Long Lines for USIM Replacements at SKT Stores Even on Weekends
SKT: "100% Compensation for Illegal USIM Cloning Damage... Please Use the Protection Service"
SK Telecom announced that it will begin offering free smartphone USIM (including eSIM) replacements to all customers starting at 10 a.m. on April 28. However, some subscribers, concerned about security incidents, visited SKT retail stores known as "T World" on April 26 and 27, before the free replacement program officially began.
Lee, an office worker living in Mapo-gu, Seoul, said on April 26, "Since SKT announced that it would begin free USIM replacements starting Monday, I thought the demand would surge. Even though it was the weekend, I decided to visit the retail stores near my apartment and finally managed to replace my USIM."
Lee added, "The first store told me they were out of USIMs, and the second and third stores said the same. At the fourth store, they said they had one left, so I offered to pay for it, and the staff gave it to me." He continued, "The USIM costs 7,700 won, which will be added to next month's phone bill, but the staff told me that early replacements might be free of charge." With most customers turning away due to a shortage of USIM stock, a large number of SK Telecom subscribers are expected to flock to stores on April 28.
Meanwhile, in relation to the hacking incident that resulted in the leakage of customers' USIM data, SKT stated on April 27, "The USIM Protection Service can prevent hacking damage, so please trust and subscribe. If any damage occurs, SKT will take 100% responsibility."
On this day, SKT issued a public statement, explaining, "To prevent cyber intrusion damage, starting at 10 a.m. on April 28, we will offer free USIM replacements to customers who request it at approximately 2,600 T World stores nationwide, and we will also accept online reservation applications."
The USIM Protection Service blocks access to telecommunication services under the customer's name from other devices, even if USIM information is stolen or cloned. It was developed in cooperation with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Cyber Investigation Unit in 2023. As of 6 p.m. on April 27, a total of 5.54 million SKT users had subscribed to this service, accounting for 24% of the total subscriber base of approximately 23 million.
Currently, a drawback of subscribing to this service is that international roaming becomes unavailable. SKT is working on upgrading the service so that it can be used during roaming by May. In addition, SKT explained that it has raised its abnormal authentication attempt blocking (FDS) measures to the highest level.
SKT currently holds about 1 million USIMs in stock. The company stated, "We plan to secure an additional 5 million USIMs by the end of May, and will continue to prepare more USIMs according to customer demand."
To prepare for potentially long customer wait times for USIM replacements, an online reservation system will also be operated. Customers wishing to replace their USIMs can select their preferred T World retail store and apply through this system. Each store will then contact customers and proceed with replacements in sequence.
Staffing at major airport roaming centers will also be increased to handle USIM replacements. At Incheon Airport, which has the highest number of outbound travelers, roaming center staff will be increased by 50%. If a customer is unable to replace their USIM due to long waits at the roaming center and suffers illegal USIM cloning damage abroad, SKT will take responsibility. Additionally, by May, SKT is preparing to make the USIM Protection Service available overseas as well.
SKT stated, "We sincerely apologize again for the inconvenience caused to customers by the cyber intrusion incident. SK Telecom will do its utmost to address customer concerns and resolve this incident as quickly as possible."
On the same day, the Ministry of Science and ICT also issued a press release stating that it had discussed additional measures with SKT to prevent further damage. The ministry announced, "Through a joint public-private investigation team, we will thoroughly investigate the cause of the incident and transparently inform the public of the results."
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