SK Telecom USIM Fallout... 'Open Run' at Jeju Stores from Early Morning

Dozens Gather in Long Lines Before Agency Stores Open
Prepared SIM Card Stock Runs Out After Noon, Leading to Customer Complaints

On the morning of the 28th, citizens are waiting to replace their SIM cards at an SK Telecom store in Jeju City. Photo by Park Changwon

In the wake of the SK Telecom USIM information leak incident, urgent activity is also underway at SK Telecom agency stores in the Jeju region.

On the morning of the 28th, before opening hours, dozens of citizens gathered in a long line in front of the SK Telecom agency store on Yeonbuk-ro, Yeon-dong, Jeju City. Inside some stores, people who had taken queue numbers filled the store as they waited for consultations, creating an unusual scene.

Kim, a 47-year-old citizen encountered at the scene, said, "I saw the news and was worried about potential damage, so I came out early in the morning," adding, "There are so many people waiting to replace their SIM cards that I think I will have to wait for several hours."

In addition, an active-duty officer in a Marine Corps uniform who was waiting in line explained, "I came out quickly to replace my SIM card because I was anxious about my personal information being leaked."

Previously, SK Telecom discovered signs that some customers' USIM information had been leaked and is conducting its own investigation in addition to a police investigation. As concerns over personal information protection have grown due to this incident, a large number of customers wishing to replace their SIM cards have flocked to stores.

Some agency stores in Jeju put up notices recommending advance reservations, stating, "All replacement stock for the day may be depleted." After noon on this day, the prepared stock was completely exhausted, leading to customer complaints and protests.

They also explained, "We will only know about the replacement stock for the 29th once we receive instructions from headquarters," and added, "It is frustrating for us as well because we cannot properly inform our customers."

Meanwhile, SK Telecom stated, "We once again apologize for the inconvenience caused to our customers by the cyber breach incident," and added, "SK Telecom will do its best to address customer concerns and resolve this incident as quickly as possible."