforceable rights and obligations.

The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2025, with earlier application permitted. An entity is not permitted to apply the amendments retrospectively. Instead, an entity is required to apply the specific transition provisions included in the amendments.

  • IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures – Classification and measurement requirements of financial instruments

The amendments clarify the conditions related to the discharge of a financial liability before the settlement date when settling such financial liabilities using an electronic payment system. They further specify an interest feature, a contingent feature, financial assets with non-recourse features and contractually linked instruments which should be considered in assessing whether contractual cash flows of a financial asset are consistent with a basic lending arrangement. Furthermore, the amendments include additional disclosure requirements for investments in equity instruments designated at fair value through other comprehensive income and contractual terms that could change the timing or amount of contractual cash flows. The amendments are applied retrospectively for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2026 with earlier application permitted.

  • IFRS 9 Financial Instruments – Derecognition of lease liabilities and Transaction price

The amendments clarify that when a lessee has determined that a lease liability has been extinguished in accordance with IFRS 9, the lessee is required to recognize any resulting gain or loss in profit or loss. Additionally, the amendments have replaced ‘their transaction price (as defined in IFRS 15)’ in IFRS 09:5.1.3 with ‘the amount determined by applying IFRS 15’ to remove an inconsistency between IFRS 9 and the requirements in IFRS 15.

The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2026, with earlier application permitted.

  • IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements – Determination of ‘de facto agent’

The amendments have amended IFRS 10:B74 to use less conclusive language and to clarify that the relationship described in IFRS 10:B74 is just one example of a circumstance in which judgement is required to determine whether a party is acting as a de facto agent.

F-24

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2026, with earlier application permitted.

  • IFRS 1 First-time adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards – Hedging accounting by a first-time adopter

The amendments have improved the consistency of the wording of IFRS 1:B6 with the requirements for hedge accounting in IFRS 9 and added cross-references to IFRS 9:6.4.1 to improve the understandability of IFRS 1.

The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2026, with earlier application permitted.

  • IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures – Gain or loss on derecognition

The amendments have updated the obsolete cross-reference in IFRS 7:B38 and aligned the wording of this paragraph with the terms used in IFRS.

The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2026, with earlier application permitted.

  • IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows: Cost method

The amendments have replaced the term ‘cost method’ with ‘at cost’ in IAS 7:37.

The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2026, with earlier application permitted.

  • IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosures in Financial Statements

IFRS 18 replaces IAS 1, carrying forward many of the requirements in IAS 1 unchanged and complementing them with new requirements. In addition, some IAS 1 paragraphs have been moved to IAS 8 and IFRS 7. Furthermore, IASB has made minor amendments to IAS 7 and IAS 33 Earnings per Share.

IFRS 18 introduces new requirements to:

present specified categories and defined subtotals in the statement of profit or loss;
provide disclosures on management-defined performance measures (MPMs) in the notes to the financial statements; and
--- ---
improve aggregation and disaggregation.
--- ---

An entity is required to apply IFRS 18 for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2027, with earlier application permitted. The amendments to IAS 7 and IAS 33, as well as the revised IAS 8 and IFRS 7, become effective when an entity applies IFRS 18. IFRS 18 requires retrospective application with specific transition provisions.

The directors of the Company anticipate that the application of these amendments may have an impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements in future periods.

The Group is reviewing the impact of the above-listed amendments on the consolidated financial statements.

F-25


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

2.3 Consolidation

The Group has prepared the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements.

(a) Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are all entities (including special purpose entities (“SPEs”)) over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power to direct the activities of the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for business combinations by the Group. The consideration transferred is measured at the fair values of the assets transferred, and identifiable assets acquired, and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The Group recognizes any non-controlling interest in the acquired entity on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquired entity’s net identifiable assets. All other non-controlling interests are measured at fair values, unless otherwise required by other standards. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

The excess of consideration transferred, amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquired entity and acquisition-date fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquired entity over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired is recoded as goodwill. If those amounts are less than the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the business acquired, the difference is recognized directly in the profit or loss as a bargain purchase.

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealized gains on transactions among group companies are eliminated. Unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the transferred asset. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

(b) Changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries without loss of control

Any differences between the amount of the adjustment to non-controlling interest that do not result in loss of control and any consideration paid or received is recognized in a separate reserve within equity attributable to owners of the Controlling Company.

(c) Disposal of subsidiaries

When the Group ceases to have control over a subsidiary, any retained interest in the subsidiary is remeasured to its fair value with the change in carrying amount recognized in profit or loss.

(d) Associates

Associates are entities over which the Group has significant influence but does not possess control or joint control. Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method of

F-26

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

accounting, after initially being recognized at cost. Unrealized gains on transactions between the Group and its associates are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the associates. If the Group’s share of losses of an associate equals or exceeds its interest in the associate (including long-term interests that, in substance, form part of the Group’s net investment in the associate), the Group discontinues recognizing its share of further losses. After the Group’s interest is reduced to zero, additional losses are provided for, and a liability is recognized, only to the extent that the Group has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate. If there is an objective evidence of impairment for the investment in the associate, the Group recognizes the difference between the recoverable amount of the associate and its book amount as impairment loss. If an associate uses accounting policies other than those of the Group for transactions and events in similar circumstances, if necessary, adjustments shall be made to make the associate’s accounting policies conform to those of the Group when the associate’s financial statements are used by the Group in applying the equity method.

(e) Joint arrangements

A joint arrangement, wherein two or more parties have joint control, is classified as either a joint operation or a joint venture. A joint operator recognizes its direct right to the assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses of joint operations and its share of any jointly held or incurred assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. A joint venture has rights to the net assets relating to the joint venture and accounts for that investment using the equity method.

2.4 Segment Reporting

Information of each operating segment is reported in a manner consistent with the business segment reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker (Note 34). The chief operating decision-maker is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments.

2.5 Foreign Currency Translation

(a) Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each entities in the Group are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which each entity operates (its functional currency). The consolidated financial statements are presented in Korean won, which is the presentation currency for the consolidated financial statements.

(b) Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at year end exchange rates are generally recognized in profit or loss. They are deferred in other comprehensive income if they relate to qualifying cash flow hedges and qualifying effective portion of net investment hedges or are attributable to monetary part of the net investment in a foreign operation.

F-27


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to financial instruments are presented in the statement of profit or loss, within finance costs. All other foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in the statement of profit or loss within ‘other income’ or ‘other expense’.

Non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was determined. Translation differences on assets and liabilities carried at fair value are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss. For example, translation differences on non-monetary assets and liabilities, such as equities held at fair value through profit or loss, are recognized in profit or loss as part of the fair value gain or loss and translation differences on non-monetary assets, such as equities classified as available-for-sale financial assets, are recognized in other comprehensive income.

2.6 Financial Assets

(a) Classification

The Group classifies its financial assets in the following measurement categories:

those to be measured at fair value through profit or loss
those to be measured at fair value through other comprehensive income
--- ---
those to be measured at amortized cost
--- ---

The classification depends on the Group’s business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual terms of the cash flows.

For financial assets measured at fair value, gains and losses will either be recorded in profit or loss or other comprehensive income. For investments in debt instruments, this will depend on the business model in which the investment is held. The Group reclassifies debt investments when, and only when, its business model for managing those assets changes.

For investments in equity instruments that are not held for trading, this will depend on whether the Group has made an irrevocable election at the time of initial recognition to account for the equity investment at fair value through other comprehensive income. Changes in fair value of the investments in equity instruments that are not accounted for as other comprehensive income are recognized in profit or loss.

(b) Measurement

At initial recognition, the Group measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. Transaction costs of financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss are expensed in profit or loss.

Financial assets with embedded derivatives are considered in their entirety when determining whether their cash flows are solely payment of principal and interest.

F-28


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

A. Debt instruments

Subsequent measurement of debt instruments depends on the Group’s business model for managing the asset and the cash flow characteristics of the asset. The Group classifies its debt instruments into one of the following three measurement categories:

Amortized cost: Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows where those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest are measured at amortized cost. A gain or loss on a debt investment that is subsequently measured at amortized cost and is not part of a hedging relationship is recognized in profit or loss when the asset is derecognized or impaired. Interest income from these financial assets is included in ‘finance income’ using the effective interest rate method.
Fair value through other comprehensive income: Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows and for selling the financial assets, where the assets’ cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest, are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income. Movements in the carrying amount are taken through other comprehensive income, except for the recognition of impairment loss (and reversal of impairment loss), interest income and foreign exchange gains and losses which are recognized in profit or loss. When the financial asset is derecognized, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognized in other comprehensive income is reclassified from equity to profit or loss. Interest income from these financial assets is included in ‘finance income’ using the effective interest rate method. Foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in ‘finance income’ or ‘finance costs’ and impairment loss in ‘finance costs’ or ‘operating expenses’.
--- ---
Fair value through profit or loss: Assets that do not meet the criteria for amortized cost or fair value through other comprehensive income are measured at fair value through profit or loss. A gain or loss on a debt investment that is subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss and is not part of a hedging relationship is recognized in profit or loss and presented net in the statement of profit or loss within ‘finance income’ or ‘finance costs’ in the period in which it arises.

B. Equity instruments

The Group subsequently measures all equity investments at fair value. Where the Group’s management has elected to present fair value gains and losses on equity investments in other comprehensive income, there is no subsequent reclassification of fair value gains and losses to profit or loss following the derecognition of the investment. Dividend income from such investments continue to be recognized in profit or loss as ‘finance income’ when the Group’s right to receive payments is established.

Changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are recognized in ‘finance income’ or ‘finance costs’ in the statement of profit or loss as applicable. Impairment loss (reversal of impairment loss) on equity investments, measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, are not reported separately from other changes in fair value.

(c) Impairment

The Group assesses on a forward-looking basis the expected credit losses associated with its debt instruments carried at amortized cost and fair value through other comprehensive income.

F-29


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk. For trade receivables and lease receivables, the Group applies the simplified approach, which requires expected lifetime credit losses to be recognized from initial recognition of the receivables.

(d) Recognition and derecognition

Regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are recognized or derecognized on trade-date, the date on which the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset. Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or have been transferred and the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership.

If a transfer does not result in derecognition because the Group has retained substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the transferred asset, the Group continues to recognize the transferred asset in its entirety and recognizes a financial liability for the consideration received.

(e) Offsetting of financial instruments

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the statements of financial position where there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or realize the assets and settle the liability simultaneously. The legally enforceable right must not be contingent on future events and must be enforceable in the normal course of business and in the event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy of the Group or the counterparty.

2.7 Derivative Instruments

Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at the end of each reporting period. The accounting treatment for subsequent changes in fair value depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged. The Group has hedge relationships and designates certain derivatives as:

hedges of a particular risk associated with the cash flows of recognized assets and liabilities and highly probable forecast transactions (cash flow hedges)

At inception of the hedge relationship, the Group documents the economic relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items including whether changes in the cash flows of the hedging instruments are expected to offset changes in the cash flows of hedged items.

The fair values of derivative financial instruments designated in hedge relationships are disclosed in Note 37.

The full fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedged item is more than 12 months; it is classified as a current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedged item is less than 12 months. A non-derivative financial asset and a non-derivative financial liability is classified as a current or non-current based on its expected maturity and its settlement, respectively.

F-30


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

The effective portion of changes in fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognized in the cash flow hedge reserve within equity to the limit of the cumulative change in fair value (present value) of the hedge item (the present value of the cumulative change in the future expected cash flows of the hedged item) from the inception of the hedge. The ineffective portion is recognized in ‘finance income (costs)’.

Amounts of changes in fair value of effective hedging instruments accumulated in equity are recognized as ‘finance income (costs)’ for the periods when the corresponding transactions affect profit or loss.

When a hedging instrument expires, or is sold, terminated, exercised, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any accumulated cash flow hedge reserve at that time remains in equity until the forecast transaction occurs, resulting in the recognition of a non-financial asset such as inventory. When the forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cash flow hedge reserve and deferred costs of hedging that were reported in equity are immediately reclassified to profit or loss.

2.8 Trade Receivables

Trade receivables are recognized initially at the amount of consideration that is unconditional, unless they contain significant financing components when they are recognized at fair value. Trade receivables are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less loss allowance. See Note 6 for further information about the Group’s accounting treatment for trade receivables and Note 2.6 (c) for a description of the Group’s accounting policy on impairment.

2.9 Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined using the moving average method, except for inventories in-transit(specific identification method).

2.10 Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditures that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items.

Depreciation of all property and equipment, except for land, is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost, net of their residual values, over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Useful Life
Buildings 5 – 40 years
Structures 5 – 40 years
Machinery and equipment<br><br>(Telecommunications equipment and others) 2 – 40 years
Vehicles 4 – 10 years
Tools 3 – 6 years
Office equipment 2 – 10 years

F-31


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

The depreciation method, residual values, and useful lives of property and equipment are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and, if appropriate, accounted for as changes in accounting estimates.

2.11 Investment Property

Real estate held for rental income or investment gains is classified as investment property and right-of-use asset. An investment property is measured initially at its cost. After recognition as an asset, investment property is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Investment property, except for land, is depreciated using the straight-line method over their useful lives from 5 to 40 years.

2.12 Intangible Assets

(a) Goodwill

Goodwill is measured as explained in Note 2.3 (a) and goodwill arising from acquisition of subsidiaries and businesses is included in intangible assets. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Gains and losses on the disposal of subsidiaries and business include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the subsidiaries and businesses sold.

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to each of the CGUs, or group of CGUs, that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. Goodwill is monitored at the operating segment level.

(b) Intangible assets excluding goodwill

Intangible assets, except for goodwill, are initially recognized at its historical cost, and carried at cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses. Membership rights (condominium membership and golf membership), subscription rights, broadcast license, facility-use rights, and transportation rights that have indefinite useful life are not subject to amortization because there is no foreseeable limit to the period over which the assets are expected to be utilized. The Group amortizes intangible assets with a limited useful life using the straight-line method over the following periods:

Useful Life
Development costs 3 – 10 years
Software 3 – 10 years
Frequency usage rights 5 – 10 years
Others<br>1 1 – 50 years
1 Membership rights (condominium membership and golf membership), subscription rights, broadcast license, facility usage rights and transportation license included in others are classified as intangible assets with indefinite useful life.
--- ---
2.13 Borrowing Costs
--- ---

General and specific borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are capitalized during the period of time that is required to

F-32

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

complete and prepare the asset for its intended use or sale. Investment income earned on the temporary investment of specific borrowings on qualifying assets is deducted from the borrowing costs eligible for capitalization. Other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

2.14 Government Grants

Grants from the government are recognized at their fair value where there is a reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and the Group will comply with all attached conditions. Government grants related to assets are presented in the statement of financial position by setting up the grant as deferred income that is recognized in profit or loss on a systematic basis over the useful life of the asset. Grants related to income are deferred and are presented as a credit in the statement of profit or loss within ‘other income’.

2.15 Impairment of <br>Non-Financial<br> Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful life are tested annually for impairment at the end of each reporting period. If certain assets are deemed to be impaired, their recoverable amount is estimated in order to determine the impairment loss. The Group estimates the recoverable amount for each asset, and, in cases when the recoverable amount cannot be estimated for an asset, the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit to which the asset belongs is estimated. Corporate assets are allocated to individual cash generating units on a reasonable and consistent basis and if they cannot be allocated to individual cash generating units, they are allocated to the smallest group of cash generating units on a reasonable and consistent basis. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount (higher of its fair value less costs of disposal and value in use). Impairment loss on non-financial assets other than goodwill are evaluated for reversal at the end of each reporting period.

2.16 Trade and Other Payables

Trade and other payables amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Group prior to the end of reporting period which are unpaid. Trade and other payables are presented as current liabilities, unless payment is not due within 12 months after the reporting period. They are recognized initially at their fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

2.17 Financial Liabilities

(a) Classification and measurement

The Group’s financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are financial instruments held for trading. A financial liability is held for trading if it is incurred principally for the purpose of repurchasing in the near term. Derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments or derivatives separated from financial instruments containing embedded derivatives are also categorized as held for trading.

The Group classifies non-derivative financial liabilities, except for financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, financial guarantee contracts and financial liabilities that arise when a

F-33

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

transfer of financial assets does not qualify for derecognition, as financial liabilities carried at amortized cost and present as ‘trade and other payables’, ‘borrowings’ and ‘other financial liabilities’ in the statement of financial position.

Borrowings are initially recognized as the amount obtained by subtracting the transaction cost incurred from the fair value and is then measured as amortized cost. The difference between the consideration received (net of transaction cost) and the redemption amount is recognized as profit or loss over the period using the effective interest rate method. Fees paid to receive the borrowing limit are recognized as transaction costs for loans to the extent that they are likely to be borrowed as part or all of the borrowing limit. In this case, the fee will be deferred until the draw-down occurs. There is a high possibility that borrowings will be executed as part or all of the borrowing limit agreement (relevant fees to the extent that there is no evidence) are recognized as assets as advance payments for liquidity services and amortized over the relevant borrowing limit period.

Preferred shares that require mandatory redemption at a particular date are classified as liabilities. Interest expenses on these preferred shares using the effective interest method are recognized in the statement of profit or loss as ‘finance costs’, together with interest expenses recognized from other financial liabilities.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period.

(b) Derecognition

Financial liabilities are removed from the statement of financial position when it is extinguished; for example, when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged or cancelled or expired or when the terms of an existing financial liability are substantially modified. The difference between the carrying amount of a financial liability extinguished or transferred to another party and the consideration paid (including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed) is recognized in profit or loss.

The Group’s financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are financial instruments held for trading and financial liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss. A financial liability is held for trading if it is incurred principally for the purpose of repurchasing in the near term. A derivative that is not a designated as hedging instruments and an embedded derivative that is separated are also classified as held for trading. Financial liabilities designed as at fair value through profit or loss are structured financial liabilities containing embedded derivatives issued by the Group.

2.18 Financial Guarantee Contracts

Financial guarantee contracts are recognized as a financial liability at the time the guarantee is issued. The liability is initially measured at fair value, subsequently at the higher of the following amount, and the related liability is recognized as ‘other financial liabilities’ in the consolidated statement of financial position:

the amount determined in accordance with the expected credit loss model under IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
the amount initially recognized less, where appropriate, the cumulative amount of income recognized in accordance with IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
--- ---

F-34

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

2.19 Employee Benefits

(a) Post-employment benefits

The Group operates both defined contribution and defined benefit pension plans.

A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. The contributions are recognized as employee benefit expenses when an employee has rendered service.

A defined benefit plan is a pension plan that is not a defined contribution plan. Generally, post-employment benefits are payable after the completion of employment, and the benefit amount depended on the employee’s age, periods of service or salary levels. The liability recognized in the statement of financial position in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period less the fair value of plan assets. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and that have terms approximating to the terms of the related obligation. Remeasurement gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are recognized in the period in which they occur, directly in other comprehensive income.

Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation resulting from plan amendments or curtailments are recognized immediately in profit or loss as past service costs.

(b) Termination benefits

Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated by the Group before the normal retirement date, or whenever an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The Group recognizes termination benefits at the earlier of the following dates: when the entity can no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits or when the entity recognizes costs for a restructuring.

(c) Long-term employee benefits

Certain entities within the Group provide long-term employee benefits that are entitled to employees with service period for ten years and above. The expected costs of these benefits are accrued over the period of employment using the same accounting methodology as used for defined benefit pension plans. The Group recognizes service cost, net interest on other long-term employee benefits and remeasurements as profit or loss for the year. These liabilities are valued annually by an independent qualified actuary.

2.20 Share-Based Payments

Equity-settled share-based payment is recognized at fair value of equity instruments granted, and employee benefit expense is recognized over the vesting period. At the end of each period, the Group revises its estimates of the number of options that are expected to vest based on the non-market vesting and service conditions. It recognizes the impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, in profit or loss, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.

F-35


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

The acquiree may have outstanding share-based payment transactions that the acquirer does not exchange for its share-based payment transactions. If vested, those acquiree share-based payment transactions are part of the non-controlling interest in the acquiree and are measured at their market-based measure. If unvested, the market-based measure of unvested share-based payment transactions is allocated to the non-controlling interest on the basis of the ratio of the portion of the vesting period completed to the greater of the total vesting period and the original vesting period of the share-based payment transaction. The balance is allocated to post-combination service.

2.21 Provisions

Provisions for service warranties, recoveries, litigations and claims, and others are recognized when the Group presently hold legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, and when it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and the amount can be reliably estimated. Provisions are measured at the present value of management’s best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period, and the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognized as interest expense.

2.22 Leases

(a) Lessee

The Group leases various repeater server racks, offices, communication line facilities, machinery, cars, and others.

Contracts may contain both lease and non-lease components. The Group allocates the consideration in the contract to the lease and non-lease components based on their relative stand-alone prices.

Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a present value basis. Lease liabilities include the net present value of the following lease payments:

Fixed payments (including <br>in-substance<br> fixed payments), less any lease incentives receivable
Variable lease payment that are based on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate as at the commencement date
--- ---
Amounts expected to be payable by the Group (the lessee) under residual value guarantees
--- ---
The exercise price of a purchase option if the Group (the lessee) is reasonably certain to exercise that option, and
--- ---
Payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the Group (the lessee) exercising that option
--- ---

Measurement of lease liability also includes payments to be made in optional periods if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise an option to extend the lease.

F-36


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

The Group determines the lease term as the non-cancellable period of a lease, together with both (a) periods covered by an option to extend the lease if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise that option; and (b) periods covered by an option to terminate the lease if the lessee is reasonably certain not to exercise that option. When the lessee and the lessor each has the right to terminate the lease without permission from the other party, the Group should consider a termination penalty in determining the period for which the contract is enforceable.

The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. If that rate cannot be determined, the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate is used, which is the rate that the lessee would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value in a similar economic environment with similar terms and conditions.

The Group is exposed to potential future increases in variable lease payments based on an index or rate, which are not included in the lease liability until they take effect. When adjustments to lease payments based on an index or rate take effect, the lease liability is reassessed and adjusted against the right-of-use asset.

Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and finance cost. The finance cost is charged to profit or loss over the lease period in order to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period.

Right-of-use assets are measured at cost comprising the following:

the amount of the initial measurement of lease liability
any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received
--- ---
any initial direct costs (leasehold deposits)
--- ---
restoration costs
--- ---

The right-of-use asset is depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis. If the Group is reasonably certain to exercise a purchase option, the right-of-use asset is depreciated over the underlying asset’s useful life.

Payments associated with short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognized on a straight-line basis as an expense in profit or loss. Short-term leases are leases with a lease term of 12 months or less, such as vehicles, machinery, and others. Low-value assets are comprised of tools, office equipment, and others.

(b) Lessor

Lease income from operating leases where the Group is a lessor is recognized in income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Initial direct costs incurred in obtaining an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the underlying asset and recognized as expense over the lease term on the same basis as lease income. The respective leased assets are included in the statement of financial position based on their nature.

(c) Extension and termination option

Extension and termination options are included in a number of property and equipment leases across the Group. These terms are used to maximize operational flexibility in terms of managing

F-37


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

contracts. The majority of extension and termination options held are exercisable only by the Group and not by the respective lessor. Information on critical accounting estimates and assumptions related to the determination of the lease term is presented in Note 3.

2.23 Share Capital

The Controlling Company classifies ordinary shares as equity.

Where the Controlling Company purchases its own shares, the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs, is deducted from equity until the share are cancelled or reissued. When these treasury shares are reissued, any consideration received is included in equity attributable to the equity holders of the Controlling Company.

2.24 Revenue Recognition

(a) Identifying performance obligations

The Group mainly provides telecommunication services and sells handsets. The Group identifies performance obligations with a customer such as providing telecommunication services, selling handsets, and others. Revenue from handsets is recognized when a performance obligation is satisfied by transferring promised goods to customers, and the revenue from telecommunication services is recognized over the estimated contract periods of each service by transferring promised services to customers.

(b) Allocation the transaction price and revenue recognition

The Group allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation identified in the contract based on a relative stand-alone selling prices of the goods or services being provided to the customer. To allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative stand-alone price basis, the Group determines the stand-alone selling price at contract inception of the distinct good or service underlying each performance obligation in the contract and allocates the transaction price on a relative stand-alone selling price basis. The stand-alone selling price is the price at which the Group would sell a promised good or service separately to the customer. The best evidence of a stand-alone selling price is the observable price of a good or service when the Group sells that good or service separately in similar circumstances and to similar customers. The Group recognizes the allocated amount as contract assets or contract liabilities, and amortizes it through the remaining period which is adjusted in operating income.

(c) Incremental contract acquisition costs

The Group pays commission fees when new customers subscribe to telecommunication services. The incremental contract acquisition costs are those commission fees that the Group incurs to acquire a contract with a customer that would not have been incurred if the contract had not been acquired. The Group recognizes the incremental contract acquisition costs as an asset and amortizes it over the expected period of benefit. However, as a practical expedient, the Group may recognize the incremental contract acquisition costs as an expense when it is incurred if the amortization period of the asset is one year or less.

F-38


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(d) Commission fees

Commission fees are recognized when it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity and these benefits can be reliably measured. Revenues are measured at the fair value of the consideration received.

2.25 Current and Deferred Income Tax

The tax expense for the period consists of current and deferred tax. Current and deferred tax is recognized in profit or loss, except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

The current income tax expense is measured at the amount expected to be paid to taxation authorities, using the tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation, and considers whether it is probable that a taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment. The Group measures its tax balances either based on the most likely amount or the expected value, depending on which method provides a better prediction of the resolution of the uncertainty.

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss.

Deferred tax assets are recognized only if it is probable that future taxable amount will be available to utilize those temporary differences and losses.

The Group recognizes a deferred tax liability for all taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates, and interests in joint arrangements, except to the extent that the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. In addition, the Group recognizes a deferred tax asset for all deductible temporary differences arising from such investments to the extent that it is probable the temporary difference will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary difference can be utilized.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and when the deferred tax balances relate to the same taxation authority. Current tax assets and liabilities are offset when the Group has a legally enforceable right to offset and intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liability simultaneously.

2.26 Dividend

Dividend distribution to the Group’s shareholders is recognized as a liability in the financial statements in the period in which the dividends are approved by the Group’s shareholders.

F-39


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

2.27 Approval on Issuance of the Consolidated Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements of 2024 were approved for issuance by the Board of Directors on April 15, 2025.

3 Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of financial statements requires the Group to make estimates and assumptions about the future. Management also needs to exercise judgment in applying the Group’s accounting policies. Estimates and assumptions are evaluated continuously and are based on historical experience and other factors, including reasonable expectations of future events under the given circumstances. As it is rare for the results of accounting estimates to be identical to actual results, significant risks exist that may lead to material adjustments.

Estimates and assumptions that have significant risks of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below. Additional information of significant judgement and assumptions of certain items are included in relevant notes.

3.1 Impairment of Non-Financial Assets (including Goodwill)

The Group determines the recoverable amount of a cash generating unit (CGU) based on fair value or value-in-use calculations to assess non-financial assets (including goodwill) for impairment (Note 12, 13).

3.2 Income Taxes

The Group’s taxable income generated from these operations are subject to income taxes based on tax laws and interpretations of tax authorities in numerous jurisdictions. There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain (Note 29).

If a certain portion of the taxable income is not used for investments or increase in wages or dividends in accordance with the Tax System for Recirculation of Corporate Income

, the Group is liable to pay additional income tax calculated based on the tax laws. Accordingly, the measurement of current and deferred income tax is affected by the tax effects from the new tax system. As the Group’s income tax is dependent on the investments as well as wage increase, there is uncertainty in measuring the final tax effects (Note 29).

3.3 Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined by using valuation techniques. The Group uses its judgment to select a variety of methods and make assumptions that are mainly based on market conditions existing at the end of each reporting period (Note 37).

3.4 Net Defined Benefit Liability

The present value of net defined benefit liability depends on a number of factors that are determined on an actuarial basis using a number of assumptions including the discount rate (Note 17).

F-40


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

3.5 Amortization of Contract Assets, Contract Liabilities and Contract Cost Assets

Contract assets, contract liabilities and contract cost assets recognized under the application of IFRS 15 are amortized over the expected periods of customer relationships. The estimate of the expected terms of customer relationship is based on the historical data. If management’s estimate changes, it may cause significant differences in the timing of revenue recognition and amounts recognized.

3.6 Critical Judgments in Determining the Lease Term

In determining the lease term, management considers all facts and circumstances that create an economic incentive to exercise an extension option, or not exercise a termination option. Extension options (or periods after termination options) are only included in the lease term if the lease is reasonably certain to be extended (or not terminated).

For leases of property, machinery, and communication line facilities, the following factors are normally the most relevant:

If there are significant penalties to terminate (or not extend), the Group is typically reasonably certain to extend (or not terminate).
If any leasehold improvements are expected to have a significant remaining value, the Group is typically reasonably certain to extend (or not terminate).
Otherwise, the Group considers other factors including historical lease durations and the costs and business disruption required to replace the leased asset.
--- ---

Most extension options in offices, retail stores and vehicles leases have not been included in the lease liability, because the Group can replace the assets without significant cost or business disruption.

The lease term is reassessed if an option is actually exercised (or not exercised) or the Group becomes obliged to exercise (or not exercise) it. The assessment of reasonable certainty is only revised if a significant event or a significant change in circumstances occurs, which affects this assessment, and that is within the control of the lessee.

