6-K 1 d6k.htm FORM 6-K Form 6-K
Table of Contents

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 6-K

 

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of November 2008

Commission File Number 1-14926

 

 

KT Corporation

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

 

206 Jungja-dong

Bundang-gu, Sungnam

Kyunggi-do

463-711

Korea

(Address of principal executive office)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

Form 20-F      ü        Form 40-F              

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):                 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):                 

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes                  No      ü    

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-                

 

 

 


Table of Contents

SUMMARY OF THIRD QUARTER BUSINESS REPORT

(From January 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008)

THIS IS A SUMMARY OF THE 2008 THIRD QUARTER YEAR REPORT ORIGINALLY PREPARED IN KOREAN AND IN SUCH FORM AS REQUIRED BY THE KOREAN FINANCIAL SUPERVISORY COMMISSION. IN THE TRANSLATION PROCESS, SOME PARTS OF THE REPORT WERE REFORMATTED, REARRANGED OR SUMMARIZED FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF READERS.

UNLESS EXPRESSLY STATED OTHERWISE, ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS PRESENTED ON A NON-CONSOLIDATED BASIS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES GENERALLY ACCEPTED IN KOREA, OR KOREAN GAAP, WHICH DIFFER IN CERTAIN RESPECTS FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN CERTAIN OTHER COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES. WE HAVE MADE NO ATTEMPT TO IDENTIFY OR QUANTIFY THE IMPACT OF THESE DIFFERENCES.

 

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

 

I. Corporate General    4

1. Corporate Purpose of KT Corporation (“KT” or the “Company”)

   4

2. History

   4

3. Total Number of Shares and Others

   4

4. Voting Rights

   7

5. Matters on Dividends and Others

   8
II. Details of Business    9

1. Overview

   9

2. Matters related to Revenue

   16

3. Research and Development Activities

   20

4. Other Matters Necessary for Making Investment Decisions

   20
III. Financial Information    24

1. Summary of Financial Statements (Non-Consolidated)

   24

2. Summary of Financial Statements (Consolidated)

   24
IV. Auditors’ Opinion    26

1. Auditor

   26

2. Audit (or Review) Opinion

   26

3. Remuneration for Independent non-executive Auditors for the Past Three Fiscal Years

   26
V. Management and Affiliated Companies    27

1. Overview of the Board of Directors and Committees under the Board

   27

2. Equity Investment

   43
VI. Employees    45

1. Current Status of Employees

   45

(EXHIBIT 99-1 : NON-CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 AND 2007 AND INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS’ REVIEW REPORT)

 

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Table of Contents

I. Corporate General

1. Corporate Purpose of KT Corporation (“KT” or the “Company”)

Business Objectives

1. Information and communications business;

2. New media business;

3. Development and sale of software and contents;

4. Sale and distribution of information communication equipment;

5. Testing and inspection of information communication equipment, devices and facilities;

6. Advertisement business;

7. Telecommunications retail business;

8. Development of information and technology and electrical infrastructure;

9. Real estate and housing business;

10. Electronic banking and finance business;

11. Education and learning services business;

12. Security services business (including machinery system surveillance services and facilities security services);

13. Research and technical development, education, training and promotion, overseas businesses, export and import trade, manufacturing and distribution related to activities mentioned in items 1 through 12; and

14. Any other activities or businesses incidental to, or necessary for, the attainment of the foregoing.

2. History

A. Changes Since Incorporation

(1) Date of Incorporation : December 10, 1981

(2) Location of Headquarters :

206 Jungja-dong

Bundang-gu, Sungnam

Kyunggi-do

463-711

Korea

(3) Major changes in Company

- Joong-Su Nam has resigned as President and CEO of KT due to personal reasons on November 5, 2008.

- At the annual general shareholder’s meeting held on March 16, 2007, our shareholders resolved to add education and learning services business to our business objectives and accordingly amended our articles of incorporation.

3. Total Number of Shares and Others

A. Total Number of Shares

 

(As of September 30, 2008)    (Unit: shares)

Category

   Type of Shares
   Common Shares    Total

I. Total Number of Authorized Shares

   1,000,000,000    1,000,000,000

II. Total Number of Issued Shares

   312,199,659    312,199,659

III. Total Number of Shares Reduced

   38,663,959    38,663,959

1. Reduction of Capital

   —      —  

2. Share Retirement

   38,663,959    38,663,959

3. Redemption of Redeemable Shares

   —      —  

4. Other

   —      —  

IV. Current Number of Issued Shares (II – III)

   273,535,700    273,535,700

V. Number of Treasury Shares

   71,500,404    71,500,404

VI. Current Number of Issued and Outstanding Shares

   202,035,296    202,035,296

 

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* Total number of outstanding shares changed due to share retirement during third quarter of 2008

- Share retirement ending date : July 22, 2008

- Revised listing date : July 31, 2008

- Number of retired shares : 1,666,700 common shares

- Number of shares before and after revised listing

 

   

Before : 275,202,400/ After : 273,535,700

B. Stockholders’ Equity and Par Value per Share

 

(As of September 30, 2008)

   (Unit: in millions of Won, shares)

 

Category

  

Type

   Stockholders’ Equity (Total Par Value)    Par Value of a Share
      Capital
Stock in
Financial
Statements
   Total Par Value
of Issued Shares

(Issued Shares x
Par Value)
   Total Par Value
of Issued and
Outstanding
Shares

(Issued and
Outstanding
Shares x Par
Value)
   Par Value
per Share
   Capital Stock
/ Total Issued
Shares
   Capital Stock
/ Total
Outstanding
Shares

Registered

  

Common Share

   1,560,998    1,367,679    1,010,176    5,000    5,707    7,726

Total

   1,560,998    1,367,679    1,010,176    5,000    5,707    7,726

 

* Unit of Par Value per Share : Won

C. Acquisition and Disposal of Treasury Shares

(1) Acquisition and Disposal of Treasury Shares

 

(As of September 30, 2008)

   (Unit: shares)

 

Method of Acquisition

  

Type

   Beginning
of Term
   Acquisition
(+)
   Disposition
(-)
   Retirement
(-)
   End of Term

Direct Acquisition pursuant to Article 189-2 Paragraph 1 of the Law

   Common Share    70,256,407    1,666,700    15,173    1,666,700    70,241,234
   Preferred Share    —      —      —      —      —  

Direct Acquisition for Reasons other than Article 189-2 Paragraph 1 of the Law

   Common Share    —      —      —      —      —  
   Preferred Share    —      —      —      —      —  

Subtotal

   Common Share    70,256,407    1,666,700    15,173    1,666,700    70,241,234
   Preferred Share    —      —      —      —      —  

Indirect Acquisition (e.g. Trust Contract)

   Common Share    1,259,170    —      —      —      1,259,170
   Preferred Share    —      —      —      —      —  

Total

   Common Share    71,515,577    1,666,700    15,173    1,666,700    71,500,404
   Preferred Share    —      —      —      —      —  

 

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* Disposal of treasury shares: 15,173 shares were disposed of on March 28, 2008 to make performance-based payments to the members of the Board of Directors.

 

* Details of share buyback and retirement of treasury shares: 1,666,700 shares were purchased back by the Company from June 26, 2008 to July 18, 2008. The redeemed shares were retired on July 22, 2008.

(2) Share Retirement

 

(As of September 30, 2008)    (Unit: in millions of Won, shares)

Date of Retirement

  

Purpose of
Retirement

  

Type of Shares
Retired

   Number of
Shares Retired
   Amount
Retired
  

Period of
Acquisition

for Shares
Retirement

  

Relevant

Statute

7/22/2008

   Enhancement of shareholders’ value    Common Share    1,666,700    73,755,269,396   

June 26, 2008

to July 18, 2008

  

Securities and Exchange Act

(Article 189)

Total

      Common Share    1,666,700    73,755,269,396   

June 26, 2008

to July 18, 2008

  

Securities and Exchange Act

(Article 189)

 

* The above retired amount is exclusive of the related fees

 

* Share Retirement in Previous Fiscal Years:

(Unit: Won, shares)

 

Date of Retirement

  

Retirement Purpose

  

Type of Shares
Retired

   Number of
Shares
Retired
   Amount of
Retirement
  

Period of
Acquisition

of Shares

Retired

  

Relevant

Statutes

10/9/2002

   To increase shareholder value    Common Share    3,122,000    167,207,040,000   

September 2, 2002

to October 4, 2002

  

Securities and Exchange Act

(Article 189)

1/6/2003

   To increase shareholder value    Common Share    15,454,659    786,642,143,100    December 30, 2002   

Securities and Exchange Act

(Article 189)

6/20/2003

   To increase shareholder value    Common Share    2,937,000    137,958,768,000   

April 28, 2003 to

June 13, 2003

  

Securities and Exchange Act

(Article 189)

12/9/2003

   To increase shareholder value    Common Share    5,836,600    273,545,075,500    October 21, 2003 to December 4, 2003   

Securities and Exchange Act

(Article 189)

7/3/2006

   To increase shareholder value    Common Share    5,222,000    213,514,820,000   

April 3, 2006 to

June 26, 2006

  

Securities and Exchange Act

(Article 189)

8/3/2007

   To increase shareholder value    Common Share    2,058,000    91,454,033,000   

May 23, 2007 to

July 31, 2007

  

Securities and Exchange Act

(Article 189)

12/20/2007

   To increase shareholder value    Common Share    2,367,000    104,758,448,000   

October 11, 2007

to December 17, 2007

  

Securities and Exchange Act

(Article 189)

Total

   Common Share    36,997,259    1,775,080,327,600    —      —  
   Preferred Share    —      —      —      —  

 

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(3) Current Status of the Execution and Termination of Treasury Share Trust Agreement

(Unit: in millions of Won)

 

Category

   Beginning of the Term    Execution (+)    Termination (-)    Term-End
   Amount    Number of
Agreements
   Amount    Number of
Agreements
   Amount    Number of
Agreements
   Amount    Number of
Agreements

Specified Money Trust

   100,000    2    —      —      —      —      100,000    2

Trust Agreement with an Asset Management Company

   —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —  

Share Acquisition Agreement with a Investment Company

   —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —  

Total

   100,000    2    —      —      —      —      100,000    2

 

* Terms of the Trust Agreements: March 9, 2007 to March 8, 2010

D. Share Ownership Status of Employee Stock Ownership Association

(1) Transactions with Employee Stock Ownership Association

Not Applicable

(2) Guideline for Exercising the Voting Rights of Employee Stock Ownership Association

Association Account: Employee Stock Ownership Association exercises its voting rights in the same proportion as those shares held in the association member accounts that have indicated how to vote.

Association Member Account: Employee Stock Ownership Association may exercise its voting rights only if (i) the association receives a request by an association member to exercise his voting rights within a minimum period of seven days or (ii) the association member chooses to delegate his voting rights to the association.

(3) Shares Held by the Employee Stock Ownership Association

 

(As of September 30, 2008)

   (Unit: shares)

Type of Account

  

Type of Shares

   Balance at Beginning of Term   

Term-End Balance

Association Account

   Common Share    2,313,880    4,828

Association Member Account

   Common Share    13,029,101    13,739,016

4. Voting Rights

 

(As of September 30, 2008)

   (Unit: shares)

Category

   Number of Shares    Note

Total Issued Shares (A)

   Common Share    273,535,700    —  
   Preferred Share    —     

Shares without Voting Rights (B)

   Common Share    71,503,658    —  
   Preferred Share    —     

Shares with Restricted Voting Rights under the Stock Exchange Act and Other Laws (C)

   —      —      —  

Shares with Reestablished Voting Rights (D)

   —      —      —  

Shares with Exercisable Voting Rights (E = A – B – C + D)

   Common Share    202,032,042    —  
   Preferred Share    —     

 

* Number of shares without voting rights refer to treasury shares, cross holdings, etc is presented as of September 30, 2008, and number of shares exceeding 3% of the issued shares is presented as of December 31, 2007.

