1.

Introduction of Electronic Signatures and Expanded Use of Electronic Means

The Revised Rules add a new definition to clarify that the word “signature” includes electronic signatures (Article 2, Item 6). Under the previous rules (the “2016 Rules”) (effective from November 30, 2016), notices and submissions via electronic means (e.g., email) were permitted only with the recipient’s consent. The Revised Rules now allow such electronic communications to be treated as equivalent to written submissions even without explicit consent from the recipient (Article 7 (1)).
 

2.

Enhancing Procedural Speed and Efficiency

The 2016 Rules required all communications between the parties and the tribunal to be routed through the Secretariat. The Revised Rules limit this requirement to the period before the tribunal is constituted. After its constitution, parties may communicate directly with each other or with the tribunal (Article 7 (5)). Additionally, Article 14-2 has been newly introduced, allowing multiple claims arising from several contracts to be consolidated into a single arbitration, provided that all contracts include arbitration agreements that are deemed identical and that the claims arise from the same or continuous transactions. In such cases, one may submit one request for arbitration with respect to claims arising out of multiple contracts.
 

3.

Adjustment of Administrative Fees

Administrative fees must be paid by the claimant (and respondent, if a counterclaim is filed) in accordance with the fee schedule in the appendix of the Domestic Arbitration Rules of the KCAB. The fee schedule had remained unchanged for nearly 20 years. The Revised Rules update the fees and abolish the previous cap of KRW 150 million.