SK Telecom (SKT) reportedly moved to freeze new subscriber sign-ups at retail stores starting on 5 May, as the fallout from a major cyberattack which compromised SIM-related information continues.
The Korea Herald reported the company held a press briefing in Seoul in which CEO Ryu Young-sang announced 2,600 stores run by partner T World would pause new subscriptions as SKT puts the focus on replacing compromised SIMs.
SKT will also stop users switching mobile network providers with their existing phone numbers until the situation eases.
The company plans to compensate T World stores for any losses incurred during the period.
Online distributors and other third-party retailers will, however still be able to complete sign-ups as they are not directly involved with the operator.
The Korea Herald stated government pressure had pushed SKT to make the move after authorities released guidance telling the operator to suspend new subscriptions until it had resolved the issue.
SKT apparently suffered an exodus of subscribers following the cyberattack. In the two days immediately after the issue, Korea JoongAng Daily reported the operator offered its 24.2 million customers free replacement SIMs, but around 70,000 subscribers moved to rivals KT and LG Uplus, with more expected to follow.