**SK Telecom Ordered to Pay Compensation to Hacking Victims**

SEOUL (Reuters) - In a move aimed at providing closure to thousands of affected customers, South Korea's consumer agency has decided to order SK Telecom to compensate 58 users who filed a class action against the company over a recent hacking incident.

The decision was made at an emergency meeting held on Thursday, where the agency deliberated on the best course of action for the victims. According to sources, each applicant will receive 100,000 won (approximately $67) in combined cash points and mobile phone bill discounts as part of the compensation package.

This move comes after SK Telecom was fined a whopping 134 billion won in August following a major cybersecurity breach that compromised the data of over 20 million users. The incident sent shockwaves across the country, with many customers expressing concerns about their personal information being vulnerable to hacking and misuse.

While this compensation package may seem like a small amount to some, it's a significant step towards acknowledging the harm caused by the hacking incident and providing some measure of restitution to those affected. When asked about the decision, an agency spokesperson emphasized that the move was aimed at ensuring "fair treatment" for all victims.

The total cost of compensating the 58 applicants would amount to nearly 2.3 trillion won (approximately $1.5 billion), highlighting the scale of the issue and the need for SK Telecom to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

As part of the order, the agency will send notification to SK Telecom as soon as possible, with the company required to respond within 15 days of receiving it. This is a clear indication that the agency is serious about holding the company accountable for its actions and ensuring that customers are treated fairly.

The compensation package may not be enough to restore complete trust in SK Telecom's security measures, but it's a step in the right direction. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity protocols and the need for companies to prioritize their customers' data protection above all else.