KT to Replace USIM Cards for All Customers
Mobile carrier KT will offer free universal subscriber identity modules (USIMs) to all its customers after a series of unauthorized mobile payment frauds exploited rogue cellular base stations and compromised user data.
CEO Transition and Security Measures
CEO Kim Young-shub announced he will not seek a second term and will step down when his current tenure ends in March next year. KT’s board has started selecting his successor by creating a recommendation committee, aiming to choose a single candidate by the end of this year.
Free USIM Replacement Program
The telecom company stated in a press release that customers who want to replace their USIM cards can do so free of charge to address growing security concerns:
- Applications for free USIM replacement open Wednesday via KT’s official website.
- Customers can reserve online and pick up new cards at KT branches.
- The replacement service will initially be available in Seoul’s Geumcheon District and Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, where rogue base stations operated.
- The program will then expand to cover Seoul and surrounding areas in Gyeonggi Province starting November.
"KT will offer free USIMs to all customers who wish for a replacement, in an effort to ease growing security concerns following recent incidents."
The staged rollout aims to manage demand and reinforce trust in mobile security.
Summary: KT is proactively addressing mobile payment fraud by providing free USIM replacements nationwide while preparing leadership changes to enhance company security and governance.