As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 201427, 2017

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 20-F

(Mark One)

OR

OR

OR

Date of event requiring this shell company report

For the transition period from             to             

Commission file number1-14418

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)

SKT-Tower

65, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea

(Address of principal executive offices)

Ms. Tae HeeMin Joo Kim

65, Eulji-ro, 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.

* 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.

70,936,33670,609,160 shares of common stock, par value￦500 per share (not including 9,809,37510,136,551 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  ☑    Yes  þNo¨  ☐

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¨  ☐    Noþ  ☑

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.    Yesþ  ☑    No¨  ☐

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¨  ☐    No¨  ☐

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

Large accelerated filerþ  ☑            Accelerated filer  ☐            ¨Non-accelerated filer  ☐                        Non-accelerated filer  Emerging growth company¨  ☐

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

U.S. GAAP¨  ☐    International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Boardþ  ☑    Other  ☐    Other  ¨

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

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

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¨  ☐    Noþ  ☑

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(i)

(ii)

CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS AND CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT

All references to “Korea” contained in this annual 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,” or “our” 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”“MHz” contained in this annual 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 informationper second and all references to “Gbps” shall mean one billion bits per second. All references to “GB” shall mean gigabytes, which is one billion bytes. Any discrepancies in any table between totals and the sums of the amounts listed are due to rounding.

In this annual 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 “￦” in this annual report are to the currency of Korea, all references to “Dollars,” “$”“Dollars” or “US$” are to the currency of the United States of America, all references to “SGD” or “SG$” are to the currency of Singapore, all references to “CHF” or “Franc” are to the currency of Switzerland, all references to “MYR” are to the currency of Malaysia, all references to“euro” or “€” are to the currency of the European Union all references to “£” are to the currency of the United Kingdom, all references to “Renminbi” are to the currency of the People’s Republic of China and all references to “Australian Dollars” or “AUD” are to the currency of the Commonwealth of Australia.

Pursuant to amendments to the Government Organization Act and the Act on the Establishment and Operation of Korea Communications Commission, both effective as of March 23, 2013, the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (the “MSIP”) was established. The MSIP is charged with regulating information and telecommunications, which function was formerly performed by the Korea Communications Commission (the “KCC”) under the previous Government. The KCC, which had taken over the regulatory functions relating to information and telecommunications policies and radio and broadcasting management from the Ministry of Information and Communication (the “MIC”) in 2008, is currently charged with regulating the public interest aspects of and fairness in broadcasting. In this annual report, we refer to the MIC and the KCC as the relevant governmental authorities in connection with any approval granted or action taken by the MIC or the KCC, as applicable, prior to such amendments and to the MSIP or other relevant governmental authority in connection with any approval granted or to be granted or action taken or to be taken by the MSIP or such other relevant governmental authority subsequent to such amendments.

Subscriber information for the wireless and fixed-line telecommunications industry set forth in this annual report are derived from information published by the MSIP unless expressly stated otherwise.

The consolidated financial statements included in this annual report are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (the “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 December 31, 20132016 and 2012,2015, and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 20122016, 2015, and 20112014 included in this annual report.

In accordance with rule amendments adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which became effective on March 4, 2008, we are not required to provide a reconciliation to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or U.S. GAAP.

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

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains “forward-looking statements,” as defined in Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (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,

“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.

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

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 annual 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.

PART I

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

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 annual report. The selected consolidated financial data set forth below as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 2012 and 20112012 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.

In addition to preparing consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB included in this annual report, we also prepare financial statements in accordance with Korean International Financial Reporting Standards(“K-IFRS”) as adopted by the Korean Accounting Standards Board (the “KASB”), which we are required to file with the Financial Services Commission of Korea (the “FSC”) and the Korea Exchange Inc. (the “Korea Exchange”) under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act (the “FSCMA”). English translations of such financial statements are furnished to the SEC on Form6-K. Beginning with our financial statements prepared in accordance withK-IFRS as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012, we are required to adopt certain amendments toK-IFRS No. 1001, Presentation of Financial Statements, as adopted by the KASB in 2012. The amendments require operating income,profit, which is calculated as operating revenue less operating expense, to be separately presented on the consolidated statement of income. Operating expense represents expenses incurred in our main operating activities and includes cost of products that have been resold and selling, general and administrative expenses.