4 Financial Instruments by Category

(1) Financial instruments by category as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023
Financial assets Financial<br> assets at<br> amortized<br><br>cost Financial<br> assets at<br> FVTPL Financial<br> assets at<br> FVOCI Derivatives<br> used for<br> hedging Total
Cash and cash equivalents 2,879,554 2,879,554
Trade and other receivables 8,458,259 116,198 8,574,457
Other financial assets 1,385,921 939,661 1,680,168 159,211 4,164,961

F-41


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(In millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023
Financial liabilities Financial<br> liabilities at<br> amortized<br><br>cost Financial<br> liabilities at<br> FVTPL Derivatives<br> used for<br> hedging Others Total
Trade and other payables<br>1 8,317,822 8,317,822
Borrowings 10,218,165 10,218,165
Other financial liabilities 915,185 136,106 24,547 1,075,838
Lease liabilities 1,179,909 1,179,909
1 Amounts related to employee benefit plans are excluded in Trade and other payables.
--- ---
(In millions of Korean won) December 31, 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Financial assets Financial<br> assets at<br> amortized<br><br>cost Financial<br> assets at<br> FVTPL Financial assets<br> at FVOCI Derivatives<br><br>used for<br> hedging Total
Cash and cash equivalents 3,716,680 3,716,680
Trade and other receivables 7,573,409 114,774 7,688,183
Other financial assets 962,653 1,029,926 1,665,368 445,471 4,103,418
(In millions of Korean won) December 31, 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Financial liabilities Financial<br> liabilities at<br> amortized<br><br>cost Financial<br> liabilities at<br> FVTPL Derivatives<br> used for<br> hedging Others Total
Trade and other payables<br>1 7,214,174 7,214,174
Borrowings 10,520,690 10,520,690
Other financial liabilities 942,135 132,011 3 1,074,149
Lease liabilities 1,059,453 1,059,453
1 Amounts related to employee benefit plans are excluded in Trade and other payables.
--- ---

F-4 2


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(2) Gains or losses arising from financial instruments by category for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023, 2024, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) 2022 2023 2024
Financial assets at amortized cost
Interest income<br>1 144,505 360,134 379,371
Gain on foreign currency transactions<br>4 23,824 22,782 27,748
Gain (loss) on foreign currency translation (2,151 ) 5,741 9,534
Loss on disposal (81 ) (3,409 ) (2 )
Loss on valuation (132,102 ) (172,966 ) (184,942 )
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Interest income<br>1 6,008 13,480 10,281
Dividend income<br>5 4,600 6,918 8,411
Loss on valuation<br>6 (29,282 ) (31,965 ) (66,133 )
Gain on disposal 2,347 14,237 13,811
Gain on foreign currency transactions<br>4 1,100 2,469
Gain on foreign currency translation 13,711 3,396 29,029
Financial assets at fair value through other<br><br>comprehensive income
Interest income<br>1 190,281 18,966 19,888
Dividend income<br>5 9,522 52,813 62,220
Loss on valuation (61 )
Loss on disposal (62,183 ) (11,193 ) (8,277 )
Other comprehensive loss for the year<br>2 (158,574 ) 121,805 (7,602 )
Derivatives used for hedging
Gain on transactions 27,628 10,192 38,620
Gain on valuation<br>7 150,699 34,092 361,844
Other comprehensive income for the year<br>2 88,048 7,772 273,673
Reclassified to profit or loss from other<br><br>comprehensive loss for the year<br>2,3 (110,616 ) (29,178 ) (276,568 )
Financial liabilities at amortized cost
Interest expense<br>1 (275,302 ) (358,486 ) (387,535 )
Gain (loss) on valuation<br>8 3,411 (5,866 )
Loss on foreign currency transactions<br>4 (34,574 ) (24,054 ) (41,959 )
Loss on foreign currency translation (168,577 ) (93,004 ) (421,608 )
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
Gain (loss) on valuation 30,031 (7,394 ) (3,221 )
Gain on disposal 4,788
Interest expense<br>1 (4,046 ) (44 )
Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions<br>4 24 (5 )
Derivatives used for hedging
Loss on transactions (1,291 )
Gain (loss) on valuation (17,237 ) 11,503 9,337
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the year<br>2 (23,957 ) 7,557 (871 )
Reclassified to profit or loss from other comprehensive income for the year<br>2,3 15,195 (8,764 ) (9,386 )
Lease liabilities
Interest expense<br>1 (41,469 ) (52,035 ) (47,556 )
Total (353,980 ) (92,910 ) (215,290 )

F-4 3

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

1 BC Card Co., Ltd., etc., subsidiaries of the Group, recognized interest income and expenses as operating revenue and expenses, respectively. Related interest income recognized as operating revenue is <br>₩<br>106,005 million (2022: <br>₩<br>68,869 million, 2023: <br>₩<br>112,973 million) and related interest expense recognized as operating expense is <br>₩<br>57,872 million (2022: <br>₩<br>27,060 million, 2023: <br>₩<br>55,677 million) for the year ended December 31, 2024.
2 The amounts directly reflected in equity after adjustments of deferred income tax.
--- ---
3 During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, certain derivatives of the Group were settled and the related gain or loss on valuation of cash flow hedge in other comprehensive income was reclassified to profit or loss for the year.
--- ---
4 BC Card Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Group, recognized foreign currency transaction gain and loss and as operating revenue and expense. In relation to this, foreign currency transaction gain and loss recognized as operating revenue and expense amount to foreign exchange gain <br>₩<br>10,298 million (2022 foreign exchange gain and loss: <br>₩<br>3,569 million, 2023 foreign exchange gain: <br>₩<br>5,597 million), respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2024.
--- ---
5 BC Card Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Group, recognized dividend income as operating revenue. Related dividend income recognized as operating revenue is <br>₩<br>1,701 million (2022: <br>₩<br>2,299 million, 2023: <br>₩<br>1,759 million) for the year ended December 31, 2024.
--- ---
6 KT Investment Co., Ltd., etc., subsidiaries of the Group, recognized gain and loss on valuation of financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss as operating income and expenses. In relation to this, valuation gain and loss recognized as operating revenue and expense amount to valuation loss <br>₩<br>576 million (2022 valuation loss: <br>₩<br>7,860 million, 2023 valuation loss: <br>₩<br>11,112 million), for the year ended December 31, 2024.
--- ---
7 BC Card Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Group, recognized gain and loss on valuation of derivatives as operating income and expenses. Related valuation gain recognized as operating revenue and expense is <br>₩<br>57 million (2022 valuation loss: <br>₩<br>418 million, 2023 valuation gain: <br>₩<br>48 million), for the year ended December 31, 2024.
--- ---
8 KT Cloud Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Group, recognized gain on valuation as convertible preferred stock of <br>₩<br>317,178 million (2023 valuation gain: <br>₩<br>311,312 million) for the year ended December 31, 2024.
--- ---
5 Cash and Cash Equivalents
--- ---

Restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024 Description
Bank deposits ₩<br>49,555 ₩<br>153,185 Deposit restricted for government project and others

F-4 4


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

6 Trade and Other Receivables

(1) Trade and other receivables as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows

December 31, 2023
(In millions of Korean won) Total<br> amounts Provision<br> for<br> impairment Present<br> value<br> discount Carrying<br><br>amount
Current assets
Trade receivables 3,596,899 (330,002 ) (9,165 ) 3,257,732
Other receivables 3,990,900 (76,089 ) (2,254 ) 3,912,557
Total 7,587,799 (406,091 ) (11,419 ) 7,170,289
Non-current<br> assets
Trade receivables 318,429 (1,288 ) (19,476 ) 297,665
Other receivables 1,227,929 (107,547 ) (13,879 ) 1,106,503
Total 1,546,358 (108,835 ) (33,355 ) 1,404,168
December 31, 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
(In millions of Korean won) Total<br> amounts Provision<br> for<br> impairment Present<br> value<br> discount Carrying<br><br>amount
Current assets
Trade receivables 3,309,177 (378,327 ) (9,011 ) 2,921,839
Other receivables 3,335,066 (107,653 ) (1,796 ) 3,225,617
Total 6,644,243 (485,980 ) (10,807 ) 6,147,456
Non-current<br> assets
Trade receivables 260,154 (1,299 ) (14,977 ) 243,878
Other receivables 1,405,923 (96,941 ) (12,133 ) 1,296,849
Total 1,666,077 (98,240 ) (27,110 ) 1,540,727
(2) The fair values of trade and other receivables with original maturities less than one year are equal to their carrying amounts because the discounting effect is immaterial. The fair value of trade and other receivables with original maturities longer than one year, which are mainly from sales of goods, is determined by discounting the expected future cash flow at the weighted average interest rate.
--- ---

F-4 5

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(3) Details of changes in provisions for impairment the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
2023 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
(in millions of Korean won) Trade<br> receivables Other<br> receivables Trade<br> receivables Other<br> receivables
Beginning balance 343,738 218,543 331,290 183,636
Provision 69,972 114,501 95,060 82,123
Reversal (14,941 ) (380 )
Write-off/reimbursement (69,246 ) (129,108 ) (51,811 ) (65,921 )
Changes in consolidation scope (310 ) (17 )
Others (12,864 ) (5,342 ) 5,087 5,136
Ending balance 331,290 183,636 379,626 204,594

Provisions for impairment on trade and other receivables are recognized as operating expenses, other expenses and finance costs.

(4) Details of other receivables as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
(In millions of Korean won) December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Loans 51,854 42,413
Receivables<br>1 3,539,742 2,913,728
Accrued income 43,920 40,950
Refundable deposits 299,935 264,054
Loans receivable 1,067,005 1,209,887
Finance lease receivables 141,883 202,372
Others 58,357 53,656
Less: Provision for impairment (183,636 ) (204,594 )
Total 5,019,060 4,522,466
1 As of December 31, 2024, credit sales asset of <br>₩<br>1,970,895 million (December 31, 2023: <br>₩<br>2,696,505 million) held by BC Card Co., Ltd. are included.
--- ---

(5) The maximum exposure of trade and other receivables to credit risk is the carrying amount of each class of receivables mentioned above as of December 31, 2024.

(6) The Group classifies a certain portion of trade receivables as financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income, based on business model for managing the asset and the cash flow characteristics of the contract.

F-4 6


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

7 Other Financial Assets and Liabilities
(1) Details of other financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
--- ---
(In millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Other financial assets
Financial assets at amortized cost<br>1 1,385,921 962,653
Financial assets at fair value through profits of loss<br>1,2 939,661 1,029,926
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 1,680,168 1,665,368
Derivatives used for hedging 159,211 445,471
Less: <br>Non-current (2,724,761 ) (2,759,170 )
Current 1,440,200 1,344,248
Other financial liabilities
Financial liabilities at amortized cost<br>3,4 915,185 942,135
Financial liabilities at fair value through profits or loss 136,106 132,011
Derivatives used for hedging 24,547 3
Less: <br>Non-current (753,739 ) (722,517 )
Current 322,099 351,632
1 As of December 31, 2024, the Group’s financial instruments amount to <br>₩<br>97,913 million (December 31, 2023: <br>₩<br>98,309 million) and consist of checking account deposits, time deposits, and others which are subject to withdrawal restrictions.
--- ---
2 As of December 31, 2024, the Group provided investments in Korea Software Financial Cooperative and others amounting to <br>₩<br>10,511 million (December 31, 2023: <br>₩<br>9,016 million) as a collateral in exchange for the payment guarantee provided by the Korea Software Financial Cooperative and others.
--- ---
3 The amount includes liabilities related to the obligation to acquire additional shares in Epsilon Global Communications Pte. Ltd. and kt Cloud Co., Ltd. (Note 19).
--- ---
4 The amount includes liabilities convertible preferred Stock issued by kt Cloud Co., Ltd. (Note 19).
--- ---

(2) Financial Assets at fair value through profit or loss

1) Details of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
(In millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Equity instruments (Listed) 13,911 5,620
Equity instruments (Unlisted) 42,185 47,227
Debt instruments 880,549 971,805
Derivatives held for trading 3,016 5,274
Total 939,661 1,029,926
Less: <br>Non-current (782,143 ) (826,708 )
Current 157,518 203,218

F-4 7

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

2) The maximum exposure to credit risks for debt instruments of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss is the carrying amount of each class of debt instruments above as of December 31, 2024.

(3) Financial Assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

1) Details of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
Equity instruments (Listed) 1,231,188 1,317,458
Equity instruments (Unlisted) 443,067 341,753
Debt instruments 5,913 6,157
Total 1,680,168 1,665,368
Less: <br>Non-current (1,680,168 ) (1,665,368 )
Current

2) Upon disposal of these equity investments, any balance within the accumulated other comprehensive income is reclassified not to profit or loss, but to retained earnings. Upon disposal of these debt investments, the remaining balance of the accumulated other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss.

(4) Derivatives used for hedging

1) Details of valuation of derivatives used for hedging as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
(In millions of Korean won) Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities
Interest rate swap 1,530 191 352 3
Currency swap<br>1 157,681 24,356 445,119
Total 159,211 24,547 445,471 3
Less: <br>Non-current (107,802 ) (23,696 ) (261,719 )
Current 51,409 851 183,752 3
1 The currency swap contract is to hedge the risk of variability in cash flow from the borrowings due to changes in interest rate and foreign exchange rate and the expected maximum period for the Group to be exposed to risks of cash flow fluctuation by hedged items is until September 7, 2034.
--- ---

The entire fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability if the remaining maturity of the hedged item exceeds 12 months and, as a current asset or liability, if the maturity of the hedged item is within 12 months.

F-4 8


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

2) Details of valuation gains and losses on the derivative instruments for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(in millions of<br> Korean won) 2022 2023 2024
Type of<br> Transaction Valuation<br><br>gain Valuation<br><br>loss Other<br><br>comprehensive<br><br>income1 Valuation<br><br>gain Valuation<br><br>loss Other<br><br>comprehensive<br><br>income1 Valuation<br><br>gain Valuation<br><br>Loss Other<br><br>comprehensive<br><br>income1
Interest rate swap 63 490 4,666 48 (2,945 ) 76 (1,044 )
Currency swap 154,611 20,723 79,781 45,709 162 (27,273 ) 374,898 3,793 (16,773 )
Currency forwards 754
Total 154,674 21,213 85,201 45,757 162 (30,218 ) 374,974 3,793 (17,817 )
1 The amounts are before adjustments for deferred income tax and allocations to <br>non-controlling<br> interests and have been directly reflected in equity.
--- ---

3) The effective portion recognized in profit or loss related to cash flow hedges amounts to valuation gains of

₩ 364,863 million as other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2024 (2022: ₩ 85,201 million, 2023: ₩ 20,430 million). The ineffective portion recognized in profit or loss related to cash flow hedges amounts to valuation gains of

₩ 963

million as current profit or loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 (2022: valuation gain of ₩ 2,707 million, 2023: valuation loss of ₩ 41 million). In addition, the valuation gains reclassified from other comprehensive income to profit or loss amounts to

₩ 382,680 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 (2022: ₩ 127,552 million, 2023: ₩ 50,648 million).

4) The unsettled amount of derivative instruments for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(i) Hedging instruments

(in millions of Korean won and thousands of foreign currencies)
Book value of<br> hedging instruments Changes in fair<br> value to calculate<br> the ineffective<br> portion of<br> hedges
Currency Contract<br> amount Assets Liabilities
2,011,509 2,417,473 157,681 23,465 44,413
400,000 4,357 660 (162 )
7,700 10,283 231 381
KRW 240,000 1,530 191 707
Total 2,672,113 159,211 24,547 45,339

All values are in US Dollars.

F-4 9

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(in millions of Korean won and thousands of foreign currencies)
Book value of<br> hedging instruments Changes in fair<br> value to calculate<br> the ineffective<br> portion of<br> hedges
Currency Contract<br> amount Assets Liabilities
2,150,937 2,658,775 444,786 362,588
6,900 10,166 333 548
KRW 120,000 352 3 842
Total 2,788,941 445,471 3 363,978

All values are in US Dollars.

(ii) Hedged item

(in millions of Korean won) 2024
Currency Changes in fair<br> value to<br> calculate the<br> ineffective<br> portion of<br> hedges Cash flow<br> hedge<br> reserves<br>1 Book value<br> of hedged<br> items Changes in fair<br> value to<br> calculate the<br> ineffective<br> portion of<br> hedges Cash flow<br> hedge<br> reserves<br>1
2,593,707 (44,365 ) (30,415 ) 3,160,554 (358,087 ) (42,425 )
3,651 162 49
10,985 (581 ) 158 10,548 (437 ) (228 )
KRW 239,944 (596 ) 1,315 189,967 (674 ) 513
Total 2,848,287 (45,380 ) (28,893 ) 3,361,069 (359,198 ) (42,140 )

All values are in Japanese Yen.

1 The amount is after the deferred tax directly added or subtracted to the capital is reflected.

(5) Financial Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

1) Details of financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
Derivatives held for trading <br>1<br><br>,<br><br>2 136,106 132,011
1 In relation to the additional acquisition of shares of the equity method investee K Bank Inc in 2021, the Group has entered into a shareholder agreement with the shareholders of K Bank Inc. According to the shareholder agreement, if K Bank Inc fails to be listed on the terms agreed in the shareholder agreement, the shareholders of K Bank Inc may exercise their Drag-Along right to the Group and require the Group to sell all the shares owned by such shareholders in K Bank to third parties based on the guaranteed return agreed in the shareholder agreement. The shareholder agreement also includes a call option where, if the shareholders exercise their Drag-Along rights, the Group has an option to purchase the shares held by those shareholders. As of December 31, 2024, the derivative financial liability in accordance with IFRS 9 associated with the rights prescribed in the shareholders agreement was <br>₩<br>131,630 million (<br>₩<br>133,293 million as of December 31 2023).
--- ---
2 The amount includes derivatives separated from convertible bonds issued by the Group (Note 15).
--- ---

F- 50


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

2) The valuation gain and loss on financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) 2022 2023 2024
Valuation<br><br>gain Valuation<br><br>loss Valuation<br><br>gain Valuation<br><br>loss Valuation<br><br>gain Valuation<br><br>loss
Derivatives liabilities held for trading 24,683 1,800 3,316 10,710 2,550 5,772
8 Inventories
--- ---

Inventories as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
Acquisition<br> cost Valuation<br> allowance Carrying<br><br>amount Acquisition<br> cost Valuation<br> allowance Carrying<br><br>amount
Merchandise 981,127 (102,215 ) 878,912 1,005,606 (99,517 ) 906,089
Others 109,439 109,439 149,106 (524 ) 148,582
Total 1,090,566 (102,215 ) 988,351 1,154,712 (100,041 ) 1,054,671

Cost of inventories recognized as expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 amounts to ₩ 3,500,950 million (2022: ₩ 3,485,288 million, 2023: ₩ 3,386,069 million) and reversal valuation loss on inventory amounts to ₩ 2,174 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 (2022: ₩ 24,294  million reversal valuation loss, 2023 : ₩ 6,205 million valuation loss).

9 Other Assets and Liabilities

Other assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024, are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
Other assets
Advance payments 217,997 217,679
Prepaid expenses 146,628 170,544
Contract cost 1,727,468 1,738,164
Contract assets 832,520 800,806
Others 15,237 18,929
Less: <br>Non-current (827,297 ) (843,991 )
Current 2,112,553 2,102,131
Other liabilities
Advances received 682,880 1,303,288
Withholdings 159,080 154,355
Unearned revenue 27,392 38,327
Lease liabilities 1,179,909 1,059,453
Contract liabilities 278,749 273,320
Others 30,848 31,203
Less: <br>Non-current (950,015 ) (782,520 )
Current 1,408,843 2,077,426

F-5 1

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

10 Property and Equipment

(1) Changes in property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024 are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) 2023
Land Buildings<br> and<br> structures Machinery<br> and<br> equipment Others Construction-<br> <br>in-progress Total
Acquisition cost 1,272,940 4,830,853 42,091,573 1,276,779 1,108,043 50,580,188
Less: Accumulated depreciation<br><br>(including accumulated impairment loss and others) (132 ) (2,276,292 ) (32,477,744 ) (1,053,343 ) (498 ) (35,808,009 )
Beginning, net 1,272,808 2,554,561 9,613,829 223,436 1,107,545 14,772,179
Acquisition and capital expenditure 844 5,072 75,412 78,400 3,029,380 3,189,108
Disposal and termination (3,651 ) (5,012 ) (70,418 ) (1,711 ) (327 ) (81,119 )
Depreciation (148,981 ) (2,495,402 ) (75,900 ) (2,720,283 )
Impairment<br><br>(recovery of impairment) (6,577 ) (1 ) (1,294 ) (7,872 )
Transfer in (out) 58,790 151,157 2,706,444 16,407 (3,092,670 ) (159,872 )
Transfer from (to) investment<br><br>properties (37,725 ) (88,336 ) (189 ) (126,250 )
Acquisitions and dispositions of subsidiaries 18,761 49,532 (14,981 ) (44,543 ) (3,205 ) 5,564
Others 14,549 137 (1,628 ) (7,742 ) (4,692 ) 624
Ending, net 1,324,376 2,518,130 9,806,679 188,346 1,034,548 14,872,079
Acquisition cost 1,324,508 4,903,073 43,611,280 1,182,144 1,035,198 52,056,203
Less: Accumulated depreciation<br><br>(including accumulated impairment loss and others) (132 ) (2,384,943 ) (33,804,601 ) (993,798 ) (650 ) (37,184,124 )
(in millions of Korean won) 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
(in millions of Korean won) Land Buildings<br> and<br> structures Machinery<br> and<br> equipment Others Construction-<br> <br>in-progress Total
Acquisition cost 1,324,508 4,903,073 43,611,280 1,182,144 1,035,198 52,056,203
Less: Accumulated depreciation<br><br>(including accumulated impairment loss and others) (132 ) (2,384,943 ) (33,804,601 ) (993,798 ) (650 ) (37,184,124 )
Beginning, net 1,324,376 2,518,130 9,806,679 188,346 1,034,548 14,872,079
Acquisition and capital expenditure 213 1,031 52,336 67,480 2,787,450 2,908,510
Disposal and termination (1,928 ) (3,095 ) (68,834 ) (2,758 ) (5,470 ) (82,085 )
Depreciation (153,399 ) (2,589,318 ) (72,676 ) (2,815,393 )
Impairment<br><br>(recovery of impairment) (6,374 ) (809 ) (7,183 )
Transfer in (out) 4,430 42,289 2,306,814 13,324 (2,473,118 ) (106,261 )
Transfer from (to) investment properties 24,429 21,442 1,159 47,030
Acquisitions and dispositions of subsidiaries (617 ) (328 ) (415 ) (1,360 )
Others 139 8,399 7,053 313 (5,427 ) 10,477
Ending, net 1,351,659 2,434,180 9,508,028 192,805 1,339,142 14,825,814
Acquisition cost 1,351,791 4,981,282 44,584,135 1,222,671 1,339,225 53,479,104
Less: Accumulated depreciation<br><br>(including accumulated impairment loss and others) (132 ) (2,547,102 ) (35,076,107 ) (1,029,866 ) (83 ) (38,653,290 )

F-5 2


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(2) The borrowing costs capitalized for qualifying assets amount to ₩ 18,976 million (2022: ₩ 9,954 million, 2023: ₩ 17,671 million), for the year ended December 31, 2024. The range of interest rate applied to calculate the capitalized borrowing costs, for the year ended December 31, 2024, is 1.86%~6.89% (2022: 1.85%~7.42%, 2023: 1.86%~7.28%).

11 Investment Properties

(1) Changes in investment properties for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) 2023
Land Buildings Construction-<br> <br>in-progress Total
Acquisition cost 881,360 1,577,736 137,108 2,596,204
Less: Accumulated depreciation (1,568 ) (661,278 ) (662,846 )
Beginning, net 879,792 916,458 137,108 1,933,358
Acquisition 57,529 153,279 210,808
Disposal (8,167 ) (9,323 ) (17,490 )
Depreciation (52,869 ) (52,869 )
Transfer from property and equipment 37,725 88,336 189 126,250
Transfer and others 1 27,544 (29,467 ) (1,922 )
Ending, net 909,351 1,027,675 261,109 2,198,135
Acquisition cost 910,919 1,750,677 261,109 2,922,705
Less: Accumulated depreciation (1,568 ) (723,002 ) (724,570 )
(in millions of Korean won) 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Land Buildings Construction-<br> <br>in-progress Total
Acquisition cost 910,919 1,750,677 261,109 2,922,705
Less: Accumulated depreciation (1,568 ) (723,002 ) (724,570 )
Beginning, net 909,351 1,027,675 261,109 2,198,135
Acquisition 19,184 7,035 218,703 244,922
Disposal (1,586 ) (32,390 ) (33,976 )
Depreciation (51,581 ) (51,581 )
Transfer from property and equipment (24,429 ) (21,442 ) (1,159 ) (47,030 )
Transfer and others (5,939 ) 856 (5,771 ) (10,854 )
Ending, net 896,581 930,153 472,882 2,299,616
Acquisition cost 898,149 1,665,797 472,882 3,036,828
Less: Accumulated depreciation (1,568 ) (735,644 ) (737,212 )

(2) The fair value of the Group’s investment properties is ₩ 6,899,105 million as of December 31, 2024 (December 31, 2023: ₩ 5,276,169 million). The fair value of investment properties is estimated based on the expected cash flow.

(3) Rental income from investment properties is ₩ 232,799 million in 2024 (2022: ₩ 206,127 million, 2023: ₩ 224,016 million). The direct operating expenses (including repairs and maintenance) arising from investment properties that generated rental income during the period are recognized as operating expenses.

F-5 3

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(4) As of December 31, 2024, the Group (Lessor) has entered into a non-cancellable operating lease contract relating to real estate lease. The future minimum lease fee under this contract is ₩ 98,315 million for one year or less, ₩ 122,058 million for more than one year and less than five years, ₩ 11,495 million for over five years, and ₩ 231,868 million in total.

12 Intangible Assets

(1) Changes in intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) 2023
Goodwill Development<br> costs Software Frequency<br><br>usage<br> rights Others Total
Acquisition cost 1,037,887 1,803,687 1,156,951 2,617,707 1,532,061 8,148,293
Less: Accumulated amortization (including accumulated impairment loss and others) (329,664 ) (1,631,831 ) (1,001,875 ) (1,129,451 ) (925,639 ) (5,018,460 )
Beginning, net 708,223 171,856 155,076 1,488,256 606,422 3,129,833
Acquisition and capital expenditure<br>1 33,078 38,603 37 238,019 309,737
Disposal and termination (4,812 ) (397 ) (6,431 ) (11,640 )
Amortization<br>2 (63,052 ) (52,265 ) (350,276 ) (226,316 ) (691,909 )
Impairment (230,352 ) (128 ) (16 ) (5,711 ) (236,207 )
Acquisition and disposition of businesses 6,207 (108 ) (69 ) 6,030
Others 4,349 1,658 11,769 175 10,066 28,017
Ending, net 488,427 138,600 152,662 1,138,192 615,980 2,533,861
Acquisition cost 1,036,354 1,790,446 1,196,329 2,415,243 1,725,087 8,163,459
Less: Accumulated amortization (including accumulated impairment loss and others) (547,927 ) (1,651,846 ) (1,043,667 ) (1,277,051 ) (1,109,107 ) (5,629,598 )
1 The amounts include the transferred amount from Property and Equipment account.
--- ---
2 Amounts include <br>₩<br> 52,179 million which is the changed effect of useful life from Media Contents asset.
--- ---

F-5 4

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(in millions of Korean won) 2024
Goodwill Development<br> costs Software Frequency<br><br>usage<br> rights Others Total
Acquisition cost 1,036,354 1,790,446 1,196,329 2,415,243 1,725,087 8,163,459
Less: Accumulated amortization (including accumulated impairment loss and others) (547,927 ) (1,651,846 ) (1,043,667 ) (1,277,051 ) (1,109,107 ) (5,629,598 )
Beginning, net 488,427 138,600 152,662 1,138,192 615,980 2,533,861
Acquisition and capital expenditure <br>1 12,417 23,404 185,424 221,245
Disposal and termination (8,394 ) (2,206 ) (10,256 ) (20,856 )
Amortization (39,959 ) (50,811 ) (348,297 ) (212,582 ) (651,649 )
Impairment (211,806 ) (118 ) (27,388 ) (239,312 )
Acquisition and disposition of businesses (4,214 ) (116 ) (9,516 ) (13,846 )
Others 1,372 1,447 31,776 2,646 (3,944 ) 33,297
Ending, net 273,779 104,111 154,591 792,541 537,718 1,862,740
Acquisition cost 1,055,180 1,763,627 1,251,365 2,415,507 1,811,079 8,296,758
Less: Accumulated amortization (including accumulated impairment loss and others) (781,401 ) (1,659,516 ) (1,096,774 ) (1,622,966 ) (1,273,361 ) (6,434,018 )
1 The amounts include the transferred amount from Property and Equipment account.
--- ---

(2) The carrying amount of membership rights with an indefinite useful life not subject to amortization, except for goodwill, is ₩ 203,227 million as of December 31, 2024 (December 31, 2023: ₩ 212,910 million).

