As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on JuneApril 30, 20112012

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 20-F

(Mark One)

 ¨
(Mark One)
o
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

OR
þ
 þANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

     For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20102011

OR

OR
o
 ¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

OR
o
 ¨SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report
For the transition period from          to

Date of event requiring this shell company report

For the transition period from             to             

Commission file number 1-14418

SK Telecom Co., Ltd.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

SK Telecom Co., Ltd.

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

The Republic of Korea

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

SK T-Tower

11, Euljiro 2-Ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea

(Address of principal executive offices)

Mr. Won Tuh Chung

11, Euljiro 2-Ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea

Telephone No.:82-2-6100-2114

Facsimile No.:82-2-6100-7830

(Name, telephone, email and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

American Depositary Shares, each representing

one-ninth of one share of Common Stock

 New York Stock Exchange
Common Stock, par value W(Won) 500 per share New York Stock Exchange*
*Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of the American Depositary Shares.

* Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of the American Depositary Shares.

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

None

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

71,094,99969,694,999 shares of common stock, par valueW(Won)500 per share (not including 9,650,71211,050,712 shares of common stock held by the company as treasury shares)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  þ    No  o¨

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Yes  o¨   ��No  þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  þ    No  o¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 ofRegulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  o¨    No  o¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” inRule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  þ             Accelerated filer  o¨             Non-accelerated filer  o¨

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

U.S. GAAP  o¨             IFRS  oþ             Other  þ¨

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.Item 17  o¨ Item 18  þ

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined inRule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  o¨    No  þ


TABLE OF CONTENTS

   PagePage
 

   1  

   12  

   34  

 

IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

   34  

 

Directors and Senior Management

   34  

 

Advisers

   34  

 

AuditorAuditors

   34  

 

OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

   34  

 

KEY INFORMATION

   34  

 

Selected Financial Data

   34  

 

Capitalization and Indebtedness

   87  

 

Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

   87  

 

Risk Factors

   97  

 

INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

   22  

 

History and Development of the Company

   22  

 

Business Overview

   25  

 

Organizational Structure

49

Item 4.D.

Property, Plants and Equipment

   50  
4A.

 

Property, Plants And EquipmentUNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

50

Item 5.

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

50

Item 5.A.

Operating Results

   51  
5.B.

 UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS51
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS51
Operating Results52

Liquidity and Capital Resources

   6156  

 

Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

   7265  

 

Trend Information

66

Item 5.E.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

66

Item 5.F.

Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

66

Item 5.G.

Safe Harbor

67

Item 6.

DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

67

Item 6.A.

Directors and Senior Management

67

Item 6.B.

Compensation

68

Item 6.C.

Board Practices

69

Item 6.D.

Employees

70

Item 6.E.

Share Ownership

71

Item 7.

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

71

Item 7.A.

Major Shareholders

71

Item 7.B.

Related Party Transactions

   73  
7.C.

 

Off-Balance Sheet ArrangementsInterests of Experts and Counsel

   73  
8.

 

Tabular Disclosure of Contractual ObligationsFINANCIAL INFORMATION

   73  
8.A.

 

Safe HarborConsolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

   73  
8.B.

 

DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEESSignificant Changes

73
Directors and Senior Management73
Compensation75
Board Practices75
Employees

   76  
9.

 Share Ownership77
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS78
Major Shareholders78
Related Party Transactions79
Interests of Experts and Counsel80
FINANCIAL INFORMATION80
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information80
Significant Changes83


Page

THE OFFER AND LISTING

76

Item 9.A.

Offering and Listing Details

76

Item 9.B.

Plan of Distribution

76

Item 9.C.

Markets

76

Item 9.D.

Selling Shareholders

   83  
9.E.

 

Offering and Listing DetailsDilution

   83  
9.F.

 

PlanExpenses of Distributionthe Issue

83

(i)


Page

Item 10.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

   83  
10.A.

 

MarketsShare Capital

   83  
10.B.

 Selling Shareholders90
Dilution90
Expenses of the Issue90
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION90
Share Capital90

Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation

   9083  

 

Material Contracts

   10396  

 

Exchange Controls

   10396  

 

Taxation

100

Item 10.F.

Dividends and Paying Agents

104

Item 10.G.

Statements by Experts

104

Item 10.H.

Documents on Display

104

Item 10.I.

Subsidiary Information

104

Item 11.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK104

Item 12.

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

106

Item 12.A.

Debt Securities

106

Item 12.B.

Warrants and Rights

106

Item 12.C.

Other Securities

106

Item 12.D.

American Depositary Shares

106

PART II

   107  
13.

 Dividends and Paying Agents111
Statements by Experts111
Documents on Display111
Subsidiary Information112
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK112
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES113
Debt Securities113
Warrants and Rights113
Other Securities113
American Depositary Shares113
PART II114

DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

   114107  

 MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS   114107  

 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

   114107  

 

[RESERVED]RESERVED]

   115108  

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

   115108  

 

CODE OF ETHICS

   116108  

 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

   116108  

 EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES   116109  

 PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS   117109  

 

CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

   117109  

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

   117110  

Item 16H.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

110

PART III

111

Item 17.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

111

Item 18.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

111

Item 19.

EXHIBITS

111

EX-1.1

   

PART IIIEX-8.1

 118
  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSEX-12.1

 118
  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSEX-12.2

 118
  

EXHIBITSEX-13.1

 119  
EX-8.1

EX-12.1EX-13.2

EX-12.2EX-15.3

EX-13.1

EX-13.2
EX-15.1
EX-15.2
EX-15.3
EX-15.4


ii

(ii)


CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS AND CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS REPORT

All references to “Korea” contained in this report shall mean The Republic of Korea. All references to the “Government” shall mean the government of The Republic of Korea. All references to “we”, “us”, “our” or the “Company” shall mean SK Telecom Co., Ltd. and, unless the context otherwise requires, its consolidated subsidiaries. References to “SK Telecom” shall mean SK Telecom Co., Ltd., but shall not include its consolidated subsidiaries. All references to “U.S.” shall mean the United States of America.

All references to “KHz” contained in this report shall mean kilohertz, a unit of frequency denoting one thousand cycles per second, used to measure band and bandwidth. All references to “MHz” shall mean megahertz, a unit of frequency denoting one million cycles per second. All references to “GHz” shall mean gigahertz, a unit of frequency denoting one billion cycles per second. All references to “Kbps” shall mean one thousand binary digits, or bits, of information per second. All references to “Mbps” shall mean one million bits of information per second. Any discrepancies in any table between totals and the sums of the amounts listed are due to rounding.

In this report, we refer to the latest generation technologies as “3G” technology, “3.5G” technology and “4G” technology. Second generation, or 2G, technology was designed primarily with voice communications in mind. On the other hand, 3G and 3.5G technologies are designed to transfer both voice data and non-voice, or multimedia, data, generally at faster transmission speeds than was previously possible. 4G technology is designed to transfer both voice data and non-voice data at faster transmission speeds than 3G or 3.5G technology.

All references to “Won”, “(Won)” or W“(Won)” in this report are to the currency of Korea, all references to “Dollars”, “$” or “US$” are to the currency of the United States of America, and all references to “Yen” or “¥” are to the currency of Japan.

Japan and all references to “SGD” or “SG$” are to the currency of Singapore.

Pursuant to an amendment to the Government Organization Act, effective as of February 29, 2008, the Ministry of Information and Communication, or “MIC”, has become the Ministry of Knowledge Economy and functions formerly performed by the MIC are now performed separately by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, and, particularly, the Korea Communications Commission, or the “KCC”. In this report, we refer to the MIC as the relevant governmental authority in connection with any approval granted or action taken by the MIC prior to such amendment to the Government Organization Act and to such other relevant governmental authority in connection with any approval granted or action taken by such other relevant governmental authority subsequent to such amendment.

The financial statements included in this annual report are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, or “IFRS”, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or “IASB”. As such, we make an explicit and unreserved statement of compliance with IFRS, as issued by the IASB, with respect to our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011 included in this annual report. Unless indicated otherwise, indicated, allthe financial information in this annual report is presentedas of and for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011 has been prepared in accordance with KoreanIFRS as issued by the IASB.

In accordance with rule amendments adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the “SEC”, which became effective on March 4, 2008, we are not required to provide a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP. Furthermore, pursuant to the transitional relief granted by the SEC in respect of the first-time application of IFRS, no audited financial statements and financial information prepared under IFRS for the year ended December 31, 2009 have been included in this annual report.

The consolidated financial statements included in our annual reports on Form 20-F previously filed with the SEC in respect of the years ended December 31, 2001 to December 31, 2010 were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“Koreanin Korea, or “Korean GAAP”).

, which is not comparable to information prepared in accordance with IFRS. For additional information, please refer to our annual reports on Form 20-F previously filed with the SEC. For an explanation of how the transition to IFRS has affected our consolidated financial statements, see note 3 of the notes to our financial statements.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, all financial data included in this annual report are presented on a consolidated basis.

Unless otherwise indicated, translations of Won amounts into Dollars in this report were made at the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers in Won per US$1.00 as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “noon buying rate”) in effect on December 31, 2010,30, 2011, which was Won 1,130.61,158.5 to US$1.00. On June 24, 2011,April 20, 2012, the noon buying rate was Won 1,078.71,138.1 to US$1.00. See “Item 3.A. Selected Financial Data — Exchange Rates”.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains “forward-looking statements”, as defined in Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, that are based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about our company and our industry. The forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “considering”, “depends”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “planning”, “planned”, “project” and similar expressions, or that certain events, actions or results “may”, “might”, “should” or “could” occur, be taken or be achieved.


1


Forward-looking statements in this annual report include, but are not limited to, statements about the following:

our ability to anticipate and respond to various competitive factors affecting the wireless telecommunications industry, including new services that may be introduced, changes in consumer preferences, economic conditions and discount pricing strategies by competitors;

our implementation of high-speed downlink packet access, or HSDPA, technology, high-speed uplink packet access, or HSUPA, technology, evolved high-speed uplink packet access, or HSPA+, technology, wireless broadband Internet, or WiBro, technology and long term evolution, or LTE, technology;

• our ability to anticipate and respond to various competitive factors affecting the wireless telecommunications industry, including new services that may be introduced, changes in consumer preferences, economic conditions and discount pricing strategies by competitors;
• our implementation of high-speed downlink packet access, or HSDPA, technology, high-speed uplink packet access, or HSUPA, technology, evolved high-speed uplink packet access, or HSPA+, technology, wireless broadband Internet, or WiBro, technology and long term evolution, or LTE, technology;
• our plans for capital expenditures in 2011 for a range of projects, including investments in our backbone networks, investments to improve our WCDMA network-based products and services, investments to build our LTE network, investments in our wireless Internet-related and convergence businesses and funding for mid- to long-term research and development projects, as well as other initiatives, primarily related to our ongoing businesses and in the ordinary course;
• our efforts to make significant investments to build, develop and broaden our businesses, including developing and providing wireless data, multimedia, mobile commerce and Internet services;
• our ability to comply with governmental rules and regulations, including the regulations of the KCC related to telecommunications providers, rules related to our status as a “market-dominating business entity” under the Korean Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act, or the Fair Trade Act, and the effectiveness of steps we have taken to comply with such regulations;
• our ability to manage effectively our bandwidth and to implement timely and efficiently new bandwidth-efficient technologies;
• our expectations and estimates related to interconnection fees, tariffs charged by our competitors, regulatory fees, operating costs and expenditures, working capital requirements, principal repayment obligations with respect to long-term borrowings, bonds and obligations under capital leases, and research and development expenditures and other financial estimates;
• the success of our various joint ventures and investments in other telecommunications service providers;
• our ability to successfully manage our acquisition in 2008 and 2009 of a majority stake in SK Broadband Co., Ltd., a fixed-line telecommunications operator and broadband Internet service provider;
• our ability to successfully manage our acquisition in 2009 of the leased-line business of SK Networks Co., Ltd., which provides a substantial portion of the transmission lines we use;
• our ability to successfully manage our investment in Packet One Networks (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysian wireless broadband company;
• our ability to successfully attract and retain subscribers under the KCC’s new guideline on the marketing expenses of the telecommunication service providers; and
• the growth of the telecommunications industry in Korea and other markets in which we do business and the effect that economic, political or social conditions have on our number of subscribers, call volumes and results of operations.

our plans for capital expenditures in 2012 for a range of projects, including investments in our backbone networks, investments to improve our WCDMA network-based products and services, investments to build our LTE network, investments in our wireless Internet-related and convergence businesses and funding for mid- to long-term research and development projects, as well as other initiatives, primarily related to our ongoing businesses and in the ordinary course;

our efforts to make significant investments to build, develop and broaden our businesses, including developing and providing wireless data, multimedia, mobile commerce and Internet services;

our ability to comply with governmental rules and regulations, including the regulations of the KCC related to telecommunications providers, rules related to our status as a “market-dominating business entity” under the Korean Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act, or the Fair Trade Act, and the effectiveness of steps we have taken to comply with such regulations;

our ability to manage effectively our bandwidth and to implement timely and efficiently new bandwidth-efficient technologies;

our expectations and estimates related to interconnection fees, tariffs charged by our competitors, regulatory fees, operating costs and expenditures, working capital requirements, principal repayment obligations with respect to long-term borrowings, bonds and obligations under capital leases, and research and development expenditures and other financial estimates;

the success of our various joint ventures and investments in other telecommunications service providers;

our ability to successfully manage our acquisition in 2008 and 2009 of a majority stake in SK Broadband Co., Ltd. (formerly, Hanarotelecom Incorporated), a fixed-line telecommunications operator and broadband Internet service provider;

our ability to successfully manage our acquisition in 2009 of the leased-line business of SK Networks Co., Ltd., which provides a substantial portion of the transmission lines we use;

our ability to successfully manage our acquisition in 2012 of a stake in Hynix Semiconductor Inc., a memory-chip maker;

our ability to successfully manage our investment in Packet One Networks (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysian wireless broadband company;

our ability to successfully attract and retain subscribers under the KCC’s new guideline on the marketing expenses of the telecommunication service providers; and

the growth of the telecommunications industry in Korea and other markets in which we do business and the effect that economic, political or social conditions have on our number of subscribers, call volumes and results of operations.

We caution you that reliance on any forward-looking statement involves risks and uncertainties, and that although we believe that the assumptions on which our forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and, as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions could be incorrect. Risks and uncertainties associated with our business include, but are not limited to, risks related to changes in the regulatory environment, technology changes, potential litigation and governmental actions, changes in the competitive environment, political changes, foreign exchange currency risks, foreign ownership limitations, credit risks and other risks and uncertainties that are more fully described under the heading “Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report. In light of these and other uncertainties, you should not conclude that we will necessarily achieve any plans and objectives or projected financial results referred to in any of the forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to release the results of any revisions of these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.


2


PART I

Item 1.IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

Item 1.A.Directors and Senior Management

Not applicable.

Item 1.B.Advisers

Not applicable.

Item 1.C.AuditorAuditors

Not applicable.

Item 2.OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not applicable.

Item 3.KEY INFORMATION

Item 3.A.Selected Financial Data

You should read the selected consolidated financial and operating data below in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this report. The selected consolidated financial data set forth below as of and for the five years ended December 31, 2010 isand 2011 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto.

Ourthereto, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.

Pursuant to the transitional relief granted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of the first-time application of IFRS, financial data as of and for the three years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 derived from our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP which differs in certain respects from U.S. GAAP. For more detailed information you should refer to notes 32 and 33 of the notes to our audited consolidated financial statementshave not been included in this annual report.

                         
  As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
  2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2010*
  (In billions of Won and millions of dollars, except per share and percentage data)
 
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
                        
Korean GAAP:
                        
Operating Revenue(1) W10,979.6(2) W11,821.5(2) W13,951.0(2) W14,512.3(2) W15,435.4  $13,652.4 
Operating Expenses  8,356.2(2)  9,711.3(2)  12,190.7(2)  12,631.1(2)  13,493.1   11,934.5 
Operating Income  2,623.4(2)  2,110.2(2)  1,760.3(2)  1,881.2(2)  1,942.3   1,717.9 
Income from Continuing Operation before Income Tax  2,026.6(2)  2,284.5(2)  1,277.5(2)  1,405.8(2)  1,673.7   1,480.4 
Net Income(3)  1,449.6   1,562.3   972.3   1,055.6   1,297.2   1,147.4 
Net Income per Share  19,801   22,696   16,707   17,239   19,177   16.96 
Diluted Net Income per Share  19,523   22,375   16,559   17,046   18,888   16.71 
Dividends Declared per Share  8,000   9,400   9,400   9,400   9,400   8.31 
Weighted Average Number of Shares  73,305,026   72,650,909   72,765,557   72,346,763   71,942,387   71,942,387 
U.S. GAAP:
                        
Operating Revenue W10,529.4  W11,192.0  W11,132.5  W12,619.9  W14,173.8  $12,536.5 
Operating Expenses  7,705.8   9,123.9   9,380.1   10,745.5   12,359.4   10,931.7 
Operating Income  2,823.6   2,068.1   1,752.4   1,874.4   1,814.4   1,604.8 
Net Income(4)  1,876.4   1,451.1   951.7   1,356.7   1,396.6   1,235.3 
Net Income per Share attributable to SK Telecom(4)(5)  25,624   20,720   14,744   20,453   21,199   18.75 
Diluted Net Income per Share attributable to SK Telecom(4)(5)  25,207   20,379   14,606   20,145   20,841   18.43 


3

below.


   As of or for the Year Ended December 31, 
               2010                            2011                            2011*              
   (In billions of Won and millions of dollars, except per share and percentage  data) 

INCOME STATEMENT DATA

      

Operating Revenue

  (Won)15,599.2    (Won)15,988.3    $13,800.8  

Operating Expenses

   13,313.3     13,856.8     11,961.0  

Operating Income

   2,285.9     2,131.5     1,839.8  

Income from Continuing Operation before Income Tax

   2,318.1     2,182.9     1,884.2  

Income from Continuing Operation

   1,773.6     1,583.8     1,367.1  

Net Income

   1,766.8     1,582.1     1,365.6  

Net Income per Share from Continuing Operation(1)

   25,653     22,864     19.74  

Net Income per Share(1)

   25,598     22,848     19.72  

Diluted Net Income per Share from Continuing Operation(2)

   24,995     22,238     19.20  

Diluted Net Income per Share(2)

   24,942     22,223     19.18  

Dividends Declared per Share

   9,400     9,400     8.11  

Weighted Average Number of Shares

   71,942,387     70,591,937     70,591,937  

   As of or for the Year Ended December 31, 
               2010                            2011                           2011*              
   (In billions of Won and millions of dollars, except per share and percentage  data) 

BALANCE SHEET DATA

     

Working Capital (Deficit)(3)

  (Won)451.8    (Won)(556.1 $(480.0

Property and Equipment, Net

   8,153.4     9,031.0    7,795.4  

Total Assets

   23,132,4     24,366.0    21,032.4  

Non-current Liabilities(4)

   4,522.2     4,959.7    4,281.2  

Capital Stock

   44.6     44.6    38.5  

Total Shareholders’ Equity

   12,408.0     12,732.7    10,990.7  

   As of or for the Year Ended December 31, 
               2010                           2011                           2011*              
   (In billions of Won and millions of dollars, except per share and percentage  data) 

OTHER FINANCIAL DATA

    

Capital Expenditures(5)

  (Won)2,142.3   (Won)2,960.6   $2,555.5  

R&D Expenses(6)

   352.0    291.4    251.5  

Internal R&D

   270.4    271.4    234.3  

External R&D

   81.6    20.0    17.3  

Depreciation and Amortization

   2,302.3    2,482.7    2,143.0  

Cash Flow from Operating Activities

   4,343.4    6,306.4    5,443.6  

Cash Flow from Investing Activities

   (2,339.0  (4,239.1  (3,659.1

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

   (2,246.1  (1,079.3  (931.6

Margins (% of total sales):

    

Operating Margin(7)

   14.7  13.3  13.3

Net Margin(7)

   11.3  9.9  9.9

  As of or for the Year Ended December 31, 
  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2011* 

SELECTED OPERATING DATA

      

Population of Korea (millions)(8)

  48.5    48.6    48.7    49.4    49.8    49.8  

Our Wireless Penetration(9)

  45.3  47.4  49.8  52.0  53.2  53.2

Number of Employees(10)

  9,485    10,626    10,714    20,143    20,955    20,955  

Wireless Subscribers(11)

  21,968,169    23,032,045    24,269,553    25,705,049    26,497,267    26,497,267  

Average Monthly Outgoing Voice Minutes per Subscriber(12)

  201    200    197    199    193    193  

Average Monthly Churn Rate(13)

  2.6  2.7  2.7  2.7  2.7  2.7

Digital Cell Sites

  16,099    17,213    15,979    17,483    21,999    21,999  

                         
  As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
  2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2010*
  (In billions of Won and millions of dollars, except per share and percentage data)
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA
                        
Korean GAAP:
                        
Working Capital(6) W1,455.5  W1,796.2  W793.6  W1,475.7  W1,057.7  $935.5 
Property and Equipment, Net  4,507.3   4,969.4   7,437.7   8,165.9   7,864.6   6,956.1 
Total Assets  16,240.0   19,048.9   22,473.7   23,206.3   22,651.7   20,035.1 
Non-current Liabilities(7)  3,548.5   4,344.4   6,020.4   5,966.7   4,257.8   3,766.0 
Capital Stock  44.6   44.6   44.6   44.6   44.6   39.5 
Total Shareholders’ Equity  9,483.1   11,687.6   11,824.4   12,344.6   12,478.6   11,037.2 
U.S. GAAP:
                        
Working Capital W1,286.2  W1,751.1  W738.0  W1,815.6  W1,078.6  $954,0 
Total Assets(4)  17,909.4   20,173.6   21,239.2   25,788.3   25,298.7   22,376.4 
Total Shareholders’ Equity(4)  10,718.4   12,897.6   12,562.0   14,260.8   14,572.7   12,889.4 
                         
  As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
  2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2010*
  (In billions of Won and millions of dollars, except per share and percentage data)
 
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA
                        
Korean GAAP:
                        
EBITDA(3)(8) W3,881.2  W4,370.1  W4,009.9  W4,262.5  W4,729.5  $4,183.2 
Capital Expenditures(9)  1,498.1   1,804.1   2,236.9   2,162.3   2,316.9   2,049.3 
R&D Expenses(10)  279.0   293.1   299.7   293.2   352.0   311.3 
Internal R&D  212.0   218.7   226.7   236.3   270.4   239.1 
External R&D  67.0   74.4   73.0   56.9   81.6   72.2 
Depreciation and Amortization  1,698.2   1,968.6   2,755.4   2,730.0   2,868.8   2,537.4 
Cash Flow from Operating Activities(11)  3,590.5   3,721.0   3,293.0   2,932.6   4,021.0   3,556.5 
Cash Flow from Investing Activities(11)  (2,535.0)  (2,415.4)  (3,877.0)  (1,826.0)  (2,358.7)  (2,086.2)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities(11)  (952.4)  (1,041.3)  866.8   (1,207.0)  (1,818.3)  (1,608.3)
Margins (% of total sales):                        
EBITDA Margin(8)(12)  35.3%  37.0%  28.7%  29.4%  30.6%  30.6%
Operating Margin(12)  23.9   17.9   12.6   13.0   12.6   12.6 
Net Margin(12)  13.2   12.3   7.0   7.3   8.4   8.4 
U.S. GAAP:
                        
EBITDA(4)(8) W4,527.7  W3,909.5  W3,146.7  W4,155.6  W4,613.4  $4,080.7 
Capital Expenditures(9)  1,538.0   1,854.0   1,861.0   2,160.5   2,316.4   2,048.8 
Cash Flow from Operating Activities(11)  3,615.5   3,284.1   2,696.3   3,063.7   3,979.6   3,519.9 
Cash Flow from Investing Activities(11)  (2,560.4)  (2,436.2)  (3,932.6)  (2,124.6)  (2,407.4)  (2,129.3)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities(11)  (940.6)  (631.3)  1,118.7   (840.0)  (1,785.9)  (1,579.6)

4


                         
  As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
  2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2010*
 
SELECTED OPERATING DATA
                        
Population of Korea (millions)(13)  48.3   48.5   48.6   48.7   48.9   48.9 
Our Wireless Penetration(14)  42.0%  45.3%  47.4%  50.6%  50.6%  50.6%
Number of Employees(15)  7,676   9,485   10,626   10,714   20,143   20,143 
Total Sales per Employee (in millions of Won and thousands of Dollars) W1,430.4  W1,246.3  W1,312.9  W1,354.5  W766.3  $677.8 
Wireless Subscribers(16)  20,271,133   21,968,169   23,032,045   24,269,553   25,705,049   25,705,049 
Average Monthly Outgoing Voice Minutes per Subscriber(17)  201   201   200   197   199   199 
Average Monthly Revenue per Subscriber(18) W40,220  W40,154  W38,526  W38,171  W37,287  $32.98 
Average Monthly Churn Rate(19)  2.0%  2.6%  2.7%  2.7%  2.7%  2.7%
Digital Cell Sites  12,515   16,099   17,213   15,979   17,483   17,483 
*The translation into Dollars was made at the rate of Won 1,130.61,158.5 to US$1.00. See note 2(a) of1.00, the notes to our consolidated financial statements.noon buying rate in effect on December 30, 2011.

(1)Includes interconnection revenue of Won 1,033.4 billion for 2006, Won 1,062.2 billion for 2007, Won 1,149.2 billion for 2008, 1,245.4 billion for 2009 and Won 1,237.5 billion for 2010. Includes digital handset sales revenue of Won 185.3 billion in 2009 and Won 534.4 billion in 2010 from PS&Marketing which is our consolidated subsidiary.
(2)As a result of our sale of HELIO, LLC to Virgin Mobile USA, Inc. in August 2008, HELIO’s results of operations have been classified as discontinued operations. We and SK Communications Co., Ltd., one of our subsidiaries, sold the Spicus division, a telephone English education division, to Spicus Inc., a subsidiary of Altos Ventures, in August 2009 and sold Etoos Co., Ltd. to Cheong Sol in October 2009. In addition, we sold shares of iHQ, Inc. in April and July 2010 and liquidated SK-KTB Music Investment Fund in October 2010. Operating revenue, operating expenses, operating income and income before income taxes and minority interest for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 have been revised to exclude results of operations of HELIO, the Spicus division, Etoos, iHQ, Inc. and SK-KTB Music Investment Fund.
(3)As of January 1, 2007, we adopted Statements of Korean Accounting Standards, or SKAS No. 25. Pursuant to adoption of SKAS No. 25, net income is allocated to equity holders of the parent and minority interest. In addition, when a subsidiary is purchased during the fiscal year, the subsidiary’s statement of income is included in consolidation as though it had been acquired at the beginning of the fiscal year, and pre-acquisition earnings are presented as a separate deduction within the consolidated statements of income. The consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2006 has been reclassified in accordance with SKAS No. 25.
(4)Adjusted to retroactively reflect our acquisition of an additional 38.7% equity stake in SK Broadband in March 2008, increasing our total equity interest in SK Broadband to 43.4%. According to revised Accounting Standard Codification Topic 810 “Consolidation,” net income (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest is included in net income. The net loss attributable to the non-controlling interest for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 was Won (4.1 billion), Won (54.3 billion), Won (121.1 billion), Won (123.0 billion) and Won (128.5 billion), respectively.
(5)Net income per share from continuing operation is calculated by dividing net income from continuing operation attributable to SK Telecom by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Net income per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to SK Telecom by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.

(2)Diluted net income per share attributable to SK Telecomfrom continuing operation is calculated by dividing net income from continuing operation attributable to SK Telecom adjusted for dilution by the potential dilutive weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, taking into account the issuanceconversion of outstanding convertible bonds. Diluted net income per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to SK Telecom adjusted for dilution by the potential dilutive weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, taking into account the conversion of outstanding of convertible bonds.

(6)(3)Working capital means current assets minus current liabilities.

(7)(4)Our monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are valued at the exchange raterates prevailing at the end of Won 929.6 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2006, Won 938.2 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2007, Won 1,257.5 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2008, Won 1,167.6 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2009

5


and Won 1,138.9 to US$1.00 as of December 31, 2010, the rates of exchange permitted under Korean GAAP as of those dates.each reporting period. See note 2(u)2.c. of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

(8)(5)EBITDA refers to income before interest income, interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA as used here is a non-GAAP measure and is commonly used in the telecommunications industry to analyze companies on the basis of operating performance. Since the telecommunications business is a very capital intensive business, capital expenditures and level of debt and interest expenses may have a significant impact on net income for companies with similar operating results. Therefore, for a telecommunications company such as ourselves, we believe that EBITDA provides a useful reflection of our operating results. We use EBITDA as a measurement of operating performance because it assists us in comparing our performance on a consistent basis as it removes from our operating results the impact of our capital structure, which includes interest expense from our outstanding debt, and our asset base, which includes depreciation and amortization of our property and equipment. However, EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to operating income or any other measure of performance determined in accordance with Korean GAAP or U.S. GAAP or as an indicator of our operating performance, liquidity or cash flows generated by operating, investing and financing activities. Other companies may define EBITDA differently than we do. EBITDA under U.S. GAAP is computed using interest income, interest expense, depreciation, amortization and income taxes under U.S. GAAP, which may differ from Korean GAAP for these items.
(9)Consists of investments in property, plant and equipment. Under U.S. GAAP, interest costs incurred during the period required to complete an asset or ready an asset for its intended use are capitalized based on the interest rates a company pays on its outstanding borrowings. Under Korean GAAP, such interest costs are expensed as incurred.

(10)(6)Includes donations to Korean research institutes and educational organizations. See “Item 5.C. Research and Development”Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.”.

(11)(7)Cash flow activities from discontinued operation for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 have been excluded.
(12)Operating revenue and operating income used in the calculation of these ratios exclude the operating revenue and operating income from the discontinued operation, but include the operating revenue and operating income of newly-consolidated subsidiaries prior to the date of consolidation.operations.

(13)(8)Population estimates based on historical data published by the National Statistical Office of Korea.

(14)(9)Wireless penetration is determined by dividing our subscribers by total estimated population, as of the end of the period.

(15)(10)Includes regular employees and temporary employees. The number of employees as of December 31, 2010 and 2011 includes employees of Service Ace Co., Ltd., Service Top Co., Ltd., and Network O&S Co., Ltd., ourwholly-owned subsidiaries established in 2010, who were previously employed by third-party outsourcing companies. See “Item 6.D. Employees”.

(16)(11)Wireless subscribers include those subscribers who are temporarily deactivated, including (1) subscribers who voluntarily deactivate temporarily for a period of up to three months no more than twice a year and (2) subscribers with delinquent accounts who may be involuntarily deactivated up to two months before permanent deactivation, which we determine based on various factors, including prior payment history.

(17)(12)The average monthly outgoing voice minutes per subscriber is derived by dividing the total minutes of outgoing voice usage for the period by the monthly average number of subscribers for the period, then dividing that number by the number of months in the period. The monthly average number of subscribers is derived by dividing (i) the sum of the average number of subscribers for each month in the period, calculated as the average of the number of subscribers on the first and last days of the relevant month, by (ii) the number of months in the period.
(18)The average monthly revenue per subscriber excludes interconnection revenue and is derived by dividing the sum of total initial subscription fees, monthly plan-based fees, usage charges for outgoing voice calls, usage charges for wireless data services, value-added service fees and other miscellaneous revenues for the period by the monthly average number of subscribers for the period, then dividing that number by the number of months


6


(13)
in the period. Including interconnection revenue, average monthly revenue per subscriber was Won 44,599 for 2006, Won 44,416 for 2007, Won 43,016 for 2008, Won 42,469 for 2009 and Won 41,374 for 2010.
(19)The average monthly churn rate for a period is the number calculated by dividing the sum of voluntary and involuntary deactivations during the period by the simple average of the number of subscribers at the beginning and end of the period, then dividing that number by the number of months in the period. Churn includes subscribers who upgrade to the next generation service, such as CDMA 1xEV/ DO, WCDMA or WCDMA,LTE, by terminating their service and opening a new subscriber account.
As a measure of our operating performance, we believe that the most directly comparable U.S. and Korean GAAP measure to EBITDA is net income. The following table reconciles our net income under Korean GAAP to our definition of EBITDA on a consolidated basis for each of the five years ended December 31, 2010.
                         
  As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
  2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2010*
  (In billions of Won and millions of dollars)
 
Korean GAAP:
                        
Net Income
 W1,449.6  W1,562.3  W972.3  W1,055.6  W1,297.2  $1,147.4 
LESS: Interest income(1)  (79.2)  (92.6)  (128.7)  (186.4)  (234.8)  (207.7)
ADD: Interest expense(1)  237.8   234.0   337.9   439.9   396.5   350.7 
Taxes(1)  571.9   695.6   188.9   359.3   404.3   357.6 
Depreciation and  1,701.1   1,970.8   2,639.5   2,594.1   2,866.3   2,535.2 
Amortization(1)                        
EBITDA
 W3,881.2  W4,370.1  W4,009.9  W4,262.5  W4,729.5  $4,183.2 
The translation into Dollars was made at the rate of Won 1,130.6 to US$1.00. See note 2(a) of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.
(1)In accordance with SKAS No. 25, which we adopted in 2007, when a subsidiary is purchased during the fiscal year, the subsidiary’s statement of income is included in consolidation as though it had been acquired at the beginning of the fiscal year, and pre-acquisition earnings are presented as a separate deduction within the consolidated statements of income. For purposes of reconciling net income under Korean GAAP with EBITDA, the interest income, interest expense, taxes and depreciation and amortization amounts for 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 shown in the table above exclude, with respect to subsidiaries newly consolidated in 2007, 2008, 2009 or 2010 the income earned and expense incurred by such subsidiaries prior to the date of consolidation. In addition, interest income, interest expense, taxes and depreciation and amortization amounts for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 shown in the table above include income earned and expense incurred from discontinued operations. As a result, the interest income, interest expense, taxes and depreciation and amortization amounts for 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 that appear in the table above differ from those set forth in our consolidated statements of income and consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.
The following table reconciles our net income under U.S. GAAP to our definition of EBITDA on a consolidated basis for each of the five years ended December 31, 2010.
                         
  As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
  2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2010*
  (In billions of Won and millions of dollars)
 
U.S. GAAP:
                        
Net Income(1)
 W1,876.4  W1,451.1  W951.7  W1,356.7  W1,396.6  $1,235.3 
LESS: Interest income(2)  (85.9)  (97.7)  (125.4)  (207.4)  (225.0)  (199.0)
ADD: Interest expense(2)  240.4   202.7   233.5   374.3   339.3   300.1 
Taxes(2)  686.7   576.7   161.9   486.7   389.1   344.3 
Depreciation and Amortization(2)  1,810.1   1,776.7   1,925.0   2,145.3   2,713.4   2,400.0 
EBITDA(1)
 W4,527.7  W3,909.5  W3,146.7  W4,155.6  W4,613.4  $4,080.7 


7


The translation into Dollars was made at the rate of Won 1,130.6 to US$1.00. See note 2(a) of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.
(1)Adjusted to retroactively reflect our acquisition of an additional 38.7% equity stake in SK Broadband in March 2008, increasing our total equity interest in SK Broadband to 43.4%.
(2)Interest income, interest expense, taxes and depreciation and amortization amounts for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 shown in the table above include income earned and expense incurred from discontinued operations.
Exchange Rates

The following table sets forth, for the periods and dates indicated, certain information concerning the noon buying rate for translations of Won amounts into Dollars. We make no representation that the Won or Dollar amounts we refer to in this report could have been or could be converted into Dollars or Won, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

                 
  At End of
 Average
    
Year Ended December 31,
 Period Rate(1) High Low
  (Won per US$1.00)
 
2006  930.0   954.3   1,002.9   913.7 
2007  935.8   929.0   950.2   903.2 
2008  1,262.0   1,098.7   1,507.9   935.2 
2009  1,163.7   1,274.6   1,570.1   1,149.0 
2010  1,130.6   1,155.7   1,253.2   1,104.0 
         
  Past Six Months
  High Low
  (Won per US$1.00)
 
December 2010  1,155.2   1,130.0 
January 2011  1,128.1   1,111.0 
February 2011  1,130.6   1,100.9 
March 2011  1,135.6   1,097.3 
April 2011  1,091.8   1,068.4 
May 2011  1,101.6   1,065.5 
June 2011 (through June 24)  1,091.2   1,073.9 

Year Ended December 31,

  At End of
Period
   Average
Rate(1)
   High   Low 
   (Won per US$1.00) 

2007

   935.8     929.0     950.2     903.2  

2008

   1,262.0     1,098.7     1,507.9     935.2  

2009

   1,163.7     1,274.6     1,570.1     1,149.0  

2010

   1,130.6     1,155.7     1,253.2     1,104.0  

2011

   1,158.5     1,106.9     1,197.5     1,049.2  

   Past Six Months 
   High   Low 
   (Won per US$1.00) 

October 2011

   1,197.5     1,102.5  

November 2011

   1,162.0     1,110.6  

December 2011

   1,175.5     1,124.5  

January 2012

   1,160.0     1,120.1  

February 2012

   1,128.9     1,115.7  

March 2012

   1,139.8     1,116.0  

April 2012 (through April 20)

   1,143.4     1,122.4  

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

(1)The average rates for the annual periods were calculated based on daily noon buying rates for cable transfers in New York City certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

On June 24, 2011,April 20, 2012, the noon buying rate was Won 1,078.71,138.1 to US$1.00.

Item 3.B.Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not applicable.

Item 3.C.Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.


8


Item 3.D.Risk Factors

Risks Relating to Our Business

Competition may reduce our market share and harm our results of operations and financial condition.

We face substantial competition across all our businesses, including our wireless telecommunications business, in Korea.business. We expect competition to intensify as a result of continuing consolidation of market leaders and the development of new technologies, products and services. We expect that such trends will continue to put downward pressure on the prevailing tariffs we can charge our subscribers.

Prior to April 1996, we were the only wireless telecommunications service provider in Korea. Since then, several new providers have entered the market, offering wireless voice and data services that compete directly with our business. The collective market share of these providers amounts to approximately 49.4%49.5%, in terms of numbers of wireless service subscribers, as of December 31, 2010.2011. Since 2000, there has also been considerable consolidation in the wireless telecommunications industry, resulting in the emergence of stronger competitors, including the merger of KT Freetel Co., Ltd., or KTF, one of our principal wireless competitors before the merger, into KT Corporation, or KT, Korea’s principal fixed-line operator, in June 2009 and the merger in January 2010 of LG DACOM Corporation and LG Powercomm Co., Ltd. into LG Telecom Co., Ltd., which subsequently changed its name to LG Uplus Corp., or LG U+. Such consolidation has created large, well-capitalized competitors with substantial financial, technical, marketing and other resources to respond to our business offerings. In addition, our broadband Internet access service provided through SK Broadband competes with other providers of Internet access services, including KT, LG U+, and cable companies, and our fixed-line telephone service provided through SK Broadband competes with KT, as well as providers of voice over Internet protocol, or VoIP, services. Future business combinations and alliances in the telecommunications industry may also create significant new competitors or enhance the abilities of our current competitors to offer more competitive services and could harm our business and results of operations.

Continued competition from the other wireless and fixed-line service providers has also resulted in, and may continue to result in, a substantial level of deactivations among our subscribers. Subscriber deactivations, or churn, may significantly harm our business and results of operations. In 2010,2011, the churn rate in our wireless business ranged from 2.3%2.5% to 3.1%3.0%, with an average churn rate of 2.7%, compared to anunchanged from the average churn rate of 2.7% in 2009.2010. Intensification of competition in the future may cause our churn rates to increase. The increased competition may cause us to increase our marketing expenses as a percentage of sales to attract and retain subscribers.

However, on May 13, 2010, the KCC announced a guideline recommending that telecommunication service providers limit their marketing expenses to 22% of their annual sales.sales, which was lowered to 20% of annual sales with respect to fiscal years 2011 and 2012. Such marketing expenses include initial commissions, monthly commissions and retention commissions paid to our authorized dealers and subscribers, including handset subsidies,

but do not include advertising expenses. While the guideline is not binding, we, as well as our competitors, nonetheless try to adhere to such guideline when feasible, which may have a material adverse effect on our businesses and results of operations.

In addition, in March 2008, the KCC fully lifted its prohibition on the practice of telecommunications services providers to offer handsets at below retail prices to attract new subscribers. As a result of the Government’s decision to allow handset subsidies, we have faced increased competition from other mobile service providers and increased our marketing expenses. However, in order to comply with the KCC’s guideline on marketing expenditures, we may not be able to spend sufficient funds on marketing to effectively compete with our competitors, and any material decrease in our marketing expenditures may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

In 2007, the KCC introduced certain regulations to allow telecommunication service providers to bundle their services as well as allow our competitors to employ services provided by us so that they can offer similar discounted package services. Competition intensified as licensed transmission service providers were permitted to offer local, domestic long-distance and international telephone services, as well as broadband Internet access and Internet phone services, without additional business licenses. Moreover, beginning in September 2010, we are required to lease our networks to a mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO, at such MVNO’s request, at a rate mutually agreed upon that complies with the standards set by the KCC. An MVNO hasTo date, four MVNOs have commenced providing wireless data services in March 2011 and we expect that a few additional MVNOs will commence providing wireless


9


telecommunications services using the networks leased from us beginningus. Furthermore, CJ HelloVision Co., Ltd. commenced providing wireless voice and data services as an MVNO using the networks leased from KT in the second half of 2011. For more detailed discussion of the Government’s rate regulations, see “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Law and Regulation — Competition Regulation — Rate Regulation”.January 2012. In addition, Korea Mobile Internet, or KMI, announcedand Internet Space Time Co., Ltd., or IST, applied in 20102011 for a planlicense to enter the wireless telecommunications market as a fourth telecommunication service provider in Korea and provide wireless Internet and mobile VoIP services based on the wireless broadband Internet, or WiBro, technologies. While the KCC rejected KMI’s application for a license to provide wireless servicesand IST’s applications in FebruaryDecember 2011 based on itstheir insufficient technological and financial capabilities, among other factors, KMIthey may reapply after amending its application.their applications. We believe the introduction of bundled services and the entrance of MVNOs and KMIor another wireless service provider into the wireless telecommunications market may further increase competition in the telecommunications sector, as well as cause downward price pressure on the fees we charge for our services, which, in turn, may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Increasingly, our wireless and fixed-line voice and text message services also face competition from companies that provide voice and text message services over the fixed-line or mobile Internet, such as Skype and Kakao Talk, some without charging a fee for such services. This trend could negatively impact customer demand for our voice and text message services and may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

We expect competition to intensify as a result of continued consolidation of our competitors, regulatory changes and the rapid development of new technologies, products and services. Our ability to compete successfully will depend on our ability to anticipate and respond to various competitive factors affecting the industry, including new services that may be introduced, changes in consumer preferences, economic conditions and discount pricing strategies by competitors.

Inability to successfully implement or adapt our network and technology to meet the continuing technological advancements affecting the wireless industry will likely have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operation, cash flows and business.

The telecommunications industry has been characterized by continual improvement and advances in technology, and this trend is expected to continue. We and our competitors have continually implemented technology upgrades from basic code division multiple access, or CDMA, network to wide-band code division multiple access, or WCDMA, which is the 3G technology implemented by us.us, and to long term evolution, or LTE, technology, which is generally referred to as a 4G technology. Our WCDMA network currently supports more advanced high-speed uplink packet access, or HSUPA, technology, as well as evolved high speed packet access, or HSPA+, technology. We are currently building more advanced networks based on long term evolution, or LTE, technology, which is generally referred to as a 4G technology, with a goal of commencingcommenced commercial LTE services byin July 2011.2011 at the same time with LG U+, while KT commenced its commercial LTE services in January 2012. The more successful introduction of a 4G network by a competitor, including better market acceptance of a competitor’s 4G-based services, could materially and

adversely affect our existing wireless businesses as well as the returns on future investments we may make in our 4G network or our other businesses.

In March 2005, we obtained a license from the MIC to provide WiBro services. WiBro enables us to offerhigh-speed and large-packet data services, including wireless broadband Internet access to portable computers and other portable devices. We commercially launched WiBro service in June 2006, initially to 24 “hot zone” areas, which are neighborhoods and districts that we have determined to be high-data traffic areas, in seven cities in Korea. By the end of 2010,2011, we have extended WiBro service to hot zone areas in 84 cities throughout Korea. In 2011, we plan to further expand WiBro service to more extensive hot zone areas in the 84 cities. Beyond 2011, our WiBro expansion plans will depend, in part, on subscriber demand for WiBro services. As the implementation of WiBro service in Korea is relatively new, we cannot assure you that there will continue to be sufficient demand for our WiBro services. Our WiBro services may not be commercially successful if market conditions are unfavorable or service demand is weak.

For a more detailed description of our backbone networks, see “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Digital Cellular Network”.

Our business could also be harmed if we fail to implement, or adapt to, future technological advancements in the telecommunications sector in a timely manner.

In addition to introducing new technologies and offerings, we must phase out outdated and unprofitable technologies and services. If we are unable to do so on a cost-effective basis, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Implementation of WiBro and LTE technologiestechnology has required, and may continue to require, significant capital and other expenditures, which we may not recoup.

We have made, and intend to continue to make, capital investments to develop and launch our WiBro and LTE services.service. In 2010,2011, we spent Won 119.9233.7 billion in capital expenditures to build and expand our WiBroLTE network. In 2011, weWe plan to spend approximately Won 34 billion to expand our WiBro network and may make further capital


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investments related to our WiBroLTE service in the future. We also plan to invest in developing and building our LTE networks in 2011. Our WiBro and LTE-related investment plans are subject to change, and will depend, in part, on market demand for WiBro and LTE services,service, the competitive landscape for provision of such servicesservice and the development of competing technologies. There may not be sufficient demand for our WiBro and LTE services,service, as a result of competition or otherwise, to permit us to recoup or profit from our WiBro and LTE-related capital investments. KT commercially launched its WiBro service in 2006 and announced its plan to commence its commercial LTE service in earlyJanuary 2012, while LG U+ announced its plan to commencecommenced its commercial LTE service in July 2011. The more successful operation of WiBro and LTE networks by KT, LG U+ or another competitor, including better market acceptance of a competitor’s WiBro and LTE services,service, could also materially and adversely affect our business.

Our growth strategy calls for significant investments in new businesses and regions, including businesses and regions in which we have limited experience.

As a part of our growth strategy, we plan to selectively seek business opportunities abroad. In May 2006 our subsidiary, HELIO, LLC, launched cellular voice and data services across the United States. In August 2008, together with EarthLink Inc., our joint venture partner in HELIO, we sold our equity interest in HELIO to Virgin Mobile USA, Inc., in exchange for an equity stake in Virgin Mobile USA, Inc. In November 2009, we sold our equity interest in Virgin Mobile USA, Inc. to Sprint Nextel Corporation in connection with the merger of Virgin Mobile USA, Inc. with and into Sprint Nextel Corporation, in exchange for a 0.6% equity interest in Sprint Nextel Corporation. In 2010, we sold all of the shares of Sprint Nextel Corporation held by us. In connection with our investment in HELIO, we have recognized a cumulativesubstantial loss of Won 355 billion through the end of 2010. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Our Business Strategy — Global Business — United States” for more information regarding our investments in HELIO and Virgin Mobile USA, Inc. We continue to seek other opportunities to expand our business abroad, particularly in Asia and the United States, as such opportunities present themselves. For example, in November 2010, we invested approximately $60 million to LightSquared Inc., which plans to build a wholesale wireless broadband network in the United States, but the Federal Communications Commission has recently proposed to suspend its license due to signal interference with the global positioning system. These global businesses may require further investment from us. For a more detailed description of our investments in our global business, see “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Our Services — Global Business”.

We also seek growth through investments in new businesses. In February 2012, we acquired a 21.05% equity stake in Hynix Semiconductor Inc., or Hynix, the world’s second-largest memory-chip maker by revenue, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately Won 3.4 trillion, and became its largest shareholder.

We believe that we must continue to make significant investments to build, develop and broaden our existing businesses. Entering into new businesses and regions in which we have limited experience may require us to make substantial investments, and despite such investments, we may still be unsuccessful in these efforts to expand and diversify. We might not be able to recoup or profit from our investments in new businesses and regions. In addition, when we enter into these businesses and regions with partners through joint ventures or other strategic alliances, we and those partners may have disagreements with respect to strategic directions or other aspects of business, or may otherwise be unable to coordinate or cooperate with each other, any of which could materially and adversely affect our operations in such businesses and regions.

We may fail to successfully integrate our new acquisitions and joint ventures and may fail to realize the anticipated benefits.

We have pursued convergence growth opportunities. For example, in 2008 and 2009, we acquired an additional equity stake in SK Broadband, Korea’s second-largest fixed-line operator, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately Won 1.45 trillion and currently hold a 50.6% equity stake in the company. In February 2010, we acquired a 49% equity stake in Hana SK Card Co., Ltd. for the purchase price of Won 402400 billion in order to provide cross-over services between telecommunication and finance. In September 2009, we also acquired the leased-line business and related ancillary businesses of SK Networks Co., Ltd. for Won 892.8 billion and assumed Won 611.4 billion of debt as part of the transaction. While we are hoping to benefit from a range of synergies from the acquisitions, including by offering our customers bundled fixed-line and mobile telecommunications services, we may not be able to integrate our new businesses and may fail to realize the expected benefits in the near term, or at all.

In particular, we may experience difficulties in operating SK Broadband’s fixed-line telecommunications and broadband Internet services with our existing products and services, and we may be unsuccessful in retaining SK Broadband’s existing customers. Since April 2008, customers of SK Broadband have filed lawsuits against SK Broadband in the Seoul Central District Court, alleging that SK Broadband had violated customers’ privacy, and an investigation against SK Broadband was initiated by the Seoul Central Prosecutor’s Office, the KCC and the


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Korea Trade Commission. In connection with its investigation, the KCC suspended SK Broadband from soliciting new subscribers for its broadband Internet services for a period of 40 days from July 1, 2008 and, in addition, imposed an administrative fine of Won 178 million. As of March 31, 2011,2012, the number of plaintiffs was 23,930approximately 22,000 and the aggregate amount of damages claimed by such plaintiffs was approximately Won 24.1 billion. For more information regarding this lawsuit, see “Item 8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Legal Proceedings — SK Broadband Litigation”.

In February 2012, we acquired a 21.05% equity stake in Hynix and became its largest shareholder. Our business and financial condition may be adversely affected if we fail to manage our investment in Hynix successfully. Since the memory semiconductor industry in which Hynix operates is subject to cyclical fluctuations, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by a downturn in the memory semiconductor industry. From time to time, the memory semiconductor industry has experienced significant and sometimes prolonged downturns, which often occur in connection with a deterioration of global economic conditions. For example, Hynix recorded net losses of Won 4,744.7 billion and Won 332.6 billion in 2008 and 2009, respectively, due to a severe downturn in the memory semiconductor industry. In addition, the memory semiconductor industry is experiencing intense competition and the average selling prices of semiconductor products have generally declined in recent years and are expected to continue to decline with time irrespective of industry-wide cyclicality and fluctuations as a result of, among other factors, technological advancements and cost reductions. Accordingly, Hynix’s operating results would be adversely affected if it fails to compete successfully or decrease manufacturing costs at an adequate level. Since our share of Hynix’s net losses will be reflected in our income statement as equity in losses of affiliates, any significant loss of Hynix could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Due to the existing high penetration rate of wireless services in Korea, we are unlikely to maintain our subscriber growth rate, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

According to data published by the KCC and our population estimates based on historical data published by the National Statistical Office of Korea, the penetration rate for the Korean wireless telecommunications service industry as of December 31, 20102011 was approximately 103.9%105.5%, which is high compared to many industrialized countries. Therefore, the penetration rates for wireless telecommunications service in Korea will not grow significantly. As a result of the already high penetration rates in Korea for wireless services coupled with our leading market share, we expect our subscriber growth rate to decrease. Slowed growth in penetration rates without a commensurate increase in revenues through the introduction of new services and increased use of our services by existing subscribers would likely have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our business and results of operations may be adversely affected if we fail to acquire adequate additional spectrum or use our bandwidth efficiently to accommodate subscriber growth and subscriber usage.

One of the principal limitations on a wireless network’s subscriber capacity is the amount of spectrum available for use by the system. According to the KCC’s final plan announced in February 2010, the amount of spectrum in the 800 MHz band allocated to us will bewas reduced to 2 x 15 MHz of spectrum beginning in July 2011 from the currentprevious 2 x 22.5 MHz. Instead, we have been allocated an additional 2 x 10 MHz of spectrum in the 2.1 GHz band for our use until December 2016, which we have been using for our 3G services since October 2010. In August 2011, the KCC auctioned the right to use 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum, 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum and 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum. We acquired the right to use the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum at a price of Won 995.0 billion. We are obligated to pay the license fee in installments during the license period of 10 years. KT acquired the right to use the 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum for Won 261.0 billion and LG U+ acquired the right to use the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum for Won 445.5 billion. We currently use 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum for our CDMA2G services, 60 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum for our 3G services and WCDMA technologies20 MHz of bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum for our LTE services, as well as 27 MHz of spectrum in the 2.3 GHz band for our WiBro services. We plan to provide nationwide services touse the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum for our subscribers.

LTE services.

The growth of our wireless data businesses has been a significant factor in the increased utilization of our bandwidth, since wireless data applications are generally more bandwidth-intensive than voice services. In particular, the increasing popularity of smartphones and data intensive applications among smartphone users has recently been a major factor for the high utilization of our bandwidth. This trend has been offset in part by the implementation of new technologies, such as the CDMA 1xEV-DO upgrades to our CDMA network and more recently, the completion of our HSDPA-capable WCDMA network and LTE network, which both enableenables more efficient usage of our bandwidth than was possible on our basic CDMA network. However, if the current trend of increased data transmission use by our subscribers continues, or the volume of the multimedia content we offer through our wireless data services substantially grows, our bandwidth capacity requirements are likely to increase. While we believe that we can address the capacity constraint issue through system upgrades and efficient allocation of bandwidth, inability to address such capacity constraints in a timely manner may adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows. In the event we are unable to maintain sufficient bandwidth capacity, our subscribers may perceive a general slowdown of wireless services. Growth of our wireless business will depend in part upon our ability to manage effectively our bandwidth capacity and to implement efficiently and in a timely manner new bandwidth-efficient technologies if they become available. We cannot assure you that bandwidth constraints will not adversely affect the growth of our wireless business.

Furthermore, we may be required to pay a substantial amount of purchase price to acquire bandwidth capacity in order to meet increasing bandwidth demand, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We rely on key researchers and engineers and senior management, and the loss of the services of any such personnel or the inability to attract and retain them may negatively affect our business.

Our success depends to a significant extent upon the continued service of our research and development and engineering personnel, and on our ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate qualified researchers and engineers. In particular, our focus on leading the market in introducing new services has meant that we must aggressively recruit engineers with expertise in cutting-edge technologies.


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We also depend on the services of experienced key senior management, and if we lose their services, it would be difficult to find and integrate replacement personnel in a timely manner, or at all.

The loss of the services of any of our key research and development and engineering personnel or senior management without adequate replacement, or the inability to attract new qualified personnel, would have a material adverse effect on our operations.

We need to observe certain financial and other covenants under the terms of our debt instruments, the failure to comply with which would put us in default under those instruments.

Certain of our debt instruments contain financial and other covenants with which we are required to comply on an annual and semi-annual basis. The financial covenants include, but are not limited to, maintenance of credit ratings anddebt-to-equity ratios. The documentation for such debt also contains negative pledge provisions limiting our ability to provide liens on our assets as well as cross-default and cross-acceleration clauses, which give related creditors the right to accelerate the amounts due under such debt if an event of default or acceleration has occurred with respect to our existing or future indebtedness, or if any material part of our indebtedness or indebtedness of our subsidiaries is capable of being declared payable before the stated maturity date. In addition, such covenants restrict our ability to raise future debt financing.

If we breach our financial or other covenants, our financial condition will be adversely affected to the extent we are not able to cure such breaches or repay the relevant debt.

We may have to make further financing arrangements to meet our capital expenditure requirements and debt payment obligations.

As a network-based wireless telecommunications provider, we have had, and expect to continue to have, significant capital expenditure requirements as we continue to build out, maintain and upgrade our networks. We spent Won 2,316.52,960.6 billion for capital expenditures in 20102011 and we expect to spend a similar amount for capital expenditures in 20112012 for a range of projects, including investments in our backbone networks, investments to improve our WCDMA network-based products and services, investments to build our LTE network, investments in our wireless Internet-related and convergence businesses and funding for mid- tomid-to long-term research and development projects, as well as other initiatives, primarily related to our ongoing businesses and in the ordinary course. In 2011,2012, we plan to continue HSUPA and HSPA+ upgrades to our WCDMA network and expand our WiBro service to more extensive “hot zone” areas in 84 cities, as well as introduceexpand our LTE service byintroduced in July 2011.

In particular, we continue to make significant capital investments to expand and upgrade our wireless networks in response to growing bandwidth demand by our subscribers. Bandwidth usage by our subscribers has rapidly increased in recent years primarily due to the increasing popularity of smartphones and data intensive applications among smartphone users. If heavy usage of bandwidth-intensive services grows beyond our current expectations, we may need to invest more capital than currently anticipated to expand the bandwidth capacity of our network or our customers may have a suboptimal experience when using our services. Any of these events could adversely affect our competitive position and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flow.

In addition, our recent acquisition of shares of Hynix may result in a substantial increase in our capital requirements in the coming years. In order to finance the purchase of Hynix shares, we borrowed from a syndicate of Korean banks Won 2.5 trillion of loans, of which Won 2 trillion matures in three years and Won 0.5 trillion matures in one year. We will likely need to make financing arrangements to repay such loans. For a more detailed discussion of our capital expenditure plans and a discussion of other factors that may affect our future capital expenditures, see “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources”

As of December 31, 2010,2011, we had approximately Won 2,392.52,220.9 billion in contractual payment obligations due in 2011,2012, almost all of which involve repayment of debt obligations. See “Item 5.F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations”.

We have not arranged firm financing for all of our current or future capital expenditure plans and contractual payment obligations. We have, in the past, obtained funds for our proposed capital expenditure and payment obligations from various sources, including our cash flow from operations as well as from financings, primarily debt and equity financings. Any material adverse change in our operational or financial condition could impact our ability to fund our capital expenditure plans and contractual payment obligations. Still volatile financial market conditions may also curtail our ability to obtain adequate funding. Inability to fund such capital expenditure requirements may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and business. In addition, although we currently anticipate that the capital expenditure levels estimated by us will be adequate to meet our business needs, such estimates may need to be adjusted based on developments in technology and markets. In the event we are unable to meet any such increased expenditure requirements or to obtain adequate financing for such requirements, on terms acceptable to us, or at all, this may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and business.


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Termination or impairment of our relationship with a small number of key suppliers for network equipment and for leased lines could adversely affect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

We purchase wireless network equipment from a small number of suppliers. To date, we have purchased substantially all of the equipment for our CDMA network from Samsung Electronics and substantially all of the equipment for our WCDMA network, including the software and firmware used to upgrade our WCDMA network, from Samsung Electronics and LG Ericsson. In addition, to date, we have purchased substantially all of the equipment for our WiBro network from Samsung Electronics. We plan to purchaseTo date, we have purchased substantially all of the equipment for our LTE network from Samsung Electronics, LG Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Networks. We believe Samsung Electronics currently manufactures approximately half of the wireless handsets sold to our subscribers. Although other manufacturers sell the equipment we require, sourcing such equipment from other manufacturers could result in unanticipated costs in maintenance and upkeep of the CDMA and WCDMA networks, as well as unanticipated increased costs in the planned expansion of our LTE and WiBro and LTE network.networks. Inability to obtain the equipment needed for our networks in a timely manner may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We cannot assure you that we will be able to continue to obtain the necessary equipment from one or more of our suppliers. Any discontinuation or interruption in the availability of equipment from our suppliers for any reason could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Inability to lease adequate lines at commercially reasonable rates may impact the quality of the services we offer and may also damage our reputation and our business.

Our business relies on technology developed by us as well as technologies provided by third parties, and our business will suffer if we are unable to protect our proprietary rights, obtain new licensing agreements or renew existing licensing agreements with third parties.

We own numerous patents and trademarks worldwide, and have applications for patents pending in many countries, including Korea, Japan, China, the United States and Europe. We also license a number of patented processes and trademarks under cross-licensing, technical assistance and other agreements. In addition to active internal and external research and development efforts, our success depends in part on our ability to obtain patents, licenses and other intellectual property rights covering our services.

We may be required to defend against charges of infringement of patent or other proprietary rights of third parties. Although we have not experienced any significant patent or other intellectual property disputes, we cannot be certain that any significant patent or other intellectual property disputes will not occur in the future. Defending our patent and other proprietary rights could require us to incur substantial expense and to divert significant resources of our technical and management personnel, and could result in our loss of rights to employ certain technologies to provide services. If we are unable to renew our technology licensing arrangements on acceptable terms, we may lose the legal protection to use certain of the technologies we employ to provide services and be prohibited from using those technologies which may prevent us from providing our services. In addition, we could be at a disadvantage if our competitors obtain licenses for protected technologies on more favorable terms than we do. We also cannot provide assurance that we will be able to obtain additional licenses for new or existing technologies on acceptable terms or at all.

Malicious and abusive Internet practices could impair our services.

Our wireless and fixed-line subscribers increasingly utilize our network to access the Internet and, as a consequence, we or they may become victim to common malicious and abusive Internet activities, such as unsolicited mass advertising (i.e., “spam”), hacking of personal information and dissemination of viruses, worms and other destructive or disruptive software. These activities could have adverse consequences on our network and our customers, including degradation of service, excessive call volume to call centers and damage to our or our customers’ equipment and data. Significant incidents could lead to customer dissatisfaction and, ultimately, loss of customers or revenue, in addition to increased costs to us to service our customers and protect our network. For example, in July 2011, a leak of personal information of subscribers of Nate and Cyworld websites operated by SK Communications Co., Ltd., our consolidated subsidiary, occurred. As of December 31, 2011, seven lawsuits were filed on behalf of approximately 4,000 plaintiffs against SK Communications, alleging that the leak was caused by its poor management of subscribers’ personal information and seeking damages of approximately Won 4.0 billion. On April 26, 2012, Gumi City Court rendered a judgment that accepted a plaintiff’s claim in part, ordering a payment of Won 1 million to him, while other cases remain pending at various district courts in Korea. SK Communications is considering an appeal of Gumi City Court’s judgment. Any significant loss of our subscribers or revenue due to incidents of malicious and abusive Internet practices or significant increase in costs of serving those subscribers could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Labor disputes may disrupt our operations.

Although we have not experienced any significant labor disputes, there can be no assurance that we will not experience labor disputes in the future, including protests and strikes, which could disrupt our business operations and have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation.

Every two years, the union and management negotiate and enter into a new collective bargaining agreement that has a two-year duration, which is focused on employee benefits and welfare. Employee wages are separately negotiated on an annual basis. Although we consider our relations with our employees to be good, there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain such a working relationship with our employees and will not experience labor disputes resulting from disagreements with the labor union in the future.


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Our businesses are subject to extensive Government regulation and any change in Government policy relating to the telecommunications industry could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Most of our businesses are subject to extensive governmental supervision and regulation. The KCC has periodically reviewed the tariffs charged by wireless operators and has, from time to time, suggested tariff reductions. Although these suggestions are not binding, we have in the past implemented some tariff reductions in response to KCC recommendations. After discussions with the KCC, in November 2009, we adopted various tariff reduction measures, including a reduction of the initial subscription fee by 27% and an increase in discounts for long-term subscribers. In March 2010, we also began to charge voice calls on a per-second basis, which has the effect of reducing the usage charges compared with the previous system of charging per ten seconds. After discussions with the KCC, in June 2011, we announced further tariff reduction measures, including a reduction of the monthly fee by Won 1,000 for every subscriber, an exemption of usage charges for short text message service, or SMS, up to 50 messages per month and the introduction of customized fixed rate plans for smartphone users.

users, which were implemented in the second half of 2011.

The Government also plays an active role in the selection of technology to be used by telecommunications operators in Korea. The MIC adopted the WCDMA and CDMA2000 technologies as the only standards available in Korea for implementing 3G services. The KCC may impose similar restrictions on the choice of technology used in future telecommunications services, and it is possible that technologies promoted by the Government in the future may not provide the best commercial returns for us.

Furthermore, the Government sets the policies regarding the use of frequencies and allocates the spectrum of frequencies used for wireless telecommunications. In February 2010, the KCC announced its final plan to reallocate the spectrum of frequencies among us, KT and LG U+. In addition, in JuneAugust 2011 the KCC announced its planauctioned the right to selluse 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum, 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum and 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum. In the auction, we acquired the right to use the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum at a price of Won 995.0 billion, KT acquired the right to use the 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 800

MHz spectrum for Won 261.0 billion and LG U+ acquired the right to use the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum for Won 445.5 billion. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Law and Regulation — Competition Regulation”. While we do not believe the reallocation of spectrum will materially impact our ability to maintain sufficient bandwidth capacity, the reallocation and new allocation of the spectrum to our existing or new competitors could increase competition among wireless service providers, which may have an adverse effect on our business.

Pursuant to recent amendments to the Telecommunications Business Act, which became effective as of September 23, 2010, certain mobile network operators designated by the KCC, which currently include only us, are required to lease their networks or allow use of their networks (collectively, “wholesale lease”) to other network service providers, such as an MVNO, that have requested such wholesale lease in order to provide their own services using the leased networks. An MVNO hasTo date, four MVNOs have commenced providing wireless data services in March 2011 and we expect that a few additional MVNOs will commence providing wireless telecommunications services using the networks leased from us beginning in the second half of 2011.us. We believe that leasing a portion of our bandwidth capacity to an MVNO would impair our ability to use our bandwidth in ways that would generate maximum revenues and would strengthen our MVNO competitors by granting them access and lowering their costs to enter into our markets. Accordingly, our profitability may be adversely affected.

Our wireless telecommunications services depend, in part, on our interconnection arrangements with domestic and international fixed-line and other wireless networks. Our interconnection arrangements, including the interconnection rates we pay and interconnection rates we charge, affect our revenues and operating results. The KCC determines the basic framework for interconnection arrangements, including interconnection policies relating to interconnection rates in Korea, and the KCC has changed this framework several times in the past. We cannot assure you that we will not be adversely affected by future changes in the KCC’s interconnection policies. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Interconnection — Domestic Calls”.

In January 2003, the MIC announced its plan to implement number portability with respect to wireless telecommunications service in Korea. The number portability system allows wireless subscribers to switch wireless service operators while retaining the same mobile phone number. In addition, the MIC has also required all new subscribers to be given numbers with the ‘010’ prefix starting January 2004, and it has been gradually retracting the mobile service identification numbers which had been unique to each wireless telecommunications service provider, including ‘011’ for our cellular services. The KCC plans to continue to pursue the integration process and complete the process by around 2018, when all mobile telephone numbers would have the prefix identification number “010”. Historically, ‘011’ has had high brand recognition in Korea


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as the premium wireless telecommunications service. The MIC’sGovernment’s adoption of the number portability system hasand the consolidation of the prefix numbers have resulted in and may continue to result in weakened customer loyalty, increased competition among wireless service providers and higher costs of marketing, increased subscriber deactivations and increased churn rate, all of which had, and may continue to have, an adverse effect on our results of operations. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Subscribers — Number Portability”.

In addition, the KCC may revoke our licenses or suspend any of our businesses if we fail to comply with its rules, regulations and corrective orders, including the rules restricting beneficial ownership and control or any violation of the conditions of our licenses. Alternatively, in lieu of suspension of our business, the KCC may levy a monetary penalty of up to 3% of the average of our annual revenue for the preceding three fiscal years. The revocation of our cellular licenses, suspension of our business or imposition of monetary penalties by the KCC could have a material adverse effect on our business. We believe we are currently in compliance with the material terms of all our cellular licenses, including our WCDMA, LTE and WiBro licenses.

We are subject to additional regulations as a result of our dominant market position in the wireless telecommunications sector, which could harm our ability to compete effectively.

The KCC endeavors to promote competition in the Korean telecommunications markets through measures designed to prevent a dominant service provider from exercising its market power and deterring the emergence and development of viable competitors. We are currently designated by the KCC as the “market dominant service provider” in respect of our wireless telecommunications business. As such, we are subject to additional regulations to which certain of our competitors are not subject. For example, under current Government regulations, we must obtain prior approval from the KCC to raise our existing rates or introduce new rates. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Law and Regulation — Competition Regulation — Rate Regulation”. We could also be required by

the KCC to charge higher usage rates than our competitors for future services. In addition, we were required to introduce number portability earlier than our competitors, KT and LG U+.

We also qualify as a “market-dominating business entity” under the Fair Trade Act, which subjects us to additional regulations. For instance, during our acquisition of Shinsegi Telecom, Inc. in 2002, the Fair Trade Commission of Korea, or the FTC, approved the acquisition on the condition that, among other things, our and Shinsegi Telecom’s combined market share in the wireless telecommunications market, based on numbers of subscribers, be less than 50% as of June 30, 2001. In order to satisfy this condition, we reduced the level of our subscriber activations and adopted more stringent involuntary subscriber deactivation policies beginning in 2000 and ceased accepting new subscribers from April 1, 2001 through June 30, 2001. While we are no longer subject to any market share limitations, the Government may impose restrictions on our market share in the future. If we become subject to market share limitations, our ability to compete effectively will be impeded.

The additional regulation to which we are subject has affected our competitiveness in the past and may materially hurt our profitability and impede our ability to compete effectively against our competitors in the future.

Concerns that radio frequency emissions may be linked to various health concerns could adversely affect our business and we could be subject to litigation relating to these health concerns.

In the past, allegations that serious health risks may result from the use of wireless telecommunications devices or other transmission equipment have adversely affected share prices of some wireless telecommunications companies in the United States. In May 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (“IARC”) announced that it has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields associated with wireless phone use as possibly carcinogenic to humans, based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer. The IARC is part of the World Health Organization that conducts research on the causes of human cancer and the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and aims to develop scientific strategies for cancer control. We cannot assure you that these health concerns will not adversely affect our business. Several class action and personal injury lawsuits have been filed in the United States against several wireless phone manufacturers and carriers, asserting product liability, breach of warranty and other claims relating to radio transmissions to and from wireless phones. Certain of these lawsuits have been dismissed. We could be subject to liability or incur significant costs defending lawsuits brought by our subscribers or other parties who claim to have been harmed by or as a result of our services. In addition, the


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actual or perceived risk of wireless telecommunications devices could have an adverse effect on our business by reducing our number of subscribers or our usage per subscriber.

Our ability to deliver services may be disrupted due to a systems failure, shutdown in our networks or natural disasters.

Our services are currently carried through our wireless and fixed-line networks, which could be vulnerable to damage or interruptions in operations due to fires, floods, earthquakes, power losses, telecommunication failures, network software flaws, unauthorized access, computer viruses and similar events. The occurrence of any of these events could impact our ability to deliver services and have a negative effect on our results of operations.

A global or Korean economic downturn may have a material adverse impact on our business and the ability to meet our funding needs, and could cause the market value of the common shares and American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) to decline.

In recent years, difficulties affecting the global financial sectors, adverse conditions and volatility in the worldwide credit and financial markets, fluctuations in oil and commodity prices and the general weakness of the global economy have increased the uncertainty of global economic prospects in general and have adversely affected the global and Korean economies. The legislators and financial regulators in the United States and other jurisdictions, including Korea, have implemented a number of policy measures designed to add stability to financial markets. The overall impact of these legislative and regulatory efforts on the global financial markets continues to be uncertain, and they may not have the intended stabilizing effects.

While the rate of deterioration of the global economy has slowed since the second half of 2009, with some signs of stabilization and improvement, the overall prospects for the Korean and global economy in 2012 and beyond remain uncertain. For example, commencing in the second half of 2011, the global financial markets have experienced significant volatility as a result of, among other things, the downgrading by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services of the long-term sovereign credit rating of the

United States to “AA+” from “AAA” in August 2011 and the financial difficulties affecting many other governments worldwide, in particular in Greece, Spain, Italy and other countries in Europe. In addition, measures adopted by the international community to sanction Iran for its nuclear weapons program, as well as political instability in various countries in the Middle East and Northern Africa, including in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Syria and Yemen, have resulted in volatility and uncertainty in the global energy markets. These or other developments could potentially trigger another financial and economic crisis.

We are exposed to risks related to changes in the global and Korean economic environments, changes in interest rates and instability in the global financial markets. Adverse global and Korean economic conditions may lead to overall decline and volatility in securities prices of Korean companies, including ours, which may result in trading and valuation losses on our trading and investment securities portfolio. Increases in credit spreads, as well as limitations on the availability of credit resulting from heightened concerns about the stability of the markets generally and the strength of counterparties specifically may lead many lenders and institutional investors to reduce or cease providing funding to borrowers, which may negatively impact our liquidity and results of operations. Major market disruptions and adverse changes in economic conditions and regulatory climate may further impair our ability to meet our desired funding needs. We cannot predict future changes in economic conditions. Adverse developments in the global or Korean economies or financial markets may have a material adverse effect on our business and the ability to meet our funding needs, as well as negatively affect the market prices of the common shares and ADSs.

Depreciation of the value of the Won against the Dollar and other major foreign currencies may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the market value of our common shares and ADSs.

Substantially all of our revenues are denominated in Won. Depreciation of the Won may materially affect our results of operations because, among other things, it causes:

an increase in the amount of Won required by us to make interest and principal payments on our foreign currency-denominated debt; and

an increase, in Won terms, of the costs of equipment that we purchase from overseas sources which we pay for in Dollars or other foreign currencies.

• an increase in the amount of Won required by us to make interest and principal payments on our foreign currency-denominated debt; and
• an increase, in Won terms, of the costs of equipment that we purchase from overseas sources which we pay for in Dollars or other foreign currencies.

Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Won and the Dollar will affect the Dollar equivalent of the Won price of the shares of our common stock on the KRX KOSPI Market of the Korea Exchange, or the KRX KOSPI Market. These fluctuations also will affect:

the amounts a registered holder or beneficial owner of ADSs will receive from the American Depositary Receipt (“ADR”) depositary in respect of dividends, which will be paid in Won to the ADR depositary and converted by the ADR depositary into Dollars;

the Dollar value of the proceeds that a holder will receive upon sale in Korea of the common shares; and

• the amounts a registered holder or beneficial owner of ADSs will receive from the American Depositary Receipt (“ADR”) depositary in respect of dividends, which will be paid in Won to the ADR depositary and converted by the ADR depositary into Dollars;
• the Dollar value of the proceeds that a holder will receive upon sale in Korea of the common shares; and
• the secondary market price of the ADSs.

the secondary market price of the ADSs.

For historical exchange rate information, see “Item 3.A. Selected Financial Data — Exchange Rates”.


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Risks Relating to Korea

Korea is our most important market, and our current business and future growth could be materially and adversely affected if economic conditions in Korea deteriorate.

We are incorporated in Korea, and a significant portion of our operations is based in Korea. As a result, we are subject to political, economic, legal and regulatory risks specific to Korea. The economic indicators in Korea in recent years have shown mixed signs, and future growth of the Korean economy is subject to many factors beyond our control.

Recent difficulties affecting the U.S. and global financial sectors, adverse conditions and volatility in the worldwide credit and financial markets, fluctuations in oil and commodity prices and the general weakness of the U.S. and global economy have increased the uncertainty of global economic prospects in general and have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, the Korean economy. Due to recent liquidity and credit concerns and volatility in the global financial markets, the value of the Won relative to the U.S. dollar has also fluctuated

significantly in recent years. Furthermore, as a result of adverse global and Korean economic conditions, there has been continuing volatility in the stock prices of Korean companies. Any future deterioration of the Korean or global economy could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Developments that could have an adverse impact on Korea’s economy in the future include:

• 

difficulties in the housing and financial sectors in the United States and elsewhere and increased sovereign default risks in selected countries and the resulting adverse effects on the global financial markets;

• adverse changes or volatility in foreign currency reserve levels, commodity prices (including oil prices), exchange rates (including fluctuation of the U.S. dollar or Japanese Yen exchange rates or revaluation of the Chinese Renminbi), interest rates and stock markets;
• continuing adverse conditions in the economies of countries that are important export markets for Korea, such as the United States, Japan and China, or in emerging market economies in Asia or elsewhere;
• substantial decreases in the market prices of Korean real estate;
• increasing delinquencies and credit defaults by consumer and small- and medium-sized enterprise borrowers;
• declines in consumer confidence and a slowdown in consumer spending;
• the continued emergence of the Chinese economy, to the extent its benefits (such as increased exports to China) are outweighed by its costs (such as competition in export markets or for foreign investment and the relocation of the manufacturing base from Korea to China);
• social and labor unrest;
• a decrease in tax revenues and a substantial increase in the Korean government’s expenditures for fiscal stimulus measures, unemployment compensation and other economic and social programs that, together, would lead to an increased Korean government budget deficit;
• financial problems or lack of progress in the restructuring of Korean conglomerates, other large troubled companies, their suppliers or the financial sector;
• loss of investor confidence arising from corporate accounting irregularities and corporate governance issues at certain Korean conglomerates;
• the economic impact of any pending or future free trade agreements, including the free trade agreements with the United States and the European Union;
• geo-political uncertainty and risk of further attacks by terrorist groups around the world;
• the recurrence of severe acute respiratory syndrome or an outbreak of swine or avian flu in Asia and other parts of the world;


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adverse changes or volatility in foreign currency reserve levels, commodity prices (including oil prices), exchange rates (including fluctuation of the U.S. dollar or Japanese Yen exchange rates or revaluation of the Chinese Renminbi), interest rates and stock markets;

continuing adverse conditions in the economies of countries that are important export markets for Korea, such as the United States, Japan and China, or in emerging market economies in Asia or elsewhere;

substantial decreases in the market prices of Korean real estate;

increasing delinquencies and credit defaults by consumer and small-and medium-sized enterprise borrowers;

• deterioration in economic or diplomatic relations between Korea and its trading partners or allies, including deterioration resulting from trade disputes or disagreements in foreign policy;
• political uncertainty or increasing strife among or within political parties in Korea;
• the occurrence of severe earthquakes, tsunamis or other natural disasters in Korea and other parts of the world, particularly in trading partners (such as the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, which also resulted in the release of radioactive materials from a nuclear plant that had been damaged by the earthquake);
• hostilities or political or social tensions involving oil producing countries in the Middle East and North Africa and any material disruption in the supply of oil or increase in the price of oil; and
• an increase in the level of tensions or an outbreak of hostilities between North Korea and Korea or the United States.

declines in consumer confidence and a slowdown in consumer spending;

the continued emergence of the Chinese economy, to the extent its benefits (such as increased exports to China) are outweighed by its costs (such as competition in export markets or for foreign investment and the relocation of the manufacturing base from Korea to China);

social and labor unrest;

a decrease in tax revenues and a substantial increase in the Korean government’s expenditures for fiscal stimulus measures, unemployment compensation and other economic and social programs that, together, would lead to an increased Korean government budget deficit;

financial problems or lack of progress in the restructuring of Korean conglomerates, other large troubled companies, their suppliers or the financial sector;

loss of investor confidence arising from corporate accounting irregularities and corporate governance issues at certain Korean conglomerates;

the economic impact of any pending or future free trade agreements, including the free trade agreements with the United States and the European Union;

geo-political uncertainty and risk of further attacks by terrorist groups around the world;

the recurrence of severe acute respiratory syndrome or an outbreak of swine or avian flu in Asia and other parts of the world;

deterioration in economic or diplomatic relations between Korea and its trading partners or allies, including deterioration resulting from trade disputes or disagreements in foreign policy;

political uncertainty or increasing strife among or within political parties in Korea;

the occurrence of severe earthquakes, tsunamis or other natural disasters in Korea and other parts of the world, particularly in trading partners (such as the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, which also resulted in the release of radioactive materials from a nuclear plant that had been damaged by the earthquake);

hostilities or political or social tensions involving oil producing countries in the Middle East and North Africa and any material disruption in the supply of oil or increase in the price of oil; and

an increase in the level of tensions or an outbreak of hostilities between North Korea and Korea or the United States.

Increased tensions with North Korea could have an adverse effect on us and the market value of the common shares and ADSs.

Relations between Korea and North Korea have been tense throughout Korea’s modern history. The level of tension between the two Koreas has fluctuated and may increase abruptly as a result of current and future events.

In particular, since the death of Kim Jong-il, the former North Korean ruler, in mid-December 2011, there has been increased uncertainty with respect to the future of North Korea’s political leadership and concern regarding its implications for political and economic stability in the region. Although before his death, Kim Jong-il designated his third son, Kim Jong-eun, as his successor and also named him as the vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and a general of the North Korean army, the eventual outcome of such leadership transition remains uncertain. Furthermore, as only limited information is available outside of North Korea about Kim Jong-eun, who is reported to be in his late twenties, and it is unclear which individuals or factions, if any, will share political power with Kim Jong-eun or assume the leadership if the transition is not successful, there is significant uncertainty regarding the policies, actions and initiatives that North Korea might pursue in the future.

In addition, in recent years, there have been heightened security concerns stemming from North Korea’s nuclear weaponsweapon and long-range missile programs and increased uncertainty regarding North Korea’s actions and possible responses from the international community. In January 2003, North Korea renounced its obligations under the NuclearNon-Proliferation Treaty. Since the renouncement, Korea, the United States, North Korea, China, Japan and Russia have held numerous rounds of six partysix-party multi-lateral talks in an effort to resolve issues relating to North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.

In addition to conducting test flights of long-range missiles,

North Korea announced in October 2006 that it had successfully conducted a nuclear test, which increased tensions in the region and elicited strong objections worldwide. In May 2009, North Korea announced that it had successfully conducted a second nuclear test andtest-fired three short-rangesurface-to-air missiles. In response, the United Nations Security Council unanimously passed a resolution in June 2009 that condemned North Korea for the nuclear test and decided to expand and tighten sanctions against North Korea. In March 2010, a Korean warship was destroyed by an underwater explosion, killing many of the crewmen on board. The Korean government formally accused North Korea of causing the sinking, in May 2010, andwhile North Korea has denied responsibility for the sinking and has threatened retaliation for any attempt to punish it forover the act.incident. In November 2010, North Korean forcesKorea reportedly fired more than one hundred artillery shells targetingthat hit Korea’s Yeonpyeong Island located near the maritime border between Korea and North Korea on the west coast of the Korean peninsula,Korea, killing two Korean soldiers and two civilians, as well aswounding many others and causing substantialsignificant property damage. Korea responded by firing approximately 80 artillery shells back and putting the military on its highest alert level.level of alert. The Government condemned North Korea for the actattack and vowed stern retaliation should there be further provocation.

In addition, there recently has been increased uncertainty with respect to On April 13, 2012, North Korea launched a long-range rocket over the future of North Korea’s political leadership and concern regarding its implications for political stability in the region. In September 2010,Kim Jong-il, the North Korean ruler who reportedly suffered a stroke in August 2008, named Kim Jong-un, his third son who is reported to be in his twenties, as the vice chairman of the Central Military CommissionYellow Sea. Korea, Japan and the general ofUnited States condemned the launch and the United Nations Security Council adopted a chairman’s statement condemning North Korean army. Although Kim Jong-il has designated his son to be his successor,Korea for the implementation of the succession plan remains uncertain. launch.

North Korea’s economy also faces severe challenges. InFor example, in November 2009, the North Korean government redenominated its currency at a ratio of 100 to 1 as part of a currency reform undertaken in an attempt to control inflation and reduce income gaps. In tandem with the currency redenomination, the North Korean government banned the use or possession of foreign currency by its residents and closed down privately run markets, which led to severe inflation and food shortages. Such developments may further aggravate social and political tensions within North Korea.

Over the longer term, reunification of the two Koreas could occur. Reunification may entail a significant economic commitment by Korea. In President Lee Myung Bak’s national address in August 2010, he suggested the possible adoption of a reunification tax in order to prepare for the long-term economic burden associated with reunification. Such discussions on reunification are preliminary, and it has not been decided whether or when such tax would be implemented. If a reunification tax is implemented, it may lead to a decrease in domestic consumption,


19


which in turn may have a material adverse effect on the Korean economy. In addition, thereThere can be no assurance that the level of tension on the Korean peninsula will not escalate in the future. Any further increase in tension,tensions, which may occur, for example, if North Korea experiences a leadership crisis, high-level contacts between Korea and North Korea break down or military hostilities occur, could have a material adverse effect on the Korean economy or the economies of other countries in Asia, in general, and on our business, financial condition and results of operations and the market value of our common stock and ADSs.

Korea’s legislation allowing class action suits related to securities transactions may expose us to additional litigation risk.

The Securities-related Class Action Act of Korea enacted in January 2004 allows class action suits to be brought by shareholders of companies (including us) listed on the KRX KOSPI Market for losses incurred in connection with purchases and sales of securities and other securities transactions arising from (i) false or inaccurate statements provided in the registration statements, prospectuses, business reports, audit reports, semi-annual or quarterly reports and auditmaterial fact reports and omission of material information in such documents, (ii) insider trading, (iii) market manipulation and (iv) unfair trading. This law permits 50 or more shareholders who collectively hold 0.01% of the shares of a company to bring a class action suit against, among others, the issuer and its directors and officers. Because of the relatively recent enactment of the act, there is not enough judicial precedent to predict

how the courts will apply the law. Litigation can be time-consuming and expensive to resolve, and can divert management time and attention from the operation of a business. We are not aware of any basis upon which such suit may be brought against us, nor are any such suits pending or threatened. Any such litigation brought against us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Relating to Securities

If SK Holdings causes us to breach the foreign ownership limitations on shares of our common stock, we may experience a change of control.

The Telecommunications Business Act currently sets a 49% limit on the aggregate foreign ownership of our issued shares. Under the Telecommunications Business Act, as amended, a Korean entity, such as SK Holdings, is deemed to be a foreign entity if its largest shareholder (determined by aggregating the shareholdings of such shareholder and its related parties) is a foreigner and such shareholder (together with the shareholdings of its related parties) holds 15% or more of the issued voting stock of the Korean entity. As of December 31, 2010,2011, SK Holdings owned 18,748,45220,363,452 shares of our common stock, or approximately 23.22%25.22%, of our issued shares. If SK Holdings were considered to be a foreign shareholder, then its shareholding in us would be included in the calculation of our aggregate foreign shareholding and our aggregate foreign shareholding (based on our foreign ownership level as of December 31, 2010,2011, which we believe was 49.0%40.3%) would exceed the 49% ceiling on foreign shareholding. As of December 31, 2010,2011, a foreign investment fund and its related parties collectively held a 3.1% stake in SK Holdings. We could breach the foreign ownership limitations if the number of shares of our common stock or ADSs owned by other foreign persons significantly increases.

If our aggregate foreign shareholding limit is exceeded, the KCC may issue a corrective order to us, the breaching shareholder (including SK Holdings if the breach is caused by an increase in foreign ownership of SK Holdings) and the foreign investment fund and its related parties who own in the aggregate 15% or more of SK Holdings. Furthermore, if SK Holdings is considered a foreign shareholder, it may not exercise its voting rights with respect to the shares held in excess of the 49% ceiling, which may result in a change in control of us. In addition, the KCC may refuse to grant us licenses or permits necessary for entering into new telecommunications businesses until our aggregate foreign shareholding is reduced to below 49%. For a description of further actions that the KCC could take, see “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Law and Regulation — Foreign Ownership and Investment Restrictions and Requirements”.

If our convertible notes are converted by foreign holders and such conversion causes a violation of the foreign ownership restrictions of the Telecommunications Business Act, or in certain other circumstances, we may sell common stock in order to settle the converting holders’ conversion rights in cash in lieu of delivering common stock or ADSs to them, and these sales might adversely affect the market price of our common stock or ADSs.


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In April 2009, we sold US$332.5 million in 1.75% convertible notes due 2014, all of which currently remain outstanding. As of June 1, 2011,March 31, 2012, these convertible notes were convertible by the holders into shares of our common stock at the rate of Won 211,271199,280 per share. These notes are held principally by foreign holders. If (1) the exercise by the holder of the conversion right would be prohibited by Korean law or we reasonably conclude that the delivery of common stock or ADSs upon conversion of these notes would result in a violation of applicable Korean law or (2) we do not have a sufficient number of shares of our common stock to satisfy the conversion right, then we will pay a converting holder a cash settlement payment. In such situations, we may sell such number of treasury shares held in trust for us that corresponds to the number of shares of common stock that would have been deliverable in the absence of the 49% foreign shareholding restrictions imposed by the Telecommunications Business Act or other legal restrictions. The number of shares sold in these circumstances might be substantial. We cannot assure you that such sales would not adversely affect the market prices of our common stock or ADSs.

Sales of our shares by SK Holdings and/or other large shareholders may adversely affect the market value of the common stock and ADSs.

Sales of substantial amounts of shares of our common stock, or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market price of the shares of our common stock or ADSs or our ability to raise capital through an offering of our common stock.

As of December 31, 2010,2011, SK Holdings owned 23.22%25.22% of our total issued common stock and has not agreed to any restrictions on its ability to dispose of our shares. See “Item 7.A. Major Shareholders”. We can make no

prediction as to the timing or amount of any sales of our common stock. We cannot assure you that future sales of shares of our common stock, or the availability of shares of our common stock for future sale, will not adversely affect the market prices of the shares of our common stock or ADSs prevailing from time to time.

If an investor surrenders his or her ADSs to withdraw the underlying shares, he or she may not be allowed to deposit the shares again to obtain ADSs.

Under the deposit agreement, holders of shares of our common stock may deposit those shares with the ADR depositary’s custodian in Korea and obtain ADSs, and holders of ADSs may surrender ADSs to the ADR depositary and receive shares of our common stock. However, under the terms of the deposit agreement, as amended, the depositary bank is required to obtain our prior consent to any such deposit if, after giving effect to such deposit, the total number of shares of our common stock represented by ADSs, which was 24,321,89322,223,578 shares as of June 1, 2011,March 31, 2012, exceeds a specified maximum, subject to adjustment under certain circumstances. In addition, the depositary bank or the custodian may not accept deposits of our common shares for issuance of ADSs under certain circumstances, including (1) if it has been determined by us that we should block the deposit to prevent a violation of applicable Korean laws and regulations or our articles of incorporation or (2) if a person intending to make a deposit has been identified as a holder of at least 3% of our common stock. See “Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation — Description of American Depositary Shares”. It is possible that we may not give the consent. Consequently, an investor who has surrendered his or her ADSs and withdrawn the underlying shares may not be allowed to deposit the shares again to obtain ADSs.

An investor in our ADSs may not be able to exercise preemptive rights for additional new shares and may suffer dilution of his or her equity interest in us.

The Korean Commercial Code and our articles of incorporation require us, with some exceptions, to offer shareholders the right to subscribe for new shares in proportion to their existing ownership percentage whenever new shares are issued. If we offer a right to subscribe for additional new shares of our common stock or any other rights of similar nature, the ADR depositary, after consultation with us, may make the rights available to an ADS holder or use reasonable efforts to dispose of the rights on behalf of the ADS holder and make the net proceeds available to the ADS holder. The ADR depositary, however, is not required to make available to an ADS holder any rights to purchase any additional shares unless it deems that doing so is lawful and feasible and:

• 

a registration statement filed by us under the Securities Act is in effect with respect to those shares; or


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the offering and sale of those shares is exempt from, or is not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

• the offering and sale of those shares is exempt from, or is not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
We are under no obligation to file any registration statement with respect to any ADSs. If a registration statement is required for an ADS holder to exercise preemptive rights but is not filed by us, the ADS holder will not be able to exercise his or her preemptive rights for additional shares. As a result, ADS holders may suffer dilution of their equity interest in us.

Short selling of our ADSs by purchasers of securities convertible or exchangeable into our ADSs could materially adversely affect the market price of our ADSs.

SK Holdings, through one or more special purpose vehicles, has engaged and may in the future engage in monetization transactions relating to its ownership interest in us. These transactions have included and may include offerings of securities that are convertible or exchangeable into our ADSs. Many investors in convertible or exchangeable securities seek to hedge their exposure in the underlying equity securities at the time of acquisition of the convertible or exchangeable securities, often through short selling of the underlying equity securities or similar transactions. Since a monetization transaction could involve debt securities linked to a significant number of our ADSs, we expect that a sufficient quantity of ADSs may not be immediately available for borrowing in the market to facilitate settlement of the likely volume of short selling activity that would accompany the commencement of a monetization transaction. This short selling and similar hedging activity could place significant downward pressure on the market price of our ADSs, thereby having a material adverse effect on the market value of ADSs owned by you.

A holder of our ADSs may not be able to enforce a judgment of a foreign court against us.

We are a corporation with limited liability organized under the laws of Korea. Substantially all of our directors and officers and other persons named in this document reside in Korea, and all or a significant portion of the assets

of our directors and officers and other persons named in this document and substantially all of our assets are located in Korea. As a result, it may not be possible for holders of our ADSs to effect service of process within the United States, or to enforce against us any judgments obtained from the United States courts based on the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States. There is doubt as to the enforceability in Korea, either in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of United States courts, of civil liabilities predicated on the United States federal securities laws.

We are generally subject to Korean corporate governance and disclosure standards, which may differ from those in other countries.

Companies in Korea, including us, are subject to corporate governance standards applicable to Korean public companies, which may differ in some respects from standards applicable in other countries, including the United States. As a reporting company registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and listed on the New York Stock Exchange, we are, and in the future will be, subject to certain corporate governance standards as mandated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. However, foreign private issuers, including us, are exempt from certain corporate governance requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. There may also be less publicly available information about Korean companies, such as us, than is regularly made available by public or non-public companies in other countries. Such differences in corporate governance standards and less public information available could result in corporate governance practices or disclosures that are perceived as less than satisfactory by investors in certain countries.

Item 4.INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

Item 4.A.History and Development of the Company

As Korea’s first wireless telecommunications service provider, we have a recognized history of leadership and innovation in the domestic telecommunications sector. Today, we remain Korea’s leading wireless telecommunications services provider and have continued to pioneer the commercial development and implementation ofstate-of-the-art wireless technologies. We have also strengthened our global competitiveness by expanding into key


22


overseas markets, and we continue to look outside Korea for investment and growth opportunities. We believe we are also a leader in developing new products and services that reflect the increasing convergence of telecommunications technologies, as well as the growing synergies between the telecommunications sector and other industries.

We provide our wireless telecommunications services principally through backbone networks using CDMA, WCDMA and WCDMALTE technologies. Collectively, these networks can access approximately 99% of the Korean population. In addition, we also provide wireless broadband Internet access through our WiBro service. For a more detailed description of our backbone network infrastructure, see “— Digital Cellular Network” below. Our advanced and extensive wireless telecommunications infrastructure has enabled us to offer high-quality cellular voice transmission services at competitive prices, as well as to develop and deploy an increasingly sophisticated range of wireless data and multimedia products and services, including wireless Internet services, in step with technological advancements and growing consumer demand. We believe our network infrastructure also provides us with a competitive advantage in pioneering new business opportunities created by digital convergence.

As of December 31, 2010,2011, we had approximately 25.726.5 million wireless subscribers throughout Korea, of which 23.822.3 million owned Internet-enabled handsets capable of accessing our wireless Internet services. As of
December 31, 2010,2011, our share of the Korean wireless market was approximately 50.6%50.5%, based on number of subscribers, according to the KCC.

In March 2008, we completed the acquisition of an additional 38.7% equity stake in SK Broadband for approximately Won 1.1 trillion, increasing our total equity interest in SK Broadband to 43.4%. In September 2009, we acquired additional shares of SK Broadband’s common stock, increasing our equity stake to 50.6%. Through SK Broadband, we currently provide broadband Internet access service and other Internet-related services, includingvideo-on-demand and Internet protocol TV, or IP TV, services, as well as fixed-line telephone services. As of December 31, 2010,2011, we had approximately 4.04.2 million broadband Internet access subscribers and 3.84.2 millionfixed-line telephone subscribers (including subscribers to VoIP services).

In September 2009, we completed the acquisition of the leased-line business and related ancillary businesses of SK Networks for approximately Won 892.8 billion and assumed Won 611.4 billion of debt as part of the transaction. Historically, we have relied on KT and SK Networks to provide a substantial majority of the transmission lines we lease.

In February 2012, we acquired a 21.05% equity stake in Hynix, the world’s second-largest memory-chip maker by revenue, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately Won 3.4 trillion, and became its largest shareholder.

On June 1, 2011,March 31, 2012, we had a market capitalization of approximately Won 12.911.3 trillion (US$12.010.0 billion, as translated at the noon buying rate of June 1, 2011)March 30, 2012) or approximately 1.08%0.97% of the total market capitalization on the KRX KOSPI Market, making us the 19th20th largest company listed on the KRX KOSPI Market based on market capitalization on that date. Our ADSs, each representing one-ninth of one share of our common stock, have traded on the New York Stock Exchange since June 27, 1996.

We established our telecommunications business in March 1984 under the name of Korea Mobile Telecommunications Co., Ltd. We changed our name to SK Telecom Co., Ltd., effective March 21, 1997. In January 2002, we merged with Shinsegi, which was then the third-largest wireless telecommunications service provider in Korea. Our registered office is at SK T-Tower, 11, Euljiro 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul100-999, Korea and our telephone number is82-2-6100-2114.

Korean Telecommunications Industry

Established in March 1984, we became the first wireless telecommunications service provider in Korea. We remained the sole provider of wireless telecommunications services until April 1996, when Shinsegi commenced cellular service. The Government began to introduce competition into the fixed-line and wireless telecommunications services markets in the early 1990’s. During this period, the Government allowed new competitors to enter the fixed-line sector, sold a controlling stake in us to the SK Group, and granted a cellular license to our first competitor, Shinsegi. In October 1997, three additional companies, KTF, LG Telecom and Hansol PCS, began providing wireless services under Government licenses to provide wireless telecommunications services.


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In 2000 and 2001, the Korean wireless telecommunications market experienced significant consolidation. In January 2002, Shinsegi was merged into us. Additionally, two of the other wireless telecommunications services operators merged. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Competition”.

There are currently three providers of wireless voice telecommunications services in Korea: our company, KT (into which KTF merged) and LG U+ (formerly, LG Telecom). According to the KCC, as of December 31, 2010,2011, the market share of the Korean wireless telecommunications market in terms of number of subscribers of KT and LG U+ was 31.6%approximately 30.9% and 17.8%, respectively (compared to our market share of 50.6%50.5%).

MVNOs had a combined market share of 0.8%.

In December 2000, the MIC awarded to two companies the right to receive a license to provide 3G services using WCDMA, an extension of the Global System for Mobile Communication standard for wireless telecommunications, which is globally the most widely used wireless technology. These rights were awarded to two consortia of companies, one led by our former subsidiary, SK IMT Co., Ltd., and the other to a consortium that included KT. SK IMT Co., Ltd. was merged into us on May 1, 2004. The right to acquire an additional license to operate a network using CDMA2000 technology was awarded to LG Telecom in August 2001, but was later revoked in July 2006.

A one-way mobile number portability, or MNP, system was first implemented in the beginning of January 2004 when our subscribers were allowed to transfer to KTF and LG Telecom. From July 2004, a two-way MNP system was implemented so that KTF subscribers could transfer to us and LG Telecom. A three-way MNP system has been in effect since January 2005 so that subscribers from each of the wireless service providers may transfer to any other wireless service provider. During 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2010,2011, approximately 3.0 million, 3.03.6 million and 3.64.0 million, respectively, of our subscribers migrated to our competitors. Approximately 0.6 million, 1.1 million, 1.3 million and 1.31.4 million of LG U+’s subscribers in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2010,2011, respectively, and approximately 2.5 million, 2.0 million, 2.4 million and 2.42.5 million of KT’s subscribers in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2010,2011, respectively, migrated to our service.

In January 2005, the Government granted each of KT and us a license to offer WiBro service. Both KT and we are currently expanding the coverage area of WiBro services.

Telecommunications industry growth in Korea has been among the most rapid in the world, with fixed-line penetration increasing from under five lines per 100 population in 1978 to 39.437.4 lines per 100 population as of December 31, 2010,2011, and wireless penetration increasing from 7.0 subscribers per 100 population in 1996 to 103.9105.5 subscribers per 100 population as of December 31, 2010.2011. The table below sets forth certain subscription and penetration information regarding the Korean telecommunications industry as of the dates indicated:

                     
  As of December 31,
  2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
  (In thousands, except for per population amounts)
 
Population of Korea(1)  48,297   48,456   48,607   48,747   48,875 
Wireless Subscribers(2)  40,197   43,498   45,607   47,944   50,767 
Wireless Subscribers per 100 Population  83.2   89.8   93.8   98.4   103.9 
Telephone Lines in Service(2)  23,119   23,130   22,132   20,090   19,273 
Telephone Lines per 100 Population  47.9   47.7   45.5   41.2   39.4 

   As of December 31, 
   2007   2008   2009   2010   2011 
   (In thousands, except for per population amounts) 

Population of Korea(1)

   48,456     48,607     48,747     48,875     49,779  

Wireless Subscribers(2)

   43,498     45,607     47,944     50,767     52,507  

Wireless Subscribers per 100 Population

   89.8     93.8     98.4     103.9     105.5  

Telephone Lines in Service(2)

   23,130     22,132     20,090     19,273     18,633  

Telephone Lines per 100 Population

   47.7     45.5     41.2     39.4     37.4  

(1)Source: National Statistical Office of Korea.

(2)Source: KCC.

The Korean telecommunications industry is one of the most developed in the world in terms of wireless penetration and in terms of the growth of wireless data services, including wireless Internet services. The wireless penetration rate, which is calculated by dividing the number of wireless subscribers by the population, was 103.9%105.5 % as of December 31, 20102011 and the number of wireless subscribers has increased from approximately 3.2 million in 1996 to approximately 50.852.5 million as of December 31, 2010.

2011.

Since the introduction of short text messaging in 1998, Korea’s wireless data market has grown rapidly. This growth has been driven, in part, by the rapid development of wireless Internet service since its introduction in the second half of 1999. All of the Korean wireless operators have developed extensive wireless Internet service portals.


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As of December 31, 2010,2011, approximately 48.147.6 million of Korean wireless subscribers owned Internet-enabled handsets capable of accessing wireless Internet services. The table below sets forth certain penetration information regarding the number of Internet-enabled handsets and wireless subscribers in Korea as of the dates indicated:
                     
  As of December 31,
  2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
  (In thousands)
 
Number of Wireless Internet Enabled Handsets  38,894   41,598   42,740   46,301   48,085 
Total Number of Wireless Subscribers  40,197   43,498   45,607   47,944   50,767 
Penetration of Wireless Internet Enabled Handsets  96.8%  95.6%  93.7%  96.6%  94.7%

   As of December 31, 
   2007  2008  2009  2010  2011 
   (In thousands, except for percentages) 

Number of Wireless Internet Enabled Handsets

   41,598    42,740    46,301    48,085    47,599  

Total Number of Wireless Subscribers

   43,498    45,607    47,944    50,767    52,507  

Penetration of Wireless Internet Enabled Handsets

   95.6  93.7  96.6  94.7  90.7

Source: KCC.

In addition to its well-developed wireless telecommunications sector, Korea has one of the largest Internet markets in the Asia Pacific region. According to Korea Internet & Security Agency, or KISA, the number of Internet subscribers in Korea increased from approximately 3.1 million at the end of 1998 to approximately 37.037.2 million atas of the end of 2010,July 2011, representing a 23.0%22.0% compound annual growth rate. From the end of 2005 to the end of 2010,2011, the number of broadband Internet access subscribers increased from approximately 12.2 million to approximately 17.217.9 million, representing a 7.2%6.6% compound annual growth rate. The table below sets forth certain information regarding Internet users and broadband subscribers as of the dates indicated:

                     
  As of December 31,
  2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
  (In thousands)
 
Number of Internet Users(1)  34,120   34,820   35,360   36,580   37,010 
Number of Broadband Subscribers(2)  14,043   14,709   15,475   16,349   17,224 

   As of December 31, 
   2007   2008   2009   2010   2011 
   (In thousands) 

Number of Internet Users(1)

   34,820     35,360     36,580     37,010     37,180(2) 

Number of Broadband Subscribers(3)

   14,709     15,475     16,349     17,224     17,860  

(1)Source: KISA.

(2)As of July 31, 2011.

(3)Source: KCC. Includes subscribers accessing Internet service using digital subscriber line, or xDSL, connections; cable modem connections; local area network, or LAN, connections;fiber-to-the-home, or FTTH, connections; and satellite connections.

Item 4.B.Business Overview

Overview

We are Korea’s leading wireless telecommunications services provider and continue to pioneer the commercial development and implementation ofstate-of-the-art wireless technologies. We provide the following core services:

 

Cellular voice services.    We provide wireless voice transmission services to our subscribers through our backbone cellular networks and also offer wireless global roaming services through service agreements with various foreign wireless telecommunications service providers. (Accordingly, while “cellular voice services” principally refer to our core wireless voice transmission services, they also comprise our wireless voice and data global roaming services.)

 

Wireless data services.    We also provide wireless data transmission services, including wireless Internet access services, which allow subscribers to access a wide range of online digital contents and services, as well as to send and receive text and multimedia messages, using their mobile phones.

 

Broadband Internet and fixed-line telephone services.    Through our consolidated subsidiary, SK Broadband, we provide broadband Internet access service and other Internet-related services, includingvideo-on-demand and IP TV services. Through SK Broadband, we also provide local, domestic long-distance and international long-distance fixed-line telephone services to residential and commercial subscribers. We currently own a 50.6% equity interest in SK Broadband following our acquisition of a 7.2% equity stake in the company in September 2009.


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Digital convergence and new businesses.    We have pioneered new services that reflect the growing convergence within the telecommunications sector, as well as between the telecommunications sector and other industries, including 11th Street, an online shopping mall, and T Store, an online open marketplace for mobile applications, as well as “Telematics” service, which makes use of global positioning system, or GPS, technology. In addition, we engage in the industry productivity enhancement, or IPE, business that provides customized business solutions and applications to corporate customers. In October 2011, in order to develop a management system and corporate culture that is more suitable for the platform business and facilitate the expeditious execution of business strategies, we spun off our platform business, including 11th Street and T Store, to a new wholly-owned subsidiary, SK Planet Co., Ltd.

We provide our wireless services through our proprietary backbone networks based on CDMA, WCDMA and WCDMALTE technologies. We also offer wireless data transmission and wireless Internet access services through our WiBro network. For more information on our backbone networks, see “— Digital Cellular Network”.

Our Business Strategy

We believe that trends in the Korean telecommunications industry during the next decade will mirror those in the global market and will be characterized by rapid technological change, reduced regulatory barriers and increased competition. Against the backdrop of these industry trends, we aim to enhance shareholder value by maintaining and consolidating our leading position in the Korean market for wireless services, including wireless voice and data transmission services, as well as by leveraging our competitive strengths to exploit new opportunities arising from increasing digital convergence and the globalization of the telecommunications market.

Our principal strategies are to:

 

Enhance the technical capabilities of our wireless networks to improve data transmission speed and service quality and to offer an increased range of services, including in connection with our development of new and advanced wireless technologies.    We believe we have the most extensive and advanced wireless telecommunications network in Korea, and we are committed to ensuring that our delivery platforms keep

pace with the latest technological advancements. In March 2007, we completed the nationwide build-out of our HSDPA-capable WCDMA network. We are currentlyIn 2011, we further upgradingupgraded our WCDMA network to support HSUPA and HSPA+ technology and expandingexpanded the coverage area of our WiBro service, as well as introducing long term evolution, orservice. We commenced commercial LTE serviceservices in July 2011 and LTE smartphone services in September 2011, and expanded the coverage area of our LTE services to nationwide by July 2011.April 2012. We plan to continue upgrading and expanding our backbone network infrastructure in line with new developments in wireless telecommunications technology. We believe that ensuring the quality and technical sophistication of our wireless networks will, among other things, allow us to provide our subscribers with top-quality service, to introduce the latest wireless telecommunications products and services more quickly and to efficiently implement new wireless technologies as market opportunities arise.

 

Drive the growth of wireless Internet in Korea.    In recent years, the Korean telecommunications industry has experienced significant growth in wireless Internet services as the number of smartphone users has increased rapidly. We plan to establish and maintain our leadership among smartphone users by securing a competitive smartphoneline-up and streamlining the subscription process and pricing structures to enable subscribers to easily access their mobile content from multiple devices. We also intend to focus on developing differentiated services and various platforms in order to achieve our goal of leading the Korean smartphone market.

