KT 20-F DEF-14A Report Dec. 31, 2015 | Alphaminr

KT 20-F Report ended Dec. 31, 2015

20-F 1 d157381d20f.htm FORM 20-F Form 20-F
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2016

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

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015

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 to

Commission file number 1-14926

KT Corporation

(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)

Kwang Suk Shin

KT Gwanghwamun Building East

33, Jong-ro 3-Gil, Jongno-gu

03155 Seoul, Korea

Telephone: +82-31-727-0114; E-mail: ks.shin@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

Name of each exchange on which registered

American Depositary Shares, each representing New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
one-half of one share of common stock
Common Stock, par value 5,000 per share* 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, 2015, there were 244,849,800 shares of common stock, par value 5,000 per share, outstanding

(not including 16,262,008 shares of common stock held by the company 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 x 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 x

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 x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes ¨ No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨

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 x 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 x

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


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

PART I

1

ITEM 1.

IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGERS AND ADVISERS

1

Item 1.A.

Directors and Senior Management

1

Item 1.B.

Advisers

1

Item 1.C.

Auditors

1

ITEM 2.

OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

1

Item 2.A.

Offer Statistics

1

Item 2.B.

Method and Expected Timetable

1

ITEM 3.

KEY INFORMATION

2

Item 3.A.

Selected Financial Data

2

Item 3.B.

Capitalization and Indebtedness

6

Item 3.C.

Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

6

Item 3.D.

Risk Factors

6

ITEM 4.

INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

21

Item 4.A.

History and Development of the Company

21

Item 4.B.

Business Overview

22

Item 4.C.

Organizational Structure

49

Item 4.D.

Property, Plants and Equipment

49

ITEM 4A.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

52

ITEM 5.

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

53

Item 5.A.

Operating Results

53

Item 5.B.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

77

Item 5.C.

Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc.

81

Item 5.D.

Trend Information

82

Item 5.E.

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

82

Item 5.F.

Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

82

Item 5.G.

Safe Harbor

82

ITEM 6.

DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

82

Item 6.A.

Directors and Senior Management

82

Item 6.B.

Compensation

87

Item 6.C.

Board Practices

87

Item 6.D.

Employees

89

Item 6.E.

Share Ownership

91

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

Page

ITEM 7.

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

91

Item 7.A.

Major Shareholders

91

Item 7.B.

Related Party Transactions

91

Item 7.C.

Interests of Experts and Counsel

91

ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

92

Item 8.A.

Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

92

Item 8.B.

Significant Changes

94

ITEM 9.

THE OFFER AND LISTING

94

Item 9.A.

Offer and Listing Details

94

Item 9.B.

Plan of Distribution

96

Item 9.C.

Markets

96

Item 9.D.

Selling Shareholders

100

Item 9.E.

Dilution

100

Item 9.F.

Expenses of the Issuer

100

ITEM 10.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

100

Item 10.A.

Share Capital

100

Item 10.B.

Memorandum and Articles of Association

100

Item 10.C.

Material Contracts

106

Item 10.D.

Exchange Controls

107

Item 10.E.

Taxation

111

Item 10.F.

Dividends and Paying Agents

117

Item 10.G.

Statements by Experts

117

Item 10.H.

Documents on Display

117

Item 10.I.

Subsidiary Information

117

ITEM 11.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

117

ITEM 12.

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

120

Item 12.A.

Debt Securities

120

Item 12.B.

Warrants and Rights

120

Item 12.C.

Other Securities

120

Item 12.D.

American Depositary Shares

120

PART II

122

ITEM 13.

DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

122

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

Page
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS 122
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 122
ITEM 16. [RESERVED] 123
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert 123
Item 16B. Code of Ethics 123
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 124
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees 124
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers 125
Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant 125
Item 16G. Corporate Governance 125
Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure 126
PART III 127
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 127
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 127
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS 127

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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.

All references to “Won” or “ ” in this annual report are to the currency of the Republic and all references to “Dollars,” “$,” “US$” or “U.S. dollars” are to the currency of the United States of America. 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, 1,055.3 to US$1.00, 1,099.2 to US$1.00 and 1,172.0 to US$1.00 at December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. Our consolidated financial statements are expressed in Won and, solely for the convenience of the reader, the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 have been translated into United States dollars at the rate of 1,172.0 to US$1.00, the Market Average Exchange Rate in effect on December 31, 2015.

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 Korea Communications Commission (the “KCC”) or the Korea Telecommunications Operators Association.

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.

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Item 3. Key Information

Item 3.A. Selected Financial Data

You should read the selected consolidated financial data below in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements (“Consolidated Financial Statements”) as of December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, and the report of the independent registered public accounting firm on these statements included herein. These audited financial statements and the related notes have been prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). The selected consolidated financial data for the three years ended December 31, 2015 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.

In addition to preparing financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB included in this annual report, we also prepare financial statements in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the Republic of Korea (“K-IFRS”), which we are required to file with the Financial Services Commission and the Korea Exchange under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act of Korea (“FSCMA”). English translations of such financial statements are furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission under Form 6-K. During the three years ended December 31, 2015, we are required to adopt certain amendments and interpretations to K-IFRS, relating to 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. Furthermore, in connection with the exercise of early redemption rights for certain commercial paper guaranteed by KT ENGCORE Co., Ltd. (formerly known as KT ENS Corporation until April 2015) (“KT ENGCORE”), our previously consolidated subsidiary until August 2014, we recognized financial losses relating to the resulting estimation of guarantee liabilities in our consolidated statements of operations prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB for the year ended December 31, 2013 (which were issued on April 28, 2014), which were not reflected in our financial statements prepared in accordance with K-IFRS for the year ended December 31, 2013 (which were issued on March 13, 2014) as it was not possible to make a reasonable estimate of the liabilities at the time of issuing the K-IFRS financial statements. We subsequently reflected such losses in our K-IFRS financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014. As a result, the presentation of operating results in our consolidated statements of operations prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB included in this annual report differs from the presentation of operating results in our consolidated statements of operations prepared in accordance with K-IFRS. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Item 5.A. Operating Results—Explanatory Note Regarding Presentation of Certain Financial Information under K-IFRS” for additional information.

The information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of the results of future operations and should be read in conjunction with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in this annual report.

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Consolidated statement of operations data

Year Ended December 31,
2011 (1) 2012 (1) 2013 (1) 2014 (1) 2015 2015 (2)
(In billions of Won and millions of Dollars, except per share data)

Continuing Operations:

Operating revenue

21,804 24,110 23,146 22,613 22,700 US$ 19,368

Revenue

21,029 23,323 22,818 22,359 22,212 18,952

Others

775 787 328 253 488 417

Operating expenses

19,854 22,433 22,911 23,392 21,623 18,449

Operating profit

1,950 1,677 235 (779 ) 1,077 919

Finance income

270 498 278 253 273 233

Finance costs

(651 ) (780 ) (633 ) (792 ) (645 ) (551 )

Income from jointly controlled entities and associates

(5 ) 18 7 19 6 5

Profit (loss) from continuing operations before income tax

1,564 1,413 (114 ) (1,299 ) 711 606

Income tax expense (benefit)

308 278 12 (271 ) 227 194

Profit (loss) for the year from the continuing operations

1,256 1,135 (126 ) (1,028 ) 484 413

Discontinued operations:

Profit (loss) from discontinued operations

199 (30 ) 38 86 141 120

Profit (loss) for the year

1,455 1,105 (88 ) (941 ) 625 US$ 533

Profit (loss) for the year attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent company

1,445 1,046 (190 ) (1,030 ) 546 US$ 466

Profit (loss) from continuing operations

1,248 1,070 (216 ) (1,094 ) 404 345

Profit (loss) from discontinued operations

197 (24 ) 26 64 142 121

Non-controlling interest

10 59 102 89 78 US$ 67

Profit from continuing operations

8 64 90 66 80 68

Profit (loss) from discontinued operations

2 (5 ) 12 22 (1 ) (1 )

Earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of the Parent Company during the period (in won):

Basic earnings (loss) per share

5,943 4,296 (779 ) (4,215 ) 2,231 US$ 2

From continuing operations

5,130 4,396 (885 ) (4,477 ) 1,650 1

From discontinued operations

813 (100 ) 106 262 581 1

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

5,942 4,295 (782 ) (4,215 ) 2,231 US$ 2

From continuing operations

5,129 4,395 (888 ) (4,477 ) 1,650 1

From discontinued operations

813 (100 ) 106 262 581 1

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Consolidated statement of financial position data

As of December 31,
Selected Statement of Financial Position Data 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2015 (2)
(In billions of Won and millions of Dollars)

Assets:

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

1,462 2,058 2,071 1,889 2,559 US$ 2,184

Trade and other receivables, net

6,191 5,908 5,240 4,811 4,847 4,136

Short-term loans, net

698 668 839 710 0 0

Current finance lease receivables, net

249 340 294 259 6 5

Other financial assets

259 246 480 333 293 250

Current income tax assets

1 1 35 4 4 3

Inventories, net

676 935 674 419 617 526

Other current assets

311 362 340 350 317 271

Total current assets

9,847 10,517 9,972 8,774 8,643 7,375

Non-current assets:

Trade and other receivables, net

1,725 1,073 813 849 680 580

Long-term loans, net

491 513 510 585 16 14

Non-current finance lease receivables, net

488 522 416 325 9 7

Other financial assets

622 672 673 705 658 562

Property and equipment, net

14,090 15,806 16,387 16,468 14,479 12,354

Investment property, net

1,159 1,155 1,105 1,060 1,102 940

Intangible assets, net

2,645 3,214 3,827 3,544 2,600 2,218

Investments in jointly controlled entities and associates

500 379 364 339 270 230

Deferred income tax assets

530 611 707 1,079 845 721

Other non-current assets

86 95 76 72 102 88

Total non-current assets

22,336 24,040 24,878 25,025 20,761 17,714

Total assets

32,183 34,558 34,850 33,799 29,404 US$ 25,089

Liabilities and Equity:

Current liabilities:

Trade and other payables

5,902 7,221 7,414 6,408 6,274 US$ 5,353

Current finance lease liabilities, net

46 14 19 20 61 52

Borrowings

2,125 3,197 3,021 2,956 1,726 1,473

Other financial liabilities

8 72 64 24 44 37

Current income tax liabilities

187 144 100 46 81 69

Provisions

123 206 115 111 104 89

Deferred income

168 171 144 144 98 84

Other current liabilities

220 242 348 279 311 266

Total current liabilities

8,780 11,267 11,224 9,987 8,699 7,423

Non-current liabilities:

Trade and other payables

652 701 1,059 909 574 490

Non-current finance lease liabilities, net

90 28 49 35 95 81

Borrowings

8,897 8,239 8,463 9,860 6,909 5,895

Other financial liabilities

288 70 179 191 104 88

Retirement benefit liabilities

426 549 586 594 524 447

Provisions

143 150 134 106 91 78

Deferred income

161 157 148 147 96 82

Deferred income tax liabilities

126 137 169 144 130 111

Other non-current liabilities

32 41 2 39 27 23

Total non-current liabilities

10,815 10,073 10,789 12,025 8,550 7,295

Total liabilities

19,595 21,340 22,013 22,012 17,249 US$ 14,717

Equity attributable to owners of the Parent Company

Paid-in capital

Capital stock

1,564 1,564 1,564 1,564 1,564 US$ 1,335

Share premium

1,440 1,440 1,440 1,440 1,440 1,229

Retained earnings

10,219 10,646 10,019 8,568 9,050 7,722

Accumulated other comprehensive income (expense)

(23 ) 1 25 26 14 12

Other components of equity

(1,497 ) (1,343 ) (1,321 ) (1,261 ) (1,233 ) (1,052 )
11,704 12,309 11,728 10,338 10,836 9,246

Non-controlling interest

884 909 1,110 1,449 1,320 1,127

Total equity

12,588 13,218 12,837 11,788 12,156 10,372

Total liabilities and equity

32,183 34,558 34,850 33,799 29,404 US$ 25,089

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Consolidated statement of cash flow data

Year Ended December 31,
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2015 (2)
(In billions of Won and millions of Dollars)

Net cash generated from operating activities

2,164 5,725 4,111 1,916 4,230 US$ 3,609

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

(2,666 ) (3,851 ) (3,783 ) (3,171 ) (2,402 ) (2,049 )

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

772 (1,278 ) (312 ) 1,072 (1,164 ) (993 )

Operating Data

As of December 31,
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Lines installed (thousands) (3)

23,925 25,242 24,264 23,930 23,607

Lines in service (thousands) (3)

15,900 15,121 14,032 13,713 12,440

Lines in service per 100 inhabitants (3)

30.8 30.2 27.4 26.7 24.1

Mobile subscribers (thousands)

16,563 16,502 16,454 17,300 18,038

Broadband Internet subscribers (thousands)

7,823 8,037 8,067 8,129 8,328

(1) The comparative 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 consolidated statement of operations data were retrospectively restated because KT Rental Co., Ltd. and KT Capital Co., Ltd. were classified as discontinued operations in accordance with paragraph 32 in IFRS 5 during the year ended December 31, 2015. See Note 39 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2) For convenience, the Won amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars at the rate of 1,172.0 to US$1.00, the Market Average Exchange Rate in effect on December 31, 2015. This translation should not be construed as a representation that the Won amounts represent, have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars at that rate or any other rate.

(3) Including public telephones.

Exchange Rate Information

The following table sets out information concerning the Market Average Exchange Rate for the periods and dates indicated:

Period

At End
of Period
Average
Rate (1)
High Low
(Won per US$1.00)

2009

1,167.6 1,276.4 1,573.6 1,152.8

2010

1,138.9 1,156.3 1,261.5 1,104.0

2011

1,153.3 1,108.1 1,199.5 1,049.5

2012

1,071.1 1,126.9 1,181.8 1,071.1

2013

1,055.3 1,095.0 1,159.1 1,051.5

2014

1,099.2 1,053.2 1,118.3 1,008.9

2015

1,172.0 1,131.5 1,203.1 1,068.1

November

1,150.4 1,152.0 1,173.4 1,129.5

December

1,172.0 1,172.2 1,186.1 1,156.8

2016 (through April 25)

1,141.1 1,190.1 1,240.9 1,132.3

January

1,208.4 1,201.7 1,212.7 1,172.0

February

1,235.4 1,217.4 1,236.1 1,195.1

March

1,153.5 1,188.2 1,240.9 1,153.5

April (through April 25)

1,141.1 1,147.6 1,156.5 1,132.3

Source: Seoul Money Brokerage Services, Ltd.

(1) Represents the average of the Market Average Exchange Rates on each business day during the relevant period (or portion thereof).

Our monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated into Won at the Market Average Exchange Rate on the balance sheet dates, which were, for U.S. dollars, 1,055.3 to US$1.00, 1,099.2 to US$1.00 and 1,172.0 to US$1.00 at December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

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Our consolidated financial statements are expressed in Won and, solely for the convenience of the reader, the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 have been translated into United States dollars at the rate of 1,172.0 to US$1.00, the Market Average Exchange Rate in effect on December 31, 2015.

We make no representation that the Won or Dollar amounts contained in this annual report could have been or could be converted into Dollar or Won, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

I tem 3.B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not applicable.

It em 3.C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

Item 3.D. Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the following factors.

Risks Relating to Our Business

Competition in the Korean telecommunications industry is intense.

Competition in the telecommunications sector in Korea is intense. In recent years, business combinations in the telecommunications industry have significantly changed the competitive landscape of the Korean telecommunications industry. In particular, SK Telecom Co., Ltd. (“SK Telecom”) acquired a controlling stake in Hanarotelecom Incorporated in 2008, which was renamed SK Broadband Co., Ltd. (“SK Broadband”). The acquisition enabled SK Telecom to provide fixed-line telecommunications, broadband Internet access and Internet Protocol Television (“IPTV”) services together with its mobile telecommunications services. In January 2010, LG Dacom Corporation (“LG Dacom”) and LG Powercom Co., Ltd. (“LG Powercom”) merged into LG Telecom Co., Ltd., which subsequently changed its name to LG U+. The merger enabled LG U+ to provide a similar range of services as SK Telecom and us. Our inability to adapt to such changes in the competitive landscape could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition to our competition with integrated telecommunications service providers, we face increasing competition from specific service providers, such as Internet phone service providers, Internet text message service providers, voice resellers and call-back service providers. In recent years, the increasing popularity of Internet phone and free text message services, such as Skype and Kakao Talk, has had a negative impact on demand for our telecommunications and text message services while creating additional data transmission usage by our Internet and mobile subscribers. Our inability to adapt to such changes in the competitive landscape could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Mobile Service . We provide mobile services based on Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (“W-CDMA”) technology and Long-Term Evolution (“LTE”) technology. Competitors in the mobile telecommunications service industry are SK Telecom and LG U+. We had a market share of 30.6% as of December 31, 2015, making us the second largest mobile telecommunications service provider in Korea. SK Telecom had a market share of 49.1% as of December 31, 2015. Mobile subscribers are allowed to switch their service provider while retaining the same mobile phone number. Mobile service providers also grant subsidies to subscribers who purchase new handsets and agree to a minimum subscription period. Such mobile number portability and handset subsidies previously

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intensified competition among the mobile service providers and increased their marketing expenses. In addition, wide variation in subsidy amounts paid to subscribers led to concerns relating to consumer discrimination over time. Consequently, in order to enhance transparency in subsidy amounts paid to subscribers, the Act on Improvement of Mobile Telecommunication Device Distribution System (the “Handset Distribution Reform Act”), which limits the amount of handset subsidies offered by service providers, was enacted in October 2014. As a result, price competition through handset subsidies has become less prevalent. However, if regulations are amended to allow a greater amount of subsidies and mobile service providers adopt a strategy of expanding market share through price competition, it could lead to a decrease in our net profit margins.

Since 2011, SK Telecom, LG U+ and we have launched fourth-generation (“4G”) mobile telecommunications services based on LTE technology, which has further intensified competition among the three companies and resulted in an increase in marketing expenses and capital expenditures related to implementing and providing 4G LTE services. Furthermore, as SK Telecom, LG U+ and we continue to compete to improve network quality in order to accommodate increased data usage of subscribers, we may incur significant expenses to acquire additional bandwidth spectrums and various fixed assets. We believe that the continuing intense competition among major telecommunications operators in Korea may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

Fixed-line Telephone Services . Before December 1991, we were the sole provider of local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone services in Korea. Since then, various competitors have entered the local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone service markets in Korea, which have eroded our market shares. LG U+ and SK Broadband currently provide local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone services. In addition, Sejong Telecom, Inc. (formerly, Onse Telecom Corporation) and SK Telink, Inc. currently provide domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone services. We also compete with specific service providers, such as Internet phone service providers, voice resellers and call-back service providers, that offer international long-distance service in Korea. While we offer our own Internet phone service, the entry of these and other potential competitors into the local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance telephone service markets has had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on our revenues and profitability from these services. As of December 31, 2015, we had a market share in local telephone service of 80.6% and a market share in domestic long distance service of 78.9%. Further increase in competition may decrease our market shares in such businesses. As part of our efforts to improve our operational efficiencies, we transferred all operations relating to fixed-line sales activities (including on-site sales, line activation, after service, and customer center operations) to our subsidiaries in 2014.

Internet Services . The Korean broadband Internet access service market has experienced significant growth in the past decade. SK Broadband (formerly Hanarotelecom) entered the broadband market in 1999 offering both Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (“HFC”) and Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (“ADSL”) services. We also began offering broadband Internet access service in 1999, followed by Dreamline, Sejong and LG U+. In recent years, numerous cable television operators have also begun to offer HFC-based services at rates lower than ours. We had a market share of 41.6% as of December 31, 2015. In November 2015, SK Broadband announced its plan to acquire a majority stake in CJ HelloVision Co., Ltd. (“CJ HelloVision”), the largest cable multiple system operator with a market share of 14.4% of the paid TV services market in Korea as of 2015. CJ HelloVision provides Internet access service, Internet phone service and wireless communications services. The merger proposal is currently being reviewed by the Government due to anti-trust concerns, among others. If the merger is approved as currently proposed, SK Telecom is expected to further increase its market share of various businesses such as Internet access service, IPTV and wireless communications markets. As a result of having to compete with a number of competitors and the maturing of the Internet access service market, we currently encounter, and we expect to encounter, pressure to increase marketing expenses in the future.

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The market for other Internet-related services in Korea, including IPTV and Internet phone services, is also very competitive. We anticipate that competition will continue to intensify as the usage and popularity of the Internet grows and as new domestic and international competitors enter the Internet industry in Korea. The substantial growth of the Internet industry in Korea has attracted many competitors and as a result may lead to increasing price competition to provide Internet-related services. Increased competition in the Internet industry could have a material adverse effect on the number of subscribers of our Internet-related service and on our results of operations.

Failure to renew existing bandwidth spectrum, acquire adequate additional bandwidth spectrum 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 spectrum allocated to a service provider. We currently use 40 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum, of which 20 MHz is used for our 4G LTE services and the remaining 20 MHz of bandwidth for our IMT-2000 services based on W-CDMA wireless network standards. We also use 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 900 MHz spectrum and 35 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum for our 4G LTE services. For more information on our licenses to bandwidth spectrum, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Item 4.D. Property, Plants and Equipment—Mobile Networks.”

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. In the event we are unable to maintain sufficient bandwidth capacity by renewing existing bandwidth spectrum, receiving additional bandwidth allocation, or cost-effectively implementing technologies that enhance bandwidth usage efficiency, our subscribers may perceive a general decrease in 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 pay a substantial amount to acquire bandwidth capacity in order to meet increasing bandwidth demand, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Introduction of new services, including our 4G LTE 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 telecommunication services to maintain our competitiveness. For example, in March 2005, we acquired a license to provide wireless broadband Internet access (“WiBro”) service for 126 billion, and commercially launched our service in June 2006. We completed the upgrade of our 4G WiBro network and expanded our WiBro service coverage to 84 cities nationwide and major highways in March 2011, which we believe allows us to provide WiBro services at speeds that are approximately three times faster than our previous 3G network at a lower cost, and had 685,081 subscribers as of December 31, 2015. The number of our WiBro subscribers decreased in 2015 compared to 2014, as more WiBro subscribers chose to access the internet using our 4G LTE network rather than WiBro following the proliferation of 4G LTE services since 2013. Furthermore, we focused our subscriber retention efforts during 2015 on our mobile subscribers rather than our WiBro subscribers. We are also continually upgrading our broadband network to enable better fiber-to-the-home (“FTTH”) connection, which 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

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office. FTTH uses fiber optic cable, which is able to carry a high-bandwidth signal for longer distances without degradation. FTTH also enables us to deliver digital media content, such as IPTV, with higher stability.

In addition, we have been building more advanced mobile telecommunications networks based on LTE technology, which is generally referred to as 4G technology, and commenced providing commercial 4G LTE services in the Seoul metropolitan area in January 2012. We completed the expansion of our 4G LTE service coverage nationwide in October 2012. Several wireless carriers in the United States, Europe and Asia commenced LTE services in recent years and LTE technology is currently widely accepted as the standard 4G technology. LTE technology enables data to be transmitted faster than W-CDMA, generally providing a downloading speed of 75 Mbps per 10 MHz. Our LTE services provides a downloading speed of up to 300 Mbps for downloading (for which 40 MHz of bandwidth is used) by utilizing inter-band carrier aggregation technology. We introduced the GiGA LTE service in June 2015, linking “Wideband LTE-A X4” and wireless LAN service (“WiFi”) signals and thereby increasing data transmission speed to up to 1.17 Gbps for downloading. We believe that the faster data transmission speed of the LTE network allows us to offer significantly improved wireless data transmission services with faster wireless access to multimedia content. Accordingly, we have made extensive efforts to develop advanced technologies as well as to provide a variety of services with enhanced speed, latency and connectivity. However, no assurance can be given that our new services will gain broad market acceptance such that we will be able to derive revenues from such services to justify the license fee, capital expenditures and other investments required to provide such services .

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 business. In March 2014, the investment business division of KT Capital Co., Ltd., including 3,059,560 common shares of BC Card Co., Ltd. that KT Capital Co., Ltd. held, was spun off and merged into KT Corporation. On August 20, 2015, we and our consolidated subsidiary, KT Hitel Co., Ltd., sold the entire 100% stake of KT Capital Co., Ltd. to JCF III K Holdings LLC for a total of 299 billion. In January 2011, we acquired 5,600,000 shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock with voting rights and convertible bonds that were convertible into 5,600,000 shares of common stock of KT Skylife Co., Ltd. (“KT Skylife”), a provider of satellite TV service which may also be packaged with our IPTV services, from Dutch Savings Holdings B.V. for approximately 246 billion. We exercised the conversion rights on the redeemable convertible preferred stock and the convertible bonds in March 2011, and owned a 49.9% interest in KT Skylife as of December 31, 2015. In March 2015, KT Media Hub Co., Ltd. was merged into KT Corporation to increase management efficiency and promote synergy among our existing businesses.

While we plan to continue our search for other suitable acquisition and joint venture opportunities, we cannot provide assurance that we will be able to identify additional 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 the transactions, 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 business. 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.

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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.

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 expanded 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 November 15, 2017. 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 unrests resulting from disagreements with the labor union in the future.

The Korean telecommunications and Internet protocol broadcasting 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 Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning (the “MSIP”) (ICT standing for Information & Communication Technology) and the KCC, has authority to regulate the telecommunications industry. Until March 2013, regulation of the telecommunications industry had mainly been the responsibility of the KCC. With the establishment of the newly created MSIP on March 23, 2013, however, such regulatory responsibility has mostly been transferred to the MSIP. The MSIP’s policy is to promote competition in the Korean telecommunications markets through measures designed to prevent the dominant service provider in any such market from exercising its market power in such a way as to prevent the emergence and development of viable competitors.

Under current Government regulations, if a network service provider has the largest market share for a specified type of service and its revenue from that service for the previous year exceeds a specific revenue amount set by the MSIP, it must obtain prior approval from the MSIP for the rates and the general terms for that service. Each year, the MSIP designates service providers whose rates and general terms of service must be approved by the MSIP. In recent years, the MSIP had designated us for local telephone service and SK Telecom for mobile service, and the MSIP, in consultation with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, currently approves rates charged by us and SK Telecom for such services.

The MSIP currently does not regulate our domestic long-distance, international long-distance, broadband Internet access and mobile service rates, but the inability to freely set our local telephone service rates may hurt profits from such business and impede our ability to compete effectively against our competitors. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Item 4.B. Business Overview—Regulation—Rates.” The form of our standard agreement for providing local network service and each agreement for interconnection with other service providers are also subject to approval by the MSIP. In addition, the MSIP may periodically announce public policy guidelines or suggestions that we take into consideration in setting our tariffs for non-regulated services. As a result of discussions with the MSIP, after a series of reductions, we abolished our activation fee relating to our mobile services completely in March 2015. In December 2015, we decided to lower our early termination fee to 25.1% of the existing fees relating to our broadband internet access service, internet phone or IPTV or such products bundled with our fixed-line telephone service. We expect such policy to be in effect by the first

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half of 2016. There can be no assurance that we will not adopt other tariff-reducing measures in the future to comply with the Government’s public policy guidelines or suggestions.

The MSIP 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 MSIP may levy a monetary penalty of up to 3.0% of the average of our annual revenue for the preceding three fiscal years. For example, in December 2013, the KCC imposed a combined fine of approximately 106 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 30 billion), which is the largest fine ever imposed by the KCC on local mobile operators for providing excessive subsidies to new subscribers. In March 2014, the MSIP imposed a 45-day suspension on each of us, SK Telecom and LG U+ from accepting new subscribers as a result of continuing to offer excessive handset subsidies to new subscribers, despite the order from the KCC prohibiting such subsidies. Additionally, the MSIP announced that it plans to bring criminal charges with fines of up to 150 million and imprisonment of less than three years against any carrier and responsible personnel that fails to adhere to the suspension or continues to offer illegal subsidies after the suspension is completed. In August 2014, the KCC again imposed a combined fine of approximately 58 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 11 billion) for providing excessive handset subsidies, and also imposed temporary suspensions on accepting new subscribers for seven days on SK Telecom and LG U+. In December 2014, the KCC further imposed a fine of approximately 8 billion on each of SK Telecom, LG U+ and us for providing excessive handset subsidies and in March 2015 the KCC again imposed a combined fine of approximately 34 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 9 billion) for violation of regulations relating to handset sales, in connection with a used handset buyback program that we and the other telecommunications operators were promoting. On March 12, 2015, the KCC imposed a fine of 870 million for violation of restrictions on handset subsidies relating to our compensation program for used handsets. On June 24, 2015, the KCC imposed a fine of 52 million for violating privacy related regulations and undermining consumer interests. On July 31, 2015, the KCC imposed a fine of 350 million for infringing upon consumer interests by advertising false and exaggerated information about bundled products. For more information about the penalties imposed for violating Government regulations, see “Item 8. Financial Information—Item 8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings.” The revocation of our licenses, suspension of our business or imposition of monetary penalties by the MSIP could have a material adverse effect on our business.

On October 1, 2014, the Handset Distribution Reform Act went into effect. The Handset Distribution Reform Act regulates, among other matters, the sale and subsidies of mobile devices such as smartphones, with one of its purposes being to induce telecommunication operators to compete in lowering the costs of communications and encourage the manufacturers to reduce handset factory prices, while improving service quality. Under the Handset Distribution Reform Act, consumers may not be discriminated in terms of subsidies based on their age, place of residence or monthly subscription plan when using their existing mobile phones, buying a new phone or switching their mobile carriers. Furthermore, everyone, regardless of their status, is entitled to receive either a handset subsidy for the purchase of mobile phone models that were launched within the last 15 months, or a tariff discount (with the current discount rate set at 20%, effective as of April 24, 2015). The maximum amount of handset subsidy that telecommunications operators and handset manufacturers may offer is determined by Korean telecommunication regulators (such limit to be determined between 250,000 and 350,000, and may be adjusted every six months, with the current limit set at 330,000, effective as of April 8, 2015). Telecommunications operators are also required to publicly announce the amount of handset subsidy that they offer, which may not be readjusted within one week after such announcement. In addition, telecommunications operators are prohibited from using misleading or exaggerated advertisements, such as advertisements that mobile phones are free without adequately explaining that it is preconditioned on signing up for high-priced monthly subscription plans.

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The Government also sets the policies regarding the use of radio frequencies and allocates the spectrum of radio frequencies used for wireless telecommunications by an auction process or by a planned allocation. For a discussion of the Government’s recent policies and practices on bandwidth spectrum allocation, see “—Item 3.D. Risk Factors—Failure to renew existing bandwidth spectrum, acquire adequate additional bandwidth spectrum or use our bandwidth efficiently may adversely affect our mobile telecommunications business and results of operations.” The new allocations of bandwidth could increase competition among wireless service providers, which may have an adverse effect on our business.

We also plan to put more focus on the Internet protocol (“IP”) media market, and we began offering IPTV services in November 2008. IPTV is a service which combines video-on-demand services with real-time high definition broadcasting via broadband networks. The MSIP and the KCC have the authority to regulate IPTV services. Under the Internet Multimedia Broadcasting Business Act, anyone intending to engage in the IPTV services business must first obtain a license from the MSIP. Moreover, anyone intending to provide linear channel programs focused on news or contents that generally combine news, culture entertainment, and any other similar contents with IPTV providers, must obtain approval from the KCC. Furthermore, anyone intending to provide contents relating to the introduction of consumer products and other similar marketing linear channel programs with IPTV providers must obtain additional approval from the MSIP. In addition, KT Skylife (formerly Korea Digital Satellite Broadcasting Co., Ltd.), which became our consolidated subsidiary starting in January 2011, offers satellite TV services, which may also be packaged with our IPTV services. KT Skylife is also subject to regulation by the MSIP and the KCC pursuant to the Korea Broadcasting Act. In March 2015, amendments to the Internet Multimedia Broadcasting Business Act were promulgated. Under such amendments, a single pay TV operator (including its affiliates) may not have more than one-third of the market share of all pay TV subscribers in Korea. The restriction on market share is in effect until June 27, 2018.

Government policies and regulations relating to the above as well as other regulations involving the Korean telecommunications and IP broadcasting industries (including as a result of the implementation of free trade agreements between Korea and other countries, including the United States and the European Union) may change, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Item 4.B. Business Overview—Regulation.”

We are subject to various regulations under the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act.

The Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act provides for various regulations and restrictions on large business groups enforced by the Korea Fair Trade Commission. 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 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. Additionally, we are subject to a prohibition, in effect since July 25, 2014, against circular shareholding among any three or more entities within our business group. For example, in 2015, we were fined 2 billion by the Korea Fair Trade Commission for using monopolistic status to exclude competitors in the corporate messaging business. Any future determination by 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.

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The reported investigations of and any adverse publicity associated with Mr. Suk-Chae Lee, our former chief executive officer, and our other former executive officers or directors could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation and stock price.

On November 12, 2013, Mr. Suk-Chae Lee resigned from his position as the president and chief executive officer of KT Corporation following the investigation by prosecutors for alleged embezzlement and breach of fiduciary duty. A warrant for Mr. Lee’s arrest and detainment was submitted for approval to the Seoul Central District Court in January 2014, but was denied due to lack of ascertainable evidence for his arrest. In April 2014, the Seoul Central District prosecutor’s office charged Mr. Lee with embezzlement and breach of fiduciary duty, and also charged Mr. Il Yung Kim, our former standing director and former president of the KT Corporate Center, as a co-conspirator in the breach of fiduciary duty by Mr. Lee, and Mr. Yu-Yeol Seo, our former president of Home Business Group, as a co-conspirator in Mr. Lee’s embezzlement. On September 24, 2015, the Seoul District Court acquitted Mr. Lee of the charges of embezzlement and breach of fiduciary duty. Mr. Kim and Mr. Seo were also acquitted of the conspiracy charges. The prosecution has appealed the judgments. The appeals are still ongoing, and we cannot be certain at this time what the outcome will be. However, there can be no assurance that any further developments in the trials will not adversely affect our business or cause our stock price to decline.

The reported investigation of and any adverse publicity associated with our previous subsidiary, KT ENGCORE, could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation and stock price.

An employee of KT ENGCORE, our consolidated subsidiary until August 2014, and several companies, some of which are KT ENGCORE’s subcontractors, allegedly worked together to forge documents, including a forged proof of accounts receivable, to incur borrowings, of which 290 billion remains unpaid, from 16 Korean banks since 2008 in over 460 transactions, which were allegedly secured by the forged accounts receivable and endorsed by KT ENGCORE. KT ENGCORE’s management neither had knowledge of nor approved such transactions. On February 11, 2014, police raided the offices of the subcontractors in connection with their investigation of the loans. Upon discovery of the incident, KT ENGCORE immediately suspended the employee in question without pay, pending the results of the investigations for any further disciplinary actions. The employee and several other persons involved in the incident were sentenced to prison terms by the Seoul Central District Court in August 2014 and by the appellate court subsequently.

In March 2014, KT ENGCORE filed for court receivership with the Seoul Central District Court, based on its inability to pay approximately 49 billion in commercial paper that became due after early redemption rights were exercised. The commercial paper had been issued in connection with construction of a solar power plant by a contractor of the project and guaranteed by KT ENGCORE. KT ENGCORE faced difficulties in preventing such exercise of redemption rights following the above incident, and we declined to provide additional financial support to KT ENGCORE to repay the redeemed commercial paper. In August 2014, the Seoul Central District Court approved KT ENGCORE’s restructuring plan, and determined that KT ENGCORE is only responsible for 15% of the borrowings which remain unpaid, or approximately 46 billion. Pursuant to the plan, KT ENGCORE is expected to repay all of its currently outstanding obligations. The banks have appealed the decision of the Seoul Central District Court, and the trial over the appeal is currently ongoing. While KT ENGCORE’s restructuring is unlikely to have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition on a consolidated basis, as KT ENGCORE has not been our consolidated subsidiary since 2014 due to its filing for court receivership, and our interest in KT ENGCORE was classified as available-for-sale securities, any future legal proceedings against KT ENGCORE and/or us may lead to significant losses. Such losses, as well as any adverse publicity associated with the incident, could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation and stock price.

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The data breach incidents involving us in recent years have resulted in government investigations and private litigation, and if our efforts to protect the personal information of our subscribers are unsuccessful, future issues may result in further government enforcement actions and private litigation and may significantly impact our results of operation and reputation.

The nature of our business involves the receipt and storage of personal information of our subscribers. The uninterrupted operation of our information systems and confidentiality of the customer information that resides in such systems are critical to our successful operations. As such, we have a program in place to detect and respond to data security incidents. However, even though we may take all steps we believe are necessary to protect personal information, hardware, software or applications we develop or procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information security. 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 deceiving our employees, contractors and temporary staff. In addition, because the techniques used to obtain 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.

For example, in July 2012, the police arrested two individuals in connection with the alleged theft of personal information relating to approximately 8.7 million of our mobile phone subscribers. The individuals in question stole personal information through a series of hackings starting from February 2012 into our New Service and Technology Evolution Program (“N-STEP”), our mobile customer information system. Since the incident, approximately 29,800 of our mobile phone subscribers filed a total of 16 lawsuits against us in connection with the N-STEP hackings, alleging that we failed to protect their personal information, and are seeking total damages of approximately 15 billion. From August 2014 to October 2015, various district courts have awarded damages of 100,000 per plaintiff for 13 of the cases involving a total of approximately 29,000 of the subscribers, resulting in damages of approximately 3 billion to us, while the remaining trials are currently ongoing at various district courts. We have appealed the district courts’ decisions and the appeals are currently ongoing at the Seoul High Court.

Furthermore, in March 2014, the police arrested three individuals in connection with their alleged theft of personal information relating to approximately 9.8 million of our subscribers. The individuals in question stole the personal information of our subscribers through a series of hackings into our main homepage starting from February 2014. Since the incident, approximately 13,450 subscribers filed 19 lawsuits against us in connection with the information theft, seeking total damages of approximately 7 billion. The trials are currently ongoing at various district courts. In June 2014, we were fined 85 million by the KCC and were ordered to take corrective measures in connection with the most recent hacking incident. We filed an administrative appeal in August 2014 in connection with the KCC fine, and the appeal is currently ongoing at the Seoul Administrative Court.

We are unable to predict with any degree of certainty the outcome of these incidents at this time, including the scope of investigations or the maximum potential exposure. However, if we experience additional significant data security breaches or fail to detect and appropriately respond to significant data security breaches, we could be subject to additional government enforcement actions, regulatory sanctions and litigation in the future. In addition, our mobile phone subscribers could lose confidence in our ability to protect their information, which could cause them to discontinue using our services altogether. Furthermore, adverse final determinations, decisions or resolutions in such matters could encourage other parties to bring related claims and actions against us. Accordingly, the outcome of these incidents may materially and adversely impact our business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition.

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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 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. Certain of these lawsuits have been dismissed. 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 8,635 billion total principal amount of borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2015, 2,674 billion was denominated in foreign currencies with a weighted average interest rate of 3.62%. The interest rates of such debt denominated in foreign currencies ranged from 0.48% (Japanese Yen 15 billion bond issued in 2015) to 6.50% (US$100 million fixed rate notes due 2034 issued under our medium-term note program). Upon identification and evaluation of our currency risk exposures, we, having considered various circumstances, enter into derivative financial instruments to try to manage some of 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 3.A. Selected Financial Data—Exchange Rate Information”, “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 the shares of our common stock 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 ADRs of cash dividends, if any, paid in Won on shares of common stock represented by the ADSs.

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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 a key legal construct used to calculate many statutory benefits and entitlements in Korea. Increasing or decreasing the amount of compensation included in employees’ ordinary wages has the effect of increasing or decreasing the amounts of various statutory entitlements that are calculated based on “ordinary wage,” such as overtime premium pay. Under guidelines previously issued by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, prior to the Supreme Court decision described below, an employee’s ordinary wage included base salary and certain fixed monthly allowances for work performed overtime during night shifts and holidays. Prior to the Supreme Court of Korea’s decision described below, companies in Korea had typically interpreted these guidelines as excluding from the scope of ordinary wages fixed bonuses that are paid other than on a monthly basis, namely on a bi-monthly, quarterly or biannual basis.

On December 18, 2013, the Supreme Court of Korea ruled that regular bonuses (including those that are paid other than on a monthly basis) shall be deemed ordinary wages if these bonuses are paid “regularly” and “uniformly” on a “fixed basis” notwithstanding differential amounts based on seniority. Under this decision, any collective bargaining agreement or labor-management agreement which attempts to exclude such regular bonuses from employees’ ordinary wages will be deemed void for violation of the mandatory provisions of Korean law. However, the Supreme Court of Korea further ruled that, in certain limited situations, an employee’s claim of underpayment under the expanded scope of ordinary wages for the past three years may be denied based on the principles of good faith, even though the claim is raised within the statute of limitations period. Following this Supreme Court Decision, the Ministry of Employment and Labor issued a Guideline for Labor and Management on Ordinary Wages on January 23, 2014. A bill for amendment to the Labor Standard Act, which includes a definition of “ordinary wages” as “entire money and valuables determined in advance to be provided to the employee by the employer as wages, regardless of its name, in exchange of the prescribed or total work of the employee,” is currently pending at the sub-committee level of the National Assembly.

While we currently are not subject to any claims of underpayment from our current or former employees, the Supreme Court decision may result in additional labor costs for us in the form of additional payments required under the expanded scope of ordinary wages, both those incurred during the past three years and those to be incurred in the future. Any such additional payments may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation.

Risks Relating to Korea

Korea is our most important market, and our current business and future growth could be materially and adversely affected if economic conditions in Korea deteriorate.

Substantially all of our operations, customers and assets are located in Korea. Accordingly, the performance and successful fulfillment of our operational strategies are necessarily dependent on the overall Korean economy and the resulting impact on the demand for telecommunications services. 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.

In recent years, adverse conditions and volatility in the worldwide financial markets, fluctuations in oil and commodity prices and the general weakness of the global economy have contributed to the uncertainty of global economic prospects in general and have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, the Korean economy. The value of the Won relative to major foreign currencies in general and the U.S. dollar in particular has also fluctuated widely. See “—Item 3.A. Selected Financial Data—Exchange Rate Information.” A depreciation of the Won increases the

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cost of imported goods and services and the Won revenue needed by Korean companies to service foreign currency denominated debt. An appreciation of the Won, on the other hand, causes export products of Korean companies to be less competitive by raising their prices in terms of the relevant foreign currency and reduces the Won value of such export sales. Furthermore, as a result of adverse global and Korean economic conditions, there has been volatility in the stock prices of Korean companies in recent years. Future declines in 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 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.

Developments that could have an adverse impact on Korea’s economy in the future include:

continued volatility or deterioration in Korea’s credit and capital markets;

difficulties in the financial sectors in Europe, China and elsewhere and increased sovereign default risks in selected countries and the resulting adverse effects on the global financial markets;

adverse changes or volatility in foreign currency reserve levels, commodity prices (including oil prices), exchange rates (including fluctuation of the U.S. dollar, the Euro or Japanese Yen exchange rates or revaluation of the Chinese Renminbi), interest rates, inflation rates or stock markets;

increasing levels of household debt;

continuing adverse conditions in the economies of countries and regions that are important export markets for Korea, such as the United States, Europe, Japan and China, or in emerging market economies in Asia or elsewhere;

further decreases in the market prices of Korean real estate;

increasing delinquencies and credit defaults by consumer and small- and medium-sized enterprise borrowers;

declines in consumer confidence and a slowdown in consumer spending;

social and labor unrest;

increases in social expenditures to support an aging population in Korea or decreases in economic productivity due to the declining population size in Korea;

the economic impact of any pending or future free trade agreements;

geo-political uncertainty and risk of further attacks by terrorist groups around the world;

the occurrence of severe health epidemics in Korea or other parts of the world, including the recent Ebola, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Zika virus outbreaks;

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;

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political uncertainty or increasing strife among or within political parties in Korea, and political gridlock within the Government or in the legislature, which prevents or disrupts timely and effective policy making;

natural disasters that have a significant adverse economic or other impact on Korea or its major trading partners;

hostilities or political or social tensions involving countries in the Middle East and North Africa and any material disruption in the supply of oil or significant decrease or increase in the price of oil; 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.

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 future events. In particular, there continues to be uncertainty regarding the long-term stability of North Korea’s political leadership since the succession of Kim Jong-un to power following the death of his father in December 2011, which has raised concerns with respect to the political and economic future of the region.

In addition, there have been heightened security concerns in recent years stemming from North Korea’s nuclear weapon and long-range missile programs as well as its hostile military actions against Korea. Some of the significant incidents in recent years include the following:

On February 7, 2016, North Korea launched a rocket, claimed by them to be carrying a satellite intended for scientific observation. The launch was widely suspected by the international community to be a cover for testing a long-range missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. On February 18, 2016, U.S. President Barack Obama signed into law mandatory sanctions on North Korea to punish it for its recent nuclear and missile tests, human rights violations and cyber crimes. The bill, which marks the first measure by the United States to exclusively target North Korea, is intended to seize the assets of anyone engaging in business related to North Korea’s weapons program, and authorizes US$50 million over five years to transmit radio broadcasts into the country and support humanitarian assistance projects. On March 2, 2016, the United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution to impose sanctions against North Korea, which include inspection of all cargo going to and from North Korea, a ban on all weapons trade and the expulsion of North Korean diplomats who engage in “illicit activities.” Also, on March 4, 2016, the European Union announced that it would expand its sanctions on North Korea, adding additional companies and individuals to its list of sanction targets.

On January 6, 2016, North Korea announced that it had successfully conducted its first hydrogen bomb test, hours after international monitors detected a 5.1 magnitude earthquake near a known nuclear testing site in the country. The claims have not been verified independently. The alleged test followed a statement made in the previous month by Kim Jong-un, who claimed that North Korea had developed a hydrogen bomb.

In August 2015, two Korean soldiers were injured in a landmine explosion near the South Korean demilitarized zone. Claiming the landmines were set by North Koreans, the South Korean army re-initiated its propaganda program toward North Korea utilizing loudspeakers near the demilitarized zone. In retaliation, the North Korean army fired

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artillery rounds on the loudspeakers, resulting in the highest level of military readiness for both Koreas. High-ranking officials from North and South Korea subsequently met for discussions and entered into an agreement on August 25, 2015 intending to deflate military tensions.

From time to time, North Korea has fired short- to medium-range missiles from the coast of the Korean peninsula into the sea. Most recently in March 2015, North Korea fired seven surface-to-air missiles into waters off its east coast in apparent protest of annual joint military exercises being held by Korea and the United States.

North Korea’s economy also faces severe challenges, which may further aggravate social and political pressure within North Korea. There can be no assurance that the level of tension 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 break down or military hostilities occur, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

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 relatively recent 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 management time and attention from the operation of a business. 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 as mandated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended. However, foreign private issuers, including us, are exempt from certain corporate governance standards required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. For a description of significant differences in corporate governance standards, 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.

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Risks Relating to the Securities

If an investor surrenders his 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 the number of common shares held by our largest domestic shareholder.

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. Under the Telecommunications Business Act, the MSIP may, if it deems it necessary to preserve substantial public interests, prohibit a foreign shareholder from being our largest shareholder. In addition, the Foreign Investment Promotion Act prohibits any foreign shareholder from being our largest shareholder if such shareholder owns 5.0% or more of our shares with voting rights. 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 MSIP 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. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.”

Holders of ADSs will not be able to exercise appraisal rights unless they have withdrawn the underlying common stock 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 common stock and become our direct shareholder. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.”

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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 additional shares of our common stock 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 our company and our industry. The forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “project,” “should,” and similar expressions. 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

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organization and shareholders’ rights were governed by the Privatization Law 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.

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 Law 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, including ourselves, there are currently three local telephone service providers, five domestic long-distance carriers and numerous international long-distance carriers (including voice resellers) in Korea. 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, 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. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Item 4.B. Business Overview—Competition.”

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 and our telephone number is (8231) 727-0114.

It em 4.B. Business Overview

We are the leading telecommunications service provider in Korea and one of the largest and most advanced in Asia. As an integrated telecommunications service provider, our principal services include:

mobile voice and data telecommunications services based on 3G W-CDMA technology and 4G LTE technology;

fixed-line services, which include:

Ø

telephone services, including local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance fixed-line and VoIP telephone services and interconnection services to other telecommunications companies;

Ø

broadband Internet access service and other Internet-related services, including IPTV services; and

Ø

data communication service, including leased line service and dedicated broadband internet connection service to institutional customers;

credit card processing and other financial services through BC Card Co., Ltd.; and

various other services, including satellite service (through KT Sat Co., Ltd.) and information technology, real estate business (through KT Estate Inc.), satellite TV service (through KT Skylife), media contents business and network services such as cloud computing services.

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

in the mobile services market in Korea, we achieved a market share of 30.6% with approximately 18 million subscribers as of December 31, 2015;

in the fixed-line telephone services market in Korea, we continue to be the dominant provider with approximately 23.9 million installed lines, of which 13.7 million lines were in service as of December 31, 2015. As of such date, our market share of the local market was 80.6% and our market share of the domestic long-distance market was 78.9%;

we are Korea’s largest broadband Internet access provider with 8.3 million subscribers (excluding WiBro subscribers) as of December 31, 2015, representing a market share of 41.6%; and

we are also the leading provider of data communication services in Korea.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, our operating revenues were 22,700 billion, our profit for the period was 484 billion and our basic profit per share was 2,231. As of December 31, 2015, our total assets were 29,405 billion, total liabilities were 17,249 billion and total equity was 12,156 billion.

Business Strategy

We believe the telecommunications market in Korea is nearing saturation, despite certain areas of growth remaining due to Korea’s growing economy, consumers’ willingness to adopt new technologies, relatively high income and a relatively large middle class. To maintain our competitiveness, we believe we need to pursue growth in other areas, while maintaining our strength in existing businesses. In order to enhance the management efficiencies of our mobile and fixed-line telecommunications operations as well as more effectively respond to the convergence trends in the telecommunications industry, KTF merged into KT Corporation in June 2009, with KT Corporation surviving the merger. In 2016, we restructured our organization into six business groups, the Marketing Group, the Customer Group, the Enterprise Business Group, the Global Business Group, the Future Convergence Business Group and the Platform Business Group, so that we may achieve higher synergies, more effectively address differing needs of our customer segments, as well as strengthen our competitiveness and discover new growth opportunities. As part of our efforts to improve our operational efficiencies, we transferred all operations relating to fixed-line sales activities (including on-site sales, line activation, after service, and customer center operations) to our subsidiaries in 2014.

We also established subsidiaries to oversee our satellite and real estate operations, and expanded the number of specialized employees for each business, to further strengthen such operations and to pursue strategic alliances with other global corporates. In May 2014, we announced our “GiGAtopia” corporate vision, which refers to our goal to create a world where humans and all things are connected through ultra-fast “GiGA” infrastructure and ICT eco-system, enhanced by convergence services, industrial development and innovation. We launched our olleh GiGA Internet service, which provides transmission speed of up to 1 Gbps, in October 2014 (“olleh GiGA Internet Service”). In June 2015, we also announced the mobile data service known as “GiGA LTE” which we believe provides the world’s fastest smartphone data service utilizing multipath transmission control protocol (MPTCP) technology. We continue to expand GiGA coverage, initially focusing on metropolitan areas, and further expand to other regions in Korea. We also seek to provide other

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services that converge information & communication technology with other fields such as energy, security, media, healthcare and transportation, utilizing our fixed-line and wireless infrastructure based on our olleh GiGA Internet Service and LTE mobile services. By promoting our convergence services, we aim to contribute in changing the current subsidy-based Korean telecommunication market competition to one based on innovative technology, products and enhanced services. We also plan to transform how our customers perceive us. We believe that positive changes in our customers’ perception of our product and services will help us to achieve the top position in the telecommunications and ICT business in Korea.

We believe development of 5G technology will be a key driver for future innovations. With our leadership in providing highly advanced 4G LTE services, we have made extensive efforts to develop various further advanced technologies. At the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, our goal is to unveil the world’s first 5G services at a pre-commercial level. We are planning to showcase a variety of services with enhanced speed, latency, and connectivity, such as broadcasting from the viewpoint of players with a 360-degree panoramic view and multi-dimensional service ( i.e. , broadcasting from multiple viewpoints). As an official telecommunications services partner of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, we will give our utmost efforts to realize the vision of 5G and capture truly memorable moments of the Olympics.

Consistent with our overall goals, we aim to pursue the following strategy for our business groups:

Marketing Group . Through our Marketing Group, we aim to expand our telecommunication and convergence operations by (i) improving our fixed-line and wireless telecommunication market shares and average revenue per user, (ii) developing business strategies and plans specifically related to telecommunications and convergence, (iii) strengthening our competitiveness over products, customer service and other related services and (iv) developing and executing efficient marketing strategies. We also focus on expanding our wireless data communication business to meet the rising demand for broadband Internet access using advanced wireless data communications devices such as smartphones. We are working closely with handset manufacturers to expand our offerings of smartphones and handsets designed to promote convergence of fixed-line and mobile telecommunications services, as well as to promote development of various applications for such devices.

In line with this strategy, we began offering Apple’s iPhone for the first time in Korea in November 2009 and have expanded our offerings of smartphones from other mobile handset manufacturers. We plan to take advantage of our industry-leading network infrastructure to attract more customers as this market further develops. In addition, we aim to further enhance our position in the mobile telecommunications market by leveraging on our strong brand, nationwide marketing network, competitive data usage rates, call centers dedicated to smartphone users, creative marketing strategies that address our potential customers’ needs and ability to bundle various mobile and fixed-line services. We also plan to further expand our contents and applications for smartphone users and mobile data users by cooperating with application developers in Korea and abroad, in order to further solidify our position as a leader in the convergence market.

In 2010, we launched a new brand “olleh” to promote our bundled products, which include broadband Internet access service, IPTV service, Internet phone service and fixed-line telephone service. We aim to differentiate ourselves from our competitors by providing broadband Internet access service using high-speed FTTH connection and offering Internet phone service with value-added features such as video communication, short message service and phone banking. We also began offering real-time broadcasting

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service on our IPTV service starting in November 2008. In addition, we are making extensive efforts to develop various further advanced technologies such as 5G technologies.

We believe that convergence of fixed-line and mobile communications technologies provides a competitive advantage to us because we have the technological know-how and experience to design and construct a unified delivery platform for a new generation of value-added services. We plan to make such platform more readily available to others so that they may create additional contents and convenience solutions such as electronic commerce and digital transaction applications that can be utilized anywhere using various media and communications devices.

Customer Group . Through our Customer Group, we aim to improve our marketing and customer service efforts for all of our products and services by (i) planning and executing strategy for each product that we offer and our marketing efforts, (ii) contributing to expanding our market share by strengthening our marketing and customer service efforts, and (iii) maximizing customer satisfaction by providing high quality customer service.

