Microsoft May Lose South Korean Market

Microsoft says it may be forced to withdraw its Windows software from the South Korean market if the country’s antitrust agency orders it to unbundle its instant-messaging application and media player from the operating system.

South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has reportedly been investigating charges that Microsoft has breached antitrust laws by bundling streaming video and instant messaging into Windows software.

“If the KFTC enters an order requiring Microsoft to remove code or redesign Windows uniquely for the Korean market, it might be necessary to withdraw Windows from the Korean market or delay offering new versions in Korea,” Microsoft said in a U.S. regulatory filing late Thursday.

A Microsoft spokeswoman said the software maker had an obligation to make the disclosure under U.S. securities laws as part of its 10Q filing of its quarterly financial statements to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Full article: internetnews.com