 

Offer a broad range of new and innovative wireless data contents and services.    We plan to improve the service quality and expand the range of our wireless data contents and services, through NATE, with a view to increasing revenues from these services to complement our core cellular revenues. In particular, we believe demand for wireless access to entertainment-related digital contents and services, wireless access to community and social networking platforms and wireless access to financial-related contents and services, or “m-commerce” services, will continue to grow. We continue to actively seek partnerships with, as well as strategic investments in, digital media content providers, financial services providers and wireless application developers to improve the breadth and quality of the wireless data contents and services we offer to our subscribers. We also intend to expand the operation of T Store, our online application store operated by SK Planet, our consolidated subsidiary, by constructing an environment where outstanding developers can be nurtured and high-quality content can be produced.


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Leverage our extensive network infrastructure, technical know-how and leading market position to exploit opportunities that arise from an increasingly convergent era in telecommunications and to pioneer new businesses.    We believe that increasing convergence among communications technologies, as well as between the telecommunications sector and other industries, creates growth opportunities for incumbent telecommunications service providers, like us, whose existing infrastructure, know-how and extensive subscriber base provide a competitive advantage. We further believe that digital convergence will support demand for increasingly integrated products and services. We hope to create greater convergence opportunities across our various network platforms through various acquisitions, such as the acquisition of an equity stake in SK Broadband, Korea’s second largest fixed-line operator, or the acquisition of a leased-line business from SK Networks. We also plan to continue to improve our new convergence services, such as 11th Street, an online shopping mall, and T Store, an online open marketplace for mobile applications.

 

Pursue platform business and industry productivity enhancement business.  We laid the foundation for our platform business in 2010 by expanding various platforms, including our T Store and MelOn music services, as well as establishing support systems for third-party content developers.    We plan to grow our platform business by sharing our telecommunication infrastructure with other service providers and application developers. To better respond to the increased demand in the platform industry to connect content providers with smartphone and tablet users, we spun off our platform business into a new wholly-owned subsidiary, SK Planet Co., Ltd., in October 2011. SK Planet operates our platform business in the marketplace for digital content, T Store, and in the open marketplace for online shopping and m-commerce, 11th Street. We also plan to enhance our enterprise value by expanding into media platforms and advertising platforms. In addition, we plan to grow our industry productivity enhancement, or IPE, business division to generate greater value and growth for both us and our customers and partners around the globe. IPE is a concept that endeavors to provide customized value-added services such as applications and solutions to clients in different businesses based on the existing network infrastructure. Building on existing infrastructures, we anticipate that value-added services to business clients will generate greater revenues compared to the

current B2B business model. Once we establish prototypes categorized by business and size of the business, we intend to expand and apply such IPE models to other businesses in the same field. We are in the process of working with various clients in finance, education, health, shopping and other areas.

 

Pursue diversification and growth through our investment in the semiconductor business.    In February 2012, we acquired a 21.05% equity stake in Hynix, the world’s second-largest memory-chip maker by revenue, and became its largest shareholder. By investing in the export-driven semiconductor business, we plan to achieve a more diversified business portfolio, as well as seek global growth opportunities utilizing Hynix’s overseas network.

Continue global expansion by seeking opportunities in overseas markets.    We participate in various overseas markets and continue to seek opportunities to expand our global business. In light of the highly penetrated Korean wireless market, we believe that strategic expansion into overseas markets offers important opportunities for future growth.

Digital Cellular Network

We offer wireless voice and data telecommunications services throughout Korea using digital wireless networks, including a CDMA network, a WCDMA network, an LTE network, a WiBro network and a Wi-Fi network. We are currently building our LTE network with a goal of commencingcommenced commercial LTE services in Seoul on July 1, 2011 and expanded the coverage area of our LTE services to 28 cities as of January 1, 2012. We further expanded the coverage area of our LTE services to nationwide by July 2011.

the end of April 2012. As of December 31, 2011, we had 634,311 LTE subscribers.

CDMA Network

CDMA technology is a continuous digital transmission technology that accommodates higher throughput than analog technology by using various coding sequences to allow concurrent transmission of voice and data signals for wireless communication. In January 1996, we launched our first wireless network based on CDMA technology and became the world’s first to commercialize CDMA cellular service. Our CDMA-based network infrastructure has been the core platform for our wireless telecommunications business. CDMA technology is currently in commercial operation in several countries including Korea, Hong Kong and the United States.

In October 2000, we began offering wireless voice and data services on our CDMA2000 1X network. CDMA2000 1X is an advanced CDMA-based technology that allows transmission of data at speeds of up to 153.6 Kbps (compared to a maximum of 64 Kbps for our basic CDMA network). In the first half of 2002, we launched an upgrade of our CDMA2000 1X network to a more advanced technology called CDMA 1xEV-DO. CDMA 1xEV-DO is a CDMA-based technology, similar to CDMA2000 1X, but enables data to be transmitted at speeds of up to 2.4 Mbps. This higher transmission speed permits interactive transmission of data required for videophone services, a high-speed wireless Internet connection, as well as a multitude of multimedia services. In 2004, we completed the full upgrade of our CDMA2000 1X network to CDMA 1xEV-DO technology.


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WCDMA Network

WCDMA is a 3G, high capacity wireless communication system that enables us to offer an even wider range of telecommunications services, including cellular voice communications, video telephony, data communications, multimedia services, wireless Internet connection, and automatic roaming. We commenced provision of our 3G services using ourHSDPA-upgraded WCDMA network on a limited basis in Seoul at the end of 2003. In March 2005, we developed and launched dual band/dual mode handsets, to offer seamless nationwide 3G service, an important factor for a nationwide deployment of WCDMA services.

In 2005, we completed commercial development of HSDPA technology and integrated this technology in the subsequent build-out of our WCDMA network. HSDPA, which represents an evolution of the WCDMA standard, is a more advanced 3G technology than the initial WCDMA technology we implemented and is sometimes referred to as “3.5G” technology. In March 2007, we completed nationwide expansion of our HSDPA-capable WCDMA network, which currently reaches approximately 99% of the Korean population. Our WCDMA network enables significantly faster and higher-quality voice and data transmission and supports more sophisticated wireless data transmission services, including video telephony and other multimedia communications, than is possible

through our 2G networks. In June 2007, we began HSUPA upgrades to our WCDMA network, which is currently in progress. HSUPA technology represents the next stage in the evolution of the WCDMA standard. In particular, while HSDPA enables significantly improved downlink data transmission speeds, HSUPA permits faster uplink speeds. We are also currently implementing upgrades to enable more evolved high speed packet access, or HSPA+, service. Our implementation of HSDPA, HSUPA and HSPA+ technology will allow us to offer significantly improved, and a wider range of, wireless data transmission services, including more sophisticated multimedia digital contents and products. We also plan to continue enhancing our 3G service quality, including through the installation of additional small cell sites or cellular repeaters to improve reception quality in subterranean areas, buildings or any remaining “blind spots” where reception quality may not be optimal. For more information about our capital expenditures relating to our WCDMA-based network, see “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources”.

WiBro Network

We received a license from the MIC in 2005 to provide wireless broadband, or WiBro services, which we believe will complement our existing networks and technologies. WiBro is a data-only transmission technology that enables high-speed wireless broadband access to portable computers, mobile phones and other portable devices. We conducted initial pilot testing of WiBro service in limited areas of metropolitan Seoul in May 2006 and currently service “hot zone” areas in 84 cities.

Wi-Fi Network

Wi-Fi technology enables our subscribers with Wi-Fi-capable devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablet computers to access mobile Internet at a speed faster than WCDMA or WiBro networks, while the service range of each Wi-Fi hot zone is smaller than that of WCDMA or WiBro networks. We started to build our Wi-Fi hot zones from 2010 and, as of MarchDecember 31, 2011, we had more than 32,00064,000 Wi-Fi hot zones in public areas such as shopping malls, restaurants, coffee shops, subways and airports where, generally, the demand for high-speed wireless Internet service is high. While each Wi-Fi hot zone typically has a radius of approximately20-30 meters, some of our Wi-Fi hot zones, including those installed at public transportation facilities and amusement parks, have much wider service areas. We plan to increase the number of Wi-Fi hot zones substantially, as well as provide Wi-Fi services into approximately 90,000 by the 5GHz range, where the radio traffic is light, in order to reduce radio interference and increase speed.

end of 2012.

LTE Network

We are currently building more advanced networkscommenced commercial wireless services based on LTE technology, which is generally referred to as a 4G technology, with a goalon July 1, 2011 and expanded our LTE coverage to 28 cities as of commencing commercial LTE services by July 2011.January 1, 2012. Several wireless carriers in the United States, Europe and Asia commenced LTE services in 2010 and 2011 and LTE technology is expected to be widely accepted globally as the standard 4G technology. LTE technology enables data to be transmitted at a speed faster than WCDMA or WiBro networks, up to 75 Mbps for downloading and up to 37.5 Mbps for uploading. We expect that theThe faster data transmission speed of the LTE network will allowhas allowed us to offer significantly improved


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wireless data transmission services, providing our subscribers with faster wireless access to multimedia content. We arehave been building new access networks and evolved packet cores for our LTE network, while we plan to utilize our existing WCDMA network for other parts of our LTE network.

Network infrastructure

The principal components of our wireless networks are:

 

Cell sites,which are physical locations equipped with transmitters, receivers and other equipment that communicate by radio signals with wireless handsets within range of the cell (typically a 3 to 40 kilometer radius);

 

Switching stations,which switch voice and data transmissions to their proper destinations, which may be, for instance, a mobile phone of one of our subscribers (for which transmissions would originate and terminate on our wireless networks), a mobile phone of a KT or LG U+ subscriber (for which transmissions would be routed to KT’s or LG U+’s wireless networks, as applicable), a fixed-line telephone number (for which calls would be routed to the public switched telephone network of a fixed-line network operator), an international number (for which calls would be routed to the network of a long distance service provider) or an Internet site; and

 

Transmission lines,which link cell sites to switching stations and switching stations with other switching stations.

As of December 31, 2010,2011, our CDMA, WCDMA, LTE and WiBro networks had an aggregate of 17,48321,999 cell sites.

We have purchased substantially all of the equipment for our CDMA network from Samsung Electronics and have purchased substantially all of the equipment for our WCDMA network, including the software and firmware used to upgrade our WCDMA network, from Samsung Electronics and LG Ericsson. We have purchased substantially all of the equipment for our WiBro network from Samsung Electronics. We plan to purchasehave purchased substantially all of the equipment for our LTE network from Samsung Electronics, LG Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Networks.

Most of the transmission lines we use, including virtually all of the lines linking switching stations, as well as a portion of the lines linking cell sites to switching stations, comprise optical fiber lines that we own and operate directly. However, we have not undertaken to install optical fiber lines to link every cell site and switching station. In places where we have not installed our own transmission lines, we have leased lines from SK Networks, KT and, to a lesser extent, SK Broadband and LG U+. In September 2009, we acquired athe leased-line business and related ancillary businesses fromof SK Networks for Won 892.8 billion and assumed Won 611.4 billion of debt as part of the transaction. We intend to increase the efficiency of our network utilization and provide optimal services by internalizing transmission lines.

We use a cellular network surveillance system. This system oversees the operation of cell sites and allows us to monitor our main equipment located throughout the country from one monitoring station. The automatic inspection and testing provided to the cell sites lets the system immediately rebalance to the most suitable setting, and the surveillance system provides automatic dispatch of repair teams and quick recovery in emergency situations.

Our Services

We offer wireless digital voice and data transmission services via networks that collectively can access approximately 99% of the Korean population. We continually upgrade and increase the capacity of our wireless networks to keep pace with advancements in technology, the growth of our subscriber base and the increased usage of voice and wireless data services by our subscribers.

For a discussion of our backbone networks, see “— Digital Cellular Network” above.


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Cellular Voice Services

Our cellular voice services, which comprise basic wireless voice transmission services and related“value-added” “value-added” services, as well as global roaming services, remain our core business area. We derive revenues from our cellular voice services principally through initial subscription fees, plan-specific monthly fees, usage fees and value-added service fees. For a more complete description of the fees we charge, see “— Revenues Rates and Subscription Deposits”Rates” below.

To complement our basic voice transmission services, in recent years, we have begun to offer increasingly sophisticated and differentiated subscriber-oriented value-added services made possible due to rapid advancements in network technology. Our most popular value-added voice-related services in 20102011 included services that provide a record of missed calls in the event a subscriber’s mobile phone is engaged or switched off, known as our “Call Keeper” service; services that play a “ring back” melody in lieu of a conventional dial tone when callers dial a subscriber’s mobile phone, known as “COLORing” service, as well as COLORing services that periodically change the default ring-back melody according to the subscriber’s music category selection, known as “Auto COLORing” service,service; and services that alert subscribers when a dialed number that was engaged when first dialed is no longer engaged.

We also offer cellular global roaming services, branded as our “T-Roaming” service, through service agreements with various foreign wireless telecommunications service providers. Global roaming services allow subscribers traveling abroad to make and receive calls, often using their regular mobile phone numbers. Subscribers using EV-DO-andEV-DO- and WCDMA-capable handsets are able to make and receive calls using their regular mobile phone number without changing their handsets. In addition, we provide global roaming service to foreigners traveling to Korea. In such cases, we generally receive a fee from the traveler’s local wireless service provider.

Our global roaming service is offered in three technologies, in part depending on which mobile phone standards are available in a particular region: CDMA, GSM and WCDMA roaming. We currently offer CDMA voice roaming services in 1918 countries, GSM voice roaming services in 183 countries and WCDMA voice roaming services in 74 countries. In addition, we offer CDMA data roaming services in 9 countries, GSM data roaming services in 7691 countries and WCDMA data roaming services in 7280 countries. In 2010,2011, approximately 7.68.9 million subscribers utilized our global roaming services.

In addition, we provide interconnection service to connect our networks to domestic and internationalfixed-line and other wireless networks. See “— Interconnection” below.

Wireless Data Services (including Wireless Internet Services)

Our wireless data transmission services represent a key and growing business area. We currently offer our subscribers wireless data communications services, as well as wireless access to a wide variety of digital content and services, including Internet-based content and services. We intend to continue to build our wireless data services as a platform for growth, extending our portfolio of wireless data services and developing new content for our subscribers.

We plan to take advantage of the efficiency of our wireless network in order to enable our clients to easily access the Internet. We are in the process of expanding and upgrading our main 3G network as well as building anand our LTE network for commercialization bynetwork. We commenced commercial LTE services in July 2011.2011, which is capable of supporting data transmission at a speed substantially faster than that of our 3G services. We also continue to invest in our Wi-Fi network by, among other things, utilizing WiBro as a backhaul. We plan to increase the number of Wi-Fi hot zones substantially, as well as provide Wi-Fi services into approximately 90,000 by the 5GHz range, where the radio traffic is light, in order to reduce radio interference and increase speed.

end of 2012.

Wireless Data, SMS and MMS Services.    We provide wireless data communication services, including our basic short text message service, or SMS, which allows subscribers to send and receive short text messages to and from their mobile phones and other devices. SMS, which is also known as our “phone mail” service, continues to be one of our most popular data transmission services. In addition to text-only SMS, we also offer a multimedia message service, or MMS. MMS allows subscribers to send and receive multimedia messages containing graphic, audio and video clips to and from their mobile phones. While MMS is possible through our CDMA network, the implementation of WCDMA technologyand LTE technologies has significantly increased the quality, speed and range of our multimedia message services.


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Wireless Internet Services.    In addition to our wireless data communications services, we also offer our subscribers wireless access to the Internet, primarily through our “NATE” portal, which is our integrated wired and wireless Internet platform that utilizes wireless application protocol, or WAP, technology, to provide a gateway between our cellular network and the Internet. We also provide our smartphone subscribers with direct access to the Internet using mobile Internet technology. Through our NATE portal, subscribers can access a wide variety of multimedia contents and interactive services, as well as send and receive email and instant text and multimedia messages, using their mobile phones and other wireless devices. As of December 31, 2010,2011, approximately 23.822.3 million, or 92.7%84.1%, of our subscribers owned Internet-enabled handsets capable of accessing our wireless Internet services.

 

Wireless Entertainment and Community Services:    We offer our subscribers a wide range of wireless entertainment-related contents and services, primarily through content-specific portal sites that we operate, including:

 

MelOn,a music portal operated by our consolidated subsidiary, Loen Entertainment, Inc., that provides wireless access to a wide range of digital music contents. To aggregate and manage our digital music contents offerings, we also operate an integrated wireless and fixed-line MelOn website, which subscribers can access using wireless devices, such as their mobile phones, smartphones, tablet computers and MP3 players, as well as fixed-line devices, such as personal computers. As of December 31, 2010,2011, we had approximately 14.916.0 million subscribers to our MelOn service;

 

Gaming Services,which we offer subscribers through our NATE portal. For example, we offer a variety of multi-player, interactive mobile games, as well as animation-based mobile games. In addition, we also offer 3D mobile games that subscribers can download to mobile phones and other wireless devices equipped with a mobile gaming-specific chip;

 

Nate Movie,a movie portal, which provides subscribers access to a broad range of movie-related contents. As with our MelOn service, we operate an integrated wireless and fixed-line website, which subscribers can access using both wireless and fixed-line devices. Subscribers can also purchase movie tickets, check theater schedules and purchasevideo-on-demand contents through our Nate portal; and

 

Hoppin, a network-based personalized media platform through which we provide various video contents that can be viewed from multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets and personal computers. We provide more than 10,000 titles of movies, television programs and music videos through Hoppin; and

Mobile Cyworld,a wireless web community portal site, which is a mobile version of the Cyworld community site operated by our consolidated subsidiary, SK Communications Co., Ltd. For a more detailed description of the fixed-line Cyworld portal, see “— Other Products and Services — Other Portal Services — Community Portal Service”.

 

Wireless Financial and Commercial Services:    We also offer our subscribers a range of wireless finance-related contents and m-commerce services. Our wireless financial and commercial businesses include:

 

Moneta,a financial portal that allows subscribers to use their mobile phones to access an array of financial contents and services relating to securities trading, insurance, real estate and personal asset management;

 

T-cash,T-Money,a mobile payment technology that allows subscribers to use their mobile phones to pay for public transportation fares in lieu of cash payment or pre-paid transportation cards and to make payments at certain affiliated stores. T-cash requires a WCDMA-capableWCDMA- or LTE-capable handset with a built-in universal subscriber identity module, or USIM, card;

 

M-Banking,a banking portal, which provides access to certain electronic banking services operated by participating commercial banks, and, accordingly, enables subscribers to perform certain banking transactions, such as account inquiries, wire transfers and credit card payments, through their mobile phones;

 

11th11th Street,an online shopping mall operated by our consolidated subsidiary, SK Planet Co., Ltd., that links wired and wireless shopping services. As of December 31, 2010,2011, 11th Street had strengthened its position as one of the three biggest enterprises in its field. In 2011,2012, we intend to continue to expand and reinforce our new businesses to capitalize on future commerce markets such as m-Commercem-commerce markets;


31


 

T Store, an online open marketplace for mobile applications.applications operated by our consolidated subsidiary, SK Planet Co., Ltd. T Store is open to, and operates with, other open markets such as the Android market and manufacturers’ open markets. We plan to construct an environment where outstanding developers of mobile applications can be nurtured and high-quality content can be produced; and

 

Gifticon,a service that allows users to pay for and give gifts using their mobile phone. Payments are settled wirelessly and recipients are notified of their gifts by instant messaging or via our NATE data service.

 

Wireless News and Search Services:    We offer our subscribers a range of wireless news and search services, including access to domestic and international news content, dictionary resources and real-time weather information. Subscribers can also search for and purchase books, DVD’s, CDs and lottery tickets, as well as download discount coupons for use at offline stores.

Broadband Internet and Fixed-line Telephone Services

In March 2008, we completed the acquisition of an additional 38.7% equity stake in SK Broadband for approximately Won 1.1 trillion, increasing our total equity interest in SK Broadband to 43.4%. In 2009, we purchased additional shares of SK Broadband’s common stock, further increasing our equity interest to 50.6%.

Through SK Broadband, we currently provide broadband Internet access service and other Internet-related services, includingvideo-on-demand and IP TV services, as well as fixed-line telephone services and corporate data services.

SK Broadband is the second largest provider of broadband Internet access services in Korea in terms of both revenue and subscribers, and its network covers 85% of households in Korea as of December 31, 2010.2011. Its fixed-line telephone services comprise local, domestic long distance, international long distance and voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, services. VoIP is an advanceda technology that transmits voice data through an Internet Protocol network. SK Broadband has offeredvideo-on-demand services since 2006 and has rolled out real-time IP TV services since January 2009. For the year ended December 31, 2010,2011, SK Broadband and its subsidiaries had revenues of Won 2,111.82,312.6 billion and net loss of Won 60.6 billion.

14.2 billion, compared to revenues of Won 2,137.5 billion and net loss of Won 119.8 billion in 2010.

As of December 31, 2010,2011, SK Broadband had approximately 4.04.2 million broadband Internet access subscribers. According to the KCC, its market share of Korean broadband Internet access subscribers was approximately 20.9%23.5%. Broadband Internet access services (including revenues fromvideo-on-demand services) accounted for 52.4%49.0% of SK Broadband’s revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010.

2011.

As of December 31, 2010,2011, SK Broadband had approximately 3.84.2 million fixed-line telephone subscribers (including subscribers to VoIP services). Since the nationwide implementation of fixed line number portability on August 1, 2004, SK Broadband has been expanding the coverage and subscriber base with its integrated services of long distance and international telephony as well as VoIP services. Fixed-line telephone services accounted for 27.3%25.3% of SK Broadband’s revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010.

2011.

In addition, through our 83.5% owned subsidiary, SK Telink Co., Ltd., we provide international telecommunications services, including direct-dial as well as pre- and post-paid card calling services, bundled services for corporate customers, voice services using Internet protocol,Web-to-phone services, and data services. SK Telink provides affordable international call services under the brand name “00700” and has been offering commercial long-distance telephony service since February 2005. SK Telink also operates certain value-added domestic telephone services, including a “080” service that allows companies to establish “toll-free” customer service telephone hotlines, for which all call charges are paid by the company, as well as a “general corporate number” service that automatically routes calls made to a company’s general telephone number to the caller’s nearest local branch. SK Telink also provides satellite DMB service after its merger with TU Media in November 2010.

Digital Convergence and New Businesses

We believe that digital convergence is the new paradigm in telecommunications. While we acknowledge as a potential threat the increasing equivocation of conventional industry boundaries and the entrance of non-traditional players into the mobile communications space, we also view convergence as a significant growth opportunity. We believe that incumbent telecommunications service providers, like us, with existing advanced infrastructure,


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technical know-how and a large subscriber base, are especially well positioned to pioneer new “convergent” businesses. In recent years, we have focused on developing cross-over services that provide synergies with our existing business.

One of our recent efforts to pursue new opportunities in the convergence business area is our acquisition of an equity stake in SK Broadband, as described above. In order to solidify our presence in the fixed-mobile convergence marketplace, in September 2009, we also acquired the leased line business of SK Networks. We are hoping to continue to benefit from a range of synergies from these acquisitions, including by offering our customers bundled fixed-line, mobile telecommunications, broadband Internet and IP TV services. We also believe the acquisitions create opportunities to aggregate and broadcast digital content across various media platforms.

In February 2010, we purchased shares newly issued by Hana SK Card Co., Ltd., a credit card and related services provider, for a total purchase price of Won 402400 billion. As a result, we currently hold 49.0% of the total outstanding shares of Hana SK Card. We expect that this acquisition of shares will enable us to provide cross-over services between telecommunication and finance.

Our other convergence and new businesses include:

Platform Business.    We laid the foundation for ourOur platform business in 2010 by expanding variousprovides business platforms includingand technological support systems for third-party content developers and merchants. These platforms include T Store, our T Storeonline marketplace for mobile applications, 11th Street, our online shopping mall, and MelOn music services, as well as establishing support systems forthird-party content developers.among others. We plan to grow our platform business by sharing our telecommunication infrastructure with other service providers and application developers. In addition, we plan to grow our industry productivity enhancement, or IPE, business division to generate greater value and growth for both us and our customers and partners around the globe. For a discussion of IPE, see “— Our Business Strategy.”

In MayOctober 2011, we announced our plan to spin off our platform business into a wholly-owned subsidiary in order to develop a management system and corporate culture that is more suitable for the platform business and facilitate the expeditious execution of business strategies. Details ofstrategies, we spun off our platform business into a new wholly-owned subsidiary, SK Planet Co., Ltd. SK Planet operates our platform business in the spin-off plan have not been decided yetmarketplace for digital content, T Store, and in the plan is subjectopen marketplace for online shopping and m-commerce, 11th Street. It also plans to the final approvalenhance its enterprise value by our Board of Directors.

expanding its business into media and advertising platforms.

Satellite DMB Business.    In September 2003, we entered into an agreement with Mobile Broadcasting Corporation for the purposes of co-owning and launching a satellite for the satellite DMB business. Under the terms of the agreement, we committed to fund 34.7% of the cost of launching and maintaining the operations of the satellite. The aggregate acquisition cost of the satellite was approximately Won 205.2 billion, of which we committed to pay Won 71.2 billion.Digital multimedia broadcasting, or DMB, technology allows broadcasting of multimedia content through transmission by satellite to various mobile devices. For example, DMB technology allows users to view satellite television broadcasts on mobile phones, portable handsets or vehicle-mounted televisions that are enabled to receive DMB transmission. We believe that this business will enable us to improve the breadth of wireless multimedia services that we already offer and to remain competitive in the face of increasing convergence in the telecommunications and broadcasting industries.

We launched a satellite DMB in March 2004. In October 2004, we granted the right to use the satellite DMB to our then-affiliate, TU Media, which began to provide commercial satellite DMB services in May 2005. In February 2007, we purchased 4,615,798 new shares of TU Media for Won 32.4 billion, increasing our equity interest to 32.7%. Following this equity investment, TU Media became our consolidated subsidiary. In March 2008, we made an additional Won 55.0 billion capital contribution to TU Media, increasing our equity interest to 44.2%. In November 2010, TU Media merged with and into SK Telink Co., Ltd., our consolidated subsidiary. SK Telink is currently Korea’s sole operator of satellite DMB services. SK Telink currently offers a range of broadcast content including education, games, drama, music, news and culture over more than 3540 channels, including TUBOX, apay-per-view movie channel that broadcasts movies before their DVD release. As of December 31, 2010,2011, SK Telink had more than 1.81.17 million subscribers to its satellite DMB services.

Telematics Service.    In February 2002, we introduced a Telematics service called T-Map Navigation.Navigation, which is currently operated by our consolidated subsidiary, SK Planet. T-Map Navigation is an interactive navigation service that uses GPS technology and our NATE platform to transmit driving directions, real-time traffic updates and emergency rescue assistance to wireless devices, includingvehicle-mounted devices and portable handsets.


33


We believe that Telematics also creates opportunities for synergy between mobile telecommunications and other industries. Under an agreement entered into in October 2010 with Renault Samsung Motors and Samsung Electronics, we are co-developing a customized Telematics system to provide T-Map Navigation service in Renault Samsung vehicles. We have also agreed with Fine Digital Inc., the second largest producer of navigation devices in Korea, to provide T-Map Navigation services through navigation devices manufactured by it. The implementation of more advanced 3G and 4G transmission technologies has also facilitated the increased integration of our wireless platforms customized for vehicular use and, in particular, created synergies between our Telematics services and satellite DMB broadcasting services. We offer bundled Telematics and satellite DMB broadcasting services through a single, integrated vehicle-mounted device.

Advertising Service.    In July 2011, we launched our mobile “in-app” advertising service called T Ad, which uses various smartphone applications as advertising media. T Ad can provide more efficient advertising service by specifically targeting a desired audience based on the user information we have. We plan to develop our T Ad service into a growing business model by collaborating with application developers and advertisers.

Portal Services.

 

Fixed-line NATE portal service.    Our subsidiary, SK Communications, offers a fixed-line portal service under our “NATE” brand name and at the websitewww.NATE.com. NATE.com includes information and content formerly offered under our Netsgo brand as well as the content and services formerly available on Lycos Korea, which our subsidiary, SK Communications, acquired in 2002. NATE.com offers a wide variety of content and services, including an Internet search engine, as well as access to freee-mail accounts. accounts.

SK Communications also operates NATE-ON, an instant messaging service available to NATE users. NATE-ON allows users to chat online using a variety of wireless, as well as wired, devices, such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants and portable computers.

 

Community Portal Service.    “Cyworld”, also operated by SK Communications, is one of the most popular online community portal services in Korea. Cyworld is a social networking site that encompasses anever-expanding virtual forum where users can meet to exchange information and ideas and share multimedia contents, including through the publication of personal homepages and blog sites. We have also sought to expand our global reach by launching Cyworld service in overseas markets, including China. While retaining many aspects of the original Korean version that make Cyworld unique among social networking sites, we have redesigned foreign versions of Cyworld to make it more appealing to local audiences. As of December 31, 2010,2011, our Cyworld portal service had over 8026 million registered users globally, including 25 million in Korea and 55 million in China.Korea. In March 2004, we launched “Mobile Cyworld”, allowing wireless subscribers to access the Cyworld portal community site through their cellular phones. In September 2009, we launched an application store on Cyworld.

In November 2007, SK Communications merged with Empas Corp., an Internet search engine and portal site. We believe the merger created valuable convergence synergies among our NATE, Cyworld and Empas services. In 2009, we integrated the Cyworld website into Nate.com, and the search traffic on Nate.com has grown substantially following the integration.

Global Business

We participate in various overseas markets and continue to seek opportunities to expand our global business.

United States.    On March 24, 2005, we entered into a joint venture with EarthLink Inc., a major Internet services provider in the United States, and formed HELIO, LLC a Delaware limited liability company, to provide wireless voice and data services in the United States. We and EarthLink Inc. made a combined investment in HELIO of US$440 million in cash and non-cash assets. In 2007 and the first half of 2008, we made additional equity contributions of US$160 million in aggregate to HELIO.

In August 2008, together with EarthLink, we sold our equity interest in HELIO to Virgin Mobile USA, Inc., a provider of wireless communications services in the United States that was founded as a joint venture between Sprint Nextel Corporation and the Virgin Group, in exchange for limited partnership units of Virgin Mobile USA, L.P. (Virgin Mobile USA, Inc.’s operating company), which were valued at approximately US$31 million at the time of sale. In December 2008, we exchanged all of our limited partnership units of Virgin Mobile USA for approximately 11 million shares of Virgin Mobile USA, Inc.’s Class A common stock.
In connection with the sale of HELIO, we and the Virgin Group each invested US$25 million of equity capital in Virgin Mobile USA, Inc. in exchange for mandatory convertible preferred stock, convertible into Virgin Mobile


34


USA, Inc.’s Class A common stock. On November 24, 2009, Virgin Mobile USA, Inc. merged with Sprint Nextel Corporation. Pursuant to the terms of the merger, all of theCorporation and our shares of Class A common stock owned by us, including Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of the preferred stock, were converted into the right to receive shares of series 1 voting common stock of Sprint Nextel Corporation. We received 1.2279 shares of such series 1 voting common stock of Sprint Nextel Corporation per one share of Class A common stock of Virgin Mobile USA, Inc. and cashwere exchanged into shares of Sprint Nextel Corporation in lieu of fractional shares.connection with the merger. In 2010, we sold all of the shares of Sprint Nextel Corporation held by us.
Since December 2004,

In November 2010, we have been also offering our COLORing solutionacquired a 3.3% equity interest in LightSquared Inc. for approximately $60 million. LightSquared Inc. plans to Verizon Wireless,build a major mobile phone service providerwholesale wireless broadband network in the United States. As an application service provider, we receive a previously agreed percentage of Verizon’s COLORing service related revenues.

States but the Federal Communications Commission has recently proposed to suspend its license due to signal interference with the global positioning system.

China.    In February 2004, we and China Unicom, the second largest telecom operator and the only CDMA-based telecommunications service provider in China, established a joint venture company called UNISK Information Technology Co., Ltd., with an aggregate initial investment of approximately US$6 million. We owned a 49% stake of UNISK and China Unicom held a 51% stake. In addition, onOn July 5, 2006, we purchased US$1 billion in aggregate principal amount of zero coupon convertible bonds issued by China Unicom, convertible into common shares of China Unicom. In August 2007, we converted such bonds into shares representing a 6.6% equity interest in China Unicom to become China Unicom’s second-largest shareholder. In October 2008, China Unicom merged with China Netcom Group Corporation (Hong Kong) Limited, a leading broadband communications and fixed-line telecommunications operator in China. As a result of the merger, our equity interest in China Unicom, which is the surviving entity after the merger, decreased to 3.8% from 6.6%. On November 5, 2009, we sold all of the shares of the common stock of China Unicom held by us to China Unicom. We no longer hold any shares in China Unicom.

In July 2004, we, through our subsidiaryU-Land Company Ltd., acquired ViaTech, an Internet portal service and mobile content provider in China, to enhance our wireless Internet content and expand our service area. Through ViaTech, we offer aChinese-language version of Cyworld to users in China. ViaTech had more than 55 million registered users of Cyworld as of December 31, 2010.
In August 2006, we entered into a memorandum of understanding with China’s National Development and Reform Commission to assist China develop TD-SCDMA technology, China’s 3G standard. To support joint research and development in 3G multimedia services, value-added services and development of the TD-SCDMA network, we and the Chinese government established a research and development center in Beijing in February 2007. To further facilitate the commercialization and implementation of TD-SCDMA, we also opened a TD-SCDMA test center in Bundang, Korea in April 2007.

In February 2008, through our wholly-owned Chinese subsidiary, SK Telecom China Holding Company, we invested US$15.6 million to acquire a 65.5% equity interest in ShenzhenE-eye High Tech Co., Ltd., a global positioning system service company in China. In 2009, ShenzhenE-eye High Tech and SK Marketing & Company established a joint venture to provide telematics services in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. We believe the acquisition of ShenzhenE-eye High Tech allows us to leverage opportunities created by the rapidly growing telematics market in China.

In March 2008, we acquired a 42.2% equity interest in TR Music, a major record label in China, for US$10.7 million. In addition, in May 2008 we invested US$7.8 million to acquire a 30.0% equity interest in Magic Tech Network, a Hong Kong company that develops and publishes online games in China.

In August 2010, we set up a joint venture with China Railway No. 2 Engineering Group to build and run a smart city system at Jinma Smart City Project in Chengdu, China. The joint venture was foundedfunded with Won 2.8 billion of capital, with 60% and 40% of its shares owned by us and China Railway No. 2 Engineering Group, respectively.

Mongolia.  In July 1999, we acquired a 27.8% equity interest in Skytel Co., Ltd., Mongolia’s second-largest cellular service provider, by providing approximately Won 1.5 billion worth of analog infrastructure. We, together with Skytel, have been providing cellular service in Mongolia since July 1999, and CDMA service since February 2001. In April 2001, we completed installation of the equipment necessary to provide WAP service. In December 2002, we increased our equity interest in Skytel to 28.6% through the subscription of newly issued common shares in return for an additional investment of approximately US$500,000. In 2010, we reduced our equity interest in Skytel to 17.0% by selling 820,943 shares and sold the remaining shares in January 2011.


35


Malaysia.    In July 2010, we acquired a 27.2% equity interest in Packet One Network, or P1, a Malaysian 4G WiMAX Telecommunications company and subsidiary of Green Packet Berhad, for US$101 million. In connection with P1’s plan to increase its capital, we announced in May 2011 our plan to makemade an additional investment of MYR50 million (approximately US$16.3 million)pro ratato in 2011, which increased our ownership interest.interest to 28.2%. In March 2012, we made an additional investment of MYR 50.5 million by purchasing P1’s convertible preferred shares. P1 is the first WiMAX service provider in the country which has established itself as the market leader in high-speed wireless broadband services. We also consider such investment in P1 as groundwork for our IPE business expansion abroad and expect the strategic relationship with P1 to create powerful synergies, attracting potential IPE customers and business partners in the process.

Indonesia.    In May 2010, we agreed with PT. Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk, or TELKOM, the largest telecommunication company in Indonesia, to establish a joint venture to launch and operate a digital content exchange hub, or DCEH, in Indonesia. DCEH is a new type of content distribution system to distribute digital content like music, games and video clips for access not only by consumers but also by online music stores and telephone operators. We will provide management expertise in building the DCEH business platform and digital content, while TELKOM will provide its knowledge of the Indonesian market utilizing its position as a key player in the Indonesian telecommunication industry. We consider this joint venture as another example of our IPE business expansion abroad.

Regional and International Strategic Alliances.    We have also entered into various strategic alliances with leading companies in the Asian and European wireless telecommunications markets. For instance, we are a member of the Bridge Alliance, the largest pan-Asian alliance of its kind, which includes eleven of the region’s leading wireless service providers. In June 2007, we also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Freemove Alliance, an alliance of leading European wireless service providers, including Orange SA of France, Telecom Italia Mobile S.p.A. of Italy,T-Mobile International AG & Co. AG of Germany and Teliasonera Mobile Networks AB of Sweden, for the development of expanded WCDMA-based roaming service in Europe. We plan to continue to improve customer service as well as service quality, by developing co-marketing programs and other joint projects with our regional and global partners and by further fostering our regional and international alliances.

Provision of Wireless Internet Platforms and Cellular Network Solutions to Foreign Cellular Network Operators.    We have also sought to expand our global business through sales of our wireless Internet platforms and cellular network solutions, as well as provision of consulting services in the field of mobile communications. In addition, we have also been successful in exporting to other Asian countries and the United States the technological solutions underlying certain value-added and other wireless services, such as our color mail solution, which is a messaging service that allows subscribers to send messages containing multimedia files including graphic, audio and video clips.

Revenues Rates and Subscription DepositsRates

Our wirelesscellular revenues are generated principally from initial subscription fees, monthly plan-based fees, usage charges for outgoing voice calls, usage charges for wireless data services, value-added-service fees and interconnection revenue. The following table sets forth information regarding our cellular revenues (net of taxes) and facility deposits for the periods indicated:

             
  As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
  2008 2009 2010
  (In billions of Won)
 
Initial Subscription Fees W400.2  W403.8  W326.2 
Monthly Fees  4,348.0   4,945.0   5,453.6 
Usage Charges(1)  5,654.9   5,385.6   5,277.5 
Interconnection Revenue  1,149.2   1,158.0   1,141.2 
Revenue from Sales of Digital Handsets     185.3   534.4 
Other Cellular Revenue(2)  26.8   13.9   105.8 
Total W11,579.1  W12,091.6  W12,838.7 
Additional Subscription Deposits W2.7  W2.7  W2.4 
Refunded Subscription Deposits  4.3   2.1   2.6 
Subscription Deposits at Period End  4.8   5.4   5.2 

   As of or for the Year Ended
December 31,
 
   2010   2011 
   (In billions of Won) 

Initial Subscription Fees

  (Won)386.4    (Won)369.4  

Monthly Fees

   4,693.4     4,635.2  

Usage Charges(1)

   5,554.7     5,455.0  

Interconnection Revenue

   1,168.7     1,090.9  

Revenue from Sales of Digital Handsets

   534.5     787.5  

Other Cellular Revenue(2)

   582.6     763.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)12,920.3    (Won)13,101.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)Usage charges principally include revenues from monthly plan-based fees, usage charges for outgoing voice calls, usage charges for wireless data services, value-added-service fees, as well as international charges and interest on overdue subscriber accounts (net of telephone tax).

(2)Other cellular revenue includes revenue from the sale and licensing of Internet platform solutions.


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We charge our new customers an initial subscription fee for initial connection and service activation. In addition to the initial subscription fee, we require our customers to pay monthly plan-based fees, usage charges for outgoing voice calls and usage charges for wireless data services. We do not charge our customers for incoming calls, although we do receive interconnection charges from KT and other companies for calls from the fixed-line network terminating on our networks and interconnection revenues from other wireless network operators. See “— Interconnection”. Monthly plan-based fees for some plans include free airtimeand/or discounts for designated calling numbers. We bill subscribers on a monthly basis and subscribers may make payment at a bank, post office or at any of our authorized dealers.

We offer a variety of differentiated Standard Rate Plans that are designed to meet a wide range of subscriber needs and interests. Popular Standard Rate Plans include our couples discount plan, region discount plan and friends and family discount plan. The basic monthly fee for our Standard Rate Plans ranges from Won 10,000 to Won 110,000. We also offer fixed rate plans to smartphone users with flat rates ranging from Won 35,00034,000 to Won 95,000100,000 per month.

In addition, we offer optional “add-on” service plans, which may supplement the basic service plan a subscriber has chosen, including:

 

Data Plans,, which target subscribers with high usage patterns for wireless data transmission and wireless Internet services. We offer various Data Plans that provide wireless data services for monthly fees ranging from Won 3,500 to Won 22,500.

 

Videoconferencing Plans, for subscribers to our 3G services, which we provide primarily using our WCDMA and CDMA EV-DO network.4G services. The basic monthly fee for our Videoconferencing Plans ranges between Won 3,5005,000 and Won 9,000.30,000.

The KCC has periodically reviewed the tariffs charged by wireless operators and has, from time to time, suggested tariff reductions. Although these suggestions are not binding, we have in the past implemented some tariff reductions in response to KCC recommendations. We began to provide Caller ID service to customers free of charge commencing January 1, 2006. In January 2007, we reduced our usage fees for wireless Internet services by 30% and in October 2007 we began providing a 50% discount on usage fees between our subscribers for a fixed payment of Won 2,500 per month. In addition, in January 2008 we reduced our SMS usage charges from Won 30 per message to Won 20 per message. In March 2008, we reduced usage charges for voice calls between family members by 50%. In November 2009, we also adopted various tariff reduction measures, including a reduction of the initial subscription fee from Won 50,000 to Won 36,000 and an increase in discounts for long-term subscribers.

In March 2010, we began to charge voice calls on a per-second basis, rather than per ten seconds as previously charged, and effectively reduced the usage charges. In June 2011, we announced further tariff reduction measures, including a reduction of the monthly fee by Won 1,000 for every subscriber, an exemption of SMS usage charges up to 50 messages per month and the introduction of flexible service plans for smartphone users.users, which were implemented in the second half of 2011. See “Item 5.A. Operating Results — Overview”.

For all calls made from our subscribers’ handsets in Korea to any destination in Korea, we charge usage fees based on a subscriber’s cellular rate plan. The fees are the same whether the call is local or long distance. With respect to international calls placed by a subscriber, we bill the subscriber the international rate charged by the Korean international telephone service provider through which the call is routed. We remit to that provider the international charge less our usage charges. See “— Interconnection”.

We offer a variety of value-added services, including our ring back tone (COLORing), Auto COLORing, Call Keeper and Perfect Call services. Depending on the rate plan selected by the subscriber, the monthly fee may or may not include these value-added services, except Caller ID and call waiting services, which are offered free of charge to all beginning subscribers.

We offer wireless Internet access services to our subscribers through NATE or, in the case of smartphone users, directly using mobile Internet technology. Our subscribers may elect to pay a monthly fee, which includes a fixed amount of airtime or data packets or unlimited amount of data for certain monthly plans with higher monthly fees, or may elect to pay on a variable, usage basis. The data transmitted is measured in packets of 512 bytes. We charge Won 4.55 per text packet, Won 0.9 per multimedia packet for large volume data transfers, and Won 1.75 per


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multimedia packet for smaller volume data transfers. In addition, we charge subscribers for purchases of certain digital contents and for certain wireless services, such as m-commerce transaction services.
Until February 2007, we generally required new subscribers (other than certain corporate and Government subscribers) to pay a non-interest bearing subscription deposit of Won 200,000, which we utilized to offset a defaulting subscriber’s outstanding account balance. Since March 2007, we generally no longer require new subscribers to pay the subscription deposit. We refund the subscription deposit to any existing subscriber who had initially made a subscription deposit and later requests such subscription deposit to be refunded. As a result of the subscription insurance program and the termination of the subscription deposit requirement, we have refunded a substantial amount of subscription deposits, and subscription deposits decreased from Won 21.1 billion as of December 31, 2006 to Won 5.2 billion as of December 31, 2010. We do not expect to have to refund a significant amount of subscription deposits in the future, because we believe that most of our subscribers who wish to have the subscription deposit refunded have already done so.

Because we have been designated by the KCC as a “market dominant service provider”, any modification to our fees, charges or the terms and condition of our service, including promotional rates, and subscription deposits, requires prior approval by the KCC; provided, however, that such pre-approval of the KCC is not required, if we are planning to reduce the rates for each type of services that we provide under the KCC-approved contractual terms.

We also charge our customers a 10.0% value-added tax. We can offset the value-added tax we collect from our customers against value-added tax refundable to us by the Korean tax authorities. We remit taxes we collect from our customers to the Korean tax authorities. We record revenues in our financial statements net of such taxes.

Subscribers

We had 26.026.5 million wireless subscribers as of MarchJanuary 31, 2011,2012, representing a market share of 50.6%50.4%, the largest market share among Korean wireless service providers. We believe that, historically, our subscriber growth has been due toaffected by many factors, including:

our expansion and technical enhancement of our networks, including with high-speed data capabilities;

increasing consumer awareness of the benefits of wireless telecommunications;

• our expansion and technical enhancement of our networks, including with high-speed data capabilities;
• increasing consumer awareness of the benefits of wireless telecommunications;
• an effective marketing strategy;
• our focus on customer service;
• the introduction of new, value-added services, such as COLORing, wireless Internet services and various mobile applications; and
• our acquisition of Shinsegi in January 2002.


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an effective marketing strategy;

our focus on customer service;

the introduction of new, value-added services, such as COLORing, wireless Internet services and various mobile applications; and

the negative impact from highly saturated and competitive wireless market conditions.


The following table sets forth selected historical information about our subscriber base for the periods indicated:
             
  As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
  2008 2009 2010
 
Wireless:            
Subscribers  23,032,045   24,269,553   25,705,049 
Subscribers Growth Rate  4.8%  5.4%  5.9%
Activations  8,493,340   8,821,695   9,651,343 
Deactivations  7,429,464   7,284,187   8,215,847 
Average Monthly Churn Rate(1)  2.7%  2.7%  2.7%
Broadband Internet:            
Subscribers  3,543,669   3,846,597   4,001,907 
Subscribers Growth Rate  (3.1)%  8.5%  4.0%
Fixed-line Telephone (including VoIP):            
Subscribers  2,055,981   3,023,068   3,845,650 
Subscribers Growth Rate  1.2%  47.0%  27.2%

   As of or for the Year Ended December 31, 
   2009  2010  2011 

Wireless:

    

Subscribers

   24,269,553    25,705,049    26,497,267(1) 

Subscribers Growth Rate

   5.4  5.9  3.1

Activations

   8,821,695    9,651,343    9,412,166  

Deactivations

   7,284,187    8,215,847    8,619,271  

Average Monthly Churn Rate(2)

   2.7  2.7  2.7

Broadband Internet:

    

Subscribers

   3,846,597    4,001,907    4,191,892  

Subscribers Growth Rate

   8.5  4.0  4.7

Fixed-line Telephone (including VoIP):

    

Subscribers

   3,023,068    3,845,650    4,203,567  

Subscribers Growth Rate

   47.0  27.2  9.3

(1)Does not include 55,449 subscribers of MVNOs that lease our wireless networks.

(2)Average monthly churn rate for a period is the number calculated by dividing the sum of deactivations during the period by the simple average of the number of subscribers at the beginning and end of the period and dividing the quotient by the number of months in the period. Churn includes subscribers who upgrade to the next generation service, such as CDMA 1xEV/ DO, WCDMA or WCDMA,LTE, by terminating their service and opening a new subscriber account.

We had 25.726.5 million wireless subscribers as of December 31, 2010.2011. For the year ended December 31, 2010,2011, we had 9.79.4 million activations and 8.28.6 million deactivations, representing an average monthly churn rate of 2.7% during the same period. Our subscribers include those subscribers who are temporarily deactivated, including (1) subscribers who voluntarily deactivate temporarily for a period of up to three months no more than twice a year and (2) subscribers with delinquent accounts who may be involuntarily deactivated up to two months before permanent deactivation, which we determine based on various factors, including prior payment history.

Number Portability

Prior to January 2003, Korea’s wireless telecommunications system was based on a network-specific prefix system, in which a unique prefix was assigned to all the phone numbers of a specific network operator. We were assigned the “011” prefix, and all of our subscriber’s mobile phone numbers began with “011” (former Shinsegi subscribers use the “017” prefix) and our subscribers could not change their wireless phone service to another wireless operator and keep their existing numbers. In January 2003, the MIC announced a plan to implement number portability with respect to wireless telecommunications services in Korea, allowing wireless subscribers to switch wireless service operators while retaining the same mobile phone number. As mandated by the MIC, we were the first wireless telecommunications provider to introduce number portability in January 1, 2004, allowing our customers to transfer their numbers to our competitors. Our competitors’ customers were not able to transfer their number to our service, however, until KT and LG Telecom introduced number portability beginning July 1, 2004 and January 1, 2005, respectively. Subscribers who choose to transfer to a different wireless operator have the right to return to their original service provider without paying any penalties within 14 days of their initial transfer.

In 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2010,2011, respectively, approximately 3.0 million, 3.03.6 million and 3.64.0 million subscribers switched their wireless telecommunications service provider from us to KT or LG U+, and approximately 3.1 million, 3.13.7 million and 3.73.9 million subscribers switched from KT or LG U+ to us.

In 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2010,2011, respectively, we gained approximately 1.0 million, 1.2 million, 1.4 million and 1.40.8 million new subscribers, which represented approximately 50.4%52.9%, 52.9%50.8% and 50.8%59.3% of the aggregate number of new wireless subscribers gained by us, KT and LG U+ in each year.


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In addition, in order to manage the availability of phone numbers efficiently and to secure phone number resources for the services, the Government has begun to integrate mobile telephone identification numbers into a common prefix identification number “010” and to gradually retract the current mobile service identification numbers which had been unique to each wireless telecommunications service provider, including “011” for our cellular services, starting from 2004. All new subscribers are given the “010” prefix starting January 2004. The KCC plans to continue to pursue the integration process and complete the integration process by around 2018, when all mobile telephone numbers would have the prefix identification number “010”.

For 2010,2011, our churn rate ranged from 2.3%2.5% to 3.1%3.0%, with an average churn rate of 2.7% for 2010,2011, which remained unchanged from 2009.2010. For details regarding certain fines imposed on us by the MIC in connection with our marketing efforts related to the number portability system, see “Item 8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Legal Proceedings — MIC and KCC Proceedings”.

Interconnection

Our networks interconnect with the public switched telephone networks operated by KT and SK Broadband and, through their networks, with the international gateways of KT, LG U+ and Onse Telecom Corporation, as well as the networks of the other wireless telecommunications service providers in Korea. These connections enable our subscribers to make and receive calls from telephones outside our networks. Under Korean law, service providers are required to permit other service providers to interconnect to their networks. If a new service provider desires interconnection with the networks of an existing service provider but the parties are unable to reach an agreement within 90 days, the new service provider can appeal to the KCC.

For 2008, our total interconnection revenues were Won 1,149.2 billion, and our total interconnection expenses were Won 1,327.4 billion. For 2009, our total interconnection revenues were Won 1,245.4 billion and our total interconnection expenses were Won 1,317.7 billion.

For 2010, our total interconnection revenues were Won 1,237.51,257.5 billion and our total interconnection expenses were Won 1,316.3 billion.

For 2011, our total interconnection revenues were Won 1,174.7 billion, and our total interconnection expenses were Won 1,264.1 billion.

Our interconnection revenue decreased in 2011 by Won 82.8 billion, primarily due to decreases in interconnection rates and a decrease in land-to-mobile call volume, which more than offset an increase in mobile-to-mobile call volume. Our interconnection expenses decreased in 2011 by Won 52.2 billion, primarily due to a decrease in SMS usage by our subscribers, as well as a decrease in interconnection rates.

Domestic Calls

Guidelines issued by the KCC require that all interconnection charges levied by a regulated carrier take into account (i) the actual costs to that carrier of carrying a call or (ii) imputed costs. The KCC determines interconnection rates applicable to each carrier every two years based on the actualincrease or imputeddecrease in costs caused by changes in long-term traffic volume, taking into account other factors such as research results and competitive environment, among others.

trends in technology development.

Wireless-to-Fixed-line.    According to our interconnection arrangement with KT, for a call from our wireless network to KT’s fixed-line network, we collect the usage rate from our wireless subscriber and in turn pay KT the interconnection charges. Similarly, KT pays interconnection charges to SK Broadband for a call from KT’s wireless network to SK Broadband’s fixed-line network. The interconnection rate applicable to both KT and SK Broadband was Won 19.31 per minute, Won 19.15 per minute and Won 18.57 per minute for 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Fixed-line-to-Wireless.    The KCC determines interconnection arrangements for calls from a fixed-line network to a wireless network. For a call initiated by a fixed-line user to one of our wireless service subscribers, the fixed-line network operator collects our usage fee from the fixed-line user and remits to us an interconnection charge. Interconnection with KT accounts for substantially all of our fixed-line-to-wireless interconnection revenue and expenses.


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The interconnection rates paid by fixed-line network service providers to each wireless network service provider are set out below. In December 2010, the KCC announced that a single interconnection rate will apply to all wireless service providers starting from 2013, which will eliminate the cost benefit that KT and LG U+ currently derive from the differences in interconnection rates.
             
  Rate per Minute
Applicable Year
 SK Telecom KT LG U+
 
2006 W33.13  W40.06  W47.01 
2007  32.78   39.60   45.13 
2008  33.41   38.71   39.09 
2009  32.93   37.96   38.53 
2010  31.41   33.35   33.64 
2011  30.50   31.75   31.93 

   Rate per Minute 

Applicable Year

  SK Telecom   KT   LG U+ 

2007

  (Won)32.78    (Won)39.60    (Won)45.13  

2008

   33.41     38.71     39.09  

2009

   32.93     37.96     38.53  

2010

   31.41     33.35     33.64  

2011

   30.50     31.75     31.93  

Wireless-to-Wireless.    The MIC implemented interconnection charges for calls between wireless telephone networks in Korea starting in January 2000. Under these arrangements, the operator originating the call pays an interconnection charge to the operator terminating the call. The applicable interconnection rate is the same as the fixed-line-to-wireless interconnection rate set out in the table above.

Our revenues from thewireless-to-wireless charge were Won 745.3775.8 billion in 2008,2010 and Won 774.0715.0 billion in 2009 and Won 767.4 billion in 2010.2011. Our expenses from these charges were Won 821.3 billion in 2008, Won 849.5 billion in 2009 and Won 825.3 billion in 2010.2010 and Won 766.5 billion in 2011. The charges above were agreed among the parties involved and confirmed by the KCC.

Despite an increase in incoming call volume in 2010, the decrease in our interconnection rate for 2010 led to an overall decrease of Won 7.9 billion in interconnection revenues. Our interconnection expenses slightly decreased in 2010 by Won 1.4 billion, primarily due to a decrease in interconnection rates, partially offset by an increase in outgoing call volume in 2010.

International Calls

With respect to international calls, if a call is initiated by a wireless subscriber, we bill the wireless subscriber for the international charges of KT, LG U+ or SK Broadband, and we receive interconnection charges from such operators. If an international call is received by our subscriber, KT, LG U+ or SK Broadband pays interconnection charges to us based on our imputed costs.

International Roaming Arrangements

To complement the services we provide to our subscribers in Korea, we offer international voice and data roaming services. We charge our subscribers usage fees for global roaming service and, in turn, pay foreign wireless network operators fees for the corresponding usage of their network. For a more detailed discussion of our global roaming services, see “— Our Services — Cellular Voice Services” above.

Marketing and Service Distribution

Marketing, Sales and Service Network

We market our services and provide after-sales service support to customers through 27 marketing teams, 38 branch offices and a network of 1,1791,045 authorized exclusive dealers located throughout Korea. Our dealers are connected via computer to our database and are capable of assisting customers with account information. In addition, approximately 15,00017,000 independent retailers assist new subscribers to complete activation formalities, including processing subscription applications.

Currently, authorized dealers are entitled to an initial commission for each new subscriber registered by the dealer, as well as an average ongoing commission calculated as a percentage of that subscriber’s monthly plan-based and usage charges from domestic calls for the first four years. In order to strengthen our relationships with our exclusive dealers, we offer a dealer financing plan, pursuant to which we provide to each authorized dealer an


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interest-free or low-interest loan of up to Won 4.0 billion with a repayment period of up to three years. As of December 31, 2010,2011, we had an aggregate of Won 80.0126.7 billion in loans to authorized dealers outstanding.

In April 2009, we established a wholly-owned subsidiary to diversify our sales activities. The new subsidiary, PS & Marketing Co., Ltd., was established with an investment of Won 150 billion and began operating 13 stores in May 2009. As of December 31, 2010,2011, PS & Marketing Co., Ltd. had 4244 stores in 14 cities in Korea with 1,233

1,463 employees. In addition, we established two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Service Ace Co., Ltd. and Service Top Co., Ltd., in June 2010, in order to provide customer service directly through our subsidiaries to enhance the quality of services compared to outsourcing.

In April 2010, our authorized dealers for wireless services started to market SK Broadband’s broadband Internet and fixed-line telephone services, which we believe has contributed to the increase in the number of broadband Internet and fixed-line telephone subscribers.

Over the last several years, competition in the wireless telecommunications business has caused us to increase significantly our marketing and advertising expenses. However, we expect such expenses to stabilize due to the KCC’s new guideline on marketing expenses recommending that telecommunication service providers limit their marketing expenses to 22% of their annual sales.telecommunication service revenue, which was lowered to 20% of annual telecommunication service revenue with respect to fiscal years 2011 and 2012. Such marketing expenses include initial commissions, monthly commissions and retention commissions paid to our authorized dealers and subscribers, including handset subsidies, but do not include advertising expenses. In 2008, 20092010 and 2010,2011, such marketing expenses amounted to 26.2%, 26.9%24.0% and 26.5%23.7% of our wireless revenues, respectively. In 2008, 20092010 and 2010,2011, advertising expenditures amounted to 2.6%, 2.2%2.1% and 2.1%1.9% of our non-consolidated revenues, respectively.

Marketing Strategies and Marketing Information Management

Information technology improvements.    We have implemented certain information technology improvements in connection with marketing strategy, including customer management systems, as well as more effective information security controls. We believe these upgrades have enhanced our ability to process and utilize marketing- and subscriber-related data, which, in turn, has helped us to develop more effective and targeted marketing strategies.

We currently operate a customer information system designed to provide us with an extensive customer database. Our customer information system includes a billing system that provides us with comprehensive account information for internal purposes and enables us to efficiently respond to customer requests. Our customers can also change their service plans, verify the charges accrued on their accounts, receive their bills online and send text messages to our other subscribers through our website atwww.tworld.co.kr.

“T”-brand Marketing Strategy.    To increase brand awareness and promote our corporate image, in August 2006, we launched our “T”-brand marketing campaign. Our “T” brand signifies the centrality of “Telecommunications” and “Technology” to our business and also seeks to emphasize our commitment to providing “Top” quality, “Trustworthy” products and services to our customers. We are marketing all our products and services under the “T” brand.

Other Investments and Relationships

We have investments in several other businesses and companies and have entered into various business arrangements with other companies. Our principal investments fall into the following categories:

Wireless Content Providers and Application Providers

As part of our strategy to develop additional applications and content for our wireless data services, we invest in companies which develop wireless applications and provide Internet content, including content accessible by users of our wireless networks.

Digital Content Providers.    We also hold investments in companies that develop content for use in our fixed-line and wireless Internet businesses, particularly in the entertainment sector, to better capture growth opportunities arising from the provision of varied, high-quality digital contents. As wireless data transmission services have


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become increasingly important in the growth of our business, we are seeking to secure valuable mobile data and digital contents by making equity investments in various content providers.

We currently hold a 63.5%67.6% stake in Loen Entertainment Inc. (formerly, Seoul Records Inc.), Korea’s largest music recording company in terms of records released and revenues. We currently hold a 63.7% equity interest in Ntreev Soft Co., Ltd., an online game developer, particularly known for its multi-player sports games and anime-based games. We also hold a 9.4% equity interest in iHQ,

Inc., an entertainment management firm that produces films, manages entertainers and operates online game services. Through our investments in companies such as Loen Entertainment Ntreev Soft and iHQ, we are able to offer customers of our MelOn, movie and gaming portal services access to an expanded range of music- and entertainment-related digital contents and mobile games, respectively.

In 2005, we and certain other Korean investment companies invested an aggregate of Won 40.0 billion to establish three funds to invest in the music industry and seek strategic partnerships with recording companies. As of December 31, 2010, our contribution to the funds amounted to Won 19.8 billion. In addition, in 2005 and in 2008, we and certain co-investors invested an aggregate Won 74.7 billion to establish five movie-production funds to strengthen our ability to obtain movie content. We had invested Won 38.035.0 billion in the funds as of December 31, 2010. Furthermore,2011. In addition, in 2008 and 2010, we and certain co-investors invested an aggregate Won 105.4148.1 billion to establish six additional funds to invest in the production of various cultural contents, including movies and television dramas. As of December 31, 2010,2011, our contribution to these funds amounted to Won 66.3109.0 billion. Such investments reflect our business strategy of diversification into new areas, such as media and entertainment.

Wireless Application Developers.    We hold investments in companies that help enable us to further develop and improve our wireless applications and multimedia platforms. In particular, we have invested in developers of wireless financial, or m-commerce, services, including companies that provide wireless billing solutions; developers of wireless modem devices; and developers of Internet search applications.

Hynix Semiconductor Inc.

In February 2012, we acquired a 21.05% equity stake in Hynix, the world’s second-largest memory-chip maker by revenue, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately Won 3.4 trillion, and became its largest shareholder. Approximately Won 1.0 trillion of the purchase price was paid to selling shareholders, who are Korean financial institutions that acquired Hynix’s shares as result of debt to equity swaps in 2005. The remainder of the purchase price was paid to Hynix for issuance of new shares and is expected to be used primarily for capital expenditures. By investing in the export-driven semiconductor business, we plan to achieve a more diversified business portfolio, as well as seeking global growth opportunities utilizing Hynix’s overseas network.

Hynix designs, manufactures and sells advanced memory semiconductor products, including DRAM and NAND flash products, used in various electronic devices. Hynix operates four wafer fabrication facilities in Korea and China. In 2010 and 2011, Hynix and its subsidiaries had revenues of Won 12,106.1 billion and Won 10,395.8 billion, respectively, operating income of Won 2,975.3 billion and Won 325.5 billion, respectively, and net income of Won 2,597.6 billion and net loss of Won 56.0 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2010 and 2011, Hynix and its subsidiaries had total assets of Won 17,412.1 billion and Won 17,238.1 billion, respectively, and shareholders’ equity of Won 7,907.6 billion and Won 7,875.3 billion, respectively.

Other Investments

Our other investments include:

 

POSCO.    We currently own a 2.8% interest in the outstanding capital stock of POSCO, with a book value as of December 31, 20102011 of Won 1,209.6942.9 billion. POSCO is the largest fully integrated steel producer in Korea, and one of the largest steel producers in the world.

 SK C&C.  We sold 10,500,000 common shares of SK C&C held by us in SK C&C’s initial public offering in November 2009, sold an additional 2,450,000 shares to the Government of Kuwait in October 2010 and disposed of the remaining 2,050,000 shares to Kookmin Bank in exchange for a 0.91% stake in KB Financial Group, Kookmin Bank’s parent company, in a share swap arrangement in February 2011. As a result, our equity stake in SK C&C decreased from 30.0% in 2008 to 0% in 2011. SK C&C is an information technologies services provider. We are party to several service contracts with SK C&C related to development and maintenance of our information technologies systems. See “Item 7.B. Related Party Transactions”.
 • 

SKY Property Management.    We currently own a 60% equity interest in SKY Property Management Ltd., with a book value as of December 31, 20102011 of Won 268264.8 billion. SKY Property Management was established in 2008 to manage buildings and real estate developments in China, in which affiliated companies of the SK Group had invested or will invest.

 

SK Marketing & Company.    We currently own a 50% equity interest in SK Marketing & Company Co., Ltd., with a book value as of December 31, 20102011 of Won 119128.3 billion. SK Marketing & Company Co., Ltd. provides marketing-related services to corporate and individual clients.

For more information regarding our investment securities, see note 47 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.


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Competition

We were Korea’sthe only provider of cellularwireless telecommunications services untilprovider in Korea prior to April 1996, when Shinsegi began offering its CDMA service. In 1996, the Government issued three additional licenses to KTF, LG Telecom and Hansol PCS to operate CDMA services. Each of KTF, LG Telecom and Hansol PCS commenced operation of its CDMA service in October 1997. Furthermore, in 2001, the Government awarded three companies the licenses to provide high-speed third generation, or 3G, wireless telecommunications services. In Korea, this 3G license is also known as the “IMT-2000” license. IMT-2000 is the global standard for 3G wireless communications, as defined by the International Telecommunication Union, an organization established to standardize and regulate international radio and telecommunications. One of these licenses was awarded to our former subsidiary, SK IMT Co., Ltd., which was merged into us on May 1, 2003. The other two licenses were awarded to LG Telecom, and to consortia led by or associated with KT. In addition, our wireless voice businesses compete with Korea’s fixed-line operators, and our wireless Internet businesses compete with providers of fixed-line data and Internet services.

Beginning in 2000, there has been considerable consolidation in the wireless telecommunications industry, resulting in the emergence of stronger competitors. In 2000, KT acquired 47.9% of Hansol M.Com’s outstanding shares and renamed the company KT M.Com. KT M.Com merged into KTF in May 2001. In June 2009, KTF merged into KT, which had held a 54.25% interest in KTF before the merger. In addition, in January 2010, LG DACOM and LG Powercomm merged into LG Telecom, which subsequently changed its name to LG Uplus Corp.

, or LG U+. Such consolidation has created large, well-capitalized competitors with substantial financial, technical, marketing and other resources to respond to our business offerings.

Significant advances in technology are occurring that may affect our businesses, including the roll-out or the planned roll-out by us and our competitors of advanced high-speed wireless telecommunications networks based on technologies including CDMA, WCDMA, CDMA2000, WiBro and LTE.

As of December 31, 2010,2011, according to the KCC, KT and LG U+ had 16.016.2 million and 9.09.4 million subscribers, respectively, representing approximately 31.6%30.9% and 17.8%, respectively, of the total number of wireless subscribers in Korea on such date. As of December 31, 2010,2011, we had 25.726.5 million subscribers, representing a market share of approximately 50.6%50.5%.

MVNOs had a total of 0.4 million subscribers, representing a market share of approximately 0.8%.

As of December 31, 2011, according to the KCC, LG U+ had 557,023 LTE subscribers, compared to our 634,311 LTE subscribers. KT commenced its commercial LTE service on January 1, 2012.

For a description of the risks associated with the competitive environment in which we operate, see “Item 3.D. Risk Factors — Competition may reduce our market share and harm our results of operations and financial condition”.

Law and Regulation

Overview

Korea’s telecommunications industry is subject to comprehensive regulation by the KCC, which is responsible for information and telecommunications policies, radio and broadcasting management. The KCC regulates and supervises a broad range of communications issues, including:

entry into the telecommunications industry;

scope of services provided by telecommunications service providers;

• entry into the telecommunications industry;
• scope of services provided by telecommunications service providers;
• allocation of radio spectrum;
• setting of technical standards and promotion of technical standardization;
• rates, terms and practices of telecommunications service providers;
• customer complaints;
• 

allocation of radio spectrum;

setting of technical standards and promotion of technical standardization;

rates, terms and practices of telecommunications service providers;

customer complaints;

interconnection and revenue-sharing between telecommunications service providers;

• disputes between telecommunications service providers;
• research and development budgeting and objectives of telecommunications service providers; and
• competition among telecommunications service providers.


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disputes between telecommunications service providers;

research and development budgeting and objectives of telecommunications service providers; and

competition among telecommunications service providers.

Pursuant to an amendment to the Government Organization Act, effective as of February 29, 2008, the Ministry of Information and Communication, or MIC, has become the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, and functions formerly performed by the MIC are now performed separately by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, and, particularly, the KCC. In this report, we refer to the MIC as the relevant governmental authority in connection with any approval granted or action taken by the MIC prior to such amendment and to such other relevant governmental authority in connection with any approval granted or action taken by such other relevant governmental authority subsequent to such amendment.

Telecommunications service providers are currently classified into three categories: network service providers, value-added service providers, and specific service providers. We are classified as a network service provider because we provide telecommunications services with our own telecommunications networks and related facilities. As a network service provider, we are required to obtain a license from the KCC for the services we provide. Our licenses permit us to provide cellular services, and third generation wireless services using WCDMA and WiBro technologies.technologies and fourth generation wireless services using LTE technology. Our cellular license is valid until 2021 after a10-year extension issued in June 2011, ourIMT-2000 license is valid until 2016, and our WiBro license is valid until 2012.

2019 after a 7-year extension issued in March 2012 and our LTE license is valid until December 2021.

The KCC may revoke our licenses or suspend any of our businesses if we fail to comply with its rules, regulations and corrective orders, including the rules restricting beneficial ownership and control and corrective orders issued in connection with any violation of rules restricting beneficial ownership and control or any violation of the conditions of our licenses. Alternatively, in lieu of suspension of our business, the KCC may levy a monetary penalty of up to 3% of the average of our annual revenue for the preceding three fiscal years. A network services provider that wants to cease its business or dissolve must obtain KCC approval.

In the past, the Government has stated that its policy was to promote competition in the Korean telecommunications market through measures designed to prevent the dominant service provider in any such market from exercising its market power in such a way as to prevent the emergence and development of viable competitors. While all network service providers are subject to KCC regulation, we are subject to increased regulation because of our position as the dominant wireless telecommunications services provider in Korea.

Competition Regulation

The KCC is charged with ensuring that network service providers engage in fair competition and has broad powers to carry out this goal. If a network service provider is found to be in violation of the fair competition requirement, the KCC may take corrective measures it deems necessary, including, but not limited to, prohibiting further violations, requiring amendments to the articles of incorporation or to service contracts with customers, requiring the execution or performance of, or amendments to, interconnection agreements with other network service providers and prohibiting advertisements to solicit new subscribers.

In addition, we qualify as a “market-dominating business entity” under the Fair Trade Act. Accordingly, we are prohibited from engaging in any act of abusing our position as a market-dominating entity, such as unreasonably determining, maintaining or altering service rates, unreasonably controlling the rendering of services, unreasonably interfering with business activities of other business entities, hindering unfairly the entry of newcomers or substantially restricting competition to the detriment of the interests of consumers.

Because we are a member company of the SK Group, which is a large business group as designated by the FTC, we are subject to the following restrictions under the Fair Trade Act:

 

Restriction on debt guarantee among affiliates.    Any affiliate within the SK Group may not guarantee the debts of another domestic affiliate, except for certain guarantees prescribed in the Fair Trade Act, such as those relating to the debts of a company acquired for purposes of industrial rationalization, bid deposits for overseas construction work or technology development funds.

 

Restriction on cross-investment.    A member company of the SK Group may not acquire or hold shares in an affiliate belonging to the SK Group that owns shares in the member company.


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Public notice of board resolution on large-scale transactions with specially related persons.    If a member company of the SK Group engages in a transaction with a specially related person in the amount of 10%5% or more of the member company’s capital or paid-in capital or for Won 105 billion or more, the transaction must be approved by a resolution of the member company’s board of directors and the member company must publicly disclose the transaction.

 

Restrictions on equity investments in other domestic companies.    Under the Fair Trade Act, a company that is a member of a large business group as designated by the FTC was generally required to limit its total investments in other domestic companies to 40% of its non-consolidated net assets. In March 2009, an amendment to the Fair Trade Act abolished such restrictions on total investments in other domestic companies.

 

Restrictions on investments by subsidiaries andsub-subsidiaries of holding companies.    The Fair Trade Act prohibits subsidiaries of holding companies from investing in, or holding shares of common stock of, domestic affiliates that belong to the same large business group, unless such domestic affiliates are their own subsidiaries. Furthermore, any subsidiaries of a holding company’s subsidiaries(“sub-subsidiaries”) are prohibited from investing in, or holding shares of common stock of, domestic affiliates that belong to the same large business group, unless all shares issued by the affiliates are held by thesub-subsidiary. Therefore, we and other subsidiaries of SK Holdings may not invest in any domestic affiliate that is also a member company of the SK Group, except in the case where we invest in our own subsidiary or where another subsidiary of SK Holdings invests in its own subsidiary.

 

Public notice of the current status of a business group.    Pursuant to a recent amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Fair Trade Act which became effective in June 2009, a member company of the SK Group must publicly disclose the general status of the SK Group, including the name, business scope and financial status of affiliates, information on the officers of affiliates, information on shareholding and cross-investments between member companies inof the SK Group, and information on transactions with certain related persons and, if a member company engages in a transaction with an affiliated company in the amount of 5% or more of the member company’s quarterly sales or Won 5 billion or more, information on transactions with such affiliated company on a quarterly basis.

Number Portability.    In January 2003, the Government announced its plan to implement number portability with respect to wireless telecommunications service in Korea. The number portability system allows wireless subscribers to switch wireless service operators while retaining the same mobile phone number. For details of the number of subscribers who transferred to the services of our competitors following the implementation of the number portability system, see “— Subscribers”.

In addition, the Government has begun to integrate mobile telephone identification numbers into a common prefix identification number “010” and to gradually retract the current mobile service identification numbers which had been unique to each wireless telecommunications service provider, including “011” for our cellular services, starting from January 1, 2004. All new subscribers have been given the “010” prefix starting January 2004. The KCC plans to continue to pursue the integration process and complete the integration process by around 2018, when all mobile telephone numbers would have the prefix identification number “010”.

For risks relating to number portability, see “Item 3.D. Risk Factors — Our businesses are subject to extensive Government regulation and any change in Government policy relating to the telecommunications industry could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows”.

Rate Regulation.    Most network service providers must report to the KCC the rates and contractual terms for each type of service they provide. However, as the dominant network services provider for specific services (based on having the largest market share in terms of number of subscribers and meeting certain revenue thresholds), we must obtain prior approval of the KCC on our rates and terms of service; provided, however, that such pre-approval of the KCC is not required, if we are planning to reduce the rates for eachany type of services that we provide under the KCC-approved contractual terms. In each year in which this requirement has been applicable, the KCC has

designated us for wireless telecommunications service, and KT for local telephone and Internet services, as dominant network service providers that are subject to such approval requirement. As a condition to its approval of our merger with SK IMT Co., Ltd., the Government required that we submit the rates for our third generation mobile services using WCDMA technology to the Government for approval prior to the launch of such services. The KCC’s


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policy is to approve rates if they are appropriate, fair and reasonable (that is, if the rates have been reasonably calculated, considering supply costs, profits, classification of costs and profits for each service, cost savings through changes in the way services are provided and the influence on fair competition, among others). The KCC may order changes in the submitted rates if it deems the rates to be significantly unreasonable or against public policy. In May 2007, the Government terminated the monitoring of whether we met the condition for the Government’s approval of our merger with SK IMT.

Furthermore, in 2007, the Government announced a “road map” highlighting revisions in regulations to promote deregulation of the telecommunications industry. In accordance with the road map and pursuant to the Combined Sales Regulation, promulgated in May 2007, telecommunications service providers are now permitted to bundle their services, such as wireless data service, wireless voice service, broadband Internet access service,fixed-line telephone service and Internet protocol television, or IP TV, service, at a discounted rate; provided, however, that we and KT, as market-dominating business entities under the Telecommunications Business Act, allow other competitors to employ the services provided by us and KT, respectively, so that such competitors can provide similar discounted package services. In September 2007, the regulations and provisions under the Telecommunications Business Act were amended to permit licensed transmission service providers to offer local, domestic long-distance and international telephone services, as well as broadband Internet access and Internet phone services, without additional business licenses.

Moreover, under the amended Telecommunications Business Act, which became effective on September 23, 2010, an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) system was adopted. Under the system, the KCC may designate and obligate certain telecommunications services providers to allow a mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO, at such MVNO’s request, to use their telecommunication facilities at a rate mutually agreed upon that complies with the standards set by the KCC. We were designated as the only telecommunications services provider obligated to allow the other telecommunications services provider to use our telecommunications facilities. An MVNO hasTo date, four MVNOs have commenced providing wireless data services in March 2011 and we expect that a few additional MVNOs will commence providing wireless telecommunications services using the networks leased from us beginning in the second half of 2011.

us.

On May 13, 2010, the KCC announced a guideline recommending that telecommunication service providers limit their marketing expenses to 22% of their annual sales.sales, which was lowered to 20% of annual sales with respect to fiscal years 2011 and 2012. Such marketing expenses include initial commissions, monthly commissions and retention commissions paid to our authorized dealers and subscribers, including handset subsidies, but do not include advertising expenses. While the guideline is not binding, we, as well as our competitors, nonetheless try to adhere to such guideline when feasible. However, according to the KCC, we, KT and LG U+ failed to satisfy the limit on marketing expenditure in 2011. Given that the competition in the telecommunication industry continues to intensify, such limitation on our ability to expend in marketing may have a material adverse effect on our business.

Interconnection.    Dominant network service providers such as ourselves that own essential infrastructure facilities or possess a certain market share are required to provide interconnection of their telecommunications network facilities to other service providers upon request. The KCC sets and announces the standards for determining the scope, procedures, compensation and other terms and conditions of such provision, interconnection or co-use. We have entered into interconnection agreements with KT, LG U+, Onse Telecom Corporation and other network service providers permitting these entities to interconnect with our network. We expect that we will be required to enter into additional agreements with new operators as the KCC grants permits to additional telecommunications service providers.

Frequency Allocation.    The KCC has the discretion to allocate and adjust the frequency band for each type of service. Upon allocation of new frequency bands or adjustment of frequency bands, the KCC is required to give a public notice. The KCC also regulates the frequency to be used by each radio station, including the transmission frequency used by equipment in our cell sites. All of our frequency allocations are for a definite term. We pay fees to the KCC for our frequency usage that are determined based upon our number of subscribers, frequency usage by our networks and other factors. For 2008, 20092010 and 2010,2011, the fee amounted to Won 163.9 billion, Won 159.7178.8 billion and Won 178.8457.1 billion, respectively.

In addition, we paid Won 650 billion of the Won 1.3 trillion as the cost of the IMT-2000 license in March 2001 and are required to pay the remainder of the license cost in annual installments for a five-year period from 2007


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through 2011. We are also required to pay the cost of our additional WCDMA license for 2 x 10 MHz of spectrum in the 2.1 GHz band that we acquired in May 2010 as discussed below in annual installments of Won 17.7 billion each year from 2012 through 2014. For more information, see note 8 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010.
In February 2010, the KCC announced its final plan to reallocate 2 x 10 MHz of spectrum in the 800 MHz band that we are currentlywere using to other service providers starting from July 2011. The KCC’s plan also contemplatescontemplated new allocations of 2 x 10 MHz of spectrum in the 900 MHz band and 2 x 10 MHz of spectrum in the 2.1 GHz band for wireless telecommunication services. KT and LG U+ have been allocated the spectrum in the 900 MHz and 800 MHz bands, respectively. We have been allocated an additional 2 x 10 MHz of spectrum in the 2.1 GHz band for our use until December 2016, which we have been using for our 3G services since October 2010. In addition, in JuneAugust 2011 the KCC announced its planauctioned the right to selluse 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum, 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum and 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum. AccordingIn the auction, we acquired the right to use the plan, the additional spectrum will be sold in August 2011 through an auction, in which a maximum of 20 MHz of bandwidth can be allocatedin the 1.8 GHz spectrum at a price of Won 995.0 billion, KT acquired the right to use the 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum for Won 261.0 billion and LG U+ acquired the right to use the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum for Won 445.5 billion. We currently use the 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum for our 2G services, the 60 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum for our 3G services and the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum for our LTE services, as well as an additional 27 MHz of spectrum in the 2.3 GHz band for our WiBro services. We plan to use the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum for our LTE services.

We paid Won 650 billion of the Won 1.3 trillion as the cost of the IMT-2000 license in March 2001 and paid the remainder of the license cost in annual installments for a service provider.five-year period from 2007 through 2011. We and KT cannot bidare required to pay the cost of our additional WCDMA license for the additional2 x 10 MHz of spectrum in the 2.1 GHz band becausethat we acquired in May 2010 in annual installments of Won 17.7 billion each year from 2012 through 2014. We are also required to pay license fees for the additional frequency licenses in the 800 MHz and KT already have a1.8 GHz spectrums that we acquired in 2011. The license fee for the 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum is Won 416.5 billion, of which Won 208.3 billion was paid in 2011 and the remainder is payable in annual installments from 2013 through 2015. The license fee for the 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum is Won 995.0 billion, of which Won 248.8 billion was paid in 2011 and the remainder is payable in annual installments through the end of the license period in 2021. In addition, we were reallocated 27 MHz of spectrum in the 2.12.3 GHz band. If we are allocated additional bandwidths, we expect to pay usage feesband for our WiBro service in March 2012. The license fee for such bandwidths.

spectrum is Won 17.3 billion, of which 8.7 billion was paid in 2012 and the remainder is payable in annual installments through the end of the license period in 2019. For more information, see notes 12 and 14 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011.

Mandatory Contributions and Obligations

Contributions to the Fund for Development of Information Telecommunications.    The Ministry of Knowledge Economy has the authority to recommend to network service providers that they provide funds for national research and development of telecommunications technology and related projects. The required annual contribution is 0.5% (0.75% for market dominant service providers like us) of revenues from CDMAwireless subscribers for the previous year, and is applicable only to those network service providers who have Won 30 billion in total sales for the previous year and have recorded no net loss in the current period. Under the policy, the maximum amount of the annual contribution to be made cannot exceed 70% of the net profit for the corresponding period of each company.

We are currently required to contribute 0.75% of budgeted revenues (calculated pursuant to the Ministry of Knowledge Economy guidelines that differ from our accounting practices) to the Fund for Development of Information Telecommunications operated by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy. Our contribution to this fund in 2008, 20092010 and 20102011 was Won 71.9 billion, Won 55.580.5 billion and Won 80.518.8 billion, respectively.

Universal Service Obligation.    All telecommunications service providers other than value-added service providers, specific service providers and regional paging service providers or any telecommunications service providers whose net annual revenue is less than an amount determined by the KCC (currently set at Won 30.0 billion) are required to provide “universal” telecommunications services including local telephone services, local public telephone services, telecommunications services for remote islands and wireless communication services for ships and telephone services for the handicapped and low-income citizens, or contribute toward the supply of such universal services. The KCC designates universal services and the service provider who is required to provide each service. Currently, we are required to offer free subscription and a discount of between 35% to 50% of our monthly fee for cellular services to the handicapped and the low-income citizens.

In addition to such universal services for the handicapped and low-income citizens, we are also required to make certain monetary contributions to compensate for other service providers’ costs for the universal services. The

size of a service provider’s contribution is based on its net annual revenue (calculated pursuant to KCC guidelines which differ from our accounting practices). In 2008, our contribution amount was Won 32.3 billion for our fiscal year 2007. In 2009, our contribution amount was Won 31.0 billion for our fiscal year 2008. In 2010, our contribution amount was Won 29.233.6 billion for our fiscal year 2009. In 2011, our contribution amount was Won 34.1 billion for our fiscal year 2010. As a wireless telecommunications services provider, we are not considered a provider of universal telecommunications services and do not receive funds for providing universal service. Other network service providers that do provide universal services make all or a portion of their “contribution” in the form of expenses related to the universal services they provide.


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Foreign Ownership and Investment Restrictions and Requirements

Because we are a network service provider, foreign governments, individuals, and entities (including Korean entities that are deemed foreigners, as discussed below) are prohibited from owning more than 49% of our voting stock. Korean entities whose largest shareholder is a foreign government or a foreigner (together with any of its related parties) that owns 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of such Korean entities are also deemed foreigners. If this 49% ownership limitation is violated, certain of our foreign shareholders will not be permitted to exercise voting rights in excess of the limitation, and the KCC may require other corrective action.

As of December 31, 2010,2011, SK Holdings owned 18,748,45220,363,452 shares of our common stock, or approximately 23.22%25.22% of our issued shares. As of December 31, 2010,2011, a foreign investment fund and its related parties collectively held a 3.1% stake in SK Holdings. If the foreign investment fund and its related parties increase their shareholdings in SK Holdings to 15% or more and such foreign investment fund and its related parties collectively constitute the largest shareholder of SK Holdings, SK Holdings will be considered a foreign shareholder, and its shareholding in us would be included in the calculation of our aggregate foreign shareholding. If SK Holdings’ shareholding in us is included in the calculation of our aggregate foreign shareholding, then our aggregate foreign shareholding, assuming the foreign ownership level as of December 31, 20102011 (which we believe was 49.0%40.3%), would reach 72.22%65.52%, exceeding the 49% ceiling on foreign shareholding.

If our aggregate foreign shareholding limit is exceeded, the KCC may issue a corrective order to us, the breaching shareholder (including SK Holdings if the breach is caused by an increase in foreign ownership of SK Holdings) and the foreign investment fund and its related parties who own in the aggregate 15% or more of SK Holdings. Furthermore, SK Holdings may not exercise its voting rights with respect to the shares held in excess of the 49% ceiling, which may result in a change in control of us. In addition, the KCC may refuse to grant us licenses or permits necessary for entering into new telecommunications businesses until our aggregate foreign shareholding is reduced to below 49%. If a corrective order is issued to us by the KCC arising from the violation of the foregoing foreign ownership limit, and we do not comply within the prescribed period under such corrective order, the KCC may:

revoke our business license;

suspend all or part of our business; or

• revoke our business license;
• suspend all or part of our business; or
• if the suspension of business is deemed to result in significant inconvenience to our customers or to be detrimental to the public interest, impose a one-time administrative penalty of up to 3% of the average of our annual revenue for the preceding three fiscal years.

if the suspension of business is deemed to result in significant inconvenience to our customers or to be detrimental to the public interest, impose a one-time administrative penalty of up to 3% of the average of our annual revenue for the preceding three fiscal years.

Additionally, the Telecommunications Business Act also authorizes the KCC to assess monetary penalties of up to 0.3% of the purchase price of the shares for each day the corrective order is not complied with, as well as a prison term of up to one year or a penalty of Won 50 million. See “Item 3.D. Risk Factors — If SK Holdings causes us to breach the foreign ownership limitations on shares of our common stock, we may experience a change of control”.

We are required under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Act to file a report with a designated foreign exchange bank or with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, or the MOSF, in connection with any issue of foreign currency denominated securities by us in foreign countries. Issuances of US$30 million or less require the filing of a report with a designated foreign exchange bank, and issuances that are over US$30 million in the aggregate within one year from the filing of a report with a designated foreign exchange bank require the filing of a report with the MOSF.

The Telecommunications Business Act provides for the creation of a Public Interest Review Committee under the KCC to review investments in or changes in the control of network services providers. The following events would be subject to review by the Public Interest Review Committee:

• 

the acquisition by an entity (and its related parties) of 15% or more of the equity of a network services provider;

• a change in the largest shareholder of a network services provider;


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a change in the largest shareholder of a network services provider;

agreements by a network service provider or its shareholders with foreign governments or parties regarding important business matters of such network services provider, such as the appointment of officers and directors and transfer of businesses; and

a change in the shareholder that actually controls a network services provider.

• agreements by a network service provider or its shareholders with foreign governments or parties regarding important business matters of such network services provider, such as the appointment of officers and directors and transfer of businesses; and
• a change in the shareholder that actually controls a network services provider.

If the Public Interest Review Committee determines that any of the foregoing transactions or events would be detrimental to the public interest, then the KCC may issue orders to stop the transaction, amend any agreements, suspend voting rights, or divest the shares of the relevant network services provider. Additionally, if a dominant network services provider (which would currently include us and KT), together with its specially related persons (as defined under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act), holds more than 5% of the equity of another dominant network services provider, the voting rights on the shares held in excess of the 5% limit may not be exercised.

Patents and Licensed Technology

Access to the latest relevant technology is critical to our ability to offer the most advanced wireless services and to design and manufacture competitive products. In addition to active internal and external research and development efforts as described in “Item 5.C. Research and Development”Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.”, our success depends in part on our ability to obtain patents, licenses and other intellectual property rights covering our products. We own numerous patents and trademarks worldwide, and have applications for patents pending in many countries, including Korea, Japan, China, the United States, and Europe. Our patents are mainly related to CDMA technology and wireless Internet applications. We have also acquired a number of patents related to WCDMA technology.

technologies.

We also license a number of patented processes and trademarks under cross-licensing, technical assistance and other agreements. The most important agreement is with Qualcomm Inc. and relates mainly to CDMA applications technology. This agreement generally grants us a non-exclusive license to manufacture handsets in return for royalty payment or asub-license to manufacture and sell certain products both in Korea and overseas during a fixed, but usually renewable term. We consider our technical assistance and licensing agreements to be important to our business and believe that we will be able to renew this agreement on commercially reasonable terms that will not adversely affect our ability to use the relevant technologies.

We are not currently involved in any material litigation regarding patent infringement. For a description of the risks associated with our reliance on intellectual property, see “Item 3.D. Risk Factors — Our business relies on technology developed by us as well as technologies provided by third parties, and our business will suffer if we are unable to protect our proprietary rights, obtain new licensing agreements or renew existing licensing agreements with third parties”.

Seasonality of the Business

Our business is not affected by seasonality.

Item 4.C.Organizational Structure

Organizational Structure

We are a member of the SK Group, based on the definition of “group” under the Fair Trade Act of Korea. As of December 31, 2010,2011, SK Group members owned in aggregate 23.2%25.22% of the shares of our issued common stock. The SK Group is a diversified group of companies incorporated in Korea with interests in, among other things, telecommunications, trading, energy, chemicals, engineering and leisure industries. Until mid-1994, our largest shareholder was KT (formerly known as Korea Telecom Corp.), Korea’s principal fixed-line operator that merged with KTF, one of our principal wireless competitors.

Significant Subsidiaries

For information regarding our subsidiaries, see note 2(b)2.a. of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.


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Item 4.D.Property, Plants And Equipment

The following table sets forth certain information concerning our principal properties as of December 31, 2010:

2011:

Location

  

Primary Use

  Approximate Area
in Square Feet
 
Approximate Area
Location
Primary Use
in Square Feet

Seoul Metropolitan Area

  Corporate Headquarters   988,447787,358  
  Regional Headquarters   1,095,9971,254,174  
  Customer Service Centers   162,406  
  Training Centers   670,941434,507  
  Central Research and Development Center   482,719467,896  
  Others(1)   961,095  

Busan

  Regional Headquarters   363,282563,196  
  Others(1)   569,177  

Daegu

  Regional Headquarters   40,279281,358  
  Others(1)   332,726  

Cholla and Jeju Provinces

  Regional Headquarters   491,533411,652  
  Others(1)   454,410  

Choongchung Province

  Regional Headquarters   751,710609,468  
  Others(1)   470,726  

(1)Include cell sites.

In December 2004, we constructed a building with an area of approximately 82,624 square feet, of which we have full ownership, for use as our corporate headquarters. We relocated our corporate offices into the new building in January 2005. In addition, we own or lease various locations for cell sites and switching equipment. We do not anticipate that we will encounter material difficulties in meeting our future needs for any existing or prospective leased space for our cell sites. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Digital Cellular Network — Network Infrastructure”.

We maintain a range of insurance policies to cover our assets and employees, including our directors and officers. We are insured against business interruption, fire, lightening, flooding, theft, vandalism, public liability and certain other risks that may affect our assets and employees. We believe that the types and amounts of our insurance coverage are in accordance with general business practices in Korea.

Item 4A.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

We do not have any unresolved comments from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, staff regarding our periodic reports under the Exchange Act.

Item 5.OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

You should read the following discussion together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto which appear elsewhere in this annual report. We prepare our financial statements in accordance with Korean GAAP, which differs in some respects from U.S. GAAP. Notes 32 and 33 ofIFRS as issued by the notes to our consolidated financial statements provide a description of the significant differences between Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP as they relate to us and provide a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of our net income and shareholders’ equity for fiscal years 2008, 2009 and 2010.IASB. In addition, you should read carefully the section titled “— Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgments” as well as note 2 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements which provide summaries of certain critical accounting policies that require our management to make difficult, complex or subjective judgments relating to matters which are highly uncertain and that may have a material impact on our financial conditions and results of operations.


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Item 5.A.Operating Results

Overview

We earn revenue principally from initial subscription fees and monthly plan-based fees, usage charges for outgoing voice calls, usage charges for wireless data services and value-added service fees paid by subscribers to our wireless services and interconnection fees paid to us by other telecommunications operators for use of our network by their customers and subscribers. Our revenue amount depends principally upon the number of our wireless subscribers, the rates we charge for our services, the frequency and volume of subscriber usage of our services and the terms of our interconnection with other telecommunications operators. Government regulation also affects our revenues.

A number of recent developments have had or are expected to have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition and capital expenditures. These developments include:

Number Portability and Common Prefix Identification System.  In January 2003, the Government announced a plan to implement number portability with respect to wireless telecommunications service in Korea. The number portability system allows wireless subscribers to switch wireless service operators while retaining the same mobile phone number. In order to manage the availability of phone numbers efficiently and to secure phone number resources for new services, in January 2004, the Government also began implementing a plan to integrate all mobile telephone numbers under the common prefix identification number “010”, including by gradually retracting the current mobile service identification numbers that had been unique to each wireless telecommunications service provider. All new subscribers have been given the “010” prefix starting January 2004.
We believe that the adoption of the common prefix identification system has had, and may continue to have, a greater negative effect on us than on our competitors because, historically, “011” has had very high brand recognition in Korea as the premium wireless telecommunications service. Adoption of the number portability system has resulted in, and may continue to result in, increased competition among wireless service providers and higher costs as a result of maintaining the number portability system, increased subscriber deactivations, increased churn rate and higher marketing costs. For a more detailed discussion of the common prefix identification number plan, see “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Subscribers — Number Portability” and “Item 3.D. Risk Factors — Our businesses are subject to extensive Government regulation and any change in Government policy relating to the telecommunications industry could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows”.

Handset Subsidies.Subsidies.    In March 2006, the Government partially lifted, and in March 2008 fully lifted, the prohibition on the provision of handset subsidies, which had been in place since June 2000, and began to allow mobile service providers to subsidize the purchase of new handsets by certain qualifying customers. In order to compete more effectively, we have begun providing such handset subsidies, which has increased, and may continue to increase, our marketing expenses. Since April 2008, we have also begun offering long-term installment payment plans of 24 months for new handset purchases by our new or existing subscribers, which has increased, and may continue to increase, our capital requirements. However, on May 13, 2010, the KCC announced a guideline recommending that telecommunication service providers limit their marketing expenses to 22% of their annual sales.sales, and the limit was subsequently lowered to 20% of their annual sales for the years 2011 and 2012. Such marketing expenses include initial commissions, monthly commissions and retention commissions paid to our authorized dealers and subscribers, including handset subsidies, but do not include advertising expenses. While the guideline is not binding, we, as well as our competitors, nonetheless try to adhere to such guideline when feasible, which may have a material adverse effect on our businesses and results of operations.

Changes in Tariffs and Interconnection Fees.Fees.    Under current regulations, we must obtain prior KCC approval of the rates and fees we charge subscribers for our cellular services. Generally, the rates we charge for our services have been declining. The KCC has periodically reviewed the tariffs charged by wireless operators and has, from time to time, suggested tariff reductions. Although these suggestions are not binding, we have in the past implemented some tariff reductions in response to KCC recommendations. Most recently, in the second half of 2011, we reduced the monthly fee by Won 1,000 for every subscriber, exempted SMS usage charges up to 50 messages per month and introduced flexible service plans for smartphone users. For more information about the rates we charge, see “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Revenues Rates and Subscription Deposits”Rates” and “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Law and Regulation — Competition Regulation — Rate Regulation”.


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In addition, our wireless telecommunications services depend, in part, on our interconnection arrangements with domestic and international fixed-line and other wireless networks. Charges for interconnection affect our revenues and operating results. The KCC determines the basic framework for interconnection arrangements in Korea and has changed this framework several times in the past. Under our interconnection agreements, we are required to make payments in respect of calls which originate from our networks and terminate in the networks of other Korean telecommunications operators, and the other operators are required to make payments to us in respect of calls which originate in their networks and terminate in our network. For more information about our interconnection revenue and expenses, see “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Interconnection”.

Average Monthly Outgoing Voice Minutes and Revenue per Subscriber.Subscriber.    The following table sets forth selected information concerning our wireless telecommunications network during the periods indicated:

             
  Year Ended December 31,
  2008 2009 2010
 
Outgoing voice minutes (in thousands)(1)  54,080,231   56,111,864   60,015,518 
Average monthly outgoing voice minutes per subscriber(2)  200   197   199 
Average monthly revenue per subscriber, excluding interconnection revenue(3) W38,526  W38,171  W37,287 
Average monthly revenue per subscriber, including interconnection revenue(4) W43,016  W42,469  W41,374 

   For the Year Ended December 31, 
           2010                   2011         

Outgoing voice minutes (in thousands)(1)

   60,015,518     60,573,960  

Average monthly outgoing voice minutes per subscriber(2)

   199     193  

Average monthly revenue per subscriber, excluding interconnection revenue(3)

  (Won)35,771    (Won)34,350  

Average monthly revenue per subscriber, including interconnection revenue(4)

  (Won)39,647    (Won)37,969  

(1)Does not include minutes of incoming calls or minutes of use relating to the use of SMS, MMS and other wireless data services.

(2)The average monthly outgoing voice minutes per subscriber is derived by dividing the total minutes of outgoing voice usage for the period by the monthly average number of subscribers for the period, then dividing that number by the number of months in the period. The monthly average number of subscribers is derived by dividing (i) the sum of the average number of subscribers for each month in the period, calculated as the average of the number of subscribers on the first and last days of the relevant month, by (ii) the number of months in the period.

(3)The average monthly revenue per subscriber, excluding interconnection revenue, is derived by dividing the sum of total revenues from voice service, data service and initial subscription fees monthly plan-based fees, usage charges for outgoing voice calls, usage charges for wireless data services, value-added service fees and other miscellaneous revenues for the period by the monthly average number of subscribers for the period, then dividing that number by the number of months in the period.

(4)The average monthly revenue per subscriber, including interconnection revenue, is derived by dividing the sum of total revenues from voice service, data service and initial subscription fees, monthly plan-based fees, usage charges for outgoing voice and wireless data transmissions, charges for purchases of digital contents, value-added service fees, other miscellaneous revenues andas well as interconnection revenue, for the period by the monthly average number of subscribers for the period, then dividing that number by the number of months in the period.

Our average monthly outgoing minutes of voice traffic per subscriber decreased by 1.5%3.3% in 2009 and increased2011, which we believe was caused by 1.0%an increase in 2010. We believe our average monthly outgoing minutesthe number of users who have been relatively stablemultiple wireless devices, as well as an increase in recent years primarily due to the existing high penetration rateuse of wirelessfree text message or voice services in Korea and the general maturation of the Korean wireless market.

over mobile Internet.

Our average monthly revenue per subscriber, excluding interconnection revenue, decreased by 0.9%4.0% to Won 38,17134,350 in 20092011 from Won 38,52635,771 in 2008 and decreased by 2.3% to Won 37,287 in 2010 from Won 38,171 in 2009.2010. The decrease in average monthly revenue per subscriber in 20092011 was due to decreases in average monthly revenue per subscriber from usage charges for voice servicesservice and initial subscription fees, partially offset by increasesan increase in average monthly revenue per subscriber from monthly plan-based fees and wireless data services. The decrease in average monthly revenue per subscriber in 2010 was due to decreases in average monthly revenue per subscriber from usage charges for voice services and initial subscription fees, partially offset by increases in average


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monthly revenue per subscriber from value-added and other service fees, wireless data services and monthly plan-based fees as further described in “— Operating Results” below.
Acquisition of SK Broadband Shares.  In March 2008, we completed the acquisition of an additional 38.7% equity stake in SK Broadband, Korea’s second-largest fixed-line operator, for approximately Won 1.1 trillion, increasing our total equity interest in SK Broadband to 43.4%. In July 2009, we acquired additional shares of SK Broadband’s common stock, and our equity stake in SK Broadband increased to 50.6%. Following the 2008 acquisition, SK Broadband became our consolidated subsidiary under Korean GAAP and our results of operations beginning in 2009 include those of SK Broadband. SK Broadband and its subsidiaries had revenues of Won 1,886.3 billion, Won 1,904.9 billion and Won 2,122.4 billion and net loss of Won 178.3 billion, Won 263.0 billion and Won 120.8 billion for 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. For a more detailed discussion of our acquisition of SK Broadband, see “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Our Services — Broadband Internet and Fixed-line Telephone Services” and “Item 3.D. Risk Factors — Our growth strategy calls for significant investments in new businesses and regions, including businesses and regions in which we have limited experience”.
Acquisition of SK Networks Assets.  In September 2009, we acquired the leased-line business and related ancillary businesses, including all assets, liabilities and other rights and obligations related to such businesses, of SK Networks. The acquisition price was Won 892.8 billion. As of September 30, 2009, the assets and liabilities of the businesses being acquired amounted to Won 635.9 billion and Won 611.4 billion, respectively.

Acquisition of Hana SK Card Shares.Shares.    In accordance with the resolution of our board of directors in December 2009, we purchased shares of Hana SK Card for Won 402400.0 billion in February 2010. We currently hold 49% of the total outstanding shares of Hana SK Card.

Acquisition of Hynix Semiconductor Shares.    In February 2012, we acquired a 21.05% equity stake in Hynix, the world’s second-largest memory-chip maker by revenue, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately Won 3.4 trillion, and became its largest shareholder.

Operating Expenses and Operating Margins.Margins.    Our operating expenses consist principally of commissions paid to authorized dealers and our subscribers (including handset subsidies), depreciation and amortization, network interconnection, labor costs, cost of goods sold for handset sales, leased line expenses, advertisingand frequency license fees, rent expenses and rentadvertising expenses. Operating income represented 12.5%14.7% of our operating revenue in 2008, 12.9% in 2009 and 12.6% in 2010.

Reclassification of Prior Year Financial Statements
Reclassifications related to discontinued operations for comparative purposes have been made as follows. We and SK Communications Co., Ltd., one of our subsidiaries, sold the Spicus division, a telephone English education division, to Spicus Inc., a subsidiary of Altos Ventures, in August 2009 and sold Etoos Co., Ltd. to Cheong Sol in October 2009. Operating revenue, operating expenses, operating income and income before income taxes and minority interest for the year ended December 31, 2008 have been revised to exclude the Spicus division’s and Etoos’ results of operations. In addition, we sold shares of iHQ, Inc. in April and July 2010 and liquidatedSK-KTB Music Investment Fund13.3% in October 2010. Operating revenue, operating expenses, operating income and income before income taxes and minority interest for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 have been revised to exclude the iHQ, Inc.’s and SK-KTB Music Investment Fund’s results of operations.


542011.


Operating Results

The following table sets forth selected income statement data, including data expressed as a percentage of operating revenue, for the periods indicated:

                         
  For the Year Ended December 31,
  2008 2009 2010
  (In billions of Won, except percentage data)
 
Operating Revenue W13,951.0   100.0% W14,512.3   100.0% W15,435.4   100.0%
Operating Expenses  12,190.7   87.4   12,631.1   87.0   13,493.1   87.4 
Operating Income  1,760.3   12.6   1,881.2   13.0   1,942.3   12.6 
Other Income  1,055.1   7.6   876.0   6.0   629.4   4.1 
Other Expenses  1,537.9   11.0   1,351.4   9.3   898.0   5.8 
Income from Continuing Operation before Income Tax  1,277.5   9.2   1,405.8   9.7   1,673.7   10.8 
Income Tax for Continuing Operation  299.3   2.1   355.7   2.5   404.3   2.6 
Preacquisition Net Loss of Subsidiaries  32.6   0.2   0.0   0.0   23.4   0.2 
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation(1)  (38.5)  (0.3)  5.5   0.0   4.4   0.0 
Net Income Attributable to:                        
Controlling Interests  1,215.7   8.7   1,247.2   8.6   1,379.6   8.9 
Non-controlling Interests  (243.4)  (1.7)  (191.6)  (1.3)  (82.4)  (0.5)
Net Income W972.3   7.0%  1,055.6   7.3   1,297.2   8.4 
Depreciation and Amortization(2) W2,599.2   18.6% W2,593.5   17.9% W2,723.6   17.6%

   For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2010  2011 
   (In billions of Won, except percentage
data)
 

Operating Revenue

  (Won)15,599.2    100.0 (Won)15,988.3    100.0

Operating Expenses

   13,313.3    85.3    13,856.8    86.7  

Operating Income

   2,285.9    14.7    2,131.5    13.3  

Income from Continuing Operation before Income Tax

   2,318.1    14.9    2,182.9    13.7  

Income Tax for Continuing Operation

   544.5    3.5    599.1    3.7  

Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation(1)

   (6.7  (0.0  (1.7  (0.0

Net Income Attributable to:

     

Controlling Interests

   1,841.6    11.8    1,612.9    10.1  

Non-controlling Interests

   (74.8  (0.5  (30.8  (0.2

Net Income

  (Won)1,766.8    11.3 (Won)1,582.1    9.9

(1)Relates to results of operations of HELIO sold in August 2008, the Spicus division sold in August 2009, EtoosSK i-Media Co., Ltd. sold in October 2009, iHQ, Inc. sold in April and July 20102011 and SK-KTB Music Investment Fund liquidated in October 2010, which have been classified as discontinued operations after such sale or liquidation.
(2)Excludes the depreciation and amortization allocated to internal research and development costs and manufacturing costs of Won 156.2 billion, Won 136.5 billion and Won 145.2 billion for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.


55


The following table sets forth additional information about our operations during the periods indicated:
                         
  Year Ended December 31,
  2008 2009 2010
    Percentage
   Percentage
   Percentage
    of Total
   of Total
   of Total
  Amount Revenue Amount Revenue Amount Revenue
  (In billions of Won, except percentages)
 
Cellular Revenue:
                        
Wireless Services(1) W10,403.1   74.6% W10,734.4   74.0% W11,057.3   71.6%
Interconnection  1,149.2   8.2   1,158.0   8.0   1,141.2   7.4 
Digital Handset Sales        185.3   1.3   534.4   3.5 
Other(2)  26.8   0.2   13.9   0.1   105.8   0.7 
Total Cellular Revenue  11,579.1   83.0   12,091.6   83.4   12,838.7   83.2 
Fixed-line Telecommunication Service(3)
                        
Fixed-line Telephone Service  527.4   3.8   378.6   2.6   266.5   1.7 
Interconnection        87.4   0.6   96.3   0.6 
Broadband Internet Service  1,384.5   9.9   1,351.1   9.3   1,503.3   9.8 
International Calling Service  243.0   1.7   275.0   1.9   298.1   1.9 
Total Fixed-line Telecommunication Service  2,154.9   15.4   2,092.1   14.4   2,164.2   14.0 
Other Revenue:
                        
Portal Service(4)  199.7   1.5   201.1   1.4   239.1   1.5 
Miscellaneous(5)  17.3   0.1   127.5   0.9   193.3   1.3 
Total Other Revenue  217.0   1.6   328.6   2.3   432.4   2.8 
Total Operating Revenue
 W13,951.0   100.0% W14,512.3   100.0% W15,435.3   100.0%
Total Operating Revenue Growth  17.8%      4.0%      6.4%    
Operating Expenses:
                        
Cellular  9,322.5   66.8   9,719.9   66.9   10,562.8   68.4 
Fixed-line Telephone Service  2,132.1   15.3   2,263.2   15.6   2,342.8   15.2 
Other  736.1   5.3   648.0   4.5   587.5   3.8 
Total Operating Expenses
 W12,190.7   87.4% W12,631.1   87.0% W13,493.1   87.4%

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2010  2011 
   Amount  Percentage
of Total
Revenue
  Amount  Percentage
of Total
Revenue
 
   (In billions of Won, except percentages) 

Cellular Revenue:

     

Wireless Services(1)

  (Won)10,634.5    68.2 (Won)10,459.7    65.4

Interconnection

   1,168.7    7.5    1,090.9    6.8  

Digital Handset Sales

   534.5    3.4    787.5    4.9  

Other(2)

   582.7    3.7    763.9    4.8  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Cellular Revenue

   12,920.3    82.8    13,101.9    81.9  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Fixed-line Telecommunication Service Revenue(3)

     

Fixed-line Telephone Service

   475.5    3.0    490.7    3.1  

Interconnection

   88.8    0.6    83.8    0.5  

Broadband Internet Service

   983.9    6.3    1,000.5    6.3  

International Calling Service

   289.1    1.9    62.8    0.4  

Miscellaneous(4)

   390.0    2.5    524.8    3.3  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Fixed-line Telecommunication Service Revenue

   2,227.3    14.3    2,162.6    13.5  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other Revenue:

     

Portal Service(5)

   239.5    1.5    235.6    1.5  

Miscellaneous(6)

   212.1    1.4    488.1    3.0  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Other Revenue

   451.6    2.9    723.8    4.5  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Operating Revenue

  (Won)15,599.2    100.0 (Won)15,988.3    100.0
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Operating Revenue Growth

   N/A     2.5 

Operating Expenses:

     

Cellular

   10,603.5    68.0    11,034.6    69.0  

Fixed-line Telecommunication Service

   2,279.4    14.6    2,141.3    13.4  

Other

   430.4    2.8    680.9    4.3  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Operating Expenses

  (Won)13,313.3    85.3 (Won)13,856.8    86.7
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating Income (Loss):

     

Cellular

   2,316.7    14.9    2,067.3    12.9  

Fixed-line Telecommunication Service

   (52.1  (0.3  21.3    0.1  

Other

   21.2    0.1    42.9    0.3  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Operating Income

  (Won)2,285.9    14.7 (Won)2,131.5    13.3
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)Wireless services revenue includes revenue from voice service, revenue from data service and initial subscription fees,fees. Revenue from voice service is comprised of monthly plan-based fees, usage charges for outgoing voice calls usage charges for wireless data services,and value-added-service fees and other miscellaneous cellular revenues, including international interconnection charges, interest on overdue subscriber accounts (net of telephone tax).charges.