Enterprise Business Group . Through our Enterprise Business Group, we aim to provide our large corporate, small- and medium-sized enterprise and government agency customers with one-stop solution services, including designing data communications and information technology infrastructure and overseeing their day-to-day operations with the objective of achieving operational efficiencies and cost savings, as well as establishing and executing business plans for our global operations. Furthermore, in conjunction with our Future Convergence Business Group, we seek to expand our operations in the fields of smart energy, unified security systems and oversized data management.

Global Business Group . Through our Global Business Group, we are expanding our global operations by designing, developing and optimizing mobile virtual network operation, cloud computing, data centers and other global network services, in conjunction with overseas network operators and other global telecommunications companies. To this end, we have established or acquired overseas branches or subsidiaries in target countries to design and construct telecommunication networks and develop information & communication technology convergence products, as well as seeking further overseas opportunities working with quality Korean small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Future Convergence Business Group . Due to the saturation within the Korean telecommunication market and limitations on growth in the traditional telecommunications services market, through our Future Convergence Strategy Group, we aim to concentrate our existing business capabilities in achieving new synergies by converging information & communication technology with other fields, such as smart energy, unified security systems, next-generation media, healthcare and intelligent traffic control. In the field of smart energy, through our convergence energy optimization project named “KT Micro-Energy Grid System,” we seek to contribute in preventing energy crisis and to increase energy efficiency. In the field of unified security systems, we seek to contribute to the establishment of national response systems for natural and other disasters, as well as enhancing personal and corporate security. In the field of next-generation media, we seek to contribute to the development of next-generation media contents and new media technology, thereby supporting the expansion of Korean media contents to overseas markets. We are also seeking ways to develop personalized treatment systems to provide enhanced healthcare, as well as creating intelligent traffic control systems to reduce traffic.

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Platform Business Group . Through our Platform Business Group, we strive to transform into a platform-based business focusing on online-to-offline commerce, financial technology (“Fintech”) and Internet of Things (“IoT”). As part of our Fintech business initiatives, we are developing an online payment application, which provides a method of online authentication that uses biometric data instead of complex passwords. With regard to IoT, we will continue to deploy the Industrial IoT business model, which explores opportunities to converge services with other industries. We also plan to strengthen our IoT service relating to household goods.

The Telecommunications Industry in Korea

The Korean telecommunications industry is one of the most developed in Asia. According to the MSIP, the number of mobile subscribers in Korea was 58.9 million and the number of broadband Internet access subscribers in Korea was 20.0 million as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, the mobile penetration rate, which is calculated by dividing the number of mobile subscriber accounts (including multiple counting of those who subscribe to more than one mobile service) by the population of Korea, was 116.4%, and the broadband Internet penetration rate, which is calculated by dividing the number of broadband Internet access service subscriber accounts (including multiple counting of those who subscribe to more than one broadband Internet access service) by the number of households in Korea, was 107.0%.

Mobile Telecommunications Service Market

The Korean cellular market was formally established in 1984 when SK Telecom, formerly Korea Mobile Telecom, became the first mobile telephone operator in Korea. SK Telecom remained the only cellular operator in Korea until Shinsegi Telecom began service in 1994. In order to encourage further market growth and competition, the Government awarded three 2G licenses in June 1996. KTF was awarded a license alongside LG U+ and Hansol M.com, and commercial 2G service was launched in October 1997.

Since the introduction of three new operators in 1997, the Korean mobile market has undergone consolidation and significant growth. Following SK Telecom’s purchase of a controlling stake in Shinsegi, we acquired a 47.9% interest in Hansol M.com in 2000 and renamed the company KT M.com. KT M.com merged into KTF in May 2001 and Shinsegi merged into SK Telecom in January 2002. In June 2009, KTF merged into KT Corporation, with KT Corporation surviving the merger. KT Corporation and SK Telecom offer third-generation, high-capacity HSDPA-based IMT-2000 wireless Internet and video multimedia communications services that use significantly greater bandwidth capacity. In July 2011, SK Telecom and LG U+ began offering 4G communications services based on LTE technology, which enables data transmission at a speed faster than W-CDMA or WiBro networks, and we began our 4G LTE services in January 2012. Additionally, in September 2013, we commenced providing wideband LTE services, which utilizes our adjoining 20 MHz of bandwidths in the 1.8 GHz spectrum to provide transmission speed of up to 150 Mbps (for downloading), twice faster than those offered under standard LTE services. SK Telecom also began providing its wideband LTE services in September 2013 and LG U+ commenced providing its wideband LTE services in January 2014. We expanded our wideband LTE services to all of Korea in July 2014. Furthermore, in March 2014, we commercialized Wideband LTE-A services, which interconnects our 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum used to offer wideband LTE services with the 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 900 MHz spectrum used to offer standard LTE services by utilizing inter-band carrier aggregation technology to support transmission speed of up to 225 Mbps (for downloading), and began additionally interconnecting 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum in January 2015 to support transmission speed of up to 300 Mbps (for downloading) under the “Wideband LTE-A X4” service. As of December 31, 2015, the number of our LTE subscribers exceeded 41.7 million. Due to the high mobile penetration rate in Korea, we expect the growth of new subscribers to be limited.

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In April 2014, LG U+, SK Telecom and we began offering various unlimited mobile service packages, offering mobile subscribers with unlimited voice calls, text messaging, and LTE data. We believe that the continuing intense competition among major telecommunications operators in Korea and the resulting pressure on our fees may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

The table below gives the subscription and penetration information of the mobile telecommunications industry for the periods indicated:

As of December 31,
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Total Korean Population (1)

50,734 50,948 51,141 51,328 51,529

Mobile Subscribers (2)

52,507 53,624 54,681 56,310 57,937

Mobile Subscriber Growth Rate

3.4 % 2.1 % 2.0 % 3.0 % 2.9 %

Mobile Penetration (3)

103.5 % 105.3 % 106.9 % 109.7 % 112.4 %

(1) In thousands, based on the number of registered residents as published by the Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs of Korea.

(2) In thousands, based on information announced by the KCC and MSIP.

(3) Penetration is determined by dividing mobile subscribers by total Korean population.

Broadband Internet Access Market

With the advancement of broadband technology, the Korean broadband Internet access market has experienced significant growth. The principal technologies used in providing high speed Internet access services are xDSL, HFC and fiber optic LAN. xDSL refers to various types of digital subscriber lines, including ADSL and VDSL. xDSL offers an access solution over existing telephone lines using a specialized modem while HFC service involves the use of two-way cable networks. Fiber optic LAN is a technology that combines fiber optic cables and Unshielded Twisted Pair (“UTP”) cables. Fiber optic cables are connected to residential and commercial buildings with UTP cable-based LAN capabilities. While xDSL and HFC are more widely used technologies because of their relative reliability, ease of provisioning and cost effectiveness, fiber optic LAN usage in Korea has been steadily increasing in recent years.

Since the subscribers of two-way cable networks share a limited bandwidth, the downstream speed tends to slow down as the number of subscribers increases, thereby decreasing the quality of HFC-based service. While xDSL technology was commercially introduced after HFC technology, it has surpassed HFC to become the prevalent broadband access platform in Korea. VDSL, ADSL-based technology with enhanced downstream speed, became commercialized in 2002. Some of the service providers have upgraded their broadband network to provide fiber optic LAN-based service to their subscribers, which further enhances data transmission speed up to 1 Gbps as well as improves connection quality, and enables such service providers to offer video-on-demand services with real-time high definition broadcasting.

In recent years, broadband Internet access service providers and mobile telecommunications service providers have focused their attention on providing wireless Internet connection capabilities. They have introduced WiFi with speed of up to 1.3 Gbps, which is designed to integrate fixed-line and wireless services by offering high speed wireless Internet access to laptops, PDAs and smartphones in hot-spot zones and at home.

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Our Services

Mobile Service

We provide mobile services based on W-CDMA technology and LTE technology. Prior to the merger of KTF into KT Corporation, we provided such services through KTF, which was formerly a consolidated subsidiary. KTF obtained one of the three licenses to provide nationwide 2G service in June 1996 and began offering 2G service in October 1997. In June 2009, KTF 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. We currently offer HSDPA-based IMT-2000 services, which are third-generation, high-capacity wireless Internet and video multimedia communications services based on W-CDMA wireless network standards. In January 2012, we also began offering 4G LTE services following the termination of our 2G services. We completed the expansion of our 4G LTE service coverage nationwide in October 2012 and commenced providing wideband LTE services in September 2013, and commercialized Wideband LTE-A services in March 2014. We began offering “Wideband LTE-A X4” services in January 2015 and also launched “GIGA LTE” services which links “Wideband LTE-A X4” and our WiFi network to provide a faster WiFi connection in June 2015.

Revenues related to mobile service accounted for 32.0% of our operating revenues in 2015. In addition, our goods sold, which are primarily from mobile handset sales, accounted for 12.1% of our operating revenues in 2015. The following table shows selected information concerning the usage of our network during the periods indicated and the number of our subscribers as of the end of such periods:

As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
2013 2014 2015

Average Monthly Outgoing Minutes per Subscriber (1)

182 202 216

Average Monthly Revenue per Subscriber (2)

35,236 35,043 36,049

Number of Subscribers (in thousands)

16,454 16,895 17,620

(1) The average monthly outgoing minutes per subscriber is computed by dividing the total minutes of usage for the period by the weighted average number of subscribers for the period and dividing the quotient by the number of months in the period. The weighted average number of subscribers is the sum of the total number of subscribers at the end of each month divided by the number of months in the period.

(2) The average monthly revenue per subscriber is computed by dividing initial activation fees, total monthly fees, usage charges, interconnection fees and value-added service fees for the period by the weighted average number of subscribers and dividing the quotient by the number of months in the period.

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, 2015, we had approximately 18 million subscribers, or a market share of 30.6%, which was second largest among the three mobile service providers.

We market our mobile services primarily through independent exclusive dealers located throughout Korea. As of December 31, 2015, there were approximately 2,800 shops managed by our independent exclusive dealers. 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 account information. 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. The handsets sold by us to the

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dealers cannot be returned to us unless they are defective. If a handset is defective, it may be exchanged for a new one within 14 days from the date of purchase. On October 1, 2014, the Handset Distribution Reform Act, which regulates the sale and subsidies of mobile telecommunication devices, went into effect. See “—Regulation—Rates”.

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 in recent years. In 2007, we established a wholly-owned subsidiary, KT M&S Co., Ltd., that operates approximately 252 customer plazas 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 communication services, including various telephone services, broadband and other internet services and data communication services.

Fixed-line 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. These fixed-line telephone services accounted for 10.2% of our operating revenues in 2015. Our telephone network includes exchanges, long-distance transmission equipment and fiber optic and copper cables. The following table gives some basic measures of the development of our telephone system. 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, have led to significant decreases in our domestic long-distance call minutes and local call pulses.

As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Total Korean population (thousands) (1)

50,734 50,948 51,141 51,328 51,529

Lines installed (thousands) (2)

23,925 25,242 24,264 23,930 23,607

Lines in service (thousands) (2)

15,900 15,121 14,032 13,713 12,440

Lines in service per 100 inhabitants (3)

31.3 29.7 27.4 26.7 24.1

Fiber optic cable (kilometers)

527,188 584,932 636,347 673,783 559,352

Number of public telephones installed (thousands)

111 101 94 88 83

Domestic long-distance call minutes (millions) (4)

6,574 6,067 4,842 3,512 2,114

Local call pulses (millions) (4)

6,697 6,071 4,895 3,969 2,409

(1) Based on the number of registered residents as published by the Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs of Korea.

(2) Including lines used for public telephones but excluding lines dedicated to centralized extension system services for corporate subscribers.

(3) Determined based on lines in service and total Korean population.

(4) Excluding calls placed from public telephones.

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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.

The following table shows the number of minutes of international long-distance calls recorded by us and specific service providers utilizing our international long-distance network in each specified category for each year in the five-year period ended December 31, 2015:

Year Ended December 31,
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
(In millions of billed minutes)

Incoming international long-distance calls

541.6 520.3 628.4 549.4 390.5

Outgoing international long-distance calls

332.1 289.7 244.2 212.2 179.0

Total

873.7 810.0 872.6 761.6 569.5

Japan (30.9%), China (21.1%) and the United States (9.3%) accounted for the greatest percentage of our international long-distance call traffic measured in minutes in 2015. In recent years, the volume of our incoming calls has exceeded the volume of our outgoing calls. The agreed settlement rate is applied to the call minutes to determine the applicable net settlement payment.

Interconnection . 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 SK Broadband and LG U+ (offering local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance services), Sejong and SK Telink (offering international and domestic long-distance services), and SK Telecom and LG U+ (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.

Internet phone services . The volume of calls made through Internet phone services has significantly increased since Internet phone service was first introduced in Korea in 1998. We provide Internet phone services that enable VoIP phone devices with broadband connection to make domestic and international calls. In order to differentiate our Internet phone services from our competitors’ services, we provide value-added services such as video communication, short message service, phone banking and a variety of traffic and local news information. As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately 3.4 million subscribers.

Internet Services

Broadband Internet Access Service . Leveraging on our nationwide network of over 695,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable network, we have achieved a leading market position in the broadband Internet access 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 broadband Internet access service accounted for 8.3% of our operating revenues in 2015. Our principal Internet access services include:

ADSL, VDSL, Ethernet and FTTH services under the “olleh Internet” and “olleh GiGA Internet” brand name;

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WiFi under the “ollehWiFi” brand name, which is designed to integrate fixed-line and wireless services by offering high speed wireless Internet access to laptops, PDAs and smartphones in hot-spot zones and olleh Internet service in fixed-line environments. OllehWiFi enables subscribers to access the Internet at a speed of up to 1.3 Gbps. We sponsored approximately 100,000 hot-spot zones nationwide for wireless connection as of December 31, 2015; and

olleh 4G WiBro Internet access service, which enables two-way WiBro Internet access to portable computers, mobile phones and other portable devices at a speed averaging 6 Mbps per user.

We had approximately 8.3 million fixed-line olleh Internet subscribers and approximately 99,600 ollehWiFi service subscribers as of December 31, 2015. We commercially launched our WiBro service in June 2006, and we had approximately 680,000 subscribers as of December 31, 2015. We launched our olleh GiGA Internet Service, which provides transmission speed of up to 1 Gbps, and had approximately 1.0 million subscribers as of December 31, 2015. We also bundle our WiBro service with olleh Internet and ollehWiFi services at a discount in order to attract additional subscribers.

Our olleh Internet service utilizes 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. While ADSL technology was commercially introduced after HFC-based technology, it has surpassed HFC to become the prevalent access platform in Korea. VDSL, ADSL-based technology with enhanced downstream speed, became commercialized in July 2002. We are continually upgrading our broadband network to enable better FTTH connection, which further enhances data transmission speed of up to 1 Gbps 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 products and services that require high bandwidth, such as IPTV, and other digital media content with higher stability.

The high-speed downstream rates can reach up to 8 Mbps for ADSL, 100 Mbps for VDSL and 1 Gbps for FTTH. Downstream rates depend on a number of factors. For a constant wire gauge, the data rate decreases as the length of the copper wire increases. Generally, if the separation between the telephone office and the subscriber is greater than four kilometers, line attenuation is so severe that broadband speeds can no longer be achieved. Approximately 95% of the households subscribing to our basic local telephone service are located within a four kilometer radius of our telephone offices, making our olleh Internet service available to most of the Korean population. Fiber-optic cable used by FTTH, on the other hand, uses laser light to carry signals that travel long distances inside fiber optic cable without degradation.

Other Internet-related Services . Our other Internet-related services focus primarily on providing infrastructure and solutions for business enterprises, as well as IPTV and network portal services. Our other Internet-related services accounted for 6.5% of our operating revenues in 2015.

We operate ten data centers located throughout Korea and provide a wide range of computing services to companies which need servers, storage and leased lines. Data centers are facilities used to house, protect and maintain network server computers that store and deliver Internet and other network content, such as web pages, applications and data. Our data centers are designed to meet international standards, and are equipped with temperature and humidity control systems, regulated

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and reliable power supplies, mechanical equipment, fire detection and suppression equipment, security monitoring and wide-bandwidth connections to the Internet. Data centers allow corporations to outsource their application and server hardware management.

Our data centers offer network outsourcing services, server operation services and system support services. Our network outsourcing services include co-location, which is the installation of our customers’ network equipment at our data centers. Co-location is designed to increase customers’ Internet connection speed and reduce connection time and costs by directly connecting the customers’ server to the Internet backbone switch at our data centers. Our server operation services include optimal server management service and technical support service we provide with respect to the leased servers that are linked directly to our Internet backbone switch. We also lease servers and network equipment for a fixed monthly fee. Our system support services include providing system resources for a wide range of Internet computing services, such as application transfer, network storage, video streaming and application download, as well as sending short text messages and messages containing multimedia objects, such as images, audio and video.

We also offer a service called Bizmeka to develop and commercialize business-to-business solutions targeting small- and medium-sized business enterprises in Korea. Bizmeka is an applied application service provider which provides industry standard and specialized business solutions, including integrated business administration solutions and intranet collaboration solutions.

We also offer high definition video-on-demand and real-time broadcasting IPTV services under the brand name “olleh TV,” and began offering ultra-high-definition (“UHD”) IPTV services, which offer resolutions up to four times those offered under high-definition television services, under the brand name “olleh GiGA UHD TV” starting in September 2014. Our IPTV service offers access to an array of digital media contents, including 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 catalog 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 6.6 million olleh TV subscribers as of December 31, 2015. In December 2015, amendments to the Internet Multimedia Broadcasting Business Act were promulgated. Under such amendments, a single broadcasting operator, together with its affiliates, may not have more than one-third of the market share of all paid broadcasting subscribers in Korea. The market share restriction will be in effect until June 27, 2018.

Data Communications Service

Our data communications service involves 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, 2013, 2014 and 2015, we leased over 235,100 lines, 231,400 lines and 216,700 lines to domestic and international businesses. The data communication service accounted for 4.7% of our operating revenues in 2015.

We provide dedicated and secure broadband Internet connection service to institutional customers under the “Kornet” brand name. We provide high-speed connection up to 10.0 Gbps connected to our internet backbone network with capacity of 9.0 Tbps, 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.

Financial Services

To further diversify our business and to create synergies through utilization of our mobile telecommunications network in financial services, we, through our former subsidiary KT Capital Co.,

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Ltd., acquired 1,622,520 additional shares of common stock of BC Card Co., Ltd. from Woori Bank, Busan Bank and Shinhan Card for approximately 252 billion in October 2011. As we were deemed to have control over BC Card Co., Ltd., it became our consolidated subsidiary starting in October 2011. We acquired an additional 1,349,920 common shares of BC Card Co., Ltd. in January 2012 for approximately 287 billion, and owned a 69.5 % interest in BC Card Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 2015. BC Card Co., Ltd. offers various credit card and related financial services. BC Card Co., Ltd. had consolidated operating revenues of 3,504 billion and net income of 219 billion for the year ended December 31, 2015 and consolidated assets of 2,964 billion and liabilities of 1,946 billion as of December 31, 2015. In March 2014, the investment business division of KT Capital Co., Ltd., including 3,059,560 common shares of BC Card Co., Ltd. that KT Capital Co., Ltd. held, was spun off and merged into KT Corporation, to further strengthen the synergy between telecommunication and finance operations within the KT group and increase shareholder value. Financial Services accounted for 15.3% of our operating revenues in 2015. To focus on our core telecommunications business, we and our consolidated subsidiary, KT Hitel Co., Ltd., disposed of the entire 100% stake in KT Capital Co., Ltd. in August 2015 for a total of 299 billion.

In November 2015, the Government awarded preliminary approvals to two consortiums (one in which we hold a minority interest and another in which Kakao Corp., the operator of Korea’s popular messaging platform, participates) to start the first Internet-only banks in Korea. The two consortiums are expected to apply for final approvals in 2016 after obtaining requisite systems and facilities. Internet banks are expected to engage in the business of conventional banks, such as processing deposits, loans and wiring money, but without physical locations. Under the current Korean law, as a non-financial institution, we are not allowed to own in excess of 4% voting interest in the Internet bank, and our combined voting and non-voting interest may not exceed 10%. In December 2015, the National Assembly did not adopt a pending bill which would have allowed non-financial institutions to own up to 50% interest in Internet banks.

Miscellaneous Businesses

We also engage in various business activities that extend beyond telephone services and data communications services, including satellite services, information technology and network services, satellite TV services, with the consolidation of KT Skylife starting in January 2011, and media contents business with the establishment of KT Media Hub Co., Ltd. in December 2012. We merged KT Media Hub Co., Ltd. into KT Corporation in March 2015, to enhance shareholder value by increasing management efficiency and promoting synergy among our existing businesses. Our miscellaneous businesses accounted for 10.8% of our operating revenues for 2015.

We provide transponder leasing, broadcasting, video distribution and data communications services through Koreasat 5, Koreasat 6 (also known as olleh 1) and Koreasat 8 (also known as ABS-2). We also lease satellite capacity from other satellite operators to offer satellite services to both domestic and international customers.

In August 2006, we launched Koreasat 5, a combined civil and governmental communications satellite with a design life of 15 years, to replace Koreasat 2 (launched in 1996 with a design life of ten years). In December 2010, we launched Koreasat 6, with a design life of 15 years, to replace Koreasat 3 (originally launched in 1999, with a design life of 12 years). Koreasat 6 began its commercial operation in February 2011 and carries transponders that are mainly used for direct-to-home satellite broadcasting, video distributions and data communications services. Most of the direct-to-home satellite broadcasting transponders are utilized by KT Skylife. In August 2010, we procured from Asia Broadcast Satellite Holdings, Ltd. (“ABS”), a Hong Kong-based satellite operator, four transponders on ABS-1 satellite and eight additional transponders on ABS-2 satellite in order to provide satellite services with a broader global scope. In the second half of 2014, we exchanged our

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ownership rights of four transponders on ABS-1 with ownership rights of four transponders on ABS-2 satellite. As a result, we own 12 transponders on ABS-2 satellite (also called Koreasat 8).

Two additional satellites, one to expand satellite services in various regions and the other to replace Koreasat 5, are expected to be launched in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

We entered into an agreement with ABS to sell Koreasat 3 to ABS, as Koreasat 3 was expected to reach the end of its design life. In December 2013, the MSIP declared the sales contract regarding Koreasat 3 null and void on the ground that the said contract was made without prior government approval. Shortly after, ABS filed a request for arbitration against us and KT SAT Co., Ltd. and we, together with KT SAT Co., Ltd., have been involved in the International Chamber of Commerce arbitration against ABS.

In December 2012, we spun off our satellite service business by establishing KT Sat Co., Ltd., in an effort to enhance operational specialization and to foster management efficiency, enabling us to respond more promptly to the changing market environments and increasing competitiveness.

We offer a broad array of integrated information technology and network services to our business customers. Our range of 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 own land and real estate in various locations nationwide. Technological developments have enhanced the coverage area of individual telecommunications facilities, which enable us to better utilize our existing land and other real estate holdings. In recent years, we have engaged in the planning and development of commercial and office buildings and condominiums on our unused sites, as well as in the leasing of buildings we own. We established KT Estate Inc. in August 2010 to oversee the planning, development and operation of our real estate assets, and established KT AMC, an asset management company, in September 2011 as a subsidiary of KT Estate Inc. to create additional synergies with our real estate assets. We made a contribution in-kind of 1,254 billion to KT Estate Inc. in December 2012 to further strengthen KT Estate Inc.’s competitiveness and to better utilize our assets. KT Estate Inc. had consolidated net income of 34 billion for the year ended December 31, 2015.

To respond to the trend of convergence in the telecommunications and broadcasting industries, and to seek additional synergies with our existing operations, we acquired 5,600,000 shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock with voting rights and convertible bonds that were convertible into 5,600,000 shares of common stock of KT Skylife from Dutch Savings Holdings B.V. in January 2011 for approximately 246 billion. We exercised the conversion rights on the redeemable convertible preferred stock and the convertible bonds in March 2011, and owned a 49.9% interest in KT Skylife as of December 31, 2015. KT Skylife offers satellite TV services, which may also be packaged with our IPTV services as further described below, and had consolidated net income of 73 billion for the year ended December 31, 2015.

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Revenues and Rates

The table below shows the percentage of our revenues derived from each category of services for each of the years from 2013 to 2015:

Year Ended December 31,
2013 2014 2015

Mobile services

29.0 % 31.4 % 32.0 %

Fixed-line services

31.0 30.3 29.8

Fixed-line telephone services :

Monthly basic charges

3.2 3.1 2.9

Monthly usage charges

6.3 5.5 4.5

Others

3.3 3.0 2.8

Sub-total

12.9 11.5 10.2

Internet services :

Broadband Internet access service

8.7 8.6 8.3

Other Internet-related services (1)

4.3 5.1 6.5

Sub-total

12.9 13.7 14.8

Data communications service (2)

5.2 5.1 4.7

Goods sold (3)

17.0 14.4 12.1

Financial services

13.3 14.5 15.3

Miscellaneous businesses (4)

9.7 9.4 10.8

Operating revenues

100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %

(1) Includes revenues from services provided by our data centers, Bizmeka and olleh TV.

(2) Includes revenues from Kornet Internet connection service and satellite services.

(3) Includes mobile handset sales.

(4) Includes revenues from satellite services, information technology and network services and security services.

Mobile Services

We derive revenues from mobile services principally from:

monthly fees;

usage charges for outgoing calls;

usage charges for wireless data transmission;

contents download fees;

value-added monthly service fees; and

mobile-to-mobile interconnection charges.

We offer various rate plans, including those that offer a specified amount of free data transmission per month in return for a higher monthly fee and those that are geared toward business customers. We abolished our activation fee completely in March 2015.

We introduced rate plans specifically for smartphone users starting in September 2009. We also introduced new rate plans specifically for LTE phone users in connection with the rollout of our 4G LTE services in January 2012. In June 2013, we introduced the Everyone olleh rate plan, which permits users to make unlimited voice calls within our wireless network, and the Fixed-Line and Wireless Unlimited rate plan, which permits users to make unlimited voice calls within both our

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fixed-line and wireless networks. We began offering LTE unlimited data plans in March 2014, which allows unlimited LTE data usage within certain transmission speeds after the monthly quota at the highest LTE data transmission speed has been exhausted. Starting from November 2014, we began offering our major smartphone plans at discounted rates which were previously offered only to subscribers who signed on for mandatory subscription periods ranging from one to two years, thereby eliminating the need to sign on for any mandatory subscription period to benefit from our discounted plans and removing any early termination penalties. We believe such changes allow our subscribers a wider flexibility in choosing their mobile plans based on their needs. In May 2015, we began offering the LTE data choice plan, through which users choose a 300MB to unlimited monthly quota for data transmission and enjoy unlimited voice calls and messages. With the LTE data choice plan, we also introduced the “Push-and-Pull” service, which allows users to carry over unused data to the following month or pull up additional data from the following month’s allotment. In March 2016, we began offering the Y24 plans for customers under the age of 24. Many of the Y24 plans offer free data transmission for three hours a day and additional data service at discounted rates.

The following table summarizes the charges associated with our representative LTE smartphone service plans:

Free Airtime Minutes
Voice Calls Video Calls and
Voice Calls to
Special Numbers
Free Data
Transmission (1)
Additional Service Monthly
Fee

LTE data choice 299

Unlimited 50 300MB mobile TV 29,900

LTE data choice 349

50 1GB mobile TV 34,900

LTE data choice 399

50 2GB mobile TV 39,900

LTE data choice 449

50 3GB mobile TV 44,900

LTE data choice 499

50 6GB mobile TV 49,900

LTE data choice 599

200 Unlimited (2) mobile TV 59,900

LTE data choice 699

200 mobile TV 69,900

LTE data choice 999

200 VIP membership

Device insurance

99,900

(1) We do not charge for data transmission in wireless LAN zones. We charge 0.01 per 0.5 kilobyte for any additional data transmission exceeding the free monthly quota, up to a maximum of 150,000.

(2) Provides an additional daily quota of 2GB after the free monthly quota has been exhausted, and also provides unlimited use of data with speed of up to 3 Mbps or 5 Mbps after the daily quota of 2GB has been exhausted.

We also provide plans specially designed for elderly and pre-teen subscribers as well as special discounts to subscribers with physical disabilities. Plans specialized for feature phone users such as the standard rate plan are provided as well. Under the standard rate plan, we charge a monthly fee of 11,000, a voice calling usage charge of 1.8 per second and a video calling usage charge of 3 per second, without any free voice or video call airtime minutes.

We also offer plans for new devices such as tablets and wearable devices. Since 2010, we have been offering a specialized plan for tablets which provides a 1.6GB to unlimited monthly quota of data transmission for a monthly fee of 18,000 to 99,900. In November 2014, we began offering a specialized plan for wearable devices, which charges a fixed monthly fee of 8,000 for a 100MB monthly quota of data transmission and 50 minutes of voice calls. For other new devices, we also provide a data sharing service that allows users to share data provided as part of their smartphone plans with other devices.

Mobile-to-mobile Interconnection . For a call initiated by a mobile subscriber of our competitor to our mobile subscriber, the mobile service provider collects from its subscriber its normal rate and remits to us a mobile-to-mobile interconnection charge. In addition, for a call initiated by our mobile subscriber to a mobile subscriber of our competitor, we collect from our subscriber our normal rate and remit to the mobile service provider a mobile-to-mobile interconnection charge.

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The following table shows the interconnection charges we paid per minute (exclusive of value-added taxes) to mobile operators, and the charges received per minute (exclusive of value-added taxes) from mobile operators for mobile to mobile calls:

Effective Starting
January 1, 2013 January 1, 2014 January 1, 2015

SK Telecom

26.3 22.2 19.5

LG U+

27.0 22.8 20.0

KT

27.0 22.7 19.9

We recognize as mobile-to-mobile interconnection revenue the entire amount of the usage charge collected from the mobile user and recognize as expense the amount of interconnection charge paid to the mobile service provider.

Fixed-line Services

Fixed-line Telephone Services

Local Telephone Service . Our revenues from local telephone service consist primarily of:

service initiation fees for new lines;

monthly basic charges; and

monthly usage charges based on the number of call pulses.

The rates we charge for local calls are currently subject to approval by the MSIP after consultation with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance. The rates are identical for residential and commercial customers. All calls are currently measured by call pulses. Each pulse is determined by the duration of the call and the time of the day at which the call is made. Our current local usage rates, which have been in effect since May 2002, are 39 per pulse for regular service and 70 per pulse for public telephones. For local calls, a pulse is triggered at the beginning of each local call and every three minutes thereafter from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and every 258 seconds thereafter on holidays and from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekdays.

We also charge a monthly basic charge ranging from 3,000 to 5,200, depending on location, and a non-refundable service initiation fee of 60,000 to new subscribers. The non-refundable service initiation fee is waived for the new subscribers who subscribe to our local service through our online application process. Until April 2001, we charged refundable service initiation deposits, which were refunded upon termination of service. As of December 31, 2015, we had 401 billion in refundable service initiation deposits outstanding and 1,878 thousand subscribers who are enrolled under the mandatory deposit plan and are eligible to switch to the no deposit plan and receive their service initiation deposit back (less the non-refundable service initial fees).

Domestic Long-distance Telephone Service . Our revenues from domestic long-distance service consist of charges for calls placed, charged for the duration, time of day and day of the week a call is placed, and the distance covered by the call. We are able to set our own rates for domestic long-distance service without approval from the MSIP.

Our current basic domestic long-distance rates, which have been in effect since November 2001, are 39 per three minutes for distances of up to 30 kilometers and 14.5 per ten seconds (equivalent to 261 per three minutes) for distances in excess of 30 kilometers. For domestic long-distance calls for distances of up to 30 kilometers, a pulse is triggered at the beginning of each call and

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every three minutes thereafter. For domestic long-distance calls for distances in excess of 30 kilometers, a pulse is triggered at the beginning of each call and every 10 seconds thereafter. Rates for domestic long-distance calls for distances up to 30 kilometers are currently discounted by an adjustment in the period between pulses, by approximately 11% (utilizing a pulse rate of 200 seconds) from 6:00 a.m. to midnight on holidays and from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekdays, and by approximately 43% (utilizing a pulse rate of 258 seconds) from midnight to 6:00 a.m. every day. Rates for domestic long-distance calls for distances in excess of 30 kilometers are currently discounted by approximately 10% (utilizing a rate of 13.1 per ten seconds) from 6:00 a.m. to midnight on holidays and from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekdays, and by approximately 30% (utilizing a rate of 10.2 per ten seconds) from midnight to 6:00 a.m. every day.

In recent years, we have begun to offer optional flat rate plans, discount plans and bundled product plans in order to mitigate the impact from lower usage of local and domestic long-distance calls and stabilize our revenues from fixed-line telephone services. For a discussion of our bundled products, see “—Bundled Products.” Some of our flat rate and discount plans that we currently offer include the following:

a subscriber who elects to pay a monthly flat rate of 12,500 is able to make free local and domestic long-distance calls after 9 p.m. on weekdays or at any time on weekends. Each month, the subscriber also receives a free movie ticket and free 60 minutes of land-to-mobile calls. The subscriber is also eligible to receive a discount of up to 20%, subject to the length of the mandatory subscription period;

a subscriber who elects to subscribe to our fixed-line phone service for a three year mandatory subscription period is able to make local and domestic long-distance calls at a flat rate of 39 per three minutes;

a subscriber who elects to subscribe to our broadband Internet access service or HSDPA-based mobile service for a three year mandatory subscription period is able to make local, domestic long-distance and land-to-mobile calls of up to 150,000 with a flat rate payment of 50,000 or such calls up to 50,000 with a flat rate payment of 10,000. Standard rates apply to calls that exceed the capped amounts; and

a subscriber who elects to pay a monthly flat rate ranging from 7,500 to 15,000, depending on the types of calls the subscriber wishes to make, is able to use 3,000 minutes per month of local, domestic long-distance, land-to-VoIP and land-to-KT mobile calls.

International Long-distance Service . Our revenues from international long-distance service consist of:

amounts we bill to customers for outgoing calls made to foreign countries (including customers who make calls to Korea from foreign countries under our home country direct-dial service);

amounts we bill to foreign telecommunications carriers for connection to the Korean telephone network in respect of incoming calls (including calls placed in Korea by customers of the foreign carriers for home country direct-dial service); and

other revenues, including revenues from international calls placed from public telephones.

We bill outgoing calls made by customers in Korea (and calls made to Korea from foreign countries under our home country direct-dial service) in accordance with our international long-distance rate schedule for the country called. These rates vary depending on the time of day at which a call is

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placed. We bill outgoing international calls on the basis of one-second increments. We are able to set our own rates for international long-distance service without approval from the MSIP.

For incoming calls (including calls placed in Korea by customers of the foreign carriers for home country direct-dial service), we receive settlement payments from the relevant foreign carrier at the applicable settlement rate specified under the agreement with the foreign carrier. We have entered into numerous bilateral agreements with foreign carriers. We negotiate the settlement rates under these agreements with each foreign carrier, subject to the MSIP’s approval. It is the practice among international carriers for the carrier in the country in which the call is billed to collect payments due in respect of the use of overseas networks. Although we record the gross amounts due to and from us in our financial statements, we make settlements with most carriers monthly or quarterly on a net basis.

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. The MSIP periodically issues orders setting the interconnection charge calculation method applicable to interconnections with mobile service providers. The MSIP 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.

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

Effective Starting
January 1, 2013 January 1, 2014 January 1, 2015

SK Telecom

26.3 22.2 19.5

LG U+

27.0 22.8 20.0

Since September 2004, the usage charges per minute collected from a landline user for a call initiated by a landline user to a mobile service subscriber are 87.0 during weekdays, 82.0 during weekends and 77.2 during evenings (defined as 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. every day). 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.

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 MSIP:

Effective Starting
January 1, 2013 January 1, 2014 January 1, 2015

Local access (1)

14.6 13.3 11.9

Single toll access (2)

16.7 14.7 13.4

Double toll access (3)

19.9 17.1 16.0

Source: The MSIP.

(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.

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Internet Services

Broadband Internet Access Service . We offer broadband Internet access service that primarily uses existing telephone lines to provide both voice and data transmission. We charge monthly fixed fees to customers of broadband Internet service. In addition, we charge customers a one-time installation fee per site of 20,000 and modem rental fee of up to 8,000 on a monthly basis. Our fixed-line broadband internet service plans range from 30,000 to 50,000 per month and our wireless broadband internet service plans range from 10,000 to 30,000 per month.

olleh TV Services . We charge our subscribers an installation fee per site of 24,000, which is waived with a three-year contract, a set-top box rental fee ranging from 2,000 to 9,000 on a monthly basis and a monthly subscription fee. The rates we charge for olleh TV services are subject to approval by the MSIP. Our olleh TV service plans range from 10,000 to 34,000 per month.

Data Communication Service

We charge customers of domestic leased-lines on a monthly fixed-cost basis, based on the distance of the leased line, the capacity of the line measured in bits per second, the type of the line provided and whether the service site is local or long-distance. In addition, we charge customers a one-time installation fee per line, ranging from 56,000 to 1,940,000, depending on the capacity of the line.

Bundled Products

We utilize our extensive customer relationships and market knowledge to expand our revenue base by cross-selling our telecommunications products and services. In order to attract additional subscribers to our new services, we bundle our services, such as our broadband Internet access service with IPTV, Internet phone, fixed-line telephone service and mobile services, at a discount.

The following table summarizes our various basic bundled packages that we currently offer. The packages require subscribers to agree to a subscription period of three years:

Monthly Rates
Flat Rate

Mobile Monthly Fee

Internet / Internet Phone / Mobile

21,000 Discounts are between 1,500 and 10,000, depending on the mobile fee plan (up to 5 mobile numbers) (2)

Internet / Fixed-Line Phone / Mobile

24,000

Internet / IPTV / Mobile (1)

30,000

Internet / Fixed-Line Phone / IPTV / Mobile (1)

31,000

(1) Assuming selection of olleh Internet and olleh TV Live 10 package.

(2) Bundled rate plans are available only for olleh LTE subscribers.

We believe that subscribers who sign up for bundled products are less likely to cancel our services than subscribers who subscribe to individual services. Subscription fees paid for our bundled products are allocated to each service in proportion to their fair value and the allocated amount is recognized as revenue according to the revenue recognition policy for each service.

Competition

Competition in the telecommunications sector in Korea is intense. In recent years, business combinations in the telecommunications industry have significantly changed the competitive landscape of the Korean telecommunications industry. In particular, SK Telecom acquired a controlling stake in Hanarotelecom Incorporated in 2008, which was renamed SK Broadband. The acquisition enabled SK Telecom to provide fixed-line telecommunications, broadband Internet access and IPTV services

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together with its mobile telecommunications services. In January 2010, LG Dacom and LG Powercom merged into LG Telecom Co., Ltd., which subsequently changed its name to LG U+. The merger enabled LG U+ to provide a similar range of services as SK Telecom and us. In November 2015, SK Broadband announced its plan to acquire a majority stake in CJ HelloVision, the largest cable multiple system operator with a market share of 14.4% of the paid TV services market in Korea as of 2015. CJ HelloVision also provides Internet access service, Internet phone service and wireless communications services. The merger proposal is currently being reviewed by the Government due to anti-trust concerns, among others. If the merger is approved as currently proposed, SK Telecom is expected to further increase its market share of various businesses such as Internet access service, TV services and wireless communications markets. Furthermore, telecommunications providers are competing to be the first to introduce innovative services such as those based on 5G technologies.

Under the Framework Act of Telecommunications and the Telecommunications Business Act, telecommunications service providers in Korea are currently classified into network service providers, value-added service providers and specific service providers. See “—Regulation.”

Network Service Providers

All network service providers in Korea are permitted to set the rates for international or domestic long-distance services on their own without the MSIP’s approval. Many of our competitors have set their rates lower than ours. Currently, we can compete freely with other providers on the basis of rates in all services except for rates we charge for local calls, which require advance approval from the MSIP. In all service areas, we compete by endeavoring to provide superior customer service and superior technical quality, taking advantage of our broad customer base and our ability to provide various telecommunication services.

We and SK Telecom have been designated as market-dominating business entities in the local telephone service and cellular service 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. The KCC has also issued guidelines on fair competition of the telecommunications companies. If any telecommunications service provider breaches the guidelines, the KCC may take necessary corrective measures against it after a hearing at which the service provider may defend its action.

Mobile Service . Competition in the mobile telecommunications industry in Korea is intense among SK Telecom, LG U+ and us. Such competition has intensified in recent years due to the implementation of mobile number portability, which enabled mobile subscribers to switch their service provider while retaining the same mobile phone number, as well as payments of handset subsidies to purchasers of new handsets who agree to minimum subscription periods and the recent rollout of 4G mobile services based on LTE technology by SK Telecom, LG U+ and us. The price competition through handset subsidies has become less prevalent since the enactment of the Handset Distribution Reform Act in October 2014, which limits the maximum amount of handset subsidies.

The following table shows the market shares in the mobile telecommunications market as of the dates indicated:

Market Share (%)
KT
Corporation
SK Telecom LG U+

December 31, 2013

30.1 50.0 19.9

December 31, 2014

30.0 50.2 19.8

December 31, 2015

30.6 49.1 20.3

Source: The MSIP.

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We offer various rate plans, including those that offer a specified number of free airtime minutes per month in return for a higher monthly fee and those that are geared toward business customers. Our competitors also offer similar plans at competitive rates.

Local Telephone Service . We compete with SK Broadband and LG U+ in the local telephone service business. SK Broadband began providing local telephone service in 1999, followed by LG U+ in 2004. In addition, the services provided by mobile service providers have had a material adverse effect on us in terms of our revenues from fixed-line telephone services. We expect this trend to continue.

The following table shows the market shares in the local telephone service market as of the dates indicated:

Market Share (%)
KT
Corporation
SK Broadband LG U+

December 31, 2013

81.5 15.6 2.9

December 31, 2014

81.0 16.1 2.9

December 31, 2015

80.6 16.3 3.1

Source: The MSIP.

Although the local usage charge of our competitors and us is the same at 39 per pulse (generally three minutes), our competitors’ non-refundable telephone service initiation charges are lower than ours. Our customers pay a non-refundable telephone service initiation charge of 60,000 while customers of our competitors pay a non-refundable telephone service initiation charge of 30,000. Also, the basic monthly charge of our competitors is 4,500 compared to our basic charge of 5,200.

Domestic Long-distance Telephone Service . We compete with SK Broadband, LG U+, Sejong and SK Telink in the domestic long-distance market. LG U+ began offering domestic long-distance service in 1996, followed by Sejong in 1999 and SK Broadband and SK Telink in 2004. The following table shows the market shares in the domestic long-distance market as of the dates indicated:

Market Share (%)
KT
Corporation
SK Broadband LG U+ Sejong SK Telink

December 31, 2013

78.7 14.5 3.0 1.0 2.8

December 31, 2014

78.9 14.9 2.7 0.9 2.7

December 31, 2015

78.9 15.0 2.7 0.9 2.6

Source: Korea Telecommunications Operators Association.

Our competitors and we charge 39 per three minutes for domestic long-distance calls up to 30 kilometers. For domestic long-distance calls greater than 30 kilometers, our competitors typically charge between 3% to 5% less than us. The following table is a comparison of our standard long-distance usage charges per 10 seconds with the standard rates of our competitors as of December 31, 2015:

KT
Corporation
SK
Broadband
LG U+ Sejong SK Telink

30 kilometers or longer

14.5 13.9 14.1 13.8 13.8

Source: The KCC.

International Long-Distance Telephone Service . Four companies, SK Broadband, LG U+, Sejong and SK Telink, directly compete with us in the international long-distance market. LG U+ began

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offering international long-distance service in 1991, followed by Sejong in 1997 and SK Broadband in 2004. SK Telink, which only provides Internet phone service, entered the international long-distance market in 2003 and offers its services at rates lower than those for network-based international long-distance telephone services. The entry of Internet phone service providers and other telecommunications service providers, such as voice resellers, that can offer telecommunications services at rates lower than ours has increased competition in the international long-distance market and adversely affected our revenues and profitability from international long-distance services. See “—Specific Service Providers.”

Our competitors generally charge less than us for international long-distance calls. The following table is a comparison of our standard long-distance usage charges per one minute with the standard rates of our competitors as of December 31, 2015:

KT
Corporation
SK
Broadband
LG U+ Sejong SK Telink

United States

282 276 288 276 180

Japan

696 672 678 672 612

China

990 984 996 984 990

Australia

1,086 1,044 1,086 1,044 810

Great Britain

1,008 966 996 966 900

Germany

948 912 942 912 900

Source: KT Corporation.

Broadband Internet Access Service . The Korean broadband Internet access market has experienced significant growth in the past decade. SK Broadband entered the broadband market in 1999 offering both HFC and ADSL services, and we entered the market with our ADSL services in 1999, followed by Dreamline, Sejong and LG U+. In addition, the entry of cable television providers that offer HFC-based broadband Internet access services at rates lower than ours has increased competition in the broadband Internet access market. We expect industry consolidation among our competitors in the near future, and smaller competitors in the broadband market today may become larger competitors.

The following table shows the market share in the broadband Internet access market as of the dates indicated:

Market Share (%)
KT
Corporation
SK
Broadband
LG U+ Others

December 31, 2013

43.1 24.4 15.6 16.9

December 31, 2014

42.3 25.1 15.7 16.9

December 31, 2015

41.6 25.1 17.4 15.9

Source: The MSIP.

Our competitors generally charge less than us for broadband Internet access service. The following table is a comparison of fees for our olleh Internet Lite service with three year mandatory subscription period with fees of our competitors for comparable services as of December 31, 2015:

KT
Corporation
SK
Broadband
LG U+ Cable
Providers (1)

Monthly subscription fee

25,500 25,000 25,000 20,000

Monthly modem rental fee

None None None 1,000

Additional installation fee upon moving

10,000 10,000 20,000 20,000

Source: KT Corporation.

(1) These are typical fees charged by cable providers.

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Data Communication Service . We had a monopoly in domestic data communication service until 1994, when LG U+ was authorized to provide the leased-line service. The data communications service market has become more competitive with limited growth during the past decade, and we primarily compete with SK Broadband and LG U+.

Value-Added Service Providers

Value-added service providers may commence operations following filing of a report to the MSIP. The scope of business of a value-added service provider includes specific value-added telecommunications activities (other than services reserved for network service providers), such as data communications utilizing telecommunications facilities leased from network service providers.

Specific Service Providers

Specific service providers, such as Internet phone service providers and voice resellers, started operations in Korea in 1998. We began providing Internet phone service for international long-distance calls in May 1998. Our Internet phone service also competes with international long-distance services provided by voice resellers who have also seen sharp increases in demand for their services.

Regulation

With the establishment of the MSIP in March 2013, many of the regulatory responsibilities formerly handled by the KCC have been transferred to the MSIP. Under the Framework Act of Telecommunications and the Telecommunications Business Act, the MSIP now has comprehensive regulatory authority over the telecommunications industry and all network service providers.

The MSIP has assumed primary policy and regulatory responsibility for matters such as: (i) licensing of network service providers (the MSIP authorizes the licensing of IPTV service providers and, with the 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 MSIP 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 specific service providers, as well as supervision of reporting requirements of standard telecommunications service/user contracts.

Under the revised supervisory framework, a network service provider must be licensed by the MSIP. Our license as a network service provider permits us to engage in a wide range of telecommunications services.

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 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.

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Under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc., 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 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. 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 MSIP also has the authority to regulate the IP media market, including IPTV services. We began offering IPTV services with real-time high definition broadcasting in November 2008. Under the Internet Multimedia Broadcasting Business Act, anyone intending to engage in the IP media broadcasting business must obtain a license from the MSIP. The ownership of the shares of an IP media broadcasting company by a newspaper, a news agency or a foreigner is limited. In March 2015, amendments to the Internet Multimedia Broadcasting Business Act were promulgated. Under such amendments, a single broadcasting operator together with their affiliates may not have more than one-third of the market share of all paid broadcasting subscribers in Korea. The restriction on market share will be in effect until June 27, 2018.

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 MSIP the rates and the general terms and conditions for each type of network service provided by it. There is, however, one exception to this general rule: if a network service provider has the largest market share for a specified type of service and its revenue from that service for the previous year exceeds a specific revenue amount set by the MSIP, it must obtain prior approval from the MSIP for the rates and the general terms for that service. Each year the MSIP designates the service providers and the types of services for which the rates and the general terms must be approved by the MSIP. In 2013, the MSIP designated us for local telephone service and SK Telecom for mobile service, which currently remains in effect. The MSIP, in consultation with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, is required to approve the rates proposed by a network service provider if (1) the proposed rates are appropriate, fair and reasonable and (2) the calculation method for the rates are appropriate and transparent.

On October 1, 2014, the Handset Distribution Reform Act, which seeks to lower the cost of communication and reduce handset factory prices by establishing fair and transparent order in the distribution of mobile telecommunication devices, went into effect. The Handset Distribution Reform Act regulates, among other matters, the sale and subsidies of mobile devices such as smartphones, with one of its purposes being to induce telecommunication operators to compete in lowering the costs of communications and encourage the manufacturers to reduce handset factory prices, while improving service quality. Under the Handset Distribution Reform Act, consumers may not be discriminated in terms of subsidies based on their age, place of residence or monthly subscription plan when using their existing mobile phones, buying a new phone or switching their mobile carriers. Furthermore, everyone, regardless of their status, is entitled to receive either a handset subsidy for the purchase of mobile phone models that were launched within the last 15 months, or a tariff discount (with the current discount rate set at 20%, effective as of April 24, 2015). The maximum amount of handset subsidy that telecommunications operators and handset manufacturers may offer is determined by Korean telecommunication regulators (such limit to be determined between 250,000 and 350,000, and may be adjusted every six months, with the current limit set at 330,000, effective as of April 8, 2015).

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Telecommunications operators are also required to publicly announce the amount of handset subsidy that they offer, which may not be readjusted within one week after such announcement. In addition, telecommunications operators are prohibited from using misleading or exaggerated advertisements, such as advertisements that mobile phones are free without adequately explaining that it is preconditioned on signing up for high-priced monthly subscription plans.

Other Activities

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

engage in certain businesses specified under the Telecommunications Business Act, such as the telecommunications equipment manufacturing business and the telecommunications network construction business;

change the conditions for its licenses;

transfer, terminate, suspend or spin off all or a part of the business for which it is licensed;

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 MSIP, 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 MSIP can revoke our licenses or order the suspension of any of our businesses if we do not comply with the regulations of the MSIP under the Telecommunications Business Act.

In May 2010, the KCC issued a guideline that limits the marketing expenditure amounts of telecommunication service providers in Korea to 20% of their revenues, with the restrictions applicable to fixed-line and mobile segments to be calculated separately. However, as of October 2013, up to 100 billion of the marketing expenditures may be applied to either segment at the discretion of the service provider. The calculation of marketing expenditure amounts under the guideline excludes advertising expenses and the calculation of revenue amounts excludes revenues from handset sales. The MSIP may adjust the guideline to accommodate changes in market conditions.

The responsibilities of the MSIP 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 MSIP are required to provide universal telecommunications services such as local services, local public telephone 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

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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 MSIP. 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.

A network service provider must permit other network service providers, as designated by the MSIP, to co-use wirelines connecting the switching equipment to end-users, upon the request of such other network service providers. In addition, a network service provider may permit other network service providers to co-use its wireless communication systems upon the request of any of such other network service providers. The compensation method for the co-use must be determined by the MSIP and be settled, by fair and proper methods.

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 MSIP based on our cost, and taking into consideration an appropriate rate of return, to enable them to provide voice and broadband services. Revenues from local loop unbundling, if any, are recognized as revenues from miscellaneous businesses.

Foreign Investment

The Telecommunications Business Act restricts the ownership and control of network service providers by foreign shareholders. Foreigners, foreign governments and “foreign invested companies” may not own more than 49.0% of the issued shares with voting rights of a network service provider, including us, and a foreign shareholder may not become our largest shareholder if such shareholder holds 5.0% or more of our shares. For purposes of the Telecommunications Business Act, the term “foreign invested company” means a company in which foreigners and foreign governments hold 15.0% or more shares with voting rights in the aggregate and a foreigner or a foreign government is the largest shareholder, provided, however, that such company will not be counted as a foreign shareholder for the purposes of the above-referenced 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 largest shareholder of such company is a government or foreign entity of a country that is a counterparty to a free trade agreement with Korea, as publicly announced by the MSIP, and the MSIP 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. (However, the calculation of the above-referenced 49% ceiling will apply to: (x) any foreign entities that have entered into any major management-related agreement with a network service provider or the shareholder(s) thereof; and (y) foreign entities that have entered into any agreement pertaining to the settlement of fees relating to the handling of international electronic telecommunications services). As of December 31, 2015, 48.4% 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 MSIP may require corrective measures be taken to comply with the ownership restrictions. There is no restriction on foreign ownership for specific service providers and value-added service providers.

Individual Shareholding Limit

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

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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 MSIP 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 MSIP 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.

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 82% of our subscribers as of December 31, 2015 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.

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 order to respond more effectively to a changing business environment, a new enterprise resource planning system (the “New ERP System”) was completed and implemented during the second half of 2012. The New ERP System has contributed to enhancing various aspects of our internal processes and control systems, and we are establishing various plans to effectively utilize the New ERP System and to stabilize our internal control processes in connection with the New ERP System.

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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 and IoT technologies. In addition, we operate several 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.

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, Plants and Equipment

Our principal fixed asset is our integrated telecommunications networks. In addition, we own buildings and real estate throughout Korea. As of December 31, 2015, the net book value of our property and equipment was 14,479 billion, of which 3,387 billion is accounted for the net book value of our land, buildings and structures. As of December 31, 2015, the net book value of investment property, which is accounted for separately from our property and equipment was 1,102 billion. Other than 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.

Our fixed-line equipment vendors and mobile equipment suppliers include well-known international and local suppliers such as Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Cisco Systems and Apple Inc.

Mobile Networks

Our mobile network architecture includes the following components:

cell sites, which are physical locations equipped with base transceiver stations consisting of transmitters, receivers and other equipment used to communicate through radio channels with subscribers’ mobile telephone handsets within the range of a cell;

base station controllers, which connect to and control, the base transceiver stations;

mobile switching centers, which in turn control the base station controllers and the routing of telephone calls; and

transmission lines, which connect the mobile switching centers, base station controllers, base transceiver stations and the public switched telephone network.