In our consolidated statements of income prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB included in this annual report, such changes in presentation were not adopted. As a result, the presentation of operating income from continuing operationsprofit in our consolidated statements of income prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB included in this annual report differs from the presentation of operating incomeprofit in the consolidated statements of income prepared in accordance withK-IFRS for the corresponding periods. For additional information, see “Item 5.A. Operating Results — Explanatory Note Regarding Presentation of Certain Financial Information underK-IFRS.”

Pursuant to the transitional relief granted by the SEC in respect of the first-time application of IFRS for the year ended December 31, 2011, financial data as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009 derived from our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP have not been included below.

		Year Ended December 31,
		2016				2015				2014				2013				2012
		(In billions of Won, except per share and number of shares data)
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA
Operating Revenue and Other Income		￦	17,158.3			￦	17,167.6			￦	17,220.3			￦	16,677.0			￦	16,343.3
Revenue			17,091.8				17,136.7				17,163.8				16,602.1				16,141.4
Other income			66.5				30.9				56.5				74.9				201.9
Operating Expense			15,854.9				15,672.2				15,612.4				15,098.6				14,605.6
Operating Profit			1,303.4				1,495.4				1,607.8				1,578.4				1,737.6
Profit before Income Tax			2,096.1				2,035.4				2,253.8				1,827.1				1,519.4
Profit from Continuing Operations			1,660.1				1,515.9				1,799.3				1,426.3				1,231.2
Profit (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, net of income taxes			—				—				—				183.2				(115.5	)
Profit for the Year			1,660.1				1,515.9				1,799.3				1,609.5				1,115.7
Basic Earnings per Share(1)			23,497				20,988				25,154				23,211				16,525
Diluted Earnings per Share(2)			23,497				20,988				25,154				23,211				16,141
Basic Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations(1)			23,497				20,988				25,154				20,708				18,015
Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations(2)			23,497				20,988				25,154				20,708				17,583
Dividends Declared per Share (Won)			10,000				10,000				9,400				9,400				9,400
Dividends Declared per Share (US$)(3)			8.3				8.6				8.6				8.9				8.8
Weighted Average Number of Shares			70,609,160				71,551,966				70,936,336				70,247,592				69,694,999
		As of December 31,
		2016				2015				2014				2013				2012
		(In billions of Won)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION DATA
Working Capital (Deficit)(4)		￦	(447.5	)		￦	(96.3	)		￦	(337.2	)		￦	(945.8	)		￦	(880.5	)
Property and Equipment, Net			10,374.2				10,371.3				10,567.7				10,196.6				9,712.7
Total Assets			31,297.7				28,581.4				27,941.2				26,576.5				25,595.6
Non-current Liabilities(5)			8,737.1				7,950.8				7,272.7				6,340.7				6,565.9
Share Capital			44.6				44.6				44.6				44.6				44.6
Total Equity			16,116.4				15,374.1				15,248.3				14,166.6				12,854.8
		Year Ended December 31,
		2016				2015				2014				2013				2012
		(In billions of Won, except percentage data)
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA
Capital Expenditures(6)		￦	2,490.5			￦	2,478.8			￦	3,008.0			￦	2,879.1			￦	3,394.3
R&D Expense(7)			351.1				322.7				397.8				363.7				346.3
Depreciation and Amortization Expense			2,941.9				2,845.3				2,714.7				2,661.6				2,421.1
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities			4,243.2				3,778.1				3,677.4				3,558.6				3,999.7
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities			(2,462.2	)			(2,880.5	)			(3,683.2	)			(2,506.5	)			(5,309.6	)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities			(1,044.8	)			(964.6	)			(559.4	)			(573.2	)			585.3
Margins (% of total sales):
Operating Margin(8)			7.6	%			8.7	%			9.3	%			9.5	%			10.6	%
Net Margin(8)			9.7	%			8.8	%			10.4	%			9.7	%			6.8	%

