Seoul: SK Telecom Co., South Korea's leading mobile carrier, has pledged to assume full responsibility for any harm inflicted on customers due to a recent cyberattack that potentially compromised subscriber information. The company, known for its extensive mobile services, is taking significant measures to address the fallout from this security breach.

According to Yonhap News Agency, earlier this month SK Telecom identified a significant leak of universal subscriber identity module (USIM) data following a cyberattack. In response, the carrier has initiated a program offering free replacements of USIMs for all its 23 million users. The company urges customers to subscribe to the USIM protection service, asserting its effectiveness in preventing hacking-related damage. As of 6 p.m., 5.54 million users, representing 24 percent of the total subscriber base, have enrolled in the service.

SK Telecom has assured its customers of the service's efficacy, likening it to the USIM replacement itself. The free replacement service is set to commence on Monday, with the company advising customers to make online reservations to reduce inconvenience.

In an effort to ensure a robust response, Acting President Han Duck-soo has directed officials to evaluate the adequacy of the company's response measures and to examine the nation's data protection system against future cyber threats. A joint civilian-government investigation into the breach is underway and is anticipated to last one to two months.