Jung Jai-hun, CEO of SKT, shared his first message on the SKT newsroom as CEO. Moving forward, CEO Jung will be sharing various insights through the newsroom. The below communication shares his perspective and resolution after visiting the Mobile World Congress 2026 (MWC26).

When it comes to the architecture of Barcelona, Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia will come to mind for many. The sight of the sky-piercing main tower finally being completed by adding cutting-edge modern construction techniques to the solid classical foundation that Gaudi first began building 144 years ago shows the essence of the Korean proverb “beopgochangshin(Embrace the old, create the new),” continuously embracing future technology while preserving the heritage of the past.

MWC26, my first official global event since taking office as CEO of SKT, felt like the Sagrada Familia construction site nearing its final stages.

Watching global ICT leaders gather and have intense discussions on how to complete this monumental “cathedral of AI,” a monumental edifice built on a foundation of connectivity accumulated over many years, I constantly pondered what role SKT should play in the global AI ecosystem.

Collaboration and performance proven through “Full-Stack AI” strategy

CEO Jung Jai-hun (right) and Orange Group CEO Christel Heydemann shake hands at MWC26.

CEO Jung Jai-hun (left) and Samsung Electronics President & CEO Roh Tae-Moon experience products at the Samsung Electronics booth at MWC26.

CEO Jung Jai-hun (right) and YouTuber Syuka during an interview at the SKT exhibition hall at MWC26.

A key trend I observed at this year’s MWC was the expansion of AI beyond software into a race for dominance in physical infrastructure. Telcos must now move beyond mere data conduits (pipes) to become “AI infrastructure architects” who directly design and operate infrastructure.

At this year’s MWC, SKT shared its vision of evolving into an intelligent AI-powered Mobile Network Operator (MNO). We also introduced our role as a “Full Stack AI Provider,” spanning AI DC solutions, AI models, and AI services, which led to a number of new collaborations.

The MOU signed with global server manufacturer Supermicro and AI DC solution provider Schneider Electric laid the foundation for proactively responding to AI DC demand. The unveiling of the “Sovereign AI Package” in collaboration with global telecom partners such as Singtel, e&, and NTT gave me confidence that it will be a key enabler of business innovation while protecting national data sovereignty.

CEO Jung Jai-hun (center, second row) poses for a commemorative photo with startup members in front of the “4YFN (4 Years from Now)” exhibition hall, a side event of MWC26.

Many more meaningful achievements followed. The GPU cluster “Haein” winning “Best Cloud Solution” at the GLOMO Awards was proof to me that SKT’s AI infrastructure capabilities are at a world-class level already.

The strong interest and positive feedback from global visitors regarding SKT’s proprietary 500-billion-parameter AI foundation model “A.X K1” filled me with pride, showing that the technology itself can be an excellent tool that enhances our customers’ lives. At the same time, I also reaffirmed we should not become consumed solely by a race for scale amid the fierce battleground of large-scale models, but instead to create new value by combining the vast data and expertise that only a telco possesses.

The innovative Korean startups I met at Mobile World Congress 2026 reminded me once again of the path of mutual growth that SKT must pursue. The decision to open our robust infrastructure and resources to external and combine them with the flexible creativity of startups was essential for protecting Korea’s AI sovereignty and strengthening its global competitiveness. Only when we grow together will a powerful and sustainable AI Silk Road truly be realized.

A bold “Change” that will revolutionize customer value and bring about major transformation in AI

CEO Jung Jai-hun speaking at the MWC26 press conference.

CEO Jung Jai-hun speaking at the MWC26 press conference.

“Change” was the key theme I emphasized most at this year’s MWC as we work to bring these goals to life. This change is not about flashy technology, but about the customer – the very reason a company exists.

For more than 40 years, SKT has led Korea’s telecommunications industry. I have taken a moment to reflect on whether we may at times have focused too much on technological superiority rather than listening to our customers – the very foundation of our business.

True innovation begins with the courage to set aside the methods that brought success in the past and return to our beginnings. SKT will return to the essence of its business and innovate customer value once again.

At the same time, we will move faster than others to adapt to the new wave of innovation represented by AI. To achieve sustainable growth amid fierce market competition, SKT will define its transition to AI (AX) not simply as the adoption of new technology, but as a fundamental change of the company’s very foundations.

Our determination to create a new way of everyday life for SKT’s 23 million customers and to generate new growth engines for Korea using AI is the true substance of the change that SKT must demonstrate going forward.

Completing this change will require fundamental innovation not only in the company itself but also in the mindset and ways of working of every SKT member. As SKT’s Change Executive Officer, I will personally ensure that this change becomes not a source of fear, but an opportunity for a new leap forward.

Completion of construction marks the beginning of new chapter

A view of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona

The completion of the Sagrada Família is said to be drawing near. Once the space is finally completed, a new chapter of history will begin again.

The journey we are undertaking toward AI is much the same, as SKT approaches its 42nd anniversary. Building on the solid foundation of the mobile telecommunications history that SKT has created, we will write a new chapter defined by AI.

We may face numerous challenges and obstacles along the way. However, the confidence of the global market and the trust of our partners that we confirmed at MWC26 serves as proof that the direction we are going in is the right one.

While upholding our fundamentals and principles, SKT will be bolder than anyone in the face of change. We will connect the values of change and innovation that we confirmed in Barcelona to the advancement of our society and to strengthening the nation’s AI competitiveness.

We look forward to your warm support and interest in the new chapter of history that SKT will create.