		As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011				2010				2009
SELECTED OPERATING DATA
Population of Korea (in millions)(12)			51.1				50.9				50.7				50.5				49.8
Our Wireless Penetration(13)			53.5	%			52.9	%			52.3	%			50.9	%			48.8	%
Number of Employees(14)			23,789				22,148				20,955				20,143				10,714
Wireless Subscribers(15)			27,352,482				26,961,045				26,552,716				25,705,049				24,269,553
Average Monthly Outgoing Voice Minutes per Subscriber(16)			181				179				192				199				197
Average Monthly Churn Rate(17)			2.3	%			2.6	%			2.7	%			2.7	%			2.7	%
Cell Sites			44,764				35,584				21,999				17,483				15,979

		As of or for the Year Ended December 31,
		2016				2015				2014				2013				2012
SELECTED OPERATING DATA
Population of Korea (in millions)(9)			51.7				51.5				51.3				51.1				50.9
Our Wireless Penetration(10)			57.2	%			55.6	%			55.1	%			53.5	%			52.9	%
Number of Employees(11)			25,844				25,992				25,689				23,789				22,148
Our Wireless Subscribers (in thousands)(12)			29,595				28,626				28,279				27,352				26,961
Our LTE Subscribers (in thousands)(13)			21,078				18,980				16,737				13,487				7,530
Our LTE Penetration(14)			71.2	%			66.3	%			59.2	%			49.3	%			27.9	%
Average Monthly Data Usage per Subscriber(15)			5.2GB				3.9GB				3.0GB				2.0GB				1.8GB
Average Monthly Churn Rate(16)			1.5	%			1.5	%			2.0	%			2.3	%			2.6	%
Cell Sites			54,986				55,085				50,158				44,764				35,584

(12)(9)

Population numbers reflect the number of registered residents as published by the Ministry of Security and Public Administrationthe Interior of Korea.

(13)

The number of LTE subscribers as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 include 0.3 million subscribers and 0.1 million subscribers, respectively, of MVNOs that lease our wireless networks.LTE network.

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 annual report could have been or could be converted into Dollars or Won, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

		Past Six Months
		High				Low
		(Won per US$1.00)
October 2016			1,146.5				1,104.8
November 2016			1,181.6				1,131.4
December 2016			1,212.2				1,161.7
January 2017			1,207.2				1,151.5
February 2017			1,154.5				1,129.2
March 2017			1,158.1				1,108.3
April 2017 (through April 21)			1,147.8				1,117.7

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

On April 25, 2014,21, 2017, the noon buying rate was Won 1,041.01,134.2 to US$1.00.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

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. 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 tariffsrates 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 other providers amounts to approximately 50.0%, in terms of numbers of wireless service subscribers, as of December 31, 2013. Since 2000,Historically, there has also been considerable consolidation in the wireless telecommunications industry, resulting in the emergence of stronger competitors, includingcurrent competitive landscape comprising three mobile and fixed network operators in the merger of KT Freetel Co., Ltd. (“KTF”), one of our principal wireless competitors before the merger, intoKorean market, us, KT Corporation (“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. (“LG Telecom”), which subsequently changed its name to LG Uplus Corp. (“LG U+”). Such consolidation has created large, well-capitalizedOur competitors withhave substantial financial, technical, marketing and other resources to respond to our business offerings.