 

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(1) Shares without voting rights under the Commercial Code of Korea: 71,503,658 shares, including treasury shares, shared held through treasury stock funds and cross holding shares (3,254 shares).

 

(2) Under the Securities and Exchange Act, no share has its voting rights restricted. However, in appointing an audit committee member, any shareholder whose shareholding exceeds 3% of the total number of outstanding shares is limited to exercising his voting rights only up to 3% of the total number of outstanding shares with exercisable voting rights. As of December 31, 2007, out of the 9,870,546 shares that are held by the National Pension Fund, voting rights of 3,759,584 shares cannot be exercised with regard to the appointment of an audit committee member.

5. Matters on Dividends and Others

A. Matters on Dividends

The shareholder return policy of the Company is to pay its shareholders at least 50% of the adjusted net profit of the current term or more through cash dividends and acquisition of treasury stock of the Company.

B. Dividends Paid during the Past Three Fiscal Years

 

Category

   First Nine
Months of
2008
   2007    2006

Par Value per Share (Won)

   5,000    5,000    5,000

Net Profit of the Current Term (in millions of Won)

   476,002    957,623    1,233,449

Net Profit per Share (Won)

   2,343    4,635    5,877

Distributable Profit (in millions of Won)

   —      3,917,153    3,572,049

Year-end Cash Dividend (in millions of Won)

   —      407,374    416,190

Year-end Share Dividend (in millions of Won)

   —      —      —  

Cash Dividend Propensity (%)

   —      42.5    33.7

Rate of Return on Cash Dividend (%)

   Common Share    —      3.8    4.3
   Preferred Share    —      —      —  

Rate of Return on Share Dividend (%)

   Common Share    —      —      —  
   Preferred Share    —      —      —  

Cash Dividend per Share (Won)

   Common Share    —      2,000    2,000
   Preferred Share    —      —      —  

Share Dividend per Share (Share)

   Common Share    —      —      —  
   Preferred Share    —      —      —  

 

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II. Details of Business

1. Overview

A. Present Conditions of the Industry

(1) Characteristics of the Industry

Current markets for fixed-line telephones, broadband Internet and mobile communications in Korea have reached their maturity. With technical advances and changes in customer demands, the communications industry has recently been moving towards convergence between different technologies and industries, such as convergence between fixed-lined communications and mobile communications and between the telecommunications industry and the broadcasting industry. These converged media businesses, represented by IP-TV, opens up new opportunities for telecommunications carriers as they bridges telecommunications and broadcasting industries. In the mobile communications market, the transition to 3G will become a turning point in shaping a new competitive landscape, replacing the existing competition in the 2G market. In the saturated communications market, increasing customer value has become increasingly more important as fixed-line communications carriers offer integrated services such as the TPS (or Triple Play Service) or QPS (or Quadruple Play Service), and mobile communications carriers also offer additional benefits to their clients.

(2) Growth of the Industry

(Unit: 1,000 persons)

 

Category

   As of
December 31,
2004
   As of
December 31,
2005
   As of
December 31,
2006
   As of
December 31,
2007
   As of
September 30,
2008

Broadband Internet Subscribers

   11,921    12,191    14,043    14,710    15,265

Local Telephone Subscribers

   22,871    22,920    23,119    23,130    23,900

Mobile Phone Subscribers

   36,586    38,342    40,197    43,498    45,274

 

* From 2004 to 2007, data was provided by the Ministry of Information and Communication (www.mic.go.kr).

 

* Data as of September 30, 2008 was provided by the Korea Communications Commission (www.kcc.go.kr).

(3) Characteristics of Market Fluctuations

The demand for communications services does not fluctuate greatly as such services are regarded as a necessity in modern life. However, if the Korean economy slows and continues to do so in the future, it could have an adverse impact on KT’s business activities.

(4) Competition

(a) Competing Companies

 

   

Local calls: SK Broadband, LG Dacom, etc.

 

   

Long distance calls: LG Dacom, Onse Telecom, SK Broadband, SK Telink, etc.

 

   

International calls: LG Dacom, Onse Telecom, SK Broadband, SK Telink, etc.

 

   

Broadband Internet: SK Broadband, LG Powercom, LG Dacom, Onse Telecom, Service Operators (including cable television, relay wired broadcasting operators), etc.

 

   

Mobile communications: SK Telecom, LG Telecom, etc.

 

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Internet telephones using Internet Protocol: SK Broadband, SK Networks, SK Telink, Samsung Networks, LG Dacom, Korea Cable Telecom, etc.

 

   

IP-TV: SK Broadband, LG Dacom

 

   

Mobile Internet (WiBro service): SK Telecom

(b) Market Entry Requirements

 

   

Communication service providers: business operations must be approved by the Korea Communications Commission

 

   

Specific telecommunications service providers: registration is required

 

   

Value-added telecommunications service providers: reporting is required

(c) Factors of Competition : service fees, product quality, brand value and competitiveness of the distribution network.

(5) Characteristics of Resource Supplies

(a) Communications Equipment Procurement

In accordance with the Government’s u-IT839 policy to build a broadband convergence network (BcN) that can offer a range of different types of services, KT’s network is evolving from an individual service provider-oriented network to a customer-oriented service convergence network (All-IP). KT is also focusing on the introduction of a fiber-optic broadband network and aims to enhance the quality of its customer’s experience by providing a variety of innovative services, including integrated voice (telephony) and data (Internet) convergent services and converging communication and broadcasting.

To provide such service, KT purchased the following equipment in 2008: (i) backbone network equipment such as WDM equipment, MSPP, DCS devices and routers; (ii) equipment for broadband Internet such as FTTH equipment, switches and optical cables in order to deliver to its customers TPS and other services; (iii) equipment for newly introduced businesses such as mobile Internet equipment (such as repeaters, access terminals and devices) and IP-TV set-top boxes; and (iv) other handsets for end-users such as mobile handsets, PDAs, ‘Ann’ phones and VoIP terminals.

(b) Capital Raising

With domestic credit rating of AAA, the highest credit rating among Korean companies, KT has issued: (i) in January 2008, Yen 12.5 billion of corporate bonds due 2011; and (ii) in March 2008, US$160 million of corporate bonds due 2011 and 2012. In February 2008, KT issued Won 100 billion of corporate bonds due 2013. Also, in early September 2008, prior to the recent adverse market conditions and volatility in the global financial market, KT issued US$200 million of private corporate bonds at an optimal time and low interest. KT has improved its international credit rating by receiving a credit rating level of A3 from Moody’s Investors Services (“Moody’s”) in June 2005 and was assigned a positive outlook by Moody’s in September 2006. KT also received a credit rating level of A from Fitch Ratings in July 2007 during its periodic appraisal. In June 2008, S&P improved KT’s international credit rating level from ‘A-Stable’ to ‘A-Positive’. In accordance with the government support policy for information technology companies, KT also raised in May 2008 Won 10.9 billion of subsidy that is repayable on a three year installment basis after a two year grace period. As a result of a series of bond offerings and improved credit rating, maturity dates of outstanding borrowings have been deferred and KT has achieved increasing financial stability and effective management of debt maturity date.

 

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(6) Relevant Laws and Government Regulations

(a) Relevant Laws

 

   

Telecommunications policy-related laws

 

  -  

Seven laws, including Telecommunications Basic Act and Telecommunications Business Act

 

   

Radio and broadcasting policy-related laws

 

  -  

Radio Regulation Law

 

   

Informatization related laws

 

  -  

Nine laws, including Promotion of Information and Communication Basic Act

 

   

Broadcast related laws

 

  -  

Broadcasting Law, etc.

 

   

Others: Internet Multimedia Broadcasting Business Law (IP-TV related law)

(b) Government Regulations

In early 2008, the Ministry of Information and Communications merged with the Broadcasting Committee and established an integrated regulatory body called the Korea Communications Commission. The new governing body is comprised of five executive members including one chairman. The organization is composed of two offices, three bureaus, seven departments and 34 sections.

The Communications Ethics committed was founded as a private independent body by merging The Information and Communications Ethics Committee with the deliberation function of the former Broadcasting Committee.

The Korea Communications Commission is responsible for managing the convergence between broadcasting and communications, as well as assuring their independence and their role of providing public service. The commission is also responsible for issuance of relevant licenses, permits, approvals, policy enactments and other matters relating to the promotion of broadcasting and communications and the enhancement of their global competitiveness.

The statements included in above section are based on KT’s forecasts and are offered for the sole purpose of providing a better understanding of the company’s current state. Consequently, investors must not rely solely on KT’s forecasts when making their investment decisions.

B. Current Status of KT

(1) Operations Outlook and Classification of Business

(a) Operations Outlook

The Korean communications market is currently experiencing slow growth as leading services, including fixed-line telephones, broadband Internet and mobile communications, have reached maturity, caused in part by intense competition in the industry. KT is no exception to this industry trend as its local telephone, Megapass broadband Internet access and mobile resale services are all facing difficult business climates due to: (i) increase in fixed-to-mobile substitution trend and the increasing popularity of VoIP market; (ii) aggressive marketing and price cutting measures from competitors of broadband Internet access service providers; and (iii) limitations of resale efforts and increasing marketing costs relating to mobile services.

Despite the unfavorable environment, KT has made company-wide efforts to reduce costs based on quality management and treatment of customer value innovation as our top priority.

 

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As of the end of September 2008, KT had 6,754 thousand Megapass customers, 20,621 thousand local telephony customers and 2,860 thousand mobile resale customers. KT also maintained 2,584 thousand subscribers of Ann service and 1,654 thousand subscribers were subscribing our services through the MyStyle payment plan.

In the future, KT plans to promote various rate plans to address different customer calling patterns, as well as promote bundled-services (economic efficiency), reiterate value of the fix-line (well-being) and promote digital Ann phone (convenience) in its fixed-line telephone business. KT also plans to provide video conference and differentiated VoIP services to address the proliferation of Internet phones. In the broadband Internet arena, KT will aim for excellence by improving customer value from the viewpoint of customers (the “First 1 Mile Project”) with continued provisions of the FTTH (Fiber-To-The-Home) services. As for its mobile resale business, KT will focus on expanding its current marketing base in line with the future 3G-based wireless market. KT’s Wireless broadband Internet access service business, or WiBro, plans to further expand services to the greater Seoul metropolitan area and will aim to be a leader in the Mobile 2.0 era, the next generation mobile environment of two-way communication. Also, KT’s IP-TV business will focus on actively catering to the TV portal market through its MegaTV service and, in the long term, by pursuing a leadership position in the communications broadcasting convergence market. KT will also aim to expand its market share by enhancing its network-based care services, offering on- and off-line total solutions while expanding its bizmeka services to address individual needs, such as medical and education services. In particular, KT will strive to combine its collective resources and diverse service offerings to periodically develop and introduce new package of services that KT believes will provide its new growth momentum.

(b) Operations Subject to Disclosure

KT’s main area of business under the Korea Standard Industry Code is the telecommunications sector.