(3) Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash-generating unit which is identified by operating segments. As of December 31, 2024, goodwill allocated to each cash-generating unit is as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)
Cash generating Unit Amount
Mobile services<br>1,9 65,057
BC Card Co., Ltd.<br>2 41,234
HCN Co., Ltd. <br>3 2,630
GENIE Music Corporation <br>4 38,296
MILLIE Co., Ltd.<br>5 54,725
PlayD Co., Ltd. <br>6 26,225
KT Telecop Co., Ltd. <br>7 15,418
Epsilon Global Communications Pte. Ltd. <br>8
KT MOS Bukbu Co., Ltd and others 30,194
Total 273,779
1 The recoverable amounts of mobile services business are calculated based on <br>value-in<br> use calculations. These calculations use discounted cash flow projections for the next five years based on financial budgets. This growth rate does not exceed the average growth rate of the industry which the cash-generating unit belongs in. In addition, management estimated the cash flow based on past performance and its expectation of market growth, and the discount rates 7.21% used reflected specific risks relating to the relevant CGU. As a result of the
--- ---

F-5 5


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

impairment test, the Group concluded that the carrying amount of the CGU does not exceed the recoverable amount. Accordingly, the Group did not recognize an impairment loss on goodwill on mobile business for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
2 The recoverable amounts of BC Card Co., Ltd. are calculated based on <br>value-in<br> use calculations. These calculations use discounted cash flow projections for the next five years based on financial budgets. This growth rate does not exceed the average growth rate of the industry which the cash-generating unit belongs in. In addition, management estimated the cash flow based on past performance and its expectation of market growth, and the discount rates 4.09% used reflected specific risks relating to the relevant CGU. As a result of the impairment test, the Group concluded that the carrying amount of the CGU does not exceed the recoverable amount. Accordingly, the Group did not recognize an impairment loss on goodwill on BC Card Co., Ltd. for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
--- ---
3 The recoverable amounts of HCN Co., Ltd. are calculated based on <br>value-in<br> use calculations. These calculations use discounted cash flow projections for the next five years based on financial budgets. This growth rate does not exceed the average growth rate of the industry which the cash-generating unit belongs in. The Group estimated its revenue growth rate 2.21% based on past performance and its expectation of future market changes. In addition, management estimated the cash flow based on past performance and its expectation of market growth, and the discount rates 6.97% used reflected specific risks relating to the relevant CGU. As a result of the impairment test, HCN’s recoverable amount was KRW 2,630 million, which was less than the carrying amount, and KRW 126,058 million of the impairment loss was recorded as goodwill in full and reflected in operating expenses.
--- ---
4 The recoverable amounts of GENIE Music Corporation are calculated based on <br>value-in<br> use calculations. These calculations use discounted cash flow projections for the next five years based on financial budgets. A terminal growth rate of 0.0% was applied for the cash flows expected to be incurred after five years. This growth rate does not exceed the average growth rate of the industry which the cash-generating unit belongs in. The Group estimated its revenue growth rate 4.51% based on past performance and its expectation of future market changes. In addition, management estimated the cash flow based on past performance and its expectation of market growth, and the discount rates 17.28% used reflected specific risks relating to the relevant CGU. As a result of the impairment test, GENIE’s recoverable amount was KRW 38,296 million, which was less than the carrying amount, and KRW 11,918 million of the impairment loss was recorded as goodwill in full and reflected in operating expenses.
--- ---
5 The recoverable amounts of MILLIE Co., Ltd. are calculated based on <br>value-in<br> use calculations. These calculations use discounted cash flow projections for the next four years based on financial budgets. A terminal growth rate of 1.0% was applied for the cash flows expected to be incurred after four years. This growth rate does not exceed the average growth rate of the industry which the cash-generating unit belongs in. In addition, management estimated the cash flow based on past performance and its expectation of market growth, and the discount rates 17.19% used reflected specific risks relating to the relevant CGU. As a result of the impairment test, the Group concluded that the carrying amount of the CGU does not exceed the recoverable amount. Accordingly, the Group did not recognize an impairment loss on goodwill on MILLIE Co., Ltd. for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
--- ---
6 The recoverable amounts of PlayD Co., Ltd. are calculated based on <br>value-in<br> use calculations. These calculations use discounted cash flow projections for the next five years based on financial budgets. A terminal growth rate of 1.0% was applied for the cash flows
--- ---

F-5 6

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

expected to be incurred after five years. This growth rate does not exceed the average growth rate of the industry which the cash-generating unit belongs in. In addition, management estimated the cash flow based on past performance and its expectation of market growth, and the discount rates 17.28% used reflected specific risks relating to the relevant CGU. As a result of the impairment test, PlayD’s recoverable amount was KRW 26,225 million, which was less than the carrying amount, and KRW 13,843 million of the impairment loss was recorded as goodwill in full and reflected in operating expenses.
7 The recoverable amounts of KT Telecop Co., Ltd. are calculated based on <br>value-in<br> use calculations. These calculations use discounted cash flow projections for the next five years based on financial budgets. A terminal growth rate of 1.0% was applied for the cash flows expected to be incurred after five years. This growth rate does not exceed the average growth rate of the industry which the cash-generating unit belongs in. In addition, management estimated the cash flow based on past performance and its expectation of market growth, and the discount rates 8.25% used reflected specific risks relating to the relevant CGUs. As a result of the impairment test, the Group concluded that the carrying amount of the CGU does not exceed the recoverable amount. Accordingly, the Group did not recognize an impairment loss on goodwill on KT Telecop Co., Ltd. for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
--- ---
8 The recoverable amounts of Epsilon Global Communications Pte. Ltd. are calculated based on <br>value-in<br> use calculations. These calculations use discounted cash flow projections for the next five years based on financial budgets. A terminal growth rate of 1.0% was applied for the cash flows expected to be incurred after <br>five<br> years. This growth rate does not exceed the average growth rate of the industry which the cash-generating unit belongs in. In addition, management estimated the cash flow based on past performance and its expectation of market growth, and the discount rates 6.97% used reflected specific risks relating to the relevant CGU. As a result of the impairment test, Epsilon Global Communications’ recoverable amount was KRW 0, which was less than the carrying amount, and KRW 48,312 million of the impairment loss was recorded as goodwill in full and reflected in operating expenses.
--- ---
9 The Group performed its impairment assessment for long-lived assets attributed to the Information and Communication Technology (“ICT”) reporting segment, which includes the Cash-Generating Units of Mobile, Fixed line, and Corporate Services (the “CGUs”). The Group compared the carrying value of each CGU to the estimated recoverable amount. The recoverable amounts of ICT reporting segment are calculated based on <br>value-in<br> use calculations. These calculations use discounted cash flow projections for the next five years based on financial budgets. A terminal growth rate of 0.0% was applied for the cash flows expected to be incurred after five years. This growth rate does not exceed the average growth rate of the industry which the cash-generating unit belongs in. In addition, management estimated the cash flow based on past performance and its expectation of market growth, and the discount rate 7.21%. Accordingly, the Group did not recognize an impairment loss on ICT reporting segment for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
--- ---

F-5 7


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

13 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures

(1) Details of associates as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

Percentage of ownership (%) Location Closing<br> month
December 31,<br> <br>2023 December 31,<br> <br>2024
KIF Investment Fund 33.3 % 33.3 % Korea December
K Bank Inc. 33.7 % 33.7 % Korea December
HD Hyundai Robotics Co., Ltd. <br>1 10.0 % 10.0 % Korea December
Megazone Cloud Corporation <br>1 6.8 % 6.8 % Korea December
IGIS <br>No. 468-1<br> General Private Real Estate Investment Company 44.6 % 44.6 % Korea December
KT-DSC<br> Creative Economy Youth <br>Start-up<br> Investment Fund 28.6 % 28.6 % Korea December
IGIS No. 395 Professional Investors Private Investment Real Estate Investment LLC 35.3 % 35.3 % Korea December
1 As of December 31, 2024, although the Group has less than 20% ownership in ordinary share, this entity is included in investments in associates as the Group has significant influence in determining the operational and financial policies.
--- ---

(2) Changes in investments in associates and joint ventures for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

2023
(In millions of Korean won) Beginning Acquisition<br> <br>(Disposal) Share of net profit<br> (loss) from<br> associates and joint<br> ventures <br>1 Others Ending
KIF Investment Fund 170,979 5,443 632 177,054
K Bank Inc. 852,756 1,089 19,036 872,881
HD Hyundai Robotics Co., Ltd. 49,372 (1,637 ) (1 ) 47,734
Megazone Cloud Corporation 136,199 (4,583 ) 78 131,694
IGIS <br>No. 468-1<br> General Private Real Estate Investment Company 23,589 (105 ) 23,484
KT-DSC<br> Creative Economy Youth <br>Start-up<br> Investment Fund 22,123 (500 ) 3,494 25,117
IGIS Professional Investors Private Investment Real Estate Investment LLC No 395 16,620 (4,678 ) 11,942
LS Marine Solution Co., Ltd. 255 23,237 23,492
Others 209,084 101,887 (34,912 ) (32,568 ) 243,491
Total 1,480,722 101,387 (35,634 ) 10,414 1,556,889

F-5 8

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

2024
(In millions of Korean won) Beginning Acquisition<br> <br>(Disposal) Share of net profit<br> (loss) from<br> associates and joint<br> ventures <br>1 Others Ending
KIF Investment Fund 177,054 12,396 1,675 191,125
K Bank Inc. 872,881 43,614 1,146 917,641
HD Hyundai Robotics Co., Ltd. 47,734 (1,138 ) (766 ) 45,830
Megazone Cloud Corporation 131,694 (3,047 ) 2,126 130,773
IGIS <br>No. 468-1<br> General Private Real Estate Investment Company 23,484 (110 ) 23,374
KT-DSC<br> Creative Economy Youth <br>Start-up<br> Investment Fund 25,117 (275 ) (8,046 ) (845 ) 15,951
IGIS No. 395 Professional Investors Private Investment Real Estate Investment LLC 11,942 (2,215 ) 9,727
LS Marine Solution Co., Ltd. 23,492 (19,656 ) 237 (4,073 )
Others 243,491 41,542 (35,662 ) (21,560 ) 227,811
Total 1,556,889 21,611 6,029 (22,297 ) 1,562,232
1 The amount represents the fair value of investment at the time the Company lost control (Refer to note above).
--- ---

(3) Summarized financial information of associates and joint ventures as at and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, is as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023
Current<br> assets Non-current<br> <br>assets Current<br> liabilities Non-current<br> <br>liabilities
KIF Investment Fund 128,344 402,819
K Bank Inc. 21,320,790 89,812 19,541,076 4,516
HD Hyundai Robotics Co., Ltd. 251,868 134,424 106,557 9,775
Megazone Cloud Corporation 874,778 267,605 341,679 205,087
IGIS <br>No. 468-1<br> General Private Real Estate Investment Company 2,985 49,631 11
KT-DSC<br> Creative Economy Youth <br>Start-up<br> Investment Fund 482 87,528 101
IGIS No. 395 Professional Investors Private Investment Real Estate Investment LLC 5,690 145,769 107,553
LS Marine Solution Co., Ltd<br>. 66,767 80,307 23,906 207

F-5 9


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(in millions of Korean won) December 31, 2024
Current<br> assets Non-current<br> <br>assets Current<br> liabilities Non-current<br> <br>liabilities
KIF Investment Fund 164,128 409,248
K Bank Inc. 31,085,824 105,858 29,176,699 10,453
HD Hyundai Robotics Co., Ltd. 235,763 120,778 101,300 4,422
Megazone Cloud Corporation 985,584 470,477 606,267 254,221
IGIS <br>No. 468-1<br> General Private Real Estate Investment Company 161 52,209 11
KT-DSC<br> Creative Economy Youth <br>Start-up<br> Investment Fund 435 55,796 404
IGIS No. 395 Professional Investors Private Investment Real Estate Investment LLC 4,558 170,770 133,665
(In millions of Korean won) 2023
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Operating<br> revenue Profit (loss)<br> for the year Other<br> comprehensive<br> income (loss) Total<br> comprehensive<br> income (loss) Dividends<br> received from<br> associates
KIF Investment Fund 33,017 16,330 16,330 1,139
K Bank Inc. 946,559 10,560 56,609 67,169
Hyundai Robotics Co., Ltd. 167,949 (17,513 ) (1,093 ) (18,606 )
Megazone Cloud Corporation 1,410,078 (34,760 ) (3,021 ) (37,781 )
IGIS <br>No. 468-1<br> General Private Real Estate Investment Company 6 (234 ) (234 )
KT-DSC<br> Creative Economy Youth <br>Start-up<br> Investment Fund 19,849 12,227 12,227
IGIS No. 395 Professional Investors Private Investment Real Estate Investment LLC (406 ) (406 )
LS Marine Solution Co., Ltd<br>. 70,779 11,618 (289 ) 11,329

F- 60

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(In millions of Korean won) 2024
Operating<br> revenue Profit (loss)<br> for the year Other<br> comprehensive<br> income (loss) Total<br> comprehensive<br> income (loss) Dividends<br> received from<br> associates
KIF Investment Fund 57,113 37,187 37,187 2,660
K Bank Inc. 1,226,412 136,113 806 136,919
Hyundai Robotics Co., Ltd. 226,288 (13,269 ) 1,311 (11,958 )
Megazone Cloud Corporation 1,733,976 (18,575 ) 25,775 7,200
IGIS <br>No. 468-1<br> General Private Real Estate Investment Company 5 (246 ) (246 )
KT-DSC<br> Creative Economy Youth <br>Start-up<br> Investment Fund 23,674 (25,851 ) (25,851 ) 1,505
IGIS No. 395 Professional Investors Private Investment Real Estate Investment LLC (442 ) (442 )

(4) Details of a reconciliation of the summarized financial information to the carrying amount of interests in the associates and joint ventures as at and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) 2023
Net assets<br><br>(a) Percentage of<br> ownership<br><br>(b) Share in net<br> assets<br><br>(c)=(a)x(b) Intercompany<br> transaction<br> and others (d) Book amount<br><br>(c)+(d)
KIF Investment Fund 531,164 33.33 % 177,054 177,054
K Bank Inc. 1,865,010 33.72 % 628,910 243,971 872,881
Hyundai Robotics Co., Ltd. 269,960 10.00 % 26,996 20,738 47,734
Megazone Cloud Corporation 547,786 6.83 % 37,404 94,290 131,694
IGIS <br>No. 468-1<br> General Private Real Estate Investment Company 52,605 44.64 % 23,484 23,484
KT-DSC<br> Creative Economy Youth <br>Start-up<br> Investment Fund 87,908 28.57 % 25,117 25,117
IGIS No. 395 Professional Investors Private Investment Real Estate Investment LLC 43,905 35.29 % 15,496 (3,554 ) 11,942
LS Marine Solution Co., Ltd<br>. 122,961 7.30 % 8,972 14,520 23,492

F-6 1


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(in millions of Korean won) 2024
Net assets<br><br>(a) Percentage of<br> ownership<br><br>(b) Share in net<br> assets<br><br>(c)=(a)x(b) Intercompany<br> transaction<br> and others (d) Book amount<br><br>(c)+(d)
KIF Investment Fund 573,376 33.33 % 191,125 191,125
K Bank Inc. 2,004,530 33.72 % 675,958 241,683 917,641
Hyundai Robotics Co., Ltd. 250,819 10.00 % 25,082 20,748 45,830
Megazone Cloud Corporation 548,558 6.83 % 37,457 93,316 130,773
IGIS <br>No. 468-1<br> General Private Real Estate Investment Company 52,359 44.64 % 23,374 23,374
KT-DSC<br> Creative Economy Youth <br>Start-up<br> Investment Fund 55,827 28.57 % 15,951 15,951
IGIS No. 395 Professional Investors Private Investment Real Estate Investment LLC 41,663 35.29 % 14,705 (4,978 ) 9,727

(5) Due to discontinuance of equity method of accounting, the Group has not recognized loss from associates and joint ventures of ₩ 1,760 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 (2022: ₩ 909 million, 2023: ₩ 833 million). The unrecognized accumulated comprehensive loss of associates and joint ventures as of December 31, 2024 is ₩ 7,942 million (December 31, 2023: ₩ 10,748 million).

14 Trade and Other Payables

(1) Details of trade and other payables as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won) December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024
Current liabilities
Trade payables 1,297,752 1,036,707
Other payables 6,757,170 6,358,084
Total 8,054,922 7,394,791
Non-current<br> liabilities
Trade payables 3,202 1,035
Other payables 816,356 577,374
Total 819,558 578,409

F-6 2

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(2) Details of other payables as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
(In millions of Korean won) December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Non-trade<br> payables<br>1 5,207,165 4,578,424
Accrued expenses 1,267,700 1,293,627
Operating deposits 880,810 833,482
Others 217,851 229,925
Less: <br>non-current (816,356 ) (577,374 )
Current 6,757,170 6,358,084
1 As of December 31, 2024, credit sale liabilities amounting to <br>₩<br> 1,612,495 million (December 31, 2023: <br>₩<br> 2,314,077 million) held by BC Card Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of the Group) are included.
--- ---
15 Borrowings
--- ---
(1) Details of borrowings as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
--- ---
1) Debentures
--- ---
(In millions of Korean won and foreign currencies in thousands) December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Type Maturity Annual interest<br> rates Foreign<br> currency Foreign<br> currency
MTNP notes<br>1 Sep. 07, 2034 6.500% 100,000 128,940 100,000 147,000
MTNP notes Jul. 18, 2026 2.500% 400,000 515,760 400,000 588,000
MTNP notes Jul. 19, 2024 400,000 3,651
MTNP notes Sep. 01, 2025 1.000% 400,000 515,760 400,000 588,000
FR notes <br>2 Nov. 01, 2024 350,000 451,290
MTNP notes Jan. 21, 2027 1.375% 300,000 386,820 300,000 441,000
MTNP notes Aug. 08, 2025 4.000% 500,000 644,700 500,000 735,000
MTNP notes Feb. 02. 2028 4.125% 500,000 735,000
The <br>183-3rd<br> Public bond Dec. 22, 2031 4.270% 160,000 160,000
The <br>184-3rd<br> Public bond Apr. 10, 2033 3.170% 100,000 100,000
The <br>186-3rd<br> Public bond Jun. 26, 2024 110,000
The <br>186-4th<br> Public bond Jun. 26, 2034 3.695% 100,000 100,000
The <br>187-3rd<br> Public bond Sep. 02, 2024 170,000
The <br>187-4th<br> Public bond Sep. 02, 2034 3.546% 100,000 100,000
The <br>188-2nd<br> Public bond Jan. 29, 2025 2.454% 240,000 240,000
The <br>188-3rd<br> Public bond Jan. 29, 2035 2.706% 50,000 50,000
The <br>189-3rd<br> Public bond Jan. 28, 2026 2.203% 100,000 100,000
The <br>189-4th<br> Public bond Jan. 28, 2036 2.351% 70,000 70,000
The <br>190-3rd<br> Public bond Jan. 30, 2028 2.947% 170,000 170,000
The <br>190-4th<br> Public bond Jan. 30, 2038 2.931% 70,000 70,000
The <br>191-2nd<br> Public bond Jan. 15, 2024 80,000
The <br>191-3rd<br> Public bond Jan. 15, 2029 2.160% 110,000 110,000
The <br>191-4th<br> Public bond Jan. 14, 2039 2.213% 90,000 90,000
The <br>192-2nd<br> Public bond Oct. 11, 2024 100,000
The <br>192-3rd<br> Public bond Oct. 11, 2029 1.622% 50,000 50,000
The <br>192-4th<br> Public bond Oct. 11, 2039 1.674% 110,000 110,000
The <br>193-2nd<br> Public bond Jun. 17, 2025 1.434% 70,000 70,000
The <br>193-3rd<br> Public bond Jun. 17, 2030 1.608% 20,000 20,000
The <br>193-4th<br> Public bond Jun. 15, 2040 1.713% 60,000 60,000
The <br>194-1st<br> Public bond Jan. 26, 2024 130,000
The <br>194-2nd<br> Public bond Jan. 27, 2026 1.452% 140,000 140,000
The <br>194-3rd<br> Public bond Jan. 27, 2031 1.849% 50,000 50,000
The <br>194-4th<br> Public bond Jan. 25, 2041 1.976% 80,000 80,000

All values are in US Dollars.

F-6 3


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(In millions of Korean won and foreign currencies in thousands) December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
Type Maturity Annual interest<br> rates Foreign<br> currency Korean<br> won Foreign<br> currency Korean<br> won
The <br>195-1st<br> Public bond Jun. 10, 2024 180,000
The <br>195-2nd<br> Public bond Jun. 10, 2026 1.806% 80,000 80,000
The <br>195-3rd<br> Public bond Jun. 10, 2031 2.168% 40,000 40,000
The <br>196-1st<br> Public bond Jan. 27, 2025 2.596% 270,000 270,000
The <br>196-2nd<br> Public bond Jan. 27, 2027 2.637% 100,000 100,000
The <br>196-3rd<br> Public bond Jan. 27, 2032 2.741% 30,000 30,000
The 197-1st Public bond Jun. 27, 2025 4.191% 280,000 280,000
The <br>197-2nd<br> Public bond Jun. 29, 2027 4.188% 120,000 120,000
The <br>198-1st<br> Public bond Jan. 10, 2025 3.847% 70,000 70,000
The <br>198-2nd<br> Public bond Jan. 12, 2026 3.869% 150,000 150,000
The <br>198-3rd<br> Public bond Jan. 12, 2028 3.971% 80,000 80,000
The <br>199-1st<br> Public bond Jul. 11, 2025 4.028% 85,000 85,000
The <br>199-2nd<br> Public bond Jul. 10, 2026 4.146% 160,000 160,000
The <br>199-3rd<br> Public bond Jul. 12, 2028 4.221% 155,000 155,000
The <br>200-1st<br> <br>Public<br>bond Feb. 27, 2026 3.552% 120,000
The <br>200-2nd<br> <br>Public<br>bond Feb. 26, 2027 3.608% 200,000
The <br>200-3rd<br> <br>Public<br>bond Feb. 27, 2029 3.548% 80,000
The 201-1st Public bond Dec. 02, 2027 2.899% 130,000
The 201-2nd Public bond Dec. 02, 2029 2.918% 70,000
The 201-3rd Public bond Dec. 02, 2034 3.057% 100,000
The <br>18-1st<br> unsecured bond Jul. 02, 2024 100,000
The <br>18-2nd<br> unsecured bond Jul. 02, 2026 2.224% 50,000 50,000
The 19-1nd unsecured bond Jun. 12, 2027 3.691% 50,000
The 19-2nd unsecured bond Jun. 12, 2029 3.783% 50,000
The <br>149-1st<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Mar. 08, 2024 70,000
The <br>149-2nd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Mar. 10, 2026 1.756% 30,000 30,000
The 150-2nd Won-denominated unsecured bond Apr. 08, 2024 30,000
The <br>151-2nd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond May. 14, 2024 40,000
The <br>152-1st<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Aug. 30, 2024 80,000
The <br>152-2nd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Aug. 28, 2026 1.982% 20,000 20,000
The <br>153-2nd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Nov. 11, 2024 70,000
The 154th <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Jan. 23, 2025 2.511% 40,000 40,000
The <br>155-1st<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Feb. 29, 2024 50,000
The <br>155-2nd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Sep. 02, 2024 20,000
The <br>155-3rd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Feb. 28, 2025 2.880% 20,000 20,000
The <br>156-1st<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond<br>2 Mar. 25, 2025 5Y CMS+0.404% 60,000 60,000
The <br>156-2nd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond <br>2 Mar. 25, 2032 10Y CMS+0.965% 40,000 40,000
The 158th <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Jan. 27, 2025 4.421% 50,000 50,000
The <br>159-1st<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Aug. 09, 2024 30,000
The <br>159-2nd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Aug. 11, 2027 4.505% 30,000 30,000
The <br>160-1st<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Jun. 14, 2024 20,000
The <br>160-2nd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Dec. 13, 2024 20,000
The <br>160-3rd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Dec. 12, 2025 5.769% 30,000 30,000
The <br>161-1st<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Jun. 21, 2024 10,000
The <br>161-2nd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Dec. 20, 2024 20,000
The <br>161-3rd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Jun. 20, 2025 5.594% 30,000 30,000
The <br>161-4th<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Dec. 22, 2025 5.615% 10,000 10,000
The <br>162-2nd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Jan. 26, 2024 40,000
The <br>162-3rd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Apr. 26, 2024 10,000
The 163-1st Won-denominated unsecured bond Feb. 20, 2026 4.059% 20,000 20,000
The 163-2nd Won-denominated unsecured bond Feb. 22, 2028 4.311% 80,000 80,000
The <br>164-1st<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Apr. 12, 2024 10,000
The <br>164-2nd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Oct. 24, 2024 30,000
The <br>164-3rd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Apr. 14, 2028 4.220% 30,000 30,000
The <br>165-1st<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond May. 09, 2025 3.870% 30,000 30,000
The <br>165-2nd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Nov. 09, 2026 3.932% 10,000 10,000
The <br>165-3rd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond May. 07, 2027 3.972% 30,000 30,000

F-6 4

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(In millions of Korean won and foreign currencies in thousands) December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
Type Maturity Annual interest<br> rates Foreign<br> currency Korean<br> won Foreign<br> currency Korean<br> won
The <br>166-1st<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Nov. 22, 2024 20,000
The <br>166-2nd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Apr. 22, 2025 4.310% 40,000 40,000
The <br>166-3rd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond May. 21, 2025 4.332% 10,000 10,000
The <br>166-4th<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond May. 22, 2025 4.332% 40,000 40,000
The <br>167-1st<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Dec. 20, 2024 30,000
The <br>167-2nd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Jan. 22, 2025 3.864% 50,000 50,000
The <br>167-3rd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Feb. 21, 2025 3.864% 10,000 10,000
The <br>167-4th<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Dec. 22, 2025 3.858% 10,000 10,000
The <br>168-1st<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Jun. 05, 2025 3.687% 40,000
The 168-2nd Won-denominated unsecured bond Aug. 06, 2025 3.703% 70,000
The <br>168-3rd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Oct. 02, 2025 3.724% 40,000
The 169th <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Apr. 4, 2025 3.671% 50,000
The 170th <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Jun. 12, 2026 3.688% 50,000
The <br>171-1st<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Jun. 11, 2027 3.330% 20,000
The <br>171-2nd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Aug. 12, 2027 3.329% 60,000
The <br>172-1st<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Mar. 6, 2026 3.514% 10,000
The <br>172-2nd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Mar. 9, 2026 3.514% 40,000
The <br>172-3rd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Sep. 9, 2026 3.474% 30,000
The <br>173-1st<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Sep. 23, 2027 3.291% 60,000
The <br>173-2nd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Sep. 24, 2027 3.291% 50,000
The <br>173-3rd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Oct. 22, 2027 3.292% 40,000
The 174th<br><br><br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Nov. 10. 2025 3.339% 60,000
The <br>175-1st<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Dec. 10. 2025 3.169% 50,000
The <br>175-2nd<br> <br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Dec. 10. 2027 3.101% 50,000
The 176th<br><br><br>Won-denominated<br> unsecured bond Dec. 18. 2026 3.134% 70,000
Subtotal 8,446,921 9,154,000
Less: Current portion (1,924,523 ) (3,073,474 )
Discount on bonds (19,248 ) (24,177 )
Total 6,503,150 6,056,349
1 As of December 31, 2024, the Controlling Company has outstanding notes in the amount of USD 100 million with fixed interest rates under Medium Term Note Program (“MTNP”) registered on the Singapore Stock Exchange, which allowed issuance of notes of up to USD 2,000 million. However, the MTNP was terminated in 2007.
--- ---
2 The CMS (5Y) and CMS (10Y) is approximately 2.720% and 2.780%, respectively as of December 31, 2024.
--- ---

F-6 5


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

2) Convertible bonds
(In millions of Korean won)
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Type Issuance Date Maturity Annual<br> interest Rate December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024
The 1st CB (Private)<br>1 Jun. 5, 2020 Jun. 5, 2025 2 8,000 8,000
Redemption premium 2,267 2,267
Conversion rights adjustment (1,811 ) (580 )
Subtotal 8,456 9,687
Less: Current portion (8,456 ) (9,687 )
Total
1 Common shares of Storywiz are subject to conversion (appraisal period: June 5, 2021~May 4, 2025).
--- ---
2 Nominal interest rate and maturity yield is approximately 0% and 5%, respectively, and will be settled on maturity.
--- ---
3) Borrowings
--- ---
a. Short-term borrowings
--- ---
(In millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Type Financial institution Annual interest<br> rates Foreign<br> <br>currency Foreign<br> <br>currency Korean<br> <br>won
Operational Shinhan Bank<br>1 4.210%~6.280% 151,500 71,000
5.430%~6.270% 13,090
CD(91D)+1.800% 16,900
CD(91D)+1.990% 20,000 20,000
Woori Bank<br>1 4.050% 70,000 70,000
4.230%~5.330% 51,950
Korea Development Bank 4.470%~5.940% 34,900 35,000
Industrial Bank of Korea 4.340% 6,000 6,000
Hana Bank 4,800
KB SECURITIES 3.630% 69,635 120,000
HSBC 23,600 30,450
NongHyup Bank<br>1 4.340% 8,500 14,200
Korea Investment 30,000
Standard Chartered Bank<br>1 CD(91D)+0.750% 32,000
Total ₩<br>425,785 450,140

All values are in US Dollars.

