"SKT SIM Hacking, Pay 4.6 Billion Won in Damages"... About 9,000 Users File Class Action Lawsuit

Claim for 500,000 Won per Person in Damages
Law Firms File Successive Lawsuits

In connection with the SK Telecom SIM card information hacking incident, approximately 9,000 users have jointly filed a claim for damages.

On the 28th, customers waiting to replace their SIM cards visited an SK Telecom directly managed store in Mapo-gu, Seoul. SK Telecom plans to offer free SIM card replacement services to subscribers starting today. April 28, 2025. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

On the 16th, attorney Ha Heebong of the Lawpid Law Office submitted a complaint on behalf of 9,175 participants in the first round of litigation, demanding compensation of 500,000 won per person. The total amount claimed in the joint lawsuit amounts to 4.6 billion won.

At a press conference held on the same day, attorney Ha stated, "The victims are suffering not only from the simple leakage of personal information, but also from the real fear and extreme anxiety caused by SIM card cloning," adding, "They are experiencing significant inconvenience from having to replace their SIM cards, as well as major disruptions to their daily lives, including restrictions on the use of certain financial services."

He further added, "SK Telecom must transparently disclose the exact content and scope of the leaked information, and clearly state whether the SIM card secret keys were compromised." He also called on government authorities to strengthen national management and oversight of core servers operated by telecommunications companies.

Other law firms are also proceeding with damages lawsuits on behalf of victims of the SKT incident. Law firm Logos has filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court on behalf of 320 people, claiming compensation of 300,000 won per line user.

On the 2nd, law firm Turtle filed a lawsuit on behalf of 53 people, seeking 1 million won in damages per person. Attorney Hong Jeongpyo argued, "What is unique about this case is that information related to SIM cards was leaked, creating a risk of mobile phone cloning," and emphasized, "It must be established that SKT has a legal obligation to provide immediate SIM card replacement to consumers, and damages should be calculated on this basis."

In addition, law firms such as Daegun and LKB are reportedly recruiting participants for a 'class action' lawsuit.

Previously, on April 18, SK Telecom suffered a large-scale leak of user SIM card information due to an external hacker attack. As the situation escalated, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won issued a public apology on May 7.