SK Telecom subscriber Lim (31) chose to enroll in a SIM protection service instead of replacing his SIM card following a hacking incident involving SIM identification information. Lim was waiting for a SIM reset service that SK Telecom is developing, but he could not hide his frustration upon hearing that he would have to wait for the SIM reset, which is set to begin on the 12th.
Lim said, "When SK Telecom announced the SIM reset feature, they never mentioned that consumers would have to wait again," adding, "I didn't apply for the SIM replacement service, but rushed to apply today. I feel anxious and frustrated as the investigation into the incident is ongoing."
According to SK Telecom on the 12th, the SIM reset service was introduced starting that day, but similar to the SIM replacement, subscribers have to wait for the company to contact them, leading to growing dissatisfaction among them. It is also expected to take more than a month to confirm whether penalties for SK Telecom subscribers will be waived, leaving them with no real options other than waiting.
◇ SIM reset has the same effect as SIM replacement
The SIM reset changes some of the user identification and authentication information contained in the SIM to new information. SK Telecom explained that even if a hacker tries to replicate the existing leaked SIM information after resetting some of the SIM information, system access would be blocked. Users can retain their existing information, such as financial certificates, transportation cards like T-money, and contacts without needing to reset them. SK Telecom stated that the reset method passed a technical verification involving external experts, and no side effects were found.
However, in order to receive new SIM information, SK Telecom subscribers must visit a store and book for the 'SIM replacement service' to receive a notification message. According to SK Telecom, the number of applicants waiting for SIM replacements reached 7.22 million as of midnight on that day, while only 1.43 million subscribers have actually received replacements so far.
SK Telecom explained that subscribers who received a message about the possibility of SIM replacement can choose between 'SIM reset' and 'SIM replacement' at T World stores. Even if they choose 'SIM reset,' it will still be possible to replace the SIM at no charge once afterward.
SK Telecom expects that the waiting time will decrease as more SIM cards become available starting in mid-June, but some subscribers may have to wait until next month to change or reset their SIMs. The company announced that it will secure an additional 1.17 million units by the 18th of this month and aims to have a total of 5 million units by the end of the month. Additionally, they plan to bring in another 5.77 million units next month.
◇ It is expected to take about a month and a half for the waiver of penalties to be determined
SK Telecom subscribers are paying close attention to whether penalties will be waived. Currently, there is increasing pressure, particularly from the political sector, for SK Telecom to bear the penalties for its subscribers.
In response, SK Telecom noted that the amount of penalties varies for each subscriber and that waiving these penalties could inflict damage severe enough to threaten the company's existence. The Ministry of Science and ICT is also considering the company's intent regarding this incident and believes that a determination may be possible only after the results of the joint investigation team are released. Minister Yoo Sang-im predicted that it would take about a month and a half for the investigation results to come out.
SK Telecom subscriber Kim (35) said, "I applied for the SIM replacement service a few days ago, but I still haven't received any contact," adding, "Whether I replace the SIM or transfer my number, it seems I won't be able to do either until June."