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The following table lists selected information regarding our mobile networks as of December 31, 2015:

W-CDMA LTE

Mobile switching centers

64 58

Base station controllers

492

Base transceiver stations

31,981 24,728

Indoor and outdoor repeaters

269,932 281,600

We have a license to use 40 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum, of which 20 MHZ is used to provide IMT-2000 services based on W-CDMA wireless network standards and the remaining 20 MHZ for our 4G LTE services. Such license expires in December 2016, and we are required to pay approximately 1.3 trillion for use of such bandwidth during the license period of 15 years. In April 2010, the KCC announced its decision to allocate 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 900 MHz spectrum to us, which became effective in July 2011, for which we are required to pay a portion of the actual sales generated from using the bandwidth in the 900 MHz spectrum during the license period of 10 years as a usage fee for the bandwidth, as well as a portion of expected sales that was determined by the KCC at the time of allocation. In June 2011, our right to use 40 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum expired, and the KCC allocated back to us the right to use 20 MHz of such bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum upon expiration pursuant to our application, for which we are required to pay a portion of the actual sales generated from using the bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum during the license period of 10 years as a usage fee for the bandwidth, as well as a portion of expected sales that was determined by the KCC at the time of allocation. We began using the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum, which became available upon termination of our 2G services, to provide our 4G LTE services starting in January 2012.

In August 2011, the KCC auctioned the right to use the remaining 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum that we relinquished, 10 MHz of additional bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum and 20 MHz of additional bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum. We acquired the right to use the 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum, for which we are required to pay a total usage fee of 261 billion during the license period of 10 years, SK Telecom acquired the right to use the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum and LG U+ acquired the right to use the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum. We have not utilized 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum due to the unavailability of requisite technologies and have recorded impairment for the non-usage.

In August 2013, MSIP further auctioned 50 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum, which had been used by governmental entities such as the military, and 80 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.6 GHz spectrum, which had been used for digital multimedia broadcasting services. We acquired the right to use 15 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum, for which we are required to pay a total usage fee of 878 billion during a license period of eight years. SK Telecom acquired the right to use 35 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum and LG U+ acquired the right to use 40 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.6 GHz spectrum. Acquiring the right to use additional bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum has enabled us to provide wideband LTE services beginning in September 2013, as 15 MHz of the newly acquired bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum was adjacent to our existing 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum.

Exchanges

Exchanges include local exchanges and “toll” exchanges that connect local exchanges to long-distance transmission facilities. We had 23.6 million lines connected to local exchanges and 1.5 million lines connected to toll exchanges as of December 31, 2015.

All of our exchanges are fully automatic. We completed replacement of all electromechanical analog exchanges with digital exchanges in June 2003 in order to provide higher speed and larger

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volume services. Starting in 2006, we also began conversion of our exchanges to be compatible to IP platform in preparation for building our next generation broadband convergence network by 2021. As of December 31, 2015, 100% of our lines connected to toll exchanges are compatible to IP platform.

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 8.1 Tbps as of December 31, 2015. We have set up contingent plans to prepare against various incidents that could affect reliable Internet access service. Starting in 2005, we have also begun deploying our IP premium network that enables us to more reliably support olleh TV, WiBro, Internet Phone, upgraded VoIP services and other IP services. As of December 31, 2015, our IP premium network had 2,392 lines installed to provide 3G and LTE mobile data services, 2,698 lines installed to provide IPTV services and a total capacity to handle up to 1.74 Tbps of IPTV, voice, virtual private network (VPN) and WiBro service traffic.

Access Lines

As of December 31, 2015, we had 18.5 million access lines installed, which allow us to reach virtually all homes and businesses in Korea. As part of our broadband deployment strategy, we have upgraded many of our access lines by equipping them with broadband capability using xDSL and FTTH technology. As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately 17.8 million broadband lines with speed of at least 50 Mbps that enable us to deliver broadband Internet access and multimedia content to our customers.

Transmission Network

Our domestic fiber optic cable network consisted of over 695,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables as of December 31, 2015 of which 118,425 kilometers of fiber optic cables are used to connect our backbone network and 581,120 kilometers are used to connect the backbone network to our subscribers. 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. We enhanced our backbone network connecting six major cities in Korea by implementing an optical cross-connector (OXC) and access network by implementing multi-service provisioning platform (MSPP) architecture in 2008. During 2013, we completed the construction of our next generation broadband convergence network by installing carrier ethernet architecture.

Our extensive domestic long-distance network is supplemented by our fully digital domestic microwave network, which consisted of 55 relay sites as of December 31, 2015.

International Network

Our international network infrastructure consists of both submarine cables and satellite transmission systems, including two submarine cable-landing stations in Busan and Keoje and two satellite teleports in Kumsan and Boeun. 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, our international telecommunications networks are directly linked to approximately 210 telecommunications service providers in various international destinations and are routed through our three international switching centers in Seoul, Daejeon and Busan.

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Our international Internet backbone with capacity of 752 Gbps is connected to approximately 180 Internet service providers through our two Internet gateways in Hyehwa and Guro. In addition, we operate a video backbone with capacity of 1.5 Gbps to transmit video signals from Korea to the rest of the world.

Satellites

Koreasat 5 (launched in 2006), Koreasat 6 (launched in 2010), and Koreasat 8 (launched in 2014 and of which we own 12 transponders) are all in operation, providing broadcasting, video distribution and broadband data services in selected areas. Two additional satellites (provisionally called Koreasat 5A and Koreasat 7) are expected to be launched in 2016 and 2017, respectively. If launched successfully, Koreasat 5A will replace Koreasat 5. The rights and interests regarding Koreasat 3 are currently subject to an International Chamber of Commerce arbitration. See “—Item 4.B. Business Overview—Our Services—Miscellaneous Businesses” and “Item 8. Financial Information—Item 8.A. Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings.”

International Submarine Cable Networks

International traffic is handled by telecommunications satellites and submarine cables. 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, including:

a 1.4% interest in the 29,000-kilometer FLAG Europe-Asia network connecting Korea, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe, activated since April 1997;

a 1.7% interest in the 39,000-kilometer Southeast Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 3 Cable Network linking 34 countries, activated since December 1999;

a 6.7% interest in the 30,444-kilometer China-U.S. Cable Network linking Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan and the United States, activated since January 2000;

a 4.0% interest in the 19,000-kilometer Asia Pacific Cable Network 2 connecting Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia, activated since December 2001;

a 20.0% interest in the 500-kilometer Korea-Japan Cable Network linking Korea and Japan, activated since March 2002;

a 13.1% interest in the 16,500-kilometer Trans Pacific Express Cable Network linking Korea, China, Taiwan and the United States, activated since September 2008; and

a 8.53% interest in the 11,000-kilometer Asia Pacific Gateway linking Korea, China, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia, which is expected to be activated in the fourth quarter of 2016.

We have also invested in four other international fiber optic submarine cables around the world.

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 of 1934.

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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 services include mobile service and fixed-line services, including fixed-line telephone services, broadband Internet access service and data communication service. The principal factors affecting our revenues 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—Revenues and Rates.” In addition, we derive revenues from handset sales and non-telecommunications services, including financial services.

In 2015, for the purposes of placing conventional telecommunications services for individuals and corporations under an integrated management within one segment, the Customer/Marketing Group, and various strategic businesses into the Others Group, we determined our operating segments for financial reporting purposes as the following:

the Customer/Marketing Group, which engages in providing various telecommunication services to individual/home/corporate customers and the convergence business,

the Finance Business Group, which engages in providing various financial services such as credit card, and

the Others Group, which includes security services, satellite service, information technology and network services, satellite TV services as well as global business services that provides global network services to multinational or domestic corporate customers and telecommunications companies.

Prior to 2015, we had four operating segments (i) Customer/Marketing Group, (ii) Enterprise Sales Group, (iii) Finance/Rental Business Group and (iv) Others Group. In 2015, the Enterprise Sales Group was split into two different segments. The mobile/fixed-line services for corporate customers became part of the Customer/Marketing Group. The global business services as well as the real estate business became part of the Others Group. The segment results for 2013, 2014 and 2015 are reported in accordance with the current segment classification of three operating segments. See Note 33 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

We disposed of our interests in two of our subsidiaries, KT Rental Co., Ltd. and KT Capital Co., Ltd., in June 2015 and August 2015, respectively. The profit and loss on the related operations of KT Rental Co., Ltd. and KT Capital Co., Ltd. are presented as discontinued operations. See Note 39 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

One of the major factors contributing to our historical performance was the growth of the Korean economy, and 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—Korea is our most important market, and our current business and future growth could be materially and adversely affected if economic conditions in Korea deteriorate.” 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:

acquisitions and disposals of interests in subsidiaries and joint ventures;

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employee reductions and changes in severance and retirement benefits;

acquisition of new bandwidths and usage fees for such bandwidths;

changes in the rate structure for our services;

handset subsidies; and

researching and implementing technology upgrades and additional telecommunication services such as 5G technologies.

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

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. The following summarizes our recent acquisitions and disposals:

in October 2011, we, through our former subsidiary KT Capital Co., Ltd., acquired an additional 1,622,520 common shares of BC Card Co., Ltd. from Woori Bank, Busan Bank and Shinhan Card for approximately 252 billion, to further diversify our business and to create synergies through utilization of our mobile telecommunications network in financial services, thereby increasing our ownership interest in BC Card Co., Ltd. to 38.9%, making it our consolidated subsidiary as a result of deemed control starting in October 2011. We acquired an additional 1,349,920 common shares of BC Card Co., Ltd. in January 2012 for approximately 287 billion, and owned a 69.5% interest in BC Card Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 2015. The profit and loss on the related operations of KT Capital Co. Ltd. are presented as discontinued operations. See Note 39 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

in October 2014, we acquired 4,000,000 treasury shares of ktis Corporation, an equity-method investee which provides telephone number directory services, for approximately 36 billion, thereby increasing our ownership interest to 30.0% as of December 31, 2015 and making it our consolidated subsidiary as a result of deemed control starting from October 2014. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

in October 2014, we, through our subsidiary KT Hitel Co., Ltd., acquired 4,800,000 treasury shares of ktcs Corporation, an equity-method investee which provides telephone number directory services, for approximately 37 billion, thereby increasing our ownership interest to 30.9% as of December 31, 2015 and making it our consolidated subsidiary as a result of deemed control starting from October 2014. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

starting in July 2012, KT Rental Co., Ltd., our then-58.0% owned subsidiary, became our consolidated subsidiary as a result of the acquisition of KT Rental’s common stock by Hana Daetoo Securities Co., Ltd. and other investors from the then-second largest shareholder in July 2012, and the restriction on our control over KT Rental Co., Ltd. pursuant to a shareholders’ agreement being resolved as a result. The sale of KT Rental Co., Ltd. to the Lotte Group for 1.01 trillion (with proceeds to KT Corporation being approximately 763 billion) was completed in June 2015. The profit and loss on the related operations of KT Rental Co. Ltd. are presented as discontinued operations. See Note 39 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Our financial condition and results of operations may be affected as a result of such acquisitions, disposals or consolidation. 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.

Employee Reductions and Changes in Severance and Retirement Benefits

We regularly sponsor voluntary early retirement plans where we provide additional financial incentives for our employees to retire early, as part of our efforts to improve operational efficiencies. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, 269, 41 and 33 employees, respectively, retired under our voluntary early retirement plan. In April 2014, in addition to our usual voluntary early retirement plan, we held a special voluntary early retirement program where we provided employees who had been employed by us for more than 15 years with additional financial incentives to retire early or employment for two years at certain of our subsidiaries or affiliates. The special voluntary early retirement program resulted in the early retirement of 8,304 employees in 2014. Our payments of severance benefits amounted to 371 billion in 2013, 1,427 billion in 2014 and 118 billion in 2015. In 2014, our severance payments were particularly high due to the special voluntary early retirement program. There was no such special retirement program in 2015.

Acquisition of New Bandwidth and Usage Fees for Such Bandwidths

One of the principal limitations on a wireless network’s subscriber capacity is the amount of bandwidth spectrum 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 content is likely to put additional strain on the bandwidth capacity of mobile service providers. We have acquired various licenses in recent years to secure additional bandwidth capacity to provide our broad range of services, for which we typically pay a portion of the actual sales generated from using the bandwidth during the license period as a usage fee, as well as a portion of expected sales as determined by the KCC at the time of allocation.

In August 2013, the MSIP further auctioned 50 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum, which had been used by governmental entities such as the military, and 80 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.6 GHz spectrum, which had been used for digital multimedia broadcasting services. We acquired the right to use 15 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum, for which we are required to pay a total usage fee of approximately 900 billion during a license period of eight years. SK Telecom acquired the right to use 35 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum and LG U+ acquired the right to use 40 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.6 GHz spectrum. In September 2013, we commenced providing wideband LTE services, which utilizes our adjoining 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum to provide transmission speed of up to 150 Mbps, twice faster than those offered under standard LTE services. SK Telecom also began providing its wideband LTE services in September 2013 and LG U+ commenced providing its wideband LTE services in January 2014. In March 2014, our wideband LTE services covered five metropolitan cities in Korea, and we expanded our wideband LTE services to all of Korea in July 2014. Furthermore, in March 2014, we commercialized Wideband LTE-A services, which interconnects our 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum used to offer wideband LTE services with the 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 900 MHz spectrum used to offer standard LTE services by utilizing inter-band carrier aggregation technology to support transmission speed of up to 225 Mbps, and began additionally interconnecting 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum in January 2015 to support transmission speed of up to 300 Mbps under the “Wideband LTE-A X4” service.

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Changes in the Rate Structure for Our Services

Periodically, we adjust our rate structure for our services. For example, we completely abolished our mobile activation fee in March 2015 in line with government policy objectives. In order to mitigate the impact from lower usage charges of local and domestic long-distance calls, we have increased our basic monthly charges and offer various optional flat rate plans for our fixed-line subscribers. Such adjustments in the rate structure have increased the portion of fixed income and stabilized our cash flow. In addition, because the growing use of mobile telecommunications services has decreased the usage of our fixed-line telephone services, we believe we are able to maximize our revenues from fixed-line telephone services by adjusting the rate structure so as to increase our basic monthly charges. We also provide bundled packages of our various services at a discount in order to attract additional subscribers to our new services. We currently bundle our broadband Internet access service with IPTV, Internet phone, fixed-line telephone service, WiBro, and mobile services, at a discount.

The MSIP, in consultation with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, currently approves rates charged by us for local telephone service. In addition, the MSIP currently does not regulate our domestic long-distance, international long-distance, broadband internet access and mobile service rates, but it periodically announces public policy guidelines or suggestions on tariffs for non-regulated services, which we have followed in the past. For a discussion of adjustments in our rate structure, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Item 4.B. Business Overview—Revenues and Rates.”

Handset Subsidies

In March 2008, the Government removed a prohibition on the provision of handset subsidies and allowed mobile service providers to subsidize the purchase of new handsets by certain qualifying customers. In order to compete more effectively, we began providing such handset subsidies, which increased, and may in the future increase, our marketing expenses. We provide handset subsidies to subscribers who agree to use our service for a predetermined service period and purchase handsets on an installment basis. Generally, handset subsidies may be provided to any subscriber that uses our service and purchases handsets either directly from us or through third parties. Since we do not recognize revenues from sales of handsets by third parties, the trends between our handset sales and our provision for handset subsidies are not necessarily correlated. The amount recognized as a provision for handset subsidies is our best estimate of the expenditure required to settle current obligations to relevant subscribers at the end of the reporting period, which is calculated as the sum of the present values of the monthly balances for handset subsidies over the relevant service periods, taking into account the customer retention rate for relevant subscribers. In May 2010, the KCC announced a guideline recommending that telecommunication service providers limit their marketing expenses to 22.0% of their annual sales, and the limit was subsequently lowered to 20.0% of their annual sales for the years 2013, 2012 and 2011. Such marketing expenses include initial commissions, monthly commissions and retention commissions paid to our authorized dealers and subscribers, including handset subsidies, but do not include advertising expenses. This guideline remains effective. While the guideline is not binding, we, as well as our competitors, nonetheless try to adhere to such guideline when feasible, which may have a material adverse effect on our businesses and results of operations. Furthermore, failure to comply with rules, regulations and corrective orders may lead to suspension of our business or imposition of monetary penalties.

For example, based on investigations conducted in December 2012 and January 2013, the KCC imposed a combined fine of approximately 12 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us in January 2013 (our fine being approximately 3 billion), for providing subsidies that were higher than those allowed under current regulations to new mobile phone purchasers and subscribers, and also imposed temporary suspensions from accepting new subscribers ranging from 20 days to 24 days. In March 2013, the KCC again imposed a combined fine of approximately 5 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and

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us (our fine being approximately 2 billion) for continuing to offer subsidies during the suspension period. In July 2013, the KCC imposed a combined fine of approximately 67 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 20 billion) and also imposed a seven day suspension on us from accepting new subscribers, also in connection with providing excessive handset subsidies to new subscribers. In December 2013, the KCC again imposed a combined fine of approximately 106 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 30 billion), which is the largest fine ever imposed by the KCC on local mobile operators for providing excessive subsidies to new subscribers. In March 2014, the MSIP imposed a 45-day suspension on each of us, SK Telecom and LG U+ from accepting new subscribers as a result of continuing to offer excessive handset subsidies to new subscribers, despite the order from the KCC prohibiting such subsidies. In August 2014, the KCC again imposed a combined fine of approximately 58 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 11 billion) for providing excessive handset subsidies, and also imposed temporary suspensions on accepting new subscribers for seven days on SK Telecom and LG U+. In December 2014, the KCC further imposed a fine of approximately 8 billion on each of SK Telecom, LG U+ and us for providing excessive handset subsidies and in March 2015 the KCC again imposed a combined fine of approximately 34 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 9 billion) for violation of regulations relating to handset sales, in connection with a used handset buyback program that we and the other telecommunications operators were promoting. Any further suspension of our business or imposition of monetary penalties by the Government could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Furthermore, on October 1, 2014, the Handset Distribution Reform Act, which seeks to lower the cost of communication and reduce handset factory prices by establishing fair and transparent order in the distribution of mobile telecommunication devices, went into effect. The Handset Distribution Reform Act regulates, among other matters, the sale and subsidies of mobile devices such as smartphones, with one of its purposes being to induce telecommunication operators to compete in lowering the costs of communications and encourage the manufacturers to reduce handset factory prices, while improving service quality. Under the Handset Distribution Reform Act, consumers may not be discriminated in terms of subsidies based on their age, place of residence or monthly subscription plan when using their existing mobile phones, buying a new phone or switching their mobile carriers. Furthermore, everyone, regardless of their status, is entitled to receive either a handset subsidy for the purchase of mobile phone models that were launched within the last 15 months, or a tariff discount (with the current discount rate set at 20%, effective as of April 24, 2015). The maximum amount of handset subsidy that telecommunications operators and handset manufacturers may offer is determined by Korean telecommunication regulators (such limit to be determined between 250,000 and 350,000, and may be adjusted every six months, with the current limit set at 330,000, effective as of April 8, 2015). Telecommunications operators are also required to publicly announce the amount of handset subsidy that they offer, which may not be readjusted within one week after such announcement. In addition, telecommunications operators are prohibited from using misleading or exaggerated advertisements, such as advertisements that mobile phones are free without adequately explaining that it is preconditioned on signing up for high-priced monthly subscription plans.

Researching and Implementing Technology Upgrades and Additional Telecommunication Services

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 telecommunication services to maintain our competitiveness. For example, we are continually upgrading our broadband network to enable better FTTH connection, which provides speed of up to 1 Gbps and better 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

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optic cable, which is able to carry a high-bandwidth signal for longer distances without degradation. FTTH enables us to deliver enhanced products and services that require high bandwidth, such as IPTV, and other digital media content with stronger stability.

In addition, we have been building more advanced mobile telecommunications networks based on LTE technology, which is generally referred to as 4G technology, and commenced providing commercial 4G LTE services in the Seoul metropolitan area in January 2012. We completed the expansion of our 4G LTE service coverage nationwide in October 2012. We commenced providing wideband LTE services in September 2013, which we expanded nationwide in July 2014, and commercialized Wideband LTE-A services in March 2014, and began additionally interconnecting 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum in January 2015 to support transmission speed of up to 300 Mbps under the “Wideband LTE-A X4” service, as discussed above.

Critical Accounting Policies

We have prepared our consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. These accounting principles require our management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the years reported. We based our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

The fundamental objective of financial reporting is to provide useful information that allows a reader to comprehend our business activities. To aid in that understanding, our management has identified “critical accounting estimates.” These estimates have the potential to have a more significant impact on our financial statements, either because of the significance of the financial statement item to which they relate, or because they require judgment and estimation due to the uncertainty involved in measuring, at a specific point in time, events which are continuous in nature.

These critical accounting estimates include:

allowances for doubtful accounts;

useful lives of property, equipment, intangible assets and investment property;

impairment of long-lived assets, including goodwill;

valuation and impairment of investment securities;

income taxes;

deferred revenue relating to service installation fees and initial subscription fees;

post-employment benefit liabilities; and

provisions.

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of impairment losses incurred on our existing notes and accounts receivable. We determine the allowance for doubtful notes

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and accounts receivable based on an aging analysis of balances, historical write-off experience, customer’s or counterparty’s credit ratings and changes in payment terms. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. Our past experience shows that the possibility of collection is remote after three years of collection effort.

Changes in the allowances for doubtful accounts for our trade and other receivables in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015 are summarized as follows:

Year Ended December 31,
2013 2014 2015
(In millions of Won)

Balance at beginning of year

644,058 678,262 738,263

Provision

160,166 199,135 139,109

Reversal or written-off

(127,206 ) (141,194 ) (147,717 )

Changes in the scope of consolidation

2,687 3,425 (22,153 )

Others

(1,443 ) (1,365 ) (1,530 )

Balance at end of year

678,262 738,263 705,972

Changes in the allowances for doubtful accounts for our loans receivables in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015 are summarized as follows:

Year Ended December 31,
2013 2014 2015
(In millions of Won)

Balance at beginning of year

65,196 73,075 79,103

Provision

40,743 31,656 2,446

Reversal or written-off

(30,448 ) (23,618 )

Changes in the scope of consolidation

(64,331 )

Others

(2,416 ) (2,010 ) (3,994 )

Balance at end of year

73,075 79,103 13,224

If economic or specific industry trends change, we would adjust our allowances for doubtful accounts by recording additional expense or benefit.

Useful Lives of Property, Equipment, Intangible Assets and Investment Property

Property and equipment, intangible assets and investment properties (excluding land, condominium memberships, golf club memberships and broadcasting concession) are depreciated using the straight-line method over their useful lives as disclosed in Note 3.8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. An asset’s residual value and useful lives are reviewed and adjusted at the end of each financial reporting period, and are based on historical experience with similar assets as well as taking into account anticipated technological or other changes. If technological changes were to occur more rapidly than anticipated or in a different form than anticipated, the useful lives assigned to these assets may need to be shortened, resulting in the recognition of increased depreciation expense in future periods. A decrease of remaining estimated useful life by one year of our property and equipment would result in an increase of depreciation expense of approximately 250 billion in 2015.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, including Goodwill

Long-lived assets generally consist of property and equipment and intangible assets, including goodwill. We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In addition, we evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment each year as part of our annual forecasting process. An impairment

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loss would be recognized when the asset’s recoverable amount is less than its carrying amount. The recoverable amount of a long-lived asset is the greater of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. For the purpose of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash-generating units). The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units are based on their value in use calculated by applying the annual discount rate ranging from 4.97% to 11.42% (depending on the segment) to the estimated future cash flows based on financial budgets for the next five years. An annual growth rate of 0.0% was applied for the cash flows expected to be incurred after five years. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated recovery value. For example, in 2015, we recognized 185 billion of impairment loss in connection with the non-usage of 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum. We also recognized 33 billion of impairment loss on inventory and tangible and intangible assets in connection with the close of the trunk radio system business of KT Powertel Co., Ltd. in 2015.

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price paid over the fair value assigned to the identifiable net assets of acquired businesses. The determination of the fair values of goodwill is based on management’s judgment on the expected cash flows of the cash-generating units to which the goodwill is allocated, taking market demand, competition and other economic factors into consideration. The determination of impairments of goodwill involves the use of estimates that include, but are not limited to, the cause, timing and amount of the impairment. Impairment is based on a large number of factors, such as changes in current competitive conditions, expectations of growth in the telecommunications industry, a decline in our expected future cash flows, changes in the future availability of financing, technological obsolescence, discontinuance of services, current replacement costs and prices paid in comparable transactions. For example, in 2015, we recognized an impairment losses of 97 billion on goodwill allocated to KT Skylife primarily due to a decrease in the expected recoverable amount resulting from a decrease in KT Skylife’s market value in 2015. See Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Valuation and Impairment of Financial Assets

The fair value of financial instruments, including derivative instruments, that are not traded in an active market is determined by using valuation techniques. Our management uses its judgment to select a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are mainly based on market conditions existing at the end of each reporting period.

We record rights and obligations arising from derivative instruments as assets and liabilities, which are stated at fair value. Gains and losses that result from a change in the fair value of derivative instruments are recognized in current earnings. However, for derivative instruments that qualify for cash flow hedge accounting, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instruments are recorded as gain or loss on valuation of derivatives for cash flow hedge included in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, as applicable.

For financial assets, including assets carried at amortized cost and those classified as available-for-sale, we make an annual assessment at the end of each reporting date whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired. For financial assets carried at amortized cost and available-for-sale debt assets, such asset is considered impaired and impairment losses are incurred only if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events (a “loss event”) that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, which had an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset that can reliably be estimated. For equity investments classified as available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost, in addition to circumstances described below, may be considered as evidence that the asset is impaired.

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For assets carried at amortized cost, the amount of impairment is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate, and the carrying amount of the asset is reduced and the amount of loss is recognized in the statement of income. Loss on such asset may also be measured based on observable market price if there is an active market for the asset. For assets classified as available-for-sale, the cumulative loss, measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and the current fair value and recognized as accumulated other comprehensive income, less any impairment loss on such financial asset previously recognized in profit or loss, is removed from equity and recognized in the statement of income.

Significant management judgment is involved in evaluating whether a loss event has occurred. The estimates and assumptions used by management to evaluate whether a loss event has occurred can be impacted by many factors, such as the financial condition, earnings capacity and near-term prospects of the company in which we have invested, breach of contract such as default or delinquency in payments, disappearance of an active market for the financial asset and other adverse changes in the payment status of borrowers in the portfolio. The evaluation of these investments is also subject to the overall condition of the economy and its impact on the capital markets.

Income Taxes

We are required to estimate the amount of tax payable or refundable for the current year and the deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been reflected in our financial statements or tax returns. This process requires management to make assessments regarding the timing and probability of the tax impact. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law or unpredicted results from the final determination of each year’s liability by taxing authorities.

We believe that the accounting estimate related to assessing the reliability of deferred tax assets is a “critical accounting estimate” because: (1) it requires management to make assessments about the timing of future events, including the probability of expected future taxable income and available tax planning opportunities, and (2) the impact that changes in actual performance versus these estimates could have on the realization of tax benefits as reported in our results of operations could be material. Management’s assumptions require significant judgment because actual performance has fluctuated in the past and may continue to do so.

Deferred Revenue relating to Service Installation Fees and Initial Subscription Fees

We charge service installation fees and initial subscription fees related to activation of many of our services, which are deferred and recognized as revenue over the expected terms of customer relationships. Our estimate of expected terms of customer relationship is based on the historical rate, which may differ in the future. If the management’s estimation is amended, it may cause significant differences in the timing of revenue recognition and amount recognized.

Post-employment Benefit Liabilities

Our accounting of post-employment benefits, which mainly consist of a defined benefit plan (we began offering a defined contribution plan in December 2012), involves judgments about uncertain events including discount rates, life expectancy and future pay inflation. Any changes in these assumptions will impact the carrying amount of the defined benefit liability. The discount rates used to determine the present value of estimated future cash outflows expected to be required to settle the defined benefit liability, are determined at the end of each reporting period by reference to the yield at the reporting date on high-quality corporate bonds that have maturity dates approximating the terms of our benefits obligations and that are denominated in the same currency in which the benefits are

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expected to be paid. Other key assumptions for defined benefit liability are based in part on current market conditions. For defined contribution plans, we pay contributions to publicly or privately administered pension insurance plans on a mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis, and we have no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid.

Provisions

We recognize provisions at the end of the reporting period when we have a present legal or constructive obligation, such as litigation or assets requirement obligations, as a result of past events and an outflow of resources required to settle the obligation is probable and can be reliably estimated. We measure provisions at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation, which are estimated based on factors such as historical experience. We do not recognize provisions for future operating losses and recognize as interest expense any increase in the provisions due to passage of time. See Notes 2.22, 3.7 and 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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 also 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.

During the three years ended December 31, 2015, we are required to adopt certain amendments and interpretations to K-IFRS, relating to 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. Furthermore, in connection with the exercise of early redemption rights for certain commercial paper guaranteed by KT ENGCORE, our previously consolidated subsidiary, we recognized financial losses relating to the resulting estimation of guarantee liabilities in our consolidated statements of operations prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB for the year ended December 31, 2013 (which were issued on April 28, 2014), which were not reflected in our financial statements prepared in accordance with K-IFRS for the year ended December 31, 2013 (which were issued on March 13, 2014) as it was not possible to make a reasonable estimate of the liabilities at the time of issuing the K-IFRS financial statements. We subsequently reflected such losses in our K-IFRS financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014. As a result, the presentation of operating results in our consolidated statements of operations prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB included in this annual report differs from the presentation of operating results in our consolidated statements of operations 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 operations prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB for each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 to our operating profit and net income or loss in our consolidated statements of operations prepared in accordance with K-IFRS, for each of the corresponding years, taking into account such differences:

For the Year Ended December 31,
2013 2014 2015
(In millions of Won)

Operating profit (loss) under IFRS as issued by the IASB

234,585 (778,840 ) 1,077,068

Effect of changes in operating income presentation

489,652 391,016 207,165

Revenue recognition of development and sale of real estate

22,370 (18,767 ) 8,711

Operating profit (loss) under K-IFRS

746,607 (406,591 ) 1,292,944

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For the Year Ended December 31,
2013 2014 2015
(In millions of Won)

Net income (loss) under IFRS as issued by the IASB

(87,745 ) (941,413 ) 624,685

Profit before income tax

Revenue recognition of development and sale of real estate

22,370 (18,767 ) 8,711

Guarantee liabilities and loss (KT ENGCORE)

10,538 (10,538 )

Income tax

(5,414 ) 4,542 (2.108 )

Net income (loss) under K-IFRS

(60,251 ) (966,176 ) 631,288

Recent Accounting Pronouncements under IFRS

For a summary of new standards, amendments and interpretations issued under IFRS as issued by the IASB but not effective for 2015, and which have not been adopted early by us, see Note 2.2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Operating Revenues and Operating Expenses

Operating Revenues

Our operating revenues primarily consist of:

fees related to our mobile services, including initial subscription fees, monthly fees, usage charges for outgoing calls, usage charges for wireless data transmission, contents download fees, mobile-to-mobile interconnection revenues and value-added monthly service fees;

fees from our fixed-line services, including:

Ø

fees from our fixed-line telephone services, which include:

Ø

monthly basic charges, which are one-time or monthly fixed charges primarily consisting of (i) non-refundable installation fees; and (ii) basic monthly charges from local telephone services (or fixed monthly 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 revenues, (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 revenues, including revenues from international leased lines); (iii) land-to-mobile and land-to-land interconnection revenues; (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 revenues from (i) value-added services, including “1588” intelligent network call services, local telephone directory assistance, call waiting and caller identification services; and (ii) local, domestic long-distance and international calls placed from public telephones.

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Ø

Internet service revenues which consist of:

Ø

broadband Internet access service revenues, primarily consisting of installation fees and basic monthly charges; and

Ø

other Internet-related service revenues related to our infrastructure and solution services for business enterprises, IPTV and network portal services;

Ø

data communications service revenues, primarily consisting of installation fees and basic monthly charges for our leased line services and Kornet Internet connection service and revenues from our satellite services;

revenues from goods sold that are generated primarily through sale of mobile handsets and specially designed phones for fixed-line and mobile convergence services, net of any subsidies paid directly to customers;

financial service revenues, primarily consisting of fees from credit card services provided by BC Card Co., Ltd., our consolidated subsidiary; and

miscellaneous revenues that are primarily derived from information technology and network services, satellite services and security services.

Operating Expenses

Our operating expenses primarily include:

salaries and wages, including post-employment benefits, termination benefits (including severance benefits for voluntary and special early retirements) and share-based payments;

depreciation expenses incurred primarily in connection with our telecommunications network facilities;

purchase of inventories, primarily consisting of inventories purchased for our sale of mobile handsets and specially designed phones for fixed-line mobile convergence services, and change of inventories, which reflects increases or decreases of inventories during the applicable period;

card service costs, primarily consisting of costs in connection with credit card services provided by BC Card Co., Ltd., including fees paid to member credit card companies in our network for marketing expenses and for costs associated with the present value and default risks of installment card charges which are borne by such member companies;

sales commissions, primarily consisting of sales commissions to third-party dealers related to procurement of mobile subscribers and mobile handset sales;

commissions, primarily consisting of commission-based payments for certain third-party outsourcing services, including commissions to the outsourced call center staff;

service cost, primarily consisting of payments for certain third-party outsourcing services, including payments for software development and design, data analysis and processing, and installment and maintenance of IT and satellite equipment; and

interconnection charges, which are interconnection payments to telecommunication service providers for calls from landline users and our mobile subscribers to our competitors’ subscribers.

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Operating Results—2014 Compared to 2015

The following table presents selected income statement data and changes therein for 2014 and 2015:

For the Year Ended
December 31,
Changes
2014 vs. 2015
2014 2015 Amount %
(In billions of Won)

Operating revenues

22,613 22,700 87 0.4 %

Revenue

22,359 22,212 (147 ) (0.7 )

Others

253 488 235 92.9

Operating expenses

23,392 21,623 (1,769 ) (7.6 )

Operating profit (loss)

(779 ) 1,077 1,856 238.3

Finance income

253 273 20 7.9

Finance costs

(792 ) (645 ) 147 (18.6 )

Income from jointly controlled entities and associates

19 6 (13 ) (68.4 )

Profit (loss) from continuing operations before income tax

(1,299 ) 711 2,010 154.7

Income tax expense (benefit)

(271 ) 227 498 183.8

Profit (loss) for the period from continuing operations

(1,028 ) 484 1,512 147.1

Profit from discontinued operations

86 141 55 64.0

Loss for the period

(941 ) 625 1,566 166.4 %

Operating Revenues

The following table presents a breakdown of our operating revenues and changes therein for 2014 and 2015:

For the Year Ended
December 31,
Changes
2014 vs. 2015
2014 2015 Amount %
(In billions of Won)

Mobile services

7,104 7,260 156 2.2 %

Fixed-line services

6,855 6,755 (100 ) (1.5 )

Fixed-line telephone services:

Monthly Basic Charges

695 650 (45 ) (6.5 )

Monthly Usage Charges

1,238 1,022 (216 ) (17.4 )

Others

678 646 (32 ) (4.7 )

Sub-total

2,611 2,318 (293 ) (11.2 )

Internet services:

Broadband internet access service

1,934 1,882 (52 ) (2.7 )

Other Internet-related services

1,161 1,479 318 27.4

Sub-total

3,095 3,361 266 8.6

Data communication services

1,149 1,076 (73 ) (6.4 )

Sale of goods

3,252 2,756 (496 ) (15.3 )

Financial services

3,272 3,483 211 6.4

Other

2,130 2,446 316 14.8

Total operating revenues

22,613 22,700 87 0.4 %

Total operating revenues increased by 0.4%, or 87 billion, from 22,613 billion in 2014 to 22,700 billion in 2015 primarily due to increases in our internet services revenues, financial services revenues and other service revenues, the impact of which was largely offset by decreases in sale of goods revenues and fixed-line telephone service revenues.

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Mobile Services

Our mobile service revenues increased by 2.2%, or 156 billion, from 7,104 billion in 2014 to 7,260 billion in 2015 primarily due to a 4.1% increase in our mobile subscribers from approximately 17,328,000 as of December 31, 2014 to approximately 18,038,000 as of December 31, 2015. Such increase in our mobile subscribers was further enhanced by an increase in our average revenue per user, resulting from the increase of LTE users and increased sale of higher rate plans.

Fixed-line Services

Our fixed-line service revenues decreased by 1.5%, or 100 billion, from 6,855 billion in 2014 to 6,755 billion in 2015 primarily due to decreases in fixed-line telephone service revenues and, to a lesser extent, data communication service revenues, the impact of which was partially offset by an increase in our internet service revenues.

Fixed-line Telephone Services . Our fixed-line telephone service revenues decreased by 11.2%, or 293 billion, from 2,611 billion in 2014 to 2,318 billion in 2015 primarily due to decreases in monthly usage charges, monthly basic charges and other fixed-line telephone service revenues. Specifically:

Monthly usage charges decreased by 17.4%, or 216 billion, from 1,238 billion in 2014 to 1,022 billion in 2015 primarily due to the continuing decrease in the usage of fixed-line services resulting from the increased usage of mobile telephone services, Internet phone services and other VoIP services such as Kakao Talk, Line and Skype, which led to a 40.0% decrease in domestic long-distance call minutes from 3.5 million in 2014 to 2.1 million in 2015 and a 40.0% decrease in local call pulses from 4.0 million in 2014 to 2.4 million in 2015.

Monthly basic charges decreased by 6.5%, or 45 billion, from 695 billion in 2014 to 650 billion in 2015 primarily due to a 9.5% decrease in the number of our telephone lines in service from 13.7 million in 2014 to 12.4 million in 2015.

Other fixed-line telephone service revenue decreased by 4.7%, or 32 billion, from 678 billion in 2014 to 646 billion in 2015 primarily due to the continuing erosion of fixed-line services by mobile telephone services, Internet phone services and other VoIP services, as well as a decrease in the number of lines in service from 2014 to 2015.

Internet Services . Our Internet service revenues increased by 8.6%, or 266 billion, from 3,095 billion in 2014 to 3,361 billion in 2015 primarily due to an increase in the number of IPTV subscribers from 5.9 million as of December 31, 2014 to 6.6 million as of December 31, 2015 and an increase in the number of our olleh GiGA Internet Service subscribers from approximately 117,000 as of December 31, 2014 to approximately 1.0 million as of December 31, 2015.

Data Communication Services . Our data communications service revenues decreased by 6.4%, or 73 billion, from 1,149 billion in 2014 to from 1,076 billion in 2015 primarily due to a decrease in revenues from our leased lines, resulting from increased competition in the data communications market in Korea.

Sale of Goods

Revenues from sale of goods decreased by 15.3%, or 496 billion, from 3,252 billion in 2014 to 2,756 billion in 2015 primarily due to a decrease in the number of handsets sold in 2015 as well as a difference in how we have paid handset subsidies since October 2014. The Handset Distribution Reform Act, which became effective October 2014, requires mobile service providers,

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including us, to pay handset subsidies directly to subscribers and disclose such subsidy amounts to the public. Prior to the enactment of the Handset Distribution Reform Act, we and other mobile service providers provided sales commissions to third-party vendors who then provided subscribers handset subsidies as well as other marketing and promotional activities at such vendors’ own discretion. However, since October 2014, we and other mobile service providers have provided handset subsidies provided directly to customers. Handset subsidies provided directly to customers are not recognized as part of handset sales revenue (revenue is recognized net of such subsidy amount), whereas handset subsidies paid through third-party vendors were recognized as revenue and also as operating expense (sales commissions). As a result, revenues from sale of goods decreased in 2015 compared to 2014 as handset subsidies were not recognized as revenue. The revenue decrease in 2015 was also attributable to a decrease in the total number of mobile handsets (primarily smartphones) sold, as well as reduced price of mobile handsets.

Financial Services

Financial service revenues increased by 6.4%, or 211 billion, from 3,272 billion in 2014 to 3,483 billion in 2015 primarily due to an increase in commission revenues from our financial subsidiaries, in particular BC Card Co., Ltd., resulting primarily from an increase in commissions received by BC Card Co., Ltd. as a result of increased usage of credit cards by customers, as well as an increase in disposal of available-for-sale financial assets, primarily related to the sale of capital stock in MasterCard, previously owned by BC Card Co., Ltd.

Others

Other operating revenues increased by 14.8%, or 316 billion, from 2,130 billion in 2014 to 2,446 billion in 2015 primarily due to the inclusion of the full-year revenues in 2015 of ktcs Corporation and ktis Corporation, which became our consolidated subsidiaries as of October 2014. Both ktcs Corporation and ktis Corporation derive revenue mainly from operation of customer service centers for our mobile and fixed-line customers.

Operating Expenses

The following table presents a breakdown of our operating expenses and changes therein for 2014 and 2015:

For the Year Ended
December 31,
Changes
2014 vs. 2015
2014 2015 Amount %
(In billions of Won)

Salaries and wages

3,919 3,303 (616 ) (15.7 )%

Depreciation

3,326 3,339 13 0.4

Commissions

1,355 1,037 (318 ) (23.5 )

Interconnection charges

797 689 (108 ) (13.6 )

Purchase of inventories

3,509 3,963 454 12.9

Changes of inventories

255 (198 ) (453 ) (177.6 )

Sales commission

2,629 1,857 (772 ) (29.4 )

Service cost

1,281 1,164 (117 ) (9.1 )

Card service costs

2,883 2,960 77 2.7

Others (1)

3,438 3,509 71 2.1

Total operating expenses

23,392 21,623 (1,769 ) (7.6 )%

(1) Including other operating expenses (which include miscellaneous expenses, loss on disposal of property and equipment, impairment loss on property and equipment, loss on disposal of intangible assets, loss on disposal of investments in associates and joint ventures, impairment loss on investments in associates and joint ventures and donations), amortization of intangible assets, rent, insurance premium, utilities, international interconnection fee, installation fee, taxes and dues, research and development expenses, provision and advertising expenses.

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Total operating expenses decreased by 7.6%, or 1,769 billion, from 23,392 billion in 2014 to 21,623 billion in 2015 primarily due to decreases in sales commissions, salaries and wages, and changes of inventories, the impact of which was partially offset by increases in purchase of inventories and commissions. Specifically:

Sales commissions, which primarily relate to commissions paid to third-party vendors for procurement of subscribers and other promotions as well as sales of mobile handsets and mobile and fixed-line service products, decreased by 29.4%, or 772 billion, from 2,629 billion in 2014 to 1,857 billion in 2015, primarily due to a decrease in the number of mobile subscribers that third-party vendors procured and a decrease in the number of mobile handsets sold.

Salaries and wages decreased by 15.7%, or 616 billion, from 3,919 billion in 2014 to 3,303 billion in 2015 primarily due to an increase in severance benefits relating to the special voluntary early retirement program in 2014 while there was no such special retirement program in 2015, as well as a decrease in the number of employees resulting from the 2014 special retirement program as described in “—Overview—Employee Reductions and Changes in Severance and Retirement Benefits” above. Such decrease in salaries and wages was partially offset by an increase in salaries in 2015 resulting from the inclusion of ktis Corporation and ktcs Corporation as consolidated subsidiaries in October 2014.

Changes of inventories, which reflects inventory changes during a period by calculating inventories at the beginning of period minus those at the end of period, decreased by 177.6%, or 453 billion, from 255 billion in 2014 to (198) billion in 2015, which means inventories at the end of period increased by 198 billion compared to the beginning of period in 2015, while they decreased by 255 billion in 2014. This was primarily due to decreases in both the number of handset units sold and the average unit price in 2015, as well as an increase in purchase of handsets in 2015 as described below. As a combined result of the decrease in handset sales and the increase in purchase of inventories in 2015, our inventories increased to 617 billion as of December 31, 2015 from 419 billion as of December 31, 2014.

These factors were partially offset by the following:

Purchase of inventories increased by 12.9%, or 454 billion, from 3,509 billion in 2014 to 3,963 billion in 2015 primarily due to an increase in the total number of smartphones purchased, which was primarily attributable to handset makers’ introduction of new products, including iPhone 6S and Galaxy S6 in 2015, and also mobile handsets needed for the business of kt M mobile, which was newly established in April 2015. We recognize the purchase of mobile handsets as operating expenses during the period when such handsets are purchased regardless of whether they are actually sold during that period. As a result, the periods when purchase of inventories is recognized and when the revenue from their sales is recognized could be different.

Commissions, primarily consisting of commission-based payments for certain third-party outsourcing services, including commissions to the outsourced call center staff, decreased by 23.5%, or 318 billion, from 1,355 billion in 2014 to 1,037 billion in 2015, primarily due to elimination of commission amounts, as adjustments on consolidation, paid to ktis Corporation and ktcs Corporation, which provide call center services, as they became consolidated subsidiaries in October 2014.

Operating Profit

Due to the factors described above, we recorded an operating loss of 779 billion in 2014, compared to an operating profit of 1,077 billion in 2015. Our operating margin, which is operating profit as a percentage of operating revenues, was (3.4)% in 2014 and 4.7% in 2015.

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Finance Income (Costs)

The following table presents a breakdown of our finance income and costs and changes therein for 2014 and 2015:

For the Year Ended
December 31,
Changes
2014 vs. 2015
2014 2015 Amount %
(In billions of Won)

Interest income

80 70 (10 ) (12.5 )%

Interest expense

(475 ) (386 ) 89 (18.7 )

Net foreign currency transaction gain (loss)

11 (24 ) (35 ) (318.2 )

Net foreign currency translation gain (loss)

(91 ) (164 ) (73 ) 80.2

Net loss on settlement of derivatives

(33 ) (6 ) 27 (81.8 )

Net gain (loss) on valuation of derivatives

68 140 72 105.9

Net other finance costs (1)

(99 ) (2 ) 97 (98.0 )

Net finance costs

(539 ) (372 ) 167 (31.0 )%

(1) Including net other finance income and expenses, loss on disposal of trade receivables and impairment loss on available-for-sale financial assets.

Our net finance costs decreased by 31.0%, or 167 billion, from 539 billion in 2014 to 372 billion in 2015, primarily due to decreases in interest expense and net other finance costs and an increase in net gain on valuation of derivatives, the impact of which was partially offset by an increase in net foreign currency translation loss. Specifically:

Our interest expense decreased by 18.7%, or 89 billion, from 475 billion in 2014 to 386 billion in 2015 primarily due to a decrease in borrowings and, to a lesser extent, decreased interest rates.

Our net other finance costs decreased by 98.0%, or 97 billion, from 99 billion in 2014 to 2 billion in 2015 primarily due to 83 billion reduction in impairment loss on available-for sale financial assets, as a loss was recognized for the equity securities of KT ENGCORE and Ustream Korea Inc. in 2014 while there was no such loss in 2015, and a decrease in the cost of securitization of receivables due to lower interest rates in 2015.

Our net gain on valuation of derivatives increased by 105.9%, or 72 billion, from 68 billion in 2014 to 140 billion in 2015, primarily due to an increase in gains from our currency swap contracts due to larger depreciation of the exchange rates of the Won against the U.S. dollar and the Japanese Yen in 2015 compared to 2014. We entered into derivative instruments for foreign exchange risk hedging purposes and generally recognize net gain on valuation of derivatives when the Won depreciates against foreign currencies as described below in the explanation of reasons for the change in net foreign currency translation loss in 2015 compared to 2014.

These factors were partially offset by the following:

Our net foreign currency translation loss increased by 80.2%, or 73 billion, from 91 billion in 2014 to 164 billion in 2015, primarily due to larger depreciation of the Won against the U.S. dollar and the Japanese Yen in 2015 compared to 2014. The Market Average Exchange Rate of the Won against the U.S. dollar depreciated from 1,055.3 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2013 to 1,099.2 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2014 and 1,172.0 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2015. In general, we recognize net foreign currency translation loss when the Won depreciates against foreign currencies, especially the U.S. dollar, primarily because of our foreign currency-denominated debt and foreign

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currency-denominated payables to overseas equipment sellers and foreign carriers. In 2015, the impact of such net foreign currency translation loss was largely offset by the net gain on valuation of derivatives discussed above.

Income (Loss) from Jointly Controlled Entities and Associates

Income from jointly controlled entities and associates decreased by 68.4%, or 13 billion, from 19 billion in 2014 to 6 billion in 2015, primarily due to a decrease in net income of KT-SB Venture Investment, which resulted in the corresponding decrease in our share of such net income.

Income Tax Expense

We recognized an income tax expense of 227 billion in 2015, compared to an income tax benefit of 271 billion in 2014, primarily due to the recognition of profit from continuing operations before income tax of 711 billion in 2015, compared to the recognition of loss from continuing operations before income tax of 1,299 billion in 2014. See Note 29 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We had net deferred income tax assets of 935 billion as of December 31, 2014 and 716 billion as of December 31, 2015.

Profit from Discontinued Operations

Our profit from discontinued operations increased by 63.3%, or 55 billion, from 86 billion in 2014 to 141 billion in 2015, primarily due to classification of net proceeds from the sale of capital stock in KT Rental Co., Ltd and KT Capital Co., Ltd. as profit from discontinued operations in 2015. The revenue and expenses of discontinued operations decreased by 51.0% and 47.8%, or 570 billion and 490 billion, respectively, as KT Rental Co., Ltd. and KT Capital Co., Ltd. were excluded from discontinued operations subsequent to their sales in May and August 2015, respectively.

Profit for the Period

Due to the factors described above, our profit for the period increased by 166.4%, or 1,566 billion, from 941 billion of loss in 2014 to 625 billion of profit in 2015. Our net loss margin, which is loss for the period as a percentage of operating revenues, was 4.2% in 2014. Our net profit margin, which is net profit for the period as a percentage of operating revenues was 2.8% in 2015.

Segment Results—Customer/Marketing Group

Our operating revenues for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 3.9%, or 655 billion, from 16,785 billion in 2014 to 16,130 billion in 2015 primarily due to a decrease in revenues from sales of mobile handsets as a result of decreases in both the number of handset units sold and the average unit price, as well as the impact of handset subsidies directly provided to subscribers, resulting in a decrease in operating revenues starting from October 2014 as described above.

We recorded operating loss for this segment of 427 billion in 2014 and operating income for this segment of 817 billion in 2015 (in each case, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions), as the segment’s operating expenses decreased by 1,899 billion which was partially off-set by the 655 billion decrease in the segment’s operating revenue, primarily due to the reasons discussed above. Operating loss margin, which is operating loss as a percentage of total operating revenues prior to adjusting for inter-company sales, was 2.5% in 2014 and operating margin, which is operating income as a percentage of total operating revenues prior to adjusting for inter-company sales, was 5.1% in 2015.

Depreciation and amortization, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 0.5%, or 15 billion, from 2,913 billion in 2014 to 2,898 billion in 2015.

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Segment Results—Finance Group

Our operating revenues for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 6.6%, or 217 billion, from 3,296 billion in 2014 to 3,513 billion in 2015 primarily due to an increase in commission revenues from our financial subsidiaries, in particular BC Card Co., Ltd, as discussed above.

Our operating income for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 69.3%, or 115 billion, from 166 billion in 2014 to 281 billion in 2015, as 217 billion increase in the segment’s operating revenues outpaced 102 billion increase in operating expenses primarily due to the reasons discussed above. Operating margin increased from 5.0% in 2014 to 8.0% in 2015.

Depreciation and amortization, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 4.2%, or 1 billion, from 24 billion in 2014 to 25 billion in 2015.

Segment Results—Others

Our operating revenues for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 23.0%, or 1,270 billion, from 5,514 billion in 2014 to 6,784 billion in 2015, primarily due to the inclusion of the global business services to this segment. The Enterprise Business Segment, of which the global business services were part prior to 2015, was split into two segments: the Customer/Marketing Group and the Others Group. See “—Overview.”

We recorded an operating loss for this segment of 489 billion in 2014, compared to an operating loss for this segment of 2 billion in 2015, as 1,270 billion increase in the segment’s operating revenues outpaced 783 billion increase in operating expenses. Operating loss margin was 8.9% in 2014 and operating margin was 0.03% in 2015.

Depreciation and amortization, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 7.3%, or 28 billion, from 383 billion in 2014 to 411 billion in 2015.

Operating Results—2013 Compared to 2014

The following table presents selected income statement data and changes therein for 2013 and 2014:

For the Year Ended
December 31,
Changes
2013 vs. 2014
2013 2014 Amount %
(In billions of Won)

Operating revenues

23,146 22,613 (553 ) (2.3 )%

Revenue

22,818 22,359 (459 ) (20.1 )

Others

328 253 (75 ) (22.9 )

Operating expenses

22,911 23,392 481 21.0

Operating profit (loss)

235 (779 ) (1,014 ) N.M.

Finance income

278 253 (25 ) (9.0 )

Finance costs

(633 ) (792 ) (159 ) 25.1

Income from jointly controlled entities and associates

7 19 12 171.4

Loss from continuing operations before income tax

(114 ) (1,299 ) (1,185 ) 1,039.5

Income tax expense (benefit)

12 (271 ) (283 ) N.M.

Loss for the period from continuing operations

(126 ) (1028 ) (902 ) 715.9

Loss for the period from discontinued operations

38 86 (48 ) 126.3

Loss for the period

(88 ) (941 ) (853 ) 969.3 %

N.M. means not meaningful.

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Operating Revenues

The following table presents a breakdown of our operating revenues and changes therein for 2013 and 2014:

For the Year Ended
December 31,
Changes
2013 vs. 2014
2013 2014 Amount %
(In billions of Won)

Mobile services

6,712 7,104 392 5.8 %

Fixed-line services

7,180 6,855 (325 ) (4.5 )

Fixed-line telephone services:

Monthly Basic Charges

749 695 (54 ) (7.2 )

Monthly Usage Charges

1,462 1,238 (224 ) (15.3 )

Others

773 678 (95 ) (12.3 )

Sub-total

2,984 2,611 (373 ) (12.5 )

Internet services:

Broadband internet access service

2,011 1,934 (77 ) (3.8 )

Other Internet-related services

986 1,161 175 17.7

Sub-total

2,997 3,095 98 3.3

Data communication services

1,199 1,149 (50 ) (4.2 )

Sale of goods

3,940 3,252 (688 ) (17.5 )

Financial services

3,079 3,272 193 6.3

Other

2,235 2,130 (105 ) (4.7 )

Total operating revenues

23,146 22,613 (533 ) (2.3 )

Total operating revenues decreased by 2.3%, or 533 billion, from 23,146 billion in 2013 to 22,613 billion in 2014 primarily due to decreases in sale of goods and fixed-line telephone service revenues, the impact of which was partially offset by increases in our mobile service revenues and internet services.

Mobile Services

Our mobile service revenues increased by 5.8%, or 392 billion, from 6,712 billion in 2013 to 7,104 billion in 2014 primarily due to a 5.3% increase in our mobile subscribers from approximately 16,454,000 as of December 31, 2013 to approximately 17,328,000 as of December 31, 2014. Such increase in our mobile subscribers was further enhanced by an increase in our average revenue per user, resulting from the launching of our wideband LTE services in September 2013 and Wideband LTE-A services in March 2014, as wideband LTE and Wideband LTE-A service products generally have higher rates due to the greater amount of data included in such rates.

Fixed-line Services

Our fixed-line service revenues decreased by 4.5%, or 325 billion, from 7,180 billion in 2013 to 6,855 billion in 2014 primarily due to decreases in fixed-line telephone service revenues and data communication service revenues, the impact of which was partially offset by an increase in our internet service revenues.