(2) Market Share

 

Category

   Operator    Market Share for Each Term (%)
      As of
September 30, 2008
   As of
December 31, 2007
   As of
December 31, 2008

Local Telephone

(On the Basis of Number of Subscribers)

   KT    90.0    90.4    92.1
   SK Broadband    8.6    8.8    7.5
   LG Dacom    1.3    0.8    0.4

Long Distance Telephone

(On the Basis of Number of Subscribers)

   KT    85.5    85.4    85.6
   LG Dacom    3.7    3.9    4.8
   Onse Telecom    1.7    1.8    2.1
   SK Broadband    7.5    7.4    6.1
   SK Telink    1.6    1.5    1.4

Broadband Internet Subscriber

(On the Basis of Number of Subscribers)

   KT    44.2    44.3    45.2
   SK Broadband    22.5    24.9    25.7
   LG Powercom    13.4    11.7    8.6
   Service Operators    18.2    17.5    16.6

 

* In 2006 and 2007, data was provided by the Ministry of Information and Communication (www.mic.go.kr).

 

* Data as of September 30, 2008 was provided by Korea Communications Commission (www.kcc.go.kr).

(3) Market Characteristics

KT’s local telephone business provides universal services for homes and businesses, and despite increased marketing efforts by competitors, we maintain approximately 90% of the market share as of September 30, 2008. Although PSTN sales and the number of PSTN subscribers are on a gradual decline due to the increased use of mobile phones over traditional phones, the advancement of VoIP services and the expansion of local number portability (LNP), KT is committed to fending off a further decline in sales by (i) increasing average revenue per user (ARPU) through sales of additional services, (ii) increasing customer satisfaction by offering optional calling plans and (iii) retaining existing customers through customer relationship management activities.

 

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As for broadband Internet, KT seeks to improve its ARPU by providing competitive rates for its high-quality products, aided by reorganization of its product lineup. KT is the leader in terms of both speed and quality in a market with intense price competition, mostly through its leadership in supplying FTTH services. KT’s ultimate goal is to be a market leader in offering next generation services, such as IP-TV, through achieving 100 mega-bites access for ordinary households.

As for the KTF mobile resale services provided to KT’s individual customers, revenue from such services are increasing despite a fierce competition over new customers, in part due to mobile number portability and KT’s ability to secure new customers. Furthermore, KT is aiming to enhance its sales through strengthening its resale business of KTF’s 3G (WCDMA) services.

(4) Status and Forecast of New Business

In order to overcome present market obstacles of growth limits of the voice business market and the sluggish growth of the broadband Internet access services, KT has been actively involved in developing a wide range of new businesses with growth prospects.

KT aims to create a digital entertainment world that will enrich its customers’ lives through a ubiquitous environment that can be accessed through various terminals anytime anywhere, to offer customers convenience solutions that they may freely use without the time or location limitations, and to offer business solutions necessary to enhance corporate efficiency and competitiveness. By excelling in these new business areas, KT strives to become a “Wonderful Life Partner” that accomplishes customer value innovation while realizing its customers’ objectives and visions.

KT’s WiBro operation offers portable broadband Internet access services, allowing universal Internet access with high transmission speeds through personal handsets or laptop computers. WiBro was first commercialized in the world using technology developed in Korea, and KT successfully provided commercial WiBro services in limited areas in 2006. Since April 2007, KT has actively been seeking to provide WiBro services in the Seoul area, including various major buildings and university campuses in the Seoul metropolitan area. Currently, KT WiBro services can be enjoyed by anyone with a mini-PC, WiBro compatible laptop computer, WiBro phone that combines CDMA mobile phone with WiBro service, Portable Media Players navigation devices and through a USB device that can be connected to any laptop computer. KT will continue to expand its array of digital devices that are compatible with WiBro services. Also, KT has expanded its coverage to the entire metropolitan area and doubled its service speed. KT will create a mobile culture for its customers through KT WiBro, which shall offer the users not only the basic function of Internet access but also other services, such as combined Webmail, two-way visual communications, remote control of home computers, tailored information services linked with real-time search and mobile UCC. Through WiBro, KT aims to lead the Mobile 2.0 generation, a next-generation mobile environment in which users may utilize information and contents they need through a two-way communication platform.

MegaTV (IP-TV) is a service that integrates communications and broadcasting services, brought about by the emergence of the convergence era among traditional industries and acceleration in the development of broadband Internet network and multimedia contents. MegaTV is a service that encompasses: (1) traditional Internet services, such as information searches, games, message exchanges, and shopping, which until now users could only access using their personal computers; (2) Video on Demand (VOD) services, allowing users to watch a variety of contents, such as movies, dramas and educational programs, at any time; and (3) convergence services that enable users to conveniently enjoy, with simple operation, high definition programs through broadband Internet network connected to a HD-compatible television. As of September 30, 2008, service is provided on a VOD basis without real-time broadcasting due to regulatory restrictions. However, following the passing of the Korean Internet Multimedia Broadcasting Business Law in December 2007 and the granting of the IP-TV business license to KT, we expect to provide enhanced IP-TV service, including real-time broadcasting in the second half of 2008, while striving to grow as a digital entertainment company.

SoIP (Service over Internet Protocol) is a service that provides video communication, short message services and a variety of information and data based multimedia applications, as well as IP-based voice transmission service. SoIP is composed of various services ranging from ‘Low-end SoIP’ to ‘High-end SoIP’. It belongs to the next generation of businesses that KT believes will

 

13


Table of Contents

provide a new profit stream. Specifically, ‘Low-end SoIP’ provides low-priced and convenient telephone services through voice IP phone. ‘Mid-end SoIP’ provides a variety of daily life related services and visual communication through video IP phones. ‘High-end SoIP’ provides additional value added services through the convergence of entertainment, telecommunication and appliance devices.

KT believes that its new businesses will not only bring about new sources of revenue for the company, but also assist KT to maintain its existing fixed-line market share as well as promote its competitiveness in the broadband Internet service market. KT, leveraging on its past success, intends to continue to develop and nurture new businesses so that it can become a pioneer in the areas of fixed line to mobile consolidation, convergence of communications, broadcasting and home appliances and cross-industry convergence.

The statements included in above section are based on KT’s forecasts and are offered for the sole purpose of providing a better understanding of the company’s current state. Consequently, investors must not rely solely on KT’s forecasts when making their investment decisions.

 

14


Table of Contents

(5) Organization Chart

LOGO

 

15


Table of Contents

2. Matters related to Revenue

A. Performance in Terms of Revenue

(Unit: in millions of Won)

 

Items

   First Nine Months of
27th Fiscal Year (2008)
   First Nine Months of
26th Fiscal Year (2007)
   26th Fiscal Year (2007)

Internet Connection

   1,602,034    1,585,504    2,118,670

Internet Application

   411,636    294,557    389,884

Data

   1,235,164    1,219,662    1,627,923

Telephone

   3,009,628    3,120,256    4,184,668

LM

   1,063,271    1,205,085    1,597,203

Wireless

   1,213,320    1,143,259    1,511,452

System Integration

   171,094    184,555    260,555

Real Estate

   182,661    167,850    218,182

Others

   20,721    19,308    27,845

Total

   8,909,529    8,940,036    11,936,382

B. Routes and Methods of Sales

(1) Marketing Organizational Structure

LOGO

 

16


Table of Contents
   

Internal distribution channel: Regional Business Unit (11), district/branch offices (417), customer center (1)

 

   

External distribution channel: sales agencies (760), intern stores (450), specialty stores (88), specific service provider (17), KTF Group Stores (1,400), KTF M&S (120), affiliate channels (51)

(2) Sales Path

LOGO

 

   

Branch offices offer sales of goods and customer services.

 

   

Subscription to goods and services through sales agencies: sales agencies, intern stores, specialty stores, specific service providers, Tel-Plazas and affiliates.

 

   

Subscription to goods and services through the Internet (Cyber Customer Management Center).

 

   

Attracting new subscribers and increasing cross-sales through business sales agreements.

 

   

Utilizing distribution routes through alliance with other businesses.

(3) Methods and Conditions of Sales

(a) Sales Methods

 

   

Service fees are paid in cash (wire transfer, direct bank transfer and credit cards). Fixed and wireless telephone services are operated on a unit pricing system or partial flat rate system and broadband Internet access service are operated on a flat rate system.

 

   

Sale of terminals may involve installment payments.

 

   

Rental of terminals is charged on a monthly basis, and a discounted rate is applied during the contract period.

 

   

Distribution fees are charged upon installation and additional periodic maintenance fees.

 

17


Table of Contents

(b) Conditions for Sales

 

   

Discount of Service Fees in accordance with the Subscription Period

 

Category

   1 Year   2 Years   3 Years   4 Years

Megapass

   5%   10%   15%   20% (limited to
Ntopia/Special)

KORNET (Express/Premium)

   5%   10%   15%   —  

Mega TV

   5%   10%   20%   —  

 

  -  

Additional discounts available for subscribers who have used the following services for at least 3 years

 

Category

   After 1 Year   After 2 Years   After 3 Years   After 4 Years

Megapass

   2%   3%   5%   —  

KORNET

(Express/Premium)

   2%

(When subscribers
sign up for an
additional 1 year
agreement)

  3%

(When subscribers
sign up for an
additional 2 year
agreement)

  5%

(When subscribers
sign up for an
additional 3 year
agreement)

  When subscribers
enter into an
additional agreement

 

   

Package Discounts

 

Megapass

plus SHOW

   Megapass    SHOW
   3% to 10% additional discount for service fees according to agreement terms    10% discount for monthly service fees (5% for Megapass subscriptions without long-term discount agreements)

Megapass

plus KT

WIBRO

     
   Megapass    KT WIBRO
  

 

3% to 10% additional discount for service fees according to agreement terms

  

 

None (the service is provided to the subscribers of NESPOT family free of charge)

Megapass

plus Mega

TV

     
   Megapass    Mega TV
  

 

3% to 10% additional discount for service fees according to agreement terms

  

 

3% to 10% additional discount for service fees according to agreement terms

 

   

Discounts for Multiple Leased-Lines Subscriptions

 

  -  

Local Leased-Line

 

Category

   30,001 to 40,000
lines
  40,001 to 60,000
lines
  Above 60,001
lines
  Note

Discount Rate

   4%   5%   6%   Limited to circuits below
low-speed (300bps) level

 

  -  

Long Distance Leased-Line

 

Category

   5~9 lines   Above 10 lines   Note

Discount Rate

   5%   10%   —  

 

* Please refer to the explanations for each service provided on their respective websites or relevant terms and conditions for further details.

 

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Table of Contents

(4) Sales Strategy

(a) Broadband Internet Service

 

   

Strengthen competitiveness by enhancing both quality and speed of FTTH offerings

 

   

Satisfy a diverse range of customer needs and provide differentiated services through development and offering of additional Megapass services

 

   

Promote high-quality products and increase sales through up-selling and retention of existing customers

(b) WiBro Service

 

   

Improve distribution networks and strengthen handset design and service offerings

 

   

Promote interactive stores and pursue target marketing at WiBro U-Campus, laptop rental businesses and securities companies.