(2)Other cellular revenue includes revenue from the sale and licensing of Internet platform solutions.

(3)Includes revenues from broadband Internet service (including corporate dataIP-TV service) and fixed-line telephone service provided by SK Broadband Co., Ltd. and international calling service provided by SK Telink Co. Ltd., both of which are our consolidated subsidiaries.

(4)Includes revenues from leased line, corporate data and Internet solutions businesses.

(5)Portal service revenue attributable to our subsidiaries (including SK Communications and Paxnet Co., Ltd., which operates Moneta, our financial portal site).

(5)(6)Miscellaneous revenue attributable to our subsidiaries (including Loen Entertainment Inc., which operates MelOn music portal site that sells digital music contents, Ntreev Soft Co., Ltd., an on-line game developer, SK Telecom China Holdings Co., Ltd. and F&U Credit Information Co., Ltd.).

20102011 Compared to 20092010

Operating Revenue.    Our operating revenue increased by 6.4%2.5% to Won 15,435.415,988.3 billion in 2011 from Won 15,599.2 billion in 2010, from Won 14,512.3 billion in 2009, due to a 6.2%1.4% increase in our cellular revenue to Won 12,838.713,101.9 billion in 2011 from Won 12,920.3 billion in 2010 and a 60.3% increase in our other revenue to Won 723.8 billion in 2011 from Won 12,091.6451.6 billion in 2009,2010, partially offset by a 3.4% increase2.9% decrease in our fixed-line telecommunication revenue to Won 2,164.22,162.6 billion in 20102011 from Won 2,092.12,227.3 billion in 2009 and a 31.6% increase in our other revenue to Won 432.4 billion in 2010 from Won 328.6 billion in 2009.


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2010.


Cellular Telephone Telecommunication Service Business

The operating revenue of our cellular telephone telecommunication service business, which is composed of revenues from wireless services, interconnection, digital handset sales and other services, increased by 6.2%1.4% to Won 12,838.713,101.9 billion in 20102011 from Won 12,091.612,920.3 billion in 2009.

2010.

The increase in our cellular revenue was principally due to an increase in our digital handset sales, as well as an increase in our wireless servicesother cellular revenue, partially offset by a decreasedecreases in wireless services revenue and interconnection revenue. Digital handset sales which commenced in April 2009, increased 188.4%47.3% to Won 534.4787.5 billion in 20102011 from Won 185.3534.5 billion in 2009,2010, primarily as a result of strong demand for smartphones. Our other cellular revenue increased 31.1% to Won 763.9 billion in 2011 from Won 582.7 billion in 2010, due primarily to an increase in revenue from the licensing of Internet platform solutions and other new businesses.

Wireless services revenue increased 3.0%decreased 1.6% to Won 11,057.310,459.7 billion in 20102011 from Won 10,734.410,634.5 billion in 2009,2010, primarily as a result of increasesdecreases in revenuesvoice service revenue and initial subscription fees, partially offset by an increase in data service revenue. The decrease in voice service revenue was primarily due to increased subscription by smartphone users to fixed rate all-in-one plans with no or low call charges, as well as a reduction of the monthly fee by Won 1,000 for every subscriber effective from wirelessSeptember 16, 2011. The increase in data services and monthly plan-based feesservice revenue was primarily driven by increased subscription to fixed-price data and voice plans with higher monthly basic charges, due in large part to ana significant increase in the number of smartphone users, as well as a 5.7% increase in our average subscriber base in 2010 over 2009, partially offset by a decrease in revenue from call charges as a result of increase in number of subscribers signing up for callwho generally tend to subscribe to more expensive data plans with higher monthly basic charges and lower call charges.

than other subscribers.

Our average monthly revenue per subscriber for the wireless services, excluding interconnection revenue, decreased by 2.3%4.0% to Won 37,28734,350 in 20102011 from Won 38,17135,771 in 2009,2010, due to decreases in average monthly revenue per subscriber from usage charges for outgoing voice callsservice and initial subscription fees, partially offset by increasesan increase in average monthly revenue per subscriber from value-added and other service fees, wireless data services and monthly plan-based fees.service. Our average monthly revenue per subscriber from usage charges for outgoing callsvoice service decreased by 11.4% to Won 23,252 in 2011 from Won 26,243 in 2010, primarily due to increased subscription by smartphone users to callfixed rate all-in-one plans with higherno or low call charges, as well as a reduction of the monthly basic charges and lower call charges.fee by Won 1,000 for every subscriber effective from September 16, 2011. Our average monthly revenue per subscriber from initial subscription fees decreased in 2010, primarily due to the reduction of our initial subscription fee from Won 50,000 to Won 36,000 per line from November 2009. Our average monthly revenue per subscriber from value-added and otherdata service, fees increased in 2010, primarily due to an increase in revenues from global roaming services and leased-line revenue. Our average monthly revenue per subscriber from wireless data services, which includes usage charges for SMS and wireless Internet services, increased by 20.3% to Won 9,924 in 2011 from Won 8,248 in 2010, attributable mainly to an increase in revenue from data flat rate plans. Our average monthly revenue per subscriber from monthly plan-based fees increased in 2010, primarily as a resultthe number of increased subscription to our service plans with higher monthly basic charges.

smartphone users.

Our average monthly minutes per user increaseddecreased to 193 minutes in 2011 from 199 minutes in 2010, from 197 minuteswhich we believe was caused by an increase in 2009.

the number of users who have multiple wireless devices, as well as an increase in the use of free text message or voice services over mobile Internet.

Interconnection revenue decreased by 1.5%6.7% to Won 1,141.21,090.9 billion in 20102011 from Won 1,158.01,168.7 billion in 2009.2010. The decrease was due to decreases in interconnection rates in 2010,2011 and a decrease in land-to-mobile call volume, which more than offset an increase in incomingmobile-to-mobile call volume. Our average monthly revenue per subscriber, including interconnection revenue, decreased 2.6%4.2% to Won 41,37437,969 in 20102011 from Won 42,46939,647 in 2009.

2010.

Fixed-line Telecommunication Service Business

The operating revenue of our fixed-line telecommunication service business, which is composed of revenues from broadband Internet service (including corporate dataIP-TV service), fixed-line telephone service, and international calling service, increasedinterconnection revenue and miscellaneous revenue, decreased by 3.4%2.9% to Won 2,164.22,162.6 billion in 2011 from Won 2,227.3 billion in 2010, from Won 2,092.1 billion in 2009, primarily due to increasesdecreases in revenue from international calling service and household fixed-line telephone service, partially offset by an increase in revenue from corporate data service.

Revenue from broadband Internet service and international calling service, partially offset byincreased 1.7% to Won 1,000.5 billion in 2011 from Won 983.9 billion in 2010, primarily as a decrease in revenue from fixed-line telephone service.

Theresult of an increase in our revenue from broadband Internet service in 2010 resulted primarily from the initiationnumber of services to new corporate customers including members of SK Groupsubscribers, as well as an increase in the purchase of pay-per-view video contents by our subscribers. Revenue from fixed-line telephone service increased 3.2% to Won 490.7 billion in 2011 from Won 475.5 billion in 2010 primarily due to an increase in the number of individualcorporate subscribers, partially offset by a decrease in average monthlythe revenue per subscriber. The increase in ourfrom household fixed-line telephone service. Revenue from international calling service decreased 78.3% to Won 62.8 billion in 2011 from Won 289.1 billion in 2010, primarily as a result of an increase in the use of free or low-cost international calling and text message services using the Internet network. Miscellaneous revenue, wasincluding revenues from the leased line, corporate data and Internet solutions businesses, increased 34.6% to Won 524.8 billion in 2011 from Won 390.0 billion in 2010 primarily due to an increase in call volume. The decrease in our fixed-line telephone revenue was primarily due to a decrease in average monthly revenue per subscriber resulting from discounts offered to subscribers of bundled services.


57

corporate data service.


Other Businesses

The operating revenue of our other businesses, which is composed of revenues from portal service and certain other revenue, increased by 31.6%60.3% to Won 432.4723.8 billion in 2010 from2011 to Won 328.6451.6 billion in 2009.

2010.

Portal service revenues increased 18.9%decreased 1.6% to Won 239.1235.6 billion in 20102011 from Won 201.1239.5 billion in 2009 mainly due to an increase in advertisement revenue from our NATE portal.2010. Miscellaneous revenue increased by 51.6%130.1% to Won 193.3488.1 billion in 2011 from Won 212.1 billion in 2010 from Won 127.5 billion in 2009 due among othersprimarily to an increase in digital music sales at our MelOn music portal.

Operating Expenses. Our operating expenses in 20102011 increased by 6.8%4.1% to Won 13,493.113,856.8 billion from Won 12,631.113,313.3 billion in 2009,2010, primarily due to increases in marketing expenses in the form of commissions paid anda 49.7% increase in cost of goods sold forto Won 959.3 billion in 2011 from Won 640.9 billion in 2010 resulting from increased sale of smartphones and an 8.1% increase in depreciation and amortization expenses to Won 2,331.3 billion in 2011 from Won 2,155.8 in 2010 as we increased our digital handset sales, partially offset by a decreaseinvestment in leased line expense.

wireless networks and acquired additional frequency licenses.

Cellular Telephone Telecommunication Service Business

The operating expenses of our cellular telephone telecommunication service business increased by 8.7%4.1% to Won 10,562.811,034.6 billion in 20102011 from Won 9,719.910,603.5 billion in 2009,2010, primarily due to increases in commissions paid and cost of goods sold and depreciation and amortization expenses, partially offset by a decrease in leased line expense. The increase in commissions paid, including to our authorized dealers and to our subscribers, was primarily attributable to increases in initial commissions and monthly commissions resulting from an increase in the number of new subscribers.network interconnection expenses. The cost of goods sold increased primarily due to an increase in digital handset sales in 2010,2011, which was driven by strong demand for smartphones. The increase in depreciation and amortization expenses was primarily attributable to an increase in our investment in wireless networks and our acquisition of additional frequency licenses. The decrease in leased line expensenetwork interconnection expenses resulted primarily from the increased use of our own transmission lines following our acquisition of SK Networks’ leased line businessa decrease in September 2009.

outgoing SMS volume and decreases in interconnection rates.

Fixed-line Telecommunication Service Business

The operating expenses of our fixed-line telecommunication service business increaseddecreased by 3.5%6.1% to Won 2,342.82,141.3 billion in 2011 from Won 2,279.4 billion in 2010, from Won 2,263.2 billion in 2009, primarily due to decreases in labor costs and marketing expenses, partially offset by an increase in license fees paid to the providers of broadcasting programs for our IP TV services, as well as an increase in service fees paid in connection with the operation of our customer service call centers.

services.

Other Businesses

The operating expenses of our other businesses decreasedincreased by 9.3%58.2% to Won 587.5680.9 billion in 2011 from Won 430.4 billion in 2010, from Won 648.0 billion in 2009, primarily due toline with the exclusion60.3% increase in the operating revenue of operating expenses of certain subsidiaries that were excluded from consolidation in 2010.

our other businesses.

Operating Income. Our operating income increaseddecreased by 3.2%6.8% to Won 1,942.32,131.5 billion in 20102011 from Won 1,881.22,285.9 billion in 2009.2010. Due to the factors discussed above, the operating income of our cellular telephone telecommunication service business decreased by 4.0%10.8% to Won 2,275.92,067.3 billion in 2011 from Won 2,316.7 billion in 2010 and the operating income of our other businesses increased by 102.4% to Won 42.9 billion in 2011 from Won 2,371.621.2 billion in 2009, the operating loss of our2010. Our fixed-line telecommunication service business increased by 4.4% torecorded operating income of Won 178.521.3 billion in 2010 from Won 171.0 billion in 2009 and the2011 compared to operating loss of our other businesses decreased by 51.4% to Won 155.152.1 billion in 2010 from Won 319.4 billion in 2009.

2010.

Other Income.Income and Expenses.    Other income consists primarily of interest income, foreign exchange and translation gains and gains on transactions and valuation of derivatives, as well as dividendfinancial income and equity in earnings of affiliates. OtherOur financial income decreased by 28.2%7.3% to Won 629.4442.3 billion in 20102011 from Won 876.0477.2 billion in 2009,2010, due primarily to a 29.2% decrease in dividendinterest income partially offsetto Won 168.1 billion in 2011 from Won 237.4 billion in 2010 as a result of a decrease in accounts receivable related to sales of handsets on installment payment plans. The accounts receivable related to sales of handsets on installment payment plans have decreased since September 2010, when Hana SK Card took over this financing from us. Equity in earnings of affiliates decreased by an increase6.5% to Won 39.1 billion in 2011 from Won 41.8 billion in 2010.

Other expenses consist of financial expenses and equity in losses of affiliates. Our financial expenses decreased by 22.1% to Won 343.8 billion in 2011 from Won 441.6 billion in 2010, due primarily to a 21.6% decrease in interest income. Theexpenses to Won 297.2 billion in 2011 from Won 379.3 billion in 2010 as a result of a decrease in dividend income wasthe average outstanding balance of our borrowings. Equity in losses of affiliates increased 90.9% to Won 86.3 billion in 2011 from Won 45.2 billion in 2010, primarily due to the decreaselosses of Packet One Network, in dividends from Global Opportunities Breakaway Fund,which we hold a venture capital fund, and our sale of China Unicom and SK C&C shares in 2009.

Other Expenses.  Other expenses consist primarily of28.2% interest, and discount expenses, donations, external research and development cost, loss on disposalLightSquared Inc., in which we hold a 3.3% interest.

We recorded net other income of property, equipment and intangible assets, as well as foreign exchange and translation losses and losses on transactions and valuationWon 51.4 billion in 2011 compared to net other income of derivatives. Other expenses decreased by 33.6% to Won 898.032.2 billion in 2010, from Won 1,351.4 billion in 2009. This decrease was primarily attributable to the incurrence in 2009 of a loss on our sale of China Unicom shares compared to no such loss in 2010, as well as a


58


decrease in interest and discount expenses and a decrease in net loss on transactions and valuation of derivatives, partially offset byrepresenting an increase in donations.
of 59.6%.

Income Tax.    Income tax for continuing operation increased by 13.7%10.0% to Won 404.3599.1 billion in 20102011 from Won 355.7544.5 billion in 2009.2010. Our effective tax rate in 2010 decreased2011 increased to 24.2%27.4% from an effective tax rate of 25.3%23.5% in 2009. Income taxes2010. Our income tax expenses and effective tax rate increased in 20102011 compared to 20092010 primarily due to an increasea reduction in our income from continuing operation before income tax.

tax exemptions for capital expenditures in 2011.

Net Income.    Principally as a result of the factors discussed above, our net income, after adjusting fornon-controlling interests, increaseddecreased by 22.9%10.5% to Won 1,297.21,582.1 billion in 20102011 from Won 1,055.61,766.8 billion in 2009.2010. Net income as a percentage of operating revenues was 8.4%9.9% in 20102011 compared to 7.3%11.3% in 2009.

2009 Compared to 20082010.
Operating Revenue.  Our operating revenue increased by 4.0% to Won 14,512.3 billion in 2009 from Won 13,951.0 billion in 2008, due to a 4.4% increase in our cellular revenue to Won 12,091.6 billion in 2009 from Won 11,579.1 billion in 2008 and a 51.4% increase in our other revenue to Won 328.6 billion in 2009 from Won 217.0 billion in 2008, partially offset by a 2.9% decrease in our fixed-line telecommunication revenue to Won 2,092.1 billion in 2009 from Won 2,154.9 billion in 2008.
Cellular Telephone Telecommunication Service Business
The operating revenue of our cellular telephone telecommunication service business, which is composed of revenues from wireless services, interconnection, digital handset sales and other services, increased by 4.4% to Won 12,091.6 billion in 2009 from Won 11,579.1 billion in 2008.
The increase in our cellular revenue was principally due to an increase in our wireless services revenue, as well as digital handset sales of Won 185.3 billion by PS & Marketing, a wholly-owned subsidiary, in 2009 compared to no such sales in 2008. Wireless services revenue increased 3.2% to Won 10,734.4 billion in 2009 from Won 10,403.1 billion in 2008, primarily as a result of a 5.1% increase in our average subscriber base in 2009 over 2008, as well as increased subscriptions to service plans with higher monthly charges, partially offset by a decrease in revenue from call charges as a result of increase in number of subscribers signing up for discount price plans.
Our average monthly revenue per subscriber, excluding interconnection revenue, decreased by 0.9% to Won 38,171 in 2009 from Won 38,526 in 2008, which reflects the net effect of several factors, including a decrease in call charges for voice services and sign up fees, partially offset by increases in average monthly revenue per subscriber from monthly fee plans. Our average monthly revenue per subscriber from wireless data services, which includes usage charges for SMS and wireless Internet services, increased in 2009, attributable mainly to an increase in revenue from flat rate data plans. Our average monthly revenue per subscriber from usage charges for outgoing calls decreased in 2009, primarily due to discounts we offered for voice calls between subscribers. Our average monthly minutes per user declined to 197 minutes in 2009 from 200 minutes in 2008. Our average monthly revenue per subscriber from value-added and other service fees increased in 2009, primarily due to an increase in revenues from global roaming services and leased-line revenue.
Interconnection revenue increased by 0.8% to Won 1,158.0 billion in 2009 from Won 1,149.2 billion in 2008. The increase was due to increases in incoming call volume, which more than offset the decrease in interconnection rates in 2009. Our average monthly revenue per subscriber, including interconnection revenue, decreased 1.3% to Won 42,469 in 2009 from Won 43,016 in 2008.
Fixed-line Telecommunication Service Business
The operating revenue of our fixed-line telecommunication service business, which is composed of revenues from broadband Internet service (including corporate data service), fixed-line telephone service and international calling service, decreased by 2.9% to Won 2,092.1 billion in 2009 from Won 2,154.9 billion in 2008, primarily due to a decrease in average monthly revenue per subscriber resulting from discounts offered to subscribers of bundled


59


services and a decrease in fixed-line call charges, partially offset by an increase in revenues from international calling service and an increase in the number of subscribers to our broadband Internet, IP TV and VoIP services.
Other Businesses
The operating revenue of our other businesses, which is composed of revenues from portal service and certain other revenue, increased by 51.4% to Won 328.6 billion in 2009 from Won 217.0 billion in 2008.
Portal service revenues increased 0.7% to Won 201.1 billion in 2009 from Won 199.7 billion in 2008 mainly due to an increase in revenue from Moneta, our financial portal. Miscellaneous revenue increased by 637.0% to Won 127.5 billion in 2009 from Won 17.3 billion in 2008 due among others to an increase in digital music sales at our MelOn music portal.
Operating Expenses.  Our operating expenses in 2009 increased by 3.6% to Won 12,631.1 billion from Won 12,190.7 billion in 2008, primarily due to increases in marketing expenses in the form of commissions paid and in cost of goods sold for our digital handset sales, partially offset by a decrease in leased line expense.
Cellular Telephone Telecommunication Service Business
The operating expenses of our cellular telephone telecommunication service business increased by 4.3% to Won 9,719.9 billion in 2009 from Won 9,322.5 billion in 2008, primarily due to increases in commissions paid, cost of goods sold and provision for bad debt, partially offset by a decrease in leased line expense. Commissions paid, including to our authorized dealers and to our subscribers, increased in 2009, primarily attributable to an increase in initial commissions resulting from intensified marketing competition and in the number of new subscribers. The cost of goods sold increased primarily due to the commencement of digital handset sales in April 2009. The increase in provision for bad debt resulted primarily from the increase in bad debt experience ratio from accountsreceivable-trade. The decrease in leased line expense resulted primarily from the increased use of our own transmission lines following our acquisition of SK Networks’ leased line business in September 2009.
Fixed-line Telecommunication Service Business
The operating expenses of our fixed-line telecommunication service business increased by 6.1% to Won 2,263.2 billion in 2009 from Won 2,132.1 billion in 2008, primarily due to an increase in the marketing expenses paid in the form of commissions to the subscribers as a result of an increase in the number of subscribers.
Other Businesses
The operating expenses of our other businesses decreased by 12.0% to Won 648.0 billion in 2009 from Won 736.1 billion in 2008, primarily due to the exclusion of operating expenses of certain subsidiaries that were excluded from consolidation in 2009.
Operating Income.  Our operating income increased by 6.9% to Won 1,881.2 billion in 2009 from Won 1,760.3 billion in 2008. Due to the factors discussed above, the operating income of our cellular telephone telecommunication service business increased by 5.1% to Won 2,371.6 billion in 2009 from Won 2,256.6 billion in 2008 and the operating loss of our other businesses decreased by 38.5% to Won 319.4 billion in 2009 from Won 519.1 billion in 2008. In our fixed-line telecommunication service business, we had operating loss of Won 171.0 billion in 2009 compared to operating income of Won 22.8 billion in 2008.
Other Income.  Other income consists primarily of foreign exchange and translation gains and gains on transactions and valuation of derivatives, as well as interest income, dividend income and equity in earnings of affiliates. Other income decreased by 17.0% to Won 876.0 billion in 2009 from Won 1,055.2 billion in 2008, due primarily to a decrease in net foreign exchange and translation gain.
Other Expenses.  Other expenses consist primarily of interest and discount expenses, losses on transactions and valuation of derivatives, foreign exchange and translation losses and impairment loss on investment securities. Other expenses decreased by 12.1% to Won 1,351.4 billion in 2009 from Won 1,537.9 billion in 2008. This decrease


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was primarily attributable to a decrease in net loss on transactions and valuation of derivatives and impairment loss on investment securities.
Income Tax.  Income tax for continuing operation increased by 18.8% to Won 355.7 billion in 2009 from Won 299.3 billion in 2008. Our effective tax rate in 2009 increased to 25.3% from an effective tax rate of 23.4% in 2008. Income taxes increased in 2009 compared to 2008 primarily due to an increase in our income from continuing operation before income tax and an increase in valuation allowance, which together more than offset a decrease in corporate income tax rate to 22% in 2009 from 25% in 2008.
Net Income.  Principally as a result of the factors discussed above, our net income, after adjusting fornon-controlling interests, increased by 8.6% to Won 1,055.6 billion in 2009 from Won 972.3 billion in 2008. Net income as a percentage of operating revenues was 7.3% in 2009 compared to 7.0% in 2008.
Inflation

We do not consider that inflation in Korea has had a material impact on our results of operations in recent years. According to data published by The Bank of Korea, annual inflation in Korea was 4.7% in 2008, 2.8% in 2009, 3.0% in 2010 and 2.9%4.0% in 2010.

2011.

Item 5.B.Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

We had a working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) surplus of Won 793.6 billion, Won 1,475.7451.8 billion and deficit of Won 1,057.7556.1 billion as of December 31, 2008, 20092010 and 2010,2011, respectively.

The working capital deficit as of December 31, 2011 was primarily caused by our acquisition of additional frequency licenses in 2011. We plan to fund our current liabilities with the cash flow generated by our operations and by refinancing short-term borrowings.

We had cash, cash equivalents, short-term financial instruments and short-term investment securities of Won 1,752.71,627.1 billion as of December 31, 2008,2010 and Won 1,682.32,725.2 billion as of December 31, 2009 and Won 1,753.0 billion as of December 31, 2010.2011. We had outstanding short-term borrowings of Won 627.7523.7 billion as of December 31, 2008,2010 and Won 677.2700.7 billion as of December 31, 2009 and Won 529.6 billion as of December 31, 2010.2011. As of December 31, 2010,2011, we had credit lines with several local banks that provided for borrowingsborrowing of up to Won 1,357.2666.6 billion, of which Won 509.4239.0 billion was outstanding and Won 847.8427.6 billion was available for borrowing.

Operating cash flow and debt financing have been our principal sources of liquidity. We had cash and cash equivalents of Won 778.51,650.8 billion as of December 31, 2010,2011 and Won 953.9659.4 billion as of December 31, 2009 and Won 1,011.3 billion as of December 31, 2008.2010. We believe that we have sufficient working capital available to us for our current requirements and that we have a variety of alternatives available to us to satisfy our financial requirements to the extent that they are not met by funds generated by operations, including the issuance of debt securities and bank borrowings.


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   Year Ended December 31,  Change 
   2010  2011  2010 to 2011 
   (In billions of Won, except percentages) 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

  (Won)4,343.4   (Won)6,306.4   (Won)1,963.0    45.2

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

   (2,339.0  (4,239.1  (1,900.1  81.2  

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

   (2,246.1  (1,079.3  1,166.8    (51.9

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents Held in Foreign Currencies

   (4.4  3.4    7.8    N/A  

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

   (241.7  988.0    1,229.7    N/A  

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

   905.6    659.4    (246.2  (27.2

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

   659.4    1,650.8    991.4    150.3

                             
  Year Ended December 31, Change
  2008 2009 2010 2008 to 2009 2009 to 2010
  (In billions of Won, except percentages)
 
Net Cash Flow from Operating Activities W3,293.0  W2,932.6  W4,021.0  W(360.4)  (10.9)% W1,088.4   37.1%
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities  (3,877.0)  (1,826.0)  (2,358.7)  2,051.0   (52.9)  (532.7)  29.2 
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities  866.8   (1,207.0)  (1,818.3)  (2,073.8)  N/A   (611.3)  50.6 
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents Held in Foreign Currencies  37.4   (7.4)  (5.2)  (44.8)  N/A   2.2   (29.7)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents due to Changes in Consolidated Subsidiaries  36.4   46.2   (18.2)  9.9   27.2   (64.4)  N/A 
Preacquisition Cash Flows of Subsidiaries  17.3      (23.4)  (17.3)  N/A   (23.4)  N/A 
Cash Flows from Discontinued Operation(1)  (248.4)  4.0   27.4   252.4   N/A   23.4   585.0 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents  125.5   (57.6)  (175.4)  (183.0)  N/A   (117.8)  205.0 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period  886.0   1,011.5   953.9   125.5   14.2   (57.6)  (5.7)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period  1,011.5   953.9   778.5   (57.6)  (5.7)%  (175.4)  (18.4)%
N/A = Not applicable.
(1)Relates to cash flow activities of HELIO sold in August 2008, the Spicus division sold in August 2009, Etoos Co., Ltd. sold in October 2009, iHQ, Inc. sold in April and July 2010 and SK-KTB Music Investment Fund liquidated in October 2010, which have been classified as discontinued operations after such sale or liquidation.

Net Cash Flow from Operating Activities.    Net cash flow provided by operations was Won 3,293.04,343.4 billion in 2008,2010 and Won 2,932.66,306.4 billion in 2009 and Won 4,021.0 billion in 2010.2011. Net income was Won 972.31,766.8 billion in 2008,2010 and Won 1,055.61,582.1 billion in 2009 and2011. Net cash flow provided by operating activities in 2011 increased by 45.2% from 2010 despite a 10.5% decrease in net income, primarily due to a decrease of Won 1,297.21,618 billion in 2010.

other accounts receivable and a decrease of Won 521.7 billion in other long-term accounts receivable in 2011, which resulted from a decrease in accounts receivable related to sales of handsets on installment payment plans. The accounts receivable related to sales of handsets on installment payment plans have decreased since September 2010, when Hana SK Card took over this financing from us.

Net Cash from Investing Activities.    Net cash used in investing activities was Won 3,877.02,339.0 billion in 2008,2010 and Won 1,826.04,239.1 billion in 2009 and Won 2,358.7 billion in 2010.2011. Cash inflows from investing activities were Won 919.51,239.3 billion in 2008,2010 and Won 2,632.9725.9 billion in 2009 and Won 1,420.9 billion in 2010.2011. The primary contributor to such inflows, in 2008, largely related to a decrease in long-term investment securities of Won 382.7 billion and the collection of short-term loans of Won 212.9 billion and, in 2009, largely related to proceeds from sales of long-term investment securities of Won 1,966.9 billion, mostly relating to our sale of China Unicom and SK C&C shares. Cash inflows in 2010 largely related to proceeds from sales of long-term investment securities of Won 713.9630.0 billion, mostly relating to the sale of our investments in bond funds. Cash inflows in 2011 largely related to proceeds from sales of long-term investment securities of Won 256.7 billion, including shares of SK C&C, and the collection of short-term loans of Won 194.6 billion.

Cash outflows from investing activities were Won 4,796.43,578.3 billion in 2008,2010 and Won 4,458.94,964.9 billion in 2009 and Won 3,779.6 billion in 2010.2011. The primary contributors to the overall cashsuch outflows for investing activitiesin 2010 were expenditures related to the acquisition of property and equipment which wereof Won 2,236.42,142.3 billion, in 2008, Won 2,162.3 billion in 2009 and Won 2,144.7 billion in 2010, all primarily relating to expenditures in connection with the maintenance and build-out of our wireless network, including upgrades to and expansion of our WCDMA network, as well as initial build-out and expansion of our WiBro network; increases in equity of consolidated subsidiaries of Won 1,093.1 billion in 2008 (which was primarily due to ournetwork, and acquisition of shares of SK Broadband in March 2008); acquisition of the leased line business of SK Networks for Won 894.8 billion in 2009; acquisitions of equity securities accounted for using the equity method, which were Won 595.3 billion in 2008 (which was primarily due to our investment in SKY Property Management Ltd.associated companies of Won 283.4736.1 billion, and investment in SK Marketing & Company Co. Ltd.including shares of Won 190.0 billion), Won 107.4 billion in 2009 and Won 693.9 billion in 2010 (which was primarily due to our investment in Hana SK Card and Packet One Network);Network. Cash outflows in 2011 largely related to expenditures related to the acquisition of property and acquisitionsequipment of long-term investment securities, which were Won 28.92,960.6 billion, primarily relating to expenditures in 2008,connection with upgrades to and expansion of our WCDMA network, as well as initial build-out and expansion of our LTE and WiBro networks, as well as an increase in intangible assets of Won 539.0596.5 billion in 2009 and Won 146.9 billion in 2010.

primarily as a result of our acquisition of additional frequency licenses.

Net Cash from Financing Activities.    Net cash used in financing activities was Won 1,207.02,246.1 billion in 20092010 and Won 1,818.31,079.3 billion in 2010. Net cash provided by financing activities was Won 866.8 billion in 2008.2011. Cash inflows from financing activities were Won 263.8 billion in 2010 and Won 1,401.9 billion in 2011. Such inflows were primarily driven by issuancesissuance of bonds, which provided cash of

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Won 1,307.7 billion in 2008, Won 1,114.9 billion in 2009 and Won 148.3 billion in 2010. Proceeds fromlong-term borrowings of Won 510.6 billion in 2008, Won 9.9 billion in 2009 and Won 108.0149.3 billion in 2010 and proceedsWon 1,129.5 billion in 2011. Proceeds from long-term borrowings of Won 108.0 billion in

2010 and Won 92.4 billion in 2011 and, in 2011, net increase in short-term borrowings of Won 469.0174.2 billion in 2008, Won 348.5 billion in 2009 and Won 289.2 billion in 2010 also contributed to cash inflows from financing activities.

Cash outflows for financing activities included payment of dividends, repayments of current portion of long-term debt, repayment of long-term borrowings, repayment of bonds payable, acquisition and retirement of treasury stock and repayment of short termshort-term borrowings, among other items. Payment of dividends were Won 682.5682.3 billion in 2008,2010 and Won 681.5668.3 billion in 2009 and Won 680.0 billion in 2010.2011. Repayments of current portion of long-term debt were Won 558.1739.3 billion in 2008,2010 and Won 851.1224.6 billion in 2009 and Won 579.3 billion in 2010.2011. Repayment of long-term borrowings were Won 193.4200.0 billion in 2008,2010 and Won 111.6512.4 billion in 2009 and Won 235.3 billion in 2010.2011. Repayment of bonds payable were Won 60.2605.1 billion in 20092010 and Won 365.1842.2 billion in 2010. The acquisition and retirement2011. Acquisition of treasury shares also accounted for Won 62.1 billion, Won 28.9252.3 billion and Won 210.4208.0 billion of cash outflows for financing activities in 2008, 20092010 and 2010,2011, respectively. Repayment of short-term borrowings also accounted for Won 1,007.6 billion in 2009 and Won 324.3 billion in 2010.

As of December 31, 2008, we had total long-term debt (excluding current portion and subscription deposits) outstanding of Won 4,930.9 billion, which included bonds in the amount of Won 4,074.4 billion and bank and institutional borrowings in the amount of Won 856.5 billion. The increase in our long-term debt in 2008 was primarily due to the inclusion of SK Broadband’s long-term debt (which amounted to Won 1,066.5 billion as of December 31, 2008), as well as our incurrence of long-term debt to finance the acquisition of shares of SK Broadband and our subscribers’ handset purchases on installment payment plans. As of December 31, 2009, we had total long-term debt (excluding current portion and subscription deposits) outstanding of Won 5,125.0 billion, which included bonds in the amount of Won 4,280.4 billion and bank and institutional borrowings in the amount of Won 844.6 billion.

As of December 31, 2010, we had total long-term debt (excluding current portion and subscription deposits)portion) outstanding of Won 3,802.03,894.5 billion, which included bonds in the amount of Won 3,566.03,658.5 billion and bank and institutional borrowings in the amount of Won 236.0 billion. As of December 31, 2011, we had total long-term debt (excluding current portion) outstanding of Won 3,552.9 billion, which included bonds in the amount of Won 3,229.0 billion and bank and institutional borrowings in the amount of Won 323.9 billion. The decrease in our long- termlong-term debt in 2010as of December 31, 2011 was primarily due to a significant portionour repayment of our long-term debt being classified as current portion as of December 31, 2010.maturing bonds. For a description of our long-term liabilities, see notes 9, 10, 1113 and 2214 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

As of December 31, 2010,2011, substantially all of our foreign currency-denominated long-term borrowings, which amounted to approximately 43.2%51.4% of our total outstanding long-term debt, including current portion as of such date, was denominated in Dollars. Appreciation of the Won against the Dollar will result in net foreign exchange and translation gains, while depreciation of the Won against the Dollar will result in net foreign exchange and translation losses. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates will also affect our liquidity because of the effect of such changes on the amount of funds required for us to make interest and principal payments on our foreign currency-denominated debt.

On April 7, 2009, we issued convertible notes in the principal amount of US$332,528,000 with a maturity of five years and an annual interest rate of 1.75%. The aggregate net proceeds from the offering was US$326,397,463. We are required to redeem the convertible notes held by the holders thereof who exercise their put option, at their principal amount on the date of the third anniversary from the issuance date. After the third anniversary of the issuance date, we may redeem the convertible notes at our option if the price of the shares of our common stock during a pre-determined period (translated into Dollars at the then prevailing exchange rate) exceeds the conversion price (translated into Dollars at the exchange rate of Won 1,383.40 to US$1.00) by 30%. As of June 1, 2011,March 31, 2012, the conversion price was Won 211,271199,280 per share of our common stock at the exchange rate of Won 1,383.40 to US$1.00. If the conversion of convertible notes into shares would exceed the 49% limit on aggregate foreign ownership of our shares, we intend to make cash payments to the holders of the convertible notes in lieu of the shares of our common stock. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Law and Regulation — Foreign Ownership and Investment Restrictions and Requirements” for a more detailed discussion of foreign share ownership restrictions. As of June 1, 2011,March 31, 2012, a total of 2,177,3892,308,406 shares would be issued upon the exercise of the conversion rights by all of the holders of the convertible notes.

In June 2006, we issued floating rate discounted bills in the aggregate principal amount of Won 200 billion. The discounted bills have a five-year maturity and an interest rate based on a91-day certificate of deposit yield plus


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0.25%. In September and November 2006, we issued Korean Won-denominated corporate bonds, in each case, in an aggregate principal amount of Won 200 billion. These bonds will mature in September 2016 and November 2013, respectively, and have annual interest rates of 5.0% and 4.0%, respectively. In October 2006, we also made long-term borrowings in aggregate principal amount of US$100 million with a maturity of seven years and an annual interest rate based on six-month LIBOR plus 0.29%.

In July 2007, we issued U.S. dollar-denominated bonds in the principal amount of US$400,000,000 with a maturity of twenty years and an annual interest rate of 6.625%. In November 2007, we issued JapaneseYen-denominated notes in the principal amount of Japanese Yen 12,500,000,000 with a maturity of five years and an annual interest rate based on Yen LIBOR plus 0.55%. In November 2007, we issued KoreanWon-denominated bonds in the principal amount of Won 200 billion with a maturity of seven years and an annual interest rate of 5.00%.

In March 2008, we issued two tranches of Korean Won-denominated bonds, each tranche in the principal amount of Won 200 billion with an annual interest rate of 5.00%, maturing in seven and ten years, respectively. In October 2008, we issued Korean Won-denominated bonds in the principal amount of Won 250 billion with a maturity of five years and an annual interest rate of 6.92% and Korean Won-denominated bonds in the principal amount of Won 50 billion with a maturity of two years and an annual interest rate of 6.77%. In November 2008, we issued U.S. dollar-denominated notes in the principal amount of US$150,000,000 with a maturity of two years and an annual interest rate based on three-month U.S. dollar LIBOR plus 3.05%.

In January 2009, we issued notes in the principal amounts of Won 40 billion and Yen 3 billion with maturities of four and three years, respectively, and annual interest rates of 5.54% and3-month Euro Yen LIBOR plus 2.50%, respectively. In March 2009, we issued notes in the principal amounts of Won 230 billion and Yen 5 billion with maturities of seven and three years, respectively, and annual interest rates of 5.92% and3-month Euro Yen TIBOR plus 2.50%, respectively. In April 2009, we issued floating rate notes in the principal amounts of US$220,000,000 with a maturity of three years and an annual interest rate based on LIBOR plus 3.15%.

In May 2009, SK Broadband, our consolidated subsidiary, filedDecember 2011, we issued floating rate notes in the principal amount of US$250,000,000 with a securities registration statementmaturity of three years and an annual interest rate based on LIBOR plus 1.60% and SG$65,000,000 with a maturity of three years and an annual interest rate based on Singapore Swap Offered Rate, or SOR, plus 1.20%. In December 2011, we issued two tranches of Korean Won-denominated bonds in Koreathe principal amounts of Won 110 billion and Won 190 billion with maturities of five and ten years, respectively, and annual interest rates of 3.95% and 4.22%, respectively.

In February 2012, we borrowed Won 2.5 trillion in a syndicated loan from a syndicate of Korean banks including Kookmin Bank and Woori Bank in order to raise up tofinance the purchase of Hynix shares. Won 300 billion by selling its common shares through a rights offering. We participated2 trillion of the loan matures in three years and Won 0.5 trillion of the rights offeringloan matures in proportion to our 43.4% equity interest in SK Broadband and purchased 47,187,105 shares of SK Broadband’s common stock at Won 5,000 per share. As a result, our equity stake in SK Broadband has increased from 43.4% to 50.6%.

one year.

In February 2011, SK Telink, our consolidated subsidiary, issued Korean Won-denominated bonds in the principal amount of Won 50 billion with a maturity of three years and an annual interest rate of 4.86%. In November 2011, SK Telink issued Korean Won-denominated bonds in the principal amount of Won 50 billion with a maturity of three years and an annual interest rate of 4.62%. In April 2011, SK Broadband, our consolidated subsidiary, issued Korean Won-denominated bonds in the principal amount of Won 290 billion with a maturity of three years and an annual interest rate of 4.53%.

We also have long-term liabilities In September 2011, SK Broadband issued Korean Won-denominated bonds in respectthe principal amount of subscription deposits received from subscribers, which stood at Won 4.8100 billion at December 31, 2008, Won 5.5 billion at December 31, 2009with a maturity of three years and Won 5.2 billion at December 31, 2010. These non-interest bearing deposits were collected from some subscribers when they initiated service and are returned (less unpaid amounts due from the subscriber for our services) when the subscriber’s service is deactivated. We generally no longer collect these deposits from our subscribers. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Revenues, Rates and Subscription Deposits”an annual interest rate of 4.40%.

Substantially all of our revenue and operating expenses are denominated in Won. We generally pay for imported capital equipment in Dollars. For a description of swap or derivative transactions we have entered into, see “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”.

Capital Requirements

Historically, capital expenditures, repayment of outstanding debt and research and development expenditures have represented our most significant use of funds. In recent years, we have also increasingly dedicated capital resources to develop and invest in new and growing business areas, including our broadband Internet and fixed-line telephone business, wireless Internet business, convergence businesses and overseas operations, including through acquisitions and strategic alliances.alliances, as well as our investment in Hynix. In addition, we have used funds for the acquisition of treasury shares, financing of our subscribers’ handset purchases on installment payment plans and payment of retirement and severance benefits.


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benefits, as well as for the acquisition of additional frequency licenses.


To fund our scheduled debt repayment and planned capital expenditures over the next several years, we intend to rely primarily on funds provided by operations, as well as bank and institutional borrowings, and offerings of debt or equity in the domestic or international markets. We believe that these sources will be sufficient to fund our planned capital expenditures for 2011.2012. Our ability to rely on these alternatives could be affected by the liquidity of the Korean financial markets or by Government policies regarding Won and foreign currency borrowings and the issuance of equity and debt. Our failure to make needed expenditures would adversely affect our ability to sustain subscriber growth and provide quality services and, consequently, our results of operations.

Capital Expenditures.    The following table sets forth our actual capital expenditures for 2008, 20092010 and 2010:

             
  Year Ended December 31, 
  2008  2009  2010 
  (In billions of Won) 
 
CDMA Network(1) W148  W274  W465 
WCDMA Network  905   939   800 
WiBro(2)  405   147   125 
Others(3)  779   802   927 
             
Total(4) W2,237  W2,162  W2,317 
             
2011:

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2010   2011 
   (In billions of Won) 

CDMA Network(1)

  (Won)63.8    (Won)46.4  

WCDMA Network

   800.0     989.4  

LTE Network(2)

   —       233.7  

WiBro Network(3)

   124.9     28.2  

Others(4)

   1,153.6     1,662.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)2,142.3    (Won)2,960.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)Includes our basic CDMA and CDMA EV-DO networks.

(2)We commenced LTE service in July 2011.

(3)We commenced WiBro service in May 2006.

(3)(4)Includes investments in infrastructure consisting of equipment necessary for the provision of data services and marketing.
(4)Also, see note 7 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.marketing, as well as investments in SK Broadband’s fixed-line networks.

We set our capital expenditure budget for an upcoming year on an annual basis. Our actual capital expenditures in 2008 were Won 2,236.9 billion. Of such amount, we spent approximately Won 904.8 billion on capital expenditures related to upgrade and expansion of our WCDMA network, Won 404.8 billion related to development and expansion of our WiBro network, Won 148.2 billion related to general upkeep of our CDMA network and Won 779.1 billion on other capital expenditures and projects. Our actual capital expenditures in 2009 were Won 2,162.4 billion. Of such amount, we spent approximately Won 939.3 billion on capital expenditures related to upgrade and expansion of our WCDMA network, Won 146.8 billion related to development and expansion of our WiBro network, Won 273.5 billion related to general upkeep of our CDMA network and Won 802.8 billion on other capital expenditures and projects. Our actual capital expenditures in 2010 were Won 2,316.52,142.3 billion. Of such amount, we spent approximately Won 800.0 billion on capital expenditures related to upgrade and expansion of our WCDMA network, Won 124.9 billion related to development and expansion of our WiBro network, Won 465.0 billion related to general upkeep of our CDMA network and Won 926.6752.4 billion on other capital expenditures and projects.

Our actual capital expenditures in 2011 were Won 2,960.6 billion. Of such amount, we spent approximately 989.4 billion on capital expenditures related to upgrade and expansion of our WCDMA network, Won 233.7 billion related to building of our LTE network, Won 28.2 billion related to development and expansion of our WiBro network, Won 590.8 billion related to general upkeep of our CDMA network and Won 1,118.5 billion on other capital expenditures and projects.

We paid Won 650 billion of the Won 1.3 trillion as the cost of the IMT-2000 license in March 2001 and are required to paypaid the remainder of the license cost in annual installments for a five-year period from 2007 through 2011. In addition, weWe are required to pay the cost of our additional WCDMA license for 2 x 10 MHz of spectrum in the 2.1 GHz band that we acquired in May 2010 in annual installments of Won 17.7 billion each year from 2012 through 2014. We are also required to pay license fees for the additional frequency licenses in the 800 MHz and 1.8 GHz spectrums that we acquired in 2011. The license fee for the 30 MHz bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum is Won 416.5 billion, of which Won 208.3 billion was paid in 2011 and the remainder is payable in annual installments from 2013 through 2015. The license fee for the 20 MHz bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum is Won 995.0 billion, of which Won 248.8 billion was paid in 2011 and the remainder is payable in annual installments through the end of the license period in 2021. For more information, see note 812 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20092010 and 2010.

2011.

In March 2005, we obtained a license from the Government to provide WiBro services and paid the related Won 117.0 billion WiBro license fee. We currently provide WiBro service to “hot zone” areas in 84 cities. We are planning to make additional capital expenditures in 20112012 to build and expand our WiBro network to more extensive hot zone areas in the 84 cities, and we may also make further capital investments to expand our WiBro service in the future.cities. Our investment plans are subject to change depending on the market demand for WiBro services, the competitive landscape for similar services and development of competing technologies.


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In addition, we are currentlyhave been making capital expenditures to build more advanced networks based on long term evolution, or LTE, technology, with a goal of commencingand commenced commercial LTE services byin July 2011. We may continueplan to make further capital investments to develop and expand LTE services in the future.

We expect that our capital expenditure amount in 20112012 will be similar to that of 2010.2011. Our expenditures will be for a range of projects, including investments in our backbone networks, investments to improve our WCDMA network-based products and services, investments to buildexpand the coverage of our LTE network, investments in our wireless Internet-related and convergence businesses and funding for mid-to long-term research and development

projects, as well as other initiatives, primarily related to our ongoing businesses and in the ordinary course. However, our overall expenditure levels and our allocation among projects remain subject to many uncertainties. We may increase, reduce or suspend our planned capital expenditures for 20112012 or change the timing and area of our capital expenditure spending from the estimates described above in response to market conditions or for other reasons. We may also make additional capital expenditure investments as opportunities arise. Accordingly, we periodically review the amount of our capital expenditures and may make adjustments based on the current progress of capital expenditure projects and market conditions. No assurance can be given that we will be able to meet any such increased expenditure requirements or obtain adequate financing for such requirements, on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

Repayment of Outstanding Debt.    As of December 31, 2010,2011, our principal repayment obligations with respect to long-term borrowings, bonds and obligations under capital leases outstanding were as follows for the periods indicated:

     
Year Ending December 31,
 Total
  (In billions of Won)
 
2011 W1,434.5 
2012  1,179.7 
2013  749.3 
After 2013  2,071.4 

Year Ending December 31,

  Total 
   (In billions of Won) 

2012

  (Won)92.2  

2013

   161.6  

2014

   161.6  

After 2014

   591.8  

We note that no commercial bank in Korea may extend credit (including loans, guarantees and purchase of bonds) in excess of 20% of its shareholders’ equity to any one borrower. In addition, no commercial bank in Korea may extend credit exceeding 25% of the bank’s shareholders’ equity to any one borrower and to any person with whom the borrower shares a credit risk.

Investments in New Businesses and Global Expansion and Other Needs.    We may also require capital for investments to support our development of growing businesses areas, as well as the purchase of additional treasury shares and shares of our affiliates.

For example, in March 2008, we completed the acquisition of an additional 38.7% equity stake in SK Broadband, Korea’s second-largest fixed-line operator, for approximately Won 1.1 trillion, increasing our total equity interest in SK Broadband to 43.4%. In July 2009, we purchased additional shares of SK Broadband’s common stock, and as a result, our current equity stake increased to 50.6%. We may make additional capital investments in order to develop SK Broadband’s business in line with our growth strategy.

In September 2009, we also acquired a leased-line business and related ancillary businesses of SK Networks for the acquisition price of Won 892.8 billion. In connection with such acquisition, we also assumed liabilities of the businesses in the amount of Won 611.4 billion.

In February 2010, we purchased shares of Hana SK Card Co., Ltd. for a purchase price of Won 402400 billion. As a result, we are a major shareholder of Hana SK Card Co., Ltd. with a 49% equity stake.

In July 2010, we acquired a 27.2% equity interest in Packet One Network, or P1, a Malaysian 4G WiMAX Telecommunications company and subsidiary of Green Packet Berhad, for US$101 million. In connection with P1’s plan to increase its capital, we announced in May 2011 our plan to makemade an additional investment of MYR50 million (approximately US$16.3 million)pro ratato in 2011, which increased our ownership interest.interest to 28.2%. In March 2012, we made an additional investment of MYR 50.5 million by purchasing P1’s convertible preferred shares. For a more detailed description of our investments in P1, see “Item 4. Information on the Company — Item 4.B. Business Overview — Global Business — Overseas Operations”.


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In February 2012, we acquired a 21.05% equity stake in Hynix Semiconductor Inc., or Hynix, the world’s second-largest memory-chip maker by revenue, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately Won 3.4 trillion, and became its largest shareholder.

From time to time, we may make other investments in telecommunications or other businesses, in Korea or abroad, where we perceive attractive opportunities for investment. From time to time, we may also dispose of existing investments when we believe that doing so would be in our best interest.

Acquisition of Treasury Shares.    In October 2001, in accordance with the approval of our board of directors,From time to time, we established trust funds with four Korean banks with a total funding of Won 1.3 trillion for the purpose of acquiring ouracquire treasury shares at market prices plus or minus five percent. Each of the trust funds has an initial term of three years but is terminable at our option six months after the establishment of the trust fund and at the end of each succeeding six-month period thereafter. While held by the trust funds, our shares are not entitled to voting rights or dividends. In October 2004, we extended the terms of the trust funds (then with a balance of Won 982 billion) for another three years, and, in October 2007, we extended the terms of the trust funds (then with a balance of Won 982 billion) for an additional three years. In October 2010, upon expiration of the terms of the trust funds, our shares held by the trust funds were transferred to us and are currently held by us as treasury shares.

In a series ofthrough open market purchases in the period between December 2, 2008 and December 30, 2008, we acquired 306,988 shares of our common stock at an aggregate purchase price of Won 63.5 billion. In January 2009, we acquired 141,016 shares of our common stock at an aggregate purchase price of Won 28.9 billion.purchases. In a series of open market purchases in the period between July 26, 2010 and October 20, 2010, we acquired 1,250,000 shares of our common stock at an aggregate purchase price of Won 210.4 billion. In a series of open market purchases in the period between July 21, 2011 and September 28, 2011, we acquired 1,400,000 shares of our common stock at an aggregate purchase price of Won 208.0 billion. As of December 31, 2010, the total number2011, we held 11,050,712 shares of our common stock outstanding was 71,094,999.
as treasury shares and 69,694,999 shares of common stock were outstanding.

Financing of Installment Payment Plans.    Since April 2008, we have been offeringWe had offered installment payment plans for new handset purchases by our new or existing subscribers.subscribers before Hana SK Card, which is 51% owned by Hana Financial Group and 49% owned by us, took over this financing from us in September 2010. Under installment paymentthese plans, we provide financing to our new or existing subscribers who wish to purchase new handsets on credit and, in certain cases, charge fees or interest. As of December 31, 2010,2011, short-term and long-term accounts receivable (other), each net of allowance for doubtful accounts, and present value discount, amounted to Won 2,534.3908.8 billion and Won 5.4 billion, respectively, compared to Won 2,531.8 billion and Won 527.1 billion, respectively, compared to Won 2,075.9 billion and Won 761.7 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2009, and Won 1,346.1 billion and Won 572.1 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2008.2010. These increasesdecreases were primarily attributable to the increase in purchases of new handsets on installment payment plans, which has required, and may continue to require, our capital resources. Since September 2010,because Hana SK Card which is 51% owned by Hana Financial Group and 49% owned by us, has taken over this financing from us since September 2010, reducing the amount of our capital resources required to finance these installment payment plans.

Severance Payments.    The total accrued and unpaid retirement and severance benefits for our employees as of December 31, 20102011 of Won 62.985.9 billion was reflected in our consolidated financial statements as a liability, which is net of deposits with insurance companies totaling Won 96.3102.2 billion to fund a portion of the employees’ severance indemnities.

Also see “Item 6.D. Employees — Employee Stock Ownership Association and Other Benefits” and note 2(q)17 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Dividends.    Total payments of cash dividends amounted to Won 682.5682.3 billion in 2008,2010 and Won 681.5668.3 billion in 2009 and Won 680.0 billion in 2010.

2011.

In March 2011,2012, we distributed annual dividends at Won 8,400 per share to our shareholders for an aggregate payout amount of Won 597.2585.4 billion.


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Contractual Obligations and Commitments

The following summarizes our contractual cash obligations at December 31, 2010,2011, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on liquidity and cash flow in future periods:

                     
  Payments Due by Period(1)
    Less
      
    Than
     After
  Total 1 Year 1-3 Years 4-5 Years 5 Years
  (In billions of Won)
 
Bonds                    
Principal W4,580.9  W876.7  W1,741.0  W837.7  W1,125.5 
Interest  976.9   194.8   247.6   154.0   380.5 
Long-term borrowings                    
Principal  748.3   512.4   143.2   70.2   22.5 
Interest  41.5   19.7   13.5   7.1   1.2 
Capital lease obligations                    
Principal  105.5   45.5   44.7   15.3    
Interest  8.5   4.6   3.5   0.4    
Operating leases  12.9   6.5   6.4       
Facility deposits  10.3   5.1         5.2 
Derivatives  30.2   15.4   14.8       
Other long-term payables(2)                    
Principal  223.1   170.0   35.4   17.7    
Interest  18.5   12.2   5.7   0.6    
Short-term borrowings  529.6   529.6          
Total contractual cash obligations W7,286.2  W2,392.5  W2,255.8  W1,103.0  W1,534.9 

   Payments Due by Period(1) 
   Total   Less
Than
1 Year
   1-3 Years   4-5 Years   After
5 Years
 
   (In billions of Won) 

Bonds

          

Principal

  (Won)4,799.8    (Won)1,134.8    (Won)1,983.8    (Won)830.0    (Won)851.2  

Interest

   977.9     176.0     280.7     145.7     375.5  

Long-term borrowings

          

Principal

   351.7     31.3     132.2     125.9     62.3  

Interest

   49.3     11.0     21.3     10.0     7.0  

Capital lease obligations

          

Principal

   73.2     31.3     38.7     3.2       

Interest

   5.1     2.9     2.1     0.1       

Operating leases

                         

Facility deposits

   8.0     4.5               3.5  

Derivatives

   4.6     4.6                 

Other long-term payables(2)

          

Principal

   1,007.2     92.2     323.2     218.7     373.1  

Interest

   148.8     31.6     52.1     31.5     33.6  

Short-term borrowings

   700.7     700.7                 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total contractual cash obligations

  (Won)8,126.3    (Won)2,220.9    (Won)2,834.1    (Won)1,365.1    (Won)1,706.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)We are contractually obligated to make severance payments to eligible employees we have employed for more than one year, upon termination of their employment, regardless of whether such termination is voluntary or involuntary. Accruals for severance indemnities are recorded based on the amount we would be required to pay in the event the employment of all our employees were to terminate at the balance date. However, we have not yet estimated cash flows for future periods. Accordingly, payments due in connection with severance indemnities have been excluded from this table.

(2)Related to acquisition of IMT-2000 and WCDMAfrequency licenses. See note 814 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

See note 2229 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements for details related to our other commitments and contingencies.

U.S. GAAP Reconciliation
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP, which differs in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. For a discussion of significant differences between Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP, see notes 32 and 33 of our notes to consolidated financial statements.
Our net income in 2008 under U.S. GAAP is lower than net income under Korean GAAP by Won 20.6 billion, primarily due to the differing treatment of valuation of currency and interest rate swaps and loss on impairment of goodwill under U.S. GAAP, partially offset by differing treatment in loss on impairment of investment securities, the reversal of goodwill amortization, scope of consolidation and reclassification of our investment in the common stock of SK C&C under U.S. GAAP. Our net income in 2009 under U.S. GAAP is higher than net income under Korean GAAP by Won 301.1 billion, primarily due to the differing treatment of unrealized gains or losses on the valuation of convertible bonds payable, the reversal of goodwill amortization and valuation of currency and interest rate swap, partially offset by remeasuring our previously held equity interest in SK Broadband at its acquisition-date


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fair value and reclassification of our investment in the common stock of SK C&C under U.S. GAAP. Our net income in 2010 under U.S. GAAP is higher than net income under Korean GAAP by Won 99.4 billion, primarily due to the reversal of goodwill amortization, partially offset by differing treatment of valuation of currency and interest rate swaps.
Our shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 under U.S. GAAP is higher than under Korean GAAP by Won 737.6 billion, Won 1,916.1 billion and Won 2,094.1 billion, respectively, in each case, primarily due to increases from reversal of goodwill amortization, the differing treatment of additional equity investment in subsidiaries and tax effect of the reconciling items, partially offset by decreases from the differing treatment of nonrefundable activation fees for wireless service, goodwill impairment and scope of consolidation.
New Accounting Pronouncements under U.S. GAAP
In October 2009, guidance on Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements, which addresses how revenues should be allocated among all products and services included in our bundled sales arrangements, was newly issued. It establishes a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of each product or service, with vendor-specific objective evidence at the highest level, third-party evidence at the intermediate level, and a best estimate at the lowest level. It eliminates the residual method as an acceptable allocation method, and requires the use of the relative selling price method as the basis for allocation. It also significantly expands the disclosure requirements for such arrangements, including, potentially, certain qualitative disclosures. The requirements effective for the beginning of January 1, 2011 are not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In January 2010, accounting guidance on Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures — Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements, which required new disclosures and explanations for transfers of financial assets and liabilities between levels in the fair value hierarchy was revised. The new guidance clarifies that fair value measurement disclosures are required for each class of financial asset and liability, which may be a subset of a caption in the consolidated balance sheets, and those disclosures should include a discussion of inputs and valuation techniques. For financial assets and liabilities subject to lowest-level measurements (Level 3), the guidance further requires that we separately present purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements instead of netting these changes. The requirements effective for the beginning of January 1, 2010 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, and the portions of the guidance which are effective January 1, 2011 are not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In July 2010, the accounting guidance for Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses were revised. As a result of these amendments, an entity is required to disaggregate by portfolio segment or class certain existing disclosures and provide certain new disclosures about its financing receivables and related allowance for credit losses. The new disclosures as of the end of the reporting period are effective for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, while the disclosures about activity that occurs during a reporting period are effective for the first fiscal quarter of 2011. The disclosure requirements effective for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. The requirements effective for the first fiscal quarter of 2011 are not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Significant Changes in Korean GAAP
The amended SKAS No. 25, “Consolidated Financial Statements”, which is effective December 29, 2008 (but the early adoption is allowed from 2008), clarifies that when the parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary is increased after control is obtained, the difference between the consideration for additional acquisition of interest and portion of net asset of subsidiary, which had been previously recognized as capital surplus, should be recognized as other capital adjustment if the difference is negative amount and there is no related capital surplus earned at previous transaction. The amended SKAS No. 25, “Consolidated Financial Statements” was applied retroactively during the year ended December 31, 2008.
Transition to IFRS Starting in 2011

In March 2007, the Government announced that all companies listed on the Korea Exchange, including us, willwould be required to comply with the International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) adopted for use in Korea


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starting January 1, 2011, with a transition date of January 1, 2010. In addition, for our SEC filing requirements we are required to comply with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standard Board (“IASB”). Starting in the first quarter of 2011, we currently preparehave prepared and reportreported our financial statements under IFRS as adopted for use in Korea and publish such financial statements on the website of the Financial Supervisory Service of Korea as required under the applicable regulations and listing rules of the Korea Exchange. For our continued SEC reporting obligations, we have prepared and will prepare and report our financial statements under IFRS as adopted for use in Korea and IFRS as issued by the IASB.

Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates And Judgments

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP.IFRS. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We continually evaluate our estimates and judgments including those related to revenue recognition, allowances for doubtful accounts, inventories,fair value measurement of financial instruments, estimated useful lives and impairment of property and equipment, intangiblelong-lived assets, investments, employee stock option compensationimpairment of goodwill, provisions, deferred revenue relating to initial subscription fees, retirement benefit plans and income taxes. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe that of our significant accounting policies, the following may involve a higher degree of judgment or complexity:

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts

An allowance for doubtful accounts is provided based on a review of the status of individual receivable accounts at the end of the year. We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses that result from the inability of our customers to make required payments. We base our allowances on the likelihood of recoverability of accounts receivable based on the aging of accounts receivables at the end of the period, past customer default experience and taking into account current collection trends that are expected to continue.their credit status, and economic and industrial factors. If economic or specific industry trends worsen beyond our estimates, we increase our allowances for doubtful accounts by recording additional expenses.

DerivativeFair Value Measurement of Financial Instruments

We record rights and obligations arising from derivative instruments as

Subsequent to initial recognition, available-for-sale financial assets and liabilities, whichderivative financial assets are stated at fair value. The gains and losses that result from the change in the fair value of derivative instruments are reported in current earnings. However, for derivative instruments designated as hedging the exposure of variable cash flows, the effective portions of thewith any gains or losses arising on remeasurement recognized in net income or other comprehensive income. When measuring fair value, we use quoted prices in active markets to the extent such prices exist. The fair values of financial instruments, including derivative instruments, that are not traded in an active market is determined by using valuation techniques that require our management’s judgments on the hedging instrumentsexpected future cash flows and discount rates. Our management uses its judgment to select a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and credited or charged to operationsmainly based on market conditions existing at the time the hedged transactions affect earnings, and the ineffective portionsend of each reporting period. See note 4 of the gains or losses are credited or charged immediatelynotes to operations.

our consolidated financial statements.

Estimated Useful Lives

We estimate the useful lives of long-lived assets in order to determine the amount of depreciation and amortization expense to be recorded during any reporting period. The useful lives are estimated at the time the asset is acquired and are based on historical experience with similar assets as well as taking into account anticipated technological or other changes. If technological changes were to occur more rapidly than anticipated or in a different form than anticipated, the useful lives assigned to these assets may need to be shortened, resulting in the recognition of increased depreciation and amortization expense in future periods.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets Including the WCDMA Frequency Usage RightRights

Long-lived assets generally consist of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. We review our depreciation and amortization method, estimated useful lives and residual values of long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate thatat the carrying amountend of an asset may not be recoverable. In addition, we evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment each year as part of our annual forecasting process.reporting period. An impairment loss would be consideredrecognized when estimated undiscounted future net cash flow expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition areasset’s recoverable amount is less than its carrying amount. The recoverable amount of a long-lived asset is the greater of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. For the purpose of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash-generating units). The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units are determined based on value-in-use calculations, which require the use of estimates. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.


70

estimated recovery value.


Our intangible assets include the WCDMA frequency usage right,rights, which has ahave contractual lifelives of six to 15 years and isare amortized from the date commercial service is initiated through the end of itstheir contractual life, which is December 15, 2015. We started to amortize thislives. Because the use of frequency usage right on December 29, 2003. Because WCDMArights presents risks and challenges to our business, any or all of which, if realized or not properly addressed, may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, we review the WCDMA frequency usage rightrights for impairment on an annual basis. In connection with our review, we utilize the estimated long-term revenue and cash flow forecasts. The use of different assumptions within our cash flow model could result in different amounts for the WCDMA frequency usage right.rights. The results of our review using the testing method described above did not indicate any need to impair the WCDMA frequency usage right for 2010.
2011. See note 12 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Impairment of Goodwill

Goodwill is measured as the excess of the sum of: a) the consideration transferred, b) the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree, and c) the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree (if any), over the net fair value of the acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not depreciated, but tested for impairment at the end of each annual reporting period or whenever there is an indication that the asset may be impaired. Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses and the impairment losses are not reversed. For the purpose of impairment testing, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows, known as cash-generating units. Determining whether goodwill is impaired requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated. The value in use calculation requires our management to estimate the future cash flows expected related to the respective cash-generating unit and the determination of an appropriate discount rate in order to calculate present value. See note 11 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

ProvisionProvisions for Handset Subsidy, Point Program and Handset SubsidyRestoration

We provide handset subsidies to subscribers who purchase handsets on an installment basis. When the subscribers agree to use our services for a predetermined service period and purchase handsets on an installment basis, the subsidies are paid every month over the installment period and we estimate a provision for handset subsidies to be paid, which is recognized as commissions paid in operating expenses at the time telecommunication service contracts are made.

For itsour marketing purposes, we grant Rainbow Points and Point Box Points to our subscribers based on their usage of our services. Points are providedWe estimate a provision for such points based on the historical usage experience and our

marketing policy. Such provision is recorded as accrued expensesprovisions or other non-current liabilitieslong-term provisions in accordance with the expected pointspoints’ usage duration from the end of the reporting period. Points expire after 5five years and all unused points are expired on their fifth anniversary.

We provide handset subsidiesestimate restoration costs required to restore leased premises on which our cell sites and switching equipment are located after termination of the leases. These restoration costs are calculated on the basis of the identified costs for the current financial year, extrapolated into the future based on our management’s best estimates of future trends in prices, inflation, and other factors, and are discounted to present value at a risk-adjusted rate specifically applicable to the subscribers who purchase handsets on an installment basis. Such provision was recordedrelevant liability. Forecasts of estimated future provisions are revised in light of future changes in business conditions or technological requirements. See note 15 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Deferred Revenue relating to Initial Subscription Fees

We charge initial subscription fees related to activation of many of our services, which are deferred and recognized as accrued expenses or other non-current liabilities in accordance withrevenue over the expected points whenterms of customer relationships. Our estimate of expected terms of customer relationship is based on the subsidies are paid.

historical rate, which may differ in the future. If the management’s estimation is amended, it may cause significant differences in the timing of revenue recognition and amount recognized.

ImpairmentRetirement Benefit Plans

We have defined retirement benefit plans. The cost of Investment Securities

Whenproviding benefits under the declines in fair valueplan is determined using an actuarial valuation method that requires management assumptions on discount rates, expected rate of individualavailable-for-salesalary increase andheld-to-maturity securities below their acquisition cost are other than temporary and there is objective evidence expected rate of impairment,return on plan assets. These assumptions involve critical uncertainties due to the carrying valuelong-term nature of the securities is adjusted to their fair value with the resulting valuation loss charged to current operations.
As part of this review, the investee’s operating results, net asset value and future performance forecasts as well as general market conditions are taken into consideration. If we believe, based on this review, that the market value of an equity security or a debt security may realistically be expected to recover, the loss will continue to be classified as temporary. If economies or specific industry trends worsen beyond our estimates, valuation losses previously determined to be recoverable may need to be charged as an impairment loss in current operations.
Significant management judgment is involved in the evaluation of declines in value of individual investments. The estimates and assumptions used by management to evaluate declines in value can be impacted by many factors, such as our financial condition, earnings capacity and near-term prospects in which we have invested and, for publicly-traded securities, the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been less than cost. The evaluation of these investments is also subject to the overall conditionretirement benefit plans. See note 17 of the economy and its impact on the capital markets.
notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes

We are required to estimate the amount of tax payable or refundable for the current year and the deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been reflected in our financial statements or tax returns. This process requires management to make assessments regarding the timing and probability of the tax impact. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law or unpredicted results from the final determination of each year’s liability by taxing authorities.

We believe that the accounting estimate related to establishing tax valuation allowances is a “critical accounting estimate” because (i) it requires management to make assessments about the timing of future events, including the probability of expected future taxable income and available tax planning opportunities, and (ii) the impact that changes in actual performance versus these estimates could have on the realization of tax benefits as reported in our results of operations could be material. Management’s assumptions require significant judgment because actual performance has fluctuated in the past and may continue to do so.


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See note 24 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.


Item 5.C.Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

Overview

We maintain a high level of spending on our internal research activity. We also donate funds to several Korean research institutes and educational organizations that focus on research and development activity. We believe that we must maintain a substantial in-house technology capability to achieve our strategic goals.

The following table sets forth our annual research and development expenses:

             
  As of and for the Year Ended December 31,
  2008 2009 2010
  (In billions of Won)
 
Internal R&D Expenses W226.7  W236.3  W270.4 
External R&D Expenses  73.0   56.9   81.6 
Total R&D Expenses W299.7  W293.2  W352.0 

   As of and for the
Year Ended
December 31,
 
       2010           2011     
   (In billions of Won) 

Internal R&D Expenses

  (Won)270.4    (Won)271.4  

External R&D Expenses

   81.6     20.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total R&D Expenses

  (Won)352.0    (Won)291.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Our total research and development expenses were approximately 2.1% in 2008, 2.0% in 2009 and 2.3% in 2010 and 1.8% in 2011, respectively, of operating revenue.

Our external research and development expenses have been influenced by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, which makes annual recommendations concerning our minimum level of contribution to the

Government-run Fund for Development of Information and Telecommunications. The minimum level of contribution recommended by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy was 0.75% for each of 2008, 20092010 and 2010.2011. We are not obligated to make donations to any other external research institutes.

Internal Research and Development

The main focus of our internal research and development activity is the development of new wireless technologies and services and value-added technologies and services for our CDMA-based, WCDMA-based, LTE-based and WiBro networks, such as wireless data communications, as well as development of new technologies that reflect the growing convergence between telecommunications and other industries. We spent approximately Won 270.4271.4 billion on internal research and development in 2010.

2011.

Our internal research and development activity is centered at a research center withstate-of-the-art facilities and equipment established in January 1999 in Bundang-gu, Sungnam-si, Kyunggi-do, Korea. To more efficiently manage our research and development resources, our research and development center is organized into fourthree core areas:

 

Thenetwork technology R&D center,which has pioneered the development of 3G, 3.5G and 3.5G4G technologies. This center is developing next-generation network technologies, as well as core network equipment and new services. Current projects include the developmentimprovement of LTE technology and the next generation transmission technology and the development of data femtocell and hybrid access points to improve network coverage, as well as location-based services and mobile voice blogging service.

 

Theplatform technologyIT R&D center,which is responsible for developing open platform, media and convergence technologies. Current projects include the development of wireless personal area network technologies, such as ZigBee technology and radio-frequency identification technology, as well as 3D conversion and electronic paper technologies.

• Theservice technology R&D center,which focuses on improving the quality and operation of our core networks; building a flexible service infrastructure that will support the introduction of new products and services and enable easy maintenance; and developing new services based on customer needs. Specifically, this center has been developing an array of value-added services, including T Store, T-Map and T-Smart Wallet services and related mobile applications.

 

Thecorporateemerging technology R&D center,which is responsible for developing industry productivity enhancement solutions and otherbusiness-to-business services and other new technologies. Current projects include


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the development of an intelligent video security system, bio-informaticsintelligent audio system, smart audio technology and bilateral encoded telecommunicationquantum technology.

Thehealth care center, which develops diagnostic instruments and chemicals, by combining information technology and health care technology and analyzing computer data relating to health information.

Each business unit also has its own research team that can concentrate on specific short-term research needs. Such research teams permit our research center to concentrate on long-term, technology-intensive research projects. We aim to establish strategic alliances with selected domestic and foreign companies with a view to exchanging or jointly developing technologies, products and services.

External Research and Development

In addition to conducting research in our own facilities, we have been a major financial supporter of other Korean research institutes, and we have helped coordinate the Government’s effort to commercialize CDMA-based, WCDMA-based, LTE-based and WiBro technology. We do not independently own intellectual property rights in the technologies or products developed by any external research institute.

Item 5.D.Trend Information

These matters are discussed under Item 5.A. and Item 5.B. above where relevant.

Item 5.E.Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

None.

Item 5.F.Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

These matters are discussed under Item 5.B. above where relevant.

Item 5.G.Safe Harbor

These matters are discussed under “Forward-Looking Statements.”

Item 6.DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

Item 6.A.Directors and Senior Management

Our board of directors has ultimate responsibility for the management of our affairs. Under our articles of incorporation, our board is to consist of at least three but no more than twelve directors, more than half of whom must be independent non-executive directors. We currently have a total of eight directors, five of whom are independent non-executive directors. We elect our directors at a general meeting of shareholders with the approval of at least a majority of those shares present or represented at such meeting. Such majority must represent at least one-fourth of our total issued and outstanding shares with voting rights.

As required under relevant Korean laws and our articles of incorporation, we have a committee for recommendation of independent non-executive directors within the board of directors, the Independent Director Nomination Committee. Independent non-executive directors are appointed from among those candidates recommended by the Independent Director Nomination Committee.

The term of offices for directors is until the close of the third annual general shareholders meeting convened after he or she commences his or her term. Our directors may serve consecutive terms. Our shareholders may remove them from office by a resolution at a general meeting of shareholders adopted by the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting shares present or represented at the meeting, and such affirmative votes also represent at least one-third of our total voting shares then issued and outstanding.

Representative directors are directors elected by the board of directors with the statutory power to represent our company.


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The following are the names and positions of our standing and non-standing directors. The business address of all of our directors is the address of our registered office at SK T-Tower, 11, Euljiro 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul100-999, Korea.

Standing directors are our full-time employees and executive officers, and they also comprise the senior management, or the key personnel who manage us. Their names, dates of birth and positions at our company and other positions are set forth below:

             
          Other
  
          Principal
  
  Date of
 Director
 Expiration
   Directorships
 Business
Name
 Birth Since of Term Position and Positions Experience
 
Sung Min Ha Mar. 24, 1957 2011 2014 President, Co-Chief Executive Officer & Representative Director  Head of Mobile Network Operator Business, SK Telecom; CFO & Head of Strategic Planning Office, SK Telecom
Jin Woo So Dec. 20, 1961 2011 2014 Co-Chief Executive Officer & Representative Director; Head of Platform Business  Head of Convergence & Internet Business, SK Telecom; Head of Global Business, SK Telecom; CEO, SK Communications

Name

  Date of Birth   Director
Since
   Expiration
of Term
   

Position

  

Other Principal
Directorships and
Positions

  

Business Experience

Sung Min Ha

   Mar. 24, 1957     2011     2014    President & Chief Executive Officer    Head of Mobile Network Operator Business, SK Telecom; CFO & Head of Strategic Planning Office, SK Telecom

Young Tae Kim

   Nov. 17, 1955     2012     2015    Executive Director  Chief Executive Officer, SK Holdings  Head of Labor Relations, SK Holdings; Head of Ulsan CLX, SK Energy; Head of Corporate Culture, SK Holdings

Dong Seob Jee

   Jul. 7, 1963     2012     2015    Head of Corporate Vision Department    Head of Corporate Strategy Department, Head of Marketing Strategy Department, and Head of MNO Strategy Department, SK Telecom

Our current non-standing directors are as set forth below:

             
          Other
  
          Principal
  
  Date of
 Director
 Expiration
   Directorships
 Business
Name
 Birth Since of Term Position and Positions Experience
 
Jae Won Chey May 16, 1963 2009 2012 Chairman of the Board of Directors Chairman, SK Networks; Vice Chairman & CEO, SK Holdings; Vice Chairman & CEO, SK Gas Vice Chairman & CEO, SK E&S Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Center, SK Telecom; Executive Vice President, Head of Strategic Support Division, SK Telecom
Hyun Chin Lim Apr. 26, 1949 2009 2012 Independent Non-executive Director Professor, College of Social Science, Seoul National University President, Korea Sociological Association; Dean, College of Social Science, Seoul National University; President, Korean Association of NGO Studies
Dal Sup Shim Jun. 27, 1950 2010 2013 Independent Non-executive Director Senior Visiting Research Fellow, Institute for Global Economics Auditor, Korea Technology Investment Corp.; Auditor, Korea Credit Guarantee Fund; Financial Attaché, Korean Embassy in the United States; Audit Officer, Korea Customs Service; Director General for Customs & Tariff, Ministry of Finance and Economy
Rak Young Uhm Jun. 23, 1948 2011 2014 Independent Non-executive Director Visiting Professor Chung-Ang University Independent Non-executive Director, Tong Yang Insurance Co., Ltd., Non-Standing Director KOTRA; President, Korea Development Bank; Vice Minister, Ministry of Finance and Economy
Jay Young Chung Oct. 15, 1944 2011 2014 Independent Non-executive Director Honorary Professor, Sung Kyun Kwan University Chief, Asia-Pacific Economic Association; Vice President, Sung Kyun Kwan University; Independent Non-executive Director, POSCO
Jae Ho Cho Jan. 18, 1955 2011 2014 Independent Non-executive Director Professor, College of Business Administration, Seoul National University Director, Kyung Hee Foundation; Chair, Sub-committee for Capital Market Development, Financial Services Commission; Visiting Professor, Graduate School of Economics, University of Tokyo


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Name

 Date of
Birth
  Director
Since
  Expiration
of Term
  

Position

 

Other Principal
Directorships and
Positions

 

Business Experience

Hyun Chin Lim

  Apr. 26, 1949    2012    2015   Independent Non-executive Director Professor, College of Social Science, Seoul National University President, Korea Sociological Association; Dean, College of Social Science, Seoul National University; President, Korean Association of NGO Studies

Dal Sup Shim

  Jun. 27, 1950    2010    2013   Independent Non-executive Director Senior Visiting Research Fellow, Institute for Global Economics Auditor, Korea Technology Investment Corp.; Auditor, Korea Credit Guarantee Fund; Financial Attaché, Korean Embassy in the United States; Audit Officer, Korea Customs Service; Director General for Customs & Tariff, Ministry of Finance and Economy

Rak Young Uhm

  Jun. 23, 1948    2011    2014   Independent Non-executive Director Visiting Professor Chung-Ang University Independent Non-executive Director, Tong Yang Insurance Co., Ltd., Non-Standing Director KOTRA; President, Korea Development Bank; Vice Minister, Ministry of Finance and Economy

Jay Young Chung

  Oct. 15, 1944    2011    2014   Independent Non-executive Director Honorary Professor, Sung Kyun Kwan University Chief, Asia-Pacific Economic Association; Vice President, Sung Kyun Kwan University; Independent Non-executive Director, POSCO

Jae Ho Cho

  Jan. 18, 1955    2011    2014   Independent Non-executive Director Professor, College of Business Administration, Seoul National University Director, Kyung Hee Foundation; Chair, Sub-committee for Capital Market Development, Financial Services Commission; Visiting Professor, Graduate School of Economics, University of Tokyo

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

In January 2012, Seoul Central Prosecutors’ Office indicted Mr. Jae Won Chey, our director at the time, and Mr. Tae Won Chey, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SK Holdings, on charges of embezzlement and criminal breach of fiduciary duty alleging that they misappropriated Won 46.85 billion of our corporate funds and additional funds of our affiliates. The case is currently pending at Seoul Central District Court.

Item 6.B.Compensation

The aggregate of the remuneration paid and in-kind benefits granted to the directors (both standing directors, who also serve as our executive officers, and non-standing directors) during the year ended December 31, 20102011 totaled approximately Won 3.710.48 billion.

Remuneration for the directors is determined by shareholder resolution. Severance allowances for directors are determined by the board of directors in accordance with our regulation on severance allowances for officers, which

was adopted by shareholder resolution. The regulation provides for monthly salary, performance bonus, severance payment and fringe benefits. The amount of performance bonuses is independently decided by a resolution of the board of directors.

In March 2002, pursuant to resolutions of the shareholders, and in accordance with our articles of incorporation, certain of our directors and officers were granted options to purchase our common shares, which have all expired without being exercised. Since 2003, none of our directors and officers have been granted options to purchase our common shares.

Item 6.C.Board Practices

For information regarding the expiration of each director’s term of appointment, as well as the period from which each director has served in such capacity, see the table set out under “Item 6.A. Directors and Senior Management”, above.

Termination of Directors, Services

Directors are given a retirement and severance payment upon termination of employment in accordance with our internal regulations on severance payments. Upon retirement, directors who have made significant contributions to our company during their term may be appointed to serve either as an advisor to us or as an officer of an affiliate company.

Audit Committee

Under relevant Korean laws and our articles of incorporation, we are required to have an audit committee under the board of directors. The committee is composed of at least three members, two-thirds of whom must be independent non-executive directors independent in accordance with applicable rules. The members of the audit committee are appointed annually by a resolution of the boardgeneral meeting of directors.shareholders. They are required to:

examine the agenda for the general meeting of shareholders;

examine financial statements and other reports to be submitted by the board of directors to the general meeting of shareholders;

• examine the agenda for the general meeting of shareholders;
• examine financial statements and other reports to be submitted by the board of directors to the general meeting of shareholders;
• review the administration by the board of directors of our affairs; and
• examine the operations and asset status of us and our subsidiaries.

review the administration by the board of directors of our affairs; and

examine the operations and asset status of us and our subsidiaries.

In addition, the audit committee must appoint independent auditors to examine our financial statements. An audit and review of our financial statements by independent auditors is required for the purposes of a securities report. Listed companies must provide such report on an annual, semi-annual and quarterly basis to the Financial Services Commission of Korea, or the FSC, and the KRX KOSPI Market.

Our audit committee is composed of four independent non-executive directors: Dal Sup Shim, Hyun Chin Lim, Jae Ho Cho and Jay Young Chung, each of whom is financially literate and independent under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange as applicable. The board of directors has determined that Jae Ho Cho is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined under the applicable rules of the SEC. See “Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert”.


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Independent Director Nomination Committee

This committee is devoted to recommending independent non-executive directors for the board of directors. The objective of the committee is to help promote fairness and transparency in the nomination of candidates for these positions. The board of directors decides from time to time who will comprise the members of this committee. The committee is comprised of two executive directors and two independent directors.

Capex Review Committee

This committee is responsible for reviewing our business plan (including the budget). It also examines major capital expenditure revisions, and routinely monitors capital expenditure decisions that have already been executed. The committee is comprised of one executive officerdirector and three independent directors.

Compensation Review Committee

This committee oversees our overall compensation scheme for top-level executives and directors. It is responsible for reviewing both the criteria for and level of compensation. It is comprised of all independent directors, Hyun Chin Lim, Dal Sup Shim, Rak Young Uhm, Jay Young Chung and Jae Ho Cho.

Corporate Citizenship Committee

This committee was established to help us achieve world-class sustainable growth and to help us fulfill our corporate social responsibilities. It is comprised of one executive officerdirector and three independent directors.

Item 6.D.Employees

The following table sets forth the numbers of our regular employees, temporary employees and total employees as of the dates indicated:

             
  Regular
 Temporary
  
  Employees Employees Total
 
December 31, 2008  8,964   1,662   10,626 
December 31, 2009  9,298   1,416   10,714 
December 31, 2010  15,490   4,653   20,143 

   Regular
Employees
   Temporary
Employees
   Total 

December 31, 2009

   9,298     1,416     10,714  

December 31, 2010

   15,490     4,653     20,143  

December 31, 2011

   15,480     5,475     20,955  

The number of our employees increased in 2010 primarily due to the establishment in 2010 of Service Ace Co., Ltd., Service Top Co., Ltd., and Network O&S Co., Ltd., our wholly-owned subsidiaries engaged in customer service and network maintenance. Employees of these subsidiaries were previously employed by third-party outsourcing companies.

Labor Relations

As of December 31, 2010,2011, we had a company union comprised of 15,49015,480 regular employees. We have never experienced a work stoppage of a serious nature. Every two years, the union and management negotiate and enter into a new collective bargaining agreement that has a two-year duration, which is focused on employee benefits and welfare. Employee wages are separately negotiated on an annual basis. Our wage negotiations completed in November 2008 resulted in an average wage increase of 2% for 2008 from 2007. Our wage negotiations completed in June 2009 resulted in a wage freeze for 2009. Our wage negotiations completed in December 2010 resulted in an average wage increase of 2.5% for 2010 from 2009. Our wage negotiations for 2011 hascompleted in September 2011 resulted in an average wage increase of 3%. Our wage negotiations for 2012 have not commenced yet. We consider our relations with our employees to be good.

Employee Stock Ownership Association and Other Benefits

Since April 1999, we have been required to contribute an amount equal to 4.5% of employee wages toward a national pension plan. Employees are eligible to participate in an employee stock ownership association. We are not required to, and we do not, make any contributions to the employee stock ownership association, although we subsidize the employee stock ownership association through the Employee Welfare Fund by providing low interest


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rate loans to employees who desire to purchase our stock through the plan in the event of a capitalization by the association. On December 26, 2007 and January 23, 2008, we loaned Won 31.0 billion and Won 29.7 billion, respectively, to our employee stock ownership association to help fund the employee stock ownership association’s acquisition of our treasury shares. Such loans will beare repaid over a period of five years, beginning on the second anniversary of each loan date. As of June 1, 2011,March 31, 2012, the employee stock ownership association owned approximately 0.4%0.37% of our issued common stock.

We are required to pay a severance amount to eligible employees who voluntarily or involuntarily cease employment with us, including through retirement. This severance amount is based upon the employee’s length of service with us and the employee’s salary level at the time of severance. As of December 31, 2010,2011, the accrued and unpaid retirement and severance benefits of Won 159.2188.1 billion for all of our employees are reflected in our consolidated financial statements as a liability, of which a total of Won 96.3102.2 billion was funded. Under Korean

laws and regulations, we are prevented from involuntarily terminating a full-time employee except under certain limited circumstances. In September 2002, we entered into an employment stabilization agreement with the union. Among other things, this agreement provides for a one-year guarantee of the same wage level in the event that we reorganize a department into a separate entity or we outsource an employee to a separate entity where the wage is lower.

Under the Basic Labor Welfare Act, we may also contribute up to 5% of our annual earnings before tax for employee welfare. Contribution amounts are determined annually following negotiation with the union. The contribution amount for 2008, which was decided in December 2008, was set at 2.6% of our earnings before tax, or Won 40.0 billion. We did not make the contribution in 2009. The contribution amount for 2010, which was decided in December 2010, was set at 1.5%1.09% of our earnings before tax, or Won 27.2 billion.

The contribution amount for 2011, which was decided in December 2011, was set at 0.4% of our earnings before tax, or Won 10.0 billion.

In addition, we provide our employees with miscellaneous other fringe benefits including housing loans, free medical examinations, subsidizedon-site child care facilities and sabbatical programs for long-term employees.

Item 6.E.Share Ownership

The following table sets forth the share ownership by our standing and non-standing directors as of June 1, 2011:

                   
      Percentage of
    
    Number of
 Total
 Special
  
    Shares
 Shares
 Voting
  
Name
 
Position
 Owned Outstanding Rights Options
 
Standing Directors:
                  
Sung Min Ha President, Co-Chief Executive Officer & Representative Director  738   0   None   None 
Jin Woo So Co-Chief Executive Officer & Representative Director; Head of Platform Business  0   0   None   None 
Non-Standing Directors:
                  
Jae Won Chey Independent Non-executive Director  0   0   None   None 
Hyun Chin Lim Independent Non-executive Director  0   0   None   None 
Dal Sup Shim Independent Non-executive Director  0   0   None   None 
Rak Young Uhm Independent Non-executive Director  0   0   None   None 
Jay Young Chung Independent Non-executive Director  0   0   None   None 
                   
Jae Ho Cho Independent Non-executive Director  0   0   None   None 


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March 31, 2012:


Name

  

Position

  Number of
Shares
Owned
   Percentage of
Total Shares
Outstanding
   Special
Voting
Rights
   Options 

Standing Directors:

          

Sung Min Ha

  President & Chief Executive Officer   738     0     None     None  

Young Tae Kim

  Executive Director   0     0     None     None  

Dong Seob Jee

  Head of Corporate Vision Department   0     0     None     None  

Non-Standing Directors:

          

Hyun Chin Lim

  Independent Non-executive Director   0     0     None     None  

Dal Sup Shim

  Independent Non-executive Director   0     0     None     None  

Rak Young Uhm

  Independent Non-executive Director   0     0     None     None  

Jay Young Chung

  Independent Non-executive Director   0     0     None     None  

Jae Ho Cho

  Independent Non-executive Director   0     0     None     None  

Item 7.MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Item 7.A.Major Shareholders

As of the close of our shareholders’ registry on December 31, 2010,2011, approximately 51.62%59.7% of our issued shares were held in Korea by approximately 27,66239,652 shareholders. According to Citibank, N.A., depositary for our American Depositary Receipts, as of December 31, 2010,2011, there were 79,92319,353 U.S. holders of record of our American Depositary Receipts evidencing ADSs, and 24,321,89321,711,446 shares of our common stock were held in the form of ADSs. As of such date, outstanding ADSs represented approximately 30.12%26.89% of our outstanding common stock.

The following table sets forth certain information as of June 1, 2011March 31, 2012 with respect to any person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5.0% of the shares of our common stock and with respect to the total amount of such shares owned by our employees and our officers and directors, as a group:

             
    Percentage
 Percentage
  Number of
 Total Shares
 Total Shares
Shareholder/Category
 Shares Issued Outstanding
 
Domestic Shareholders            
SK Holdings  18,748,452   23.22%  26.37%
Employees(1)  321,394   0.40   0.45 
Treasury shares(1)(2)  9,650,712   11.95   N/A 
Officers and Directors  13,579   0*  0*
Other Domestic Shareholders  12,483,735   15.46   17.56 
Foreign Shareholders(3)            
Tradewinds Global Investors, LLC  4,050,518   5.02   5.70 
Other Foreign Shareholders  35,477,321   43.94   49.90 
Total Issued Shares(4)  80,745,711   100.00%   
Total Outstanding Shares(5)  71,094,999      100.00%

Shareholder/Category

  Number of
Shares
   Percentage
Total Shares
Issued
  Percentage
Total Shares
Outstanding
 

Domestic Shareholders

     

SK Holdings

   20,363,452     25.22  29.22

Employees(1)

   299,241     0.37    0.43  

Treasury shares(2)

   11,050,712     13.69    N/A  

Officers and Directors

   7,417     0.01    0.01  

Other Domestic Shareholders

   14,176,382     17.56    20.34  

Foreign Shareholders(3)

     

Tradewinds Global Investors, LLC

   3,804,257     4.71    5.46  

Other Foreign Shareholders

   31,044,250     38.45    44.54  

Total Issued Shares(4)

   80,745,711     100  

Total Outstanding Shares(5)

   69,694,999         100

Less than 0.00%.
(1)Represents shares owned by our employee stock ownership association. See “Item 6.D. Employees”.

(2)Treasury shares do not have any voting rights; includes 2,177,3892,308,406 treasury shares that were deposited with Korea Securities Depository to be reserved and used to satisfy the conversion rights of the holders of US$332.5 million in 1.75% convertible notes that were sold in April 2009.

(3)Based on the data collected by the KRX KOSPI Market under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws.

(4)On January 9, 2009, the Company purchased (using retained earnings) and cancelled 448,000 common shares. As a result of such retirement of common shares, the total number of shares decreased to 80,745,711 from 89,278,946 which is the total number of shares issued to date.

(5)Represents total issued shares excluding treasury shares.

The following table sets forth significant changes in the percentage ownership held by our major shareholders during the past three years:

             
  As of December 31,
Shareholder
 2008 2009 2010
  (As a percentage of total issued shares)(1)
 
SK Group(2)  23.09%  23.22%  23.22%
SK Holdings  23.09   23.22   23.22 
POSCO(3)  2.88   2.90   2.90 

    As of December 31, 

Shareholder

  2010  2011 
   (As a percentage of total
issued shares)(1)
 

SK Group(2)

   23.22  25.22

SK Holdings

   23.22    25.22  

POSCO(3)

   2.90    2.90  

(1)Includes 8,707,696, 8,400,7129,650,712 and 9,650,71211,050,712 shares held in treasury as of December 31, 2008, 20092010 and 2010,2011, respectively.


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(2)SK Group’s ownership interest as of December 31, 2008, 20092010 and 20102011 consisted of the ownership interest of SK Holdings only.

(3)POSCO acquired these shares in connection with our acquisition of a 27.7% equity interest in Shinsegi.

Except as described above, other than companies in the SK Group and POSCO, no other persons or entities known by us to be acting in concert, directly or indirectly, jointly or severally, own in excess of 5.0% of our total shares outstanding or exercise control or could exercise control over our business.

On July 1, 2007, the company formerly known as SK Corporation underwent a corporate reorganization, pursuant to which SK Corporation spun off substantially all of its operating business divisions into a newly established corporation named SK Energy Co., Ltd. The surviving company currently operates as a holding company, renamed SK Holdings Co., Ltd. Ownership of all our shares held by SK Corporation immediately preceding the reorganization passed to SK Holdings as of July 1, 2007.

As of June 1, 2011,March 31, 2012, SK Holdings held 23.22%25.22% of our shares of common stock. For a description of our foreign ownership limitation, see “Item 3.D. Risk Factors — If SK Holdings causes us to breach the foreign ownership limitations on shares of our common stock, we may experience a change of control” and “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Law and Regulation — Foreign Ownership and Investment Restrictions and Requirements”. In the event that SK Holdings announces plans of a sale of our shares, we expect to be able to discuss the details of such sale with them in advance and will endeavor to minimize any adverse effects on our share prices as a result of such sale.

As of June 1, 2011,March 31, 2012, the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding was 71,094,999.

69,694,999.

Other than as disclosed herein, there are no other arrangements, to the best of our knowledge, which would result in a material change in the control of us. Our major shareholders do not have different voting rights.

Item 7.B.Related Party Transactions

SK Networks

In September 2009, we acquired the leased-line business and related ancillary businesses from SK Networks for Won 892.76 billion. Webillion and assumed Won 611.44 billion of debt as part of the transaction. Prior to such acquisition, KT and SK Networks provided a substantial majority of our leased lines. For a more detailed discussion of the lines we lease from fixed-line operators, see “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Digital Cellular Network — Network Infrastructure”.

As of December 31, 2010,2011, we had Won 3.224.4 billion of accounts receivables from SK Networks. As of the same date, we had Won 99.3158.9 billion of accounts payable to SK Networks, mainly consisting of commissions to dealers owned by SK Networks.

Other Related Parties

On July 22, 2003, we acquired 2,481,310 shares of POSCO common stock held by SK Holdings at a price of Won 134,000 per share in accordance with a resolution of our board of directors dated July 22, 2003. We decided to purchase the shares for strategic reasons in order to address overhang concerns arising from POSCO’s ownership of our shares. As of December 31, 2009,2011, POSCO owned 2.9% of our shares.

We are a party to an agreement with SK C&C pursuant to which SK C&C provides us with system maintenance services. This agreement will expire on December 31, 2013. We also enter into agreements with SK C&C from time to time for specific information technology-related projects. The aggregate fees we paid to SK C&C for information technology services amounted to Won 273.3 billion in 2008, Won 317.5 billion in 2009 and Won 316.4 billion in 2010.2010 and Won 321.4 billion in 2011. We also purchase various information technology-related equipment from SK C&C from time to time. The total amount of such purchases was Won 232.2 billion for 2008, Won 237.5 billion in 2009 and Won 270.9 billion in 2010.2010 and Won 299.2 billion for 2011. We are a party to several service agreements with SK C&C relating to the development and maintenance of our information technologies systems.


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We are part of the SK Group of affiliated companies. See “Item 7.A. Major Shareholders” As disclosed in note 2428 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements, we had related party transactions with a number of affiliated companies of the SK Group during the year ended December 31, 2010.
In March 2005, we invested Won 14.4 billion to purchase 8,000,000 shares, representing a 21.6% equity stake, in iHQ, Inc., or iHQ, one of Korea’s largest entertainment companies and the controlling shareholder of YTN Media, Inc. In 2006, as a result of an additional increase in our equity interest, iHQ became a consolidated subsidiary. In July 2007, we further invested Won 10 billion in iHQ, increasing our equity interest to 37.1%. We sold 10,930,844 shares of iHQ’s common stock at Won 18.5 billion in April 2010 and 239,170 shares at Won 0.3 billion in July 2010. After such sales, our equity stake in iHQ decreased to 9.4%.
2011.

Item 7.C.Interests of Experts and Counsel

Not applicable.

Item 8.FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 8.A.Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

See “Item 18. Financial Statements” and pages F-1 through F-109.

F-94.

Legal Proceedings

FTC Proceedings

In December 2006, the FTC fined us Won 330 million in respect of certain allegedly anti-competitive tactics we employed in connection with MelOn, our digital music portal. We paid such fine in April 2007 and filed an appeal at the Seoul High Court, an appellate court, which foundcourt. The Seoul High Court entered a judgment in our favor. The case is currently pending beforefavor, which was affirmed by the Supreme Court of Korea.

Korea in October 2011. Pursuant to the court’s judgment, we were refunded the fine amount.

In January 2009, the FTC fined us Won 1.3 billion for our activities allegedly restricting competition in markets for wireless Internet services. We paid such fine in March 2009.

In February 2009, the FTC fined us Won 500 million for our activities allegedly restricting competition in markets for personal digital assistant, or PDA, devices. We paid such fine in April 2009 and filed an appeal at the Seoul High Court. The Seoul High Court entered a judgment in our favor in April 2010, which was affirmed by the Supreme Court of Korea in August 2010. Pursuant to the court’s judgment, we were refunded the fine amount.

In June 2011, the FTC fined us Won 2.0 billion and Loen Entertainment Inc., our consolidated subsidiary, Won 8.7 billion for activities allegedly restricting competition in markets for digital music services. We and Loen Entertainment paid such fine in August 2011 and filed an appeal at the Seoul High Court, where the case is currently pending.

In March 2012, the FTC fined us Won 20.3 billion for allegedly colluding with KT, LG U+, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and Pantech (which were also assessed separate fines) to inflate the prices of handsets while advertising that the handsets are considering whetheroffered at a discount through subsidy plans. We currently plan to file an appeal.

MIC and KCC Proceedings

In December 2007, the MIC imposed fines on us, KTF, LG Telecom and KT for improperly continuing to apply discounted youth rates to subscribers who had reached legal majority in the amounts of Won 800 million, Won 200 million, Won 150 million and Won 50 million, respectively. We paid such fine in January 2008.
In January 2008, the MIC ordered us, KTF and LG Telecom to pay fines in the amounts of Won 950 million, Won 250 million and Won 150 million, respectively, alleging we had improperly solicited subscribers to our value-added services. We paid such fine in March 2008.
In February 2008, the MIC ordered us, KTF, LG Telecom and KT to pay fines of Won 600 million, Won 150 million, Won 100 million and Won 50 million, respectively, alleging our authorized dealers had artificially inflated subscriber numbers. We paid such fine in March 2008.
In September 2008, the KCC ordered us to pay a fine of Won 600 million alleging that we enrolled subscribers for our T-Ring service without such subscribers’ consent. We paid such fine in September 2008.


80


On December 30, 2008, we were fined in the amount of Won 50 million for a violation of Telecommunications Law involving the mismanagement of privacy policy. We paid such fine in January 2010.

On October 13, 2009, the KCC ordered us to pay Won 140 million and publish a newspaper notice in a case relating to the subscription for mobile telephone services using national identification numbers of the deceased and our failure to verify the required documents. We paid such fine in November 2009.

On December 2, 2010, the KCC ordered us to pay a fine of Won 6.2 billion alleging that we had improperly charged subscribers for wireless data transmitted without their request. We paid such fine in March 2011.

On September 19, 2011, the KCC ordered us to pay a fine of Won 6.9 billion and issued a correction order for providing discriminatory subsidies to subscribers. We paid such fine in October 2011 and completed the improvement of the relevant procedures in January 2012.

SK Broadband Litigation

Since April 2008, customers of SK Broadband (then Hanarotelecom Incorporated) have filed lawsuits against SK Broadband in the Seoul Central District Court, alleging that subscribers’ personal information was leaked due to the company’s poor data protection policies. The plaintiffs also alleged that current and former employees were involved in the sale of subscribers’ personal information, including resident registration identification numbers, telephone numbers and mailing addresses. In July 2011, the Seoul Central District Court rendered a judgment that accepted the plaintiffs’ claims in part, ordering a payment of Won 100,000 to Won 200,000 to each plaintiff who did not consent to the sale of personal information, which amounted to an aggregate of approximately Won 4.5 billion compared to the plaintiffs’ claims of approximately Won 24.7 billion. As of March 31, 2011,2012, the number of plaintiffscase was 23,930pending at the appellate court after appeals by both SK Broadband and the aggregate amountplaintiffs.

SK Communications Litigation

In July 2011, a leak of damages claimedpersonal information of subscribers of Nate and Cyworld websites operated by suchSK Communications Co., Ltd., our consolidated subsidiary, occurred. As of December 31, 2011, seven lawsuits were filed on behalf of approximately 4,000 plaintiffs was approximately Won 24.1 billion. The case is currently pending before the Seoul Central District Court.

In addition, in April 2008, an investigation against SK BroadbandCommunications, alleging that the leak was initiatedcaused by the Seoul Central Prosecutor’s Office, the KCC and the Korean Trade Commission. The main subjectsits poor management of this investigation include the possible improper provision of broadband service by misusing subscribers’ personal information and the violationseeking damages of standardized customer contracts by SK Broadband. In connection with its investigation, the KCC suspended SK Broadband from soliciting new subscribers for its broadband Internet services forapproximately Won 4.0 billion. On April 26, 2012, Gumi City Court rendered a period of 40 days from July 1, 2008 and,judgment that accepted a plaintiff’s claim in addition, imposed an administrative finepart, ordering a payment of Won 1781 million to him, while other cases remain pending at various district courts in Korea. SK Communications is considering an appeal of Gumi City Court’s judgment.

ColoRing Litigation

In May 2010, Korea Music Copyright Association (“KOMCA”) filed a lawsuit against us seeking license fees for our “ColoRing” service that plays music as ring tones. In February 2011, the court rendered a judgment against us ordering us to pay Won 570 million to KOMCA, which was affirmed by the appellate court in October 2011. We appealed the decision to the Supreme Court of Korea in November 2011. While we do not expect that the outcome of the litigation would have a material adverse impact on our business or results of operations, we may be required to pay on-going license fees to KOMCA if the grounds that SK Broadband had violated the Telecommunication Business Act and standard customer contracts. SK Broadband paid such fine in July 2008.

final judgment is rendered against us.

Except as described above, neither we nor any of our subsidiaries are involved in any litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings relating to claims which may have, or have had during the twelve months preceding the date hereof, a significant effect on our financial position or the financial position of our subsidiaries taken as a whole, and, so far as we are aware, no such litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are pending or threatened.

Dividends

Annual dividends, if any, on our outstanding shares must be approved at the annual general meeting of shareholders. This meeting is generally held in March of the following year, and the annual dividend is generally paid shortly after the meeting. Since our shareholders have discretion to declare annual dividends, we cannot give any assurance as to the amount of dividends per share or that any dividends will be declared at all. Interim dividends, if any, can be approved by a resolution of our board of directors. Once declared, dividends must be claimed within five years, after which the right to receive the dividends is extinguished and reverted to us.

We pay cash dividends to the ADR depositary in Won. Under the terms of the deposit agreement, cash dividends received by the ADR depositary generally are to be converted by the ADR depositary into Dollars and distributed to the holders of the ADSs, less withholding tax, other governmental charges and the ADR depositary’s fees and expenses. The ADR depositary’s designated bank in Korea must approve this conversion and remittance of cash dividends. See “Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation — Description of American Depositary Shares” and “Item 10.D. Exchange Controls — Korean Foreign Exchange Controls and Securities Regulations”.


81


The following table sets forth the dividend per share and the aggregate total amount of dividends declared (including any interim dividends), as well as the number of outstanding shares entitled to dividends, with respect to the years indicated. The dividends set out for each of the years below were paid in the immediately following year.
             
      Number of
  Dividend
 Total Amount
 Shares Entitled
Year Ended December 31,
 per Share of Dividends to Dividend
  (In Won) (In billions of Won)  
 
2006 W8,000  W582.4   72,667,459 
2007  9,400   682.4   72,584,677 
2008  9,400   682.0   72,524,203 
2009  9,400   680.0   72,344,999 
2010  9,400   669.5   71,094,999 

Year Ended December 31,

  Dividend
per Share
   Total Amount
of Dividends
   Number of
Shares Entitled
to Dividend
 
   (In Won)   (In billions of Won)     

2007

  (Won)9,400    (Won)682.4     72,584,677  

2008

   9,400     682.0     72,524,203  

2009

   9,400     680.0     72,344,999  

2010

   9,400     669.5     71,094,999  

2011

   9,400     656.5     69,694,999  

We distribute dividends to our shareholders in proportion to the number of shares owned by each shareholder. The common shares represented by the ADSs have the same dividend rights as other outstanding common shares.

Holders of non-voting shares are entitled to receive dividends in priority to the holders of common shares. The dividend on the non-voting shares is between 9.0% and 25.0% of the par value as determined by the board of directors at the time of their issuance. If the dividends for common shares exceed the dividends for non-voting shares, the holders of non-voting shares will be entitled to participate in the distribution of such excess amount with the holders of common shares. If the amount available for dividends is less than the aggregate amount of the minimum required dividend, holders of non-voting shares will be entitled to receive such accumulated unpaid dividend from dividends payable in the next fiscal year before holders of common shares. There are no non-voting shares issued or outstanding.

We declare dividends annually at the annual general meeting of shareholders which is generally held within three months after the end of the fiscal year. We pay the annual dividend shortly after the annual general meeting to the shareholders of record or registered pledges as of the end of the preceding fiscal year. We may distribute the annual dividend in cash or in shares. However, a dividend of shares must be distributed at par value. If the market price of the shares is less than their par value, dividendsDividends in shares may not exceed one-half of the annual dividend. Our obligation to pay dividend expires if no claim to dividend is made for five years from the payment date.

Under the Korean Commercial Code, we may pay an annual dividend only out of the excess of our net assets, on a non-consolidated basis, over the sum of (1) our stated capital and (2) the total amount of our capital surplus reserve and legal reserve accumulated up to the end of the relevant dividend period. In addition, we may not pay an annual dividend unless we have set aside as a legal reserve an amount equal to at least 10% of the cash portion of the annual dividend or until we have accumulated a legal reserve of not less than one-half of our stated capital. We may not use our legal reserve to pay cash dividends but may transfer amounts from our legal reserve to capital stock or use our legal reserve to reduce an accumulated deficit.

In addition, the Korean Commercial Code and our articles of incorporation provide that, in addition to annual dividends, we may pay interim dividends once during each fiscal year. Unlike annual dividends, the decision to pay interim dividends can be made by a resolution of the board of directors and is not subject to shareholder approval. Any interim dividends must be paid in cash to the shareholders of record as of June 30 of the relevant fiscal year. In August 2010,2011, we distributed such interim dividends at Won 1,000 per share to our shareholders for a total amount of approximately Won 72.371.1 billion.

Under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act,Korean Commercial Code, the total amount of interim dividends payable in a fiscal year shall not be more than the net assets on the balance sheet of the immediately preceding fiscal year, after deducting (1) a company’s capital in the immediately preceding fiscal year, (2) the aggregate amount of its capital reserves and legal reserves accumulated up to the immediately preceding fiscal year, (3) the amount of earnings for dividend payments confirmed at the general shareholders’ meeting with respect to the immediately preceding fiscal year and (4) the amount of legal reserve that should be set aside for the current fiscal year following the interim dividend payment. Furthermore, the rate of interim dividends for non-voting shares must be the same as that for our common shares.


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Our obligation to pay interim dividends expires if no claims to such dividends are made for a period of five years from the payment date.

Item 8.B.Significant Changes

Not applicable.

Item 9.THE OFFER AND LISTING

Item 9.A.Offering and Listing Details

These matters are described under Item 9.C. below where relevant.

Item 9.B.Plan of Distribution

Not applicable.

Item 9.C.Markets

The principal trading market for our common stock is the KRX KOSPI Market. As of June 1, 2011, 71,094,999March 31, 2012, 69,694,999 shares of our common stock were outstanding.

The ADSs are traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. The ADSs have been issued by the ADR depositary and are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “SKM”. Each ADS represents one-ninth of one share of our common stock. As of June 1, 2011,March 31, 2012, ADSs representing approximately 24,321,89322,223,578 shares of our common stock were outstanding.

