Increase in 'Number Portability Induction' Behaviors Targeting Concerns of SIM Card Hacking

Concerns have been raised that some rival telecom agencies are blatantly using the SK Telecom SIM card information leak incident as a marketing tool, crossing the line.

According to the telecommunications industry on the 30th, some KT and LG Uplus agencies are continuing to engage in sales strategies that directly mention SK Telecom's hacking incident to induce number portability to their own services.

A photo of a KT agency with a large signboard reading 'SK Hacking' placed in front of its store circulated online, amplifying the controversy. Another KT agency promoted itself through a blog as a "free SIM card replacement store for SK Telecom customers" and emphasized that "if customers unable to replace their SIM card move to KT, they will receive a free replacement."

Some LG Uplus agencies are behaving similarly. One store claimed that "additional damage may occur if there is a delay in SIM card supply" and "actual damage cases are currently occurring," stirring anxiety with unverified information. There are criticisms that this amounts to 'fear marketing', luring customers based on clear falsehoods.

Real Subscriber Exodus Intensifies… Fierce Competition Among Rivals

Criticism has arisen indicating that such behaviors aim to seize the demand for customer exodus from SK Telecom due to heightened anxiety following the SIM card hacking incident. In particular, public sentiment that SK Telecom's response was inadequate immediately after the incident has led to visible demand for number portability.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Science and ICT, as of the 28th of this month, SK Telecom recorded a net loss of 25,403 subscribers due to number portability. Among them, 65.2% or 16,570 moved to KT, and 8,833 switched to LG Uplus.

This figure is highly unusual compared to the typical number portability numbers, which ranged from 100 to 200 on weekdays.

Headquarters Distances Itself: "Not Official Guidelines… Actions of Individual Agencies"

The headquarters of KT and LG Uplus have drawn a line, stating that such marketing is not based on official guidelines but rather on the arbitrary judgment of individual agencies.

KT stated, "We have identified that the promotional materials were created by a very small number of agencies, and we are continuously delivering cautionary notices to field agencies from the headquarters level."

LG Uplus also explained, "We are strengthening monitoring and inspection of our self-produced materials to avoid misunderstandings due to some excessive sales methods."

Among citizens, comments have surfaced such as "In this situation, shouldn't they be focusing on strengthening their own security systems?" and "Do KT and LG Uplus think they had no problems?"

Image source: A long line formed on the 28th for SIM card replacement at SK Telecom / News1, News1