 

   

Stimulate early market interest through promotional rate plans and package products

(c) IP-TV Service

 

   

Sell VOD-based Mega TV products to Megapass customers nationwide

 

   

Expand client base by offering free set-top box rentals (with a 3 year subscription contract) and opportunities to experience KT services

 

   

Increase synergy, such as cross-selling and customer retention, through promotion of bundling products with Megapass

(d) Data Service

 

   

Enhance customer value by offering high-quality exclusive networks that are stable and unique

 

   

Offer customized services through professional consulting

(e) Telephone Service

 

   

Focus on retaining local call subscriber base by preventing LNP transfers and cancellations

 

   

Increase sales efficiency by target marketing based on analyses of customers’ usage patterns

 

   

Promote customer loyalty with the Care Program, designed specifically for each customer, and by developing services based on specific customer needs

 

   

Retain existing customers and effectively compete with Internet telephone companies through optional calling plans and development of package products

(f) Mobile resale Service

 

   

Attract good customers from other providers as well as new customers through the adoption of stand-out sales policies

 

   

Focus on customer retention by engaging in Care activities targeting VIP customers

 

   

Develop additional services and improve the quality of terminals and customer service in collaboration with KTF

 

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Table of Contents

(g) Bundling Service

 

   

Retain existing customers by developing and promoting new Megapass-based package products and recruiting new clients for services such as KT WiBro and SHOW

 

   

Customer retention through continued development and sale of package products of major services

3. Research and Development Activities

A. Research and Development costs

(Units: in millions of Won)

 

Category

   First Nine Months
of 2008
    2007     2006     Notes

Raw material

   —       —       —       —  

Labor cost

   52,197     65,478     62,363    

Depreciation

   35,326     49,524     48,825     —  

Commissions

   2,500     20,239     20,450     —  

Others

   123,353     236,605     242,943     —  

Total R&D costs

   213,376     371,846     374,581     —  

Accounting

treatment

   Research and ordinary development costs    173,413     260,445     273,969    
  

 

Development cost (intangible asset)

   39,963     111,401     100,612    

Percentage of R&D costs over revenue

   2.39 %   3.12 %   3.16 %   —  

4. Other Matters Necessary for Making Investment Decisions

A. Summary of fund raising

 

Domestic Funding    (Unit: in millions of Won)

 

Source

   Balance at the
Beginning of
the Term
   New
Fundraising
   Reduction due
to
Redemptions
   Term-End
Balance
   Note

Bank

   44,602    10,935    14,065    41,472    Increase in
overdraft
during the
period:
Won 0

Insurance Company

   —      —      —      —      —  

Merchant Bank

   —      —      —      —      —  

Credit Specialty Financial Company

   —      —      —      —      —  

Mutual Savings Bank

   —      —      —      —      —  

Other Banking Institutions

   —      —      —      —      —  

 

20


Table of Contents

Total: Financial Institutions

   44,602    10,935    14,065    41,472    —  

Corporate Bond (Public Subscription)

   3,630,000    633,060    420,000    3,843,060    —  

Corporate Bond (Private Subscription)

   —      —      —      —      —  

Capital Increase (Public Subscription)

   —      —      —      —      —  

Capital Increase (Private Subscription)

   —      —      —      —      —  

Asset-Backed Securitization (Public Subscription)

   —      —      —      —      —  

Asset-Backed Securitization (Private Subscription)

   —      —      —      —      —  

Other

   —      260,000    260,000    —      Commercial Paper

Total: Capital Market

   3,630,000    893,060    680,000    3,843,060    —  

Loan from Shareholders • Officers • Subsidiaries

   —      —      —      —      —  

Other

   —      —      —      —      —  

Total

   3,674,602    903,995    694,065    3,884,532    —  

(Note) Total amount of corporate bonds issued during this term

 

- Publicly subscribed amount: Won 633,060 million

 

- Privately subscribed amount: none

 

* Exchange rate for foreign currency denominated bonds: 1 USD = 1,187.7, 1 JPY = 11.4422

 

Overseas Funding

   (Unit: in millions of Won)

 

Source

   Balance at the
Beginning of the
Term
   New Financing    Reduction due
to Return, etc.
   Term-End
Balance
  

Note

Financial Institution

   —      —      —      —      —  

Overseas Securities (Corporate Bond)

   1,407,300    611,790    —      2,019,090    Including increase from translation to won following depreciation of Won against dollar

Overseas Securities (Stocks, etc.)

   —      —      —      —      —  

Asset-Backed Securitization

   —      —      —      —      —  

Other

   —      —      —      —      —  

Total

   1,407,300    611,790    —      2,019,090    —  

 

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Table of Contents
* Total amount of foreign private bonds issued during the period: Won 237,540 million (US$200 million)

 

* 1 USD = 938.2 (beginning of period), 1 USD = 1,187.7 (end of period)

 

* Effect of conversion from fluctuation of foreign exchange rate is reflected in “new financing”

B. Credit Rating for the Past Three Years

(1) Overseas Credit Rating

 

Date of Assessment

  

Assessed
Securities, etc.

   Credit Rating of
Assessed Securities
  

Assessing Company

(Scale of Rating)

  

Assessment
Type

July 14, 2008

   —      A3   

Moody’s : U.S.

(Aaa, Aa1, Aa2, Aa3, A1, ~ C)

  

Annual

Assessment

June 30, 2008

   —      A-   

S&P : U.S.

(AAA, AA+, AA, AA-, A, ~ D)

  

Annual

Assessment

July 2, 2007

   —      A   

Fitch : U.S.

(AAA, AA+, AA, AA-, A, ~ D)

  

Annual

Assessment

April 2, 2007

   2007 Global Bond    A3   

Moody’s : U.S.

(Aaa, Aa1, Aa2, Aa3, A1, ~ C)

  

Special

Assessment

April 2, 2007

   2007 Global Bond    A-   

S&P : U.S.

(AAA, AA+, AA, AA-, A, ~ D)

  

Special

Assessment

Sept. 26, 2006

   —      A-   

S&P : U.S.

(AAA, AA+, AA, AA-, A, ~ D)

  

Annual

Assessment

Sept. 4, 2006

   —      A3   

Moody’s : U.S.

(Aaa, Aa1, Aa2, Aa3, A1, ~ C)

  

Annual

Assessment

April 25, 2006

   2006 Global Bond    A3   

Moody’s : U.S.

(Aaa, Aa1, Aa2, Aa3, A1, ~ C)

  

Special

Assessment

April 24, 2006

   2006 Global Bond    A-   

S&P : U.S.

(AAA, AA+, AA, AA-, A, ~ D)

  

Special

Assessment

(2) Domestic Credit Rating

 

Date of Assessment

  

Assessed
Securities, etc.

   Credit Rating of
Assessed Securities
  

Assessing Company

(Scale of Rating)

  

Assessment
Type

July 28, 2008

   Corporate Bond    AAA    Korea Information Service Inc., National Information & Credit Evaluation Inc., Korea Ratings Corporation    Regular

March 20, 2008

   Corporate Bond    AAA    Same as above   

Feb. 18, 2008

   Corporate Bond    AAA    Same as above   

Dec. 27, 2007

   Corporate Bond    AAA    Same as above   

March 22, 2007

   Corporate Bond    AAA    Same as above   

June 27, 2007

   Commercial Paper    A1    Korea Information Service Inc.   

June 21, 2007

   Commercial Paper    A1    National Information & Credit Evaluation Inc.   

June 29, 2006

   Commercial Paper    A1    Korea Information Service Inc.   

June 28, 2006

   Commercial Paper    A1    Korea Ratings Corporation   

 

22


Table of Contents

Date of Assessment

  

Assessed
Securities, etc.

   Credit Rating of
Assessed Securities
  

Assessing Company

(Scale of Rating)

  

Assessment
Type

June 10, 2005

   Corporate Bond       Korea Information Service Inc., National Information & Credit Evaluation Inc., Korea Ratings Corporation   

April 11, 2005

   Corporate Bond       Same as above   

March 11, 2005

   Corporate Bond       Same as above   

 

- Top credit ratings (AAA, A1) were rewarded to the company’s existing corporate bonds and commercial papers at its annual credit assessment.

 

- For corporate bond, there are ten rating categories from AAA to D. For commercial paper, there are six rating categories from A1 to D.

 

23


Table of Contents

III. Financial Information

1. Summary of Financial Statements (Non-Consolidated)

(in million Won)

 

Classification

   As of
September 30,
2008
   As of
December 31,

2007
   As of
December 31,

2006
   As of
December 31,

2005
   As of
December 31,

2004

Current Assets

   3,616,139    3,310,412    3,239,188    3,418,917    5,295,663

•     Quick Assets

   3,468,122    3,188,309    3,146,206    3,303,033    5,194,983

•     Inventory

   148,017    122,103    92,982    115,884    100,680

Fixed Assets

   14,861,954    14,606,770    14,723,145    14,517,592    14,818,373

•     Investments

   3,535,858    3,458,580    3,661,067    3,453,071    3,415,390

•     Tangible assets

   10,450,746    10,448,618    10,398,084    10,411,523    10,637,059

•     Intangible assets

   374,490    439,738    470,782    443,098    299,106

•     Other non-current assets

   500,860    259,834    193,212    209,900    466,818

Total Assets

   18,478,093    17,917,182    17,962,333    17,936,509    20,114,036

Current Liabilities

   2,648,930    2,991,341    3,270,249    3,079,999    6,144,047

Fixed Liabilities

   6,934,811    6,065,948    6,143,004    6,807,214    6,523,476

Total Liabilities

   9,583,741    9,057,289    9,413,253    9,887,213    12,667,523

Capital

   1,560,998    1,560,998    1,560,998    1,560,998    1,560,998

Capital Surplus

   1,257,116    1,278,590    1,440,910    1,440,258    1,440,258

Capital Adjustments

   (-)3,814,936    (-)3,815,786    (-)3,817,717    (-)3,870,288    (-)3,969,757

Accumulated Comprehensive Income

   50,867    (-)6,774    10,978    119,658    15,877

Retained Earnings

   9,840,307    9,842,865    9,353,911    8,798,670    8,399,137

Total Capital

   8,894,352    8,859,893    8,549,080    8,049,296    7,446,513

(in million Won)

 

Classification

   For the Nine
Months ended
September 30,
2008
   For the year
ended
December 31,

2007
   For the year
ended
December 31,

2006
   For the year
ended
December 31,

2005
   For the year
ended
December 31,

2004

Sales

   8,909,529    11,936,382    11,856,009    11,877,272    11,850,819

Operating Income

   1,030,091    1,433,722    1,756,228    1,659,883    2,127,119

Ordinary Income

   590,132    1,274,725    1,574,460    1,376,429    1,799,798

Net Income

   476,002    981,967    1,233,449    1,031,810    1,255,522

2. Summary of Financial Statements (Consolidated)

As of December 31,

(in million Won)

 

Classification

   2007    2006    2005    2004    2003

Current Assets

   5,642,799    5,981,420    6,131,744    6,808,977    4,731,931

•     Quick Assets

   5,343,695    5,744,225    5,771,631    6,434,658    4,367,098

•     Inventory

   299,104    237,195    360,113    374,319    364,833

Fixed Assets

   18,484,086    18,261,914    18,556,973    19,664,255    20,824,744

•     Investments

   472,166    533,947    792,669    913,844    1,211,358

•     Tangible assets

   15,288,002    15,167,429    15,087,032    15,721,455    16,373,943

 

24


Table of Contents

•     Intangible assets

   1,735,323    1,959,591    2,133,199    2,184,689    2,427,398

•     Other non-current assets

   988,595    600,947    544,073    844,267    812,045

Total Assets

   24,126,885    24,243,334    24,688,717    26,473,232    25,556,675

Current Liabilities

   5,078,621    5,423,115    4,822,341    8,334,490    5,915,601

Fixed Liabilities

   7,910,498    8,122,915    9,476,442    9,112,362    11,244,454

Total Liabilities

   12,989,119    13,546,030    14,298,783    17,446,852    17,160,055

Minority Interest

   2,276,003    2,267,252    2,518,213    1,809,577    1,849,303

Capital

   1,560,998    1,560,998    1,560,998    1,560,998    1,560,998

Capital Surplus

   1,272,634    1,292,475    1,389,222    1,291,617    1,308,612

Capital Adjustments

   -3,815,786    -3,817,717    -3,868,078    -3,967,270    -3,972,244

Accumulated Comprehensive Income

   142    -5,772    3,166    -1,782    -33,349

Retained Earnings

   9,843,775    9,400,068    8,786,413    8,333,240    7,683,300

Total Capital

   11,137,766    10,697,304    10,389,934    9,026,380    8,396,620

For the years ended December 31

(in million Won)

 

Classification

   2007    2006    2005    2004    2003

Revenues

   18,660,082    17,824,880    17,155,455    17,068,371    16,067,779

Operating Income

   1,745,341    2,383,376    2,430,942    2,480,532    1,822,436

Income from continuing operations

   1,096,774    1,509,721    1,365,010    1,431,147    1,057,429

Net Income

   1,170,978    1,509,717    1,360,036    1,431,147    1,057,429

Consolidated Net Income

   1,056,227    1,291,863    1,085,450    1,282,216    821,734

Number of consolidated companies

   28    23    21    13    14

 

25


Table of Contents

IV. Auditors’ Opinion

1. Auditor

 

First Nine Months of 2008

 

First Nine Months of 2007

 

2007

 

2006

Deloitte Anjin LLC

  Deloitte Anjin LLC   Deloitte Anjin LLC   KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.

