Seoul: The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on Monday that it has requested police intervention to investigate claims that KT Corp. has hindered a governmental investigation into unauthorized mobile payment breaches associated with the company.

According to Yonhap News Agency, these unauthorized mobile payments, totaling 240 million won (approximately US$168,000), were reported in late August in Seoul and surrounding areas. The breach involved the personal data of hundreds of KT users, compromised through illegal micro base stations. In response, the government established a joint public-private investigation team to delve into the incident.

The ministry accused KT of not fully cooperating with the investigation and of obstructing the activities of the team. It was highlighted in a statement submitted to the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee that KT provided false information about the timing of server disposal and delayed the reporting of backup logs for these servers until October 18.

"We determined there was intentional misconduct to obstruct the government investigation, including submitting false materials and concealing evidence," the ministry stated. They also criticized KT's inadequate initial response to the incident and its poor management of the micro base stations that were central to the data breach.

The Ministry of Science and ICT revealed plans to develop a comprehensive information protection strategy. This plan aims to bolster government investigative powers and enhance the roles and responsibilities of chief information security officers (CISOs) within corporations.