KT CEO Kim Young-seop stresses the importance of information security in a New Year message to employees. He also urges them to work together to restore customer trust.

On Thursday, Kim says in the message, "As this breach incident shows, not only the traditional IT area and specific departments, but all routine work has become a target of intrusion attacks and an information-security area we must protect."

He adds, "Without a shift in awareness, we cannot defend against information-security risks that are becoming more routine and more intelligent."

KT is investigated by a government-private joint investigation team after an unauthorized small-amount payment incident in September. After the investigation results are announced, KT unveils customer compensation measures, including waiving cancellation penalties for all subscribers and providing free data.

Kim says, "I express my gratitude to employees who directly and indirectly took part over a long period in the investigation and preparing countermeasures." He adds, "I ask all employees to join forces in the process of restoring customer trust going forward."

KT plans to continue strengthening business and technology capabilities and innovating management infrastructure to advance as an AICT company. Kim says, "If we continue our challenge based on efforts for comprehensive security innovation and strengthening AX capabilities, we can grow into the best AX innovation partner recognised by customers and the market."