2. Audit (or Review) Opinion

 

Term

 

Audit (or Review) Opinion

 

Issues noted

First Nine Months of 2008

  —     Not Applicable

First Nine Months of 2007

  —     Not Applicable

2007

  Unqualified   Not Applicable

2006

  Unqualified   Not Applicable

3. Remuneration for Independent non-executive Auditors for the Past Three Fiscal Years

A. Audit Contracts

(Unit in million won)

 

Term

  

Auditor

  

Contents

   Fee    Total
Hours

First Nine Months of 2008

   Deloitte Anjin LLC   

Quarterly and semi-annual review of financial statements Semi-annual review of consolidated financial statements Non-consolidated financial statements audit Consolidated financial statements audit

Kaesong Branch Office audit Semi-annual review of US GAAP financial statements

US GAAP financial statements audit

   2,319    19,795

2007

   Deloitte Anjin LLC   

Quarterly and semi-annual review of financial statements Semi-annual review of consolidated financial statements Non-consolidated financial statements audit Consolidated financial statements audit

US GAAP financial statements audit

   1,985    37,000

2006

   KPMG Samjong Accounting Corp.   

Semi-annual review (consolidated and non-consolidated) Quarterly review Non-consolidated financial statements audit Consolidated financial statements audit Semi-annual review of US GAAP financial statements

US GAAP financial statements audit

   2,717    35,000

 

26


Table of Contents

V. Management and Affiliated Companies

1. Overview of the Board of Directors and Committees under the Board

A. Matters on the Board of Directors

(1) Organization

(a) Rights of the Board of Directors

 

   

Convocation of general meeting of shareholders

 

   

Approval of budget

 

   

Approval of financial statements and business report

 

   

Establishment, transfer and closing of branch offices

 

   

Material organizational changes such as dissolution, business transfer and merger and acquisition

 

   

Issuance of new shares and disposal of forfeited shares and fractions of shares

 

   

Grant and revocation of stock purchase options

 

   

Bond subscription

 

   

Long-term loans in excess of loan plan under the Company budget

 

   

Deciding matters on issuance of convertible bonds and bonds with warrants

 

   

Establishment of subsidiaries and disposal of shares in an amount not less than Won 10 billion (Disposal of shares in an amount not more than Won 10 billion is included if it is accompanied by a transfer of management rights)

 

   

Investment and guarantee for other enterprises (Guarantee for the subsidiaries is included if the guarantee amount is not less than Won 10 billion)

 

   

Acquisition and disposal of lands and buildings, the value of which exceeds Won 10 billion

 

   

Contribution or donation of an amount not less than Won 100 million

 

   

Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation

 

   

Establishment and amendment of regulations regarding the Board of Directors

 

   

Determination on the number and remuneration of executive managers who are not Standing Directors and regulations of severance payment for the senior management

 

   

Reduction of capital and share retirement

 

   

Appointment and dismissal of Directors

 

   

Issuance of shares below par value

 

   

Exemption of Directors from their liabilities to the Company

 

   

Decisions on share dividend

 

   

Approval of transactions between the largest shareholder of the Company and affiliated persons, and report of such transactions to the general meeting of shareholders

 

   

Capitalization of reserves

 

   

Approval of transaction between the Company and a Director of the Company

 

   

Establishment and operation of committees under the Board of Directors and appointment of the committee members

 

   

Determination of expert advisors for Directors

 

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Organization of the President Recommendation Committee

 

   

Determination of screening standards for President candidates

 

   

Assessment of the President’s performance under the management contract and proposal of dismissal

 

   

Decision on standard and payment method of remuneration for the President and the Standing Directors

 

   

Consent on the President’s recommendation and proposal of dismissal of standing officer candidates

 

   

Decision on terms of contracts with the President regarding management goals

 

   

Mid- to long-term management plans

 

   

Large scale internal transactions and other internal transactions under the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act referred to in the following: (i) transaction of suspense payments or loans, (ii) transaction of securities such as shares or corporate bonds and (iii) transaction involving real estate or incorporeal asset

 

   

Appointment and dismissal of Representative Director pursuant to the latter part of Clause 1, Article 25 and latter part of Clause 2, Article 25 of the Articles of Incorporation

 

   

Determination of duties of the Representative Director pursuant to the latter part of Clause 1, Article 25 of the Articles of Incorporation

 

   

Account closing and major management performance for each quarter of a fiscal year

 

   

Operation of internal accounting management system and review and report on such operation

 

   

Other matters determined to be necessary by the Board of Directors or the President, or matters authorized under relevant statutes and Articles of Incorporation

(b) Disclosure of personal information of Director Candidates before the General Meeting of Shareholders and Recommendation of Shareholders

 

   

Notice of the annual general meeting of shareholders : February 5, 2008 (Date of the General Meeting of Shareholders: February 29, 2008)

 

   

2 Standing Director Candidates and 2 Outside Director Candidates (including an outside Director Candidate who is an Audit Committee member)

 

-  

Candidates for Standing Director

 

Name    Jong-Lok Yoon
Date of Birth    December 17, 1957
Major Occupations and Background   

(Present) Vice President, KT Corporation (Head of New Business Group)

 

Bachelor of Aerial Communication, Korea Aerospace University, 1980

Master of Electronics Engineering, Yonsei University, 1992

Telecommunication Course, Michigan State University, 1996

Chief Executive Office Course, Seoul National University, 2003

 

Joined KT Corporation, 5/1980

Chief of e-Biz Business Unit, 3/2001 to 2/2003

Chief of Marketing Planning Business Unit, 2/2003 to 12/2003

Chief of Technology Business Unit, 12/2003 to 6/2004

Chief of New Project Planning Business Unit, 7/2004 to 8/2005

Chief of Development & Strategy Group, 9/2005 to 11/2005

Chief of R&D Group, 11/2005 to 11/2006

Chief of New Business Group, 11/2006 to Present

Recommender    Representative Director, President (approved by the Board of Directors)
Relationship with the Largest Shareholder    None
Transaction between the Candidate and the Company for Past 3 Years    None
Term of Office    2/29/2008 to Date of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholder in 2009

 

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Table of Contents
Name    Jeong-Soo Suh
Date of Birth    January 10, 1958
Major Occupations and Background   

(Present) Vice President, KT Corporation (Head of Planning Group)

 

Bachelor of Economics, Sungkyunkwan University, 1984

Master of Business Administration, Yonsei University, 1988

 

Joined KT Corporation, 2/1983

Partnership Promotion Team Manager, Privatization Promotion Committee, 2/2001 to 2/2002

Head of Global Business Unit, 2/2002 to 8/2002

Head of Privatization Promotion Unit, 8/2002 to 1/2003

Head of Financial Management Office, 1/2003 to 11/2004

Head of Planning & Coordination Office, 12/2004 to 8/2005

Head of Planning Group, 9/2005 to Present

Recommender    Representative Director, President (approved by the Board of Directors)
Relationship with the Largest Shareholder    None
Transaction between the Candidate and the Company for Past 3 Years    None
Term of Office    2/29/2008 to Date of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in 2009

 

-  

Candidates for Outside Director who are to act as Audit Committee Member

 

Name    Jeong-Suk Koh
Date of Birth    May 22, 1957
Major Occupations and Background   

(Present) President, Ilshin Investment Co., Ltd.

 

Bachelor of Business Administration, Seoul National University, 1980

Master of Business, Science, KAIST, 1982

Doctor of Business Administration, MIT, U.S., 1989

 

Ilshin Spinning Co., Ltd., Planning Department, 1982 to 1983

Graduate School of Business Administration, MIT, U.S., Teaching & Research Assistant, 1983 to 1989

McKinsey & Co., Consultant, 1989 to 1991

President, Ilshin Investment Co., Ltd., 1991 to Present

Recommender    Outside Director Candidate Recommendation Committee
Relationship with the Largest Shareholder    None
Transaction between the Candidate and the Company for Past 3 Years    None
Term of Office    2/29/2008 to Date of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in 2011

 

-  

Candidates for Outside Directors who are to act as Audit Committee Member

 

Name    Gyu-Taeg Oh
Date of Birth    February 20, 1959
Major Occupations and Background   

(Present) President, Korean Fixed Income Research Institute

 

Bachelor of Economics, Seoul National University, 1981

Master of Business Science, KAIST, 1983

Doctor of Economics, Yale University, U.S., 1991

  

 

Certified Public Accountant, Deloitte Anjin LLC, 1983 to 1986

Expert Consultant, Kidder Peabody & Co., 1991

Assistant Professor, University of Iowa, 1991to1995

Professor, Graduate School of Business Administration, Joongang University, 1995 to present

President, Korea Fixed Income Research Institute, 1999 to present

 

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Table of Contents
Recommender    Outside Director Candidate Recommendation Committee
Relationship with the Largest Shareholder    None
Transaction between the Candidate and the Company for Past 3 Years    None
Term of Office    2/29/2008 to Date of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in 2011

(c) Establishment and Organization of the Outside Director Candidate Recommendation Committee

 

   

Enactment of regulations for operation of the Outside Director Candidate Recommendation Committee (1/20/2003)

 

   

Appointment of Members and Chairman of the Outside Director Candidate Recommendation Committee (12/13/2007)

 

Name

  

Outside Director

  

Note

Jeong-Ro Yoon    O    At least half of the Directors shall be Outside Directors (satisfied the requirement of Clause 3, Article 191-16 of the Securities and Exchange Act)
Do-Whan Kim    O   
Kon-Sik Kim    O   
Jong-Kyoo Yoon    O   
Chang-Yop Yi    O   

Jeong-Soo Suh

   X   

(d) Current Status of Outside Directors

 

Name

  

Experience

  

Relationship with the

Largest Shareholder

  

Participation in internal and
external training programs

Jeong-Ro Yoon   

- Vice President, Korean Sociological Association

 

- (Present) Professor, School of Humanities and Social Science, KAIST

   Not Applicable   

•   Regular course for Directors

 

- Participant and period: Gyu-Taeg Oh (Feb.12~Apr.15) Jeong- Suk Koh (Sept. 16~Nov.13)

 

- Hosted by the Korea Directors Association

 

•   ‘What are the problems with the succession of management rights?’

