Ryu Jung-hwan, Vice President of SK Telecom, announced on the 11th in a briefing at Samhwa Tower in Jung-gu, Seoul, that the company plans to establish a “Customer Trust Restoration Committee” within 1-2 weeks to explore various customer compensation measures, including the waiver of penalty fees. The committee will include not only internal personnel but also external figures, with candidate selection and acceptances being expedited.
The committee will review customer demands and SK Telecom’s prepared responses to discuss additional actions that customers desire. Previously, SK Telecom’s CEO Woo Yeong-sang mentioned at a National Assembly hearing on the Science, Technology, Information, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee that steps will be taken swiftly to protect customer interests.
In response to related government actions, Ryu explained that different government departments have distinct responsibilities, which may result in varying positions. The company is collaborating with the Ministry of Science and ICT and the internet promotion agency in an investigation, and they have reported a personal data breach incident to the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC). Currently, the PIPC considers USIM information as personal data.
Ryu also addressed the issue of fines, stating that it is a matter for the PIPC to decide and that discussions with the Ministry of Science and ICT are necessary for customer compensation.
For improvements in USIM authentication key encryption, they are reviewing with a joint public-private investigation team, acknowledging that it will take time to integrate new encryption packages with the existing network infrastructure.
Im Bong-ho, head of SK Telecom’s MNO business, stated that compensation will be pursued for sales interruptions at dealerships, with established communication channels between headquarters and field dealerships.
To date, 1.43 million subscribers have replaced their USIMs, and SK Telecom assured that there will be no shortage of USIM stock. Additionally, the company has introduced a “USIM reset” solution, allowing certain information on existing USIMs to be updated via software, achieving the same effects as physical USIM replacement.