SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won issued a public apology at the SK Telecom headquarters, following a recent SK Telecom cyberattack that affected millions of users. The cyberattack on SK Telecom, which came to light in April, raised a concerns over data security, especially among SK Telecom’s 24 million customers.
The chairman’s statement was direct and apologetic, signaling a shift in tone after initial criticisms over the company’s slow and unclear communication.
“On behalf of the SK Group, I would like to sincerely apologize,” Chairman Chey said, standing before reporters and officials at the company’s Seoul headquarters.
The SK Telecom data breach, which involved the suspected leakage of SIM card-related data due to malware planted by hackers, has not resulted in confirmed secondary damage as of yet. However, the chairman acknowledged the growing concerns among customers who were left in the dark in the days following the attack.
SK Telecom Data Breach that Shook Consumer Confidence
According to SK Telecom, the malware was detected around 11:40 PM on April 19, 2025. The company said it acted immediately by notifying the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) and removing the malicious code. A joint public-private investigation is currently underway to reveal the scope and origin of the breach.
The affected data reportedly includes information related to SIM cards, but the company confirmed that there have been no verified instances of data being exploited, sold on the dark web, or used for fraudulent activities.
Despite this, the incident created a ripple effect of anxiety. Customers, especially those traveling or relying on their mobile devices for daily tasks, expressed frustration with the delays in service and a lack of transparency. Lines at customer service centers grew longer, and concerns mounted on social media.
Chairman Chey addressed these sentiments head-on: “We apologize to all of you who have had to wait a long time in the store due to your busy schedule or who are anxious due to a tight schedule before leaving the country. We also believe that many people are still worried about whether or not they will be affected.”
He continued, “I am particularly sorry about the lack of communication and response following the accident.”
Taking Responsibility
This is not the first time a major telecom company in South Korea has been the target of a cyberattack. However, what makes this case stand out is the high-profile response from SK Group’s top executive and the sweeping internal reforms announced in the wake of the breach.
Chey accepted full responsibility for the shortcomings in customer communication and the initial handling of the situation.
“We failed to look closely at the customer’s position, and this is something that all of us, including myself, must deeply reflect on,” he said. “I believe that the criticism from not only the customer, but also the media, the National Assembly, and government agencies is justified, and I humbly accept it.”
What SK Telecom Is Doing Now
SK Telecom said it has already implemented several immediate measures to contain the situation and prevent further damage:
- Removal of the malware from affected systems.
- Isolation of compromised equipment from the network.
- System-wide investigation to determine possible weak points.
- Blocking of illegal SIM card changes and abnormal authentication attempts.
- Suspension of usage and customer guidance in the event of suspicious activity.
Additionally, the company is actively promoting its free SIM card protection service, which helps prevent unauthorized copying or use of SIM cards. This service sets a security function on the customer’s SIM card and is being recommended to all users as a precaution.
Chairman Chey offered his thanks to customers who have already adopted the service:
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the 24 million customers who trusted us and signed up for our SIM card protection service.”
He also reassured customers that the company will support SIM card replacements for those seeking faster resolutions.
A Repair Within SK Group
Beyond immediate technical fixes, the chairman announced strategic long-term initiatives to rebuild consumer trust and modernize cybersecurity measures across all of SK Group’s subsidiaries.
Key among them is the establishment of an ‘Information Protection Innovation Committee’, which will include external experts. The goal, according to Chey, is to design improvement measures from a “neutral and objective perspective.”
Further, the group plans to inspect the overall security systems across its companies and expand investments in cybersecurity infrastructure. This group-wide evaluation signals a more centralized approach to managing and mitigating risks, acknowledging that the breach is not just a Telecom issue, but a company-wide learning moment.
Chey also recognized the efforts of various stakeholders working to resolve the situation.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to T World, the customer center, government and airport officials, and all company members who are working hard on the front lines to resolve this situation,” he said.
A Moment for Reflection and Reform
In a closing remark that struck a more introspective tone, Chey reflected on the importance of customer trust and the values that define SK Group.
“Customer trust is the reason why SK Group exists,” he said. “SK Group will use this incident as an opportunity to return to the most fundamental question in order to restore customer trust. We will once again examine what the most important essence of a company should be.”
He ended his address with a heartfelt commitment to right the wrongs caused by the incident:
“Once again, we deeply apologize to everyone who experienced any inconvenience. We will do our best to resolve the issue.”
Conclusion
As the investigation into the data breach continues, all eyes will be on how SK Telecom and SK Group implement the promised reforms. For customers, the biggest concern remains not just whether their data is safe today, but whether the systems they rely on will be secure in the future.
The public apology by one of South Korea’s most influential business leaders may signal a turning point—not just for SK Group, but for how corporations in the country respond to crises involving data privacy and cybersecurity.
Only time will tell if these promises turn into meaningful protection for the millions who place their trust in SK Telecom’s services every day.
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