1 CD(91D) is approximately 3.400% as of December 31, 2024

F-6 6

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

b. Long-term borrowings

(In millions of Korean won and thousands of foreign currencies) December 31, 2024
Financial institution Type Annual interestrates Foreign<br><br>currency
Export-Import Bank of Korea Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund<br>1 1.000% 1,480 987
CA-CIB General loans 3.820% 200,000 100,000
JPM General loans 2.700% 200,000 100,000
DBS General loans 3.820% 100,000 100,000
Shinhan Bank General loans 4.090% 100,000
General loans<br>2 Term SOFR(3M)+1.700% 8,910 11,489 8,910 13,098
General loans 31,472 40,655
General loans<br>3 4.490% 62,398 62,398
General loans<br>2 Term SOFR(3M)+1.300% 21,127 27,241 21,127 31,056
General loans<br>2 Term SOFR(3M)+1.940% 35,000 45,129 35,000 51,450
General loans<br>2 16,900
Woori Bank General loans<br>2 IBOR(3M)+0.950% 7,700 10,985 6,900 10,548
General loans 5.150% 41,526 26,526
Hi Investment & Securities CP 2.302% 92,994 95,321
Bookook Investment CP 19,525
Korea Investment CP 3.622% 75,928 78,933
Korea Development Bank General loans 4.740%~4.960% 137,000 33,000
KDB Bank Uzbekistan loans<br>4 23.000% UZS 45,448,426 4,999
loans<br>4 10.300% 5,400 7,725
NH Jayang PF loans<br>2 CD(91D)+1.150% 53,033 8,366
Kyobo Life Insurance PF loans<br>2 CD(91D)+1.150%~ CD(91D)+3.450% 84,586 44,385
Standard Chartered Bank Korea PF loans<br>2 CD(91D)+1.150%~ CD(91D)+3.450% 56,390 29,590
General loans 32,000
Samsung Life Insurance PF loans 1.860%~4.160% 46,992 24,658
Kookmin Bank General loans 4.750% 8,000
Subtotal 1,356,251 931,040
Less: Current portion (699,800 ) (371,451 )
Total 656,451 559,589

All values are in Euros.

1 The above Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund is repayable in installments over 13 years after a <br>7-year<br> grace period.
2 EURIBOR (3M), Term SOFR (3M) and CD (91D) are approximately 2.714%, 4.692%, 3.400% respectively, as of December 31, 2024.
--- ---
3 The general loans are repayable in installments over 4 years after a three-year grace period.
--- ---
4 The general loans are repayable in installments over 3 years after a two-year grace period.
--- ---

F-6 7


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(2) Repayment schedule of the Group’s debentures and borrowings including the portion of current liabilities as of December 31, 2024, is as follows:
(In millions of Korean won)
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Bonds Borrowings Total
In local<br> currency In foreign<br> currency Sub-<br><br>total In local<br> currency In foreign<br> currency Sub-<br><br>total
Jan.1, 2025 ~ Dec.31 2025 1,763,000 1,323,000 3,086,000 746,466 75,126 821,592 3,907,592
Jan.1, 2026 ~ Dec.31 2026 1,080,000 588,000 1,668,000 119,414 31,056 150,470 1,818,470
Jan.1, 2027 ~ Dec.31 2027 940,000 441,000 1,381,000 342,600 4,231 346,831 1,727,831
Jan.1, 2028 ~ Dec.31 2028 515,000 735,000 1,250,000 15,600 4,231 19,831 1,269,831
After Jan.1, 2029 1,630,000 147,000 1,777,000 38,225 4,232 42,457 1,819,457
Total 5,928,000 3,234,000 9,162,000 1,262,305 118,876 1,381,181 10,543,181
16. Provisions
--- ---

Changes in provisions for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

2023
(In millions of Korean won) Litigation Restoration cost Others Total
Beginning balance 36,329 108,962 55,075 200,366
Increase (transfer) 592 26,381 10,656 37,629
Usage (7,179 ) (1,138 ) (6,391 ) (14,708 )
Reversal (35 ) (653 ) (2,096 ) (2,784 )
Changes in consolidation scope (177 ) (177 )
Others (393 ) 2,290 1,897
Ending balance 29,707 133,159 59,357 222,223
Less: Current (29,130 ) (26,945 ) (59,134 ) (115,209 )
Non-current 577 106,214 223 107,014
2024
(In millions of Korean won) Litigation Restoration cost Others Total
Beginning balance 29,707 133,159 59,357 222,223
Increase (transfer) 26 11,628 15,629 27,283
Usage (4,721 ) (1,941 ) (6,066 ) (12,728 )
Reversal (3,322 ) (1,658 ) (6,931 ) (11,911 )
Others 573 (1,033 ) (460 )
Ending balance 21,690 141,761 60,956 224,407
Less: Current (21,690 ) (29,922 ) (60,918 ) (112,530 )
Non-current 111,839 38 111,877

F-6 8

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

17. Net Defined Benefit Liabilities (Assets)
(1) The amounts recognized in the statements of financial position as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are determined as follows:
--- ---
(In millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Present value of defined benefit obligations 2,365,793 2,232,898
Fair value of plan assets (2,462,925 ) (2,153,792 )
Liabilities 63,616 128,457
Assets 160,748 49,351
(2) Changes in the defined benefit obligations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
--- ---
(In millions of Korean won) 2023 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Beginning 2,218,655 2,365,793
Current service cost 213,489 224,071
Interest expense 103,874 88,882
Benefit paid (358,298 ) (626,899 )
Changes due to settlements of plan &<br><br>Past Service Cost 1 3,054
Remeasurements:
Actuarial gains (losses) arising from changes in demographic assumptions 1,903 11,531
Actuarial gains (losses) arising from changes in financial assumptions 138,462 90,373
Actuarial gains arising from experience adjustments 48,174 57,699
Acquisition and disposition of businesses, etc (467 ) 18,394
Ending 2,365,793 2,232,898
(3) Changes in the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
--- ---
(In millions of Korean won) 2023 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Beginning 2,478,143 2,462,925
Interest income 121,336 97,708
Remeasurements:
Return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in interest income) 9,410 (154 )
Benefits paid (307,762 ) (583,162 )
Employer contributions 165,128 172,622
Acquisition and disposition of businesses, etc. (3,330 ) 3,853
Ending 2,462,925 2,153,792

F-6 9


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(4) Amounts recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
(in millions of Korean won) 2022 2023 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Current service cost 238,068 213,922 224,071
Net Interest cost 3,139 (17,462 ) (8,826 )
Changes due to settlements of plan & Past Service Cost (701 ) 1 (13,059 )
Transfer in(out) (15,102 ) (13,435 ) 19,191
Total expenses 225,404 183,026 221,377
(5) Principal actuarial assumptions used are as follows:
--- ---
December 31,<br> 2022 December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Discount rate 2.4%~6.29% 3.67%~5.51% 3.24%~5.02%
Salary growth rate 1.82%~8.9% 1.7%~8.96% 1.66%~8.96%
(6) The sensitivity of the defined benefit obligations as of December 31, 2024, to changes in the principal assumptions is:
--- ---
(in percentage, in millions of Korean won) Effect on defined benefit obligation
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Changes in<br> assumption Increase in<br> assumption Decrease in<br> assumption
Discount rate 0.5% point ₩<br>(73,763) 79,580
Salary growth rate 0.5% point 76,543 (71,924 )

A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase plan liabilities, although this will be partially offset by an increase in the value of the plans’ bond holdings.

The above sensitivity analysis is based on changes in assumption while holding all other assumptions constant. In practice, this is unlikely to occur, and changes in some of the assumptions may be correlated. The sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation to changes in principal actuarial assumptions is calculated using the projected unit credit method, the same method applied when calculating the defined benefit obligations recognized on the statement of financial position.

(7) Effect of defined benefit plan on future cash flows

The Group actively monitors how the duration and the expected yield of the investments match the expected cash outflows arising from the pension obligations. Expected contributions to post-employment benefit plans, for the year ending December 31, 2025, are ₩ 258,954 million.

The expected maturity analysis of undiscounted pension benefits as of December 31, 2024, is as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) Less than<br><br>1 year Between<br> <br>1-2<br> years Between<br> <br>2-5<br> years Over 5 years Total
Pension benefits 257,012 265,473 740,445 2,048,227 3,311,157
(8) The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligations is 6.8 years.
--- ---
18. Defined Contribution Plan
--- ---

Recognized expense related to the defined contribution plan for the year ended December 31, 2024, is ₩ 86,723 million (2022: ₩ 72,576 million, 2023: ₩ 85,174 million).

F- 70

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

19. Commitments and Contingencies
(1) As of December 31, 2024, major commitments with local financial institutions are as follows:
--- ---
(In millions of Korean won and foreign<br> currencies in thousands) Financial institution
--- --- --- ---
Bank overdraft Kookmin Bank and others 374,000
Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund Export-Import Bank of Korea 37,700 987
Economic Cooperation Business<br><br>Insurance Export-Import Bank of Korea 3,240 1,732
Collateralized loan on electronic<br><br>accounts receivable-trade Kookmin Bank and others 541,650 37,277
Plus electronic notes payable Industrial Bank of Korea 50,000 3,058
Working capital loan Korea Development Bankand others 1,584,440 303,140
Shinhan Bank 65,037 USD 65,037
Woori Bank 6,900 EUR 6,900
Facility loans Shinhan Bank and others 824,000 195,924
Derivatives transaction limit Korea Development Bankand others 2,120,000 USD 2,120,000
Total KRW 3,415,030 542,118
2,185,037 USD 2,185,037
6,900 EUR 6,900

All values are in US Dollars.

(2) As of December 31, 2024, guarantees received from financial institutions are as follows:
(In millions of Korean won and<br><br>foreign currencies in thousands) Financial institution Limit
--- --- ---
Hana Bank Guarantee for payment in Korean currency 4,000
Comprehensive credit line and others 2,900
Guarantee for payment in foreign currency USD 59
Comprehensive credit line and others USD 10,300
Performance guarantee and others USD 59
Kookmin Bank Guarantee for payment in foreign currency USD 3,186
Shinhan Bank Guarantee for payment in Korean currency 710
Guarantee for payment in foreign currency<br><br>and others USD 98,842
Corporate card issuance guarantee VND 222,914
Woori Bank Guarantee for payment in Korean currency 5,100
Guarantee for payment in foreign currency USD 7,000
Guarantee for payment in foreign currency EUR 6,900
Performance guarantee and others USD 270
HSBC Guarantees for depositions USD 807
Seoul Guarantee Insurance<br><br>Company Performance guarantee and others 404,991
Korea Software Financial<br><br>Cooperative Performance guarantee and others 1,611,632
Korea Specialty Contractor Financial Cooperative Performance guarantee and others 135

F-7 1


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(In millions of Korean won and<br><br>foreign currencies in thousands) Financial institution Limit
Korea Housing Finance Corporation Performance guarantee and others 26,526
Korea Housing & Urban Guarantee Corporation<br>1 Performance guarantee and others 691,530
Information & Communication<br><br>Financial Cooperative Performance guarantee and others 838,244
Total KRW 3,585,768
USD 120,523
EUR 6,900
VND 222,914
1 Inventory assets (<br>₩<br> 449,448 million) and investment properties (<br>₩<br> 494,487 million) are provided as collateral with commitment respectively, as of December 31, 2024.
--- ---
(3) As of December 31, 2024, guarantees provided by the Group to third parties are as follows:
--- ---
(In millions of Korean won) Subject to payment<br> guarantees Creditor Limit Used<br> amount Period
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
KT Estate Inc Wonju Bando U-bora<br> Mark Bridge Buyer Hana Bank 103,000 68,780 Aug. 5, 2022<br> ~ Feb. 28, 2025
KT Engineering Co., Ltd.<br>1 Gasan Solar Power Plant Inc. Shinhan<br> Bank 4,700 28 Jan. 7, 2010<br> ~ Jan. 8, 2025
Nasmedia Co., Ltd. Stockholders Association<br><br>Members Korea<br> Securities<br> Finance Corp 748 249
1 KT Engineering Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Group, is subject to payment, depending on the reimbursement of principal debtor.
--- ---
(4) The Controlling Company is jointly and severally obligated with KT Sat Co., Ltd., a subsidiary, to pay KT Sat Co., Ltd.’s liabilities incurred prior to <br>spin-off.<br> As of December 31, 2024, the Controlling Company and KT Sat Co., Ltd. are jointly and severally liable for reimbursement of <br>₩<br> 433 million.
--- ---
(5) For the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2024 the Group entered into agreements with the Securitization Specialty Companies (2023: First 5G 67<br>th<br> to 72<br>nd<br> Securitization Specialty Co., Ltd. 2024: First 5G 73<br>rd<br> to 78<br>th<br> Securitization Specialty Co., Ltd.,) and disposed of its trade receivables related to handset sales. The Group also made asset management agreements with each securitization specialty company and in accordance with the agreement, the Group will receive asset management fees upon liquidation of the securitization specialty company.
--- ---
(6) As of December 31, 2024, the Group is a defendant in 151 lawsuits with the total claimed amount of <br>₩<br> 141,941 million (As of December 31, 2023: <br>₩<br> 167,834 million). As of December 31, 2024, litigation provisions of <br>₩<br> 21,690 million for pending lawsuits and unasserted claims are recorded as liabilities for potential loss in the ordinary course of business. The final outcomes of the cases cannot be estimated as of December 31, 2024 (Note 16).
--- ---
(7) Under the agreement of bond issuance and borrowings, the Group is required to maintain certain financial ratios such as <br>debt-to-equity<br> ratio, use the funds for the designated purpose
--- ---

F-7 2

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

and report to the creditors periodically. The covenant also contains restriction on provision of additional collateral and disposal of certain assets.
(8) As of December 31, 2024, the Group participates in Algerie Sidi Abdela new town development consortium (percentage of ownership: 2.5%) and has joint liability with other consortium participants.
--- ---
(9) As of December 31, 2024, the contract amount of properties and equipments acquisition agreement made but not yet recognized amounts to <br>₩<br> 350,949 million (As of December 31, 2023: <br>₩<br> 489,231 million).
--- ---
(10) As of December 31, 2024, there are derivatives generated by the Group granting Drag-Along Right to financial investors participating in <br>paid-in<br> capital increase of K Bank Inc. (Note 7).
--- ---
(11) The Group entered into an agreement with financial investors of Epsilon Global Communications Pte regarding the acquisition of shares contract. If certain conditions are not met in the future as disclosed in the terms and conditions of the agreement, financial investors may exercise <br>Tag-Along<br> Right, Drag-Along Right, and the right to sell shares for the convertible preferred shares they hold (Note 7).
--- ---
(12) The Group has an obligation for additional contributions as per agreement to Storm Ventures FUND VII and others. As of December 31, 2024, remaining amounts of USD 33,100 thousand and JPY 240,000 thousand will be invested through the Capital Call method in the future.
--- ---
(13) As of December 31, 2024, the Group has the amount of <br>₩<br> 201,615 million (40%) of joint responsibility obligation and <br>₩<br> 302,423 million (60%) of obligation to provide financial support as a construction investor during the construction period with respect to K Defense Co., Ltd. established in accordance with the Private Investment Act on Social Infrastructure. During the operating period, the Group has the amount of <br>₩<br> 438,312 million (100%) of obligation to provide financial support as an operating investor.
--- ---
(14) The Group has an agreement related to a stock sale contract with HYUNDAI MOBIS Co., Ltd., and HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY. If the Company intends to dispose of the acquired stocks to a third party after a certain period has elapsed from the date of the contract and the acquired stocks are to be disposed to a third party, HYUNDAI MOBIS Co., Ltd., and HYUND AI MOTOR COMPANY may exercise a preferential purchase right to designate a buyer with priority.
--- ---
(15) During the prior period, the Group entered into an agreement with equity investors who participated in the equity acquisition contract of kt Cloud Co., Ltd. According to this agreement, if conditions per the agreement are met, the financial investor may exercise a <br>Tag-Along<br> or a <br>Put-Option<br> to the Group in the future. In relation to this contract, the Group and the financial investor may settle mutual profits if there is a difference between the confirmed public offering price and the preliminary public offering price (Note 7).
--- ---
(16) As of December 31, 2024, The Group has the obligation of paying Minimum Guarantee as utilizing product bundling of Tving Co., Ltd., and the right to be paid a certain proportion of the excess as per agreement.
--- ---
(17) As of December 31, 2024, The Group entered into a shareholders’ agreement with the Government of Rwanda in connection with its equity investment in KT Rwanda. Under this agreement, the Company holds a put option that allows it to require the Government of Rwanda to purchase its shares in the event of a breach of the agreement.
--- ---

F-7 3


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(18) Details of investment properties provided as collateral as December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
(in millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Collateral Carrying<br> amount Secured<br> amount Related account Related<br> amount Mortgagee
Land and buildings 81,057 64,680 Borrowings 54,900 Industrial Bank of Korea/Shinhan Bank/Standard Chartered Bank
Land and buildings 555,921 64,877 Deposits received 55,965 leaseholder
(in millions of Korean won) December 31, 2024
Collateral Carrying<br> amount Secured<br> amount Related account Related<br> amount Mortgagee
Land and buildings 79,959 76,668 Borrowings 63,890 Industrial Bank of Korea/Shinhan Bank/Standard Chartered Bank
Land and buildings 541,351 68,019 Deposits received 58,062 leaseholder
(19) The Group has established a supplier finance agreement with some suppliers, and suppliers participating in the supplier finance agreement can receive early payment on invoices sent to the Group from the Group’s external finance provider. The Group pays the finance provider in accordance with the usual payment terms to settle the debt. As of December 31, 2024, all financial liabilities subject to the supplier finance agreement are included in trade and other payables, and the carrying amount is <br>₩<br>16,081 million. Of these, the carrying amount of the part that the suppliers have already received from the finance provider is <br>₩<br>9,746 million. There were no significant <br>non-cash<br> changes in the carrying amount of the trade and other payables included in the Group’s supplier finance agreement.
--- ---
20. Leases
--- ---

Information of leases in which the Group is a lessee is as follows. Information when the Group is a lessor is described in Note 11.

(1) Amounts recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position

The consolidated statements of financial position shows the following amounts relating to leases:

(In millions of Korean won) December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024
Right-of-use<br> assets
Property and building 1,019,537 950,940
Machinery and communication line facilities 89,150 103,672
Others 196,276 158,158
Total 1,304,963 1,212,770

F-7 4

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(In millions of Korean won) December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024
Lease liabilities<br>1
Current 307,868 349,264
Non-current 872,042 710,189
Total 1,179,910 1,059,453
1 Included in the line items ‘Other current liabilities and other <br>non-current<br> liabilities’ in the consolidated statements of financial position (Notes 9).
--- ---

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, right-of-use assets related to leases increased by ₩ 440,552 million and ₩ 337,779 million, respectively.

(2) Amounts recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss

The consolidated statement of profit or loss relating to leases for year ended December 31, 2022, 2023, and 2024 are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) December 31,<br> 2022 December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024
Depreciation of <br>Right-of-use<br> assets
Property and building 305,120 297,571 301,621
Machinery and communication line facilities 31,140 32,794 25,550
Others 59,954 72,372 83,754
Total 396,214 402,737 410,925
Depreciation of Investment Properties 15
Interest expense relating to lease liabilities 41,469 52,035 47,556
Expense relating to short-term leases 12,876 8,804 8,048
Expense relating to leases <br>of low-value<br> assets that are not short-term leases 26,813 26,290 27,751
Expense relating to variable lease payments not included in lease liabilities 4,827 9,288 6,722

The total cash outflow for leases for the year ended December 31, 2024 amounts to ₩ 508,230 million (2022: ₩ 464,337 million, 2023: ₩ 500,392 million ).

21. Share Capital

As of December 31, 2023 and 2024, the Group has 1,000,000,000 shares authorized to issue and details are as follows:

December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
Number of<br><br>issued<br> shares Par value<br><br>per share<br><br>(Korean won) Ordinary<br> Shares<br><br>(in millions of<br><br>Korean won) Number of<br><br>issued<br> shares Par value<br><br>per share<br><br>(Korean won) Ordinary<br> shares<br><br>(in millions of<br><br>Korean won)
Ordinary shares<br>1 257,860,760 ₩<br>5,000 1,564,499 252,021,685 ₩<br>5,000 1,564,499

F-7 5

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

1 The Group retired 60,878,082 treasury shares against retained earnings. Based on the local regulations in Korea, upon retirement of shares, the Company has decreased the number of shares issued but has not decreased the ordinary shares capital.
22. Retained Earnings
--- ---

Details of retained earnings as at December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024
Legal reserve<br>1 782,249 782,249
Voluntary reserves<br>2 4,651,362 4,651,362
Unappropriated retained earnings 9,042,256 8,317,177
Total 14,475,867 13,750,788
1 The Commercial Code of the Republic of Korea requires the Controlling Company to appropriate, as a legal reserve, an amount equal to a minimum of 10% of cash dividends paid until such reserve equals 50% of its issued share capital. The reserve is not available for the payment of cash dividends but may be transferred to share capital with the approval of the Controlling Company’s Board of Directors or used to reduce accumulated deficit, if any, with the ratification of the Controlling Company’s majority shareholders.
--- ---
2 The reserves of research and development of human resources in other surplus reserves are separately accumulated on disposal of retained earnings on tax filing adjustments when calculating income taxes in accordance with regulations of Tax Reduction and Exemption Control Act of Korea. Reversal of the reserves according to the relevant tax law can be paid out as dividends.
--- ---
23. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and Other Components of Equity
--- ---
(1) As of December 31, 2023 and 2024, the details of the Controlling Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:
--- ---
(in millions of Korean won) December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Changes in investments in associates and joint ventures 4,023 7,746
Gain (loss) on derivatives valuation (29,361 ) (42,178 )
Gain (loss) on valuation of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 73,928 80,845
Exchange differences on translation for foreign operations 3,817 17,316
Total 52,407 63,729

F-7 6

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(2) Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
(in millions of Korean won) 2023
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Beginning Increase/<br><br>decrease Reclassification to<br><br>gain or loss Ending
Changes in investments in associates and joint ventures (11,752 ) 15,775 4,023
Gain (loss) on derivatives valuation (7,109 ) 15,690 (37,942 ) (29,361 )
Gain on valuation of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (52,100 ) 126,028 73,928
Exchange differences on translation for foreign operations (6,815 ) 10,632 3,817
Total (77,776 ) 168,125 (37,942 ) 52,407
2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
(in millions of Korean won) Beginning Increase<br> (decrease) Reclassification to<br><br>gain or loss Ending
Changes in investments in<br><br>associates and joint ventures 4,023 3,723 7,746
Gain (loss) on derivatives valuation (29,361 ) 273,137 (285,954 ) (42,178 )
Gain (loss) on valuation of financial<br><br>assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 73,928 6,917 80,845
Exchange differences on<br><br>translation for foreign<br><br>operations 3,817 13,499 17,316
Total 52,407 297,276 (285,954 ) 63,729

(3) The Group’s other components of equity as at December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024
Treasury stock (398,075 ) (215,210 )
Gain or loss on disposal of treasury stock <br>1 3,220 2,862
Share-based payments 8,773 7,106
Equity transactions within consolidated entities <br>2 (416,336 ) (432,318 )
Total (802,418 ) (637,560 )
1 The amount directly reflected in equity is <br>₩<br> 120 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 (2023: <br>₩<br> 101 million).
--- ---
2 Profit or loss incurred from transactions with <br>non-controlling<br> interest and investment difference incurred from changes in ownership of subsidiaries are included.
--- ---

F-7 7


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(4) As of December 31, 2023 and 2024, the details of treasury stock are as follows:
December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024
--- --- --- --- ---
Number of shares <br>(in shares) 11,447,338 6,188,739
Amounts <br>(in millions of Korean won) 398,075 215,210

Treasury stocks held as of December 31, 2024, are expected to be used for stock compensation for the Group’s directors, employees, and other purposes.

24. Share-based Payments
(1) Details of share-based payments granted by the Controlling to executives and employees, including the CEO, by the resolution of the Board of Directors for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
--- ---
2023
--- ---
(in share) 17th grant
Grant date June 15, 2023, Oct 17, 2023
Grantee CEO, internal directors, external directors, executives
Vesting conditions Service condition: 1 year<br><br>Non-market<br> performance condition: achievement of performance
Fair value per option <br>(in Korean won) ₩<br> 30,205
Total compensation costs<br><br>(in Korean won) ₩<br> 5,558 million
Exercise date May 29, 2024
Valuation method Fair value method
2024
--- ---
(in share) 18th grant
Grant date June 20, 2024
Grantee CEO, internal directors, external directors, executives
Vesting conditions Service condition: 1 year<br><br>Non-market<br> performance condition: achievement of performance
Fair value per option <br>(in Korean won) ₩<br> 38,484
Total compensation costs<br><br>(in Korean won) ₩<br> 6,883 million
Estimated exercise date (exercise date) During 2025
Valuation method Fair value method

F-7 8

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(2) Changes in the number of stock options and the weighted-average exercise price as at December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
(In share) 2023
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Beginning Grant Expired Exercised<br>1 Ending Number of<br> shares<br> exercisable
16th grant 258,509 (105,859 ) (131,690 ) 20,960
17th grant 307,182 307,182
Total 258,509 307,182 (105,859 ) (131,690 ) 328,142
(In share) 2024
Beginning Granted Expired Exercised<br>1 Ending Number of<br> shares<br> exercisable
16th grant 20,960 (6,158 ) (7,171 ) 7,631
17th grant 307,182 (199,054 ) (108,128 )
18th grant 226,327 226,327
Total 328,142 226,327 (205,212 ) (115,299 ) 233,958
1 The weighted average price of ordinary shares at the time of exercise of the 16<br>th<br>and 17<br>th<br> grant, during the year ended December 31, 2024, is <br>₩<br> 41,500, and <br>₩<br> 36,000 (2023: <br>₩<br> 29,550) respectively.
--- ---
(3) On September 9, 2024, the Group has granted 766 shares of Restricted Stock Unit to its executives and employees, and the fair value per share on the grant date is <br>₩<br> 39,100. Under the share-based payment arrangement, 50% of the granted shares will vest if the employee completes one year of service and remains employed until the payment date. Additionally, 50% of the granted shares will vest if the employee completes five years of service and remains employed until the payment date.
--- ---
25. Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Other Income and Relevant Contract Assets and Liabilities
--- ---
(1) The Group has recognized the following amounts relating to revenue and other income in the statement of profit or loss:
--- ---
(in millions of Korean won) 2022 2023 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Revenue from contracts with customers 25,432,727 26,063,185 26,146,846
Revenue from other sources 206,128 224,016 232,798
Other income (Note 26) 595,351 308,044 344,829
Total revenue and other income 26,234,206 26,595,245 26,724,473

F- 79

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(2) Operating revenues and other income for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024 are as follows:
(in millions of Korean won) 2022 2023 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Mobile services 7,013,889 7,140,333 7,318,087
Fixed-line services 5,056,513 5,142,359 5,157,728
Fixed-line and VoIP telephone services 1,378,265 1,249,024 1,188,365
Broadband Internet access services 2,504,833 2,578,558 2,634,200
Data communication services 1,173,415 1,314,777 1,335,163
Media and content 3,099,776 3,206,521 3,107,444
Financial services 3,836,589 3,967,763 3,742,655
Sale of goods 3,393,646 3,292,514 3,373,686
Others 3,833,793 3,845,755 4,024,873
Total 26,234,206 26,595,245 26,724,473

Mobile and fixed-line service

Telecommunication service revenues include mobile and fixed-line (e.g., fixed-line and VoIP telephone, broadband internet access services and data communication services). These services represent a series of distinct services that are considered a separate performance obligation. Service revenue is recognized when services are provided, based upon either usage (e.g., minutes of traffic/bytes of data processed) or period of time (e.g., monthly service fees).

Media and content services

Revenue from media and content services primarily consists of installation fees and basic monthly charges of IPTV and satellite TV services, as well as revenue from digital content distribution, digital music streaming and downloading. Media and contents services revenue are recognized when services are provided, based upon either usage or period of time.

Financial services

Financial services primarily include commissions for merchant fees paid by merchants to credit card companies for processing transactions. Revenue from the commission is recognized when the service obligation is performed.

Sale of goods

Revenue from sale of goods, primarily handsets related to our mobile services is recognized when a performance obligation is satisfied by transferring promised goods to customers.

(3) Contract assets and liabilities recognized in relation to the revenues from contracts with customers, are as follows:
(in millions of Korean won) December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024
--- --- --- --- ---
Contract assets<br>1 1,130,745 929,181
Contract liabilities<br>1 311,023 1,240,934
Deferred revenue<br>2 81,067 87,209

F- 80

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

1 The Group recognized contract assets of <br>₩<br> 128,375 million and contract liabilities of <br>₩<br> 967,614 million for long-term <br>construction contract as of December 31, 2024 (2023: contract assets<br> of <br>₩<br> 308,821<br><br> million and contract liabilities of <br>₩<br> 32,274 million). The Group recognizes contract assets as trade receivables and other receivables, and contract liabilities as other current liabilities.
2 Deferred revenue recognized relating to government grant is excluded.
--- ---
(4) The contract costs recognized as assets are as follows:
--- ---
(in millions of Korean won) 2022 2023 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Incremental cost of contract establishment 1,744,096 1,656,711 1,666,042
Cost of Contract performance 73,582 70,757 72,122

As at December 31, 2024, the Group recognized ₩ 1,715,915 million (2022: ₩ 1,793,013 million, 2023: ₩ 1,759,586 million) of operating expenses relate d to contract cost assets.

