SK Telecom’s USIM card crisis triggered long lines and frustration on the program’s first day. Earlier this month, the mobile giant revealed malware inside its Home Subscriber Server database. The announcement caused widespread concern about possible leaks of sensitive data from physical USIM cards. In response, SK Telecom offered free USIM card replacements to over 25 million users. Additionally, the company encouraged users to enroll in the USIM Protection Service for added security.
However, SK Telecom’s USIM card crisis quickly escalated into logistical chaos across major stores. At the Sookmyung Women’s University branch, supplies ran out early in the morning. Staff warned that despite reservations, they could only replace around 100 cards daily. Customers without reservations were told to book new appointments for later in the week. Many visitors, driven by serious security fears, insisted on physical card replacements rather than relying only on software protection.
Moreover, the surge in demand exposed issues with SK Telecom’s USIM card crisis management. The company’s online reservation system buckled under the traffic, with over 97,000 people queued by mid-morning. Customers voiced their unease, preferring tangible card replacements over network-based defenses. One university student shared he felt uneasy leaving compromised data unaddressed. Meanwhile, a man in his 60s stated he trusted physical replacement more than digital protection services.
Incheon Airport and other major hubs saw SK Telecom scramble to manage the situation. The carrier boosted roaming center staff by 50 percent to handle travelers seeking card replacements. SK Telecom reassured customers that it would compensate for any overseas fraud due to compromised cards. Despite holding one million USIM cards, the company plans to secure five million more by late May. Still, shortages are expected to continue for several weeks as demand surges.
Meanwhile, cybersecurity experts tried to ease concerns about SK Telecom’s USIM card crisis. Professor Kim Seung-joo from Korea University emphasized that replacing the USIM resets key identifiers, eliminating most risks. He advised users to enroll in the USIM Protection Service while awaiting card availability. Kim reassured customers that leaked USIM data alone cannot lead to direct financial theft. He stressed that customers can feel secure once they replace their compromised USIM cards.