The collective market share of our competitors amounts to approximately 50.9%, in terms of number of wireless subscribers, as of December 31, 2016. We also compete for subscriber activations with MVNOs, including MVNOs that lease our networks. MVNOs generally provide rate plans that are relatively cheaper than similar rate plans of the wireless network providers from which they lease their networks, including us. In addition, our broadband Internet accessother companies may enter the telecommunications service provided through SK Broadband Co., Ltd. (“SK Broadband”) (formerly, Hanarotelecom Incorporated) competes with other providersmarket by acquiring the required licenses from the MSIP. For example, in October 2015, Sejong Telecom, K Mobile and Quantum Mobile applied for licenses to become Korea’s fourth mobile network operator. Although the MSIP rejected the applications of Internet access services, including KT, LG U+ and cableall three companies and our fixed-line telephone service provided through SK Broadband competes with KT, as well as providers of voice over Internet protocol (“VoIP”) services. Future business combinations and alliancesin January 2016, the MSIP may continue its efforts to find an eligible applicant to be Korea’s fourth mobile network operator 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.future.

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 2013, the churn rate in our wireless business ranged from 1.9% to 2.9%, with an average churn rate of 2.3%, which was a decrease from 2.6% in 2012. 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 22.0% of their annual sales, which was lowered to 20.0% of annual sales with respect to fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011. This guideline remains effective. 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 this 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 expenses, we may not be able to spend sufficient funds on marketing to effectively compete with our competitors, and any material decrease in our marketing expenses 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 (“MVNO”), at such MVNO’s request, at a rate mutually agreed upon that complies with the standards set by the KCC, which remain effective. To date, nine MVNOs have commenced providing wireless telecommunications services using the networks leased from us. Furthermore, CJ HelloVision Co., Ltd. commenced providing wireless voice and data services as an MVNO using the networks leased from KT in January 2012. In addition, Korea Mobile Internet (“KMI”) and Internet Space Time Co., Ltd. (“IST”) applied in 2011 for a license to provide wireless Internet and mobile VoIP services based on WiBro technologies. The KCC rejected KMI’s and IST’s applications in December 2011 and again in February 2013 based on their insufficient technological and financial capabilities, among other factors. KMI reapplied for a license in November 2013 and passed the MSIP’s qualification assessment in January 2014 but had to withdraw its application in February 2014 due to an error in the preparation of its application. KMI and IST may reapply in the future. We believe the introductionincrease in market share of bundled servicesMVNOs and the entrance of MVNOs or another wireless service provider intoa new mobile network operator in 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 fixed-line telephone service competes with KT and LG U+, as well as other providers of voice over Internet protocol (“VoIP”) services. As of December 31, 2016, our market share of the fixed-line telephone and VoIP service market was 15.2% (including the services provided by SK Broadband and SK Telink Co., Ltd. (“SK Telink”) in terms of number of subscribers compared to KT with 57.8% and LG U+ with 17.4%. In addition, our broadband Internet access and Internet protocol TV (“IPTV”) services provided through SK Broadband competes with other providers of such services, including KT, LG U+ and cable companies. As of December 31, 2016, our market share of the broadband Internet market was 25.3% in terms of number of subscribers compared to KT with 41.4% and LG U+ with 17.6%. As of December 31, 2016, our market share of the pay TV market (which includes IPTV, cable TV and satellite TV) was 13.1% compared to KT with 23.2% and LG U+ with 8.4% and the collective market share of other pay TV providers with 55.3%.

Continued competition from other wireless and fixed-line voiceservice providers has also resulted in, and text message servicesmay 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 2016, the monthly churn rate in our wireless telecommunications business ranged from 1.4% to 1.5%, with an average monthly churn rate of 1.5%, which remained unchanged from 2015. Intensification of competition in the future may cause our churn rates to increase, which in turn may cause us to increase our marketing expenses as a percentage of sales to attract and retain subscribers.