Shares of Common Stock

The following table sets forth the high, low and closing prices and the average daily trading volume of the shares of common stock on the KRX KOSPI Market since January 1, 2005:

                 
        Average Daily
  Prices Trading
Calendar Year
 High(1) Low(1) Close Volume
  (Won per shares) (Number of shares)
 
2006  235,000   177,000   222,500   190,565 
First Quarter  203,500   177,000   192,500   177,491 
Second Quarter  235,000   190,000   204,000   216,607 
Third Quarter  204,500   181,000   201,500   204,167 
Fourth Quarter  233,000   195,000   222,500   163,534 
2007  274,000   188,500   249,000   244,056 
First Quarter  223,000   190,500   191,500   206,155 
Second Quarter  215,000   188,500   213,000   220,091 
Third Quarter  221,000   192,000   210,000   198,816 
Fourth Quarter  274,000   204,500   249,000   349,701 
2008  232,000   178,000   209,000   322,706 
First Quarter  232,000   178,500   186,500   330,196 
Second Quarter  212,000   180,000   190,500   265,973 
Third Quarter  210,500   178,000   205,500   317,506 
Fourth Quarter  227,500   187,500   209,000   374,768 


83

2007:


   Prices   Average  Daily
Trading

Volume
 

Calendar Year

  High(1)   Low(1)   Close   
   (Won per shares)   (Number of shares) 

2007

   274,000     188,500     249,000     244,056  

First Quarter

   223,000     190,500     191,500     206,155  

Second Quarter

   215,000     188,500     213,000     220,091  

Third Quarter

   221,000     192,000     210,000     198,816  

Fourth Quarter

   274,000     204,500     249,000     349,701  

2008

   232,000     178,000     209,000     322,706  

First Quarter

   232,000     178,500     186,500     330,196  

Second Quarter

   212,000     180,000     190,500     265,973  

Third Quarter

   210,500     178,000     205,500     317,506  

Fourth Quarter

   227,500     187,500     209,000     374,768  

2009

   218,000     166,000     169,500     332,913  

First Quarter

   218,000     180,500     192,000     231,340  

Second Quarter

   183,500     170,500     174,000     278,545  

Third Quarter

   185,500     166,000     182,500     242,112  

Fourth Quarter

   190,500     169,500     169,500     171,571  

2010

   188,000     158,500     173,500     193,937  

First Quarter

   188,000     168,500     173,500     306,532  

Second Quarter

   178,000     158,500     160,500     202,245  

Third Quarter

   171,500     158,500     171,500     145,561  

Fourth Quarter

   180,500     168,500     173,500     127,235  

2011

        

First Quarter

   172,500     156,000     163,500     124,796  

Second Quarter

   169,000     152,500     161,500     160,839  

Third Quarter

   161,500     131,000     149,500     324,018  

Fourth Quarter

   165,000     141,500     141,500     249,500  

2012 (through April 27)

        

First Quarter

        

January

   143,000     134,500     142,500     211,072  

February

   145,500     136,000     145,500     192,518  

March

   146,000     136,500     139,500     176,890  

Second Quarter (through April 27)

        

April (through April 27)

   142,500     134,500     137,000     402,864  

                 
        Average Daily
  Prices Trading
Calendar Year
 High(1) Low(1) Close Volume
  (Won per shares) (Number of shares)
 
2009  218,000   166,000   169,500   332,913 
First Quarter  218,000   180,500   192,000   231,340 
Second Quarter  183,500   170,500   174,000   278,545 
Third Quarter  185,500   166,000   182,500   242,112 
Fourth Quarter  190,500   169,500   169,500   171,571 
2010  188,000   158,500   173,500   193,937 
First Quarter  188,000   168,500   173,500   306,532 
Second Quarter  178,000   158,500   160,500   202,245 
Third Quarter  171,500   158,500   171,500   145,561 
Fourth Quarter  180,500   168,500   173,500   127,235 
2011 (through June 27)  172,500   152,500   156,500   143,003 
First Quarter  172,500   156,000   163,500   124,796 
January  172,500   164,500   164,500   103,415 
February  165,000   156,000   163,000   118,119 
March  166,000   157,000   163,500   149,305 
Second Quarter (through June 27)  169,000   152,500   156,500   161,913 
April  166,000   157,500   162,500   125,907 
May  169,000   160,000   160,000   198,397 
June (through June 27)  160,000   152,500   156,500   163,382 
Source: Korea Exchange

(1)Both high and low prices are based on the daily closing prices for the period.

American Depositary Shares

The following table sets forth the high, low and closing prices and the average daily trading volume of the ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange since January 1, 2005:

                 
        Average Daily
  Prices Trading
Calendar Year
 High Low Close Volume
  (US$ per ADS) (Number of ADSs)
 
2006  27.70   20.62   26.48   866,527 
First Quarter  24.56   20.62   23.59   952,819 
Second Quarter  27.70   22.54   23.42   1,045,503 
Third Quarter  24.16   21.14   23.63   789,033 
Fourth Quarter  27.42   22.89   26.48   680,124 
2007  33.33   22.46   29.84   1,379,370 
First Quarter  26.41   22.46   23.42   1,046,780 
Second Quarter  28.02   23.41   27.35   1,498,295 
Third Quarter  30.30   26.15   29.70   1,498,032 
Fourth Quarter  33.33   29.00   29.84   1,462,495 

84

2007:


   Prices   Average Daily
Trading

Volume
 

Calendar Year

  High   Low   Close   
   (US$ per ADS)   (Number of ADSs) 

2007

   33.33     22.46     29.84     1,379,370  

First Quarter

   26.41     22.46     23.42     1,046,780  

Second Quarter

   28.02     23.41     27.35     1,498,295  

Third Quarter

   30.30     26.15     29.70     1,498,032  

Fourth Quarter

   33.33     29.00     29.84     1,462,495  

2008

   27.96     14.63     18.18     1,762,329  

First Quarter

   27.96     19.90     21.61     1,992,134  

Second Quarter

   23.47     20.67     20.77     1,106,308  

Third Quarter

   22.29     18.68     18.82     1,663,854  

Fourth Quarter

   19.51     14.63     18.18     2,297,794  

2009

   18.64     12.59     16.26     1,246,873  

First Quarter

   18.35     12.59     15.45     1,280,533  

Second Quarter

   16.73     14.84     15.15     1,161,833  

Third Quarter

   17.50     14.82     17.45     990,400  

Fourth Quarter

   18.64     15.97     16.26     1,788,667  

2010

   19.13     14.73     18.63     1,288,546  

First Quarter

   18.33     16.32     17.26     1,422,379  

Second Quarter

   18.51     14.73     14.73     1,486,937  

Third Quarter

   17.48     14.84     17.47     1,294,034  

Fourth Quarter

   19.13     17.74     18.63     960,206  

2011

        

First Quarter

   19.02     16.83     18.81     1,639,731  

Second Quarter

   19.80     17.36     18.70     1,640,469  

Third Quarter

   18.77     13.47     14.07     2,125,730  

Fourth Quarter

   15.89     13.49     13.61     2,060,180  

2012 (through April 27)

        

First Quarter

        

January

   14.08     12.90     14.01     1,501,615  

February

   14.45     13.40     14.45     1,542,437  

March

   14.60     13.51     13.91     1,862,616  

Second Quarter (through April 27)

        

April (through April 27)

   14.13     13.25     13.50     2,418,768  

                 
        Average Daily
  Prices Trading
Calendar Year
 High Low Close Volume
  (US$ per ADS) (Number of ADSs)
 
2008  27.96   14.63   18.18   1,762,329 
First Quarter  27.96   19.90   21.61   1,992,134 
Second Quarter  23.47   20.67   20.77   1,106,308 
Third Quarter  22.29   18.68   18.82   1,663,854 
Fourth Quarter  19.51   14.63   18.18   2,297,794 
2009  18.64   12.59   16.26   1,246,873 
First Quarter  18.35   12.59   15.45   1,280,533 
Second Quarter  16.73   14.84   15.15   1,161,833 
Third Quarter  17.50   14.82   17.45   990,400 
Fourth Quarter  18.64   15.97   16.26   1,788,667 
2010  19.13   14.73   18.63   1,288,546 
First Quarter  18.33   16.32   17.26   1,422,379 
Second Quarter  18.51   14.73   14.73   1,486,937 
Third Quarter  17.48   14.84   17.47   1,294,034 
Fourth Quarter  19.13   17.74   18.63   960,206 
2011 (through June 27)  19.80   16.83   17.91   1,640,550 
First Quarter  19.02   16.83   18.81   1,639,731 
January  18.58   17.30   17.30   1,487,450 
February  17.74   16.83   17.59   1,531,542 
March  18.81   17.51   18.81   1,861,522 
Second Quarter (through June 27)  19.80   17.36   17.91   1,641,397 
April  19.02   18.24   18.98   1,034,245 
May  19.80   17.69   17.69   2,204,262 
June (through June 27)  18.27   17.36   17.91   1,658,389 
The Korean Securities Market

The Korea Exchange Inc.

With the enactment of the Korea Stock and Futures Exchange Act, which came into effect on January 27, 2005, the three existing spot and futures exchanges (which were the Korea Stock Exchange, Korean Futures Exchange, and KOSDAQ) and KOSDAQ Committee, asub-organization of Korea Securities Dealers Association, were merged and integrated into the Korea Exchange Inc. as a joint stock company. There are three different markets run by the Korea Exchange: the KRX KOSPI Market, the KRX KOSDAQ Market (the “KRX KOSDAQ Market”), and the KRX Derivatives Market. The Korea Exchange has two trading floors located in Seoul, one for the KRX KOSPI Market and one for the KRX KOSDAQ Market, and one trading floor in Busan for the KRX Derivatives Market. The Korea Exchange is a limited liability company, the shares of which are held by (i) securities companies and futures companies that were formerly members of the Korea Stock Exchange or the Korea Futures Exchange, (ii) the Small Business Corporation, (iii) the Korea Securities Finance Corporation and

(iv) the Korea Securities Dealers Association. Currently, the Korea Exchange is the only stock exchange in Korea and is run by membership, having most of Korean securities companies and some Korean branches of foreign securities companies as its members.

As of June 25, 2010,December 31, 2011, the aggregate market value of equity securities listed on the KRX KOSPI Market was approximately Won 953.11,042.0 trillion. For the year ended December 31, 2009,2010, the average daily trading volume of equity securities was approximately 485.7380.9 million shares with an average transaction value of Won 5,795.65,619.7 billion.

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For the period from January 1, 2010 through June 25, 2010year ended December 31, 2011, the average daily trading volume of equity securities was approximately 404.4353.8 million shares with an average trading value of Won 5,261.56,863.1 billion.

The Korea Exchange has the power in some circumstances to suspend trading in the shares of a given company or to de-list a security. The Korea Exchange also restricts share price movements. All listed companies are required to file accounting reports annually, semi-annually and quarterly and to release immediately all information that may affect trading in a security.

The Government has in the past exerted, and continues to exert, substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector business community that can have the intention or effect of depressing or boosting the market. In the past, the Government has informally both encouraged and restricted the declaration and payment of dividends, induced mergers to reduce what it considers an excess capacity in a particular industry and induced private companies to publicly offer their securities.

The Korea Exchange publishes the Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or KOSPI, every ten seconds, which is an index of all equity securities listed on the KRX KOSPI Market. On January 1, 1983, the method of computing KOSPI was changed from the Dow Jones method to the aggregate value method. In the new method, the market capitalizations of all listed companies are aggregated, subject to certain adjustments, and this aggregate is expressed as a percentage of the aggregate market capitalization of all listed companies as of the base date, January 4, 1980.

Movements in KOSPI are set out in the following table together with the associated dividend yields and price to earnings ratios:

                         
          Period Average
          Dividend
  
          Yield(1)
 Price
Year
 Opening High Low Closing (%) Earnings
 
1980  100.00   119.36   100.00   106.87   20.9   2.6 
1981  97.95   165.95   93.14   131.37   13.2   3.1 
1982  123.60   134.49   106.00   127.31   10.5   3.4 
1983  122.52   134.46   115.59   121.21   6.9   3.8 
1984  116.73   142.46   114.37   142.46   5.1   4.5 
1985  139.53   163.37   131.40   163.37   5.3   5.2 
1986  161.40   279.67   153.85   272.61   4.3   7.6 
1987  264.82   525.11   264.82   525.11   2.6   10.9 
1988  532.04   922.56   527.89   907.20   2.4   11.2 
1989  919.61   1,007.77   844.75   909.72   2.0   13.9 
1990  908.59   928.77   566.27   696.11   2.2   12.8 
1991  679.75   763.10   586.51   610.92   2.6   11.2 
1992  624.23   691.48   459.07   678.44   2.2   10.9 
1993  697.41   874.10   605.93   866.18   1.6   12.7 
1994  879.32   1,138.75   860.47   1,027.37   1.2   16.2 
1995  1,013.57   1,016.77   847.09   882.94   1.2   16.4 
1996  888.85   986.84   651.22   651.22   1.3   17.8 
1997  653.79   792.29   350.68   376.31   1.5   17.0 
1998  385.49   579.86   280.00   562.46   1.9   10.8 
1999  587.57   1,028.07   498.42   1,028.07   1.1   13.5 
2000  1,059.04   1,059.04   500.60   504.62   2.4   15.3 
2001  520.95   704.50   468.76   693.70   1.7   29.3 
2002  724.95   937.61   584.04   829.44   1.8   15.6 
2003  635.17   822.16   515.24   810.71   2.1   10.1 
2004  821.26   936.06   719.59   895.92   2.1   15.8 
2005  893.71   1,379.37   870.84   1,379.37   1.7   11.0 
2006  1,389.27   1,464.70   1,192.09   1,434.46   1.7   11.4 


86


                   Period Average 

Year

  Opening   High   Low   Closing   Dividend
Yield(1)
(%)
   Price
Earnings
 

1980

   100.00     119.36     100.00     106.87     20.9     2.6  

1981

   97.95     165.95     93.14     131.37     13.2     3.1  

1982

   123.60     134.49     106.00     127.31     10.5     3.4  

1983

   122.52     134.46     115.59     121.21     6.9     3.8  

1984

   116.73     142.46     114.37     142.46     5.1     4.5  

1985

   139.53     163.37     131.40     163.37     5.3     5.2  

1986

   161.40     279.67     153.85     272.61     4.3     7.6  

1987

   264.82     525.11     264.82     525.11     2.6     10.9  

1988

   532.04     922.56     527.89     907.20     2.4     11.2  

1989

   919.61     1,007.77     844.75     909.72     2.0     13.9  

1990

   908.59     928.77     566.27     696.11     2.2     12.8  

1991

   679.75     763.10     586.51     610.92     2.6     11.2  

1992

   624.23     691.48     459.07     678.44     2.2     10.9  

1993

   697.41     874.10     605.93     866.18     1.6     12.7  

1994

   879.32     1,138.75     860.47     1,027.37     1.2     16.2  

1995

   1,013.57     1,016.77     847.09     882.94     1.2     16.4  

1996

   888.85     986.84     651.22     651.22     1.3     17.8  

1997

   653.79     792.29     350.68     376.31     1.5     17.0  

1998

   385.49     579.86     280.00     562.46     1.9     10.8  

1999

   587.57     1,028.07     498.42     1,028.07     1.1     13.5  

2000

   1,059.04     1,059.04     500.60     504.62     2.4     15.3  

2001

   520.95     704.50     468.76     693.70     1.7     29.3  

2002

   724.95     937.61     584.04     829.44     1.8     15.6  

                   Period Average 

Year

  Opening   High   Low   Closing   Dividend
Yield(1)
(%)
   Price
Earnings
 

2003

   635.17     822.16     515.24     810.71     2.1     10.1  

2004

   821.26     936.06     719.59     895.92     2.1     15.8  

2005

   893.71     1,379.37     870.84     1,379.37     1.7     11.0  

2006

   1,389.27     1,464.70     1,192.09     1,434.46     1.7     11.4  

2007

   1,435.26     2,064.85     1,355.79     1,897.13     1.4     16.8  

2008

   1,853.45     1,888.88     938.75     1,124.47     2.6     9.0  

2009

   1,157.4     1,718.88     1,018.81     1,682.77     1.2     23.7  

2010

   1,696.14     2,052.97     1,532.68     2,051.00     1.1     17.8  

2011

   2,070.08     2,228.96     1,652.71     1,825.74     1.5     10.9  

2012 (through April 27)

   1,826.37     2,049.28     1,826.37     1,975.35     1.4     12.1  

                         
          Period Average
          Dividend
  
          Yield(1)
 Price
Year
 Opening High Low Closing (%) Earnings
 
2007  1,435.26   2,064.85   1,355.79   1,897.13   1.4   16.8 
2008  1,853.45   1,888.88   938.75   1,124.47   2.6   9.0 
2009  1,157.4   1,718.88   1,018.81   1,682.77   1.2   23.7 
2010  1,696.14   2,052.97   1,532.68   2,051.00   1.1   17.8 
2011 (through June 27)  2,063.69   2,229.0   1,923.9   2,070.3   1.2   16.1 
Source: Korea Exchange

(1)Dividend yields are based on daily figures. Before 1983, dividend yields were calculated at the end of each month. Dividend yields after January 3, 1984 include cash dividends only.

(2)The price to earnings ratio is based on figures for companies that record a profit in the preceding year.

KOSPI closed at 2,094.41.975.35 on June 29, 2011.

April 27, 2012.

Shares are quoted “ex-dividend” on the first trading day of the relevant company’s accounting period. Since the calendar year is the accounting period for the majority of listed companies, this may account for the drop in KOSPI between its closing level at the end of one calendar year and its opening level at the beginning of the following calendar year.

With certain exceptions, principally to take account of a share being quoted “ex-dividend” and “ex-rights”, upward and downward movements in share prices of any category of shares on any day are limited under the rules of the Korea Exchange to 15.0% of the previous day’s closing price of the shares, rounded down as set out below:

Previous Day’s Closing PriceW

(Won)

  Rounded Down to W(Won)
 

Less than 5,000

  W(Won)5  

5,000 to less than 10,000

   10  

10,000 to less than 50,000

   50  

50,000 to less than 100,000

   100  

100,000 to less than 500,000

   500  

500,000 or more

   1,000  

As a consequence, if a particular closing price is the same as the price set by the fluctuation limit, the closing price may not reflect the price at which persons would have been prepared, or would be prepared to continue, if so permitted, to buy and sell shares. Orders are executed on an auction system with priority rules to deal with competing bids and offers.

Due to a recent deregulation of restrictions on brokerage commission rates, the brokerage commission rate on equity securities transactions may be determined by the parties, subject to commission schedules being filed with the Korea Exchange by the securities companies. In addition, a securities transaction tax of 0.15% of the sales price will generally be imposed on the transfer of shares or certain securities representing rights to subscribe for shares. A special agricultural and fishery tax of 0.15% of the sales prices will also be imposed on transfer of these shares and securities on the KRX KOSPI Market. See “Item 10.E. Taxation — Korean Taxation”.

The following table sets forth the number of companies listed on the KRX KOSPI Market, the corresponding total market capitalization and the average daily trading volume at the end of the periods indicated:

                         
  Market Capitalization on the
  
  Last Day of Each Period Average Daily Trading Volume, Value
  Number of
          
  Listed
 (Billions of
 (Millions of
 Thousands of
 (Millions of
 (Thousands of
Year
 Companies Won) US$)(1) Shares Won) US$)(1)
 
1981  343  W2,959  US $4,223   10,565  W8,708  US $12,427 
1982  334   3,001   4,012   9,704   6,667   8,914 

87


  Market Capitalization on the
Last Day of Each Period
  Average Daily Trading Volume, Value 

Year

 Number of
Listed
Companies
  (Billions of
Won)
  (Millions of
US$)(1)
  Thousands of
Shares
  (Millions of
Won)
  (Thousands of
US$)(1)
 

1981

  343   (Won)2,959   US$4,223    10,565   (Won)8,708   US$12,427  

1982

  334    3,001    4,012    9,704    6,667    8,914  

1983

  328    3,490    4,361    9,325    5,941    7,425  

1984

  336    5,149    6,207    14,847    10,642    12,829  

1985

  342    6,570    7,362    18,925    12,315    13,798  

1986

  355    11,994    13,863    31,755    32,870    37,991  

1987

  389    26,172    32,884    20,353    70,185    88,183  

1988

  502    64,544    93,895    10,367    198,364    288,571  

1989

  626    95,477    140,119    11,757    280,967    412,338  

1990

  669    79,020    109,872    10,866    183,692    255,412  

1991

  686    73,118    95,541    14,022    214,263    279,973  

1992

  688    84,712    107,027    24,028    308,246    389,445  

1993

  693    112,665    138,870    35,130    574,048    707,566  

1994

  699    151,217    190,762    36,862    776,257    979,257  

1995

  721    141,151    181,943    26,130    487,762    628,721  

1996

  760    117,370    138,490    26,571    486,834    928,418  

1997

  776    70,989    41,881    41,525    555,759    327,881  

1998

  748    137,799    114,261    97,716    660,429    547,619  

1999

  725    349,504    307,662    278,551    3,481,620    3,064,806  

2000

  704    188,042    148,415    306,163    2,602,211    2,053,837  

2001

  689    255,850    194,785    473,241    1,997,420    1,520,685  

2002

  683    258,681    216,071    857,245    3,041,598    2,540,590  

2003

  684    355,363    298,624    542,010    2,216,636    1,862,719  

2004

  683    412,588    398,597    372,895    2,232,109    2,156,419  

2005

  702    655,075    648,589    467,629    3,157,662    3,126,398  

2006

  731    704,588    757,622    279,096    3,435,180    3,693,742  

2007

  746    951,900    1,017,205    363,732    5,539,588    5,919,697  

2008

  765    576,888    457,122    355,205    5,189,644    4,112,238  

2009

  770    887,316    762,528    485,657    5,795,552    4,980,494  

2010

  777    1,114,882    1,260,486    379,171    5,607,749    6,340,121  

2011

  791    1,041,999    899,438    353,759    6,863,146    5,924,166  

2012 (through April 27)

  788    1,137,650    999,605    519,041    5,652,173    4,966,324  

                         
  Market Capitalization on the
  
  Last Day of Each Period Average Daily Trading Volume, Value
  Number of
          
  Listed
 (Billions of
 (Millions of
 Thousands of
 (Millions of
 (Thousands of
Year
 Companies Won) US$)(1) Shares Won) US$)(1)
 
1983  328   3,490   4,361   9,325   5,941   7,425 
1984  336   5,149   6,207   14,847   10,642   12,829 
1985  342   6,570   7,362   18,925   12,315   13,798 
1986  355   11,994   13,863   31,755   32,870   37,991 
1987  389   26,172   32,884   20,353   70,185   88,183 
1988  502   64,544   93,895   10,367   198,364   288,571 
1989  626   95,477   140,119   11,757   280,967   412,338 
1990  669   79,020   109,872   10,866   183,692   255,412 
1991  686   73,118   95,541   14,022   214,263   279,973 
1992  688   84,712   107,027   24,028   308,246   389,445 
1993  693   112,665   138,870   35,130   574,048   707,566 
1994  699   151,217   190,762   36,862   776,257   979,257 
1995  721   141,151   181,943   26,130   487,762   628,721 
1996  760   117,370   138,490   26,571   486,834   928,418 
1997  776   70,989   41,881   41,525   555,759   327,881 
1998  748   137,799   114,261   97,716   660,429   547,619 
1999  725   349,504   307,662   278,551   3,481,620   3,064,806 
2000  704   188,042   148,415   306,163   2,602,211   2,053,837 
2001  689   255,850   194,785   473,241   1,997,420   1,520,685 
2002  683   258,681   216,071   857,245   3,041,598   2,540,590 
2003  684   355,363   298,624   542,010   2,216,636   1,862,719 
2004  683   412,588   398,597   372,895   2,232,109   2,156,419 
2005  702   655,075   648,589   467,629   3,157,662   3,126,398 
2006  731   704,588   757,622   279,096   3,435,180   3,693,742 
2007  746   951,900   1,017,205   363,732   5,539,588   5,919,697 
2008  765   576,888   457,122   355,205   5,189,644   4,112,238 
2009  770   887,316   762,528   485,657   5,795,552   4,980,494 
2010  777   1,114,882   1,260,486   379,171   5,607,749   6,340,121 
2011 (through June 27)  782   1,163,016   1,078,165   325,565   7,356,551   6,819,830 
Source: Korea Exchange

(1)Converted at the noon buying rate on the last business day of the period indicated.

The Korean securities markets are principally regulated by the Financial Services Commission of Korea and became subject to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act beginning in February 2009. The law imposes restrictions on insider trading and price manipulation, requires specified information to be made available by listed companies to investors and establishes rules regarding margin trading, proxy solicitation, takeover bids, acquisition of treasury shares and reporting requirements for shareholders holding substantial interests.

Further Opening of the Korean Securities Market

Stock index futures market was opened on May 3, 1996 and a stock index option market was opened on July 7, 1997, in each case at the Korea Stock Exchange. Remittance and repatriation of funds in connection with investment in stock index futures and options are subject to regulations similar to those that govern remittance and repatriation in the context of foreign investment in Korean stocks.

88


In addition, the Korea Stock Exchange opened new option markets for stocks of seven companies including our shares of common stock and common stock of six other companies on January 28, 2002. Foreigners will be permitted to invest in such options for individual stocks subject to certain procedural requirements.

Starting from May 1, 1996, foreign investors were permitted to invest in warrants representing the right to subscribe for shares of a company listed on the Korea Stock Exchange or registered on the KOSDAQ, subject to certain investment limitations. A foreign investor may not acquire such warrants with respect to shares of a class of a company for which the ceiling on aggregate investment by foreigners has been reached or exceeded.

As of December 30, 1997, foreign investors were permitted to invest in all types of corporate bonds, bonds issued by national or local governments and bonds issued in accordance with certain special laws without being subject to any aggregate or individual investment ceiling. The Financial Services Commission of Korea sets forth procedural requirements for such investments. The Government announced on February 8, 1998 its plans for the liberalization of the money market with respect to investment in money market instruments by foreigners in 1998. According to the plan, foreigners have been permitted to invest in money market instruments issued by corporations, including commercial paper, starting February 16, 1998 with no restrictions as to the amount. Starting May 25, 1998, foreigners have been permitted to invest in certificates of deposit and repurchase agreements.

Currently, foreigners are permitted to invest in securities including shares of most Korean companies that are not listed on the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market and in bonds that are not listed.

Protection of Customer’s Interest in Case of Insolvency of Financial Investment Companies with a Brokerage License

Under Korean law, the relationship between a customer and a financial investment company with a brokerage license in connection with a securities sell or buy order is deemed to be consignment and the securities acquired by a consignment agent (i.e., the financial investment company with a brokerage license) through such sell or buy order are regarded as belonging to the customer in so far as the customer and the consignment agent’s creditors are concerned. Therefore, in the event of a bankruptcy or rehabilitation procedure involving a financial investment company with a brokerage license, the customer of such financial investment company is entitled to the proceeds of the securities sold by such financial investment company.

When a customer places a sell order with a financial investment company with a brokerage license which is not a member of the Korea Exchange and this financial investment company places a sell order with another financial investment company with a brokerage license which is a member of the Korea Exchange, the customer is still entitled to the proceeds of the securities sold received by the non-member company from the member company regardless of the bankruptcy or rehabilitation of the non-member company.

Under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, the Korea Exchange is obliged to indemnify any loss or damage incurred by a counterparty as a result of a breach by its members. If a financial investment company with a brokerage license which is a member of the Korea Exchange breaches its obligation in connection with a buy order, the Korea Exchange is obliged to pay the purchase price on behalf of the breaching member.

When a customer places a buy order with a non-member company and the non-member company places a buy order with a member company, the customer has the legal right to the securities received by the non-member company from the member company because the purchased securities are regarded as belonging to the customer in so far as the customer and the non-member company’s creditors are concerned.

As the cash deposited with a financial investment company with a brokerage license is regarded as belonging to such financial investment company, which is liable to return the same at the request of its customer, the customer cannot take back deposited cash from the financial investment company with a brokerage license if a bankruptcy or

rehabilitation procedure is instituted against such financial investment company and, therefore, can suffer from loss or damage as a result. However, the Depositor Protection Act provides that Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation will, upon the request of the investors, pay investors up to Won 50 million per investor in case of such financial investment company’s bankruptcy, liquidation, cancellation of securities business license or other insolvency events. Pursuant to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, subject to certain exceptions, financial investment companies with a brokerage license are required to deposit the cash received from their


89


customers with the Korea Securities Finance Corporation, a special entity established pursuant to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act. Set-off or attachment of cash deposits by financial investment companies with a brokerage license is prohibited. The premiums related to this insurance under the Depositor Protection Act are paid by financial investment companies with a brokerage license.

Item 9.DSelling Shareholders

Not Applicable.

Item 9.E.Dilution

Not Applicable.

Item 9.F.Expenses of the Issue

Not Applicable.

Item 10.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Item 10.A.Share Capital

Not Applicable.

Item 10.B.Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation

Description of Capital Stock

This section provides information relating to our capital stock, including brief summaries of material provisions of our articles of incorporation, the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, the Korean Commercial Code, the Telecommunications Business Act and related laws of Korea, all as currently in effect. The following summaries are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, our articles of incorporation and the applicable provisions of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, the Korean Commercial Code and the Telecommunications Business Act. We have filed copies of our articles of incorporation and the Telecommunications Business Act as exhibits to our annual reports onForm 20-F.

General

The name of our company is SK Telecom Co., Ltd. We are registered under the laws of Korea under the commercial registry number of110111-0371346. As specified in Article 2 (Objectives) of our articles of incorporation, as amended and approved at our general shareholders meeting held on March 12, 2010,August 31, 2011, the company’s objectives are the rational management of the telecommunications business, development of telecommunications technology, and contribution to public welfare and convenience. In order to achieve these objectives, we are engaged in the following:

information and communication business;

sale and lease of subscriber handsets;

• information and communication business;
• sale and lease of subscriber handsets;
• new media business;
• advertising business;
• 

new media business;

advertising business;

mail order business;

• development, management and leasing of real estate properties;
• research and technology development relating to the first four items above;
• overseas and import/export business relating to the first four items above;
• manufacture and distribution business relating to the first four items above;


90


development, management and leasing of real estate properties;

research and technology development relating to the first four items above;

overseas and import/export business relating to the first four items above;

manufacture and distribution business relating to the first four items above;

• tourism;
• electronic financial services business;
• film business (production, import, distribution and screening);
• lifetime education and management of lifetime educational facilities;
• electric engineering business;
• information- and communication-related engineering and construction business;
• ubiquitous city construction and related service business; and
• any business or undertaking incidental or conducive to the attainment of the objectives stated above.

tourism;

electronic financial services business;

film business (production, import, distribution and screening);

lifetime education and management of lifetime educational facilities;

electric engineering business;

information- and communication-related engineering and construction business;

ubiquitous city construction and related service business;

any related business through investment, management and operation of our Korean or offshore subsidiaries and investment companies; and

any business or undertaking incidental or conducive to the attainment of the objectives stated above.

Currently, our authorized share capital is 220,000,000 shares, which consists of shares of common stock, par value Won 500 per share, and shares of non-voting stock, par value Won 500 per share (common shares and non-voting shares together are referred to as “shares”). Under our articles of incorporation, we are authorized to issue up to 5,500,000 non-voting preferred shares. As of June 1, 2011,March 31, 2012, 80,745,711 common shares were issued, of which 9,650,71211,050,712 shares were held by us in treasury. We have never issued any non-voting preferred shares. All of the issued and outstanding common shares are fully-paid and non-assessable and are in registered form. We issue share certificates in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 and 10,000 shares.

Board of Directors

Meetings of the board of directors are convened by the representative director as he or she deems necessary or upon the request of three or more directors. The board of directors determines all important matters relating to our business. In addition, the prior approval of the majority of the independent non-executive directors is required for certain matters, which include:

investment by us or any of our subsidiaries in a foreign company in equity or acquisition of such foreign company’s other overseas assets in an amount equal to 5.0% or more of our shareholders’ equity under our most recent balance sheet; and

contribution of capital, loans or guarantees, acquisition of our subsidiaries’ assets or similar transactions with our affiliated companies in excess of Won 10 billion through one or a series of transactions.

• investment by us or any of our subsidiaries in a foreign company in equity or acquisition of such foreign company’s other overseas assets in an amount equal to 5.0% or more of our shareholders’ equity under our most recent balance sheet; and
• contribution of capital, loans or guarantees, acquisition of our subsidiaries’ assets or similar transactions with our affiliated companies in excess of Won 10 billion through one or a series of transactions.

Resolutions of the board are adopted in the presence of a majority of the directors in office and by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present. No director who has an interest in a matter for resolution may exercise his or her vote upon such matter.

There are no specific shareholding requirements for director’s qualification. Directors are elected at a general meeting of shareholders if the approval of the holders of the majority of the voting shares present at such meeting is obtained and if such majority also represents at least one-fourth of the total number of shares outstanding. Under the Korean Commercial Code, unless otherwise stated in the articles of incorporation, holders of an aggregate of 1% or more of the outstanding shares with voting rights may request cumulative voting in any election for two or more directors. Our articles of incorporation do not permit cumulative voting for the election of directors.

The term of office for directors is until the close of the third annual general shareholders meeting convened after he or she commences his or her term. Our directors may serve consecutive terms and our shareholders may remove them from office at any time by a special resolution adopted at a general meeting of shareholders.

Dividends

We distribute dividends to our shareholders in proportion to the number of shares owned by each shareholder. The common shares represented by the ADSs have the same dividend rights as other outstanding common shares. For a detailed discussion of our dividend policy, see “Item 8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Dividends .”


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Dividends.


Distribution of Free Shares

In addition to paying dividends in shares out of our retained or current earnings, we may also distribute to our shareholders an amount transferred from our capital surplus or legal reserve to our stated capital in the form of free shares. We must distribute such free shares to all our shareholders in proportion to their existing shareholdings.

Preemptive Rights and Issuance of Additional Shares

We may at times issue authorized but unissued shares, unless otherwise provided in the Korean Commercial Code, on terms determined by our board of directors. All our shareholders are generally entitled to subscribe to any newly-issued shares in proportion to their existing shareholdings. We must offer new shares on uniform terms to all shareholders who have preemptive rights and are listed on our shareholders’ registry as of the relevant record date. We must give public notice of the preemptive rights regarding new shares and their transferability at least two weeks before the relevant record date. Our board of directors may determine how to distribute shares for which preemptive rights have not been exercised or where fractions of shares occur.

Under the Korean Commercial Code and our articles of incorporation, we may issue new shares pursuant to a board resolution to persons other than existing shareholders only if (1) the new shares are issued for the purpose of issuing depositary receipts in accordance with the relevant regulations or through an offering to public investors and (2) the purpose of such issuance is deemed necessary by us to achieve a business purpose, including, but not limited to, the introduction of new technology or the improvement of our financial condition. Under our articles of incorporation, only our board of directors is authorized to set the terms and conditions with respect to such issuance of new shares.

In addition, under our articles of incorporation, we may issue convertible bonds or bonds with warrants, each up to an aggregate principal amount of Won 400 billion, to persons other than existing shareholders, where such issuance is deemed necessary by us to achieve a business purpose, including, but not limited to, the introduction of new technology or the improvement of our financial condition.

Members of our employee stock ownership association, whether or not they are our shareholders, generally have a preemptive right to subscribe for up to 20.0% of the shares publicly offered pursuant to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act. This right is exercisable only to the extent that the total number of shares so acquired and held by members of our employee stock ownership association does not exceed 20.0% of the sum of the number of shares then outstanding and the number of newly-issued shares. As of March 31, 2010,2012, approximately 0.6%0.37% of the issued shares were held by members of our employee stock ownership association.

General Meeting of Shareholders

We generally hold the annual general meeting of shareholders within three months after the end of each fiscal year. Subject to a board resolution or court approval, we may hold an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders:

as necessary;

at the request of holders of an aggregate of 3.0% or more of our outstanding common shares;

• as necessary;
• at the request of holders of an aggregate of 3.0% or more of our outstanding common shares;
• at the request of shareholders holding an aggregate of 1.5% or more of our outstanding shares and preferred shares for at least six months; or
• at the request of our audit committee.

at the request of shareholders holding an aggregate of 1.5% or more of our outstanding shares and preferred shares for at least six months; or

at the request of our audit committee.

Holders of non-voting preferred shares may request a general meeting of shareholders only after the non-voting shares become entitled to vote or “enfranchised,” as described under “— Voting Rights” below.

We must give shareholders written notice setting out the date, place and agenda of the meeting at least two weeks before the date of the general meeting of shareholders. However, for holders of less than 1.0% of the total number of issued and outstanding voting shares, we may give notice by placing at least two public notices in at least two daily newspapers at least two weeks in advance of the meeting. Currently, we use The Korea Economic Daily News and Mail Business Newspaper, both published in Seoul, for this purpose. Shareholders who are not on the shareholders’ registry as of the record date are not entitled to receive notice of the general meeting of shareholders or


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attend or vote at the meeting. Holders of non-voting preferred shares, unless enfranchised, are not entitled to receive notice of or vote at general meetings of shareholders.

Our general meetings of shareholders have historically been held in or near Seoul.

Voting Rights

Holders of our common shares are entitled to one vote for each common share, except that voting rights of common shares held by us (including treasury shares and shares held by bank trust funds controlled by us), or by a corporate shareholder in which we own more than 10% equity interest, either directly or indirectly, may not be exercised. The Korean Commercial Code, unless otherwise stated in the articles of incorporation, permits cumulative voting, which would allow each shareholder to have multiple voting rights corresponding to the number of directors to be appointed in the voting and to exercise all voting rights cumulatively to elect one director. Our articles of incorporation do not permit cumulative voting for the election of directors.

Our shareholders may adopt resolutions at a general meeting by an affirmative majority vote of the voting shares present or represented at the meeting if such affirmative votes also represent at least one-fourth of our total voting shares then issued and outstanding. However, under the Korean Commercial Code and our articles of incorporation, the following matters, among others, require approval by the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting shares present or represented at a meeting, and such affirmative votes must also represent at least one-third of our total voting shares then issued and outstanding:

amending our articles of incorporation;

removing a director;

• amending our articles of incorporation;
• removing a director;
• effecting any dissolution, merger or consolidation of us;
• transferring the whole or any significant part of our business;
• effecting our acquisition of all of the business of any other company or a part of the business of any other company having a material effect on our business;
• reducing our capital; or
• issuing any new shares at a price lower than their par value.

effecting any dissolution, merger or consolidation of us;

transferring the whole or any significant part of our business;

effecting our acquisition of all of the business of any other company or a part of the business of any other company having a material effect on our business;

reducing our capital; or

issuing any new shares at a price lower than their par value.

In general, holders of non-voting preferred shares are not entitled to vote on any resolution or receive notice of any general meeting of shareholders.

However, in case of amendments to our articles of incorporation, or any merger or consolidation of us, or in some other cases which affect the rights or interests of the non-voting preferred shares, approval of the holders of non-voting preferred shares is required. We may obtain the approval by a resolution of holders of at least two-thirds of the non-voting preferred shares present or represented at a class meeting of the holders of non-voting preferred shares, where the affirmative votes also represent at least one-third of our total issued and outstanding non-voting shares. In addition, if we are unable to pay dividends on non-voting preferred shares as provided in our articles of incorporation, the holders of non-voting shares will become enfranchised and will be entitled to exercise voting rights beginning at the next general meeting of shareholders to be held after the declaration of non-payment of dividends is made until such dividends are paid. The holders of enfranchised non-voting preferred shares will have the same rights as holders of common shares to request, receive notice of, attend and vote at a general meeting of shareholders.

Shareholders may exercise their voting rights by proxy. A shareholder may give proxies only to another shareholder, except that a corporate shareholder may give proxies to its officers or employees.

Holders of ADRs exercise their voting rights through the ADR depositary, an agent of which is the record holder of the underlying common shares. Subject to the provisions of the deposit agreement, ADR holders are entitled to instruct the ADR depositary how to vote the common shares underlying their ADSs.


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Limitation on Shareholdings

The Telecommunications Business Act prohibits foreign governments, individuals, and entities (including Korean entities that are deemed foreigners, as discussed below) from owning more than 49% of our voting stock. Korean entities whose largest shareholder is a foreign government or a foreigner (together with any of its related parties) that owns 15% or more of such Korean entities’ outstanding voting stock are deemed foreigners. A foreigner who has acquired shares of our voting stock in excess of such limitation may not exercise the voting rights with respect to the shares exceeding such limitation and may be subject to the KCC’s corrective orders.

Rights of Dissenting Shareholders

Under Financial Investment Services and Capital Market Act, in some limited circumstances, including the transfer of all or a significant part of our business or our merger or consolidation with another company (with certain exceptions), dissenting shareholders have the right to require us to purchase their shares. To exercise this right, shareholders, including holders of non-voting shares, must submit to us a written notice of their intention to dissent before the general meeting of shareholders. Then, within 20 days after the relevant resolution is passed at a meeting, the dissenting shareholders must request us in writing to purchase their shares. We are obligated to purchase the shares of such dissenting shareholders within one month after the expiration of the20-day period. The purchase price for the shares is required to be determined through negotiation between the dissenting shareholders and us. If we cannot agree on a price through negotiation, the purchase price will be the average of (1) the weighted average of the daily share prices on the KRX KOSPI Market for the two-month period before the date of the adoption of the relevant board resolution, (2) the weighted average of the daily share price on the KRX KOSPI Market for the one month period before the date of the adoption of the relevant resolution and (3) the weighted average of the daily share price on the KRX KOSPI Market for the one week period before the date of the adoption of the relevant resolution. However, a court may determine the purchase price if we or dissenting shareholders do not accept the purchase price.

Registry of Shareholders and Record Dates

Our transfer agent, Kookmin Bank, maintains the register of our shareholders at its office in Seoul, Korea. It records and registers transfers of shares on the register of shareholders upon presentation of the share certificates.

The record date for annual dividends is December 31. For the purpose of determining the shareholders entitled to annual dividends, the registry of shareholders is closed for the period from January 1 to January 31 of the following year. Further, for the purpose of determining the shareholders entitled to some other rights pertaining to the shares, we may, on at least two weeks’ public notice, set a record dateand/or close the register of shareholders for not more than three months. The trading of shares and the delivery of share certificates may continue while the register of shareholders is closed.

Annual Report

At least one week before the annual general meeting of shareholders, we must make our annual reports and audited non-consolidated financial statements available for inspection at our principal office and at all of our branch offices. In addition, copies of annual reports, the audited non-consolidated financial statements and any resolutions adopted at the general meeting of shareholders will be available to our shareholders.

Under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, we must file with the Financial Services Commission of Korea and the Korea Exchange (1) an annual securities report within 90 days after the end of our fiscal year, (2) a mid-year report within 45 days after the end of the first six months of our fiscal year, and (3) quarterly reports within 45 days after the end of the third month and the ninth month of our fiscal year. Copies of these reports are or will be available for public inspection at the Financial Services Commission of Korea and the Korea Exchange.


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Transfer of Shares

Under the Korean Commercial Code, the transfer of shares is effected by the delivery of share certificates. However, to assert shareholders’ rights against us, the transferee must have his or her name, seal and address registered on our registry of shareholders, maintained by our transfer agent. A non-Korean shareholder may file a sample signature in place of a seal, unless he or she is a citizen of a country with a sealing system similar to that of Korea. In addition, a non-resident shareholder must appoint an agent in Korea authorized to receive notices on his or her behalf and file his or her mailing address in Korea.

Under current Korean regulations, the Korea Securities Depository, foreign exchange banks (including domestic branches of foreign banks), financial investment companies with a dealing, brokerage or collective investment license and internationally recognized custodians may act as agents and provide related services for foreign shareholders. Certain foreign exchange controls and securities regulations apply to the transfer of shares by non-residents or non-Korean citizens. See “Item 10.D. Exchange Controls — Korean Foreign Exchange Controls and Securities Regulations”.

Our transfer agent is Kookmin Bank, located at24-3, Yoido-dong, Yongdungpo-ku, Seoul, Korea.

Restrictions Applicable to Shares

Pursuant to the Telecommunications Business Act, the maximum aggregate foreign shareholding in us is limited to 49.0%. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Law and Regulation — Foreign Ownership and Investment Restrictions and Requirements”. In addition, certain foreign exchange controls and securities regulations apply to the acquisition of securities by non-residents or non-Korean citizens. See “Item 10.D. Exchange Controls — Korean Foreign Exchange Controls and Securities Regulations”.

Acquisition of Shares by Us

We generally may not acquire our own shares except in certain limited circumstances, including a reduction in capital. Under the Korean Commercial Code, except in the case of a reduction of capital, any shares acquired by us must be sold or otherwise transferred to a third party within a reasonable time.

Notwithstanding the foregoing restrictions, pursuant to an approval at the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, a listed company may acquire its sharesgeneral meeting of common stockshareholders, through purchases on the Korea Exchange or through a tender offer, or pursuant toby acquiring the interests in a trust account holding our own shares through agreements with financial investmenttrust companies with a trust license.and asset management companies. The aggregate purchase price for the common shares may not exceed the total distributable dividends. Accordingamount available for distribution as dividends as of the end of the preceding fiscal year less the amount of dividends and mandatory reserves required to be set aside for that fiscal year, subject to certain procedural requirements.

Under the Korean Commercial Code, the total distributable dividend is defined as the net income for the current fiscal year plus retained earnings carried over from previous years (or minus accumulated losses, as the casewe may be), reducedresell or transfer any shares acquired by us to a third party pursuant to an approval by the amountBoard of earnings surplus reserved pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Korean Commercial Code.

Directors. In general, corporate entities in which we own a 50% or more equity interest may not acquire our common stock. Under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, we are subject to certain selling restrictions with respect to the shares acquired by us. In October 2001, in accordance with the approval of our board of directors, we established trust funds with four Korean banks with a total funding of Won 1.3 trillion for the purpose of acquiring our shares at market prices or within a range of five percent of market prices. In October 2007, in accordance with the approval of our board of directors, we extended the terms of such trust funds until October 2010, but the total amount of funding was reduced to Won 982 billion. In October 2010, upon expiration of the terms of the trust funds, our shares held by the trust funds were transferred to us and are currently held by us as treasury shares. For more details on the trust funds, see “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources”.

Liquidation Rights

In the event of our liquidation, remaining assets after payment of all debts, liquidation expenses and taxes will be distributed among shareholders in proportion to their shareholdings. Holders of non-voting preferred shares have no preference in liquidation. Holders of debt securities have no preference over other creditors in the event of liquidation.


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Description of American Depositary Shares

The following is a summary of the deposit agreement dated as of May 31, 1996, as amended by amendment no. 1 dated as of March 15, 1999, amendment no. 2 dated as of April 24, 2000 and amendment no. 3 dated as of

July 24, 2002, among us, Citibank, N.A., as ADR depositary, and all holders and beneficial owners of ADSs, as supplemented by side letters dated as of July 25, 2002, October 1, 2002 and October 1, 2007. The deposit agreement is governed by the laws of the State of New York. Because it is a summary, this description does not contain all the information that may be important to you. For more complete information, you should read the entire deposit agreement and the ADR. The deposit agreement has been filed as an exhibit to our registration statement onForm F-3 (FileNo. 333-91304) filed with the SEC. Copies of the deposit agreement are available for inspection at the principal New York office of the ADR depositary, currently located at 388 Greenwich Street, 14th Floor, New York, New York 10013, United States of America, and at the principal London office of the ADR depositary, currently located at Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5LB, England.

American Depositary Receipts

The ADR depositary may execute and deliver ADRs evidencing the ADSs. Each ADR evidences a specified number of ADSs, each ADS representing one-ninth of one share of our common stock to be deposited with the ADR depositary’s custodian in Seoul. Korea Securities Depository is the institution authorized under applicable law to effect book-entry transfers of our common shares, known as the “Custodian”. The Custodian is located at 1328 Paeksok-Dong, Ilsan-Ku, Koyang,411-770, Kyunggi-Do, Seoul,150-884, Korea. An ADR may represent any number of ADSs. We and the ADR depositary will treat only persons in whose names ADRs are registered on the books of the registrar as holders of ADRs.

Deposit and Withdrawal of Shares of Common Stock

Notwithstanding the provisions described below, under the terms of the deposit agreement, the deposit of shares and issuance of ADSs may only be made if the total number of shares represented by ADSs after such deposit does not exceed a specified maximum, 24,321,893 shares as of June 1, 2011.March 31, 2012. This limit will be adjusted in certain circumstances, including (1) upon the cancellation of existing ADSs, (2) upon future offerings of ADSs by us or our shareholders, (3) rights offerings and (4) adjustments for share reclassifications. The limit also may be decreased in certain circumstances. As of June 1, 2011,March 31, 2012, the outstanding ADSs represented approximately 24,321,89322,223,578 shares of our common stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the ADR depositary and the Custodian may not accept deposits of shares of common stock for issuance of ADSs if it has been notified by us in writing that we block deposits to prevent a violation of applicable Korean laws or regulations or a violation of our articles of incorporation. In addition, the ADR depositary may not accept deposits of shares of common stock for issuance of ADSs from a person who identifies him-, her- or itself to the depositary, and has been identified in writing by us, as a holder of at least 3% of our shares of common stock.

The shares of common stock underlying the ADSs are delivered to the ADR depositary’s Custodian in book-entry form. Accordingly, no share certificates will be issued but the ADR depositary will hold the shares of common stock through the book-entry settlement system of the Custodian. The delivery of the shares of common stock pursuant to the deposit agreement will take place through the facilities of the Custodian in accordance with its applicable settlement procedures. The ADR depositary will execute and deliver ADSs if you or your broker deposit shares or evidence of rights to receive shares of common stock with the Custodian. Upon payment of fees and expenses and any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes, the ADR depositary will register the appropriate number of ADSs in the names you designate. The ADR depositary and the ADR depositary’s Custodian will refuse to accept shares of common stock for deposit whenever we restrict transfer of shares of common stock to comply with ownership restrictions under applicable law or our articles of incorporation or whenever the deposit would cause the total number of shares of common stock deposited to exceed a level we determine from time to time. We may instruct the ADR depositary to take certain actions with respect to a holder of ADSs who holds in excess of the ownership limitation set forth in the deposit agreement, including the mandatory sale or disposition of the shares represented by the ADSs in excess of such ownership limitations if, and to the extent, permitted by applicable law.


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You may surrender your ADRs to the ADR depositary to withdraw the underlying shares of our common stock. Upon payment of the fees and any governmental charges and taxes provided in the deposit agreement, and subject to applicable laws and regulations of Korea and our articles of incorporation, you will be entitled to physical delivery or electronic delivery to an account in Korea or, if permissible under applicable Korean law, outside the

United States, of the shares of common stock evidenced by the ADRs and any other property at the time represented by ADR you surrendered. If you surrender an ADR evidencing a number of ADSs not evenly divisible by nine, the ADR depositary will deliver the appropriate whole number of shares of common stock represented by the surrendered ADSs and will execute and deliver to you a new ADR evidencing ADSs representing any remaining fractional shares of common stock.

If you request withdrawal of shares of common stock, you must deliver to the ADR depositary a written order directing the ADR depositary to cause the shares of common stock being withdrawn to be delivered or to cause such delivery upon the written order of the person designated in your order, subject to applicable Korean laws and the provisions of the deposit agreement.

Under the provisions of the deposit agreement, the ADR depositary may not lend shares of common stock or ADSs. However, subject to the provisions of the deposit agreement and limitations established by the ADR depositary, the ADR depositary may execute and deliver ADSs before deposit of the underlying shares of common stock. This is called a pre-release of the ADS. The ADR depositary may also deliver shares of common stock upon cancellation of pre-released ADSs (even if the cancellation occurs before the termination of the pre-release). The ADR depositary may pre-release ADSs only under the following circumstances:

before or at the time of the pre-release, the person to whom the pre-release is being made must represent to the ADR depositary in writing that the person, or, in case of an institution its customer, owns the shares of common stock or ADSs to be deposited and show evidence of the ownership to the ADR depositary’s satisfaction;

before or at the time of such pre-release, the person to whom the pre-release is being made must agree in writing that he or she will hold the shares of common stock or ADSs in trust for the ADR depositary until their delivery to the ADR depositary or Custodian, reflect on his or her records the ADR depositary as owner of such shares of common stock or ADSs and deliver such shares of common stock upon the ADR depositary’s request;

• before or at the time of the pre-release, the person to whom the pre-release is being made must represent to the ADR depositary in writing that the person, or, in case of an institution its customer, owns the shares of common stock or ADSs to be deposited and show evidence of the ownership to the ADR depositary’s satisfaction;
• before or at the time of such pre-release, the person to whom the pre-release is being made must agree in writing that he or she will hold the shares of common stock or ADSs in trust for the ADR depositary until their delivery to the ADR depositary or Custodian, reflect on his or her records the ADR depositary as owner of such shares of common stock or ADSs and deliver such shares of common stock upon the ADR depositary’s request;
• the pre-release must be fully collateralized with cash or U.S. government securities;
• the ADR depositary must be able to terminate the pre-release on not more than five business day’s notice; and
• the pre-release is subject to further indemnities and credit regulations as the ADR depositary deems appropriate.

the pre-release must be fully collateralized with cash or U.S. government securities;

the ADR depositary must be able to terminate the pre-release on not more than five business day’s notice; and

the pre-release is subject to further indemnities and credit regulations as the ADR depositary deems appropriate.

The ADR depositary may retain for its own account any compensation received by it in connection with the pre-release, such as earnings on the collateral.

If you want to withdraw the shares of common stock from the depositary facility, you must register your identity with the Financial Supervisory Service of Korea before you acquire the shares of common stock unless you intend to sell the shares of common stock within three months. See “Item 10.D. Exchange Controls — Korean Foreign Exchange Controls and Securities Regulations — Restrictions Applicable to Shares”.

Dividends, Other Distributions and Rights

If the ADR depositary can, in its judgment and pursuant to applicable law, convert Won (or any other foreign currency) into Dollars on a reasonable basis and transfer the resulting Dollars to the United States, the ADR depositary will as promptly as practicable convert all cash dividends and other cash distributions received by it on the deposited shares of common stock into Dollars and distribute the Dollars to you in proportion to the number of ADSs representing shares of common stock held by you, after deduction of the fees and expenses of the ADR depositary. If the ADR depositary determines that in its judgment any currency other than Dollars it receives from us cannot be converted and distributed on a reasonable basis, the ADR depositary may distribute the currency it


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receives to the extent permitted under applicable law or hold the currency for your account if you are entitled to receive the distribution. The ADR depositary will not be liable for any interest. Before making a distribution, the ADR depositary will deduct any withholding taxes that must be paid.

In the event that the ADR depositary or the ADR depositary’s Custodian receives any distribution upon any deposited shares of common stock in property or securities (other than shares of common stock, non-voting preferred stock or rights to receive shares of common stock or non-voting preferred stock), the ADR depositary will distribute the property or securities to you in proportion to your holdings in any manner that the ADR depositary deems, after consultation with us, equitable and practicable. If the ADR depositary determines that any distribution of property or securities (other than shares of common stock, non-voting preferred stock or rights to receive shares of common stock or non-voting preferred stock) cannot be made proportionally, or if for any other reason the ADR depositary deems the distribution not to be feasible, the ADR depositary may, after consultation with us, dispose of all or a portion of the property or securities in such amounts and in such manner, including by public or private sale, as the ADR depositary deems equitable or practicable. The ADR depositary will distribute to you the net proceeds of any such sale, or the balance of the property or securities, after the deduction of the fees and expenses of the ADR depositary.

If a distribution by us consists of a dividend in, or free distribution of, our shares of common stock, the ADR depositary may, with our approval, and will, if we request, deposit the shares of common stock and either (1) distribute to you, in proportion to your holdings, additional ADSs representing those shares of common stock, or (2) reflect on the records of the ADR depositary the increase in the aggregate number of ADSs representing those number of shares of common stock, in both cases, after the deduction of the fees and expenses of the ADR depositary. If the ADR depositary deems that such distribution for any reason is not feasible, the ADR depositary may adopt, after consultation with us, any method as it may deem equitable and practicable, including by public or private sale of all or part of the shares of common stock received. The ADR depositary will distribute to you the net proceeds of any such sale in the same way as it does with cash. The ADR depositary will only distribute whole ADSs. If the ADR depositary does not distribute additional ADSs, then each outstanding ADS will also represent the new shares so distributed.

If a distribution by us consists of a dividend in, or free distribution of, shares of non-voting preferred stock, the ADR depositary will deposit such shares of non-voting preferred stock under a non-voting preferred stock deposit agreement to be entered into among us, the ADR depositary and all holders and beneficial owners of depositary shares. The ADR depositary will deliver to you, in proportion to your holdings of ADSs, depositary shares issued under the non-voting preferred stock deposit agreement representing the number of non-voting shares received as such dividend or distribution. If the ADR depositary deems such distribution for any reason is not feasible, the ADR depositary may adopt, after consultation with us, any method as it may deem equitable and practicable, including by public or private sale of all or part of the nonvoting shares received. The ADR depositary will distribute to you the net proceeds of any such sale in the same way as it does with cash. The ADR depositary will only distribute whole depositary shares. We are not obligated to list depositary shares representing non-voting shares on any exchange.

If we offer holders of our securities any rights to subscribe for additional shares of common stock or any other rights, the ADR depositary may make these rights available to you. The ADR depositary must first determine whether it is lawful and feasible to do so. If the ADR depositary determines that it is not lawful or feasible to make these rights available to you, then upon our request, the ADR depositary will sell the rights and distribute the proceeds in the same way as it would do with cash. The ADR depositary may allow these rights that are not distributed or sold to lapse. In that case, you will receive no value for these rights.

If we issue any rights with respect to non-voting shares, the securities issuable upon any exercise of such rights by holders or beneficial owners will be depositary shares representing those non-voting shares issued under the provisions of a non-voting preferred stock deposit agreement.

If a registration statement under the Securities Act is required with respect to the securities to which any rights relate in order for us to offer the rights to you and to sell the securities represented by these rights, the ADR depositary will not offer such rights to you until such a registration is in effect, or unless the offering and sale of such securities and such rights to you are exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act or any required filing, report, approval or consent has been submitted, obtained or granted. We or the ADR depositary will not be


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obligated to register the rights or securities under the Securities Act or to submit, obtain or request any filing, report, approval or consent.

The ADR depositary may not be able to convert any currency or to sell or dispose of any distributed or offered property or rights in a timely manner or at a specified price, or at all.

Record Dates

The ADR depositary will fix a record date, after consultation with us, in each of the following situations:

any cash dividend or other cash distribution becomes payable;

any distribution other than cash is made;

• any cash dividend or other cash distribution becomes payable;
• any distribution other than cash is made;
• rights are issued with respect to deposited shares of common stock;
• the ADR depositary causes a change in the number of shares of common stock that are represented by each ADS; or
• the ADR depositary receives notice of any shareholders’ meeting.

rights are issued with respect to deposited shares of common stock;

the ADR depositary causes a change in the number of shares of common stock that are represented by each ADS; or

the ADR depositary receives notice of any shareholders’ meeting.

The record date will, to the extent practicable, be as near as the record date fixed by us for the shares of common stock. The record date will determine (1) the ADR holders who are entitled to receive the dividend, distribution or rights, or the net proceeds of the sale of the rights; or (2) the ADR holders who are entitled to receive notices or exercise rights.

Voting of the Underlying Shares of Common Stock

We will give the ADR depositary a notice of any meeting or solicitation of shareholder proxies immediately after we finalize the form and substance of such notice but not less than 14 days before the meeting. As soon as practicable after it receives our notice, the ADR depositary will fix a record date, and upon our written request, the ADR depositary will mail to you a notice that will contain the following:

the information contained in our notice to the ADR depositary including an English translation, or, if requested by us, a summary of the information provided by us;

a statement that the ADR holders as of the close of business on a specified record date will be entitled to instruct the ADR depositary as to how to exercise their voting rights for the number of shares of deposited shares of common stock, subject to the provisions of applicable Korean law and our articles of incorporation, which provisions, if any, will be summarized in the notice to the extent that they are material; and

• the information contained in our notice to the ADR depositary including an English translation, or, if requested by us, a summary of the information provided by us;
• a statement that the ADR holders as of the close of business on a specified record date will be entitled to instruct the ADR depositary as to how to exercise their voting rights for the number of shares of deposited shares of common stock, subject to the provisions of applicable Korean law and our articles of incorporation, which provisions, if any, will be summarized in the notice to the extent that they are material; and
• a statement as to the manner in which the ADR holders may give their instructions.

a statement as to the manner in which the ADR holders may give their instructions.

Upon your written request received on or before the date set by the ADR depositary for this purpose, the ADR depositary will endeavor, in so far as practicable, to vote or cause to be voted the deposited shares of common stock in accordance with the instructions set forth in your written requests. The ADR depositary may not itself exercise any voting discretion over any deposited shares of common stock. You may only exercise the voting rights in respect of nine ADSs or multiples of nine ADSs. ADR holders may not be entitled to give instruction to vote the shares represented by the ADSs if, and to the extent, the total number of shares represented by the ADSs of an ADR holder exceeds the limit set under applicable law. We can give no assurance to you, however, that we will notify the ADR depositary sufficiently in advance of the scheduled date of a meeting or solicitation of consents or proxies to enable the ADR depositary to make a timely mailing of notices to you, or that you will receive the notices sufficiently in advance of a meeting or solicitation of consents or proxies to give instructions to the ADR depositary.

Inspection of Transfer Books

The ADR depositary will keep books at its principal New York office, which is currently located at 388 Greenwich Street, 14th Floor, New York, New York 10013, for the registration and transfer of ADRs. You may inspect the books of the ADR depositary as long as the inspection is not for the purpose of communicating with


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holders in the interest of a business or object other than our business or a matter related to the deposit agreement or the ADRs.

Reports and Notices

On or before the first date on which we give notice, by publication or otherwise, of any meeting of shareholders, or of any adjourned meeting of shareholders, or of the taking of any action in respect of any cash or other distributions or the offering of any rights in respect of the shares of common stock, we will transmit to the Custodian and the ADR depositary sufficient copies of the notice in English in the form given or to be given to shareholders. We will furnish to the ADR depositary English language versions of any reports, notices and other communications that we generally transmit to holders of our common stock, including our annual reports, with annual audited consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with Korean GAAP and, if prepared pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, a reconciliation of net earnings for the year and stockholders’ equity to U.S. GAAP,IFRS and unaudited non-consolidated semiannual financial statements prepared in conformity with Korean GAAP.IFRS. The ADR depositary will arrange for the prompt mailing of copies of these documents, or, if we request, a summary of any such notice provided by us to you or, at our request, make notices, reports (other than the annual reports and semiannual financial statements) and other communications available to you on a basis similar to that for the holders of our common stock or on such other basis as we may advise the ADR depositary according to any applicable law, regulation or stock exchange requirement.

Notices to you under the deposit agreement will be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by mail or cable, telegraph or facsimile transmission, confirmed by letter, addressed to you at your address as it appears on the transfer books of the ADR depositary or at such other address as you have notified the ADR depositary.

In addition, the ADR depositary will make available for inspection by holders at its principal New York office and its principal London office any notices, reports or communications, including any proxy soliciting materials, received from us that we generally transmit to the holders of our common stock or other deposited securities, including the ADR depositary. The ADR depositary will also send to you copies of reports and communications we will provide as provided in the deposit agreement.

Changes Affecting Deposited Shares of Common Stock

In case of a change in the par value, or asplit-up, consolidation or any other reclassification of shares of our common stock or upon any recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale of assets affecting us, any securities received by the ADR depositary or the Custodian in exchange for, in conversion of or in respect of deposited shares of our common stock will be treated as new deposited shares of common stock under the deposit agreement. In that case, ADSs will, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement and applicable laws and regulations, including any registration requirements under the Securities Act, represent the right to receive the new deposited shares of common stock, unless additional ADRs are issued, as in the case of a stock dividend, or unless the ADR depositary calls for the surrender of outstanding ADRs to be exchanged for new ADRs.

Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement

We may agree with the ADR depositary to amend the deposit agreement and the ADSs without your consent for any reason. If the amendment adds or increases fees or charges, except for taxes and other governmental charges or certain expenses of the ADR depositary, or prejudices any substantial existing right of ADR holders, it will only become effective 30 days after the ADR depositary notifies you of the amendment. If you continue to hold your ADSs at the time an amendment becomes effective, you will be considered to have agreed to the amendment and to be bound by the deposit agreement as amended. Except as otherwise required by any mandatory provisions of applicable law, no amendment may impair your right to surrender your ADSs and to receive the underlying deposited securities.

The ADR depositary will terminate the deposit agreement if we ask it to do so with 90 days’ prior written notice. The ADR depositary may also terminate the deposit agreement if the ADR depositary has notified us at least


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90 days in advance that it would like to resign and we have not appointed a new depositary. In both cases, the ADR depositary must notify you at least 30 days before the termination date.

If any ADRs remain outstanding after the date of termination, the ADR depositary will stop performing any further acts under the deposit agreement, except:

to collect dividends and other distributions pertaining to the deposited shares of common stock;

to sell property and rights and the conversion of deposited shares of common stock into cash as provided in the deposit agreement; and

• to collect dividends and other distributions pertaining to the deposited shares of common stock;
• to sell property and rights and the conversion of deposited shares of common stock into cash as provided in the deposit agreement; and
• to deliver deposited shares of common stock, together with any dividends or other distributions received with respect to the deposited shares of common stock and the net proceeds of the sale of any rights or other property represented by those ADSs in exchange for surrendered ADRs.

to deliver deposited shares of common stock, together with any dividends or other distributions received with respect to the deposited shares of common stock and the net proceeds of the sale of any rights or other property represented by those ADSs in exchange for surrendered ADRs.

At any time after the expiration of six months from the date of termination, the ADR depositary may sell any remaining deposited shares of common stock and hold uninvested the net proceeds in an unsegregated account, together with any other cash or property then held, without liability for interest, for the pro rata benefit of the holders of ADSs that have not been surrendered by then.

Charges of ADR Depositary

The fees and expenses of the ADR depositary as agreed between us and the ADR depositary include:

taxes and other governmental charges;

registration fees applicable to transfers of shares of common stock on our shareholders’ register, or that of any entity acting as registrar for the shares, to the name of the ADR depositary or its nominee, or the Custodian or its nominee, when making deposits or withdrawals under the deposit agreement;

• taxes and other governmental charges;
• registration fees applicable to transfers of shares of common stock on our shareholders’ register, or that of any entity acting as registrar for the shares, to the name of the ADR depositary or its nominee, or the Custodian or its nominee, when making deposits or withdrawals under the deposit agreement;
• cable, telegraph and facsimile transmission expenses that are expressly provided in the deposit agreement;
• expenses incurred by the ADR depositary in the conversion of foreign currency into Dollars under the deposit agreement;
• a fee of up to US$5.00 per 100 ADSs, or portion thereof, for execution and delivery of ADSs and the surrender of ADRs under the deposit agreement; and
• a fee of up to US$0.02 per ADS held for cash distributions, a sale or exercise of rights or the taking of any other corporate action involving distributions to shareholders.

cable, telegraph and facsimile transmission expenses that are expressly provided in the deposit agreement;

expenses incurred by the ADR depositary in the conversion of foreign currency into Dollars under the deposit agreement;

a fee of up to US$5.00 per 100 ADSs, or portion thereof, for execution and delivery of ADSs and the surrender of ADRs under the deposit agreement; and

a fee of up to US$0.02 per ADS held for cash distributions, a sale or exercise of rights or the taking of any other corporate action involving distributions to shareholders.

For a detailed description of fees and charges payable by the holders of ADSs under the deposit agreement, see “Item 12.D. American Depositary Shares — Fees and Charges under the Deposit Agreement”.

General

Neither we nor the ADR depositary will be liable to you if prevented or delayed by law, governmental authority, any provision of our articles of incorporation or any circumstances beyond our or its control in performing our or its obligations under the deposit agreement. The deposit agreement provides that the ADR depositary will hold the shares of common stock for your sole benefit. Our obligations and those of the ADR depositary under the deposit agreement are expressly limited to performing, in good faith and without negligence, our and its respective duties specified in the deposit agreement.

The ADSs are transferable on the books of the ADR depositary, provided that the ADR depositary may, after consultation with us, close the transfer books at any time or from time to time, when deemed expedient by it in connection with the performance of its duties. As a condition precedent to the execution and delivery of any ADSs, registration of transfer,split-up, combination of any ADR or surrender of any ADS for the purpose of withdrawal of deposited shares of common stock, the ADR depositary or the Custodian may require payment from the depositor of the shares of common stock or a holder of ADSs of a sum sufficient to reimburse the ADR depositary for any tax or


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other governmental charge and any stock transfer or registration fee and payment of any applicable fees payable by the holders of ADSs.

Any person depositing shares of common stock, any holder of an ADS or any beneficial owner may be required from time to time to file with the ADR depositary or the Custodian a proof of citizenship, residence,

exchange control approval, payment of applicable Korean or other taxes or governmental charges, or legal or beneficial ownership and the nature of their interest, to provide information relating to the registration on our shareholders’ register (or our appointed agent for the transfer and registration of shares of common stock) of the shares of common stock presented for deposit or other information, to execute certificates and to make representations and warranties as we or the ADR depositary may deem necessary or proper or to enable us or the ADR depositary to perform our and its obligations under the deposit agreement. The ADR depositary may withhold the execution or delivery or registration of transfer of all or part of any ADR or the distribution or sale of any dividend or other distribution of rights or of the proceeds from their sale or the delivery of any shares deposited under the deposit agreement and any other securities, property and cash received by the ADR depositary or the Custodian until the proof or other information is filed or the certificates are executed or the representations and warranties are made. The ADR depositary shall provide us, unless otherwise instructed by us, in a timely manner, with copies of any of these proofs and certificates and these written representations and warranties.

The delivery and surrender of ADSs and transfer of ADSs generally may be suspended during any period when our or the ADR depositary’s transfer books are closed or, if that action is deemed necessary or advisable by us or the ADR depositary, at any time or from time to time in accordance with the deposit agreement. We may restrict, in a manner as we deem appropriate, transfers of shares of common stock where the transfers may result in ownership of shares of common stock in excess of limits under applicable law. Except as described in “Deposit and Withdrawal of Shares of Common Stock” above, notwithstanding any other provision of the deposit agreement, the surrender of outstanding ADRs and withdrawal of Deposited Securities (as defined in the deposit agreement) represented by the ADRs may be suspended, but only as required in connection with (1) temporary delays caused by closing the transfer books of the ADR depositary or the issuer of any Deposited Securities (or the appointed agent or agents for such issuer for the transfer and registration of such Deposited Securities) in connection with voting at a shareholders’ meeting or the payment of dividends, (2) payment of fees, taxes and similar charges, or (3) compliance with any United States or foreign laws or governmental regulations relating to the ADRs or to the withdrawal of the Deposited Securities.

Governing Law

The deposit agreement and the ADRs will be interpreted under, and all rights under the deposit agreement or the ADRs are governed by, the laws of the State of New York.

We have irrevocably submitted to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of New York State or United States Federal Courts located in New York City and waived any objection to legal actions or proceedings in these courts whether on the ground of venue or on the ground that the proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum.

This submission was made for the benefit of the ADR depositary and the holders and will not limit the right of any of them to take legal actions or proceedings in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor will the taking of legal actions or proceedings in one or more jurisdictions preclude the taking of legal actions or proceedings in any other jurisdiction (whether concurrently or not), to the extent permitted under applicable law.

Information Relating to the ADR Depositary

Citibank, N.A. has been appointed as ADR depositary pursuant to the deposit agreement. Citibank is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Citigroup Inc., a Delaware corporation whose principal office is located in New York, New York. Citibank is a global financial services organization serving individuals, businesses, governments and financial institutions in approximately 100 countries around the world.

Citibank was originally organized on June 16, 1812, and now is a national banking association organized under the National Bank Act of 1864 of the United States of America. Citibank is primarily regulated by the United States Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Its principal office is at 399 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022.


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The consolidated balance sheets of Citibank are set forth in Citigroup’s most recent annual report onForm 10-K and quarterly report onForm 10-Q, each on file with the SEC.

Citibank’s Articles of Association and By-laws, each as currently in effect, together with Citigroup’s most recent annual and quarterly reports will be available for inspection at the Depositary Receipt office of Citibank, N.A., 388 Greenwich Street, 14th Floor, New York, New York 10013.

Item 10.C.Material Contracts

We have not entered into any material contracts since January 1, 2008,2009, other than in the ordinary course of our business. For information regarding our agreements and transactions with entities affiliated with the SK Group, see “Item 7.B. Related Party Transactions” and note 2428 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements. For a description of certain agreements entered into during the past three years related to our capital commitments and obligations, see “Item 5B. Liquidity and Capital Resources”.

Item 10.D.Exchange Controls

Korean Foreign Exchange Controls and Securities Regulations

General

The Foreign Exchange Transaction Act and the Presidential Decree and regulations under that Act and Decree, collectively referred to as the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws, regulate investment in Korean securities by non-residents and issuance of securities outside Korea by Korean companies. Non-residents may invest in Korean securities pursuant to the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws. The Financial Services Commission of Korea has also adopted, pursuant to its authority under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, regulations that restrict investment by foreigners in Korean securities and regulate issuance of securities outside Korea by Korean companies.

Subject to certain limitations, the MOSF has authority to take the following actions under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws:

if the Government deems it necessary on account of war, armed conflict, natural disaster or grave and sudden and significant changes in domestic or foreign economic circumstances or similar events or circumstances, the MOSF may temporarily suspend performance under any or all foreign exchange transactions, in whole or in part, to which the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws apply (including suspension of payment and receipt of foreign exchange) or impose an obligation to deposit, safe-keep or sell any means of payment to The Bank of Korea, a foreign exchange stabilization fund, certain other governmental agencies or financial companies; and

if the Government concludes that the international balance of payments and international financial markets are experiencing or are likely to experience significant disruption or that the movement of capital between Korea and other countries are likely to adversely affect the Won, exchange rate or other macroeconomic policies, the MOSF may take action to require any person who intends to effect or effects a capital transaction to deposit all or a portion of the means of payment acquired in such transactions with The Bank of Korea, a foreign exchange stabilization fund, certain other governmental agencies or financial companies.

• if the Government deems it necessary on account of war, armed conflict, natural disaster or grave and sudden and significant changes in domestic or foreign economic circumstances or similar events or circumstances, the MOSF may temporarily suspend performance under any or all foreign exchange transactions, in whole or in part, to which the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws apply (including suspension of payment and receipt of foreign exchange) or impose an obligation to deposit, safe-keep or sell any means of payment to The Bank of Korea or certain other governmental agencies or financial institutions; and
• if the Government concludes that the international balance of payments and international financial markets are experiencing or are likely to experience significant disruption or that the movement of capital between Korea and other countries are likely to adversely affect the Won, exchange rate or other macroeconomic policies, the MOSF may take action to require any person who intends to effect or effects a capital transaction to deposit all or a portion of the means of payment acquired in such transactions with The Bank of Korea or certain other governmental agencies or financial institutions.

Under the regulations of the Financial Services Commission amended on February 4, 2009, (i) if a company listed on the KRX KOSPI Market or a company listed on the KRX KOSDAQ Market has submitted a public disclosure of material matters to a foreign financial investment supervisory authority pursuant to the laws of the foreign jurisdiction, then it must submit a copy of the public disclosure and a Korean translation thereof to the Financial Services Commission of Korea and the Korea Exchange, and (ii) if a KRX KOSPI Market-listed company or KRX KOSDAQ Market-listed company is approved for listing on a foreign stock market or determined to be de-listed from the foreign stock market or actually listed on, or de-listed from a foreign stock market, then it must submit a copy of any document, which it submitted to or received from the relevant foreign government, foreign financial investment supervisory authority or the foreign stock market, and a Korean translation thereof to the Financial Services Commission of Korea and the Korea Exchange.


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Government Review of Issuances of ADSs

In order for us to issue ADSs in excess of US$30 million, we are required to submit a report to the MOSF with respect to the issuance of the ADSs prior to and after such issuance; provided that such US$30 million threshold amount would be reduced by the aggregate principal amount of any foreign currency loans borrowed, and any securities offered and issued, outside Korea during the one-year period immediately preceding the report’s submission date. The MOSF may at its discretion direct us to take necessary measures to avoid exchange rate fluctuation in connection with its acceptance of report of the issuance of the ADSs.

Under current Korean laws and regulations, the depositary is required to obtain our prior consent for any proposed deposit of common shares if the number of shares to be deposited in such proposed deposit exceeds the number of common shares initially deposited by us for the issuance of ADSs (including deposits in connection with the initial and all subsequent issuances of ADSs by us or with our consent and stock dividends or other distributions related to the ADSs).

In addition to such restrictions under Korean laws and regulations, there are also restrictions on the deposits of our common shares for issuance of ADSs. See “Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation — Description of American Depositary Shares”. Therefore, a holder of ADRs who surrenders ADRs and withdraws shares may not be permitted subsequently to deposit those shares and obtain ADRs.

• Under current Korean laws and regulations, the depositary is required to obtain our prior consent for any proposed deposit of common shares if the number of shares to be deposited in such proposed deposit exceeds the number of common shares initially deposited by us for the issuance of ADSs (including deposits in connection with the initial and all subsequent issuances of ADSs by us or with our consent and stock dividends or other distributions related to the ADSs).
• In addition to such restrictions under Korean laws and regulations, there are also restrictions on the deposits of our common shares for issuance of ADSs. See “Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation — Description of American Depositary Shares”. Therefore, a holder of ADRs who surrenders ADRs and withdraws shares may not be permitted subsequently to deposit those shares and obtain ADRs.

We submitted a report to and obtained acceptance thereof by the MOSF for the issuance of ADSs up to an amount corresponding to 24,321,893 common shares. No additional Korean governmental approval is necessary for the issuance of ADSs except that if the total number of our common shares on deposit for conversion into ADSs exceeds 24,321,893 common shares, we may be required to file a report to and obtain acceptance thereof by the MOSF with respect to the increase of such limit and the issuance of additional ADSs.

Reporting Requirements for Holders of Substantial Interests

Under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, any person whose direct or beneficial ownership of shares with voting rights, certificates representing the rights to subscribe for shares and equity-related debt securities including convertible bonds and bonds with warrants (collectively referred to as “equity securities”), together with the equity securities beneficially owned by certain related persons or by any person acting in concert with the person, accounts for 5.0% or more of the total outstanding equity securities is required to report the status and purpose (in terms of whether the purpose of shareholding is to affect control over management of the issuer) of the holdings to the Financial Services Commission of Korea and the Korea Exchange within five business days after reaching the 5.0% ownership interest threshold and promptly deliver a copy of such report to the issuer. In addition, any change (i) in the ownership interest subsequent to the report which equals or exceeds 1.0% of the total outstanding equity securities, or (ii) in the shareholding purpose is required to be reported to the Financial Services Commission of Korea and the Korea Exchange within five business days from the date of the change. However, reporting deadline of such reporting requirement is extended to (i) certain professional investors, as definedspecified under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, or (ii) persons who hold shares for purposes other than management control by the tenth day of the month immediately following the month of share acquisition or change in their shareholding. Those who reported the purpose of shareholding is to affect control over management of the issuer are prohibited from exercising their voting rights and acquiring additional shares for five days subsequent to the report under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act.

Violation of these reporting requirements may subject a person to criminal sanctions such as fines or imprisonment and may result in a loss of voting rights with respect to the ownership of unreported equity securities exceeding 5.0%. Furthermore, the Financial Services Commission of Korea may issue an order to dispose of such non-reported equity securities.

In addition to the reporting requirements described above, any person whose direct or beneficial ownership of our common shares accounts for 10% or more of the total issued and outstanding shares with voting rights (a “major shareholder”) must report the status of his or her shareholding to the Securities and Futures Commission and the Korea Exchange within five business days after he or she becomes a major shareholder. In addition, any change in the ownership interest subsequent to the report must be reported to the Securities and Futures Commission and the


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Korea Exchange by the fifth business day of any changes in his or her shareholding. Violations of these reporting requirements may subject a person to criminal sanctions, such as fines or imprisonment.

Restrictions Applicable to ADSs

No Korean governmental approval is necessary for the sale and purchase of ADSs in the secondary market outside Korea or for the withdrawal of shares underlying ADSs and the delivery of shares in Korea in connection with the withdrawal, provided that a foreigner who intends to acquire the shares must obtain an investment

registration card from the Financial Supervisory Service, as described below. The acquisition of the shares by a foreigner must be reported by the foreigner or his or her standing proxy in Korea immediately to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service.

Persons who have acquired shares as a result of the withdrawal of shares underlying the ADSs may exercise their preemptive rights for new shares, participate in free distributions and receive dividends on shares without any further governmental approval.

In addition, we are required to file a securities registration statement with the Financial Services Commission and such securities registration statement has to become effective pursuant to the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act in order for us to issue shares represented by ADSs, except in certain limited circumstances.

Restrictions Applicable to Shares

As a result of amendments to the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws and the regulations of Financial Services Commission of Korea, together referred to as the Investment Rules, adopted in connection with the stock market opening from January 1992 and after that date, foreigners may invest, with limited exceptions and subject to procedural requirements, in all shares of Korean companies, whether listed on the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market, unless prohibited by specific laws. Foreign investors may trade shares listed on the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market only through the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market, except in limited circumstances, including, among others:

odd-lot trading of shares;

acquisition of shares by a foreign company as a result of a merger;

• odd-lot trading of shares;
• acquisition of shares by a foreign company as a result of a merger;
• acquisition or disposal of shares in connection with a tender offer;
• acquisition of shares by exercise of warrant, conversion right under convertible bonds, exchange right under exchangeable bonds or withdrawal right under depositary receipts issued outside of Korea by a Korean company (“converted shares”);
• acquisition of shares through exercise of rights under securities issued outside of Korea;
• acquisition of shares as a result of inheritance, donation, bequest or exercise of shareholders’ rights, including preemptive rights or rights to participate in free distributions and receive dividends;
• 

acquisition or disposal of shares in connection with a tender offer;

acquisition of shares by exercise of warrant, conversion right under convertible bonds, exchange right under exchangeable bonds or withdrawal right under depositary receipts issued outside of Korea by a Korean company (“converted shares”);

acquisition of shares through exercise of rights under securities issued outside of Korea;

acquisition of shares as a result of inheritance, donation, bequest or exercise of shareholders’ rights, including preemptive rights or rights to participate in free distributions and receive dividends;

over-the-counter transactions between foreigners of a class of shares for which the ceiling on aggregate acquisition by foreigners, as explained below, has been reached or exceeded;

acquisition of shares by direct investment under the Foreign Investment Promotion Law;

acquisition and disposal of shares on an overseas stock exchange market, if such shares are simultaneously listed on the KRX KOSPI Market or KRX KOSDAQ Market and such overseas stock exchange; and

arm’s length transactions between foreigners in the event all such foreigners belong to an investment group managed by the same person.

For over-the-counter transactions between foreigners of a class of shares for which the ceiling on aggregate acquisition by foreigners, as explained below, has been reached or exceeded;

• acquisition of shares by direct investment under the Foreign Investment Promotion Law;
• acquisition and disposal of shares on an overseas stock exchange market, if such shares are simultaneously listed on the KRX KOSPI Market or KRX KOSDAQ Market and such overseas stock exchange; and
• arm’s length transactions between foreigners in the event all such foreigners belong to an investment group managed by the same person.
Forover-the-counter transactions of shares between foreigners outside the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market for shares with respect to which the limit on aggregate foreign ownership has been reached or exceeded, a financial investment company with a brokerage license in Korea must act as an intermediary. Odd-lot trading of shares outside the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market must involve a financial investment


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company with a dealing license in Korea as the other party. Foreign investors are prohibited from engaging in margin transactions through borrowing shares from financial investment companies with respect to shares which are subject to a foreign ownership limit.

The Investment Rules require a foreign investor who wishes to invest in shares for the first time on the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market (including converted shares) and shares being publicly offered for initial listing on the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market to register its identity with the Financial Supervisory Service prior to making any such investment; however, the registration requirement does not apply to

foreign investors who acquire converted shares with the intention of selling such converted shares within three months from the date of acquisition of the converted shares or who acquire the shares in anover-the-counter transaction or dispose of shares where such acquisition or disposal is deemed to be a foreign direct investment pursuant to the Foreign Investment Promotion Law. Upon registration, the Financial Supervisory Service will issue to the foreign investor an investment registration card which must be presented each time the foreign investor opens a brokerage account with a financial investment company or financial institution in Korea. Foreigners eligible to obtain an investment registration card include foreign nationals who have not been residing in Korea for a consecutive period of six months or longer, foreign governments, foreign municipal authorities, foreign public institutions, international financial institutions or similar international organizations, corporations incorporated under foreign laws and any person in any additional category designated by decree promulgated under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act. All Korean offices of a foreign corporation as a group are treated as a separate foreigner from the offices of the corporation outside Korea for the purpose of investment registration. However, a foreign corporation or depositary issuing depositary receipts may obtain one or more investment registration cards in its name in certain circumstances as described in the relevant regulations.

Upon a foreign investor’s purchase of shares through the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market, no separate report by the investor is required because the investment registration card system is designed to control and oversee foreign investment through a computer system. However, where a foreign investor acquires or sells shares outside the KRX KOSPI Market and the KRX KOSDAQ Market, such acquisition or sale of shares must be reported by the foreign investor or such foreign investor’s standing proxy to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service, or the Governor, at the time of each such acquisition or sale; provided, however, that a foreign investor must ensure that any acquisition or sale of shares outside the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market in the case of trades in connection with a tender offer, odd-lot trading of shares or trades of a class of shares for which the aggregate foreign ownership limit has been reached or exceeded, is reported to the Governor by the Korea Securities Depository, financial investment companies with a dealing or brokerage license or securities finance companies engaged to facilitate such transaction. In the event a foreign investor desires to acquire or sell shares outside the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market and the circumstances in connection with such sale or acquisition do not fall within the exceptions made for certain limited circumstances described above, then the foreign investor must obtain the prior approval of the Governor. In addition, in the event a foreign investor acquires or sells shares outside the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market, a prior report to the Bank of Korea may also be required in certain circumstances. A foreign investor must appoint one or more standing proxies among the Korea Securities Depository, foreign exchange banks (including domestic branches of foreign banks), financial investment companies with a dealing, brokerage or collective investment license and certain eligible foreign custodians which will act as a standing proxy to exercise shareholders’ rights, or perform any matters related to the foregoing activities if the foreign investor does not perform these activities himself. Generally, a foreign investor may not permit any person, other than his, her or its standing proxy, to exercise rights relating to its shares or perform any tasks related thereto on his, her or its behalf. However, a foreign investor may be exempted from complying with these standing proxy rules with the approval of the Governor in cases deemed inevitable by reason of conflict between laws of Korea and the home country of the foreign investor.

Certificates evidencing shares of Korean companies must be kept in custody with an eligible custodian in Korea. The Korea Securities Depository, foreign exchange banks (including domestic branches of foreign banks), financial investment companies with a dealing, brokerage or collective investment license and certain eligible foreign custodians are eligible to act as a custodian of shares for a non-resident or foreign investor. A foreign investor must ensure that his, her or its custodian deposits the shares with the Korea Securities Depository. However, a foreign investor may be exempted from complying with this deposit requirement with the approval of the


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Governor in circumstances where compliance with that requirement is made impracticable, including cases where compliance would contravene the laws of the home country of such foreign investor.

Under the Investment Rules, with certain exceptions, foreign investors may acquire shares of a Korean company without being subject to any foreign investment ceiling. As one such exception, designated public corporations are subject to a 40.0% ceiling on the acquisition of shares by foreigners in the aggregate. Designated public corporations may set a ceiling on the acquisition of shares by a single person within 3.0% of the total number of shares in their articles of incorporation. Currently, Korea Electric Power Corporation is the only designated

public corporation which has set such a ceiling. Furthermore, an investment by a foreign investor of not less than 10.0% of the outstanding shares with voting rights of a Korean company is defined as a direct foreign investment under the Foreign Investment Promotion Law, which is, in general, subject to the report to, and acceptance by, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy of Korea, which delegates its authority to foreign exchange banks or the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency under the relevant regulations. The acquisition of our shares by a foreign investor is also subject to the restrictions prescribed in the Telecommunications Business Act. The Telecommunications Business Act generally limits the maximum aggregate foreign shareholdings in us to 49.0% of the outstanding shares. A foreigner who has acquired shares in excess of such restriction described above may not exercise the voting rights with respect to the shares exceeding such limitations and may be subject to corrective orders.

Under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws, a foreign investor who intends to make a portfolio investment in shares of a Korean company listed on the KRX KOSPI Market or the KRX KOSDAQ Market must designate a foreign exchange bank at which he, she or it must open a foreign currency account and a Won account exclusively for stock investments. No approval is required for remittance into Korea and deposit of foreign currency funds in the foreign currency account. Foreign currency funds may be transferred from the foreign currency account at the time required to place a deposit for, or settle the purchase price of, a stock purchase transaction to a Won account opened at a securities company. Funds in the foreign currency account may be remitted abroad without any governmental approval.

Dividends on shares are paid in Won. No governmental approval is required for foreign investors to receive dividends on, or the Won proceeds of the sale of, any such shares to be paid, received and retained in Korea. Dividends paid on, and the Won proceeds of the sale of, any such shares held by a non-resident of Korea must be deposited either in a Won account with the investor’s financial investment companies with a securities dealing, brokerage or collective investment license or the investor’s Won account. Funds in the investor’s Won account may be transferred to such investor’s foreign currency account or withdrawn for local living expenses, provided that any withdrawal of local living expenses in excess of a certain amount is reported to the tax authorities by the foreign exchange bank at which the Won account is maintained. Funds in the investor’s Won account may also be used for future investment in shares or for payment of the subscription price of new shares obtained through the exercise of preemptive rights.

Financial investment companies with a securities dealing, brokerage or collective investment license are allowed to open foreign currency accounts with foreign exchange banks exclusively for accommodating foreign investors’ stock investments in Korea. Through these accounts, these financial investment companies may enter into foreign exchange transactions on a limited basis, such as conversion of foreign currency funds and Won funds, either as a counterparty to or on behalf of foreign investors, without the investors having to open their own accounts with foreign exchange banks.

Item 10.E.Taxation

United States Taxation

This summary describes certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences for a U.S. holder (as defined below) of acquiring, owning, and disposing of common shares or ADSs. This summary applies to you only if you hold the common shares or ADSs as capital assets for tax purposes. This summary does not apply to you if you are a member of a class of holders subject to special rules, such as:

a dealer in securities or currencies;

a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for securities holdings;

• a dealer in securities or currencies;


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a bank;

a life insurance company;

a tax-exempt organization;

a person that holds common shares or ADSs that are a hedge or that are hedged against interest rate or currency risks;


a person that holds common shares or ADSs as part of a straddle or conversion transaction for tax purposes;

a person whose functional currency for tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar; or

a person that owns or is deemed to own 10% or more of any class of our stock.

• a trader in securities that elects to use amark-to-market method of accounting for securities holdings;
• a bank;
• a life insurance company;
• a tax-exempt organization;
• a person that holds common shares or ADSs that are a hedge or that are hedged against interest rate or currency risks;
• a person that holds common shares or ADSs as part of a straddle or conversion transaction for tax purposes;
• a person whose functional currency for tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar; or
• a person that owns or is deemed to own 10% or more of any class of our stock.

This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations promulgated thereunder, and published rulings and court decisions, all as currently in effect. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.

Please consult your own tax advisers concerning the U.S. federal, state, local, and other tax consequences of purchasing, owning, and disposing of common shares or ADSs in your particular circumstances.

For purposes of this summary, you are a “U.S. holder” if you are the beneficial owner of a common share or an ADS and are:

a citizen or resident of the United States;

a U.S. domestic corporation; or

• a citizen or resident of the United States;
• a U.S. domestic corporation; or
• otherwise subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis with respect to income from the common share or ADS.

otherwise subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis with respect to income from the common share or ADS.

In general, if you are the beneficial owner of ADSs, you will be treated as the beneficial owner of the common shares represented by those ADSs for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and no gain or loss will be recognized if you exchange an ADS for the common share represented by that ADS.

Dividends

The gross amount of cash dividends that you receive (prior to deduction of Korean taxes) generally will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation as foreign source dividend income and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction. Dividends paid in Won will be included in your income in a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date of your receipt of the dividend, in the case of common shares, or the depositary’s receipt, in the case of ADSs, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. If such a dividend is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, you generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income.

Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the U.S. dollar amount of dividends received by an individual prior to January 1, 2013 with respect to the ADSs will be subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 15% if the dividends are “qualified dividends”. Dividends paid on the ADSs will be treated as qualified dividends if (i) the ADSs are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States and (ii) we were not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and are not, in the year in which the dividend is paid, a passive foreign investment company as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes (“PFIC”). The ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and will qualify as readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States so long as they are so listed. Based on our audited financial statements, as well as relevant market and shareholder data, we believe that we were not a PFIC with respect to our 20102011 taxable year. In addition, based on our audited financial statements and current expectations regarding the value and nature of our assets, the sources and nature of our income, and relevant market and shareholder data, we do not anticipate becoming a PFIC for our 20112012 taxable year.


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Distributions of additional shares in respect of common shares or ADSs that are made as part of a pro-rata distribution to all of our stockholders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.

Sale or Other Disposition

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, gain or loss you realize on a sale or other disposition of common shares or ADSs generally will be treated as U.S. source capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the common shares or ADSs were held for more than one year. Your ability to offset capital losses against ordinary income is limited. Long-term capital gain recognized by an individual U.S. holder generally is subject to taxation at reduced rates.

Foreign Tax Credit Considerations

You should consult your own tax advisers to determine whether you are subject to any special rules that limit your ability to make effective use of foreign tax credits, including the possible adverse impact of failing to take advantage of benefits under the income tax treaty between the United States and Korea. If no such rules apply, you may claim a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability for Korean taxes withheld from dividends on the common shares or ADSs, so long as you have owned the common shares or ADSs (and not entered into specified kinds of hedging transactions) for at least a16-day period that includes the ex-dividend date. Instead of claiming a credit, you may, if you so elect, deduct such Korean taxes in computing your taxable income, subject to generally applicable limitations under U.S. tax law. Korean taxes withheld from a distribution of additional shares that is not subject to U.S. tax may be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as imposed on “general limitation” income. Such treatment could affect your ability to utilize any available foreign tax credit in respect of such taxes.

Any Korean securities transaction tax or agriculture and fishery special surtax that you pay will not be creditable for foreign tax credit purposes.

Foreign tax credits will not be allowed for withholding taxes imposed in respect of certain short-term or hedged positions in securities and may not be allowed in respect of arrangements in which a U.S. holder’s expected economic profit is insubstantial.

The calculation of foreign tax credits and, in the case of a U.S. holder that elects to deduct foreign taxes, the availability of deductions involve the application of complex rules that depend on a U.S. holder’s particular circumstances. You should consult your own tax advisers regarding the creditability or deductibility of such taxes.

U.S. Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Rules

Payments of dividends and sales proceeds that are made within the United States or through certainU.S.-related financial intermediaries are subject to information reporting and may be subject to backup withholding unless the holder (i) is a corporation or other exempt recipient and demonstrates this when required or (ii) provides a taxpayer identification number and certifies that no loss of exemption from backup withholding has occurred. Holders that are not U.S. persons generally are not subject to information reporting or backup withholding. However, such a holder may be required to provide a certification of itsnon-U.S. status in connection with payments received within the United States or through aU.S.-related financial intermediary.

Korean Taxation

The following is a summary of the principal Korean tax consequences to owners of the common shares or ADSs, as the case may be, who are non-resident individuals or non-Korean corporations without a permanent establishment in Korea to which the relevant income is attributable or with which the relevant income is effectively connected (“Non-resident Holders”). The statements regarding Korean tax laws set forth below are based on the laws in force and as interpreted by the Korean taxation authorities as of the date hereof. This summary is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations which may apply to a particular investor and potential investors are advised to satisfy themselves as to the overall tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the common shares or ADSs, including specifically the tax consequences under Korean law, the laws of the jurisdiction


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of which they are resident, and any tax treaty between Korea and their country of residence, by consulting their own tax advisors.

Tax on Dividends

Dividends on the common shares or ADSs paid (whether in cash or in shares) to a Non-resident Holder will be subject to Korean withholding taxes at the rate of 22% (including local income tax) or such lower rate as is applicable under a treaty between Korea and such Non-resident Holder’s country of tax residence. Free distributions of shares representing a capitalization of certain capital surplus reserves may be subject to Korean withholding taxes.

The tax is withheld by the payer of the dividend. Since the payer is required to withhold the tax, Korean law does not entitle the person who was subject to the withholding of Korean tax to recover from the Government any part of the Korean tax withheld, even if it subsequently produces evidence that it was entitled to have tax withheld at a lower rate, except in certain limited circumstances.

Tax on Capital Gains

As a general rule, capital gains earned by Non-resident Holders upon transfer of the common shares or ADSs are subject to Korean withholding tax at the lower of (i) 11% (including local income tax) of the gross proceeds realized or (ii) 22% (including local income tax) of the net realized gains (subject to the production of satisfactory evidence of the acquisition costs and certain direct transaction costs), unless exempt from Korean income taxation under the effective Korean tax treaty with the Non-resident Holder’s country of tax residence.

However, a Non-resident Holder will not be subject to Korean income taxation on capital gains realized upon the sale of the common shares through the KRX KOSPI Market if the Non-resident Holder (i) has no permanent establishment in Korea and (ii) did not or has not owned (together with any shares owned by any entity with certain special relationship with such Non-resident Holder) 25% or more of the total issued and outstanding shares of us at any time during the calendar year in which the sale occurs and during the five calendar years prior to the calendar year in which the sale occurs.

It should be noted that capital gains earned by you (regardless of whether you have a permanent establishment in Korea) from a transfer of ADSs outside Korea will generally be exempt from Korean income taxation, provided that the ADSs are deemed to have been issued overseas. If and when an owner of the underlying common shares transfers the ADSs following the conversion of the underlying shares for ADSs, such person will not be exempt from Korean income taxation.

Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax

Korean inheritance tax is imposed upon (1) all assets (wherever located) of the deceased if at the time of his death he was domiciled in Korea and (2) all property located in Korea which passes on death (irrespective of the domicile of the deceased). Gift tax is imposed in similar circumstances to the above. The taxes are imposed if the value of the relevant property is above a certain limit and vary according to the identity of the parties involved.

Under Korean inheritance and gift tax laws, securities issued by a Korean corporation are deemed to be located in Korea irrespective of where they are physically located or by whom they are owned.

Securities Transaction Tax

Securities transaction tax is imposed on the transfer of shares issued by a Korean corporation or the right to subscribe for such shares generally at the rate of 0.5% of the sales price. In the case of the transfer of shares listed on the KRX KOSPI Market (such as the common shares), the securities transaction tax is imposed generally at the rate of (i) 0.3% of the sales price of such shares (including agricultural and fishery special surtax thereon) if traded on the KRX KOSPI Market or (ii) subject to certain exceptions, 0.5% of the sales price of such shares if traded outside the KRX KOSPI Market.


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Securities transaction tax or the agricultural and fishery special surtax is not applicable if (i) the shares or rights to subscribe for shares are listed on a designated foreign stock exchange and (ii) the sale of the shares takes place on such exchange.

Securities transaction tax, if applicable, must be paid by the transferor of the shares or rights, in principle. When the transfer is effected through a securities settlement company, such settlement company is generally required to withhold and pay (to the tax authority) the tax, and when such transfer is made through a financial investment company with a brokerage license only, such company is required to withhold and pay the tax. Where the transfer is effected by a Non-resident Holder without a permanent establishment in Korea, other than through a securities settlement company or a financial investment company with a brokerage license, the transferee is required to withhold the securities transaction tax. Failure to do so will result in the imposition of penalties equal to the sum of (i) between 10% to 40% of the tax amount due, depending on the nature of the improper reporting, and (ii) 10.95% per annum on the tax amount due for the default period.

Tax Treaties

Currently, Korea has income tax treaties with a number of countries, inter alia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand,

Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America under which the rate of withholding tax on dividend and interest is reduced, generally to between 5% and 16.5% (including local income tax), and the tax on capital gains derived by a non-resident from the transfer of securities issued by a Korean company is often eliminated.

Each Non-resident Holder of common shares should inquire for itself whether it is entitled to the benefits of a tax treaty with Korea. It is the responsibility of the party claiming the benefits of a tax treaty in respect of interest, dividend, capital gains or “other income” to submit to us (or our agent), the purchaser or the financial investment company with a brokerage license, as the case may be, prior to or at the time of payment, such evidence of tax residence of the party claiming the treaty benefit as the Korean tax authorities may require in support of its claim for treaty protection. In the absence of sufficient proof, we (or our agent), the purchaser or the financial investment company with a brokerage license, as the case may be, must withhold tax at the normal rates.

Furthermore, in order for a non-resident of Korea to obtain the benefits of tax exemption on certain Korean source income (e.g., capital gains and interest) under an applicable tax treaty, Korean tax law requires suchnon-resident (or its agent) to submit to the payer of such Korean source income an application for a tax exemption along with a certificate of tax residency of such non-resident issued by a competent authority of the non-resident’s country of tax residence, subject to certain exceptions. The payer of such Korean source income, in turn, is required to submit such application to the relevant district tax office by the ninth day of the month following the date of the first payment of such income.

For a non-resident of Korea to obtain the benefits of treaty-reduced tax rates on certain Korean source income (e.g, capital gains and interest) under an applicable tax treaty, Korean tax law requires such non-resident (or its agents) to submit to the payer of such Korean source income an application for treaty-reduced tax rates prior to receipt of such Korean source income; provided, however, that an owner of ADSs who is a non-resident of Korea is not required to submit such application, if the Korean source income on the ADSs is paid through an account opened at the Korea Securities Depository by a foreign depository.

At present, Korea has not entered into any tax treaty relating to inheritance or gift tax.

Item 10.F.Dividends and Paying Agents

Not applicable.

Item 10.G.Statements by Experts

Not applicable.

Item 10.H.Documents on Display

We file reports, including annual reports onForm 20-F, and other information with the SEC pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC that apply to foreign private issuers. You may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at1-800-SEC-0330. Any filings we make electronically will be available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s Website athttp://www.sec.gov.


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Documents filed with annual reports and documents filed or submitted to the SEC are also available for inspection at our principal business office during normal business hours. Our principal business office is located at SK T-Tower, 11, Euljiro 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul100-999, Korea.

Item 10.I.Subsidiary Information

Not applicable.

Item 11.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Exchange Rate and Interest Rate Risks

We are exposed to foreign exchange rate and interest rate risk primarily associated with underlying liabilities. We have entered intofloating-to-fixed cross currency swap contracts to hedge foreign currency and interest rate

risks with respect to long-term borrowings of US$100 million borrowed in October 2006, Yen 12.5 billion of bonds issued in November 2007, Yen 3 billion of bonds issued in January 2009, and Yen 5 billion of bonds issued in March 2009. We have also entered intofloating-to-fixed interest rate swap contracts to hedge the interest rate risks with respect to long-term floating rate borrowings with face amounts totaling Won 500 billion borrowed in July and August 2008 and floating rate bonds with face amounts totaling2009, US$220 million of bonds issued in April 2009.2009, US$250 million of bonds issued in December 2011 and SG$65 million of bonds issued in December 2011. In addition, we have entered intofixed-to-fixed cross currency swap contracts to hedge the foreign currency risks of US$300 million of bonds issued in April 2004 and US$400 million of bonds issued in July 2007. In addition, SK Broadband, one of our subsidiaries, has entered into afixed-to-fixed cross currency swap contract to hedge the foreign currency risks of US$500 million of bonds issued in February 2005.

See note 2730 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements. We may consider in the future entering into other such transactions solely for hedging purposes.

The following discussion and tables, which constitute “forward looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties, summarize our market-sensitive financial instruments including fair value, maturity and contract terms. These tables address market risk only and do not present other risks which we face in the normal course of business, including country risk, credit risk and legal risk.

Exchange Rate Risk

Korea is our main market and, therefore, substantially all of our cash flow is denominated in Won. We are exposed to foreign exchange risk related to foreign currency denominated liabilities. These liabilities relate primarily to foreign currency denominated debt, allprimarily in Dollars and Yen. A 10% change in the exchange rate between the Won and all foreign currencies would result in a change in net liabilities (total monetary liabilities minus total monetary assets) of approximately 1.7%3.0% or Won 41.177.4 billion as of December 31, 2010.


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2011.For a further discussion of our exchange rate risk exposures, see note 34.a.(1) of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.


Interest Rate Risk

We are also subject to market risk exposure arising from changing interest rates. The following table summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values, maturity and contract terms of our exchange rate and interest sensitive short-term and long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2010:

                                 
  Maturities
  2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Thereafter Total Fair Value
  (In billions of Won, except for percentage data)
 
Local currency:                                
Fixed rate W818.3  W12.3  W601.8  W198.2  W196.5  W658.3  W2,485.3  W2,601.2 
Average weighted rate(1)  5.68%  5.28%  5.26%  5.16%  5.13%  5.44%        
Variable rate  761.1                  761.1   761.1 
Average weighted rate(1)  4.53%  0.00%  0.00%  0.00%  0.00%  0.00%        
Sub-total  1,579.4   12.3   601.8   198.2   196.5   658.3   3,246.4   3,362.3 
Foreign currency:                                
Fixed rate  341.5   570.7   10.3   380.2   16.1   470.5   1,789.3   2,056.1 
Average weighted rate(1)  4.25%  7.32%  0.00%  2.01%  0.00%  6.42%        
Variable rate     534.4   113.9      34.4      682.7   682.7 
Average weighted rate(1)  0.00%  2.47%  1.23%  0.00%  7.82%  0.00%        
Sub-total  341.5   1,105.1   124.2   380.2   50.5   470.5   2,472.0   2,738.8 
Total W1,920.9  W1,117.4  W726.0  W578.4  W247.0  W1,128.7  W5,718.4  W6,101.1 
2011:

  Maturities 
  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  Thereafter  Total  Fair Value 
  (In billions of Won, except for percentage data) 

Local currency:

        

Fixed rate

 (Won)606.7   (Won) 606.0   (Won)640.8   (Won) 249.6   (Won) 578.4   (Won) 381.1   (Won) 3,062.7   (Won) 3,072.2  

Average weighted rate(1)

  0.08  5.23  4.72  4.99  5.22  4.73  

Variable rate

                                

Average weighted rate(1)

                          

Sub-total

  606.7    606.0    640.8    249.6    578.4    381.1    3,062.7    3,072.2  

Foreign currency:

        

Fixed rate

  683.3        397.9            516.2    1,597.4    1,974.3  

Average weighted rate(1)

  5.91      1.75          6.57  

Variable rate

  557.5        457.3    86.5    34.6        1,135.9    1,135.9  

Average weighted rate(1)

  2.54      1.87  3.78  5.31      

Sub-total

  1,240.8        855.2    86.5    34.6    516.2    2,733.3    3,110.2  

Total

 (Won) 1,847.5   (Won)606.0   (Won) 1,496.0   (Won)336.1   (Won)613.1   (Won)897.2   (Won)5,796.0   (Won)6,182.5  

(1)Weighted average rates of the portfolio at the period end.

A 1.0% point change in interest rates would result in a change of approximately 3.45%3.6% in the fair value of our liabilities resulting in a Won 151.3154.1 billion change in their value as of December 31, 20102011 and a Won 14.412.4 billion annualized change in interest expenses.

expenses.For a further discussion of our interest rate risk exposures, see note 34.a.(3) of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

Item 12.DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

Item 12.A.    Debt Securities

Not applicable.

Item 12.B.    Warrants and Rights

Not applicable.

Item 12.C.    Other Securities

Not applicable.

Item 12.D.    American Depositary Shares

Fees and Charges under Deposit Agreement

The ADR depositary will charge the party receiving ADSs up to $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof), provided that the ADR depositary has agreed to waive such fee as would have been payable by us in the case of (i) an offering of ADSs by us or (ii) any distribution of shares of common stock or any rights to subscribe for additional shares of common stock. The ADR depositary will not charge the party to whom ADSs are delivered against deposits. The ADR depositary will charge the party surrendering ADSs for delivery of deposited securities up to $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) surrendered. The ADR depositary will also charge the party to whom any cash distribution, or for whom the sale or exercise of rights or other corporate action involving distributions to shareholders, is made with respect to ADSs up to $0.02 per ADS held plus the expenses of the ADR depositary on a per-ADS basis. We will pay the expenses of the ADR depositary and any entity acting as registrar for the shares only


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as specified in the deposit agreement. The ADR depositary will pay any other charges and expenses of the ADR depositary and the entity acting as registrar for the shares.

Holders of ADRs must pay (i) taxes and other governmental charges, (ii) share transfer registration fees on deposits of shares of common stock, (iii) such cable, telex, facsimile transmission and delivery expenses as are expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be at the expense of persons depositing shares of common stock or holders of ADRs and (iv) such reasonable expenses as are incurred by the ADR depositary in the conversion of foreign currency into United States dollars.

