 |
Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] South Korea’s three major telecom operators—SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus—have won a first-instance ruling in a class action lawsuit over alleged 5G service quality issues.
The Seoul Central District Court dismissed claims filed by 741 plaintiffs seeking KRW 371.5 million in damages and restitution, ruling in favor of the telecom companies. The court also rejected some claims on procedural grounds, citing insufficient legal representation documentation.
The lawsuit, filed in 2021, centered on early-stage 5G coverage and performance issues. Plaintiffs argued that the operators failed to adequately disclose limitations, rendering contracts invalid and constituting incomplete sales practices.
However, the court ruled that initial network limitations and temporary speed issues during early deployment could not be interpreted as intentional deception or grounds for civil liability.
The ruling is seen as a significant milestone that may ease legal risks surrounding 5G service disputes, which have persisted for several years. Market observers are also watching whether the decision will influence ongoing administrative litigation related to prior regulatory penalties over 5G advertising.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
