The Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has launched a probe into Microsoft on complaints here by RealNetworks, a US firm marketing the "RealPlayer" audio-visual software, and South Korean Internet portal Daum Communications.

On Wednesday, Yonhap news agency quoted Microsoft's general manager of platform strategy Martin Taylor as saying the US company would not appeal to the regulator "whatever the ruling will be."

Microsoft, however, issued a statement Thursday, saying this was incorrect.

Taylor said Microsoft could appeal to the commission's decision "after reviewing its effect (on) Microsoft's customers and the industry," the statement said.

"Microsoft fully respects the KFTC's role in enforcing the law and ensuring consumers' benefit through a vibrantly competing marketplace," it said.

Microsoft will make "our points while also continuously cooperating with KFTC commissioners," it added.

RealNetworks in November accused Microsoft and its South Korean unit of unfairly bundling the "Media Player" program and the "Media Server" program with its Windows operating system.

In April, Daum, which has its own messaging service, accused Microsoft of violating anti-trust rules by unfairly incorporating its "MSN" instant messaging software into the Windows system.

Microsoft has insisted Windows XP users have the option to use the instant messenger system as installed or not to use it.

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