Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
3d ago

SK Telecom to Halt New Sign-Ups Following Massive Data Breach

The South Korean telecom giant will suspend new subscriptions and mobile number portability from May 5 to address USIM shortages and comply with government orders.

Image
Outbound travelers wait in line at an outlet of SK Telecom Co., South Korea's leading mobile carrier, inside Incheon airport, west of Seoul, on May 1, 2025, to have a free universal subscriber identity module (USIM) replaced on their smartphones following a network hacking incident involving the potential leak of subscriber information. (Yonhap)
Image
SK Telecom Co. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ryu Young-sang speaks during a media briefing at the company's headquarters in downtown Seoul on May 2, 2025. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • SK Telecom confirmed it will pause new subscriber sign-ups and mobile number portability at its 2,600 retail stores starting May 5 until the USIM supply stabilizes.
  • The company has enrolled 14.42 million users in its USIM Protection Service, with automatic enrollment for vulnerable groups set to be completed by May 14.
  • Regulatory authorities have mandated SK Telecom to notify all potentially affected users of the data breach and strengthen protections for vulnerable populations.
  • The breach, affecting 25 million subscribers, has caused significant customer churn to competitors and delays in replacement services due to USIM shortages.
  • SK Telecom has warned of phishing scams related to USIM replacements and emphasized that legitimate messages will only come from its official service number.