With respect to thee-commerce business operated by SK Planet Co., Ltd. (“SK Planet”), 11st, our marketplace business, faces intense competition from variouse-commerce providers, including online open marketplaces such as Gmarket, Auction and Interpark and online social commerce operators such as Coupang, Ticket Monster and Wemakeprice. We also face competition from companies that provide voicetraditional retailers with online and text message services over the fixed-line or mobile Internet,shopping portals such as Skype, Kakao TalkSSG.com and Line, some without chargingLotte.com, home shopping providers with online and mobile shopping portals such as CJ Mall by CJ O Shopping, GS Shop by GS Homeshopping and Hyundai Hmall by Hyundai Homeshopping, and various online marketplaces for specific consumer segments or product groups. The industry in which 11st competes is evolving rapidly and is intensely competitive, and we face a fee for such services. This trend could negatively impact customer demand for our voicebroad array of competitors domestically and text message services and may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.increasingly, internationally.

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 in all of the businesses that we operate will depend on our ability to anticipate and respond to various competitive factors affecting the industry,respective industries, 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 telecommunications 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 our basic code division multiple access (“CDMA”) network to WCDMA, which is the 3G technology implemented by us,our wideband code division multiple access (“WCDMA”) network, and subsequently to LTE technology, which is generally referred to as a 4G technology. Our WCDMA network currently supports more advanced HSUPA technology, as well as HSPA+ technology. We commenced commercial LTE services in July 2011 at the same time with LG U+, while KT commenced its commercial LTE services in January 2012. In June 2013, we commenced providing commercialLTE-A services using carrier aggregation technology which combines spectrum frequencies to improve data transmission speeds, and in June 2014, we launched widebandLTE-A services of up to 225 Mbps and expanded coverage nationwide in 2014.

In December 2014, we commencedtri-bandLTE-A services, which bundles three different bandwidths to allow faster network service at speeds of up to 300 Mbps in Seoul and other metropolitan areas. KT and LG U+ have also launched similarLTE-A services around the same time as us. Since then, we expanded coverage nationwide and as of December 31, 2015, the last date for which the MSIP has announced such information, the nationwide geographic coverage percentage of ourtri-bandLTE-A service was approximately 51.9%. The more successful operation of an LTE network or development of improved LTE technology by a competitor, including better market acceptance of a competitor’s LTE services, could materially and adversely affect our existing wireless telecommunications businesses as well as the returns on future investments we may make in our LTE network or our other businesses.

In Additionally, in order to promote the growth of our IoT solutions business, we deployed new networks nationwide, namely our high-speedLTE-M network in March 2005, we obtained2016 and ourlow-cost Low Power Wide Area Network based on LoRa technology (our “LoRa network”) in July 2016. We believe that these new networks will support the active development and provision of diverse IoT solutions at a license from the MIC to provide WiBro services. WiBro enables us to offer high-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 2013, we had extended WiBro service to hot zone areas in 93 cities throughout Korea. We currently use our WiBro network as a backhaul for our mobile Wi-Fi network. 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.

lower cost. For a more detailed description of our backbone networks, see “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Cellular Services — Digital Wireless 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.manner, such as the implementation of 5G technology. 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 LTE technology 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, launch and enhance our LTE service, including launchingLTE-A services. In 20132016, 2015 and 2012,2014, we spent Won 1,439.41,104.0 billion, Won 1,022.7 billion and Won 1,767.11,357.2 billion, respectively, in capital expenditures to build and enhance our LTE network. We plan to make further capital investments related to our LTE andLTE-A services in the future. Our LTE-relatedwireless technology-related investment plans are subject to change, and will depend, in part, on market demand for LTE andLTE-A services, the competitive landscape for provision of such services and the development of competing technologies. There may not be sufficient demand for services based on our LTE or LTE-A services,latest wireless technologies, as a result of competition or otherwise, to permit us to recoup or profit from our LTE-relatedwireless technology-related capital investments.

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

We seek growth through investments in new businesses. While we believe that entering into new businesses enables us to diversify our business portfolio, we may be exposed to additional risks. For example, in February

2012, we acquired a 21.05%21.1% equity stake in SK Hynix, one of the world’s largest memory-chip makers by revenue, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately Won 3.4 trillion, and became its largest shareholder.

