Korea investigates MS over Win98 pricing

Even more bad news for Microsoft, as now the Korean FTC (Fair Trade Commission, this one) mounts an investigation of possible price-gouging on Windows 98. The Koreans have been complaining that 98 is more expensive in Korea than in the rest of Asia. The tab is about 20 per cent higher than in Japan for example, and in dollar terms this translates to about $125. The Register reckons that gives the Koreans something else to complain about, if they'd only care to look west. The differential seems to have been caused by Microsoft's failure to react to the Korean Won strengthening against the dollar recently. The FTC says the investigation is currently only in its preliminary stages, but it has the power to fine offenders up to 2 per cent of annual Korean sales. ®