KT apologized over the recent small-amount payment losses and promised to take responsible follow-up measures to protect customers and prevent a recurrence.
On the 11th, KT CEO Kim Young-seop held a press briefing at KT West in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, and said, "We have mobilized all of the company's and employees' capabilities to take technical measures to prevent any additional damage, and we will devise 100% compensation for affected customers," as he apologized.
KT said it will make every effort to provide swift support for customer losses, work closely with the government and institutions, and prepare appropriate compensation procedures and institutional improvements based on the investigation results.
KT said it is automatically blocking abnormal payments, strengthening identity verification methods, and conducting ongoing monitoring to prevent additional damage and protect customers.
It also said it conducted a full-scale review to determine whether abnormal small-amount payments occurred, provided individual guidance to customers whose losses were confirmed, waived small-amount payment charges, and took steps to prevent additional damage.
The company has opened a 24-hour dedicated customer center (080-722-0100) so customers can immediately inquire if they receive calls or messages suspected of misusing personal information or need to ask about or report damages related to small-amount payments.
KT said its own investigation found indications that some customers' International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) information had leaked through illegal micro base stations, and it reported this to the Personal Information Protection Commission on Thursday afternoon the 11th.
KT identified customers who received signals from illegal micro base stations during the investigation and found the possibility that the IMSI values of some of them had leaked.
According to KT, a total of 5,561 customers who have a history of receiving signals from illegal micro base stations were identified as having a possible IMSI leak.
KT sent text messages (SMS) to those customers on the afternoon of the same day to inform them that it had reported the matter to the Personal Information Protection Commission, and to provide links to check whether they were affected, apply to replace their USIM, and sign up for protection services.
It also announced that it will support free USIM replacements and enrollment in USIM protection services for all customers with a history of receiving signals from illegal micro base stations. Those customers can receive related guidance and services through KT's online channels and customer center, as well as KT agencies nationwide.
KT said it has secured sufficient USIM stock to ensure smooth replacements.
A joint public-private investigation and a police probe are underway to determine the specific causes, including the type of illegal micro base stations and the abnormal access methods. KT said it is actively cooperating with the related investigations.
Kim said, "We are thoroughly reviewing and reflecting on the situation so far, and we will fulfill our duties and role as a carrier so that our national customers can feel reassured."