(5) For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, revenue recognized from carried-forward contract liabilities and deferred revenue, is as follows:
(in millions of Korean won) 2022 2023 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liabilities balance at the beginning of the year
Allocation of the transaction price 246,843 213,609 199,624
Deferred revenue of joining/installment fee 44,204 41,824 41,451
Total 291,047 255,433 241,075
26. Other Income
--- ---

Other income for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) 2022 2023 2024
Gain on disposal of property and equipment and investment properties 52,603 22,447 47,754
Gain on disposal of intangible assets 622 1,727 311
Gain on disposal of <br>right-of-use<br> assets 3,326 3,580 2,967
Property and Equipment loss recovery income 159,849 152,712 165,196
Income from government subsidies 44,473 40,725 1,261
Gain on disposal of investments in associates 38,319 6,982 19,074
Gain on disposal of investments in subsidiaries 216,591 28,825 52,688
Others 79,568 51,046 55,578
Total 595,351 308,044 344,829

F-8 1

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

27. Operating Expenses
(1) Operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
--- ---
(in millions of Korean won) 2022 2023 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Employee benefit cost 4,495,885 4,556,832 5,628,058
Depreciation 2,637,463 2,723,610 2,827,518
Depreciation of <br>right-of-use<br> assets 396,214 402,737 410,925
Amortization of intangible assets 622,202 683,784 639,268
Commissions 1,295,434 1,264,729 1,403,381
Interconnection charges 479,500 436,598 410,872
International interconnection fee 186,253 140,433 138,807
Purchase of inventories 3,656,040 3,595,345 3,526,723
Changes of inventories (195,046 ) (203,071 ) (27,947 )
Sales commission 2,353,909 2,353,318 2,258,121
Service cost<br>1 2,334,386 2,229,709 2,141,856
Utilities 368,348 544,675 555,856
Taxes and dues 276,962 250,651 265,305
Rent 160,848 167,576 147,607
Insurance premium 68,245 66,737 68,443
Installation fee 150,140 174,238 164,969
Advertising expenses 195,519 153,750 169,189
Allowance for bad debts 115,358 150,549 151,486
Card service cost 3,127,673 3,189,376 3,009,170
Loss on disposal of property and equipment 81,415 72,710 90,373
Loss on disposal of intangible assets 7,015 5,328 9,713
Loss on disposal of <br>right-of-use<br> assets 2,348 2,115 2,578
Loss on disposal of investments in associates 295 17
Loss on disposal of investments in subsidiaries 7,998
Impairment loss on property and equipment 16,094 7,871 7,183
Impairment loss on intangible assets 30,965 236,206 239,312
Donations 15,642 24,664 9,499
Other allowance for bad debts 17,551 34,112 26,475
Others 1,369,391 1,902,214 1,801,660
Total 24,266,049 25,166,796 26,084,415
1 Service cost is mainly recorded by purchase of service for system implementation and contents service.
--- ---
(2) Details of employee benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
--- ---
(in millions of Korean won) 2022 2023 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Salaries & Wages 4,161,874 4,231,781 4,275,944
Post-employment benefits(Defined benefit plan) 225,404 183,026 221,377
Post-employment benefits(Defined contribution plan) 72,576 85,174 86,723
Share-based payment 16,799 15,450 7,129
Others 19,232 41,401 1,036,885
Total 4,495,885 4,556,832 5,628,058

F-8 2

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

  1. Financial Income and Costs
(1) Details of financial income for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
(in millions of Korean won) 2022 2023 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Interest income 271,925 279,607 303,535
Gain on foreign currency transactions 67,976 27,407 27,268
Gain on foreign currency translation 43,092 11,944 43,566
Gain on derivative transactions 50,668 12,304 48,566
Gain on valuation of derivatives 182,998 49,881 399,261
Gain on disposal of trade receivables 3,441
Gain on valuation of financial instruments 31,032 32,477 13,166
Others 42,737 69,216 82,288
Total 690,428 486,277 917,650
(2) Details of financial costs for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
--- ---
(in millions of Korean won) 2022 2023 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Interest expenses 293,854 356,345 374,665
Loss on foreign currency transactions 81,171 34,281 49,308
Loss on foreign currency translation 200,109 95,730 426,842
Loss on derivative transactions 24,331 417 10,651
Loss on valuation of derivatives 21,601 6,598 3,793
Loss on disposal of trade receivables 62,697 17,980 7,955
Loss on valuation of financial instruments 65,660 55,049 112,154
Others 485 2,282 9,413
Total 749,908 568,682 994,781
29. Deferred Income Tax and income Tax Expense
--- ---
(1) The analysis of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as at December 31, 2023 and 2024, is as follows:
--- ---
(in millions of Korean won) December 31,<br> 2023 December 31,<br> 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax assets to be recovered within 12 months 404,234 417,425
Deferred tax assets to be recovered after more than 12 months 1,824,099 1,976,377
Deferred tax assets before offsetting 2,228,333 2,393,802
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities to be recovered within 12 months (491,817 ) (748,888 )
Deferred tax liabilities to be recovered after more than 12 months (2,116,346 ) (1,884,962 )
Deferred tax liabilities before offsetting (2,608,163 ) (2,633,850 )
Deferred tax assets after offsetting 614,500 679,948
Deferred tax liabilities after offsetting 994,330 919,996

F-8 3

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(2) The movement in deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the year, without taking into consideration the offsetting of balances within the same tax jurisdiction, is as follows:
(in millions of Korean won) 2023
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Beginning Statement of<br> profit or loss Other<br> comprehensive<br> income Ending
Deferred tax liabilities
Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures (255,184 ) (7,821 ) (7,225 ) (270,230 )
Depreciation and impairment loss (151,433 ) 39,309 (112,124 )
Plan assets (542,900 ) 8,367 826 (533,707 )
Advanced depreciation provision (521,939 ) 3,859 (518,080 )
Contract assets (424,302 ) 2,478 (421,824 )
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (420 ) 461 43 84
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (60,629 ) (53 ) (41,945 ) (102,627 )
Others (738,153 ) 90,876 (2,378 ) (649,655 )
Total (2,694,960 ) 137,476 (50,679 ) (2,608,163 )
Deferred tax assets
Depreciation and impairment loss 188,832 (71,689 ) (397 ) 116,746
Contract liabilities 121,289 (9,311 ) 111,978
Defined benefit liabilities 481,858 (6,705 ) 40,838 515,991
Provisions 151,955 (5,784 ) 146,171
Others 1,259,495 (53,459 ) 2,141 1,208,177
Total 2,203,429 (146,948 ) 42,582 2,099,063
Temporary difference, net (491,531 ) (9,472 ) (8,097 ) (509,100 )
Tax credit carryforwards 102,971 26,299 129,270
Total net balance (388,560 ) 16,827 (8,097 ) (379,830 )

F-8 4

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(in millions of Korean won) 2024
Beginning Statement of<br> profit or loss Other<br> comprehensive<br> income Ending
Deferred tax liabilities
Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures (270,230 ) 730 (1,194 ) (270,694 )
Depreciation and impairment loss (112,124 ) 9,797 (102,327 )
Plan assets (533,707 ) 71,001 590 (462,116 )
Advanced depreciation provision (518,080 ) (5,128 ) (523,208 )
Contract assets (421,824 ) 4,301 (417,523 )
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 84 7,233 7,317
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (102,627 ) 14,656 (1,932 ) (89,903 )
Others (649,655 ) (113,707 ) (12,034 ) (775,396 )
Total (2,608,163 ) (11,117 ) (14,570 ) (2,633,850 )
Deferred tax assets
Depreciation and impairment loss 116,746 (10,711 ) 106,035
Contract liabilities 111,978 (2,429 ) 109,549
Defined benefit liabilities 515,991 (66,182 ) 42,110 491,919
Provisions 146,171 20,394 166,565
Others 1,208,177 165,310 1,631 1,375,118
Total 2,099,063 106,382 43,741 2,249,186
Temporary difference, net (509,100 ) 95,265 29,171 (384,664 )
Tax credit carryforwards 129,270 15,344 144,614
Total net balance (379,830 ) 110,609 29,171 (240,050 )
(3) The tax impacts recognized directly to equity as of December 31, 2022, 2023, and 2024, are as follows:
--- ---
December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
(in millions of Korean won) Before<br><br>recognition Tax effect After<br> recognition Before<br><br>recognition Tax effect After<br> recognition Before<br><br>recognition Tax effect After<br> recognition
Gain (loss) on valuation of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (216,862 ) 58,288 (158,574 ) 163,750 (41,945 ) 121,805 7,626 (1,932 ) 5,694
Gain (loss) on valuation of hedge instruments (42,510 ) 11,180 (31,330 ) (30,168 ) 7,555 (22,613 ) (17,707 ) 4,555 (13,152 )
Remeasurements of net defined benefit liabilities 247,162 (65,733 ) 181,429 (179,129 ) 41,664 (137,465 ) (159,757 ) 42,700 (117,057 )
Share of gain (loss) of associates and joint ventures, and others (14,931 ) 3,748 (11,183 ) 28,715 (7,225 ) 21,490 4,715 (1,194 ) 3,521
Exchange differences on translation for foreign operations 23,316 (5,852 ) 17,464 32,376 (8,146 ) 24,230 59,053 (14,958 ) 44,095
Gain or loss on disposal of treasury stock (59,308 ) 14,886 (44,422 ) 402 (101 ) 301 (76 ) 19 (57 )
Total (63,133 ) 16,517 (46,616 ) 15,946 (8,198 ) 7,748 (106,146 ) 29,190 (76,956 )

F-8 5


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(4) Details of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, are calculated as follows:
(in millions of Korean won) 2022 2023 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Current income tax expense 335,796 347,265 275,454
Impact of change in deferred taxes 169,961 (16,827 ) (110,609 )
Income tax expense 505,757 330,438 164,845
(5) The tax on the Group’s profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the weighted average tax rate applicable to profits of the entities as follows:
--- ---
(in millions of Korean won) 2022 2023 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Profit before income tax expense 1,891,392 1,302,620 571,513
Statutory income tax expense 509,771 333,530 140,517
Tax effect
Income not taxable for taxation purposes (47,550 ) (30,106 ) (37,505 )
Non-deductible expenses 53,398 26,723 29,192
Tax credit (54,895 ) (78,459 ) (42,422 )
Additional payment of income taxes 11,744 (4,991 ) 13,338
Adjustments in deferred tax from changes in tax rate (41,545 ) 564 (25,012 )
Tax effect and adjustment on consolidation
Goodwill impairment 5,809 106,010 52,168
Changes of <br>out-side<br> tax effect 29,922 4,436 (6,160 )
Intangible Asset impairment and amortization 5,276 5,892 (5,850 )
Reversal expenses of contract cost assets (4,800 ) 9,281 13,338
Acquisition and disposition of businesses
Others 38,627 (42,442 ) 33,241
Income tax expense 505,757 330,438 164,845
(6) Details of deferred tax assets and liabilities that are not recognized as at December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
--- ---
(in millions of Korean won) 2023 2024
--- --- --- --- ---
Deductible temporary differences
Investment in subsidiaries, associates,<br><br>and joint ventures 3,520,173 3,799,037
Unused tax loss 203,200 212,283
Unused Tax credit 2,338 5,071
Others 437,238 141,405
Total 4,162,949 4,157,796
Taxable temporary differences
Investment in subsidiaries, associates,<br><br>and joint ventures 903,394 859,471
Others 211,201 2,631
Total 1,114,595 862,102

F-8 6


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(7) The expected period of expiry for unused tax losses not recognized in deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, is as follows:
(in millions of Korean won) 2023 2024
--- --- --- --- ---
2024 4,484
2025 2,836 2,836
2026 2,086 1,897
2027 4,541 4,416
2028 2,473 396
2029 6,533 617
2030 743 38
2031 713 4,857
2032 756 2,552
2033 1,455
2034
A<br>f<br>ter 2035 178,035 193,219
Total 203,200 212,283
30. Earnings per Share
--- ---
(1) Basic Earnings per Share
--- ---

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit from operations attributable to equity holders of the Group by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period, excluding ordinary shares purchased by the Group and held as treasury stock.

Basic earnings per share from operations for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, is calculated as follows:

2022 2023 2024
Profit attributable to ordinary shares of owners of the Controlling Company <br>(in millions of Korean won) 1,259,686 993,325 459,861
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding <br>(in number of shares) 242,235,332 249,470,072 245,910,192
Basic earnings per share <br>(in Korean won) 5,200 3,982 1,870

Diluted earnings per share from operations is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. The Group has dilutive potential ordinary shares from convertible bond and other share-based compensation.

F-8 7

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(2) Diluted Earnings per Share

Diluted earnings per share from operations is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding assuming that all dilutive potential ordinary shares are converted into ordinary shares. The Group has dilutive potential ordinary shares from convertible bonds, convertible preferred stock and other share-based payments:

2022 2023 2024
Profit attributable to ordinary shares of owners of the Controlling Company (in millions of Korean won) 1,259,686 993,325 459,861
Adjustment to net income attributable to ordinary shares <br>(in millions of Korean won) (496 ) (827 ) (398 )
Diluted profit attributable to ordinary shares <br>(in millions of Korean won) 1,259,190 992,498 459,463
Number of dilutive potential ordinary shares outstanding <br>(in number of shares) 91,931 119,263 94,393
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding <br>(in number of shares) 242,327,263 249,589,335 246,004,585
Diluted earnings per share <br>(in Korean won) 5,196 3,977 1,868

Diluted earnings per share is earnings per outstanding of ordinary shares and dilutive potential ordinary shares. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing adjusted profit for the year by the sum of the number of ordinary shares and dilutive potential ordinary shares. Convertible bonds and convertible preferred stocks without dilutive effects are excluded from the calculation.

31. Dividend

The dividends paid by the Group in 2022, 2023 and 2024 were ₩ 450,394 million ( ₩ 1,910 per share), ₩ 501,844 million ( ₩ 1,960 per share), ₩ 482,970 million ( ₩ 1,960 per share) respectively. The quarterly dividends paid by the Group in 2024 were  ₩ 368,685 million ( ₩ 500 per share). A dividend in respect of the year ended December 31, 2024, of  ₩ 500 per share, amounting to a total dividend of  ₩ 122,916 million, was proposed at the shareholders’ meeting on March 31, 2025.

F-8 8

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

32. Cash Generated from Operations
(1) Cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
--- ---
(in millions of Korean won) 2022 2023 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
1. Profit for the year 1,385,635 972,182 406,669
2. Adjustments to reconcile net income
Income tax expense 505,757 335,367 164,845
Interest income <br>1 (340,794 ) (392,580 ) (409,540 )
Interest expense <br>1 320,914 410,566 432,537
Dividends income <br>2 (14,121 ) (59,758 ) (70,914 )
Depreciation 2,687,191 2,773,152 2,866,974
Amortization of intangible assets 627,261 691,909 651,649
Depreciation of <br>right-of-use<br> assets 396,214 402,737 410,925
Provision for severance benefits (defined benefits) 240,506 196,027 234,435
Impairment losses on trade receivables 132,102 175,244 184,942
Share of net profit or loss of associates and joint ventures 16,821 44,323 (8,294 )
Loss(gain) on disposal of associates and joint ventures (38,024 ) (6,982 ) (19,057 )
Loss(gain) on the disposal of subsidiaries (216,591 ) (28,825 ) (44,690 )
Loss(gain) on disposal of <br>right-of-use<br> assets (978 ) (1,465 ) (389 )
Impairment loss on property and equipment and investment in properties 16,094 7,871 7,183
Loss(gain) on disposal of property and equipment and investment in properties<br>3 (66,317 ) 511 13,894
Loss on disposal of intangible assets 6,393 3,601 9,402
Loss on impairment of intangible assets 30,674 236,106 237,877
Loss on foreign currency translation 157,017 83,899 383,045
Gain on valuation and settlement of derivatives, net (205,381 ) (37,249 ) (434,765 )
Gain on disposal of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (2,347 ) (2,225 ) (10,793 )
Loss(Gain) on valuation of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 44,833 13,920 95,118
Loss(gain) on disposal of financial assets at amortized cost <br>4 3 1 1
Others (49,891 ) 158,820 166,366
3. Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchase of controlled entity and sale of engineering division
Decrease(increase) in trade receivables (43,787 ) (124,023 ) (79,503 )
Increase in other receivables (1,598,216 ) (1,085,527 ) 384,941
Decrease(increase) in other current assets (101,947 ) 250,569 77,878
Increase in other <br>non-current<br> assets (120,054 ) (86,030 ) (102,599 )
Decrease(increase) in inventories (179,255 ) (317,531 ) (67,598 )
Increase(decrease) in trade payables (368,355 ) 121,515 (233,799 )
Increase in other payables 1,103,113 829,220 (289,044 )
Increase(decrease) in other current liabilities (30,375 ) 414,436 620,035
Decrease in other <br>non-current<br> liabilities (1,015 ) (14,272 ) (2,609 )
Decrease in provisions (22,115 ) (5,083 ) (6,536 )
Increase(decrease) in deferred revenue (384 ) 905 (1,900 )
Decrease(increase) in plan assets (90,771 ) 115,725 344,869
Payment of post-employment benefits (343,931 ) (329,861 ) (562,307 )
4. Cash generated from operations (1+2+3) 3,835,879 5,747,195 5,349,248

F-8 9

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

1 Subsidiaries such as BC Card Co., Ltd. recognize interest income and expense as operating revenue and expense, respectively. Interest income of <br>₩<br> 106,005 million (2022: <br>₩<br> 68,869 million, 2023: <br>₩<br> 112,973 million) recognized as operating revenue and interest expense of <br>₩<br> 57,872 million (2022: <br>₩<br> 27,060 million, 2023: <br>₩<br> 55,677 million) recognized as operating expense, for the year ended December 31, 2024, are included in the adjustment
2 BC Card Co., Ltd. Recognized dividend income as operating revenue, including dividend income of <br>₩<br> 1,701 million that is recognized as operating revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 (2022: <br>₩<br> 2,299 million, 2023: <br>₩<br> 1,759 million).
--- ---
3 KT Estate Inc. recognized gain and loss on disposal of investment properties as operating revenue and expense, respectively, including gain on disposal of investment properties of <br>₩<br> 28,725 million that is recognized as operating revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 (2023: <br>₩<br> 49,752 million).
--- ---
4 KT Investment CO., Ltd. and other subsidiaries of the Group recognized gain and loss on valuation of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss as operating revenue and expense, respectively, including loss on valuation of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss of <br>₩<br> 576 million that is recognized as operating expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 (2023: <br>₩<br> 11,112 million).
--- ---
(2) Significant transactions not affecting cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
--- ---
(in millions of Korean won) 2022 2023 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Reclassification of the current portion of borrowings 1,004,818 1,731,998 3,046,361
Reclassification of <br>construction-in-progress<br> to property and equipment 3,167,965 3,123,611 2,324,080
Reclassification of accounts payable from property and equipment (7,055 ) (293,448 ) 245,099
Reclassification of accounts payable from intangible assets (197,389 ) (276,491 ) (291,574 )
Reclassification of payable from defined benefit liabilities (32,417 ) 26,246 64,103
Reclassification of payable from plan assets 28,532 (24,821 ) (64,281 )
Disposal of treasury stock related to acquisition of financial assets 747,161
Acquisition of financial assets related to disposal of a subsidiary 250,000
Increase in financial assets due to stock exchange 52,841

F- 90

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

33. Changes in Liabilities Arising from Financing Activities

Details of changes in liabilities arising from financing activities, liabilities related to cashflow to be classified as future financing activities, for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) 2022
Beginning Cash flows Non-cash
Newly<br> acquired Changes in<br> FX rate Fair Value<br> changes Others Ending
Borrowing 8,437,703 1,391,321 146,108 939 30,614 10,006,685
Lease liabilities 1,159,369 (378,684 ) 427,398 (36,045) 1,172,038
Derivative liabilities 75,176 (41,197 ) 19,858 12,941 (33,223) 33,555
Derivative assets (99,453 ) 76,280 (754 ) (147,161) 30,341 (50,083) (190,830 )
Total 9,572,795 1,047,720 426,644 18,805 44,221 (88,737 ) 11,021,448
2023
Beginning Cash flows Non-cash
(in millions of Korean won) Newly<br> acquired Changes in<br> FX rate Fair Value<br> changes Others Ending
Borrowing 10,006,685 106,118 45,370 1,719 58,273 10,218,165
Lease liabilities 1,172,038 (407,051 ) 460,617 24 (45,719) 1,179,909
Derivative liabilities 33,555 10,888 9,643 (29,539) 24,547
Derivative assets (190,830 ) 48,183 32,487 1,788 (50,839) (159,211 )
Total 11,021,448 (252,750) 460,617 88,745 13,174 (67,824 ) 11,263,410
2024
Beginning Cash flows Non-cash
(in millions of Korean won) Newly<br> acquired Changes in<br> FX rate Fair Value<br> changes Others Ending
Borrowing 10,218,165 (135,227 ) 399,510 38,243 10,520,691
Lease liabilities 1,179,909 (414,172 ) 324,330 264 (30,878) 1,059,453
Derivative liabilities 24,547 (419 ) (1,903) (22,222) 3
Derivative assets (159,211 ) 81,007 (360,892) (6,375) (445,471 )
Total 11,263,410 (468,811) 324,330 399,510 (362,531) (21,232 ) 11,134,676
34. Segment Information
--- ---

(1) The management of the Group determines the operating and reporting segments based on the reported information when establishing the business strategy.

Details Business service
ICT Mobile/fixed line telecommunication service and convergence business, B2B business and others
Finance Credit card business
Satellite TV<br><br>Real estate Satellite TV business<br><br>Residential building development and supply
Others Cable television service, IT, facility security and global business, and others

F-9 1

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(2) Details of each segment for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

2022
(in millions of Korean won) Operating<br><br>revenues Operating<br><br>Income Depreciation<br><br>and Amortization<br>1
ICT 18,697,269 1,347,405 3,105,807
Finance 3,615,307 119,805 47,638
Satellite TV 709,160 19,797 58,413
Real estate 474,954 113,134 65,457
Others 7,960,143 473,276 575,035
Total 31,456,833 2,073,417 3,852,350
Elimination<br>2 (5,222,627 ) (105,260 ) (196,471 )
Consolidated amount 26,234,206 1,968,157 3,655,879
2023
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
(in millions of Korean won) Operating<br><br>revenues Operating<br><br>Income Depreciation<br><br>and Amortization<br>1
ICT 18,698,964 1,193,333 3,183,408
Finance 3,723,286 91,591 37,150
Satellite TV 714,574 (70,170 ) 52,871
Real estate 499,997 73,496 70,653
Others 8,145,272 97,568 584,738
Total 31,782,093 1,385,818 3,928,820
Elimination<br>2 (5,186,848 ) 42,631 (118,689 )
Consolidated amount 26,595,245 1,428,449 3,810,131
2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
(in millions of Korean won) Operating<br><br>revenues Operating<br><br>Income Depreciation<br><br>and Amortization<br>1
ICT 18,928,705 432,809 3,230,522
Finance 3,558,558 143,227 33,629
Satellite TV 710,019 (107,397 ) 48,121
Real estate 546,886 85,326 69,363
Others 8,222,955 65,566 604,753
Total 31,967,123 619,531 3,986,388
Elimination<br>2 (5,242,650 ) 20,527 (108,677 )
Consolidated amount 26,724,473 640,058 3,877,711
1 Sum of the amortization of tangible assets, intangible assets, investment properties, and <br>right-of-use<br> assets.
--- ---
2 Elimination for operating revenues is the difference between operating revenue included in the CODM report, which is based on Korean IFRS and operating revenue based on IFRS. Elimination for depreciation and amortization and operating revenues also included consolidated adjustments due to intercompany transactions with the group.
--- ---

F-9 2

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(3) Operating revenues for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024 and non-current assets as at December 31, 2023 and 2024 by geographical regions, are as follows:

(In millions of<br><br>Korean won) Operating revenues Non-current<br> assets<br>1
Location 2022 2023 2024 2023.12.31 2024.12.31
Domestic 26,074,349 26,425,735 26,547,275 20,725,694 20,021,125
Overseas 159,857 169,510 177,198 183,344 179,815
Total 26,234,206 26,595,245 26,724,473 20,909,038 20,200,940
1 Sum of property and equipment, intangible assets, investment properties and <br>right-of-use<br> assets.
--- ---
35. Related Party Transactions
--- ---

(1) The list of related party of the Group as of December 31, 2024, is as follows:

Relationship Name of Entity
Associates and joint ventures There are <br>49<br> Associates and joint ventures, and entities listed on the table below has Related Party Transactions
Others<br>1 Goody Studio Co., Ltd., Rebellion Inc., Digital Pharm Co., Ltd., Mastern No.127 Logispoint Daegu Co., Ltd., KORAMKO No. 143 General Private Real Estate Investment Company
1 The investment in preferred shares in these entities are accounted for under IFRS 9. Given the Company’s significant influence in the investees, those are included in the list of related parties.
--- ---

(2) Outstanding balances of receivables and payables in relations to transactions with related parties as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

December 31, 2023
Receivables Payables
(in millions of Korean won) Trade<br> receivables Other<br> receivables Lease<br><br>receivables Trade<br> payables Other<br> payables Lease<br><br>liabilities
Associates and joint ventures K Bank, Inc. 862 326,006 769 299
Little Big Pictures 232 3,473 9 6
K-Realty<br> 11th Real Estate Investment Trust Company 110 1,283 6,732
K-Realty<br> No.3 Real Estate General Private Placement Investment Company 4,576
Others 2,044 162 2,900 3,029
Total 7,824 330,924 769 2,909 3,334 6,732

F-9 3

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

December 31, 2024
Receivables Payables
(in millions of Korean won) Trade<br> receivables Other<br> receivables Lease<br><br>receivables Trade<br> payables Other<br> payables Lease<br><br>liabilities
Associates and joint ventures Others K Bank, Inc. 778 147,868 83
Little Big Pictures 235 1,396 2
K-Realty<br> 11th Real Estate Investment Trust Company 113 1,283 4,588
K-Realty<br> No.3 Real Estate General Private Placement Investment Company 7,911
Others 2,439 1,628 1,302 1,326
Others 138 240 1
Total 11,614 152,415 1,303 1,411 4,588

(3) Significant transactions with related parties for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

2022
(in millions of Korean won) Operating<br> Revenue Purchases<br>1
Associates and joint ventures K-<br> Realty <br>CR-REITs<br> No.1<br>2 ₩<br>— ₩<br>—
K Bank, Inc. 29,536 11,007
Hyundai Robotics Co., Ltd.<br>1 94 3,799
K-Realty<br> 11th Real Estate Investment Trust Company 330 1,674
Others<br>3 11,964 37,742
Others Digital Pharm Co., Ltd. 1
Total 41,925 54,222
2022
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
(in millions of Korean won) Acquisition of<br> <br>right-of-use<br><br> assets Interest<br> income Interest<br> expense Dividend<br> income
Associates and joint ventures K-<br> Realty <br>CR-REITs<br> No.1<br>2 45,549
K Bank, Inc. 3,052
Hyundai Robotics Co., Ltd.<br>1
K-Realty<br> 11th Real Estate Investment Trust Company 1,966 260 162
Others<br>3 9,158
Total 1,966 3,052 260 54,869
1 The amounts includes the acquisition of property and equipment, and others.
--- ---

F-9 4


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

2 Includes transactions of the entity before it was excluded as an associate and joint venture of the Group.
3 Includes transactions of StorySoop Inc. before it was excluded as associates and joint ventures of the Group.
--- ---
2023
--- --- --- --- --- ---
(in millions of Korean won) Operating<br> Revenue Purchases<br>1
Associates and joint ventures K Bank, Inc. 22,701 13,429
HD Hyundai Robotics Co., Ltd.<br><br>(formerly Hyundai Robotics Co., Ltd.) 78 182
K-Realty<br> 11th Real Estate Investment Trust Company 346 2,559
K-Realty<br> No.3 Real Estate General Private Placement Investment Company 6,216
Others<br>2,3 21,308 42,169
Others Digital Pharm Co., Ltd. 1
Total 50,650 58,339
2023
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
(in millions of Korean won) Acquisition of<br> <br>right-of-use<br><br> assets Interest<br> income Interest<br> expense Dividend<br> income
Associates and joint ventures K Bank, Inc. W<br>8,264
HD Hyundai Robotics Co., Ltd.<br><br>(formerly Hyundai Robotics Co., Ltd.)
K-Realty<br> 11th Real Estate Investment Trust Company 7 261 507
Others<br>2,3 1,279
Total 7 8,264 261 1,786
1 The amounts includes the acquisition of property and equipment, and others.
--- ---
2 Includes transactions of KD Living Co., Ltd. before it was included as a subsidiary.
--- ---
3 Includes transactions of FUNDA Co., Ltd, Maruee Limited Company Specializing in the Cultural Industry, Mastern No.127 Logispoint Daegu Co., Ltd. before it was excluded as associates and joint ventures of the Group.
--- ---

F-9 5


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

2024
(in millions of Korean won) Operating<br> Revenue Purchases<br>1
Associates and joint ventures K Bank, Inc. 31,721 22,548
HD Hyundai Robotics Co., Ltd.<br><br>(formerly Hyundai Robotics Co., Ltd.) 75
K-Realty<br> 11th Real Estate Investment Trust Company 236 2,547
K-Realty<br> No.3 Real Estate General Private Placement Investment Company 32,286
Others<br>2 25,534 33,804
Others Others. 171 2,716
Total 90,023 61,615
2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
(in millions of Korean won) Acquisition of<br> <br>right-of-use<br><br> assets Interest<br> income Interest<br> expense Dividend<br> income
Associates and joint ventures K Bank, Inc. 6,678
HD Hyundai Robotics Co., Ltd.<br><br>(formerly Hyundai Robotics Co., Ltd.)
K-Realty<br> 11th Real Estate Investment Trust Company 11 182 401
Others<br>2 4,769
Total 11 6,678 182 5,170
1 The amounts includes the acquisition of property and equipment, and others.
--- ---
2 Transactions with LS Marine Solution Co., Ltd., QTT Global (Group) Company Limited and OASISALPHA Corporation are included up to the date on which the related party relationships were terminated.
--- ---

(4) Key management compensation for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, consists of:

(in millions of Korean won) 2022 2023 2024
Salaries and other short-term benefits 1,855 1,494 1,666
Post-employment benefits 294 153 193
Share-based compensation 976 569 1,225
Total 3,125 2,216 3,084

F-9 6

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(5) Fund transactions with related parties for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

2022
(in millions of Korean won) Borrowing transactions<br>1 Equity<br> contributions<br> in cash
Associates and joint ventures Borrowings Repayments
Megazone Cloud Corporation 30,000 130,001
IBK-KT<br> Emerging Digital Industry Investment Fund 10,800
Mastern KT Multi-Family Real Estate Private Equity Investment Fund I 18,859
IGIS <br>No. 468-1<br> General Private Real Estate Investment Company 25,000
K-Realty<br> 11th Real Estate Investment Trust Company 1,916 771
Others 93,478
Total 31,916 771 278,138
1 Lease transactions are included in borrowing transactions.
--- ---
2023
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
(in millions of Korean won) Borrowing transactions<br>1 Equity<br> contributions<br> in cash
Associates and joint ventures Borrowings Repayments
K-Realty<br> 11th Real Estate Investment Trust Company 1,037
STIC Place General Private Placement Real Estate Investment Trust No.2 20,000
Telco Credit Bureau Co.,<br><br>Ltd. 6,500
Pacific geumto no.75 private hybrid asset fund 19,000
Kiamco Data Center Blind Fund 15,000
STIC Mixed Asset Investment Trust No. 1 10,930
Others <br>2 31,107
Others
Rebellions Co.,<br><br>Ltd. 19,998
Total 1,037 122,535
1 Lease transactions are included in borrowing transactions.
--- ---

F-9 7

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

2 Includes transaction details before Daemuga Limited Company Specializing in the Cultural Industry, Maruee Limited Company Specializing in the Cultural Industry were excluded from the associates company.
2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
(in millions of Korean won) Borrowing transactions<br>1 Equity<br> contributions<br> in cash
Associates and joint ventures Borrowings Repayments
IBK-KT<br> Young Entrepreneurs MARS Investment Fund 6,000
K-Realty<br> 11th Real Estate Investment Trust Company 2,337
TeamFresh Corp.<br>2 52,841
Others 21,234
Others
Rebellions Co.,<br><br>Ltd. 12,477
Total 2,337 92,552
1 Borrowing transactions include lease transactions.
--- ---
2 The transaction involved acquiring redeemable convertible preference shares of TeamFresh Corp. and occurred in the process of exchange with the shares of Lolab Co., Ltd. that were held.
--- ---

(6) Provision of collateral and investment agreement and others

The Group has an obligation according to invest agreements with related parties such as K iamco Data Center Blind Fund. As of December 31, 2024 the Group has a plan to make an additional investment of ₩ 99,633 million.

