Yazılar

SK Group Chairman Chey Apologizes for Major SK Telecom Data Breach, Pledges Security Overhaul

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SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won issued a public apology on Wednesday following a significant data breach at SK Telecom, South Korea’s largest mobile carrier, which has sparked alarm among its 23 million users over potential theft of personal and financial information.

The breach, detected on April 18, was attributed to a malware attack, and has led to widespread concern and customer action. Thousands have visited SK Telecom outlets to replace their USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module) cards, which the company is offering free of charge.

Chey, speaking for the first time since the breach became public, said, “I believe we need to look at this as a matter of national defence, not just (data) security.” He acknowledged a need for a more comprehensive and strategic approach to cybersecurity, noting that the company previously treated such threats as a standard IT issue handled internally.

In response to the breach, SK Telecom has launched a USIM Protection Service, which it says provides equivalent protection to replacing the USIM card. Chey confirmed he enrolled in the service but had not yet replaced his own card.

The chairman also pledged a full-scale security review involving external cybersecurity experts to prevent similar incidents in the future and restore public trust in the company’s data protection capabilities.

South Korea Announces $34 Billion Fund to Support Strategic Industries

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South Korea has unveiled plans to establish a $34 billion policy fund aimed at providing financial support to companies operating in strategic sectors such as semiconductors and automotive manufacturing. The government’s decision is driven by escalating global competition and rising protectionist policies, particularly from the United States.

The state-run Korea Development Bank will manage the 50 trillion won fund, which will be distributed to firms in key industries over the next five years. The support will take the form of low-interest loans and investments. This initiative is part of South Korea’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in industries vital to its national economic security.

As the global landscape grows increasingly competitive, South Korea has identified 12 sectors as “national strategic technologies,” including semiconductors, future mobility, rechargeable batteries, biopharmaceuticals, aerospace, and artificial intelligence. These sectors will receive enhanced financial backing and protection to address challenges such as the fragmentation of global supply chains.

Additionally, the government’s semiconductor support package, introduced last year, will be incorporated into this new fund. In a bid to attract talent, South Korea also plans to offer “top-tier” visas and permanent residency to skilled foreign workers with experience in global firms, making it easier for them to join the country’s advanced technology sectors.

Samsung Electronics Union Approves 5.1% Wage Increase

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Samsung Electronics’ main union in South Korea has approved a 5.1% wage increase for 2024, finalizing a deal reached last month between the company and the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU). The agreement, which required ratification by union members, also includes additional benefits such as company product purchase points and 30 Samsung Electronics shares per employee.

The NSEU, representing approximately 36,000 members—around 30% of Samsung’s South Korean workforce—has previously engaged in strikes to demand better pay and working conditions. However, Samsung maintained that production remained unaffected during the disputes.

This resolution comes as Samsung Electronics faces intensified competition in the semiconductor market, particularly in AI-related memory chip production. The deal helps stabilize labor relations at a crucial time for the world’s largest memory chipmaker as it seeks to strengthen its position in the industry.