Notwithstanding any other provision of the deposit agreement, in the event that the ADR depositary determines that any distribution in property (including shares or rights to subscribe therefor or other securities) is subject to any tax or governmental charges which the ADR depositary is obligated to withhold, the ADR depositary may dispose of all or a portion of such property (including shares and rights to subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner as the ADR depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay such taxes or governmental charges, including by public or private sale, and the ADR depositary will distribute the net proceeds of any such sale or the balance of any such property after deduction of such taxes or governmental charges to the holders of ADSs entitled thereto in proportion to the number of ADSs held by them respectively.

All such charges may be changed by agreement between the ADR depositary and us at any time and from time to time, subject to the deposit agreement. The right of the ADR depositary to receive payment of fees, charges and expenses shall survive the termination of this deposit agreement and, as to any depositary, the resignation or removal of such depositary pursuant to the deposit agreement.

For a detailed summary of the deposit agreement, see “Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation — Description of American Depositary Shares”.

Payments made by ADS Depositary

All fees and other direct and indirect payments reimbursed by the depositary are as following.

     
  Year Ended
  December 31,
  2010
  (In dollars)
 
Expenses for preparation of SEC filing and submission $1,062,591 
Listing Fees $176,450 
Education/Training $268,368 
Corporate Action $833,025 
Miscellaneous $51,230 
Total
 $2,391,664 
following:

   Year Ended
December 31,
2011
 
   (In dollars) 

Expenses for preparation of SEC filing and submission

  $1,114,026  

Listing Fees

  $326,453  

Education/Training

  $311,702  

Corporate Action

  $558,281  

Miscellaneous

  $884,238  
  

 

 

 

Total

  $3,194,701  
  

 

 

 

PART II

Item 13.DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

None.

Item 14.MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

Item 15.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our management has evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined inRules 13a-15(e) and15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of December 31, 2010.2011. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of


114


any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon our evaluation, our Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that it is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined inRules 13a-15(f) and15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of our financial statements would be prevented or detected. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea and accounting principles generally accepted inIFRS as issued

by the United States of America.IASB. Based on our evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2010.2011. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20102011 has been audited by Deloitte Anjin LLC, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report which is included herein.

Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm is furnished in Item 18 of thisForm 20-F.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during 20102011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 16.[RESERVED]

Item 16A.AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

At our annual shareholders’ meeting in March 2011, our shareholders re-elected the following two members of the Audit Committee: Jay Young Chung and Jae Ho Cho. In addition, they determined and designated that Jae Ho Cho is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of this Item 16A. The board of directors have approved this re-elected Audit Committee, and reaffirmed the determination by our shareholders that Jae Ho Cho is an audit committee financial expert and further determined that he is independent within the meaning of applicable SEC rules and the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. See “Item 6.C. Board Practices — Audit Committee” for additional information regarding our Audit Committee.


115


Item 16B.CODE OF ETHICS

Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller

We have a code of ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officers, senior accounting officers and employees. We also have internal control and disclosure policy designed to promote full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in all of our reports and publicly filed documents. A copy of our code of ethics is available on our website atwww.sktelecom.com. If we amend the provisions of our code of ethics that apply to our Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officer and persons performing similar functions, or if we grant any waiver of such provisions, we will disclose such amendment or waiver on our website.

Item 16C.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The table sets forth the fees we paid to our independent registered public accounting firm Deloitte Anjin LLC for the year ended December 31, 20092010 and 2010,2011, respectively:

         
  Years Ended December 31,
  2009 2010
  (In millions of Won)
 
Audit Fees W2,185.3  W2,256.8 
Audit-Related Fees W252.2  W360.8 
Tax Fees W177.3  W177.7 
All Other Fees      
Total
 W2,614.8  W2,795.3 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2010   2011 
   (In millions of Won) 

Audit Fees

  (Won)2,256.8    (Won)2,389.5  

Audit-Related Fees

   360.8     60.0  

Tax Fees

   177.7     315.0  

All Other Fees

          
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)2,795.3    (Won)2,764.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

“Audit Fees”are the aggregate fees billed by Deloitte Anjin LLC in 20092010 and 2010,2011, respectively, for the audit of our consolidated annual financial statements, reviews of interim financial statements and attestation services that are provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

“Audit-Related Fees”are fees charged by Deloitte Anjin LLC in 20092010 and 2010,2011, respectively, for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees”. This category comprises fees billed for advisory services associated with our financial reporting.

“Tax Fees”are fees for professional services rendered by Deloitte Anjin LLC in 20092010 and 2010,2011, respectively, for tax compliance, tax advice on actual or contemplated transactions and tax planning services.

Fees disclosed under the category “All Other Fees” are fees for professional services rendered by Deloitte Anjin LLC in 20092010 and 2010,2011, respectively, primarily for business consulting.

Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services Provided by Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Our audit committee pre-approves all audit services to be provided by Deloitte Anjin LLC, our independent registered public accounting firm. Our audit committee’s policy regarding the pre-approval of non-audit services to be provided to us by our independent auditors is that all such services shall be pre-approved by the Audit Committee. Non-audit services that are prohibited to be provided to us by our independent auditors under the rules of the SEC and applicable law may not be pre-approved. In addition, prior to the granting of any pre-approval, our audit committee must be satisfied that the performance of the services in question will not compromise the independence of our independent registered public accounting firm.

Our audit committee did not pre-approve any non-audit services under thede minimis exception ofRule 2-01 (c)(7)(i)(C) ofRegulation S-X as promulgated by the SEC.

Item 16D.EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

Not applicable.


116


Item 16E.PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

The following table sets forth the repurchases of common shares by us or any “affiliated purchasers” (as defined inRule 10b-18(a)(3) of the Exchange Act) during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

                 
      Total Number of
 Maximum Number of
      Shares Purchased as
 Shares That May Yet
      Part of Publicly
 be Purchased Under
  Total Number of
 Average Price Paid
 Announced Plans or
 the Plans or
Period 2010
 Shares Purchased(1) per Share Program(2) Program(2)
 
January            
February            
March            
April            
May            
June            
July  135,000  W166,255   135,000   1,115,000 
August  435,000   165,796   435,000   680,000 
September  370,074   165,403   370,074   309,926 
October  309,926   174,750   309,926    
November            
December            
Total  1,250,000(1) W167,949   1,250,000    
2011:

Period 2011

  Total Number of
Shares Purchased(1)
   Average Price Paid
per Share
   Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Program(2)
   Maximum Number of
Shares That May Yet
be Purchased Under
the Plans or
Program(2)
 

January

                    

February

                    

March

                    

April

                    

May

                    

June

                    

July

   165,000    (Won)145,269     165,000     1,235,000  

August

   739,775     146,526     739,775     495,225  

September

   495,225     151,912     495,225       

October

                    

November

                    

December

                    

Total

   1,400,000    (Won)148,283     1,400,000       

(1)Purchased through open market transactions.

(2)On July 22, 2010,20, 2011, we announced a plan to repurchase up to 1,250,0001,400,000 common shares during the period between July 23, 201021, 2011 and October 22, 2010.10, 2011, and completed such repurchase by September 30, 2011.

Item 16F.CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

Not applicable.

Item 16G.CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The following is a summary of the significant differences between the New York Stock Exchange’s corporate governance standards and those that we follow under Korean law.

NYSE Corporate Governance Standards

  

Our Corporate Governance Practice

Director Independence

  
Listed companies must have a majority of independent directors.  Of the eight members of our board of directors, five are independent directors.

Executive Session

  
Listed companies must hold meetings solely attended by independent directors to more effectively check and balance management directors.  Our Audit Committee, which is comprised solely of four independent directors, holds meetings whenever there are matters related to management directors, and such meetings are generally held once every month.

Nomination/Corporate Governance Committee

  
Listed companies must have a nomination/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors.  Although we do not have a separate nomination/ corporate governance committee, we maintain an Independent Director Nomination Committee composed of independent directors and management directors.


117


Audit Committee

  
NYSE Corporate Governance Standards
Our Corporate Governance Practice
Audit Committee
Listed companies must have an audit committee that satisfies the requirements ofRule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.  We maintain an Audit Committee comprised solely of four independent directors.

Audit Committee Additional Requirements

  
Listed companies must have an audit committee that is composed of more than three directors.  Our Audit Committee has four independent directors.

Shareholder Approval of Equity Compensation Plan

  
Listed companies must allow its shareholders to exercise their voting rights with respect to any material revision to the company’s equity compensation plan.  We currently have two equity compensation plans: a stock option plan for officers and directors and employee stock ownership plan for employees (“ESOP”). We manage such compensation plans in compliance with the applicable laws and our articles of incorporation, provided that, under certain limited circumstances, the grant of stock options or matters relating to ESOP are not subject to shareholders’ approval under Korean law.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

  
Listed companies must adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines.  Although we do not maintain separate corporate governance guidelines, we are in compliance with the Korean Commercial Code in connection with such matters, including the governance of the board of directors.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

  
Listed companies must adopt and disclose a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees and promptly disclose any waivers of the code for directors or executive officers.  We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for all of our directors, officers and employees, and such code is also available on our website atwww.sktelecom.com.

Item 16H.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

PART III

Item 17.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Not applicable.

Item 18.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Item 17.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Not applicable.
Item 18.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Index of Financial Statements

   F-1  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Consolidated Financial StatementsF-2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial ReportingF-3
Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010F-4
Consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010F-6
Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010F-8
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010F-10
Notes to consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010F-13

118


Item 19.EXHIBITS
     
Number
 
Description
 
 1.1 Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 30, 2010)
 2.1 Deposit Agreement dated as of May 31, 1996, as amended by Amendment No. 1 dated as of March 15, 1999, Amendment No. 2 dated as of April 24, 2000 and Amendment No. 3 dated as of July 24, 2002, entered into among SK Telecom Co., Ltd., Citibank, N.A., as Depositary, and all Holders and Beneficial Owners of American Depositary Shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 30, 2006)
 8.1 List of Subsidiaries of SK Telecom Co., Ltd.
 12.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 12.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 13.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 13.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 15.1 Framework Act on Telecommunications, as amended (English translation)
 15.2 Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Telecommunications, as amended (English translation)
 15.3 Telecommunications Business Act, as amended (English translation)
 15.4 Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Business Act, as amended (English translation)
 15.5 Amendment to the Government Organization Act (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 15.5 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 30, 2008)


119


Item 19.EXHIBITS

Number

Description

1.1Articles of Incorporation
2.1Deposit Agreement dated as of May 31, 1996, as amended by Amendment No. 1 dated as of March 15, 1999, Amendment No. 2 dated as of April 24, 2000 and Amendment No. 3 dated as of July 24, 2002, entered into among SK Telecom Co., Ltd., Citibank, N.A., as Depositary, and all Holders and Beneficial Owners of American Depositary Shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 30, 2006)
8.1List of Subsidiaries of SK Telecom Co., Ltd.
12.1Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
12.2Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
13.1Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
13.2Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
15.1Framework Act on Telecommunications, as amended (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 15.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 30, 2011)
15.2Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Telecommunications, as amended (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 15.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 30, 2011)
15.3Telecommunications Business Act, as amended (English translation)
15.4Enforcement Decree of the Telecommunications Business Act, as amended (English translation)
15.5Amendment to the Government Organization Act (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 15.5 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on June 30, 2008)


INDEX OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Consolidated Financial Statements

F-2

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

F-3

Consolidated statements of financial position as of January 1, 2010, December  31, 2010 and December 31, 2011

F-4

Consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011

F-6

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011

F-7

Consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity for the years ended December  31, 2010 and 2011

F-8

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011

F-10

Notes to consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011

F-12

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
ON CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

SK Telecom Co., Ltd.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of SK Telecom Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2008, 20092011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the threetwo years in the period ended December 31, 2010 (all expressed in Korean won).2011. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of SK Telecom Co., Ltd. andAnd subsidiaries atas of December 31, 2008, 20092011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the threetwo years in the period ended December 31, 2010,2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea.

International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

Our audits also comprehended the translation of the Korean won amounts into U.S.United States dollar amounts and, in our opinion, such translation has been made in conformity with the basis stated in Note 2(a)2 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Such U.S. dollar amounts are presented solely for the convenience of readers of the financial statements.

Accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Notes 32 and 33 to the consolidated financial statements.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010,2011, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated June 29, 2011March 13, 2012, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Deloitte Anjin LLC

Deloitte Anjin LLC

Seoul, Korea

June 29, 2011


F-2


March 13, 2012

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

SK Telecom Co., Ltd.

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of SK Telecom Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2010,2011, based on criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control overOver Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010,2011, based on the criteria established inInternal Control — Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 20102011 (all expressed in Korean won) of the Company and our report dated June 29, 2011,March 13, 2012, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements, and included an explanatory paragraphsparagraph relating to (1) the translationtransition of Korean won amounts to U.S. dollar amounts and (2) information relating to the nature and effect of differences between accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

dollar amounts.

/s/ Deloitte Anjin LLC

Deloitte Anjin LLC

Seoul, Korea

June 29,

March 13, 2012

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

DECEMBER 31, 2011,


F-3

2010 AND JANUARY 1, 2010


      Korean won   Translation into
U.S. dollars
(Note 2)
 
   Notes  January 1,
2010
   December 31,
2010
   December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2011
 
      (In millions)   (In thousands) 

ASSETS

      

CURRENT ASSETS:

          

Cash and cash equivalents

  4,29  (Won)905,561    (Won)659,405    (Won)1,650,794    $1,424,941  

Short-term financial instruments

  4,29   471,970     567,152     979,564     845,545  

Short-term investment securities

  4,7   376,722     400,531     94,829     81,855  

Accounts receivable — trade, net

  4,5,28   1,832,967     1,949,397     1,823,170     1,573,733  

Short-term loans, net

  4,5,28   75,941     94,924     100,429     86,689  

Accounts receivable — other, net

  4,5,28   2,421,874     2,531,847     908,836     784,494  

Prepaid expenses

     172,225     182,091     118,200     102,028  

Derivative assets

  4,30             148,038     127,784  

Inventories, net

  6,29   119,317     149,223     219,590     189,547  

Advanced payments and other

  4,5,7   65,391     119,422     74,029     63,902  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current Assets

     6,441,968     6,653,992     6,117,479     5,280,518  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS:

          

Long-term financial instruments

  4,29   6,565     117     7,628     6,584  

Long-term investment securities

  4,7   2,443,978     1,680,582     1,537,945     1,327,531  

Investments in associates

  8   549,913     1,204,692     1,384,605     1,195,170  

Property and equipment, net

  9,28,29   8,027,678     8,153,413     9,030,998     7,795,423  

Investment property

  10   212,742     197,307     271,086     233,997  

Goodwill

  11   1,736,733     1,736,649     1,749,933     1,510,516  

Intangible assets

  12   2,004,218     1,884,956     2,995,803     2,585,933  

Long-term loans, net

  4,5,28   81,109     84,323     95,565     82,490  

Long-term accounts receivable — other

  4,5   761,735     527,106     5,393     4,655  

Long-term prepaid expenses

  29   449,906     411,509     567,762     490,084  

Guarantee deposits

  4,5,28   232,975     250,333     245,218     211,669  

Long-term derivative assets

  4,30   314,658     203,382     105,915     91,424  

Deferred income tax assets

  24   28,646     106,860     227,578     196,442  

Other

  4,5   43,900     37,168     23,128     19,965  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Non-current Assets

     16,894,756     16,478,397     18,248,557     15,751,883  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

    (Won)23,336,724    (Won)23,132,389    (Won)24,366,036    $21,032,401  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Continued)

          

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2009 AND 2010
                 
     Translation into
 
     U.S. Dollars
 
  Korean Won  (Note 2) 
  December 31,
  December 31,
  December 31,
  December 31,
 
  2008  2009  2010  2010 
  (In millions)  (In thousands) 
 
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:                
Cash and cash equivalents, net of government subsidy of W127 million, W71 million and nil as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 (Notes 2, 13 and 28)
 W1,011,340  W953,855  W778,509  $688,580 
Short-term financial instruments (Notes 21 and 22)  368,490   351,675   578,571   511,738 
Short-term investment securities (Notes 2 and 4)  372,913   376,723   395,929   350,194 
Accounts receivable — trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of W150,320 million, W233,078 million and W248,978 million as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 (Notes 2, 13 and 24)
  1,900,002   2,000,987   1,955,289   1,729,426 
Short-term loans, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of W7,599 million, W5,058 million and W2,987 million as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 (Notes 2, 6 and 13)
  119,087   85,677   95,422   84,399 
Accounts receivable — other, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of W30,357 million, W42,473 million and W46,685 million as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and present value discount of W27,314 million, W8,478 million and W1,252 million as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 (Notes 2, 13 and 24)
  1,346,056   2,075,949   2,534,284   2,241,539 
Inventories (Notes 2, 3 and 23)  34,974   119,890   149,643   132,357 
Prepaid expenses  127,432   143,414   164,936   145,884 
Current deferred income tax assets (Notes 2 and 17)  27,786   205,291   199,790   176,711 
Currency swap (Notes 2 and 27)  8,236          
Advanced payments and other  106,131   57,170   120,616   106,683 
                 
Total Current Assets  5,422,447   6,370,631   6,972,989   6,167,511 
                 
NON-CURRENT ASSETS:                
Property and equipment, net (Notes 2, 7, 12, 22, 23 and 24)  7,437,689   8,165,879   7,864,594   6,956,124 
Intangible assets, net (Notes 2, 8 and 12)  3,978,145   3,992,325   3,740,643   3,308,547 
Long-term financial instruments (Note 21)  114   6,580   264   234 
Long-term investment securities (Notes 2 and 4)  3,105,295   2,536,659   1,684,244   1,489,690 
Equity securities accounted for using the equity method                
(Notes 2 and 5)  898,512   486,393   1,107,843   979,872 
Long-term loans, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of W26,376 million, W32,114 million and W31,186 million as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 (Notes 2 and 6)
  155,360   91,830   89,956   79,565 
Long-term accounts receivable — trade, net of present value discount of W3,914 million and W2,303 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2010 (Note 2)
     32,392   22,418   19,828 
Long-term accounts receivable — other, net of present value discount of W45,464 million and nil as of December 31, 2008 and 2009
  572,139   761,735   527,106   466,218 
Guarantee deposits (Notes 13 and 24)  239,480   365,127   265,126   234,500 
Long-term currency swap (Notes 2 and 27)  494,711   314,345   201,839   178,524 
Non-current deferred income tax assets (Notes 2 and 17)  4,948   8,563   16,497   14,591 
Other  164,831   73,797   158,185   139,914 
                 
Total Non-Current Assets  17,051,224   16,835,625   15,678,715   13,867,607 
                 
TOTAL ASSETS W22,473,671  W23,206,256  W22,651,704  $20,035,118 
                 


F-4


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION — (Continued)
                 
     Translation into
 
     U.S. Dollars
 
  Korean Won  (Note 2) 
  December 31,
  December 31,
  December 31,
  December 31,
 
  2008  2009  2010  2010 
  (In millions)  (In thousands) 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:                
Accounts payable (Notes 13, 21 and 24) W1,268,977  W1,464,508  W1,629,804  $1,441,539 
Short-term borrowings (Notes 21 and 22)  627,657   677,235   529,568   468,396 
Income taxes payable  328,403   395,720   259,967   229,937 
Accrued expenses (Notes 2 and 26)  861,836   1,118,077   1,342,936   1,187,808 
Withholdings  315,537   281,962   403,508   356,897 
Current portion of long-term debt, net (Notes 2, 8, 9, 10 and 12)  936,009   805,946   1,601,229   1,416,265 
Current portion of subscription deposits (Note 11)  8,281   7,511   5,137   4,544 
Currency swap (Notes 2 and 27)  190,359   36,318   7,848   6,941 
Interest rate swap (Notes 2 and 27)        7,546   6,674 
Advanced receipts and other  91,762   107,660   127,758   113,000 
                 
Total Current Liabilities  4,628,821   4,894,937   5,915,301   5,232,001 
                 
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:                
Bonds payable, net (Notes 2, 9 and 22)  4,074,392   4,280,398   3,566,048   3,154,120 
Long-term borrowings (Notes 10 and 22)  856,471   844,640   235,968   208,710 
Subscription deposits (Note 11)  4,796   5,480   5,220   4,617 
Long-term payables — other, net of present value discount of W15,416 million, W5,837 million and W2,457 million as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 (Notes 2 and 8)
  304,584   164,163   50,643   44,793 
Obligations under finance lease (Notes 2, 12 and 22)  139,273   77,709   60,075   53,136 
Accrued severance indemnities (Note 2)  53,815   57,655   62,904   55,638 
Non-current deferred income tax liabilities, (Notes 2 and 17)  408,755   321,372   104,118   92,091 
Long-term currency swap (Notes 2 and 27)  23,947   18,281   9,718   8,595 
Long-term interest swap (Notes 2 and 27)  33,499   16,215   5,043   4,460 
Guarantee deposits received and other (Notes 2, 21, 24 and 26)  120,878   180,781   158,017   139,765 
                 
Total Non-Current Liabilities  6,020,410   5,966,694   4,257,754   3,765,925 
                 
Total Liabilities  10,649,231   10,861,631   10,173,055   8,997,926 
                 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:                
Capital stock (Notes 1 and 14)  44,639   44,639   44,639   39,483 
Capital surplus (Note 14)  2,958,854   3,031,947   3,031,780   2,681,567 
Capital adjustments:                
Treasury stock (Notes 1 and 16)  (2,055,620)  (1,992,083)  (2,202,439)  (1,948,027)
Loss on disposal of treasury stock (Notes 16 and 17)     (716)  (716)  (633)
Other capital adjustment (Notes 2, 5 and 17)  (103,769)  (754,087)  (790,695)  (699,359)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 18) :                
Unrealized gains on valuation of long-term investment securities, net (Notes 2, 4 and 17)  407,842   998,588   793,977   702,262 
Equity in other comprehensive gain (loss) of affiliates, net (Notes 2, 5 and 17)  (68,763)  (88,780)  (84,183)  (74,459)
Gain (loss) on valuation of currency swap, net (Notes 2, 17 and 27)  8,544   23,485   (51,142)  (45,234)
Gain (loss) on valuation of interest swap, net (Notes 2, 17 and 27)  (26,129)  (10,932)  (5,719)  (5,058)
Foreign-based operations’ translation adjustment (Note 2)  34,698   (7,055)  (13,301)  (11,765)
Retained earnings (Note 15)  9,448,185   9,909,753   10,603,399   9,378,559 
Non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries (Note 2)  1,175,959   1,189,866   1,153,049   1,019,856 
                 
Total Stockholders’ Equity  11,824,440   12,344,625   12,478,649   11,037,192 
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY W22,473,671  W23,206,256  W22,651,704  $20,035,118 
                 

DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2010 AND JANUARY 1, 2010

    Korean won  Translation into
U.S. dollars
(Note 2)
 
   Notes January 1,
2010
  December 31,
2010
  December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2011
 
    (In millions)  (In thousands) 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

     

Short-term borrowings

 4,13,29 (Won)554,469   (Won)523,710   (Won)700,713   $604,845  

Accounts payable — trade

 4,28  164,314    195,777    195,391    168,659  

Accounts payable — other

 4,28  1,307,236    1,434,329    1,507,877    1,301,577  

Withholdings

 4  288,455    408,261    496,860    428,882  

Accrued expenses

 4  419,816    677,480    744,673    642,791  

Income tax payable

 24  395,503    259,871    293,725    253,539  

Unearned revenue

   341,538    311,365    290,791    251,006  

Derivative liabilities

 4,30  36,318    15,393    4,645    4,009  

Provisions

 15  516,382    652,889    657,198    567,284  

Current portion of long-term debt, net

 4,13,14,16  1,262,383    1,601,231    1,662,841    1,435,340  

Advanced receipts and other

   96,364    121,864    118,876    102,612  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

   5,382,778    6,202,170    6,673,590    5,760,544  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:

     

Bonds payable, net

 4,13  4,453,300    3,658,546    3,229,009    2,787,233  

Long-term borrowings

 4,13,29  844,640    235,968    323,852    279,544  

Long-term payables — other

 4,14  170,953    54,783    847,496    731,546  

Long-term unearned revenue

   274,876    241,892    212,172    183,144  

Finance lease liabilities

 4,16  77,709    60,075    41,940    36,202  

Retirement benefit obligation

 17  53,659    67,870    85,941    74,183  

Long-term derivative liabilities

 4,30  34,495    14,761          

Long-term provisions

 15  121,097    112,227    142,361    122,884  

Long-term advanced receipts and other

 4,28  75,172    76,098    76,966    66,435  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Non-current Liabilities

   6,105,901    4,522,220    4,959,737    4,281,171  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   11,488,679    10,724,390    11,633,327    10,041,715  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

EQUITY:

     

Share capital

 1,18  44,639    44,639    44,639    38,532  

Share premium

 18,19  167,876    (78,953  (285,347  (246,307

Retained earnings

 20  9,563,940    10,721,249    11,642,525    10,049,655  

Reserves

 21  919,835    643,056    260,064    224,483  

Non-controlling interests

   1,151,755    1,078,008    1,070,828    924,323  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Equity

   11,848,045    12,407,999    12,732,709    10,990,686  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

  (Won)23,336,724   (Won)23,132,389   (Won)24,366,036   $21,032,401  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-5


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 20092011 AND 2010

                 
     Translation into
 
     U.S. Dollars
 
  Korean Won  (Note 2) 
  2008  2009  2010  2010 
  (In millions except for per share data)  (In thousands except
 
     for per share data) 
 
OPERATING REVENUE (Notes 2, 24 and 30) W13,951,013  W14,512,347  W15,435,373  $13,652,373 
                 
OPERATING EXPENSES (Notes 24 and 30):                
Labor cost  (726,272)  (718,598)  (936,489)  (828,312)
Commissions paid  (4,884,061)  (5,140,173)  (5,498,329)  (4,863,196)
Depreciation and amortization (Notes 7 and 8)  (2,599,169)  (2,593,474)  (2,723,580)  (2,408,969)
Network interconnection  (1,327,417)  (1,317,696)  (1,316,296)  (1,164,246)
Leased line  (520,791)  (434,280)  (258,937)  (229,026)
Advertising  (361,773)  (341,366)  (339,775)  (300,526)
Research and development (Note 2)  (226,713)  (236,269)  (270,378)  (239,146)
Rent  (289,154)  (326,168)  (349,773)  (309,369)
Frequency usage  (163,938)  (159,740)  (178,815)  (158,159)
Repair  (226,771)  (253,467)  (253,053)  (223,822)
Provision for bad debts (Note 2)  (61,662)  (199,933)  (79,972)  (70,734)
Cost of goods sold (Note 2)  (180,590)  (338,030)  (634,614)  (561,307)
Other  (622,395)  (571,918)  (653,059)  (577,622)
                 
Sub-total  (12,190,706)  (12,631,112)  (13,493,070)  (11,934,434)
                 
OPERATING INCOME (Note 30)  1,760,307   1,881,235   1,942,303   1,717,939 
                 
OTHER INCOME:                
Interest income  134,793   186,427   235,556   208,346 
Foreign exchange and translation gains (Note 2)  478,375   152,282   27,121   23,988 
Equity in earnings of affiliates (Notes 2 and 5)  24,894   28,685   29,675   26,247 
Gain on valuation of short-term investment securities (Note 2)     14,086       
Gain on disposal of property and equipment and intangible assets  9,971   27,228   11,030   9,756 
Gain on transactions and valuation of derivatives (Notes 2 and 27)  265,144   109,306   7,951   7,033 
Other  141,981   357,952   318,093   281,349 
                 
Sub-total  1,055,158   875,966   629,426   556,719 
                 


F-6


      Korean won  Translation into U.S.
dollars (Note 2)
 
   Notes              2010                           2011               2011 
      (In millions except for per share data)  (In thousands except
for per share data)
 

OPERATING REVENUE :

      

Revenue

  27,28  (Won)15,518,637   (Won)15,938,549   $13,757,919  

Other

  22   80,525    49,729    42,925  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Sub-total

     15,599,162    15,988,278    13,800,844  

OPERATING EXPENSES :

  27,28    

Labor cost

  17   1,067,820    1,173,247    1,012,729  

Commissions paid

     5,598,044    5,646,448    4,873,930  

Depreciation and amortization

  9,10,12   2,155,815    2,331,268    2,012,316  

Network interconnection

     1,316,296    1,264,109    1,091,160  

Leased line

     437,830    474,018    409,165  

Advertising

     338,447    374,269    323,063  

Rent

     367,292    401,706    346,747  

Cost of goods sold

     640,933    959,276    828,033  

Other

  12,22   1,390,774    1,232,479    1,063,857  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Sub-total

     13,313,251    13,856,820    11,961,000  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

  27   2,285,911    2,131,458    1,839,844  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Financial income

  23   477,217    442,325    381,808  

Financial costs

  23   (441,623  (343,776  (296,742

Equity in earnings of affiliates

  8   41,828    39,131    33,777  

Equity in losses of affiliates

  8   (45,242  (86,280  (74,476

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATION BEFORE INCOME TAX

     2,318,091    2,182,858    1,884,211  

INCOME TAX FOR CONTINUING OPERATION

  24   544,530    599,093    517,128  

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATION

     1,773,561    1,583,765    1,367,083  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

INCOME(LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATION

  32   (6,726  (1,692  (1,461
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

NET INCOME

  27  (Won)1,766,835   (Won)1,582,073   $1,365,622  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO :

      

Controlling interests

     1,841,613    1,612,889    1,392,222  

Non-controlling interests

     (74,778  (30,816  (26,600
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
    (Won)1,766,835   (Won)1,582,073   $1,365,622  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

NET INCOME PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATION

      

(In Korean won and U.S. dollars)

  25  (Won)25,653   (Won)22,864   $19.74  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

NET INCOME PER SHARE

      

(In Korean won and U.S. dollars)

  25  (Won)25,598   (Won)22,848   $19.72  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATION

      

(In Korean won and U.S. dollars)

  25  (Won)24,995   (Won)22,238   $19.20  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE

      

(In Korean won and U.S. dollars)

  25  (Won)24,942   (Won)22,223   $19.18  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME — (Continued)
                 
     Translation into
 
     U.S. Dollars
 
  Korean Won  (Note 2) 
  2008  2009  2010  2010 
  (In millions except for per share data)  (In thousands except
 
     for per share data) 
 
OTHER EXPENSES:                
Interest and discounts  (365,934)  (439,921)  (397,051)  (351,186)
Donations  (100,119)  (71,155)  (123,293)  (109,051)
Foreign exchange and translation losses (Note 2)  (161,761)  (185,394)  (16,264)  (14,385)
Equity in losses of affiliates (Notes 2 and 5)  (47,104)  (88,597)  (59,070)  (52,247)
Loss on disposal of account receivable — other     (28,711)      
Loss on disposal of property, equipment and intangible assets  (70,307)  (91,496)  (69,841)  (61,773)
Loss on transactions and valuation of derivatives (Notes 2 and 27)  (441,255)  (164,646)  (19,198)  (16,980)
External research and development cost (Note 2)  (72,993)  (56,867)  (81,582)  (72,158)
Other  (278,478)  (224,662)  (131,742)  (116,524)
                 
Sub-total  (1,537,951)  (1,351,449)  (898,041)  (794,304)
                 
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATION BEFORE INCOME TAX  1,277,514   1,405,752   1,673,688   1,480,354 
INCOME TAX FOR CONTINUING OPERATION (Notes 2 and 17)  299,299   355,670   404,306   357,603 
PREACQUISITION NET LOSS OF SUBSIDIARIES  32,664      23,406   20,702 
INCOME(LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATION (Note 2)  (38,541)  5,524   4,388   3,881 
                 
NET INCOME W972,338  W1,055,606  W1,297,176  $1,147,334 
                 
ATTRIBUTABLE TO:                
Controlling interests W1,215,719  W1,247,182  W1,379,613  $1,220,249 
Non-controlling interests  (243,381)  (191,576)  (82,437)  (72,915)
                 
  W972,338  W1,055,606  W1,297,176  $1,147,334 
                 
NET INCOME PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATION
(In Korean won and U.S. dollars) (Notes 2 and 19)
 W16,554  W17,173  W19,098  $16.89 
                 
NET INCOME PER SHARE
(In Korean won and U.S. dollars) (Notes 2 and 19)
 W16,707  W17,239  W19,177  $16.96 
                 
DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATION
(In Korean won and U.S. dollars) (Notes 2 and 19)
 W16,409  W16,981  W18,811  $16.64 
                 
DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE
(In Korean won and U.S. dollars) (Notes 2 and 19)
 W16,559  W17,046  W18,888  $16.71 
                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-7


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 20092011 AND 2010

                             
           Accumulated
          
           Other
     Non-
  Total
 
  Common
  Capital
  Capital
  Comprehensive
  Retained
  Controlling
  Stockholders’
 
  Stock  Surplus  Adjustments  Income  Earnings  Interest  Equity 
  (In millions of Korean won) 
 
Balance, January 1, 2008 W44,639  W2,924,960  W(2,041,577) W1,591,258  W8,914,970  W253,383  W11,687,633 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting policies (Note 2)     31,146   (31,146)            
                             
Adjusted balance, January 1, 2008  44,639   2,956,106   (2,072,723)  1,591,258   8,914,970   253,383   11,687,633 
Cash dividends (Note 20)              (609,711)     (609,711)
Interim dividends (Note 20)              (72,793)     (72,793)
Net income              1,215,719   (243,381)  972,338 
Conversion rights (Notes 9 and 14)     1,544               1,544 
Difference between the acquisition cost and the net book value incurred from the capital transactions between companies under common control (Note 2)        (75,329)           (75,329)
Equity in capital surplus changes of affiliates     481               481 
Equity in other capital adjustment changes of affiliates        2,706            2,706 
Treasury stock (Note 16)     723   (14,137)           (13,414)
Loss on disposal of treasury stock (Notes 16 and 17)        94            94 
Unrealized gain on valuation of long-term investment securities (Notes 2 and 4)           (1,216,771)        (1,216,771)
Equity in other comprehensive income changes of affiliates, net (Notes 2 and 5)           (70,490)        (70,490)
Foreign-based operations’ translation adjustment (Note 2)           60,262         60,262 
Gain on valuation of currency swap (Notes 2 and 27)           20,360         20,360 
Gain on valuation of interest rate swap (Notes 2 and 27)           (28,427)        (28,427)
Increase in non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries                 1,165,957   1,165,957 
                             
Balance, December 31, 2008 W44,639  W2,958,854  W(2,159,389) W356,192  W9,448,185  W1,175,959  W11,824,440 
                             
Balance, January 1, 2009 W44,639  W2,958,854  W(2,159,389) W356,192  W9,448,185  W1,175,959  W11,824,440 
Cash dividends (Note 20)              (609,203)     (609,203)
Interim dividends (Note 20)              (72,345)     (72,345)
Net income              1,247,182   (191,576)  1,055,606 
Equity in retained earnings changes of affiliates, net (Notes 2 and 5)              (11,589)     (11,589)
Conversion rights (Notes 9 and 14)     73,622               73,622 
Difference between the acquisition cost and the net book value incurred from the capital transactions between companies under common control (Note 2)        21,663            21,663 
Equity in capital surplus changes of affiliates     193               193 
Equity in capital adjustment changes of affiliates        (5,346)           (5,346)
Treasury stock (Note 16)        (28,939)           (28,939)
Loss on disposal of treasury stock (Notes 16 and 17)     (722)  91,760      (92,477)     (1,439)
Unrealized gain on valuation of long-term investment securities (Notes 2 and 4)           590,746         590,746 
Equity in other comprehensive                            
income changes of affiliates, net (Notes 2 and 5)           (20,017)        (20,017)
Difference between the acquisition cost and net book value incurred                            
from the business acquisition between companies under common control        (666,635)           (666,635)
Foreign-based operations’ translation adjustment (Note 2)           (41,753)        (41,753)
Gain on valuation of currency swap (Notes 2 and 27)           14,941         14,941 
Gain on valuation of interest rate swap (Notes 2 and 27)           15,197         15,197 
Increase in non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries                 205,483   205,483 
                             
Balance, December 31, 2009 W44,639  W3,031,947  W(2,746,886) W915,306  W9,909,753  W1,189,866  W12,344,625 
                             


F-8


       Korean won  Translation into U.S.
dollars (Note 2)
 
   Notes           2010                  2011          2011 
       (In millions except for per share data)  (In thousands except for
per share data)
 
      

NET INCOME

    (Won)1,766,835   (Won)1,582,073   $1,365,622  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME :

      

Unrealized losses on valuation of available-for-sale financial assets

   21,24     (204,325  (433,546  (374,230

Share in other comprehensive income of Investments in associates

   8,24     (390  (2,173  (1,876

Gain (loss) on valuation of derivatives

   21,24     (76,613  29,236    25,236  

Foreign-based operations’ translation adjustment

     (1,459  40,673    35,109  

Actuarial gains (losses) on retirement benefit obligations

   17,24     (4,497  (25,275  (21,817
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Sub-total

     (287,284  (391,085  (337,578
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

    (Won)1,479,551   (Won)1,190,988   $1,028,044  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO :

      

Controlling interests

     1,560,572    1,206,577    1,041,500  

Non-controlling interests

     (81,021  (15,589  (13,456
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
    (Won)1,479,551   (Won)1,190,988   $1,028,044  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY — (Continued)
                             
           Accumulated
          
           Other
     Non-
  Total
 
  Common
  Capital
  Capital
  Comprehensive
  Retained
  Controlling
  Stockholders’
 
  Stock  Surplus  Adjustments  Income  Earnings  Interest  Equity 
  (In millions of Korean won) 
 
Balance, January 1, 2010 W44,639  W3,031,947  W(2,746,886) W915,306  W9,909,753  W1,189,866  W12,344,625 
Cash dividends (Note 20)              (607,698)     (607,698)
Interim dividends (Note 20)              (72,345)     (72,345)
Net income              1,379,613   (82,437)  1,297,176 
Difference between the acquisition cost and the net book value incurred from the capital transactions between companies under common control (Note 2)        (7,971)           (7,971)
Equity in capital surplus changes of affiliates     (167)              (167)
Equity in capital adjustment changes of affiliates        (28,637)           (28,637)
Treasury stock (Note 16)        (210,356)           (210,356)
Unrealized gain on valuation of long-term investment securities (Notes 2 and 4)           (204,611)        (204,611)
Equity in retained earnings changes of affiliate              (5,924)     (5,924)
Equity in other comprehensive income changes of affiliates, net (Notes 2 and 5)           4,597         4,597 
Foreign-based operations’ translation adjustment (Note 2)           (6,246)        (6,246)
Gain on valuation of currency swap (Notes 2 and 27)           (74,627)        (74,627)
Gain on valuation of interest rate swap (Notes 2 and 27)           5,213         5,213 
Increase in non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries                 45,620   45,620 
                             
Balance, December 31, 2010 W44,639  W3,031,780  W(2,993,850) W639,632  W10,603,399  W1,153,049  W12,478,649 
                             
  (In thousands of U.S. dollars) (Note 2 a)
Balance, January 1, 2010 $39,483  $2,681,715  $(2,429,583) $809,576  $8,765,038  $1,052,420  $10,918,649 
Cash dividends (Note 20)              (537,500)     (537,500)
Interim dividends (Note 20)              (63,989)     (63,989)
Net income              1,220,249   (72,915)  1,147,334 
Difference between the acquisition cost and the net book value incurred from the capital transactions between companies under common control (Note 2)        (7,050)           (7,050)
Equity in capital surplus changes of affiliates     (148)              (148)
Equity in other capital adjustment changes of affiliates        (25,329)           (25,329)
Treasury stock (Note 16)        (186,057)           (186,057)
Unrealized gain on valuation of long-term investment securities (Notes 2 and 4)           (180,975)        (180,975)
Equity in retained earnings of consolidated subsidiary previously accounted for as an equity method investee              (5,239)      (5,239)
Equity in other comprehensive income changes of affiliates, net (Notes 2 and 5)           4,066         4,066 
Foreign-based operations’ translation adjustment (Note 2)           (5,525)        (5,525)
Gain on valuation of currency swap (Notes 2 and 27)           (66,007)        (66,007)
Gain on valuation of interest rate swap (Notes 2 and 27)           4,611         4,611 
Increase in non-controlling interest in equity of consolidated subsidiaries                 40,351   40,351 
                             
Balance, December 31, 2010 $39,483  $2,681,567  $(2,648,019) $565,746  $9,378,559  $1,019,856  $11,037,192 
                             
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-9


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

        Share premium              Total
stockholders’

equity
 
  Notes  Common
stock
  Paid-in
surplus
  Treasury
stock
  Loss on  disposal
of treasury stock
  Other  Retained
earnings
  Reserves  Controlling
Interests
  Non-controlling
interests
  
           
  (In millions of Korean won) 

Balance, January 1, 2010

  (Won)44,639   (Won)2,915,887   (Won)(1,992,083 (Won)(15,875 (Won)(740,053 (Won)9,563,940   (Won)919,835   (Won)10,696,290   (Won)1,151,755   (Won)11,848,045  

Cash dividends

  26                        (680,043      (680,043      (680,043

Total comprehensive income (loss)

                       1,837,352    (276,779  1,560,573    (81,022  1,479,551  

Net income

                       1,841,613        1,841,613    (74,778  1,766,835  

Other comprehensive income

  21                        (4,261  (276,779  (281,040  (6,244  (287,284

Treasury stock

  19            (210,356                  (210,356      (210,356

Changes in subsidiaries

                   (36,473          (36,473  7,275    (29,198

Balance, December 31, 2010

  (Won)44,639   (Won)2,915,887   (Won)(2,202,439 (Won)(15,875 (Won)(776,526 (Won)10,721,249   (Won)643,056   (Won)11,329,991   (Won)1,078,008   (Won)12,407,999  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, January 1, 2011

  (Won)44,639   (Won)2,915,887   (Won)(2,202,439 (Won)(15,875 (Won)(776,526 (Won)10,721,249   (Won)643,056   (Won)11,329,991   (Won)1,078,008   (Won)12,407,999  

Cash dividends

  26                        (668,293      (668,293  (2,226  (670,519

Total comprehensive income (loss)

                       1,589,569    (382,992  1,206,577    (15,589  1,190,988  

Net income

                       1,612,889        1,612,889    (30,816  1,582,073  

Other comprehensive income

  21                        (23,320  (382,992  (406,312  15,227    (391,085

Treasury stock

  19            (208,012                  (208,012      (208,012

Effect of change in income tax rate

  24                (2,980              (2,980      (2,980

Changes in subsidiaries

                   4,598            4,598    10,635    15,233  

Balance, December 31, 2011

  (Won)44,639   (Won)2,915,887   (Won)(2,410,451 (Won)(18,855 (Won)(771,928 (Won)11,642,525   (Won)260,064   (Won)11,661,881   (Won)1,070,828   (Won)12,732,709  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(Continued)

           

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY — (Continued)

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

        Share premium                
  Notes  Common
stock
  Paid-in
surplus
  Treasury
stock
  Loss on disposal
of treasury stock
  Other  Retained
earnings
  Reserves  Controlling
interests
  Non-controlling
interests
  Total
stockholders’
equity
 
  (In thousands of U.S. dollars) 

Balance, January 1, 2011

  $38,532   $2,516,950   $(1,901,112 $(13,703 $(670,286 $9,254,423   $555,076   $9,779,880   $930,521   $10,710,401  

Cash dividends

  26                        (576,861      (576,861  (1,921  (578,782

Total comprehensive income (loss)

                       1,372,093    (330,593  1,041,500    (13,456  1,028,044  

Net income

                       1,392,222        1,392,222    (26,600  1,365,622  

Other comprehensive income

  21                        (20,129  (330,593  (350,722  13,144    (337,578

Treasury stock

  19            (179,553                  (179,553      (179,553

Effect of change in income tax rate

  24                (2,572              (2,572      (2,572

Changes in subsidiaries

                   3,969            3,969    9,179    13,148  

Balance, December 31, 2011

  $38,532   $2,516,950   $(2,080,665 $(16,275 $(666,317 $10,049,655   $224,483   $10,066,363   $924,323   $10,990,686  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 20092011 AND 2010

                 
     In Thousands
 
     of U.S. Dollars
 
  In Millions of Korean Won  (Note 2 a) 
  2008  2009  2010  2010 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                
Net income W972,338  W1,055,606  W1,297,176  $1,147,334 
                 
Expenses not involving cash payments :                
Provision for severance indemnities  92,501   55,711   86,797   76,771 
Depreciation and amortization  2,755,360   2,730,008   2,868,768   2,537,385 
Allowance for doubtful accounts  70,662   216,663   96,324   85,197 
Foreign currency translation loss  132,152   5,314   1,785   1,579 
Equity in losses of affiliates  47,104   88,597   59,070   52,247 
Loss on disposal of account receivable-other     28,711       
Loss on disposal of property, equipment                
and intangible assets  70,307   91,496   69,841   61,773 
Loss on transaction and valuation of derivatives  441,255   164,646   19,198   16,980 
Amortization of discounts on bonds  31,572   31,736   39,265   34,729 
Loss from discontinued operation  38,541          
Other expenses  269,785   178,460   57,161   50,558 
                 
Sub-total  3,949,239   3,591,342   3,298,209   2,917,219 
                 
Income not involving cash receipts:                
Foreign translation gain  428,575   122,268   16,813   14,871 
Equity in earnings of affiliates  24,894   28,685   29,675   26,247 
Gain on valuation of trading securities     14,086       
Gain on disposal of property, equipment                
and intangible assets  9,971   27,228   11,030   9,756 
Gain on transactions and valuation of derivatives  265,144   109,306   7,951   7,033 
Interest income  1,779   56,448   10,424   9,220 
Gain from discontinued operation     5,524   4,388   3,881 
Other  23,733   118,750   195,168   172,623 
                 
Sub-total  754,096   482,295   275,449   243,631 
                 
Changes in assets and liabilities related to operating activities:                
Accounts receivable — trade  68,214   (217,896)  14,157   12,522 
Accounts receivable — other  (384,298)  (811,129)  (475,547)  (420,615)
Inventories  (65,935)  (187,673)  (102,428)  (90,596)
Prepaid expenses  8,618   47,310   20,632   18,249 
Advanced payments and other  (57,241)  (18,775)  (89,520)  (79,179)
Long-term accounts receivables — other  514   (284,085)  213,479   188,819 
Accounts payable  (102,436)  190,718   167,995   148,589 
Income taxes payable  118,011   73,431   (154,488)  (136,642)
Accrued expenses  405,081   292,573   204,507   180,884 
Withholdings  70,431   (36,382)  133,643   118,205 
Current portion of subscription deposits  (1,519)  (560)  (42,351)  (37,459)
Advance receipts and other  (24,004)  15,507   20,350   17,999 
Deferred income taxes  (194,416)  (254,891)  (121,182)  (107,184)
Dividends received from affiliates  1,214      3,402   3,009 
Severance indemnity payments  (106,241)  (37,953)  (63,185)  (55,886)
Deposits for group severance indemnities and other  (610,456)  (2,215)  (28,379)  (25,101)
                 
Sub-total  (874,463)  (1,232,020)  (298,915)  (264,386)
                 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities  3,293,018   2,932,633   4,021,021   3,556,536 
                 


F-10


     Korean won  Translation into U.S.
dollars (Note 2)
 
  Notes  2010  2011  2011 
     (In millions)  (In thousands) 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Cash generated from operating activities

    

Net income

  (Won)1,766,835   (Won)1,582,073   $1,365,622  

Adjustments for income and expenses

  31    3,089,520    3,225,682    2,784,361  

Changes in assets and liabilities related to operating activities :

  31    277,352    2,180,223    1,881,936  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Sub-total

   5,133,707    6,987,978    6,031,919  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Interest received

   208,444    156,745    135,300  

Dividends received

   32,394    34,521    29,798  

Interest paid

   (364,704  (301,632  (260,364

Income tax paid

   (666,436  (571,217  (493,066
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

   4,343,405    6,306,395    5,443,587  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Cash inflows from investing activities:

    

Decrease in short-term investment securities, net

   168,260    125,000    107,898  

Collection of short-term loans

   216,857    194,561    167,942  

Decrease in long-term financial instruments

   3    5    4  

Proceeds from sales of long-term investment securities

   630,030    256,666    221,550  

Proceeds from disposal of associates

   58,873    6,381    5,508  

Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment

   94,254    35,197    30,382  

Proceeds from disposal of intangible assets

   6,826    3,833    3,309  

Collection of long-term loans

   17,823    33,824    29,196  

Decrease in other non-current assets

   2,381    4,122    3,558  

Cash inflows from transaction of derivatives

   1,255          

Cash inflows from acquisition

   42,736    66,277    57,209  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Sub-total

   1,239,298    725,866    626,556  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash outflows for investing activities:

    

Increase in short-term financial instruments, net

   88,682    412,256    355,853  

Increase in short-term loans

   221,308    233,189    201,285  

Increase in long-term financial instruments

   55    7,516    6,488  

Acquisition of long-term investment securities

   150,447    323,246    279,021  

Acquisition of associates

   736,105    239,975    207,143  

Acquisition of property and equipment

   2,142,309    2,960,556    2,555,508  

Acquisition of investment property

   1,991    86,285    74,480  

Acquisition of goodwill

       1,976    1,706  

Acquisition of intangible assets

   128,032    596,461    514,856  

Increase in long-term loans

   36,549    13,856    11,960  

Increase in other non-current assets

   10,778    3,071    2,651  

Cash outflows from transaction of derivatives

   35,260    4,007    3,459  

Cash outflows from acquisition

   26,814    82,533    71,241  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Sub-total

   3,578,330    4,964,927    4,285,651  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

  (Won)(2,339,032 (Won)(4,239,061 $(3,659,095
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(Continued)

    

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS — (Continued)

                 
     In Thousands
 
     of U.S. Dollars
 
  In Millions of Korean Won  (Note 2 a) 
  2008  2009  2010  2010 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                
Cash inflows from investing activities:                
Decrease in short-term investment securities, net W(4,767) W14,130  W168,316  $148,873 
Decrease in short-term financial instruments, net  174,441          
Collection of short-term loans  212,896   349,658   223,704   197,863 
Proceeds from sales of long-term investment securities  382,740   1,966,866   713,873   631,411 
Collection of long-term loans  10,646   43,183   18,561   16,417 
Decrease in long-term financial instruments  16,159   10,809   299   264 
Proceeds from sales of equity securities accounted                
for using the equity method  8,292   10,663   58,431   51,681 
Proceeds from disposal of consolidated subsidiary     166       
Decrease in guarantee deposits  26,201   38,304   109,010   96,418 
Decrease in other non-current assets  37,667   41,111   25,788   22,809 
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment  45,057   66,934   94,670   83,734 
Proceeds from disposal of intangible assets  9,425   5,007   6,971   6,166 
Cash inflows from transaction of derivatives  727   86,094   1,255   1,110 
                 
Sub-total  919,484   2,632,925   1,420,878   1,256,746 
                 
Cash outflows from investing activities:                
Increase in short-term financial instruments, net W  W2,994  W199,576  $176,522 
Increase in short-term investment securities, net  40          
Increase in short-term loans  239,413   260,071   221,338   195,770 
Increase in long-term financial instruments  6,080   6,516   55   49 
Acquisition of long-term investment securities  28,910   539,036   146,941   129,967 
Increase in long-term loans  34,090   20,766   36,052   31,887 
Acquisition of equity securities accounted for using                
the equity method  595,281   107,401   693,945   613,785 
Increase in equity of consolidated subsidiaries  1,093,104          
Increase in guarantee deposits  57,287   60,597   122,098   107,994 
Increase in other non-current assets  94,623   107,835   52,964   46,845 
Acquisition of property and equipment  2,236,440   2,162,255   2,144,674   1,896,934 
Acquisition of intangible assets  147,680   118,828   126,653   112,023 
Acquisition of lease line business     894,783       
Cash outflows from transaction of currency swap  263,495   177,848   35,260   31,187 
                 
Sub-total  4,796,443   4,458,930   3,779,556   3,342,963 
                 
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities  (3,876,959)  (1,826,005)  (2,358,678)  (2,086,217)
                 


F-11


YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

      Korean won  Translation into U.S.
dollars (Note 2)
 
   Notes  2010  2011  2011 
      (In millions)  (In thousands) 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

      

Cash inflows from financing activities:

      

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

    (Won)   (Won)174,222   $150,386  

Issuance of bonds payable

     149,308    1,129,533    974,996  

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

     108,044    92,367    79,730  

Increase in equity of consolidated subsidiaries

     6,452    5,769    4,980  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Sub-total

     263,804    1,401,891    1,210,092  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash outflows for financing activities:

      

Repayment of short-term borrowings

     30,910          

Repayment of current portion of long-term debt

     739,334    224,581    193,855  

Repayment of bonds payable

     605,140    842,160    726,940  

Repayment of long-term borrowings

     200,000    512,377    442,276  

Payment of dividends

     682,283    668,293    576,861  

Acquisition of treasury stock

     252,259    208,012    179,553  

Cash outflows from transaction of derivatives

         25,783    22,256  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Sub-total

     2,509,926    2,481,206    2,141,741  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

     (2,246,122  (1,079,315  (931,649
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

NET INCREASE(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (241,749  988,019    852,843  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD

     905,561    659,405    569,189  

EFFECTS OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS HELD IN FOREIGN CURRENCY

     (4,407  3,370    2,909  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE PERIOD

    (Won)659,405   (Won)1,650,794   $1,424,941  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS — (Continued)
                 
     In Thousands
 
     of U.S. Dollars
 
  In Millions of Korean Won  (Note 2 a) 
  2008  2009  2010  2010 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                
Cash inflows from financing activities:                
Issuance of bonds payable W1,307,679  W1,114,938  W148,308  $131,176 
Proceeds from short-term borrowings  468,958   348,505   289,246   255,834 
Proceeds from long-term borrowings  510,577   9,885   108,044   95,563 
Increase in guarantee deposits received and other  4,533   18,228   53,656   47,459 
Proceeds from disposal of treasury stock  42,246          
Increase in equity of consolidated subsidiaries  64,403   76,938       
                 
Sub-total  2,398,396   1,568,494   599,254   530,032 
                 
Cash outflows from financing activities:                
Repayment of short-term borrowings     1,007,618   324,327   286,863 
Repayment of current portion of long-term debt  558,107   851,142   579,334   512,413 
Repayment of long-term borrowings  193,400   111,560   235,281   208,103 
Repayment of bonds payable     60,216   365,140   322,961 
Payment of dividends  682,504   681,548   680,043   601,489 
Acquisition and retirement of treasury stock  62,134   28,939   210,356   186,057 
Decrease in equity of consolidated subsidiaries  24,862   10,211   9,025   7,982 
Other  10,567   24,251   14,036   12,414 
                 
Sub-total  1,531,574   2,775,485   2,417,542   2,138,282 
                 
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities  866,822   (1,206,991)  (1,818,288)  (1,608,250)
                 
THE EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS HELD IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES (Note 2)  37,371   (7,405)  (5,222)  (4,619)
                 
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS DUE TO CHANGES IN CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES  36,413   46,258   (18,242)  (16,135)
                 
PREACQUISITION CASH FLOWS OF SUBSIDIARIES  17,250      (23,406)  (20,702)
                 
CASHFLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATION (Note 2)  (248,437)  3,969   27,398   24,233 
                 
NET INCREASE(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  125,478   (57,541)  (175,417)  (155,154)
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF THE YEAR (Note 28)  885,989   1,011,467   953,926   843,734 
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE YEAR (Note 29) W1,011,467  W953,926  W778,509  $688,580 
                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-12


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 20092011 AND 2010

1.
1.  GENERAL

SK Telecom Co., Ltd. (“SK Telecom”) was incorporated in March 1984 under the laws of Korea to engage in providing cellular telephone communication services in the Republic of Korea. SK Telecom Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) mainly provide wireless telecommunications in the Republic of Korea. The Company’s common shares and depositary receipts (DRs) are listed on the Stock Market of Korea Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. As of December 31, 2010,2011, the Company’s total issued shares are held by the following:

         
    Percentage of
  Number of Shares Total Shares Issued (%)
  (Unaudited)  
 
SK Group  18,748,452   23.22 
POSCO  2,341,569   2.90 
Institutional investors and other minority stockholders  50,004,978   61.93 
Treasury stock  9,650,712   11.95 
         
   80,745,711   100.00 
         

   Number of shares   Percentage of
total  shares issued (%)
 

SK Holdings, Co., Ltd.

   20,363,452     25.22  

Tradewinds Global Investors, LLC

   4,050,518     5.02  

POSCO Corp.

   2,341,569     2.90  

Institutional investors and other minority stockholders

   42,939,460     53.17  

Treasury stock

   11,050,712     13.69  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   80,745,711     100.00  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

2.
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea. Significant accounting policies followed in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements are summarized as follows:
a.  Basis of Presentation

The Company maintains its official accounting records in Republic of Korean won (Korean won)(“Won”) and prepares statutory consolidated financial statements in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by International Accounting Standard Board (“IASB”). The Company has adopted IFRS as issued by IASB for the accounting principles generally accepted in the Republicannual period beginning on January 1, 2011. In accordance with IFRS 1 First-time adoption of Korea (“Korean GAAP”) and in the Korean language (Hangul). Certain accounting principles applied by the Company that conform with financial accounting standards and accounting principles in the Republic of Korea may not conform with accounting principles generally accepted in other countries. Accordingly, these consolidated financial statements are intended for use by those who are informed about Korean accounting principles and practices. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been condensed, restructured and translated into English with certain expanded descriptions from the Korean language financial statements. Certain information included in the Korean language financial statements, but not required for a fair presentation ofIFRS, the Company’s financial position, results of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity or cash flows,transition date to IFRS is not presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

January 1, 2010. Refer to Note 3, for transition adjustments to IFRS.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are stated in Korean won, the currency of the country in which the Company is incorporated and operates. The translation of Korean won amounts into U.S. dollar amounts is included solely for the convenience of readers of financial statements and has been made at the rate of W1,130.60(Won)1,158.50 to US$1.00, the Noon Buying Rate in the City of New York for cable transfers in Korean won as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the last business day of the year ended December 30, 2011.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis except for certain non-current assets and financial instruments that are measured at revalued amounts or at fair values. Major accounting policies used for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are stated below and these accounting policies have been applied consistently to the financial statements for the current period and comparative periods. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration paid in exchange for assets. The consolidated financial statements were approved by the board of directors on February 9, 2012.

Recent Accounting Standards

Currently, enactments and amendments of the IFRSs are in progress, and the financial information presented in the financial statements may change accordingly in the future. The Company has not applied the following new and revised IFRSs that have been issued but are not yet effective:

Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement

In November 2009, as part of the International Accounting Standards Board’s (IASB) project to replace International Accounting Standard (IAS) 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, the IASB issued

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010. Such translations into U.S. dollars should2011 AND 2010

the first phase of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments. It contained requirements for the classification and measurement of financial assets, and was updated in October 2010 to incorporate financial liabilities. The standard is applicable for annual periods starting on or after January 1, 2015. The full impact of this standard will not be construedknown until the phases addressing hedging and impairments have been completed.

Fair Value Measurements

In May 2011, the IASB issued IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement, which establishes a single source of guidance for all fair value measurements, clarifies the definition of fair value, and enhances the disclosures on fair value measurement. Prospective application of this standard is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013, with early application permitted. The Company does not anticipate significant changes to its fair value measurements and related disclosures as representationsa result of this standard.

Reporting Entity

In May 2011, the IASB issued IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statement, IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements, IFRS 12 Disclosures of Interests in Other Entities, and amendments to IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements and IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures. IFRS 10 creates a single consolidation model by revising the definition of control in order to apply the same control criteria to all types of entities, including joint arrangements, associates and special purpose vehicles. IFRS 11 establishes a principle-based approach to the accounting for joint arrangements by focusing on the rights and obligations of the arrangement and limits the application of proportionate consolidation accounting to arrangements that meet the Korean won amounts could be converted into U.S. dollars atdefinition of a joint operation. IFRS 12 is a comprehensive disclosure standard for all forms of interests in other entities, including joint arrangements, associates and special purpose vehicles. Retrospective application of these standards with relief for certain transactions is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013, with earlier application permitted if all five standards are collectively adopted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of these standards.

Employee Benefits

In June 2011, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 19 Employee Benefits, which revises the recognition, presentation and disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans. The revised standard requires immediate recognition of actuarial gains and losses in other comprehensive income, eliminating the previous options that were available, and enhances the disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans. Retrospective application of this standard is effective for fiscal years beginning on or any other rate.

b.  Principles of Consolidation
after January 1, 2013, with early application permitted. The Company does not anticipate significant impacts as a result of these amendments.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

a.    Basis of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SK Telecom and the following controlled subsidiaries of SK Telecom as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010. Controlled subsidiaries include (a) majority-owned entities by SK Telecom or its controlled subsidiaries and (b) other entities where SK Telecom or its controlled subsidiaries


F-13

2011.


Subsidiary

  

Primary business

  Number of
shares
   Ownership
Percentage(%)
   Location

SK Telink Co., Ltd.

  Telecommunication services   1,082,272     83.5    Korea

SK Communications Co., Ltd.

  Internet website services   28,029,945     64.6    Korea

PAXNet Co., Ltd.

  Internet website services   5,590,452     59.7    Korea

Loen Entertainment, Inc.

  Release of music disc   17,088,125     67.6    Korea

Stonebridge Cinema Fund

  Investment association   150     57.0    Korea

Ntreev Soft Co., Ltd.

  Game software production   2,064,970     63.7    Korea

Commerce Planet Co., Ltd.

  Online shopping mall operation agency   29,396     100.0    Korea

SK Broadband Co., Ltd.

  Telecommunication services   149,638,354     50.6    Korea

Broadband D&M Co., Ltd.

  Base station maintenance service   900,000     100.0    Korea

Broadband Media Co., Ltd.

  Multimedia TV portal services   25,200,000     100.0    Korea

Broadband CS Co., Ltd.

  Customer Q&A and services   1,210,596     100.0    Korea

K-net Culture and Contents Venture Fund

  Investment association   295     59.0    Korea

2nd Benex Focus Investment Fund

  Investment association   200     66.7    Korea

Open Innovation Fund

  Investment association   450     98.9    Korea

PS&Marketing Corporation

  Communications device retail business   46,000,000     100.0    Korea

Service Ace Co., Ltd.

  Customer center management service   4,385,400     100.0    Korea

Service Top Co., Ltd.

  Customer center management service   2,856,200     100.0    Korea

Network O&S Co., Ltd.

  Base station maintenance service   3,000,000     100.0    Korea

BNCP Co., Ltd.

  Internet website services   8,820,000     100.0    Korea

Service-In Co., Ltd.

  Database & on-line information service   500,000     100.0    Korea

SK Planet Co., Ltd.

  Telecommunication services   60,000,000     100.0    Korea

SK Telecom China Holdings Co., Ltd.

  Equity Investment        100.0    China

Sky Property Mgmt., Ltd.

  Real Estate Investment   22,980     60.0    China

Shenzhen E-eye High Tech Co., Ltd.

  Manufacturing        65.5    China

SK China Real Estate Co., Ltd.

  Real Estate Investment   70,000,000     99.4    Hong Kong

SKT Vietnam PTE., Ltd.

  Telecommunication services   180,476,700     73.3    Singapore

SKT Americas, Inc.

  Information gathering and consulting   109     100.0    USA

YTK Investment Ltd

  Investment Association        100.0    Cayman

Atlas Investment

  Investment Association        100.0    Cayman

Technology Innovation Partners, L.P

  Investment Association        100.0    Cayman

SK Telecom China Fund I L.P.

  Investment Association        100.0    Cayman

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

own

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

The condensed financial information of the Company’s controlled subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 is as follows (In millions of Korean won):

  Total
assets
  Total
liabilities
  Revenue  Net
income (loss)
 

SK Telink Co., Ltd.

 (Won)420,829   (Won)228,687   (Won)419,131   (Won)35,269  

SK Communications Co., Ltd.

  314,700    82,658    262,140    (4,366

PAXNet Co., Ltd.

  33,949    11,461    33,004    (2,347

Loen Entertainment, Inc.

  157,104    48,386    167,273    21,398  

Stonebridge Cinema Fund

  18,506    196    21    1,069  

Ntreev Soft Co., Ltd.

  37,529    17,304    56,029    8,707  

Commerce Planet Co., Ltd.

  49,729    51,057    75,038    (556

SK Broadband Co., Ltd.

  3,314,479    1,942,652    2,302,563    9,499  

Broadband D&M Co., Ltd.

  11,872    7,399    46,433    (49

Broadband Media Co., Ltd.

  89,915    356,816    66,526    (32,214

Broadband CS Co., Ltd.

  6,948    18,744    74,104    63  

K-net Culture and Contents Venture Fund

  48,057    16        (113

2nd Benex Focus Investment Fund

  21,663    285        (10,358

Open Innovation Fund

  44,716    432        (427

PS&Marketing Corporation

  289,062    143,883    1,078,925    (31,820

Service Ace Co., Ltd.

  43,447    21,669    130,102    1,365  

Service Top Co., Ltd.

  37,165    23,255    123,366    1,829  

Network O&S Co., Ltd.

  80,249    61,555    199,653    5,646  

BNCP Co., Ltd.

  28,631    11,397    17,860    1,877  

Service-In Co., Ltd.

  3,247    759    6,225    (12

SK Planet Co., Ltd.

  1,677,730    423,903    280,722    11,014  

SK Telecom China Holdings Co., Ltd.

  36,810    2,442    26,944    (232

Sky Property Mgmt., Ltd.(Note a)

  820,639    317,038    51,204    6,386  

Shenzhen E-eye High Tech Co., Ltd.

  23,569    3,744    14,703    2,007  

SKT Vietnam PTE., Ltd.

  42,539    9,769    5,519    205  

SKT Americas, Inc.

  42,681    1,280    18,468    (14,604

YTK Investment Ltd

  51,218              

Atlas Investment(Note b)

  50,643    530        (2,056

(Note a)

The financial information of Sky Property Mgmt, Ltd. also includes the financial information of SK China Real Estate Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company.

(Note b)

The financial information of Atlas Investment includes financial information of Technology Innovation Partners, L.P., Technology Venture Fund, LP, SK Telecom Global Investment B.V. and SK Telecom China Fund I L.P., all of which are also subsidiaries of the Company.

Change in scope of consolidation

For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company newly included the following subsidiaries in its consolidation: Service-In Co., Ltd., Atlas Investment and Technology Innovation Partners, L.P. as these entities became the wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company; SK China Real Estate Co., Ltd. and SK Telecom China Fund I L.P. as the Company obtained ownership of more than 30%50% of total outstanding common stock and is the largest stockholder. Meanwhile, if the total assets of the controlled subsidiaries atrespective entities ; BNCP Co., Ltd. as the beginning of fiscal year were less than W10 billion, those investees are excluded and accounted for using theCompany acquired a controlling equity method in accordance with Korean GAAP. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminatedinterest in the consolidation procedures.

                   
  Year of
   Ownership Percentage (%)
Subsidiary
 Establishment 
Primary Business
 2008 2009 2010
 
SK Broadband Co., Ltd.   1997  Telecommunication services  43.4   50.6   50.6 
SK Communications Co., Ltd.   1999  Internet website services  65.7   64.8   64.7 
SK Telink Co., Ltd.   1998  Telecommunication services  90.8   90.8   83.5 
PS&Marketing Corporation  2009  Communications device retail business     100.0   100.0 
PAXNet Co., Ltd.   1999  Internet website services  59.7   59.7   59.7 
F&U Credit information Co., Ltd.   1998  Credit and collection services  50.0   50.0   50.0 
Loen Entertainment, Inc.   1982  Release of music disc  63.5   63.5   63.5 
Ntreev Soft Co., Ltd.   2003  Game software  63.7   63.7   63.7 
Commerce Planet Co., Ltd.   1997  Online shopping mall operation agency  100.0   100.0   100.0 
Stonebridge Cinema Fund  2005  Investment association  72.2   72.2   57.0 
SK i-media Co., Ltd.   2006  Game software  100.0   100.0   100.0 
Broadband Media Co., Ltd.   1997  Multimedia contents  100.0   100.0   100.0 
Broadband CS Co., Ltd.   1998  Telemarketing services     100.0   100.0 
Service ace Co., Ltd.   2010  Telemarketing services        100.0 
Service Top Co., Ltd.   2010  Telemarketing services        100.0 
Network O&S Co., Ltd.   2010  Network managed services        100.0 
K-net Culture and Contents Venture Fund
  2008  Investment association  59.0   59.0   59.0 
2nd Benex Focus Investment Fund  2008  Investment association  66.7   66.7   66.7 
Benex Movie Expert Fund  2009  Investment association  46.6   46.6   46.6 
Open Innovation Fund  2008  Investment association  98.5   98.5   98.9 
Benex Sector Limited Partnership IV  2008  Investment association        49.7 
BMC Digital Culture and Contents Fund  2008  Investment association  39.8-   39.8   39.8 
The Contents Com Co., Ltd.   2005  Software        100.0 
PREGM Co., Ltd.   1999  Production of movies and videos        56.7 
SK Telecom China Holdings Co., Ltd.   2007  Investment  100.0   100.0   100.0 
Sky Property Mgmt., Ltd.   2008  Real Estate Investment  60.0   60.0   60.0 
ShenzhenE-eye High Tech Co., Ltd. 
  2000  Manufacturing  65.5   65.5   65.5 
SKT Vietnam PTE., Ltd.   2000  Telecommunication services  73.3   73.3   73.3 
SKT Americas, Inc.   1995  Internet website services  100.0   100.0   100.0 
SK Telecom Global Investment B.V  2008  Investment Association  100.0   100.0   100.0 
Technology Venture Fund, LP  2010  Research and Development        100.0 
YTK Investment Ltd  2010  Investment Association        100.0 
SK Technology Innovation Company  2010  Research and Development        49.0 
Effective January 1, 2010, Service aceentity; and SK Planet Co., Ltd., Service Top Co., Ltd., Network O&S Co., Ltd. and YTK Investment Ltd. are included ina newly established entity which was previously a business unit of SK Telecom.

For the consolidation ofyear ended December 31, 2011, the accompanying consolidated financial statements as these companies are the wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company.Company excluded SK Technology Innovation Company is included in theI Media from its consolidation of the accompanying consolidation financial statements as the Company owns more than 30%disposed of total outstandingall its common stock and became the largest stockholder.

Effective January 1, 2010, Technology Venture Fund, LP. and Broadband CS Co., Ltd., are included in the consolidation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements as their total assets at the beginning of that fiscal year were more than W10 billion, in accordance with Korean GAAP.


F-14

stock. Refer to FN 32Discontinued operations.


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

For

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the year ended December 31, 2010, Benex Sector Limited Partnership IV, The Contents Com Co., Ltd.financial statements of the Company and PREGM Co., Ltd.entities (including special purpose entities) controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries). Control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating decisions of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

Income and expenses of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the current period are included in the consolidationconsolidated statement of income and comprehensive income from the effective date of acquisition and until the effective date of disposal, as appropriate. Total comprehensive income of subsidiaries is attributed to the owners of the accompanying consolidatedCompany and to the non-controlling interests even if it results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance.

When necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies in line with those used by the Company.

All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated in full during the consolidation.

Changes in the Company’s ownership interests in subsidiaries that do not result in the Company losing control over its subsidiaries are accounted for as equity transactions. The carrying amounts of the Company’s interests and the non-controlling interests are adjusted to reflect the changes in their relative interests in the subsidiaries. Any difference between the amount by which the non-controlling interests are adjusted and the fair value of the consideration paid or received is recognized directly in equity and attributed to owners of the Company.

When the Company loses control of a subsidiary, the income on disposal is calculated as the difference between (i) the aggregate of the fair value of the consideration received and the fair value of any retained interest and (ii) the previous carrying amount of the assets (including goodwill), and liabilities of the subsidiary and any non-controlling interests. When assets of the subsidiary are carried at revalued amounts or fair values and the related cumulative gain or loss has been recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity, the amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity are accounted for as if the Company acquired controllinghad directly disposed of the relevant assets (i.e. reclassified to net income or transferred directly to retained earnings).

b.    Business Combination

Acquisitions of businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration transferred in a business combination is measured at fair value, which is calculated as the sum of the acquisition-date fair values of the assets transferred by the Company, liabilities incurred by the Company to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Company in exchange for control of the acquiree. Acquisition-related costs are recognized in net income as incurred.

Goodwill is measured as the excess of the sum of: a) the consideration transferred, b) the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree, and c) the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree (if any); over the net of the companies.

Effective January 1, 2010, The Second Music Investment Fundacquisition-date amounts of SK-PVC, SK Telecom China Co., Ltd.the identifiable assets acquired and SK Telecom Advanced Tech & Service Center (STC) are excluded from the consolidationliabilities assumed. If, after reassessment, the net fair value of the acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed exceeds the sum of: a) the consideration transferred, b) the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree, and c) the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held interest in the acquiree (if any); the excess is recognized immediately in net income as its total assetsa bargain purchase gain.

When a business combination is achieved in stages, the Company’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree is remeasured to fair value at the beginning of that fiscal year were less than W10 billion, in accordance with Korean GAAP and are subsequently accounted for underacquisition date (i.e. the equity method.

On April 26, 2010,date when the Company disposedobtains control) and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is recognized in net income. Any changes in value of 11,170,014 shares of IHQ, Inc. and as of December 31, 2010 has 3,790,330 shares, 9.4% of IHQ, Inc., remaining.
SK-KTB Music Investment Fund is excluded from the consolidation as the Company liquidated SK-KTB Music Investment Fund during October 2010, SK-KTB Music Investment Fund’s operationequity interests in the consolidatedacquiree prior to the acquisition date that have previously been recognized in other comprehensive income statement is treatedare reclassified to net income as a discontinued operation, and accordingly is presented as a single item between income tax expenses for continuing operation and net income. Refer to Note 2(ab)
TU Media Corp. is excluded from the consolidation as it merged into SK Telink Co., Ltd. during the year ended December 31, 2010.
c.  Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments and short term financial instruments, which are readily convertible without significant transaction cost, do not have significant risk from changes inif that interest rates, and with original maturities of three months or less.
d.  Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Allowance for doubtful accounts is provided based on the estimated collectability of individual accounts and historical bad debt experience.
Details of changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable — trade for 2008, 2009 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):
             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Beginning balance W93,551  W150,320  W233,078 
Write-offs  (50,065)  (115,720)  (64,969)
             
Net  43,486   34,600   168,109 
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable-trade  61,662   199,933   79,972 
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable-trade for the discontinued operation  1,311   158   16 
Increase (decrease) due to the changes in consolidated subsidiaries  43,861   (1,613)  881 
             
End of year W150,320  W233,078  W248,978 
             


F-15

were disposed of.


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

When the consideration transferred by the Company in a business combination includes assets or liabilities resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement, the contingent consideration is measured at its acquisition-date fair value and included as part of the consideration transferred in a business combination. Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration that qualify as measurement period adjustments are adjusted retrospectively, with corresponding adjustments against goodwill. Measurement period adjustments are adjustments that arise from additional information obtained during the ‘measurement period’ (which cannot exceed one year from the acquisition date) about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date.

The subsequent accounting for changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration that do not qualify as measurement period adjustments depends on how the contingent consideration is classified. Contingent consideration that is classified as equity is not remeasured at subsequent reporting dates and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity. Contingent consideration that is classified as an asset or a liability is remeasured at subsequent reporting dates in accordance with IAS 39, or IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets, as appropriate, with the corresponding gain or loss being recognized in income or loss.

c.    Foreign Currency Exchange

The individual financial statements of each entity are presented in the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (its functional currency). For the purpose of the consolidated financial statements, the results and financial position of each Company entity are expressed in “Korean Won”, which is the functional currency of the Company and the presentation currency for the consolidated financial statements.

In preparing the financial statements of the individual entities, transactions in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency (foreign currencies) are recognized at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At the end of each reporting period, monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at that date. Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at the date when the fair value was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.

Exchange differences are recognized in net income in the period in which they arise except for:

exchange differences on foreign currency borrowings relating to assets under construction for future productive use, which are included in the cost of those assets when they are regarded as an adjustment to interest costs on those foreign currency borrowings;

exchange differences on transactions entered into to hedge certain foreign currency risks (refer to Note 2.q for hedging accounting policies); and

e.  Inventories

exchange differences on monetary items receivable from or payable to a foreign operation for which settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur (therefore forming part of the net investment in the foreign operation), which are recognized initially in other comprehensive income and reclassified from equity to net income on disposal or partial disposal of the net investment.

For the purpose of presenting consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign operations are expressed in Korean won using exchange rates prevailing at the end of the reporting period. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period, unless exchange rates fluctuated significantly during that period, in which case the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions are used. Exchange differences arising, if any, are recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity. On the disposal of a foreign operation, all of the accumulated exchange differences in respect of that operation attributable to the Company are reclassified to net income.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

d.    Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash, bank balances and short-term highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less.

e.    Financial Assets

All financial assets are recognized and derecognized on trade date where the purchase or sale of a financial asset is under a contract whose terms require delivery of the financial asset within the timeframe established by the market concerned, and are initially measured at fair value, plus transaction costs, except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value.

Financial assets are classified into the following specified categories: financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”), held-to-maturity (“HTM”) investments, available-for-sale (“AFS”) financial assets’ and ‘loans and receivables’. The classification depends on the nature and purpose of the financial assets and is determined at the time of initial recognition.

1)    Classification of financial assets

1-1)    Financial assets at FVTPL

Financial assets are classified as at FVTPL when the financial asset is either held for trading or it is designated as at FVTPL. A financial asset is classified as held for trading if it has been acquired principally for the purpose of selling it in the near term or it is a derivative or embedded derivative separated from contracts that is not designated and effective as a hedging instrument. Financial assets at FVTPL are stated at fair value, with any gains or losses arising on remeasurement recognized in net income. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets at FVTPL are recognized immediately in net income.

1-2)    HTM investments

Non-derivatives financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturity dates that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as HTM investments. HTM investments are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method less any impairment, with revenue amortized on an effective yield basis.

1-3)    AFS financial assets

Non-derivatives financial assets that are not classified as at HTM; held-for-trading; designated as at fair value through profit or loss; or loans and receivables are classified as at AFS financial assets. AFS financial assets are initially recognized and measured at fair value plus directly related transaction costs. They are subsequently measured at fair value. Unquoted equity investments whose fair value cannot be measured reliably are carried at cost. Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the investments revaluation reserve, with the exception of impairment losses, interest calculated using the effective interest method, and foreign exchange gains and losses on monetary assets, which are recognized in net income. Where the investment is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, the cumulative gain or loss previously accumulated in the investments revaluation reserve is reclassified to net income. Dividends on AFS financial assets are recognized in net income when the Company’s right to receive the dividends is established.

1-4)    Loans and receivables

Non-derivatives financial assets like trade receivables, loans, and other receivables that have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market are classified as loans and receivables. Loans and

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

receivables are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment. Interest income is recognized by applying the effective interest rate, except for short-term receivables when the recognition of interest would be immaterial.

2)    Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets, other than those at FVTPL, are assessed for indicators of impairment at the end of each reporting period. Financial assets are considered to be impaired when there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset have been affected.

For listed and unlisted equity financial assets classified as AFS financial asset, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is considered to be objective evidence of impairment.

When an AFS financial asset is considered to be impaired, cumulative unrealized gains or losses previously recognized in other comprehensive income are reclassified to net income in the period. In respect of AFS equity securities, impairment losses previously recognized in net income are not reversed through net income. Any increase in fair value subsequent to an impairment loss is recognized in other comprehensive income. In case of debt securities, in subsequent periods, if the fair value of a debt instrument classified as AFS increases and the increase can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized in net income, the impairment loss shall be reversed, with the amount of the reversal recognized in net income.

For financial assets carried at amortized cost, the amount of the impairment loss is measured at the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate. If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognized, the previously recognized impairment loss is reversed through net income to the extent that the carrying amount of the investment at the date the impairment is reversed does not exceed what the amortized cost would have been had the impairment not been recognized.

For financial assets carried at cost, the amount of the impairment loss is measured at the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the current rate of return for a similar financial asset. Once an impairment loss has been recognized on a financial asset recognized at cost, it is not permitted to recognize a reversal.

For certain categories of financial asset, such as trade receivables, assets that are assessed not to be impaired individually are, in addition, assessed for impairment on a collective basis. Objective evidence of impairment for a portfolio of receivables could include the Company’s past experience of collecting payments, an increase in the number of delayed payments in the portfolio past the average credit period, as well as observable changes in national or local economic conditions that correlate with default on receivables.

When a trade receivable is considered uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against the allowance account. Changes in the carrying amount of the allowance account are recognized in net income.

3)    Derecognition of financial assets

The Company derecognizes a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset are expired, or when it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another entity. If the Company neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership and continues to control the transferred asset, the Company recognizes its retained interest in the asset

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

and an associated liability for amounts it may have to pay. If the Company retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a transferred financial asset, the Company continues to recognize the financial asset and also recognizes a collateralized borrowing for the proceeds received.

f.    Financial Liabilities and equity Instruments issued by the Company

Debt and equity instruments are classified as either financial liabilities or as equity in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement. Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities at FVTPL or other financial liabilities.

1)    Classification of financial liabilities and equity instruments

1-1)    Equity instruments

An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all of its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the Company are recognized at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

When the Company reacquires its own equity instruments (‘treasury shares’), equity is directly deducted. No gain or loss is recognized in net income related to the acquisition, sale, issue or cancellation of treasury shares.

1-2)    Financial liabilities at FVTPL

Financial liabilities are classified as at FVTPL when the financial liability is either held for trading or it is designated as FVTPL. A financial liability is classified as held for trading if it has been acquired principally for the purpose of repurchasing it in the near term or it is a derivative, including embedded derivative separated from contracts, which is not designated and effective as a hedging instrument.

Financial liabilities at FVTPL are stated at fair value, with any gains or losses arising on remeasurement recognized in net income. The net gain or loss recognized in net income incorporates any interest paid on the financial liability.

1-3)    Other financial liabilities

Other financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs. Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense recognized on an effective yield basis.

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortized cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments through the expected life of the financial liability, or (where appropriate) a shorter period, to the net carrying amount on initial recognition.

2)    Derecognition of financial liabilities

The Company derecognizes financial liabilities when the Company’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or the liabilities are expired. An exchange between an existing borrower and lender of financial liabilities with substantially different terms, or a substantial modification of the terms of an existing financial liability is accounted for as an extinguishment of the original financial liability and the recognition of a new financial liability. The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liabilities derecognized and the consideration paid is recognized in net income.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

g.    Inventories

Inventories are stated at the acquisition cost using the following methods:

Assets
Methods
Inventories fromE-commerce business
Moving average method
Replacement units for wireless telecommunication facilities and supplies for sales promotionMoving average method
Wireless deviceIndividual method
Books and CDsFIFO
average method. During the year,period, a perpetual inventory systems areis used to value inventories, which areis adjusted to the physical inventory counts performed at the yearperiod end. When the marketnet realizable value of inventories is less than the acquisition cost, the carrying amount is reduced to the marketnet realizable value and any difference is charged to current operations as operating expenses. Valuation loss of W921 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010

h.    Investments in Associates and reversal of allowance for inventory valuation loss of W168 million and W373 million were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively.

f.  Securities (Excluding Equity Securities Accounted for Using the Equity Method)
Debt and equity securitiesJoint Ventures

Associates are initially recorded at their acquisition costs (fair value of consideration paid) including incidental cost incurred in connection with acquisition of the related securities and classified into trading,available-for-sale andheld-to-maturity (debt only) securities depending on the acquisition purpose and nature.

Trading securities are stated at fair value with gains or losses on valuation reflected in current operations.
Securities classified asavailable-for-sale are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains or losses on valuation ofavailable-for-sale securities are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and the unrealized gains or losses are reflected in net income when the securities are sold as a part of gain (loss) on disposal of investment assets or if there is an objective evidence of impairment such as bankruptcy of investees as an impairment loss. Equity securities are stated at acquisition cost if fair value cannot be reliably measured.
Held-to-maturity securities are presented at acquisition cost after premiums or discounts are amortized or accreted, respectively. The Company recognizes write-downs resulting from declines in the fair value below its book value on the end of the reporting period if there is objective evidence of impairment. The related write-downs are recorded as a loss on impairment of investment securities.
Trading securities are presented in the current asset section of the Statements of financial position, andavailable-for-sales andheld-to-maturity securities are presented in the current asset section of the Statements of financial position if their maturities are within one year; otherwise such securities are recorded in the non-current section of the Statements of financial position.
g.  Equity Securities Accounted for Using the Equity Method of Accounting
Investment securities of affiliated companies, inthose entities over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence but doesn’t control or has joint control, over the financial and operating policies. Significant influence is presumed to exist when the Company holds between 20 and 50 percent of the voting power of another entity.

The results and assets and liabilities of associates are carriedincorporated in these consolidated financial statements using the equity method of accounting, wherebyexcept when the Company’s initial investment is recorded at cost and the carrying valueclassified as held for sale, in which case it is subsequently increased or decreased to reflect the Company’s portion of stockholders’ equity of the investee. Differences between the acquisition cost and net asset fair value of the investee are amortized over 5 to 20 years using the straight-line method. When applying the equity method of accounting, unrealized inter-company gains and losses are eliminated and charged or credited to current operation.

Assets and liabilities of foreign-based companies accounted for using the equity method are translated at current rate of exchange at the end of the reporting period while profitin accordance with IFRS 5 “Non-current Assets Held for Sale and loss items in the statement of earnings are translated at average rate and capital account at historical rate. The translation gains and losses arising from


F-16


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
collective translation of the foreign currency financial statements of foreign-based companies are offset and the balance is remained as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Company’s stockholders’ equity.
Discontinued Operations”. Under the equity method, an investment in an associate is initially recognized in the consolidated statement of accounting,financial position at cost and adjusted thereafter to recognize the Company does not record itsCompany’s share of the net income and other comprehensive income of the associate. When the Company’s share of losses of an affiliate when such losses would makeassociate exceeds the Company’s interest in that associate (which includes any long-term interests that, in substance, form part of the Company’s net investment in such entity less than zero unlessthe associate), the Company has guaranteed obligationsdiscontinues recognizing its share of the investee or is otherwise committed to provide additional financial support. The Company provides for additionalfurther losses. Additional losses for these investments accounted for using the equity method that are reduced to zerorecognized only to the extent that the Company has other investment assets related toincurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the equity method investees. In addition, whenassociate.

Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the Company’s share of equity interest in the equity method investees increases as a result of capital transactionsnet fair value of the investees with (or without) consideration,identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of an associate recognized at the increase in the Company’s proportionate shares in the investees are treateddate of acquisition is recognized as goodwill, or negative goodwillwhich is included within the carrying amount of the investment and whenassessed for impairment. Any excess of the Company’s share of equity interestthe net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities over the cost of acquisition, after reassessment, is recognized immediately in net income.

When the Company or its subsidiary transacts with its associate, unrealized gains from the transactions are eliminated to the extent of the Company’s interests in the associate. Unrealized losses are also eliminated, as long as the unrealized loss is not an impairment indicator of an asset which is being transferred.

When necessary, the Company may revise an associate’s financial statements, to apply consistent accounting policies as the Company, prior to applying the equity method investees decreaseof accounting for its investment in the associate.

The requirements of IFRS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement are applied to determine whether it is necessary to recognize any impairment loss with respect to the Company’s investment in an associate. When necessary, the entire carrying amount of the investment (including goodwill) is tested for impairment in accordance with IFRS 36 Impairment of Assets as a resultsingle asset by comparing its recoverable amount (higher of capital transactionsvalue in use and fair value less costs to sell) with its carrying amount, Any impairment loss recognized forms part of the investees with (or without) consideration, the decrease in the Company’s proportionate shares in the investees are accounted for as gain or loss on disposal.

h.  Valuation of Long-term Accounts Receivable — Other
Long-term accounts receivable are stated at the present valuecarrying amount of the expected future cash flows. Imputed interest amounts are recordedinvestment. Any reversal of that impairment loss is recognized in present value discount accounts which are deducted directly fromaccordance with IFRS 36 to the related nominal receivable balances. Such imputed interest is included in operations usingextent that the effective interest rate method overrecoverable amount of the collection period.
i.  Property and Equipment
investment subsequently increases.

i.    Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Major renewalsdepreciation and betterments,accumulated impairment losses. The cost of an item of property and equipment is directly attributable to their purchase or construction, which prolongincludes any costs directly attributable to bringing the useful lifeasset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. It also includes the initial estimate of the costs of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

Subsequent costs are recognized in carrying amount of an asset or enhanceas an asset if it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the valueassets will flow into the Company and the cost of assets, are capitalized; expenditures foran asset can be measured reliably. Routine maintenance and repairs are charged to expenseexpensed as incurred.

Depreciation is computed using the declining balancestraight-line method (except for buildings and structures acquired on or after January 1, 1995 which are depreciated using the straight-line method) over the estimated useful lives of the related assets as follows:

Assets

Useful lives (years)

Buildings and structures

   15~50  
Assets

Machinery

  
Depreciation Method
3~15Useful Lives (Years)
  
Buildings

Office equipment, tools and structuresmisc.

  Declining balance method (straight-line method)4~10  15~50
MachineryDeclining balance method3~15
OtherDeclining balance method4~9
Interest expenses

The Company reviews its depreciation method, the estimated useful lives and other financing charges for borrowings related to the manufacture or constructionresidual values of property and equipment at the end of each annual reporting period. If expectations differ from previous estimates, the changes are chargedaccounted for as a change in an accounting estimate.

The carrying amount of an item of property and equipment is derecognized on disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal. The gain or loss arising from the derecognition of an item of property and equipment is determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the item, and is included in net income when the item is derecognized.

For Company’s policy on impairment on Property & Equipment and Intangible Assets other than Goodwill refer to current operations as incurred.

j.  Intangible Assets
Intangible assetsNote 2.m below.

j.    Investment Property

Investment properties are properties held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation. Investment properties are measured initially at cost, including transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, investment properties are stated at cost less amortization computedaccumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

While land is not depreciated, all other investment property is depreciated based on the respective assets estimated useful lives ranging from 15 ~ 50 years using the straight-line method over 2 to 20 years.

method.

The Company capitalizesreviews the costdepreciation method, the estimated useful lives and residual values of internal-use software which has a useful life in excessinvestment property at the end of one year. Capitalized internal-use software costseach annual reporting period. If expectations differ from previous estimates, the changes are amortized using the straight-line method over 5 years and are recorded in intangible assets.

k.  Government Subsidy
Government subsidy which has been received, in cash, that has not been used as of the reporting period end, is presented on the face of the statements of financial position, as net of cash and cash equivalents.
For government subsidy which has been used for the acquisition of certain assets, is accounted for as a deductionchange in an accounting estimate.

An investment property is derecognized upon disposal or when the investment property is permanently withdrawn from use and no future economic benefits are expected from the acquisition costdisposal. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the property (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset) is included in net income in the period in which the property is derecognized.

k.    Goodwill

Goodwill is measured as the excess of the sum of: a) the consideration transferred, b) the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree, and c) the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree (if any); over the net fair value of the acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired assets. Such subsidyand the liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not depreciated, but tested for impairment at the end of each annual reporting period. Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses and the impairment losses are not reversed.

Goodwill is not subject to amortization but is tested for impairment annually or whenever there is an indication that the asset may be impaired. For the purpose of impairment testing, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows, known as cash-generating units. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is offset againstless than the depreciation or


F-17

carrying amount of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

amortization

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the acquired assets during such assets’ useful life. Government subsidy, which is required to be repaid, is recorded as a liabilityunit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the Statementsunit. Impairment losses recognized for goodwill are not reversed in a subsequent period. Recoverable amount is the higher of financial position. Government subsidyfair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

l.    Intangible Assets

Intangible assets with no repayment obligation, whichdefinite useful lives are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses.

Amortization is used to purchaserecognized on a designated asset or to develop a certain technology, is presented as a deductionstraight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related asset and is amortized against the depreciation or amortization expense of the related asset. Government subsidy, contributed to compensate for specific expenses, is offset against the related expensesintangible assets as incurred.

follows:

l.  Assets

Impairment LossesUseful lives (years)

Frequency use rights

6~13

Land use right

5

Industrial right

5~10

Software development costs

5

Customer relationships

4~9

Other

5~20
When

The Company reviews the amortization method, the estimated useful lives and residual values of intangible assets at the end of each annual reporting period. If expectations differ from previous estimates, the changes are accounted for as a change in an accounting estimate.

Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but tested for impairment at the end of each annual reporting period. In the case of amortizable intangible assets, the Company reviews impairment at such time when events occur that indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

An intangible asset is derecognized on disposal, or when no future economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal. The gains or losses arising from derecognition of an intangible asset, measured at the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset, are recognized in net income when the asset is derecognized.

For Company’s policy on impairment on Property & Equipment and Intangible Assets other than Goodwill refer to Note 2.m below.

m.    Impairment of tangible and intangible assets other than goodwill

At the end of each reporting period, the Company reviews the carrying amounts of its plant and property and its intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication of impairment such as significant decrease in the market value of an asset and carrying amount of property and equipment exceeds their estimated total future non-discounted cash flows from continued use or disposal, the carrying value is reduced to the recoverable amount, determined as present value of future cash flows, and any difference is charged to current operation asthat those assets have suffered an impairment losses.

Whenloss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. Where a reasonable and consistent basis of allocation can be identified, corporate assets (that are not recorded at fair value) including investmentalso allocated to individual cash-generating units, or otherwise they are allocated to the smallest group of cash-generating units for which a reasonable and consistent allocation basis can be identified.

Intangible assets (except for trading andavailable-for-sale investments in listed companies)with indefinite useful lives and intangible assets not yet available for use are significantly less thantested for impairment at least annually, and whenever there is an indication that the carrying value due to obsolescence, physical damage, decline in market value or other causes, the carrying value is reduced to the recoverable amount and any difference is charged to current operation as an impairment losses. Impairment losses for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were W12,733 million, W7,256 million and W31,864 million, respectively.

m.  Convertible Bonds and Bonds with Stock Purchase Warrants
The proceeds from issuance of convertible bonds are allocated between the conversion rights or warrant rights and the debt issued; the portion allocable to the conversion rights is accounted for as capital surplus with a corresponding conversion right adjustment which is deducted from the related bonds. Such conversion right adjustment is amortized to interest expense using the effective interest rate method over the redemption period of the convertible bonds. The portion allocable to the conversion rights is measured by deducting the present value of the debt at time of issuance from the gross proceeds from issuance of convertible bonds, with the present value of the debt being computed by discounting the expected future cash flows (including call premium, if any) using the effective interest rate applied to ordinary or straight debt of the Company at the issuance date.
n.  Discounts on Bonds
Discounts on bonds are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest rate method over the redemption period of the bonds.
o.  Valuation of Long-term Payables
Long-term payables resulting from long-term installment transactions are stated at present value of the expected future cash flows. Imputed interest amounts are recorded in present value discount accounts which are deducted directly from the related nominal payable balances. Such imputed interest is included in operations using the effective interest rate method over the redemption period.
p.  Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets
The Company recognizes a provision when i) it has a present obligation as a result of a past event, ii) it is probable that a disbursement of economic resources willasset may be required to settle the obligation, and iii) a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation (See Note 26). When a possible range of loss in connection with a probable loss contingency as of the end of the reporting period is estimable with reasonable certainty, and some amount within that range appears at the time to be a better estimate than any other amount within the range, the


F-18

impaired. Recoverable


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Company accrues such amount. When no

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

amount withinis the range appearshigher of fair value less costs to besell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a better estimate than any other amount,pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the minimum amount in that range is recorded.

The Company does not recognizetime value of money and the following contingent obligations as liabilities:
• Possible obligations relatedrisks specific to past events, for which the existence of a liability can only be confirmed upon occurrence of uncertain future event or events outside the control of the Company.
• Present obligations arising from past events or transactions, for which i) a disbursement of economic resources to fulfill such obligations is not probable or ii) a disbursement of economic resources is probable, but the related amount cannot be reasonably estimated.
In addition, the Company does not recognize potential assets related to past events or transactions,asset for which the existenceestimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset or future benefit can only(or a cash-generating unit) is estimated to be confirmed upon occurrence of uncertain future event or events outsideless than its carrying amount, the controlcarrying amount of the asset (or the cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognized immediately in income or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

n.    Government Grants

Government grants are not recognized until there is reasonable assurance that the Company will comply with the conditions attached to the grants and it is probable that the Company will receive such grants.

Government grants for acquiring or constructing non-current assets are recognized as a deduction of the related assets’ book value in the consolidated statement of financial position, and is recognized into income or expense as a deduction to depreciation expense over the useful life of the related assets. Other government grants are recognized in income or expense when Company recognizes the related expenses for which the grants are intended to reimburse.

Government grants for specific expenditure reimbursement, losses already incurred by the Company, and immediate financial support with no future expenditure requirements are recognized in other operating revenue in the period in which they become receivable by the Company.


q.  Accrued Severance Indemnities
In

o.    Borrowing Costs

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets, until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale. Investment income earned on the temporary investment of specific borrowings pending their expenditure on qualifying assets is deducted from the borrowing costs eligible for capitalization. All other borrowing costs are recognized in net income in the period in which they are incurred.

p.    Leases

Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases are initially recognized as assets of the Company at their fair value at the inception of the lease or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the statement of financial position as a finance lease obligation.

Lease payments are apportioned between finance expenses and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance expenses are recognized immediately in net income, unless they are directly attributable to qualifying assets, in which case they are capitalized in accordance with the policiesCompany’s general policy on borrowing costs. Contingent rentals are recognized as expenses in the periods in which they are incurred.

Operating lease payments are recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, except where another systematic basis is more representative of the Company, all employees with more than one year of servicetime pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are entitled to receive severance indemnities, based on length of service and rate of pay, upon termination of their employment. Accruals for severance indemnitiesconsumed. Contingent rentals arising under operating leases are recorded to approximaterecognized as an expense in the amount required to be paid if all employees were to terminate at the end of the reporting period.

SK Telecom and certain domestic subsidiaries have deposits with insurance companies to fund the portion of the employees’ severance indemnitiesperiod in which is in excess of the tax deductible amount allowed under the Corporate Income Tax Law, in order to take advantage of the additional tax deductibility for such funding. Such deposits with outside insurance companies, where the beneficiariesthey are their employees, totaling W68,559 million, W76,383 million and W96,266 million as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively, are deducted from accrued severance indemnities.
In accordance with the Korean National Pension Fund Law, SK Telecom and its domestic subsidiaries transferred a portion of its accrued severance indemnities to the National Pension Fund through March 1999. Such transfers, amounting to W27 million, W6 million and W6 million as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively, are deducted from accrued severance indemnities.


F-19

incurred


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

q.    Derivative Financial Instruments

Changes

Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value at the date the derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at the end of each reporting period. The resulting gain or loss is recognized in accrued severance indemnities for 2008, 2009income or expense immediately, unless the derivative is designated and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Beginning net balance W44,322  W53,815  W57,655 
Provision for continuing operation  92,501   55,711   86,797 
Provision for discontinued operation  593   372   276 
Payments to employees for continuing operation  (106,241)  (37,953)  (63,185)
Payments to employees for discontinued operation  (796)  (403)  (381)
Net increase (decrease) due to the changes in consolidated subsidiaries  44,718   (4,349)  1,360 
Changes in deposits for severance indemnities  (21,282)  (9,538)  (19,618)
             
Ending net balance W53,815  W57,655  W62,904 
             
Ending balance:            
Accrued severance indemnities W122,401  W134,044  W159,176 
Deposits with insurance companies  (68,559)  (76,383)  (96,266)
National Pension Fund  (27)  (6)  (6)
             
Net balance W53,815  W57,655  W62,904 
             
r.  Accounting for Leases
A lease is classifiedeffective as a finance leasehedging instrument. The Company enters into cash flow and fair value hedges.

The Company designates certain hedging instruments, which include derivatives, embedded derivatives and non-derivatives in respect of foreign currency risk, as either fair value hedges or an operating lease dependingcash flow hedges. Hedges of foreign exchange risk on the extent of transfer to the Company of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership. If a lease meets any one of the following criteria, it isfirm commitments are accounted for as a finance lease:

• The lease transfers ownership of the asset to the lessee by the end of the lease term;
• The lessee has the option to purchase the asset at a bargain price and it is certain that the option will be exercised;
• The lease term is for the major part (75% or more) of the economic life of the asset even if title is not transferred;
• At the date of lease commencement, the present value of the minimum lease payments amounts to at least substantially all (90% or more) of the fair value of the leased asset; or
• The leased assets are of such a specialized nature that only the lessee can use them without major modifications.
All other leases are treated as operating leases.
Assets and liabilities related to finance leases are recorded as property and equipment and obligations under finance leases, respectively,cash flow hedges.

At the inception of the hedge relationship, the entity documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the related interest is calculated usinghedged item, along with its risk management objectives and its strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. Furthermore, at the effective interest rate method and charged to expense. For operating leases, the future minimum lease payments are expensed ratably over the lease term while contingent rentals are expensed as incurred.

s.  Research and Development Costs
The Company charges substantially all research and development costs to expense as incurred. The Company incurred internal research and development costs of W226,713 million, W236,269 million and W270,378 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively, and external research and development costs


F-20


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
of W72,993 million, W56,867 million and W81,582 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.
t.  Foreign-based Operations’ Translation Adjustment
In translating the foreign currency financial statementsinception of the Company’s overseas subsidiaries into Korean won,hedge and on an ongoing basis, the Company presentsdocuments whether the translationhedging instrument is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the Company revokes the hedging relationship, when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, or when it no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. Any gain or loss as a foreign-based operations’ translation adjustmentrecognized in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) section ofand accumulated in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognized when the Statements of financial position. The translationforecast transaction is ultimately recognized in profit or loss. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the gain or loss arises from the application of different exchange rates; the year-end rate for Statements of financial position items except stockholders’accumulated in equity the historical rate for stockholders’ equity and the daily average rate for statement ofis recognized immediately in income items.

u.  Accounting for Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation Adjustment
SK Telecom and its domestic subsidiaries maintain their accounts in Korean won. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded in Korean won based on the prevailing rate of exchange at the dates of transactions. As allowed under Korean GAAP, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements at the Base Rates announced by Seoul Money Brokerage Services, Ltd. on the end of the reporting periods, which, for U.S. dollars, were W1,257.50=US$1, W1,167.60=US$1 and W1,138.90=US$1 at December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. The resulting gains and losses arising from the translation or settlement of such assets and liabilities are included in current operations.
v.  Derivative Instruments
The Company records rights and obligations arising from derivative instruments as assets and liabilities, which are stated at fair value.
loss.

Cash flow Hedge Accounting

For derivative instruments designated as hedges; items that hedge against the exposure of variable cash flows,cashflow hedges, the effective portions of the gains or losses on the hedging instruments are recorded as part of accumulatedother comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognized immediately in income or loss. Amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and credited/chargedaccumulated in equity are reclassified to operations atincome or loss in the timeperiods when the hedged transactions affect earnings, anditem is recognized in income or loss, in the ineffective portionssame line of the gainsconsolidated statement of income as the recognized hedged item. However, when the hedged forecast transaction results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or losses are charged immediately to current earnings.

Thea non-financial liability, the gains and losses previously recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity are transferred from equity and included in the initial measurement of the cost of the non-financial asset or non-financial liability.

Fair value Hedge Accounting

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that result fromare designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recognized in income or loss immediately, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk. The change in the fair value of derivative instruments are reportedthe hedging instrument and the change in current earnings.

w.  Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when they are realized or realizable and earned. Revenues are realized or realizable and earned when the Company has persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the goods have been delivered or the services have been renderedhedged item attributable to the customer, sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.
The Company’s revenue is principally derived from telecommunication service including data services and wireless device sales. Telecommunication service consists of fixed monthly charges, usage-related charges and non-refundable activation fees. Fixed monthly chargeshedged risk are recognized in the period earned. Usage-related charges areline of the statement of income relating to the hedged item.

r.    Retirement Benefit Obligation

The retirement benefit obligation recognized in the statement of financial position represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation as adjusted for unrecognized past service cost, and as reduced by the fair value of plan assets.

For defined retirement benefit plans, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial valuations being carried out at the time servicesend of each reporting period. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is denominated in the same currency in which the benefits are rendered. Non-refundable activation fees are recognized whenexpected to be paid, and calculated at the activation service was performed.

Meanwhile, the Company recognizes sales revenues on a gross basis when the Companydiscount rate which is the primary obligator in the transactions with customers and if the Company merely acts an agent for the buyer or seller from whom it earns a commission, then sales revenues are recognized on a net basis.
SK Telecom’s subsidiaries also sell products and merchandises to customers and these sales are recognizedyield at the time products and merchandises are delivered.


F-21

reporting date on high quality corporate bonds that have


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

maturity dates approximating the terms of the Company’s obligation. The Company recognizes actuarial gains and losses arising from defined benefit plans as other comprehensive income in retained earnings, actuarial gains and losses are not reclassified to income or loss thereafter.

s.    Provisions

x.  Income Taxes

Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Company will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

The amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. When the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation. The discount rate used is the pre-tax interest rate reflecting the inherent risk of liabilities and the market’s valuation on the present value of money. Changes in provisions caused by elapse of time are the financial cost as incurred and recognized in income or expense.

At the end of each reporting period, the remaining provision balance is reviewed and assessed to determine if the current best estimate is being recognized. If the existence of an obligation to transfer economic benefit is no longer probable, the related provision is reversed during the period.

t.    Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized to the extent the Company has delivered goods or rendered services under an agreement, the amount of revenue can be measured reliably and it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Company. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received, exclusive of taxes and discounts.

The Company principally obtains revenue from providing the wireless telecommunication services (which include activation charge, basic charges, voice charge, data charge, interconnection charges) and data-roaming services. The Company also provides fixed line services (which include fixed line telephone services and broadband internet services), sale of handsets, commerce services and portal services.

Wireless services including interconnection services

Revenue for basic charges, voice charge, data charge, interconnection charges and data-roaming services by contract customers is recognized as services are performed. Unbilled revenue resulting from services already provided is accrued for at the end of each period, while unearned revenue related to services to be provided for in future periods are deferred and recognized when are rendered. Revenues related to activation of service is deferred and recognized over the average customer retention period, while the related activation costs are expensed as incurred.

Fixed line services

Revenues from fixed line telephone services (which include domestic short and long distance charges, international phone connection charge) and broadband internet services are recognized as services are performed.

Sale of Handsets

Revenue for handset sales are recognized when the handsets are delivered to the end customer and the sale is considered complete. Any discounts related to the handsets are deducted from sales.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

Bundled Arrangements

When the Company sells both handsets and wireless services to subscribers, the Company recognizes these transactions separately as sales for handset sales and wireless telecommunication services

Commerce Services and Portal Services

Commerce services represent revenue obtained from the Company’s on-line shopping mall. Portal services include on-line advertising and social network service provided by SK Communication, a subsidiary of the Company. Revenue for commerce services and portal services are recognized to the extent the Company has delivered goods or rendered services under an agreement. Meanwhile, when the Company acts as an agent of a supplier, the Company records its revenue on a net basis (total sales less related expenses paid to the suppliers).

Rainbow Points

For its marketing purposes, the Company grants Rainbow Points to its subscribers based on their usage of services. Points are provided based on the historical usage experience and the Company’s marketing policy. These points are recorded as a deduction of revenue and deferred until the customer uses the points or the points expire. Points expire on their fifth anniversary. For the Company’s Point Box Points, refer to FN 15.

u.    Income Tax and Deferred Tax

Income tax expense is determined by adding or deducting the total incomeconsists of current tax and surtaxes to be paiddeferred tax.

1)    Current tax

The tax currently payable is based on taxable income for the year. Taxable income differs from income as reported in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income because of items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and items that are never taxable or deductible. The Company’s liability for current period andtax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the changes in deferred incomeend of the reporting period.

2)    Deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Deferred tax is recognized on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profits.income. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognized for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are generally recognized for all deductible temporary differences andto the extent that it is probable that taxable income will be available against which those deductible temporary differences can be utilized. Such deferred tax assets and liabilities are not recognized if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable income nor the accounting income.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and associates, and interests in joint ventures, except where the Company is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax assets arising from deductible temporary differences associated with such investments and interests are only recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable profitsthere will be availablesufficient taxable income against which to utilize the deductiblebenefits of the temporary differences can be utilized. and they are expected to reverse in the foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profitsincome will be available to allow all or part of the assetsasset to be recovered.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are classified intomeasured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period in which the liability is settled or the asset realized, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the Company expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.

