"SKT to Stop New Subscriptions and Number Portability In-Store from the 5th; Sales Outlets Unaffected"

# SK Telecom Halts New Signups and Number Porting Due to USIM Hack Response SK Telecom announced it will suspend new customer signups and number porting services at over 2,600 T World stores nationwide, starting October 5, in response to recent USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module) hacking incidents and a shortage of USIM cards. At an October 2 briefing at the company’s headquarters in central Seoul, SK Telecom CEO Yoo Young-sang stated that T World stores will primarily focus on replacing USIM cards for existing customers starting October 5. The company will cover the financial losses incurred by this operational adjustment, Yoo added. # Temporary Suspension Targets SK Telecom Stores Exclusively The temporary suspension affects only SK Telecom’s directly managed T World stores, not multi-operator outlets that also provide services for competitors KT and LG Uplus. SK Telecom has stressed the need for quick responses to increased USIM replacement demand and is implementing stronger measures to prevent further damage, including potential financial information exposure. # Enhanced Protections for Vulnerable Groups and Roaming Customers From October 14, SK Telecom will extend its USIM protection services to international roaming customers. The company also plans to prioritize automatic enrollment for senior citizens aged 75 and older and customers with disabilities. As of now, 14.42 million subscribers are enrolled in the service, with SK Telecom progressively auto-enrolling an additional 8.5 million customers who have yet to sign up or replace their USIM cards due to the hacking incidents. # Significant Rise in Subscriber Losses; Government Demands More Action The hacking incident has caused a substantial increase in SK Telecom’s subscriber turnover. Last month, the company reported a net loss of 114,230 subscribers to number porting, a nearly ninefold jump from the 13,562 lost the previous month. Regulatory authorities have also urged SK Telecom to amplify its efforts to protect vulnerable digital users, bolster compensation measures for affected customers, and expand human resources at airports to handle USIM card replacements more efficiently. # CEO Issues Public Apology During the briefing, CEO Yoo acknowledged the company’s shortcomings in responding to the crisis from the customer’s perspective. “We lacked the necessary attention to detail in addressing this cybersecurity incident,” Yoo said. “I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and anxiety this has caused our customers.”