(7) As of December 31, 2024, the limit of the credit card contract provided by the Group to K Bank, Inc. and o t hers is ₩ 1,447 million (December 31, 2023: ₩ 1,050 million).

36. Financial Risk Management

(1) Financial Risk Factors

The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimize potential adverse effects on the Group’s financial performance. The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge certain risk exposures such as cash flow risk.

The Group’s financial policy is set up in the long-term perspective and annually reported to the Board of Directors. The financial risk management is carried out by the Value Management Office, which identifies, evaluates and hedges financial risks. The treasury department in the Value Management Office considers various finance market conditions to estimate the effect from the market changes.

1) Market risk

The Group’s market risk management focuses on controlling the extent of exposure to the risk in order to minimize revenue volatility. Market risk is a risk that decreases value or profit of the Group’s portfolio due to changes in market interest rate, foreign exchange rate and other factors.

F-9 8

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(i) Sensitivity analysis

Sensitivity analysis is performed for each type of market risk to which the Group is exposed. Reasonably possible changes in the relevant risk variable such as prevailing market interest rates, currency rates, equity prices or commodity prices are estimated and if the rate of change in the underlying risk variable is stable, the Group does not alter the chosen reasonably possible change in the risk variable. The reasonably possible change does not include remote or ‘worst case’ scenarios or ‘stress tests’.

(ii) Foreign exchange risk

The Group is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from operating, investing and financing activities. Foreign exchange risk is managed within the range of the possible effect on the Group’s cash flows. Foreign exchange risk (i.e. foreign currency translation of overseas operating assets and liabilities) unaffecting the Group’s cash flows is not hedged but can be hedged at a particular situation.

As of December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, if the foreign exchange rate had strengthened/weakened by 10% with all other variables held constant, the effects on profit before income tax and shareholders’ equity would have been as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) Fluctuation of<br> foreign exchange<br> rate Impact on profit<br> before income tax<br>1 Impact on equity
2022.12.31 10 % (5,841 ) (15,836 )
-10 % 5,841 15,836
2023.12.31 10 % (10,313 ) (18,460 )
-10 % 10,313 18,460
2024.12.31 10 % (6,452 ) (15,351 )
-10 % 6,452 15,351
1 Computed with considering derivatives hedging effect applied by the Group to hedge foreign exchange risk of liabilities in foreign currencies.
--- ---

The above analysis is a simple sensitivity analysis which assumes that all the variables other than foreign exchange rates are held constant. Therefore, the analysis does not reflect any correlation between foreign exchange rates and other variables, nor the management’s decision to decrease the risk.

F-9 9

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

Details of financial assets and liabilities in foreign currencies as at December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(In thousands of foreign currencies) 2023 2024
Financial<br> liabilities Financial<br> assets Financial<br> liabilities Financial<br> assets Financial<br> liabilities
106,426 2,336,607 139,807 2,271,673 139,459 2,346,061
SDR1 255 722 254 722 254 721
32,801 400,002 17,496 400,002 10,032 7
30 83
185 7,832 304 7,810 156 7,814
RWF2 15,521 13,025 402
THB3 265 244 8,764
TZS4 1,464 21,958 21,868
BWP5 183 680 664
HKD6 37
VND7 280,226 380,629 222,914
SGD8 448 284,000 1,375 8,339 7
TWD9 1,685
CHF10 25 33
MYR11 1
BGN12 62
PKR13 114,025 13,732

All values are in US Dollars.

1 Special Drawing Rights.
2 Rwanda Franc.
--- ---
3 Thailand Bhat.
--- ---
4 Tanzanian Shilling.
--- ---
5 Botswana Pula.
--- ---
6 Hong Kong Dollar.
--- ---
7 Vietnam Dong.
--- ---
8 Singapore Dollar.
--- ---
9 Taiwan Dollar.
--- ---
10 Swiss Franc.
--- ---
11 Ringgit Malaysia.
--- ---
12 Bulgarian Lev.
--- ---
13 Pakistani rupee
--- ---

F- 100

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(iii) Price risk

As of December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, the Group is exposed to equity securities price risk because the securities held by the Group are traded in active markets. If the market prices had increased/decreased by 10% with all other variables held constant, the effects on profit before income tax and equity would have been as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) Fluctuation of<br><br>price Impact on profit<br> before income tax Impact on equity
2022.12.31 10% 2,660 113,948
-10% (2,660 ) (113,948 )
2023.12.31 10% 1,473 121,423
-10% (1,473 ) (121,423 )
2024.12.31 10% 519 129,404
-10% (519 ) (129,404 )

The analysis above is based on the assumption that the equity index had increased/decreased by 10% with all other variables held constant and all the Group’s marketable equity instruments had moved according to the historical correlation with the index. Gain or loss on equity securities classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income can increase or decrease equity.

(iv) Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk

The Group’s interest rate risk arises from liabilities in foreign currency such as foreign currency debentures. Debentures in foreign currency issued at variable rates expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk which is partially offset by swap transactions. Debentures and borrowings issued at fixed rates expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk. The Group sets the policy and operates to minimize the uncertainty of the changes in interest rates and financial costs.

As of December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, if the market interest rate had increased/decreased by 100 bp with other variables held constant, the effects on profit before income tax and shareholders’ equity would be as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) Fluctuation of<br><br>interest rate Impact on profit<br> before income tax Impact on equity
2022.12.31 + 100 bp 635 (2,045 )
- 100 bp (669 ) 2,100
2023.12.31 + 100 bp (2,693 ) (4,718 )
- 100 bp 2,696 5,037
2024.12.31 + 100 bp (1,658 ) (11,903 )
- 100 bp 1,665 12,337

The above analysis is a simple sensitivity analysis which assumes that all the variables other than market interest rates are held constant. Therefore, the analysis does not reflect any correlation between market interest rates and other variables, nor the management’s decision to decrease the risk.

F-10 1


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

2) Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations and arises principally from the Group’s trade receivables from customers, debt securities and others.

- Risk management

Credit risk is managed on the Group basis with the purpose of minimizing financial loss. Credit risk arises from the normal transactions and investing activities, where clients or other party fails to discharge an obligation on contract conditions. To manage credit risk, the Group considers the counterparty’s credit based on the counterparty’s financial conditions, default history and other important factors.

Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments and deposits with banks and financial institutions, as well as outstanding receivables. To minimize such risk, only the financial institutions with strong credit ratings are accepted.

The Group’s investments in debt instruments are considered to be low risk investments. The credit ratings of the investments are monitored for credit deterioration.

- Security

For some trade receivables, the Group may obtain security in the form of guarantees or letters of credit, etc. which can be called upon if the counterparty is in default under the terms of the agreement.

- Impairment of financial assets

The Group has four types of financial assets that are subject to the expected credit loss model:

trade receivables for sales of goods and provision of services,
contract assets relating to provision of services,
--- ---
debt investments carried at fair value through other comprehensive income, and
--- ---
other financial assets carried at amortized cost.
--- ---

While cash equivalents are also subject to the impairment requirement, the identified expected credit loss was immaterial.

F-10 2


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

The maximum exposure to credit risk of the Group’s financial instruments without considering value of collaterals as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
Cash and cash equivalents<br><br>(except for cash on hand) 2,869,285 3,711,936
Trade and other receivables
Financial assets at amortized costs 8,458,259 7,573,409
Financial assets at fair value through<br><br>other comprehensive income 116,198 114,774
Contract assets 832,520 800,806
Other financial assets
Derivatives financial assets for hedging 159,211 445,471
Financial assets at fair value through<br><br>profit or loss 880,549 971,805
Financial assets at fair value through<br><br>other comprehensive income 5,913 6,157
Financial assets at amortized costs 1,385,921 962,653
Total 14,707,856 14,587,011

The Group is exposed to credit risk for financial guarantee contracts. As of December 31, 2024, the Group’s maximum exposure amount is ₩ 108,881 million (December 31, 2023: ₩ 116,719 million).

(i) Trade receivables and contract assets

The Group applies the simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance for all trade receivables and contract assets.

The Group measures the expected credit loss by considering the future unrecoverable rate of the remaining balance of trade receivables and other receivables at the end of the reporting period. Each trade receivables and other receivables are classified considering the credit risk characteristics and overdue periods in order to measure expected credit loss. The expected credit loss rate calculation is based on historical payment and credit loss information in relation to revenue for 36 months period up to December 31, 2024. Meanwhile, the credit sales assets of BC Card Co., Ltd., a subsidiary, were judged to have low credit risk, so the expected 12-month credit loss was applied.

F-10 3


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

The expected credit losses reflect forward-looking information. Provision for impairment as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

December 31, 2023
(in millions of Korean won) Less than<br><br>6 months 7-12<br><br> months More than<br><br>1 years Total
Expected credit loss rate 5.43 % 21.72 % 54.55 %
Total carrying amounts 3,466,588 68,772 235,129 3,770,489
Provision for impairment (188,086 ) (14,940 ) (128,264 ) (331,290 )
December 31, 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
(in millions of Korean won) Less than<br><br>6 months 7-12<br><br> months More than<br><br>1 years Total
Expected credit loss rate 6.08 % 32.37 % 60.55 %
Total carrying amounts 3,086,024 59,092 285,454 3,430,570
Provision for impairment (187,649 ) (19,128 ) (172,849 ) (379,626 )

Details of changes in provisions for impairment of trade receivables the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) 2023 2024
Beginning balance 343,738 331,290
Provision 69,972 95,060
Written-off (80,126 ) (54,528 )
Others (2,294 ) 7,804
Ending balance 331,290 379,626

As of December 31, 2024, the maximum exposure of the trade receivables carrying amount to credit risk is ₩ 3,050,944 million (December 31, 2023: ₩ 3,439,199 million).

Impairment of trade receivable for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) 2023 2024
Impairment loss Bad debt expenses 69,972 95,060

(ii) Cash equivalents (except for cash on hand)

The Group is also exposed to credit risk in relation cash equivalents. The maximum exposure at the end of the reporting period is the carrying amount of these investments.

(iii) Other financial assets at amortized costs

Other financial assets at amortized cost include time deposits, other long-term financial instruments and others. All of the financial assets at amortized costs are considered to have low credit risk, and the loss allowance recognized during the period was, therefore, limited to 12 months expected losses. Management considers ‘low credit risk’ for other instruments when they have a low risk of default and the issuer has a strong capacity to meet its contractual cash flow obligations in the near term.

F-10 4


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

Details of changes in provisions for impairment of other financial assets at amortized costs for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) 2023 2024
Beginning balance 218,543 183,636
Provision 114,501 82,123
Written-off (150,014 ) (105,169 )
Reversal (14,941 ) (380 )
Others 15,547 44,384
Ending balance 183,636 204,594

(iv) Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

All of the debt investments at fair value through other comprehensive income are considered to have low credit risk, and the loss allowance recognized during the period was, therefore, limited to 12 months expected losses. Managements consider ‘low credit risk’ for other instruments when they have a low risk of default and the issuer has a strong capacity to meet its contractual cash flow obligations in the near term. The maximum exposure at the end of the reporting period is the carrying amount of these investments.

(v) Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

The Group is also exposed to credit risk in relation to financial assets that are measured at fair value through profit or loss. The maximum exposure at the end of the reporting period is the carrying amount of these investments.

3) Liquidity risk

The Group manages its liquidity risk by liquidity strategy and plans. The Group considers the maturity of financial assets and financial liabilities and the estimated cash flows from operations.

The table below analyzes the Group’s liabilities (including interest expenses) into relevant maturity groups based on the remaining period at the date of the end of each reporting period to the contractual maturity date. These amounts are contractual undiscounted cash flows and can differ from the amount in the consolidated financial statements.

December 31, 2023
(in millions of Korean won) Less than 1 year 1-5<br> years More than<br><br>5 years Total
Trade and other payables 8,184,036 730,340 8,040 8,922,416
Borrowings<br><br>(including debentures) 2,922,557 6,027,323 1,743,842 10,693,722
Lease liabilities 313,431 617,561 409,174 1,340,166
Other <br>non-derivative<br> financial<br><br>liabilities 372,743 747,221 10,073 1,130,037
Financial guarantee contracts<br>1 13,719 103,000 116,719
Total 11,806,486 8,225,445 2,171,129 22,203,060

F-10 5

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

1 Total amount guaranteed by the Group according to guarantee contracts. Cash flow from financial guarantee contracts is classified as the maturity group in the earliest period when the financial guarantee contracts can be executed.
(in millions of Korean won) December 31, 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Less than<br><br>1 year 1-5<br> years More than<br><br>5 years Total
Trade and other payables 7,509,703 728,268 22,209 8,260,180
Borrowings<br><br>(including debentures) 4,206,534 5,485,468 1,669,798 11,361,800
Lease liabilities 360,361 674,594 142,857 1,177,812
Other <br>non-derivative<br> financial liabilities 391,039 756,024 15,280 1,162,343
Financial guarantee contracts<br>1 108,881 108,881
Total 12,576,518 7,644,354 1,850,144 22,071,016
1 Total amount guaranteed by the Group according to guarantee contracts. Cash flow from financial guarantee contracts is classified as the maturity group in the earliest period when the financial guarantee contracts can be executed
--- ---

At the end of the reporting period, the cash outflows and inflows by maturity of the Group’s derivatives held for trading and gross-settled derivatives are as follows:

December 31, 2022
(in millions of Korean won) Less than 1 year 1-5<br> years More than<br> 5 years Total
Derivatives held for trading<br>1
Outflows 101,994 930 102,924
Derivatives settled gross<br>2
Outflows 472,005 2,493,858 28,786 2,994,649
Inflows 550,478 2,670,002 37,873 3,258,353
December 31, 2023
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
(in millions of Korean won) Less than 1 year 1-5<br> years More than<br> 5 years Total
Derivatives held for trading<br>1
Outflows 133,293 133,293
Inflows 1,015 1,015
Derivatives settled gross<br>2
Outflows 741,140 1,227,166 8,126 1,976,432
Inflows 614,066 2,198,958 36,344 2,849,368
December 31, 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
(in millions of Korean won) Less than 1 year 1-5<br> years More than<br> 5 years Total
Derivatives held for trading<br>1
Outflows 131,630 131,630
Derivatives settled gross<br>2
Outflows 1,326,759 1,570,621 26,283 2,923,663
Inflows 1,550,061 1,900,720 39,001 3,489,782

F-10 6

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

1 During the year ended December 31, 2024, derivative liabilities <br>held-for-trading are<br> classified under the ‘more than one year to less than five years’ category as they are relevant to the fair value of derivatives liabilities related to <br>shareholder-to-share<br> contracts (Note 19).

As these derivatives held-for-trading are managed based on net fair value, their contractual maturities are not necessarily taking into consideration to understand the timing of cash flows.

2 Cash outflow and inflow of gross-settled derivatives are undiscounted contractual cash flow and may differ from the amount in the consolidated statement of financial position.

(2) Management of Capital Risk

The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other shareholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.

The Group’s capital structure consists of liabilities including borrowings, cash and cash equivalents, and shareholders’ equity. The treasury department monitors the Group’s capital structure and considers cost of capital and risks related each capital component.

The debt-to-equity ratios as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
Total liabilities 24,249,073 24,035,197
Total equity 18,542,575 17,967,561
Debt-to-equity<br> ratio 131 % 134 %

The Group manages capital on the basis of the gearing ratio. This ratio is calculated as net debt divided by total capital. Net debt is calculated as total borrowings less cash and cash equivalents. Total capital is calculated as ‘equity’ in the statement of financial position plus net debt.

The gearing ratios as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won, %) December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
Total borrowings 10,218,165 10,520,690
Less: cash and cash equivalents (2,879,554 ) (3,716,680 )
Net debt 7,338,611 6,804,010
Total equity 18,542,575 17,967,561
Total capital 25,881,186 24,771,571
Gearing ratio 28 % 27 %

F-10 7


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(3) Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

1) Details of the Group’s recognized financial assets subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements are as follows:
(in millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Gross<br><br>assets Gross<br> liabilities<br> offset Net amounts<br> presented in<br> the statement<br> of financial<br> position Amounts not offset Net<br> amount
Financial<br> instruments Cash<br> collateral
Trade receivables 78,415 (1,407 ) 77,008 (59,148 ) 17,860
Other financial assets 759 (757 ) 2 (2 )
Total 79,174 (2,164 ) 77,010 (59,150 ) 17,860
(in millions of Korean won) December 31, 2024
Gross<br><br>assets Gross<br> liabilities<br> offset Net amounts<br> presented in<br> the statement<br> of financial<br> position Amounts not offset Net<br> amount
Financial<br> instruments Cash<br> collateral
Trade receivables 71,680 (20,588 ) 51,092 (42,998 ) 8,094
Other financial assets 148 (147 ) 1 (1 )
Total 71,828 (20,735 ) 51,093 (42,999 ) 8,094

These include price subject to netting arrangements on facility interconnection and data sharing among telecommunication companies.

2) Details of the Group’s financial liabilities recognized, subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements, as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows
(in millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Gross<br> liabilities Gross<br> assets<br><br>offset Net amounts<br> presented in<br> the statement<br> of financial<br><br>position Amounts not offset Net<br> amount
Financial<br> instruments Cash<br> collateral
Trade payables 59,602 (757 ) 58,845 (56,196 ) 2,649
Other financial assets 4,362 (1,407 ) 2,955 (2,955 )
Total 63,964 (2,164 ) 61,800 (59,151 ) 2,649
(in millions of Korean won) December 31, 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Gross<br> liabilities Gross<br> assets<br><br>offset Net amounts<br> presented in<br> the statement<br> of financial<br><br>position Amounts not offset Net<br> amount
Financial<br> instruments Cash<br> collateral
Trade payables 40,732 (147 ) 40,585 (39,306 ) 1,279
Other financial assets 24,281 (20,588 ) 3,693 (3,693 )
Total 65,013 (20,735 ) 44,278 (42,999 ) 1,279

These include price subject to netting arrangements on facility interconnection and data sharing among telecommunication companies.

F-10 8


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

37. Fair Value

(1) Fair Value of Financial Instruments by Category

Carrying amount and fair value of financial instruments by category as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024
Carrying<br> amount Fair value Carrying<br> amount Fair value
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents 2,879,554 1 3,716,680 1
Trade and other receivables
Financial assets measured at amortized cost<br>2 8,326,229 1 7,380,901 1
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 116,198 116,198 114,774 114,774
Other financial assets
Financial assets measured at amortized cost 1,385,921 1 962,653 1
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 939,661 939,661 1,029,926 1,029,926
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 1,680,168 1,680,168 1,665,368 1,665,368
Derivative financial assets for hedging 159,211 159,211 445,471 445,471
Total 15,486,942 15,315,773
Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables 8,317,822 1 7,214,174 1
Borrowings 10,218,165 9,979,545 10,520,690 10,423,619
Other financial liabilities
Financial liabilities at amortized cost 915,185 1 942,135 1
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 136,106 136,106 132,011 132,011
Derivative financial liabilities for hedging purpose 24,547 24,547 3 3
Total 19,611,825 18,809,013
1 The Group did not conduct fair value estimation since the book amount is a reasonable approximation of the fair value.
--- ---
2 Lease receivables are excluded from fair value disclosure in accordance with IFRS <br>7<br>.
--- ---

F-10 9


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(2) Fair Value Hierarchy

To provide an indication about the reliability of the inputs used in determining fair value, the Group classifies its financial instruments into the three levels prescribed under the accounting standards. Financial instruments that are measured at fair value are categorized by the fair value hierarchy, and the defined levels are as follows:

Level 1: The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets is based on quoted market prices at the end of the reporting period. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Group is the current bid price. These instruments are included in level 1.
Level 2: The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in active markets is determined using valuation techniques which maximize the use of observable market data and rely as little as possible on entity-specific estimates. If all significant inputs required to fair value an instrument are observable, the instrument is included in level 2.
--- ---
Level 3: If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in level 3.
--- ---

Fair value hierarchy classifications of the financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value disclosed in fair value as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets
Trade and other receivables
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 116,198 116,198
Other financial assets
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 13,911 156,918 768,832 939,661
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 1,230,936 5,206 444,026 1,680,168
Derivative financial assets for hedging 159,211 159,211
Investment properties 5,276,169 5,276,169
Total 1,244,847 437,533 6,489,027 8,171,407
Liabilities
Borrowings 9,979,545 9,979,545
Other financial liabilities
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 1,545 134,561 136,106
Derivative financial liabilities for hedging purpose 24,547 24,547
Total 10,005,637 134,561 10,140,198

F-1 10


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(in millions of Korean won) December 31, 2024
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets
Trade and other receivables
Financial assets at fair value<br><br>through other comprehensive income 114,774 114,774
Other financial assets
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 5,620 181,694 842,612 1,029,926
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 1,317,120 5,418 342,830 1,665,368
Derivative financial assets for hedging 445,471 445,471
Investment properties 6,899,105 6,899,105
Total 1,322,740 747,357 8,084,547 10,154,644
Liabilities
Borrowings 10,423,619 10,423,619
Other financial liabilities
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 132,011 132,011
Derivative financial liabilities for hedging purpose 3 3
Total 10,423,622 132,011 10,555,633
(3) Transfers Between Fair Value Hierarchy Levels of Recurring Fair Value Measurements
--- ---
1) Details of transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy for recurring fair value measurements
--- ---

There are no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy for the recurring fair value measurements.

2) Details of changes in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy for recurring fair value measurements.

F-11 1


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

Details of changes in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy for the recurring fair value measurements as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

2023
Financial assets Financial liabilities
(in millions of Korean won) Financial assets<br> at fair value<br> through profit or<br> loss Financial assets<br> at fair value<br> through other<br> comprehensive<br> income Derivative<br> financial assets<br> for hedging Financial<br> liabilities at fair<br> value through<br> profit or loss
Beginning balance 612,069 497,129 1,113 141,280
Acquisition 216,838 10,267
Reclassification 26,471 (5,532 ) (1,113) (7,363 )
Acquisition and disposition of businesses 252
Disposal (44,323 ) (6 ) (5,205 )
Amount recognized in profit<br><br>or loss <br>1 (42,475 ) (61 ) 5,849
Amount recognized in other<br><br>comprehensive income <br>2 (57,771 )
Ending balance 768,832 444,026 134,561
1 The recognition of gains and losses on derivatives financial liabilities (assets) for hedging purposes consists entirely of derivatives valuation losses.
--- ---
2 The recognition of gains and losses on financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss consists of derivative valuation losses.
--- ---
2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Financial assets Financial liabilities
Financial assets<br> at fair value<br> through profit or<br> loss Financial assets<br> at fair value<br> through other<br> comprehensive<br> income Derivative<br> financial assets<br> for hedging Financial<br> liabilities at fair<br> value through<br> profit or loss
Beginning balance 768,832 444,026 134,561
Acquisition 109,198 1,011
Reclassification 51,194 (45 ) (5,772 )
Disposal (36,663 )
Amount recognized in profit<br><br>or loss <br>1, (49,949 ) 3,222
Amount recognized in other<br><br>comprehensive income <br>2 (102,162 )
Ending balance 842,612 342,830 132,011
1 The recognition of gains and losses on financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss consists of derivative valuation gains and losses.
--- ---
2 The recognition of gains and losses on financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss consists of derivative valuation losses.
--- ---

F-11 2


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(4) Valuation Technique and the Inputs

Valuation techniques and inputs used in the recurring, non-recurring fair value measurements and disclosed fair values categorized within Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:

December 31, 2023
(in millions of Korean won) Fair value Level Valuation techniques Inputs
Assets
Trade and other receivables
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 116,198 2 DCF Model Guaranteed bond interest rate
Other financial assets
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 925,750 2,3 DCF Model,<br><br>Adjusted Net Asset Model,<br><br>Monte-Carlo Simulation Market Interest rate,<br> <br>Underlying asset price
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 449,232 2,3 DCF Model, Market Approach Model Discount rate
Derivative financial assets for hedging 159,211 2 DCF Model Market observation<br> discount rate,<br> <br>Swap interest rate
Investment properties 5,276,169 3 DCF Model
Liabilities
Borrowings 9,979,545 2 DCF Model Bond interest rate
Other financial liabilities
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 136,106 2,3 DCF Model, Binomial Option Pricing Model, Forward exchange rate<br> <br>Forward interest rate
Derivative financial liabilities for hedging 24,547 2 DCF Model Market observation<br> discount rate

F-11 3

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(in millions of Korean won) December 31, 2024
Fair value Level Valuation techniques Inputs
Assets
Trade and other receivables
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 114,774 2 DCF Model Guaranteed bond interest rate
Other financial assets
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 1,024,306 2,3 DCF Model, Adjusted Net Asset Model,<br><br>Market Approach Model<br><br>T-F<br> Model Market Interest rate, Underlying asset price
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 348,248 2,3 DCF Model,<br><br>Market Approach Model Discount rate
Derivative financial assets for hedging 445,471 2 DCF Model Market observation discount rate
Investment properties 6,899,105 3 DCF Model
Liabilities
Borrowings 10,423,619 2 DCF Model Bond interest rate
Other financial liabilities
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 132,011 3 Binomial Option Pricing Model, Treasury Bond Interest rate
Derivative financial liabilities for hedging 3 2 DCF Model Market observation<br> discount rate
(5) Valuation Processes for Fair Value Measurements Categorized Within Level 3
--- ---

The Group uses external experts that perform the fair value measurements required for financial reporting purposes. External experts report directly to the chief financial officer (CFO) and discuss the valuation processes and results with the CFO in line with the Group’s closing dates.

F-11 4

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

38. Interests in Unconsolidated Structured Entities
(1) Details of information about its interests in unconsolidated structured entities, which the Group does not have control over, including the nature, purpose and activities of the structured entity and how the structured entity is financed, are as follows:
--- ---
Classes of entities Nature, purpose, activities and others
--- ---
Real estate finance A structured entity incorporated for the purpose of real estate development is provided with funds by investors’ investments in equity and borrowings from financial institutions (including long-term and short-term loans and issuance of ABCP due in three months), and based on these, the structured entity implements activities such as real estate acquisition, development and mortgage loans. The structured entity repays loan principals with funds incurred from installment house sales after the completion of real estate development or with collection of the principal of mortgage loan. The remaining shares are distributed to investors. As of December 31, 2024, this entity is engaged in real estate finance structured entity, and generates revenues by receiving dividends from direct investments in or receiving interests on loans to the structured entity. Financial institutions, including the Entity, are provided with guarantees including joint guarantees or real estate collateral from investors and others. Consequently, the entity is a priority over other parties in the preservation of claim. However, when the credit rating of investors and others decreases or when the value of real estate decreases, the entity may be obliged to cover losses.
PEF and investment funds Minority investors including managing members contribute to PEF and investment funds incorporated for the purpose of providing funds to the small, medium, or venture entities, and the managing member implements activities such as investments in equity or loans based on the contributions. As of December 31, 2024, the entity is engaged in PEF and investment funds structured entity, and after contributing to PEF and investment funds, the entity receives dividends for operating revenues from these contributions. The entity is provided with underlying assets of PEF and investment funds as collateral. However, when the value of the underlying assets decreases, the entity may be obliged to cover losses.
Asset securitization The Group transfers accounts receivable for handset sales to its Special Purpose Company (“SPC”) for asset securitization. SPC issues the asset-backed securities with accounts receivable for handset sales as an underlying asset and makes payment for the underlying asset acquired.

