South Korea

똑같이 털렸으면서 서로 ‘내가 보안 1등’이래…어이없는 진흙탕 싸움

Maekyung | Local Language | News | Jan. 12, 2026 | Cyber Attacks and Data Loss

Three major South Korean mobile carriers—KT, SK Telecom, and LG Uplus—are engaged in aggressive and contentious marketing campaigns following a series of cyberattacks that compromised their security and exposed user data. Each carrier has attempted to capitalize on rivals' hacking incidents, using fear-driven and disparaging promotional phrases to attract subscribers, leading to increased user anxiety and widespread contract cancellations.

From December 31 to January 8, KT alone saw 154,851 users cancel their mobile service contracts, with an average daily loss exceeding 20,000 customers. Defections are also occurring at SK Telecom and LG Uplus, prompting forecasts that monthly number-porting (switching carriers) could spike to 900,000 to 1,000,000—significantly above the historical 500,000 to 600,000 range since the Mobile Device Distribution Act was enacted.

The carriers’ heated marketing tactics include slogans that directly attack competitors’ security failures, such as SK Telecom’s and LG Uplus's advertisements targeting KT’s hacking incident, and KT’s retaliation against SK Telecom. This has ignited criticism and caused alarm among users, especially as unverified claims about unauthorized fund withdrawals circulated online. This adversarial approach contradicts previous calls from LG Uplus's CEO and formal complaints from the carriers, which had requested regulatory intervention against fear-based tactics.

In response, the Broadcasting, Media and Communications Commission (BMCC) has intervened, cautioning carriers against excessive and misleading promotional practices and announcing enhanced inspections. Administrative guidance was issued, restricting promotional content that disparages competitors or causes unnecessary fear, with explicit prohibitions on false or exaggerated advertising and improper sales activities. Carriers have since adjusted their marketing materials and received directives to stop inflaming consumer anxiety, as the BMCC commits to ongoing market oversight and strict supervision to protect users.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Jan. 12, 2026 | Climate Change

The Korea-based Green Climate Fund (GCF) stated that the recent U.S. withdrawal from its board will not disrupt its operations or commitment to supporting developing countries in addressing climate change challenges. The GCF affirmed that the vacant board seat will be filled according to its policies and that the U.S. absence will not impact the functioning of the board or the fund's activities.

The withdrawal follows a U.S. presidential memorandum directing federal departments to exit multiple international organizations, including the UNFCCC, of which the GCF is a part. The GCF reaffirmed its role as the primary climate fund for developing countries under the UNFCCC and highlighted its ongoing support for affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy to foster economic growth and poverty reduction. It has approved $19.3 billion for 336 projects across 134 developing countries, with a record $3.26 billion approved in new projects.

The U.S. Treasury confirmed the withdrawal, citing a shift in U.S. policy that opposes funding what it described as “radical organizations like the GCF,” which it claims conflict with the administration’s focus on affordable and reliable energy. The GCF, headquartered in Incheon, South Korea, was established in 2010 under the UNFCCC, and plans to open regional offices worldwide were approved last year. The U.S. exit is part of a broader policy move to leave 66 international bodies deemed wasteful or contrary to U.S. interests by the administration.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Jan. 12, 2026 | North Korea

North Korea has strongly criticized Japan's initiative to revise three major national security documents— the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy, and the Defense Buildup Program—aimed at enhancing Japan's defense capabilities. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) warned that Japan's efforts would lead to its complete self-destruction.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced earlier in January 2026 that a review and revision of these documents would be conducted by the end of the year to protect Japan's independence, peace, and the safety of its citizens. However, North Korea condemned this move as a manifestation of "neo-militarism," accusing Japan of denying past wrongdoings and attempting to revive its imperial ambitions through rearmament.

KCNA emphasized that Japan's pursuit of militarization would ultimately result in failure rather than strength, citing historical evidence to support this claim. The statement portrays Japan’s military buildup as a dangerous path that will not strengthen the country but lead to its downfall.