South Korea's telecommunications regulator said Wednesday it has given approval for Apple Inc.'s hit iPhone to be sold in the country — potentially shaking up a handset market controlled by domestic manufacturers.
The Korea Communications Commission approved the sale of the device at a meeting attended by its five commissioners, said commission spokesman Lee Sang-hun.
The introduction of the iPhone has been keenly awaited in South Korea, where the handset market is dominated by Samsung Electronics Co., LG Electronics Inc. and other domestic manufacturers.
Apple spokesman Steve Park said the company had no comment on the commission's decision and added that nothing was decided or planned on the iPhone's release in South Korea.
Local service providers, however, said that they are in talks with Cupertino, California-based Apple regarding the iPhone's introduction to South Korea.