In a statement, the Korea Game Society criticized what it described as “systematic domination attempts” by foreign entities to gain control over strategic sectors of the South Korean economy.
The group said the deal, if realized, would represent more than a corporate transaction, warning it could amount to an erosion of national autonomy in the digital economy.
“This matter represents a national security issue that the government cannot remain neutral about,” the association said. “This is not merely a transaction between private companies, but an organized attempt to control the Republic of Korea's key industries.”
The criticism follows a June 12 report by Bloomberg, which cited sources familiar with the matter as saying Tencent Holdings was exploring a potential $15 billion acquisition of Nexon to bolster its global gaming portfolio. According to the report, Tencent had approached the family of the late Nexon founder Kim Jung-ju to discuss a possible deal.
The gaming association urged the South Korean government to formally classify the video game industry as a “national strategic sector” and to establish legal safeguards to prevent foreign takeovers of domestic firms.
Neither Tencent nor NXC, Nexon’s holding company, have publicly commented on the reports. In a brief statement to AJP, Nexon said it had “no official position or confirmable information” on the matter.
Separately, a Tencent representative, speaking anonymously to a Chinese technology outlet on June 13, reportedly denied that the company was engaged in acquisition talks with the founder’s family or reviewing any deal involving Nexon.
reporter
Kim Dong-young
davekim0807@ajupress.com
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