Subscribers Sue Hanaro

The first collective action suit against Hanarotelecom began yesterday as the Korean broadband and fixed-line operator faces charges of selling information on its 6 million subscribers.

Namkang Law & IP Firm, which represents 32 victims of information leakage, said it filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court against the company and the state on charges of “violating privacy and freedom.”

Namkang said, “Hanarotelecom intentionally gave away personal information of 6 million customers to telemarketers without permission, and it is a more serious offense than the recent hacking incident involving Auction. The state is also responsible in that it failed to take necessary measures even though the victims reported the case.”

The law firm is gathering victims through online communities on portals, including Naver. The cost of lawsuit stands at 10,000 won per person, while the amount of sought damages is 1 million won per person. Many lawyers other than those affiliated with Namkang are also preparing lawsuits and gathering victims.

Hanarotelecom said, “We will respond after the prosecution and police announce the investigation result. For customers, we’ll post our letter of apology soon.”

About 20 former and current executives at the company have been booked on charges of transferring 83.5 million pieces of personal data from 6 million customers to some 1,000 telemarketing firms.

bell@donga.com