25.07.04.Today News : SK Telecom to Waive Penalties, Offer 50% Bill Discount After Cyberattack

SK Telecom to Waive Penalties, Offer 50% Bill Discount After Cyberattack

• Compensation plan includes 50GB bonus data, security upgrades worth ₩700B

In response to a major hacking incident, SK Telecom has introduced a ₩500 billion compensation package that includes bill discounts, penalty waivers, and free data. The company also unveiled a ₩700 billion cybersecurity investment plan over five years.

SK Telecom has announced a total of 500 billion won in compensation for customers following a massive hacking incident.

At a press briefing held on July 4 in Seoul, SK Telecom CEO Yoo Young-sang expressed deep regret for the cyber incident, stating, “We fully accept the results of the investigation and offer our sincere apologies to our customers and society.”

One major measure is the automatic 50% discount on August mobile bills, including base plans, calls, texts, and data usage. The discount applies to all SKT users and those using SKT’s network through MVNOs, with no application required.

Customers will also receive 50GB of additional data per month from August to the end of the year. In plans with limited base data, legal guardians will have the option to enable or disable the bonus data.

SK Telecom will also waive early termination fees for customers who canceled service after the incident or plan to do so by July 14. Refunds will be processed starting July 15, and eligible users can check refund amounts via the T World website. However, device installment payments are excluded from this waiver.

The company is also revamping its T Membership program, offering over 50% discounts with selected partners starting in August. Three partner brands will rotate every 10 days, and benefits will be available through the end of the year. Rejoining customers within six months will regain their membership level and service duration.

On the security front, SK Telecom revealed a ₩700 billion investment plan for cybersecurity over the next five years. The plan includes doubling its cybersecurity workforce and launching a ₩10 billion security innovation fund to support industry growth.

In the second half of the year, all users will receive a free one-year subscription to the Zimperium mobile security solution. The company will also implement a cyber compensation assurance system to assist users affected by SIM card cloning, and will raise its cyber insurance coverage limit from ₩1 billion to ₩100 billion.

SK Telecom reaffirmed its commitment to building a secure digital environment, stating, “We aim to earn back the trust of our users by providing robust protection and proactive support measures.”

One-line summary : SK Telecom announced compensation including 50% bill discounts, penalty refunds, and extra data after a hacking incident, along with a ₩700 billion cybersecurity investment plan.