Fixed-line Telephone Services . Our fixed-line telephone service revenues decreased by 12.5%, or 373 billion, from 2,984 billion in 2013 to 2,611 billion in 2014 primarily due to decreases in monthly usage charges, monthly basic charges and other fixed-line telephone service revenues. Specifically:

Monthly basic charges decreased by 7.2%, or 54 billion, from 749 billion in 2013 to 695 billion in 2014 primarily due to a 2.1% decrease in the number of our telephone lines

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in service from 14.0 million in 2013 to 13.7 million in 2014 and an increase in the number of our fixed-line subscribers who participate in our bundled products that offer discounts when subscribing to our other services.

Monthly usage charges decreased by 15.3%, or 224 billion, from 1,462 billion in 2013 to 1,238 billion in 2014 primarily due to the continuing decrease in the usage of fixed-line services resulting from the increased usage of mobile telephone services, Internet phone services and other VoIP services such as Kakao Talk, Line and Skype, which led to a 27.1% decrease in domestic long-distance call minutes from 4.8 million in 2013 to 3.5 million in 2014 and an 18.4% decrease in local call pulses from 4.9 million in 2013 to 4.0 million in 2014.

Other fixed-line telephone service revenue decreased by 12.3%, or 95 billion, from 773 billion in 2013 to 678 billion in 2014 primarily due to the continuing erosion of fixed-line services by mobile telephone services, Internet phone services and other VoIP services, as well as a decrease in the number of lines in service from 2013 to 2014.

Internet Services . Our Internet service revenues increased by 3.3%, or 98 billion, from 2,997 billion in 2013 to 3,095 billion in 2014 primarily due to an increase in the number of IPTV subscribers from 5.0 million as of December 31, 2013 to 5.9 million as of December 31, 2014, the impact of which was offset in part by an increase in our broadband and IPTV subscribers who participate in bundled products that offer discounts when subscribing to our other services, and an increase in discounts offered to our broadband internet subscribers during 2014.

Data Communication Services . Our data communications service revenues decreased by 4.2%, or 50 billion, from 1,199 billion in 2013 to 1,149 billion in 2014 primarily due to a decrease in revenues from our leased lines, resulting from increased competition in the data communications market in Korea.

Sale of Goods

Revenues from sale of goods decreased by 17.5%, or 688 billion, from 3,940 billion in 2013 to 3,252 billion in 2014 primarily due to decreases in the number of mobile handsets sold and the average unit prices. The revenue decrease in 2014 was also attributable to a decrease in revenues from sale of goods resulting from a different way of handset subsidy payments since October 2014, as described above. See “—Operating Results—2014 Compared to 2015—Operating Revenues—Sale of Goods.”

Financial Services

Financial service revenues increased by 6.3%, or 193 billion, from 3,079 billion in 2013 to 3,272 billion in 2014 primarily due to an increase in commission revenues from our financial subsidiaries, in particular BC Card Co., Ltd., resulting in part from an increase in the number of tourists in Korea using overseas credit cards through the credit card network owned and operated by BC Card Co., Ltd., for which it receives commission fees.

Others

Other operating revenues decreased by 4.7%, or 105 billion, from 2,235 billion in 2013 to 2,130 billion in 2014 primarily due to decreases in revenues from sale of real estate, as well as from our information technology solution services and subsidiaries such as KTDS Co., Ltd. (which provides system integration and maintenance services).

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Operating Expenses

The following table presents a breakdown of our operating expenses and changes therein for 2013 and 2014:

For the Year Ended
December 31,
Changes
2013 vs. 2014
2013 2014 Amount %
(In billions of Won)

Salaries and wages

3,220 3,919 699 21.7 %

Depreciation

3,204 3,326 122 3.8

Commissions

1,222 1,355 133 10.9

Interconnection charges

885 797 (88 ) (9.9 )

Purchase of inventories

3,504 3,509 5 0.1

Changes of inventories

261 255 (6 ) (2.3 )

Sales commission

2,314 2,629 315 13.6

Service cost

1,834 1,281 (553 ) (30.2 )

Card service costs

2,702 2,883 181 6.7

Others (1)

3,765 3,438 (327 ) (8.7 )

Total operating expenses

22,911 23,392 481 2.1 %

(1) Including other operating expenses (which include miscellaneous expenses, loss on disposal of property and equipment, impairment loss on property and equipment, loss on disposal of intangible assets, loss on disposal of investments in associates and joint ventures, impairment loss on investments in associates and joint ventures and donations), amortization of intangible assets, rent, insurance premium, utilities, international interconnection fee, installation fee, taxes and dues, research and development expenses, provision and advertising expenses.

Total operating expenses increased by 2.1%, or 481 billion, from 22,911 billion in 2013 to 23,392 billion in 2014 primarily due to increases in salaries and wages and sales commission, the impact of which was partially offset by decreases in service cost and purchase of inventories. Specifically:

Salaries and wages increased by 21.7%, or 699 billion, from 3,220 billion in 2013 to 3,919 billion in 2014 primarily due to an increase in severance payments relating to the special retirement program described in “—Overview—Employee Reductions and Change in Severance and Retirement Benefits” above. The special voluntary early retirement program resulted in the early retirement of 8,304 additional employees.

Sales commissions, which primarily relate to commissions paid to our third-party vendors for procurement of subscribers and other promotions as well as sales of mobile handsets and mobile and fixed-line service products, increased by 13.6%, or 315 billion, from 2,314 billion in 2013 to 2,629 billion in 2014, primarily due to increases in sales of our LTE mobile service products by such third-party vendors, as a result of an increase in our total mobile subscribers during 2014, as well as an increase in fixed-line sales commission and installation outsourcing service fees due to our special voluntary early retirement program. Such increases were offset in part by a decrease in commissions paid relating to official handset subsidies as discussed above.

These factors were partially offset by the following:

Service cost decreased by 30.2%, or 553 billion, from 1,834 billion in 2013 to 1,281 billion in 2014 as a result of the corresponding decreases in revenues from sale of real estate, as well as from our information technology solution services as discussed above.

Our operating expenses related to purchase of inventories increased by 0.1%, or 5 billion, from 3,504 billion in 2013 to 3,509 billion in 2014 primarily due to our decision

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to manage inventories conservatively in connection with a decrease in the number of mobile handsets sold, the increased competition in the mobile handset market, as well as business suspensions imposed on us by the KCC during 2014 in connection with excessive handset subsidies as discussed above.

Operating Profit

Due to the factors described above, we recorded an operating profit of 235 billion in 2013, compared to an operating loss of 779 billion in 2014. Our operating margin, which is operating loss as a percentage of operating revenues, was 1.0% in 2013 and our operating loss margin, which is operating loss as a percentage of operating revenues, was 3.4% in 2014.

Finance Income (Costs)

The following table presents a breakdown of our finance income and costs and changes therein for 2013 and 2014:

For the Year Ended
December 31,
Changes
2013 vs. 2014
2013 2014 Amount %
(In billions of Won)

Interest income

108 80 (28 ) (25.9 )%

Interest expense

(436 ) (475 ) (39 ) 8.9

Net foreign currency transaction gain (loss)

6 11 5 83.3

Net foreign currency translation gain (loss)

89 (91 ) (180 ) (202.2 )

Net loss on settlement of derivatives

(3 ) (33 ) (30 ) 1,000.0

Net gain (loss) on valuation of derivatives

(105 ) 68 173 (164.8 )

Net other finance costs (1)

(14 ) (99 ) (85 ) 607.1

Net finance costs

(355 ) (539 ) (184 ) 51.8 %

(1) Including net other finance income and expenses, loss on disposal of trade receivables and impairment loss on available-for-sale financial assets.

Our net finance costs increased by 51.8%, or 184 billion, from 355 billion in 2013 to 539 billion in 2014 primarily due to our recognition of net foreign currency translation gain in 2013 compared to a net loss in 2014 and an increase in net other finance costs, the impact of which was partially offset by the net gain on valuation of derivatives in 2014 compared to a net loss in 2013. Specifically:

We recorded net foreign currency translation gain of 89 billion in 2013 compared to net foreign currency translation loss of 91 billion in 2014, as the Market Average Exchange Rate of the Won against the U.S. dollar appreciated from 1,071.1 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2012 to 1,055.3 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2013, but depreciated to 1,099.2 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2014. The impact of such net foreign currency translation loss in 2014 was partially offset by the net gain on valuation of derivatives discussed below.

Our net other finance costs increased significantly, or 85 billion, from 14 billion in 2013 to 99 billion in 2014 primarily due to a 65 billion increase in impairment loss on available-for-sale financial assets from 5 billion in 2013 to 70 billion in 2014, mainly resulting from an impairment loss of 49 billion recognized on our interests in KT ENGCORE, which was classified as available-for-sale financial securities for 2014 due to KT ENGCORE filing for court receivership in 2014, whereas it was a consolidated subsidiary for 2013.

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These factors were partially offset by the following:

We recorded net loss on valuation of derivatives of 105 billion in 2013, compared to net gain on valuation of derivatives of 68 billion in 2014, primarily due to an increase in gains from our currency swap contracts due to the depreciation of the exchange rates of the Won against the Japanese Yen and the U.S. dollar from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014.

Income (Loss) from Jointly Controlled Entities and Associates

Income from jointly controlled entities and associates increased by 171.4%, or 12 billion, from 7 billion in 2013 to 19 billion in 2014, primarily due to an increase in net income of KT-SB Venture Investment, and the corresponding increase in our share of such net income.

Income Tax Expense

We recognized an income tax expense of 12 billion in 2013, compared to an income tax benefit of 271 billion in 2014, primarily due to a significant increase in our loss from continuing operations before income tax from 114 billion in 2013 to 1,299 billion in 2014. We incurred a tax expense despite incurring a loss before income tax in 2013, as we, in preparing our consolidated financial statements, aggregate the tax results of ourselves and our subsidiaries, some of which had taxable income. See Note 29 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We had net deferred income tax assets of 537 billion as of December 31, 2013 and 935 billion as of December 31, 2014.

Profit from Discontinued Operations

Our profit from discontinued operations increased by 126.3%, or 48 billion, from 38 billion in 2013 to 86 billion in 2014, primarily due to increases in profits of KT Rental Co., Ltd. and KT Capital Co., Ltd. Income tax expense for discontinued operations decreased by 86.5%, or 33 billion, primarily due to a 12 billion tax refund received by KT Rental Co., Ltd. and a lower taxable income of KT Capital Co., Ltd., from which BC Card Co., Ltd. was separated and merged into KT Corporation in 2014.

Loss for the Period

Due to the factors described above, our loss for the period increased by 969.3%, or 853 billion, from 88 billion in 2013 to 941 billion in 2014. Our net loss margin, which is loss for the period as a percentage of operating revenues, was 0.4% in 2013 and 4.2% in 2014.

Segment Results—Customer/Marketing Group

Our operating revenues for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 2.0%, or 344 billion, from 17,129 billion in 2013 to 16,785 billion in 2014 primarily due to a decrease in revenues from individual fixed-line telephone subscribers.

We recorded operating income for this segment of 261 billion in 2013, compared to operating loss for this segment of 427 billion in 2014 (in each case, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions) due to a combined result of 344 billion increase in the segment’s operating expenses and 344 billion decrease in the segment’s operating revenues primarily due to the reasons discussed above.

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Operating margin, which is operating income as a percentage of total operating revenues prior to adjusting for inter-company sales, was 1.5% in 2013, and operating loss margin, which is operating loss as a percentage of total operating revenues prior to adjusting for inter-company sales, was 2.5% in 2014.

Depreciation and amortization, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 3.2%, or 91 billion, from 2,822 billion in 2013 to 2,913 billion in 2014.

Segment Results—Finance Group

Our operating revenues for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 6.2%, or 193 billion, from 3,103 billion in 2013 to 3,296 billion in 2014 primarily due to an increase in commission revenues from our financial subsidiaries, in particular BC Card Co., Ltd., in part resulting from an increase in the number of tourists in Korea using overseas credit cards through the credit card network owned and operated by BC Card Co., Ltd., for which it receives commission fees.

Our operating income for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, increased by 7.1%, or 11 billion, from 155 billion in 2013 to 166 billion in 2014, as 193 billion increase in the segment’s operating revenues outpaced 182 billion increase in the segment’s operating expenses primarily due to the reasons discussed above. Operating margin increased from 4.3% in 2013 to 5.0% in 2014.

Depreciation and amortization, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, remained at 24 billion in 2013 and in 2014.

Segment Results—Others

Our operating revenues for this segment, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 19.9%, or 1,366 billion, from 6,880 billion in 2013 to 5,514 billion in 2014 primarily due to the classification of our interest in KT ENGCORE as available-for-sale securities starting 2014 and the disposal of certain subsidiaries in 2014 when KT ENGCORE was excluded from our consolidated subsidiaries, whose revenues used to be recognized under this segment.

We recorded an operating income for this segment of 483 billion in 2013, compared to an operating loss for this segment of 489 billion in 2014, as 1,366 billion decrease in the segment’s operating revenues outpaced 394 billion decrease in the segment’s operating expenses primarily due to the reasons discussed above. Operating margin was 6.0% in 2013 and operating loss margin was 8.9% in 2014.

Depreciation and amortization, prior to adjusting for inter-segment transactions, decreased by 46.7%, or 336 billion, from 719 billion in 2013 to 383 billion in 2014.

Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

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

For the Years Ended December 31,
2013 2014 2015
(In billions of Won)

Net cash provided by operating activities

4,111 1,916 4,230

Net cash used in investing activities

(3,783 ) (3,171 ) (2,402 )

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

(312 ) 1,072 (1,164 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

2,058 2,071 1,889

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

2,071 1,889 2,559

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

13 (182 ) 670

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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 3,088 billion in 2013, 2,853 billion in 2014 and 3,116 billion in 2015 for the acquisition of property and equipment and investment property, primarily construction-in-progress. In our financing activities, we used cash of 5,956 billion in 2013, 8,757 billion in 2014 and 6,648 billion in 2015 for repayment of borrowings and bonds.

In recent years, we have also required capital for payments of retirement and severance benefits related to our early retirement programs. We recorded cash outflows from payments of severance benefits of 371 billion in 2013, 1,427 billion in 2014 and 118 billion in 2015. In 2014, our payments were particularly high due to the special voluntary early retirement program held in April 2014 described in “—Overview—Employee Reductions and Changes in Severance and Retirement Benefits” above.

From time to time, we may also require capital for investments involving acquisitions, including shares of our affiliates, and strategic relationships. For example, in October 2011, we, through our former subsidiary KT Capital Co., Ltd., acquired an additional 1,622,520 common shares of BC Card Co., Ltd. from Woori Bank, Busan Bank and Shinhan Card for approximately 252 billion. We acquired an additional 1,349,920 common shares of BC Card Co., Ltd. in January 2012 for approximately 287 billion, and owned 69.5% interest in BC Card Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 2015. Any such additional investments or acquisitions may require significant capital.

Our cash dividends paid to shareholders and non-controlling interests amounted to 511 billion in 2013, 223 billion in 2014 and 42 billion in 2015.

We anticipate that capital expenditures and repayment of outstanding contractual obligations and commitments will represent the most significant use of funds for the next several years. We may also require capital for purchase of shares of our affiliates as well as investments involving acquisitions and strategic relationships. We compete in the telecommunications sector in Korea, which is rapidly evolving. In recent years, business combinations in the telecommunications industry have significantly changed the competitive landscape of the Korean telecommunications industry. We may need to incur additional capital expenditures to keep up with unexpected developments in rapidly evolving telecommunications technology. There can be no assurance that we will be able to secure funds on satisfactory terms from financial institutions or other sources that are sufficient for our unanticipated needs.

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 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a disclosure of the guarantees provided.

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The following table sets forth selected information regarding our contractual obligations to make future payments as of December 31, 2015:

Payments Due by Period

Contractual Obligations (1)

Total Less than
1 Year
1-3
Years
4-5
Years
After 5
Years
(In billions of Won)

Long-term debt obligations (including current portion of long-term debt)

8,480 1,552 3,098 1,639 2,191

Capital lease obligations (including any interests)

184 79 89 16

Operating lease obligations

486 111 168 129 78

Severance payment obligations (2)

4,445 114 245 279 3,807

Asset retirement obligations

92 10 34 17 31

Long-term accounts payable—others

546 17 204 204 121

Total

14,233 1,883 3,838 2,284 6,228

Estimate of interest payment based on contractual interest rates effective as of December 31, 2015

1,310 264 384 228 434

(1) Contractual obligations represent contractual liabilities as of the consolidated balance sheet date excluding refundable deposits for telephone installation and accruals for customer call bonus points, which do not have definitive payment schedules.

(2) The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligations is 9.8 years.

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. From time to time, we have also disposed of our treasury shares to meet our capital requirements.

Our major sources of cash have been net cash provided by operating activities, including profits for the period, expenses not involving cash payments such as depreciation and amortization, 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 a loss for the period of 88 billion in 2013 and 941 billion in 2014 and a profit for the period of 625 billion in 2015, due to the reasons discussed in Item 5.A. Operating Results. Non-cash expense adjustments in our statement of cash flows from depreciation and amortization of intangible assets was 3,621 billion in 2013, 3,855 billion in 2014 and 3,640 billion in 2015, primarily reflecting our capital investment activities during the recent years, including our purchase of bandwidths for our operations, investments in LTE-related structures and acquisition of real estate. Cash proceeds from issuance of bonds and borrowings were 6,200 billion in 2013, 10,037 billion in 2014 and 5,675 billion in 2015. As of December 31, 2015, we held 16,262,008 treasury shares.

In 2013, we spun off 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 also entered into asset management agreements with each of these special purpose companies, and will be receiving management fees from such companies. See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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. For example, we successfully issued (i) three series of notes for an aggregate amount of Japanese Yen 30 billion in

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January 2013, (ii) three series of notes for an aggregate amount of 410 billion in April 2013, (iii) US$300 million floating rate notes due 2018 in August 2013, (iv) 300 billion of commercial paper due 2019 in February 2014, (v) US$650 million of 1.750% notes due 2017 and US$350 million of 2.625% notes due 2019 in April 2014, (vi) three series of notes for an aggregate amount of 450 billion in January 2015 and (vii) Japanese Yen 15 billion of 0.48% notes due 2018 in February 2015. See Note 16 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 12,837 billion as of December 31, 2013, 11,788 billion as of December 31, 2014 and 12,156 billion as of December 31, 2015.

Liquidity

We had a working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) deficit of 1,252 billion as of December 31, 2013, 1,213 billion as of December 31, 2014 and 56 billion as of December 31, 2015. The following table sets forth the summary of our significant current assets for the periods indicated:

As of December 31,
2013 2014 2015
(In billions of Won)

Cash and cash equivalents

2,071 1,889 2,559

Short-term loans receivables, net

839 710

Trade and other receivables, net

5,240 4,811 4,848

Inventories, net

674 419 617

Our cash, cash equivalents and net short-term loans receivable maturing within one year totaled 2,910 billion as of December 31, 2013, 2,599 billion as of December 31, 2014 and 2,559 billion as of December 31, 2015. Under IFRS as issued by IASB, bank deposits held at call and all other highly liquid temporary cash instruments within maturities of three months are considered as cash equivalents. Short-term loans receivables primarily consist of loans and other non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market with maturities of twelve months or less.

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

As of December 31,
2013 2014 2015
(In billions of Won)

Trade and other payables

7,414 6,408 6,274

Borrowings

3,021 2,956 1,726

As of December 31, 2015, we entered into various commitments with financial institutions totaling 3,516 billion and US$12 million. See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As of December 31, 2015, 438 billion was used under these facilities. We have not had, and do not believe that we will have, difficulty gaining access to short-term financing sufficient to meet our current requirements.

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Capital Expenditures

We used cash of 3,088 billion in 2013, 2,853 billion in 2014 and 3,116 billion in 2015 for the acquisition of property and equipment and investment property, primarily construction-in-progress.

Our current capital expenditure plan, on a non-consolidated basis, calls for the expenditure of approximately 2,500 billion in 2016, which may be adjusted depending on market conditions and our results of operations. The principal components of our capital investment plans are:

approximately 1,091 billion in capital investments for our access network;

approximately 465 billion in capital investments for our backbone network;

approximately 548 billion in capital investments for our business-to-business services; and

approximately 396 billion in capital investments for other services including R&D costs.

Inflation

We do not consider that inflation in Korea has had a material impact on our results of operations in recent years. According to data published by the Bank of Korea, annual inflation in Korea was 1.3% in 2013, 1.3% in 2014 and 0.7% in 2015. See “Item 3. Key Information—Item 3.D. Risk Factors—Korea is our most important market, and our current business and future growth could be materially and adversely affected if economic conditions in Korea deteriorate.”

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 operate:

a new business development and incubation center;

an infrastructure R&D laboratory;

a service R&D laboratory; and

a convergence R&D laboratory.

As of December 31, 2015, KT Corporation had 4,922 registered patents domestically and 929 registered patents internationally.

The MSIP has the authority to recommend to network service providers that they provide funds for national research and development of telecommunications technology and related projects. The required annual contribution is 0.5% (0.75% for market dominant service providers like us) of revenues attributable to key communications services (excluding revenues from telecommunications service using an allotted frequency if the consideration for such allotted frequency has been paid) from wireless subscribers for the previous year, and is applicable only to those network service providers who have at least 30 billion in total sales for the previous year and have recorded no net loss in the current period. Under the policy, the maximum amount of the annual contribution to be made cannot exceed 70.0% of the net profit for the corresponding period of each company. Including such contributions, total expenditures (which include capitalized expenses) on research and development were 476 billion in 2012, 309 billion in 2013, 479 billion in 2014 and 225 billion in 2015.

In recent years, we have focused our research and development efforts in the following areas:

simplifying complex core networks and reducing costs;

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integration of in-building management solutions for fixed-line and wireless networks;

aggregating heterogeneous wireless access for double network throughput;

a broadband internet solution that is 10 times faster using legacy copper and fiber lines;

a telecommunication cloud solution which combines network resource virtualization with cloud computing resource;

finding solutions for ultra-definition television set top box and additional solutions for smart IPTV;

smart home networking solutions for multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, computers and IPTV, as well as electric home appliances;

environment-friendly energy technologies including a smart-grid platform;

core technologies for convergence services such as IoT, big data, security, networked automobiles, healthcare and bio-informatics; and

creating a new convergence business model based on ICT and incubating new businesses.

Item 5.D. Trend Information

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

Item 5.E. Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

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

Item 5.F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

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

Item 5.G. Safe Harbor

See “Item 3. Key Information—Item 3.D. Risk Factors—Forward-looking statements may prove to be inaccurate.”

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 three standing directors, including the chief executive officer; and

up to eight outside directors.

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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. The term of office for a director is up to three years, but the term is 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 one standing director and 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 Outside Director Candidate Nominating Committee nominates outside director candidates for appointment at the general shareholders’ meeting.

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.

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Our current directors are as follows:

Name

Position

Director
Since
Date of Birth Expiration
of

Term of
Office

Standing Directors (1)

Chang-Gyu Hwang

Chief Executive Officer

January 2014 January 23, 1953 2017

Heon Moon Lim

President

March 2014 November 15, 1960 2017

Hyeon Mo Ku

Senior executive vice president

March 2016 January 13, 1964 2017

Outside Directors (1)

Do Kyun Song

Senior Advisor, Bae, Kim & Lee LLC

March 2013 September 20, 1943 2019

Sang Kyun Cha

Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seoul National University

March 2012 February 19, 1958 2019

Jong-Gu Kim

Corporate lawyer, New Dimension Law Group

March 2014 July 7, 1941 2017

Suk-Gwon Chang

Professor, Department of MIS & Telecommunications, School of Business, Hanyang University

March 2014 February 21, 1956 2018

Dae-Geun Park

Professor, Department of Economics and Finance, Hanyang University

March 2014 March 15, 1958 2017

Dong-Wook Chung

Senior Counsel, Kim, Choi & Lim

March 2015 August 22, 1949 2018

Daiwon Hyun

Professor, Department of Mass Communication, Sogang University

March 2015 August 1, 1964 2018

Daeho Kim

Professor, Department of Communications and Information, Inha University

March 2016 March 18, 1960 2017

(1) All of our standing and outside directors beneficially own less than one percent of the issued shares of KT Corporation in the aggregate.

Chang-Gyu Hwang is a standing director and has served as our chief executive officer since January 2014. Prior to joining us, he served as a Distinguished Chair Professor at Sungkyunkwan University, president and National Chief Technology Officer of the Office of Strategic Research and Development Planning at the former Ministry of Knowledge and Economy, president and chief technology officer of the Corporate Technology Office at Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and as president and chief executive officer of the Semiconductor Business at Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Mr. Hwang holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in electric engineering from Seoul National University and a Ph.D. in electronic and computer engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Heon Moon Lim is a standing director and has served as president and KT’s chief marketing officer since December 2015. He has previously served as a senior executive vice president of KT’s Customer Business Group and an executive vice president of KT’s Telecom & Convergence Business Group and Home Business Group. Mr. Lim holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Yonsei University and a Ph.D. in business administration from Seoul National University.

Hyeon Mo Ku is a standing director and has served as senior executive vice president and KT’s chief operating officer since December 2015. He has previously served as chief secretary to KT’s chief executive officer since 2014. Before that, he served as chief operating officer of the Telecom &

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Convergence Business department. Mr. Ku holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Seoul National University and a Ph. D. in Management Engineering from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.

Do Kyun Song has served as our outside director since March 2013. He is currently an advisor to the law firm of Bae, Kim & Lee LLC. He was formerly a standing member of the KCC and the chief executive officer of Seoul Broadcasting System Co., Ltd. Mr. Song holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish literature from Hanguk University of Foreign Studies.

Sang Kyun Cha has served as our outside director since March 2012. He is currently a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Seoul National University. Previously, he founded Transact In Memory, Inc., a next-generation memory database management system development company in the United States which was acquired by SAP AG in 2005, and was subsequently transformed into SAP Labs Korea, Inc. Mr. Cha holds a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering from Seoul National University and a Ph.D. in database systems from Stanford University.

Jong-Gu Kim has served as our outside director since March 2014. He is currently a corporate lawyer at the New Dimension Law Group. Previously, he served as the minister of the Ministry of Justice and as the head of the Seoul Supreme Prosecutors’ Office. Mr. Kim holds both a bachelor’s degree in law from Seoul National University and a Ph.D. in law from Dongguk University.

Suk-Gwon Chang has served as our outside director since March 2014. He is currently a professor of business administration at Hanyang University. Mr. Chang was formerly the dean of Hanyang Cyber University Graduate School and the president of the Korea Association for Telecommunication Policy and Korea Media Management Association. Mr. Chang holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Seoul National University and a Ph.D. in management science from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.

Dae-Geun Park has served as our outside director since March 2014. He is currently a professor of economics and finance at Hanyang University, a member of the Financial Development Review Committee at the Financial Services Commission and the director of Hanyang Economic Research Institute. Mr. Park was formerly a vice president of the Korea Finance and Money Association and a member of the Steering Committee at the Korea Finance Corporation. Mr. Park holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Seoul National University and a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University.

Dong-Wook Chung has served as our outside director since March 2015. He is currently a Senior Counsel to the law firm of Kim, Choi & Lim. Mr. Chung was formerly a prosecutor at the Seoul High Prosecutor’s Office and the chief prosecutor at the Bucheon Branch of the Incheon District Prosecutor’s Office. Mr. Chung holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in law from Seoul National University.

Daiwon Hyun has served as our outside director since March 2015. He is currently a professor of mass communication at Sogang University and the chairperson of the Korea Digital Content Industry Forum. Mr. Hyun was formerly the chairperson of the Internet-based Broadcasting Service Promotion Forum and the ‘Beautiful Internet World’ Forum. Mr. Hyun holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and broadcasting from Sogang University and a Ph.D. in telecommunications and mass media from Temple University.

Daeho Kim has served as our outside director since March 2016. He is currently a professor of Communications and Information at Inha University, a member of the Administration Review Committee of the KCC and an outside director of the Korea Internet and Security Agency. Mr. Kim holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and Information from Seoul National University and a Ph. D in Cultural Studies from University of Birmingham.

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For the purposes of the Korean Commercial Code, our chief executive officer is deemed to be the “representative director” who is authorized to perform all judicial and extra-judicial acts relating to our business. Our shareholders elect the chief executive officer in accordance with the provisions of the Commercial Code and our articles of incorporation. A candidate for chief executive officer is nominated by a committee formed for that purpose. The Chief Executive Officer Candidate Nominating Committee consists of:

all of our outside directors; and

one standing director who is not a candidate.

Under our articles of incorporation, the Chief Executive Officer Candidate Nominating Committee must submit a draft management contract between the company and the candidate covering the management objectives of the company 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, the company enters into such management contract with the chief executive officer. In such case, the chairperson of the Chief Executive Officer Candidate Nominating Committee, on behalf of the company, signs the management contract.

The board of directors may conduct performance review discussions to determine if the new chief executive officer 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 chief executive officer has failed to achieve the management goals, it may propose to dismiss the chief executive officer at a shareholders’ meeting.

Senior Management

Our executive officers consist of Senior Executive Vice Presidents. The executive officers other than the standing directors are appointed by the chief executive officer.

The current executive officers are as follows:

Name (1)

Title and Responsibilities

Current
Position Held
Since
Years
with the
Company (2)
Date of Birth

Cheol-Soo Kim

Senior Executive Vice President, Chief of Marketing Office, Customer Business Group December 2015 2 February 7, 1963

Dong-Myun Lee

Senior Executive Vice President, Institute of Convergence Technology January 2014 24 October 15, 1962

In-Hoe Kim

Senior Executive Vice President, CEO Office December 2015 2 June 25, 1964

Kyoung-Lim Yun

Senior Executive Vice President, Future Convergence Strategy Office December 2014 6 June 14, 1963

Kyu-Taek Nam

Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Office, Corporate Management Group, Human Resources Office December 2015 30 February 6, 1961

Mun-Whan Lee

Senior Executive Vice President, Enterprise Business Group December 2015 27 October 1, 1963

Seong-Mook Oh

Senior Executive Vice President, Network Group December 2012 30 August 20, 1960

Soo-Ho Maeng

Senior Executive Vice President, Corporate Relationship Group December 2015 20 October 16, 1959

(1) All of our executive officers beneficially own less than one percent of the issued shares of KT Corporation in the aggregate.

(2) Does not include period of employment by KT Corporation’s affiliates.

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Item 6.B. Compensation

Compensation of Directors

In 2015, the total amount of salaries, bonuses (including long-term performance-based incentives for directors) and allowances paid to all directors of KT Corporation for services in all capacities was approximately 3 billion, which were paid on a cash basis.

Until February 2010, we had no incentive based compensation program for outside directors. Instead, compensation was paid to outside directors in fixed amounts as an allowance for any expenses they incurred in executing their duties. The board of directors introduced a new compensation program for outside directors in March 2010, which consists of cash and stock grants and requires a one year lock-up period, at a ratio of 3 to 1. The total cash basis remuneration for outside directors for 2015 was recorded at 650 million.

The compensation of our directors and executive officers who received total annual compensation exceeding 500 million in 2015 were as follows:

Name

Position

Total Compensation
in 2015

Composition of Total
Compensation

(In millions of Won)

Chang-Gyu Hwang

Chief Executive Officer 1,229 573 (salary); 651 (bonus); 5 (benefits)

Heon Moon Lim

President 535 319 (salary); 205 (bonus); 11 (benefits)

The chairperson of the Chief Executive Officer Candidate Nominating Committee enters into an employment agreement on our behalf with our chief executive officer. The employment agreement sets certain management targets to be achieved by the chief executive officer, 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. Failure to achieve certain thresholds below the targets will allow the board of directors to take actions with respect to the chief executive officer’s employment, including proposing to 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 chief executive officer 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 December 31, 2015, none of our standing 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 and one standing director, Suk-Gwon Chang, Do Kyun Song, Dae-Geun Park, Daeho Kim and Hyeon Mo Ku. The chairperson is Suk-Gwon Chang. 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.

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Outside Director Candidate Nominating Committee

The Outside Director Candidate Nominating Committee consists of one standing director and 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. The committee’s duties include reviewing the qualifications of potential candidates and proposing nominees to serve as outside directors on our board of directors to the shareholders at the general shareholders’ meeting. The committee members’ terms expire immediately after the adjournment of the shareholders’ meeting where the outside directors are elected.

Evaluation and Compensation Committee

The Evaluation and Compensation Committee is currently comprised of four outside directors, Sang Kyun Cha, Do Kyun Song, Suk-Gwon Chang and Daiwon Hyun. The chairperson is Sang Kyun Cha. The committee’s duties include prior review of the chief executive officer’s management goals, terms and conditions proposed for inclusion in the management contract of the chief executive officer, including, but not limited to, determining whether the chief executive officer has achieved the management goals, and the determination of compensation for the chief executive officer and the standing directors. The committee members are elected by the board after the closing of the annual meeting, and the term of the committee members is one year.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is currently comprised of all of the standing directors. The chairperson is Chang-Gyu Hwang. The committee’s duties include the establishment and management of branch offices, the acquisition and disposal of real estate having market value between 15 billion to 30 billion, making investments and providing guarantees between 15 billion to 30 billion, the disposal and sale of stocks of our subsidiaries, which have a market value between 15 billion and 30 billion, provided that no change of control with respect to such subsidiary occurs as a result of such disposal or sale for stocks with market value of 10 billion or more, the authorization of charitable contributions between 100 million to 1 billion and the issuance of certain debt securities.

Related-Party Transactions Committee

The Related-Party Transactions Committee is currently comprised of four outside directors, Dong-Wook Chung, Jong-Gu Kim, Daiwon Hyun and Daeho Kim. The chairperson is Dong-Wook Chung. This committee reviews 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, and the term of the committee members is one year.

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 currently comprised of Jong-Gu Kim, Sang Kyun Cha, Dae-Geun Park and Dong-Wook Chung. The chairperson is Jong-Gu Kim and the financial expert is Dae-Geun Park. 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 independent auditors;

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approving the appointment and recommending the dismissal of the internal auditor;

evaluating performance of independent auditors;

approving services to be provided by the independent auditors;

reviewing annual financial statements;

reviewing audit results and reports;

reviewing and evaluating our system of internal controls and policies; and

examining improprieties or suspected improprieties.

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 non-consolidated basis, we had 23,531 employees as of December 31, 2015, compared to 23,371 employees as of December 31, 2014 and 32,451 employees as of December 31, 2013.

Voluntary Early Retirement Plans

We regularly sponsor voluntary early retirement plans where we provide additional financial incentives for our employees to retire early, as part of our efforts to improve operational efficiencies. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, 269, 41 and 33 employees, respectively, retired under this program.

In April 2014, we announced the commencement of a special early retirement program for employees who have been employed by us for more than 15 years. This special early retirement program provides our employees with incentives to retire early as part of our efforts to improve operational efficiencies. Our employees were offered the option of either receiving additional severance payment or employment for two years at certain of our subsidiaries or affiliates as part of the special retirement scheme. The special voluntary early retirement program resulted in the early retirement of 8,304 employees in 2014. We paid 1.3 trillion as severance benefits in connection with our early retirement programs during 2014, which was financed through cash on hand and bond issuances.

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, 2015, about 75.6% of the employees of KT Corporation were members of the KT Trade Union. On behalf of its members, the Union negotiates with us a collective bargaining agreement every two years, and our current collective bargaining agreement expires on November 15, 2017. 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.

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The Union also negotiates with us an annual agreement on wages on behalf of its members. 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.

Recent amendments to the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act (“Labor Act”), which became effective on July 1, 2011, allow multiple labor unions to be formed within one company. Therefore, additional labor unions may be formed by our employees. Pursuant to such amendments, our employees formed a new labor union called “KT New Union” in August 2011. The amended Labor Act also requires such multiple unions to consolidate themselves into a single channel when negotiating with the company on behalf of their members and to enter into a single collective bargaining agreement with the company. As a result of the recent consolidation of labor unions, KT Trade Union was selected as the bargaining representative of the labor unions. Its term as the bargaining representative will last for two years from January 1, 2016, and will expire on December 31, 2017.

Employee Stock Ownership and Benefits

We have an employee stock ownership association, which may purchase on behalf of its members up to 20.0% of any of our shares offered publicly in Korea. The employee stock ownership association owned 0.6% of our issued shares as of December 31, 2015.

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 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 826 billion as of December 31, 2015. 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 information and technology specialists who are able to create value for our customers. In order to develop skills of our employees, we require 50 hours of training per year from most of our employees, using individually-tailored curriculums based on individual assessments. We also operate 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 and living expense reimbursements to our high potential individuals who pursue graduate programs in Korea and abroad, as well as provide financial assistance to those who pursue work-related professional licenses or participate in after-work study programs.

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Item 6.E. Share Ownership

Common Stock

The persons who are currently our directors held, as a group, 20,808 common shares as of March 31, 2016, the most recent date for which this information is available. The table below shows the ownership of our common shares by directors:

Shareholders

Number of Common
Shares Owned

Chang-Gyu Hwang

5,000

Heon Moon Lim

3,091

Hyun Mo Ku

5,387

Do Kyun Song

713

Sang Kyun Cha

5,509

Jong-Gu Kim

376

Suk-Gwon Chang

376

Dae-Geun Park

376

Dong-Wook Chung

Daiwon Hyun

Daeho Kim

Stock Options

We have not granted any stock options to our current directors and executive officers.

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 common stock as of December 31, 2015:

Shareholders

Number of
Shares
Percent of
Total
Shares Issued

National Pension Corporation

19,150,489 7.33 %

NTTDoCoMo, Inc.

14,257,813 5.46 %

Silchester International Investors LLP

13,848,391 5.30 %

Employee stock ownership association

1,484,611 0.57 %

Directors as a group

20,359 0.01 %

Public

196,008,137 75.1 %

KT Corporation (held in the form of treasury stock)

16,262,008 6.23 %

Total issued shares

261,111,808 100.00 %

Item 7.B. Related Party Transactions

We have engaged in various transactions with our subsidiaries and affiliated companies. See Note 34 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.

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Item 8. Financial Information

Item 8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

See “Item 18. Financial Statements” and pages F-1 through F-106.

Legal Proceedings

In July 2012, the Fair Trade Commission issued to us an administrative fine of approximately 5 billion as well as certain corrective orders, after investigating certain pricing and subsidy practices of mobile service carriers and handset manufacturers. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., LG Electronics Co., Ltd., Pantech Curitel Co., Ltd., SK Telecom and LG U+ were also issued administrative fines as a result of the investigation. We filed for a stay of execution of the Fair Trade Commission’s decision, and in September 2012, the Seoul High Court granted a stay of execution with respect to the corrective order, and denied the stay of execution with respect to the administrative fine. We paid the entire fine in September 2012. In September 2012, we filed a lawsuit with the Seoul High Court against the Fair Trade Commission to appeal the administrative fine and the corrective order, and on February 6, 2014, the Seoul High Court ruled against us on our appeal. In February 2014, we filed another appeal with respect to the administrative fine with the Supreme Court of Korea and filed for a stay of execution with respect to the corrective order in March 2014, which was accepted and became effective in April 2014. The appeal is currently ongoing. The outcome of this case will not result in any fine in addition to the fine we already paid in September 2012.

Based on investigations conducted in December 2012 and January 2013, the KCC imposed a combined fine of approximately 12 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us in January 2013 (our fine being approximately 3 billion), for providing subsidies that were higher than those allowed under current regulations to new mobile phone purchasers and subscribers, and also imposed temporary suspensions from accepting new subscribers ranging from 20 days to 24 days. In March 2013, the KCC again imposed a combined fine of approximately 5 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 2 billion) for continuing to offer subsidies during the suspension period. In July 2013, the KCC imposed a combined fine of approximately 67 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 20 billion) and also imposed a seven day suspension on us from accepting new subscribers, also in connection with providing excessive handset subsidies to new subscribers. In December 2013, the KCC again imposed a combined fine of approximately 106 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 30 billion), which is the largest fine ever imposed by the KCC on local mobile operators for providing excessive subsidies to new subscribers. On March 7, 2014, the MSIP imposed a temporary suspension on us for 45 days (from March 13, 2014 to April 26, 2014), SK Telecom for 45 days (from April 5, 2014 to May 19, 2014), and LG U+ for 45 days (from March 13, 2014 to April 4, 2014 and again from April 27, 2014 to May 18, 2014) from accepting new subscribers as a result of continuing to offer excessive handset subsidies to new subscribers, despite the order from the KCC prohibiting such subsidies. Additionally, the MSIP announced that it plans to bring criminal charges with fines of up to 150 million and imprisonment of less than three years against any carrier and responsible personnel that fails to adhere to the suspension or continues to offer illegal subsidies after the suspension is completed. In August 2014, the KCC imposed a fine of approximately 58 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 11 billion) for continuing to provide excessive subsidies to new subscribers. In December 2014, the KCC further imposed a fine of approximately 8 billion on each of SK Telecom, LG U+ and us for providing excessive handset subsidies and in March 2015 the KCC again imposed a combined fine of approximately 34 billion on SK Telecom, LG U+ and us (our fine being approximately 9 billion) for violation of regulations relating to handset sales, in connection with a used handset buyback program that we and the other telecommunications operators were promoting. We have paid all of such fines as of the date hereof.

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In July 2012, the police arrested two individuals in connection with the alleged theft of personal information relating to approximately 8.7 million of our mobile phone subscribers. The individuals in question stole personal information through a series of hackings starting from February 2012 into our N-STEP. Since the incident, approximately 29,800 of our mobile phone subscribers filed a total of 16 lawsuits against us in connection with the N-STEP hackings, alleging that we failed to protect their personal information, and are seeking total damages of approximately 15 billion. From August 2014 to October 2015, various district courts have awarded damages of 100,000 per plaintiff for 13 of the cases involving a total of approximately 29,000 of the subscribers, resulting in damages of approximately 3 billion to us, while the remaining trials are currently ongoing at various district courts. We have appealed the district courts’ decisions and the appeals are currently ongoing at the Seoul High Court.

Furthermore, in March 2014, the police arrested three individuals in connection with their alleged theft of personal information relating to approximately 9.8 million of our subscribers. The individuals in question stole the personal information of our subscribers through a series of hackings into our main homepage starting from February 2014. Since the incident, approximately 13,450 subscribers filed 19 lawsuits against us in connection with the information theft, seeking total damages of approximately 7 billion. The trials are currently ongoing at various district courts. In June 2014, we were fined 85 million by the KCC and were ordered to take corrective measures in connection with the most recent hacking incident. We filed an administrative appeal in August 2014 in connection with the KCC fine, and the appeal is currently ongoing at the Seoul Administrative Court.

In December 2013, the MSIP declared that the contracts over our sale of Koreasat 3 was null and void, on the grounds that the satellite was sold without obtaining proper government approval. We are currently involved in an arbitration proceeding against ABS pursuant to the Rules of the International Chamber of Commerce over the Koreasat 3 satellite ownership and contract violation claims.

We are a defendant in various other court proceedings involving claims for civil damages arising in the ordinary course of our business. We are a defendant in an ongoing court proceeding filed by the Industrial Bank of Korea on March 18, 2015. In connection with the filing of court receivership by KT ENGCORE, Industrial Bank of Korea claims that we are liable for 10 billion of the 65.8 billion asset-backed commercial papers of a renewable energy project for which KT ENGCORE was a contractor and guarantor.

As of December 31, 2015, we have established provisions relating to litigations of 18 billion, of which 3.6 billion related to the litigations involving the hacking incidents. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. While we are unable to predict the ultimate disposition of these claims, in the opinion of our management, the ultimate disposition of these claims will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Dividends

The table below sets out the annual dividends declared on the outstanding common stock to shareholders of record on December 31 of the years indicated and the interim dividends declared on the outstanding common stock to shareholders of record on June 30 of the years indicated:

Year

Annual Dividend per
Common Stock
Interim Dividend per
Common Stock
Average Total
Dividend per Common
Stock
(In Won) (In Won) (In Won)

2011

2,000 2,000

2012

2,000 2,000

2013

2,000 2,000

2014

800 800

2015

500 500

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If sufficient profits are available, the Board of Directors may propose annual dividends on the outstanding common stock, which our shareholders must approve by a resolution at the ordinary general meeting of shareholders. This meeting is generally held in March of the following year and if our shareholders at such ordinary 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 common stock 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. Previously, the Government consented to receiving a smaller dividend compared to other shareholders. The Government no longer holds any interest in us.

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.

Item 9. The Offer and Listing

Item 9.A. Offer and Listing Details

Market Price Information

Common Stock

Our shares were listed on the KRX KOSPI Market on December 23, 1998. The price of the shares on the KRX KOSPI Market as of the close of trading on April 25, 2016 was 30,200 per share. The table below shows the high and low closing prices and the average daily volume of trading activity on the KRX KOSPI Market for the shares since January 2010:

Price Average Daily
Trading Volume
High Low
(In Won) (Number of shares)

2010

50,600 39,150 1,343,486

2011

45,500 34,200 1,063,506

2012

39,750 27,700 1,067,315

2013

40,850 29,950 1,149,143

2014

36,800 28,300 1,051,396

First quarter

31,900 28,300 981,580

Second quarter

32,800 28,700 1,240,382

Third quarter

36,800 29,650 1,121,896

Fourth quarter

35,250 30,700 866,696

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Price Average Daily
Trading Volume
High Low
(In Won) (Number of shares)

2015

32,250 28,250 963,825

First quarter

31,900 28,500 1,042,068

Second quarter

32,250 28,400 1,032,769

Third quarter

32,250 28,400 1,082,244

Fourth quarter

31,000 28,400 957,396

2016 (through April 25)

30,950 26,350 603,122

First quarter

29,800 26,350 619,422

January

28,200 26,350 652,213

February

29,050 27,750 653,490

March

29,800 28,500 561,738

Second quarter (through April 25)

30,950 29,650 541,997

April (through April 25)

30,950 29,650 541,997

Source: KRX KOSPI Market.

ADSs

The outstanding ADSs, each of which represents one-half of one share of our common stock, have been traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange since May 25, 1999 until September 18, 2015, the date on which the ADSs were delisted from the London Stock Exchange. The ADSs, including those previously listed on the London Stock Exchange, continue to be tradable on the New York Stock Exchange.

The price of the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange as of the close of trading on April 25, 2016 was $13.27 per ADS. The table below shows the high and low trading prices and the average daily volume of trading activity on the New York Stock Exchange for our ADSs since January 2010:

Price Average Daily
Trading Volume
High Low
(In US$) (Number of ADSs)

2010

22.62 17.12 784,905

2011

20.86 14.49 1,124,692

2012

18.23 11.65 1,004,064

2013

18.16 14.33 528,291

2014

17.46 13.24 440,020

First quarter

14,75 13.24 515,373

Second quarter

16.07 13.45 410,942

Third quarter

17.46 14.31 380,780

Fourth quarter

16.31 14.05 456,065

2015

14.85 11.83 336,711

First quarter

14.17 12.87 378,464

Second quarter

14.85 12.49 306,958

Third quarter

13.10 11.83 266,449

Fourth quarter

14.03 11.91 396,465

2016 (through April 25)

13.88 11.03 476,410

First quarter

13.54 11.03 505,970

January

12.32 11.03 386,645

February

12.09 11.72 501,078

March

13.54 12.01 613,529

Second quarter (through April 25)

13.88 13.22 370,345

April (through April 25)

13.88 13.22 370,345

Source: New York Stock Exchange.

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Item 9.B. Plan of Distribution

Not applicable.

Item 9.C. Markets

The KRX KOSPI Market

On January 27, 2005, the Korea Exchange was established pursuant to the Korea Securities and Futures Exchange Act through the consolidation of the Korea Stock Exchange, the Korea Futures Exchange, the KOSDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (the “KOSDAQ”) and the KOSDAQ Committee within the Korea Securities Dealers Association, which was in charge of the management of the KOSDAQ. There are four different markets operated by the Korea Exchange: the KRX KOSPI Market, the KRX KOSDAQ Market, the KRX KONEX Market and the KRX Derivatives Market. The Korea Exchange has three trading floors located in Seoul, one for the KRX KOSPI Market, one for the KRX KOSDAQ Market, one for the KRX KONEX Market, and one trading floor in Busan for the KRX Derivatives Market. The Korea Exchange is a limited liability company, the shares of which are held by (i) securities companies and futures companies that were formerly members of the Korea Stock Exchange or the Korea Futures Exchange, (ii) the Small & Medium Business Corporation, (iii) the Korea Securities Finance Corporation and (iv) the Korea Financial Investment Association. Currently, the Korea Exchange is the only stock exchange in Korea and is operated by membership, having as its members most of the Korean securities companies and some Korean branches of foreign securities companies.

The KRX KOSPI Market has the power in some circumstances to suspend trading in the shares of a given company or to de-list a security. The KRX KOSPI Market also restricts share price movements. All listed companies are required to file accounting reports annually and quarterly and to release immediately all information that may affect trading in a security.

The KRX KOSPI Market publishes the KOSPI every ten seconds, which is an index of all equity securities listed on the KRX KOSPI Market. The KOSPI is calculated using the aggregate value method, in which the market capitalizations of all listed companies are aggregated, subject to certain adjustments, and this aggregate is expressed as a percentage of the aggregate market capitalization of all listed companies as of the base date, January 4, 1980.

Movements in KOSPI are set out in the following table together with the associated dividend yields and price earnings ratios:

Period Average

Year

Opening High Low Closing Dividend
Yield (1)(2)
(Percent)
Price
Earnings
Ratio (2)(3)

1985

139.53 163.37 131.40 163.37 5.3 5.2

1986

161.40 279.67 153.85 272.61 4.3 7.6

1987

264.82 525.11 264.82 525.11 2.6 10.9

1988

532.04 922.56 527.89 907.20 2.4 11.2

1989

919.61 1,007.77 844.75 909.72 2.0 13.9

1990

908.59 928.82 566.27 696.11 2.2 12.8

1991

679.75 763.10 586.51 610.92 2.6 11.2

1992

624.23 691.48 459.07 678.44 2.2 10.9

1993

697.41 874.10 605.93 866.18 1.6 12.7

1994

879.32 1,138.75 855.37 1,027.37 1.2 16.2

1995

1,027.45 1,016.77 847.09 882.94 1.2 16.4

1996

882.29 986.84 651.22 651.22 1.3 17.8

1997

647.67 792.29 350.68 376.31 1.5 17.0

1998

374.41 579.86 280.00 562.46 1.9 10.8

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Period Average

Year

Opening High Low Closing Dividend
Yield (1)(2)
(Percent)
Price
Earnings
Ratio (2)(3)

1999

565.10 1,028.07 498.42 1,028.07 1.1 13.5

2000

1,028.33 1,059.04 500.60 504.62 2.1 12.9

2001

503.31 704.50 468.76 693.70 1.7 16.4

2002

698.00 937.61 584.04 627.55 1.6 15.2

2003

633.03 822.16 515.24 810.71 2.0 11.8

2004

821.26 936.06 719.59 895.92 2.0 13.8

2005

896.00 1,379.37 870.84 1,379.37 1.8 10.6

2006

1,383.32 1,464.70 1,203.86 1,434.46 1.6 11.1

2007

1,438.89 2,064.85 1,355.79 1,897.13 1.4 15.8

2008

1,891.45 1,888.88 938.75 1,124.47 2.6 8.9

2009

1,132.87 1,718.88 1,018.81 1,682.77 1.2 22.9

2010

1,696.14 2,051.00 1,552.79 2,051.00 1.1 18.0

2011

2,078.08 2,228.96 1,652.71 1,825.74 1.5 10.5

2012

1,826.37 2,049.28 1,769.31 1,997.05 1.3 12.3

2013

2,031.10 2,059.58 1,780.63 2,011.34 1.1 12.8

2014

1,967.19 2,082.61 1,886.85 1,915.59 1.2 13.2

2015

1,926.44 2,173.41 1,829.81 1,961.31 1.4 14.4

2016 (through April 25)

1,918.76 2,022.10 1,835.28 2,014.55 1.4 14.3

Source: The KRX KOSPI Market

(1) Dividend yields are based on daily figures. Dividend yields after January 3, 1984 include cash dividends only.

(2) Starting in April 2000, dividend yield and price earnings ratio are calculated based on KOSPI 200, an index of 200 equity securities listed on the KRX KOSPI Market. Starting in April 2000, KOSPI 200 excludes classified companies, companies which did not submit annual reports to the KRX KOSPI Market, and companies which received qualified opinion from external auditors.

(3) The price earnings ratio is based on figures for companies that record a profit in the preceding year.

Shares are quoted “ex-dividend” on the first trading day of the relevant company’s accounting period; since the calendar year is the accounting period for the majority of listed companies, this may account for the drop in the KOSPI between its closing level at the end of one calendar year and its opening level at the beginning of the following calendar year.

With certain exceptions, principally to take account of a share being quoted “ex-dividend” and “ex-rights,” permitted upward and downward movements in share prices of any category of shares on any day are limited under the rules of the KRX KOSPI Market to 30% of the previous day’s closing price of the shares, rounded down as set out below:

Previous Days’ Closing Price

Rounded
Down To

Less than 5,000

5

5,000 to less than 10,000

10

10,000 to less than 50,000

50

50,000 to less than 100,000

100

100,000 to less than 500,000

500

500,000 or more

1,000

As a consequence, if a particular closing price is the same as the price set by the fluctuation limit, the closing price may not reflect the price at which persons would have been prepared, or would be prepared to continue, if so permitted, to buy and sell shares. Orders are executed on an auction system with priority rules to deal with competing bids and offers.

Due to a deregulation of restrictions on brokerage commission rates, the brokerage commission rate on equity securities transactions may be determined by the parties, subject to commission schedules being filed with the KRX KOSPI Market by the securities companies. In addition, a securities transaction tax will generally be imposed on the transfer of shares or certain

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securities representing rights to subscribe for shares at the rate of 0.15% if such transfer is made through the KRX KOSPI Market. A special agricultural and fishery tax of 0.15% of the sales prices will also be imposed on transfer of these shares and securities on the KRX KOSPI Market. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Item 10.E. Taxation—Korean Taxation.”

