LG Uplus, which benefited from subscriber gains after security incidents at rivals, now faces controversy over its subscriber identity module number (IMSI) design and growing calls to waive contract termination fees. The company is accused of discarding and reinstalling a server suspected of being hacked, hampering forensic probes, and police have escalated their investigation. LG Uplus is expanding security measures, while civic groups and lawmakers press for user protections.

Microsoft stressed an open AI ecosystem at a National Assembly event and said South Korea should focus on corporate AI transformation based on its semiconductor competitiveness rather than building a standalone large language model. A Microsoft executive said most countries have failed to develop sovereign LLMs despite heavy investment. Participants called for policy changes on interoperability, data use and certification. South Korean ministries said they share the direction but need public consensus and prioritisation.