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KT CEO Kim Young-sub (center) bows in apology during a press conference at the company’s Gwanghwamun West headquarters in Jongno, Seoul, on October 11, 2025, following reports of unauthorized mobile micro-payment and personal data breach incidents. (Photo courtesy of Yonhap News Agency) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] SEOUL, October 29, 2025 — South Korean telecom giant KT Corp. announced a comprehensive compensation plan for customers affected by recent unauthorized micro-payments and personal data leaks, offering 100GB of free data per month for five months and ₩150,000 (approximately USD 110) in credits or device replacement support.
KT also confirmed that it is considering replacing SIM cards for all customers nationwide, in response to security concerns stemming from a large-scale hacking incident involving illegal small-cell base stations. The company has identified roughly 20,000 affected users.
The announcement came during a parliamentary audit session of the National Assembly’s Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, where KT CEO Kim Young-sub was questioned by Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Jung-ah about the company’s delayed response.
“The full-scale SIM replacement for all customers requires approval by the board,” Kim said. “We will hold a board meeting on November 4, and once approved, the plan will be implemented immediately.”
Kim added that KT is preparing logistics and inventory to ensure a smooth SIM-replacement process without inconvenience to customers, noting that the company wants to avoid long queues or delays experienced in previous incidents.
As part of its compensation plan, KT will provide affected users with 100GB of free data per month for five months, along with ₩150,000 in financial support. Customers may choose to receive this amount as either a monthly phone-bill discount or an additional subsidy on a new device purchase from KT.
The announcement follows KT’s earlier decision to waive contract termination penalties for users impacted by the unauthorized payments and hacking scheme.
KT reiterated its commitment to strengthening cybersecurity and customer protection, saying it will continue cooperating fully with regulators and law enforcement to prevent further breaches.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