The number of companies listed on the KRX KOSPI Market, the corresponding total market capitalization at the end of the periods indicated and the average daily trading volume for those periods are set forth in the following table:

Market Capitalization
on the Last Day of Each Period
Average Daily Trading Volume, Value

Year

Number of
Listed
Companies
(Billions
of Won)
(Millions of
Dollars) (1)
Thousands
of Shares
(Millions
of Won)
(Thousands
of Dollars) (1)

1985

342 6,570 7,381 18,925 12,315 13,834

1986

355 11,994 13,924 31,755 32,870 38,159

1987

389 26,172 33,033 20,353 70,185 88,583

1988

502 64,544 94,348 10,367 198,364 289,963

1989

626 95,477 140,490 11,757 280,967 414,430

1990

669 79,020 110,301 10,866 183,692 256,411

1991

686 73,118 96,107 14,022 214,263 281,629

1992

688 84,712 107,448 24,028 308,246 390,977

1993

693 112,665 139,420 35,130 574,048 710,367

1994

699 151,217 191,730 36,862 776,257 984,223

1995

721 141,151 182,201 26,130 487,762 629,613

1996

760 117,370 139,031 26,571 486,834 575,680

1997

776 70,989 50,162 41,525 555,759 392,707

1998

748 137,799 114,091 97,716 660,429 546,803

1999

725 349,504 305,137 278,551 3,481,620 3,039,655

2000

704 188,042 149,275 306,163 2,602,211 2,065,739

2001

689 253,843 191,421 473,241 1,997,420 1,506,237

2002

683 258,681 215,496 857,245 3,041,598 2,533,815

2003

684 355,363 296,679 542,010 2,216,636 1,850,589

2004

683 412,588 395,275 372,895 2,232,109 2,138,445

2005

702 655,075 646,668 467,629 3,157,662 3,117,139

2006

731 704,588 757,948 279,096 3,435,180 3,695,332

2007

746 951,887 1,014,589 363,732 5,539,588 5,904,485

2008

765 576,888 458,757 355,205 5,189,644 4,126,953

2009

770 887,316 759,949 483,902 5,783,552 4,953,367

2010

777 1,141,885 1,002,621 380,859 5,619,768 4,934,382

2011

791 1,041,999 903,493 353,760 6,863,146 5,950,877

2012

784 1,154,294 1,077,672 486,480 4,823,643 4,503,448

2013

777 1,185,974 1,123,826 328,325 3,993,422 3,784,158

2014

773 1,192,253 1,084,655 278,082 3,983,580 3,624,072

2015

770 1,242,832 1,060,437 455,256 5,351,734 4,566,326

2016 (through April 25)

769 1,276,353 1,118,528 362,464 4,584,783 4,017,863

Source: The KRX KOSPI Market

(1) Converted at the Concentration Base Rate of The Bank of Korea or the Market Average Exchange Rate as announced by Seoul Money Brokerage Services Limited, as the case may be, at the end of the periods indicated.

The Korean securities markets are principally regulated by the Financial Services Commission of Korea and the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act. The Securities and Exchange Act which regulated the securities markets in the past was replaced with the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act on February 4, 2009. The new law, as did the Securities and Exchange Act, imposes restrictions on insider trading and price manipulation, requires specified information to be made available by listed companies to investors and establishes rules regarding margin trading, proxy solicitation, takeover bids, acquisition of treasury shares and reporting requirements for shareholders holding substantial interests.

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Further Opening of the Korean Securities Market

A stock index futures market was opened on May 3, 1996 and a stock index option market was opened on July 7, 1997, in each case at the KRX KOSPI Market. Remittance and repatriation of funds in connection with investment in stock index futures and options are subject to regulations similar to those that govern remittance and repatriation in the context of foreign investment in Korean stocks.

Foreign investors are permitted to invest in warrants representing the right to subscribe for shares of a company listed on the KRX KOSPI Market or registered on the KRX KOSDAQ Market, subject to certain investment limitations. A foreign investor may not acquire such warrants with respect to shares of a class of a company for which the ceiling on aggregate investment by foreigners has been reached or exceeded.

Foreign investors are permitted to invest in all types of corporate bonds, bonds issued by national or local governments and bonds issued in accordance with certain special laws without being subject to any aggregate or individual investment ceiling. The Financial Services Commission sets forth procedural requirements for such investments. Foreigners are permitted to invest in certificates of deposit and repurchase agreements.

Currently, foreigners are permitted to invest in securities including shares of all Korean companies which are not listed on the KRX KOSPI Market nor registered on the KRX KOSDAQ Market and in bonds which are not listed.

Protection of Customer’s Interest in Case of Insolvency of Securities Companies

Under Korean law, the relationship between a customer and a securities company in connection with a securities sell or buy order is deemed to be consignment and the securities acquired by a consignment agent ( i.e. , the securities company) through such sell or buy order are regarded as belonging to the customer in so far as the customer and the consignment agent’s creditors are concerned. Therefore, in the event of a bankruptcy or reorganization procedure involving a securities company, the customer of the securities company is entitled to the proceeds of the securities sold by the securities company.

When a customer places a sell order with a securities company which is not a member of the KRX KOSPI Market and this securities company places a sell order with another securities company which is a member of the KRX KOSPI Market, the customer is still entitled to the proceeds of the securities sold received by the non-member company from the member company regardless of the bankruptcy or reorganization of the non-member company.

Under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, the KRX KOSPI Market is obliged to indemnify any loss or damage incurred by a counterparty as a result of a breach by its members. If a securities company which is a member of the KRX KOSPI Market breaches its obligation in connection with a buy order, the KRX KOSPI Market is obliged to pay the purchase price on behalf of the breaching member. Therefore, the customer can acquire the securities that have been ordered to be purchased by the breaching member.

When a customer places a buy order with a non-member company and the non-member company places a buy order with a member company, the customer has the legal right to the securities received by the non-member company from the member company because the purchased securities are regarded as belonging to the customer in so far as the customer and the non-member company’s creditors are concerned.

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As the cash deposited with a securities company is regarded as belonging to the securities company, which is liable to return the same at the request of its customer, the customer cannot take back deposited cash from the securities company if a bankruptcy or reorganization procedure is instituted against the securities company and, therefore, can suffer from loss or damage as a result. However, the Depositor Protection Act provides that Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation will, upon the request of the investors, pay investors up to 50 million in case of the securities company’s bankruptcy, liquidation, cancellation of securities business license or other insolvency events. Pursuant to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, securities companies are required to deposit the cash received from its customers to the extent the amount not covered by the insurance with the Korea Securities Finance Corporation, a special entity established pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act.

Set-off or attachment of cash deposits by securities companies is prohibited. The premiums related to this insurance are paid by securities companies.

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 shares of common stock, par value 5,000 per share (“Common Shares”) and shares of non-voting preferred stock, par value 5,000 per share (“Non-Voting Shares”). Common 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 capital stock. As of December 31, 2015, 261,111,808 Common Shares were issued, of which 16,262,008 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 Common Shares are fully-paid and non-assessable and are in registered form. We issue share certificates in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 and 10,000 shares.

Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

This section provides information relating to our capital stock, including brief summaries of material provisions of our articles of incorporation, the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, 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 Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act 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 the Securities Exchange Act previously filed by us.

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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 Common Shares represented by the ADSs have the same dividend rights as other outstanding Common Shares.

Holders of Non-Voting Shares are entitled to receive dividends in priority to the holders of Common 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 Common 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 Common 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 Common 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 the end of the fiscal year. We pay the annual dividend shortly after the annual general meeting to the shareholders of record as of the end of the preceding fiscal 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 pay interim dividends in cash once a year to shareholders or registered pledgees who are registered in the registry of shareholders as of June 30 of each fiscal year by a resolution of 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 our dividend 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 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 capital stock 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

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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 the 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 Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act;

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 Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, 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.

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 Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act. 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, 2015, 0.6% of the issued Shares were held by members of our employee stock ownership association.

Limitation on Shareholdings

The Telecommunications Business Act permits maximum aggregate foreign shareholding in us to be 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 Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act) 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

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company to be counted 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 MSIP 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 the end of each fiscal 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 Common 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.

We must give shareholders written notice setting out 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 Common Shares, we may give notice by placing at least two public notices in at least two daily newspapers at least two weeks in advance of the meeting. Currently, we use Seoul Shinmun, Maeil Business Newspaper and The Korea Economic Daily published in Seoul for this purpose. 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 head office, in Seongnam, or if necessary, may be held anywhere near our head office or in Seoul.

Voting Rights

Holders of our Common Shares are entitled to one vote for each Common Share, except that voting rights of Common 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

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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. However, 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 capital stock;

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 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 Common Shares. Subject to the provisions of the deposit agreement, ADR holders are entitled to instruct the ADR depositary how to vote the Common Shares underlying their ADSs. See “Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities—Item 12.D. American Depositary Shares.”

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

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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 common stock and become our direct shareholders.

Register of Shareholders and Record Dates

Our transfer agent, Kookmin Bank, maintains the register of our shareholders at its office in Seoul, Korea. It registers transfers of Shares on the register of shareholders on presentation of the Share certificates.

The record date for annual dividends is December 31. For the purpose of determining the shareholders entitled to annual dividends, the register of shareholders may be closed for the period from the day after the record date to January 31 of the following year. Further, for the purpose of determining the shareholders entitled to some other rights pertaining to the Shares, we may, on at least two weeks’ public notice, set a record date and/or close the register of shareholders for not more than three months. 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 Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, 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 Commercial Code, the transfer of Shares is effected by delivery of share certificates. However, to assert shareholders’ rights against us, the transferee must have his name and address registered on our register of shareholders. For this purpose, a shareholder is required to file his name, address and seal with our transfer agent. A non-Korean shareholder may file a specimen signature in

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place of a seal, unless he is a citizen of a country with a sealing system similar to that of Korea. In addition, a non-resident shareholder must appoint an agent authorized to receive notices on his behalf in Korea and file a mailing address in Korea. 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 transfer agent is Kookmin Bank, located at 24, Gukjegeumyung-ro, 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 Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, 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.

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

As of December 31, 2015, there were 16,262,008 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.

I tem 10.C. Material Contracts

We have not entered into any material contracts since January 1, 2011, other than in the ordinary course of our business. For information regarding our agreements and transactions with certain related parties, see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Item 7.B. Related Party Transactions” and Note 36 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For a description of certain agreements entered into during the past two years related to our capital commitments and obligations, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

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I tem 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 Ministry of Strategy and Finance. The Financial Services Commission has also adopted, pursuant to its authority under the Korean Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, 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 Ministry of Strategy and Finance 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 Ministry of Strategy and Finance 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 Ministry of Strategy and Finance if our securities and borrowings denominated in foreign currencies issued during the one-year period preceding such filing date exceed US$30 million in aggregate. No further Korean governmental approval is necessary for the initial offering and issuance of the ADSs.

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

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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, provided that a foreigner who intends to acquire the shares must obtain an investment registration certificate from the Financial Supervisory Service as described below. 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, 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;

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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 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.

The Investment Rules require a foreign investor who wishes to invest in shares on the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market (including Converted Shares) to register its identity with the Financial Supervisory Service prior to making any such investment; however, the registration requirement does not apply to foreign investors who acquire Converted Shares with the intention of selling such Converted Shares within three months from the date of acquisition of the Converted Shares or who acquire the shares in an over-the-counter transaction or dispose of shares where such acquisition or disposal is a foreign direct investment as defined in the Foreign Investment Promotion Act. Upon registration, the Financial Supervisory Service will issue to the foreign investor an investment registration certificate that must be presented each time the foreign investor opens a brokerage account with a financial investment business entity. Foreigners eligible to obtain an investment registration certificate include foreign nationals who are individuals residing abroad for more than six months, foreign governments, foreign municipal authorities, foreign public institutions, corporations incorporated under foreign laws, international organizations, funds and associations as defined under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act. All Korean offices of a foreign corporation as a group are treated as a separate entity from the offices of the corporation outside Korea. However, a foreign corporation or depositary bank issuing depositary receipts may obtain one or more investment registration certificates in its name in certain circumstances as described in the relevant regulations.

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

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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 Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act.

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 Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act 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 shares of our common stock in excess of this ceiling may not exercise his voting rights with respect to the shares of our common stock 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 an investment trader. Funds in the foreign currency account may be remitted abroad without any governmental approval.

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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 shares of common stock 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 Shares of Common Stock 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 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”),

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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 shares of common stock 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 shares of common stock that you acquired as a result of a withdrawal, your gain will be calculated based on your cost of acquiring the ADSs representing the shares of common stock, 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 shares of common stock that you acquire as a result of a withdrawal, and you sell your shares of common stock or ADSs, the purchaser or, in the case of a sale of shares of common stock 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 shares of common stock 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. If you are an OIV, you must submit to us a report of the OIV and a schedule of beneficial owners together with their applications for exception, which you should collect from each beneficial owner. 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 shares of common stock. 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

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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 a continuous period of one year or more 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 shares of common stock on the KRX KOSPI Market, you will be subject to the securities transaction tax at a rate of 0.15% 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 shares of common stock and your transfer is not made on the KRX KOSPI Market you will generally be subject to the securities transaction tax at a rate of 0.5% 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 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 common shares as of the date hereof. This discussion deals only with ADSs and common shares that are held as capital assets by a United States Holder (as defined below). In addition, the discussion set forth below is applicable only to United States Holders (i) who are residents of the United States for purposes of the current Treaty, (ii) whose ADSs or common 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.

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As used herein, the term “United States Holder” means a beneficial owner of our ADSs or common shares that is, for United States federal income tax purposes, any of the following:

an individual citizen or resident of the United States;

a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

a trust if it (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person.

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. 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;

a person holding our ADSs or common 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 your securities;

a person liable for alternative minimum tax;

a person who owns or is deemed to own 10% or more of our voting stock;

a partnership or other pass-through entity for United States federal income tax purposes; or

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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 common 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 common 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 Medicare 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 common 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 common 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 common shares that are represented by such ADSs. Accordingly, deposits or withdrawals of common shares for ADSs will not be subject to United States federal income tax.

Taxation of Dividends

The gross amount of distributions on the ADSs or common 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. To the extent that the amount of any distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits for a taxable year, the distribution will first be treated as a tax-free return of capital, causing a reduction in the tax basis of the ADSs or common shares, and to the extent the amount of the distribution exceeds your tax basis, the excess will be taxed as capital gain recognized on a sale or exchange. We do not, however, expect to determine earnings and profits in accordance with United States federal income tax principles. Therefore, you should expect that a distribution will generally be treated as a dividend.

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 common 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. With respect to non-corporate United States investors, certain dividends received from a qualified foreign corporation may be subject to reduced rates of taxation. A qualified foreign corporation includes a foreign corporation that is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States which the United States Treasury Department determines to be satisfactory for these purposes and which includes an exchange of information provision. The United States Treasury Department has determined that the current income tax treaty between the United States and Korea meets these requirements, and we believe we are eligible for the benefits of that treaty. However, non-corporate holders that do not meet a minimum holding period requirement during which they are not protected from the risk of loss or that elect to treat the dividend income as “investment income” pursuant to Section 163(d)(4) of the Code will not be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation. In addition, the rate reduction will not apply to dividends if the recipient of a dividend is obligated to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. This disallowance applies even if the minimum holding

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period has been met. You should consult your own tax advisors regarding the application of these rules to your particular circumstances.

Non-corporate United States Holders will not be eligible for reduced rates of taxation on any dividends received from us if we are a passive foreign investment company in the taxable year in which such dividends are paid or in the preceding taxable year (see “—Passive Foreign Investment Company” below).

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 common 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 certain conditions and limitations (including a minimum holding period requirement), Korean withholding taxes on dividends may be treated as foreign taxes eligible for credit against your United States federal income tax liability. For purposes of calculating the foreign tax credit, dividends paid on the ADSs or common shares will be treated as income from sources outside the United States and will generally constitute passive category income. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex. You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under your particular circumstances.

Passive Foreign Investment Company

We do not believe that we were, for United States federal income tax purposes, a passive foreign investment company (a “PFIC”) for the most recent taxable year, and we expect to operate in such a manner so as not to become a PFIC. If, however, we are or become a PFIC, you could be subject to additional United States federal income taxes on gain recognized with respect to the ADSs or common shares and on certain distributions, plus an interest charge on certain taxes treated as having been deferred under the PFIC rules.

Taxation of Capital Gains

For United States federal income tax purposes, you will recognize taxable gain or loss on any sale or exchange of the ADSs or common shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized for the ADSs or common shares and your tax basis in the ADSs or common 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 ADSs or common shares for more than one year. Long-term capital gains of non-corporate United States 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 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.

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Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

In general, information reporting will apply to dividends in respect of our ADSs or common shares and the proceeds from the sale, exchange or other disposition of our ADSs or common 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 Internal Revenue Service.

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 common 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.

Item 10.H. Documents on Display

We are subject to the information requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, 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., New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois. 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 web site at http://www.sec.gov.

Item 10.I. Subsidiary Information

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 Office 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

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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 our trading financial instruments, we recognized a valuation gain of 4 billion and a valuation loss of 8 billion in 2013, a valuation gain of 1 billion and a valuation loss of 1 billion in 2014 and a valuation gain of 0 and a valuation loss of 2 billion in 2015. For our hedging derivative contracts, we recognized a valuation gain of 127 million, a valuation loss of 97 billion and accumulated other comprehensive loss of 95 billion in 2013, a valuation gain of 93 billion, a valuation loss of 25 billion and accumulated other comprehensive income of 22 billion in 2014 and a valuation gain of 142 billion, a valuation loss of 2 billion and accumulated other comprehensive income of 148 billion in 2015. For further details regarding the assets, liabilities, gains and losses recorded relating to our derivative contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Exchange Rate Risk

Substantially all 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 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.

The following table shows our assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency as of December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015:

As of December 31,
2013 2014 2015

(in thousands of foreign currencies)

Financial
assets
Financial
liabilities
Financial
assets
Financial
liabilities
Financial
assets
Financial
liabilities

U.S. Dollar

254,917 2,225,700 197,221 2,532,614 183,254 2,351,003

Special Drawing Right

1,105 1,211 573 1,027 444 849

Japanese Yen

190,520 30,054,316 34,168 30,051,367 73,716 40,279,411

British Pound

134 257 8 888

Euro

1,342 4,943 134 177 29 29

Algerian Dinar

2,798 929

Chinese Yuan

3,957 15,562 107

Uzbekistani Som

1,805,565 7,978,633

Rwandan Franc

11,962 13,593

Indonesian Rupiah

Hong Kong Dollar

158 9

Bangladeshi Taka

299 6

Colombian Peso

23,583

Polish Zloty

28,195 207,273

Vietnamese Dong

273,313 93,756 270,000

Swiss Franc

78

As of December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, a 10% increase 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 46 billion, 45 billion and 52 billion, respectively, and total equity by 48 billion, 38 billion and 46 billion, respectively, with a 10% decrease 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

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foreign exchange rates and other variables, nor our decision to decrease the risk. See Note 35 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.

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, 2015 which are sensitive to exchange rates and/or interest rates. The information is presented in Won, which is our reporting currency:

December 31, 2015
2016 2017 2018 2019 Thereafter Total Fair Value
(in millions of Won, except rates)

Local currency:

Fixed rate

1,308,295 401,936 861,512 690,518 2,503,535 5,765,796 5,795,714

Average weighted rate (1)

4.21 % 3.87 % 3.95 % 3.08 % 3.60 % 3.65 %

Variable rate

Average weighted rate (1)

% % % % % %

Sub-total

1,308,295 401,936 861,512 690,518 2,503,535 5,765,796 5,795,714

Foreign currency:

Fixed rate

418,338 1,214,203 265,826 464,127 175,487 2,537,981 2,555,398

Average weighted rate (1)

3.61 % 2.49 % 0.60 % 2.63 % 3.80 % 2.71 %

Variable rate

351,600 351,600 333,774

Average weighted rate (1)

% % 1.41 % % % 1.41 %

Subtotal

418,338 1,214,203 617,426 464,127 175,487 2,889,581 2,889,172

Total

1,726,633 1,616,139 1,478,938 1,154,645 2,679,022 8,655,377 8,684,886

(1) Weighted average rates of the portfolio at the period end.

As of December 31, 2013, a 100 basis point increase in the market interest rate, with all other variables held constant, would have increased our profit before income tax by 10 billion. As of December 31, 2014 and 2015, such increase, with all other variables held constant, would have decreased our profit before income tax by 5 billion and 4 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, a 100 basis point increase in the market interest rates, with all other variables held constant, would have increased our shareholders’ equity by 13 billion and 5 billion, respectively, and decreased our shareholders’ equity by 245 million as of December 31, 2015.

As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, a 100 basis point decrease in the market interest rates, with all other variables held constant, would have decreased our profit before income tax by 17 billion and 5 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, such decrease, with all other variables held constant, would have increased our profit before income tax by 4 billion. As of December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, a 100 basis point decrease in the market interest rates, with all other variables held constant, would have decreased our shareholders’ equity by 19 billion, 11 billion and 6 billion, respectively. The foregoing sensitivity analysis assumes that all variables other than market

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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, 2013, 2014 and 2015, 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 6 billion, 7 billion and 3 billion, respectively, with a 10% decrease in the equity index 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;

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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.

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 2015, we received the following payments, after deduction of applicable U.S. taxes, from the depositary:

Reimbursement of NYSE listing fees

$ 93,755

Reimbursement of SEC filing fees

$ 311,919.70

Reimbursement of settlement infrastructure fees (including maintenance fees)

$ 0

Reimbursement of proxy process expenses (printing, postage and distribution)

$ 33,223.36

Reimbursement of legal fees (reimbursement received in April 2016 in respect of 2015)

$ 3,900.00

Contributions toward our investor relations efforts (including non-deal roadshows, investor conferences and investor relations agency fees)

$ 252,903.84

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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, 2015. 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, 2015. 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 that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

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Our management has performed an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, 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, 2015.

Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers, an independent registered public accounting firm, which also audited our consolidated financial statements as of, and for the year ended December 31, 2015, 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 2015 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 Jong-Gu Kim, Sang Kyun Cha, Dae-Geun Park and Dong-Wook Chung. The board of directors has determined that Dae-Geun Park is the audit committee financial expert. Dae-Geun Park 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 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.

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Item 16C.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Audit and Non-Audit Fees

The following table sets forth the fees billed to us by Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers, our independent registered public accounting firm, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 and 2015. Such fees exclude the fees billed for work associated with our foreign subsidiaries which Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers did not provide services and with our former subsidiaries.

Year Ended
December 31,
2014 2015
(In millions)

Audit fees (1)

3,455 3,025

Audit-related fees

Tax fees (2)

479 179

All other fees (3)

1

Total fees

3,934 3,204

(1) Audit fees consist of fees for the annual audit and quarterly review services engagement and the comfort letters.

(2) Tax fees consist of fee for tax services which are mainly the preparation or non-recurring tax compliance review of original or amended tax returns.

(3) All other fees consist of fees billed for Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers’ services to provide confirmation of our debt ratios as part of our application for the Government’s preliminary approval for Internet-only bank business.

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 Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers, 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

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.

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

The following table sets forth the repurchases of common shares by us or any affiliated purchasers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015:

Period

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
Average Price
Paid per Share
(In Won)
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet
be Purchased Under
the Plans

January 1 to January 31

February 1 to February 29

March 1 to March 31

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

Neither we nor any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) of the Exchange Act, purchased any of our equity securities during the period covered by this annual report.

Item 16F.  Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

Not applicable.

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.

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 11 directors are outside directors.

Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee

Listed companies must have a nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors. We have not established a nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors. However, we maintain an Outside Director Candidate Nominating Committee composed of all of our outside directors and one standing director. We also maintain a Corporate Governance Committee comprised of four outside directors and one standing director. 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.

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NYSE Corporate Governance Standards

KT Corporation’s Corporate Governance Practice

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 that is composed of more than three directors and satisfy the requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. We maintain an Audit Committee comprised of four 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 two equity compensation plans: one providing for the grant of stock options to officers and standing directors; and an employee stock ownership association program.

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 the employee stock ownership association program are not subject to shareholders’ approval under Korean law.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

Listed companies must adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines. We have adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines in March 2007 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 www.kt.com.

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 www.kt.com

Item 16H.  Mine Safety Disclosure

Not applicable.

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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

F-2

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2014 and 2015

F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

F-5

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

F-6

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December  31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

F-7

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

F-11

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-12

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 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 pre-release of the American depositary receipts (incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (Registration No. 333-10330) on Form F-6)
2.4* 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)
8.1 List of subsidiaries of KT Corporation
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
15.1 The Framework Act on Telecommunications (English translation)

127


Table of Contents
15.2* Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Telecommunications (English translation) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 15.2 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 29, 2015)
15.3 The Telecommunications Business Act (English translation)
15.4 Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Business Act (English translation)

* Filed previously.

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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/ CHANG-GYU HWANG

Name: Chang-Gyu Hwang
Title: Chief Executive Officer

Date: April 29, 2016

129


Table of Contents

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

F-2

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2014 and 2015

F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

F-5

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

F-6

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December  31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

F-7

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

F-11

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-12

F-1


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of KT Corporation

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income (loss), of changes in shareholders’ equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of KT Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, 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, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework 2013 issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these 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 Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting in Item 15 of Form 20-F. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit 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.

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 external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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 (iii) 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.

/s/ Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers

Seoul Korea

April 29, 2016

F-2


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

December 31, 2014 and 2015

(in thousands of
US dollars)

(in millions of Korean won)

Notes 2014 2015 2015
(Unaudited) (Note 2)

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

4, 5 1,888,663 2,559,464 $ 2,183,843

Trade and other receivables, net

4, 6 4,811,050 4,847,893 4,136,427

Short-term loans, net

4, 7 710,368

Current finance lease receivables, net

4, 21 258,982 5,739 4,897

Other financial assets

4, 8 332,708 292,943 249,951

Current income tax assets

3,566 3,881 3,311

Inventories, net

9 418,883 616,911 526,375

Other current assets

10 349,615 316,904 270,396

Total current assets

8,773,835 8,643,735 7,375,200

Non-current assets

Trade and other receivables, net

4, 6 848,863 679,751 579,992

Long-term loans, net

4, 7 584,914 15,877 13,547

Non-current finance lease receivables, net

4, 21 325,431 8,519 7,269

Other financial assets

4, 8 704,760 658,323 561,709

Property and equipment, net

11 16,468,196 14,478,914 12,354,022

Investment property, net

12 1,059,630 1,102,070 940,334

Intangible assets, net

13 3,544,033 2,599,751 2,218,218

Investments in joint ventures and associates

14 338,780 270,029 230,400

Deferred income tax assets

29 1,078,792 845,397 721,328

Other non-current assets

10 72,041 102,359 87,337

Total non-current assets

25,025,440 20,760,990 17,714,156

Total assets

33,799,275 29,404,725 $ 25,089,356

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-3


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (continued)

December 31, 2014 and 2015

(in thousands of
US dollars)

(in millions of Korean won)

Notes 2014 2015 2015
(Unaudited) (Note 2)

Liabilities and Equity

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

4, 15 6,408,111 6,273,852 $ 5,353,116

Current finance lease liabilities, net

4 20,155 61,175 52,197

Borrowings

4, 16 2,955,644 1,726,098 1,472,780

Other financial liabilities

4, 8 23,717 43,645 37,240

Current income tax liabilities

45,799 81,114 69,210

Provisions

17 111,439 103,907 88,658

Deferred revenue

143,530 98,427 83,982

Other current liabilities

10 278,752 311,170 265,503

Total current liabilities

9,987,147 8,699,388 7,422,686

Non-current liabilities

Trade and other payables

4, 15 909,192 573,951 489,719

Non-current finance lease liabilities, net

4 34,852 95,022 81,077

Borrowings

4, 16 9,859,741 6,908,799 5,894,880

Other financial liabilities

4, 8 190,525 103,683 88,467

Defined benefit liabilities, net

18 593,838 524,083 447,170

Provisions

17 106,430 91,365 77,956

Deferred revenue

147,439 95,916 81,840

Deferred income tax liabilities

29 143,964 129,650 110,623

Other non-current liabilities

10 38,590 26,737 22,813

Total non-current liabilities

12,024,571 8,549,206 7,294,545

Total liabilities

22,011,718 17,248,594 14,717,231

Equity attributable to owners of the Parent Company

Capital stock

22 1,564,499 1,564,499 1,334,897

Share premium

1,440,258 1,440,258 1,228,889

Retained earnings

23 8,568,399 9,049,971 7,721,818

Accumulated other comprehensive income

24 25,790 13,870 11,834

Other components of equity

24 (1,260,709 ) (1,232,863 ) (1,051,931 )

10,338,237 10,835,735 9,245,507

Non-controlling interest

1,449,320 1,320,396 1,126,618

Total equity

11,787,557 12,156,131 10,372,125

Total liabilities and equity

33,799,275 29,404,725 $ 25,089,356

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-4


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

(in millions of Korean won, except
per share amounts)

(in thousands
of US dollars)
Notes 2013 2014 2015 2015
(Unaudited) (Note 2)

Continuing Operations

Operating revenue

26 23,146,020 22,612,713 22,699,856 $ 19,368,477

Revenue

22,818,217 22,359,280 22,211,673 18,951,939

Others

327,803 253,433 488,183 416,538

Operating expenses

27 22,911,435 23,391,553 21,622,788 18,449,478

Operating profit

234,585 (778,840 ) 1,077,068 918,999

Finance income

28 277,969 253,089 272,860 232,816

Finance costs

28 (633,458 ) (792,200 ) (645,331 ) (550,624 )

Income from joint ventures and associates

14 6,989 18,697 6,144 5,242

Profit (loss) from continuing operations before income tax (benefit)

(113,915 ) (1,299,254 ) 710,741 606,433

Income tax expense(benefit)

29 11,892 (271,441 ) 227,131 193,798

Profit (loss) for the year from the continuing operations

(125,807 ) (1,027,813 ) 483,610 412,635

Discontinued Operations

Profit from discontinued operations

39 38,062 86,400 141,075 120,372

Profit (loss) for the year

(87,745 ) (941,413 ) 624,685 $ 533,007

Profit (loss) for the year attributable to:

Equity holders of the Parent Company

(189,931 ) (1,030,240 ) 546,361 $ 466,178

Profit (loss) from continuing operations

(215,843 ) (1,094,177 ) 404,045 344,748

Profit from discontinued operations

25,912 63,937 142,316 121,430

Non-controlling interest

102,186 88,827 78,324 $ 66,829

Profit from continuing operations

90,036 66,364 79,565 67,888

Profit (loss) from discontinued operations

12,150 22,463 (1,241 ) (1,059 )

Earnings (loss) per share attributable to the equity holders of the Parent Company during the year (in won):

Basic earnings (loss) per share

30 (779 ) (4,215 ) 2,231 $ 2

From continuing operations

(885 ) (4,477 ) 1,650 1

From discontinued operations

106 262 581 1

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

30 (782 ) (4,215 ) 2,231 $ 2

From continuing operations

(888 ) (4,477 ) 1,650 1

From discontinued operations

106 262 581 1

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-5


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

(in millions of Korean won)

(in thousands
of US dollars)
Notes 2013 2014 2015 2015
(Unaudited) (Note 2)

Profit (loss) for the year

(87,745 ) (941,413 ) 624,685 $ 533,007

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability

18 56,583 (236,637 ) (37,872 ) (32,314 )

Shares of remeasurement loss from joint ventures and associates

(455 ) (394 ) (2,407 ) (2,054 )

Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss:

Changes in value of available-for-sale financial assets

4, 8 49,778 39,336 47,381 40,427

Other comprehensive income (loss) from available-for sale financial assets reclassified to income (loss)

6,554 (17,173 ) (83,397 ) (71,158 )

Net gains (losses) on cashflow hedges

4, 8 (72,303 ) 16,990 111,914 95,490

Other comprehensive income (loss) from cashflow hedges reclassified to income (loss)

67,607 (44,795 ) (97,962 ) (83,585 )

Shares of other comprehensive income (loss) from joint ventures and associates

2,896 3,902 (1,608 ) (1,372 )

Currency translation differences

(2,053 ) 3,526 (4,884 ) (4,167 )

Other comprehensive income (loss) after income tax for the year

108,607 (235,245 ) (68,835 ) (58,733 )

Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year

20,862 (1,176,658 ) 555,850 $ 474,274

Comprehensive income (loss) for the year attributable to:

Equity holders of the Parent Company

(109,539 ) (1,252,456 ) 495,139 422,474

Non-controlling interest

130,401 75,798 60,711 51,800

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-6


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

Years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Attributable to equity holders of the Parent Company

(in millions of Korean won)

Notes Capital
stock
Share
premium
Retained
earnings
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
income (loss)
Other
Components
of equity
Total Non-controlling
interest
Total
equity

Balance at January 1, 2013

1,564,499 1,440,258 10,646,383 1,325 (1,343,286 ) 12,309,179 908,796 13,217,975

Comprehensive income

Profit (loss) for the year

(189,931 ) (189,931 ) 102,186 (87,745 )

Changes in value of available-for-sale financial assets

4, 8 32,098 32,098 24,234 56,332

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability

18 57,641 57,641 (1,058 ) 56,583

Valuation gains (losses) on cashflow hedge

4, 8 (4,711 ) (4,711 ) 15 (4,696 )

Shares of other comprehensive income of joint ventures and associates

2,570 2,570 326 2,896

Shares of gain on remeasurements of joint ventures and associates

(463 ) (463 ) 7 (456 )

Currency translation differences

(6,744 ) (6,744 ) 4,691 (2,053 )

Transactions with equity holders

Dividends paid by the Parent Company

(487,445 ) (487,445 ) (487,445 )

Dividends paid by subsidiaries

(23,830 ) (23,830 )

Appropriations of retained earning related to disposal of treasury stock

(6,796 ) 6,796

Changes in consolidation scope

9,452 9,452

Changes in ownership interest in subsidiaries

14,150 14,150 85,971 100,121

Others

1,397 1,397 (1,115 ) 282

Balance at December 31, 2013

1,564,499 1,440,258 10,019,389 24,538 (1,320,943 ) 11,727,741 1,109,675 12,837,416

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-7


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Continued)

Years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Attributable to equity holders of the Parent Company

(in millions of Korean won)

Notes Capital
stock
Share
premium
Retained
earnings
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
income (loss)
Other
Components
of equity
Total Non-controlling
interest
Total
equity

Balance at January 1, 2014

1,564,499 1,440,258 10,019,389 24,538 (1,320,943 ) 11,727,741 1,109,675 12,837,416

Comprehensive income

Profit (loss) for the year

(1,030,240 ) (1,030,240 ) 88,827 (941,413 )

Changes in value of available-for-sale financial assets

4,8 20,889 20,889 1,274 22,163

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability

18 (223,157 ) (223,157 ) (13,480 ) (236,637 )

Valuation gains (losses) on cashflow hedge

4,8 (27,821 ) (27,821 ) 16 (27,805 )

Shares of other comprehensive income of joint ventures and associates

3,726 3,726 176 3,902

Shares of gain on remeasurements of joint ventures and associates

(311 ) (311 ) (83 ) (394 )

Currency translation differences

4,458 4,458 (932 ) 3,526

Transactions with equity holders

Dividends paid by the Parent Company

(195,112 ) (195,112 ) (195,112 )

Dividends paid by subsidiaries

(27,683 ) (27,683 )

Appropriations of retained earning related to disposal of treasury stock

(2,170 ) 2,170

Changes in consolidation scope

198,260 198,260

Changes in ownership interest in subsidiaries

26,601 26,601 (6,372 ) 20,229

Disposal of treasury stock

34,148 34,148 34,148

New shares of subsidiary issued to Non-controlling interest

99,033 99,033

Others

(2,685 ) (2,685 ) 609 (2,076 )

Balance at December 31, 2014

1,564,499 1,440,258 8,568,399 25,790 (1,260,709 ) 10,338,237 1,449,320 11,787,557

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-8


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Continued)

Years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Attributable to equity holders of the Parent Company

(in millions of Korean won)

Notes Capital
stock
Share
premium
Retained
earnings
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
income (loss)
Other
Components
of equity
Total Non-controlling
interest
Total
equity

Balance at January 1, 2015

1,564,499 1,440,258 8,568,399 25,790 (1,260,709 ) 10,338,237 1,449,320 11,787,557

Comprehensive income

Profit for the year

546,361 546,361 78,324 624,685

Changes in value of available-for-sale financial assets

4, 8 (24,310 ) (24,310 ) (11,706 ) (36,016 )

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability

18 (37,914 ) (37,914 ) 42 (37,872 )

Valuation gains on cashflow hedge

4, 8 13,924 13,924 28 13,952

Shares of other comprehensive income of joint ventures and associates

(1,357 ) (1,357 ) (251 ) (1,608 )

Shares of gain on remeasurements of joint ventures and associates

(2,109 ) (2,109 ) (298 ) (2,407 )

Currency translation differences

(177 ) (177 ) (4,707 ) (4,884 )

Transactions with equity holders

Dividends paid by subsidiaries

(41,575 ) (41,575 )

Appropriations of retained earning related to disposal of treasury stock

(24,766 ) 24,766

Changes in consolidation scope

(154,188 ) (154,188 )

Changes in ownership interest in subsidiaries

(2,968 ) (2,968 ) 2,699 (269 )

Others

6,048 6,048 2,708 8,756

Balance at December 31, 2015

1,564,499 1,440,258 9,049,971 13,870 (1,232,863 ) 10,835,735 1,320,396 12,156,131

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-9


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Continued)

Years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Attributable to equity holders of the Parent Company

(in thousands of US dollars)
(Unaudited), (Note 2)

Notes Capital
stock
Share
premium
Retained
earnings
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
income (loss)
Other
Components
of equity
Total Non-controlling
interest
Total
equity

Balance at January 1, 2015

$ 1,334,897 $ 1,228,889 $ 7,310,921 $ 22,005 $ (1,075,690 ) $ 8,821,022 $ 1,236,621 $ 10,057,643

Comprehensive income

Profit (loss) for the year

466,178 466,178 66,829 533,007

Changes in value of available-for-sale financial assets

4, 8 (20,743 ) (20,743 ) (9,988 ) (30,731 )

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability

18 (32,350 ) (32,350 ) 36 (32,314 )

Valuation gains (losses) on cashflow hedge

4, 8 11,881 11,881 24 11,905

Shares of other comprehensive income of joint ventures and associates

(1,158 ) (1,158 ) (214 ) (1,372 )

Shares of gain on remeasurements of joint ventures and associates

(1,800 ) (1,800 ) (254 ) (2,054 )

Currency translation differences

(151 ) (151 ) (4,016 ) (4,167 )

Transactions with equity holders

Dividends paid by subsidiaries

(35,474 ) (35,474 )

Appropriations of retained earning related to disposal of treasury stock

(21,131 ) 21,131

Changes in consolidation scope

(131,560 ) (131,560 )

Changes in ownership interest in subsidiaries

(2,532 ) (2,532 ) 2,303 (229 )

Others

5,160 5,160 2,311 7,471

Balance at December 31, 2015

$ 1,334,897 $ 1,228,889 $ 7,721,818 $ 11,834 $ (1,051,931 ) $ 9,245,507 $ 1,126,618 $ 10,372,125

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-10


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

(in thousands of
US dollars)

(in millions of Korean won)

Notes 2013 2014 2015 2015
(Unaudited)
(Note 2)

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash generated from operations

32 4,677,260 2,379,311 4,579,260 $ 3,907,218

Interest paid

(546,802 ) (604,012 ) (436,363 ) (372,323 )

Interest received

194,065 192,563 128,422 109,575

Dividends received

24,641 32,106 35,768 30,519

Income tax paid

(238,091 ) (83,555 ) (77,122 ) (65,804 )

Net cash inflow from operating activities

4,111,073 1,916,413 4,229,965 3,609,185

Cash flows from investing activities

Collection of loans

70,451 37,589 38,856 33,154

Grant of loans

(31,279 ) (82,258 ) (79,136 ) (67,522 )

Disposal of derivatives

176,681 150,752

Disposal of available-for-sale financial assets

78,811 77,365 243,125 207,445

Acquisition of available-for-sale financial assets

(127,052 ) (78,095 ) (99,111 ) (84,566 )

Disposal of investments in jointly controlled entities and associates

22,455 22,251 42,946 36,643

Acquisition of investments in jointly controlled entities and associates

(16,338 ) (18,396 ) (12,238 ) (10,442 )

Disposal of current and non-current financial instruments

319,465 630,216 363,260 309,949

Acquisition of current and non-current financial instruments

(588,893 ) (427,585 ) (341,373 ) (291,274 )

Disposal of property, equipment and investment property

100,469 77,644 28,303 24,149

Acquisition of property and equipment, investment property

(3,088,185 ) (2,852,869 ) (3,115,728 ) (2,658,471 )

Disposal of intangible assets

18,336 9,438 25,841 22,049

Acquisition of intangible assets

(549,967 ) (578,377 ) (399,377 ) (340,765 )

Increase in cash due to exclusion from consolidation scope

7,498 6,228 741,834 632,964

Cash inflow (outflow) from changes in scope of consolidation

1,646 5,891 (15,751 ) (13,439 )

Net cash outflow from investing activities

(3,782,583 ) (3,170,958 ) (2,401,868 ) (2,049,374 )

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from borrowings and bonds

6,199,601 10,037,067 5,675,302 4,842,408

Repayments of borrowings and bonds

(5,956,340 ) (8,757,284 ) (6,648,177 ) (5,672,506 )

Settlement of derivative assets and liabilities, net

(67,413 ) (66,484 ) (3,371 ) (2,876 )

Disposal of treasury stock

34,053

Cash inflow from capital transactions with Non-controlling interest

34,581 99,211

Cash outflow from capital transactions with
Non-controlling interest

(4,107 )

Dividends paid to shareholders

(511,275 ) (222,773 ) (41,575 ) (35,474 )

Decrease in finance leases liabilities

(6,841 ) (52,099 ) (146,175 ) (124,723 )

Net cash inflow (outflow) financing activities

(311,794 ) 1,071,691 (1,163,996 ) (993,171 )

Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents

(3,440 ) 648 6,700 5,716

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

13,256 (182,206 ) 670,801 572,356

Cash and cash equivalents

Beginning of the year

5 2,057,613 2,070,869 1,888,663 1,611,487

End of the year

5 2,070,869 1,888,663 2,559,464 $ 2,183,843

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-11


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

1.    General Information

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of KT Corporation, which is the controlling company as defined under IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements , and its 54 controlled subsidiaries as described in Note 1.2 (collectively referred to as the “Group”).

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 telephone services and to engage in the development of advanced communications services under the Act of Telecommunications of Korea. The headquarters are located in Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea, and the address of its registered head office is 90, Buljeong-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province.

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), representing new shares and government-owned shares, at the New York Stock Exchange. On July 2, 2001, the additional ADS representing 55,502,161 government-owned shares were issued at the New York Stock Exchange.

In 2002, the Controlling Company acquired the entire government-owned shares in accordance with the Korean government’s privatization plan. As of the end of the reporting period, the Korean government does not own any share in the Controlling Company.

Consolidated Subsidiaries

The consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won)

Controlling
percentage
ownership 1
(%)
Financial
year end

Subsidiary

Type of Business

Location 2014 2015

KT Powertel Co., Ltd. 2

Trunk radio system business Korea 44.8 % 44.8 % December 31

KT Linkus Co. ,Ltd.

Public telephone maintenance Korea 93.8 % 91.4 % December 31

KT Submarine Co., Ltd. 2

Submarine cable construction and maintenance Korea 36.9 % 36.9 % December 31

KT Telecop Co., Ltd.

Security service Korea 86.8 % 86.8 % December 31

KT Hitel Co., Ltd.

Data communication Korea 67.1 % 67.1 % December 31

KT Service Nambu Co., Ltd

Opening services of fixed line Korea 67.3 % December 31

KT Service Bukbu Co., Ltd

Opening services of fixed line Korea 77.3 % December 31

KT Commerce Inc.

B2C, B2B service Korea 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

KT New Business Fund No.1

Investment fund Korea 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

KTC Media Contents Fund 2

New technology investment fund Korea 71.4 % 71.4 % December 31

KT Strategic Investment Fund No.1

Investment fund Korea 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

(In millions of Korean won)

Controlling
percentage
ownership 1
(%)
Financial
year end

Subsidiary

Type of Business

Location 2014 2015

KT Strategic Investment Fund No.2

Investment fund Korea 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

BC Card Co., Ltd.

Credit card business Korea 69.5 % 69.5 % December 31

VP Inc.

Payment security service for credit card, others Korea 50.9 % 50.9 % December 31

H&C Network

Call centre for financial sectors Korea 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

BC Card China Co., Ltd.

Research and development of calculation system and software China 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

INITECH Co., Ltd.

Internet banking ASP and security solutions Korea 57.0 % 57.0 % December 31

Smartro Co., Ltd.

VAN (Value Added Network) business Korea 81.1 % 81.1 % December 31

KTDS Co., Ltd.

System integration and maintenance Korea 95.3 % 95.3 % December 31

KT M Hows Co., Ltd.

Mobile marketing Korea 51.0 % 65.0 % December 31

KT M&S Co., Ltd.

PCS distribution Korea 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

KT Music Corporation 4

Online music production and distribution Korea 49.9 % 49.9 % December 31

KT Skylife Co., Ltd. 2

Satellite broadcasting business Korea 49.9 % 49.9 % December 31

Skylife TV Co., Ltd.

TV contents provider Korea 92.6 % 92.6 % December 31

KT Estate Inc.

Residential building development and supply Korea 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

KT AMC Co., Ltd.

Asset management and consulting services Korea 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

NEXR Co., Ltd.

Cloud system implementation Korea 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

KTSB Data service

Data centre development and related service Korea 51.0 % 51.0 % December 31

KT Innoedu Co., Ltd.

E-learning business Korea 48.4 % 95.6 % December 31

KT Sat Co., Ltd.

Satellite communication business Korea 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

Nasmedia, Inc. 3

Online advertisement Korea 45.4 % 45.4 % December 31

KT Sports

Management of sports group Korea 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

KT Music Contents Fund No.1

Music contents investment business Korea 80.0 % 80.0 % December 31

KT-Michigan Global Content Fund

Content investment business Korea 81.3 % 81.3 % December 31

Autopion Co., Ltd.

Service for information and communication Korea 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

K-Realty Rental Housing REIT 1

Investment in real estate Korea 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

KTCS Corporation 2

Database and online information provider Korea 30.3 % 30.9 % December 31

KTIS Corporation 2

Database and online information provider Korea 29.3 % 30.0 % December 31

KT M mobile

Special category telecommunications operator and sales of communication device Korea 100.0 % December 31

KT Investment Co., Ltd

Technology business finance Korea 100.0 % December 31

Olleh Rwanda Networks Ltd.

Network installation and management Rwanda 51.0 % 51.0 % December 31

Africa Olleh Services Ltd.

System integration and maintenance Rwanda 51.0 % 51.0 % December 31

KT Belgium

Foreign investment business Belgium 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

KT ORS Belgium

Foreign investment business Belgium 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

NgeneBio 4

Medicine and Pharmacy development business Korea 49.8 % December 31

Korea Telecom Japan Co., Ltd.

Foreign telecommunication business Japan 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

KBTO sp.zo.o.,

Electronic communication business Poland 60.0 % 60.0 % December 31

Korea Telecom China Co., Ltd.

Foreign telecommunication business China 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

KT Dutch B.V

Super iMax and East Telecom management Netherlands 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

Super iMax LLC

Wireless high speed internet business Uzbekistan 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

(In millions of Korean won)

Controlling
percentage
ownership 1
(%)
Financial
year end

Subsidiary

Type of Business

Location 2014 2015

East Telecom LLC

Fixed line telecommunication business Uzbekistan 91.0 % 91.0 % December 31

Korea Telecom America, Inc.

Foreign telecommunication business USA 100.0 % 100.0 % December 31

PT. KT Indonesia

Foreign telecommunication business Indonesia 99.0 % 99.0 % December 31

PT. BCCard Asia Pacific

Credit finance and New technology investment business Indonesia 99.9 % December 31

1

Sum of the ownership interests owned by the Controlling Company and subsidiaries.

2

Even though the Controlling Company has less than 50% ownership in these subsidiaries, these entities are consolidated as the Controlling Company can exercise the majority voting rights in its decision-making process at all times considering historical voting pattern at the shareholders’ meetings.

3 Even though the Controlling Company has less than 50% ownership in these subsidiaries, this entity is consolidated as the Controlling Company holds the majority of voting right based on an agreement with other investors.

4 Even though the Controlling Company has less than 50% ownership in these subsidiaries, these entities are consolidated as the Controlling Company holds the majority of voting right based on the share purchase agreement with other investors.

Changes in scope of consolidation in 2015 are as follows:

Changes

Location

Subsidiaries

Reason

Included

Korea KT M mobile Newly established
Korea KT Investment Co., Ltd Newly established
Korea KT Service Nambu Co., Ltd Additional Acquisition of ownership interest
Korea KT Service Bukbu Co., Ltd Additional Acquisition of ownership interest
Korea NgeneBio Newly Established
Indonesia PT. BCCard Asia Pacific Newly Established

Excluded

Korea KT Media Hub Co. Ltd. Merged
Korea Incheon U-city Co., Ltd. Disposal of ownership interest
Korea KT Rental Disposal of ownership interest
Korea KT Auto Lease Corporation Disposal of ownership interest
Korea KT Rental Auto Care Corporation Disposal of ownership interest
Korea GREEN CAR Co., Ltd. Disposal of ownership interest
Korea Enswers Inc. Disposal of ownership interest
Korea Sofnics, Inc. Liquidated
Korea Best Partners Co., Ltd. Liquidated
Korea T-ON Telecom Liquidated
Korea KT Capital Co., Ltd. Disposal of ownership interest
Korea Gyeonggi-KT Green Growth Fund Disposal of ownership interest
Korea Consus Changwon Private Estate Investment Trust Disposal of ownership interest
Korea Ustream Korea Inc. Liquidated
Korea Centios Co., Ltd. Liquidated
Vietnam Kumho Rent-a-car(Vietnam) Co., Ltd. Disposal of ownership interest
Philippines Centios Philippines, Inc. Disposal of ownership interest

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

A summary of financial data of the major consolidated subsidiaries as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, follows:

2013

(in millions of Korean won)

Total assets Total liabilities Operating
revenues
Net
income (loss) 3

KT Powertel Co., Ltd.

167,131 44,012 112,905 5,453

KT ENGCORE Co., Ltd

291,636 225,285 587,438 11,133

KT Linkus Co., Ltd.

70,562 62,993 103,003 1,920

KT Submarine Co., Ltd.

115,781 27,449 83,006 6,146

KT Telecop Co., Ltd.

192,126 138,357 239,166 3,840

KT Hitel Co., Ltd. 1

293,665 102,644 582,925 3,551

KT Capital Co., Ltd. 1

5,462,028 4,759,100 3,317,337 129,354

H&C Network 1

257,390 110,126 225,402 18,870

Sidus FNH Corporation

9,481 2,549 5,729 (387 )

Nasmedia, Inc.

97,140 40,943 24,769 5,615

Sofnics, Inc.

1,431 267 881 (178 )

KTDS Co., Ltd.

189,983 125,172 574,792 18,245

KT M Hows Co., Ltd.

25,845 14,341 48,047 1,739

KT M&S Co., Ltd.

281,011 223,089 884,125 22,614

KT Music Corporation 1

82,997 48,289 51,350 (5,088 )

KT Skylife Co., Ltd. 1

684,651 283,068 630,469 72,724

KT Estate Inc. 1

1,434,685 109,634 253,367 22,692

NEXR Co., Ltd.

2,814 4,451 4,540 (1,965 )

KTSB Dataservice

28,001 321 1,447 (4,802 )

KT Cloudware Corporation

15,995 1,128 4,682 (2,913 )

Centios Co., Ltd 1

27,873 9,793 1,060 (5,097 )

Enswers Inc. 1

8,722 20,148 5,922 (4,990 )

KT OIC Korea Co., Ltd.

3,626 512 2,039 (448 )

Ustream Inc.

2,677 1,050 2,831 (2,363 )

KT Innoedu Co., Ltd.

12,618 8,450 21,578 (1,020 )

KT Rental 1

2,188,271 1,896,259 886,959 32,400

KT Media Hub Co., Ltd.

184,702 81,578 304,713 21,146

KT Sat Co., Ltd.

492,965 35,237 169,463 56,859

Best Partners Co., Ltd.

882 116 265 (681 )

T-ON Telecom 2

3,347 2,298 1,152 (2,358 )

KT Sports 2

15,672 6,750 21,794 (970 )

KT Music Contents Fund No.1 2

10,529 185 72 (157 )

KT-Michigan Global Content Fund 2

6,227 26 (173 )

Autopion co., ltd. 2

5,314 3,314

Korea Telecom Japan Co., Ltd.

17,752 14,204 22,154 30

Korea Telecom China Co., Ltd.

1,178 367 1,338 (1,108 )

KT Dutch B.V. 1

46,347 14,684 22,077 (4,131 )

Korea Telecom America, Inc.

5,773 1,825 13,881 32

PT. KT Indonesia

30 1

olleh Rwanda Networks Ltd. 2

226,776 217,132 (943 )

KT Belgium 2

38,033 (11 )

KT ORS Belgium 2

95

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

2014

(in millions of Korean won)

Total assets Total liabilities Operating
revenues
Net
income (loss) 3

KT Powertel Co., Ltd.

157,330 29,996 105,250 5,368

KT Linkus Co., Ltd.

70,718 64,043 106,642 1,076

KT Submarine Co., Ltd.

111,877 16,188 77,292 9,018

KT Telecop Co., Ltd.

305,988 161,188 258,692 (6,576 )

KT Hitel Co., Ltd. 1

226,994 31,429 494,455 12,205

KT Capital Co., Ltd. 1

2,038,263 1,759,641 186,114 69,491

BC Card Co., Ltd. 1

2,700,388 1,794,923 3,297,308 134,450

H&C Network 1

223,896 69,537 217,256 8,506

Nasmedia, Inc.

97,502 34,933 29,865 7,956

Sofnics, Inc.

213 48 349 (1,029 )

KTDS Co., Ltd 1 .

92,676 58,486 354,094 (11,394 )

KT M Hows Co., Ltd.

22,846 17,446 23,683 (5,626 )

KT M&S Co., Ltd.

281,787 221,227 885,456 6,391

KT Music Corporation

83,386 27,069 86,449 3,240

KT Skylife Co., Ltd. 1

683,009 246,326 656,430 55,162

KT Estate Inc. 1

1,473,042 169,788 247,256 11,212

KTSB Dataservice

25,094 1,384 2,457 (3,960 )

Centios Co., Ltd 1

40,503 26,464 21,954 (4,012 )

Enswers Inc.

7,260 23,244 4,644 (4,533 )

Ustream Inc.

635 246 1,818 (1,313 )

KT Innoedu Co., Ltd.

8,761 11,913 21,010 (7,291 )

KT Rental 1

2,656,385 2,317,650 1,074,569 51,388

KT Media Hub Co., Ltd.

172,621 76,995 335,451 14,054

KT Sat Co., Ltd.

480,689 45,540 139,865 30,016

Best Partners Co., Ltd.

113 100 346 (753 )

T-ON Telecom

2,543 1,903 469 (1,802 )

KT Sports

15,753 8,220 42,320 (1,305 )

KT Music Contents Fund No. 1

10,573 304 230 (74 )

KT-Michigan Global Content Fund

5,610 29 (617 )

Autopion Co., Ltd.

5,791 3,194 9,892 662

KTCS Corporation 1,

303,574 155,603 234,852 4,704

KTIS Corporation

215,741 68,046 83,850 (539 )

Korea Telecom Japan Co., Ltd.

