Google Shuts Down 449 South Korean YouTube Channels Over Politically Charged Content, 367 Taken Down Just Weeks Before Local Elections

Google terminated 449 South Korean YouTube channels in Q2 2026 over politically charged content, with 367 removed in May ahead of the June 3 local elections. The channels reportedly supported or criticised the government, political parties and figures. Separately, South Korea’s media watchdog found Google and Apple violated app-store laws by imposing high fees on third-party payment systems.