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Yoo Young-sang, CEO of SK Telecom, bows in apology during a press conference held at the SUPEX Hall in SKT Tower, Jung-gu, Seoul, on April 25, following the disclosure that SK Telecom users’ USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module) information was compromised in a hacker attack. (Photo: Yonhap News) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] SEOUL, April 30 – SK Telecom CEO Yoo Young-sang is scheduled to appear before South Korea’s National Assembly on Tuesday to address mounting concerns over a recent USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module) information hacking incident affecting its customers.
The hearing, organized by the National Assembly’s Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, will focus on determining accountability and the company's response to the data breach. Lawmakers decided on April 29 to summon the CEO himself—rather than Executive Vice President Ryu Jung-hwan—given the gravity of the incident and rising public anxiety.
Yoo is expected to face detailed questioning regarding the nature of the compromised USIM data, the timeline between the actual breach and its detection, and SK Telecom’s preventive and remedial actions before and after the hacking incident.
A committee official stated, “SK Telecom has yet to clearly disclose what specific customer information was leaked. The public deserves a full and accountable explanation through this hearing.”
Earlier on April 25, Yoo held a press conference at SKT Tower in Seoul, where he issued a formal apology, saying he takes full responsibility for the breach.
Although SK Telecom has reported no confirmed cases of secondary damage such as SIM cloning so far, it began offering free USIM replacements at T World stores nationwide starting April 28. The company has secured 1 million USIM cards and plans to expand supply to 5 million by May to meet customer demand.
Tuesday’s hearing will also cover other issues, including the privatization of YTN, and allegations surrounding a December 3, 2023 martial law draft document and alleged media control attempts.
Opposition lawmakers have requested key witnesses such as First Lady Kim Keon-hee, Korea Communications Commission Chairman Lee Jin-sook, and KBS President Park Jang-bum. However, Kim has submitted a medical certificate citing mental health issues for her absence, and Lee is reportedly on an overseas business trip.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
