The South Korean telecoms regulator today gave approval for Apple’s iPhone to be sold in the country in a move that could shake-up a local handset market dominated by domestic vendors such as Samsung and LG. The Korea Communications Commission approved the sale of the device at a meeting attended by its five commissioners, said Commission spokesman Lee Sang-hun, reports Associated Press. The news was warmly received by local operators with reports suggesting that the iconic device could be launched in South Korea as early as next month. 

An Apple spokesman declined to comment on the Commission’s decision and said that nothing has yet been decided regarding the launch of the iPhone in the country. However, both SK Telecom and KT – South Korea’s first- and second-largest mobile operators, respectively, said they were already involved in discussions with Apple to offer the device. “We will try to release the iPhone as soon as possible,” said Yeom Woo-jong, a spokesperson for KT. Lauren Kim, a spokeswoman for SK Telecom, said the operator was reviewing the situation and has “plans to respond” if competitors decide to introduce the iPhone.