[Market Focus] 'USIM Hacking' SKT Down 4.93%... KT, LG Uplus Shares Rise

SK Telecom shares are weak following a hacking attack that resulted in the theft of some USIM information. As of 9:08 a.m. on April 28, 2025, SK Telecom was trading at 54,950 won, down 2,850 won (4.93%) from the previous trading day.

In contrast, shares of other telecom companies are on the rise. At the same time, KT was trading at 51,500 won, up 1,300 won (2.59%), and LG Uplus was trading at 11,640 won, up 160 won (1.39%).

On April 22, 2025, SK Telecom announced that it had detected signs of a possible leak of user USIM information due to an external hacking incident. On April 25, 2025, SK Telecom held a 'Customer Information Protection Measures Briefing' at its Euljiro headquarters in Seoul, where it announced additional security measures, including free USIM card replacements. SK Telecom CEO Yoo Youngsang apologized at the briefing, stating, "We will implement additional measures to provide free USIM card replacements to all customers who wish to change theirs." The free USIM replacement service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on April 28, 2025.

Kim Aram, a researcher at Shinhan Investment Corp., said, "Despite the company's announcement of countermeasures, concerns about financial fraud and the opening of fraudulent mobile accounts continue to grow." Kim added, "Assuming all customers replace their USIM cards, the financial burden would be around 170 billion won, but this is unlikely to lead to a reduction in shareholder returns, which is a key factor for the stock price. However, as the leading telecom operator, it is essential for SK Telecom to restore its credibility."