F-11 5


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(2) Details of scale of unconsolidated structured entities and nature of the risks associated with an entity’s interests in unconsolidated structured entities as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, are as follows:
(in millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Real Estate<br>Finance PEF and<br>Investment<br>Funds Total
Maximum loss exposure <br>1
Investment assets 360,557 509,816 870,373
Investment agreement and others <br>2 44,975 106,064 151,039
Total 405,532 615,880 1,021,412
1 Includes the investments recognized in the Group’s financial statements and the amounts which are probable to be determined when certain conditions are met.
--- ---
2 Investment agreements and others include purchase agreements, credit granting and others.
--- ---
(in millions of Korean won) December 31, 2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Real Estate<br>Finance PEF and<br>Investment<br>Funds Total
Maximum loss exposure <br>1
Investment assets 373,638 547,153 920,791
Investment agreement and others <br>2 84,481 101,178 185,659
Total 458,119 648,331 1,106,450
1 Includes the investments recognized in the Group’s financial statements and the amounts which are probable to be determined when certain conditions are met.
--- ---
2 Investment agreements and others include purchase agreements, credit granting and others.
--- ---
39. Information About <br>Non-controlling<br> Interests
--- ---
(1) Changes in Accumulated <br>Non-controlling<br> Interests
--- ---

Profit or loss allocated to non-controlling interests and accumulated non-controlling interests of subsidiaries that are material to the Group for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024 are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won) December 31, 2022
Non-<br><br>controlling<br>Interests<br>rate (%) Accumulated<br><br>non-controlling<br><br>interests at the<br>beginning of<br>the year Profit or loss<br>allocated to<br><br>non-<br><br>controlling<br>interests Dividends<br>paid<br><br>to non-<br><br>controlling<br>interests Others Accumulated<br><br>non-controlling<br><br>interests at the<br>end of the year
KT Skylife Co., Ltd. 49.8 % 410,695 7,127 (8,284 ) 13,651 423,189
BC Card Co., Ltd. 30.5 % 498,928 47,909 (7,641 ) (14,539 ) 524,657
KTIS Corporation 66.7 % 135,240 14,965 (2,226 ) (6,577 ) 141,402
KTCS Corporation 78.3 % 145,111 18,888 (2,721 ) (7,397 ) 153,881
Nasmedia Co.,<br><br>Ltd. 56.0 % 124,181 15,610 (4,187 ) (179 ) 135,425

F-11 6


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

(In millions of Korean won) December 31, 2023
Non-<br><br> controlling<br> Interests<br> rate (%) Accumulated<br> <br>non-controlling<br><br> interests at the<br> beginning of<br> the year Profit or loss<br> allocated to<br> <br>non-<br><br> controlling<br> interests Dividends<br> paid<br> <br>to non-<br><br> controlling<br> interests Others Accumulated<br> <br>non-controlling<br><br> interests at the<br> end of the year
KT Skylife Co., Ltd. 49.4 % 423,189 (47,355 ) (8,287 ) (6,192 ) 361,355
BC Card Co., Ltd. 30.5 % 524,657 25,355 (4,960 ) 3,023 548,075
KTIS Corporation 66.7 % 141,402 5,947 (2,451 ) (1,872 ) 143,026
KTCS Corporation 78.3 % 153,881 14,228 (3,001 ) (2,313 ) 162,795
Nasmedia Co., Ltd. 55.9 % 135,425 10,679 (4,028 ) (467 ) 141,609
(In millions of Korean won) December 31, 2024
Non-<br><br> controlling<br> Interests<br> rate (%) Accumulated<br> <br>non-controlling<br><br> interests at the<br> beginning of<br> the year Profit or loss<br> allocated to<br> <br>non-controlling<br><br> interests Dividends<br> paid<br> <br>to non-<br><br> controlling<br> interests Others Accumulated<br> <br>non-controlling<br><br> interests at the<br> end of the year
KT Skylife Co., Ltd. 49.5 % 361,355 (71,590 ) (8,184 ) 680 282,261
BC Card Co., Ltd. 30.5 % 548,075 45,135 (2,010 ) 7,222 598,422
KTIS Corporation 66.7 % 143,026 6,305 (2,451 ) (861 ) 146,019
KTCS Corporation 78.3 % 162,795 5,221 (2,501 ) (566 ) 164,949
Nasmedia Co., Ltd<br>. 55.9 % 141,609 (2,071 ) (4,428 ) 419 135,529

(2) Summarized Financial Information on Subsidiaries

The summarized financial information for each subsidiary with non-controlling interests that are material to the Group, before inter-company eliminations, is as follows:

December 31, 2023
(in millions of Korean won) KT Skylife<br> Co., Ltd. BC Card Co.,<br> Ltd. KTIS<br> Corporation KTCS<br> Corporation Nasmedia<br> Co., Ltd.
Current assets 425,661 3,739,847 111,313 304,508 411,774
Non-current<br> assets 795,182 2,613,031 336,296 130,391 101,537
Current liabilities 353,839 3,661,263 116,271 187,621 251,207
Non-current<br> liabilities 125,531 1,061,169 127,248 47,228 11,129
Equity 741,473 1,630,446 204,090 200,050 250,975
December 31, 2024
(in millions of Korean won) KT Skylife<br> Co., Ltd. BC Card Co.,<br> Ltd. KTIS<br> Corporation KTCS<br> Corporation Nasmedia<br> Co., Ltd.
Current assets 434,876 3,130,823 129,015 293,408 427,146
Non-current<br> assets 605,312 2,830,224 340,917 141,659 65,636
Current liabilities 242,754 3,147,202 122,879 189,900 244,498
Non-current<br> liabilities 220,840 1,049,521 138,947 42,229 8,209
Equity 576,594 1,764,324 208,106 202,938 240,075

F-11 7

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

Summarized consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024 are as follows:

2022
(in millions of Korean won) KT Skylife<br> Co., Ltd. BC Card Co.,<br> Ltd. KTIS<br> Corporation KTCS<br> Corporation Nasmedia<br> Co., Ltd.
Operating revenue 1,038,468 3,897,090 536,229 1,031,010 153,211
Profit for the year 20,941 148,341 15,917 17,634 27,691
Other comprehensive income (loss) 13,544 (5,286 ) (2,415 ) (134 ) (695 )
Total comprehensive income 34,485 143,055 13,502 17,500 26,996
2023
(in millions of Korean won) KT Skylife<br> Co., Ltd. BC Card Co.,<br> Ltd. KTIS<br> Corporation KTCS<br> Corporation Nasmedia<br> Co., Ltd.
Operating revenue 1,034,342 4,027,450 593,162 1,035,911 147,934
Profit for the year (109,407 ) 76,545 13,922 15,804 17,703
Other comprehensive income (loss) (6,625 ) 13,832 (3,162 ) (2,550 ) (1,890 )
Total comprehensive income (116,032 ) 90,377 10,760 13,254 15,813
2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
(in millions of Korean won) KT Skylife<br> Co., Ltd. BC Card Co.,<br> Ltd. KTIS<br> Corporation KTCS<br> Corporation Nasmedia<br> Co., Ltd.
Operating revenue 1,026,644 3,806,858 604,479 1,122,264 143,639
Profit for the year (156,033 ) 141,149 11,862 6,814 (3,884 )
Other comprehensive income (loss) (3,019 ) 636 (4,172 ) (133 ) 898
Total comprehensive income (159,052 ) 141,785 7,690 6,681 (2,986 )

Summarized consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024 are as follows:

2022
(in millions of Korean won) KT Skylife<br> Co., Ltd. BC Card Co.,<br> Ltd. KTIS<br> Corporation KTCS<br> Corporation Nasmedia<br> Co., Ltd.
Cash flows from operating activities 176,407 (798,043 ) 13,809 19,423 22,015
Cash flows from investing activities (78,928 ) (7,733 ) 9,813 13,245 3,845
Cash flows from financing activities (79,455 ) 914,441 (29,199 ) (35,578 ) (11,136 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 18,024 108,665 (5,577 ) (2,910 ) 14,724
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 80,672 326,482 30,521 63,884 71,396
Exchange differences (1 ) (100 ) 840 13
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year 98,695 435,047 24,944 61,814 86,133

F-11 8

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

2023
(in millions of Korean won) KT Skylife<br> Co., Ltd. BC Card Co.,<br> Ltd. KTIS<br> Corporation KTCS<br> Corporation Nasmedia<br> Co., Ltd.
Cash flows from operating activities 207,207 82,883 50,892 55,146 8,116
Cash flows from investing activities (125,343 ) (74,430 ) (17,636 ) (5,901 ) (30,910 )
Cash flows from financing activities (50,811 ) (67,609 ) (32,872 ) (26,948 ) (11,077 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 31,053 (59,156 ) 384 22,297 (33,871 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 98,695 435,047 24,944 61,814 86,133
Exchange differences (95 ) 15
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year 129,748 375,796 25,328 84,111 52,277
2024
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
(in millions of Korean won) KT Skylife<br> Co., Ltd. BC Card Co.,<br> Ltd. KTIS<br> Corporation KTCS<br> Corporation Nasmedia<br> Co., Ltd.
Cash flows from operating activities 162,281 (97,232 ) 61,770 44,551 35,867
Cash flows from investing activities (160,757 ) (30,579 ) (9,923 ) 1,661 (22,210 )
Cash flows from financing activities 9,510 121,800 (32,762 ) (25,211 ) (11,803 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 11,034 (6,011 ) 19,085 21,001 1,854
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 129,748 375,796 25,328 84,111 52,277
Exchange differences 358 45
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year 140,782 370,143 44,413 105,112 54,176
(3) Transactions with <br>Non-controlling<br> Interests
--- ---

The effect of changes in the ownership interest on the equity attributable to owners of the Group for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024 is summarized as follows:

(in millions of Korean won) 2022 2023 2024
Carrying amount of <br>non-controlling<br> interests acquired 19,272 3,022 (20,329 )
Consideration paid to <br>non-controlling<br> interests 69,652 213,819 (38 )
Effect of changes in equity (net amount) 88,924 216,841 (20,367 )

F-119

Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024

40. Events After the Reporting Period
(1) The Group has decided to acquire treasury stocks (<br>₩<br> 250,000 million) in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors dated February 13, 2025, to implement the ‘Corporate <br>Value-Up<br> Plan’.
--- ---
(2) The Group issued the following bonds after the end of the reporting period, and the details are as follows.
--- ---
(In thousands of foreign currencies)
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Type Issued Date Foreign currency Maturity
The bond in Japanese yen Mar. 7, 2025 23,300,000 1.217 % Mar. 5, 2027
The bond in Japanese yen Mar. 7, 2025 6,700,000 1.367 % Mar. 7, 2028

All values are in Japanese Yen.

F-1 20

EX-1

Exhibit 1

THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

KT Corporation

Adopted on October 1, 1997

Amended on December 8, 1997

September 18, 1998

March 19, 1999

March 24, 2000

March 21, 2001

March 22, 2002

August 20, 2002

March 14, 2003

March 12, 2004

March 11, 2005

August 19, 2005

March 10, 2006

March 16, 2007

January 14, 2009

March 27, 2009

March 12, 2010

March 11, 2011

March 16, 2012

March 15, 2013

March 27, 2015

March 25, 2016

March 24, 2017

March 23, 2018

March 29, 2019

March 30, 2020

March 29, 2021

March 31, 2022

March 31, 2023

June 30, 2023

March 28, 2024

March 31, 2025

1 / 22

CHAPTER I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. (Name) The name of the Corporation shall be “Chusik Hoesa KT”, which shall be written in English as “KT Corporation” (hereafter “KT”).

Article 2. (Purpose) The objective of KT is to engage in the following business activities:

1. Information and communications business
2. New media business and Internet Multimedia Broadcasting Business
--- ---
3. Development and sale of software and contents
--- ---
4. Sale and distribution of information communication equipment
--- ---
5. Testing and inspection of information communication equipment, device or facilities
--- ---
6. Advertisement business
--- ---
7. Retail business via telephone, mail order or online
--- ---
8. IT facility construction business, electrical construction business and fire protection facility business<br>
--- ---
9. Real estate and housing business
--- ---
10. Electronic banking and finance business
--- ---
11. Education and learning service business
--- ---
12. Security service business (Machinery system surveillance service, Facilities security service, etc.)<br>
--- ---
13. Research and technical development, education, training and promotion, overseas businesses, and export and<br>import, manufacture and distribution related to activities mentioned in Subparagraphs 1 through 12
--- ---
14. Frequency-based telecommunications services and other telecommunications services
--- ---
15. Value-added telecommunications business
--- ---
16. Manufacture, provision (screening) and distribution of contents such as musical records, music videos, movies,<br>videos and games
--- ---
17. Issuance and management of pre-paid electronic payment instruments, and<br>businesses related to electronic finance such as payment gateway services
--- ---
18. Sales and leasing of equipment and facilities related to the activities mentioned in Subparagraphs 14 through<br>17
--- ---
19. Any overseas business or export and import business related to activities mentioned in Subparagraphs 14 through<br>18
--- ---
20. Tourism
--- ---
21. (Deleted)
--- ---
22. New and renewable energy, energy generation business, electrical system design and business and agency business<br>for electrical safety management
--- ---
23. Health Informatics business
--- ---
24. Manufacture of communication equipment, device or facilities for military purpose
--- ---
25. Energy examination business, Energy service company(ESCO) business, and other R of energy use related<br>businesses
--- ---

2 / 22

26. Business facilities management and Business support services
27. Business related to Information Security & Certification Service
--- ---
28. Activities of management consultancy
--- ---
29. Warehousing and storage
--- ---
30. General construction business
--- ---
31. Specialized design business
--- ---
32. Freight Transportation Business, Cargo Transportation Intermediation Business
--- ---
33. Manufacturing and sales of medical device
--- ---
34. Personal information management business and ancillary work
--- ---
35. Facility rental business
--- ---
36. Any and all other activities or businesses incidental to or necessary for attainment of the foregoing.<br>
--- ---

Article 3. (Location of Offices) The head office of KT (the “head office”) shall be located in Seoul or Kyunggi Province. KT may establish requisite sub-offices at site(s) pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors.

Article 4. (Method of Public Notice) Public notice by KT shall be available at the website of the Company (https://www.kt.com) provided, however, that if it is not possible to do so due to computer system failure or other unavoidable causes, public notice by the Company shall be given in any daily newspaper published in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

CHAPTER II. SHARES OF STOCK

Article5. (Amount of Authorized Capital)

The total number of shares authorized to be issued by KT shall be one billion shares.

Article 6. (Par Value and Types of Shares and Electronic registration for Rights to be indicated on Share certificates and Subscription right certificates)

(1) Par value per share issued by KT shall be 5,000 Korean Won. The type of shares shall be common shares and preferred shares, both of which shall be in registered form.

(2) Rights to be indicated on share certificates and subscription right certificates shall be electronically registered in the electronic register of electronic registry instead of being issued.

Article 7. (Shares to be Issued at the Time of Incorporation)

The total number of shares to be issued by KT at the time of incorporation shall be 395,675,369 shares.

Article 8. (Number and Description of Preferred Shares)

(1) The total number of Preferred Shares to be issued by KT shall be up to one-fourth (1/4) of the total number of shares issued and outstanding, which shall be without voting rights.

(2) Dividends on Preferred Shares shall be an amount not less than nine (9) percent p.a. of the par value as determined by the Board of Directors at the time of issuance.

3 / 22

(3) If the dividends on the Common Shares exceed those on Preferred Shares, the excess dividend amount shall also be paid to the holders of Preferred Shares commensurate to the rate applicable to Common Shares.

(4) If dividends on Preferred Shares are not paid for any fiscal year, the holders of such Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive such accumulated unpaid dividend in priority to the holders of Common Shares from the dividends payable in the next fiscal year.

Article 9. (Preemptive Rights)

(1) When KT issues new shares, the shareholders of KT shall be entitled to subscribe for such new shares in proportion to their existing shareholdings.

(2) Notwithstanding Paragraph (1) above, new shares may be issued to persons other than the shareholders of KT, in the following cases:

1. When the new shares are issued by public offering or subscribed by underwriters pursuant to Article 4 and<br>Article 119 of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act (“FSCMA”);
2. When the members of the Employee Stock Ownership Association of KT have preemptive rights to subscribe for such<br>new shares pursuant to Article 165-7 of the FSCMA;
--- ---
3. When the new shares are represented by depositary receipt pursuant to Article<br>165-16 of the FSCMA
--- ---
4. When the new shares are issued by the exercise of stock options set forth in Article 10 of these Articles of<br>Incorporation;
--- ---
5. When the new shares are issued in order to accomplish specific business purposes such as strategic alliance,<br>inducement of foreign funds, other capital raising requirements, introduction of new technology, and improvement of financial structure.
--- ---
6. When the new shares are issued by a resolution of the Board of Directors through a general public offering<br>pursuant to Article 165-6 of the FSCMA. However, in such case, the total number of the shares to be issued shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total number of KT issued and outstanding; or<br>
--- ---
7. When there exists an immediate need for the company to raise funds, new shares can be issued to domestic and<br>foreign financial institutions (enacted on March 21, 2001).
--- ---

(3) The method of disposition of shares in respect of which preemptive rights have not been exercised or where fractions of shares occur shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

(4) Notwithstanding Paragraph (1) above, shareholders who acquire shares in violation of any laws and regulations or these Articles of Incorporation shall not be entitled to subscribe for new shares in respect of such shares.

Article 10. (Stock Options)

(1) KT may grant stock options to its officers and employees who have contributed, or are capable of contributing, to the establishment, management or technical innovation of KT, except for officers or employees in any of the following cases, by a Special Resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to Article 340-2 and Article 542-3 of the Commercial Code of Korea, to the extent not exceeding fifteen percent (15%) of the total number of issued shares, provided that KT may grant stock options by a resolution of the Board of Directors adopted by affirmative votes of two-thirds (2/3) of the directors in offices, to the extent not exceeding one percent (1%) of the total number of issued shares. In such case, the provision of the latter part of the Proviso of Paragraph 1 of Article 38 shall apply mutatis mutandis:

1. The largest shareholder of KT and the Related Person thereto (refers to the Related Person as prescribed in<br>Paragraph 2-5, Article 542-8 of the Commercial Code of Korea. The same shall apply in

4 / 22

this Article); However, anyone who has become an officer of KT and thus becomes the Related Person is excluded (Including such officers who are not engaged full time at the affiliates as a<br>director or an auditor).
2. Major Shareholders (refers to the Major Shareholders as prescribed in Paragraph<br>(2-6) of Article 542-8 of the Commercial Code of Korea. The same shall apply hereinafter) and the Related Person thereto; However, anyone who has become an officer of KT<br>and thus becomes the Related Person is excluded (Including such officers who are not engaged full time at the affiliates as a director or an auditor).
--- ---
3. Any person who shall become a Major Shareholder of KT by exercising his/her stock options.<br>
--- ---

(2) The proviso of Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the directors of KT, and the grant of stock options pursuant to the proviso of Paragraph (1) shall be approved by the General Meeting of Shareholders which is held after such grant of stock options.

(3) The shares to be issued to the officers or employees by the exercise of their stock options (in case where KT pays in cash or shares the difference between the exercise price of stock options and the market price, refers to the shares which are the basis for such calculation) shall be Common Shares in registered form.

(4) The number of officers and employees of KT who are granted with stock options shall not exceed ninety nine percent (99%) of the total number of officers and employees in office. Stock options granted to one single officer or employee shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of total number of shares issued and outstanding.

(5) The exercise price per share of the stock options shall not be less than the price as set forth in the Commercial Code of Korea.

(6) Unless otherwise provided for by the relevant laws, the exercise period of stock options shall be determined by separate agreements, to the extent that such exercise periods shall not exceed seven (7) years from the date two (2) years have elapsed after the date of the General Meeting of Shareholders or the Meeting of the Board of Directors at which a resolution to grant such stock option rights is adopted.

(7) KT may cancel the grant of stock options by a resolution of the Board of Directors in any of the following cases:

1. When the relevant officer or employee of KT voluntarily retires from his/her office within two (2) years<br>after the date of the General Meeting of Shareholders or the Meeting of the Board of Directors at which a resolution to grant such stock option rights is adopted;
2. When the relevant officer or employee of KT is dismissed for substantial damages incurred to KT due to his/her<br>willful misconduct or gross negligence; or
--- ---
3. When any event for the cancellation set forth in the agreement for granting such stock options occurs.<br>
--- ---

Article 11. (Equal Dividends) KT distributes dividends equally for all shares(including shares converted from convertible bonds) regardless of the issue date for the same stock, issued by the company as of the dividend base date.

Article 12. (Transfer Agent)

(1) KT may appoint a transfer agent to make entries in the register of shareholders.

(2) The transfer agent, and the place and scope of business of the transfer agent shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors, and a public notice shall be given thereof.

5 / 22

Article 13. Void

Article 14. (Record Date)

(1) KT shall let the shareholders who are entered into the register of shareholders on December 31 of each year exercise their rights thereof at the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders.

(2) KT may, for convening an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders or when necessary, let the shareholders who are entered into the register of shareholders on the date determined by the resolution of the Board of Directors, exercise their rights. KT shall announce the date determined by the Board of Directors before 2 weeks from the date.

CHAPTER III. DEBENTURES

Article 15.(Issuance of Convertible Bonds)

(1) KT may issue convertible bonds to persons other than shareholders to the extent that the aggregate face value of the convertible bonds so issued shall not exceed 2 trillion (2,000,000,000,000) Korean Won. Provided that, the issuance of convertible bonds to persons other than shareholders may be made in cases provided for by any of the Subparagraphs of Paragraph (2) of Article 9.

(2) The Board of Directors may determine that the convertible bonds referred to in Paragraph (1) may be issued on the condition that conversion rights will be attached to only a portion of the convertible bonds.

(3) The type of shares to be issued upon conversion of convertible bonds shall be common shares. The conversion price, which shall be equivalent to or more than the par value of the shares, shall be determined by the Board of Directors at the time of issuance.

(4) The period during which conversion rights may be exercised shall commence on the date set forth in the FSCMA after the date of issuance of the relevant convertible bonds and end on the date immediately preceding the redemption date thereof. However, the Board of Directors may adjust the conversion period in accordance with relevant laws within the above period by its resolution.

(5) In case convertible bonds are converted into shares, KT pay interest which payment time has reached before conversion.

Article 16. (Issuance of Bonds with Warrants)

(1) KT may issue bonds with warrants to persons other than shareholders to the extent that the aggregate face value of the bonds with warrants so issued shall not exceed 2 trillion (2,000,000,000,000) Korean Won. Provided that, the issuance of bonds with warrants to persons other than shareholders may be made in only in cases provided for by Subparagraphs of Paragraph(2) of Article 9.

(2) The amount of new shares which can be subscribed by the holders of the bonds with warrants shall be determined by the Board of Directors, provided that the maximum amount of such new shares shall not exceed the aggregate face value of the bonds with warrants.

(3) The type of shares to be issued upon exercise of warrants shall be common shares. The issue price, which shall be equivalent to or more than the par value of the shares, shall be determined by the Board of Directors at the time of issuance.

(4) The period during which warrants may be exercised shall commence on the date set forth in the FSCMA after the date of issuance of the relevant bonds with warrants and end on the date immediately preceding the redemption date thereof. Provided that, the Board of Directors may adjust the conversion period in accordance with the relevant laws within the above period by its resolution.

6 / 22

Article 16-2. (Electronic registration of Rights to be indicatedon Bonds and Subscription Warrants)

Rights to be indicated on bonds and subscription warrants shall be electronically registered in the electronic register of electronic registry instead of being issued.

Article 17. (Issuance of Bonds)

(1) The Board of Directors shall make a resolution on the issuance of bonds, but may delegate to the Representative Director the determination of details including the amount and type of bonds, within a period not exceeding one year.

(2) The provisions of Articles 12 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the issuance of bonds.

CHAPTER IV. GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Article 18. (Convening of General Meeting)

(1) Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders shall be convened within three (3) months after the date referred to paragraph (1) of Article 14, and Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders may be convened at any time by the Representative Director, pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors except as otherwise provided by the relevant laws and regulations; provided, however, that Paragraph (2) of Article (29) shall apply mutatis mutandis in the event the Representative Director fails to perform his duties.

(2) Notice of the General Meeting of Shareholders specifying the time, place and purpose thereof shall be sent to each shareholder in writing or electronically, two (2) weeks prior to the date set for the General Meeting of Shareholders. However, such notice to the shareholders who hold less than one-hundredth (1/100) of the total number of shares with voting rights may be given in the form of a public notice of the meeting appearing twice or more in The Seoul Shinmun, The Maeil Business Newspaper and The Korean Economic Daily, or in the form of public announcement on the Data Analysis, Retrieval and Transfer System (“DART”) operated by the Financial Supervisory Service or Korea Exchange in lieu of written notice in paragraph 2.

(3) General Meeting of Shareholders shall be held at the location of the head office, Seoul or its neighboring place.

Article 19. (Chairman) The Representative Director shall preside at the General Meeting of Shareholders; provided, however, that Paragraph (2) of Article 29 shall apply mutatis mutandis in the event that the Representative Director fails to perform his duties.

Article 20. (Chairman’sRight to Maintain Order)

(1) The Chairman shall suspend or cancel the proposal of any person who intentionally disrupts, by speech or behavior, the proceedings of the General Meeting of Shareholders or shall order such person to leave the General Meeting of Shareholders.

(2) If the Chairman deems it necessary for the smooth proceeding of the General Meeting of Shareholders, the Chairman may restrict the time and frequency of a shareholder’s proposal.

Article 21. (Voting by Proxy)

(1) A shareholder may exercise its voting rights by proxy.

(2) The proxy described in Paragraph (1) must file with KT a power of attorney before the opening of the General Meeting.

7 / 22

Article 22. (Method of Adoption of Resolutions) Resolutions of the General Meetings of Shareholders, except as otherwise provided by the relevant laws and regulations, shall be adopted if the approval of a majority vote of the shareholders present at such meeting is obtained and such majority also represents at least one-fourth (1/4) of the total number of shares issued and outstanding.

However, in which voting rights can be exercised electronically, members of the Audit Committee can be elected with the approval of a majority vote of the shareholders present at the General meeting is obtained

Article 22-2 (Exercise of Voting Rights by Writing)

(1) The Shareholders may exercise their voting rights by writing without attending the General Meetings of Shareholders in person.

(2) In case of Paragraph (1) above, KT shall send the notice of convening the General Meeting of Shareholders, together with written documents and reference materials necessary for the Shareholders to exercise their voting rights.

(3) The Shareholders desiring to exercise their voting rights by writing shall enter necessary matters in the written documents under paragraph (2) and submit them to KT by the date immediately preceding the date set for the Meeting.

Article 23. (Minutes of the General Meeting)

With respect to the proceedings of the General Meeting of Shareholders, the details of the proceedings and its resolutions shall be recorded in the minutes which shall bear the names and seals or signatures of the Chairman and the Directors present, and shall be preserved at the head office and branches.

CHAPTER V. DIRECTORS

Article 24. (Number of Directors) KT shall have not more than ten (10) directors. The number of inside directors, including the Representative Director, shall not exceed two (2), and the number of outside directors shall not exceed eight (8).

Article 25. (Election of Representative Directorand Directors, etc.)(1) The Representative Director shall be appointed among persons who possess the abilities of a chief executive officer as recommended by the Board of Directors considering the following criteria, by the resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

1. Professional knowledge and experience in corporate management to enhance corporate value;<br>
2. Communication skill to secure the trust of interested parties, both internally and externally, and establish a<br>cooperative managerial environment;
--- ---
3. Leadership capabilities that establish future business prospects based on a global perspective and elicit<br>executives and employees to participate voluntarily; and
--- ---
4. Understanding changes in the industry and professional expertise in the relevant industries, markets, and<br>technologies to respond to such changes effectively.
--- ---

(2) The appointment of the Representative Director requires a resolution by the General Meeting of Shareholders adopted by the affirmative vote of three-fifths (3/5) of the voting rights of the shareholders in attendance at the Meeting; provided, however, that such votes shall represent at least one-fourth (1/4) of the total number of issued shares of KT. However, if the Representative Director is being reappointed, the Representative Director shall be appointed by the resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to paragraph (3) below.

8 / 22

(3) The dismissal of the Representative Director requires a resolution by the General Meeting of Shareholders adopted by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the voting rights of the shareholders in attendance at the Meeting; provided, however, that such votes shall represent at least one-third (1/3) of the total number of issued shares of KT.

(4) Inside directors other than the Representative Director shall be elected at the General Meeting of Shareholders among the managing officers under the provision of Article 35 of these Articles of Incorporation who are recommended by the Representative Director with the consent of the Director Candidates Recommendation Committee and the approval of the Board of Directors. The Representative Director may propose to the General Meeting of Shareholders with the consent of the Board of Directors the dismissal of any inside director even during his/her term of office, when any of the following event occurs. In this case, the inside directors other than the Representative Director shall not participate in the resolution of the Board of Directors:

1. Inability to perform his/her duties for a period not less than one (1) year due to his/her physical and/or<br>mental disorders; or
2. Remarkably poor results of his/her business management due to deficient management abilities.<br>
--- ---

(5) Notwithstanding Paragraph (4) above, if the Board of Directors has recommended a candidate for the Representative Director, the inside director shall be elected at the General Meeting of Shareholders as recommended by the candidate for the Representative Director with the consent of the Director Candidates Recommendation Committee and the approval of the Board of Directors; provided, however, that the candidate for the Representative Director is not elected as the Representative Director at the General Meeting of Shareholders, his recommendation of the candidacy for the inside directorship shall become null and void.