 

- Participant: Jeong-Suk Koh

 

- Period: May 21

 

- Hosted by the Korea Directors Association

Do-Whan Kim   

 

- Researcher, KISDI

 

- (Present) Professor, Business Administration, Sejong University

   Not Applicable   
Kon-Sik Kim   

 

- Vice President, Korea Institute of Directors

 

- (Present) Professor, College of Law, Seoul National University

   Not Applicable   
Jong-Kyoo Yoon   

 

- Vice Representative, Samil Pricewaterhouse Coopers

 

- Vice Chairman, Kookmin Bank Private Banking Group

 

- (Present) Standing Consultant, Kim & Chang

   Not Applicable   

 

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Table of Contents

Paul C. Yi

(Chang Yop Yi)

  

- President, Hershey Food Corporation Korea Branch

 

- President, Nong Shim Kellogg Co.

 

- (Present) President, Coca-Cola Korea Co., Ltd.

   Not Applicable   

•   Key issues on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

 

- Participant: members of the Audit Committee

 

- Period: May 31

 

- Hosted by Deloitte

Jeong-Suk Koh   

 

- Teaching & Research Assistant, MIT School of Business, U.S.

 

- McKinsey & Co. Consultant

 

- (Present) President, Ilshin Investment Co., Ltd.

   Not Applicable   
Gyu-Taeg Oh   

 

- Deloitte Anjin LLC

 

- (Present) President, Korea Fixed Income Research Institute

   Not Applicable   

 

* Outside Director Committee supporting team : Innovation Planning Department Corporate Governance Team Manager : Kwon Oh Hwan, Director (+82 31 727 0662)

(2) Operation of the Board of Directors

(a) Operational Rules of the Board of Directors

 

   

Convocation: by the President or the Chairman

 

   

Issues to be Submitted and Discussed: Please refer to “Rights of the Board of Directors” specified above

 

   

Resolution: A resolution of the Board of Directors Meeting shall be adopted by the affirmative vote of the majority of Directors present at the meeting, provided that the majority of the registered Directors are present at the meeting.

 

   

A resolution shall be adopted by the affirmative vote of two thirds of the registered Directors in the event of sale of a subsidiary’s shares accompanied by transfer of the management right.

 

   

A resolution shall be adopted by the affirmative vote of two thirds of the registered Outside Directors in the event that such resolution is relating to dismissal of the President.

(b) Major Activities of the Board of Directors

 

Order

  

Date

  

Subject

  

Result of

Discussion

  

Note

First    Jan. 11    1) Report on KT’s major management issues    Original proposal received    —  
Second    Jan. 17    2) Approval of Financial Statements of the 26th Term    Original proposal approved    —  
      3) Business Report of the 26th Term    Original proposal approved   
      4) Funds Plan of 2008    Proposal received   
Third    Jan. 30    5) Approval on recommendation of candidates for Standing Directors    Original proposal approved    —  
      6) Recommendation of candidates for the Audit Committee members    Original proposal approved   
      7) Convocation of Regular General Meeting of Shareholders of 26th Term    Original proposal approved   
      8) Approval of Financial Statements of the 26th Term    Original proposal approved   
      9) Business Report of the 26th Term    Original proposal approved   

 

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      10) Management appraisal on fiscal year 2007 and future plans    Original proposal received   
      11) Report on operational condition of internal accounting management system of Fiscal Year 2007    Original proposal received   
      12) Report on operational condition of internal accounting management system of Fiscal Year 2007 (prepared by the Audit Committee)    Original proposal received   
      13) Report on validity of the Audit Committee    Original proposal received   
      14) Proposal on standards and method of payment of remuneration of President and Executive Directors    Original proposal approved   
      15) Approval of the proposal on limit on remuneration of Directors for 2008    Original proposal approved   
      16) Amendment of the Rules on Severance Payment for Executive Directors    Amended proposal approved   
      17) Approval of the proposal on the employment contract for the management    Original proposal approved   
      18) Approval of a joint venture for the acquisition of basic technology on object advertisement    Original proposal approved   
Fourth    Feb. 13    19) Proposal on the organization of Board of Directors    Original proposal approved    —  
Fifth    Feb. 29    20) Appointment of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and members of the committees under the Board of Directors    Members and chairman appointed    —  
Sixth    Mar. 27    21) Proposal on long term incentive    Original proposal approved    —  
      22) Disposal of long term equities    Original proposal approved   
      23) Approval of the limit on transactions with KTF for 2008    Original proposal approved    —  
      24) Approval of the online middle and high school business plan    Conditional approval    —  
      25) Amendment of the Audit Committee’s policies and procedures    Original proposal approved    —  
      26) Amendment of policies on the Board of Directors and internal accounting management    Original proposal approved    —  
Seventh    Apr. 24    27) Proposal on subscription to UN Global Compact    Original proposal approved    —  
      28) Proposal to raise and manage investment capital for the promotion of new businesses    Original proposal approved    —  
      29) Proposal for the construction of a data center    Original proposal approved    —  
      30) Report on statement of accounts for the first quarter of 2008 fiscal year    Original proposal received    —  
      31) Report on management achievements for the first quarter of 2008    Original proposal received    —  
Eighth    Jun. 18    32) Plan to establish IT specialized company    Original proposal approved    —  
      33) Plan to enhance Shareholder’s value    Original proposal approved    —  
Ninth    Jul. 24    34) Mid to long-term strategy plan for real estates owned by KT    Original proposal received    —  
      35) Proposal to dispose Seong-su IT site    Original proposal approved    —  

 

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Table of Contents
          36) Proposal to dispose vacant land in Garak branch
office
   Original proposal approved    —  
      37) Report on operational condition of internal accounting management system of the first half of fiscal year 2008    Original proposal received    —  
      38) Report on statement of accounts for the first half of 2008 fiscal year    Original proposal received    —  
      39) Report on management achievements for the first half of 2008    Original proposal received    —  
Tenth    Sep. 26    40) Equity investment to KT Telecop    Original proposal approved   

(c) Main Activities of the Outside Directors at the Board of Directors Meetings

 

Meeting

  

Date

  

Number of Outside Directors Present

(Total Number of Outside Directors)

  

Note

1st

   Jan. 11    7(7)    —  

2nd

   Jan. 17    7(7)    —  

3rd

   Jan. 30    6(7)    —  

4th

   Feb. 13    7(7)    —  

5th

   Feb. 29    7(7)    —  

6th

   Mar. 27    7(7)    —  

7th

   Apr. 24    7(7)    —  

8th

   Jun. 18    7(7)    —  

9th

   Jul. 24    7(7)    —  

10th

   Sep. 26    7(7)    —  

(d) Status of the Organization of the Committees under the Board of Directors

 

Title

  

Organization

  

Name

  

Purpose of Establishment and Authority

  

Note

Evaluation & Compensation Committee   

5 Outside

Directors

  

Jong-Kyoo Yoon

(Chairperson)

Jeong-Ro Yoon

Do-Whan Kim

Jeong-Suk Koh

Gyu-Taeg Oh

   Management Agreement with the President and Assessment    —  
Executive Committee   

3 Standing

Directors

  

Joong-Soo Nam

(Chairperson)

Jong-Lok Yoon

Jeong-Soo Suh

   Management and financial matters authorized by the Board of Directors    —  
Related-party Transaction Committee   

4 Outside

Directors

  

Kon-Sik Kim

(Chairperson)

Do-Whan Kim

Paul C. Yi

Jeong-Suk Koh

   Review on internal transactions    —  
Outside Director Candidate Recommendation Committee   

5 Outside

Directors, 1

Standing

Director

  

Jeong-Ro Yoon

(Chairperson)

Do-Whan Kim

Kon-Sik Kim

Jong-Kyoo Yoon

Paul C. Yi

Jeong-Soo Suh

   Reviewing the qualifications of potential candidates and proposing nominees to be elected at the annual general shareholders meeting    —  
Audit Committee   

4 Outside

Directors

  

Do-Whan Kim (Chairperson)

Jeong-Ro Yoon

Jong-Kyoo Yoon

Gyu-Taeg Oh

   Matters related to accounting and audit    —  

 

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Table of Contents

(e) Activities of the Committees under the Board of Directors

Evaluation & Compensation Committee

 

Meeting Date

  

Agenda

   Results
on
discussion
   Independent and Non-Executive Directors
         Jong Kyoo
Yoon
  Jeong Ro
Yoon
  Stuart B.
Solomon
  Do-Whan
Kim
  Thae Surn
Kwarg
         Attendance
100%
  Attendance
100%
  Attendance
100%
  Attendance
100%
  Attendance
50%
         Voting Result

Jan. 16

   1) Comprehensive report on FY2007 CEO management assessment, a progression index    Proposal

received

   For   For   For   For   For
  

 

2) Improvement of CEOs evaluation and remuneration model

  

 

Proposal

received

  

 

For

 

 

For

 

 

For

 

 

For

 

 

For

Jan. 29

  

 

3) Improvement of CEOs evaluation and remuneration model

  

 

Original

proposal

approved

  

 

For

 

 

For

 

 

For

 

 

For

 

 

Absent

  

 

4) Proposal for remuneration standards and payment methods for the President and Standing Directors

  

 

Proposal

received

  

 

For

 

 

For

 

 

For

 

 

For

 

 

Absent

  

 

5) Proposal for limit on remuneration of Directors for 2008

  

 

Amended

proposal

approved

  

 

For
(amended)

 

 

For
(amended)

 

 

For
(amended)

 

 

For
(amended)

 

 

Absent

  

 

6) Amendment of the Rules on Severance Payment for Executive Directors

  

 

Original

proposal

approved

  

 

For

 

 

For

 

 

For

 

 

For

 

 

Absent

Feb. 13

   7) Result of 2007 CEO management assessment    Original

proposal

approved

   For   For   For   For   For
  

 

8) 2008 CEO management goal

  

 

Original

proposal

approved

  

 

For

 

 

For

 

 

For

 

 

For

 

 

For

 

* Members of the Board of Directors elected on February 29, 2008: (Jong-Kyoo Yoon, Jeong-Ro Yoon, Do-Whan Kim, Jeong-Suk Koh, Gyu-Taeg Oh)

 

Meeting Date

  

Agenda

   Results
on
discussion
   Independent and Non-Executive Directors
         Jong Kyoo
Yoon
  Jeong Ro
Yoon
  Do-Hwan
Kim
  Jeong-Suk
Koh
  Gyu-Taeg
Oh
         Attendance
100%
  Attendance
100%
  Attendance
100%
  Attendance
100%
  Attendance
100%
         Voting Result
Mar. 25    9) Plan on evaluation and management of FY2008 CEO goals    Original

proposal

approved

   For   For   For   For   For
  

 

10) Payment of long-term performance compensation

  

 

Amended

proposal

approved

   For
(amended)
  For
(amended)
  For
(amended)
  For
(amended)
  For
(amended)
Jul. 23    11) Assessment of 2008 CEOs management goal    Original

proposal

received

   For   For   For   For   For
Sep. 2    12) Proposal of 2008 CEOs management goal assessment scheme    Original

proposal

approved

   For   For   For   For   For

 

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Table of Contents

Standing Committee

 

Meeting Date

  

Agenda

   Results
on
discussion
   Executive Directors
         Joong-Soo
Nam
   Jong-Lok
Yoon
   Jeong-Soo
suh
         Attendance
100%
   Attendance
100%
   Attendance
100%
         Voting Result
Mar. 3    1) Establishment of Global VC Partner Network    Original

proposal

approved

   For    For    For
Jun. 9    2) Payment guarantee on Daejeon FutureX business    Original

proposal

approved

   For    For    For
Jul. 17    3) Plan for issuance of corporate bonds in the third quarter of 2008    Original

proposal

approved

   For    For    For
Aug. 13    4) Proposal for the relocation and closing of branch offices    Original

proposal

approved

   For    For    For
Sep. 25    5) Proposal for the foundation of the Digital Media Industry Association    Original

proposal

approved

   For    For    For
   6) Plan for issuance of corporate bonds in the fourth quarter of 2008    Original

proposal

approved

   For    For    For

Related-party Transactions Committee

 