The Company offsets deferred tax assets and liabilities if, and only if the Company has a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and the deferred tax assets and the deferred tax liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities which intend either to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.

3)    Current and deferred tax for the year

Current and deferred tax are recognized in income, except when they relate to items that are recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case, the current and non-current based ondeferred tax are also recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively. Where current tax or deferred tax arises from the classification of related assets or liabilitiesinitial accounting for financial reporting purposes.

y.  Net Income Per Share
Net income per sharea business combination, the tax effect is computed by dividing net income byincluded in the weighted average number of common shares outstanding duringaccounting for the period. Diluted net income per share of common stock is calculated by dividing adjusted net income by adjusted weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period, taking into account the dilutive effect of stock option and convertible bonds.
z.  business combination.

v.    Handset Subsidies to Long-term Mobile Subscribers

Effective April 1, 2008, the Telecommunication Business Act was revised to allow wireless carriers to provide handset subsidies to customers without any restrictions. As a result, theDealers for Long-term Mobile Subscribers

The Company provides lump-sum handset subsidies to dealers that subscribe customers who agree to use the Company’s service for thea predetermined service period and theperiod. The subsidies are charged to commission paid (operating expense) asexpense when the related payments are made. In case wherecustomer subscribes to the service.

When customers agree to use the Company’s service for thea predetermined service period and purchase handsets on an installment basis, the subsidies to dealers are also charged to commission paid every month overexpense when the installment periodcustomers subscribe to the service, however, net of amounts expected to be forfeited due to the customer not fulfilling the customer obligation.

w.    Assets Held for Sale

Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable and the non-current asset (or disposal group) is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Management must be committed to the sale, which should be expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year from the date of classification.

When the Company provides provisionis committed to a sale plan involving loss of control of a subsidiary, all of the assets and liabilities of that subsidiary are classified as held for handset subsidies estimatedsale when the criteria described above are met, regardless of whether the Company will retain a non-controlling interest in its former subsidiary after the sale. Non-current assets (and disposal groups) classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their previous carrying amount and fair value less costs to be paidsell.

x.    Critical accounting judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the Company accounting policies, management is required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience (See note 26).

aa.  Use of Estimates
The Company’s management makes reasonable estimates and assumptions in preparing the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the Republic of Korea. These estimates and assumptions can change according to additional experiences, changes in circumstances, new information and other and couldfactors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from actual results.
ab.  Discontinued Operation
When a subsidiary is disposed during the year, the results of its operations are treated as a discontinued operation in the consolidated income statement and presented as a separate item between income tax expense for continuing operation and net income. Meanwhile, comparative financial statements for the years endedDecember 31, 2008 and 2009 were restated and separately present discontinued operation and cash flows relating to discontinued operation for the current year.
As a result of resolution of the Board of Directors on April 26, 2010, the Company sold its shares of IHQ Inc., a subsidiary of the Company. Accordingly, the Company presents the related income and loss in aggregate with other


F-22

these estimates.


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

discontinued operations during

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

The following are critical assumptions and key sources of estimation uncertainty at the end of the reporting period, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.

1)    Fair value measurement of financial instruments

Subsequent to initial recognition, available-for-sale financial assets and derivative financial assets are stated at fair value with any gains or losses arising on remeasurement recognized in net income or other comprehensive income. When measuring fair value, if there is quoted price in active market, the Company uses it. But, if quoted price does not exist, the Company uses valuation techniques that require management’s judgments on the expected future cash flows and discount rates. Refer to FN 4.

2)    Allowance for doubtful accounts of trade/other receivables and loans

The Company estimates allowance for uncollectible receivables for the period involving judgment and estimations based on the aging of accounts receivables at the end of the period, past customer default experience and their credit status, and economic and industrial factors. Refer to FN 5.

3)    Impairment of goodwill

Determining whether goodwill is impaired requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated. The value in use calculation requires the Company to estimate the future cash flows expected related to the respective cash-generating unit and the determination of an appropriate discount rate in order to calculate present value. Refer to FN 11.

4)    Measurement of property and equipment, intangible assets

If the Company acquires property and equipment or intangible assets from a business combination, it is required to estimate the fair value of the assets at the acquisition date and to estimate the useful lives of such assets for depreciation and amortization.

5)    Business combinations

The recognition of business combinations requires the excess of the purchase price of acquisitions over the net book value of assets acquired to be allocated to the assets and liabilities of the acquired entity. The Company makes judgments and estimates in relation to the fair value allocation of the purchase price. If any unallocated portion is positive it is recognized as goodwill and if negative, it is recognized in the income statement.

6)    Estimation of useful life

The charge in respect of periodic depreciation is derived after determining an estimate of an asset’s expected useful life and the expected residual value at the end of its life. Increasing an asset’s expected life or its residual value would result in a reduced depreciation charge in the consolidated income statement. The useful lives and residual values of the Company’s assets are determined by management at the time the asset is acquired and reviewed annually for appropriateness. The lives are based on historical experience with similar assets as well as anticipation of future events which may impact their life such as changes in technology. Furthermore, network infrastructure is only depreciated over a period that extends beyond the expiry of the associated license under which the operator provides telecommunications services if there is a reasonable expectation of renewal or an alternative future use for the asset. Historically changes in useful lives and residual values have not resulted in material changes to the Company’s depreciation charge.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

7)    Provisions

Determining whether the Company will be required to settle the obligation incurred as a separate item. result of past events, and estimating the reliable value of obligation requires management’s judgment. Refer to FN 15.

8)    Retirement benefit plans

The resultsCompany has defined retirement benefit plans. The cost of providing benefits under the plan are determined using an actuarial valuation method that requires management assumptions on discount rates, expected rate of salary increase and expected rate of return on plan assets. These assumptions involve critical uncertainties due to the long-term nature of the IHQ Inc.’s discontinued operationretirement benefit plans. Refer to FN 17.

9)    Deferred tax

Recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities requires significant management judgment. Especially, when determining if deferred tax assets will be realizable or not in the future, involves significant management assumptions and judgment on the Company’s future performance. Refer to FN 24.

3.Transition to International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)

The Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with the requirements of IFRS on or after January 1, 2010, the date of transition, for IFRSs effective as of December 31, 2011. The consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2010 and the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2008, 20092010, which are comparatively presented, were previously prepared in accordance with previous GAAP(“Korean GAAP”) but were restated in accordance with IFRS 1,First-time adoption of International Financial Reporting Standard.

For the opening IFRS statement of financial position, the Company has applied the following exemptions from the requirements of IFRS and exceptions to the retrospective application of some aspects of IFRS as permitted by IFRS 1, First-time adoption of International Financial Reporting Standard.

a. Exemptions from IFRS

Business combinations

The Company has elected not to apply IFRS 3,Business Combinations, retrospectively to past business combinations that occurred before January 1, 2010, the date of transition to IFRS. The Company has recorded the value of goodwill at transition date of IFRS at its carrying value under Korean GAAP after any impairment on goodwill. No intangible assets were identified that might have been embedded in the goodwill.

Fair value or revaluation as deemed cost

The Company has elected to measure its certain property, plant and equipments at their fair value at the date of transition to IFRS and use that fair value as their deemed cost at that date.

Effect of revaluation in certain property, plant and equipment as of January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won)

Korean GAAP

Revaluation increaseIFRS

(Won) 8,165,879

(Won)69,538(Won)8,235,417

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

Leases

The Company has elected to apply the transitional provisions in International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”) 4, Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease (“IFRIC 4”); thereby determining whether the Company has any arrangements that exist at the date of transition to IFRS that contain a lease on the basis of facts and circumstances existing at January 1, 2010. No such arrangements were identified.

Borrowing costs

The Company has elected to apply the transitional provisions of IAS 23, Borrowing Costs (“IAS 23”), prospectively from the date of transition.

Cumulative translation differences

The Company has reset the cumulative currency translation adjustments for all foreign operations to zero as of the date of transition to IFRS.

b. Significant differences between IFRS and Korean GAAP in accounting policies

Korean GAAP

IFRS

(1)    Scope of Consolidation

The definition of control is similar to those in IFRS. However, some of the scope of consolidation is restricted by the Act on External Audit of Stock Companies as below.

•    An entity that another entity owns more than 30% of shares as the largest shareholder is included in consolidation.

•    A subsidiary with less than 10 billion Won in its total assets as of the previous fiscal year end is excluded from consolidation.

•    An unincorporated entity such as a partnership is excluded from consolidation.

Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. All entities controlled by the Company are consolidated regardless of quantitative significance. As a result, at transition date to IFRS, the Company’s change in scope of consolidation as compared with those of Korean GAAP.

Added : Broadband D&M Co., Ltd

             Broadband CS Co., Ltd

Excluded : F&U Credit Information Co., Ltd

                  IHQ, Inc

                  BMC Movie Expert Fund

                  BMC Digital Culture and Contents Fund

(2)    Employ benefits and retirement benefit obligation

Allowances for retirement benefits accrued equal to the amounts to be paid at the end of reporting period, assuming that all entitled employees with a service year more than a year would retire at once. Retirement benefit expenses incur at the point when the payment obligation is fixed. The Company recognized allowances for long-term employee benefit at the point when the payment obligation is fixed.

The Company has defined benefit plans and the amounts of defined benefit obligation are measured based on actuarial assumptions. The Company recognizes the expected cost of long-term employee benefit when the employees render service that increases their entitlement to future long-term employee benefit.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

Korean GAAP

IFRS

(3)    Property and Equipment

Under Korean GAAP, the Company uses the cost model in the measurement after initial recognition.

The depreciation method is required to be applied consistently at each period and cannot be changed unless there are justified reasons. For a newly acquired asset, the same depreciation methods applied to the existing, similar assets are applied consistently.

The Company revalued its property and equipment as at January 1, 2010 and used their fair values as deemed cost in the opening IFRS statement of financial position.

For the measurement after initial recognition, IAS 16, Property, Plant and Equipment allows for an entity to choose either the cost model or the revaluation model by the class of property and equipment and the Company has chosen the cost model.

The residual value, the useful life and the depreciation method of property and equipment are required to be reviewed at least at each financial year-end and, if expectations differ from previous estimates, the changes should be accounted for as a change in an accounting estimate in accordance with IAS 8, Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors.

The Company changed its depreciation method of equipment from a declining balance method to a straight-line method in connection with the adoption of IFRS.

(4)    Goodwill

Under Korean GAAP, the Company amortized Goodwill acquired as a result of business combination on a straight line method basis over 5~20 years.

Under IFRS, goodwill is not amortized. Impairment test was performed at the reporting date.

(5)    Transfer of financial assets

Under Korean GAAP, when the Company transferred a financial asset to a financial institution and it was determined that the control over such asset had been transferred; the Company derecognized the financial asset.

Under IFRS, if the Company substantially retains all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset, the asset is not derecognized but instead the related cash proceeds are recognized as financial liabilities.

(6)    Deferral of non-refundable activation fees

Under Korean GAAP, the Company recognized non-refundable activation revenue when the activation service was performed.

Under IFRS, the Company defers such revenue and recognizes it over the expected term of the customer relationship.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

Korean GAAP

IFRS

(7)    Income tax

Under Korean GAAP, deferred tax assets and liabilities were classified as either current or non-current based on the classification of their underlying assets and liabilities assuming that all differences from one entity are recovered or settled together. If there are no corresponding assets or liabilities, deferred tax assets and liabilities were classified based on the periods the temporary differences were expected to reverse.

Under Korean GAAP, differences between the carrying value and the tax base of the investments in subsidiaries, associates and interest in joint ventures were considered as temporary differences and recognized as deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Under IFRS, deferred tax assets and liabilities are all classified as non-current on the statement of financial position.

Under IFRS, the temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, and associates and interest in joint ventures is recognized as deferred assets and liabilities reflecting the manner in which Company expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.

(8)    Other reclassifications

1)    Membership

Under Korean GAAP, facility-use memberships were classified as other non-current assets

2)    Investment property

Under Korean GAAP, properties acquired for earning rental income and/or for capital appreciation were classified as property and equipment.

.

Under IFRS, facility-use memberships are recognized as intangible assets with an indefinite useful life.

Under IFRS, the properties owned to earn rentals or for capital appreciation or both is classified and accounted for as investment property in accordance with IAS 40, Investment Property.

(9) Effects on equity method investments

The aggregate effects of IFRS transition related to the Company’s equity method investments in associates.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

In connection with the opening IFRS statements of financial position, the effects on the Company’s financial position, management performance and cash flows due to the adoption of IFRS are as follows:

c.    Reconciliations to IFRS from Korean GAAP

(1)Reconciliations of equity at January 1, 2010 (date of transition to IFRS) (In million of Korean won)

   Note  Total assets  Total liabilities  Net equity 

Based on Korean GAAP

    (Won)23,206,256   (Won)10,861,631   (Won)12,344,625  

Adjustments:

      

Changes in scope of consolidation

  b-(1)   (62,440  3,735    (66,175

Property and equipment

  b-(3)   69,538        69,538  

Employee benefits and retirement benefit obligation

  b-(2)   15    25,048    (25,033

Transfer of financial assets

  b-(5)   416,242    400,753    15,489  

Non-refundable activation fees

  b-(6)       593,981    (593,981

Other adjustments

  b-(8)   (107,730  (73,521  (34,209

Deferred tax and tax effect of adjustments

  b-(7)   (185,157  (322,948  137,791  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total adjustment

     130,468    627,048    (496,580
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Based on IFRS

    (Won)23,336,724   (Won)11,488,679   (Won)11,848,045  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(2)Reconciliations of equity at December 31, 2010 and total comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2010 (in million of Korean won):

   Note  Total assets  Total liabilities  Net equity  Total
comprehensive
income
 

Based on Korean GAAP

    (Won)22,651,704   (Won)10,173,055   (Won)12,478,649   (Won)1,021,501  

Adjustments:

       

Changes in scope of consolidation

  b-(1)   (103,743  (13,053  (90,690  1,247  

Property and equipment

  b-(3)   477,044        477,044    407,811  

Goodwill

  b-(4)   151,900        151,900    142,176  

Employee benefits and retirement benefit obligation

  b-(2)   17    38,799    (38,782  (5,514

Transfer of financial assets

  b-(5)               (15,489

Effects on equity method investments

  b-(9)   18,430        18,430    7,717  

Nonrefundable activation fees

  b-(6)       533,783    (533,783  60,199  

Other adjustments

  b-(8)   44,507    94,943    (50,436  598  

Deferred tax and tax effect of adjustments

  b-(7)   (107,470  (103,137  (4,333  (140,695
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total adjustment

     480,685    551,335    (70,650  458,050  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Based on IFRS

    (Won)23,132,389   (Won)10,724,390   (Won)12,407,999   (Won)1,479,551  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

(3)    Details of cash flow adjustments

Under IFRS, dividends received, interest received, interest paid, and income tax paid which were not presented separately in the consolidated statement of cash flows under Korean GAAP, are now separately presented and the related income (expense) and assets (liabilities) have been adjusted for accordingly. Also, under IFRS, foreign currency translation amounts are presented gross as part of the related transactions and deducted against the effects of foreign exchange rate changes on the balance of cash held in foreign currencies. No other significant differences between the consolidated statements of cash flows prepared under Korean GAAP compared to IFRS have been noted.

(4)    For details on reclassification from operating to non-operating income due to the transition to IFRS from Korean GAAP, refer to FN 22 Other Operating Income and Expense.

4.FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

a.Details of financial assets as of December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

  December 31, 2011 
  Financial assets
designated as
FVTPL
  Available-for-sale
financial assets
  Loans and
receivables
  Derivatives
designated as
hedging instruments
  Total 

Cash and cash equivalents

 (Won)   (Won)   (Won)1,650,794   (Won)   (Won)1,650,794  

Financial Instruments

          987,192        987,192  

Short-term investment securities

      94,829            94,829  

Long-term investment securities (Note a)

  16,617    1,521,328            1,537,945  

Trade receivables, net (Note c)

          1,835,641        1,835,641  

Loan and other receivables, net (Note b)

          1,377,750        1,377,750  

Derivatives assets

  1,018            252,935    253,953  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 (Won)17,635   (Won)1,616,157   (Won)5,851,377   (Won)252,935   (Won)7,738,104  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

  December 31, 2010 
  Financial assets
designated as
FVTPL
  Available-for-sale
financial assets
  Loans and
receivables
  Derivatives
designated as
hedging instruments
  Total 

Cash and cash equivalents

 (Won)   (Won)   (Won)659,405   (Won)   (Won)659,405  

Financial Instruments

          567,269        567,269  

Short-term investment securities

      400,531            400,531  

Long-term investment securities (Note a)

      1,680,582            1,680,582  

Trade receivables, net (Note c)

          1,971,815        1,971,815  

Loan and other receivables, net (Note b)

          3,518,690        3,518,690  

Derivatives assets

  1,961            201,421    203,382  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 (Won)1,961   (Won)2,081,113   (Won)6,717,179   (Won)201,421   (Won)9,001,674  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

   January 1, 2010 
   Financial assets
designated as
FVTPL
   Available-for-sale
financial assets
   Loans and
receivables
   Derivatives
designated as
hedging instruments
   Total 

Cash and cash equivalents

  (Won)    (Won)    (Won)905,561    (Won)    (Won)905,561  

Financial Instruments

             478,535          478,535  

Short-term investment securities

        376,722               376,722  

Long-term investment securities (Note a)

        2,443,978               2,443,978  

Trade receivables, net (Note c)

             1,865,874          1,865,874  

Loan and other receivables, net (Note b)

             3,594,065          3,594,065  

Derivatives assets

   148,569               166,089     314,658  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)148,569    (Won)2,820,700    (Won)6,844,035    (Won)166,089    (Won)9,979,393  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Note a)Long-term investment securities designated as FVTPL consist of financial instruments with an embedded derivative (convertible options) which cannot be bifurcated from the host contract; as such the entire financial instrument is measured at fair value whose changes are recognized in current period income.
(Note b)Details of loan and other receivables as of December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   December 31, 2011   December 31, 2010   January 1, 2010 

Short-term loans, net

  (Won)100,429    (Won)94,924    (Won)75,941  

Accounts receivable — other, net

   908,836     2,531,847     2,421,874  

Advanced payments and other(*)

   22,309     30,157     20,431  

Long-term loans, net

   95,565     84,323     81,109  

Long-term accounts receivable — other, net

   5,393     527,106     761,735  

Guarantee deposits

   245,218     250,333     232,975  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (Won)1,377,750    (Won)3,518,690    (Won)3,594,065  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(*)Advanced payments and other noted above is included in the Company’s statement of financial position, current assets, Advance payments and other line balance. However, the financial statement line item includes additional other balances not shown in above schedule.
(Note c)Details of Trade receivables, net as of December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   December 31, 2011   December 31, 2010   January 1, 2010 

Accounts receivable — trade, net

  (Won)1,823,170    (Won)1,949,397    (Won)1,832,697  

Long-term trade receivables, net(*) (FN 5.b)

   12,471     22,418     33,177  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (Won)1,835,641    (Won)1,971,815    (Won)1,865,874  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(*)Long-term trade receivables, net are included in the Company’s statement of financial position, non-current assets and other.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

b.Details of financial liabilities as of December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   December 31, 2011 
   Financial liabilities
designated as
FVTPL
   Financial liabilities
at amortized cost
   Derivatives
designated as
hedging instruments
   Total 

Accounts payable-trade

  (Won)    (Won)195,391    (Won)    (Won)195,391  

Derivatives liabilities

             4,645     4,645  

Borrowings (FN 13.a, 13.b)

        1,035,074          1,035,074  

Bonds payable (Note a) (FN 13.c)

   397,886     4,363,002          4,760,888  

Other payables (Note b)

        3,312,642          3,312,642  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)397,886    (Won)8,906,109    (Won)4,645    (Won)9,308,640  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   December 31, 2010 
   Financial liabilities
designated as
FVTPL
   Financial liabilities
at amortized cost
   Derivatives
designated as
hedging instruments
   Total 

Accounts payable-trade

  (Won)    (Won)195,777    (Won)    (Won)195,777  

Derivatives liabilities

   5,043          25,111     30,154  

Borrowings (FN 13.a, 13.b)

        1,272,056          1,272,056  

Bonds payable (Note a) (FN 13.c)

   461,655     4,071,328          4,532,983  

Other payables (Note b)

        2,485,789          2,485,789  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)466,698    (Won)8,024,950    (Won)25,111    (Won)8,516,759  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   January 1, 2010 
   Financial liabilities
designated as
FVTPL
   Financial liabilities
at amortized cost
   Derivatives
designated as
hedging instruments
   Total 

Accounts payable-trade

  (Won)    (Won)164,314    (Won)    (Won)164,314  

Derivatives liabilities

   3,372          67,441     70,813  

Borrowings (FN 13.a, 13.b)

        1,548,251          1,548,251  

Bonds payable (Note a) (FN 13.c)

   442,422     4,904,309          5,346,731  

Other payables (Note b)

        2,246,413          2,246,413  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)445,794    (Won)8,863,287    (Won)67,441    (Won)9,376,522  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Note a)Bonds payables designated as FVTPL consist of financial instruments with an embedded derivative (convertible options) which cannot be bifurcated from the host contract, as such the entire financial instrument is measured at fair value with changes recognized in current period income or expenses.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

(Note b)Details of other payables as of December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   December 31, 2011   December 31, 2010   January 1, 2010 

Accounts payables-other

  (Won)1,507,458    (Won)1,433,812    (Won)1,306,486  

Withholdings

   10,835     5,137     5,069  

Accrued expenses

   744,673     677,480     419,816  

Current portion of LT payables and other (Note c)

   120,452     214,416     219,810  

Long-term payables — other

   847,496     54,783     170,953  

Finance lease liabilities

   41,940     60,075     77,709  

Other non-current liabilities

   39,788     40,086     46,570  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (Won)3,312,642    (Won)2,485,789    (Won)2,246,413  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Note c)

Details of current portion of long-term debt, net as of December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows ( in millions of Korean won);

   December 31, 2011   December 31, 2010   January 1, 2010 

Current portion of LT payables (FN 14)

  (Won)89,144    (Won)168,948    (Won)149,217  

Current portion of finance lease liabilities (FN 16)

   31,308     45,468     70,593  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current portion of LT payables and other

   120,452     214,416     219,810  

Current portion of LT borrowings (FN 13.b)

  (Won)10,510    (Won)512,378    (Won)149,142  

Current portion of bonds-payables, net (FN 13.c)

   1,531,879     874,437     893,431  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (Won)1,662,841    (Won)1,601,231    (Won)1,262,383  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

c.    Financial Instruments Hierarchy

The following table provides an analysis of the Company’s financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value, classified as Level 1, 2, or 3, based on observable or unobservable fair value of the instrument.

Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly;

Level 3: Inputs that are not based on observable market data.

Fair values of financial instruments by hierarchy level as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Revenue W44,828  W42,954  W19,357 
Operating expense  (53,825)  (45,695)  (21,137)
Other income (expense)  (7,674)  (2,053)  5,280 
Income tax benefit         
             
Net loss (income) W(16,671) W(4,794) W3,500 
             
Cash flows from IHQ, Inc.’s discontinued operation for

   December 31, 2011 

Type

  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 

Financial assets designated as FVTPL

  (Won)    (Won)16,617    (Won)1,018    (Won)17,635  

Available- for-sale financial assets(*)

   1,192,386     532     197,019     1,389,937  

Derivatives assets designated as hedging instruments

        252,935          252,935  

Financial liabilities designated as FVTPL

   397,886               397,886  

Derivatives liabilities designated as hedging instruments

        4,645          4,645  

(*)Certain AFS securities which the Company was not able to reasonably estimate its fair value are recognized at acquisition cost, as such, excluded from above fair value disclosure.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

    December 31, 2010 

Type

  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 

Financial assets designated as FVTPL

  (Won)    (Won)    (Won)1,961    (Won)1,961  

Available- for-sale financial assets

   1,613,857     3,097     288,951     1,905,905  

Derivatives assets designated as hedging instruments

        201,421          201,421  

Financial liabilities designated as FVTPL

   461,655     5,043          466,698  

Derivatives liabilities designated as hedging instruments

        25,111          25,111  

For the yearsyear ended December 31, 2008, 2009,2011 and 2010, there is no transfer between Level 1 and Level 2.

Details of changes in financial assets classified as Level 3 for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (In millions of Korean won):

             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Operating activities W1,510  W162  W472 
Investing activities  (4,035)  (119)  17,729 
Financing activities  2,596   1,900    
             
Net W71  W1,943  W18,201 
             
As the Company liquidated SK-KTB Music Investment fund (“SK-KTB”)

   For the year ended December 31, 2011 

Type

 Beginning
Balance
  Acquisition  Income
/(loss)
  Comprehensive
Income
  Transfer  Disposal  Ending
Balance
 

Financial assets designated as FVTPL

 (Won)1,961   (Won)   (Won)(943 (Won)   (Won)   (Won)   (Won)1,018  

Available- for-sale financial assets

  288,951    1,976        (93,593      (315  197,019  

   For the year ended December 31, 2010 

Type

 Beginning
Balance
  Acquisition  Income
/(loss)
  Comprehensive
Income
  Transfer  Disposal  Ending
Balance
 

Financial assets designated as FVTPL

 (Won)1,235   (Won)   (Won)726   (Won)   (Won)   (Won)   (Won)1,961  

Available- for-sale financial assets

  225,664            82,280    (18,993      288,951  

SK TELECOM CO., a subsidiaryLTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

5.TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

a.    Details of the Company, during October 2010, the Company presents the related incomeshort-term trade and loss in aggregate with other discontinued operations during the period,receivables as a separate item. The details from SK-KTB’s discontinued operation for the years endedof December 31, 2008, 20092011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Revenue W83  W165  W915 
Operating expense  (166)  (114)  (280)
Other income (expense)  (394)  (511)  253 
Income tax expense         
             
Net income W(477) W(460) W888 
             
Cash flows from SK-KTB’s discontinued operation

  December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
  January 1,
2010
 

Accounts receivable — trade

 (Won)2,063,611   (Won)2,198,050   (Won)2,066,492  

Less allowance for doubtful accounts

  (240,441  (248,653  (233,525
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Accounts receivable — trade, net

  1,823,170    1,949,397    1,832,967  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Short-term loans

  102,693    96,353    80,819  

Less allowance for doubtful accounts

  (2,264  (1,429  (4,878
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Short-term loans, net

  100,429    94,924    75,941  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Accounts receivable — other

  953,821    2,577,961    2,471,992  

Less allowance for doubtful accounts

  (44,985  (46,114  (50,118
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Accounts receivable — other, net

  908,836    2,531,847    2,421,874  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Accrued income

  21,989    29,579    13,478  

Less allowance for accrued income

  (142  —      (266
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Accrued income, net

  21,847    29,579    13,212  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other

  462    579    7,219  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
 (Won)2,854,744   (Won)4,606,326   (Won)4,351,213  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

b.    Details of long-term trade and other receivables as of December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
  January 1,
2010
 

Long-term accounts receivable — trade

  (Won)12,471   (Won)22,418   (Won)32,907  

Long-term loans

   126,553    115,509    113,002  

Less allowance for doubtful accounts

   (30,988  (31,186  (31,893
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Long-term loans, net

   95,565    84,323    81,109  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Long-term accounts receivable — other

   5,393    527,106    761,735  

Guarantee deposits

   245,218    250,333    232,975  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  (Won)358,647   (Won)884,180   (Won)1,108,726  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

c.    Details of changes in allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009,2011 and December 31, 2010 are as follows (In millions of Korean won):

             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Operating activities W862  W516  W920 
Investing activities  5,735   (2,103)  8,277 
Financing activities         
             
Net W6,597  W(1,587) W9,197 
             
As a result

   For the years ended 
   December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 

Beginning balance

  (Won)327,382   (Won)320,680  

Increase of bad debt

   96,595    90,073  

Reversal of allowance for doubtful accounts

   (2,301  (805

Write-off

   (121,805  (97,979

Collection of receivables written off

   18,839    15,782  

Change in scope of consolidation and foreign exchange differences

   110    (369
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Ending balance

  (Won)318,820   (Won)327,382  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

d.    Details of resolutionaccounts receivable-trade and other receivables, overdue but not impaired, and impaired-accounts receivable as of the board of directors on July 23, 2009, SK Communications Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company, sold the Spicus division and the Company’s telephone english education division (“Spicus”), to


F-23


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Spicus Inc., a subsidiary of Altos Ventures, on August 1, 2009. The results of the Spicus’ discontinued operation for the years ended December 31, 20082011, December 31, 2010 and 2009January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):
         
  2008  2009 
 
Revenue W3,384  W2,770 
Operating expense  (5,120)  (3,653)
Other income (expense)     671 
Income tax expense  477   51 
         
Net income W(1,259) W(161)
         
Cash flows from Spicus’ discontinued operation for the years ended

   December 31, 2011  December 31, 2010  January 1, 2010 
   Accounts
receivable-
trade
  Other
receivables
(Note)
  Accounts
receivable-
trade
  Other
receivables
(Note)
  Accounts
receivable-
trade
  Other
receivables

(Note)
 

Accounts receivable

  (Won)1,417,574   (Won)1,287,606   (Won)1,573,968   (Won)3,413,129   (Won)1,474,817   (Won)3,521,278  

Overdue but not impaired accounts receivable

   34,030    32,144    69,105    25,035    41,475    18,269  

Impaired- accounts receivable

   624,478    136,379    577,395    159,256    583,107    141,673  

Sub-total

   2,076,082    1,456,129    2,220,468    3,597,420    2,099,399    3,681,220  

Doubtful accounts

   (240,441  (78,379  (248,653  (78,729  (233,525  (87,155
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Ending balance

  (Won)1,835,641   (Won)1,377,750   (Won)1,971,815   (Won)3,518,691   (Won)1,865,874   (Won)3,594,065  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(Note)

Consists of short-term loans, net, accounts-receivable-other, net, accrued income, net, long-term loans, net, long-term accounts receivable-other, net, guarantee deposits, and other.

The Company estimates allowance for doubtful accounts for the period based on the aging of accounts receivables at the end of the period, past customer default experience and their credit status, and economic and industrial factors.

Details of aging analysis of accounts receivable which are overdue but not impaired as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows (In millions of Korean won):

         
  2008  2009 
 
Operating activities W(1,531) W(1,069)
Investing activities  (23)  (112)
Financing activities      
         
Net W(1,554) W(1,181)
         
SK Communications Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company, sold all shares of Etoos Co., Ltd. to Cheong Sol as a resolution of the Board of Directors on October 19, 2009 and, as the payment, received a convertible bond, the face value of W50 billion. As a result, the Company presented its business of Etoos Co., Ltd. as discontinued operation and the details from Etoos Co., Ltd’s discontinued operation for the years ended2011, December 31, 20082010 and 2009January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):
         
  2008  2009 
 
Revenue W21,676  W19,357 
Operating expense  (18,699)  (20,547)
Other income (expense)  (2,874)  15,782 
Income tax expense  (28)  (3,653)
         
Net income W75  W10,939 
         
Cash flows from Etoos Co., Ltd.’s discontinued operation for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows (In millions of Korean won):
         
  2008  2009 
 
Operating activities W3,076  W224 
Investing activities  (112)  4,570 
Financing activities      
         
Net W2,964  W4,794 
         
On August 22, 2008, the Company disposed of its investment in Helio LLC (“Helio”) which was incorporated to provide cellular telephone communication service in the US to Virgin Mobile USA in accordance with the agreement entered into on June 27, 2008. As a result, the operation of Helio was presented as discontinued operation


F-24


   December 31, 2011   December 31, 2010   January 1, 2010 
   Accounts
receivable-
trade
   Other
receivable
(Note)
   Accounts
receivable-
trade
   Other
receivable
(Note)
   Accounts
receivable-
trade
   Other
receivable
(Note)
 

Less than 1 month

  (Won)9,125    (Won)15,384    (Won)9,070    (Won)4,823    (Won)5,445    (Won)3,355  

1 ~ 3 months

   8,063     3,147     6,149     3,046     1,127     1,205  

3 ~ 6 months

   4,124     713     3,579     1,677     25,561     1,220  

More than 6 months

   12,718     12,900     50,307     15,489     9,342     12,489  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (Won)34,030    (Won)32,144    (Won)69,105    (Won)25,035    (Won)41,475    (Won)18,269  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

and, the details from Helio’s discontinued operation for the years ended December

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 and 2008 are as following (in millions of Korean won):

2011 AND 2010

2008
RevenueW116,607
Operating expense(230,478)
Other income (expense)(15,917)
Income tax expense109,579
Preacquisition net loss for subsidiary
Net incomeW(20,209)
Cash flows from Helio’s discontinued operation for the year ended December 31, 2008 are as follows (In millions of Korean won):
2008
Operating activitiesW(213,899)
Investing activities(51,631)
Financing activities9,015
NetW(256,515)
ac.  (Note)Reclassification in the prior year’s financial statementsConsist of short-term loans, net, accounts-receivable-other, net, accrued income, net, long-term loans, net, long-term accounts receivable-other, net, guarantee deposits, and other.
For the purpose of improving the quality of the Company’s report, certain reclassifications have been made in the prior year’s financial statements to conform to the classifications used in the current year. The reclassification of prior year’s financial statements had no impact on equity or net income.

6.
3.  INVENTORIES

Inventories as of December 31, 2008, 20092011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 consist of the following (in millions of Korean won):

             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Merchandise W17,032  W114,015  W144,647 
Finished goods  4,079   2,324   3,406 
Semi-finished goods  509   618   475 
Raw materials  13   836   2,236 
Supplies  14,105   2,488   1,077 
             
Total  35,738   120,281   151,841 
Less allowance for valuation loss  (764)  (391)  (2,198)
             
Net W34,974  W119,890  W149,643 
             


F-25


   December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
  January 1,
2010
 

Raw materials and supplies

  (Won)4,630   (Won)3,319   (Won)3,347  

Work in process and semi-finished goods

   286    475      

Finished goods and merchandise

   219,823    147,445    117,273  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

   224,739    151,239    120,620  

Write-down of Inventory

   (5,149  (2,016  (1,303
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net

  (Won)219,590   (Won)149,223   (Won)119,317  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cost of inventory recognized as an expenses for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were (Won) 959,276 million and (Won) 640,933 million, respectively.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
7.
4.  INVESTMENT SECURITIES
a.  Short-term Investment Securities

a.    Short-term Investment Securities

Short-term investment securities as of December 31, 2008, 20092011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

                     
  Acquisition Cost
  Fair Value
          
  at December 31,
  at December 31,
  Carrying Amount 
  2010  2010  2008  2009  2010 
 
Trading Securities (Note) W200,000  W200,000  W367,001  W370,125  W200,000 
Current portion of long-term investment securities  161,058   195,929   5,912   6,598   195,929 
                     
Total W361,058  W395,929  W372,913  W376,723  W395,929 
                     

   Acquisition cost
at December 31,
2011
   Fair value
at December 31,
2011
   Carrying amount 
       December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
   January 1,
2010
 

Beneficiary certificate (Note)

  (Won)94,251    (Won)91,539    (Won)91,539    (Won)204,716    (Won)370,125  

Current portion of long-term investment securities

   3,004     3,290     3,290     195,815     6,597  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)97,255    (Won)94,829    (Won)94,829    (Won)400,531    (Won)376,722  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Note) The Company’s trading securities are alldistributions arising from some beneficiary certificates as of December 31, 2010, and distributions arising from beneficiary certificates2011, are accounted for as accrued income.
b.  Long-term Investment Securities

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

b.    Long-term Investment Securities

Long-term investment securities as of December 31, 2008, 20092011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Available-for-sale equity securities
 W3,102,833  W2,096,297  W1,847,788 
Available-for-sale debt securities
  8,261   445,954   32,385 
Held-to-maturity securities
  113   1,006    
             
Total  3,111,207   2,543,257   1,880,173 
Less current portion  (5,912)  (6,598)  (195,929)
             
Long-term portion W3,105,295  W2,536,659  W1,684,244 
             


F-26


   December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
  January 1,
2010
 

Equity securities:

    

Marketable equity securities

  (Won)1,100,847   (Won)1,409,142   (Won)1,821,677  

Unlisted equity securities

   97,397    90,368    44,081  

Investment in funds

   281,877    345,589    228,836  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Sub-total

   1,480,121    1,845,099    2,094,594  

Debt securities (Note 1):

    

Public bonds (Note 2)

   413    417    1,481  

Bond-type beneficiary certificate

           305,677  

Investment bonds (Note 3)

   60,701    30,881    48,823  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Sub-total

   61,114    31,298    355,981  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

   1,541,235    1,876,397    2,450,575  

Less current portion

   (3,290  (195,815  (6,597
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Long-term portion

  (Won)1,537,945   (Won)1,680,582   (Won)2,443,978  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(Note 1)The interest income earned from public bonds for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was (Won)7,660 million, (Won)2,057 million, respectively.

(Note 2)Details of maturity for the public bonds as of December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won)

   December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
   January 1,
2010
 

Less than 1 year

  (Won)45    (Won)4    (Won)1,063  

1 ~ 5 years

   368     413     418  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   413     417     1,481  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Note 3)The Company acquired convertible bonds of Nano En-Tech (Book Value: 16,617 million) during the year ended December 31, 2011 which are classified as financial asset at FVTPL. The difference between acquisition cost and fair value is accounted as a gain (loss) within financial asset at FVTPL of finance income (loss).

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

b-(1)  Available-for-saleFOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010 Equity Securities

Available-for-sale

8.INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES

Investments in associates accounted for using the equity securitiesmethod as of December 31, 2008, 20092011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won, except for share data):

                             
  December 31, 2010  Carrying Amount 
  Number
  Ownership
  Acquisition
             
  of Shares  Percentage (%)  Cost  Fair Value  2008  2009  2010 
 
Investments in listed companies
                            
SK C&C Co., Ltd. (note a)  2,050,000   4.1  W68,559  W178,760  W676,716  W201,600  W178,760 
Digital Chosunilbo Co., Ltd.   2,890,630   7.8   5,781   8,527   5,636   6,995   8,527 
KRTnet Corporation  234,150   4.4   1,171   1,520   1,098   1,573   1,520 
POSCO  2,481,310   2.8   332,662   1,209,639   942,898   1,533,450   1,209,639 
DAEA TI Co., Ltd.               89       
Extended Computing Environment Co., Ltd.               40       
nTels Co., Ltd.   205,200   6.2   34   871   504   1,161   871 
IHQ, Inc. (note b)  3,790,770   9.4   3,830   6,823         6,823 
Qualcomm Inc. (note k)              2,514       
China Unicom Ltd. (note k)              1,357,648       
LG Powercomm Co., Ltd. (note k)              39,433       
Sprint Nextel (note c)                 74,215    
Barunson  338,686   0.5   591   667         667 
De Chocolate E&TF Co., Ltd.               660       
Tesla Motors Inc.   83,017      2,845   2,518         2,518 
Medifron DBT Co., Ltd.               246       
C.C.S. Inc. and other        2,313   451   1,604   3,935   451 
                             
sub-total          417,786   1,409,776   3,029,086   1,822,929   1,409,776 
                             
Investments in non-listed companies
                            
The Korea Economic Daily  2,585,069   13.8   13,964   (note g)  13,964   13,964   13,964 
Skytel Co. Ltd. (note e)  1,130,834   17.0   1,251   14,811         14,811 
Dreamline Corp. (note d)  1,520,373   8.9   16,160   8,695   8,519   8,849   8,695 
iFinanceGlobal Co., Ltd  6,593   15.3   23,076   (note g)        23,076 
Other          156,033   (note f,g)  28,823   21,719   25,462 
                             
sub-total          210,484       51,306   44,532   86,008 
                             
Investments in funds
                            
Global Opportunities Breakaway Fund (note h)          244,183   256,882      175,140   256,882 
Others (note i, j)          100,810   (note c,g)  22,441   53,696   95,122 
                             
sub-total          344,993       22,441   228,836   352,004 
                             
Total         W973,263      W3,102,833  W2,096,297  W1,847,788 
                             
Less: current portion          (70,050)            (193,811)
Long-term portion         W903,213      W3,102,833  W2,096,297  W1,653,977 
                             
(note a)During the year ended December 31, 2009, the common stocks of SK C&C, the Company’s ultimate parent company, were listed on the Stock Market of Korea Exchange through an initial public offering (“IPO”), Upon SK C&C’s IPO, the Company sold 10,500,000 shares for W307,558 million resulting in gain on disposal of W65,109 million. The Company additionally disposed 2,450,000 shares for W202,333 million resulting in gain on disposal of W145,762 million during the year ended December 31,


F-27


  December 31, 2011  Carrying amount 
  Number of
shares
  Ownership
percentage
(%)
  Acquisition
Cost
  December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
  January 1,
2010
 

SK Marketing & Company Co., Ltd.

  5,000,000    50.0   (Won)190,000   (Won)128,320   (Won)117,905   (Won)112,531  

SK China Company Ltd.

  720,000    22.5    49,529    48,488    46,573    3,918  

SK USA, Inc.

  49    49.0    3,184    4,534    5,972    5,498  

MRO Korea Inc. (Note a)

  680,000    42.5    12,250    12,250          

Benex Sector Limited Partnership IV

  2,500    49.7    25,000    24,907    24,953      

F&U Credit information Co., Ltd.

  300,000    50.0    2,410    3,565    4,529    4,481  

Korea IT Fund (Note b)

  190    63.3    190,000    230,980    226,633    220,957  

JYP Entertainment Corporation

  691,680    25.5    4,150    4,008    4,150      

Konan Technology

  78,550    29.5    13,456    4,760    4,410    3,320  

Etoos Co., Ltd (Note c)

  701,000    15.6    18,993    13,928    14,339      

BMC Digital Culture and Contents Venture Fund

  100    39.8    10,000    8,415    8,925    9,824  

Wave City Development Co., Ltd.
(Note c)

  382,000    19.1    1,967    1,124    1,392    1,532  

IBKC-bmc Cultural Contents Fund

      25.0    2,500    2,326    2,292    2,398  

Hanhwa No.2 Daisy Entertainment Investment Fund

      20.0    2,000    1,165    2,008    2,102  

BMC Movie Expert Fund

  135    46.6    13,500    13,926    13,977    13,261  

HanaSK Card Co., Ltd.

  57,647,058    49.0    400,000    396,553    386,417      

Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.

  1,461,486    29.0    8,376    8,001    7,264    7,272  

Television Media Korea Ltd. (Note d)

  18,564,000    51.0    18,568    15,262    18,568      

Candle Media Co., Ltd. (formerly PREGM Co., Ltd.)

  11,010,280    28.9    26,334    11,814    19,313    15,000  

NanoEnTek, Inc. (Note e)

  1,807,130    9.3    11,000    10,470          

UNISK(Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd.

  49    49.0    3,475    5,886    4,714    4,247  

SK Industrial Development China Co., Ltd. (Note f)

      35.0    83,691    83,691        18,009  

PT. Melon Indonesia

  4,900,000    49.0    6,492    5,326    6,210      

Packet One Network (Note g)

  1,151,556    28.2    137,751    103,409    116,160      

Mobile Money Ventures, LLC

      50.0    12,762    983    3,206    5,534  

SK Technology Innovation Company (Note h)

      49.0    85,873    75,974    25,052      

LightSquared Inc. (Note c)

  3,387,916    3.3    72,096    49,441    72,096      

ViKi, Inc. (Note i)

      26.3    17,799    17,799          

IHQ, Inc. (Note j)

                      20,178  

Skytel Co., Ltd. (Note j)

                      14,958  

HanaroDream Incorporated (Note j)

                      6,687  

TR Entertainment and other

          156,907    97,300    67,634    78,206  
   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

   (Won)1,580,063   (Won)1,384,605   (Won)1,204,692   (Won)549,913  
   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

(Note a)2010. The Company recordedFor the remaining investment of 2,050,000 shares at its market value of W87,200 per share as ofyear ended December 31, 2010. Meanwhile,2011, the Company classified this security as short-term investment securities as the Company intends to dispose the security within one year. As of December 31, 2010, the Company accounted for accumulated gain on valuation of investments in the amount of W99,620 million (net of tax effect W31,805 million) as unrealized gain on valuation of investments and treated as other comprehensive income.
(note b)The Company disposed of 11,170,014acquired 680,000 shares of IHQMRO Korea Inc. stock during the year and has 3,790,330 shares (9.4% ownership) as of December 31, 2010. As a result, the Company reclassified book valueholds 42.5% ownership in MRO Korea Inc.
(Note b)Under an agreement with Korea IT Fund, the Company only has 14.3% voting rights, as such does not have control over Korea IT Fund.
(Note c)The Company classified the investments in Etoos Co., Ltd., Wave City Development Co., Ltd., and LightSquared Inc., as investments in associates as the Company can exercise significant influence on these investees through participation of their board of directors even though the remaining shares fromCompany has less than 20% of equity securities accountedinterests in those investees. Lightsquared plans to build a wholesale wireless broadband network in the United States, but has incurred recurring operating loss and the Federal Communications Commission has recently proposed to suspend its license due to signal interference with the global positioning system, which if not resolved may result in the Company recognizing a write-down on its investments in the near future.
(Note d)Though the Company has 51% ownership of Television Media Korea Ltd., it does not have control and the entity is considered a joint venture. Additionally, the Company accounts for usingjoint ventures under the equity method, toavailable-for-sale securities.
as such entity has been classified as investments in associates.
(note c)Note e)The investment in common stock of Sprint Nextel and others were sold duringFor the year ended December 31, 20102011, the Company acquired 1,807,130 shares of NanoEnTek, Inc. Though the Company only holds 9.3% ownership of NanoEnTek, Inc., it has the ability to exercise significant influence on NanoEnTek, Inc., through participation on their board of directors and as such the difference between the disposal price and acquisition cost was recordedentity is considered as loss on disposal of long term investment securities.
an equity method investee.
(note d)Note f)TheFor the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recorded its investmentadditionally invested (Won)83,691 million in common stock of Dreamline Corp. at its fair value (W5,719 per share) estimated using market approach and income approach valuation method and related unrealized losses on valuation ofSK Industrial Development China Co., Ltd. As a result, the investment are recordedCompany holds 35.0% ownership in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
SK Industrial Development China Co., Ltd.
(note e)Note g)For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company additionally invested (Won)17,895 million in Packet One Network and acquired additional 172,082 shares.
(Note h)For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company additionally invested (Won)57,727 million in SK Technology Innovation Company.
(Note i)For the year ended December 31, 2011, SK Planet Co., Ltd., the Company’s subsidiary, invested (Won)17,799 million and holds 26.3% ownership in ViKi, Inc. SK Planet acquired interest in Viki Inc., during November 2011.
(Note j)For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company entered into a transfer agreement for common stocksold majority of its interest in IHQ Inc. and Skytel Co., Ltd. and in accordance with the agreement,which subsequently are accounted for as available for sale securities, while the Company sold 820,943 shares for the year ended December 31, 2010 and plans to disposeall of its remaining sharesinterest in 2011. As a result, the Company reclassified the remaining shares from equity securities accounted for using the equity method to short-term investment securities and recorded the shares at their estimated selling price of W14,811 million as of December 31, 2010.
(note f)During the year ended 31, 2009, the Company recorded W6,245 million of impairment loss on investments in Mobinex Inc., Idea Culture Ltd., Alereon, Inc. as the Company deemed that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable in the future.
(note g)As a reasonable estimate of fair value could not be made, the investment is stated at acquisition cost.
(note h)The Company entered into a partnership arrangement with a foreign private equity fund during 2009. The Company recorded W9,905 million (net tax effect of W2,794 million), the difference between the acquisition cost and fair value as long term unrealized loss on valuation of investments as of December 31, 2010. The agreed aggregate investment amount is $200 million and the entire amount has been invested as of December 31, 2010.
(note i)During the year ended 31, 2010, YTK Investment Ltd., the Company’s subsidiary, entered into a partnership arrangement with a domestic private equity fund. The agreed aggregate investment amount is $23 million and the entire amount has been invested as of December 31, 2010.
(note j)During the year ended 31, 2010, YTK Investment Ltd., the Company’s subsidiary, entered into a partnership arrangement with a foreign private equity fund. The agreed aggregate investment amount is $200 million and $12 million has been invested as of December 31, 2010.
(note k)The investments in common stock of China Unicom Ltd. and others were all sold during the year ended December 31, 2009 and the difference between the disposal price (W1,655,085 million) and acquisition cost was recorded as gain or loss on disposal of long -term investment securities.Hanaro Dream Incorporation.


F-28


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

b-(2).  Available-for-sale Debt Securities

Available-for-sale debt securities as of DecemberFOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2009 and2011 AND 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):
                   
    Acquisition Cost
          
    at December 31,
  Carrying Amount 
  Maturity 2010  2008  2009  2010 
 
Public bonds (note a) W429  W1,260  W475  W429 
Closed beneficiary certificates       3,551   9    
Bond-type beneficiary certificates (note b)     1,868   305,668    
Hybrid Tier 1    100         114 
Subordinated corporate bonds (note c)          90,980    
Convertible bonds of MagicTech (note d) Mar. 2 2011  1,818      1,818    
Convertible bonds of Spicus, Inc. (note e) Aug. 31, 2014  1,492      1,492   1,573 
Convertible bonds of Etoos Co., Ltd (note f) (formerly Cheong Sol) Nov. 20, 2013  21,229      41,417   23,762 
Convertible bonds of Mediacorp, Inc. (note g) Mar. 21, 2009  884   332       
Convertible bonds of Mobicle Dec. 18, 2012  1,500      1,500   1,500 
Bond with Warrants of Displaytech May. 13, 2014  1,092      1,095   1,092 
Bond with Warrants of SDN Company Ltd.  Dec. 24, 2013  1,320         1,401 
Convertible bonds of SDN Company Ltd.  Dec. 24, 2013  500         514 
Convertible bonds of Namsung Electronics Co., Ltd.  Jul. 12, 2011  2,000         2,000 
Convertible bonds of XRONet Corporation Oct. 8, 2012        500    
Convertible bonds of PREGM Co., Ltd (note h) Dec. 22, 2014        1,000    
Others        1,250       
                   
Total    32,364   8,261   445,954   32,385 
Less current portion ofavailable-for-sale debt securities
    (2,104)  (5,911)  (5,592)  (2,118)
                   
Long-termavailable-for-sale debt securities
   W30,260  W2,350  W440,362  W30,267 
                   
The Interest income incurred fromavailable-for-sale debt securities for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were W5,226 million, W289 million and W27,746 million, respectively.
(note a)The maturities of public bonds as of December 31, 2010 are within 1 year for W4 million and within 5 years for W425 million.


F-29


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(note b)The maturities of bond-type beneficiary certificates as of December 31, 2009 are within one year is W5,534 million and within five years is W300,134 million.
(note c)The Company purchased subordinated bonds issued by its special purpose company in the asset-backed securitization of accounts receivable-other resulting from its mobile phone dealer financing plan. For the year ended December 31, 2010 all of the bonds were collected.
(note d)As of December 31, 2010, Magic Tech Network Co., Ltd is under a liquidation process. As the Company determined that there will likely be no consideration from the liquidation, it recognized the carrying amount of W1,818 million as an impairment loss on investment securities during the current period.
(note e)The face value of the convertible bonds is W1,492 million and those are convertible into 298,502 shares at a price of W5,000 each, at the date of 10 years after issuing date.
(note f)The face value of the convertible bonds are W25,000 million (second: W24,000 million, third: W1,000 million) and those are convertible into 769,500 shares at prices from W10,354 each to W35,633 each until one month before maturities. In accordance with the agreement between SK Communications Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company, and certain stockholders of Etoos Co., Ltd (formerly, Cheong Sol), the Company converted convertible bonds of which face value totals W25,000 million during the year ended December 31, 2010 and the Company recognized conversion loss of W1,196 million as other income.
(note g)Loen Entertainment, Inc., the Company’s subsidiary, holds the convertible bonds. As the Company determined that the recoverable amount is lower than the acquisition cost. it recorded the entire amount as an impairment loss on investment securities prior to 2009
(note h)Open Innovation Fund, the Company’s subsidiary, holds the convertible bonds of PREGM Co., Ltd. who during the current year also became a subsidiary of the Company. As such, the transaction is eliminated as an intercompany transaction.
b-(3).  Held-to-maturity Securities
Held-to-maturity securities as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):
                     
     Acquisition Cost
          
     at December 31,
  Carrying Amount 
  Maturity  2010  2008  2009  2010 
 
Public bonds  (note)    W113  W1,006  W 
Less current portion ofheld-to-maturity securities
          (1)  (1,006)   
                     
Long-termheld-to-maturity securities
         W112  W  W 
                     
The Company disposed all of itsheld-to-maturity securities on March 31, 2010.
(note)The maturities of all of the Company’s public bonds are within one year as of December 31, 2010.


F-30


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
b-(4).  Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Valuation on Long-term Investment Securities
The changes in unrealized gains (losses) on valuation on long-term investment securities for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):
                     
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2008 
           Non Controlling
    
        Transferred
  Interest in Equity
    
  Beginning
  Increase/
  to Realized
  of Consolidated
  Ending
 
  Balance  (Decrease)  Gain (Loss)  Subsidiaries  Balance 
 
Unrealized gains on valuation of long-term investment securities W2,402,333  W(1,462,221) W133  W986  W941,231 
Unrealized losses on valuation of long-term investment securities  (160,724)  (259,291)  6,882   5,582   (407,551)
                     
Sub-total  2,241,609   (1,721,512)  7,015   6,568   533,680 
Less tax effect  (616,996)  492,830   (1,453)  (219)  (125,838)
                     
Total W1,624,613  W(1,228,682) W5,562  W6,349  W407,842 
                     
                     
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2009 
           Non-controlling
    
        Transferred
  Interest in Equity
    
  Beginning
  Increase/
  to Realized
  of Consolidated
  Ending
 
  Balance  (Decrease)  Gain (Loss)  Subsidiaries  Balance 
 
Unrealized gains on valuation of long-term investment securities W941,231  W592,080  W(231,282) W(45) W1,301,984 
Unrealized losses on valuation of long-term investment securities  (407,551)  (12,028)  402,385   (430)  (17,624)
                     
Sub-total  533,680   580,052   171,103   (475)  1,284,360 
Less tax effect  (125,838)  (127,532)  (32,410)  8   (285,772)
                     
Total W407,842  W452,520  W138,693  W(467) W998,588 
                     
                     
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 
           Non-controlling
    
        Transferred
  Interest in Equity
    
  Beginning
  Increase/
  to Realized
  of Consolidated
  Ending
 
  Balance  (Decrease)  Gain (Loss)  Subsidiaries  Balance 
 
Unrealized gains on valuation of long-term investment securities W1,301,984  W(214,595) W(53,365) W(940) W1,033,084 
Unrealized losses on valuation of long-term investment securities  (17,624)  6,061   2,947   (289)  (8,905)
                     
Sub-total  1,284,360   (208,534)  (50,418)  (1,229)  1,024,179 
Less tax effect  (285,772)  42,812   12,564   194   (230,202)
                     
Total W998,588  W(165,722) W(37,854) W(1,035) W793,977 
                     


F-31


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
5.  EQUITY SECURITIES ACCOUNTED FOR USING THE EQUITY METHOD
Equity securities accounted for using the equity method as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won, except for share data):
                                 
     December 31, 2010                
  Number
  Ownership
  Acquisition
  Net asset
     Carrying Amount 
  of Shares  Percentage (%)  Cost  Value     2008  2009  2010 
 
SK Marketing & Company Co., Ltd.   5,000,000   50.0  W190,000  W118,698      W96,798  W109,314  W118,698 
HanaSK Card Co., Ltd.   57,647,058   49.0   402,476   309,433   (note a)        377,228 
SK Wyverns Baseball Club Co., Ltd.   199,997   100.0   1,000                 
Harex Info Tech, Inc.               (note b)  596   62    
SK Mobile     20   4,930   655       2,111   2,111   655 
Skytel Co., Ltd.               (note c)  13,858   14,958    
SK China Company Ltd.   720,000   22.5   49,529   47,396   (note d)  3,577   3,918   46,573 
SK Telecom China Co., Ltd.      100.0   7,340   9,315             9,315 
TR Entertainment     42.2   10,953   2,399       9,626   7,560   6,029 
ULand Company Ltd.   20,100,100   100.0   23,570   4,137          4,445   2,869 
SK USA, Inc.   49   49.0   3,184   5,551       5,249   5,498   5,551 
Korea IT Fund  190   63.3   190,000   232,791       210,735   219,709   232,791 
1st Music Investment Fund of SK-PVC  1,980   99.0   1,326   779          6,434   779 
2nd Music Investment Fund of SK-PVC  1,980   99.0   874   749             749 
Michigan Global Cinema Fund  500   45.5   5,000   4,512          4,587   4,512 
3rd Fund of Isu Entertainment  30   37.5   3,000   2,023       1,882   1,962   2,023 
AirCross Co., Ltd.                   7,289       
Virgin Mobile USA, Inc.                   62,096       
SK Telecom Advanced Tech & Service Center     100.0   6,989   9,667      ��      9,667 
Magic Tech Network Co., Ltd.   4,500   30.0   8,494      (note e)  7,725   5,267    
Wave City Development Co., Ltd.   382,000   19.1   1,967   1,391       1,908   1,532   1,391 
Prmaxsoftware tech.Co., Ltd.      97.2   11,665   100       7,127   2,432   100 
SK Beijing Industrial Development Co., Ltd.                      18,009    
Cyworld Japan Co., Ltd.                   3,690   226    
Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.   1,461,486   29.0   7,307   7,264          7,262   7,264 
SK Fans Co., Limited  312,245   51.0   13,775   4,017   (note f)        12,738 
SK Telecom Smart City Management Co., Ltd.   1,532,143   100.0   1,709   1,410   (note f)        1,410 
KIF Stonebridge Fund  700   20.8   700   670   (note f)        670 
PT. Melon Indonesia  4,900,000   49.0   6,492   6,210   (note f)        6,210 
Packet One Network  979,474   27.2   121,119   46,404   (note g)        114,760 
LightSquared Inc.   3,387,916   3.3   72,096   42,517   (note h)        72,096 
Television Media Korea Ltd.   18,564,000   51.0   18,568   18,328   (note f)        18,328 
JYP Entertainment Corporation  691,680   25.5   4,150   671   (note i)        4,150 
Broadband D&M Co., Ltd.   900,000   100.0   4,500   4,861          3,713   3,848 
Hanaro Dream Incorporated              (note j)     6,687    
Konan Technology  78,550   29.5   13,456   3,178          3,320   3,695 
Etoos Co., Ltd (formerly Cheong Sol)  701,000   15.6   18,993   277   (note k)        13,501 
Mobile Money Ventures, LLC     50.0   8,821   3,206       5,283   5,614   3,206 
Joynav Technology Co., Ltd.      41.0   3,763   2,795          3,762   2,795 
IM Shopping Inc.      72.6   6,072   5,922          6,072   5,922 
CU Media, Inc.                      15,119    
LCNC Co., Ltd.   121,800   60.4   6,000   6,000             6,000 
Skyon Co., Ltd.                      15,000    
SK Telecom Global Investment B.V.                   31,807       
SKY Property Mgmt. Ltd.                   287,005       
S-Telecom (formerly CDMA Mobile Phone Center)                  67,139       
SK Cyberpass, Inc.                   4,068       
ShenzhenE-Eye High Tech Co., Ltd. 
                  19,801       
Cyworld Incorporated                  2,672       


F-32


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
                                 
     December 31, 2010                
  Number
  Ownership
  Acquisition
  Net asset
     Carrying Amount 
  of Shares  Percentage (%)  Cost  Value     2008  2009  2010 
 
SK Telecom Holdings America, Inc.                   12,990       
Benex Movie Expert Fund                  8,045       
SK Telecom Europe Limited and other investment in affiliates        31,058           25,435   11,820   12,320 
                                 
Total         W1,260,876          W898,512  W486,393  W1,107,843 
                                 
(Note a)The Company acquired 57,647,058 shares of in HanaSK Card Co.,Ltd. during the year ended December 31, 2010. Though the Company holds 49% ownership in HanaSK card Co., Ltd., it does not have controlling power of HanaSK Card Co., Ltd.
(Note b)During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company’s ownership percentage of Harex Info Tech, Inc. decreased as the Company did not participate in Harex Info. Tech, Inc.’s issuance of new stock. As a result, the Company reclassified its remaining shares of Harex Info Tech, Inc. from the equity securities accounted for using the equity method toavailable-for-sale equity securities.
(Note c)The Company replaced carrying value of the stock from equity securities accounted for using the equity method to short-term investment securities as the Company’s ownership interest decreased due to the disposal of 820,943 shares of Skytel Co., Ltd.
(Note d)The Company participated in a proportionate capital increase of SK China Company Ltd. in the amount of W44,859 million.
(Note e)As of December 31, 2010, Magic Tech Network Co., Ltd. is under liquidation process and as the Company determined that there will likely be no consideration for the liquidation, it recognized the entire carrying value amount as impairment loss on investment securities.
(Note f)During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company participated in the establishment of SK Fans Co.,Limited, SK Telecom Smart City Management Co.,Ltd., KIF Stonebridge Fund, PT. Melon Indonesia and Television Media Korea, respectively.
(Note g)During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company acquired 979,474 shares of convertible preferred stock of Packet One Network. As a result, the Company holds 27.2% ownership in Packet One Network.
(Note h)During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company acquired 3,387,916 shares of common stock of Lightsquared Inc. Though the Company holds only 3.3% ownership; it has an ability to exercise significant influence on Light squared Inc.
(Note i)During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company and Loen Entertainment, Inc., the Company’s subsidiary, acquired 483,830 (17.8%) and 207,850 shares (7.65%) of JYP Entertainment, Corp., respectively, resulting from the full liquidation of 1st Music Investment Fund of SK-PVC
(Note j)SK Broadband Co., Ltd., the Company’s subsidiary, transferred the entire amount of Hanaro Dream, Inc. shares to Hanaro Dream, Inc. for W6,937 million and W250 million was accounted for as gain on disposal of equity securities accounted for using equity method.
(Note k)During the year ended December 31, 2010, SK Communications Co., Ltd., the Company’s subsidiary, acquired 701,000 shares or 19.95% equity interest of Etoos Co., Ltd. by converting convertible bonds of Etoos Co., Ltd (face value of W25,000 million) and applied the equity method due to the significant influence on Etoos Co., Ltd. Meanwhile, the Company’s equity interest has decreased to 15.6% due to Etoos Co., Ltd.’s capital increase.

F-33


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Details of changes in investmentsInvestments in affiliatesassociates accounted for using the equity method for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20092011 and December 31, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):
                                 
     For the Year Ended December 31, 2008 
              Equity in Capital
          
           Equity in
  Surplus and Other
     Other
    
     Beginning
     Earnings
  Comprehensive
  Dividend
  Increase
  Ending
 
     Balance  Acquisition  (Losses)  Income  Received  (Decrease)  Balance 
 
SK Marketing & Company Co., Ltd.      W  W190,000  W7,410  W(100,612) W  W  W96,798 
AirCross Co., Ltd.   (note a)        2,261         5,028   7,289 
Harex Info Tech, Inc.       1,118      (522)           596 
SK Mobile  (note c)  3,273   2,004            (3,166)  2,111 
Skytel Co., Ltd.       7,743      5,189   2,140   (1,214)     13,858 
SK China Company Ltd.       137   2,963   164   313         3,577 
TR Entertainment         10,953   (2,108)  781         9,626 
Virgin Mobile USA Inc.          29,693   (8,896)  (1,504)     42,803   62,096 
SK Telecom China Holding Co., Ltd.   (note d)  19,070               (19,070)   
SK USA, Inc.       3,141      911   1,197         5,249 
Korea IT Fund      210,568      4,771   (4,604)        210,735 
Centurion IT Investment Association  (note e)  2,463               (2,463)   
3rd Fund of Isu Entertainment      2,028      (146)           1,882 
Magic Tech Network         8,494   (1,233)  464         7,725 
SK Telecom Global Investment B.V.          26,044   125   5,638         31,807 
SKY Property Mgmt. Ltd.          283,368   (1,998)  5,636         287,006 
S-Telecom (formerly CDMA Mobile Phone Center)  (note f)  66,001   13,629   (25,766)  13,275         67,139 
Wave City Development Co., Ltd.          1,967   (59)           1,908 
SK Cyberpass, Inc.   (note b)     3,444   (1,584)  980      1,228   4,068 
ShenzhenE-Eye High Tech
            (1,151)        20,952   19,801 
Cyworld Japan Co., Ltd.       4,091      (539)  138         3,690 
Cyworld Incorporated      2,672                  2,672 
Prmaxsoftware tech.Co., Ltd.          7,127               7,127 
Mobile Money Ventures, LLC  (note g)     8,821   (4,189)  651         5,283 
SK Telecom Hodlings America, Inc.       4,050   8,940               12,990 
Benex Movie Expert Fund         8,100   (55)           8,045 
Other investment in affiliates      24,611   7,010   (1,959)  1,112      (5,340)  25,434 
                                 
      W350,966  W612,557  W(29,374) W(74,395) W(1,214) W39,972  W898,512 
                                 

   For the year ended December 31, 2011 
   Beginning
balance
   Acquisition   Disposal  Equity
in
earnings
(losses)
  Other
comprehensive
income
  Other
increase
(decrease)
  Dividend  Ending
balance
 

SK Marketing & Company Co., Ltd.

  (Won)117,905    (Won)    (Won)   (Won)9,952   (Won)817   (Won)(354 (Won)   (Won)128,320  

SK China Company Ltd.

   46,573              1,022    893            48,488  

SK USA, Inc.

   5,972              (1,472  34            4,534  

MRO Korea Inc.

        12,250                         12,250  

Benex Sector Limited Partnership IV

   24,953              (26  (20          24,907  

F&U Credit information Co., Ltd.

   4,529              36            (1,000  3,565  

Korea IT Fund

   226,633              11,904    (466      (7,091  230,980  

JYP Entertainment Corporation

   4,150              (142              4,008  

Konan Technology

   4,410              351    (1          4,760  

Etoos Co., Ltd

   14,339              (710  299            13,928  

BMC Digital Culture and Contents Venture Fund

   8,925              (510              8,415  

Wave City Development Co., Ltd.

   1,392              (268              1,124  

IBKC-bmc Cultural Contents Fund

   2,292              34                2,326  

Hanhwa No.2 Daisy Entertainment Investment Fund

   2,008              (843              1,165  

BMC Movie Expert Fund

   13,977              (51              13,926  

HanaSK Card Co., Ltd.

   386,417              10,213    (112  35        396,553  

Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.

   7,264     1,068         (331              8,001  

Television Media Korea Ltd.

   18,568              (3,306              15,262  

Candle Media Co., Ltd. (formerly PREGM Co., Ltd.)

   19,313     1,000         (8,743  244            11,814  

NanoEnTek, Inc.

        11,000         (490  (22  (18      10,470  

UNISK (Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd.

   4,714              597    575            5,886  

SK Industrial Development China Co., Ltd.

        83,691                      83,691  

PT. Melon Indonesia

   6,210              (910  26            5,326  

Packet One Network

   116,160     17,895         (32,569  (345  2,268        103,409  

Mobile Money Ventures, LLC

   3,206              595        59    (2,877  983  

SK Technology Innovation Company

   25,052     57,727         (5,675  (1,130          75,974  

LightSquared Inc.

   72,096              (21,142  (1,513          49,441  

ViKi, Inc. (Note a)

        17,799                      17,799  

TR Entertainment and other

   67,634     37,545     (3,807  (6,733  401    2,260        97,300  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)1,204,692    (Won)239,975    (Won)(3,807)   (Won)(49,217)   (Won)(320)   (Won)4,250   (Won)(10,968)   (Won)1,384,605  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(noteNote a)

Aircross Co., Ltd. was reclassified into in the equity securities accounted for using equity method from a consolidated subsidiary during the year ended December 31, 2008 as it was planned to be and was then fully liquidated in March 2009.
(note b)SK Cyberpass,Planet acquired interest in Viki Inc. was included in the equity securities accounted for using equity method as its total assets at the beginning of 2008 decreased to less than W7 billion, in accordance with then applicable Korean GAAP.
(note c)Other decrease in investments in equity securities of SK Mobile resulted from the disposal of some of its equity shares.
(note d)As of December 31, 2008, SK Telecom China Holding Co., Ltd is included in the Company’s consolidation, resulting in other decreases in the investment.
(note e)Other decrease in investments in Centurion IT Investment Association represents the collection of the Company’s investment from liquidation of Centurion IT Investment Association.during November 2011.


F-34

For the year ended December 31, 2011, equity in earnings (losses) of investments in associates in the statements of income includes (Won)2,861 million of gain on disposal of investments in associates and (Won)793 million of loss on disposal of investments in associates, which is not reflected above.


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

   For the year ended December 31, 2010 
   Beginning
balance
   Acquisition   Disposal  Equity in
earnings
(losses)
  Other
comprehensive
income
  Other
increase
(decrease)
  Dividend  Ending
balance
 

SK Marketing & Company Co., Ltd.

  (Won)112,531    (Won)    (Won)   (Won)5,421   (Won)(47)   (Won)   (Won)   (Won)117,905  

SK China Company Ltd.

   3,918     44,859     (947  935    (2,192          46,573  

SK USA, Inc.

   5,498              618    (144          5,972  

Benex Sector Limited Partnership IV

        25,000         (264  217            24,953  

F&U Credit information Co., Ltd.

   4,481              48                4,529  

Korea IT Fund

   220,957              7,680    954        (2,958  226,633  

JYP Entertainment Corporation

        2,903                 1,247        4,150  

Konan Technology

   3,320              1,090                4,410  

Etoos Co., Ltd

                 (474      14,813        14,339  

BMC Digital Culture and Contents Venture Fund

   9,824              (899              8,925  

Wave City Development Co., Ltd.

   1,532              (140              1,392  

IBKC-bmc Cultural Contents Fund

   2,398              (106              2,292  

Hanhwa No.2 Daisy Entertainment Investment Fund

   2,102              (94              2,008  

BMC Movie Expert Fund

   13,261              716                13,977  

HanaSK Card Co., Ltd.

        400,000         (13,481  (102          386,417  

Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.

   7,272              (8              7,264  

Television Media Korea Ltd.

        18,568                         18,568  

Candle Media Co., Ltd. (formerly PREGM Co., Ltd.)

   15,000          2,959    1,394    (40          19,313  

UNISK(Beijing) Information Technology Co., Ltd.

   4,247              427    40            4,714  

SK Industrial Development

   18,009          (18,009                    

PT. Melon Indonesia

        6,493         13    (296          6,210  

Packet One Network

        119,856         (3,823  127            116,160  

Mobile Money Ventures, LLC

   5,534              (2,225      (103      3,206  

SK Technology Innovation

        28,146         (2,836  (258          25,052  

LightSquared Inc.

        72,096                         72,096  

IHQ, Inc. (Note a)

   20,178          (13,642  (1,490  (16  (5,030        

Skytel Co., Ltd. (Note a)

   14,958          (7,859  2,833    1,337    (10,825  (444    

Hanaro Dream Incorporation (Note a)

   6,687          (6,687                    

TR Entertainment and other

   78,206     18,184     (13,120  (10,712  (269  (4,655      67,634  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)549,913    (Won)736,105    (Won)(57,305 (Won)(15,377 (Won)(689 (Won)(4,553 (Won)(3,402 (Won)1,204,692  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(note f)Note a)

Translation gainFor the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company sold majority of W13,275 million incurred from translating the foreign currency financial statements of SKT Vietnam PTEits interest in IHQ Inc. and Skytel Co., Ltd. into Korean won and the associated translation gain waswhich subsequently are accounted for as an increaseavailable for sale securities, while the Company sold all of its interest in the investment in S-Telecom (formerly CDMA Mobile Phone Center).
(note g)The amount represent translation gain of W651 million incurred from translating the foreign currency financial statements of Mobile Money Ventures, LLC by SKT Americas, Inc. (formerly SK Telecom International inc.), a subsidiary, into Korean won and the associated translation gain was accounted for as an increase in the investment in Mobile Money Ventures, LLC.Hanaro Dream Incorporation.
                                 
     For the Year Ended December 31, 2009 
              Equity in Capital
          
           Equity in
  Surplus and Other
     Other
    
     Beginning
     Earnings
  Comprehensive
  Retained
  Increase
  Ending
 
     Balance  Acquisition  (Losses)  Income  Earnings  (Decrease)  Balance 
 
SK Marketing & Company Co., Ltd.      W96,798  W  W13,063  W(547) W  W  W109,314 
AirCross Co., Ltd.   (note a)  7,289               (7,289)   
Harex Info Tech, Inc.       596      (534)           62 
SK Mobile      2,111                  2,111 
Skytel Co., Ltd.       13,858      3,835   (2,735)        14,958 
SK China Company Ltd.       3,577      739   (398)        3,918 
TR Entertainment      9,626      (1,894)  (172)        7,560 
Virgin Mobile USA Inc.   (note b)  62,096      (11,529)  11      (50,578)   
SK USA, Inc.       5,249      683   (434)        5,498 
Korea IT Fund      210,735      7,562   1,412         219,709 
3rd Fund of Isu Entertainment      1,882      80            1,962 
Magic Tech Network      7,725      (2,403)  (55)        5,267 
SK Telecom Global Investment B.V.   (note c)  31,807   13,275   (65)  5      (45,022)   
SKY Property Mgmt., Ltd.   (note c)  287,006      (1,075)        (285,931)   
S-Telecom (formerly CDMA Mobile Phone Center)      67,139      (31,212)  (14,248)     (21,679)   
Wave City Development Co., Ltd.       1,908      (376)           1,532 
SK Cyberpass, Inc.   (note d)  4,068               (4,068)   
ShenzhenE-Eye High Tech
  (note c)  19,801               (19,801)   
Cyworld Japan Co., Ltd.       3,690      (3,428)  (36)        226 
Cyworld Incorporated      2,672      (2,672)            
Prmaxsoftware tech.Co., Ltd.       7,127   4,538   (9,526)  293         2,432 
Mobile Money Ventures, LLC      5,283   7,694   (6,983)  (380)        5,614 
SK Telecom Holdings America, Inc.   (note e)  12,990      2,827         (15,817)   
Benex Movie Expert Fund  (note c)  8,045      (303)        (7,742)   
SK Wyverns Baseball Club Co., Ltd.   (note f)        (193)        193    
1st Music Investment Fund ofSK-PVC
  (note f)        (124)  17      6,541   6,434 
Michigan Global Cinema Fund  (note f)        9         4,578   4,587 
SK Beijing Industrial Development Co.          23,709   (5,448)  (252)        18,009 
Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.   (note g)     6,803   (45)        504   7,262 
Broadband D&M Co., Ltd.   (note f)        204         3,509   3,713 
Hanaro Dream Incorporated  (note f)        (39)  309      6,417   6,687 
Cyworld China Holdings Ltd.   (note f)        (2,627)  125      2,502    
Konan Technology  (note f)        19   (29)     3,330   3,320 
ULand Company Ltd.   (note f)        (1,641)  (424)     6,510   4,445 
CU Media, Inc  (note f)        (2,055)        17,174   15,119 
IM Shopping Inc.   (note h)                 6,072   6,072 
Skyon Co., Ltd.          15,000               15,000 
Joynav Technology Co., Ltd.          4,111   (104)  (245)        3,762 


F-35


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

                                 
     For the Year Ended December 31, 2009 
              Equity in Capital
          
           Equity in
  Surplus and Other
     Other
    
     Beginning
     Earnings
  Comprehensive
  Retained
  Increase
  Ending
 
     Balance  Acquisition  (Losses)  Income  Earnings  (Decrease)  Balance 
 
Other investment in affiliates      25,434   32,271   (8,725)  (1,176)  (11,589)  (24,395)  11,820 
                                 
      W898,512  W107,401  W(63,980) W(18,959) W(11,589) W(424,992) W486,393 
                                 
(note a)Other decrease in investments in equity securities of AirCross Co., Ltd. is due to AirCross Co., Ltd’s liquidation during the period.
(note b)Other decrease in investments in equity securities of Virgin Mobile, Inc. and Helio Inc. resulted from the exchange of Sprint Nextel shares with those of the aforementioned companies.
(note c)During the year ended December 31, 2009, investment (investee company) is included in the Company’s consolidation, resulting in a decrease of in equity securities accounted for using the equity method.
(note d)Other decrease in investments in equity securities of SK Cyberpass, Inc. resulted from the disposal of shares.
(note e)Other decrease in investments in equity securities of SKT Holdings America, Inc. resulted from the exchange of equity interest with SKT Americas, Inc.
(note f)Investment is accounted for as an equity securities accounted for using equity method as its total assets at the beginning of 2009 decreased to less than W10 billion, in accordance to Korean GAAP.
(note g)Other increase in investments in Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd. represents the increase through the acquisition of the lease line business from SK Networks Co., Ltd.
(note h)Due to SK Telecom Global Investment B.V. inclusion in the Company’s consolidation beginning the year ended December 31, 2009, IM Shopping Inc., which SK Telecom Global Investment B.V., SK Global Investment has a 72.6% equity interest in, is included in the equity securities accounted for using equity method.
                                 
     For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 
              Equity in Capital
          
              Surplus and
          
           Equity in
  Other
     Other
    
     Beginning
     Earnings
  Comprehensive
  Dividend
  Increase
  Ending
 
     Balance  Acquisition  (Losses)  Income  Received  (Decrease)  Balance 
 
SK Marketing & Company Co., Ltd.      W109,314  W  W9,376  W8  W  W  W118,698 
HanaSK Card Co., Ltd.          402,476   (25,148)  (100)        377,228 
SK Wyverns Baseball Club Co., Ltd.             410         (410)   
Harex Info Tech, Inc.   (note h)  62               (62)   
SK Mobile      2,111      (1,982)  526         655 
Skytel Co., Ltd.   (note a, b)  14,958      2,833   1,337   (444)  (18,684)   
SK China Company Ltd.   (note a)  3,918   44,860   935   (2,192)     (947)  46,574 
SK Telecom China Co., Ltd.   (note c)        (205)  77      9,443   9,315 
TR Entertainment      7,560      (1,551)  20         6,029 
ULand Company Ltd.       4,445      (1,612)  36         2,869 
SK USA, Inc.       5,498      191   (138)        5,551 
Korea IT Fund  (note b)  219,709      13,942   2,098   (2,958)     232,791 
1st Music Investment Fund ofSK-PVC
  (note d)  6,434      (138)  13      (5,530)  779 
2nd Music Investment Fund ofSK-PVC
  (note c)        25         724   749 
Michigan Global Cinema Fund      4,587      (75)           4,512 
3rd Fund of Isu Entertainment      1,962      61            2,023 

F-36


FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
                                 
     For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 
              Equity in Capital
          
              Surplus and
          
           Equity in
  Other
     Other
    
     Beginning
     Earnings
  Comprehensive
  Dividend
  Increase
  Ending
 
     Balance  Acquisition  (Losses)  Income  Received  (Decrease)  Balance 
 
SK Telecom Advanced Tech & Service Center            50   81      9,536   9,667 
Magic Tech Network Co., Ltd.       5,267      (4,858)  (409)         
Wave City Development Co., Ltd.       1,532      (141)           1,391 
Prmaxsoftware tech.Co., Ltd.       2,432      (2,332)           100 
SK Beijing Industrial Development Co.   (note a)  18,009               (18,009)   
Cyworld Japan Co., Ltd.   (note d)  226               (226)   
Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.       7,262      1            7,263 
SK Fans Co., Limited         13,775   (1,074)  37         12,738 
SK Telecom Smart City Management Co., Ltd.          1,709   (192)  (107)        1,410 
KIF Stonebridge Fund         700   (30)           670 
PT. Melon Indonesia         6,492   13   (295)        6,210 
Packet One Network         121,119   (6,460)  101         114,760 
LightSquared Inc.          72,096               72,096 
Television Media Korea Ltd.          18,568   (240)           18,328 
JYP Entertainment Corporation         4,150               4,150 
Broadband D&M Co., Ltd.       3,713      135            3,848 
Hanaro Dream Incorporated  (note a)  6,687               (6,687)   
Konan Technology      3,320      374            3,694 
Etoos Co., Ltd (formerly Cheong Sol)  (note e)        (1,619)        15,120   13,501 
Mobile Money Ventures, LLC      5,614      (2,226)        (182)  3,206 
Joynav Technology Co., Ltd.       3,762      (989)        22   2,795 
IM Shopping Inc.       6,072               (149)  5,923 
LCNC Co., Ltd.          6,000               6,000 
CU Media, Inc  (note f)  15,119               (15,119)   
Skyon Co., Ltd.   (note g)  15,000      (6,987)        (8,013)   
SK Telecom Europe Limited and other investment in affiliates      11,820   2,000   118   40      (1,658)  12,320 
                                 
      W486,393  W693,945  W(29,395) W1,133  W(3,402) W(40,831) W1,107,843 
                                 
(note a)Other decreases for Skytel Co., Ltd., SK China Company Ltd., SK Beijing Industrial Development Co., Limited, and Hanaro Dream, Inc. are due to the disposal of equity interests during the year ended December 31, 2010.
(note b)The Company received dividends from Skytel Co., Ltd. and Korea IT Fund; the corresponding amounts were deducted from the carrying amount of equity securities accounted for using the equity method.
(note c)Other increase or decrease of the 2nd Music Investment Fund of SK-PVC and others incurred as they were excluded from consolidation and investments in those companies are accounted for using equity method.
(note d)Other increase or decrease of the 1st Music Investment Fund of SK-PVC and Cyworld Japan Co., Ltd due to liquidation during the year ended December 31, 2010.
(note e)Other increase or decrease of Etoos Co., Ltd. is replacement ofavailable-for-sale securities in the amount of W18,993 million to equity securities accounted for using equity method, as SK Communications Co., Ltd., the Company’s subsidiary, converted convertible bonds of Etoos Co., Ltd (face value of W25,000 million. In addition, the Company accounts for the changes in equity interests in the amount

F-37

For the year ended December 31, 2010, equity in earnings (losses) of investments in associates in the statements of income includes (Won)21,895 million of gain on disposal of investments in associates and (Won)9,932 million of loss on disposal of investments in associates, which is not reflected above.


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
of W3,872 million as loss on disposal of equity securities accounted for using equity method as the investee company increased its paid-in capital.
(note f)IHQ Inc., a formerly consolidated entity which during the year, due to the disposal of significant number of shares, became anavailable-for-sale investment. Accordingly, as IHQ Inc. owns CU Media, CU Media is longer accounted for as an equity method investment.
(note g)During the period Skyon Co., Ltd. merged into PREGM Co., Ltd.. As a result, Benex Focus Limited Partnership II, a subsidiary, acquired shares of PREGM Co., Ltd.. As the Company has 56.69%. equity ownership of PREGM Co., Ltd., it is included in the Company’s consolidation during the year ended December 31, 2010.
(note h)During the year ended December 31, 2010,the Company’s ownership percentage of Harex Info Tech, Inc. decreased as the Company did not participate in Harex Info. Tech, Inc.’s issuance of new stock. As a result, the Company reclassified its remaining shares of Harex Info Tech, Inc. from the equity securities accounted for using the equity method toavailable-for-sale equity securities..
Details of changes in the differences between the acquisition cost and net asset value of equity method investees at the acquisition date for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20092011 and December 31, 2010 are as follows (in(In millions of Korean won):
                 
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2008 
  Beginning
        Ending
 
  Balance  In(de)crease  Amortization  Balance 
 
Harex Info Tech, Inc.  W701  W  W(351) W350 
TR Entertainment     8,066   (1,210)  6,856 
Virgin Mobile USA Inc.      126,363   (7,183)  119,180 
Skytel Co., Ltd.      (1,387)  1,387    
SK China Company Ltd.      107      107 
Magic Tech Network     6,181   (618)  5,563 
SK Cyberpass Inc.      304   (46)  258 
ShenzhenE-Eye High Tech
     10,851   (2,171)  8,680 
Other investments in affiliates  6,930   (1,893)  (1,601)  3,436 
                 
Total W7,631  W148,592  W(11,793) W144,430 
                 


F-38


   For the year ended December 31, 2011 
   Beginning
Balance
   Increase/
(Decrease)
   Amortization  Ending
balance
 

MRO Korea Inc.

  (Won)    (Won)8,323    (Won)   (Won)8,323  

Benex Sector Limited Partnership IV

   116              116  

F&U Credit information Co., Ltd.

   461              461  

JYP Entertainment Corporation

   3,479              3,479  

Konan Technology

   1,312              1,312  

Etoos Co., Ltd

   13,876          (462  13,414  

HanaSK Card Co., Ltd.

   47,848          (2,328  45,520  

Television Media Korea Ltd.

   240              240  

Candle Media Co., Ltd.

   5,531     397         5,928  

NanoEnTek, Inc.

   7,145              7,145  

Packet One Network

   76,479          (115  76,364  

TR Entertainment and other

   14,422     2,133         16,555  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)170,909    (Won)10,853    (Won)(2,905)   (Won)178,857  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

   For the year ended December 31, 2010 
   Beginning
Balance
   Increase/
(Decrease)
  Amortization  Ending
balance
 

Benex Sector Limited Partnership IV

  (Won)116    (Won)   (Won)   (Won)116  

F&U Credit information Co., Ltd.

   461             461  

JYP Entertainment Corporation

        3,479        3,479  

Konan Technology

   1,312             1,312  

Etoos Co., Ltd

        14,112    (236  13,876  

HanaSK Card Co., Ltd.

        48,671    (823  47,848  

Television Media Korea Ltd.

        240        240  

Candle Media Co., Ltd.

   12,805     (7,274      5,531  

NanoEnTek, Inc.

        7,145        7,145  

Packet One Network

        76,588    (109  76,479  

TR Entertainment and other

   5,243     9,179        14,422  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)19,937    (Won)152,140   (Won)(1,168)   (Won)170,909  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

                 
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2009 
  Beginning
        Ending
 
  Balance  In(de)crease  Amortization  Balance 
 
Harex Info Tech, Inc.  W350  W  W(350) W 
TR Entertainment  6,856      (1,613)  5,243 
Virgin Mobile USA Inc.   119,180   (99,296)  (19,884)   
Skytel Co., Ltd.             
SK China Company Ltd.   107      (107)   
Magic Tech Network  5,563      (1,236)  4,327 
Prmaxsoftware tech.Co., Ltd     671   (671)   
Daehan Kanggun BcN Co. Ltd.      45   (45)   
Hanaro Dream Incorporated     87   (87)   
Cyworld Japan Co., Ltd.      2,821   (2,821)   
Cyworld Incorporated     1,664   (1,664)   
Konan Technology     2,027   (715)  1,312 
ULand Company Ltd.      360   (240)  120 
CU Media, Inc.      10,972   (1,859)  9,113 
SK Cyberpass Inc.   258   (258)      
ShenzhenE-Eye High Tech
  8,680   (8,680)      
Other investments in affiliates  3,436   (745)  (1,076)  1,615 
                 
Total W144,430  W(90,332) W(32,368) W21,730 
                 
                 
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 
  Beginning
        Ending
 
  Balance  In(de)crease  Amortization  Balance 
 
HanaSK Card Co., Ltd.  W  W70,690  W(2,895) W67,795 
TR Entertainment  5,243      (1,613)  3,630 
ULand Company Ltd.   120      (120)   
Magic Tech Network Co., Ltd.   4,327      (4,327)   
SK Fans Co., Limited     9,180   (459)  8,721 
Packet One Network     67,952   404   68,356 
LightSquared Inc.      29,579      29,579 
Television Media Korea Ltd.      240   (240)   
Konan Technology  1,312      (716)  596 
Etoos Co., Ltd (formerly Cheong Sol)     14,346   (1,308)  13,038 
JYP Entertainment Corporation     3,479      3,479 
CU Media, Inc  9,113   (9,113)      
Other investments in affiliates  1,615   (1,615)      
                 
Total W21,730  W184,738  W(11,274) W195,194 
                 

F-39


FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Details of changes in unrealized intercompany gains incurred from sales of assets for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20092011 and 2010 are as follows (in(In millions of Korean won):
                 
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2008 
  Beginning
        Ending
 
  Balance  Increase  Decrease  Balance 
 
SK China Company Ltd.  W1,086  W  W  W1,086 
Cyworld Japan Co., Ltd.   410      (410)   
Cyworld Incorporated  1,416         1,416 
Other investments in affiliates  2,955   57   (192)  2,820 
                 
Total W5,867  W57  W(602) W5,322 
                 
                 
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2009 
  Beginning
        Ending
 
  Balance  Increase  Decrease  Balance 
 
SK China Company Ltd.  W1,086  W  W  W1,086 
Broadband D&M Co., Ltd.      931   (79)  852 
Cyworld China Holdings Ltd.      488   (258)  230 
Konan Technology     116   (14)  102 
ULand Company Ltd.      1,268      1,268 
CU Media, Inc.      31   (31)   
Cyworld Incorporated  1,416         1,416 
Other investments in affiliates  2,820      (474)  2,346 
                 
Total W5,322  W2,834  W(856) W7,300 
                 
                 
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 
  Beginning
        Ending
 
  Balance  Increase  Decrease  Balance 
 
SK China Company Ltd.  W1,086  W  W(263) W823 
ULand Company Ltd.   1,268         1,268 
Cyworld China Holdings Ltd.   230         230 
Broadband D&M Co., Ltd.   852   264   (103)  1,013 
Konan Technology  102      (23)  79 
Cyworld Incorporated  1,416      (1,416)   
Etoos Co., Ltd (formerly Cheong Sol)     (238)  52   (186)
Other investments in affiliates  2,346         2,346 
                 
Total W7,300  W26  W(1,753) W5,573 
                 


F-40


   For the year ended December 31, 2011 
   Beginning
balance
  Increase  Decrease  Ending
balance
 

SK China Company Ltd.

  (Won)823   (Won)   (Won)   (Won)823  

Konan Technology

   79        (23  56  

Etoos Co., Ltd

   (186          (186

ULand Company Ltd. and other

   3,844        (1,269  2,575  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)4,560   (Won)   (Won)(1,292 (Won)3,268  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   For the year ended December 31, 2010 
   Beginning
balance
  Increase  Decrease  Ending
balance
 

SK China Company Ltd.

  (Won)1,086   (Won)   (Won)(263)   (Won)823  

Konan Technology

   102        (23  79  

Etoos Co., Ltd

       (239  53    (186

ULand Company Limited and other

   5,260        (1,416  3,844  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)6,448   (Won)(239 (Won)(1,649 (Won)4,560  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

As the investments in associate are written down to zero and the equity method accounting ceased, accumulated unrecorded equity in losses as of December 31, 2011 are as follows;

   Unrealized loss   Unrealized change
in equity
 

SK Wyverns Baseball Club Co., Ltd.

  (Won)1,099    (Won)  

ULand Company Limited

   496     50  

Cyworld Holdings Hong Kong and other

   2,937     334  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)4,532    (Won)384  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

The condensed financial information of the investees as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows (in(In millions of Korean won):

                 
  Total
 Total
   Net
  Assets Liabilities Revenue Income (Loss)
 
SK Marketing & Company Co., Ltd.  W659,847  W422,452  W415,270  W18,751 
HanaSK Card Co., Ltd.   3,315,740   2,684,243   492,499   (58,914)
SK Wyverns Baseball Club Co., Ltd.   5,039   7,566   30,685   (286)
SK Mobile  3,658   382      (7,054)
SK China Company Ltd.   212,370   1,784   15,876   4,155 
SK Telecom China Co.,Ltd.   9,469   153      (205)
TR Entertainment  6,549   864   11,026   146 
ULand Company Ltd.   7,191   3,102   2,938   (1,387)
SK USA, Inc.   22,035   10,706   9,303   10,358 
Korea IT Fund  367,721      28,377   22,014 
1st Music Investment Fund of SK-PVC  366   30   75   45 
2nd Music Investment Fund of SK-PVC  477   29   155   125 
Michigan Global Cinema Fund  9,785   90   20   (165)
3rd Fund of Isu Entertainment  5,395      166   162 
SK Telecom Advanced Tech & Service Center  9,761   94      50 
Wave City Development Co., Ltd.   126,413   119,128   693   (734)
Prmaxsoftware tech.Co.,Ltd.   103         (2,399)
Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.   165,754   140,707      4 
SK Fans Co., Limited  16,588   8,712   6,975   (1,205)
SK Telecom Smart City Management Co., Ltd.   1,487   77      (119)
KIF Stone Bridge Fund Co., Ltd  3,383   157   12   (143)
PT. Melon Indonesia  13,759   1,085      27,371 
Packet One Network  268,617   145,422   74,893   (59,635)
Television Media Korea Ltd.   36,402   465      (291)
JYP Entertainment Corporation  15,186   12,550   21,680   904 
Broadband D&M Co., Ltd.  W10,512  W5,651  W4,861  W51,088 
Konan Technology  15,590   4,814   14,596   3,620 
Etoos Co., Ltd (formerly Cheong Sol)  74,938   73,164   29,719   (3,683)
Mobile Money Ventures, LLC  9,407   2,996   4,472   (3,767)
Joynav Technology Co., Ltd.   7,008   194   107   (2,411)
IM Shopping Inc.   1,044   1,966   63   (1,498)
LCNC Co., Ltd  9,729   175   12   (432)


F-41


   As of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 
   Total
assets
   Total
liabilities
   Revenue   Net
income (loss)
 

SK Marketing & Company Co., Ltd.

  (Won)753,508    (Won)496,867    (Won)652,749    (Won)21,543  

SK China Company Ltd.

   281,579     58,124     43,526     4,542  

SK USA, Inc.

   20,184     10,932     10,623     (2,133

MRO Korea Inc.

   31,335     22,095     124,986     1,001  

Benex Sector Limited Partnership IV

   50,357     478          (1,717

F&U Credit information Co., Ltd.

   13,511     7,303     50,554     110  

Korea IT Fund

   364,706               10,502  

JYP Entertainment Corporation

   17,467     14,424     17,722     407  

Konan Technology

   15,507     3,622     11,790     651  

Etoos Co., Ltd.

   69,994     67,889     107,174     (743

BMC Digital Culture and Contents

   21,288     166     187     (621

Wave City Development Co., Ltd.

   129,768     123,882     431     (1,399

IBKC-bmc Cultural Contents Fund

   9,387     81     638     106  

Hanhwa No.2 Daisy Entertainment

   5,877     51     92     (1,518

BMC Movie Expert Fund

   30,068     153     4,690     1,019  

HanaSK Card Co., Ltd.

   9,810,720     9,094,326     849,719     25,593  

Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.

   213,896     186,305     12,772     (1,132

Television Media Korea Ltd.

   34,606     5,151     4,919     (6,481

Candle Media Co., Ltd.

   25,978     5,588     27,494     (5,650

NanoEnTek, Inc.

   52,649     20,379     13,088     (8,809

UNISK(Beijing) Information

   20,401     8,388     16,028     1,202  

SK Industrial Development China Co., Ltd.

   245,294     517          4,214  

PT. Melon Indonesia

   12,112     1,242     803     (1,860

Packet One Network

   269,362     197,048     99,918     (72,307

Mobile Money Ventures, LLC

   2,191     227     6,294     1,189  

SK Technology Innovation

   159,745     4,695          (11,556

LightSquared Inc.

   4,647,136     3,125,885     33,374     (669,558

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

   As of and for the year ended December 31, 2010 
   Total
assets
   Total
liabilities
   Revenue   Net
income (loss)
 

SK Marketing & Company Co., Ltd.

  (Won)659,847    (Won)422,452    (Won)415,270    (Won)18,751  

SK China Company Ltd.

   212,370     1,784     15,876     4,155  

SK USA, Inc.

   22,035     10,706     9,303     10,358  

Benex Sector Limited Partnership IV

   49,538     3          (644

F&U Credit information Co., Ltd.

   18,747     10,648     47,767     213  

Korea IT Fund

   367,721          28,377     22,014  

JYP Entertainment Corporation

   15,186     12,550     21,680     904  

Konan Technology

   15,590     4,814     14,596     3,620  

Etoos Co., Ltd.

   74,938     73,164     29,719     (3,683

BMC Digital Culture and Contents

   21,531     4     336     (2,035

Wave City Development Co., Ltd.

   126,413     119,128     693     (734

IBKC-bmc Cultural Contents Fund

   9,190     20     395     13  

Hanhwa No.2 Daisy Entertainment

   10,092     50     4     (203

BMC Movie Expert Fund

   28,899     3     2,385     410  

HanaSK Card Co., Ltd.

   3,315,740     2,684,243     492,499     (58,914

Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.

   165,754     140,707          4  

Television Media Korea Ltd.

   36,402     465          (291

Candle Media Co., Ltd.

   40,191     16,109     19,613     (23,691

UNISK(Beijing) Information

   14,769     5,149     10,261     871  

PT. Melon Indonesia

   13,759     1,085          27  

Packet One Network

   268,617     145,422     74,893     (59,635

Mobile Money Ventures, LLC

   9,407     2,996     4,472     (3,767

SK Technology Innovation

   52,949     1,849          (5,934

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

9.
6.  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENTLOANS TO EMPLOYEES
Short-term

Property and long-term loans to employeesequipment as of December 31, 2008, 20092011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Loans to employees’ stock ownership association W74,878  W58,198  W43,487 
Loans to employees for housing and other  15,488   30,848   26,427 
             
  W90,366  W89,046  W69,914 
��            
The Company loaned the amount above to its employees through the Employee’s Stock Purchase Association (a pass-through organization) for employees’ acquisition of the Company’s treasury stocks through a compensatory employee stock purchase plan ( Refer to Note 16 Treasury Stocks). The loan will be repaid over a period of five years, beginning on the second anniversary of each loan date and will expire on December 25, 2014.
7.  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):
                 
  Useful Lives
          
  (Years)  2008  2009  2010 
 
Land     W756,348  W728,300  W725,802 
Buildings and structures  15-50   1,925,563   2,158,124   2,179,601 
Machinery  3-15   18,572,546   19,732,297   19,750,703 
Other  4-9   1,135,325   1,163,537   1,404,770 
Construction in progress      356,150   417,027   447,608 
                 
Total      22,745,932   24,199,285   24,508,484 
Less accumulated depreciation      (15,305,773)  (16,030,884)  (16,641,384)
Accumulated impairment      (2,197)  (2,019)  (2,019)
Government subsidy      (273)  (503)  (487)
                 
Property and equipment, net     W7,437,689  W8,165,879  W7,864,594 
                 
The Officially Assessed Land Prices, issued by the government, as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 was W895,866 million, W856,729 million and W971,607 million, respectively.

   December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
  January 1,
2010
 

Land

  (Won)730,361   (Won)707,970   (Won)706,599  

Buildings and structures

   2,100,510    1,988,759    1,960,584  

Machinery

   21,340,424    19,742,398    19,723,401  

Other

   1,617,736    1,414,837    1,169,438  

Construction in progress

   805,410    447,480    417,028  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

   26,594,441    24,301,444    23,977,050  

Less accumulated depreciation

   (17,561,502  (16,146,012  (15,947,353

Accumulated impairment

   (1,941  (2,019  (2,019
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

  (Won)9,030,998   (Won)8,153,413   (Won)8,027,678  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Details of changes in property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20092011 and 2010 are as follows (In millions of Korean won):

                             
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2008 
     Other
                
  Beginning
  Increase
              Ending
 
  Balance  (Decrease)  Acquisition  Disposal  Transfer  Depreciation  Balance 
 
Land W454,916  W294,629  W141  W(3,394) W10,056  W  W756,348 
Buildings and structures  1,066,080   319,266   10,984   (2,900)  28,692   (67,310)  1,354,812 
Machinery  2,800,428   1,675,918   358,052   (55,090)  1,600,116   (1,804,916)  4,574,508 
Other  338,975   (950)  1,138,814   (29,633)  (928,313)  (123,022)  395,871 
Construction in progress  308,955   61,155   728,939   (13,461)  (729,438)     356,150 
                             
Total W4,969,354  W2,350,018  W2,236,930  W(104,478) W(18,887) W(1,995,248) W7,437,689 
                             


F-42


  For the year ended December 31, 2011 
  Beginning
balance
  Acquisition  Disposal  Transfer  Depreciation  Change of
consolidation
scope
  Ending
balance
 

Land

 (Won)707,970   (Won)3,300   (Won)(1,968)   (Won)21,059   (Won)   (Won)   (Won)730,361  

Buildings and structures

  1,260,633    93,230    (6,313  27,952    (85,309      1,290,193  

Machinery

  5,167,143    390,376    (26,662  1,640,380    (1,677,640  (25  5,493,572  

Other

  570,187    1,289,809    (6,347  (1,039,031  (104,996  1,839    711,461  

Construction in progress

  447,480    1,183,841    (8,322  (817,588          805,411  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 (Won)8,153,413   (Won)2,960,556   (Won)(49,612 (Won)(167,228 (Won)(1,867,945 (Won)1,814   (Won)9,030,998  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

   For the year ended December 31, 2010 
   Beginning
balance
   Acquisition   Disposal  Transfer  Depreciation  Ending
balance
 

Land

  (Won)706,599    (Won)1,622    (Won)(7,000 (Won)6,749   (Won)   (Won)707,970  

Buildings and structures

   1,316,534     11,848     (910  11,641    (78,480  1,260,633  

Machinery

   5,211,662     318,969     (91,333  1,282,418    (1,554,573  5,167,143  

Other

   375,856     982,562     (6,028  (691,521  (90,682  570,187  

Construction in progress

   417,027     827,308     (46,581  (750,274      447,480  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)8,027,678    (Won)2,142,309    (Won)(151,852 (Won)(140,987 (Won)(1,723,735 (Won)8,153,413  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

                             
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2009 
     Other
                
  Beginning
  Increase
              Ending
 
  Balance  (Decrease)  Acquisition  Disposal  Transfer  Depreciation  Balance 
 
Land W756,348  W(5,397) W19,326  W(42,902)  925  W  W728,300 
Buildings and structures  1,354,812   210,087   35,164   (18,766)  (3,659)  (74,283)  1,503,355 
Machinery  4,574,508   531,991   345,558   (16,794)  1,553,959   (1,838,688)  5,150,534 
Other  395,871   (2,615)  974,824   (28,117)  (849,494)  (123,807)  366,662 
Construction in progress  356,150   7,028   787,565   (20,739)  (712,976)     417,028 
                             
Total W7,437,689  W741,094  W2,162,437  W(127,318) W(11,245) W(2,036,778) W8,165,879 
                             
                             
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 
     Other
                
  Beginning
  Increase
              Ending
 
  Balance  (Decrease)  Acquisition  Disposal  Transfer  Depreciation  Balance 
 
Land W728,300  W62  W1,622  W(7,000) W2,818  W  W725,802 
Buildings and structures  1,503,355   1,956   13,838   (1,650)  8,490   (86,517)  1,439,472 
Machinery  5,150,534   (71)  455,279   (91,874)  1,141,647   (1,926,994)  4,728,521 
Other  366,662   (996)  982,906   (4,854)  (692,282)  (128,245)  523,191 
Construction in progress  417,028      863,231   (46,581)  (786,070)     447,608 
                             
Total W8,165,879  W951  W2,316,876  W(151,959) W(325,397) W(2,141,756) W7,864,594 
                            ��
Changes denoted above include activities from both continuing and discontinued operations. Other increase (decrease) resulted from merger and the changes in consolidated subsidiaries.

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

10.
8.  INVESTMENT PROPERTYINTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets

Investment property as of December 31, 2008, 20092011, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
  January 1,
2010
 

Land

  (Won)23,153   (Won)29,179   (Won)23,602  

Buildings

   295,767    183,406    200,432  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

   318,920    212,585    224,034  

Less accumulated depreciation

   (47,834  (15,278  (11,292
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Investment property, net

  (Won)271,086   (Won)197,307   (Won)212,742  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Details of changes in investment property for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (In millions of Korean won):

   For the year ended December 31, 2011 
   Beginning
balance
   Acquisition   Disposal   Transfer  Depreciation  Ending
balance
 

Land

  (Won)19,670    (Won)    (Won)    (Won)3,483   (Won)   (Won)23,153  

Buildings

   177,637     86,285          (8,887  (7,102  247,933  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)197,307    (Won)86,285    (Won)    (Won)(5,404 (Won)(7,102 (Won)271,086  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   For the year ended December 31, 2010 
   Beginning
balance
   Acquisition   Disposal   Transfer  Depreciation  Ending
balance
 

Land

  (Won)23,602    (Won)    (Won)    (Won)(3,932 (Won)   (Won)19,670  

Buildings

   189,140     1,991          (8,236  (5,258  177,637  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)212,742    (Won)1,991    (Won)    (Won)(12,168 (Won)(5,258 (Won)197,307  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Details of fair value of investment property as of December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (In millions of Korean won):

   December 31, 2011   December 31, 2010   January 1, 2010 

Land

  (Won)40,540    (Won)39,082    (Won)41,768  

Buildings

   272,794     176,465     176,669  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (Won)313,334    (Won)215,547    (Won)218,437  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The fair value of investment property was appraised on the basis of market price by an independent appraisal company.

Details of rent income and operating expenses from investment property for the year ended December 31, 2011 and December 2010 are as follows (In millions of Korean won):

   2011  2010 

Rent income

  (Won)54,088   (Won)46,460  

Operating expenses

   (42,141  (30,212

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

11.GOODWILL

Details of goodwill as of December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   December 31, 2011   December 31, 2010  January 1, 2010 

Goodwill related to acquisition of Shinsegi Telecomm, Inc

  (Won)1,306,236    (Won)1,306,236   (Won)1,306,236  

Goodwill related to acquisition of SK Broadband Co., Ltd.

   358,443     358,443    358,443  

Other goodwill

   82,952     80,975    80,975  

Net foreign exchange differences

   2,302     (9,005  (8,921
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
  (Won)1,749,933    (Won)1,736,649   (Won)1,736,733  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

                         
  December 31, 2010  Carrying Amounts 
  Acquisition
  Accumulated
  Accumulated
          
  Cost  Amortization  Impairment  2008  2009  2010 
 
Goodwill W2,945,582  W(1,321,271) W(5,378) W1,899,739  W1,737,966  W1,618,933 
Frequency use rights  1,487,552   (778,509)     843,771   727,239   709,043 
Land use right  424,339   (26,966)     1,260   405,362   397,373 
Software development costs  249,468   (212,669)  (10,855)  34,573   35,950   25,944 
Customer relationships  504,156   (252,078)     435,535   343,743   252,078 
Other  2,116,736   (1,370,018)  (9,446)  763,267   742,065   737,272 
                         
Total W7,727,833  W(3,961,511) W(25,679) W3,978,145  W3,992,325  W3,740,643 
                         

F-43


   For the year ended
December 31, 2011
   For the year ended
December 31, 2010
 

Beginning of period

  (Won)1,736,649    (Won)1,736,733  

Goodwill increase due to acquisition and subsidiary change during the period

   13,242       

Effects of exchange of rate change

   42     (84
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending of period

  (Won)1,749,933    (Won)1,736,649  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Impairment test of goodwill

The Company determines its recoverable amounts for its cash generating units (“CGU”) as the value-in-use of its CGUs.

(1) Goodwill related to acquisition of Shinsegi Telecomm, Inc.

For its investment in Shinsegi, the Company estimated the value-in-use based on cash flows from financial forecasts. The Company based its calculation on a five year financial forecast and used a 2% annual growth rate for periods subsequent to the forecast, using a discount rate of 5.6%.

Management believes the 2% annual growth rate will not exceed the Company’s long-term wireless business growth and that the total carrying amount will not exceed the total recoverable amount, even considering reasonable fluctuations in its current assumptions.

(2) Goodwill related to acquisition of SK Broadband Co., Ltd.

For its investment in SK Broadband, the Company estimated the value-in-use based on cash flows from financial forecasts. The Company based on its calculation on a five year financial forecast and used a 2.4% annual growth rate for periods subsequent to the forecast, using a discount rate of 7.6%.