(6) Outside directors shall be elected by the General Meeting of Shareholders from among those who have professionalism and knowledge and are recommended by the Director Candidates Recommendation Committee pursuant to Article 42 after considering the following criteria:

1. He/she has sufficient<br>hands-on-background or professional knowledge in his/her relevant field such as economy, management, finance, accounting, law, or relevant industrial technology that are<br>necessary to perform his/her duties as an outside director;
2. He/she is not bound by special interest as an outside director and is able to fairly perform his/her duties for<br>the benefit of KT and its shareholders;
--- ---
3. He/she has a sense of ethics and responsibility that is fit to perform his/her duties as an outside director;<br>
--- ---
4. He/she is able to spare his/her time and efforts necessary to faithfully perform his/her duties as an outside<br>director.
--- ---

(7) Any person who falls under any of the following categories shall not become a director of KT, and upon any elected director of KT falling under any of the following categories, such director shall be dismissed:

1. Person who retired from his/her office within the last three (3) years due to his/her own faults or<br>business responsibilities;
2. Person who is sentenced to imprisonment or more severe punishment, and three (3) years have not elapsed<br>after the expiration of the execution of such imprisonment or determination not to execute such imprisonment; or
--- ---
3. Person who is currently under the suspension of pronouncement or suspension of execution, or who is sentenced<br>to probation, and two (2) years have not elapsed after the expiration of the probation period.
--- ---

9 / 22

(8) Any person who falls under any of the following disqualification criteria shall not become an outside director of KT, and any elected outside director shall be dismissed if he or she falls under any of the following disqualification criteria:

1. The same person and his or her related party as defined in the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act<br>(“MRFTA”) who controls a company in competition with KT’s major business areas (however, with respect to the definition of competitor of KT used herein, if the company engages in the same business as KT and belongs to the same<br>enterprise group of KT, such company is not deemed to be in competition with KT. This shall have the same meaning hereafter);
2. (Deleted)
--- ---
3. (Deleted)
--- ---
4. Any person who falls under the disqualification criteria under the Commercial Code of Korea and other relevant<br>laws and regulations
--- ---

Article 26. (Deleted)

Article 27. (Term of Office of Directors)

(1) The term of office of directors shall be not more than three (3) years; provided, however, the term of each director may be determined differently considering the professional experience and diversity of the composition of the Board of Directors. However, if the term of office expires before the closing date of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders in the last fiscal year of such term, the term of office shall be extended to the closing date of such General Meeting.

(2) The aggregated term of office of an outside director shall be not more than six (6) years. However, this shall not apply in the event that the extension of the term of office is determined by the proviso of paragraph 1.

Article 28. (By-election ofDirectors)

(1) In case of any vacancy in the office of a director, a director shall be elected to fill such vacancy at the General Meeting of Shareholders, provided that election thereof may not be made unless such vacancy results in lack of the requisite number of the directors or a difficulty in the administration of business.

(2) (Deleted)

Article 29. (Duties of the RepresentativeDirector and Directors)

(1) The Representative Director shall represent KT, execute businesses resolved by the Board of Directors, and manage all businesses of KT.

(2) Inside directors shall assist the Representative Director and shall perform their duties. In the event the Representative Director fails to perform his/her duties, an inside director shall perform the Representative Director’s duties. However, in the event both the Representative Director and inside directors fail to perform their duties, the duties will be performed in accordance with the order as provided in the Office Regulation.

(3) (Deleted)

(4) If a director becomes aware of any event which may cause a material damage to KT, such director should immediately report to the Auditors’ Committee thereof.

Article 30. (Duties of Directors)

(1) Directors shall perform their duties faithfully for the good of KT in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations and the provisions of these Articles of Incorporation.

10 / 22

(2) The directors shall not disclose any business secret of KT that they obtained in the course of performance of their duties, during and after their terms of offices.

Article 31. (Remuneration and Severance Allowance for Directors)

(1) The Remuneration for the directors shall be determined by a resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders, and such remuneration may be paid either in cash or in combination of cash and stock.

(2) The criteria for remuneration for the Representative Director and the inside directors, and the method of payment thereof shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors, which shall be reported to the General Meeting of Shareholders.

(3) The Representative Director and the inside directors shall not participate in the resolution of the Board of Directors as set forth in Paragraph (2) above.

(4) Severance allowances for directors shall be paid in accordance with KT’s regulations for payment of officers’ severance allowance adopted at the General Meeting of Shareholders.

(5) The Outside directors may be reimbursed for expenses necessary for the performance of their duties.

Article 32. (Deleted)

Article 33. (Selection ofRepresentative Director Candidate)

(1) The Board of Directors shall determine the examination criteria for selecting the candidate for Representative Director by considering the items under Article 25(1).

(2) (Deleted)

(3) The Director Candidates Recommendation Committee shall discover and constitute the group of candidates for inside directors, outside directors, and Representative Director. The Director Candidates Recommendation Committee shall select one (1) candidate for Representative Director in compliance with the decision of the Board of the Directors by examining the candidates for Representative Director, pursuant to the examination criteria determined under Paragraph (1) above, and report to the Board of Directors the outcome of the examination thereof.

(4) The Board of Directors shall confirm the final candidate for Representative Director and recommend such person to the General Shareholders’ Meeting.

(5) The Board of Directors shall, in confirming the candidate for Representative Director, consult and decide with such candidates the terms of employment contract including the management goals.

(6) The Board of Directors shall recommend the candidate for Representative Director to the General Shareholders’ Meeting and concurrently submit a draft employment contract.

(7) The Representative Director and the inside directors shall not participate in the resolution of the Board of Directors determining the terms of employment contract including the management goals pursuant to Paragraph (5) above.

(8) The Board of Directors may decide upon matters not stipulated herein this Article and which concern the appointment and consecutive appointment of the Representative Director.

11 / 22

Article 34. (Execution of Employment Contract with the Candidate for Representative Director)

(1) When the draft employment contract submitted pursuant to Paragraph (6) of Article 33 above is approved at the General Shareholders’ Meeting, KT shall enter into such employment contract with the candidate for Representative Director. In such case, the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall, on behalf of KT, sign the employment contract.

(2) The Board of Directors may conduct a performance review to determine if the new Representative Director has performed his/her duties under the employment contract as provided in Paragraph (1) or hire a professional evaluation agency for such purpose.

(3) When the Board of Directors determines, based on the result of performance review under the provision of Paragraph (2) above, that the new Representative Director has failed to achieve the management goal, it may propose to dismiss the Representative Director at the General Shareholders’ Meeting.

(4) The management goal shall include revenue increase, profitability improvement, investment plan and other related business objectives and shall be determined, on a yearly basis, at the Board of Directors’ Meeting in order to achieve the goal of management plans during the term of Representative Director’s office approved by the Board of Directors. Such management goal may be established on a numerical basis, if possible.

(5) The performance review prescribed in Paragraph 2 above, shall be conducted by the Board of Directors at the closing of each fiscal year or may be delegated by the Board of Directors to a professional evaluation agency; provided, however, that if the Board of Directors deems necessary, it may conduct the performance review during any fiscal year.

(6) The Board of Directors shall report the result of the performance review prescribed in Paragraph 2 above to the General Meeting of Shareholders.

(7) The Representative Director and the inside directors may not attend the Board of Directors’ Meeting for the resolution of the agenda prescribed in Paragraphs (2) through (4).

Article 35. (Managing Officers)

(1) For the efficient operation, KT shall have managing officers including inside directors.

(2) The managing officers shall consist of positions determined by the Board of Directors.

(3) The number and remuneration of the managing officers who do not hold the position of inside directors of KT shall be determined by the Board of Directors. The severance allowance for the said managing officers shall be paid in accordance with KT’s regulations for payment of officers’ severance allowance adopted at a General Meeting of Shareholders.

(4) Managing officers who do not hold the position of inside directors of KT shall be elected by the Representative Director of KT, whose term of office shall not exceed three (3) years.

(5) All matters concerning the respective duties of managing officers shall be determined by the Representative Director.

Article 36. (Advisor, etc.)

The Representative Director may employ an Advisor or appoint an Advisory Council in order to receive advice and suggestions regarding important matters concerning the operation of KT’s businesses.

12 / 22

CHAPTER VI. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Article 37. (Organization and Operation)

(1) The Board of Directors shall consist of the directors, and shall resolve important matters related to the execution of business of KT as prescribed in the laws and regulations and these Articles of Incorporation, which were submitted by a director as an agenda.

(2) The Board of Directors’ Meeting shall be convened by each director. However, this shall not apply in the event that a director to convene the Board of Directors’ Meeting is determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors’ Meeting.

(3) The rest of directors may request the director designated under Paragraph 2 above to convene the Board of Directors’ Meeting. However, if the designated director refuses to convene the Board of Directors’ Meeting without any justifiable reason therefor, other directors may convene the Board of Directors’ Meeting.

(4) In convening a meeting of Board of Directors, the notice thereof shall be given at least three (3) days prior to the date set for such meeting to each director; provided, however, that the above procedure may be omitted with the consent of all of the directors.

(5) Matters necessary for the operation of the Board of Directors shall be set forth in the Regulations of the Board of Directors.

(6) For the efficient management of the Board of Directors, a self evaluation regarding the activities of the Board of Directors may be conducted, and detailed matters therefor, including the evaluation method, etc. shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

Article 38.(Resolution and Delegation)

(1) A resolution at a meeting of Board of Directors shall be adopted by the presence of a majority of all directors in offices and by the affirmative votes of a majority of the directors present. However, the resolution on the sale of equity in any subsidiary of KT accompanying transfer of management rights, which is for more than 10 billion (10,000,000,000) Korean Won of the subsidiary’s equity, shall be adopted by affirmative votes of two-thirds (2/3) of the directors in office, and the resolution on the dismissal of the Representative Director shall be adopted by the affirmative votes of two-thirds (2/3) of the outside directors in offices.

(2) The Board of Directors may delegate part of its authorities to the Representative Director.

Article 39. (Chairman)

(1) The chairman of the Board of Directors shall be elected from among the outside directors by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

(2) The term of office of the chairman shall be one (1) year.

Article 40. (Minutes of the Board of Directors) The proceeding and the result of meeting of the Board of Directors shall be recorded in the minutes, which shall bear the names, seals or signatures of the Chairman and the directors present at the meeting, and shall be kept at the head office.

13 / 22

Article 41. (Committees within the Board of Directors)

(1) The Board of Directors may have expert committees under its control by its resolution, in order to deliberate or decide with respect to the specific matters submitted to the Board of Directors.

1. (Deleted)
2. CG (Corporate Governance) Committee (the “CG Committee”);
--- ---
3. Director Candidates Recommendation Committee;
--- ---
4. Audit Committee; and
--- ---
5. Other Committees which the Board of Directors deems necessary.
--- ---

(2) Any necessary matters, including those regarding the composition, authority or operation, of a committee under the Board of Directors described in Paragraph 1 above shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

Article 41-2. (CG Committee)

(1) The CG Committee shall be composed of four (4) outside directors.

(2) The CG Committee shall deliberate and decide overall matters relating to the corporate governance of the Company.

(3) Specific issues, such as the operation of the CG Committee, shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

Article 42. (Director Candidates Recommendation Committee)

(1) The Board of Directors shall have a Director Candidates Recommendation Committee, constituted with all of outside directors, to deliberate and decide the following:

1. Discover, constitute, and train the candidates for Representative Director;
2. Select and deliberate the group of candidates for Representative Director;
--- ---
3. Select the candidate for Representative Director and report the candidate to the Board of Directors;<br>
--- ---
4. Discover and constitute candidates for outside director;
--- ---
5. Select and deliberate the group of candidates for outside director;
--- ---
6. Recommend candidates for outside director at the General Meeting of Shareholders; and
--- ---
7. Other matters related to the candidates for Representative Director and outside director that are delegated by<br>the Board of Directors.
--- ---

(2) The Director Candidates Recommendation Committee shall appoint the chairman of the committee from its members by resolution.

(3) Any member having conflict of interest with regards to the selection process of the candidates for Representative Director and directors cannot participate in the deliberation or resolution of the Director Candidates Recommendation Committee regarding such examination, election, or recommendation.

Article 43. (Audit Committee)

(1) The Audit Committee shall consist of not less than three (3) outside directors.

(2) The Audit Committee shall perform an audit of KT’s accounting books and records, and of other aspects of its business operations.

14 / 22

(3) Any other detailed matters regarding organization and operation of the Audit Committee shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

Article 44. (Managing Officers’ Meeting)

(1) KT may convene managing officers’ meeting in order to consider and resolve matters delegated by the Board of Directors.

(2) Matters necessary for the organization and operation of the managing officers’ meeting set forth in Paragraph 1 above shall be determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

CHAPTER VII. ACCOUNTING

Article 45. (Fiscal Year) The fiscal year of KT shall be from January 1 to December 31 of each year.

Article 46. (Preparation, Submission and Maintenance of the Financial Statements, etc.)

(1) The Representative Director of KT shall prepare the following documents and supplementary documents thereto and the business report for each fiscal year, and submit such documents, after approved by the Board of Directors, to the Audit Committee, six (6) weeks prior to the date of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders:

1. A balance sheet;
2. A statement of profit and loss; and
--- ---
3. Other documents, as defined by the Commercial Code and enforcement ordinance, that reflect financial position<br>and management performance of the company
--- ---
4. Consolidated financial statements of the company
--- ---

(2) The Audit Committee shall submit an auditor’s report to the Representative Director at least one (1) week before the General Shareholders’ Meeting.

(3) The Representative Director shall keep each document listed in Paragraph (1) together with the business report and the auditor’s report at the head office for a period of five (5) years, commencing from one week prior to the date of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders. Certified copies of these documents shall be kept in each respective branch office for a period of three (3) years.

(4) The Representative Director shall submit each document listed in Paragraph (1) to the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders and request approval therefor. With respect to the business report, he/she shall report the contents thereof to the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders.

(5) When the approval of the General Meeting of Shareholders is obtained for the documents listed in Paragraph (1), the Representative Director shall, without delay, give a public notice of the balance sheet and the audit opinion thereon of an independent auditor.

Article 47. (Disposition of Profits) The unappropriated retained earnings for each fiscal year of KT shall be disposed of as following order:

1. Legal Reserves;
2. Other statutory reserves;
--- ---
3. Amortization by way of the appropriation of the retained earnings;
--- ---

15 / 22

4. Dividends; and
5. Voluntary reserve.
--- ---

Article 48 (Retirement of Shares)

Pursuant to Article (165-3) of the FSCMA, KT may, by a resolution of the Board of Directors, retire the shares within the scope of profits attributable to the shareholders.

Article 48-2. (Treasury Stock Report)

KT shall report the purpose, plans for retirement and disposal of the treasury stock held at the annual general shareholder’s meetings.

Article 48-3 (Acquisition of Stock of Other Companies for Cross Shareholding)

When KT acquires the stocks of other companies for cross shareholding by way of selling or exchanging treasury stocks, it shall be approved by the General Meeting of Shareholders.

Article 49. (Payment of Dividends)

(1) Dividends may be paid either in cash, in shares or in other property.

(2) In case of stock dividends, if KT has issued several types of shares, different types of shares may be allotted by a resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

(3) In case of stock or other property dividends, dividends may be paid in cash for shareholders who hold less than a certain number of stocks.

(4) (Deleted)

(5) The dividends referred to in Paragraph (1) shall be paid to the shareholders or registered pledgees registered in the registry of shareholders as of the date determined by the resolution of the Board of Directors. When the Company decides the date for determining the shareholders eligible for dividends, it shall make announcement two weeks before the record date.

(6) The rights to dividends shall be extinguished if it is not exercised within five (5) years from the date when the relevant dividend was declared, and such unclaimed dividends shall belong to KT.

Article 49-2. (Quarterly Dividends)

(1) The Company may determine quarterly dividends in cash within forty five (45) days from the end of the third, sixth and ninth month from the commencement of the fiscal year by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

(2) The dividends referred to in Paragraph (1) shall be paid to the shareholders or registered pledgees who are registered in the registry of shareholders as of the record date determined by the Board of Directors.

(3) If the Company determines the record date, it shall publicly be announced two weeks prior to the record date.

(4) All matters, including the limitation on the amount and payment schedule of the quarterly dividends referred to in Paragraph (1), shall comply with relevant laws including Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act.

(5) The dividends referred to in Paragraph (1) shall be subject to Paragraph (6) of Article 49.

16 / 22

CHAPTER VIII. SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS

Article 50. (Guarantee of Personnel Status)

(1) Any employee of KT shall not receive a dismissal, suspension, reduction in compensation, reprimand and other disadvantageous orders, without any justifiable reasons therefor.

(2) The retirement age of company employees shall be as prescribe by THE ACT ON PROHIBITION OF AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT AND AGED EMPLOYMENT PROMOTION.

Article 51. (Publication of Management Information)

KT shall make public any and all matters deemed to be necessary for the promotion of transparency in management.

ADDENDUM

Article 1. (EnforcementDate) These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective from October 1, 1997.

Article 2. (Term of Office of the First President and StandingDirectors) Notwithstanding Paragraph (1), Article (29) hereof, the term of office of the first President and the standing directors to be elected at the General Meeting of Shareholders convened after the execution of these Articles of Incorporation shall be extended until the end of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders convened after the expiration of the said term of office.

Article 3. (Term of Office of First Non-Standing Director) (1) Pursuant to Article (3) of the Addenda of the Special Act, candidates for non-standing directors who are recommended by the Temporary Non-standing Directors Recommendation Committee shall be classified into three groups, i.e., first, second and third groups, which shall consist of one, two and three persons, respectively.

(2) Notwithstanding Article (29), Paragraph (1) hereof, the term of office of a non-standing director in the first group shall expire at the close of the first Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders convened after one (1) year has elapsed. The term of office of non-standing directors in the second and third group shall expire at the close of the first Ordinary General Meetings of Shareholders convened after two (2) and three (3) years have elapsed, respectively.

Article 4. (Special Provisions for Term of Office of Standing Directors succeed to the Term of Office of an Executive Officer) In the event that a former executive officer who has been elected prior to the date of enforcement of these Articles of Incorporation is elected as a first standing director of KT after the enforcement of these Articles, his/her term of office may be shortened to the remainder of the term of office of an executive officer prior to the date of enforcement of these Articles of Incorporation.

ADDENDUM(December 8, 1997)

These articles of Incorporation shall be effective from the date of resolution of the general meeting of shareholders thereon.

ADDENDUM (September 18, 1998)

**Article 1. (Enforcement Date)**These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective from the date of resolution thereon of the general meetings of shareholders.

17 / 22

Article 2. (Interim Measures for the Acquisition of Shares of KT by Foreigners) Those provisions of Paragraph (3), Article (10) hereof shall not be applicable where Foreigners have acquired any shares of KT prior to the date of enforcement of these Articles of Incorporation pursuant to the relevant laws and regulations. In this regard, the number of shares so acquired shall be included in the maximum aggregate shareholdings ceiling prescribed in Item 1, Paragraph (2), Article (10) above.

ADDENDUM (March 19, 1999)

Article 1.(Enforcement Date) These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective from the date of resolution thereon of the general meetings of shareholders.

Article 2. (Interim Measure) The cumulative voting system provided for in Article (382-2) of the Commercial Code shall not apply until each of the requirements set forth in Paragraph (1), Article (21) of the Special Act has been satisfied.

ADDENDUM (March 24, 2000)

These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective from the date of resolution thereon of the general meeting of shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 21,2001)

These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective from the date of resolution thereon of the general meeting of shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 22, 2002)

These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective as of the date of resolution of the general meeting of Shareholders.

ADDENDUM (August 20, 2002)

Article 1. (Enforcement Date) These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective from the date on which a resolution on the foregoing amendments is adopted at the General Meeting of Shareholders. Provided, however, that the amended provision of Article 41-3 shall become effective from the date following the day on which the first General Meeting of Shareholders is convened after enforcement of these amended Articles of Incorporation.

Article 2. (Interim Measures regardingAuditor) (1) The amended provisions regarding auditor of Articles 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 37 and 40 shall remain invalid, concurrently upon establishment of the Audit Committee.

(2) The term, “auditor” referred in Paragraph 3 of Article 31 and Article 44, shall be interpreted to be “Audit Committee”, respectively, concurrently upon establishment of the Audit Committee.

Article 3. (Interim Measures on Increase in Number of Outside Directors)

Notwithstanding the amended provision of Article 26, a candidate for outside director recommended by the Shareholders’ Committee established in accordance with the previous AOI, shall be deemed to have been

18 / 22

recommended by the Outside Director Recommendation Committee, and the term of office of such additionally appointed outside director in the above shall be until the date on which the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders is held in the year of 2005.

ADDENDUM (March 14, 2003)

These Articles of Incorporation shall be effective from the date of resolution thereon of the general meeting of shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 12, 2004)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 11, 2005)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date when the General Meeting of Shareholders resolved adoption hereof.

ADDENDUM (August 19, 2005)

These Articles of Incorporation shall take effect upon approval by the General Meeting of Shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 10, 2006)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 16, 2007)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 27, 2009)

Article 1. (Enforcement Date) These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective upon resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders approving the amendment hereof.

Article 2. (Interim Measure) The person who is “President (sajang)” as of the amendment date of these Articles of Incorporation will become the “President (hwejang)”, and in applying Article 32(1)-2 “ex-Presidents (sajang)” prior to the amendment date will be interpreted as “ex-Presidents (hwejang)”.

ADDENDUM (March 12, 2010)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

19 / 22

ADDENDUM (March 11, 2011)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 16, 2012)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Clause 1 of Article 46, shall become effective as of April 15, 2012.

ADDENDUM (March 15, 2013)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 27, 2015)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 25, 2016)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 24, 2017)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 23, 2018)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 29, 2019)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Clause 2 of Article 6, Article 13, Article 16-2 and Article 17, shall become effective as of September 16, 2019 when the Act on Electronic Registration of Stocks, Bonds, Etc. comes into effect.

ADDENDUM (March 30, 2020)

Article1. (Enforcement Date)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

20 / 22

Article 2. (Transitional Measure)

The candidate for President as confirmed as at the time these Articles of Incorporation enter into force,<br>pursuant to the previous Articles of Incorporation, shall be deemed the candidate for Representative Director as confirmed by these Articles of Incorporation.
Resolutions and reports of the Board of Directors or committees within the Board of Director taken pursuant to<br>the previous Articles of Associations, associated with the General Meeting of Shareholders as at the time these Articles of Incorporation enter into force, shall be deemed to have been taken in accordance with these Articles of Incorporation.<br>
--- ---

ADDENDUM (March 29, 2021)

Article 1. (Enforcement Date)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective as of the date of resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 31, 2022)

Article 1. (Enforcement Date)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective from the date on which a resolution on the foregoing amendments is adopted at the General Meeting of Shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 31, 2023)

Article 1.(Enforcement Date)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective from the date on which a resolution on the foregoing amendments is adopted at the General Meeting of Shareholders.

ADDENDUM (June 30, 2023)

Article 1. (Enforcement Date)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective from the date on which a resolution on the foregoing amendments is adopted at the General Meeting of Shareholders.

ADDENDUM (March 28, 2024)

Article 1.(Enforcement Date)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective from the date on which a resolution on the foregoing amendments is adopted at the General Meeting of Shareholders.

Article 2. (Transitional Measure on the record date to determine the shareholders who will receive theDividends)

The paragraph (5) of Article 49 does not apply to dividends for the fiscal year prior to the enforcement of these Articles of Incorporation.

21 / 22

ADDENDUM (March 31, 2025)

Article 1. (Enforcement Date)

These Articles of Incorporation shall become effective from the date on which a resolution on the foregoing amendments is adopted at the General Meeting of Shareholders. However, the amended provisions of Article 49-2 shall become effective from April 1, 2025.

22 / 22

EX-8.1

Exhibit 8.1

LIST OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

For a list of KT Corporation’s consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and their jurisdiction of incorporation, please see Note 1.2 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in KT Corporation’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

EX-11.1

Exhibit 11.1

The following is an English translation of Section 7 of KT Corporation (the Company)’s Disclosure Controls and Procedures Guideline.

Section 7: Prohibition of Insider Trading

Article 40 (Prohibition on the Use of Material Nonpublic Information) Employees shall not use material nonpublic information obtained during the course of their work (hereinafter referred to as “Material Nonpublic Information”), as defined in Article 174(1) of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act of Korea (hereinafter referred to as the “Act”), to trade in securities or related financial instruments, as defined in Article 172(1) of the Act, nor shall they disclose such information to others for trading purposes.

Article 41 (Handling of Material Nonpublic Information) ① The Representative Director or the person responsible for disclosure shall implement appropriate safeguards to manage Material Nonpublic Information, including the following:

1. Documents containing Material Nonpublic Information must be stored securely in a location accessible only to<br>authorized personnel.
2. Employees must avoid discussing Material Nonpublic Information in public or semi-public spaces, such as<br>elevators or hallways, where others may overhear the conversation.
--- ---
3. Documents containing Material Nonpublic Information must not be stored in public areas. When disposed of, they<br>must be shredded or destroyed by appropriate means to ensure that the information cannot be discerned.
--- ---
4. Employees must preserve the confidentiality of Material Nonpublic Information both within and outside the<br>Company.
--- ---
5. All electronic transmission (including by fax or email) of Material Nonpublic Information must be conducted<br>under secure conditions.
--- ---
6. Unnecessary duplication of documents containing Material Nonpublic Information must be avoided, and any used<br>copies must be promptly collected and secured in meeting rooms or work-related areas.
--- ---
7. Extra copies of documents containing Material Nonpublic Information must be completely destroyed through<br>shredding or equivalent secure destruction methods.
--- ---

② Employees shall not disclose the Company’s Material Nonpublic Information. However, if disclosure is unavoidable (such as to counterparties, legal counsel or external auditors), employees must consult in advance with the person responsible for disclosure or the head of the disclosure department, and disclose only the minimum information necessary.

③ If Material Nonpublic Information is inadvertently disclosed, the employee must immediately report the incident to the head of the disclosure department.

④ Upon receiving the notification mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the head of the disclosure department shall report the matter to the person responsible for disclosure and take appropriate measures, including public disclosure if necessary.

Article 42 (Material Nonpublic Information of Affiliates) The use of any affiliates’ Material Nonpublic Information by the Company’s employees is subject to the same restrictions as those outlined in Article 40 of this Section.

Article 43 (Return of Short-swing Profits) ① Executives and the following employees must return any profits to the Company resulting from the purchase and sale (or sale and repurchase) of the Company’s securities within a six-month period, in accordance with Article 172 of the Act:

1. Employees involved in the planning, amendment, execution, or disclosure of material reportable events as<br>defined in Article 13(3)
2. Employees involved in finance, accounting, strategic planning, or research and development<br>
--- ---

② If a shareholder (including holders of equity securities or depositary receipts, hereinafter referred to as “shareholders”) requests the Company to recover short-swing profits from an employee, the disclosure department must report such request to the person responsible for disclosure.

③ Within two months of receiving the request mentioned in the previous paragraph, the person responsible for disclosure must initiate appropriate actions, including legal procedures, to recover the profits.

④ the person responsible for disclosure must ensure that the following information is promptly disclosed on the Company’s website for a period of two years from the date of notice from the Securities and Futures Commission (hereinafter referred to as the “SFC”), unless the short-swing profits have been returned:

1. The position of the individual required to return the profits
2. The total amount of short-swing profits (grouped by executives, employees, or major shareholders)<br>
--- ---
3. The date of the SFC’s notice of short-swing profits
--- ---
4. The Company’s plan for recovering the short-swing profits
--- ---
5. A statement informing shareholders of their right to request the Company to seek recovery, and that if the<br>Company does not act within two months, shareholders may take action on the Company’s behalf
--- ---

EX-12.1

Exhibit 12.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Young-Shub Kim, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of KT Corporation;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a<br>material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
--- ---
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report,<br>fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
--- ---
4. The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure<br>controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
--- ---
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be<br>designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being<br>prepared;
--- ---
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial<br>reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting<br>principles;
--- ---
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this<br>report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
--- ---
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that<br>occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and
--- ---
5. The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of<br>internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
--- ---
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over<br>financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
--- ---
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in<br>the company’s internal control over financial reporting.
--- ---

Date: April 29, 2025

/s/ YOUNG-SHUB KIM
Young-Shub Kim<br><br><br>Representative Director and<br> <br>Chief<br>Executive Officer

EX-12.2

Exhibit 12.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Min Jang, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of KT Corporation;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a<br>material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
--- ---
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report,<br>fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
--- ---
4. The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure<br>controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
--- ---
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be<br>designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being<br>prepared;
--- ---
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial<br>reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting<br>principles;
--- ---
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this<br>report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
--- ---
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that<br>occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and
--- ---
5. The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of<br>internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
--- ---
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over<br>financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
--- ---
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in<br>the company’s internal control over financial reporting.
--- ---

Date: April 29, 2025

/s/ MIN JANG
Min Jang<br><br><br>Chief Financial Officer and<br><br><br>Executive Vice President

EX-13.1

Exhibit 13.1

CERTIFICATION

Pursuantto Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(Subsection (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title18, United States Code)

Pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsection (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), the undersigned officer of KT Corporation, a corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of Korea (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

The annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the “Form 20-F”) fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in the Form 20-F fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operation of the Company.

/s/ YOUNG-SHUB KIM
Young-Shub Kim
Representative Director and<br><br><br>Chief Executive Officer

Date: April 29, 2025

/s/ MIN JANG
Min Jang
Chief Financial Officer and<br><br><br>Executive Vice President

Date: April 29, 2025

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has been provided to KT Corporation and will be retained by KT Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.