[2025 National Audit] Amid Mounting Calls for Resignation, KT CEO Kim Youngseop Says "Will Take Responsibility, Including Resignation"

National Assembly Committee Criticizes KT Over Small Payment Incident
Kim Youngseop Silently Nods to Question on Resignation

Kim Youngseop, CEO of KT, stated on the 21st that he would take responsibility, including resignation, as ruling party lawmakers repeatedly called for his resignation in connection with the unauthorized small payment incident. It appears that he intends to determine his position after taking steps to resolve the situation, such as preparing compensation measures for affected customers.

Kim Youngseop, CEO of KT, appeared at the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Communications Committee's audit on the hacking incident held in Yeouido, Seoul on the 21st, responding to lawmakers' questions. 2025.10.21 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

At the National Assembly’s Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee audit held that day, Kim responded to a question from Noh Jongmyeon, a lawmaker of the Democratic Party of Korea, who asked, "Does taking appropriate responsibility include resignation?" by saying, "I did not mean to exclude resignation," and added, "It is responsibility that encompasses resignation."

Previously, Kim was urged to resign by lawmakers Kim Wooyoung and Lee Juhui of the Democratic Party of Korea, who raised the issue of management’s responsibility for the small payment incident. In response, he said, "It is right to take appropriate responsibility after handling the situation."

When Hwang Jeonga, another lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, asked, "Will you resign after resolving the situation? Does taking appropriate responsibility mean you will resign?" Kim closed his eyes in silence and nodded.