16,551 21,279 34,717 (22,769 )

Korea Telecom China Co., Ltd.

1,011 213 1,532 (25 )

KT Dutch B.V. 1

42,951 10,332 26,148 30

Korea Telecom America, Inc.

5,627 1,295 6,318 211

PT. KT Indonesia

32 1

Olleh Rwanda Networks Ltd.

201,130 105,095 3,809 (18,984 )

KT Belgium

72,405 14 (192 )

KT ORS Belgium

1,932 6 (82 )

KBTO sp.zo.o.,

3 33 (32 )

Africa Olleh Services Ltd.

9,870 255 4,773 (1,772 )

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

2015

(In millions of Korean won)

Total assets Total liabilities Operating
revenues
Net
income (loss) 3

KT Powertel Co., Ltd.

113,515 21,182 104,527 (32,417 )

KT Linkus Co., Ltd.

77,141 65,745 116,095 3,449

KT Submarine Co., Ltd.

160,314 63,518 67,268 4,145

KT Telecop Co., Ltd.

269,191 134,966 302,844 (7,593 )

KT Hitel Co., Ltd.

235,757 33,938 162,155 7,258

KT Service Bukbu Co., Ltd 2

31,879 22,627 89,498 (4,630 )

KT Service Nambu Co., Ltd 2

20,729 10,567 110,129 (5,055 )

BC Card Co., Ltd. 1

2,963,952 1,945,634 3,504,946 218,969

H&C Network 1

248,189 70,635 241,008 19,513

Nasmedia, Inc.

141,733 72,202 45,630 9,916

KTDS Co., Ltd. 1

162,518 116,654 423,015 12,836

KT M Hows Co., Ltd.

25,093 17,980 19,352 1,728

KT M&S Co., Ltd.

256,246 217,892 853,011 (18,776 )

KT Music Corporation

90,518 30,704 90,005 3,446

KT Skylife Co., Ltd. 1

711,294 217,850 668,521 72,987

KT Estate Inc. 1

1,539,899 187,368 324,324 34,090

KTSB Data service

23,063 1,730 4,390 (2,444 )

KT Innoedu Co., Ltd.

5,858 7,585 18,156 (4,288 )

KT Sat Co., Ltd.

679,959 210,110 133,326 27,174

KT Sports

15,341 11,643 51,801 (3,836 )

KT Music Contents Fund No.1

10,206 47 468 (111 )

KT-Michigan Global Content Fund

5,401 861 (209 )

Autopion Co., Ltd.

7,102 3,317 10,585 1,123

KT M mobile

64,756 13,121 42,478 (36,725 )

KT Investment Co., Ltd

49,485 30,827 4,704 (219 )

NgeneBio

7,894 4,683 (434 )

KTCS Corporation 1

346,949 194,367 1,066,556 13,685

KTIS Corporation

211,164 55,370 473,892 15,041

Korea Telecom Japan Co., Ltd.

13,889 14,393 25,652 (248 )

Korea Telecom China Co., Ltd.

909 198 1,748 (95 )

KT Dutch B.V. 1

49,057 13,861 31,571 (1,438 )

Korea Telecom America, Inc.

6,016 1,378 6,391 156

PT. KT Indonesia

22 (9 )

Olleh Rwanda Networks Ltd.

188,951 147,653 7,299 (28,721 )

KT Belgium

77,058 4 (127 )

KT ORS Belgium

1,996 20 (75 )

KBTO sp.zo.o.,

1,471 1,817 (328 )

Africa Olleh Services Ltd.

11,928 12,187 8,712 (923 )

1 These companies are the immediate parent companies of other subsidiaries and the above financial information is from their consolidated financial statements.

2 These entities were newly consolidated during the year ended December 31, 2015. Only operating revenues and net income subsequent to the inclusion of consolidation scope are disclosed above.

3 The amounts are total net income (loss) before elimination of income attributable to non-controlling interest.

2.    Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Group in the preparation of its financial statements. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

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 preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgment in the process of 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 standards and amendments adopted by the Group

The Group newly applied the following enacted and amended standards for the annual period beginning on January 1, 2015:

—Amendment to IAS 19, Employee Benefits

Amendment to IAS 19, Employee Benefits , allows a practical expedient for companies that operate defined benefit plans and when contributions are made by employees or third parties. The Group expects that the application of this amendment would not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

—Annual improvements to IFRSs 2010-2012 Cycle

Annual improvements to IFRSs 2010-2012 Cycle include the following amendments and the application of these amendments does not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Amendment to IFRS 2, Share-based payment

IFRS 2, Share-based payment , clarifies the definition of a ‘vesting conditions’, ‘performance condition’, and ‘service condition’.

Amendment to IFRS 3, Business Combination

IFRS 3, Business Combination , clarifies the classification and measurement of contingent consideration in the business combination.

Amendment to IFRS 8, Operating Segments

IFRS 8, Operating Segments , requires disclosure of the judgments made by management in aggregating operating segments and a reconciliation of the reportable segments’ assets to the entity’s assets.

Amendments to IAS 16, Property, plant and equipment, and IAS 38, Intangible assets

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

IAS 16, Property, plant and equipment, and IAS 38, Intangible assets, clarify how the gross carrying amount and the accumulated depreciation are treated where an entity uses the revaluation model.

Amendment to IAS 24, Related Party Disclosures

IAS 24, Related Party Disclosures , includes, as a related party, an entity that provides key management personnel services to the reporting entity or to the parent of the reporting entity.

—Annual improvements to IFRSs 2011-2013 Cycle

Annual improvements to IFRSs 2011-2013 Cycle include the following amendments and the application of these amendments does not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Amendment to IFRS 3, Business Combination

IFRS 3, Business Combination , clarifies that IFRS 3 does not apply to the accounting for the formation of any joint arrangement.

Amendment to IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement

IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement , clarifies that the portfolio exception, which allows an entity to measure the fair value of a group of financial instruments on a net basis, applies to all contracts including non-financial contracts within the scope of IAS 39.

Amendment to IAS 40, Investment property

IAS 40, Investment property , clarifies that IAS 40 and IFRS 3 are not mutually exclusive.

(2) New standards, amendments and interpretations not yet adopted

Amendments issued but not effective for the financial year beginning January 1, 2015, and not early adopted are enumerated below. The Group expects that these Amendments would not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Amendment to IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements

IAS 16, Property, plant and equipment , and IAS 41, Agriculture: Productive plants

IAS 16, Property, plant and equipment , and IAS 38, Intangible assets: Amortization based on revenue

IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements , IAS 28, Investment in Associates and Joint Ventures , and IFRS 12, Disclosures of Interests in Other Entities: Exemption for consolidation of investee

IFRS 11, Joint Arrangements

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012-2014 Cycle

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Further, new standards issued, but not effective for the financial year beginning January 1, 2015, and not early adopted are enumerated below:

—IFRS 9, Financial Instruments

The new standard issued in December 2015 regarding financial instruments replaces IFRS 9, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement .

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments , requires financial assets to be classified and measured on the basis of the holder’s business model and the instrument’s contractual cash flow characteristics. The Standard requires a financial instrument to be classified and measured at amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income, or fair value through profit or loss, and provides guidance on accounting for related gains and losses. The impairment model is changed into an expected credit loss model, and changes in those expected credit losses are recognized in profit or loss. The new standard is effective for the financial year initially beginning on or after January 1, 2018, but early adoption is allowed. Early adoption of only the requirements related to financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss is also permitted. The Group is in the process of evaluating the effects resulting from the adoption of the new standard.

—IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The new standard for the recognition of revenue issued in December 2015 will replace IAS 18, Revenue , IAS 11, Construction Contracts , and related Interpretations.

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , will replace the risk-and-reward model under the current standards and is based on the principle that revenue is recognized when control of goods or services transfer to the customer by applying the five-step process. Key changes to current practices include guidance on separate recognition of distinct goods or services in any bundled arrangement, constraint on recognizing variable consideration, criteria on recognizing revenue over time, and increased disclosures. The new standard is effective for annual reporting beginning on or after January 1, 2018, but early application is permitted. The Group is in the process of evaluating the effects resulting from the adoption of the new standard.

2.3    Consolidation

The Group has prepared the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements .

(1) Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are all entities (including special purpose entities) over which the Group has control. The Group controls the corresponding investee when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. Consolidation of a subsidiary begins from the date the Group obtains control of a subsidiary and ceases when the Group loses control of the subsidiary.

The Group applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred is measured at the fair values of the assets transferred, and identifiable

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are initially measured at their fair values at the acquisition date. The Group recognizes any non-controlling interest in the acquiree on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis in the event of liquidation, either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the recognized amounts of acquiree’s identifiable net assets. All other non-controlling interests are measured at their acquisition-date fair values, unless another measurement basis is required by IFRSs. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

Goodwill is recognized as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree, and the acquisition-date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree over the identifiable net assets acquired. If this consideration is lower than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized in profit or loss.

Balances of receivables and payables, income and expenses and unrealized gains on transactions between the Group’s subsidiaries are eliminated. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

(2) Changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries without change of control

In transactions with non-controlling interests, which do not result in loss of control, the Company recognizes directly in equity any difference between the amount by which the non-controlling interests are adjusted and the fair value of the consideration paid or received, and attribute it to the owners of the parent.

(3) Disposal of subsidiaries

If the Group loses control of a subsidiary, any investment continuously retained in the subsidiary is re-measured at its fair value at the date when control is lost and any resulting differences are recognized in profit or loss.

(4) Associates

Associates are all entities over which the Group has significant influence, and investments in associates are initially recognized at acquisition cost using the equity method. Unrealized gains on transactions between the Group and its associates are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the associates. If there is any objective evidence that the investment in the associate is impaired, the Group recognizes the difference between the recoverable amount of the associate and its book value as impairment loss.

(5) Joint arrangement

A joint arrangement of which two or more parties have joint control is classified as either a joint operation or a joint venture. A joint operator has rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the joint operation and recognizes the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses relating to its interest in a joint operation. A joint venturer has rights to the net assets relating to the joint venture and accounts for that investment using the equity method.

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

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 33). The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments.

2.5    Foreign Currency Translation

(1) Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the each entity operates (the “functional currency). The consolidated financial statements are presented in Korean won, which is the Controlling Company’s functional and presentation currency.

(2) Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions or valuation where items are re-measured. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in profit or loss.

Exchange differences arising on non-monetary financial assets and liabilities such as equity instruments at fair value through profit or loss and available-for-sale equity instruments are recognized in profit or loss and included in other comprehensive income, respectively, as part of the fair value gain or loss.

(3) Translation into presentation currency

Different functional currencies are translated into presentation currency using the following procedures.

Assets and liabilities at the closing rate at the date of that statement of financial position

Income and expenses at average rate for the period

Equity at historical rate

All resulting exchange differences are recognized in other comprehensive income

2.6    Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than three months.

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

2.7    Financial Assets

(1) Classification and measurement

The Group classifies its financial assets in the following categories: financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, available-for-sale financial assets, loans and receivables, and held-to-maturity financial assets. Regular purchases and sales of financial assets are recognized on trade date.

A regular way purchase of financial assets shall be recognized as applicable, using trade date accounting. At initial recognition, financial assets are measured at fair value plus, in the case of financial assets not carried at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs. Transaction costs of financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss are expensed in the statement of income. After the initial recognition, available-for-sale financial assets and financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are subsequently carried at fair value. Loans and receivables, and held-to-maturity investments are subsequently carried at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are recognized in profit or loss and changes in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets are recognized in other comprehensive income. When the available-for-sale financial assets are sold or impaired, the fair value adjustments recorded in equity are reclassified into profit or loss.

(2) Impairment

The Group assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired and impairment losses are incurred only if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a ‘loss event’) and that loss event (or events) has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or a group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated.

Impairment of loans and receivables is presented as a deduction in an allowance account. Impairment of other financial assets is directly deducted from their carrying amount. The Group writes off financial assets when the assets are determined to be no longer recoverable.

The criteria that the Group uses to determine that there is objective evidence of an impairment loss include:

Significant financial difficulty of the issuer or obligor;

A breach of contract, such as a default or delinquency in interest or principal payments;

For economic or legal reasons relating to the borrower’s financial difficulty, granting to the borrower a concession that the lender would not otherwise consider;

It becomes probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganization;

The disappearance of an active market for that financial asset because of financial difficulties; or

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Observable data indicating that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows from a portfolio of financial assets since the initial recognition of those assets, although the decrease cannot yet be identified with the individual financial assets in the portfolio.

(3) Derecognition

If the Group transfers a financial asset and the transfer does not result in derecognition because the Group has retained substantially of all risks and rewards of ownership of the transferred asset due to a recourse in the event the debtor defaults, the Group continues to recognize the transferred asset in its entirety and recognizes a financial liability for the consideration received. The related financial liability is classified as ‘borrowings’ in the statement of financial position.

(4) 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.

2.8    Derivative Instruments

Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value on the date when a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of the derivatives that are not qualified for hedge accounting are recognized in the statement of income within ‘other income (expenses)’ and ‘finance income (expenses)’ according to the nature of transactions.

If the Group uses a valuation technique that incorporates data not obtained from observable markets for the fair value at initial recognition of the financial instrument, there may be a difference between the transaction price and the amount determined using that valuation technique (Day 1 profit and loss). In these circumstances, the fair value of the financial instrument is recognized as the transaction price and the difference is amortized by using the straight-line method over the life of the financial instrument. If the fair value of the financial instrument is subsequently determined using observable market inputs, the remaining deferred amount is recognized in profit or loss in the statement of income.

The Group applies cash flow hedge accounting to hedge the risks of foreign exchange and interest rates of the variable rate foreign currency bonds. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognized in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognized immediately as finance income (expenses) in the statement of income. Amounts of changes in fair value of effective hedging instruments accumulated in other comprehensive income are recognized as ‘finance income (expenses)’ for the periods when the corresponding transactions affect profit or loss. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that is reported in other comprehensive income is recognized as ‘finance income (expenses)’.

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, the adjustment to the carrying amount of a hedged item for which the effective interest method is used is amortized to profit or loss over the period to maturity.

2.9    Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined using the weighted-average method, except for inventories in-transit which is determined using the specific identification method.

2.10    Non-current Assets (or Disposal Group) Held-for-sale

Non-current assets (or disposal group) are classified as assets held-for-sale when their carrying amount is to be recovered principally through a sale transaction and a sale is considered highly probable. The assets are measured at the lower amount between their carrying amount and the fair value less costs to sell.

2.11    Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at its cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditures that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items.

Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on other assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the difference between their cost and their residual values over their estimated useful lives, as follows:

Estimated Useful Lives

Buildings

5 – 40 years

Structures

5 – 40 years

Machinery and equipment (Telecommunications equipment and others)

3 – 40 years

Vehicles

4 – 6 years

Tools

4 – 6 years

Office equipment

4 – 6 years

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.

2.12    Investment Property

Property held to earn rentals or for capital appreciation or both is classified as investment property. 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 ten to 40 years.

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

2.13    Intangible Assets

(1) Goodwill

Goodwill is measured as explained in Note 2.3 (1) and goodwill arising from acquisition of subsidiaries and business are included in intangible assets. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses.

(2) Intangible assets, except goodwill

Intangible assets, except for goodwill, are shown at historical cost. These assets have definite useful lives and are carried at historical cost less accumulated amortization. Assets with definite useful lives are amortized using the straight-line method according to the estimated useful lives presented below. However, facility usage rights (condominium memberships and golf memberships) and broadcast license are regarded as intangible assets with indefinite useful life and not amortized, because there is no foreseeable limit to the period over which the asset is expected to generate net cash inflows.

The estimated useful life used for amortizing intangible assets is as follows:

Estimated Useful Lives

Development costs

5 – 6 years

Software

6 years

Industrial property rights

5 – 10 years

Frequency usage rights

5.75 – 15 years

Others 1

2 – 50 years

1 Facility usage rights (condominium memberships and golf memberships) and broadcast license included in others are classified as intangible assets with indefinite useful life.

2.14    Borrowing Costs

Borrowing costs incurred in the acquisition or construction of a qualifying asset are capitalized in the period when it is prepared for its intended use, and investment income earned on the temporary investment of borrowings made specifically for the purpose obtaining a qualifying asset is deducted from the borrowing costs eligible for capitalization during the period. Other borrowing costs are recognized as expenses for the period in which they are incurred.

2.15    Government Grants

Government grants related to assets are recognized in profit or loss on a systematic and rational basis over the useful life of the asset by setting up the grant as deferred income, and government grants related to income are deferred and recognized in the statement of income as part of ‘other non-operating income’ for the period in which the related expenses for the purpose of the government grants are incurred.

2.16    Impairment of Non-Financial Assets

Goodwill or intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested annually for impairment. Depreciable assets are tested for impairment when there is any indication an asset may be impaired.

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Non-financial assets, other than goodwill, that suffered impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date.

2.17    Financial Liabilities

(1) Classification and measurement

The Group’s financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are financial instruments held for trading and designated as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss. Financial liabilities held for trading are financial liabilities that are incurred principally for the purpose of repurchasing them in the near term and derivatives that are not designated as hedges or bifurcated from financial instruments containing embedded derivatives. Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are structured financial liabilities containing embedded derivatives issued by the Group.

As it was unable to measure the embedded derivatives separately from its host contract, the Group designated the entire hybrid contact as at fair value through profit or loss. The financial liability that the Group designated as at fair value through profit or loss is a foreign convertible bond.

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 transfer of financial assets does not qualify for derecognition, as financial liabilities carried at amortized cost and presented as ‘trade payables’, ‘borrowings’, and ‘other financial liabilities’ in the statement of financial position.

Preferred shares that provide for a mandatory redemption at a particular date are classified as liabilities. Interest expenses on these preferred shares calculated using the effective interest method are recognized in the statement of income as ‘finance costs’, together with interest expenses recognized on other financial liabilities.

(2) 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, cancelled or expired or when the terms of an existing financial liability are substantially modified.

2.18    Financial Guarantee Contracts

Financial guarantees contracts provided by the Group are initially measured at fair value on the date the guarantee was given. Subsequent to initial recognition, the Group’s liabilities under such guarantees are measured at the higher of the amounts below and recognized as ‘other financial liabilities’:

the amount determined in accordance with IAS 37, Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets ; or

the initial amount, less accumulated amortization recognized in accordance with IAS 18, Revenue .

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

2.19    Compound Financial Instruments

Compound financial instruments are convertible bonds that can be converted into equity instruments at the option of the holder. The liability component of a compound financial instrument is recognized initially at the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an equity conversion option. The equity component is recognized initially on the difference between the fair value of the compound financial instrument as a whole and the fair value of the liability component. Any directly attributable transaction costs are allocated to the liability and equity components in proportion to their initial carrying amounts.

2.20    Employee Benefits

(1) Post-employment benefits

The Group has both defined benefit and defined contribution 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. Typically defined benefit plans define an amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one or more factors such as age, years of service and compensation. 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 and that have terms to maturity approximating to the terms of the related pension obligation. The remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability are recognized in other comprehensive income.

If any plan amendments, curtailments, or settlements occur, past service costs or any gains or losses on settlement are recognized as profit or loss for the year.

(2) 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.

2.21    Share-based payments

Equity-settled, share-based payments granted to employees are estimated at the grant date fair value of equity instruments and recognized as employee benefit expenses over the vesting period. The number of equity instruments expected to vest is remeasured with consideration to non-market vesting conditions at the end of the reporting period, with any changes from the original measurement recognized in the profit for the year and equity.

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

2.22    Provisions

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation and the increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognized as interest expense.

2.23    Leases

(1) Lessee

A lease is an agreement, whereby the lessor conveys to the lessee, in return for a payment or series of payments, the right to use an asset for an agreed period of time. Leases where all the risks and rewards of ownership are not transferred to the Group are classified as operating leases. Lease payments under operating leases are recognized as expenses on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Leases where the Group has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases and recognized as lease assets and liabilities at the lower of the fair value of the leased property and the present value of the minimum lease payments on the opening date of the lease period.

(2) Lessor

A lease is classified as a finance lease if it transfers substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership at the inception of the lease. A lease other than a finance lease is classified as an operating lease. Lease income from operating leases is recognized in income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Initial direct costs incurred by the lessor in negotiating and arranging an operating lease is added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognized as an expense over the lease term on the same basis as the lease income.

2.24    Capital Stock

Common stocks are classified as equity.

Where the Controlling Company purchases its own equity share capital, the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs, is deducted from equity attributable to the Controlling Company’s equity holders until the stocks are cancelled or reissued. Where such shares are subsequently reissued, any consideration received is included in equity attributable to the Controlling Company’s equity holders.

2.25    Revenue Recognition

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the sale of goods or rendering of services arising from the normal activities of the Group. It is stated as net of value added taxes, returns, rebates and discounts, after elimination of intra-company transactions.

The Group recognizes revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured; when it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity; and when specific criteria have been

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

met for each of the Group’s activities, as described below. The Group bases its estimate on historical results, taking into consideration the type of customer, the type of transaction and the specifics of each arrangement.

(1) Sales of Services

When providing interconnection or telecommunications service to a customer based on service plans, the related revenue is recognized at the time service is provided. If the customer uses the telecommunications equipment according to the service plans, the related revenue is recognized on straight-line basis over the contract period. Revenue related to the other telecommunications services is recognized when the service is provided to the customer.

For other services, when the outcome of a transaction involving the rendering of services can be estimated reliably, revenue associated with such a transaction is recognized by reference to the stage of performance of the services. When the outcome of the transaction involving the rendering of services cannot be estimated reliably, revenue is recognized only to the extent of the expenses recognized that are recoverable.

Total consideration for combined services is allocated to each service in proportion to its fair value and the allocated amount is recognized as revenue according to revenue recognition policy for the service.

(2) Sales of goods

The Group sells a range of handsets. Revenue from the sale of goods is recognized when products are delivered to the purchaser.

(3) Interest income

Interest income is recognized using the effective interest method according to the time passed. When a loan and receivable is impaired, the Group reduces the carrying amount to its recoverable amount and continues unwinding the discount as interest income. Interest income on impaired loans and receivables is recognized using the original effective interest rate.

(4) Commission fees

Commission fees related to credit card business recognized when it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity and these benefits can be reliably measured. Revenues from acquiree fee, agent fee, optional service fees, member service fees and credit card service charge are measured at the fair value of the consideration received and recognized on accrual basis.

(5) Royalty income

Royalty income is recognized on an accrual basis in accordance with the substance of the relevant agreements.

(6) Dividend income

Dividend income is recognized when the right to receive payment is established.

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

(7) Customer loyalty program

The Group operates a customer loyalty program where customers accumulate points for purchases made which entitle them to discounts on future purchases. The reward points are recognized as a separately identifiable component of the initial sale transaction. The fair value of the consideration received or receivable in respect of the initial sale is allocated between the reward points and the other components of the sale. The fair value of the reward points is measured by taking into account the proportion of the reward points that are not expected to be redeemed by customers. Revenue from the reward points is recognized when the points are redeemed and the reward points expire 12 months after the initial sale.

2.26    Current and Deferred Income Tax

The tax expense for the period consists of current and deferred tax. Tax is recognized on the profit for the period in the statement of income, 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 tax expense is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period.

Management periodically evaluates tax policies that are applied in tax returns in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. The Group recognizes current income tax on the basis of the amount expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred tax is recognized for temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts as expected tax consequences at the recovery or settlement of the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities. However, deferred tax assets and liabilities are not recognized if they arise 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 nor taxable profit or loss.

Deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences can be utilized.

Deferred tax liability is recognized for taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates, and interests in joint ventures, 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, deferred tax asset is recognized for 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 against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income taxes assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis.

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

2.27    Deferred Loan Fees and Costs

Loan origination fees in relation to loan origination process such as upfront fee, are deferred and amortized over the life of the loan as an adjustment to the yield of the loan using the effective interest rate method. Loan origination costs, which relates to loan origination activities such as commissions to brokers, are deferred and amortized over the life of the loan as an adjustment to the yield of the loan, using the effective interest rate method, if the future economic benefit related costs incurred can be matched with each loan.

In addition, the amortizations of the deferred loan origination fees on costs are offset and the net amounts are presented in the consolidated statement of financial position.

2.28    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.

2.29    Approval of Issuance of the Financial Statements

The issuance of the December 31, 2015 financial statements of the Group was approved by the directors on April 25, 2016.

2.30    US Dollar Convention Translation

The December 31, 2015 consolidated financial statements are expressed in Korean Won and have been translated in US dollars at the rate of 1,172.0 to US$1, the market average exchange rate announced by Seoul Money Brokerage Services, Ltd. and in effect on December 31, 2015, solely for the convenience of the reader. These translations should not be construed as a representation that any or all of the amounts shown could be converted into U.S. dollars at this or any other rate.

3.    Critical Accounting Estimates and Assumptions

The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The estimates and assumptions are continuously evaluated with consideration to factors such as events reasonably predictable in the foreseeable future within the present circumstance according to historical experience. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below.

3.1    Impairment of Goodwill

The Group tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any impairment. The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units have been determined based on value-in-use calculations (Note 13).

3.2    Income Taxes

The Group is operating in numerous countries and the income generated from these operations is 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).

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

If certain portion of the taxable income is not used for investments, 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. The new tax system is effective for three years from 2015. Accordingly, the measurement of current and deferred income tax is affected by the tax effects from the new system. As the Group’s income tax is dependent on the investments, increase in wages and dividends, there exists uncertainty with regard to measuring the final tax effects.

3.3    Fair Value of Derivatives and 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 36).

3.4    Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Group recognizes provisions for accounting of estimated loss in customers’ insolvency. When the allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated, it is based on the aging analysis of trade receivables balances, incurred loss experience, customers’ credit rates and changes of payment terms. If the customer’s financial position becomes worse, the actual loss amount will be increased more than the estimated.

3.5    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 18).

3.6    Deferred Revenue

Service installation fees and initial subscription fees related to activation of service are deferred and recognized as revenue over the expected terms of customer relationships. The estimate of expected terms of customer relationship is based on the historical rate. If management’s estimation is amended, it may cause significant differences in the timing of revenue recognition and amount recognized.

3.7    Provisions

As described in Note 17, the Group records provisions for litigation and assets retirement obligations as of the end of the reporting period. The provisions are estimated based on the factors such as the historical experiences.

3.8    Useful lives of Property and Equipment, Intangible Assets and Investment Property

Depreciation on the property and equipment, intangible assets and investment property, excluding land, condominium memberships, golf club memberships, and broadcasting concession, is calculated using the straight-line method over their useful lives. The estimated useful lives are determined based on expected usage of the assets and the estimates can be materially affected by technical changes and other factors. The Group will increase depreciation if the useful lives are considered shorter than the previously estimated useful lives.

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

4.    Financial Instruments by category

Financial instruments by category as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won)

2014

Financial assets

Loans
and
receivables
Assets at fair
value through
the profit and loss
Derivatives
used for
hedge
Available-
for-sale
Held-to-
Maturity
Total

Cash and cash equivalents

1,888,663 1,888,663

Trade and other receivables

5,659,913 5,659,913

Loans receivable

1,295,282 1,295,282

Finance lease receivables

584,413 584,413

Other financial assets

455,622 6,983 41,540 525,556 7,767 1,037,468

(In millions of Korean won)

2014

Financial liabilities

Liabilities at
fair value through
the profit and loss
Derivatives
used for
hedge
Financial
liabilities at
amortized

cost
Other
liabilities
Total

Trade and other payables

7,317,303 7,317,303

Finance lease liabilities

55,007 55,007

Borrowings

12,815,385 12,815,385

Other financial liabilities

3,980 122,012 82,816 5,434 214,242

(In millions of Korean won)

2015

Financial assets

Loans
and
receivables
Assets at fair
value through
the profit and loss
Derivatives
used for
hedge
Available-
for-sale
Held-to-
Maturity
Total

Cash and cash equivalents

2,559,464 2,559,464

Trade and other receivables

5,527,644 5,527,644

Loans receivable

15,877 15,877

Finance lease receivables

14,258 14,258

Other financial assets

434,093 18 139,088 360,037 18,030 951,266

(In millions of Korean won)

2015

Financial liabilities

Liabilities at
fair value through
the profit and loss
Derivatives
used for
hedge
Financial
liabilities at
amortized
cost
Other
liabilities
Total

Trade and other payables

6,847,803 6,847,803

Finance lease liabilities

156,197 156,197

Borrowings

8,634,897 8,634,897

Other financial liabilities

2,006 62,883 82,439 147,328

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Income or expense (gain or loss) by financial instruments category for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won)

2013 2014 2015

Loans and receivables

Interest income 1,4

127,875 94,380 85,603 )

Loss on foreign currency transaction

5,985 (1,086 ) (365 )

Gain on foreign currency translation

(5,245 ) 7,954 1,921

Loss on disposal

(8,009 ) (16,464 ) (2,539 )

Bad debts expense

(148,032 ) (230,791 ) (141,555 )

Assets at fair value through the profit or loss

Loss on disposal

375 (587 ) 368

Loss on valuation

(4,350 ) (794 )

Derivatives used for hedging

Gain(loss) on transaction

1,134 (34,653 ) (5,157 )

Gain on valuation

127 64,700 141,512

Other comprehensive income 2

(1,936 ) 28,928 100,401

Reclassified to profit or loss from other comprehensive loss 2,3

1,408 (49,524 ) (88,003 )

Available -for-sale

Interest income 1,4

49 45 73

Dividend income

4,700 3,808 7,733

Gain(loss) on disposal

2,241 (13,495 ) 131,045

Impairment loss

(5,052 ) (70,022 ) (1,471 )

Other comprehensive income 2

49,778 39,336 47,381

Reclassified to profit or loss from other comprehensive income 2

6,554 (17,173 ) (83,397 )

Held-to-Maturity

Interest income 1,4

1 159 226

Liabilities at fair value through the profit and loss

Gain on foreign currency transaction

42 (134 )

Gain(loss) on disposal

(676 ) 13 (850 )

Gain(loss) on valuation

(6 ) 32 (2,006 )

Derivatives used for hedging

Gain(loss) on disposal

(3,339 ) 2,121 (273 )

Gain(loss) on valuation

(97,289 ) 3,179 (1,733 )

Other comprehensive income(loss) 2

(70,367 ) (11,938 ) 11,513

Reclassified to profit or loss from other comprehensive income 2,3

66,199 4,729 (9,959 )

Financial liabilities at amortized cost

Interest expense 4

(436,374 ) (475,084 ) (385,925 )

Gain(loss) foreign currency transaction

(285 ) 12,443 (23,416 )

Gain(loss) foreign currency translation

94,022 (99,145 ) (166,254 )

Other liabilities

Financial guarantee gain

(9,034 ) 5,198

Total

(429,504 ) (753,865 ) (385,127 )

1 BC Card, a subsidiary of the Group, recognizes interest income as operating revenue. Interest income recognized as operating revenue is 15,867 million (2013: 20,374 million, 2014: 14,340 million) for the year ended December 31, 2015.

2 The amounts directly reflected in equity before adjustments of deferred income tax.

3 During the year, 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 The interest income amounting to 75,221 million (2013: 151,467 million, 2014: 143,391 million) and the interest expense amounting to 59,889 million (2013: 111,755 million, 2014: 103,126 million) recognized by KT Rental Co., Ltd. and KT Capital Co., Ltd., former subsidiaries, are classified as discontinued operations.

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

5.    Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Cash on hand

3,918 21,928

Cash in banks

805,145 1,256,049

Money market trust

699,879 656,000

Other financial instruments

379,721 625,487

Total

1,888,663 2,559,464

Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of financial position equal cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows.

Restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won)

Type 2014 2015

Description

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted deposit 3,318 9,033 Deposit restricted for governmental project and others

6.    Trade and Other Receivables

Trade and other receivables as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014

(in millions of Korean won)

Total
amounts
Allowance for
doubtful
accounts
Present
value discount
Carrying
value

Current assets

Trade receivables

3,657,814 (524,865 ) (9,589 ) 3,123,360

Other receivables

1,872,095 (183,987 ) (418 ) 1,687,690

Total

5,529,909 (708,852 ) (10,007 ) 4,811,050

Non-current assets

Trade receivables

393,354 (2,752 ) (25,217 ) 365,385

Other receivables

552,190 (26,659 ) (42,053 ) 483,478

Total

945,544 (29,411 ) (67,270 ) 848,863

2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Total
amounts
Allowance for
doubtful
accounts
Present
value discount
Carrying
value

Current assets

Trade receivables

3,483,719 (468,263 ) (8,879 ) 3,006,577

Other receivables

2,014,442 (172,739 ) (387 ) 1,841,316

Total

5,498,161 (641,002 ) (9,266 ) 4,847,893

Non-current assets

Trade receivables

248,212 (478 ) (16,644 ) 231,090

Other receivables

548,569 (64,492 ) (35,416 ) 448,661

Total

796,781 (64,970 ) (52,060 ) 679,751

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

The fair values of trade and other receivables with original maturities less than one year equal their carrying values 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 discounting the expected future cash flow at the weighted average borrowing rate.

Details of changes in allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014 2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Trade
receivables
Other
receivables
Trade
receivables
Other
receivables

Beginning balance

525,666 152,596 527,617 210,646

Provision

127,881 71,254 95,489 43,620

Reversal or written-off

(124,993 ) (16,201 ) (135,381 ) (12,336 )

Changes in the scope of consolidation

(334 ) 3,759 (16,752 ) (5,401 )

Others

(603 ) (762 ) (2,232 ) 702

Ending balance

527,617 210,646 468,741 237,231

Provisions for doubtful trade and other receivables are recognized as operating expenses, other expenses, or finance costs.

Details of aging analysis of trade receivables as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Neither past due nor impaired

2,893,083 2,756,471

Past due and impaired

Up to six months

707,140 606,704

Six months to twelve months

101,297 82,668

Over twelve months

314,842 260,565

1,123,279 949,937

Allowance for doubtful accounts

(527,617 ) (468,741 )

Total

3,488,745 3,237,667

The detail of other receivables as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Loans

81,963 117,808

Receivables 1

1,834,813 1,973,280

Accrued income

26,032 10,119

Refundable deposits

434,846 403,816

Others

4,160 22,185

Allowance

(210,646 ) (237,231 )

Total

2,171,168 2,289,977

Current

1,687,690 1,841,316

Non-current

483,478 448,661

1 The settlement receivables of BC Card Co., Ltd. of 1,211,272 million (2014: 1,123,744 million) included.

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Details of aging analysis of other receivables as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Neither past due nor impaired

2,046,235 2,185,438

Past due and impaired

Up to six months

87,852 113,525

Six months to twelve months

77,773 11,918

Over twelve months

169,954 216,327

335,579 341,770

Allowance for doubtful accounts

(210,646 ) (237,231 )

Total

2,171,168 2,289,977

The maximum exposure of trade and other receivables to credit risk is the carrying value of each class of receivables mentioned above as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, the Group is provided with guarantees of 578,904 million (2014: 674,768 million) by Seoul Guarantee Insurance related to the collection of certain accounts receivable arising from the handset sales.

7.    Loans Receivable

Loans receivable as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

Current

2014 2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Original
amount
Allowance
for doubtful

accounts
Carrying
Value
Original
amount
Allowance
for doubtful

accounts
Carrying
Value

Factoring receivables

64,231 (2,916 ) 61,315

Loans

645,955 (28,331 ) 617,624

Loans for installment credit

32,875 (1,231 ) 31,644

Deferred loan origination profit and loss

(215 ) (215 )

New technology financial loans

2,736 (2,736 ) 2,736 (2,736 )

Total 1

745,582 (35,214 ) 710,368 2,736 (2,736 )

1 As a result of the disposal of KT Capital and KT Rental, which were the Company’s subsidiaries, current loans receivable decreased by 680 billion and 30 billion respectively.

Non-Current

2014 2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Original
amount
Allowance
for doubtful

accounts
Carrying
Value
Original
amount
Allowance
for doubtful

accounts
Carrying
Value

Factoring receivables

6,721 (173 ) 6,548

Loans

497,153 (18,349 ) 478,804

Loans for installment credit

54,580 (2,336 ) 52,244

Deferred loan origination profit and loss

4,209 4,209

New technology financial investment assets

8,884 (1,707 ) 7,177 8,048 (1,918 ) 6,130

New technology financial loans

57,256 (21,324 ) 35,932 18,317 (8,570 ) 9,747

Total 1

628,803 (43,889 ) 584,914 26,365 (10,488 ) 15,877

1 As a result of the disposal of KT Capital and KT Rental, which were the Company’s subsidiaries, non-current loans receivable decreased by 514 billion and 55 billion respectively.

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

The fair values of loans receivable with maturities less than one year equal their carrying values because the discounting effect is immaterial. The fair value of loans receivable with original maturities longer than one year is determined discounting the future cash flow at the weighted average borrowing rate.

Details of changes in allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Beginning

73,075 79,103

Provision

31,656 2,446

Reversal or written-off

(23,618 )

Changes in scope of consolidation 1

(64,331 )

Others

(2,010 ) (3,994 )

Ending

79,103 13,224

1 As a result of the disposal of KT Capital and KT Rental, which were the company’s subsidiaries, allowance for doubtful accounts decreased by 59 billion and 5 billion respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2015.

Provisions for doubtful loans receivable are recognized as operating expenses.

Details of aging analysis of loans receivable as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Neither past due nor impaired

1,236,387 4,605

Past due and impaired

Up to six months

101,071 580

Six months to twelve months

3,718 190

Over twelve months

33,209 23,726

137,998 24,496

Allowance for doubtful accounts

(79,103 ) (13,224 )

Total

1,295,282 15,877

The maximum exposure of loans receivable to credit risk is carrying value as of December 31, 2015.

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

8.    Other Financial Assets and Liabilities

Other financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Other financial assets

Assets at fair value through the profit or loss

6,983 18

Derivatives used for hedge

41,540 139,088

Financial instruments 1

455,622 434,093

Available-for-sale financial assets 1

525,556 360,037

Held-to-maturity investments

7,767 18,030

Less: Non-current

(704,760 ) (658,323 )

Current

332,708 292,943

Other financial liabilities

Liabilities at fair value through the profit or loss

3,980 2,006

Derivatives used for hedge

122,012 62,883

Financial guarantee liabilities 2

5,434

Other financial liabilities

82,816 82,439

Less: Non-current

(190,525 ) (103,683 )

Current

23,717 43,645

1 Restricted other financial assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Details

Short-term financial instruments

2,000 2,000 Collateral of payments for the handset

Short-term financial instruments

17,776 17,307 Collateral and payment guarantee

Short-term financial instruments

2,051 Proceed from disposal of Enswers Inc. deposited in the escrow account

Long-term financial instruments

6,308 6,311 Deposit for Win-win Growth Cooperative loans

Available-for-sale financial assets

1,000 1,000 Collateral for Korea Software Financial Cooperative

2 The Group recognized the financial guarantee liabilities related to an obligation to fund Smart Channel.

Financial instruments at fair value through the profit or loss as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014 2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities

Financial instruments held for trading

Other derivatives

6,983 646 18 2,006

Financial instruments at fair value through the profit and loss

3,334

Total

6,983 3,980 18 2,006

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

The valuation gains and losses on financial assets held for trading for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2013 2014 2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Valuation
gain
Valuation
loss
Valuation
gain
Valuation
loss
Valuation
gain
Valuation
loss

Currency swap

8,395

Currency forward

499

Interest rate swap

1

Other derivatives

3,546 611 1,006

Total

4,045 8,395 611 1,007

The valuation gains and losses on financial instruments at fair value through the profit or loss for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won)

2013 2014 2015

Profit (loss) foreign currency translation

42 (134 )

Profit (loss) on valuations

309 (398 )

Total

351 (532 )

The maximum exposure of debt securities of financial instruments at fair value through the profit or loss to credit risk is carrying value as of December 31, 2015.

The valuation gains and losses on financial liabilities at fair value for profit or loss for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2013 2014 2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Valuation
gain
Valuation
loss
Valuation
gain
Valuation
loss
Valuation
gain
Valuation
loss

Other derivatives liabilities

6 32 2,006

Total

6 32 2,006

The maximum exposure of debt securities of financial instruments at fair value through the profit or loss to credit risk is carrying value as of December 31, 2015.

Derivatives used for hedge as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014 2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities

Interest rate swap 1

601 2,859

Currency swap 2

41,540 121,411 137,100 58,284

Currency forwards 3

1,988 1,740

Total

41,540 122,012 139,088 62,883

Less: non-current

(34,198 ) (107,667 ) (139,088 ) (19,238 )

Current

7,342 14,345 43,645

1 The interest rate swap contract is to hedge the risk of variability in future fair value of the bond.

2 The currency swap contract is to hedge the risk of variability in cash flow from the bond. In applying the cash flow hedge accounting, the Group hedges its exposures to cash flow fluctuation until September 7, 2034.

3 The currency forward contract is to hedge the risk of variability in cash flow from transactions in foreign currencies due to changes in foreign exchange rate.

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

The full value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability if the remaining maturity of the hedged item is more than 12 months and, as a current asset or liability, if the maturity of the hedged item is less than 12 months.

The valuation gains and losses on the derivatives contracts for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean
won)

2013 2014 2015

Type of Transaction

Valuation
gain
Valuation
loss
Accumulated
other

comprehensive
income(loss) 1
Valuation
gain
Valuation
loss
Accumulated
other

comprehensive
income 1
Valuation
gain
Valuation
loss
Accumulated
other

comprehensive
income(loss) 1

Interest rate swap

405 334 (2,858 )

Currency swap

127 97,289 (95,792 ) 93,235 25,356 22,080 141,512 1,733 150,255

Currency forwards

247

Total

127 97,289 (95,387 ) 93,235 25,356 22,414 141,512 1,733 147,644

1 The amounts before adjustments of deferred income tax directly reflected in equity and allocation to the non-controlling interest.

The ineffective portion recognized in profit or loss on the cash flow hedge is valuation income of 2,663 million for the current year (2013: valuation income of 1,241 million, 2014: valuation income of 1,178 million).

Details of available-for-sale financial assets as of December 31, 2014, and 2015 are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Marketable equity securities

55,631 41,202

Non-marketable equity securities

442,055 297,447

Marketable debt securities

10,301

Non-marketable debt securities

17,569 21,388

Total

525,556 360,037

Less: non-current

(509,253 ) (342,562 )

Current

16,303 17,475

Changes of available-for-sale financial assets for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2015 are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Beginning

547,627 525,556

Acquisition

78,095 99,111

Disposal

(138,394 ) (222,103 )

Valuation 1

51,894 62,508

Impairment 2

(70,022 ) (1,471 )

Reclassification 3

48,684 125

Changes in scope of consolidation

7,672 (103,689 )

Ending

525,556 360,037

1 The amount before adjustment of deferred income tax directly reflected in equity and allocation to the non-controlling interest.

2 Includes impairment losses of 48,684 million on KT ENGCORE Co., Ltd. (formerly KT ENS Corporation) recognized in 2014.

3 During the year ended December 31, 2014, KT ENGCORE Co., Ltd. (formerly KT ENS Corporation) was reclassified to available-for-sale financial securities from investment in subsidiaries due to the commencement of rehabilitation procedures.

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

The maximum exposure of debt securities of available-for-sale financial assets to credit risk is carrying value as of December 31, 2015.

Available-for-sale financial assets are measured at fair value. However, non-marketable equity securities that do not have quoted market prices in an active market and the fair value of which cannot be reliably measured are recognized at cost and the impairment loss is recognized if any.

None of the available-for-sale financial assets are past due and the impaired assets amount to 17,882 million as of December 31, 2015.

Investment in Korea Software Financial Cooperative amounting to 1,000 million is provided as collateral as consideration for payment guarantees provided by Korea Software Financial Cooperative (Note 20).

9.    Inventories

Inventories as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014 2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Acquisition
cost
Valuation
allowance
Book
Value
Acquisition
cost
Valuation
allowance
Book
Value

Merchandise

445,644 (62,902 ) 382,742 580,761 (66,996 ) 513,765

Others

36,474 (333 ) 36,141 103,501 (355 ) 103,146

Total

482,118 (63,235 ) 418,883 684,262 (67,351 ) 616,911

Cost of inventories recognized as expenses for year ended December 31, 2015, amounts to 3,760,892 million (2013: 3,676,307 million, 2014: 3,823,397 million) and valuation loss on inventory recognized amounts to 4,116 million for year ended December 31, 2015 (2013: valuation loss of 88,946 million, 2014: reversal of valuation allowance of 59,973 million).

10.    Other Assets and Liabilities

Other assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Other assets

Advance payments

126,674 148,037

Prepaid expenses

284,887 244,890

Others

10,095 26,336

Less: Non-current

(72,041 ) (102,359 )

Current

349,615 316,904

Other liabilities

Advances received

193,900 234,575

Withholdings

100,345 46,769

Unearned revenue

22,208 15,363

Others

889 41,200

Less: Non-current

(38,590 ) (26,737 )

Current

278,752 311,170

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

11.    Property, Plant and Equipment

The changes in property, plant and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014

(in millions of Korean won)

Land Buildings
and
structures
Machinery
and
equipment
Others Construction-
in-progress
Total

Acquisition cost

1,253,612 3,270,339 32,103,084 4,232,627 1,092,155 41,951,817

Accumulated depreciation (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

(132 ) (1,210,369 ) (22,209,359 ) (2,131,245 ) (13,748 ) (25,564,853 )

Balance at 2014.1.1

1,253,480 2,059,970 9,893,725 2,101,382 1,078,407 16,386,964

Acquisition

4,293 255,419 1,129,330 2,268,594 3,657,636

Disposal/Abandonment

(8,781 ) (16,972 ) (171,691 ) (182,466 ) (16,759 ) (396,669 )

Depreciation

(105,402 ) (2,450,216 ) (635,282 ) (3,190,900 )

Transfer in (out)

24,072 75,422 2,295,290 83,380 (2,478,164 )

Inclusion in scope of consolidation

8,657 4,189 2,921 3,024 18,791

Exclusion from scope of consolidation

(4,234 ) (5,064 ) (3,462 ) (2,493 ) (15,253 )

Others

14,495 (7,186 ) 11,683 (1,245 ) (10,120 ) 7,627

Balance at 2014.12.31

1,287,689 2,009,250 9,833,669 2,495,630 841,958 16,468,196

Acquisition cost

1,287,821 3,345,587 33,390,640 4,806,849 845,662 43,676,559

Accumulated depreciation (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

(132 ) (1,336,337 ) (23,556,971 ) (2,311,219 ) (3,704 ) (27,208,363 )

2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Land Buildings
and
structures
Machinery
and
equipment
Others Construction-
in-progress
Total

Acquisition cost

1,287,821 3,345,587 33,390,640 4,806,849 845,662 43,676,559

Accumulated depreciation (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

(132 ) (1,336,337 ) (23,556,971 ) (2,311,219 ) (3,704 ) (27,208,363 )

Balance at 2015.1.1

1,287,689 2,009,250 9,833,669 2,495,630 841,958 16,468,196

Acquisition

34,686 10,564 445,452 258,094 2,563,372 3,312,168

Disposal/Abandonment

(423 ) (797 ) (139,687 ) (8,294 ) (3,787 ) (152,988 )

Depreciation

(117,328 ) (2,674,339 ) (190,630 ) (2,982,297 )

Impairment

(28,206 ) (2,270 ) (1,831 ) (32,307 )

Transfer in (out)

10,134 230,535 2,064,871 67,483 (2,373,023 )

Inclusion in scope of consolidation

15 177 139 990 187 1,508

Exclusion from scope of consolidation 1

(37,314 ) (25,743 ) (638 ) (2,079,426 ) (237 ) (2,143,358 )

Others

(7,170 ) (7,614 ) 7,532 9,406 5,838 7,992

Balance at 2015.12.31

1,287,617 2,099,044 9,508,793 550,983 1,032,477 14,478,914

Acquisition cost

1,287,749 3,558,460 34,388,584 1,951,749 1,033,777 42,220,319

Accumulated depreciation (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

(132 ) (1,459,416 ) (24,879,791 ) (1,400,766 ) (1,300 ) (27,741,405 )

1 As a result of the disposal of KT Capital and KT Rental, which were the Company’s subsidiaries, other in property, plant and equipment decreased by 1 billion and 2,078 billion respectively during the year ended December 31, 2015.

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Details of property, plant and equipment provided as collateral as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014

(in millions of Korean won)

Carrying
amount
Secured
amount
Related
line item
Related
amount
Secured
party

Land/Buildings

12,839 12,000 Borrowings 10,000 Standard Chartered Bank

Buildings

10,875 7,800 Borrowings 6,000 Hana Bank
2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Carrying
amount
Secured
amount
Related
line item
Related
amount
Secured
party

Land/Buildings

12,529 12,000 Borrowings 8,000 Standard Chartered Bank

Buildings

57,374 42,192 Borrowings 35,835 Shinhan Bank

The borrowing costs capitalized for qualifying assets amount to 11,877 million (2014: 14,493 million) in 2015. The interest rate applied to calculate the capitalized borrowing costs in 2015 is 2.46% to 4.07% (2014: 3.56% to 4.05%).

12.    Investment Property

The changes in investment property for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014

(in millions of Korean won)

Land Buildings Construction-
in-progress
Total

Acquisition cost

328,964 1,015,079 3,778 1,347,821

Accumulated depreciation

(242,326 ) (242,326 )

Beginning

328,964 772,753 3,778 1,105,495

Acquisition

4,443 15,600 20,043

Disposal/Abandonment

(1,487 ) (5,740 ) (7,227 )

Depreciation

(51,446 ) (51,446 )

Transfer

(11,683 ) 4,448 (7,235 )

Ending

315,794 724,458 19,378 1,059,630

Acquisition cost

315,794 1,003,031 19,378 1,338,203

Accumulated depreciation

(278,573 ) (278,573 )

2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Land Buildings Construction-
in-progress
Total

Acquisition cost

315,794 1,003,031 19,378 1,338,203

Accumulated depreciation

(278,573 ) (278,573 )

Beginning

315,794 724,458 19,378 1,059,630

Acquisition

26,194 17,210 55,621 99,025

Disposal/Abandonment

(4,436 ) (4,436 )

Depreciation

(48,524 ) (48,524 )

Transfer

6,828 (1,636 ) (791 ) 4,401

Changes in scope of consolidation

(8,026 ) (8,026 )

Ending

340,790 687,072 74,208 1,102,070

Acquisition cost

340,790 1,011,236 74,208 1,426,234

Accumulated depreciation

(324,164 ) (324,164 )

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

The fair value of investment property is 2,645,246 million as of December 31, 2015 (2014: 2,277,234 million). The fair value of investment property is estimated based on the expected cash flow.

Rental income from investment property is 184,819 million in 2015 (2014: 216,976 million) and direct operating expenses (including repairs and maintenance) arising from investment property that generated rental income during the period are recognized as operating expenses.

Details of investment property provided as collateral as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014

(in millions of Korean won)

Carrying
amount
Secured
amount
Collateral for Amount of deposits
received

Buildings

10,773 6,773 borrowings 5,210

Buildings

345,281 47,350 Deposits received 34,675

(In millions of Korean won)

2015
Carrying
amount
Secured
amount
Collateral for Amount of deposits
received

Buildings

634,028 66,034 Deposits 55,765

13.    Intangible Assets

The changes in intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014

(in millions of Korean won)

Goodwill Development
costs
Software Frequency
usage rights
Others Total

Acquisition cost

610,715 1,359,478 681,176 2,768,943 1,100,540 6,520,852

Accumulated amortization (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

(18,376 ) (811,404 ) (418,860 ) (1,041,737 ) (403,082 ) (2,693,459 )

Balance at 2014.1.1

592,339 548,074 262,316 1,727,206 697,458 3,827,393

Acquisition

286,516 95,781 51,633 433,930

Disposal

(1,519 ) (16,713 ) (2,205 ) (6,359 ) (26,796 )

Amortization

(171,817 ) (101,344 ) (253,588 ) (85,669 ) (612,418 )

Impairment

(11,693 ) (5,210 ) (69,428 ) (944 ) (87,275 )

Inclusion in scope of consolidation

733 1,363 13,548 15,644

Exclusion in scope of consolidation

(3,297 ) (4,960 ) (2,052 ) (10,309 )

Others

621 7,191 (2,080 ) (1,868 ) 3,864

Balance at 2014.12.31

579,748 650,687 243,661 1,404,190 665,747 3,544,033

Acquisition cost

609,817 1,589,994 747,343 2,768,943 1,154,915 6,871,012

Accumulated amortization (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

(30,069 ) (939,307 ) (503,682 ) (1,364,753 ) (489,168 ) (3,326,979 )

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Goodwill Development
costs
Software Frequency
usage rights
Others Total

Acquisition cost

609,817 1,589,994 747,343 2,768,943 1,154,915 6,871,012

Accumulated amortization (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

(30,069 ) (939,307 ) (503,682 ) (1,364,753 ) (489,168 ) (3,326,979 )

Balance at 2015.1.1

579,748 650,687 243,661 1,404,190 665,747 3,544,033

Acquisition

549 41,108 67,640 7,722 91,374 208,393

Disposal

(1,272 ) (28,645 ) (4,251 ) (33,651 ) (67,819 )

Amortization

(183,845 ) (76,866 ) (254,439 ) (94,035 ) (609,185 )

Impairment 1

(100,352 ) (2,200 ) (184,703 ) (5,090 ) (292,345 )

Inclusion in scope of consolidation

306 160 466

Exclusion in scope of consolidation

(136,332 ) (19,916 ) (3,799 ) (29,321 ) (189,368 )

Others

2,154 6,893 (3,471 ) 5,576

Balance at 2015.12.31

342,341 461,543 231,384 972,770 591,713 2,599,751

Acquisition cost

449,379 1,487,420 805,387 2,591,229 1,109,085 6,442,500

Accumulated amortization (including accumulated impairment loss and others)

(107,038 ) (1,025,877 ) (574,003 ) (1,618,459 ) (517,372 ) (3,842,749 )

1 The amount 184,703 million is recognized as an impairment loss on intangible assets related to 800MHz frequency usage rights.

The carrying value of facility usage rights with indefinite useful life not subject to amortization is 122,829 million (2014: 149,832 million) as of December 31, 2015.

Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash-generating unit which is identified by operating segments. As of December 31, 2015, goodwill allocated to each cash-generation unit is as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

Customer/Marketing

Telecom wireless business 1

65,057

Finance

BC Card Co., Ltd. 2

41,234

Others

KT Skylife Co., Ltd 2

209,800

KT Music Corporation and others

26,250

Total

342,341

1 The recoverable amounts of mobile business are calculated based on value-in use calculations. These calculations use cash flow projections for the next five years based on financial budgets. Cash flow exceeds the financial budgets are estimated by the expected growth rate. This growth rate does not exceed the long-term average growth rate of the industry which the cash-generate unit belongs in. The Group estimated its revenue growth rate 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 used are reflect specific risks relating to the relevant CGUs.