Management believes the 2.4% annual growth rate will not exceed the Company’s long-term wired business growth and that the total carrying amount will not exceed the total recoverable amount, even considering reasonable fluctuations in its current assumptions.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

12.INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Details of changes in intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20092011 and 2010 are as follows (In millions of Korean won):

                                 
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2008 
     Other
                   
  Beginning
  Increase
                   
  Balance  (Decrease)  Acquisition  Disposal  Transfer  Amortization  Impairment  Ending balance 
 
Goodwill W1,684,357  W481,106  W1,305  W(55) W1,197  W(267,078) W(1,093) W1,899,739 
Frequency use rights  960,302               (116,531)     843,771 
Software development costs  19,837   4,950   16,356   (1)  10,769   (14,713)  (2,625)  34,573 
Customer relationships  25,139   479,017            (68,621)     435,535 
Other  744,327   16,255   131,680   (10,809)  180,673   (297,085)  (514)  764,527 
                                 
Total W3,433,962  W981,328  W149,341  W(10,865) W192,639  W(764,028) W(4,232) W3,978,145 
                                 
                                 
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2009 
     Other
                   
  Beginning
  Increase
                 Ending
 
  Balance  (Decrease)  Acquisition  Disposal  Transfer  Amortization  Impairment  Balance 
 
Goodwill W1,899,739  W4,774  W1,807  W(1,130) W(261) W(166,963) W  W1,737,966 
Frequency use rights  843,771               (116,532)     727,239 
Land use right  1,260   418,016      (2)     (13,912)     405,362 
Software development costs  34,573   (71)  17,547      4,208   (17,131)  (3,176)  35,950 
Customer relationships  435,535   (128)           (91,664)     343,743 
Other  763,267   24,957   101,417   (8,079)  151,175   (289,909)  (763)  742,065 
                                 
Total W3,978,145  W447,548  W120,771  W(9,211) W155,122  W(696,111) W(3,939) W3,992,325 
                                 
                                 
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2009 
     Other
                   
     Increase
                   
  Beginning
  (Decrease)
                 Ending
 
  Balance  (Note a)  Acquisition  Disposal  Transfer  Amortization  Impairment  Balance 
 
Goodwill W1,737,966  W6,988  W33,470  W  W7,453  W(166,944) W  W1,618,933 
Frequency use rights  727,239            102,432   (120,628)     709,043 
Land use right  405,362   (190)        1,850   (9,649)     397,373 
Software development costs  35,950   (313)  13,598   (243)  279   (8,879)  (14,448)  25,944 
Customer relationships  343,743               (91,665)     252,078 
Other  742,065   (3,350)  110,994   (8,336)  235,180   (330,283)  (8,998)  737,272 
                                 
Total W3,992,325  W3,135  W158,062  W(8,579) W347,194  W(728,048) W(23,446) W3,740,643 
                                 
Changes denoted above include activities from both continuing and discontinued operations.
(note a) Other increase (decrease) relates to the merger and change in consolidated subsidiaries.


F-44


  For the year ended December 31, 2011 
  Beginning
balance
  Acquisition  Disposal  Transfer  Amortization  Impairment  Change of
Consolidation
Scope
  Ending
balance
 

Frequency use rights

 (Won)709,043   (Won)1,333,796   (Won)   (Won)    ((Won)153,737)   (Won)   (Won)   (Won)1,889,102  

Land use right

  17,551    7,623    (54      (5,794          19,326  

Industrial right

  60,740    1,848    (1  646    (3,759          59,474  

Software development costs

  26,470    7,006        (609  (8,481  (459  (2,966  20,961  

Customer relationships

  226,940    1,791            (92,796      5,883    141,818  

Membership (Note a)

  111,736    6,864    (2,440  1,551                117,711  

Other (Note b)

  732,476    114,328    (1,784  245,539    (343,089  (2,120  2,061    747,411  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 (Won)1,884,956   (Won)1,473,256    ((Won)4,279)   (Won)247,127    ((Won)607,656  ((Won)2,579 (Won)4,978   (Won)2,995,803  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

  For the year ended December 31, 2010 
  Beginning
balance
  Acquisition  Disposal  Transfer  Amortization  Impairment  Ending
balance
 

Frequency use rights

 (Won)727,239   (Won)   (Won)   (Won)102,432    ((Won)120,628 (Won)   (Won)709,043  

Land use right

  12,534    9,489    (189      (4,283      17,551  

Industrial right

  60,918    3,914        (8  (4,084      60,740  

Software development costs

  35,714    13,762    (243  (2,280  (8,945  (11,538  26,470  

Customer relationships

  317,670                (90,730      226,940  

Membership (Note a)

  107,495    1,246    (359  3,354            111,736  

Other (Note b)

  742,648    99,621    (7,122  242,821    (344,601  (891  732,476  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 (Won)2,004,218   (Won)128,032    ((Won)7,913 (Won)346,319    ((Won)573,271  ((Won)12,429 (Won)1,884,956  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(Note a)Memberships are classified as intangible assets with indefinite useful life and are not amortized.

(Note b)Other intangible assets consist of computer software and usage rights to a research facility which the Company built and donated to a university which in turn the Company is given rights-to-use for a definite number of years.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

The book value and residual useful lives of major intangible assets as of December 31, 20102011 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   Amount
Description
Residual Useful lives
GoodwillW1,177,574   Goodwill related to merger of Shinsegi Telecomm, Inc.

Description

  9 years and 3 monthsResidual useful lives

W-CDMA license

  (Won)14,327Goodwill related to merger of Empas Corp.1 year and 10 months
338,803Goodwill related to acquisition of SK Broadband Co., Ltd.17 years and 3 months
IMT license581,355485,652    Frequency use rights relating to W-CDMA service  (noteNote a)

W-CDMA license

   98,33581,555    Frequency use rights relating toW-CDMA service  (noteNote b)
WiBro

800MHz license

   25,450385,168Frequency use rights relating to CDMA and LTE service(Note c)

1.8GHz license

928,203Frequency use rights relating to LTE service(Note d)

WiBro license

5,325    WiBro service  (note c)Note e)

DMB license

   3,9033,120    DMB service  54 years and 6 months

Customer relationships

   252,078133,898    Customer relationships related to acquisition of SK Broadband Co., Ltd.  21 years and 9 months

(noteNote a)

With its application for aThe Company purchased the W-CDMA license to provide IMT 2000 service, the Company has a commitment to pay W1,300,000 million to thefrom Korea CommunicationsCommunication Commission (“KCC”) former Ministry of Information Communication). Of which, W650,000 million was paid in March 2001 by SK IMT Co., Ltd. (a former subsidiary of the Company), which was merged into the Company on May 1, 2003, and the remainder is required to be paid over 10 years with an annual interest rate equal to the 3-year-maturity government bond rate minus 0.75% (3.37% as of December 31, 2010). The remaining future obligation payment is W170,000 million in 2011. On December 4, 2001, SK IMT Co., Ltd. received the IMT 2000 license from KCC, and recorded the total license cost (measured at present value) as an intangible asset. As a result of the merger with SK IMT Co., Ltd., on May 1, 2003, the Company acquired the IMT license valued W1,259,253 million and assumed the related long-term payable with principal amount of W650,000 million.2001. Amortization of the IMTW-CDMA license commenced whenonce the Company startedbegan its commercial IMT 2000 service inW-CDMA services on December 29, 2003, under a straight-line basis over the estimatedremaining useful life of the IMTlicense. The W-CDMA license which expireswill expire in December 2016. As of December 31, 2010, the present value related to the current portion of payments to be made to KCC is W1,052 million.

(noteNote b)

On May 2010, theThe Company acquiredpurchased an additionalW-CDMA license from KCC and recorded the total license cost (measured at present value) as an intangible asset.in May 2010. Amortization of the additional W-CDMA license commenced whenonce the Company started to use the additionalits related commercial W-CDMA frequencyservices on October 7, 2010, onunder a straight-line method basis over the estimatedremaining useful life of the W-CDMA license. The additional W-CDMA license which expireswill expire in December 2016. In addition, the Company has a commitment to pay W53,100 million to KCC with an annual interest equal to the government’s previous year public funds financing account rate minus 1% (3.58% as of December 31, 2010). The future payment obligation is W17,700 million annually from 2012 to 2014. As of December 31, 2010, the present value of the long-term portion of payments to be made to KCC is W2,457 million.


F-45


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(noteNote c)

The Company purchased 800MHz license from KCC in June 2011. Amortization of the 800MHz license commenced once the Company started its related commercial CDMA and LTE services on July 1, 2011, under a straight-line basis over the remaining useful life of the 800MHz license. The 800MHz license will expire in June 2021.

(Note d)

The Company purchased 1.8GHz license from KCC in December 2011. Amortization of the 1.8GHz license commenced once the Company started its related commercial LTE services in late 2012, under a straight-line basis over the remaining useful life of the 1.8GHz license. The 1.8GHz license will expire in December 2021.

(Note e)

The Company purchased a WiBro license from KCC on March 30, 2005. The license period is seven years from the purchase date. Amortization of the WiBro license commenced when the Company started its commercial WiBro services on June 30, 2006, onunder a straight line basis over the remaining useful life. The WiBro license will expire in March 2012.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

13.
9.  BORROWINGS AND BONDS PAYABLE
Bonds

a.    Short-term borrowings

Short-term borrowings as of December 31, 2008, 20092011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won, thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of Japanese yen)Chinese yuan):

                 
    Annual
         
  Maturity
 Interest
         
  Year Rate (%) 2008  2009  2010 
 
Domestic general bonds 2009 5.0 W300,000  W  W 
 2010 4.0~6.77  250,000   190,000    
 2011 3.0  200,000   200,000   200,000 
 2013 4.0~6.92  450,000   450,000   450,000 
 2014 5.0  200,000   200,000   200,000 
 2015 5.0  200,000   200,000   200,000 
 2016 5.0~5.92  200,000   470,000   470,000 
 2018 5.0  200,000   200,000   200,000 
Unsecured private bonds (note b) 2009 6.51-7.48  23,205       
 2009 6.45  30,000       
” (note b) 2010 6.50-7.07  28,182   20,000    
Unsecured public bonds 2008 5.50         
 2010 6.30-6.81  110,000   110,000    
” (note c) 2011 9.08  25,000   25,000   25,000 
Debentures 2009 6.08  96,172       
” (note d) 2010 8.75~9.25  80,000   80,000    
” (note d) 2011 6.65~9.20  315,718   315,718   315,718 
” (note d) 2013 3.99        150,000 
Dollar denominated bonds (US$300,000) 2011 4.25  377,250   350,280   341,670 
Dollar denominated bonds (US$500,000) (note e) 2012 7.0  656,251   611,301   596,951 
Dollar denominated bonds (US$400,000) 2027 6.63  503,000   467,040   455,560 
Yen denominated bonds (JPY15,500,000) (note a) 2012 3 month Euro
Yen
LIBOR+0.55~2.5
  174,236   195,737   216,548 
Yen denominated bonds (JPY5,000,000) (note a) 2012 3 month Euro
Yen
TIBOR+2.5
     63,141   69,854 
Floating rate notes (US$150,000) (note a) 2010 3-month
LIBOR
rate +3.05
  188,625   175,140    
Floating rate notes (US$220,000) (note a) 2012 3-month
LIBOR
rate +3.15
     256,872   250,558 
Bonds with warrants-bearer, detachable, first (note f) 2009 13.65        10 
Bonds with warrants-bearer, detachable, second (note f) 2012 14.23        1,399 
Convertible bonds (SK Telecom) 2009   268,415       
Convertible bonds (SK Telecom) (note g) 2014 1.75     437,673   437,673 
                 
Sub total      4,876,054   5,017,902   4,580,941 
Less discounts on bonds      (77,182)  (82,333)  (76,122)


F-46


   Lender   rate (%)   December  31,
2011
   December  31,
2010
   January  1,
2010
 

Short-term borrowing (Korean won)

   Hana Bank, etc.     4.49 ~ 6.87    (Won)394,033    (Won)328,710    (Won)235,232  

Short-term borrowing (Foreign currency)

   
 
SK China
Company, Ltd
  
  
        

(US$

106,680

92,500)

  

  

        
 
9,237
(CNY54,000)
  
  

Commercial Paper

   Shinhan Bank, etc.     3.83 ~ 3.85     200,000     195,000     310,000  
      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      (Won)700,713    (Won)523,710    (Won)554,469  
      

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

                 
    Annual
         
  Maturity
 Interest
         
  Year Rate (%) 2008  2009  2010 
 
Less conversion right adjustments      (5,733)  (81,235)  (64,735)
Add long-term accrued interest      17,256       
Add premium on redemption of bonds            400 
                 
Net      4,810,395   4,854,334   4,440,484 
Less portion due within one year      (736,003)  (573,936)  (874,436)
                 
Long-term portion     W4,074,392  W4,280,398  W3,566,048 
                 
b.    Long-term borrowings

Long-term borrowings as of December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won, thousands of U.S. dollars and thousands of Chinese yuan:

Lender

 Maturity  

Annual interest

rate (%) (Note)

 December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
  January 1,
2010
 

Shinhan Bank

  2011   91 days CD yield + 0.25 (Won)   (Won)   (Won)200,000  

Korea Development Bank

  2011   91 days CD yield + 1.02     (Won)100,000   (Won)100,000  

Citibank

  2011   91 days CD yield + 1.20     (Won)100,000   (Won)100,000  

Nonghyup

  2011   91 days CD yield + 1.30     (Won)100,000   (Won)100,000  

Hana Bank

  2011   91 days CD yield + 1.50     (Won)150,000   (Won)150,000  

Nonghyup

  2011   91 days CD yield + 1.50     (Won)50,000   (Won)50,000  

Industrial Bank of Korea

  2010   2.78         (Won)128  

Korea Development Bank

  2011   3.22     (Won)3,251   (Won)9,751  

Kookmin Bank

  2012   3.80 (Won)1,977   (Won)5,930   (Won)9,883  

Korea Development Bank

  2013    (Won)5,288   (Won)8,814   (Won)10,577  

Korea Development Bank

  2014    (Won)8,238   (Won)9,885   (Won)9,885  

Shinhan Bank

  2015    (Won)10,273   (Won)10,273      

Kookmin Bank

  2016    (Won)9,749          

Credit Agricole

  2013   6M Libor + 0.29 US$30,000   US$30,000   US$30,000  

Bank of China

      US$20,000   US$20,000   US$20,000  

DBS Bank

      US$25,000   US$25,000   US$25,000  

SMBC

      US$25,000   US$25,000   US$25,000  

Korea Exchange Bank

  2010   5.44         US$117,161  

China Merchants Bank

  2018   5.35 CNY360,000   CNY360,000      

Korea Exchange Bank

  2015   5.18~5.44 CNY200,000   CNY200,000      

Hana Bank HK

  2014   3M Libor + 3.2 US$75,000          
   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

   (Won)35,525   (Won)538,153   (Won)740,224  
   US$175,000   US$100,000   US$217,161  
   CNY560,000   CNY560,000    CNY—  
   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Equivalent in Korean won

   (Won)334,362   (Won)748,346   (Won)993,782  

Less portion due within one year

    (10,510  (512,378  (149,142
   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Long-term portion

   (Won)323,852   (Won)235,968   (Won)844,640  
   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(Note)

As of December 31, 2011, 3-month Libor rate is 0.58% and the 6-month Libor rate is 0.81%.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

c. Bonds payable

Bonds payable as of December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won, thousands of U.S. dollars, thousands of Japanese yen and thousands of Singapore dollars):

   Maturity   

Annual Interest

rate (%)

  December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
  January 1,
2010
 

Domestic general bonds

   2010    3.20~6.77  (Won)   (Won)   (Won)510,000  

   2011    3.00~4.44    200,000    280,000  

   2013    4.00~6.92   450,000    450,000    450,000  

   2014    4.86~5.0   250,000    200,000    200,000  

   2015    4.62~5.0   250,000    200,000    200,000  

   2016    3.95~5.92   580,000    470,000    470,000  

   2018    5.0   200,000    200,000    200,000  

   2021    4.22   190,000          

Unsecured private bonds

   2010    6.50~7.07           20,000  

Unsecured public bonds

   2010    6.30~6.81           110,000  

   2011    9.08       25,000    25,000  

Debentures

   2010    8.75~9.25           80,000  

   2011    6.65~9.20       315,718    315,718  

” (Note b)

   2013    3.99   150,000    150,000      

” (Note b)

   2014    4.40~4.53   390,000          

Dollar denominated bonds (US$300,000)

   2011    4.25       341,670    350,280  

Dollar denominated bonds (US$500,000)(Note c)

   2012    7.0   576,650    596,951    611,301  

Dollar denominated bonds (US$400,000)

   2027    6.63   461,320    455,560    467,040  

Yen denominated bonds (JPY 15,500,000)(Note a)

   2012    3 M Euro Yen LIBOR+0.55~2.5   230,200    216,547    195,737  

Yen denominated bonds (JPY 5,000,000)(Note a)

   2012    3 M Euro Yen TIBOR+2.5   74,258    69,854    63,141  

Floating rate notes(US$ 150,000)(Note a)

   2010    3 M LIBOR+3.05           175,140  

Floating rate notes(US$ 220,000)(Note a)

   2012    3 M LIBOR+3.15   253,726    250,558    256,872  

Floating rate notes(US$ 250,000)(Note a)

   2014    3 M LIBOR+1.60   288,325          

Floating rate notes(SGD 65,000)(Note a)

   2014    SOR rate+1.20   57,619          

Convertible bonds (US$ 332,528)(Note d)

   2014    1.75   397,886    461,655    442,422  
      

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Sub total

       4,799,984    4,603,513    5,422,651  

Less discounts on bonds

       (39,096  (70,530  (75,920
      

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net

       4,760,888    4,532,983    5,346,731  

Less portion due within one year

       (1,531,879  (874,437  (893,431
      

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Long-term portion

      (Won)3,229,009   (Won)3,658,546   (Won)4,453,300  
      

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

(noteNote a)The 3-months Euro Yen LIBOR rate, the 3-months Euro Yen TiborTIBOR rate, the 3-month LIBOR rate and the 3-month LiborSOR rate as of December 31, 20102011 are 0.19%0.20%, 0.34%0.33%, 0.58% and 0.30%0.55%, respectively.
(noteNote b)Bonds were scheduled to be repaid in 3 years with a two-year grace period; the entire amount was repaid during the current year.
(note c)In accordance with the covenant provision of related borrowings, SK Telink Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of the Company, is required to maintain its debt ratio lower than 1,000 percent until completion of the principal repayment obligation. If the subsidiary of the Company does not comply with the covenant provision until completion of the principal repayment, the Company may be required to perform an immediate redemption by written notification by resolution of bondholders committee.
(note d)According to the covenant provision of the related borrowings, SK Broadband Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company, is required to maintain its debt ratio lower than 1,000 percent and SK Broadband Co., Ltd.it cannot dispose of its property and equipment more than twenty times of net assets or (Won)10 trillion of its net assets in any given fiscal year.
(note e)Note c)According to the covenants of foreign currency debentures, when a private person or other corporation except for AIG-Newbridge-TVG Consortium acquireacquires more than 45% of ownership of SK Broadband Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company, and its credit rating on the global bond (US$500,000 thousand) is downgraded below BB by S&P or Ba2 by Moody’s, SK Broadband Co., Ltd. shallis required to offer a buy-back of allthe related foreign currency debentures at the price of 101% of the principal. If the Company does not comply with the covenant, it may be required to perform an immediate redemption.

(Note d)

(note f)Bonds with stock warrants were issued by PREGM Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company. First bearer, detachable bonds with stock warrants, have expired as of December 31, 2010 but has yet been redeemed. Exercise period of the second bearer, detachable bonds with stock warrants is from April 19, 2009 to January 23, 2012 and the exercise price is W4,375 per share.
  
(note g)

The convertible bonds are classified as financial liabilities as FVTPL in current portion of long-term debt as the bond holders can redeem their notes at April 7, 2012.

On April 7, 2009, the Company issued convertible bonds with a maturity of five years in the principal amount of US$332,528,000 for US$326,397,463 with a conversion price, determined at the time, of W(Won)230,010 per share of the Company’s common stock, which was greater than the market value at the date of issuance. Conversion price will subsequently change based on changes in the Company’s common shares amount. The Company may redeem the principal amount after 3 years from the issuance date if the market price exceeds 130% of the conversion price during a predetermined period. On the other hand, the bond holders may redeem their notes at 100% of the principal amount on April 7, 2012 (3 years from the issuance date). The conversion right may be exercised during the period from May 18, 2009 to March 24, 2014 and the number of common shares that can be converted as of December 31, 20102011 is 2,090,9962,192,102 shares.

Conversion of notes to common shares may be prohibited under the Telecommunications Law or other legal restrictions which restrains foreign governments, individuals and entities from owning more than 49% of the Company’s voting stock. If such 49% ownership limitation is violated due to the exercise of conversion rights, the Company will pay a bond holder a cash settlement which will be determined at the average price of one day after a holder exercises its conversion right or the weighted average price for the following five or twenty business days. The Company intends to sell treasury shares held in trust by the Company that corresponds to the number of shares of common stock that would have been delivered in the

F-47


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
absence of the 49% foreign shareholding restrictions. Unless either previously redeemed or converted, the notes are redeemable at 100% of the principal amount at maturity.
In accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors on January 27, 201021, 2011 and on July 22, 2010,28, 2011, the conversion price has changed from W230,010(Won)220,000 to W220,000(Won)209,853 and the number of common shares that can be converted has changed from 1,999,9972,090,996 shares to 2,090,9962,192,102 shares due to the payment of periodic dividends and payment of interim dividends. During the year ended December 31, 2010,2011, no conversion was made.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

14.LONG-TERM PAYABLES

As of December 31, 2011, long-term payables consist of payables related to acquisition of W-CDMA licenses for 2.1GHz, 800MHZ and 1.8GHz frequency and other details are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   2.1GHz   800MHz   1.8GHz   Total 

Period of repayment

   2012 ~ 2014     2013 ~ 2015     2012 ~ 2021    

Coupon rate (Note a)

   3.58%     3.51%     3.00%    

Annual effective interest rate (Note b)

   5.89%     5.69%     5.25%    

Nominal value

  (Won)52,600    (Won)208,250    (Won)746,250    (Won)1,007,100  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Present value at December 31, 2010

  (Won)50,166    (Won)    (Won)     50,166  

Present value at the time of acquisition in 2011

        197,190     679,607     876,797  

Amortization of present value discount in 2011

   1,025     1,925     205     3,155  

Less portion due within one year

   (17,296)          (71,848)     (89,144)  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term portion of W-CDMA payables

  (Won)33,895    (Won)199,115    (Won)607,964    (Won)840,974  

Other

         6,522  
        

 

 

 

Long-term payables — other

        (Won)847,496  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

10.  

(Note a)

LONG-TERM BORROWINGSThe Company applied an annual interest equal to the government’s previous year public funds financing account rate less1%.

(Note b)

The Company estimated the discount rate based on its credit ratings and corporate bond yield rate as there is no market interest rate available for long-term account payable-other.
Long-term borrowings as

As of December 31, 2008, 20092010 and January 1, 2010, the Company’s long-term payables — other consist of payables related to the acquisition of frequency use rights and other, in the amount of (Won)54,783 million and (Won)170,953 million, respectively.

The repayment schedule of long-term payables at December 31, 2011 is as follows (in millions of Korean won):

Year ending December 31,

  Long-term payables 

2012

   92,158  

2013

   161,575  

2014

   161,575  

2015 and thereafter

   591,792  
  

 

 

 

Total

   1,007,100  
  

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

15.PROVISONS

Details of change in the provisions for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won, thousandswon):

   For the years ended December 31, 2011   As of December 31, 2011 
   Beginning
balance
   Increase   Decrease  Ending
balance
   Current   Non-current 

Provision for handset subsidy

  (Won)732,041    (Won)877,042     ((Won)846,994)   (Won)762,089    (Won)653,112    (Won)108,977  

Provision for point programs

   353     1,052     (617  788     60     728  

Provision for restoration

   32,522     8,466     (4,610  36,378     3,876     32,502  

Provision for warranty

   140     14         154          154  

Provision for sales return

   49     77     (45  81     81       

Other provisions

   11     69     (11  69     69       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)765,116    (Won)886,720     ((Won)852,277)   (Won)799,559    (Won)657,198    (Won)142,361  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   For the years ended December 31, 2010   As of December 31, 2010 
   Beginning
balance
   Increase   Decrease  Ending
balance
   Current   Non-current 

Provision for handset subsidy

  (Won)609,733    (Won)941,586    (Won)(819,278 (Won)732,041    (Won)652,563    (Won)79,478  

Provision for point programs

   894     461     (1,002  353     266     87  

Provision for restoration

   26,473     6,202     (153  32,522          32,522  

Provision for warranty

   317     173     (350  140          140  

Provision for sales return

   40     19     (10  49     49       

Other provisions

   22     10     (21  11     11       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)637,479    (Won)948,451     ((Won)820,814)   (Won)765,116    (Won)652,889    (Won)112,227  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision for handset subsidies

The Company recognizes a provision for handset subsidies given to the subscribers who purchase handsets on an installment basis.

Provision for point programs

For marketing purposes, the Company grants points to subscribers when they enter into certain programs, such as, receiving paperless invoices or completing surveys for affiliates. The Company records a provision related to the unused and unexpired granted points, in accordance with the expected points’ usage duration. All unused points expire on their fifth anniversary.

Provision for restoration

In the course of U.S. dollarsthe Company’s activities, base station and thousandsother assets are utilized on leased premises which are expected to have costs associated with restoring the location where these assets are situated upon ceasing their use on those premises. The associated cash outflows, which are long-term in nature, are generally expected to occur at the dates of Japanese yen):

                   
  Final
  Annual Interest
         
Lender
 
Maturity Year
  
Rate (%) (note a)
 2008  2009  2010 
 
Shinhan Bank (note a)  2011  91 days CD yield + 0.25  W200,000   W200,000   W 
Korea Development Bank  2011  91 days CD yield + 1.02  W100,000   W100,000   W100,000 
Citibank  2011  91 days CD yield + 1.20  W100,000   W100,000   W100,000 
Nonghyup  2011  91 days CD yield + 1.30  W100,000   W100,000   W100,000 
Hana Bank  2011  91 days CD yield + 1.50  W150,000   W150,000   W150,000 
Nonghyup  2011  91 days CD yield + 1.50  W50,000   W50,000   W50,000 
Shinhan Bank  2011  4.36  W635       
Korea Development Bank  2011  3.52  W16,253   W9,752   W3,251 
Kookmin Bank  2012  4.29  W11,860   W9,883   W5,930 
Korea Development Bank  2013  4.29  W10,577   W10,577   W8,814 
Small Business Corporation  2009  5.25  W31       
Credit Agricole Bank  2013  6M Libor + 0.29 US$30,000  US$30,000  US$30,000 
Bank of China     US$20,000  US$20,000  US$20,000 
DBS Bank     US$25,000  US$25,000  US$25,000 
SMBC     US$25,000  US$25,000  US$25,000 
Korea Development Bank  2014  4.29     W9,885   W9,885 
Korea Development Bank  2015  4.29        W10,273 
China Merchants Bank  2018  5.35       CNY360,000 
Korea Exchange Bank  2015  5.18~ 5.44       CNY200,000 
Industrial Bank of Korea  2010  2.78  W384   W128   W 
                   
Total        W739,740   W740,225   W538,153 
        US$100,000  US$100,000  US$100,000 
              CNY560,000 
                   
Equivalent in Korean won        W865,490   W856,985   W748,345 
Less portion due within one year        (9,019)  (12,345)  (512,377)
                   
Long-term portion        W856,471   W844,640   W235,968 
                   
(note a)As of December 31, 2010, the91-day CD yield is 2.80%.


F-48

exit of the assets to which they relate.


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The repayment schedule

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

These restoration costs are calculated on the basis of long-term borrowingsthe identified costs for the current financial year, extrapolated into the future based on management’s best estimates of future trends in prices, inflation, and other factors, and are discounted to present value at December 31, 2010 is as follows (in millionsa risk-adjusted rate specifically applicable to the liability. Forecasts of Korean won and thousandsestimated future provisions are revised in light of U.S. dollars):

                 
     Long-Term Borrowings
    
  Long-Term
  in Foreign Currencies    
  Borrowings in
  Foreign
  Korean Won
    
Year Ending December 31,
 Korean Won  Currencies  Equivalent  Total 
 
2011 W512,377  W  W  W512,377 
2012  10,510         10,510 
2013  8,482  US$100,000
CNY59,929
   124,196   132,678 
2014 and thereafter  6,784  CNY500,071   85,996   92,780 
                 
Total W538,153  US$100,000
CNY560,000
  W210,192  W748,345 
                 
11.  SUBSCRIPTION DEPOSITS
future changes in business conditions or technological requirements.

The Company receives facility guarantee deposits from subscribers of cellular services atrecords these restoration costs as PP&E and subsequently allocates them to expense using a systematic and rational method over the subscription date. The Company has no obligation to pay interest on these depositsasset’s useful life, and returns all amounts to subscribers upon terminationrecords the accretion of the subscription contract.

Long-term subscription guarantee deposits by service type heldliability as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won, except deposit per subscriber amounts):
                 
  Deposit per
          
Service Type
 Subscriber  2008  2009  2010 
 
Cellular W200,000  W4,796  W5,480  W5,220 
                 
Subscription deposits payable recorded as current liabilities represents payablesa charge to subscribers who have cancelled their services.
finance costs.

16.
12.  FINANCIAL LEASE LIABILITIESLEASES

SK Broadband Co., Ltd., a subsidiary, has leased certain equipment related to telecommunication under a financethefinance lease agreement with Cisco Capital Korea. In addition, under certain financeThe Company’s financial lease agreements with KDB Capital Corp., and other lease companies, Broadband Media Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company, has leased setup-boxes, sharers, etc. The acquisition cost of such leased setup-boxes, equipment and other totaled W198,226 millionliabilities as ofofDecember 31, 2011, December 31, 2010. Accumulated depreciation for the leased assets as of December 31,


F-49


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
2010 is W76,663 million. The Company’s minimum future lease payments as of December 31,and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):
             
  Annual Lease
       
Year Ending December 31,
 Payments  Interest  Principal 
 
2011 W50,065  W4,597  W45,468 
2012  30,508   2,381   28,127 
2013  17,678   1,094   16,584 
2014  15,761   397   15,364 
             
Total W114,012  W8,469   105,543 
             
Less portion due within one year          (45,468)
             
Finance lease liabilities         W60,075 
             

   December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
   January 1,
2010
 

Finance lease liabilities :

      

Less due within one year (FN 4.b.Note (c))

  (Won)31,308    (Won)45,468    (Won)70,593  

Long-term portion

   41,940     60,075     77,709  

The Company leased certain machinery and equipment under an operating lease and the Company’s related minimum future lease paymentsinterest and principal as of December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, are as follows (In(in millions of Korean won):

     
  Minimum
 
  Lease
 
Year Ending December 31,
 Payments 
 
2011 W6,552 
2012  4,459 
2013 and thereafter  1,904 
     
Total W12,915 
     


F-50


   December 31, 2011  December 31, 2010  January 1, 2010 
   Minimum
lease
payments
   Present
value
  Minimum
lease
payments
   Present
value
  Minimum
lease
payments
   Present
value
 

2012

  (Won)34,198    (Won)31,308   (Won)50,680    (Won)45,468   (Won)77,577    (Won)70,593  

2013 ~ 2017

   44,119     41,940    63,336     60,075    84,849     77,709  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

   78,317     73,248    114,016     105,543    162,426     148,302  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less portion due within 1 year

     (31,308    (45,468    (70,593
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term portion

    (Won)41,940     (Won)60,075     (Won)77,709  
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

17.RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATION

The Company has defined benefit plans it offers to its employees. Details regarding its plans and the Company’s retirement benefit obligations as of December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows.

a.Details of retirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
  January 1,
2010
 

Present value of defined benefit obligation

  (Won)188,120   (Won)160,363   (Won)127,255  

Fair value of plan assets

   (102,179  (92,493  (73,596
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)85,941   (Won)67,870   (Won)53,659  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

b.
13.  ASSETS AND LIABILITIES DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIESPrincipal actuarial assumptions as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:
The details

   December 31, 2011 December 31, 2010

Discount rate for defined benefit obligations

  4.11 ~ 6.15% 5.41 ~ 6.30%

Inflation rate

  3.00% 3.00%

Expected rate of return on plan assets

  2.00 ~ 8.11% 4.00 ~ 5.64%

Expected rate of salary increase

  3.50 ~ 5.10% 4.36 ~ 8.42%

Discount rate for defined benefit obligation is determined based on the Company’s credit ratings and yield rate of monetarycorporate bonds with similar maturities for estimated payment term of defined benefit obligation. Expected rate of return on plan assets represent weighted average rate of market value of the individual assets on the plan. Expected rate of return on plan assets is determined based on the historical yield rate and liabilities denominatedcurrent market conditions. Meanwhile, expected rate of salary increase is determined the Company historical promotion index, inflation rate and salary increase ratio in foreign currencies (exceptaccordance with salary agreement. Inflation rate represents target inflation rate declared by Bank of Korea.

c.Changes in defined benefit obligations before tax for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   For the years ended 
   December 31, 2011  December 31, 2010 

Beginning balance

  (Won)160,363   (Won)127,255  

Current service cost

   63,925    81,754  

Interest cost

   9,086    8,211  

Actuarial gain or loss

   30,503    3,856  

Benefit paid

   (77,754  (62,689

Others

   1,997    1,976  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Ending balance

  (Won)188,120   (Won)160,363  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Changes in plan assets for bonds payable and long-term borrowings denominated in foreign currencies described in Notes 9 and 10) as ofthe years ended December 31, 2008, 20092011 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won, thousands of U.S. dollars, thousands of HK dollars, thousands of Japanese yen, thousands of Singaporean dollars, thousands of Euros, thousands of Great Britain pounds, thousands of Swiss francs, thousands of Chinese Yuan, thousands of Australian dollars, thousands of Canadian dollars, thousands of France francs and thousands of Thailand Baht)won):

                         
  Foreign Currencies  Korean Won Equivalent 
  2008  2009  2010  2008  2009  2010 
 
Cash and cash equivalents US$7,269  US$3,885  US$3,774  W9,140  W4,536  W4,299 
  EUR85   EUR9   EUR7   152   15   11 
  JPY1,313   JPY35,930      18   454    
        CNY150,621         25,902 
       SG$41         37 
Accounts receivable — trade US$35,837  US$36,119  US$63,291   45,066   42,173   72,106 
     JPY54,776   JPY59,566      692   831 
  EUR187   EUR187   EUR203   332   313   307 
        GBP3         5 
       AU$2         2 
       CA$1         1 
  CNY5,620      CNY7,833   1,035      1,347 
     THB2,852   THB2,968      100   113 
Short-term loans US$2,168  US$480  US$300   2,726   560   342 
Accounts receivable — other US$2  US$182  US$14,271   3   212   16,253 
  CNY7,888   CNY1,131      1,452   193    
Guarantee deposits US$8  US$8  US$147   9   9   167 
  JPY17,397   JPY17,397   JPY16,854   242   220   235 
                         
Total assets             W60,175  W49,477  W121,958 
                         


F-51


   For the years ended 
   December 31, 2011  December 31, 2010 

Beginning balance

  (Won)92,493   (Won)73,596  

Expected return on plan assets

   4,059    3,292  

Actuarial gain or loss

   (1,048  (676

Contributions by employer directly to plan assets

   44,961    25,628  

Benefit payment

   (38,343  (11,256

Others

   57    1,909  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Ending balance

  (Won)102,179   (Won)92,493  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

d.Expenses recognized in statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   For the years ended 
   December 31, 2011  December 31, 2010 

Current service cost

  (Won)63,925   (Won)81,754  

Interest cost

   9,086    8,211  

Expected return on plan assets

   (4,059  (3,292
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)68,952   (Won)86,673  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

                         
  Foreign Currencies  Korean Won Equivalent 
  2008  2009  2010  2008  2009  2010 
 
Accounts payable US$22,295  US$22,675  US$32,812  W28,036  W26,476  W37,370 
  JPY1,251   JPY1,251   JPY76   17   16   1 
  FRF11   FRF11      3   3    
        CNY85,117         14,638 
 US$31,605  US$22,695  US$42,446   39,744   26,498   48,335 
  JPY112,370   JPY99,742   JPY945   1,566   1,260   13 
 HK$41  HK$19  HK$29   7   3   5 
  GBP38   GBP78   GBP86   70   146   152 
 SG$1  SG$1  SG$1   1   1   1 
  EUR1,116   EUR810   EUR429   1,983   1,356   650 
     CHF19         22    
                         
Total liabilities             W71,427  W55,781  W101,165 
                         

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

These expenses are recognized as labor cost, research and development expense in the period as income or expenses and construction in progress.

e.
14.  CAPITAL STOCK AND CAPITAL SURPLUSDetails of plan assets as of December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
   January 1,
2010
 

Equity instruments

  (Won)    (Won)26,247    (Won)2,027  

Debt instruments

   12,455     51,489     38,629  

Others

   89,724     14,757     32,940  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)102,179    (Won)92,493    (Won)73,596  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Actual return on plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 is (Won)3,011 million and (Won)2,616 million, respectively.

18.SHARE CAPITAL AND SHARE PREMIUM

The Company’s outstanding share capital stock consists entirely of common stock with a par value of W(Won)500. The number of authorized, issued and outstanding common shares and share premium as of December 31, 2008, 20092011, December 31, 2010 and 2010 are as follows:

             
  2008 2009 2010
 
Authorized shares  220,000,000   220,000,000   220,000,000 
Issued shares  81,193,711   80,745,711   80,745,711 
Outstanding shares, net of treasury stock  72,486,015   72,344,999   71,094,999 
Significant changes in common capital and capital surplus in 2008, 2009 andJanuary 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won, except for share data):
             
  Number of
     Capital
 
  Shares Issued  Capital Stock  Surplus 
 
At December 31, 2007  81,193,711  W44,639  W2,956,106 
Decrease of conversion of convertible bonds due to change in statutory tax rates        1,544 
Gain on disposal of treasury stock (note a)        722 
Equity in capital surplus changes of affiliates        482 
             
At December 31, 2008  81,193,711   44,639   2,958,854 
Issuance of convertible bonds (note b)        73,622 
Gain on disposal of treasury stock (note c)  (448,000)     (722)
Equity in capital surplus changes of affiliates        193 
             
At December 31, 2009  80,745,711   44,639   3,031,947 
Equity in capital surplus changes of affiliates        (167)
             
At December 31, 2010  80,745,711  W44,639  W3,031,780 
             

   December 31, 2011  December 31, 2010  January 1, 2010 

Authorized shares

   220,000,000    220,000,000    220,000,000  

Issued shares (Note)

   80,745,711    80,745,711    80,745,711  

Share capital

    

Common stock

  (Won)44,639   (Won)44,639   (Won)44,639  

Share premium :

    

Paid-in surplus

  (Won)2,915,887   (Won)2,915,887   (Won)2,915,887  

Treasury stock

   (2,410,451  (2,202,439  (1,992,083

Loss on disposal of treasury stock

   (18,855  (15,875  (15,875

Others

   (771,928  (776,526  (740,053
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)(285,347 (Won)(78,953 (Won)167,876  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

There are no changes in share capital for the years ended December 31, 2011, and 2010.

(note a)(Note)On January 23, 2008, treasury stock of 208,326 shares with carrying value totaling W49,401 million were sold to employees through a compensatory employee stock purchase plan. As a result of this transaction,

F-52


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
tax effect of accumulated temporary differences related to the sold treasury stocks exceeded the loss on disposal of treasury stock.
(note b)During the year ended December 31, 2009, convertible bonds with principal amount of US$332,528,000 were issued2003, December 31, 2006 and resulted in the increase in value of the conversion rights (capital surplus) of the convertible bonds (net of tax effect W19,445 million).
(note c)On January 9,December 31, 2009, the Company retired 7,002,235 shares, 1,083,000 shares and 448,000 shares, respectively, of treasury stock andwhich reduced its retained earnings before appropriation in accordance with the Korean Commercial Law. TheAs a result, the Company’s capital surplus was changed due tooutstanding number of shares decreased without change in the tax effect of this share retirement.capital.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

19.TREASURY STOCK

Through 2009, the Company acquired 8,400,712 shares of treasury stock in the open market for (Won)1,992,083 million to use as stock dividends, to increase shareholder value, and to use for stabilizing stock prices in the market if deemed necessary.

Meanwhile from July 26, 2010 through October 20, 2010, the Company additionally acquired 1,250,000 shares of treasury stock for (Won)210,356 million and from July 21, 2011 through September 28, 2011, the Company additionally acquired 1,400,000 shares of treasury stock for (Won)208,012 million in accordance with the resolution of the Board of Directors on July 22, 2010 and July 19, 2011, respectively.

As a result of aforementioned treasury stock transactions, as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company has 11,050,712 shares of treasury stock at (Won)2,410,451 million and 9,650,712 shares of treasury stock at (Won)2,202,439 million, respectively.

15.  20.RETAINED EARNINGS

Retained earnings as of December 31, 2008, 20092011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
   January 1,
2010
 

Appropriated :

      

Legal reserve (Note a)

  (Won)22,320    (Won)22,320    (Won)22,320  

Reserve for research & manpower development (Note b)

   535,595     658,928     672,595  

Reserve for business expansion (Note b)

   8,009,138     7,519,138     7,045,138  

Reserve for technology development (Note b)

   1,524,000     1,150,000     1,150,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

   10,091,053     9,350,386     8,890,053  

Unappropriated

   1,551,472     1,370,863     673,887  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)11,642,525    (Won)10,721,249    (Won)9,563,940  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Note a)Mandatory Reserve — Legal Reserve
The Korean Commercial Law requires the Company to appropriate as a legal reserve at least 10% of cash dividends paid for each accounting period, until the reserve equals 50% of outstanding share capital. The legal reserve may not be utilized for cash dividends, but may be used to offset a future deficit, if any, or may be transferred to share capital.
(Note b)Voluntary Reserve
Reserve for research & manpower development and reserve for technology development were originally appropriated, in order to recognize certain tax deductible benefits through the early recognition of future expenditure for tax purposes. These reserves will be reversed from appropriated and retained earnings in accordance with the relevant tax laws in taxable income in the year of reversal. However, for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, all reserves are on now on a voluntary basis and there are no restrictions on these reserves. As such, the Company can utilize these if deemed necessary.
Reserve for business expansion is appropriated for on a voluntary basis, there are no restrictions on the reserve. As such, the Company can utilize these if deemed necessary.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

21.RESERVES

a.Details of reserves as of December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
  January 1,
2010
 

Net change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets

  (Won)354,951   (Won)793,645   (Won)998,527  

Share of other comprehensive income of associates

   (93,599  (91,413  (91,244

Loss on valuation of derivatives

   (25,100  (56,862  12,552  

Foreign currency translations of foreign operations

   23,812    (2,314    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)260,064   (Won)643,056   (Won)919,835  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

b.Details of change in reserves for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   Net change
in fair value
of
available-for-

sale financial
assets
  Share of other
comprehensive
loss of
associates
  Gain (loss) on
valuation of
derivatives
  Foreign
currency
differences from
foreign
operations
  Total 

Balance, January 1, 2010

  (Won)998,527   (Won)(91,244 (Won)12,552   (Won)   (Won)919,835  

Changes

   (260,479  (133  (87,129  (2,314  (350,055

Tax effect

   55,597    (36  17,715        73,276  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2010

  (Won)793,645   (Won)(91,413 (Won)(56,862 (Won)(2,314 (Won)643,056  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, January 1, 2011

  (Won)793,645   (Won)(91,413 (Won)(56,862 (Won)(2,314 (Won)643,056  

Changes

   (555,612  (906  40,865    26,126    (489,527

Tax effect

   116,918    (1,280  (9,103      106,535  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2011

  (Won)354,951   (Won)(93,599 (Won)(25,100 (Won)23,812   (Won)260,064  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

c.Details of change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   For the years ended 
   December 31, 2011  December 31, 2010 
   Before tax  Tax effect  After tax  Before tax  Tax effect  After tax 

Beginning balance

  (Won)1,023,458   (Won)(229,813 (Won)793,645   (Won)1,284,221   (Won)(285,694 (Won)998,527  

Recognized in other comprehensive income during the period

   (418,349  84,227    (334,122  (209,631  43,033    (166,598

Reclassified from equity to income or expense for the period

   (137,263  32,691    (104,572  (50,848  12,564    (38,284
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Ending balance

  (Won)467,846   (Won)(112,895 (Won)354,951   (Won)1,023,742   (Won)(230,097 (Won)793,645  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

d.Details of change in valuation of derivatives for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   For the years ended 
   December 31, 2011  December 31, 2010 
   Before tax  Tax effect  After tax  Before tax  Tax effect   After tax 

Beginning balance

  (Won)(77,448 (Won)20,586   (Won)(56,862 (Won)9,681   (Won)2,871    (Won)12,552  

Recognized in other comprehensive income during the period

   55,158    (13,023  42,135    (74,674  13,379     (61,295

Reclassified from equity to net income for the period

   (14,293  3,920    (10,373  (12,455  4,336     (8,119
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

  (Won)(36,583 (Won)11,483   (Won)(25,100 (Won)(77,448 (Won)20,586    (Won)(56,862
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

22.OTHER OPERATING INCOME AND EXPENSES

Details of other operating income and expenses for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (In millions of Korean won):

   For the year ended 
   December 31, 2011   December 31, 2010 

Other operating income:

    

Reversal of allowance for doubtful accounts (Note)

  (Won)2,301    (Won)805  

Gain on disposal of property and equipment and intangible assets (Note)

   6,275     11,340  

Other (Note)

   41,153     68,380  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (Won)49,729    (Won)80,525  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other operating expenses:

    

Communication expenses

  (Won)64,404    (Won)62,793  

Utilities

   168,288     163,145  

Taxes and dues

   47,467     55,353  

Repair

   250,801     232,557  

Research and development

   271,382     270,603  

Training

   38,139     32,590  

Bad debt for account receivables — trade

   83,748     77,780  

Travels

   32,973     29,275  

Supplies and other

   106,855     100,523  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment and intangible assets (Note)

   21,136     70,025  

Loss on disposal of investment assets (Note)

   434     11,329  

Loss on impairment of intangible assets (Note)

   2,580     7,550  

Donations (Note)

   104,656     204,876  

Other bad debt other receivables (Note)

   12,847     12,293  

Other (Note)

   26,769     60,082  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (Won)1,232,479    (Won)1,390,774  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Note)

Under previous GAAP (Korean GAAP) these were classified as other non-operating income and expenses.

While, under IFRS, these are classified as other operating income and expenses.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

23.FINANCE INCOME AND COSTS

Details of finance income and costs for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Appropriated W8,295,037  W8,890,053  W9,350,386 
Unappropriated  1,153,148   1,019,700   1,253,013 
             
  W9,448,185  W9,909,753  W10,603,399 
             
The details

   For the year ended 
   December 31, 2011   December 31, 2010 

Finance income:

    

Interest income

  (Won)168,148    (Won)237,392  

Dividends

   26,433     28,680  

Gain on foreign currency transactions

   11,135     10,163  

Gain on foreign currency translation

   1,984     16,950  

Gain on valuation of financial asset at FVTPL

   2,617       

Gain on disposal of long-term investment securities

   164,454     174,801  

Reversal of loss on impairment of investment securities

        39  

Gain on valuation of derivatives

   3,785     1,241  

Gain on derivative settlement

        7,951  

Gain on valuation of financial liability at FVTPL

   63,769       
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (Won)442,325    (Won)477,217  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finance costs:

    

Gain on derivative settlement

  (Won)297,172    (Won)379,289  

Loss on foreign currency transactions

   10,382     14,471  

Loss on foreign currency translation

   6,409     1,788  

Loss on disposal of short-term investment securities

        1,866  

Loss on disposal of long-term investment securities

   447     2,368  

Loss on impairment of investment securities

   12,846     3,404  

Loss on valuation of derivatives

   943     19,198  

Loss on derivative settlement

   15,577       

Loss on disposal of accounts receivable

        6  

Loss on valuation of financial liability at FVTPL

        19,233  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (Won)343,776    (Won)441,623  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Details of appropriated retained earnings as ofinterest income included in finance income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20092011 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Legal reserve W22,320  W22,320  W22,320 
Reserve for loss on disposal of treasury stock  255,984       
Reserve for research and manpower development  872,595   672,595   658,928 
Reserve for business expansion  6,344,138   7,045,138   7,519,138 
Reserve for technology development  800,000   1,150,000   1,150,000 
             
  W8,295,037  W8,890,053  W9,350,386 
             
a.  Legal Reserve
The Korean Commercial Code requires the Company to appropriate as a legal reserve at least 10% of cash dividends paid for each accounting period, until the reserve equals 50% of outstanding capital stock. The legal reserve may not be utilized for cash dividends, but may only be used to offset a future deficit, if any, or may be transferred to capital stock.
b.  Reserves for Loss on Disposal of Treasury Stock and Research and Manpower Development
Reserves for loss on disposal of treasury stock and research and manpower development were appropriated in order to recognize certain tax deductible benefits through the early recognition of future expenditures for tax purposes. These reserves will be reversed from appropriated retained earnings in accordance with the relevant tax laws. Such reversal will be included in taxable income in the year of reversal.
c.  Reserve for Business Expansion and Technology Development
The reserves for business expansion and technology development are voluntary and were approved by the board of directors and stockholders.


F-53


   For the years ended 
   December 31, 2011   December 31, 2010 

Interest income on cash equivalents and deposits

  (Won)61,577    (Won)27,987  

Interest income on installment receivables and other interest income

   106,571     209,405  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (Won)168,148    (Won)237,392  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

16.  TREASURY STOCK
The Company acquired 8,707,696 shares

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

Details of treasury stockinterest expenses included in the market for W2,055,620 million through 2008 in order to provide stock dividends, issue new stocks, merge with Shinsegi Telecom, Inc. and SK IMT Co., Ltd., increase shareholder value, and to stabilize its stock price in the market.

On January 23, 2008, 208,326 shares of treasury stock with total carrying value of W49,401 million were sold to employees through a compensatory employee stock purchase plan. In addition, the Company offered loans to its employees to purchase aforementioned shares through the Employees’ Stock Purchase Association (Refer to Note 6 Loans for Employees). As a result of this transaction, the Company recognized loss on disposal of treasury stock of W7,155 million and W12,718 million of compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2008.
On January 9, 2009, in accordance with the resolution of Board of Directors on October 23, 2008, the Company additionally acquired 141,012 shares of treasury stock for W28,938 million and concurrently retired 448,000 treasury shares which was accumulated to date, with the Company’s retained earnings, for W92,477 million. As a result of these transactions, retained earnings decreased by W92,476 million.
On December 15, 2009, the Company acquired 4 shares of treasury stock for W7 million through the acquisition request of odd lot stock, resulting from the merger with Shinsegi Telecom, Inc.
In addition, from July 26, 2010 through October 20, 2010, the Company acquired 1,250,000 shares of treasury stock for W210,356 million in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors on July 22, 2010.
As a result, treasury stocks amount to as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 are 9,650,712 shares, 8,400,712 shares and 8,707,696 shares with acquisition costs of W2,202,439 million, W1,992,083 million and W2,055,620, respectively.
17.  INCOME TAXES
Income tax expenses for continuing operationfinance for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 consist of the following (in millions of Korean won):
             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Currently W494,163  W610,561  W525,488 
Changes in net deferred tax liabilities  (194,864)  (254,891)  (121,182)
             
Income tax expenses W299,299  W355,670  W404,306 
             


F-54


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The difference between income taxes computed using the statutory corporate income tax rates and the recorded income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 is attributable to the following (in millions of Korean won):
             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Income taxes at statutory income tax rate of 25% in 2008 and 22% in 2009 and 2010(*) W315,091  W308,109  W397,868 
Resident surtax payable  31,509   30,811   39,787 
Tax credit for investments, technology and human resource development  (98,551)  (98,242)  (37,074)
Special surtax for agriculture and fishery industries fund designated by government  17,528   16,521   6,720 
Additional income tax (tax refund) for prior periods  (53,913)  10,947   (7,508)
Tax effect from statutory tax rate change  (28,656)  (3,353)  (2,807)
Goodwill amortization not deductible for tax purpose  35,382   31,136   31,136 
Undistributed earnings (unrecognized deficit) of subsidiaries  3,196   (14,821)  (315)
Permanent differences  40,484   3,586   1,246 
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance  37,229   70,976   (24,747)
             
Recorded income taxes W299,299  W355,670  W404,306 
             
Effective tax rate  23.43%  25.30%  24.16%
             
(*) Tax rate represents statutory tax rate in Korea. However, for certain foreign subsidiaries different tax rates are applied, in accordance with the respective tax jurisdictions.
The tax effects of each type of temporary difference that gave rise to a significant portion of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2008, 20092011 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):
             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Current:            
Allowance for doubtful accounts W33,073  W56,573  W41,748 
Accrued interest income  (2,902)  (1,662)  (846)
Accrued interest expense  21,856   35,179   40,260 
Provision for handset subsidy     128,785   160,625 
Net operating loss carryforwards  7,606      117 
Tax credit carryforwards  570   225   3 
Other  (32,417)  (13,809)  (42,117)
             
Net deferred tax assets — current  27,786   205,291   199,790 
             
Non-Current:            
Depreciation  (9,491)  6,112   29,575 
Loss on impairment of investment securities  99,149   59,450   48,379 
Equity in losses (gains) of affiliates, net  (3,458)  2,468   10,197 
Unrecognized deficit (undistributed earnings) of subsidiaries  (59,826)  111,807   121,529 
Tax free reserve for research and manpower development  (80,707)  (132,244)  (80,761)
Loss on valuation of foreign currency swap  (36,332)  (49,178)  (36,647)


F-55


   For the years ended 
   December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 

Interest expense on bank overdrafts and borrowings

  (Won)60,271    (Won)89,178  

Interest on finance lease liabilities

   4,422     8,383  

Interest on bonds

   208,403     252,646  

Other interest expenses

   24,076     29,082  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (Won)297,172    (Won)379,289  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Loss on valuation of interest swap  7,370   3,392    
Loss on valuation of foreign currency swap (accumulated other comprehensive income)  (1,490)  (5,365)  16,831 
Gain on conversion of convertible bond  (82,091)      
Consideration for conversion right  (11,325)  (21,046)  (14,188)
Equity in other comprehensive income of affiliates, net  22,960   13,799   22,260 
Unrealized loss (gain) on valuation of long-term investment securities (accumulated other comprehensive income)  (123,636)  (309,882)  (186,213)
Goodwill relevant to leased line     189,372   140,809 
Loss (gain) on foreign currency translation  (34,773)  (48,475)  21,831 
Net operating loss carryforwards  137,348   176,532   217,769 
Tax credit carryforwards  39,345   14,417   2,043 
Other  86,061   52,945   (20,358)
             
Total deferred tax assets (liabilities)  (50,896)  64,104   293,056 
Valuation allowance for:            
Depreciation  (11,686)  (8,558)  (9,006)
Net operating loss carryforwards  (137,348)  (176,449)  (215,399)
Equity in losses of affiliates and unrecognized deficit of subsidiaries  (87,314)  (111,449)  (83,458)
Gain on foreign currency translation  (34,773)  (48,475)  (21,831)
Loss on impairment of investment securities  (18,387)  (18,033)  (17,850)
Other  (63,403)  (13,949)  (33,133)
             
Net deferred tax liabilities — non-current W(403,807) W(312,809) W(87,621)
             
The expirationsDetails of income and costs by type of financial assets or financial liabilities for the net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards of the Company’s certain subsidiaries which are expected to be utilized are as follows (in millions of Korean won):
         
  Net Operating Loss
  Tax Credit
 
Year Ending December 31,
 Carryforwards  Carryforwards 
 
2011 W84,262  W3 
2012  175,075    
2013 and thereafter  810,983   356 
         
Total W1,070,320  W359 
         

F-56


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) added to (deducted from) capital surplus or accumulated other comprehensive income as ofyears ended December 31, 2008, 20092011 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):
             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Consideration for conversion right W1,545  W(19,445) W 
Gain on disposal of treasury stock  7,971   (1,533)   
Other capital adjustment     190,245   50 
Equity in capital adjustments of affiliates  4,677   (3,028)  4,788 
Stock option  99       
Unrealized gain on valuation of long-term investment securities, net  491,375   (159,942)  55,435 
Equity in other comprehensive income of affiliates, net  (11,722)  11,028   (923)
Loss (gain) on valuation of foreign currency swap  (2,636)  (4,244)  18,972 
Loss (gain) on valuation of interest rate swap  8,241   (4,286)  (1,257)
Foreign-based operations’ translation adjustment  226      708 
Other capital surplus        163 
             
Total W499,776  W8,795  W77,936 
             
18.  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

   For the year ended 
   December 31, 2011   December 31, 2010 
   Financial
income
   Financial
Costs
   Financial
income
   Financial
costs
 

Financial assets:

        

Financial assets designated as at FVTPL

  (Won)3,013    (Won)943    (Won)1,991    (Won)21,064  

Available-for-sale financial assets

   198,547     13,293     223,425     5,772  

Loans and receivables

   173,498     12,603     228,909     16,221  

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

        8,088     505       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

   375,058     34,927     454,830     43,057  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial liabilities:

        

Financial liabilities designated as at FVTPL

   67,158     2,353          19,233  

Financial liabilities at amortized cost

   109     301,360     15,691     379,333  

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

        5,136     6,696       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

   67,267     308,849     22,387     398,566  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)442,325    (Won)343,776    (Won)477,217    (Won)441,623  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Details of comprehensive incomeimpairment losses for each class of financial assets for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20092011 and December 31, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

                         
  2008  2009  2010 
  Profit and
     Profit and
     Profit and
    
  Loss Effect  Tax Effect  Loss Effect  Tax Effect  Loss Effect  Tax Effect 
 
Net income W972,338      W1,055,606      W1,297,176     
Other comprehensive income (loss):                        
Unrealized gain on valuation of long-term investment securities, net  (1,216,771) W491,376   590,746  W(159,942)  (204,611) W55,435 
Equity in other comprehensive income of affiliates, net  (70,490)  (11,722)  (20,017)  11,028   4,597   (923)
Foreign-based operations translation adjustment  60,262   226   (41,753)     (6,246)  708 
Gain (loss) on valuation of currency swap, net  20,360   (2,636)  14,941   (4,244)  (74,628)  18,972 
Gain (loss) on valuation of interest rate swap, net  (28,427)  8,241   15,197   (4,286)  5,213   (1,257)
                         
Sub-total  (1,235,066) W485,485   559,114  W(157,444)  (275,675) W72,935 
                         
Comprehensive income W(262,728)     W1,614,720      W1,021,501     
                         
Attributable to:                        
Controlling interests W(19,347)     W1,806,296      W1,103,938     
Non-controlling interests  (243,381)      (191,576)      (82,437)    
                         
  W(262,728)     W1,614,720      W1,021,501     
                         


F-57


   For the years ended 
   December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 

Impairment loss on long-term investment securities

  (Won)12,846    (Won)3,404  

Bad debt

   83,748     77,780  

Other bad debt

   12,847     12,293  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (Won)109,441    (Won)93,477  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

24.INCOME TAX FOR CONTINUING OPERATIONS

a.Income tax expenses for continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 consist of the following (in millions of Korean won):

   For the year ended 
   December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 

I. Current tax :

   

Currently

  (Won)520,370   (Won)532,096  

Adjustments recognized in the period for current tax of prior periods

   90,389    11,847  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   610,759    543,943  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

II. Deferred tax:

   

Changes in net deferred tax assets

   (120,718  (78,214

Deferred tax assets directly added to (deducted from) equity

   108,563    78,727  

Changes in scope of consolidation

   330      

Others (Tax effect from statutory tax rate change)

   159    74  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   (11,666  587  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

III. Income tax for continuing operation

  (Won)599,093   (Won)544,530  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

b.The difference between income taxes computed using the statutory corporate income tax rates and the recorded income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 is attributable to the following (in millions of Korean won):

   For the year ended 
   December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 

Income taxes at statutory income tax rate of 24.2% (Note)

  (Won)528,225   (Won)560,952  

Non-taxable income

   (10,230  (8,381

Non-deductible expenses

   7,994    43,382  

Tax credit and tax reduction

   (42,572  (30,443

Tax effects of temporary differences, unused tax losses and unused tax credits not recognized in deferred tax assets

   33,170    7,666  

Additional income tax(refund) for prior periods

   90,389    (6,632

Deferred tax effect from statutory tax rate change for future periods

   (7,883  (22,014
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income tax for continuing operation

  (Won)599,093   (Won)544,530  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

19.  

(Note)

Tax rate represents statutory tax rate in Korea applied to the Company. The statutory income tax rate is 11.0% up to (Won)200 million of net taxable income and 24.2% above (Won)200 million of net taxable income for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. Beginning for the year ended December 31, 2012, the statutory tax rate will be 11.0% up to (Won)200 million of net taxable income, above (Won)200 million and up to (Won)20,000 million of net taxable income will be reduced to 22% and above (Won)20,000 million of net taxable income will be 24.2%.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

c.Deferred tax assets (liabilities) directly added to (deducted from) equity for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   For the year ended 
   December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 

Net change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets (FN 21.b)

  (Won)116,918   (Won)55,597  

Share of other comprehensive income of associates (FN 21.b)

   (1,280  (36

Gain or loss on valuation of derivatives (FN 21.b)

   (9,103  17,715  

Actuarial gain or loss

   6,276    35  

Loss on disposal of treasury stock

   (2,980    

Others

   (1,268  5,416  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  (Won)108,563   (Won)78,727  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

d.Details of changes in deferred tax assets (liabilities) for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

For the year ended December 31, 2011

Account

 Beginning  Changes in
scope of
consolidation
  Deferred tax
expense
(income)
  Directly added
to (deducted
from) equity
  Other  Ending 

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) related to temporary differences

  

   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 (Won)51,748   (Won)   (Won)(10,300 (Won)   (Won)3   (Won)41,451  

Accrued interest income

  (716      (684          (1,400

Available-for-sale financial assets

  (241,325      44,629    116,918        (79,778

Investments in subsidiaries and associates

  18,941        15,610    (1,280  168    33,439  

Property and equipment (depreciation)

  (196,282      (14,438          (210,720

Provisions

  180,965        4,300        1    185,266  

Retirement benefit obligation

  10,027        2,942    6,276        19,245  

Gain or loss on valuation of derivatives

  (5,727      26,046    (9,103      11,216  

Gain or loss on foreign currency translation

  7,634        1,576            9,210  

Tax free reserve for research and manpower development

  (80,740      27,280            (53,460

Goodwill relevant to leased line

  140,809        (24,522          116,287  

Unearned revenue (activation fees)

  117,432        (920          116,512  

Others

  103,584    330    (64,536  (4,248  (13  35,117  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  106,350    330    6,983    108,563    159    222,385  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets related to unused tax loss carryforwards and unused tax credit carryforwards

  

Tax loss carryforwards

  78        4,341            4,419  

Tax credit carryforwards

  432        342            774  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  510        4,683            5,193  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
 (Won)106,860   (Won)330   (Won)11,666   (Won)108,563   (Won)159   (Won)227,578  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

For the year ended December 31, 2010

Account

  Beginning  Deferred tax
expense
(income)
  Directly added
to (deducted
from) equity
  Other  Ending 

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) related to temporary differences

  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  (Won)56,413   (Won)(4,665 (Won)   (Won)   (Won)51,748  

Accrued interest income

   (837  121            (716

Available-for-sale financial assets

   (247,170  (49,752  55,597        (241,325

Investments in subsidiaries and associates

   (31,915  50,772    (36  120    18,941  

Property and equipment (depreciation)

   (129,190  (67,092          (196,282

Provisions

   151,946    29,019            180,965  

Retirement benefit obligation

   7,026    2,966    35        10,027  

Gain or loss on valuation of derivatives

   (29,614  6,172    17,715        (5,727

Gain or loss on foreign currency translation

   11,159    (3,525          7,634  

Tax free reserve for research and manpower development

   (124,227  43,487            (80,740

Goodwill relevant to leased line

   189,372    (48,563          140,809  

Unearned revenue (activation fees)

   130,676    (13,244          117,432  

Others

   43,728    54,486    5,416    (46  103,584  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   27,367    182    78,727    74    106,350  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets related to unused tax loss carryforwards and unused tax credit carryforwards

  

Tax loss carryforwards

   383    (305          78  

Tax credit carryforwards

   896    (464          432  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   1,279    (769          510  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  (Won)28,646   (Won)(587)   (Won)78,727   (Won)74   (Won)106,860  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

e.Details of temporary differences, unused tax losses and unused tax credits which are not recognized as deferred tax assets (liabilities), as the Company does not believe it is probable that the deferred tax assets will be realizable in the future, in the consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   For the year ended 
   December 31, 2011   December 31, 2010 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

  (Won)140,010    (Won)139,500  

Investments in subsidiaries and associates

   797,955     656,844  

Other temporary differences

   210,616     222,985  

Unused tax loss carryforwards

   836,752     900,394  

Unused tax credit carryforwards

   899     2,669  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (Won)1,986,232    (Won)1,922,392  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

f.The expirations of the tax loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards of the Company related to certain subsidiaries which are expected to be utilized, as of December 31, 2011 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   Tax loss carryforwards   Tax credit carryforwards 

Less than 1 year

  (Won)40,867    (Won)483  

1 ~ 2 years

   164,810     189  

2 ~ 3 years

   358,122     174  

More than 3 years

   272,953     53  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)836,752    (Won)899  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

25.NET INCOME PER SHARE

Net income from continuing operationoperations per share and net income per share for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20092011 and 2010 are computed as follows (in millions of Korean won, except for share data):

Net income per share from continuing operation per share

             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Net income from continuing operation attributable to the controlling interests W1,204,562  W1,242,387  W1,373,926 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding  72,765,557   72,346,763   71,942,387 
             
Net income per share (in Korean won) W16,554  W17,173  W19,098 
             

   For the year ended 
   December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 

Net income from continuing operation attributable to the owners of the Company

  (Won)1,613,986    (Won)1,845,513  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

   70,591,937     71,942,387  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per share from continuing Operation (in Korean won)

  (Won)22,864    (Won)25,653  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operation attributable to the controlling interests for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20092011 and 2010 are computed as follows (in millions of Korean won):

             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Net income attributable to the controlling interests W1,215,719  W1,247,182  W1,379,613 
The controlling interests’ portion of net loss (income) from discontinued operation attributable to the controlling interests  (11,157)  (4,795)  (5,687)
             
Net income from continuing operation attributable to the controlling interests W1,204,562  W1,242,387  W1,373,926 
             
Net income per share
             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Net income attributable to the controlling interests W1,215,719  W1,247,182  W1,379,613 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding  72,765,557   72,346,763   71,942,387 
             
Net income per share W16,707  W17,239  W19,177 
             


F-58


   For the year ended 
   December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 

Net income attributable to the controlling interests

  (Won)1,612,889    (Won)1,841,613  

The controlling interests’ portion of net loss (income) from discontinued operation attributable to the controlling interests (FN. 32)

   1,097     3,900  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operation attributable to the controlling interests

  (Won)1,613,986    (Won)1,845,513  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

Net income per share

   For the year ended 
   December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 

Net income attributable to the owners of the Company

  (Won)1,612,889    (Won)1,841,613  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

   70,591,937     71,942,387  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per share (in Korean won)

  (Won)22,848    (Won)25,598  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for 2008, 2009the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 isare calculated as follows:

               
      Weighted
 Weighted
    Number of
 Number of
 Number
  Date Shares Days of Shares
 
For 2008:              
Number of shares at January 1, 2008    81,193,711   366/366   81,193,711 
Treasury stock, at the beginning of the year    (8,609,034)  366/366   (8,609,034)
Acquisition of treasury stock (note a)  (306,988)  18/365   (14,924)
Disposal of treasury stock    208,326   344/366   195,804 
               
Number of shares at December 31, 2008 (note b)  72,486,015       72,765,557 
               
For 2009:              
Number of shares at January 1, 2009    81,193,711   365/365   81,193,711 
Treasury stock, at the beginning of the year    (8,707,696)  365/365   (8,707,696)
Acquisition of treasury stock (note a)  (141,016)  360/365   (139,252)
               
Number of shares at December 31, 2009    72,344,999       72,346,763 
               
For 2010:              
Number of shares at January 1, 2010    80,745,711   365/365   80,745,711 
Treasury stock, at the beginning of the year    (8,400,712)  365/365   (8,400,712)
Acquisition of treasury stock (note a)  (1,250,000)  118/365   (402,612)
               
Number of shares at December 31, 2010    71,094,999       71,942,387 
               

For the year ended December 31, 2011

   Number of
shares
  

Weighted

number of days

  Weighted
number of shares
 

For the years ended December 31, 2011

     

Outstanding common shares at January 1, 2011

   80,745,711   365 / 365   80,745,711  

Treasury stocks at January 1, 2011

   (9,650,712 365 / 365   (9,650,712

Acquisition of treasury stock

   (1,400,000 131 / 365 (Note)   (503,062
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   69,694,999      70,591,937  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2010

 

     
   Number of
Shares
  

Weighted
number of days

  Weighted
number of shares
 

For the years ended December 31, 2010

     

Outstanding common shares at April 1, 2010

   80,745,711   365 / 365   80,745,711  

Treasury stocks at July 1, 2010

   (8,400,712 365 / 365   (8,400,712

Acquisition of treasury stock

   (1,250,000 118 / 365 (Note)   (402,612
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   71,094,999      71,942,387  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(note a)(Note)The Company acquired treasury stocks on variousmany different dates, for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, and the weighted number of shares iswas calculated atconsidering each transaction date respectively.
(note b)Amount excludes ex dividends shares of 38,188 shares acquired by the Company prior to year-end, which resulted in total number of shares of 72,524,203 shares as of December 31, 2008.date.

Diluted net income from continuing operationoperations per share and diluted net income per share amounts for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20092011 and 2010 are computed as follows (in millions of Korean won, except for share data):

Diluted net income per share from continuing operation per share

             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Adjusted net income from continuing operation attributable to the controlling interests W1,215,712  W1,262,871  W1,392,677 
Adjusted weighted average number of common shares outstanding  74,090,301   74,367,734   74,033,383 
             
Net income per share W16,409  W16,981  W18,811 
             


F-59


   For the year ended 
   December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 

Diluted net income from continuing operation attributable to the owners of the Company

  (Won)1,618,606    (Won)1,850,471  

Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding

   72,784,039     74,033,383  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted net income per share (in Korean won)

  (Won)22,238    (Won)24,995  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

Diluted net income per share

             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Adjusted net income attributable to the controlling interest W1,226,869  W1,267,666  W1,398,364 
Adjusted weighted average number of common shares outstanding  74,090,301   74,367,734   74,033,383 
             
Diluted net income per share W16,559  W17,046  W18,888 
             
The numerator and denominator of basic and diluted income per sharefrom continuing operation attributable to the controlling interests for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20092011 and 2010 are computed as follows:
follows (in millions of Korean won):

   For the year ended 
   December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 

Net income attributable to the controlling interests

  (Won)1,617,509    (Won)1,846,571  

The controlling interests’ portion of net loss from discontinued operation attributable to the controlling interests

   1,097     3,900  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operation attributable to the controlling interests

  (Won)1,618,606    (Won)1,850,471  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted net income per share

             
     Average Weighted
    
  Net Income  Number of Shares  Per-Share Amount 
  (In millions of
     (In Korean won) 
  Korean won)       
 
For 2008            
Basic net income per share W1,215,719   72,765,557  W16,707 
             
Effect of convertible bonds (note a)  11,150   1,324,744     
             
Diluted net income per share W1,226,869   74,090,301  W16,559 
             
For 2009            
Basic net income per share W1,247,182   72,346,763  W17,239 
             
Effect of convertible bonds (note a)  20,484   2,020,971     
             
Diluted net income per share W1,267,666   74,367,734  W17,046 
             
For 2010            
Basic net income per share W1,379,613   71,942,387  W19,177 
             
Effect of convertible bonds (note a)  18,751   2,090,996     
             
Diluted net income per share W1,398,364   74,033,383  W18,888 
             

   For the year ended 
   December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 

Adjusted net income to the owners of the Company

  (Won)1,617,509    (Won)1,846,571  

Adjusted weighted average number of common shares outstanding

   72,784,039     74,033,383  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted net income per share (in Korean won)

  (Won)22,223    (Won)24,942  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted net income per share and the adjusted weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are calculated as follows (In millions of Korean won, except for share data):

   For the year ended 
   December 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 

Net income and ordinary income

  (Won)1,612,889    (Won)1,841,613  

Effect of convertible bonds (Note)

   4,620     4,958  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted net income and ordinary income

  (Won)1,617,509    (Won)1,846,571  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

   70,591,937     71,942,387  

Effect of exchangeable bonds (Note)

   2,192,102     2,090,996  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted weighted average number of common shares outstanding

   72,784,039     74,033,383  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(note a)

(Note)

The effectAssuming the conversion of the convertible bonds isoccurred at the beginning of the period, related interest expense would not have been incurred, resulting in an increase in net income related to interest expenses that would not be incurred, and an increase in the weighted average number of common shares outstanding related to common shares that would be issued, assuming that the conversion of convertible bonds were made at the beginning of the period.have occurred.
Net incomes from discontinued operation per share for the years ended December, 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are W153, W66 and W79, respectively


F-60


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

Net income and diluted net income per share from discontinued operation for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are computed as follows (in millions of Korean won, except for share data):

   For the year ended 
   December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 

The controlling interests’ portion of

net loss (income) from discontinued operation attributable to the controlling interests (FN. 32)

   1,097    3,900  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

   70,591,937    71,942,387  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income and diluted net income per share(in Korean won)

  (Won)(16 (Won)(54
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

26.
20.  DIVIDEND DISCLOSURE

Details of dividends which were declared for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20092011 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won, except for face value and share data):

                   
Fiscal
   Number of Shares
     Dividend
    
Year
 
Dividend Type
 Outstanding  Face Value  Ratio  Dividends 
 
2008 Cash dividends (interim)  72,793,003  W500   200% W72,793 
  Cash dividends (year-end)  72,524,203  W500   1,680%  609,203 
                   
  Total             W681,996 
                   
2009 Cash dividends (interim)  72,345,003  W500   200% W72,345 
  Cash dividends (year-end)  72,344,999  W500   1,680%  607,698 
                   
  Total             W680,043 
                   
2010 Cash dividends (interim)  72,344,999  W500   200% W72,345 
  Cash dividends (year-end)  71,094,999  W500   1,680%  597,198 
                   
  Total             W669,543 
                   

Fiscal

year

  

Dividend type

  Number of shares
outstanding
   Face value   Dividend
ratio
  Dividends 
2011  Cash dividends (interim)   71,094,999    (Won)500     200 (Won)71,095  
  Cash dividends (year-end)   69,694,999    (Won)500     1,680  585,438  
         

 

 

 
  Total       (Won)656,533  
         

 

 

 
2010  Cash dividends (interim)   72,344,999    (Won)500     200 (Won)72,345  
  Cash dividends (year-end)   71,094,999    (Won)500     1,680  597,198  
         

 

 

 
  Total       (Won)669,543  
         

 

 

 

Dividends payout ratios for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20092011 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won and %):

             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Dividends W681,996  W680,043  W669,543 
Net income attributable to the controlling interest W1,215,719  W1,247,182  W1,379,613 
             
Dividends payout ratio  56.10%  54.53%  48.53%
             

   For the year ended 
   December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 

Dividends calculated

  (Won)656,533   (Won)669,543  

Net income attributable to the controlling interest

  (Won)1,612,889   (Won)1,841,613  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Dividends payout ratio

   40.71  36.36
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Dividends yield ratios for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20092011 and December 31, 2010 are as follows (in Korean won and %):

             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Dividend per share W9,400  W9,400  W9,400 
Stock price at the year-end W209,000  W169,500  W173,500 
             
Dividends yield ratio  4.49%  5.55%  5.42%
             
21.  RESTRICTED DEPOSITS
a. At December 31, 2010, the Company has guarantee deposits restricted for their checking accounts totaling W52 million and deposits restricted for charitable trust for the benefit of the public amounting to W56,500 million.
b. At December 31, 2010, certain short-term and long-term financial instruments totaling W167,675 million are secured for payment guarantee of short-term borrowings, accounts payable and others.
22.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
a. As of December 31, 2010, SK Broadband Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company, agreed to provide guarantees for Broadband Media Co., Ltd.’s loans. For the guarantee, SK Broadband Co., Ltd. has provided its properties as collaterals as follows: W52,000 million to Woori Bank, W65,000 million to Hana Bank, W52,000 million to Kookmin Bank and W26,000 million to the Korean Federation of Community Credit Cooperatives, respectively. The Company also provided its short-term financial instruments as collaterals as


F-61


   For the year ended 
   December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 

Dividend per share

  (Won)9,400   (Won)9,400  

Stock price at the year-end

   141,500    173,500  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Dividends yield ratio

   6.64  5.42
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

follows: W35,000 million

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

27.SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company’s segments are classified at the business unit level, at which the Company generates separately identifiable revenue and costs, and the related information is reported to Hana Bank, W65,000 million to Korea Exchange Bank, W34,000 million to Nonghyup,the chief operating decision maker for the purpose of resource allocation and W20,000 million to Woori Bank, respectively.

assessment of segment performance. The Company’s reportable segments under IFRS 8Operating Segments are; 1) cellular services and 2) fixed-line telecommunication services. Other businesses which do not meet the quantitative thresholds are grouped and presented as Other in the following schedules.

Cellular services include cellular voice service, wireless data service and wireless internet services. Fixed-line telecommunication services include telephone services, internet services, and leased line services. Other includes the Company’s Internet portal services, game manufacturing and other immaterial operations.

On October 1, 2011, in accordance with the Company’s Board of Directors resolution on July 19, 2011 and the shareholder’s general meeting held on August 31, 2011, the Company spun off its platform business into a new wholly-owned subsidiary, SK BroadbandPlanet Co., Ltd. has provided guaranteesLtd.. SK Planet operates the Company’s platform business such as T Store, online marketplace for loans of Broadband CS Co., Ltd.mobile application, 11th Street, online shopping mall. For the guarantee, SK Broadband Co., Ltd. has pledged its properties as collateral inyears ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the amount of W16,900 millionnew platform business segment does not meet the quantitative thresholds for separate disclosures under IFRS 8. In addition, for periods prior to Kookmin BankOctober 1, 2011, the Company did not maintain separate financial information for the platform business and it is not feasible for the Company to generate such information as of December 31, 2010.

SK Broadband Co., Ltd.’s board2011.

The accounting policies of directors resolvedthe respective reportable segments discussed below are the same as the Company’s accounting policies described in FN 2. Segment information below does not include the Company’s discontinued operations information. Refer to provide up to W20,000 millionFN 32 for details on discontinued operations.

Details of its time deposits as collateralthe two segments and other for members of Employee Stock Purchase Association (ESPA) in order for employees to contribute money to the ESPA, which will be used to purchase the shares of SK Broadband Co., Ltd. in the market. In accordance with the resolution, SK Broadband Co., Ltd. has pledged its time deposits of W7,400 million as ofyears ended December 31, 2010.

b. Broadband Media Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company, has provided notes amounting to W50,000 million as collateral to Hana Bank for its short-term borrowings.
c. As of December 31,2011 and 2010 customers of SK Broadband Co., Ltd. have filed a lawsuit with a claim amount of W24,113 million against SK Broadband Co., Ltd. for alleged violation of customers’ privacy. PAXNet Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company, has been filed a lawsuit in the amount of W2,200 million for alleged patent infringement. The ultimate outcome of these lawsuits cannot be presently determined.
23.  INSURANCE
At December 31, 2010, certain of the Company’s assets are insured with local insurance companies as follows (in millions of Korean won, thousands of U.S. dollars, and thousands of Chinese Yuan)won):
             
Asset
 
Risk
  
Book Value
  
Coverage
 
 
Inventories, property and equipment  Fire and comprehensive liability      US$3,850
W10,185,322
 
      W4,987,033  CNY1,100,000 
             
In addition, the Company carries directors and officers liability coverage insurance totaling W80,000 million.

  For the year ended December 31, 2011 
  Cellular
services
(Note a)
   Fixed-line
Telecommunication
services
  Other
(Note a)
   Sub-total   Consolidation
adjustments
  Consolidated
amount
 

Total sales

 (Won)14,107,174    (Won)2,908,758   (Won)1,015,149    (Won)18,031,081    (Won)(2,042,803 (Won)15,988,278  

Internal sales

  1,005,229     746,190    291,384     2,042,803     (2,042,803    

External sales

  13,101,945     2,162,568    723,765     15,988,278         15,988,278  

Operating income

  2,067,345     21,309    42,804     2,131,458         2,131,458  

Net income (loss)

  1,627,247     (62,761  17,587     1,582,073         1,582,073  

Total assets

  20,970,450     3,844,042    3,503,663     28,318,155     (3,952,119  24,366,036  

Total liabilities

  8,804,588     2,554,298    982,656     12,341,542     (708,215  11,633,327  

  For the year ended December 31, 2010 
  Cellular
services
(Note a)
   Fixed-line
Telecommunication
services
  Other
(Note a)
   Sub-total   Consolidation
adjustments
  Consolidated
amount
 

Total sales

 (Won)13,522,608    (Won)2,653,479   (Won)577,423    (Won)16,753,510    (Won)(1,154,348 (Won)15,599,162  

Internal sales

  602,347     426,172    125,829     1,154,348     (1,154,348    

External sales

  12,920,261     2,227,307    451,594     15,599,162         15,599,162  

Operating income(loss)

  2,316,740     (52,105  21,276     2,285,911         2,285,911  

Net income(loss)

  1,882,056     (132,314  17,093     1,766,835         1,766,835  

Total assets

  20,116,200     3,658,214    1,502,572     25,276,986     (2,144,597  23,132,389  

Total liabilities

  8,307,958     2,377,101    331,044     11,016,103     (291,713  10,724,390  

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

24.  

(Note a)

Platform business related financial information for the period October 1, 2011 (spin-off date) to December 31, 2011 is presented in Other; for the period January 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011 and the year ended December 31, 2010, the related financial information is presented in Cellular services.

No single customer contributed 10% or more to the Company’s total sales for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Though the Company is expanding into new geographic regions, as of December 31, 2011, the Company still principally operates in its domestic market in Korea.

The Company’s revenues are generated as follows (in millions of Korean won).:

   2011   2010 

Cellular revenue

    

Wireless Service

   10,459,685     10,634,402  

Interconnection

   1,090,874     1,168,696  

Digital Handset Sales

   787,493     534,544  

Other (Note a)

   763,893     582,619  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   13,101,945     12,920,261  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fixed-line telecommunication services revenue

    

Fixed-line Service

   2,078,764     2,138,553  

Interconnection

   83,804     88,754  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   2,162,568     2,227,307  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other revenue(Note a)

    

Commerce service (Note b)

   141,787       

Portal Service (Note c)

   235,632     239,545  

Other (Note d)

   346,346     212,049  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   723,765     451,594  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   15,988,278     15,599,162  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Note a)

Other cellular revenue includes internet platform solutions sales and licensing for the year ended December 31, 2010 and the period January 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011.

(Note b)

Commerce service revenue includes sales from online shopping mall, such as, 11th Street.

(Note c)

Portal service revenue includes revenues from Nate, an online portal service and Cyworld, a social network service.

(Note d)

Other includes revenue from T store, online marketplace for mobile application, and the platform businesses for the period October 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011, subsequent to spin-off.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

28.TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

Significant related party transactions for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20092011 and 2010, and account balances as of December 31, 2008, 20092011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2010 are as follows (in(In millions of Korean won):

             
Description
 2008 2009 2010
 
Transactions
            
SK C&C Co., Ltd.:            
Purchases of property and equipment W232,238  W237,459  W270,865 
Commissions paid and other expense  273,279   317,539   316,395 
Commission income and other income  12,681   12,606   19,500 
SK Corporation:            
Purchases of property and equipment     85   118 
Commissions paid and other expense  177   26,688   33,787 
Commission income and other income  313   863   1,486 


F-62


a.    Transactions

  For the year ended December 31, 2011  For the year ended December 31, 2010 
  Purchases of
property and
equipment
  Commissions
paid and

other
expenses
  Commissions
earned and
other income
  Purchases of
property and

equipment
  Commissions
paid and
other
expenses
  Commissions
earned and
other income
 

Ultimate parent company:

      

SK C&C Co., Ltd.

 (Won)299,170   (Won)321,437   (Won)15,607   (Won)270,865   (Won)316,361   (Won)19,500  

Parent Company:

      

SK Holdings Co., Ltd.

      31,029    1,068    118    33,788    1,486  

Associates:

      

SK Marketing & Company Co., Ltd.

  8,405    154,103    13,366    12,377    171,592    8,124  

F&U Credit Information Co., Ltd.

      45,433    1,609        44,299    2,132  

SK Wyverns Baseball Club Co., Ltd.

      19,612    17        18,000    67  

HanaSK Card Co., Ltd.

  33    284,111    168,234        95,044    3,562  

MRO Korea Co., Ltd.

  7,459    6,925    22    7,041    5,761    161  

Others

  7,667    30,947    1,587    7,220    17,639    206  

Others :

      

SK innovation Co., Ltd.

      765    4,577        951    8,248  

SK MNS Co., Ltd.

  167    16,243    505    921    16,372    605  

SK Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.

  386,144    55,109    6,213    357,786    29,168    10,500  

SKC Co., Ltd.

      26    1,656        26    1,010  

SK Telesys Co., Ltd.

  265,851    44,639    61,561    336,265    46,513    12,361  

SK Mobile energy Co., Ltd.

  1,209        12    3,522        22  

SK Networks Co., Ltd.

  9,647    1,216,951    17,223    9,252    1,083,796    28,494  

SK Networks Service Co., Ltd.

  2,215    86,564    847    663    54,049      

SK Pinx Co., Ltd.

  9,850    2,323    10    3,317    196      

SK Shipping Co., Ltd.

          3,373            3,370  

Others

  4,896    51,126    14,029    1,656    10,082    433  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 (Won)1,002,713   (Won)2,367,343   (Won)311,516   (Won)1,011,003   (Won)1,943,637   (Won)100,281  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

             
Description
 2008 2009 2010
 
SK Energy Co., Ltd.:            
Purchases of property and equipment  3,001       
Commissions paid and other expense  17,895   1,071   951 
Commission income and other income  8,898   6,673   8,248 
SK Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.:            
Purchases of property and equipment  256,548   344,739   357,786 
Commissions paid and other expense  17,025   30,999   29,168 
Commission income and other income  2,705   2,340   10,500 
SK Telesys Co., Ltd.:            
Purchases of property and equipment  270,133   237,015   336,265 
Commissions paid and other expenses  9,078   110,192   46,513 
Commission income and other income  1,967   1,652   12,361 
SK Networks Co., Ltd.:            
Purchases of property and equipment  28,972   1,513,804   9,252 
Commissions paid, leased line and other expense  770,917   967,901   1,083,543 
Sales of handsets and other income  33,035   45,349   28,494 
SK Networks Service:            
Purchases of property and equipment        663 
Commissions paid and other expenses  20,599   28,009   54,049 
Commission income and other income     509    
SKC:            
Commissions paid and other expenses  26   26   26 
Commission income and other income  1,005   909   1,010 
M&SERVICE Co., Ltd.:            
Purchases of property and equipment W1,906  W1,458  W921 
Commissions paid and other expenses  9,978   10,316   16,372 
Commission income and other income  417   1,322   605 
SK Mobile Energy., Ltd.:            
Purchases of property and equipment  4,167   5,512   3,522 
Commission income and other income  23   21   22 
Infosec Co., Ltd.:            
Purchases of property and equipment  1,270   349   1,656 
Commissions paid and other expenses  3,076   1,218   6,324 
Commission income and other income  11   6   19 
SK Shipping Co., Ltd.:            
Purchases of property and equipment     23,870    
Commission income and other income  568   2,775   3,370 
SK pinx Co., Ltd.:            
Purchases of property and equipment        3,317 
Commissions paid and other expenses        196 

F-63


FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

b.    Account balances

   As of December 31, 2011 
   Accounts
receivable and
loans
   Guarantee
deposits
   Accounts
payable
   Guarantee
deposits
received
 

Ultimate parent company:

        

SK C&C Co., Ltd.

  (Won)3,330    (Won)    (Won)172,047    (Won)3,585  

Parent Company:

        

SK Holdings Co., Ltd.

   147                 

Associates:

        

SK Marketing & Company Co., Ltd.

   9,876          36,901     10  

F&U Credit Information Co., Ltd.

             3,736       

SK Wyverns Baseball Club Co., Ltd.

   3,812                 

Wave City Development Co., Ltd.

   38,412                 

Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.

   8,683     14     2,358       

HanaSK Card Co., Ltd.

   20,562                 

MRO Korea Co., Ltd.

   1          1,768       

Others

   69          1,539     222  

Others :

        

SK innovation Co., Ltd.

   954     91     2       

SK MNS Co., Ltd.

   644          4,679       

SK Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.

   1,271          39,215     82  

SKC Co., Ltd.

   184                 

SK Telesys Co., Ltd.

   132          65,619       

SK Mobile energy Co., Ltd.

   1          71       

SK Networks Co., Ltd.

   24,403     5,513     158,884     896  

SK Networks Service Co., Ltd.

   6          4,754       

SK Shipping Co., Ltd.

   365                 

Others

   5,089          10,876     433  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)117,941    (Won)5,618    (Won)502,449    (Won)5,228  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

             
Description
 2008 2009 2010
 
MROKorea Co., Ltd.:            
Purchases of property and equipment  119   3,802   7,041 
Commissions paid and other expenses  2,545   3,677   5,761 
Commission income and other income  12   19   161 
Others:            
Purchases of property and equipment     12,777    
Commissions paid and other expenses  1,074   24,758   4,011 
Commission income and other income  4,120   4,318   4,235 
Balances
            
SK C&C Co., Ltd.:            
Accounts receivable — trade and other W2,477  W1,070  W935 
Guarantee deposits  140       
Accounts payable  93,680   260,732   203,031 
Guarantee deposits received  24   5   3,585 
SK Corporation:            
Accounts receivable — trade and other  46   249   480 
Accounts payable     2   1,595 
Guarantee deposits received     23    
SK Energy Co., Ltd.:            
Accounts receivable — trade and other  109   1,323   1,204 
Guarantee deposits     96   96 
Accounts payable  3,548   577    
Guarantee deposits received        23 
SK Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.:            
Accounts receivable — trade and other  203   208   2,610 
Accounts payable  1,164   44,420   42,880 
Guarantee deposits received  1,076   82   82 
SK Telesys Co., Ltd.:            
Accounts receivable — trade and other  486   242   14,207 
Accounts payable  20,533   55,585   63,350 
SK Networks Co., Ltd.:            
Accounts receivable — trade and other  1,598   5,319   3,203 
Guarantee deposits  1,230   5,730   5,513 
Accounts payable  75,806   287,837   99,284 
Guarantee deposits received  3,963   54,461   689 
SK Networks Service Co., Ltd.:            
Accounts receivable — trade and other        1 
Accounts payable     13,028   10,585 
M&SERVICE Co., Ltd.:            
Accounts receivable — trade and other     967   1,591 
Accounts payable     7,514   4,036 

F-64


FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

   As of December 31, 2010 
   Accounts
receivable and
loans
   Guarantee
deposits
   Accounts
payable
   Guarantee
deposits
received
 

Ultimate parent company:

        

SK C&C Co., Ltd.

  (Won)935    (Won)    (Won)203,031    (Won)3,585  

Parent Company:

        

SK Holdings Co., Ltd.

   480          1,595       

Associates:

        

SK Marketing & Company Co., Ltd.

   12,497          35,068       

F&U Credit Information Co., Ltd.

   47          7,002       

SK Wyverns Baseball Club Co., Ltd.

   3,295                 

Wave City Development Co., Ltd.

   38,412                 

Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.

   30,224                 

HanaSK Card Co., Ltd.

   8,478          19,948       

Others

   1          2,706       

Others:

        

SK innovation Co., Ltd.

   1,204     96          23  

SK MNS Co., Ltd.

   1,591          4,036       

SK Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.

   2,610          42,880     82  

SKC Co., Ltd.

   109          6       

SK Telesys Co., Ltd.

   14,207          63,350       

SK Mobile energy Co., Ltd.

   2          645       

SK Networks Co., Ltd.

   3,203     5,513     99,284     689  

MRO Korea Co., Ltd.

   6          1,985       

SK Networks Service Co., Ltd.

   1          10,585       

SK Pinx Co., Ltd.

             6       

SK Shipping Co., Ltd.

   69                 

Others

   850          3,510     258  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)118,221    (Won)5,609    (Won)495,637    (Won)4,637  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

   As of January 1, 2010 
   Accounts
receivable and
loans
   Guarantee
deposits
   Accounts
payable
   Guarantee
deposits
received
 

Ultimate parent company:

        

SK C&C Co., Ltd.

  (Won)1,070    (Won)    (Won)260,732    (Won)5  

Parent Company:

        

SK Holdings Co., Ltd.

   249          2     23  

Associates:

        

SK Marketing & Company Co., Ltd.

   3,542          31,366     248  

F&U Credit Information Co., Ltd.

   17          3,746       

SK Wyverns Baseball Club Co., Ltd.

   6,022          2,982       

Wave City Development Co., Ltd.

   38,412                 

Others

   1,520          3,275     265  

Others:

        

SK innovation Co., Ltd.

   1,712     96     177     172  

SK MNS Co., Ltd.

   60          3,196       

SK Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.

   208          44,420     82  

SKC Co., Ltd.

   67          6       

SK Telesys Co., Ltd.

   242          55,585       

SK Mobile energy Co., Ltd.

   1                 

SK Networks Co., Ltd.

   5,240     330     281,346     54,461  

MRO Korea Co., Ltd.

   3          926       

SK Networks Service Co., Ltd.

   1          13,028       

SK Pinx Co., Ltd.

   1,310                 

SK Shipping Co., Ltd.

   504               1,657  

Others

   7,298     5,401     10,852     6,213  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)67,478    (Won)5,827    (Won)711,639    (Won)63,126  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

c.    Compensation for the key management

             
Description
 2008 2009 2010
 
Infosec Co., Ltd.:            
Accounts receivable — trade and other        2 
Accounts payable     6   3,045 
MROKorea Co., Ltd.:            
Accounts receivable — trade and other        6 
Accounts payable     1,855   1,985 
Others:            
Accounts receivable — trade and other  461   1,035   1,027 
Guarantee deposits  1   1    
Accounts payable  4,661   4,271   1,124 
Guarantee deposits received        258 
25.  COMPENSATION FOR KEY MANAGEMENT

The Company considers registered directors who have substantial roles and responsibility forin planning, operating, and controlling of the business as key management, and themanagement. The considerations given to thesuch key management for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Payee            
(including outside directors)  7 registered directors   8 registered directors   8 registered directors 
Payroll  W4,405   W6,422   W2,994 
Severance indemnities  556   276   702 
             
Total  W4,961   W6,698   W3,696 
             
26.  PROVISION
a.  Provision for point program
The Company, for marketing purposes, grants Rainbow Points and Point Box Points (the “Points”) to its subscribers based on their usage of the Company’s services. Points’ provision was provided based on the historical usage experience and the Company’s marketing policy. Such provision was recorded as accrued expenses or other non-current liabilities in accordance with the expected points’ usage duration the period end date.
Details of change in the provisions for such points for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):
             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Beginning balance W27,668  W24,889  W18,856 
Increase (provision)  12,430   11,400   7,259 
Decrease (usage and reversal)  (15,209)  (17,433)  (9,056)
             
Ending balance W24,889  W18,856  W17,059 
             

F-65


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Points expire after 5 years. The expected year when unused points as of December 31, 2010 are expected to be used and the respective estimated monetary amount to be paid in a given year are as follows (In millions of Korean won):
         
  Estimated
    
  Amount
    
  to be Paid
    
  in Nominal
  Current
 
Expected Year of Usage (note a)
 Value (note a)  Value 
 
2011 W8,251  W7,898 
2012  4,779   4,379 
2013  2,865   2,513 
2014  1,717   1,442 
2015  1,030   827 
         
Ending balance W18,642  W17,059 
         
(note a)The above expected year of usage and the current value of the estimated amount to be paid are estimated based on historical usage experience.
b.  Provision for handset subsidy
The Company provides provision for handset subsidies to be provided to the subscribers who purchase handsets on an installment basis (refer to Note 2.(z)). Such provision was recorded as accrued expenses or other non-current liabilities in accordance with the expected points when the subsidies are paid. Details of change in the provision for handset subsidies for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20092011 and 2010 are as follows (In millions of Korean won):
             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Beginning balance W  W339,696  W609,733 
Increase (provision)  433,276   695,330   941,586 
Decrease (subsidy payment)  (93,580)  (425,293)  (819,277)
             
Ending balance W339,696  W609,733  W732,042 
             
The estimated monetary amount to be paid in a given year is as follows (in millions of Korean won):
         
  Estimated
    
  Amount
    
  to be Paid
    
Expected Payment
 in Nominal
  Current
 
for the Year Ended December 31,
 Value  Value 
 
2011 W663,740  W652,564 
2012  82,901   79,478 
         
Ending balance W746,641  W732,042 
         
27.  DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
a.  Currency swap contract to which the cash flow hedge accounting
The Company has entered intofixed-to-fixed cross currency swap contracts with Citibank, BNP Paribas and Credit Suisse First Boston International to hedge the foreign currency risk of unguaranteed U.S. dollar denominated bonds, with face amounts totaling US$300,000,000 at annual fixed interest rate of 4.25% issued on April 1, 2004. As of December 31, 2010, in connection with its unsettled foreign currency swap contracts which cash flow hedge


F-66


   For the year ended 
   December 31, 2011   December 31, 2010 

Payee

  Payroll   Severance
indemnities
   Total   Payroll   Severance
indemnities
   Total 

Eight (8) Registered directors (including outside directors)

  (Won)9,643    (Won)837    (Won)10,480    (Won)2,994    (Won)702    (Won)3,696  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

29.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Restricted deposits

accounting is applied, an accumulated loss on valuation of derivatives amounting to W3,321 million (excluding tax effect totaling W1,478

a.At December 31, 2011, the Company has guarantee deposits related to its checking accounts which are restricted for use by the banks totaling (Won)39 million. In addition, the Company restricts a portion of its deposits for various charitable contributions amounting to (Won)78,000 million.

b.At December 31, 2011, certain short-term and long-term financial instruments totaling (Won)162,012 million are secured for payment guarantee of short-term borrowings, accounts payable and others.

Collateral assets and foreign exchange translation gain arising from unguaranteed U.S. dollar denominated bonds totaling W3,049 million) is accounted for as accumulated other comprehensive loss.

commitments

c.As of December 31, 2011, SK Broadband Co., Ltd., a subsidiary, agreed to provide guarantees for Broadband Media Co., Ltd.’s loans. For the guarantee, SK Broadband Co., Ltd. has provided its properties as collaterals as follows: (Won)65,000 million to Hana Bank, (Won)78,000 million to IBK Capital and (Won)52,000 million to Kookmin Bank, respectively. The Company also provided its short-term financial instruments as collaterals as follows: (Won)60,000 million to Korea Exchange Bank, (Won)35,000 million to Hana Bank, (Won)39,000 million to Nonghyup and (Won)20,000 million to Woori Bank, respectively.

d.SK Broadband Co., Ltd. has provided guarantees for loans of Broadband CS Co., Ltd. For the guarantee, SK Broadband Co., Ltd. has pledged its properties as collateral in the amount of (Won)16,900 million to Kookmin Bank as of December 31, 2011.

e.SK Broadband Co., Ltd. has pledged its properties as collateral for leases in the amount of (Won)18,300 million as of December 31, 2011.

f.As of December 31, 2011, SK Telink Co., Ltd., a subsidiary, pledged its machinery totaling (Won)156,100 million (book value of (Won)25,800 million) as collateral for borrowings to Korea Development Bank.

g.For year ended December 31, 2011, PS & Marketing Corporation, a subsidiary, borrowed (Won)20,000 million from Shinhan Bank and obtained a line of credit for (Won)20,000 million, for operational purposes. In relation to the borrowings and line of credit, PS & Marketing Corporation pledged (Won)52,000 million of inventory as collateral to Shinhan Bank.

h.As of December 31, 2011, Sky Property Mgmt, Ltd., a subsidiary, pledged CNY800 million of building and land use right (long-term prepaid expenses) as collateral for its long-term borrowing amounting to CNY560 million to Korean Exchange Bank and China Merchants Bank.

i.As of December 31, 2011, the Company has participated in “Tactical Airship” program with Joint Defense Corporation. For an advance receipt amounting to (Won)4,200 million, which Joint Defense Corporation received, the Company provides payment guarantees to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.

Contingencies

j.Since April 2008, customers of SK Broadband (then Hanarotelecom Incorporated), a subsidiary, have filed lawsuits against SK Broadband alleging that subscribers’ personal information was leaked due to the company’s poor data protection policies. In July 2011, the Seoul Central District Court rendered a judgment that accepted the plaintiffs’ claims in part, totaling approximately Won (Won)4,500 million compared to the plaintiff’s claims of approximately (Won)24,700 million. As of December 31, 2011, the case is pending at the appellate court after appeals by SK Broadband and the plaintiffs; the Company has accrued a provision for this case in the amount of (Won)4,500 million.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

30.DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

a.Currency swap contract under cash flow hedge accounting

The Company has entered into afloating-to-fixed cross currency swap contract with Credit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank to hedge the foreign currency risk and the interest rate risk of U.S. dollar denominated long-term borrowings with face amounts totaling US$100,000,000 borrowed on October 10, 2006. As of December 31, 2010,2011, in connection with its unsettled cross currency interest rate swap contract to which cash flow hedge accounting is applied, an accumulated loss on valuation of derivatives amounting to W5,798(Won)4,461 million (net of tax effect totaling W1,193(Won)924 million and foreign exchange translation loss arising from U.S. dollar denominated long-term borrowings totaling W19,090(Won)20,530 million) is accounted for as accumulated other comprehensive loss.

The

In addition, the Company has entered into a floating-to-fixed cross currency swap contractscontract with HSBC and SMBC Bank to hedge the foreign currency risk and the interest rate risk of its unguaranteed Japanese yen denominated bonds with face amounts totaling JPY12,500,000,000 issued on November 13, 2007. As of December 31, 2010,2011, in connection with its unsettled cross currency interest rate swap contractscontract to which cash flow hedge accounting is applied, an accumulated gain on valuation of derivatives amounting to W6(Won)1,772 million (net of tax effect totaling W1,525(Won)1,162 million and foreign exchange translation loss arising from unguaranteed Japanese yen denominated bonds totaling W70,581(Won)81,583 million) is accounted for as accumulated other comprehensive income.

In addition, the Company has entered into a floating-to-fixed cross currency swap contract with Mizuho Corporation Bank to hedge the foreign currency risk and the interest rate risk of its unguaranteed Japanese yen denominated bonds with face amounts totaling JPY3,000,000,000 issued on January 22, 2009. As of December 31, 2011, in connection with unsettled cross currency interest rate swap contract to which cash flow hedge accounting is applied, an accumulated gain on valuation of derivatives amounting to (Won)2,344 million (net of tax effect totaling (Won)748 million and foreign exchange translation gain arising from unguaranteed Japanese yen denominated bonds totaling (Won)1,577 million) is accounted for as accumulated other comprehensive income.

In addition, the Company has entered into a floating-to-fixed cross currency swap contract with Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Bank to hedge the foreign currency risk and the interest rate risk of its unguaranteed Japanese yen denominated bonds with face amounts totaling JPY5,000,000,000 issued on March 5, 2009. As of December 31, 2011, in connection with unsettled cross currency interest rate swap contract to which cash flow hedge accounting is applied, an accumulated gain on valuation of derivatives amounting to (Won)957 million (net of tax effect totaling (Won)305 million and foreign exchange translation gain arising from unguaranteed Japanese yen denominated bonds totaling (Won)4,355 million) is accounted for as accumulated other comprehensive income.

In addition, the Company has entered into a fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap contract with Morgan Stanley and five banks to hedge the foreign currency risk of unguaranteed U.S. dollar denominated bonds with face amounts totaling US$400,000,000 at annual fixed interest rate of 6.63% issued on July 20, 2007. As of December 31, 2011, in connection with unsettled foreign currency swap contract to which cash flow hedge accounting is applied, an accumulated loss on valuation of derivatives amounting to (Won)53,284 million (excluding tax effect totaling (Won)17,012 million and foreign exchange translation loss arising from unguaranteed U.S. dollar denominated bonds totaling (Won)3,736 million) is accounted for as other comprehensive loss. Meanwhile, the gain on valuation of currency swap which was incurred before application of hedge accounting, amounting to (Won)129,806 million was charged to current operations for the year ended December 31, 2011.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

In addition, on October 14, 2011, the Company has entered into a floating-to-fixed cross currency swap contract with DBS and Credit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank to hedge the foreign currency risk and the interest rate risk of its unguaranteed U.S. dollar denominated bonds with face amounts totaling US$220,000, 000 issued on April 29, 2009. As of December 31, 2011, in connection with unsettled cross currency interest rate swap contract to which cash flow hedge accounting is applied, an accumulated loss on valuation of derivatives amounting to (Won)399 million (excluding tax effect totaling (Won)127 million and foreign exchange translation gain arising from unguaranteed U.S. dollar denominated bonds totaling (Won)1,026 million) is accounted for as other comprehensive loss.

In addition, the Company has entered into a floating-to-fixed cross currency swap contract with DBS Bank and Citi Bank to hedge the foreign currency risk and the interest rate risk of its U.S. dollar denominated bonds with face amounts totaling US$250,000,000 issued on December 15, 2011. As of December 31, 2011, in connection with unsettled cross currency interest rate swap contract to which cash flow hedge accounting is applied, an accumulated gain on valuation of derivatives amounting to (Won)18,801 million (net of tax effect totaling (Won)6,003 million and foreign exchange translation gain arising from unguaranteed U.S. dollar denominated bonds totaling (Won)1,284 million) is accounted for as accumulated other comprehensive income.

In addition, the Company has entered into a floating-to-fixed cross currency swap contract with United Overseas Bank to hedge the foreign currency risk and the interest rate risk of its Singapore dollar denominated bonds with face amounts totaling S$65,000,000 issued on December 15, 2011. As of December 31, 2011, in connection with unsettled cross currency interest rate swap contract to which cash flow hedge accounting is applied, an accumulated gain on valuation of derivatives amounting to (Won)2,147 million (net of tax effect totaling (Won)685 million and foreign exchange translation loss arising from unguaranteed Singapore dollar denominated bonds totaling (Won)154 million) is accounted for as accumulated other comprehensive income.

In addition, SK Broadband Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company, has entered into a fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap contractscontract with Korea Development Bank and other five banks to hedge the foreign currency risk of U.S. dollar denominated bonds with face amounts totaling US$500,000,000 at annual fixed interest rate of 7.0% issued on February 1, 2005. As of December 31, 2010,2011, in connection with its unsettled foreign currency swap contract to which the cash flow hedge accounting is applied, an accumulated gain on valuation of derivatives amounting to W8,768 million (excluding foreign exchange translation loss arising from U.S. dollar denominated bonds totaling W100,350 million) is accounted for as accumulated other comprehensive income. Meanwhile, in connection with the currency swap contract, loss on valuation of currency swap which was incurred before application of hedge accounting, amounting to W46,856 million is charged to current operations.

In addition, the Company has entered into afloating-to-fixed cross currency swap contract with Mizuho Corporation Bank to hedge the foreign currency risk and the interest rate risk of unguaranteed Japanese yen denominated bonds, with face amounts totaling JPY3,000,000,000 issued on January 22, 2009. As of December 31, 2010, in connection with its unsettled cross currency interest rate swap contract which cash flow hedge accounting is applied, an accumulated gain on valuation of derivatives amounting to W2,076(Won)3,657 million (net of tax effect totaling W586 million and(excluding foreign exchange translation gainloss arising from unguaranteed Japanese yenU.S. dollar denominated bonds totaling W4,219(Won)107,529 million) is accounted for as accumulated other comprehensive income.
In addition, the Company has entered into afloating-to-fixed cross currency swap contract with Bank of Tokyo-Misubish Bank to hedge the foreign currency risk and the interest rate risk of unguaranteed Japanese yen denominated bonds, with face amounts totaling JPY5,000,000,000 issued on March 5, 2009. As of December 31, 2010, in connection with unsettled cross currency interest rate swap contract which cash flow hedge accounting is applied, an accumulated gain on valuation of derivatives amounting to W466 million (net of tax effect totaling W131 million and foreign exchange translation gain arising from unguaranteed Japanese yen denominated bonds totaling W8,758 million) was accounted for as accumulated other comprehensive income.
In addition, the Company has entered intofixed-to-fixed cross currency swap contracts with Morgan Stanley and other five banks to hedge the foreign currency risk of unguaranteed U.S. dollar dominated bonds, with face amounts totaling US$400,000,000 at annual fixed interest rate of 6.63% issued on July 20, 2007. As of December 31, 2010, in connection with its unsettled foreign currency swap contracts which cash flow hedge accounting is applied, an accumulated loss on valuation of derivatives amounting to W54,179 million (excluding tax effect


F-67


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
totaling W15,281 million and foreign exchange translation gain arising from unguaranteed U.S. dollar denominated bonds totaling W1,930 million) is accounted for as other comprehensive income. Meanwhile, in connection with the currency swap contract, loss on valuation of currency swap which was incurred before the application of hedge accounting, amounting to W129,806(Won)46,856 million iswas charged to current operations.
b.  Interest rate swap contract to whichoperations for the cash flow hedge accounting
The Company has entered into afloating-to-fixed interest rate swap contract with Nonghyup Bank and other two banks to hedge the interest rate risk of long-term floating rate borrowings, with face amounts totaling W500,000 million borrowed on July 28, 2008 between August 12, 2011. As ofyear ended December 31, 2011.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010 in

b.Convertible option where no hedge accounting is applied

In addition, SK Communications Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company, sold its shares of Etoos Co., Ltd. on October 19, 2009 and acquired convertible bonds on disposal of its shares. In connection with its unsettled interest rate swap contractconvertible option which cash flow hedge accounting is applied, an accumulatedembedded in convertible bonds, loss on valuation of derivatives amounting to W5,720convertible option of (Won)943 million (net of tax effect totaling W1,826 million) is accounted for as accumulated other comprehensive loss.

c.  Interest rate swap contract to which the hedge accounting is not applied
The Company has entered into afloating-to-fixed interest rate swap contract with DBS and Calyon Bank the interest rate risk of floating rate U.S. dollar denominated bonds with face amounts totaling US$220,000,000 issued on April 29, 2009. In connection with unsettled interest rate swap contract to which the hedge accounting is not applied, lossgain on valuation of currency swapconvertible option of W1,671 million and W3,372(Won)736 million for the years ended December 31, 20102011 and 2009,December 31, 2010, respectively, are charged to current operations.

