Ryu Young-sang, CEO of SK Telecom, announced on the 25th that the company will provide free SIM cards (USIM subscriber identification devices) to all customers wishing to switch, including those using the company's network's Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). The company will retroactively apply this policy to customers who replaced their SIMs at their own expense between the 19th and 27th.
On this day, Ryu held a press conference at the SK Telecom building in Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul, and bowed, saying, "I sincerely apologize for causing great inconvenience and concern to our customers and society regarding the SIM information leak." He added, "As a national mobile carrier, I feel deep regret and responsibility," stating, "We will implement additional measures to provide free SIM card replacements for all customers who wish to do so."
SK Telecom became aware of hacking indicators on the 18th and reported the relevant facts to the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) at 4:46 p.m. on the 20th, approximately 45 hours later. The company has been cooperating with investigations by authorities, strengthening measures to block abnormal authentication attempts and informing consumers of its free service "SIM protection" to enhance user security. Additionally, starting from the 28th, the company will offer free SIM replacements at all stores and airport roaming centers nationwide.
In this regard, Ryu stated, "While the investigation is still ongoing, we will implement additional measures to alleviate the concerns of customers who continue to feel anxious," adding that Mobile Virtual Network Operator users utilizing the SK Telecom network can also replace their SIMs for free. He further stated, "We will continue to enhance SIM cloning prevention technology and improve our SIM protection service so it can be used even during overseas roaming."
Ryu also stated, "SK Telecom prioritizes customer trust and will strengthen the security system further, as well as preparing measures to enhance customer information protection," adding, "Through this incident, we will reaffirm our commitment to being a responsible corporation that adheres closely to the basics."
After announcing enhanced customer information protection measures, Ryu left the stage. The subsequent Q&A session was conducted by SK Telecom executives. Bae Byeong-chan, head of the SK Telecom MNO AT division, mentioned that the SIM replacement for all subscribers is a contingency plan based on "the worst-case scenario" but noted, "The previously implemented measures to block abnormal authentication attempts and the SIM protection service are also equivalent response measures to SIM replacements."
Bae emphasized that utilizing the SIM protection service is a more effective response than a one-time replacement, explaining, "This is because it is a solution that prevents one’s SIM from being manipulated or altered by others."
He withheld specifics about the costs of SIM replacements. Yoon Jae-woong, head of marketing strategy at SK Telecom, stated, "While the total number of customers is fixed, the costs incurred for each individual may vary," adding, "Due to the contract terms with the suppliers, mentioning the overall amount publicly could create confusion."
SK Telecom did not disclose the details of the ongoing investigation. The Ministry of Science and ICT is conducting a joint public-private investigation to officially investigate the SK Telecom subscriber information leak incident since the 23rd. In this context, Ryu Jeong-hwan, head of the SK Telecom Network Infrastructure Center, said, "We have not received any reports of abnormal signs regarding the details of the damage or cooperation with police investigations," adding, "Measures to prevent recurrence will also vary depending on the investigation results."