Meeting Date

  

Agenda

   Results
on
discussion
   Independent and Non-Executive Directors
         Kon-Sik
Kim
   Do-Hwan
Kim
   Paul C. Yi    Jeong-Suk
Koh
         Attendance
100%
   Attendance
100%
   Attendance
100%
   Attendance
100%
         Voting Result

Mar. 25

   1) Approval of the limit on transactions with KTF for 2008    Original

proposal

approved

   For    For    For    For
   2) Approval of continual transactions with affiliates for FY2008   

 

Original

proposal

approved

  

 

For

  

 

For

  

 

For

  

 

For

Sep. 26

   3) Approval of equity investment to KT Telecop    Original

proposal

approved

   For    For    For    For

 

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Table of Contents

Outside Director Candidate Recommendation Committee

 

Meeting Date

  

Agenda

  

Results on
discussion

   Independent and Non-Executive Directors
         Jeong-Ro
Yoon
   Do-Whan
Kim
   Kon-Sik
Kim
   Jong-Kyoo
Yoon
   Paul C. Yi
         Attendance
100%
   Attendance
100%
   Attendance
100%
   Attendance
100%
   Attendance
1000%
         Voting Result

Jan. 3

  

1) Support plan for the recommendation of Outside Director candidate

 

2) Report on activities plan of the research agency

  

Original

proposal

approved

   For    For    For    For    For
     

 

Original

proposal

approved

   For    For    For    For    For

Jan. 11

   3) Organization of candidate recommendation advisory council   

Advisory

council

organized

   For    For    For    For    For

Jan. 16

  

4) Evaluation of KT Outside Director Candidates and Discussion on Recommendation Method

 

5) Recommendation of Candidates for Outside Directors

 

  - Jeong-Suk Koh, Jung-Soo Kim, Gyu-Taeg Oh

 

6) Recommendation of Candidates for Outside Directors

 

  - Jeong-Suk Koh, Gyu-Taeg Oh

   Discussed    For    For    For    For    For
     

 

Candidates

confirmed

   For    For    For    For    For
     

 

Candidates

confirmed

   For    For    For    For    For

B. Audit Committee

(1) Matters on Audit Institution

(a) Establishment and Method of Organization of Audit Committee (Auditors)

 

   

Purpose of operational regulations for Audit Committee

 

  -  

To regulate matters necessary for effective operation of Audit Committee

 

   

Rights and Duties

 

  -  

The Audit Committee may audit the Company’s accounting and business affairs, and demand, whenever necessary, Directors of the Company to report on the relevant matters thereof. The Committee may handle the matters provided for under the relevant statutes, the Articles of Incorporation or the operational rules of the Audit Committee and those matters authorized by the Board of Directors.

 

   

Members of the Audit Committee shall be appointed by a resolution of the general meeting of shareholders, and at least one financial expert must be appointed as a member.

(b) The Audit Committee’s Internal Device for Access to Management Information Necessary for Audit

 

   

Types of Meetings

 

  -  

The Committee shall hold a regular meeting in the first month of every quarter of each year and may hold an extraordinary meeting whenever necessary

 

   

Right of Convocation

 

  -  

The Audit Committee Meeting shall be convened by the Chairman of the Committee upon the request of the President or a member of the Committee.

 

   

Convocation Process

 

  -  

The Chairman shall send every member of the Committee a notice specifying date, location and agenda of the meeting through facsimile, telegram, registered mail or other electronic measures, at least 3 days before the date of the meeting

 

   

The Committee shall deliberate on or resolve the following matters:

 

  -  

Matters on the General Meeting of Shareholders

 

   

Request to the Board of Directors to convene an extraordinary meeting of shareholders

 

   

Investigation and statement on agenda and documents of the General Meeting of Shareholders

 

  -  

Matters on Directors and Board of Directors

 

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Report to the Board of Directors on a Director’s activities that are in violation of relevant statutes or the Articles of Incorporation

 

   

Preparation and submission of Audit Report on financial statements that are to be submitted to the General Meeting of Shareholders

 

   

Injunction on illegal activities of a Director

 

   

Request for a report on the performance of Directors

 

   

Assessment report of operational status of internal accounting management system

 

   

Assessment report on Audit Committee

 

   

Matters authorized by the Board of Directors

 

  -  

Matters on Audit

 

   

Request on performance of Directors or investigation on business and financial status of the Company

 

   

Investigation on subsidiaries under the Commercial Code

 

   

Receipt of report from a Director

 

   

Representation of the Company in a lawsuit between a Director and the Company

 

   

Decision on institution of a lawsuit upon a minority shareholder’s request for institution of a suit against Directors

 

   

Approval for appointment, change or dismissal of an external auditor (the “Auditor”)

 

   

Receipt of reports made by the Auditor on a Director’s misconduct in the course of performing his duties or a material fact that is in violation of relevant statutes or the Articles of Incorporation

 

   

Receipt of reports made by the Auditor on the Company’s violation of accounting standards etc.

 

   

Assessment on audit of the Auditor

 

   

Assessment on independence of the Auditor

 

   

Pre-approval on services provided by the Auditor

 

   

Auditing plans for the year and the audit result

 

   

Assessment on the internal control system

 

   

Verification of corrective measures regarding audit results

 

   

Approval for appointment and proposal for dismissal of a person in charge of internal audit

 

   

Review of feasibility of material accounting policies and change in accounting estimates

 

   

Review on soundness and propriety of corporate financing and accuracy of financial reports

 

   

Establishment of whistle-blowing system

 

  -  

Other Matters Provided by the Relevant Statutes and the Articles of Incorporation ·

 

   

The Audit Committee may, whenever necessary, require internal audit organization to separately report on its audit activities.

(c) Personal Information of Members of the Audit Committee

 

Name

  

Experience

  

Note

Do-Whan Kim   

- Researcher, KISDI

 

- (Present) Professor, Business Administration & Accounting, Sejong University

   —  
Jeong-Ro Yoon   

- Vice President, Korean Sociological Association

 

- (Present) Professor, School of Humanities and Social Science, KAIST

   —  
Jong-Kyoo Yoon   

- Vice Representative, Samil Pricewaterhouse Coopers

 

- Vice Chairman, Kookmin Bank Private Banking Group

 

- (Present) Standing Consultant, Kim & Chang

   —  
Gyu-Taeg Oh   

- Vice Representative, Deloitte Anjin

 

- (Present) President, Korea Fixed Income Research Institute

   —  

 

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(2) Major Activities of the Audit Committee (Auditor)

 

Order

  

Date

  

Subject

  

Result of Discussion

  

Note

First    Jan. 16    1) Approval of Financial Statements of 26th Term    Original proposal approved    —  
      2) Business Report of 26th Term    Original proposal approved   
      3) Report on Final Audit of Fiscal Year 2007    Original proposal received   
      4) Report on Audit Records of 2007 and Audit Plan for 2008    Original proposal received   
Second    Jan. 29    5) Approval of Financial Statements of 26th Term    Original proposal approved    —  
      6) Business Report of 26th Term    Original proposal approved   
      7) Report on operational condition of internal accounting management system of Fiscal Year 2007    Original proposal received   
      8) Report on operational condition of internal accounting management system of Fiscal Year 2007 (prepared by Audit Committee)    Original proposal received   
      9) Report on Validity of the Audit Committee    Original proposal received   
Third    Feb. 13    10) Report on agenda of General Meeting of Shareholders for 26th Term and Result on Document Investigation    Original proposal received    —  
      11) Written Opinion on operational status of internal compliance device of the Audit Committee    Original proposal received   
      12) Audit Report for Regular General Meeting of Shareholders of 26th Term    Original proposal received   
Fourth    Mar. 25    13) Appointment of the Chairperson of the Audit Committee    Chairperson appointed    —  
      14) Report on the result of consolidated settlement of account for Fiscal Year 2007    Original proposal received   
      15) Approval of remuneration to independent auditor for fiscal year 2008    Conditional approval   
      16) Approval of consolidated company’s independent auditor and remuneration for fiscal year 2008    Original proposal approved   
      17) Report on 2008 Outside Auditor Audit Plan    Original proposal received   
Fifth    Mar. 25    18) Pre-approval of services provided by the Auditor    Original proposal received   
      19) Report on statement of accounts for the first quarter of 2008 fiscal year    Original proposal received   
      20) Report on business achievements for the first quarter of 2008 and future plans    Original proposal received   
Sixth    Jun. 18    21) Report on filing of Form 20-F for 2007 fiscal year    Original proposal received   
Seventh    Jul. 23    22) Report on operational condition of internal accounting management system of first half of Fiscal Year 2008    Original proposal received   
      23) Report on statement of accounts for the first half of 2008 fiscal year    Original proposal received   
      24) Report on Final Audit of first half of Fiscal Year 2008    Original proposal received   
      25) Report on business achievements for the first half of 2008 and future plans    Original proposal received   
Eighth    Sep. 2    26) Pre-approval of services provided by the Auditor    Original proposal approved   
      27) Report on the administrative orderings by the Korean Communications Commission concerning handling of customers’ personal information    Original proposal received   

 

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C. Matters on Shareholder’s Exercise of Voting Right

(1) Adoption of Cumulative Voting System

Automatic introduction of the cumulative voting system following the completion of the privatization process in 2002.

(2) Adoption of the Written Voting System or Electronic Voting

Adoption of the written voting system in accordance with the changes in the Articles of Incorporation at the 23rd General Meeting of Shareholders (March 11, 2005)

(3) Exercise of Minority Shareholders’ Rights

The minority shareholders’ rights were exercised most recently at the 24th General Meeting of Shareholders in 2006.

24th General Meeting of Shareholders (March 10, 2006)

 

Shareholder

  

Contents of the

Minority

Shareholder’s Right

  

Purpose of Exercise

  

Result

  

Note

Jai Sik Ji

and others

   Shareholder proposal on the subject matter of the general meeting of shareholders    Recommendation of Outside Director candidates who will also be members of the Audit Committee    Candidates recommended through shareholder proposals failed to be appointed at the General Meeting of Shareholders (cumulative voting)    Article 191-14 of the Securities and Exchange Act

Jai Sik Ji

and others

   Request for cumulative voting    Request for cumulative voting for appointment of Outside Director candidates who will also be members of the Audit Committee    Candidates recommended through shareholder proposals failed to be appointed at the General Meeting of Shareholders (cumulative voting)    Article 191-18 of the Securities and Exchange Act

D. Remuneration to Executive Officers

(1) Remuneration paid to Directors (including Outside Directors) and Members of the Audit Committee (Auditors)

(Unit: in hundred million Won)

 

Category

  

Total

Amount

Paid

  

Amount Approved by

the General Meeting of

Shareholders

   Average
Amount Paid
per Person
  

Fair Value of

Stock Option

  

Weight

  

Reference

3 Standing Directors    7.32    50    2.44       —      —  

 

7 Outside Directors

  

 

2.52

     

 

0.36

   —      —      —  

 

* Performance-based compensation is made at year end.