As of December 31, 2010,2011, fair values the Company’s derivative instrumentsof above derivatives recorded in assets or liabilities and details of derivative instruments are as follows (in(In thousands of U.S. dollars, Singapore dollars, Japanese yen and millions of Korean won):

                     
         Fair Value 
         Designated
       
       Duration
 as Cash
  Not
    
Type
 
Hedged Item
 
Amount
  of Contract Flow Hedge  Designated  Total 
 
Non-current assets:
                    
Floating-to-fixed cross currency swap
 U.S. dollar denominated
long-term borrowings
 US$100,000  Oct. 10, 2006
~ Oct. 10, 2013
  12,099      12,099 
Fix-to-fixed cross currency swap
 U.S. dollar denominated
bonds
 US$400,000  Jul. 20, 2007
~ Jul. 20, 2027
  (71,390)  129,806   58,416 
Floating-to-fixed cross currency swap
 Japanese yen
denominated bonds
 JPY12,500,000  Nov. 13, 2007
~ Nov. 13, 2012
  69,062      69,062 
Fix-to-fixed cross currency swap
 U.S. dollar denominated
bonds
 US$500,000  Feb. 1, 2005
~ Feb. 1, 2012
  109,118   (46,856)  62,262 
                     
Total assets
         W118,889  W82,950  W201,839 
                     
Current liabilities:
                    
Fix-to-fixed cross currency swap
 U.S. dollar denominated
bonds
 US$300,000  Mar. 23, 2004
~ Apr. 1, 2011
 W7,848  W  W7,848 
Floating-to-fixed Interest rate swap
 Long-term borrowings W500,000  Jul. 28, 2008
~ Aug. 12, 2011
  7,546      7,546 
Non-current liabilities
                    
Floating-to-fixed cross currency interest swap
 Japanese yen
denominated bonds
 JPY3,000,000  Jan. 22, 2009
~ Jan. 22, 2012
  1,557      1,557 
Floating-to-fixed cross currency interest swap
 Japanese yen
denominated bonds
 JPY5,000,000  Mar. 05, 2009
~ Mar. 5, 2012
  8,161      8,161 
Floating-to-fixed Interest rate swap
 U.S. dollar denominated
bonds
 US$220,000  Apr. 29, 2009
~ Apr.29, 2012
     5,043   5,043 
                     
          W25,112  W5,043  W30,155 
                     


F-68


            Fair value 

Type

  

Hedged item

  Amount  Duration
of Contract
 Designated
as Cash
Flow Hedge
  Not
Designated
  Total 

Current assets:

        

Floating-to-fixed cross currency interest swap

  

Japanese yen

denominated bonds

   JPY 3,000,000   Jan. 22, 2009

~ Jan. 22, 2012

 (Won)1,515   (Won)   (Won)1,515  

Fix-to-fixed cross currency swap

  

U.S. dollar denominated

bonds

  US$500,000   Feb. 1, 2005

~Feb. 1, 2012

  64,330        64,330  

Floating-to-fixed cross currency swap

  

Japanese yen

denominated bonds

   JPY12,500,000   Nov. 13, 2007

~ Nov. 13, 2012

  82,193        82,193  

Non-current assets:

        

Floating-to-fixed cross currency swap

  

U.S. dollar denominated

long-term borrowings

  US$100,000   Oct. 10, 2006

~ Oct. 10, 2013

  15,145        15,145  

Fix-to-fixed cross currency swap

  

U.S. dollar denominated

bonds

  US$400,000   Jul. 20, 2007

~ Jul. 20, 2027

  63,246        23,520  

Fix-to-fixed cross currency swap

  

U.S. dollar denominated

bonds

  US$250,000   Dec. 15, 2011

~ Dec. 12, 2014

  23,520        2,986  

Fix-to-fixed cross currency swap

  

Singapore dollar

denominated bonds

  S$65,000   Dec. 15, 2011

~ Dec. 12, 2014

  2,986    

Convertible Option

  

Convertible bonds

securities

  (Won)50,000   Sep. 1, 2009

~Aug. 31, 2014

      1,018    1,018  
      

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

      (Won)252,935   (Won)1,018   (Won)253,953  
      

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

        

Floating-to-fixed cross currency interest swap

  

Japanese yen

denominated bonds

   JPY 5,000,000   Mar. 05, 2009

~ Mar. 5, 2012

 (Won)3,093   (Won)   (Won)3,093  

Floating-to-fixed Interest rate swap

  

U.S. dollar denominated

bonds

  US$220,000   Oct. 14, 2011

~ Apr.29, 2012

  1,552        1,552  
      

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

      (Won)4,645   (Won)   (Won)4,645  
      

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

31.
28.  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
The consolidated statements of cash flows are prepared using indirect method.
Significant non-cash transactions

Adjustments for income and expenses from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20092011 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

             
  2008 2009 2010
 
Write-offs of accounts receivable-trade W37,079  W43,898  W65,192 
Acquisition of property and equipment asset through finance lease contract  76,364   10,709   26,690 
Transfer from inventory to property and equipment  46,749   97,767   67,694 
Acquisition of machinery by accounts payable  39,640   32,150    
Transfer from construction in progress to machinery and other property and equipment     1,622,669   1,546,369 
29.  SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On February 11, 2011, the Company disposed its common stock investment in SK C&C Co, Ltd, an available for sale investment and the Company’s ultimate parent company, of 2,050,000 shares (ownership 4.1%) for W200,695 million or W97,900 per common share.
30.  SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company’s segments are based on the management’s disaggregation of the Company for making operating decisions. Operating segments that have similar economic characteristics and are similar in terms of the nature of their products and services, the nature of the production process, the type or class of customer, and methods of distribution have been aggregated into a segment.
Through 2007, the Company had one reportable operating segment, cellular telephone communication service. In 2008, the Company acquired SK Broadband Co., Ltd., a fixed-line telephone service provider and included it in the consolidation. As a result, the Company has had two operating segments, cellular telephone communication services and fixed-line telecommunication service since 2008. Cellular telephone communication services include cellular voice service, wireless data service and wireless internet services. Fixed-line telecommunication services include telephone services and internet services.
Other segments that cannot be classified into the above-mentioned two segments have been combined and disclosed in an “Other” category below. Other consists primarily of the operations from the leased line services, internet portal services and game manufacturing.


F-69


   For the years ended 
   December 31, 2011  December 31, 2010 

Reversal of allowance for doubtful accounts

  (Won)(2,301 (Won)(805

Gain on disposal of property, equipment and intangible assets

   (6,275  (11,340

Interest income

   (168,148  (237,392

Dividend income

   (26,433  (28,680

Gain on foreign currency translation

   (1,984  (16,950

Gain on valuation of short-term securities

   (2,617    

Gain on disposal of long term investment securities

   (164,454  (174,801

Reversal of impairment loss on long term investment securities

       (39

Gain on valuation of derivatives

   (3,785  (1,241

Gain on transaction of derivatives

       (7,951

Gain on valuation of financial liabilities at FVTPL

   (63,769    

Equity in earnings of investments in affiliates

   (39,131  (41,828

Other income

   (1,733  (5,164

Provision for retirement benefits

   68,814    86,672  

Depreciation and amortization

   2,482,703    2,302,264  

Bad debt expenses

   83,748    77,780  

Loss on disposal of property, equipment and intangible assets

   21,136    70,025  

Loss on disposal of long term investment securities

   434    11,329  

Loss on impairment of intangible assets

   2,580    7,550  

Other bad debt expenses

   12,847    12,293  

Interest expenses

   297,172    379,289  

Loss on foreign currency translation

   6,409    1,788  

Loss on disposal of short-term investment securities

       1,866  

Loss on disposal of long term investment securities

   447    2,368  

Loss on impairment of long term investment securities

   12,846    3,404  

Loss on valuation of derivatives

   943    19,198  

Loss on transaction of derivatives

   15,577      

Loss on valuation of financial liabilities at FVTPL

       19,233  

Equity in losses of investments in affiliates

   86,280    45,242  

Income tax expense

   599,093    544,530  

Other expenses

   15,283    30,880  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  (Won)3,225,682   (Won)3,089,520  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Details of each segment

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

Changes in assets and liabilities from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20092011 and December 31, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   For the years ended 
   December 31, 2011  December 31, 2010 

Accounts receivable — trade

  (Won)61,728   (Won)(6,636

Accounts receivable — other

   1,617,947    (115,643

Accrued income

   12,570    (14,976

Advance payments

   30,734    (66,474

Prepaid expenses

   64,165    18,695  

Inventories

   (132,223  (98,275

Other current assets

   (12,270  (7,416

Long-term accounts receivables — other

   521,691    234,563  

Accounts payable — trade

   4,528    19,433  

Accounts payable — other

   66,048    138,965  

Advanced receipts

   (4,721  20,549  

Withholdings

   97,380    133,924  

Accrued expenses

   (24,961  67,678  

Unearned revenue

   (55,799  (63,179

Retirement benefit payment

   (77,754  (62,689

Plan assets

   (6,618  (14,372

Other non-current

   4,697    (6,874

Others

   13,081    100,079  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  (Won)2,180,223   (Won)277,352  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Significant non-cash transactions for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

   For the years ended 
   December 31, 2011   December 31, 2010 

Transfer of construction in progress to property and equipment

  (Won)1,859,694    (Won)1,544,699  

Transfer of inventories to tangible assets account

   60,212     67,694  

Accounts payable — other of tangible assets and others

   876,795       

Write-off of accounts receivable-trade and others

   121,805     97,979  

Transfer of bonds payable to current portion of long-term debt account

   1,579,779     931,670  

Transfer of long-term borrowings to current portion of long-term debt account

   113,543     911,958  

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

32.DISCONTINUED OPERATION

The Company’s income (loss) of discontinued operation, which include financial information related to SK i-media which was sold during the year ended December 31, 2011 and SK-KTB Music Investment Fund which was liquidated during the year ended December 31, 2010, are as follows (In millions of Korean won):

   For the year ended 
   December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 

Operating loss generated by discontinued operation

  (Won)(2,945)   (Won)(7,944)  

Financial income (loss) generated by discontinued operation

   (145)    308  

Gain on disposal of discontinued operation

   1,398    910  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Loss generated by discontinued operation

  (Won)(1,692)   (Won)(6,276)  
 ��

 

 

  

 

 

 

Attributable to:

   

Controlling interests

  (Won)(1,097 (Won)(3,900

Non-controlling interests

  (Won)(595 (Won)(2,826
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  (Won)(1,692)   (Won)(6,726)  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash flows related to discontinued operation for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):

                         
  For The Year Ended December 31, 2008
  Cellular
          
  Telephone
 Fixed-line
        
  Communication
 Telecommunication
     Consolidating
 Consolidated
  Service Service Other Sub-total Adjustments Amount
 
Total sales W11,706,369  W2,214,742  W663,432  W14,584,543  W(633,530) W13,951,013 
Internal sales  127,301   59,752   446,477   633,530   (633,530)   
Net sales  11,579,068   2,154,990   216,955   13,951,013      13,951,013 
Operating income  2,256,564   22,762   (519,019)  1,760,307      1,760,307 
Property and equipment and intangible assets  7,640,698   3,337,532   437,604   11,415,834      11,415,834 
Depreciation and amortization  1,943,422   535,169��  276,769   2,755,360      2,755,360 
                         
  For The Year Ended December 31, 2009
  Cellular
          
  Telephone
 Fixed-line
        
  Communication
 Telecommunication
     Consolidating
 Consolidated
  Service Service Other Sub-total Adjustments Amount
 
Total sales W12,485,712  W2,262,451  W600,503  W15,348,666  W(836,319) W14,512,347 
Internal sales  394,114   170,299   271,906   836,319   (836,319)   
Net sales  12,091,598   2,092,152   328,597   14,512,347      14,512,347 
Operating income  2,371,663   (171,049)  (319,379)  1,881,235      1,881,235 
Property and equipment and intangible assets  7,870,203   3,378,390   909,611   12,158,204      12,158,204 
Depreciation and amortization  2,031,472   591,606   106,930   2,730,008      2,730,008 
                         
  For The Year Ended December 31, 2010
  Cellular
          
  Telephone
 Fixed-line
        
  Communication
 Telecommunication
     Consolidating
 Consolidated
  Service service Other Sub-total Adjustments Amount
 
Total sales W13,431,734  W2,585,812  W680,832  W16,698,378  W(1,263,005) W15,435,373 
Internal sales  592,987   421,554   248,464   1,263,005   (1,263,005)   
Net sales  12,838,747   2,164,258   432,368   15,435,373      15,435,373 
Operating income  2,275,907   (178,487)  (155,117)  1,942,303      1,942,303 
Property and equipment and intangible assets  7,564,433   3,321,625   719,179   11,605,237      11,605,237 
Depreciation and amortization  2,189,653   585,038   94,077   2,868,768      2,868,768 

   For the year ended 
   December 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 

Cash flows from operating activities

  (Won)(1,864 (Won)(1,266

Cash flows from investing activities

   207    (2,226

Cash flows from financing activities

   1,600    1,400  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash flows

  (Won)(57 (Won)(2,092
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

2011 Sale of SK i-media

The Company disposed of its common shares in SK i-media Co., Ltd., a game software production business, during the year ended December 31, 2011, and general information on the discontinued operation is as follows:

31.  

K-IFRS ADOPTION PLAN AND STATUSDescription

Main business

On-line & Mobile game software production and provision

Date of initial public announcement

September 30, 2011

Date of sale

October 20, 2011

Method of disposal

Disposal of common stock

Purchasing company

LK Media tech Inc.
In accordance with IFRS adoption roadmap released by the Financial Supervisory Commission in March 2007, the Company is required to prepare financial statements under the Korean International Financial Reporting Standards(“K-IFRS”) beginning January 1, 2011. In April 2008, the Company set up a task force for the adoption and hired outside consulting firm to evaluate the impact thatK-IFRS may have on the Company’s financial


F-70


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

2010 Liquidation of SK-KTB Music Investment Fund

statements, as well as to train the Company’s employees.

The Company performedliquidated SK-KTB Music Investment Fund in October 2010, SK-KTB Music Investment Fund’s operation in the followingconsolidated income statement is treated as a discontinued operation, and accordingly is presented as a single item between income tax expenses for its preparation ofK-IFRS adoption:

(1) Analysis of impact on IFRS adoptioncontinuing operation and plan: The Company performed preliminary analysis on the impact that K-IFRS may have on the Company’s accounting policy, financial reporting and financial system.
(2) Designing and establishing: The Company performed analysis on the impact that K-IFRS may have on the Company’s accounting policy, financial reporting and financial system, and alternatives. The Company also trained its relevant employees. In addition, the Company made changes to its operating procedures and systems to process reliable financial datanet income.

33.SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

a.Resolution of acquisition of common stock in Hynix Semiconductor Inc.

On November 11, 2011, in accordance with K-IFRS.

Asthe resolution of December 31, 2010,the Board of Directors, the Company hasdecided to acquire 146,100,000 shares of common stock in Hynix Semiconductor Inc. for approximately (Won)3,426,657 million. The acquisition was completed on February 14, 2012. The Company acquired the above proceduresinvestee’s common stock by cash settlement; the Company purchased old and new stocks issued by Hynix. As a result of the acquisition, the Company’s ownership of Hynix Semiconductor Inc. is currently preparing financial statements21.05%.

b.Borrowing of bank loans

On November 10, 2011, in accordance with K-IFRSthe resolution of the Board of Directors, the Company decided to borrow (Won)2,500,000 million (classified as short term borrowing of (Won)500,000 million and after conversion datelong term borrowing of January 1, 2011.

(Won)2,000,000 million) of a syndicated loan from Kookmin Bank and Woori Bank. On February 14, 2012, the Company executed the loan to pay for the acquisition of the equity interest of Hynix Semiconductor. The maturity of the short-term borrowing is one year and long-term borrowing is three years from the execution date.

c.
32.  RECONCILIATION TO UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLESDisposal of available-for-sale financial assets
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared

On January 13, 2012, in accordance with accounting principles generally acceptedthe resolution of the Board of Directors, SK Communications Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of the Company, decided to dispose its (Won)20,000 million of convertible securities issued by Etoos Co., Ltd. to Shinhan the 2nd Private Investment Company for (Won)19,000 million. The transaction was completed on February 2, 2012.

d.Fair Trade Commission (“FTC”) Proceedings (Unaudited)

In March 2012, the FTC fined the Company (Won)20,300 million for allegedly colluding with KT, LG U+, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and Pantech to inflate the prices of handsets while advertising that the handsets are offered at a discount through subsidy plans. The Company is currently planning to file an appeal.

34.RISK MANAGEMENT

Financial Risk Management

The Company is exposed to credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk. The Company implements a risk management system to monitor and manage these specific risks.

The Company’s financial assets under financial risk management consist of cash and cash equivalents, financial instruments, financial assets available-for-sale, trade and other receivables, and financial liabilities such as trade and other payables, borrowings, and bonds payable.

a.     Market risk

a-(1)    Currency risk

The Company is exposed to currency risk of its revenue and expenditure that are denominated in Korea (“Korean GAAP”), which differa currency other than the functional currency of the Company. The Company primarily transacts in certain respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).


F-71

USD, JPY and EUR,


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

besides its functional currency of KRW. The following reconciles net income forCompany has hedging policies based on its business characteristics and its current financial instruments (which hedge its currency risks). In addition, the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009Company analyzes, manages and 2010reports currency risk periodically through its foreign currency denominated receivables and shareholders’ equitypayables management system.

The book value of the Company’s monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 under Korean GAAP2011, is as reported in the consolidated financial statements to the net income and shareholders’ equity amounts determined under U.S. GAAP, giving effect to adjustments for the differences listed above (infollows (In millions of Korean won, except per share amounts)thousands of U.S. dollars, thousands of Euros, thousands of Japanese yen, thousands of other currencies):

                  
  Note
  Year Ended December 31, 
  Reference  2008  2009  2010 
Net income based on Korean GAAP      W972,338  W1,055,606  W1,297,176 
Adjustments:                 
Loss on impairment of investment securities  32.a   172,597   2,896   1,020 
Reversal of amortization of goodwill  32.b   185,483   168,590   149,571 
Goodwill impairment  32.b   (106,046)      
Intangible assets  32.b   (10,932)  (3,032)  (3,566)
Capitalization of foreign exchange losses and interest expenses related to tangible assets  32.c   4,356   7,616   (545)
Capitalization of interest expenses related to purchases of intangible assets  32.c   5,272   5,272   5,272 
Nonrefundable activation fees for wireless service only  32.d   (21,991)  40,659   9,931 
Convertible bonds payable  32.e   (30,407)  103,657   (36,511)
Currency and interest rate swap  32.f   (478,874)  543,802   (88,111)
Provision for credit loss  32.g         16,077 
Consolidation of variable interest entity  32.h   (34,303)  (36,260)   
Investment in preferred stock  32.i         6,460 
Scope of consolidation  32.j   187,833   (3,920)  6,763 
Reclassification of SK C&C investment  32.k   47,645   (94,327)   
Retroactive application of equity method of accounting on SKBB investment  32.l   (21,025)      
Business combination  32.m      (340,979)  33,758 
Asset Securitization Transactions  32.n      15,489   (15,489)
FIN 48 effect  32.o   2,778   2,711   (53,869)
Effect of changes in tax law  32.o   30,066       
Tax effect of the reconciling items  32.p   46,947   (111,098)  68,684 
                  
Net income based on U.S. GAAP      W951,737  W1,356,682  W1,396,621 
Less net loss attributable to non-controlling interest       121,129   123,044   128,470 
                  
Net income attributable to the Company      W1,072,866  W1,479,726  W1,525,091 
                  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding       72,765,557   72,346,763   71,942,387 
                  
Earnings per share based on U.S. GAAP:                 
Continuing operation — Basic earnings per share      W11,406  W17,812  W21,187 
                  
    — Diluted earnings per share      W11,327  W17,575  W20,829 
                  
Discontinued operation — Basic earnings per share      W3,338  W2,641  W12 
                  
       — Diluted earnings per share      W3,279  W2,570  W12 
                  


F-72


   Assets   Liabilities 
   Foreign
currencies
   Korean won
equivalent
   Foreign
currencies
   Korean won
equivalent
 

US$

   91,388    (Won)105,440     1,876,911    (Won)2,164,641  

EUR

   8     12     6,761     10,101  

JPY

   166,072     2,466     20,616,595     306,189  

CNY

             560,002     97,010  

SGD

             64,423     57,107  

Others

   3,938     380     546     167  
    

 

 

     

 

 

 
    (Won)108,298      (Won)2,635,215  
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

In addition, the Company has entered into a cross currency swaps to hedge against currency risk related to foreign currency borrowings and bonds payable. (Refer to Note 30)

Effects of a 10% change in foreign currency to the Company’s functional currency on income before income tax for the year ended f December 31, 2011 are as follows (In millions of Korean won, thousands of U.S. dollars, thousands of Euros, thousands of Japanese yen, thousands of other currencies):

   10% increase in KRW
against foreign currency
  10% decrease in KRW
against foreign currency
 

US$

  (Won)(37,556 (Won)37,556  

EUR

   (1,009  1,009  

JPY

   58    (58

CNY

   (9,701  9,701  

Others

   21    (21

a-(2)    Equity price risk

The Company has investments in listed and non-listed equity securities for its liquidity and ongoing operational purposes. Refer to Note 7 for details on the carrying value of these investments. As of December 31, 2011, marketable equity securities are (Won)1,288,348 million.

a-(3)    Interest rate risk

The Company’s interest bearing assets are mostly fixed-interest bearing assets, as such, the Company’s revenue and operating cash flow are not influenced by the changes in market interest rates. However, the Company is exposed to interest rate risk due to its borrowing with floating interest rate. The Company considers various alternatives to hedge its interest rate risk and optimize its financing, which includes refinancing, renewal, alternative finance and hedging options.

As of December 31, 2011, borrowings and bonds payables with floating interest rate amounted to (Won)1,146,775 million and the Company has entered into interest rate swaps to hedge interest rate risk related to floating-rate borrowings and bonds payables (Refer to Note 31).

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

For the year ended December 31, 2011, assuming an interest rate change of 1% and considering all other variables as fixed, income before income tax would change upward or downward by (Won)1,320 million due to the interest expenses of borrowings and bonds payables with floating interest rate.

b.    Credit risk

                 
  Note
  Year Ended December 31, 
  Reference  2008  2009  2010 
 
Shareholders’ equity based on Korean GAAP Adjustments:     W11,824,440  W12,344,625  W12,478,649 
Reversal of amortization of goodwill  32.b   1,026,967   1,195,557   1,345,128 
Goodwill impairment  32.b   (118,570)  (118,570)  (118,570)
Capitalization of foreign exchange losses and interest expenses related to tangible assets  32.c   62,098   69,714   69,169 
Capitalization of interest expenses related to purchase of intangible assets  32.c   (42,572)  (37,300)  (32,028)
Nonrefundable activation fees for wireless service only  32.d   (398,358)  (357,699)  (347,768)
Convertible bonds payable  32.e   (43,049)  (32,459)  (68,230)
Currency and interest rate swap  32.f   (45,503)  10,375   (6,511)
Provision for credit loss  32.g         15,964 
Consolidation of variable interest entity  32.h   (32,676)      
Investment in preferred stock  32.i         6,359 
Scope of consolidation  32.j   (801,413)  (89,175)  (93,187)
Reclassification of SK C&C investment  32.k   (7,114)      
Retroactive application of equity method of accounting on SKBB investment  32.l   (62,382)      
Business combination  32.m      94,236   116,410 
Asset Securitization Transactions  32.n      15,489    
FIN 48 effect  32.o   (10,440)  (7,683)  (61,552)
Investment securities without readily determinable fair value  32.q      8,833   5,000 
Determination of acquisition cost of equity interest in subsidiary  32.r   130,791   130,791   130,791 
Additional equity investment in subsidiaries  32.s   1,052,887   1,016,390   1,045,153 
Loans receivable for stock issued to employees  32.t   (60,908)  (57,615)  (43,052)
Tax effect of the reconciling items      87,821   75,263   131,008 
Shareholders’ equity based on U.S. GAAP     W12,562,019  W14,260,772  W14,572,733 
                 
Controlling interest     W12,215,192  W13,186,782  W13,724,876 
                 
Non-controlling interest     W346,827  W1,073,990  W847,857 
                 

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet his/her contractual obligations. To manage credit risk, the Company evaluates the credit worthiness of each customer or counterparty considering the party’s financial information, its own trading records and other factors; based on such information the Company establishes credit limits for each customer or counterparty.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company has no trade and other receivables or loans which have indications of significant impairment loss or are significantly overdue. As a result, the Company believes that the possibility of default is low. Also, the Company’s credit risk can rise due to transactions with financial institutions related to its cash and cash equivalents, financial instruments and derivates. To minimize such risk, the Company has a policy to deal with high credit worthy financial institutions. The significant differencesamount of maximum exposure to credit risk of the Company is the same as the book value of financial assets as of December 31, 2011.

In addition, the aging analysis of trade and other receivables that are described below. Other differences dopast due at the end of the reporting period but not have a significant effect on either consolidated net income or shareholders’ equity.

impaired is stated in Note 5 and the analysis of financial assets that are individually determined to be impaired at the end of the reporting period is stated in Note 23.

c.    Liquidity risk

The Company’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure that it maintains sufficient cash and cash equivalents and liquidity through the utilization of its various committed credit lines, while operating an effective business.

The contractual maturity of financial liabilities of the Company as of December 31, 2011 is as follows (In millions of Korean won):

   Less than 1 year   1-5 years   More than 5 years   Total 

Borrowings (Note a)

  (Won)711,222    (Won)257,960    (Won)65,893    (Won)1,035,075  

Bonds payable (Note b)

   1,532,720     2,605,943     661,320     4,799,983  

Derivatives liabilities

   4,645               4,645  

Trade payables

   195,391               195,391  

Other payables (Note c)

   2,393,624     1,000,762     4,985     3,399,371  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  (Won)4,837,602    (Won)3,864,665    (Won)732,198    (Won)9,434,465  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

a.  

(Note a)

ImpairmentIncludes both principal and debt payments

(Note b)

Exclusive of Investment Securitiesbond discount.

(Note c)

Includes undiscounted long-term payables and Recoverieslong-term security deposits the Company received.
Under Korean GAAP, if the collectible value from the securities is less than acquisition costs based on objective evidence such as bankruptcy of investees, an impairment loss is recognized. In addition, the duration of the impairment in relation to the forecasted recovery of fair value is not considered for Korean GAAP purposes. Under U.S. GAAP, if the decline in fair value is judged to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the individual securities are written down to fair value as its new cost basis and the amount of the write-down is recognized in

F-73


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

current earnings. Other than temporary impairment

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 AND 2010

Capital Management

The Company manages its equity to ensure that it will be able to continue as a business while maximizing the return to shareholders through the optimization of its debt and equity balance. The Company’s overall strategy remains unchanged since 2010.

The Company monitors its debt-equity ratio as a capital management indicator. This ratio is determined based on evidence-based judgment related to potential recovery ofcalculated as total liabilities divided by total equity; the declined fair value up to (or beyond)total liabilities and equity balances are extracted from the cost of investment in the future and the severity and duration of the impairment in relation to the forecasted recovery of fair value. Due to such differences, for U.S. GAAP purposes, losses on impairment of investment securities for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 increased by W1,391 million nil and nil respectively, when compared to that under Korean GAAP.

Furthermore, certainavailable-for-sale securities which impairment losses had been previously recognized, under U.S. GAAP but not for Korean GAAP purposes, were sold or impairment loss was recognized for Korean GAAP purposes during the year ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010. As a result, disposal losses from suchavailable-for-sale securities and impairment losses that were recognized for Korean GAAP purposes, for the year ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 amounting to W173,988 million, W2,896 million and W1,020 million respectively, which were reversed for U.S. GAAP purposes. Consequently for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 a total decrease in impairment loss of W172,597 million, W2,896 million and W1,020 million, occurred for U.S. GAAP purposes from Korean GAAP purposes.
Under Korean GAAP, any subsequent recoveries of impairedavailable-for-sale securities andheld-to-maturity securities are allowed and result in an increase of the securities’ carrying amount up to the original acquisition cost, while the related recovery gains are reported in current earnings up to the previously recognized impairment loss amount; as reversal of loss on impairment of investment securities. Under U.S. GAAP, any subsequent increase in carrying amount of the impaired and written downheld-to-maturity securities is not allowed and any subsequent increase in fair value ofavailable-for-sale securities is reported in other comprehensive income. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 there have been no subsequent recoveries of impairedavailable-for-sale securities, as such there are no differences to reconcile between the two GAAPs.
consolidated financial statements.

The cumulative impairment amounts discussed aboveCompany’s debt-equity ratio as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are W8,023 million, W5,127 million and W4,107 million respectively. These amounts represent declines in value reported in retained earnings for U.S. GAAP purposes. However, for Korean GAAP purposes, these declines in value are reported in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. There is no GAAP difference in total shareholders’ equity, but rather within the components of shareholders’ equity — Retained Earning versus Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Hence, no related reconciling item exists from Korean GAAP shareholder’s equity to U.S. GAAP shareholder’s equity.

b.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Amortization
Under Korean GAAP, business combinations involving other than commonly controlled entities are accounted for as either a purchase or a pooling of interests, depending on the specific circumstances. In case of the Company, all business combinations are accounted for using the purchase method under Korean GAAP. Under the purchase method, the difference between the purchase consideration and the fair value of the net assets acquired is accounted for as goodwill or as negative goodwill. Goodwill and all other intangible assets are amortized over its estimated economic life, generally not to exceed 20 years.
Under U.S. GAAP, effective July 1, 2001, the purchase method of accounting is required for all business combinations other than those under common control. In addition, for fiscal years beginning after2011, December 31, 2001, goodwill related to a company’s subsidiaries2010 and investees, and intangible assets with indefinite useful life are not amortized; however, they are subject to impairment tests on an annual basis and at any other time if events occur or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill or other intangible assets may not be recoverable.
Under Korean GAAP, the Company records amortization of goodwill related to the Company’s subsidiaries and equity method investees. Due to the difference in the scope of consolidation, as discussed in Note 32(j), certain investments (entities) considered as a subsidiary under Korean GAAP are considered as an equity method investee under U.S. GAAP and vice versa. As a result, for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010,


F-74


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
W156,126 million, W160,091 million and W143,718 million of goodwill amortization related to entities (considered as a consolidated subsidiary under U.S. GAAP) was reversed for U.S. GAAP purposes. And, W29,357 million, W8,499 million and W5,853 million over the same period, of goodwill amortization relating to investments (considered as equity method investees under U.S. GAAP) was reversed for U.S. GAAP purposes. In total, goodwill amortization (including equity method investees goodwill amortization) of W185,483 million, W168,590 million and W149,571 million, respectively, was reversed over the same period.
As a result, under U.S. GAAP the Company’s shareholders’ equity increased as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010; relating to amortization of goodwill by W982,458 million, W1,142,549 million and W1,286,267 million, respectively, and relating to amortization of goodwill related to equity method investees by W44,509 million, W53,008 million and W58,861 million over the same period, when compared to that under Korean GAAP. In total, under U.S. GAAP the Company’s shareholder’s equity increased as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, by W1,026,967 million, W1,195,557 million and W1,345,128 million, respectively.
Impairment
Under U.S. GAAP, circumstances that could trigger an impairment test include but are not limited to a significant adverse change in the business climate or legal factors; an adverse action or assessment by a regulator; unanticipated competition; loss of key personnel; the likelihood that a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed; results of testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit. A reporting unit is an operating segment, or one level below an operating segment. The operating segments (i) that engage in business activities from which they earn revenues and expenses; (ii) whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision maker and (iii) for which discrete financial information is available consist of the Company and each and every subsidiary. And, there is no one level below an operating segment as discrete financial information for separate components of the Company is not available. To test impairment of goodwill, the fair value of a reporting unit which includes goodwill is compared with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill is compared to the implied fair value of goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, an impairment loss equal to such excess should be recognized in current operations; the loss recognized cannot exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. Under U.S. GAAP, for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, the Company recognized additional impairment loss of goodwill which was related with subsidiaries of W106,046, nil and nil, respectively; for the reporting unit of a subsidiary as operating profits and cash flows were lower than expected due to an increase in competition. The fair value of that reporting unit was estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows. Due to such goodwill impairment, for U.S. GAAP purposes, the shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 decreased by W118,570 million, W118,570 million, and W118,570 million, respectively, when compared to that under Korean GAAP.
Goodwill as of December 31, 2008, 2009 andJanuary 1, 2010 are as follows (in(In millions of Korean won):
             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Gross carrying amount W3,612,577  W4,310,820  W4,379,945 
Accumulated impairment  (119,712)  (119,712)  (119,712)
             
Ending of period W3,492,865  W4,191,108  W4,260,233 
             


F-75


   December 31, 2011  December 31, 2010  January 1, 2010 

Total liabilities

  (Won)11,633,327   (Won)10,724,390   (Won)11,488,679  

Equity

   12,732,709    12,407,999    11,848,045  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Debt-equity ratio

   91.37  86.43  96.97
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill under U.S. GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):
             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Beginning of period W3,599,135  W3,492,865  W4,191,108 
Goodwill increase due to acquisition and subsidiary change during the period  923   699,373   69,125 
Goodwill impairment losses  (107,138)      
Goodwll disposed of during the period  (55)  (1,130)   
             
Ending of period W3,492,865  W4,191,108  W4,260,233 
             
A reconciliation of the recorded goodwill between U.S. GAAP and Korean GAAP as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 is as follows (in millions of Korean won):
             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Goodwill amount under Korean GAAP W1,899,739  W1,737,966  W1,618,933 
Reversal of accumulated goodwill amortization for subsidiaries  982,458   1,142,549   1,286,267 
Decrease of goodwill due to scope of consolidation  (391,649)  (383,494)  (400,071)
Acquisition of the investment in SK Broadband Co., Ltd. (Refer to Note 32.m)     55,856   55,856 
Acquisition of lease line business from SK Networks Co., Ltd. (Refer to Note 32.m)     635,337   635,337 
Merger of TU Media Corporation (Refer to Note 32.m)        61,017 
Increase of goodwill due to acquisition cost adjustment (Refer to Note 32.r)  108,026   108,026   108,026 
Increase of goodwill due to the additional equity investment in subsidiaries (Refer to Note 32.s)  1,012,861   1,013,438   1,013,438 
Accumulated impairment loss  (118,570)  (118,570)  (118,570)
             
Goodwill amount under U.S GAAP W3,492,865  W4,191,108  W4,260,233 
             
Other Intangible Assets
Under Korean GAAP, certain development costs can be recorded as intangible assets. Under U.S. GAAP development costs are expensed as incurred. Due to this difference and certain other differences related to intangible assets, for U.S. GAAP purposes, net income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 decreased by W10,932 million, W3,032 million and W3,566 million, respectively, when compared to that under Korean GAAP.
The Company does not have any intangible assets with indefinite lives as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010. Intangible assets with finite lives will continue to be amortized over their estimated useful lives.


F-76


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The major components and average useful lives of other acquired intangible assets under U.S. GAAP are as follows (in millions of Korean won):
                         
  December 31, 2008  December 31, 2009  December 31, 2010 
           Accumulated
     Accumulated
 
  Gross
     Gross
  Amortization
  Gross
  Amortization
 
  Carrying
  Accumulated
  Carrying
  and
  Carrying
  and
 
  Amount  Amortization  Amount  Impairment  Amount  Impairment 
 
Amortized intangible assets:                        
IMT license (13 years) W1,188,547  W(459,178) W1,188,547  W(549,507) W1,290,979  W(643,932)
Customer relationship (4 years)  106,783   (100,671)  363,202   (119,288)  363,202   (168,048)
Software purchased (5 years)  1,216,273   (604,412)  1,392,644   (809,635)  1,688,913   (1,096,580)
Software development cost (5 years)  207,294   (188,028)  225,073   (203,086)  240,897   (223,524)
Other (2 to 20 years)  377,121   (164,433)  598,293   (353,208)  1,038,629   (417,002)
                         
Total W3,096,018  W(1,516,722) W3,767,759  W(2,034,724) W4,622,620  W(2,549,086)
                         
Intangible asset amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 was W426,760 million, W520,180 million and W506,636 respectively. It is estimated to be W439,208 million, W319,190 million, W273,164 million, W303,225 million and W220,537 million for the years ending December 31, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively, primarily related to the IMT license, software purchased and other.
c.  Capitalization of Foreign Exchange Losses or Gains and Interest Expenses
Under Korean GAAP, until the year ended December 31, 2002, interest expenses and foreign exchange losses or gains incurred were capitalized when they were related to debt used to finance the construction of property, plant and equipment (or offset against property additions). Effective January 1, 2003, under Korean GAAP, a company is allowed to charge such interest expense and foreign exchange losses or gains to current earnings. For Korean GAAP purposes, beginning the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company adopted the accounting policy not to capitalize such financing costs, on a prospective basis.
Under U.S. GAAP, interest expenses incurred on debt used to finance the construction of property, plant and equipment are capitalized, while related foreign exchange losses or gains are charged to current earnings as incurred. Due to such differences, for U.S. GAAP purposes, the shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 increased by W62,098 million, W69,714 million and W69,169 million, respectively, and net income for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 increased by W4,356 million and W7,616 million, respectively, and net income for the year ended December 31, 2010 decreased by W545 million when compared to that under Korean GAAP.
Under Korean GAAP, until the year ended December 31, 2002, interest expense related to debt used to finance the purchase of intangible assets was capitalized until the asset was put in use. Under Korean GAAP, effective January 1, 2003, the guidance was revised to allow a company to charge such interest expense to current earnings as incurred. Beginning the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company adopted the accounting policy not to capitalize such interest expense and rather expense it in current earnings as incurred, on a prospective basis. For U.S. GAAP purposes, the Company has historically and will continue to charge such interest expense to current earning as incurred.
Due to the historical difference in recognizing interest expense related to debt used to finance the purchase of a intangible asset being capitalized under Korean GAAP and expensed under U.S. GAAP, up to the year ended December 31, 2003, shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 was less by W42,572 million, W37,300 million, and W32,028 million, respectively, and net income was greater by W5,272 million in each


F-77


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
period, for U.S. GAAP purposes compared to that under Korean GAAP, as of and for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010.
d.  Nonrefundable Activation Fees
Activation fees when the Company provides only Wireless Service
Under Korean GAAP, the Company recognizes nonrefundable activation revenues and costs when the activation service is performed. For U.S. GAAP purposes, the Company defers such revenues and costs and amortizes it over the expected term of the customer relationship. As of December 31, 2010, the expected term of the customer relationship ranged from 36 months to 37 months. Due to such differences in timing of revenue recognition, for U.S. GAAP purposes, net income for the year ended December 31, 2008 decreased by W21,991 million, and net income for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010 increased by W40,659 million and W9,931 million, respectively, when compared to that under Korean GAAP. In addition, for U.S. GAAP purposes, the shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 decreased by W398,358 million, W357,699 million and W347,768 million, respectively, when compared to that under Korean GAAP.
Activation fees when the Company provides both Wireless Service and Device
Beginning the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company provides both wireless services and devices. Under Korean GAAP, the Company recognizes nonrefundable activation revenues from the sale of its wireless services along with its devices when the activation service is performed. Under U.S. GAAP, the Company determined that the sale of its wireless services along with its devices constitutes a revenue arrangement with multiple deliverables under relevant accounting literature. The Company accounts for these arrangements as separate units of accounting, whereby the device and related services can be unbundled from one another and treated as separate units of accounting. However, under the guidance activation fees do not meet the criteria as set-forth under to be treated as a separate unit of accounting and is therefore recognized into revenue under the relative fair value method. Activation fees may be (i) recognized upfront with the device sale (the delivered item) to the extent the aggregate of the device and activation fee proceeds do not exceed the fair value of the device or (ii) deferred upon activation and recognized evenly over the service term (the undelivered item) to the extent the aggregate of the device and activation fee proceeds exceed the fair value of the device. For the periods ended December 31, 2009 and 2010, as the aggregate of the device and activation fee proceeds do not exceed the fair value of the device, all activation fees received for revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables were recognized upfront with the corresponding device sales and included in digital handset sales in the Company’s income statement. As a result, there is no effect from the GAAP difference in recognition of activation fee for the revenue arrangement with multiple deliverables in the current year.
e.  Convertible Bonds Payable
Under Korean GAAP, the proceeds from issuance of convertible bonds are allocated between the conversion right and the debt issued; the portion allocable to the conversion right is accounted for as capital surplus, with corresponding conversion right adjustment being deducted from related bonds. Such conversion right adjustment is amortized into interest expenses over the period of convertible bonds.
Under U.S. GAAP, convertible bonds are analyzed to evaluate whether a conversion feature should be bifurcated from the debt host, separately recorded and marked to market through earnings. If an embedded conversion option in a convertible bond could be net cash settled upon the occurrence of an event which is outside of an entity’s control, the conversion feature should generally be bifurcated. Meanwhile, under Korean GAAP, no such accounting requirement exists.
Under U.S. GAAP, the conversion option related to the U.S. dollar denominated convertible bonds with principal amounts of US$332,528,000 issued on April 7, 2009, requires bifurcation; the related fair value at


F-78


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
December 31, 2009 and 2010 were W60,412 million and W108,464 million. Additionally, the U.S. dollar denominated convertible bonds with principal amounts of US$329,450,000 issued on May 27, 2004, were redeemed during the year ended December 31, 2009 due to its maturity; related fair value of the conversion options at December 31, 2008 was W22,798 million. Upon bifurcation of the conversion option and convertible debt on inception date, the Company recorded the conversion option at fair value and determined the initial carrying value assigned to the convertible debt as the difference between the basis of the host debt and the fair value of the conversion option.
In addition, under Korean GAAP, the convertible bonds denominated in a foreign currency are regarded as non-monetary liabilities since they have equity-like characteristics, and the Company does not recognize the associated foreign currency translation gain or loss. Under U.S. GAAP, the convertible bonds denominated in a foreign currency are regarded as a monetary liability and as such the resulting foreign currency translation gain or loss is included in the results of operations. The associated foreign currency translation loss recognized under U.S. GAAP, for the years ended December 31, 2008 is W76,209 million and foreign currency translation gain for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010 are W40,938 million and W10,043 million, respectively.
The adjustment amounts in our reconciliation of net income from Korean GAAP to net income based on U.S. GAAP is the aggregate of the GAAP differences in interest expense due to amortization of conversion right adjustment and gain or loss from the conversion of the bonds as well as the changes in fair value of the conversion option and the foreign currency translation gain or loss. The following is a schedule of the respective GAAP differences mentioned above for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010(in millions of Korean won):
             
  2008 2009 2010
 
Changes in fair value of the conversion Options recognized under U.S. GAAP  42,987   40,510   (48,052)
Foreign currency translation gain or loss recognized under U.S. GAAP  (76,209)  40,938   10,043 
Amortization of conversion right adjustments and others recognized under Korean GAAP  2,815   1,185   1,498 
Foreign currency transaction gain (Note a)     21,024    
             
Total  (30,407)  103,657   (36,511)
             
(Note a)Amount represents gain incurred from redemption of the convertible bonds with principal amounts of US$329,450,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Due to such differences, for U.S. GAAP purposes, the shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 decreased by W43,049 million, W32,459 million and W68,230 million respectively.
f.  Derivative Instrument — Currency & Interest Rate Swaps
Under Korean GAAP, when all critical terms of the hedging instrument and the hedged item are the same, a hedging relationship is considered to be highly effective without a formal assessment of hedge effectiveness. Under Korean GAAP, the Company qualified for certain cash flow hedge accounting. Under U.S. GAAP, at inception of the hedge, a formal hedge effectiveness assessment is required, to qualify for hedge accounting or a company can be exempted if it meets the shortcut method requirements. Under U.S. GAAP, the Company did not qualify for any hedge accounting. As a result, the has Company’s currency and interest rate swap, which qualified as a cash flow hedge under Korean GAAP, but did not qualify under U.S. GAAP.
Due to this difference, under Korean GAAP while only the realized mark to market changes in the Company’s currency and interest rate swaps are recognized in current earnings, under U.S. GAAP both realized and unrealized mark to market changes are recognized in current earnings, resulting in adjustments to net income; for the year


F-79


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
ended December 31, 2008 and 2010 a deduction of W478,874 million and W88,111 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2009 an additional W543,802 million, was recorded compared to that under Korean GAAP. And the shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 decreased by W45,503 million, increased by W10,375 million and decreased by W6,511 million for U.S. GAAP purposes, when compared to that under Korean GAAP.
g.  Provision for credit loss
The Company acquired 49% equity interest of HanaSK Card Co., Ltd. (the “HanaSK Card”) for the year ended December 31, 2010 and has accounted for the investment by using the equity method. Under Korean GAAP, the allowance for loan losses for financial institution is generally established based on the classification guidelines promulgated by the Financial Services Commission, which require that the minimum allowance be established based on the classification of the loan. As a result, the HanaSK Card has generally used these guidelines in establishing the minimum reserves and has additionally considered loan loss provisioning guidelines announced by the Financial Services Commission in November 2004. These guidelines include a requirement that financial institutions take into account “expected losses” with respect to credits in establishing their allowances for loan losses.
For U.S. GAAP purposes, the HanaSK Card has established the allowance for loan losses based on an evaluation of the historical performance of the loan portfolios. Allowance for loan losses for corporate loans that are not impaired is based principally on expected loss methodology.
Due to such difference mentioned above and including other miscellaneous GAAP differences, for U.S GAAP purposes, net income for the year ended December 31, 2010 increased by W16,077 million when compared to that under Korean GAAP. In addition, for U.S. GAAP purposes, the shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2010 increased by W15,964 million when compared to that under Korean GAAP.
h.  Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities
Under U.S. GAAP, if a business enterprise has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity (“VIE”), the assets, liabilities and results of the activities of the VIE should be included in the consolidated financial statements with those of the business enterprise. Under Korean GAAP, there is no specific provision for the accounting treatment of VIEs.
As a result of such difference, S-Telecom (formerly CDMA Mobile Phone Center);a joint-venture which is 50% owned by SKT Vietnam PTE Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company; which is an equity method investment under Korean GAAP was consolidated for U.S. GAAP purposes, for the years ended December 31, 2008. However, during the year ended December 31, 2009, SKT Vietnam PTE Ltd., a subsidiary of the Company entered into a binding agreement to discontinue its agreement with S-Telecom, resulting in SKT Vietnam PTE Ltd. no longer qualifying as a primary beneficiary of S-Telecom. Consequently, S-Telecom no longer qualified as a VIE for consolidation under U.S. GAAP. S-Telecom was deconsolidated and became an equity method investment of the Company as of December 31, 2009.
For the year ended December 31, 2010, new consolidation guidance became effective, whereas a company’s controlling interest over a VIE is demonstrated through both of the following; the power to direct the activities of a that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and a Company’s obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. However, subsequent to the deconsolidation of S-Telecom discussed above, the Company has no VIE that qualifies for consolidation under US GAAP as of December 31, 2010.
Due to such differences, for U.S GAAP purposes, net income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 decreased by W34,303 million, W36,260 million and nil, respectively, when compared to that under Korean


F-80


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
GAAP. In addition, for U.S. GAAP purposes, the shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 decreased by W32,676 million, nil and nil, respectively, when compared to that under Korean GAAP.
i.  Investment in Preferred Stock
Under Korean GAAP, the Company can apply the equity method of accounting for an investment in preferred stocks if the Company can exercise significant influence on the investee through the investment. Under U.S. GAAP, unless the preferred stock is in-substance common stock, the Company cannot apply the equity method of accounting for preferred investments which are accounted for asavailable-for-sales equity securities.
As a result of such differences, the Company’s investment in Packet One Network which is an equity method investment under Korean GAAP, is accounted for asavailable-for-sales equity securities for U.S GAAP purpose. Due to the reversal of the equity loss for U.S. GAAP purposes, net income for the year ended December 31, 2010 increased by W6,460 million when compared to that under Korean GAAP. In addition, for U.S. GAAP purposes, the shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2010 increased by W6,359 million when compared to that under Korean GAAP.
j.  Scope of Consolidations
Under Korean GAAP, as explained in Note 2(b) to the consolidated financial statements, majority-owned subsidiaries with total assets below W10 billion at prior year end are not consolidated. Under U.S. GAAP a company is required to consolidate all majority-owned subsidiaries regardless of total asset size, if it has control of the subsidiary. However, for U.S GAAP purposes the Company did not consolidate majority-owned subsidiaries with total assets below W10 billion at prior year end as it believes the impact of such difference to be immaterial.
Under Korean GAAP, an entity is consolidated if the Company or a controlled subsidiary of the Company owns more than 30% of the total outstanding voting stock and is the largest stockholder. Under U.S. GAAP, generally an entity of which the Company owns 20% to 50% percent of total outstanding voting stock still may not be consolidated if control does not exist; rather that entity should be accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Due to such differences, for U.S. GAAP purposes, F&U Credit information Co., Ltd., Benex Digital Culture Contents Fund, Benex Movie Expert Fund, Benex Sector Limited Partnership IV, The Contents Com Co., Ltd., PREGM Co., Ltd. and SK Technology Innovation Company are excluded from consolidation and are accounted for under the equity method of accounting, for the year ended December 31, 2010. For other investments in entities where the Company owns 30% to 50%, the consolidated financial statements did not reflect an adjustment in the U.S. GAAP reconciliation as the impact is considered immaterial. The following is the condensed financial information of the investees accounted for under the equity method of accounting under U.S. GAAP but consolidated under Korean GAAP as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010 (In millions Korean won):
                 
  Total
 Total
   Net
  Assets Liabilities Revenue Income (Loss)
 
F&U Credit information Co., Ltd.   14,141   6,043   47,767   213 
BMC Digital Culture and Contents Fund  21,753   9   15   (1,819)
Benex Movie Expert Fund  28,899   3   2,385   410 
Benex Sector Limited Partnership IV  49,538   3      (644)
The Contents Com Co., Ltd.   14,916   1   54   398 
PREGM Co., Ltd.   40,191   16,109   19,613   (23,691)
SK Technology Innovation Company  52,949   1,849      (1,678)
Due to such consolidation scope differences, for U.S GAAP purposes, net income for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2010 increased by W187,833 million and W6,763 million, respectively, and net income for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased by W3,920 million when compared to those under Korean GAAP. In addition, for U.S. GAAP purposes, the shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 decreased by


F-81


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
W801,413 million, W89,175 million and W93,187 million respectively, when compared to that under Korean GAAP.
k.  Reclassification of Investment in Equity Securities of SK C&C Co., Ltd.
Determining the Parent Company and appropriate Accounting of Equity Securities Investment
As of December 31, 2008, SK C&C held a 31% interest in SK Holdings; SK Holdings held a 23% interest in the Company and the Company in turn held a 30% interest in SK C&C. The three companies held equity interests in each other with voting rights, but no company had any legal or contractual right to be able to have control over the board of directors or equivalent governing body of one another. SK C&C is considered the Company’s ultimate parent under Korean GAAP. Under U.S. GAAP due to the difference in the two GAAPs’ accounting literature and common practice related to the conditions in what constitutes a controlling interest or not, SK C&C is not considered as the Company’s ultimate parent.
Under U.S. GAAP, the general condition for a controlling interest is ownership of a majority voting interest and therefore, as a general rule ownership by an investor, directly or indirectly, of over 50% of the outstanding voting shares of an investee is a condition indicative for the investee to be consolidated. Additionally, guidance indicates that the power to control may still exist with a non-majority (less than 50%) percentage of ownership by contract or otherwise. As a result, under U.S. GAAP, considering the ownership structure and voting percentages, the Company has accounted for its investment in each of the respective entities as an equity method investment.
Under Korean GAAP, the condition for a controlling interest is ownership of a majority voting interest, directly or indirectly. Alternatively a non-majority owner of over 30% of the total outstanding voting shares where such owner is also the largest shareholder is considered indicative of a controlling interest as described on Note 2.a “Principles of Consolidation”. Furthermore, the prevailing industry practices under Korean GAAP is that a company is considered to have control over its investee when it has historically appointed the majority of the board members and management of its investee, notwithstanding the lack of legal or contractual rights to do so.
As SK C&C holds a 31% interest and is the largest shareholder of SK Holdings, under Korean GAAP it is considered the parent company of SK Holdings. SK Holdings, in turn, is the largest shareholder of SK Telecom and has historically appointed the majority of the board members and management of SK Telecom notwithstanding its lack of legal or contractual right to do so. This indicates that SK Holdings has historically controlled the Company and should be considered the parent company of the Company; even though it had neither majority ownership nor legal or contractual right to have control over the board of directors or equivalent governing body. Therefore, SK C&C was considered to be the Company’s ultimate parent company.
Additionally, under Korean GAAP, a subsidiary — the Company, is presumed not to be able to have significant influence over its parent company — SK C&C, as such the Company should not account for its investment in SK C&C under the equity method investment. As a result, during the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company reclassified its investment in equity securities of SK C&C Co., Ltd. from equity method investment to anavailable-for-sale security; as SK C&C Co., Ltd. became the ultimate parent of the Company in accordance with Korean GAAP. Under Korean GAAP, the carrying amount of the equity investment at the date that the Company ceased to apply equity method was the Company’s new acquisition cost and the unrealized holding gains and losses incurred subsequent to the reclassifications are excluded from earnings and are reported within other comprehensive income.
Under U.S. GAAP, up to the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company owned 30% of SK C&C. When calculating the equity method adjustment, the Company’s investment in SK C&C was considered to be reduced by SK C&C’s indirect reciprocal holding of the Company through SK Holdings. As a result, the Company applied a 30% percentage to the financial information of SK C&C, after excluding SK C&C’s indirect reciprocal holding of the Company through SK Holdings, to compute the Company’s income related to its investment in SK C&C. The reciprocal interests effect of SK C&C’s ownership interest in the Company through SK Holdings for the year ended


F-82


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
December 31, 2008 totaled W55,067 million. Refer below to the Company’s condensed financial information of SK C&C under U.S. GAAP.
2009
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company disposed of 21% of its shares in SK C&C and the Company’s ownership percentage decreased to 9%. As a result, the Company reclassified its investment in equity securities of SK C&C Co., Ltd. toavailable-for-sale securities reported at the fair value from equity method investment for U.S GAAP purposes; same as under Korean GAAP.
Due to such differences, for U.S. GAAP purposes, net income increased by W47,645 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, and net income decreased by W94,327 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 when compared to that under Korean GAAP. In addition, the shareholders’ equity decreased by W7,114 million at December 31, 2008, when compared to that under Korean GAAP.
At December 31, 2009 and 2010, there is no GAAP difference as the Company’s investment in SK C&C Co., Ltd. is accounted for as anavailable-for-sale security reported at the fair value under both GAAP.
The following is the condensed financial information of SK C&C Co., Ltd. under U.S GAAP as discussed above, for the periods it was accounted for under the equity method, as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008 (in millions of Korean won):
December 31, 2008
Current assetsW890,816
Non-Current assets3,576,000
TotalW4,466,816
Current liabilitiesW1,199,621
Non-Current liabilities1,027,722
Shareholder’s equity2,239,473
TotalW4,466,816
2008
Operating revenueW1,275,185
Operating expenses(1,185,971)
Operating income89,214
Other income (expenses), net131,458
Provision for income taxes(3,785)
Net incomeW216,887
l.  Retroactive Application of Equity Method of Accounting
In March 2008, the Company purchased an additional 38.7% of equity interests of SK Broadband Co., Ltd. (“SKBB”), increasing its total percentage of ownership to 43.4%. At which point the Company began accounting for SKBB as a consolidated subsidiary under Korean GAAP.
Under Korean GAAP, when the investor is able to exercise significant influence through anstep-up acquisition of an investee’s shares, investment difference shall be calculated as if the shares were acquired in a lump-sum purchase on the same date significant influence became exercisable. In such a case, consideration for acquisition shall be computed as the sum of the fair values of shares acquired until the date that immediately precedes the date


F-83


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
on which significant influence became exercisable and the acquisition cost of shares additionally acquired on the date on which significant influence became exercisable. Unrealized gain or loss that arise on the fair-value valuation of the investee’s shares held until the date on which significant influence becomes exercisable shall be included in current earnings of the period that includes the applicable date of the equity method.
Under US GAAP, the investment in SKBB previously held before the acquisition and accounted for under the fair value method is required to be changed to the equity method of accounting retroactively in a manner consistent with the accounting for astep-up acquisition of a subsidiary. As a result of such retroactive application of equity method of accounting on SKBB, net income for the years ended December 31, 2008 decreased by W21,025 million, respectively, and shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2008 decreased by W62,382 million, when compared to that under Korean GAAP. Due to the additional purchase of SKBB discussed below, there is no GAAP difference for the year ended December 31, 2009.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company acquired the additional 7.2% equity interest in SKBB, which resulted in the Company’s ownership increase to more than 50%, and as a result SKBB was included in the Company’s consolidation under U.S. GAAP. Refer to Note 32(m) for additional information related to the Company’s investment in SKBB.
m.  Business Combination
(1)  Achieved-in-Stages
Under U.S. GAAP, in a business combination achieved in stages, the acquirer shall remeasure its previously held equity interest in the acquiree to the fair value on the day the Company obtains control (due to the additional acquisition) and recognizes the resulting gain or loss, if any, in earnings. In prior reporting periods, the acquirer may have recognized its equity portion of the investee’s changes in other comprehensive income, if so, such amount shall be reclassified and included in the calculation of gain or loss as of the acquisition date. Under Korean GAAP, in a business combination achieved in stages, the acquirer is not required to remeasure its previously held equity interest in the acquiree.
(a)  Achieved-in-Stages: SKBB
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company acquired an additional 47,187,105 common shares or 7.2% of the outstanding shares of SKBB for W241,176 million, which increased the Company’s ownership from 43.4% to 50.6%, at which point, its previous equity interest of 43.4% was remeasured by the closing market price of common stock of SKBB on the day the Company obtained control due to additional acquisitions. The fair value was evaluated at W548,114 million, at W5,350 per share of SKBB common stock, resulting in a loss of W439,920 million. Refer to Note 32 (l) above additional discussion on the Company previous ownership of 43.4%.


F-84


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The Company’s allocation of purchase price to the acquired net assets of SKBB recorded at the fair value is as follows (in millions of Korean won):
SK Broadband
(“SKBB”)
(100%)
Current assetsW793,889
Noncurrent assets
Investments61,799
Depreciable fixed assets2,114,023
Land297,946
Other long-term assets226,257
Identifiable intangible assets191,668
Total assets
3,685,582
Interest-bearing debts(1,775,416)
Other liabilities(393,916)
Total liabilities
(2,169,332)
Net assets
W1,516,250
Goodwill55,856
Less: Remeasured exisiting equity interest of SKBB(548,114)
Less: Non-controlling interest of SKBB(782,816)
Purchase price of 7.2% additional acquisition of SKBB
W241,176
(b)  Achieved-in-Stages: SK Telink
(i)  SK Telink’s purchase of 100% of TU Media
As of December 31, 2009, SK Telecom had 44.2% interest in TU Media, an equity method investee of the Company and 90.8% interest in SK Telink, a consolidated subsidiary. On November 1, 2010, SK Telink purchased 100% of TU Media, in exchange for newly issued SK Telink shares, and merged the operations of TU media into SK Telink.
SK Telecom obtained control of TU Media as a result of SK Telink’s purchase of TU Media, and the transaction was accounted for as a business combination achieved in stages. Accordingly, SK Telecom’s previously held equity interest in TU media was remeasured to W41,237 million, resulting in a gain of W6,368 million (W41,237 million less the W34,869 million book value) in earnings.
SK Telecom recognized TU Media’s identifiable net assets at their fair values of W15,739 million and goodwill of W61,017 million. The fair value of the total consideration for TU Media was W76,756 million; including the fair value of the previously held interest W41,237 million, the fair value of the additional W22,823 million acquisition, and the fair value of the non-controlling interest (at the consolidated level) of W12,696 million. The fair value of the consideration was valued through a third party valuation specialist; both SK Telink and TU Media are not publicly traded and therefore do not have readily determinable market prices available.
SK Telecom’s ownership in SK Telink decreased from 90.8% to 83.5% as a result of SK Telink’s issuance of new shares in connection with the acquisition of TU Media. Refer below (b)(ii) related to SK Telecom’s decrease in ownership in SK Telink due to this transaction.


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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
In addition, under Korean GAAP as TU Media is accounted for as a consolidated subsidiary, SK Telink’s purchase of TU Media’s shares was accounted for as an Under Common Control transaction. Refer below (3) for discussion on the Korean GAAP treatment and difference between the U.S. GAAP treatment discussed above.
The allocation of the consideration paid to the acquired net assets of TU media recorded at the fair value is as follows (in millions of Korean won):
TU Media
(100%)
Consideration for additional acquisition of TU MediaW22,823
Fair value of previously held TU Media41,237
Fair value of noncontrolling interest of TU Media12,696
Fair value of TU Media
W76,756
Current assetsW36,554
Noncurrent assets
Depreciable fixed assets148,093
Identifiable intangible assets15,503
Other long-term assets11,925
Total assets212,075
Interest-bearing debts(176,974)
Other liabilities(19,362)
Total liabilities(196,336)
Net assets
W15,739
Fair value of TU MediaW76,756
Less: Net assets15,739
Goodwill
W61,017
(ii)  Decrease in ownership due to SK Telink’s issuance of additional shares
Prior to SK Telink’s purchase of TU Media, the Company owned 90.8% of SK Telink. On November 1, 2010, as part of the acquisition of TU Media, SK Telink issued new shares to all TU Media shareholders, including SK Telecom and other nonaffiliated entities, in exchange for TU Media shares.
Due to SK Telink’s (subsidiary) issuance of new shares, SK Telecom’s (parent) ownership in SK Telink decreased from 90.8% to 83.5%. However, overall, even though SK Telecom’s ownership decreased, due to the acquisition of additional TU Media shares through SK Telink, SK Telink’s book value (net assets) increased from W148,731 million to W225,488 million; and concurrently, SK Telecom’s total carrying amount of SK Telink increased from W176,239 million to W188,191 million, from pre-merger to post-merger with TU Media, an increase of W11,952 million in equity.
(2)  Acquisition-related Costs of the Acquirer
Under Korean GAAP, Costs incurred directly related to the business combination is capitalized as part of acquisition cost. But, under the revised U.S. GAAP regarding the “Business Combination”, effective January 1, 2009, such acquisition costs are accounted for separately from the business combination — generally expensed as incurred.


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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(3)  Under Common Control
Common control transactions are accounted for by the receiving entity based on the carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements at the date of transfer. Under US GAAP, common control exists when (1) an individual or entity owns more than 50 percent of the voting interest of each entity; (2) immediate family members hold more than 50 percent of the voting interest of each entity, and there is no evidence that they will not vote in concert; or (3) a group of shareholders holds more than 50 percent of the voting interest of each entity and there is a written agreement that the shareholders will vote in concert. In addition to those conditions, under Korean GAAP, common control also exists when entities of which the Company or a controlled subsidiary owns more than 30% of the total outstanding voting stock and is the largest stockholder.
As a result, the Company’s acquisition of a leased line business from SK Networks Co., Ltd., the additional acquisition of SKBB interest and merger achieved in stages between SK Telink Co., Ltd and TU Media Corporation were treated under common control transactions under Korean GAAP. But as discussed above, for U.S GAAP purposes, the transactions were scoped out of as common control transactions and as such, the identifiable asset acquired and the liabilities assumed from the business were measured at their fair value on acquisition date.
Due to the differences in business combination accounting discussed above, for U.S. GAAP purposes, the shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 increased by nil, W94,236 million and W116,410 million; while, net income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 decreased by nil, W340,979 million and W33,758 million when compared to that under Korean GAAP.
��
The additional information on the Company’s acquisitions which were treated under common control transactions under Korean GAAP but treated as acquisitions achieved in stages under U.S. GAAP is as follows;
(4)  Acquisition of leased line business from SK Networks Co., Ltd.
The identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed from the business were measured at their fair values at the acquisition date. The purchase price (W892,755 million in cash) exceeded the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired from SK Networks Co., Ltd. and as a result, the Company recorded goodwill amounting to W635,337 million in connection with this transaction. The allocation of the purchase price of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values was under U.S. GAAP as follows (in millions of Korean won):
SK Networks
Current assetsW11,834
Noncurrent assets
— Depreciable fixed assets773,608
— Land3,889
— Other long-term assets5,912
— Identifiable intangible assets132,135
Goodwill635,337
Interest-bearing debts(580,207)
Other liabilities(19,285)
Deferred tax liabilities(70,468)
TotalW892,755


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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(5)  Pro forma information
SK Broadband Co., Ltd.’s revenue and net loss included in the Company’s consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2009, since acquisition date of July 21, 2009, totaled W977,386 million and W133,737 million, respectively. SK Networks Co., Ltd.’s revenue and earnings included in the Company’s consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2009, since acquisition date of September 30, 2009, was W29,752 million and W3,053 million. TU Media Corporation’s revenue and net loss included in the Company’s consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2010, since acquisition date of November 1, 2010, was W102,896 million and W1,589 million, respectively.
The combined revenue and earnings of the Company under U.S. GAAP had the acquisition of SKBB investment, SK Networks Co., Ltd.’s leased line business and merger of TU Media Corporation occurred as of January 1, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):
             
  Year Ended December 31,
  2008 2009 2010
 
Revenue W13,540,293  W13,978,799  W14,276,742 
Earnings  738,469   1,275,801   1,414,138 
n.  Asset Securitization Transactions
Under U.S. GAAP, a transfer of financial assets in an asset securitization is accounted for as a sale only if all of the following conditions are met;
A. Isolation of transferred financial assets. The transferred financial assets have been isolated from the transferor but presumptively beyond the reach of the transferor and its creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership. Notwithstanding the isolation analysis, each entity involved in the transfer is subject to the applicable guidance on whether it shall be consolidated. A set-off right is not an impediment to meeting the isolation condition.
B. Transferee’s rights to pledge or exchange. This condition is met if both of the following conditions are met:
1. Each transferee (or, if the transferee is an entity whose sole purpose is to engage in securitization or asset-backed financing activities and that entity is constrained from pledging or exchanging the assets it receives, each third-party holder of its beneficial interests) has the right to pledge or exchange the assets (or beneficial interests) it received.
2. No condition does both of the following:
i. Constrains the transferee (or third-party holder of its beneficial interests) from taking advantage of its right to pledge or exchange
ii. Provides more than a trivial benefit to the transferor
If the transferor, its consolidated affiliates included in the financial statements being presented, and its agents have no continuing involvement with the transferred financial assets, the sale condition is met.
C. Effective control. The transferor, its consolidated affiliates included in the financial statements being presented, or its agents do not maintain effective control over the transferred financial assets or third-party beneficial interests related to those transferred assets. A transferor’s effective control over the transferred financial assets includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:
1. An agreement that both entitles and obligates the transferor to repurchase or redeem them before their maturity


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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
2. An agreement, other than through a cleanup call, that provides the transferor with both of the following:
i. The unilateral ability to cause the holder to return specific financial assets
ii. Amore-than-trivial-benefit attributable to that ability.
3. An agreement that permits the transferee to require the transferor to repurchase the transferred financial assets at a price that is so favorable to the transferee that it is probable that the transferee will require the transferor to repurchase them
However, under Korea GAAP, when a transfer of financial assets in an asset securitization is conducted in accordance with the Korean Asset Securitization Act which does not prohibit transferor to purchases subordinated bond of and provides credit enhancement to securitization vehicle, such transfer is generally accounted for as a sale of financial assets and the securitization vehicle is generally not consolidated into the transferor.
Due to such differences, for U.S. GAAP purposes, the shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2009 and 2010 decreased by W15,489 and nil, respectively, and net income for the year ended December 31, 2009 increased by W15,489 million and net income for the year ended December 31, 2010 decreased by W15,489 when compared to that under Korean GAAP. As there was no transfer of financial assets during the years ended December 31, 2008 , no such GAAP differences were incurred to reconcile.
o.  Income Taxes
Uncertainty in income taxes
Under U.S. GAAP, effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted authoritative guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes which set outs a consistent framework to be used to determine the appropriate level of tax reserve for uncertain tax positions. No such accounting is required under Korean GAAP. As a result of the adoption, the income tax expenses for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 decreased by W2,778 million and W2,711 million, respectively, whereas income tax expenses for the years ended December 31, 2010 increased by W53,869 million. In addition, for U.S. GAAP purposes, the shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 decreased by W10,440 million, W7,683 million and W61,552 million, respectively, when compared to that under Korean GAAP.
Effect of change in tax law
Under Korean GAAP, the effect of changes in tax law related directly to shareholders’ equity are recorded in the shareholders’ equity. Under U.S. GAAP, the effect of changes in tax law related to items directly in shareholders’ equity are recorded in continuing operations in the period of the new tax law enactment. Due to such differences and the new tax law enactment in Korea for U.S GAAP purposes, net income for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased by W30,066 million when compared that under Korean GAAP. There were no new tax law enactment impacts on net income for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively.


F-89


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
p.  Tax effect of the reconciling items
The applicable statutory tax rate used to calculate the tax effect of the reconciling items on the net income reconciliation between Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were 27.5%, 24.2% and 24.2%, respectively. Such tax rates are inclusive of resident surtax of 2.5%, 2.2% and 2.2%. The following is a reconciliation of the tax effect of the reconciling items on net income (in millions Korean won):
             
  2008 2009 2010
 
Net income based on U.S. GAAP  951,737   1,356,682   1,396,621 
Net income based on Korean GAAP  972,338   1,055,606   1,297,176 
             
Total GAAP adjustments on net income  (20,601)  301,076   99,445 
Adjustments related to tax items:            
— FIN 48 effect  (2,778)  (2,711)  53,869 
— Tax effect of the reconciling items  (46,947)  111,098   (68,684)
— Effect of changes in tax law  (30,066)      
Non-taxable adjustments:            
— Reversal of amortization of goodwill (Note a)  (179,116)  (164,341)  (171,254)
— Goodwill impairment (Note a)  105,781        
— Currency swap (Note b)  (17,077)     14,559 
— Retroactive application of SK Broadband Investment (Note b)  21,025       
— Consolidation of variable interest entity (Note c)  34,303   36,260    
— Scope of consolidation (Note d)  (187,833)  3,920   (6,763)
— Business combination (Note e)     328,172   (7,520)
— Provision for credit loss (Note b)        (16,077)
— Nonrefundable activation fees and others (Note b)  4,779   (3,635)  (590)
             
Taxable GAAP adjustments  (318,530)  609,839   (103,015)
Applicable tax rate  27.5%  24.2%  24.2%
             
Tax effect  (87,596)  147,581   (24,930)
Tax effect from statutory tax rate change on reconciling item (Note f)  40,649   (36,483)  (43,754)
             
Tax effect of the reconciling items  (46,947)  111,098   (68,684)
             
(Note a)Certain goodwill amortization constitutes a non-deductible expense under local tax law and as such, the corresponding effects were not considered in the U.S. GAAP adjustment.
(Note b)The amount represents the U.S. GAAP adjustment from our equity method investees and subsidiary. Due to continuing loss of the investees and subsidiary, the corresponding tax effect were not considered.
(Note c)As of December 31, 2009, the amount represents non-controlling interest of S-Telecom which was consolidated under U.S. GAAP while accounted for as an equity method investee under Korean GAAP. Under Korean GAAP, due to the continued loss of S-Telecom, corresponding loss were no longer deductible.
(Note d)The amount represents the certain entities’ non-deductible (or non-taxable earnings) recognized under U.S. GAAP. These entities are consolidated under Korean GAAP, while they are accounted for as an equity method investee under U.S. GAAP and vice versa.


F-90


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Note e)The amount mainly represents the non-taxable adjustment related to the revaluation of pre-existing ownership of SKBB — step-acquisition acquisition, under U.S. GAAP; under Korean GAAP no revaluation of the pre-existing ownership was made.
(Note f)Represents decrease of deferred tax liabilities due to an enactment of a new tax law. We applied 24.2%, 22% and 22% for years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively, to calculate current deferred tax assets or liabilities and long-term deferred tax assets or liabilities in accordance with the enacted tax law.
q.  Marketable Securities and Investments Securities
Under Korean GAAP, non-marketable securities should be classified asavailable-for-sale and carried at cost or fair value if applicable, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported as other comprehensive income. Under U.S. GAAP, investment in non-marketable equity securities that do not have a readily determinable fair value should be accounted for under the cost method. Due to such differences, for U.S. GAAP purposes, shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 increased by nil, W8,833 million and W5,000 million, respectively, when compared to that under Korean GAAP.
Under Korean GAAP, all transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of a security are included in the initial measurement of any security. But, under U.S. GAAP, fees paid to the seller less any fees received are included as part of the initial investment in the debt security that are classified asHeld-to-Maturity orAvailable-for-Sales and are recognized as an adjustment to the yield of the debt security over its remaining life. All other costs incurred as part of the acquisition are expensed immediately as incurred. As the impact of such GAAP differences on the net income and shareholders’ equity as of and for the years ended as of December 31, 2008, 2009, and 2010, no reconciling adjustment exists.
Information with respect toavailable-for-sale andheld-to-maturity securities under U.S. GAAP guidance at December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 is as follows (in millions of Korean won):
                     
     Gross
  Gross
       
  Cost
  Unrealized
  Unrealized
  Impairment
  Fair
 
  (Amortized Cost)  Gains  Losses  Losses  Value 
 
At December 31, 2008:                    
Available-for-sale                    
Equity securities W1,878,049  W681,260  W(73) W(208,453) W2,350,783 
Debt securities  5,696         (552)  5,144 
Held-to-maturity securities
  112            112 
                     
  W1,883,857  W681,260  W(73) W(209,005) W2,356,039 
                     
At December 31, 2009:                    
Available-for-sale                    
Equity securities W603,206  W1,223,542  W(1,293) W(4,997) W1,820,458 
Debt securities  354,886      (122)  (884)  353,880 
Held-to-maturity securities
  1,006            1,006 
                     
  W959,098  W1,223,542  W(1,415) W(5,881) W2,175,344 
                     
At December 31, 2010:                    
Available-for-sale                    
Equity securities W417,196  W994,103  W(446) W(1,744) W1,409,109 
Debt securities  34,962         (2,702)  32,260 
Held-to-maturity securities
               
                     
  W452,158  W994,103  W(446) W(4,446) W1,441,369 
                     


F-91


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Gross proceeds from the sale ofavailable-for-sale securities were W470,309 million, W1,662,501 million and W299,419 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. Gross realized gains for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were W14,466 million, W299,531 million and W167,223 million, respectively. Gross realized losses for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were W500 million, W53 million and W18 million, respectively. Gross unrealized losses of W73 million, W1,415 million and W446 million at December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 for which impairment has not been recognized, have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months.
r.  Determination of Acquisition Cost of Equity Interest in Subsidiary
Under Korean GAAP, the acquisition cost is determined at the closing market price of the parent company’s common stock when the common stock is actually issued. Under U.S. GAAP, through year ended December 31, 2008, when a parent company acquires an equity interest in a subsidiary in exchange for newly issued common stock of the parent company, the acquisition cost of the equity interest in a subsidiary is determined at the market price of the parent company’s common stock for a reasonable period before and after the date the terms of the acquisition are agreed to and announced. In addition, there are certain other differences in the methods of allocating cost to assets acquired. Due to such differences, for U.S. GAAP purposes, the shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 increased by W28,358 million when compared to that under Korean GAAP. Beginning the year ended December 31, 2009, due to new accounting guidance related to business combination issued, such GAAP differences no longer exist.
Under Korean GAAP, in a business combination between a publicly traded company and a privately held company where an acquirer is the privately held company and the acquirer issues its own equity shares to the acquiree’s stockholders as purchase proceeds, the cost of the acquired entity is determined based on the fair value of the acquirer’s net assets. Under U.S. GAAP, it is appropriate to use the market value of a publicly traded company to value the acquisition when the acquiree is a publicly traded company and the acquirer is a privately held company. Due to such differences, for U.S. GAAP purposes, the shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 increased by W102,433 million in each period, when compared to that under Korean GAAP.
The combined effect of the differences discussed above, from Korean GAAP to U.S. GAAP to the shareholder’s equity as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 is an increase of W130,791 million as of each period end.
s.  Additional Equity Investment in Subsidiaries
Historically, there has been a difference in accounting for additional equity investment in subsidiaries between Korean GAAP and U.S. GAAP. The difference was due to the difference in the accounting treatment guidance itself and the difference in scope of consolidation — an entity that may be consolidated for Korean GAAP purposes may not necessarily be consolidated for U.S. GAAP purposes and vice versa.
Under Korean GAAP, when additional interest is acquired after acquiring a controlling interest in a subsidiary, the differences between the Company’s acquisition cost of the additional interest and the corresponding carrying amount of the acquired additional interest in a subsidiary is presented as an adjustment to capital surplus. Under U.S. GAAP, through year ended December 31, 2008, the cost of an additional interest was allocated based on the fair value of net assets acquired at the time the additional interest was acquired, with the excess allocated to goodwill. However, beginning the year ended December 31, 2009, due to the revised accounting guidance for U.S. GAAP related to business combination and non-controlling interest which was prospectively applied, the accounting treatment for additional interest acquired after acquiring a controlling interest in a subsidiary became the same under both GAAPs
As a result, due to the historical differences in GAAP, additional shareholders’ equity of W1,012,861 million, W1,013,438 million and W1,013,438 million, as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were adjusted for U.S. GAAP purposes compared to Korean GAAP. While due to the difference in scope of consolidation, additional


F-92


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
shareholders’ equity of W40,026 million, W2,952 million and W31,715 million, as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 was recognized for U.S. GAAP purposes, compared to Korean GAAP. In total additional shareholders’ equity of W1,052,887 million, W1,016,390 million and W1,045,153 million, as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 under U.S. GAAP is recognized. Going forward, except for a difference due to difference in scope of consolidation, there will no longer exist a GAAP difference related to accounting for additional equity investment in subsidiaries.
t.  Loans Receivable for Stock Issued to Employee
Korean GAAP allows for recording notes receivables for capital stock issued to employees as an asset, while U.S. GAAP generally requires such receivables to be reported as a reduction of stockholders’ equity. Due to such differences, for U.S. GAAP purposes, the shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 decreased by W60,908 million, W57,615 million and W43,052 million, respectively, when compared to that under Korean GAAP.
u.  Deferred Charges
Korean GAAP requires that bond issuance costs are deducted bonds proceeds. Under U.S. GAAP, bond issuance costs are capitalized as deferred assets and amortized over the redemption period of the related obligation.
v.  Handset Subsidies to Long-time Mobile Subscribers
Under Korean GAAP, handset subsidies are recorded as operating expenses. Under US GAAP, such amounts are recorded as reduction of revenue.
w.  Comprehensive Income
Under Korean GAAP, until the year ended December 31, 2006, there was no requirement to present comprehensive income. Effective January 1, 2007, revised guidance requires the disclosure of comprehensive income and its components in consolidated financial statements. However, the format of such disclosure under Korean GAAP differs from that under U.S. GAAP. Under U.S. GAAP, comprehensive income includes all changes in the shareholders’ equity during a period except those resulting from investments by, or distributions to owners,


F-93


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
including certain items not included in the current results of operations. Comprehensive income under U.S. GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 is as follows (in millions of Korean won):
             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Net income W951,737  W1,356,682  W1,396,621 
             
Other comprehensive income:            
Available-for-sale securities
            
Unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities  (1,080,978)  852,171   (209,845)
Less impact of realized losses (gains)  1,730   (297,536)  (51,438)
Tax effect  292,840   (141,481)  55,875 
             
Net change fromavailable-for-sale securities
  (786,408)  413,154   (205,408)
Foreign-based operations’ translation adjustments  67,057   (49,899)  (6,246)
             
Total other comprehensive income  (719,351)  363,255   (211,654)
             
Comprehensive income  232,386   1,719,937   1,184,967 
Less comprehensive loss attributable to non controlling interest  118,879   125,760   129,510 
             
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company W351,265  W1,845,697  W1,314,477 
             
x.  Discontinued Operation
As disclosed on Note 2.ab “Discontinued Operation”, during the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company disposed of its investment in Helio LLC which was incorporated to provide cellular telephone communication service in the U.S. to Virgin Mobile USA, Inc. Under Korean GAAP, when a subsidiary is disposed of during the year, the results of its operations are treated as a discontinued operation and as such the results of operations and cash flows of Helio LLC were presented as a discontinued operation during the years ended December 31, 2008. For the year ended December 31, 2008, as the Company had significant influence over Virgin Mobile USA, Inc., it accounted for it as an equity method investment.
Under U.S. GAAP, as the Company had significant continuing involvement in legacy Helio LLC operations, now under Virgin Mobile USA, the results of operations and cash flows of Helio LLC was as a continuing operation based on relevant discontinued operation accounting literature; while the Company considered its investment in Virgin Mobile USA., Inc., as an equity method investment.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company exchanged its 16.6% equity interest in Virgin Mobile Inc. for 0.6% equity interest in Sprint Nextel due to the merger between Sprint Nextel and Virgin Mobile Inc.. As a result, the Company no longer had significant continuing involvement in the legacy Helio LLC’s operation under Sprint Nextel nor significant influence over Sprint Nextel.
Under U.S. GAAP, based on relevant discontinued operation accounting literature, the results of operations and cash flows of Helio LLC for the year ended December 31, 2009 is still recognized as part of continuing operations. In addition, under both GAAPs, the Company recognizes its investment in Sprint Nextel as anavailable-for-sale equity investment. As such, a reconciling item between the two GAAPs no longer exists.
As disclosed on Note 2.ab “Discontinued Operation”, during the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company disposed of its investment in IHQ Inc. IHQ was a consolidating subsidiary under Korean GAAP, however, an equity method investee for U.S GAAP purposes. As a result, the results of its operations which was treated as a discontinued operation under Korean GAAP has been reversed and accounted for as equity loss for U. S GAAP purposes.


F-94


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Changes in shareholders’ equity based on U.S. GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):
             
  Year Ended December 31, 
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Balance, beginning of the year W12,897,647  W12,562,019  W14,260,772 
Net income for the year  951,737   1,356,682   1,396,621 
Dividends  (682,504)  (681,548)  (680,043)
Unrealized gain (loss) on valuation of securities, net of tax  (786,408)  413,154   (205,408)
Equity in capital surplus, retained earnings and other comprehensive income of affiliates (note a)  (77,879)  (168,712)  100,492 
Conversion of convertible bonds payable  (6,277)      
Treasury stock transactions  (14,137)  (30,602)  (210,355)
Foreign-based operations’ translation adjustments  67,057   (49,899)  (6,246)
Decrease (Increase) in loans receivable for stock issued to employees  (26,092)  3,293   14,563 
Change in non-controlling interest  238,875   856,385   (97,663)
             
Balance, end of the year W12,562,019  W14,260,772   14,572,733 
             
(note a)This line item consists of the adjustments to the carrying amount of equity method investments based on the Company’s proportionate equity pickup in affiliates using the equity method of accounting, which are directly adjusted to stockholders’ equity of affiliates, such as unrealized gains or losses on valuation ofavailable-for-sale securities, foreign-based operations’ translation adjustments in affiliates and stock transactions by affiliates.
A reconciliation of the significant balance sheet accounts except for the above listed shareholders’ equity items to the amounts determined under U.S. GAAP as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 is as follows (in millions of Korean won):
             
  December 31, 
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Current assets:            
As reported W5,422,447  W6,370,631  W6,972,989 
U.S. GAAP adjustments:            
— Deferred charges  406   5,174   2,201 
— Investment securities without readily determinable fair value        (3,986)
— Loans receivable for stock issued to employees  (1,252)  (1,153)  (10,551)
— Consolidation of variable interest entity  (55,967)      
— Scope of consolidation  (836,324)  (91,039)  (132,496)
— Reclassification of SK C&C investment     450,000   450,000 
— Business combination     4,340    
— Asset Securitization Transactions     505,839    


F-95


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
             
  December 31, 
  2008  2009  2010 
 
— FIN 48 effect     260   3 
— Tax effect of the reconciling items  53,055   (111,279)  (103,625)
             
Current assets based on U.S. GAAP  4,582,365   7,132,773   7,174,535 
             
Non-current assets:            
As reported  17,051,224   16,835,625   15,678,716 
U.S. GAAP adjustments:            
— Deferred charges  11,423   25,646   19,705 
— Capital lease  (576)  (576)  (576)
— Investment securities without readily determinable fair value     8,833   8,986 
— Determination of acquisition cost of equity interest in subsidiary  130,791   130,791   130,791 
— Additional equity investment in subsidiaries  1,110,645   1,016,966   1,055,510 
— Reversal of amortization of goodwill  931,509   1,195,557   1,281,530 
— Investment in preferred stock        6,359 
— Goodwill impairment  (118,570)  (118,570)  (118,570)
— Capitalization of foreign exchange losses and interest expense related to tangible assets  62,098   69,714   66,215 
Capitalization of interest expenses related to purchase of intangible assets  (42,572)  (37,300)  (32,028)
— Nonrefundable activation fees  8,099   9,077   9,129 
— Loans receivable for stock issued to employees  (59,656)  (56,462)  (32,501)
— Convertible bonds payable  281   281    
— Currency and interest rate swap  (51,121)  9,821   (4,620)
— Provision for credit loss        15,964 
— Consolidation of variable interest entity  76,022       
— Scope of consolidation  (2,386,994)  (209,942)  26,452 
— Reclassification of SK C&C investment  (7,114)  (450,000)  (450,000)
— Asset Securitization Transactions     (90,980)   
— Business combination     132,398   277,352 
— Retroactive application of equity method of accounting on SKBB investment  (62,382)      
— FIN 48 effect  (1,621)  382   352 
— Tax effect of the reconciling items  5,332   184,276   185,414 
             
Non-current assets based on U.S. GAAP  16,656,818   18,655,537   18,124,180 
             
Total assets based on U.S. GAAP W21,239,183  W25,788,310  W25,298,715 
             

F-96


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
             
  December 31, 
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Current liabilities:            
As reported W4,628,821  W4,894,936  W5,915,300 
U.S. GAAP adjustments:            
— Deferred charges  406   5,174   198 
— Considerations for conversion right  26,577      9 
— Nonrefundable activation fees  218,284   215,692   190,891 
— Consolidation of variable interest entity  52,031       
— Asset Securitization Transactions     399,370    
— Business combination     4,340   2,003 
— Scope of consolidation  (1,081,778)  (202,318)  (12,416)
             
Current liabilities based on U.S. GAAP  3,844,341   5,317,194   6,095,985 
             
Non-current liabilities:            
As reported  6,020,410   5,966,695   4,257,755 
U.S. GAAP adjustments:            
— Deferred charges  11,423   25,646   15,178 
— Considerations for conversion right  16,753   32,740   68,230 
— Nonrefundable activation fees  188,173   151,084   165,958 
— Currency and interest rate swap  (5,618)  (554)  (119)
— Consolidation of variable interest entity  698       
— Scope of consolidation  (1,373,619)  (9,488)  (444)
— Business combination     38,162   (3,553)
— FIN 48 effect  9,049   8,325   61,907 
— Tax effect of the reconciling items  (34,446)  (2,266)  65,085 
             
Non-current liabilities based on U.S. GAAP  4,832,823   6,210,344   4,629,997 
             
Total liabilities based on U.S. GAAP W8,677,164  W11,527,538  W10,725,982 
             

F-97


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table reconciles cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 under Korean GAAP, as reported in the consolidated financial statements to cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 under U.S. GAAP (in millions of Korean won):
             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Cash flows from operating activities based on Korean GAAP W3,293,018  W2,932,633  W4,021,021 
Adjustments:            
Trading security cash flows  (40)  (14)  (168)
Consolidation of variable interest entity  7,010   10,402    
Scope of consolidation  (389,761)  (62,328)  (41,249)
Pre-acquisition cash flows of subsidiaries     183,090    
Discontinued operation  (213,899)      
             
Cash flows from operating activities based on U.S. GAAP W2,696,328  W3,063,783  W3,979,604 
             
Cash flows from investing activities based on Korean GAAP W(3,876,959) W(1,826,005) W(2,358,678)
Adjustments:            
Trading security cash flows  40   14   168 
Consolidation of variable interest entity  (11,006)  (173)   
Scope of consolidation  7,001   (223,601)  (48,895)
Pre-acquisition cash flows of subsidiaries     (74,884)   
Discontinued operation  (51,631)      
             
Cash flows from investing activities based on U.S. GAAP W(3,932,555) W(2,124,649) W(2,407,405)
             
Cash flows from financing activities based on Korean GAAP W866,822  W(1,206,991) W(1,818,288)
Adjustments:            
Consolidation of variable interest entity  1,126   (11,802)   
Scope of consolidation  241,743   290,467   32,368 
Pre-acquisition cash flows of subsidiaries     88,340    
Discontinued Operation  9,015       
             
Cash flows from financing activities based on U.S. GAAP W1,118,706  W(839,986) W(1,785,920)
             
The effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents held in foreign currencies based on Korean GAAP W37,371  W(7,405) W(5,222)
Adjustments:            
Consolidation of variable interest entity  938   (10)   
Scope of consolidation  (4,129)  (1,015)  807 
Discontinued Operation         
             
The effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents held in foreign currencies based on U.S. GAAP W34,180  W(8,430) W(4,415)
             


F-98


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents due to changes in consolidated subsidiaries based on Korean GAAP W36,413  W46,258  W(18,242)
Adjustments:            
Consolidation of variable interest entity     (427)   
Scope of consolidation  (77,346)  253,307   (20,359)
Discontinued operation         
             
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents due to changes in consolidated subsidiaries based on U.S. GAAP W(40,933) W299,138  W(38,601)
             
Pre-acquisition cash flows of subsidiaries based on Korean GAAP W17,250  W  W(23,406)
Adjustments:            
Scope of consolidation  (17,250)     23,406 
Pre-acquisition cash flows of subsidiaries     (196,546)   
Discontinued operation         
             
Pre-acquisition cash flows of subsidiaries based on U.S. GAAP W  W(196,546) W 
             
Increases in cash and cash equivalents due to merger based on Korea GAAP W  W  W 
Adjustments        10,367 
             
Increase in cash and cash equivalents due to merger based on U.S. GAAP W  W  W10,367 
             
Cash flows from discontinued operation based on Korean GAAP W(248,437) W3,669  W27,398 
Adjustments:            
Scope of consolidation  (71)  (1,943)  (18,202)
Discontinued operation  256,515       
             
Cash flows from discontinued operation based on U.S. GAAP W8,007  W2,026  W9,196 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year based on Korean GAAP W885,989  W1,011,467  W953,926 
Adjustment:            
Consolidation of variable interest entity  3,942   2,010    
Scope of consolidation  (66,312)  (306,125)  (51,238)
             
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year based on U.S. GAAP W823,619  W707,352  W902,688 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year based on Korean GAAP W1,011,467  W953,926  W778,509 
Adjustments:            
Consolidation of variable interest entity  2,010       
Scope of consolidation  (306,125)  (51,238)  (112,995)
             
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year based on U.S GAAP W707,352  W902,688  W665,514 
             

F-99


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Cash paid for interest (net of amounts capitalized) W243,319  W339,298   360,249 
             
Cash paid for income taxes W422,506  W557,005   660,316 
             
33.  ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES REQUIRED BY U.S. GAAP
a.  Income Taxes
Income tax expense for continuing operation under U.S. GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 is as follows (in millions of Korean won):
             
  Year Ended December 31, 
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Currently payable W494,163  W610,561  W525,488 
Deferred  (332,034)  (127,409)  (136,249)
             
  W162,129  W483,152  W389,239 
             
The difference between the actual income tax expense and the tax expense computed by applying the statutory Korean corporate income tax rates to income before taxes for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 is attributable to the following (in millions of Korean won):
             
  Year Ended December 31, 
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Income from continuing operation before income taxes and appropriate item W1,196,266  W1,850,028  W1,790,574 
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated business  (81,215)  (20,972)  (5,602)
             
   1,115,051   1,829,056   1,784,972 
             
Income taxes at statutory income tax rate of 25% in 2008 and 22% in 2009 and 2010  278,763   402,392   392,694 
Resident surtax payable  27,876   40,239   39,269 
Tax credit for investments, technology, human resource development and others  (98,551)  (98,242)  (37,074)
Special surtax for agriculture and fishery industries and other  23,296   16,521   6,720 
Additional income tax (tax refund) for prior periods  (60,130)  10,947   (7,508)
Tax effect from statutory tax rate change  (58,672)  (29,001)  (2,763)
Undistributed earnings (unrecognized deficit) of subsidiaries  110   (17,511)  (211)
Other permanent differences  13,157   (30,945)  (14,228)
Change in valuation allowance  36,280   188,752   12,340 
             
Recorded income taxes W162,129  W483,152  W389,239 
             
Effective tax rate  14.54%  26.42%  21.58%
             

F-100


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The tax effects of temporary differences that resulted in deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 computed under U.S. GAAP, and a description of the financial statement items that created these differences are as follows (in millions of Korean won):
             
  Year Ended December 31, 
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Current:            
Allowance for doubtful accounts W14,530  W42,693  W41,832 
Accrued interest income  (1,594)  (980)  (846)
Provision for handset subsidy     128,785   160,625 
Net operating loss carryforwards  1   61   78 
Tax credit carryforwards  570   225   1 
Accrued expenses and other  66,868   (76,358)  (105,477)
             
   80,375   94,426   96,213 
             
Non-current:            
Depreciation  (33,262)  (15,599)  7,570 
Loss on impairment of investment securities  80,750   41,417   30,529 
Equity in losses (earnings) of affiliates  (20,151)  (178,156)  (64,773)
Unrecognized deficit (undistributed earnings) of subsidiaries  (59,122)  112,136   46,458 
Tax free reserve for research and manpower development  (80,707)  (132,244)  (80,761)
Unrealized loss (gain) on valuation of long-term investment securities (accumulated other comprehensive income)  (77,738)  (164,542)  (40,812)
Property and equipment     (36,327)  (26,600)
Intangible assets     (27,405)  (21,741)
Tax credit carryforwards  1,066   531   357 
Net operating loss carryforwards     83   2,370 
Deferred charges and other  (55,013)  72,465   51,482 
             
   (244,177)  (327,641)  (95,921)
             
Total deferred tax liabilities W(163,802) W(233,215) W292 
             
Under U.S. GAAP, effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted authoritative guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes which requires the use of a two-step approach for recognizing and measuring tax benefits taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and disclosures regarding uncertainties in income tax positions. The first step is recognition: we determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we presume that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The second step is measurement: a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Differences between tax positions taken in a tax return and amounts recognized in the financial statements will generally result in one or more of the following: an increase in a liability for income taxes


F-101


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
payable, a reduction of an income tax refund receivable, a reduction in a deferred tax asset, or an increase in a deferred tax liability.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 is as follows (in millions of Korean won):
             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Beginning of period W9,989  W9,305  W5,204 
Gross increases for tax position of prior years  186   1,578   2 
Gross decreases for tax position of prior years  (2,629)  (1,307)  (525)
Lapses of statues of limitations  (474)  (4,503)  (506)
Gross increases for tax position of current year  2,233   131   37,341 
Gross decreases for tax position of current year        (282)
             
Ending of period W9,305  W5,204  W41,234 
             
Total unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are W7,375 million, W4,561 million and W40,897 million, respectively, that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate. The remaining unrecognized tax benefits relate to temporary items that would not affect the effective income tax rate.
The Company recognizes any interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. The Company accrued approximately W3,019 million, W3,121 million and W20,673 of interest and penalties at December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.
It is expected that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will also change for other reasons in the next 12 months; however, we do not expect that change to have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations.
The Company files income tax returns in the Republic of Korea jurisdiction and also files income tax returns in a number of foreign jurisdictions. However, historically the Company’s foreign income tax activity has been immaterial. Through end of 2009, the National Tax Service, or NTS, has effectively completed the examination of our returns in the Republic of Korea related to years prior to 2004.
In major foreign jurisdictions, the 2005 through 2010 tax years generally remain subject to examination by their respective tax authorities.
In November 2010, NTS performed a tax examination for the Company’s open tax years from 2005 through 2009, in the Korean jurisdiction. NTS completed its examination during May 2011 and its preliminary assessment was issued in June 2011. As part of the Company’s year-end uncertain tax position assessment at December 31, 2010, the Company recognized tax positions for likely NTS assessments, that are considered to be greater than 50 percent of being realized upon ultimate NTS assessment, and recorded such amount. There is no significant difference between the amount recognized by the Company and the NTS’ preliminary assessment. And, in Korean jurisdiction, 2010 tax year remains open to examination.
b.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments under U.S. GAAP as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 for which it is practicable to estimate that value:
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Accounts Receivable (trade and other), Short-term Loans, Accounts Payable and Short-term Borrowings
The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.


F-102


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Trading Securities and Long-term Investment Securities
For investments in non-listed companies’ stock, a reasonable estimate of fair value could not be made without incurring excessive costs. Additional information pertinent to these investments is provided in Note 4. The fair value of investments in listed companies’ stock, public bonds, and other marketable securities are estimated based on quoted market prices for those or similar investments.
Long-term Bank Deposits
The carrying amount approximates fair value as such long-term bank deposits bear interest rates currently available for similar deposits.
Long-term Loans
The fair value of long-term loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current interest rate of time deposits with similar maturities.
Bonds Payable, Bonds with Stock Warrant, Convertible Bonds, Long-term Borrowings, Long-term Payable — Other and Obligation under Capital Leases
The fair value of these liabilities is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current interest rates offered for debt of the same remaining maturities.
Long-term Accounts Receivable (trade and other)
The fair value of long-term accounts receivables is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current interest rate applied to debtor.


F-103


SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following summarizes the carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 (in millions of Korean won)
                         
  2008  2009  2010 
  Carrying
     Carrying
     Carrying
    
  Amount
  Fair
  Amount
  Fair
  Amount
  Fair
 
  (note a)  Value  (note a)  Value  (note a)  Value 
 
Financial assets:                        
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term financial instruments W914,228  W914,228  W1,371,150  W1,371,150  W1,232,666  W1,232,666 
Trading securities  367,002   367,002   370,126   370,126   200,000   200,000 
Accounts receivable (trade and other)  2,893,283   2,893,283   4,441,094   4,441,094   4,483,658   4,483,658 
Short-term loans  106,013   106,013   77,360   77,360   84,767   84,767 
Investment securities:                        
Listed equity and debts  2,356,039   2,356,039   2,175,344   2,175,344   1,441,369   1,441,369 
Non-listed equity and debts  75,028   N/A   282,189   N/A   562,760   N/A 
Derivative instruments assets  318,373   318,373   303,073   303,073   197,219   197,219 
Long-term bank deposits  75   75   6,556   6,556   117   117 
Long-term accounts receivable (trade and other)  617,603   617,603   761,735   761,735   549,524   549,524 
Long-term loans  85,975   64,481   29,746   29,336   57,203   56,667 
                         
  W7,733,619      W9,818,373      W8,809,283     
                         
Financial liabilities:                        
Accounts payable W1,107,202  W1,107,202  W1,467,399  W1,467,399  W1,629,414  W1,629,414 
Short-term borrowings  180,827   180,827   1,020,399   1,020,399   523,710   523,710 
Derivative instruments liabilities  242,186   242,186   130,672   130,672   138,499   138,499 
Bonds payable, long-term borrowings, convertible bonds long-term payables — other and obligation under finance leases, including current portion  4,943,630   4,855,897   6,044,979   6,106,960   5,497,229   5,897,578 
                         
  W6,473,845      W8,663,449      W7,788,852     
                         
(note a)These carrying amounts represent the amounts determined under U.S. GAAP.
Fair value hierarchy
On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions related to fair value measurements, to recognize all financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value in the consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis. The adoption of such accounting guidance did not change our previous accounting for financial assets and liabilities. The provisions will be applied to nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recognized at fair value in the consolidated financial statements on a nonrecurring basis beginning January 1, 2009. Upon application of the provision on January 1, 2009, the Company has provided additional disclosures regarding its nonrecurring fair value


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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
measurements, including its annual impairment review of goodwill and intangible assets. Refer to Note 32 (b) below for such disclosures made by the Company.
The fair value measurement guidance defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The guidance also establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.
The following fair value hierarchy tables present information regarding our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 (in millions of Korean won):
                 
  December, 31,
          
  2008  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 
 
Assets:                
Trading securities W367,002  W  W367,002  W 
Available for sale securities:                
Equity securities  2,350,783   2,350,783       
Debt securities  5,144      5,144    
Held-to-maturity securities
  112      112    
Derivatives:                
Currency swap  318,373      318,373    
                 
  W3,041,414  W2,350,783  W690,631  W 
                 
Liabilities:                
Derivatives:                
Currency swap W210,468  W  W210,468  W 
Interest rate swap  31,718      31,718    
                 
  W242,186  W   242,186  W 
                 


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
                 
  December, 31,
          
  2009  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 
 
Assets:                
Trading securities W370,126  W  W370,126  W 
Available for sale securities:                
Equity securities  1,820,458   1,820,458       
Debt securities  353,880      353,880    
Held-to-maturity securities
  1,006      1,006    
Derivatives:                
Currency swap  303,073      303,073    
                 
  W2,848,543  W1,820,458  W1,028,085  W 
                 
Liabilities:                
Derivatives:                
Currency swap W53,032  W  W53,032  W 
Interest rate swap  17,228      17,228    
Conversion option  60,412      60,412    
                 
  W130,672  W  W130,672  W 
                 
                 
  December, 31,
          
  2010  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 
 
Assets:                
Trading securities W200,000  W  W200,000  W 
Available for sale securities:                
Equity securities  1,409,109   1,409,109       
Debt securities  32,260      32,260    
Held-to-maturity securities
            
Derivatives:                
Currency swap  197,219      197,219    
                 
  W1,838,588  W1,409,109  W429,479  W 
                 
Liabilities:                
Derivatives:                
Currency swap W17,501  W  W17,501  W 
Interest rate swap  12,534      12,534    
Conversion option  108,464      108,464    
                 
  W138,499  W  W138,499  W 
                 
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:
Securities
The Company classifies its securities within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy where quoted prices are available in an active market. Level 1 securities include exchange-traded equities. The Company generally

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
classifies its securities within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy where quoted market prices are not available. If quoted market prices are not available, the Company determined the fair values of its securities using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flow models. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including time value and yield curve as well as other relevant economic measures.
Derivatives
The majority of the Company’s derivatives are valued using internal models that use readily observable marketing inputs, such as time value, forward interest rates, volatility factors, and current and forward market prices for foreign currency exchange rates. The Company generally classifies these instruments within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Such derivatives include interest rate swap, cross currency swaps and foreign currency derivatives.
The accounting guidance requires that the valuation of derivative liabilities must take into account the Company’s own non-performance risk. Effective January 1, 2008, the Company updated its derivative valuation methodology to consider its own non-performance risk and counterparty nonperformance risk as observed through the credit default swap market and based on prices of recent trades.
c.  Accrued Severance Indemnities
The Company and certain subsidiaries expect to pay the following future benefits for the next 10 years to their employees upon their normal retirement age as follows (in millions of Korean won):
     
Year Ending December 31,
   
 
2011 W669 
2012  625 
2013  845 
2014  980 
2015  2,682 
2016 — 2020  57,286 
     
Total W63,087 
     
The above amounts were determined based on the employees’ current salary rates and the number of service years that will be accumulated upon their retirement date. These amounts do not include amounts that might be paid to employees that will cease working with the Company before their normal retirement age.


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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
d.  Condensed Consolidated Income Statements under U.S. GAAP
Condensed consolidated income statements under U.S.GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are as follows (in millions of Korean won):
             
  2008  2009  2010 
 
Operating revenue:            
Wireless services W9,553,556  W9,431,035  W9,571,524 
Interconnection  1,149,196   1,179,298   1,243,689 
Digital handset sales  16,425   212,802   456,844 
Fixed-line service     842,215   1,766,572 
Other  413,232   954,591   1,135,217 
             
Total operating revenue  11,132,409   12,619,941   14,173,846 
Total operating expenses  (9,379,988)  (10,745,536)  (12,359,423)
             
Operating income  1,752,421   1,874,405   1,814,423 
Other income (expenses), net  (556,678)  (23,917)  (23,849)
             
Income from continuing operation before income taxes and appropriate item below  1,196,743   1,850,488   1,790,574 
Provision for income taxes from continuing operation  (162,129)  (483,152)  (389,239)
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated Businesses  (81,215)  (20,972)  (5,602)
Income(loss) from discontinued operation, net of tax  (1,662)  10,318   888 
             
Net income W951,737  W1,356,682  W1,396,621 
Add non controlling interests in losses of consolidated subsidiaries  121,129   123,044   128,470 
             
Net income attributable to the Company W1,072,866  W1,479,726  W1,525,091 
             
e.  Segment
The Company acquired an additional 7.2% of the outstanding shares of SK Broadband Co., Ltd., a fixed-line telephone service provider, which began being consolidated under U.S. GAAP during the year ended December 31, 2009. (Refer to Note 32 (M) “Achieved-in-stages”) Beginning the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company has had two operation segments, which is the cellular telephone communication service segment and fixed-line telecommunication service segment. For the business of each segment and detail information refer to Note 30.
f.  Transition to IFRS in 2011
As of January 1, 2011, the Company began preparing its financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted for use in the Republic of Korea and IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). The Company’s transition date to IFRSs is January 1, 2010.
Going forward, the Company will discontinue to report under Korean GAAP and will report under IFRS as issued by the IASB. As such, the Company’s 2010 consolidated financial statements under IFRSs may be materially different than the accompanying 2010 consolidated financial statements under Korean GAAP.


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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
g.  Recent Changes in U.S. GAAP
In October 2009, guidance on Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements, which addresses how revenues should be allocated among all products and services included in our bundled sales arrangements, was newly issued. It establishes a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of each product or service, with vendor-specific objective evidence at the highest level, third-party evidence at the intermediate level, and a best estimate at the lowest level. It eliminates the residual method as an acceptable allocation method, and requires the use of the relative selling price method as the basis for allocation. It also significantly expands the disclosure requirements for such arrangements, including, potentially, certain qualitative disclosures. The requirements effective for the beginning of January 1, 2011 are not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In January 2010, accounting guidance on Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures — Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements, which required new disclosures and explanations for transfers of financial assets and liabilities between levels in the fair value hierarchy was revised. The new guidance clarifies that fair value measurement disclosures are required for each class of financial asset and liability, which may be a subset of a caption in the consolidated balance sheets, and those disclosures should include a discussion of inputs and valuation techniques. For financial assets and liabilities subject to lowest-level measurements (Level 3), the guidance further requires that we separately present purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements instead of netting these changes.
In July 2010, the accounting guidance for Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses were revised. As a result of these amendments, an entity is required to disaggregate by portfolio segment or class certain existing disclosures and provide certain new disclosures about its financing receivables and related allowance for credit losses. The new disclosures as of the end of the reporting period are effective for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, while the disclosures about activity that occurs during a reporting period are effective for the first fiscal quarter of 2011. The disclosure requirements effective for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. The requirements effective for the first fiscal quarter of 2011 are not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.


F-109


SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing onForm 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

SK TELECOM CO., LTD.
(Registrant)
/s/  Sung Min Ha
Name:     Sung Min Ha
SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

(Registrant)

Title: 
/s/    Sung Min Ha
Name: Sung Min Ha
Title:President Co-Chiefand Chief Executive Officer &
   Representative Director

Date: JuneApril 30, 2011

2012