2

The recoverable amounts of BC Card Co., Ltd., and KT Skylife Co., Ltd. are calculated based on value-in use calculations. These calculations use cash flow projections for the next five years based on financial budgets. Cash flow that exceeds the financial budgets is projected by expected growth rate. This growth rate does not exceed the long-term average growth rate of the industry which the cash-generate unit belongs in. The Group estimated its revenue growth rate based on past performance and its expectation of future market changes. The Group determined cash flow projections based on past

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

performance and its estimation of market growth. Specific risk of related operating segment is reflected in its discount rate. As a result of the impairment test, the Group recognized the impairment losses of 96,503 million on goodwill allocated to KT Skylife Co., Ltd. by which the carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount, and recognized the losses as operating expenses in the consolidated statement of the income.

As a result of the impairment test, the Group recognized the impairment losses of 3,849 million on goodwill allocated to KT Powertel Co., Ltd. and others, and recognized the losses as other expenses in the consolidated statement of the income. The Group considers that the carrying value of other cash generating units does not exceed the recoverable amount of the CGUs.

14.    Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures

Details of associates as of December 31, 2015, are as follows:

Percentage of
ownership (%)
Location Date of financial
statements
2014 2015

Korea Information & Technology Fund

33.3 % 33.3 % Korea 31-Dec

KT-SB Venture Investment 1

50.0 % 50.0 % Korea 31-Dec

Mongolian Telecommunications

40.0 % 40.0 % Mongolia 31-Dec

KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd.

26.2 % 26.2 % Korea 31-Dec

KT-CKP New Media Investment Fund

49.7 % 49.7 % Korea 31-Dec

QTT Global (Group) Company Limited

25.0 % 25.0 % China 31-Dec

1 At the end of the reporting period, even though the Group has 50% ownership, the equity method of accounting has been applied as the Group, which is a limited partner of investment fund, cannot participate in determining the operating and financial policies.

The changes in investments in associates and joint ventures for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014

(in millions of Korean won)

Beginning Acquisition
(Disposal)
Reclassification Share in income (loss)
of jointly controlled
entities and associates 1
Others Ending

ktcs Corporation 2

22,180 (22,505) 1,703 (1,378 )

ktis Corporation 3

23,328 (24,343 ) 1,766 (751 )

Korea Information & Technology Fund

123,782 (42 ) (773 ) 122,967

KT-SB Venture Investment

15,930 (1,938 ) 13,302 (4,737 ) 22,557

Mongolian Telecommunications

8,696 97 (1,316 ) 7,477

KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd.

67,553 938 68,491

KT-CKP new media Investment Fund

2,177 2,250 (441 ) 3,986

QTT Global (Group) Company Limited

13,115 222 (361 ) 12,976

How Smartmall Private Special Asset Investment Trust

28,406 2,747 (3,523 ) 27,630

Others

58,736 (12,203 ) 4,069 22,094 72,696

Total

363,903 (11,891 ) (46,848 ) 24,361 9,255 338,780

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Beginning Acquisition
(Disposal)
Reclassification Share in income (loss)
of joint ventures and
associates 1
Others Ending

Korea Information & Technology Fund

122,967 3,696 920 127,583

KT-SB Venture Investment

22,557 (3,691 ) (2,210 ) (11,795 ) 4,861

Mongolian Telecommunications

7,477 (121 ) 127 7,483

KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd.

68,491 843 (6 ) 69,328

KT-CKP New Media Investment Fund

3,986 (126 ) 3,860

QTT Global (Group) Company Limited

12,976 102 99 13,177

Others

100,326 (64,601 ) 3,378 4,634 43,737

Total

338,780 (68,292 ) 5,562 (6,021 ) 270,029

1 KT Investment Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Group, recognizes its share in income (loss) from joint ventures and associates as operating revenue and expense. These include its share in the income of joint ventures and associates of 96 million recognized as operating revenue and its share in the loss of joint ventures and associates of 484 million (2014: 499 million) recognized as operating expense. Meanwhile, the share in loss of 193 million (2013: income of 3,621 million, 2014: income of 6,163 million) recognized by KT Capital Corporation, a subsidiary sold in the current period, is classified as discontinued operations.

2 As the Group obtained control over the entity in 2014, the entity was reclassified as a consolidated subsidiary. As a result of the reclassification, the Group recognized the difference of 2,469 million between the fair value of 22,907 million and the book value of 25,376 million (including reclassification adjustment of accumulated other comprehensive income of 2,871 million) as other expense.

3 As the Group obtained control over the entity in 2014, the entity was reclassified as a consolidated subsidiary. As a result of the reclassification, the Group recognized the difference of 4,667 million between the fair value of 21,992 million and the book value of 26,659 million (including reclassification adjustment of accumulated other comprehensive income of 2,316 million) as other expense.

The summary of financial information of associates and joint ventures as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015 is as follows:

2014

(In millions of Korean won)

Current
assets
Non-current
assets
Current
liabilities
Non-current
liabilities

Korea Information & Technology Fund

122,026 246,874

KT-SB Venture Investment

22,402 23,368 656

Mongolian Telecommunications

12,636 10,648 4,591

KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd.

205,147 61,068 4,960 40

KT-CKP New Media Investment Fund

4,588 3,441 4

QTT Global (Group) Company Limited

15,439 414

How Smartmall Private Special Asset Investment Trust

37,412 875

2014

(In millions of Korean won)

Operating
revenue
Net profit
(loss)
Other
comprehensive
income (loss)
Total
comprehensive
income (loss)
Dividends
received from
associates

Korea Information & Technology Fund

10,411 (128 ) (835 ) (963 ) 494

KT-SB Venture Investment

1,056 26,603 26,603 4,238

Mongolian Telecommunications

8,745 242 242

KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd.

1,237 3,555 3,555

KT-CKP New Media Investment Fund

89 (888 ) 80 (808 )

QTT Global (Group) Company Limited

9,462 887 (156 ) 731

How Smartmall Private Special Asset Investment Trust

3,580 3,401 3,401 2,767

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

2015

(In millions of Korean won)

Current
assets
Non-current
assets
Current
liabilities
Non-current
liabilities

Korea Information & Technology Fund

152,070 230,678

KT-SB Venture Investment

882 9,218 378

Mongolian Telecommunications

19,343 635

KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd.

230,505 39,062 5,099 37

KT-CKP New Media Investment Fund

3,253 4,523 4

QTT Global (Group) Company Limited

18,942 1,008 1,278

2015

(In millions of Korean won)

Operating
revenue
Net profit
(loss)
Other
comprehensive
income (loss)
Total
comprehensive
income (loss)
Dividends
received from
associates

Korea Information & Technology Fund

33,041 11,088 (2,759 ) 8,329

KT-SB Venture Investment

361 (4,419 ) (3,036 ) 11,795

Mongolian Telecommunications

11,354 (302 ) (317 ) (619 )

KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd.

814 3,217 3,227

KT-CKP New Media Investment Fund

75 (254 ) (254 )

QTT Global (Group) Company Limited

10,173 409 (394 ) 15

Details of a reconciliation of the summarized financial information to the carrying amount of interests in the associates and joint ventures as of and for the years end December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014

(in millions of Korean won)

Net assets Percentage
of
ownership
Share in net
assets
Goodwill Intercompany
transaction
and others
Book value

Korea Information & Technology Fund

368,900 33.3 % 122,967 122,967

KT-SB Venture Investment

45,114 50.0 % 22,557 22,557

Mongolian Telecommunications

18,693 40.0 % 7,477 7,477

KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd.

261,215 26.2 % 68,491 68,491

KT-CKP New Media Investment Fund

8,025 49.7 % 3,986 3,986

QTT Global (Group) Company Limited

15,853 25.0 % 3,963 9,013 12,976

How Smartmall Private Special Asset Investment Trust

36,537 80.8 % 29,511 (1,881 ) 27,630

2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Net assets Percentage
of
ownership
Share in net
assets
Goodwill Book value

Korea Information & Technology Fund

382,748 33.3 % 127,583 127,583

KT-SB Venture Investment

9,722 50.0 % 4,861 4,861

Mongolian Telecommunications

18,708 40.0 % 7,483 7,483

KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd.

264,431 26.2 % 69,328 69,328

KT-CKP New Media Investment Fund

7,772 49.7 % 3,860 3,860

QTT Global (Group) Company Limited

16,656 25.0 % 4,164 9,013 13,177

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Marketable investments in associates and joint ventures as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014
Number of
shares
Book Value
(In millions of
Korean won)
Fair Value
(In millions of
Korean won)

Mongolian Telecommunications

10,348,111 7,477 8,247

2015
Number of
shares
Book Value
(In millions of
Korean won)
Fair Value
(In millions of
Korean won)

Mongolian Telecommunications

10,348,111 7,483 4,884

Due to the suspension of the equity method, the Group has not recognized loss from associates and joint ventures of 601 million for the year (2013: 17,428 million, 2014: 11,425 million). The accumulated comprehensive loss of joint ventures and associates as of December 31, 2015, which was not recognized by the Group is 51,597 million (2013: 39,571 million, 2014: 50,996 million).

15.    Trade and other payables

The Group’s trade and other payables as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Current liabilities

Trade payables

1,200,032 1,290,373

Other payables

5,208,079 4,983,479

Total

6,408,111 6,273,852

Non-current liabilities

Trade payables

6,457 9,944

Other payables

902,735 564,007

Total

909,192 573,951

Details of other payables as of December 31, 2014 and 2015 are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Non-trade payables 1

3,768,923 3,581,505

Accrued expenses

949,392 921,650

Operating deposits

886,165 885,566

Others

576,334 158,765

Less: non-current

(902,735 ) (564,007 )

Current

5,208,079 4,983,479

1 Settlement payables of BC Card Co., Ltd. of 1,386,081 million related to credit card transactions included as of December 31, 2015 (2014: 1,331,249 million).

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

16. Bonds Payable and Borrowings

Details of bonds payable and borrowings as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

Bonds Payable

(In millions of Korean won and
foreign currencies in thousands)

2014 2015

Type

Maturity

Annual interest
rates
Foreign
currency
Korean won Foreign
currency
Korean won

MTNP notes 1

Sep. 07, 2034 6.50 % USD 100,000 109,920 USD 100,000 117,200

MTNP notes 1

July 15, 2015 USD 400,000 439,680

MTNP notes 1

May 03, 2016 5.88 % USD 200,000 219,840 USD 200,000 234,400

MTNP notes

Jan. 20, 2017 3.88 % USD 350,000 384,720 USD 350,000 410,200

FR notes 2

Aug. 28, 2018 LIBOR(3M)+1.15 % USD 300,000 329,760 USD 300,000 351,600

MTNP notes

Jan. 29, 2015 JPY 5,000,000 46,007

MTNP notes

Jan. 29, 2016 0.70 % JPY 18,200,000 167,465 JPY 18,200,000 176,906

MTNP notes

Jan. 29, 2018 0.86 % JPY 6,800,000 62,570 JPY 6,800,000 66,097

MTNP notes

Apr. 22, 2017 1.75 % USD 650,000 714,480 USD 650,000 761,800

MTNP notes

Apr. 22, 2019 2.63 % USD 350,000 384,720 USD 350,000 410,200

MTNP notes

Feb. 23, 2018 0.48 % JPY 15,000,000 145,802

The 167-2nd Public bond

Apr. 20, 2015 100,000

The 168-2nd Public bond

June 21, 2015 90,000

The 173-2nd Public bond

Aug. 06, 2018 6.62 % 100,000 100,000

The 176-3rd Public bond

May 28, 2016 5.24 % 260,000 260,000

The 177-2nd Public bond

Feb. 09, 2015 190,000

The 177-3rd Public bond

Feb. 09, 2017 5.38 % 170,000 170,000

The 179th Public bond

Mar. 29, 2018 4.47 % 260,000 260,000

The 180-1st Public bond

Apr. 26, 2016 4.35 % 210,000 210,000

The 180-2nd Public bond

Apr. 26, 2021 4.71 % 380,000 380,000

The 181-1st Public bond

Aug. 26, 2016 3.94 % 260,000 260,000

The 181-2nd Public bond

Aug. 26, 2018 3.99 % 90,000 90,000

The 181-3rd Public bond

Aug. 26, 2021 4.09 % 250,000 250,000

The 182-1st Public bond

Oct. 28, 2016 4.11 % 320,000 320,000

The 182-2nd Public bond

Oct. 28, 2021 4.31 % 100,000 100,000

The 183-1st Public bond

Dec. 22, 2016 3.81 % 50,000 50,000

The 183-2nd Public bond

Dec. 22, 2021 4.09 % 90,000 90,000

The 183-3rd Public bond

Dec. 22, 2031 4.27 % 160,000 160,000

The 184-1st Public bond

Apr. 10, 2018 2.74 % 120,000 120,000

The 184-2nd Public bond

Apr. 10, 2023 2.95 % 190,000 190,000

The 184-3rd Public bond

Apr. 10, 2033 3.17 % 100,000 100,000

The 185-1st Public bond

Sep. 16, 2018 3.46 % 200,000 200,000

The 185-2nd Public bond

Sep. 16, 2020 3.65 % 300,000 300,000

The 186-1st Public bond

June 26, 2017 2.86 % 120,000 120,000

The 186-2nd Public bond

June 26, 2019 3.08 % 170,000 170,000

The 186-3rd Public bond

June 26.2024 3.42 % 110,000 110,000

The 186-4th Public bond

June 26, 2034 3.70 % 100,000 100,000

The 187-1st Public bond

Sep. 02, 2017 2.69 % 110,000 110,000

The 187-2nd Public bond

Sep. 02, 2019 2.97 % 220,000 220,000

The 187-3rd Public bond

Sep. 02, 2024 3.31 % 170,000 170,000

The 187-4th Public bond

Sep. 02, 2034 3.55 % 100,000 100,000

The 188-1st Public bond

Jan. 29, 2020 2.26 % 160,000

The 188-2nd Public bond

Jan. 29, 2025 2.45 % 240,000

The 188-3rd Public bond

Jan. 29, 2035 2.71 % 50,000

The 32-3rd Public bond

Jan. 22, 2015 30,000

The 33rd Public bond

Feb. 11, 2015 50,000

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

(In millions of Korean won and
foreign currencies in thousands)

2014 2015

Type

Maturity

Annual interest
rates
Foreign
currency
Korean won Foreign
currency
Korean won

The 36-3rd Public bond

Apr. 30, 2015 20,000

The 40-3rd Public bond

Aug. 10, 2015 20,000

The 42-3rd Public bond

Nov. 22, 2015 10,000

The 43-2nd Public bond

Jan. 28, 2015 10,000

The 43-3rd Public bond

Jan. 28, 2016 30,000

The 46-3rd Public bond

May 26, 2015 20,000

The 46-4th Public bond

May 26, 2016 20,000

The 48th Public bond

Aug. 11, 2016 10,000

The 50-2nd Public bond

Sep. 21, 2016 5,000

The 51-2nd Public bond

Sep. 30, 2016 20,000

The 55-2nd Public bond

Nov. 16, 2015 20,000

The 55-3rd Public bond

Nov. 16, 2016 5,000

The 57-2nd Public bond

Jan. 05, 2016 20,000

The 57-3rd Public bond

Jan. 05, 2017 30,000

The 58-2nd Public bond

July 10, 2015 20,000

The 59-1st Public bond

May 25, 2015 20,000

The 59-2nd Public bond

May 25, 2016 20,000

The 59-3rd Public bond

May 25, 2017 40,000

The 60th Public bond

July 13, 2015 40,000

The 61st Public bond

Sep. 22, 2017 45,000

Asset backed short-term bond

Feb. 27, 2015 25,000

The 62-1st Public bond

Aug. 27, 2015 20,000

The 62-2nd Public bond

Oct. 11, 2017 50,000

The 63rd Public bond

Sep. 27, 2017 40,000

The 64-1st Public bond

Oct. 29, 2015 20,000

The 64-2nd Public bond

Dec. 21, 2017 50,000

The 65th Public bond

Mar. 22, 2018 55,000

The 66th Public bond

Apr. 02, 2018 54,000

The 67-1st Public bond

Mar. 22, 2017 30,000

The 67-2nd Public bond

Mar. 22, 2018 40,000

The 67-3rd Public bond

Mar. 22, 2020 20,000

The 68-1st Public bond

Apr. 30, 2016 40,000

The 68-2nd Public bond

Apr. 30, 2017 10,000

The 69-2nd Public bond

June 27, 2016 20,000

The 69-3rd Public bond

June 27, 2018 20,000

The 70-1st Public bond

Oct. 28, 2016 40,000

The 70-2nd Public bond

Oct. 28, 2018 10,000

The 71-1st Public bond

Nov. 29, 2016 10,000

The 71-2nd Public bond

Nov. 29, 2020 30,000

The 72-1st Public bond

Dec. 23, 2015 10,000

The 72-2nd Public bond

Dec. 23, 2016 30,000

The 73-1st Public bond

Mar. 17, 2016 30,000

The 73-2nd Public bond

Sep. 17, 2017 20,000

The 74th Public bond

Oct. 02, 2017 50,000

The 75-1st Public bond

Nov. 23, 2015 50,000

The 75-2nd Public bond

Nov. 21, 2017 50,000

Asset backed short-term bond

Jan. 13, 2015 10,000

Unsecured private convertible bond

Jan. 20, 2016 15,000

Unsecured public bond in won

Jan. 24, 2016 3.43 % 30,000 30,000

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

(In millions of Korean won and
foreign currencies in thousands)

2014 2015

Type

Maturity

Annual interest
rates
Foreign
currency
Korean won Foreign
currency
Korean won

The 16 th unsecured bond

Apr. 23, 2015 80,000

The 17 th unsecured bond

Apr. 22, 2018 1.89 % 60,000

The 2nd convertible preferred stock

Oct. 17, 2015 2,100

The 28-2nd Public bond

Apr. 05, 2016 65,000

The 29th Public bond

Sep. 05, 2016 45,000

The 31-1st Public bond

June 15,2015 100,000

Unsecured private convertible bond

Sep. 30, 2018 179

The 32-1st Public bond

Nov. 20, 2015 100,000

The 32-2nd Public bond

Nov. 20, 2017 100,000

The 33rd Public bond

Mar. 21, 2018 53,000

The 31-2nd Public bond

June 15, 2017 100,000

The 34th Public bond

Mar. 21, 2018 54,000

The 36th Public bond

June 21, 2018 50,000

The 37th Public bond

June 21, 2018 50,000

The 38-1st Public bond

Nov. 20, 2015 40,000

The 38-2nd Public bond

Nov. 20, 2016 60,000

The 39-1st Public bond

Aug. 28, 2017 150,000

The 39-2nd Public bond

Aug. 28, 2019 50,000

The 40-1st Public bond

Oct. 31, 2017 50,000

The 40-2nd Public bond

Oct. 31, 2019 50,000

10,532,441 7,924,205

Less: Current portion

(1,597,732 ) (1,540,771 )

Discount on bonds

(28,258 ) (20,480 )

Add: Premium on bonds redemption

1,483

Conversion right adjustment

12

Total

8,907,946 6,362,954

1 As of December 31, 2015, the Controlling Company has outstanding notes in the amount of USD 300 million with fixed interest rates under Medium Term Note Program (“MTNP”) registered in the Singapore Stock Exchange, which allowed issuance of notes of up to USD 2,000 million. However, the MTN Program has been suspended since 2007.

2 Libor (3M) are approximately 0.612 % as of December 31, 2015.

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Short-term borrowings

(In millions of Korean won and

foreign currencies in thousands)

2014 2015

Financial institution

Type

Annual
interest rates as
Foreign
Currency
Korean
won
Foreign
Currency
Korean
Won

Shinhan Bank

Commercial papers 140,000
Commercial papers VND 32,000,000 1,667
Commercial papers USD 2,000 2,198
General loan 3.42 % 101,200 100,000
Credit loan 12,383
Usance 2.54%~3.77 % 19,000 31,000
Facility loans 40,000

Standard Chartered Bank

Secured loans 2.86 % 10,000 8,000

Samsung Securities

Commercial papers 50,000

Korea Investment & Securities Co., Ltd.

Commercial papers 230,000

Woori Bank

Commercial papers VND 61,756,000 3,218
General loans 1,246
Credit loan 3.97 % 346
Usance 2.67%~2.75 % 6,000

Korea Exchange Bank

Commercial papers 50,000
Credit loans 4,000
Revolving loan 2,000

Kookmin Bank

General loans 3,500
Facility loans 50,000
Credit loans 3.97 % 1,000 1,452
Commercial papers 25,000

Citibank

Usance 11,000

Korea Development Bank

Credit loans 3.52 % 10,000 15,000
General loans 80,000
Usance 2.25 % 5,100

IBK Bank

Credit loans 5.61 % 6,000 4,000

KT Capital

Credit loans 3.80%~4.95 % 3,900

NH Investment & Securities

Commercial papers 25,000

HYUNDAI Securities

Commercial papers 30,000

Woori Investment & Securities

Commercial papers 10,000

KTB Investment & Securities

Commercial papers 70,000

Hana Daetoo Securities Co., Ltd.

Commercial papers 5,000

NongHyup Bank

Facility loans 50,000

Shinyoung Securities Co., Ltd.

Commercial papers 55,000

UFJ Bank

LC JPY 194,236 1,943

Total

1,100,355 174,798

F-55


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Long-term borrowings

(In millions of Korean won and
foreign currencies in thousands)

2014 2015

Financial institution

Type Annual
interest rates
Foreign
currency
Korean
won
Foreign
currency
Korean
won

Shinhan Bank

Informatization
promotion funds 1
1,539
General loans 2.54%~4.20 % 21,000 32,000
Facility loans 2.50 % 100,320 2,497
Vessel facility loans 1.03 % USD 27,000 31,644

Export-Import Bank of Korea

Inter-Korean
Cooperation Fund 1
2.00 % 5,922 5,428

Korea Exchange Bank

General loans 25,210

National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives

General loans 50,000

NH Bank

General loans 58,000
Facility loans 2.00 % 183 123

Korea Development Bank

General loans 20,000
Facility loans 170,000

Industrial Bank of Korea

Facility loans 167

Samsung Securities

Commercial papers 100,000

HYUNDAI Securities

Commercial papers 160,000

IBK Securities

Commercial papers 50,000

Shinhan invest corp

Commercial papers 40,000

NH Investment & Security
Co., Ltd

Commercial papers 3.17 % 300,000 300,000

The Jeonbuk Bank Ltd

General loans 20,000
Facility loans 30,000

Others

Redeemable
convertible preferred
stock 2
56,768 950
Kookmin Bank

and other

2.11%~2.45 % 243 USD 156,768 183,732

1,209,352 556,374

Less: Current portion

(257,557 ) (10,529 )

Total 951,795 545,845

1 The above Informatization Promotion Funds are repayable in installments over three years after a two-year grace period, while Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund is repayable in installments over 13 years after a seven-year grace period.

2 Skylife TV Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Group, issued 1,900,000 of redeemable convertible preferred stock with a par value per share of 500 in 2010.

F-56


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Repayment schedule of the Group’s bonds payable and borrowings including the portion of current liabilities as of December 31, 2015, is as follows:

Bonds Borrowings Total

(in millions of

Korean won)

In local
currency
In foreign
currency
Sub-total In local
currency
In foreign
currency
Sub-total

2016

1,130,000 411,306 1,541,306 178,295 7,032 185,327 1,726,633

2017

400,000 1,172,000 1,572,000 1,936 42,203 44,139 1,616,139

2018

830,000 563,499 1,393,499 31,512 53,927 85,439 1,478,938

2019

390,000 410,200 800,200 300,518 53,927 354,445 1,154,645

Thereafter

2,500,000 117,200 2,617,200 3,535 58,287 61,822 2,679,022

Total

5,250,000 2,674,205 7,924,205 515,796 215,376 731,172 8,655,377

Book value and fair value of the Group’s bonds payable and borrowings as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014 2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Type

Book Value Fair Value Book Value Fair Value

Bonds payable

10,505,678 10,537,442 7,903,725 7,965,097

Long-term borrowings (Including current borrowings)

1,209,352 1,183,645 556,374 544,991

Short-term borrowings

1,100,355 1,100,355 174,798 174,798

Total

12,815,385 12,821,442 8,634,897 8,684,886

The fair values of bonds payable and long-term borrowings are calculated by discounting the expected future cash flows at weighted average borrowing rate. The weighted average borrowing rate is approximately 1.03% ~ 4.20% as of December 31, 2015 (2014: 3.36% ~ 4.28%).

17.    Provisions

The changes in provisions for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014

(in millions of Korean won)

Litigation Asset retirement
obligation
Others Total

Balance at 2014.1.1

50,912 105,279 92,125 248,316

Increase (Transfer)

4,574 5,515 61,342 71,431

Usage

(11,988 ) (4,022 ) (43,285 ) (59,295 )

Reversal

(23,259 ) (9,549 ) (9,963 ) (42,771 )

Changes in scope of consolidation

899 (711 ) 188

Balance at 2014.12.31

20,239 98,122 99,508 217,869

Current portion

20,239 718 90,482 111,439

Non-current portion

97,404 9,026 106,430

2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Litigation Asset retirement
obligation
Others Total

Balance at 2015.1.1

20,239 98,122 99,508 217,869

Increase (Transfer)

10,633 6,093 15,162 31,888

Usage

(6,860 ) (7,498 ) (23,625 ) (37,983 )

Reversal

(6,488 ) (4,890 ) (5,124 ) (16,502 )

Balance at 2015.12.31

17,524 91,827 85,921 195,272

Current portion

17,524 1,124 85,259 103,907

Non-current portion

90,703 662 91,365

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Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

18.    Net Defined Benefit Liabilities

The amounts recognized in the statements of financial position are determined as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Present value of defined benefit obligations

1,460,957 1,601,974

Fair value of plan assets

(867,119 ) (1,077,891 )

Liabilities

593,838 524,083

The changes in the defined benefit obligations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Beginning

1,636,593 1,460,957

Current service cost

184,870 200,994

Interest expense

48,863 40,641

Benefit paid

(131,796 ) (119,366 )

Losses on settlements of plan

666,299

Changes due to settlements of plan 1

(1,321,683 )

Remeasurements:

Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in demographic assumptions

27,745 (8,637 )

Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in financial assumptions

204,847 47,230

Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments

73,819 8,469

Changes in scope of Consolidation

71,400 (28,314 )

Ending

1,460,957 1,601,974

1 The payment of the benefits for voluntary retirement amounts to 1,215,407 million in 2014.

Changes in the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Beginning

1,050,510 867,119

Interest income

30,966 23,848

Remeasurements:

Return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in interest income)

(5,775 ) (2,901 )

Benefits paid

(61,085 ) (88,490 )

Changes due to settlements of plan 1

(381,501 )

Employer contributions

182,904 297,967

Changes in scope of consolidation

51,100 (19,652 )

Ending

867,119 1,077,891

1 The payment from the plan assets for voluntary retirement amounts to 307,268 million in 2014.

F-58


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Amounts recognized in the statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, 2013 are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2013 2014 2015

Current service cost

210,466 184,870 200,994

Net Interest cost

14,927 17,897 16,793

Losses on settlements

2,171 666,299

Transfer out

(10,502 ) (6,173 ) (11,942 )

Transfer to discontinued operation

(4,545 ) (5,721 ) (3,031 )

Total expenses

212,517 857,172 202,814

Principal actuarial assumptions used are as follows:

2013.12.31 2014.12.31 2015.12.31

Discount rate

3.10% ~ 4.05% 2.37% ~ 3.80% 1.95% ~ 2.70%

Future salary increase

2.10% ~ 8.44% 2.00% ~ 8.10% 1.12% ~ 7.27%

As of December 31, 2015, total amounts of the plan assets are invested in principal and interest-guaranteed financial instruments.

The sensitivity of the defined benefit obligations as of December 31, 2015, to changes in the weighted principal assumptions is:

Effect on defined benefit obligation

(in percentage, in millions of Korean won)

Changes in principal
assumption
Increase in principal
assumption
Decrease in principal
assumption

Discount rate

0.5 % point (69,064 ) 70,730

Salary growth rate

0.5 % point 67,813 (66,475 )

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 analyses are based on an 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.

The Group annually reviews funding levels of plan assets and has plan asset policies that require maintaining the funding level of the Group equal to or more than the level required under the Employee Retirement Benefit Security Act. Expected contributions to post-employment benefit plans for the year ending December 31, 2016, are 313,346 million.

Expected maturity analysis of undiscounted pension benefits as of December 31, 2015, is as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

Less than
1 year
Between
1 and 2 years
Between
2 and 5 years
Over
5 years
Total

Pension benefits

114,154 121,367 402,614 3,806,911 4,445,046

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligations is 9.8 years.

F-59


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

19.    Defined Contribution Plan

Recognized expense related to the defined contribution plan for the year ended December 31, 2015, is 35,699 million (2013: 23,857 million, 2014: 25,423 million).

20. Commitments and Contingencies

As of December 31, 2015, major commitments with local financial institutions are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won and

foreign currencies in thousands)

Financial institution

Currency Limit Used
amount

Bank overdraft

Kookmin Bank and others KRW 1,869,800 3,698

Commercial papers Factoring

KEB Hana Bank and others KRW 520,000 300,000

Collateralized loan on accounts receivable-trade

Kookmin Bank and others KRW 720,000 19,469

Plus electronic notes payable

Shinhan Bank KRW 50,000 374

Loans for working capital

Industrial Bank of Korea and others KRW 243,100 105,100
Woori Bank USD 960

Comprehensive credit line

KEB Hana Bank

KRW 35,000 4,030

Green energy factoring

Kookmin Bank and others KRW 387 185

FX forward trading commitment

Industrial Bank of Korea USD 11,500

Facility loans

Korea Development Bank and others KRW 40,000

Inter-Korea Cooperation Fund

Export-Import Bank of Korea KRW 37,700 5,428

Total

KRW 3,515,987 438,284
USD 12,460

As of December 31, 2015, guarantees received from financial institutions are as follows:

(In millions of Korean won and

foreign currencies in thousands)

Financial institution

Currency Limit

Performance guarantee

Seoul Guarantee Insurance

and others

KRW 97,482
USD 5,123
DZD 1 25,863

Guarantee for import letters of credit

Kookmin Bank and others USD 5,980

Guarantee for payment in foreign currency

KEB Hana Bank and others PLN 2 23,000
USD 87,242

Guarantee for payment in local currency

Woori Bank and others KRW 11,604

Guarantee for refund advance payments

Export-Import Bank of Korea USD 87,928

Bid guarantee

Korea Software Financial Cooperative KRW 74,945

Performance guarantee /Warranty guarantee

Korea Software Financial Cooperative KRW 227,385

Guarantee for advances received/others

Korea Software Financial Cooperative and others KRW 56,344

Warranty guarantee

Seoul Guarantee Insurance KRW 461

Guarantees for accounts receivable from the handset sales

Seoul Guarantee Insurance KRW 578,904

Guarantees for licensing

Seoul Guarantee Insurance KRW 12,581

Guarantees for deposits

Seoul Guarantee Insurance KRW 5,135

Guarantees for public sale

Seoul Guarantee Insurance KRW 80

Total

KRW 1,064,921
USD 186,273
DZD 1 25,863
PLN 2 23,000

1 Algeria Dinar.

2 Polish Zloty.

F-60


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

As of December 31, 2015, guarantees provided by the Group for third parties, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

Creditor Limit Used amount Period

Individuals with the right of ownership of Gyeryeong Rishivill II Apartment

Shinhan Bank 50,000 49,748

Jun. 10, 2014

~ May 31, 2016


Individuals with the right of ownership of Busan Lotte Castle Blue Ocean Apartment

Shinhan Bank 56,550 9,395

July 31, 2015

~Nov. 30, 2017


The Controlling Company is jointly and severally obligated with KT Sat Co., Ltd. to pay KT Sat Co., Ltd.’s liabilities prior to spin-off. As of December 31, 2015, the Company and KT Sat Co., Ltd. are jointly and severally liable for reimbursement of 6,951 million.

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company entered into agreements with the Securitization Specialty Companies Olleh KT Nineteenth to Twenty-fourth Securitization Specialty Co., Ltd. (2014: Olleh KT Thirteenth to Eighteenth Securitization Specialty Co., Ltd.), and disposed of its trade receivables related to handset sales. The Company also entered into asset management agreements with each securitization specialty company and will receive the related management fees.

As of December 31, 2015, the Group is a defendant in 194 lawsuits, with an aggregate amount of 85,833 million (2014: 230,006 million). As of December 31, 2015, litigation provisions of 17,524 million for various pending lawsuits and unasserted claims are recorded as liabilities for potential loss in the ordinary course of business. The Group cannot yet predict the final outcomes of the cases because these matters involve significant uncertainties related to the legal theory or the nature of the claims as well as the complexity of the facts.

On March 6, 2014, the website of the Controlling Company was accessed by hackers and personal information of the customers was stolen. There are lawsuits against the Controlling Company over this breach seeking damages of approximately 6,661 million. The resolution of the lawsuit cannot yet be reasonably predicted. Also, there may be more lawsuits to be filed against the Controlling Company in the future. However, the size and result of any potential lawsuits cannot yet be reasonably predicted since it is not sure yet whether the customers whose personal information was stolen would litigate or not.

Asia Broadcast Satellite Holdings Ltd. (ABS) sued the Controlling Company and its subsidiary, KT Sat, at the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce on December 31, 2013, for the ownership and compensation of damages due to the sales contract of the satellite KOREASAT. In addition, ABS sued the Controlling Company and KT Sat at the International Centre for Dispute Resolution of the American Arbitration Association on December 24, 2013, for the compensation of damages from the breach of entrustment contract. Currently, the mediator selection process for the Controlling Company, KT Sat and ABS is complete, and the process of arbitration is in progress. The final outcome of this arbitration cannot yet be predicted.

According to the financial and other covenants included in certain bonds and borrowings, the Group is required to maintain certain financial ratios such as debt-to-equity ratio, use the funds for the designated purpose and report to the creditors periodically. The covenant also contains restriction on provision of additional collateral and disposal of certain assets. As of December 31, 2015, the Group is in compliance with the related covenants.

F-61


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

21.    Lease

The Group’s non-cancellable lease arrangements are as follows:

The Group as the Lessee

Finance Lease

Details of finance lease assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Acquisition costs

94,247 285,932

Accumulated depreciation

(39,032 ) (122,617 )

Net balance

55,215 163,315

As of December 31, 2015, the Group recognizes financial lease assets as other property and equipment. The related depreciation amounted to 72,297 million (2014: 97,494 million) for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Details of future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, under finance lease contracts are summarized below:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Total amount of minimum lease payments

Within one year

22,516 78,996

From one year to five years

37,382 105,555

Total

59,898 184,551

Unrealized interest expense

4,891 (28,354 )

Net amount of minimum lease payments

Within one year

20,155 61,175

From one year to five years

34,852 95,022

Total

55,007 156,197

Operating Lease

Details of future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, under operating lease contracts are summarized below:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Within one year

77,727 110,771

From one year to five years

312,305 297,027

Thereafter

165,799 77,859

Total

555,831 485,657

Operating lease expenses incurred for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, amounted to 104,883 million, 125,430 million, and 111,776 million, respectively.

F-62


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

The Group as the Lessor

Finance Lease

Details of finance lease assets as of December 31, 2014, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

Minimum lease
receipts
Gross investment
in the lease
Unaccrued
interest
Net investment
in the lease

Within one year

286,570 286,570 (20,794 ) 265,776

From one year to five years

363,277 363,277 (24,116 ) 339,161

Thereafter

874 874 (65 ) 809

Total

650,721 650,721 (44,975 ) 605,746

Details of finance lease assets as of December 31, 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

Minimum lease
receipts
Gross investment
in the lease
Unaccrued
interest
Net investment
in the lease

Within one year

6,375 6,375 (358 ) 6,017

From one year to five years

8,814 8,814 (186 ) 8,628

Total

15,189 15,189 (544 ) 14,645

Details of bad debts allowance for finance lease receivables as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Within one year

6,794 278

From one year to five years

14,412 109

Thereafter

127

Total

21,333 387

Operating Lease

Details of operating lease assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Acquisition costs

2,698,249

Accumulated depreciation

(754,531 )

Net balance 1

1,943,718

1 Due to disposal of KT Rental, there are no operating lease assets as of December 31, 2015.

Details of future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, under operating lease contracts are summarized below:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Within one year

547,194

From one year to five years

673,117

Total 1

1,220,311

1 Due to disposal of KT Rental, there are no operating lease assets as of December 31, 2015.

F-63


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

22.    Capital Stock

As of December 31, 2014 and 2015, the Company’s number of authorized shares is one billion.

2014 2015
Number of
outstanding
shares
Par value
per share
(Korean won)
Common stock
(in millions of
Korean won)
Number of
outstanding
shares
Par value
per share
(Korean won)
Common stock
(in millions of
Korean won)

Common stock 1

261,111,808 5,000 1,564,499 261,111,808 5,000 1,564,499

1 The Company retired 51,787,959 treasury shares against retained earnings. Therefore, the common stock amount differs from the amount resulting from multiplying the number of shares issued by 5,000 par value per share of common stock.

23.    Retained Earnings

Details of retained earnings as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Legal reserve 1

782,249 782,249

Voluntary reserves 2

4,824,695 4,738,028

Unappropriated retained earnings

2,961,455 3,529,694

Total

8,568,399 9,049,971

1 The Commercial Code of the Republic of Korea requires the 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 capital stock. The reserve is not available for the payment of cash dividends, but may be transferred to capital stock with the approval of the Group’s Board of Directors or used to reduce accumulated deficit, if any, with the ratification of the Group’s majority shareholders.

2 The provision of research and development of human is separately accumulated with tax reserve fund during earned surplus disposal by Tax Reduction and Exemption Control Act of Korea. Reversal of this provision can be paid out as dividends according to related tax law.

24.    Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and Other Components of Equity

As of December 31, 2014 and 2015, the details of the Controlling Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Investments in associates and joint ventures

(8,955 ) (10,312 )

Loss on derivatives

(37,158 ) (23,234 )

Gain of valuation on available-for-sale

76,725 52,415

Foreign currency translation adjustment

(4,822 ) (4,999 )

Total

25,790 13,870

F-64


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014

(in millions of Korean won)

Beginning Increase
/decrease
Reclassification
as gain or loss
Ending

Investments in associates and joint ventures

(12,681 ) 3,726 (8,955 )

Gain or loss on derivatives

(9,337 ) 16,974 (44,795 ) (37,158 )

Gain or loss of valuation on available-for-sale

55,836 20,889 76,725

Foreign currency translation adjustment

(9,280 ) 4,458 (4,822 )

Total

24,538 46,047 (44,795 ) 25,790

2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Beginning Increase
/decrease
Reclassification
as gain or loss
Ending

Investments in associates and joint ventures

(8,955 ) (1,357 ) (10,312 )

Gain or loss on derivatives

(37,158 ) 49,920 (35,996 ) (23,234 )

Gain or loss of valuation on available-for-sale

76,725 (6,249 ) (18,061 ) 52,415

Foreign currency translation adjustment

(4,822 ) (177 ) (4,999 )

Total

25,790 42,137 (54,057 ) 13,870

As of December 31, 2014 and 2015, the other components of equity are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Treasury stock 1

(866,316 ) (866,156 )

Loss on disposal of treasury stock 2

(21,847 ) 2,869

Share-based payments

3,627 3,737

Others 3

(376,173 ) (373,313 )

Total

(1,260,709 ) (1,232,863 )

1 During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Group granted 3,008 treasury shares as share-based payment.

2 The amount directly reflected in equity is 16 million (2014: 9 million) as of December 31, 2015.

3 Profit or loss incurred from transactions with non-controlling interest and investment difference incurred from change in proportion of subsidiaries are included.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2015, the details of treasury stock are as follows:

2014 2015

Number of shares

16,249,100 16,262,008

Amounts (In millions of Korean won)

866,316 866,156

Treasury stock is expected to be used for the stock compensation for the Group’s directors and employees and other purposes.

F-65


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

25.    Share-Based Payments

The details of share-based payments as of December 31, 2015, are as follows:

9th

Grant date

April 29, 2015

Grantee

CEO, inside directors, outside directors, executives

Vesting conditions

Service condition: 1 year

Non-market performance condition: achievement of performance

Fair value per option (in Korean won)

30,900

Total compensation costs (in Korean won)

3,737 million

Estimated exercise date (exercise date)

During 2016

Valuation method

Fair value method

The changes in the number of stock options and the weighted-average exercise price as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014
Beginning Granted Expired Forfeited Exercised 1 Ending Number of
shares
exercisable

7th grant

282,228 278,175 4,053

8th grant

251,833 251,833

Total

282,228 251,833 278,175 4,053 251,833

2015
Beginning Granted Expired Forfeited Exercised 1 Ending Number of
shares
exercisable

8th grant

251,833 248,825 3,008

9th grant

263,123 263,123

Total

251,833 263,123 248,825 3,008 263,123

1 The weighted average price of common stock at the time of exercise during 2015 was 30,900 (2014: 32,500).

26.    Operating Revenues

Operating revenues for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2013 2014 2015

Sales of services

18,878,487 19,107,078 19,455,693

Sale of goods

3,939,730 3,252,202 2,755,980

Others

327,803 253,433 488,183

Total

23,146,020 22,612,713 22,699,856

F-66


Table of Contents

KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

27.    Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2013 2014 2015

Salaries and wages

3,220,022 3,918,750 3,303,484

Depreciation

2,766,205 2,760,915 2,756,131

Amortization of intangible assets

438,063 564,779 582,467

Commissions

1,222,347 1,355,169 1,036,852

Interconnection charges

885,479 797,329 689,293

International interconnection fee

265,467 238,404 231,060

Purchase of inventories

3,503,838 3,508,689 3,963,036

Changes of inventories

261,415 254,735 (198,028 )

Sales commission

2,313,861 2,628,978 1,856,595

Service Cost

1,834,438 1,280,506 1,163,887

Utilities

309,142 313,329 319,303

Taxes and Dues

250,349 232,056 256,958

Rent

429,950 451,365 469,950

Insurance premium

262,712 210,711 211,104

Installation fee

260,498 317,684 249,413

Advertising expenses

153,387 152,122 177,348

Research and development expenses

171,487 192,034 183,821

Card service cost

2,702,278 2,883,060 2,959,765

Provision

158,881 119,431 97,935

Others

1,501,616 1,211,507 1,312,414

Total

22,911,435 23,391,553 21,622,788

Details of salaries and wages for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2013 2014 2015

Short-term employee benefits

2,967,060 2,627,785 3,055,699

Post-employment benefits (Defined benefit plan)

212,517 857,172 202,814

Post-employment benefits (Defined contribution plan)

23,857 25,423 35,699

Post-employment benefits (Others)

12,506 404,743 5,535

Share-based payment

4,082 3,627 3,737

Total

3,220,022 3,918,750 3,303,484

28.    Financial Income and Expenses

Details of financial income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2013 2014 2015

Interest income

107,551 80,244 70,035

Gain on foreign currency transactions

37,368 37,226 18,766

Gain on foreign currency translation

106,102 34,749 11,280

Gain on settlement of derivatives

13,878 2,134 368

Gain on valuation of derivatives

627 93,235 141,512

Gain on disposal of available-for-sale financial assets

11,077 3,758 27,843

Others

1,366 1,743 3,056

Total

277,969 253,089 272,860

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Details of financial expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2013 2014 2015

Interest expenses

436,374 475,084 385,925

Loss on foreign currency transactions

31,563 25,961 42,831

Loss on foreign currency translation

17,367 126,074 175,613

Loss on settlement of derivatives

16,384 35,240 6,280

Loss on valuation of derivatives

105,690 25,357 1,733

Loss on disposal of trade receivables

8,009 16,464 2,539

Impairment loss on available-for-sale financial assets

5,053 70,022 1,805

Others

13,018 17,998 28,605

633,458 792,200 645,331

29.    Deferred Income Tax and Income Tax Expense

The analyses of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax assets to be recovered within 12 months

273,120 308,838

Deferred tax assets to be recovered after more than 12 months

1,416,347 1,182,043

1,689,497 1,490,881

Deferred tax liabilities

Deferred tax liability to be recovered within 12 months

(1,058 ) (14,188 )

Deferred tax liability to be recovered after more than 12 months

(753,581 ) (760,946 )

(754,639 ) (775,134 )

Deferred tax assets after offsetting

1,078,792 845,397

Deferred tax liabilities after offsetting

143,964 129,650

The gross movements on the deferred income tax account for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, are calculated as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Beginning

537,479 934,828

Charged (credited) to the income statement

317,115 (232,134 )

Charged (credited) to other comprehensive income

75,104 21,977

Changes in scope of consolidation

5,130 (8,924 )

Ending

934,828 715,747

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

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)

2014
Beginning Income
statement
Other
comprehensive
income
Changes in
scope of
consolidation
Ending

Deferred tax liabilities

Derivative financial assets

(413 ) (118 ) 109 (422 )

Available-for-sale financial assets

(33,852 ) (71 ) (7,076 ) 183 (40,816 )

Investment in joint venture and associates

(32,572 ) (10,986 ) (1,120 ) (44,678 )

Advanced depreciation provision

(238,230 ) 100 (238,130 )

Depreciation

(70,127 ) 17,889 (145 ) (52,383 )

Deposits for severance benefits

(267,163 ) 66,449 (4,272 ) (204,986 )

Accrued income

(1,608 ) (67 ) (1,675 )

Prepaid expenses

290 128 9 427

Reserve for technology and human resource development

(43,889 ) 21,252 (22,637 )

Others

(151,065 ) 9,790 (8,064 ) (149,339 )

(838,629 ) 104,366 (8,196 ) (12,180 ) (754,639 )

Deferred tax assets

Derivatives

32,595 (23,298 ) 8,877 18,174

Allowance for doubtful accounts

152,814 (10,434 ) 426 142,806

Inventory valuation

303 (106 ) (216 ) (19 )

Contribution for construction

27,126 (5,086 ) 22,040

Accrued expenses

55,289 (7,719 ) 3,057 50,627

Provisions

33,720 (5,232 ) (158 ) 28,330

Property and equipment

237,963 1,720 239,683

Retirement benefit obligations

319,117 (101,742 ) 75,549 4,573 297,497

Withholding of facilities expenses

8,340 (531 ) 7,809

Accrued payroll expenses

46,721 (26,121 ) (824 ) 19,776

Deduction of installment receivables

7,045 (2,735 ) 4,310

Present value discount

4,969 (3,196 ) (5 ) 1,768

Assets retirement obligation

19,246 (961 ) 77 18,362

Gain or loss foreign currency translation

10,236 6,850 (106 ) 16,980

Deferred revenue

64,439 167 43 64,649

Real-estate sales

5,414 (4,542 ) 872

Tax credit carryforwards

164,401 38,877 203,278

Foreign operation translation difference

3,162 (1,126 ) 2,036

Tax loss carryforwards

411,755 411,755

Others

183,208 (54,917 ) 10,443 138,734

1,376,108 212,749 83,300 17,310 1,689,467

Net balance

537,479 317,115 75,104 5,130 934,828

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Beginning Income
statement
Other
comprehensive
income
Changes in
scope of
consolidation
Ending

Deferred tax liabilities

Derivative financial liabilities

(422 ) (14,281 ) (4,454 ) 2 (19,155 )

Available-for-sale financial assets

(40,816 ) (42 ) 11,499 (71 ) (29,430 )

Investment in joint ventures and associates

(44,678 ) (6,630 ) 1,282 (209 ) (50,235 )

Depreciation

(52,383 ) (1,489 ) (53,872 )

Advanced depreciation provision

(238,130 ) 6,438 (231,692 )

Deposits for severance benefits

(204,986 ) (50,730 ) 3,792 (251,924 )

Accrued income

(1,675 ) (173 ) 40 (1,808 )

Prepaid expenses

427 (35 ) 55 447

Reserve for technology and human resource development

(22,637 ) 21,421 (1,216 )

Others

(149,339 ) 10,382 2,708 (136,249 )

(754,639 ) (35,139 ) 8,327 6,317 (775,134 )

Deferred tax assets

Derivatives financial assets

18,174 (18,174 )

Allowance for doubtful accounts

142,806 (8,117 ) 2,054 136,743

Inventory valuation

(19 ) 75 56

Contribution for construction

22,040 (2,422 ) 19,618

Accrued expenses

50,627 13,669 (179 ) 64,117

Provisions

28,330 (4,048 ) (3,929 ) 20,353

Property and equipment

239,683 108 239,791

Retirement benefit obligations

297,497 25,686 12,091 (3,294 ) 331,980

Withholding of facilities expenses

7,809 (449 ) 7,360

Accrued payroll expenses

19,776 6,646 (4,788 ) 21,634

Deduction of installment receivables

4,310 6,203 10,513

Present value discount

1,768 (2,015 ) (247 )

Assets retirement obligation

18,362 (1,388 ) 16,974

Gain or loss foreign currency translation

16,980 26,303 43,283

Deferred revenue

64,649 (20,628 ) (229 ) 43,792

Real-estate sales

872 2,108 2,980

Foreign operation translation difference

2,036 1,559 3,595

Tax credit carryforwards

203,278 9,542 212,820

Tax loss carryforwards

411,755 (304,270 ) 107,485

Others

138,734 74,176 (4,876 ) 208,034

1,689,467 (196,995 ) 13,650 (15,241 ) 1,490,881

Net balance

934,828 (232,134 ) 21,977 (8,924 ) 715,747

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

The tax impacts recognized directly to equity as of December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2013 2014 2015

(in millions of
Korean won)

Before
recognition
Tax
effect
After
recognition
Before
recognition
Tax
effect
After
recognition
Before
recognition
Tax
effect
After
recognition

Available-for-sale valuation gain (loss)

74,317 (17,985 ) 56,332 29,239 (7,076 ) 22,163 (47,515 ) 11,499 (36,016 )

Hedge instruments valuation gain (loss)

(6,195 ) 1,499 (4,696 ) (36,682 ) 8,877 (27,805 ) 18,406 (4,454 ) 13,952

Remeasurements from net defined benefit liabilities

74,648 (18,065 ) 56,583 (312,186 ) 75,549 (236,637 ) (49,963 ) 12,091 (37,872 )

Shares of gain (loss) of joint ventures and associates

3,221 (780 ) 2,441 4,628 (1,120 ) 3,508 (5,297 ) 1,282 (4,015 )

Foreign operation translation difference

(2,708 ) 655 (2,053 ) 4,652 (1,126 ) 3,526 (6,443 ) 1,559 (4,884 )

Total

143,283 (34,676 ) 108,607 (310,349 ) 75,104 (235,245 ) (90,812 ) 21,977 (68,835 )

Details of income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, are calculated as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2013 2014 2015

Current income tax expenses

117,385 45,674 (5,003 )

Impact of change in deferred taxes

(105,493 ) (317,115 ) 232,134

Income tax expense (benefit)

11,892 (271,441 ) 227,131

2013 2014 2015

Profit (loss) from continuing operations before income tax (benefit)

(113,915 ) (1,299,254 ) 710,741

Statutory income tax (benefit)

(27,567 ) (314,419 ) 171,999

Tax effect

Income not taxable for taxation purposes

(25,130 ) (44,145 ) (21,881 )

Non deductible expenses

87,220 72,315 72,486

Tax credit

(15,673 ) (39,490 ) (9,660 )

Additional payment of income taxes

(5,910 ) 1,079 997

Tax effect and adjustment on consolidation

(4,251 ) 3,949 (11,368 )

Others

3,203 49,270 24,558

Income tax expense (benefit)

11,892 (271,441 ) 227,131

30.    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 common stocks outstanding during the period, excluding common stocks purchased by the Group and held as treasury stock.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Basic earnings per share from operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, is calculated as follows:

2013 2014 2015

Net profit (loss) attributable to common stock
(In millions of Korean won)

(189,931 ) (1,030,240 ) 546,361

Profit (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stock

(215,843 ) (1,094,177 ) 404,045

Profit from discontinued operations attributable to common stock

25,912 63,937 142,316

Weighted average number of common stock outstanding
(in number of shares)

243,737,431 244,443,771 244,854,364

Basic earnings (loss) per share (in Korean won)

(779 ) (4,215 ) 2,231

Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations

(885 ) (4,477 ) 1,650

Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations

106 262 581

Diluted earnings per share from operations is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of common stocks outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential common stocks. The Group has dilutive potential common stocks from stock options.