 

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(2) Grant and Exercise of Stock Option

 

As of September 30, 2008   (Unit: Won, shares)

 

Holder

  

Position

  

Date

of

Grant

   Shares to
be given
upon
exercise
   Type
of
Share
  

 

Changed Volume

   Unexercised   

Period for

Exercise

   Exercise
Price
   Closing
Price
               Granted    Exercised    Revoked            

Yong Kyung Lee

   Standing Director    12/26/2002    Treasury
Share
   Common
Share
   300,000    —      —      253,100   

12/27/

2004 to 12/26/

2009

   70,000    41,900

Tae-Won Chung

   Standing Director    12/26/2002    Treasury
Share
   Common
Share
   100,000    —      —      45,145    Same as Above    70,000    41,900

Young- Han Song

   Standing Director    12/26/2002    Treasury
Share
   Common
Share
   60,000    —      —      28,717    Same as Above    70,000    41,900

Ahn-Yong Choi

   Standing Director    12/26/2002    Treasury
Share
   Common
Share
   60,000    —      —      32,170    Same as Above    70,000    41,900

Hong-Sik Chun

   Standing Director    12/26/2002    Treasury
Share
   Common
Share
   100,000    —      —      12,500    Same as Above    70,000    41,900

Hyun-June Chang

   Standing Director    9/16/2003    Treasury
Share
   Common
Share
   5,200    —      —      3,000   

9/17/

2005 to 9/16/

2010

   57,000    41,900

Hui-Chang Roh

   Standing Director    2/4/2005    Treasury
Share
   Common
Share
   60,000    —      —      43,153   

2/5/

2007 to 2/4/

2012

   54,600    41,900

Total

   —      —      —      —      685,200    —      —      417,785    —      —      —  

The weighted-average of the non-exercise stock option: Won 68,316.

Remarks:

(1) Position is as of the date of the stock option grant.

(2) The closing price is the closing price as of September 30, 2008.

(3) Difference between the number of shares granted and the number shares with stock option unexercised: due to adjustment of number of granted shares that are dependent on management results and duration of continuous service

E. Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance Status

(1) Outline of Insurance

 

As of September 30, 2008   (Unit: in thousands of Won)

 

Title

   Amount of Insurance Premium Paid    Maximum
Amount Insured
   Note
   Amount Paid for
the Term
   Accumulated Amount Paid
(including the Amount Paid for the Term)
     

Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance

   469,000    4,978,304    50,000,000    —  

(2) Grounds and Process of Application

- Application possible after reporting to the Board of Directors (approved at the executive officers’ meeting in May 1999).

 

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- Thereafter, insurance is renewed annually.

(3) Insured Executive Officers

- Executive Officers above the level of Vice President (including Outside Directors).

- Executive Officers mentioned above include officers of the Company who have been, are, and will be appointed or designated. Officers who are appointed or designated during the insurance period are automatically insured.

(4) Damages Insured

- Damages to shareholders and a third party caused by the insured in violation of the insured’s duty of reasonable care in performance of his or her duty.

- “Damages” includes amount of compensation, amount ordered by the court, settlement amounts and attorneys fees.

(5) Exclusion

The insurance company shall not be liable to make any payment for loss in connection with any claim or claims made against the Directors or officers relating to the following matters:

 

  1. arising out of, based upon or attributable to making any personal profit or gain to which they are not legally entitled;

 

  2. arising out of, based upon or attributable to the act of a bad faith or criminal act.

 

  3. arising out of, based upon or attributable to the payment to the insured of any remuneration without the prior approval of shareholders of the Company, which shall be deemed illegal;

 

  4. arising out of, based upon or attributable to profits made from illegal insider-trading activities using non-public information;

 

  5. arising out of, based upon or attributable to payment of commissions, gratuities, benefits or any other favors provided to or for the benefit of any;

 

  6. arising out of, based upon or attributable to lawsuits related to already claimed or known to be claimed lawsuits involving other securities;

 

  7. arising out of, based upon or attributable to any lawsuit caused by the same cause as the cause that occurred before the insurance effective date;

 

  8. arising out of, based upon or attributable to any loss that was foreseeable at the time of the insurance effective date;

 

  9. arising out of, based upon or attributable to environmental pollution;

 

  10. arising out of, based upon or attributable to actions caused by an officer on behalf of other company or organization;

 

  11. arising out of, based upon or attributable to radioactive or other hazardous material;

 

  12. arising out of, based upon or attributable to disabilities, property damage or human rights violation;

 

  13. arising out of, based upon or attributable to actions taken at an affiliated company prior to its acquisition;

 

  14. arising out of, based upon or attributable to a lawsuit by the representative shareholder.

 

  * Exclusion Clause includes:

 

  - Action related to trading of treasury shares by the management;

 

  - Provision of professional service;

 

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Table of Contents
  - Year 2000;

 

  - Severance payment and pension related;

 

  - Damage claims by government authorities;

 

  - Nuclear energy hazard related matters;

 

  - Claim for damages filed by the majority shareholders or by controlling shareholders;

 

  - War and terrorists acts;

 

  - Damage claims between insured persons;

 

  - Affiliated companies;

 

  - Asbestos or fungus related hazard;

 

  - Infringement of corruption prevention law; and

 

  - Civil fines or penalties.

 

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Table of Contents

2. Equity Investment

 

(As of September 30, 2008)    (Unit: share, millions of Won, %)

 

Division

 

Account

Classification

  Name of
Company or
Item
  Purpose   Beginning balance   Increase (Decrease)   End balance   Net
Profit of
Non-affiliated

Companies
(Latest
fiscal year)
  Note
        Number of
Shares
  Equity
Ratio
    Book
Value
  Number of
Shares
  Acquisition
(disposal)
  Number of
Shares
  Equity
Ratio
    Book
Value
   

Domestic

  Equity Method Investee   KT Powertel
Co. Ltd.
  Business
promotion
  7,771,418   44.9 %   28,837   —     —     7,771,418   44.9 %   31,151   5,159   —  
 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

KT Networks
Corporation

 

 

Business
promotion

  2,000,000   100.0 %   52,900   —     —     2,000,000   100.0 %   54,822   1,906   —  
 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

KT Linkus
Co., Ltd.

 

 

Business
promotion

  2,941,668   93.8 %   8,040   —     —     2,941,668   93.8 %   2,600   -5,829   —  
 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

Telecop
Service Co.
Ltd.

 

 

Business
promotion

  4,644,376   93.8 %   10,847   —     —     4,644,376   93.8 %   9,054   -1,927   —  
 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

KT Hitel

 

 

Active in
management

  22,750,000   65.9 %   114,403   —     —     22,750,000   65.9 %   118,193   5,691   —  
 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

KT
Submarine
Co., Ltd.

 

 

Active in
management

  1,617,000   36.9 %   21,933   —     —     1,617,000   36.9 %   21,585   412   —  
 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

KT Freetel
Co., Ltd.

 

 

Active in
management

  102,129,938   53.0 %   2,620,185   —     —     102,129,938   54.3 %   2,544,868   62,672   —  
 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

KT
Commerce,
Inc.

 

 

Business
promotion

  266,000   19.0 %   1,264   —     —     266,000   19.0 %   1,393   554   —  
 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

KTF
Technologies,
Inc.

 

 

Business
promotion

  56,000   3.9 %   1,623   —     —     56,000   3.9 %   544   -17,586   —  
 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

KT Rental
Co., Ltd.

 

 

Business
promotion

  6,800,000   100.0 %   48,207   —     —     6,800,000   100.0 %   55,279   7,084   —  
 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

KT Capital
Co., Ltd.

 

 

Business
promotion

  20,200,000   100.0 %   100,043   —     —     20,200,000   100.0 %   104,795   4,666   —  

 

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Table of Contents
  Equity Method Investee   Sidus FNH
Co. Ltd.
  Business
promotion
  1,607,900   35.7 %   14,409   —     —     1,607,900   35.7 %   11,875   -1,401   —  
 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

Olive Nine
Co., Ltd.

 

 

Business
promotion

  8,750,000   19.2 %   17,880   500,000   ?1,155   9,250,000   19.5 %   15,003   -4,823   —  
 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

KT FDS
Co., Ltd.

 

 

Business
promotion

  400,000   100.0 %   7,359   —     —     400,000   100.0 %   5,266   -1,227   —  
 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

Nasmedia
Co., Ltd

 

 

Business
promotion

  —     —       —     1,767,516   26,055   1,767,516   50.0 %   25,286   2,882  

 

Newly
invested in
1st quarter

 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

Softnix Co.,
Ltd.

 

 

Business
promotion

  —     —       —     120,000   600   120,000   60.0 %   451   -358  

 

Newly
invested in
2nd
quarter

 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

Information
Premium
Edu

 

 

Business
promotion

  —     —       —     240,000   6,000   240,000   54.5 %   5,193   -980  

 

Newly
invested in
2nd
quarter

 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

KT New
Business
Investment
Fund No.1

 

 

Business
promotion

  —     —       —     100   10,000   100   90.9 %   10,120   132  

 

Newly
invested in
2nd
quarter

 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

KT Data
System

 

 

Business
promotion

  —     —       —     1,920,000   9,600   1,920,000   80.0 %   9,241   -449  

 

Newly
invested in
2nd
quarter

Overseas

 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

Korea
Telecom
America,
Inc. (USA)

 

 

Business
promotion

  6,000   100.0 %   2,937   —     —     6,000   100.0 %   3,842   106   —  
 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

Korea
Telecom
Japan Co.,
Ltd. (Japan)

 

 

Business
promotion

  12,856   100.0 %   830   —     —     12,856   100.0 %   1,797   549   —  
 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

Korea
Telecom
China Co.,
Ltd. (China)

 

 

Business
promotion

  —     100.0 %   946   —     —     —     100.0 %   1,737   383   —  
 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

Korea
Telecom
Philippines,
Inc.
(Philippines)

 

 

Business
promotion

  744,476   100.0 %   —     —     —     744,476   100.0 %   —     —    

 

in process
of disposal

 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

New
Telephone
Company,
Inc. (Russia)

 

 

Business
promotion

  5,309,189   80.0 %   125,326   —     —     5,309,189   80.0 %   179,439   35,731   —  
 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

KTSC
Investment
Management
B.V.

 

 

Business
promotion

  108   60.0 %   15   82,506   30,845   82,614   60.0 %   42,006   -132   —  
 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

Super iMax

 

 

Business
promotion

  —     60.0 %   1,321   —     -1,321   —     60.00 %   —     —    

 

Investment
in kind in
1st quarter

 

 

Equity Method Investee

 

 

East
Telecom

 

 

Business
promotion

  —     51.0 %   14,515   —     -14,515   —     51.00 %   —     —    

 

Investment
in kind in
1st quarter

 

Total

  188,006,929   —       3,193,820   4,630,122   68,419   192,637,051   —       3,255,540   93,214   —  

 

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Table of Contents

VI. Employees

1. Current Status of Employees

 

(As of September 30, 2008)    (Unit: persons, in millions of Won)

 

Type

   Number of Employees *    Average Years
in Continuous
Service
   Total
Payroll
   Average
Payroll per
Person **
   Note
   Office
Staff
   Engineers    Research
Staff
   Other    Total            

Male

   5,604    24,002    592    294    30,492    20.2    1,275,731    41.82    —  

Female

   3,155    2,067    148    7    5,377    17.6    199,430    36.99    —  

Total

   8,759    26,069    740    301    35,869    19.8    1,475,161    41.09    —  

 

* Excluding 59 Executive Directors and 287 Assistant Vice Presidents.

 

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated: November 21, 2008
KT Corporation
By:  

/s/ Thomas Bum Joon Kim

Name:   Thomas Bum Joon Kim
Title:   Managing Director
By:  

/s/ Youngwoo Kim

Name:   Youngwoo Kim
Title:   Director

 

46