KTF

The iPhone 3G launch in South Korea has hit an unexpected snag that may keep it from going on sale at it's set date. Government officials are taking longer than expected to approve the device for sale in the country, resulting in a delay that could prevent it from going on sale in time for the holiday season.

CEO Cho Young-chu of Korea Telecom Freetel (KTF) said today that they have begun negotiations with Apple to bring the iPhone to South Korea. ``We have been trying to bring the iPhone here, but we have to wait,'' said Cho. "The deal is up to the supplier, not us. Because the (Korean) market is so small, they will not release it until they have confidence in its marketability here.''