SKT CEO Yoo Youngsang: "Suspension of Direct and Authorized Store Registrations... Automatic Enrollment in USIM Protection Service"

Briefing Held on May 2 Regarding Government Administrative Guidance
Priority Automatic Enrollment for Seniors and People with Disabilities
"About 100 Employees to Be Dispatched On-Site at Airports"

Yoo Youngsang SK Telecom CEO Yonhap News

In response to the recent subscriber information leak, SK Telecom has decided to suspend new subscriber registrations at approximately 2,600 SKT stores (T World) nationwide starting May 5, in order to secure an adequate supply of USIM cards. Additionally, SKT subscribers will be automatically enrolled in the USIM Protection Service without the need for separate applications.

On May 2, Yoo Youngsang, CEO of SKT, held a briefing at the SKT Tower in Euljiro, Seoul, to announce these measures. This briefing was held to outline SKT's actions following six administrative guidance measures issued by the Ministry of Science and ICT the previous day, which included a complete suspension of new subscriber recruitment until the USIM issue is resolved.

First, SKT has decided to halt new subscriptions and number portability registrations at all 2,600 T World stores nationwide starting May 5. CEO Yoo explained, "This measure is intended to enable even one more customer to replace their USIM card more quickly in the current situation of insufficient USIM supply." For the time being, T World stores will suspend consultations for new customers and focus exclusively on USIM replacement services for visiting customers. SKT also announced that it will compensate for any business losses incurred by the stores during this period.

However, SKT noted that it cannot enforce the suspension of new subscriptions at retail stores that handle all three major mobile carriers and are not directly operated by SKT, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the measure.

Additionally, starting May 2, SKT reported to the Ministry of Science and ICT that all customers will be automatically enrolled in the USIM Protection Service without any separate application, by updating its terms of service. The USIM Protection Service is a free value-added service that completely blocks the use of illegally cloned USIM cards on other devices. So far, 14.42 million SKT subscribers have completed enrollment in the USIM Protection Service. For the remaining approximately 8.5 million subscribers, SKT plans to process 'automatic enrollment' sequentially, enrolling up to 1.2 million people per day by May 14. In particular, customers aged 75 and older and customers with disabilities will be given priority for enrollment.

SKT is also expediting the procurement and supply of USIM cards. The company will secure and supply an additional 5 million USIM cards each in May and June, totaling 10 million, and will continue to secure more after July.

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SKT is also actively supporting USIM card replacements for overseas travelers. To ensure smooth USIM replacement for customers planning overseas travel during the holiday period, SKT will double the number of seats and triple the processing capacity at roaming centers in Incheon and Gimpo airports through May 6. At Incheon Airport, 11 additional seats will be installed in the duty-free area starting May 2 to further assist customers. In addition, about 100 headquarters employees will be dispatched on-site to support USIM replacement services and provide further assistance.

Finally, SKT will launch the 'USIM Protection Service 2.0,' which will also be available to overseas roaming customers, starting May 14. USIM Protection Service 2.0 can be subscribed to online, via mobile T World, or through the customer center. For those already enrolled in the original USIM Protection Service, the new service will be applied automatically without the need for a separate application.

The original USIM Protection Service was not available to overseas roaming customers, requiring those preparing to travel abroad to deactivate the service or replace their USIM cards. USIM Protection Service 2.0 eliminates this inconvenience.

Given the seriousness of the situation, SKT has decided to hold daily briefings on customer information protection starting with this announcement. These briefings will transparently disclose statistics related to USIM replacements and reservations, the number of USIM Protection Service subscribers, and will explain any new protective measures implemented.

CEO Yoo stated, "We sincerely apologize once again to our customers and society for the anxiety and inconvenience caused during the resolution of this incident," and added, "SKT will take every necessary measure going forward to ensure customer protection and prevent further damage."