SK Telecom announced at 9 a.m. on May 6 that a total of 24.11 million people, including MVNO users, have subscribed to its SIM card protection service, and 1.04 million people have replaced their SIM cards.
SK Telecom made this announcement during a daily briefing on server hacking held at the Samhwa Building in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the same day.
SK Telecom explained that, out of its 23 million subscribers and 2 million MVNO subscribers using the SKT network, it expects to complete enrollment for most eligible users by May 7, except for those who cannot be automatically enrolled in the SIM card protection service because they need to use international roaming services.
On the 28th, customers visiting an official SK Telecom certified agency in Mapo-gu, Seoul, are receiving guidance from staff regarding SIM card arrivals. SK Telecom plans to offer free SIM card replacement services to subscribers starting today. April 28, 2025. Photo by Kang Jinhyung
SK Telecom is currently developing a solution that will allow users to use both the SIM card protection service and international roaming simultaneously, aiming to implement this starting May 14.
The number of SIM card replacement reservation applicants increased by 100,000 as of 9 a.m. on May 6, including those who applied on May 5 and up to that morning, bringing the cumulative total to 7.8 million people who have reserved replacements.
Kim Heesub, head of SK Telecom's PR Center, said, "We apologize that there are still many subscribers waiting for SIM card replacement," and added, "We are preparing to resolve the issue as quickly as possible."
Meanwhile, SKT stated that since suspending new subscriptions and number portability applications at its directly managed and authorized stores from the previous day, the number of new customers acquired at other sales outlets (not directly managed or authorized stores) has also dropped to one-quarter of the usual level.
Lim Bongho, head of SK Telecom's MNO Business Division, said, "At present, we are not considering any business compensation for sales outlets due to the decrease in new subscriptions."
Meanwhile, SKT reiterated that it has not yet decided on a policy regarding the waiver of cancellation penalties for subscribers.
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