Diluted earnings per share from operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 is calculated as follows:

2013 2014 2015

Net profit (loss) attributable to common stock
(In millions of Korean won)

(189,931 ) (1,030,240 ) 546,361

Adjusted net loss attributable to common stock
(In millions of Korean won)

(554 ) (13 ) (75 )

Diluted profit (loss) attributable to common stock
(In millions of Korean won)

(190,485 ) (1,030,253 ) 546,286

Diluted profit (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common stock

(216,397 ) (1,094,190 ) 403,970

Diluted income from discontinued operations attributable to common stock

25,912 63,937 142,316

Number of dilutive potential common shares outstanding (in number of shares)

1,104

Weighted average number of common stock outstanding (in number of shares)

243,737,431 244,443,771 244,855,468

Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in Korean won)

(782 ) (4,215 ) 2,231

Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations

(888 ) (4,477 ) 1,650

Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations

106 262 581

31.    Dividend

There were no dividends paid in 2015. The dividends paid by the Group in 2013 and 2014 were 487,445 million ( 2,000 per share) and 195,112 million ( 800 per share), respectively. A dividend in respect of the year ended December 31, 2015, of 500 per share, amounting to a total dividend of 122,425 million, is to be proposed at the shareholders’ meeting on March 25, 2016. These financial statements do not reflect this dividend payable.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

32.    Cash Generated from Operations

Cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2013 2014 2015

1. Profit (loss) for the year

(87,745 ) (941,413 ) 624,685

2. Adjustments to reconcile net income

Income tax expense (benefit)

49,579 (266,335 ) 346,146

Interest income

(279,392 ) (237,975 ) (161,123 )

Interest expense

548,129 578,210 445,814

Dividends income

(20,841 ) (15,007 ) (11,371 )

Depreciation

3,141,846 3,242,346 3,030,821

Amortization of intangible assets

478,902 612,418 609,185

Provision for severance benefits

227,564 869,066 217,787

Bad debt expenses

189,665 231,934 161,448

Gain from joint ventures and associates

(10,222 ) (24,361 ) (5,562 )

Loss on disposal of joint ventures and associates

1,254 8,036 (4,848 )

Impairment loss on jointly controlled entities and associates

6,006

Loss on disposal of subsidiaries

11,028 (256,230 )

Loss on disposal of property and equipment and investment property

393,567 133,374 129,466

Loss on disposal of intangible assets

52,008 17,528 33,978

Loss on impairment of intangible assets

36,207 87,275 292,345

Loss on foreign currency translation

(99,617 ) 91,362 164,374

Loss on valuation of derivatives

105,248 (34,011 ) (306,538 )

Impairment losses on available-for-sale financial assets

5,052 70,022 1,805

Loss (gain) on disposal of available-for-sale financial assets

(2,339 ) 13,495 (131,041 )

Others

(56,620 ) (26,101 ) 24,140

3. Changes in operating assets and liabilities

Decrease in trade receivables

938,495 13,008 112,674

Decrease (increase) in other receivables

(7,194 ) 170,497 (248,488 )

Decrease in loans receivable

(156,418 ) 47,044 132,334

Decrease in finance lease receivables

147,735 138,208 94,405

Decrease (increase) in other current assets

40,905 271,475 (19,701 )

Increase in other non-current assets

(762,032 ) (1,200,843 ) (137,532 )

Decrease (increase) in inventories

169,567 301,210 (270,343 )

Decrease (increase) in trade payables

(145,363 ) (417,944 ) 81,295

Decrease in other payables

(69,265 ) (260,421 ) (48,680 )

Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities

222,609 19,010 (9,452 )

Increase in other non-current liabilities

(40,999 ) 38,030 119,836

Increase (decrease) in provisions

(150,457 ) 26,029 (8,902 )

Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue

(66,519 ) 1,359 (82,582 )

Decrease (increase) in plan assets

249,102 238,987 (223,194 )

Payment of severance benefits

(371,157 ) (1,427,229 ) (117,691 )

4. Net cash provided by operating activities (1+2+3)

4,677,260 2,379,311 4,579,260

The Group made agreements with securitization specialty companies and disposed of its trade receivables related to handset sales (Note 20). Cash flows from the disposals are presented as cash generated from operations.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Significant transactions not affecting cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2013 2014 2015

Reclassification of the current portion of bonds payable

1,791,454 1,805,553 1,551,300

Reclassification of construction-in-progress to property and equipment

2,314,925 2,478,164 2,373,023

Reclassification of accounts payable from property and equipment

181,816 310,270 78,663

Reclassification of accounts payable from intangible assets

567,550 179,395 170,870

Reclassification of payable from defined benefit liability

(84,689 ) 26,250 (1,675 )

Reclassification of payable from plan assets

(79,177 ) 20,695 (13,717 )

Exercise of convertible bonds

19,052

33.    Segment Information

Management of the Group determines operating segments based on the information reported to the management for setting business strategy. The Group’s operating segments as of December 31, 2015, are as follows. During the current year, the Group has changed operating segments for the purpose of responding to changes in the market and enhancing telecommunication service synergy. The details of operating segments for the prior years are restated in line with the above changes.

Details

Business service

Customer/Marketing

Mobile/fixed line telecommunication service and convergence business

Finance

Credit card, loan, lease and others

Others

Satellite TV, facility security and global business

Details of each segment for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2013

(in millions of Korean won)

Operating
revenues
Operating
income (loss)
Depreciation
and Amortization

Customer/Marketing

17,129,283 261,397 2,822,208

Finance

3,102,968 154,904 24,368

Others

6,879,623 483,291 718,548

27,111,874 899,592 3,565,124

Elimination

(3,965,854 ) (665,007 ) 1,050

Consolidated amount

23,146,020 234,585 3,566,174

2014

(in millions of Korean won)

Operating
revenues
Operating
income (loss)
Depreciation
and Amortization

Customer/Marketing

16,784,511 (426,786 ) 2,913,221

Finance

3,296,273 166,302 24,346

Others

5,513,639 (489,265 ) 383,395

25,594,423 (749,749 ) 3,320,962

Elimination

(2,981,710 ) (29,091 ) 4,732

Consolidated amount

22,612,713 (778,840 ) 3,325,694

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Operating
revenues
Operating
income (loss)
Depreciation
and Amortization

Customer/Marketing

16,130,454 816,679 2,897,876

Finance

3,512,721 281,477 25,466

Others

6,784,041 (1,900 ) 410,642

26,427,216 1,096,256 3,333,984

Elimination

(3,727,360 ) (19,188 ) 4,614

Consolidated amount

22,699,856 1,077,068 3,338,598

The regional segment information provided to the management as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

Operating revenues Non-current assets 1
2013 2014 2015 2014.12.31 2015.12.31

Location

Domestic

23,087,774 22,531,190 22,628,778 20,867,205 17,989,844

Overseas

58,246 81,523 71,078 204,654 190,891

Total

23,146,020 22,612,713 22,699,856 21,071,859 18,180,735

1 Non-current assets include property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and investment property.

Assets and liabilities of each segments as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014

(in millions of Korean won)

Non-finance Finance Total Adjustment Consolidated
amount

Assets

Current

6,047,980 3,431,308 9,479,288 (705,453 ) 8,773,835

Trade and other receivables

3,898,572 1,479,240 5,377,812 (566,762 ) 4,811,050

Loans receivable

759,684 759,684 (49,316 ) 710,368

Inventories

385,984 31,972 417,956 927 418,883

Other assets

1,763,424 1,160,412 2,923,836 (90,302 ) 2,833,534

Non-current

24,347,003 3,990,853 28,337,856 (3,312,416 ) 25,025,440

Trade and other receivables

856,756 59,701 916,457 (67,594 ) 848,863

Loans receivable

587,218 587,218 (2,304 ) 584,914

Property, equipment and intangible assets (including investment property)

18,111,139 2,230,419 20,341,558 730,301 21,071,859

Other assets

5,379,108 1,113,515 6,492,623 (3,972,819 ) 2,519,804

Total assets

30,394,983 7,422,161 37,817,144 (4,017,869 ) 33,799,275

Liabilities

Current

7,683,942 3,079,278 10,763,220 (776,073 ) 9,987,147

Trade and other payables

5,108,735 1,967,354 7,076,089 (667,978 ) 6,408,111

Borrowings

1,954,166 1,001,478 2,955,644 2,955,644

Other liabilities

621,041 110,446 731,487 (108,095 ) 623,392

Non-current

9,341,308 2,814,518 12,155,826 (131,255 ) 12,024,571

Trade and other payables

703,587 229,276 932,863 (23,671 ) 909,192

Borrowings

7,418,747 2,447,310 9,866,057 (6,316 ) 9,859,741

Other liabilities

1,218,974 137,932 1,356,906 (101,268 ) 1,255,638

Total liabilities

17,025,250 5,893,796 22,919,046 (907,328 ) 22,011,718

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Non-finance Finance Total Adjustment Consolidated
amount

Assets

Current

6,892,052 2,335,036 9,227,088 (583,353 ) 8,643,735

Trade and other receivables

3,903,731 1,445,498 5,349,229 (501,336 ) 4,847,893

Inventories

599,247 22,261 621,508 (4,597 ) 616,911

Other assets

2,389,074 867,277 3,256,351 (77,420 ) 3,178,931

Non-current

23,200,230 702,496 23,902,726 (3,141,736 ) 20,760,990

Trade and other receivables

741,549 2,451 744,000 (64,249 ) 679,751

Loans receivable

16,487 16,487 (610 ) 15,877

Property, equipment and intangible assets (including investment property)

17,495,878 179,729 17,675,607 505,128 18,180,735

Other assets

4,962,803 503,829 5,466,632 (3,582,005 ) 1,884,627

Total assets

30,092,282 3,037,532 33,129,814 (3,725,089 ) 29,404,725

Liabilities

Current

7,401,773 1,894,217 9,295,990 (596,602 ) 8,699,388

Trade and other payables

5,021,992 1,816,676 6,838,668 (564,816 ) 6,273,852

Borrowings

1,728,660 1,728,660 (2,562 ) 1,726,098

Other liabilities

651,121 77,541 728,662 (29,224 ) 699,438

Non-current

8,472,187 96,684 8,568,871 (19,665 ) 8,549,206

Trade and other payables

563,674 13,273 576,947 (2,996 ) 573,951

Borrowings

6,915,180 6,915,180 (6,381 ) 6,908,799

Other liabilities

993,333 83,411 1,076,744 (10,288 ) 1,066,456

Total liabilities

15,873,960 1,990,901 17,864,861 (616,267 ) 17,248,594

34.    Related Party Transactions

The list of related party of the Group as of December 31, 2015, is as follows:

Relationship

Related parties

Associates and joint ventures

Korea Information & Technology Investment Fund, KT WiBro Infra Co., Ltd., K-REALTY CR REIT 1, Mongolian Telecommunications, KT-SB Venture Investment Fund, Boston Global Film & Contents Fund L.P., QTT Global (Group) Company Limited, CU Industrial Development Co., Ltd., Smart Channel Co., Ltd., HooH Healthcare Inc., KD Living, Inc., ChungHo EZ-Cash Co., Ltd., JNK Retech Co., Ltd., MOS GS Co., Ltd., MOS Daegu Co., Ltd., MOS Chungcheong Co., Ltd., MOS Gangnam Co., Ltd., MOS GB Co., Ltd., MOS BS Co., Ltd., MOS Honam Co., Ltd., ANIMAX BROADCASTING KOREA Co., Ltd., Saehacoms Co., Ltd., Oscar Ent. Co., Ltd., Texno Pro Sistem, KT-CKP New Media Investment Fund, LoginD Co., Ltd., K-REALTY CR-REIT 6, ISU-kth Contents Investment Fund, Daiwon Broadcasting Co., Ltd., KT-DSC creative economy youth start-up investment fund, Gyeonggi-KT Green Growth Fund, Korea electronic Vehicle charging service

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

The related receivables and payables as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014
Receivables Payables

(In millions of Korean won)

Trade
receivables
Loans Other
receivables
Trade
payables
Other
payables

Associates and joint ventures

KT Service Bukbu (formerly Information Technology Solution Bukbu Corporation) 137 11 7,427
Information Technology Solution Nambu Corporation 132 9 5,062
Information Technology Solution Seobu Corporation 18 12 4,977
Information Technology Solution Busan Corporation 7 15 39 2,293
KT Service Nambu (formerly Information Technology Solution Jungbu Corporation) 5 2 1 2,305
Information Technology Solution Honam Corporation 203 4 1 5,159
Information Technology Solution Daegu Corporation 3 2,278
KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd. 129,294
Smart Channel Co., Ltd. 1 10,234 9,638 39,724 3,095 26
K-REALTY CR REIT 1 948 35,850
MOS GS Co., Ltd. 36 1 852
MOS Daegu Co., Ltd. 3 26 1,507
MOS Chungcheong Co., Ltd. 1 1 1,611
MOS Gangnam Co., Ltd. 1 1 802
MOS GB Co., Ltd. 115 5 1,142
MOS BS Co., Ltd. 1 1 976
MOS Honam Co., Ltd. 1 2 2,032
Others 491 1,789 190 1,124

Total

12,336 9,638 77,453 3,326 168,867

1 The Group provided allowance for doubtful receivables of 59,596 million against trade receivables, loans and other receivables from Smart Channel Co., Ltd.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

2015
Receivables Payables

(In millions of Korean won)

Trade
receivables
Loans Other
receivables
Trade
payables
Other
payables

Associates and joint ventures

KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd. 86,507
Smart Channel Co., Ltd. 1 8,684 46,914 39,950 995 1,308

K-REALTY CR REIT 1

927 34,200
MOS GS Co., Ltd. 33 1 1,454
MOS Daegu Co., Ltd. 8 23 1,051
MOS Chungcheong Co., Ltd. 4 1 1,184
MOS Gangnam Co., Ltd. 3 1
MOS GB Co., Ltd. 6 1 108 2,801
MOS BS Co., Ltd. 1 1 1,086
MOS Honam Co., Ltd. 3 1,793
Others 738 1,499 110 3,010

Total 10,407 46,914 75,677 1,213 100,194

1 The Group provided allowance for doubtful receivables of 95,548 million against trade receivables, loans and other receivables from Smart Channel Co., Ltd.

Significant transactions with related parties for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2013

(in millions of Korean won)

Sales Purchases

Associates and Joint ventures

ktcs Corporation 45,172 258,203
ktis Corporation 59,537 281,219
Information Technology Solution Bukbu Corporation 4,784 29,626
Information Technology Solution Nambu Corporation 4,871 33,232
Information Technology Solution Seobu Corporation 5,397 34,526
Information Technology Solution Busan Corporation 2,920 18,967
Information Technology Solution Jungbu Corporation 5,318 27,483
Information Technology Solution Honam Corporation 3,122 36,096
Information Technology Solution Daegu Corporation 2,048 13,462
KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd. 9 1,660
Smart Channel Co., Ltd. 8,188

K-REALTY CR REIT 1

2,039 36,349
MOS GS Co., Ltd. 1,465 17,337
MOS Daegu Co., Ltd. 806 12,061
MOS Chungcheong Co., Ltd. 819 12,111
MOS Gangnam Co., Ltd. 749 15,078
MOS GB Co., Ltd. 1,981 22,858
MOS BS Co., Ltd. 914 15,117
MOS Honam Co., Ltd., 948 13,803
Others 2,739 15,766

153,826 894,954

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

2014

(In millions of Korean won)

Sales Purchases 2

Associates and

joint ventures

ktcs Corporation 1 59,739 245,648
ktis Corporation 1 78,546 243,336
KT Service Bukbu (formerly Information Technology Solution Bukbu Corporation) 6,787 54,450
Information Technology Solution Nambu Corporation 7,574 45,940
Information Technology Solution Seobu Corporation 6,388 40,251
Information Technology Solution Busan Corporation 4,093 26,174
KT Service Nambu (formerly Information Technology Solution Jungbu Corporation) 7,187 37,436
Information Technology Solution Honam Corporation 4,976 36,081
Information Technology Solution Daegu Corporation 3,460 21,006
KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd. 11 1,237
Smart Channel Co., Ltd. 14,002 2

K-REALTY CR REIT 1

2,067 37,413
MOS GS Co., Ltd. 1,593 17,063
MOS Daegu Co., Ltd. 894 12,092
MOS Chungcheong Co., Ltd. 867 12,105
MOS Gangnam Co., Ltd. 775 16,209
MOS GB Co., Ltd. 2,017 21,114
MOS BS Co., Ltd. 858 15,762
MOS Honam Co., Ltd. 780 14,417
Others 4,401 11,903

Total 3 207,015 909,635

1 The transactions for the year ended December 31, 2014, before ktcs and kits were included in the consolidation scope.

2 The amount includes acquisition of property and equipment and others.

3 Operating income and expenses of KT Capital Co., Ltd. and KT Rental that were classified as discontinued operations amounting to 17,707 million and 1,271 million, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2014, is included.

(In millions of Korean won) 2015
Sales Purchases 2

Associates and

joint ventures

KT Service Bukbu (formerly Information Technology Solution Bukbu Corporation) 1 2,143 28,550
Information Technology Solution Nambu Corporation 1 2,707 24,025
Information Technology Solution Seobu Corporation 1 2,324 20,031
Information Technology Solution Busan Corporation 1 1,496 14,049
KT Service Nambu (formerly Information Technology Solution Jungbu Corporation) 1 1,972 21,133
Information Technology Solution Honam Corporation 1 2,050 29,538
Information Technology Solution Daegu Corporation 1 1,256 18,272
KT Wibro Infra Co., Ltd. 11 814
Smart Channel Co., Ltd. 6,545 4,722
K-Realty CR-REITs No.1 2,133 38,167
MOS GS Co., Ltd. 752 17,474
MOS Daegu Co., Ltd. 357 12,227
MOS Chungcheong Co., Ltd. 310 12,735
MOS Gangnam Co., Ltd. 454 15,829
MOS GB Co., Ltd. 964 21,582
MOS BS Co., Ltd. 453 15,482
MOS Honam Co., Ltd. 470 17,004
Others 4,394 13,510

Total 3 30,791 325,144

1

The transactions for the year ended December 31, 2015, after KT Service Bukbu Co., Ltd. and KT Service Nambu Co., Ltd. were merged and included in the consolidation scope.

2

The amount includes acquisition of property and equipment, and others.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

3 Operating income amounting to 6,634 million of KT Capital Co., Ltd. and KT Rental that were classified as discontinued operations during the year ended December 31, 2015, is included.

Key management compensation for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, consists of:

(in millions of Korean won)

2013 2014 2015

Salaries and other short-term benefits

3,203 1,817 2,455

Provision for severance benefits

335 400 413

Stock-based compensation

842 965 997

Total

4,380 3,182 3,865

Fund transactions with related parties for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows

(in millions of Korean won)

2014
Loan
transactions
Borrowing
transactions
Equity
contributions
in cash
Dividends
income
Loans Repayment

Associates and

joint ventures

2010 KIF-IMM IT Investment Fund

1,540

HooH Healthcare Inc.

401 3,370

KT-CKP New Media Investment Fund

2,250

K-REALTY CR-REIT 6

7,000

ISU-kth Contents Investment Fund

1,100

KoFC KTC-ORIX Korea-Japan Partnership Private Equity Fund II

136

KTCS Corporation 1

976

KTIS Corporation 1

744

Korea Information & Technology Investment Fund

494

Exdell Corporation

13

KT Service Bukbu (formerly Information Technology Solution Bukbu Corporation)

18

Information Technology Solution Nambu Corporation

18

Information Technology Solution Seobu Corporation

18

Information Technology Solution Busan Corporation

18

KT Service Nambu (formerly Information Technology Solution Jungbu Corporation)

18

Information Technology Solution Honam Corporation

18

Information Technology Solution Daegu Corporation

18

KT-SB Venture Investment Fund

4,238

K-REALTY CR REIT 1

2,394

Metropol Property LLC

3,319

MOS GS Co., Ltd.

8

MOS Daegu Co., Ltd.

8

MOS Chungcheong Co., Ltd.

8

MOS Gangnam Co., Ltd.

10

MOS GB Co., Ltd.

16

MOS BS Co., Ltd.

10

MOS Honam Co., Ltd.

10

VANGUARD Private Equity Fund

281

How Smartmall Private Special Asset Investment Trust

2,767

KTC-NP-Growth Champ 2011-2 PEF

63

KoFC KTC-ORIX Korea-Japan Partnership Private Equity Fund II

142

Mirae Asset Good Company Investment Fund No.3

1,320

SPERA Private Equity Fund

1,190

Total

401 15,396 18,137

1 The transactions for the year ended December 31, 2015, before KT Service Bukbu Co., Ltd. and KT Service Nambu Co., Ltd. were merged and included in the consolidation scope.

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

(in millions of Korean won)

2015
Loan
transactions
Borrowing
transactions
Equity
contributions
in cash
Dividend
income
Loans Repayment

Associates

KT-DSC creative economy youth start-up investment fund

4,000

Smart Channel Co., Ltd.

37,276

Korea Electronic Vehicle Charging Service

1,368

2010 KIF-IMM IT Investment Fund 1

617

KTC-NP-Growth Champ 2011-2 PEF 1

6,400

Korea Information & Technology Investment Fund

1,107

Exdell Corporation

13

KT Service Bukbu (formerly Information Technology Solution Bukbu Corporation) 2

9

Information Technology Solution Nambu Corporation 2

9

Information Technology Solution Seobu Corporation 2

9

Information Technology Solution Busan Corporation 2

9

KT Service Nambu (formerly Information Technology Solution Jungbu Corporation) 2

9

Information Technology Solution Honam Corporation 2

9

Information Technology Solution Daegu Corporation 2

9

KT-SB Venture Investment Fund

11,795

K-REALTY CR REIT 1

3,345

Mongolian Telecommunications

35

MOS GS Co., Ltd.

8

MOS Daegu Co., Ltd.

8

MOS Chungcheong Co., Ltd.

8

MOS Gangnam Co., Ltd.

10

MOS GB Co., Ltd.

16

MOS BS Co., Ltd.

10

MOS Honam Co., Ltd.

10

Daiwon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.

85

K-REALTY CR-REIT 6

13

Total

37,276 12,385 16,526

1 The transactions related to KT Capital Co., Ltd. that was classified as disposal group held for sale during the year ended December 31, 2015, are included.

2 The transactions for the year ended December 31, 2015, after KT Service Bukbu Co., Ltd. and KT Service Nambu Co., Ltd. were merged and included in the consolidation scope.

There are no collaterals and payment guarantees provided by the related parties.

35.    Financial risk management

(1) Financial risk factors

The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk, fair value interest rate risk, cash flow interest rate risk and price 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.

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,

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

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.

(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 unaffecting the Group’s cash flows is not hedged but can be hedged at a particular situation.

As of December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, 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
foreign exchange rate
Income before tax Shareholders’ equity

2013.12.31

10 % (46,173 ) (47,888 )
-10 % 46,173 47,888

2014.12.31

10 % (45,430 ) (38,437 )
-10 % 45,430 38,437

2015.12.31

10 % (52,157 ) (45,632 )
-10 % 52,157 45,632

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.

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Details of foreign assets and liabilities of the Group as of December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in thousands)

2013 2014 2015
Financial
assets
Financial
liabilities
Financial
assets
Financial
liabilities
Financial
assets
Financial
liabilities

USD

254,917 2,225,700 197,221 2,532,614 183,254 2,351,003

SDR 1

1,105 1,211 573 1,027 444 849

JPY

190,520 30,054,316 34,168 30,051,367 73,716 40,279,411

GBP

134 257 8 888

EUR

1,342 4,943 134 177 29 29

DZD 2

2,798 929

CNY

3,957 15,562 107

UZS 3

1,805,565 7,978,633

RWF 4

11,962 13,593

HKD

158 9

BDT 5

299 6

COP 6

23,583

PLN 7

28,195 207,273

VND 8

273,313 93,756 270,000

CHF

78

1 Special Drawing Rights.

2 Algeria Dinar.

3 Uzbekistan Sum.

4 Rwanda Franc.

5 Bangladesh Taka.

6 Colombia Peso.

7 Polish Zloty.

8 Vietnam Dong.

(iii) Price risk

As of December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, 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 shareholders’ equity would have been as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

Fluctuation of price Income before tax Equity

2013.12.31

10 % 5,535
-10 % (5,535 )

2014.12.31

10 % 6,593
-10 % (6,593 )

2015.12.31

10 % 3,469
-10 % (3,469 )

The above analysis 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.

(iv) Cashflow and fair value interest rate risk

The Group’s interest rate risk arises from liabilities in foreign currency such as foreign currency bonds payable. Bonds payable in foreign currency issued at variable rates expose the Group to cash

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

flow interest rate risk which is partially offset by swap transactions. Bonds payable 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, 2013, 2014 and 2015, 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
interest rate
Income before tax Shareholders’ equity

2013.12.31

+ 100 bp 10,345 12,846
- 100 bp (17,201 ) (19,017 )

2014.12.31

+ 100 bp (4,717 ) 4,892
- 100 bp (4,632 ) (11,064 )

2015.12.31

+ 100 bp (3,601 ) (245 )
- 100 bp 3,615 (5,764 )

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.

2) Credit risk

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.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2015, maximum exposure to credit risk is as follows.

(In millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Cash equivalents (except cash on hand)

1,884,745 2,537,536

Trade and other receivables 1

5,659,913 5,527,644

Loans receivable

1,295,282 15,877

Finance lease receivables

584,413 14,258

Other financial assets

Financial assets at fair value through the profit or loss

6,983 18

Derivative used for hedging

41,540 139,088

Time deposits and others

455,622 434,093

Available-for-sale financial assets

27,870 21,388

Held-to-maturity financial assets

7,767 18,030

Financial guarantee contracts 2

55,393 106,550

Total

10,019,528 8,814,482

1 As of December 31, 2015, the Group is provided with a payment guarantee of 578,904 million from Seoul Guarantee Insurance related to the sale of certain accounts receivable arising from the handset sales.

2 Total amounts guaranteed by the Group according to the guarantee contracts.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

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.

2014.12.31

(in millions of Korean won)

Less than 1 year 1-5 years More than
5 years
Total

Trade and other payables

6,973,931 1,028,043 254,852 8,256,826

Finance lease payables

22,516 37,382 59,898

Borrowings (including bonds payable)

2,986,372 6,508,681 4,162,910 13,657,963

Other non-derivative financial liabilities

405 3,441 3,846

Financial guarantee contracts 1

55,393 55,393

Total

10,038,617 7,577,547 4,417,762 22,033,926

2015.12.31

(in millions of Korean won)

Less than 1 year 1-5 years More than
5 years
Total

Trade and other payables

6,908,886 589,612 139,843 7,638,341

Finance lease payables

78,996 105,555 184,551

Borrowings(including bonds payable)

1,768,171 5,859,467 1,981,497 9,609,135

Other non-derivative financial liabilities

2,935 2,858 5,793

Financial guarantee contracts 1

106,550 106,550

Total

8,865,538 6,557,492 2,121,340 17,544,370

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.

Cash outflow and inflow of derivatives settled gross or net are undiscounted contractual cash flow and can differ from the amount in the financial statements.

2013.12.31

(in millions of Korean won)

Less than 1 year 1-5 years More than 5 years Total

Outflow

971,454 1,377,071 38,795 2,387,320

Inflow

910,488 1,256,407 41,648 2,208,543

2014.12.31

(in millions of Korean won)

Less than 1 year 1-5 years More than 5 years Total

Outflow

242,051 2,282,242 38,795 2,563,088

Inflow

210,045 2,217,211 43,418 2,470,674

2015.12.31

(in millions of Korean won)

Less than 1 year 1-5 years More than 5 years Total

Outflow

288,046 2,080,865 37,549 2,406,460

Inflow

227,107 2,212,297 44,770 2,484,174

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

(2) Disclosure of capital management

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, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

Total liabilities

22,011,718 17,248,594

Total equity

11,787,557 12,156,131

Debt-to-equity ratio

187 % 142 %

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, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won, %)

2014 2015

Total borrowings

12,870,392 8,791,094

Less: cash and cash equivalents

(1,888,663 ) (2,559,464 )

Net debt

10,981,729 6,237,630

Total equity

11,787,557 12,156,131

Total capital

22,769,286 18,393,761

Gearing ratio

48 % 34 %

(3) Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

Details of the Group’s recognized financial assets subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements are as follows:

2014

(in millions of Korean won)

Gross
assets
Gross
liabilities
offset
Net amounts
presented in
the statement
of financial

position
Amounts not offset Net
amount
Financial
instruments
Cash
collateral

Derivative assets for hedging purpose 1

3,225 3,225 (3,225 )

Trade receivables 2

107,179 (1 ) 107,178 (103,704 ) 3,474

110,404 (1 ) 110,403 (106,929 ) 3,474

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Gross
assets
Gross
liabilities
offset
Net amounts
presented in
the statement
of financial

position
Amounts not offset Net
amount
Financial
instruments
Cash
collateral

Derivative assets for hedging purpose 1

20,627 20,627 (20,627 )

Trade receivables 2

90,448 90,448 (86,184 ) 4,264

111,075 111,075 (106,811 ) 4,264

1 The amount applied with master netting arrangements under the standard contract of International Swap and Derivatives Association (ISDA).

2 The amount applied with netting arrangements under the reference offer of the telecommunication facility interconnection and sharing data among telecommunications companies.

The Group’s recognized financial liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements are as follows:

2014

(in millions of Korean won)

Gross
liabilities
Gross
assets

offset
Net amounts
presented in
the statement
of financial

position
Amounts not offset Net
amount
Financial
instruments
Cash
collateral

Derivative liabilities for hedging purpose 1

49,016 49,016 (3,225 ) 45,791

Trade payables 2

108,669 108,669 (103,704 ) 4,965

Other payables 2

2 (1 ) 1 1

157,687 (1 ) 157,686 (106,929 ) 50,757

2015

Korean won)

Gross
liabilities
Gross
assets

offset
Net amounts
presented in
the statement
of financial

position
Amounts not offset Net
amount
Financial
instruments
Cash
collateral

Derivative liabilities for hedging purpose 1

28,544 28,544 (20,627 ) 7,917

Trade payables 2

87,093 87,093 (86,184 ) 909

Other payables 2

102 (12 ) 90 90

115,739 (12 ) 115,727 (106,811 ) 8,916

1 The amount applied with master netting arrangements under the standard contract of International Swap and Derivatives Association (ISDA).

2 The amount applied with netting arrangements under the reference offer of the telecommunication facility interconnection and sharing data among telecommunications companies.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

36.    Fair Value

36.1 Fair Value of Financial Instruments by Category

Carrying amount and fair value of financial instruments by category as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014 2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Carrying
amount
Fair value Carrying
amount
Fair value

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents 1

1,888,663 1,888,663 2,559,464 2,559,464

Trade and other receivables 1

5,659,913 5,659,913 5,527,644 5,527,644

Loans receivables 1

710,368 710,368

Finance lease receivables 1

258,982 258,982 5,739 5,739

Other financial assets

Financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss

6,983 6,983 18 18

Derivative financial instruments for hedging purpose

41,540 41,540 139,088 139,088

Time deposits and others 1

455,622 455,622 434,093 434,093

Held-to-maturity

7,767 7,767 18,030 18,030

Available-for-sale financial assets 2

437,285 437,285 308,539 308,539

9,467,123 9,467,123 8,992,615 8,992,615

Financial liabilities

Trade and other liabilities 1

7,317,303 7,317,303 6,847,803 6,847,803

Finance lease liabilities

55,007 55,007 156,197 156,197

Borrowings

12,815,385 12,821,442 8,634,897 8,684,886

Other financial liabilities

Financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss

3,980 3,980 2,006 2,006

Derivative financial instruments for hedging purpose

122,012 122,012 62,883 62,883

Financial guarantee liability 1

5,434 5,434

Other financial liabilities 1

82,816 82,816 82,439 82,439

20,401,937 20,407,994 15,786,225 15,836,214

1 The Group did not conduct fair value estimation since the book value is a reasonable approximation of the fair value.

2 Equity instruments that do not have a quoted price in an active market are measured at cost because their fair value cannot be measured reliably and excluded from the fair value disclosures.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

36.2 Financial Instruments Measured at Cost

Available-for-sale financial assets measured at cost as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015

IBK-AUCTUS Green Growth Private Equity Fund

14,068 11,134

CBC II Fund

9,548 10,150

TRANSLINK No.2 Fund

9,104 10,085

KBS KT SPC

7,000

WALDEN No.6 Fund

5,749 5,686

Storm IV Fund

5,162 6,602

Enterprise DB (Convertible Preferred Stock)

3,013

AMOGREENTECH

3,000

Ars Magna Private Equity Fund

3,000

Kokam Co., Ltd.

2,794

KDBC-IMM No.1 Private Equity Fund

2,499

Nexenta Systems (Convertible Preferred Stock)

2,260

Nexenta Systems

2,159

BK Constant Recovery Private Equity Fund

2,000

HNNSC Private Equity Fund

2,000

KDBC-EN Agro Private Equity Fund

2,000

Eco 2014 Private Equity Fund

2,000

IMM Infra No.2

2,000

K- Realty CR-REITs No.6

2,000

Others

6,915 7,841

88,271 51,498

The range of cashflow estimates is significant and the probabilities of the various estimates cannot be reasonably assessed and therefore, these instruments are measured at cost.

The Group does not have any plans to dispose of the above-mentioned equities instruments in the near future. These instruments will be measured at fair value when the Group can develop a reliable estimate of the fair value.

36.3 Fair Value Hierarchy

Assets measured at fair value or for which the fair value is disclosed are categorized within the fair value hierarchy, and the defined levels are as follows:

Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1).

Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices) (Level 2).

Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) (Level 3).

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Fair value hierarchy classifications of the financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value or its fair value is disclosed as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014

(in millions of Korean won)

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total

Recurring fair value measurements

Other financial assets

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

6,983 6,983

Derivative financial assets for hedging purpose

34,198 7,342 41,540

Available-for-sale financial assets

65,932 42,093 329,260 437,285

65,932 76,291 343,585 485,808

Disclosed fair value

Joint ventures and associates

8,247 8,247

Investment property 1

2,277,234 2,277,234

8,247 2,277,234 2,285,481

74,179 76,291 2,620,819 2,771,289

Recurring fair value measurements

Other financial liabilities

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

3,980 3,980

Derivative financial liabilities for hedging purpose

122,012 122,012

122,012 3,980 125,992

Disclosed fair value

Borrowings

12,821,442 12,821,442

12,821,442 12,821,442

122,012 12,825,442 12,947,434

2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total

Recurring fair value measurements

Other financial assets

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

18 18

Derivative financial assets for hedging purpose

139,088 139,088

Available-for-sale financial assets

41,202 267,337 308,539

41,202 139,088 267,355 447,645

Disclosed fair value

Joint ventures and associates

4,884 4,884

Investment property 1

2,645,246 2,645,246

4,884 2,645,246 2,650,130

46,086 139,088 2,912,601 3,097,775

Recurring fair value measurements

Other financial liabilities

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

2,006 2,006

Derivative financial liabilities for hedging purpose

62,883 62,883

62,883 2,006 64,889

Disclosed fair value

Borrowings

8,684,886 8,684,886

8,684,886 8,684,886

62,883 8,686,892 8,749,775

1 The highest and best use of a non-financial asset does not differ from its current use.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

36.4 Transfers Between Fair Value Hierarchy Levels of Recurring Fair Value Measurements

(a) Details of transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy for the recurring fair value measurements are as follows:

There are no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy for the recurring fair value measurements.

(b) Details of changes in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy for the recurring fair value measurements are as follows:

2014

(in millions of Korean won)

Interest rate
swap
Other
derivative
assets
Derivative
financial
assets for
hedging
purpose
Available-
for-sale
Other
derivative
liabilities
Financial
liabilities
designated
as at fair
value
through
profit or
loss
Derivative
financial
liabilities
for
hedging
purpose

Beginning balance

7,239 7,905 3,496 292,314 148 2,802 36,632

Reclassification

(5,836 )

Amount recognized in profit or loss

(1 ) (395 ) 5,315 (3,483 ) 32 532

Amount recognized in other comprehensive income

(1,469 ) 21,006

Purchases

34,322 466

Sales

(527 ) (26,512 )

Settlement

(7,238 ) (36,632 )

Transfer into Level 3 (From Cost method)

17,449

Ending balance

6,983 7,342 329,260 646 3,334

2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Other
derivative
assets
Derivative
financial
assets for
hedging
purpose
Available-
for-sale
Other
derivative
liabilities
Financial
liabilities
designated
as at fair
value
through
profit or
loss

Beginning balance

6,983 7,342 329,260 646 3,334

Amount recognized in profit or loss

171,990 (5,157 ) (704 ) 2,006

Amount recognized in other comprehensive income

8,105 47,189

Purchases

40,707

Sales

(113,634 ) (551 ) (3,334 )

Settlement

(176,681 ) (10,290 )

Change in scope of consolidation

(2,274 ) (35,481 ) (95 )

Ending balance

18 267,337 2,006

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

36.5 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, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014

(in millions of Korean won)

Fair value Level

Valuation

techniques

Recurring fair value measurements

Other financial assets

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Held for trading financial assets

Other derivative assets

6,983 3

Monte-Carlo Simulation

Option model (binomial trees)

Derivative financial assets for hedging purpose

34,198 2 Discounted cash flow model
7,342 3 Hull-White model

Available-for-sale financial assets

371,353 2,3 Discounted cash flow model

Disclosed fair value

Investment property 1

2,277,234 3 Discounted cash flow model

Recurring fair value measurements

Other financial liabilities

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

Held for trading financial assets

Other derivatives

646 3 Option model (binomial trees)

Financial liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss

3,334 3 Option model (binomial trees)

Derivative financial liabilities for hedging purpose

122,012 2 Discounted cash flow model

Disclosed fair value

Borrowings

12,821,442 3 Discounted cash flow model

2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Fair value Level

Valuation

techniques

Recurring fair value measurements

Other financial assets

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Held for trading financial assets

Other derivative assets

18 3

Monte-Carlo Simulation

Option model

Derivative financial assets for hedging purpose

139,088 2 Discounted cash flow model

Available-for-sale financial assets

267,337 3 Discounted cash flow model

Disclosed fair value

Investment property 1

2,645,246 3 Discounted cash flow model

Recurring fair value measurements

Other financial liabilities

Derivative financial liabilities for hedging purpose

62,883 2 Discounted cash flow model

Other derivative financial liabilities

2,006 3

Discounted cash flow model

Comparable Company Analysis

Disclosed fair value

Borrowings

8,684,886 3 Discounted cash flow model

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

36.6 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 discusses valuation processes and results with the CFO in line with the Group’s reporting dates.

36.7 Gains and losses on valuation at the transaction date

In the case that the Group values derivative financial instruments using inputs not based on observable market data, and the fair value calculated by the said valuation technique differs from the transaction price, then the fair value of the financial instruments is recognized as the transaction price. The difference between the fair value at initial recognition and the transaction price is deferred and amortized using a straight-line method by maturity of the financial instruments. However, in the case that inputs of the valuation techniques become observable in markets, the remaining deferred difference is immediately recognized in full in profit for the year.

In relation to this, details and changes of the total deferred difference for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2014 2015
Other derivative
financial
instruments
Other derivative
financial liabilities
Other derivative
financial
instruments
Other derivative
financial liabilities

Beginning balance

43,322 32,492

New transactions

14,116

Amortization

(10,830 ) (2,823 )

Disposal

(32,492 )

Ending balance

32,492 11,293

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

37.    Interests in Unconsolidated Structured Entities

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:

Remarks

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, 2015, 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, 2015, 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.

M&A finance

A structured entity incorporated for the purpose of supporting a certain company’s financial structure improvement or acquiring equity or convertible bonds is provided with funds by investors’ investments in equity and long-term or short-term borrowings from financial institutions, and based on these, the structured entity acquires shares held by the entity, which has plans to improve its financial structure, or to dispose convertible bonds and others. The structured entity repays loan principals with funds incurred from disposals of holding shares after a certain period. The remaining shares are distributed to investors. As of December 31, 2015, the entity is engaged in M&A finance structured entity, and receives interests. Financial institutions are provided with guarantees including joint guarantees or shares subject to M&A 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 shares provided as collateral decreases, the Group may be obliged to cover losses.

Asset securitization

A transferor other than this entity transfers the assets, which are subject to securitization, to a structured entity incorporated by the transferor or other financial institutions other than the entity, and based on this as underlying assets, the structured entity is provided with funds by asset-backed borrowings and pays acquisition costs of the acquired underlying assets. As of December 31, 2015, the entity is engaged in the structured entity, and generates revenues by receiving interest income as the entity provides asset-backed loans directly to the structured entity. When the structured entity has difficulty repaying loan principal, the transferor has obligation to cover the lack of funds. Consequently, the financial institutions including the entity are a priority over other parties in the preservation of claim. However, when the credit rating of transferor decreases, the said entity may be obliged to cover losses.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

Remarks

Nature, purpose, activities and others

Other

There are other structured entity types, which the entity is engaged in, such as shipping finance, SPAC and others. Interest income is realized from the entity’s loans to the relevant structured entity. When the credit rating of the shipping company decreases, or the value of vessels decreases, the entity may be obliged to cover losses. When SPAC is listed or merged after the entity invests in shares or convertible bonds issued by the relevant structured entity, revenues are realized from disposal of the shares of the convertible bonds. However, the entity may be obliged to cover losses when SPAC is liquidated if the SPAC is not listed or merged.

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, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2014

(in millions of Korean won)

Real Estate
Finance
PEF &
Investment
Fund
Acquisition
Finance
Asset-backed
Securitization
Others Total

Total amount of Unconsolidated Structured Entities

4,584,026 3,894,693 2,086,841 4,828,936 127,228 15,521,724

Assets recognized in statement of financial position

Loans

254,305 360 66,073 170,826 1,979 493,543

Other financial assets

24,340 112,116 8,369 144,825

Joint ventures and associates

7,081 155,000 27,630 189,711

Total

285,726 267,476 66,073 170,826 37,978 828,079

Maximum loss exposure 1

Investment Assets

285,726 267,476 66,073 170,826 37,978 828,079

Credit grants

88,000 88,000

Total

373,726 267,476 66,073 170,826 37,978 916,079

2015

(in millions of Korean won)

Real Estate
Finance
PEF &
Investment
Fund
Asset-backed
Securitization
Total

Total amount of Unconsolidated Structured Entities

98,192 3,498,552 2,625,075 6,221,819

Assets recognized in statement of financial position

Loans

Other financial assets

54,874 54,874

Joint ventures and associates

9,303 148,294 157,597

Total

9,303 203,168 212,471

Maximum loss exposure 1

9,303 203,168 212,471

Investment Assets

Credit grants

Total

9,303 203,168 212,471

1 Maximum exposure to loss includes the investments recognized in the Group’s financial statements and the amounts which are probable to be determined when certain conditions are met by agreements including purchase agreements, credit granting and others.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

38.    Information About Non-controlling Interests

Changes in Accumulated Non-controlling Interests

The 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, 2013, 2014 and 2015 is as follows:

2013

(in millions of
Korean won)

Non-controlling
Interests
rate(%)
Accumulated
non-controlling
interests at the
beginning of
the year
Profit or loss
allocated to
non-controlling
interests
Dividends
paid to
non-controlling
interests
Others Accumulated
non-controlling
interests at the
end of the year

KT Skylife Co., Ltd.

49.89 % 264,765 29,081 (8,662 ) (1,203 ) 283,981

BC Card Co., Ltd.

34.49 % 208,923 35,949 (10,890 ) 27,734 261,716

KT Rental

42.00 % 119,029 8,682 (2,986 ) (1,057 ) 123,668

KT Powertel Co., Ltd.

55.15 % 66,323 3,007 (669 ) (755 ) 67,906

KT Hitel Co., Ltd.

36.30 % 45,507 (670 ) 11,183 56,020

2014

(in millions of
Korean won)

Non-controlling
Interests
rate(%)
Accumulated
non-controlling
interests at the
beginning of
the year
Profit or loss
allocated to
non-controlling
interests
Dividends
paid to
non-controlling
interests
Others Accumulated
non-controlling
interests at the
end of the year

KT Skylife Co., Ltd.

50.01 % 283,981 26,828 (10,538 ) (2,971 ) 297,300

BC Card Co., Ltd.

30.46 % 261,716 31,414 (7,299 ) 7,100 292,931

KT Rental

42.00 % 123,668 15,538 (1,903 ) (121 ) 137,182

KT Powertel Co., Ltd.

55.15 % 67,906 2,961 (631 ) (5 ) 70,231

KT Hitel Co., Ltd.

36.30 % 56,020 2,195 (7,079 ) 51,136

2015

(in millions of
Korean won)

Non-controlling
Interests
rate(%)
Accumulated
non-controlling
interests at the
beginning of
the year
Profit or loss
allocated to
non-controlling
interests
Dividends
paid to
non-controlling
interests
Others Accumulated
non-controlling
interests at the
end of the year

KT Skylife Co., Ltd.

50.01 % 297,300 27,032 (8,325 ) 873 316,880

BC Card Co., Ltd.

30.46 % 292,931 62,943 (22,650 ) (10,303 ) 322,921

KT Powertel Co., Ltd.

55.15 % 70,231 (17,880 ) (1,118 ) (307 ) 50,926

KT Hitel Co., Ltd.

36.30 % 51,136 (608 ) 161 50,689

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KT Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

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:

Summarized consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

2013

(in millions of Korean won)

KT Skylife
Co., Ltd.
BC Card
Co., Ltd.
KT Rental KT Powertel
Co., Ltd.
KT Hitel
Co., Ltd.

Non-controlling Interests rate(%)

49.89 % 34.49 % 42.00 % 55.15 % 36.30 %

Current assets

287,142 2,292,323 362,040 87,932 178,659

Non-current assets

397,509 672,427 1,826,231 79,199 115,006

Current liabilities

191,181 1,958,506 532,634 30,433 99,348

Non-current liabilities

91,887 216,505 1,363,625 13,579 3,296

Equity

401,583 789,738 292,013 123,119 191,021

Accumulated non-controlling interests

200,360 273,328 122,650 67,906 69,343

Operating revenue

630,469 3,102,968 886,959 112,905 582,925

Profit or loss for the year

72,724 128,475 32,400 5,453 3,551

Total comprehensive income

73,943 198,778 31,041 5,661 8,109

The profit or loss allocated to non-controlling interests

36,284 44,465 13,608 3,008 1,289

Cash flows from operating activities

141,282 273,904 (346,309 ) 16,010 11,108

Cash flows from investing activities

(218,797 ) (17,335 ) (39,246 ) (15,794 ) (18,199 )

Cash flows from financing activities before dividends paid to non-controlling interests

(14,346 ) 10,216 392,098 (6,252 ) 13,192

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

(8,344 ) (10,051 ) (2,075 ) (1,538 )

Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents

(287 ) (49 )

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

(100,205 ) 256,734 4,181 (7,574 ) 6,052

2014

(in millions of Korean won)

KT Skylife
Co., Ltd.
BC Card
Co., Ltd.
KT Rental KT Powertel
Co., Ltd.
KT Hitel
Co., Ltd.

Non-controlling Interests rate(%)

50.01 % 30.46 % 42.00 % 55.15 % 36.30 %

Current assets

260,391 2,023,465 377,916 83,846 119,957

Non-current assets

422,618 676,923 2,278,469 73,484 107,037

Current liabilities

226,878 1,723,966 718,852 21,787 29,748

Non-current liabilities

19,448 70,957 1,598,798 8,209 1,681

Equity

436,683 905,465 338,735 127,334 195,565

Accumulated non-controlling interests

297,300 292,931 143,457 70,231 51,136

Operating revenue

656,430 3,297,308 1,074,569 105,250 494,455

Profit or loss for the year

55,162 134,450 51,388 5,368 12,205

Total comprehensive income

53,990 331,599 52,437 5,368 9,873

The profit or loss allocated to non-controlling interests

26,828 31,414 19,543 2,961 2,195

Cash flows from operating activities

140,057 176,019 (346,743 ) 10,190 65,096

Cash flows from investing activities

(20,889 ) (21,699 ) (35,632 ) (647 ) (44,712 )

Cash flows from financing activities before dividends paid to non-controlling interests

(26,411 ) (31,497 ) 359,510 (1,137 )

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

(10,538 ) (7,299 ) (1,903 ) (631 )

Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents

(12 )

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

82,219 115,524 (24,768 ) 7,775 20,372

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

2015

(in millions of Korean won)

KT Skylife
Co., Ltd.
BC Card
Co., Ltd.
KT Powertel
Co., Ltd.
KT Hitel
Co., Ltd.

Non-controlling Interests rate(%)

50.01 % 30.46 % 55.15 % 36.30 %

Current assets

279,480 2,291,047 65,739 157,355

Non-current assets

431,814 672,905 47,776 78,402

Current liabilities

143,511 1,882,363 16,016 33,656

Non-current liabilities

74,339 63,271 5,166 282

Equity

493,444 1,018,318 92,333 201,819

Accumulated non-controlling interests

316,880 322,921 50,926 50,689

Operating revenue

668,521 3,504,946 104,527 162,155

Profit or loss for the year

72,987 218,969 (32,417 ) 7,258

Total comprehensive income

73,147 188,360 (32,417 ) 6,769

The profit or loss allocated to non-controlling interests

27,032 62,943 (17,880 ) (608 )

Cash flows from operating activities

157,762 128,927 (12,016 ) 22,556

Cash flows from investing activities

(92,350 ) 73,118 10,691 (19,949 )

Cash flows from financing activities before dividends paid to non-controlling interests

(35,984 ) (75,121 ) (2,015 )

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

(8,325 ) (22,650 ) (1,118 )

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

139,703 827,523 11,005 33,708

Transactions with Non-controlling Interests

The effect of changes in the ownership interest on the equity attributable to owners of the Group during 2013, 2014 and 2015 is summarized as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2013 2014 2015

Carrying amount of non-controlling interests acquired 1

14,353 16,136

Consideration paid to non-controlling interests 2

(16,202 ) (9,764 ) 2,699

Excess of consideration paid recognized in parent’s equity

(1,849 ) 6,372 2,699

1 In 2013, the Group acquired the remaining 40% of the issued shares of KT Dutch B.V., a subsidiary, for 3,980 million. The Group now holds 100% equity interest in KT Dutch B.V. The carrying amount of the non-controlling interests in KT Dutch B.V. at the date of acquisition was 14,353 million. As a result, the Group derecognized non-controlling interests of 14,353 million and recorded an increase in equity attributable to owners of the parent of 10,373 million.

In 2014, the Group acquired the shares of BC Card Co., Ltd., which had been held by KT Capital Co., Ltd. as a result of spin-off and merger of certain division of KT Capital Co., Ltd. The Group’s effective percentage of ownership of BC Card Co., Ltd. increased from 65.51% to 69.54%. As a result, the carrying amount of controlling interest increased by 16,136 million.

2 In 2013, the Group’s non-controlling interest increased by 2.24% through an unequal capital increase of KT Hitel Co., Ltd. This resulted in an increase in the carrying amount of non-controlling interest of 8,439 million. Also, on July 11, 2013, the Group’s non-controlling interest increased by 6.04% through an unequal capital increase of Nasmedia, Inc. As a result, the carrying amount of non-controlling interest increased by 7,239 million.

In 2014, the convertible bonds issued by KT Music Corporation has been converted into common stocks, and as a result, common shares and share premium of the Group increased by 20,349 million. The Group’s ownership decreased from 57.78% to 49.99%, and accordingly, the carrying amount of non-controlling interest increased by 9,764 million.

In 2015, the Group participated in paid-in capital increase of KT Linkus Inc., a subsidiary. The Group’s effective ownership decreased to 91.4% from 93.8%, and the equity attributable to the owner of a consolidated company increased by 392 million. In addition, non-controlling interest decreased by 47.2% due to reduction of capital stock without any refund and paid-in increased capital effect of KT Innoedu Co., Ltd., a subsidiary. Due to this transaction, the equity attributable to the owner of a consolidated company increased by 2,277 million. Furthermore, as KT Corporation purchased the share of KT Sports Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of KT Rental Co., the non-controlling interest decreased by 2.5%. Due to this transaction, the equity attributable to the owner of a consolidated company increased to 30 million. In the prior period, convertible bonds issued by KT Music Co., were converted to common stocks. Due to this conversion, common stock and capital in excess of

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015

par value amounting to 20,349 million increased. Ownership interest of the consolidated company decreased to 49.9% from 57.8%, and the equity attributable to the owner of the consolidated company decreased by 9,764 million.

39.    Discontinued Operations

The Group disposed of KT Rental, a subsidiary of the Group, on June 3, 2015, and KT Capital Co., Ltd. on August 20, 2015. The profit and loss on the related operations of KT Rental and KT Capital Co., Ltd. are presented as discontinued operations, and the related financial information is as follows:

Profit and loss from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2013 2014 2015

Revenue

912,854 1,115,977 546,440

Expenses

837,104 1,024,472 534,383

Profit on disposal of discontinued operations

248,033

Profit before tax of discontinued operations

75,750 91,505 260,090

Income tax expense

37,688 5,105 119,015

Profit for the period from discontinued operations

38,062 86,400 141,075

Cash flows from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, are as follows:

(in millions of Korean won)

2013 2014 2015

Cash flows from operating activities

(382,953 ) (265,655 ) (134,226 )

Cash flows from investing activities

(65,604 ) (4,647 ) 24,157

Cash flows from financing activities

440,028 220,064 93,566

Net cash flows

(8,529 ) (50,238 ) (16,503 )

40.    Event after the reporting period

Subsequent to December 31, 2015, the Group issued the following public bonds:

(in millions of Korean won)

Issue date Total par value Coupon rate Maturity date

The 189-1st Public bond

Jan. 28, 2016 100,000 1.76 % Jan. 28, 2019

The 189-2nd Public bond

Jan. 28, 2016 130,000 1.94 % Jan. 28, 2021

The 189-3rd Public bond

Jan. 28, 2016 100,000 2.20 % Jan. 28, 2026

The 189-4th Public bond

Jan. 28, 2016 70,000 2.35 % Jan. 28, 2036

F-99

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part IItem 1. Identity Of Directors, Senior Managers and AdvisersItem 1. A. Directors and Senior ManagementItem 1. B. AdvisersItem 1. C. AuditorsItem 2. Offer Statistics and Expected TimetableItem 2. A. Offer StatisticsItem 2. B. Method and Expected TimetableItem 3. Key InformationItem 3. A. Selected Financial DataItem 3. B. Capitalization and IndebtednessItem 3. C. Reasons For The Offer and Use Of ProceedsItem 3. D. Risk FactorsItem 4. Information on The CompanyItem 4. A. History and Development Of The CompanyItem 4. B. Business OverviewItem 4. C. Organizational StructureItem 4. D. Property, Plants and EquipmentItem 4A. Unresolved Staff CommentsItem 5. Operating and Financial Review and ProspectsItem 5. A. Operating ResultsItem 5. B. Liquidity and Capital ResourcesItem 5. C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, EtcItem 5. D. Trend InformationItem 5. E. Off-balance Sheet ArrangementsItem 5. F. Tabular Disclosure Of Contractual ObligationsItem 5. G. Safe HarborItem 6. Directors, Senior Management and EmployeesItem 6. A. Directors and Senior ManagementItem 6. B. CompensationItem 6. C. Board PracticesItem 6. D. EmployeesItem 6. E. Share OwnershipItem 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party TransactionsItem 7. A. Major ShareholdersItem 7. B. Related Party TransactionsItem 7. C. Interests Of Experts and CounselItem 8. Financial InformationItem 8. A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial InformationItem 8. B. Significant ChangesItem 9. The Offer and ListingItem 9. A. Offer and Listing DetailsItem 9. B. Plan Of DistributionItem 9. C. MarketsItem 9. D. Selling ShareholdersItem 9. E. DilutionItem 9. F. Expenses Of The IssuerItem 10. Additional InformationItem 10. A. Share CapitalItem 10. AItem 10. B. Memorandum and Articles Of AssociationItem 10. BItem 10. C. Material ContractsItem 10. CItem 10. D. Exchange ControlsItem 10. DItem 10. E. TaxationItem 10. EItem 10. F. Dividends and Paying AgentsItem 10. FItem 10. G. Statements By ExpertsItem 10. GItem 10. H. Documents on DisplayItem 10. HItem 10. I. Subsidiary InformationItem 10. IItem 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market RiskItem 12. Description Of Securities Other Than Equity SecuritiesItem 12. A. Debt SecuritiesItem 12. AItem 12. B. Warrants and RightsItem 12. BItem 12. C. Other SecuritiesItem 12. CItem 12. D. American Depositary SharesItem 12. DPart IIItem 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and DelinquenciesItem 14. Material Modifications To The Rights Of Security Holders and Use Of ProceedsItem 15. Controls and ProceduresItem 16. [reserved]Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial ExpertItem 16B. Code Of EthicsItem 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and ServicesItem 16D. Exemptions From The Listing Standards For Audit CommitteesItem 16E. Purchases Of Equity Securities By The Issuer and Affiliated PurchasersItem 16F. Change in Registrant S Certifying AccountantItem 16G. Corporate GovernanceItem 16H. Mine Safety DisclosurePart IIIItem 17. Financial StatementsItem 18. Financial StatementsItem 19. Exhibits