This photo taken Sept. 9, 2025, shows the sign of a KT retail store in Seoul. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Korea Bizwire) — The science ministry on Tuesday launched a special team to probe a recent series of unauthorized mobile payments reported by users of KT Corp., the country’s No. 2 telecom carrier.
The move came after a number of unauthorized transactions were reported among KT users in southwestern Seoul and the nearby Gyeonggi Province city of Gwangmyeong since late August, mostly during early morning hours.
The science ministry said the investigation team will promptly look into the case and thoroughly analyze the attack methods amid concerns over additional damages.
“In order to minimize damage to the public, we will seek to promptly identify the cause and contain the spread of the damage through the team joined by the country’s top experts,” Second Vice Science Minister Ryu Je-myung said.
The ministry added it will also establish an advisory group of experts, which will provide technical consultations to investigators.
A total of 45.8 million won (US$33,000) in damages have been reported to authorities so far, with the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police currently leading the investigation.
KT said it officially reported the breach to the Korea Internet & Security Agency on Monday, noting that it has blocked all unusual payment requests since Friday while confirming no further breaches.
“We have found no evidence of hacking,” KT said in a statement. “We deeply regret the damage and concern caused to our customers. We will fully cooperate with the government and police investigation to help resolve the case.”
(Yonhap)
