Science and ICT Minister Admits Delayed Initial Response to KT Incident... Vows Active Action on Penalty Fee Exemptions

"Hacker Presumed to Possess Personal Information Beyond KT User IMSI Data"

Science and ICT Minister Paik Kyung-hoon admitted and expressed regret over the delayed initial response to the KT hacking incident. He also stated that during his meeting with KT CEO Kim Youngseob, he received a commitment that KT would actively protect users, including exempting them from penalty fees.

At the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee plenary session on this day, Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Jeonga pointed out that "KT violated the regulation to report cyber breaches within 24 hours, filed a false report to evade legal responsibility, and reversed its statements regarding information leakage." In response, Minister Paik said, "Although we are responding with a joint public-private investigation team, I reflect on the fact that the initial response was delayed."

Science and ICT Minister Paik Kyung-hoon is holding a joint briefing with related ministries on the new government's economic growth strategy at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on August 22, 2025. Photo by Cho Yongjun

Assemblywoman Hwang then criticized, "The Ministry of Science and ICT has been lukewarm, so even though there was enormous damage with the breach of the national communications network, KT only made vague statements about reviewing the terms after the investigation regarding penalty fee exemptions, and quietly changed the compensation terms after reporting the breach." In response, Minister Paik said, "I believe that is inappropriate," and added, "I met with KT CEO Kim Youngseob in person and received a promise that KT would actively address not only compensation for damages but also the exemption of penalty fees."

Assemblymen Lee Hoonki and Noh Jongmyeon from the same party urged the Ministry of Science and ICT to request an investigation into suspicions that KT destroyed evidence. In response, Minister Paik said, "The Ministry of Science and ICT can request an investigation," and added, "We have already received all the materials from KT." When Assemblyman Noh asked whether, given that the hacker succeeded in making unauthorized micro-payments, personal information such as names, phone numbers, and dates of birth may have been leaked in addition to the user subscriber identification information (IMSI) that KT disclosed, Minister Paik replied, "It is presumed that the perpetrator is in possession of such information."

On this day, members of the Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee called for a hearing on the KT hacking incident.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.