 |
Photo = SK Telecom |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Seoul, South Korea — July 28, 2025 — The repeal of South Korea’s Mobile Device Distribution Act (known locally as the “Dantong Law”) has triggered a wave of customer movement between mobile carriers, with over 90,000 mobile number portability (MNP) transfers recorded in just five days.
According to industry data, between July 22 — the day the law was repealed — and July 26, there were 95,233 number transfers, excluding Sunday (July 27), when separate figures were not compiled.
On repeal day alone, transfers spiked to 35,131, more than tripling the 10,703 transfers seen the previous day. Daily transfers remained high: 19,388 on July 23, 13,496 on July 24, 13,142 on July 25, and 14,076 on July 26.
Data showed SK Telecom saw 40,661 subscribers switch to KT and LG Uplus, resulting in a net loss of 322 subscribers after accounting for inflows from other carriers. KT gained 522 subscribers, while LG Uplus gained 70 over the same period.
SK Telecom has faced subscriber outflows since the April USIM information hacking incident, though recent data suggests the pace of departures is slowing, with occasional daily net gains of several dozen to several hundred users.
Despite the surge in number portability, the three major carriers — SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus — have not yet launched aggressive subsidy battles following the repeal. Analysts say the likelihood of intense subsidy-driven competition remains low, as the market has diversified with bundled wireless–wireline products and operators are wary of rising marketing costs without guaranteed revenue gains.
However, in certain “hot deal” phone retail hubs in Seoul and the metropolitan area, prices for newly released smartphones — particularly Samsung’s ultra-thin foldable Galaxy Z Fold and Flip 7 models — are already trending downward, signaling early market adjustments.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