We also continue From time to seek other opportunitiestime, the memory semiconductor industry has experienced significant and sometimes prolonged downturns, which often occur in connection with a deterioration of global economic conditions, and is subject to expandintense competition. For example, SK Hynix and its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, incurred net losses of Won 158.8 billion and Won 56.0 billion in 2012 and 2011, respectively, primarily due to increased supply and weak demand for semiconductor products. Although the memory semiconductor industry has recovered since then and SK Hynix has been recording net profits since 2013, the industry is subject to cyclical fluctuations and we expect that there may be future downturns in the industry. Accordingly, SK Hynix’s operating results would be adversely affected if it fails to compete successfully or decrease manufacturing costs at an adequate level. Since our business abroad,share of any net losses incurred by SK Hynix would be reflected in our income statement as such opportunities present themselves. These global businesses may require further investment from us. For a more detailed descriptionshare of ourlosses related to investments in associates, any significant loss of SK Hynix could have a material adverse effect on our global business, see “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Global Business.”results of operations.

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. For example, in November 2010, we invested approximately $60 million in LightSquared Inc. (“LightSquared”), which planned to build a wholesale wireless broadband network in the United States. However, LightSquared is currently in bankruptcy proceedings in the United States pursuant to Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. 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 complete or integrate our new acquisitions and joint ventures and may fail to realize the anticipated benefits.

We have pursued convergence growth opportunities. For example, in 2008continue to seek opportunities to develop new businesses that we believe are complementary to our existing product and 2009,service portfolio and expand our global business through selective acquisitions.

In 2014 and 2015, we acquired an additional equity stake83.9% interest in SK Broadband, Korea’s second-largest fixed-line operator,Neosnetworks Co., Ltd. (“Neosnetworks”), a provider of residential and small business electronic security and other related alarm monitoring services, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately Won 1.45 trillion64.0 billion and currently hold a 50.6% equity stake in the company. In February 2010, we acquired a 49.0% equity stake in HanaIriver Ltd. (“Iriver”), a manufacturer of digital audio players and other portable media devices, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately Won 54.5 billion. In October 2016, we acquired the remaining 16.1% interest in Neosnetworks through SK CardTelink. In 2014, a 95.2%-owned subsidiary of SK Planet acquired a 100.0% ownership interest in Shopkick Inc. (“Shopkick”), the developer of “shopkick,” a mobile shopping application that checks in and rewards customers that arrive at a participating retail store in order to penetrate the mobile commerce market in the United States. For a more detailed description of our recent investments in new businesses, see “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources — Capital Requirements — Investments in New Businesses and Global Expansion and Other Needs.”

In addition, in November 2015, we entered into a share purchase agreement with CJ O Shopping Co., Ltd. (“HanaCJ O Shopping”) to acquire a 30.0% interest in CJ HelloVision, a fixed-line cable TV broadcast service provider, and SK Card”) forBroadband entered into a merger agreement with CJ HelloVision. However, in July 2016, the purchase price of

Won 400.0 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. (“SK Networks”) for Won 892.8 billion and assumed Won 611.4 billion of debt as partKorea Fair Trade Commission denied approval of the transaction. Whileproposed merger, which was a closing condition to the consummation of the merger agreement, and both the share purchase agreement and the merger agreement were subsequently terminated. Similarly, while we are hoping to benefit from a range of synergies from theour recent or future acquisitions including by offeringas well as develop new growth engines for our customers bundled fixed-line and mobile telecommunications services,business, we may not be able to successfully complete or integrate oursuch acquisitions or 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 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. In the second half of 2011, the Seoul Central District Court rendered judgments that accepted the plaintiffs’ claims in part, ordering a payment which amounted to an aggregate of approximately Won 5.5 billion. Both SK Broadband and the plaintiffs filed appeals at the Seoul High Court, which affirmed the judgments of the Seoul District Court with respect to a few of these lawsuits. SK Broadband subsequently settled with all of the remaining plaintiffs and there are no outstanding claims against SK Broadband related to these lawsuits. For more information regarding these lawsuits, 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 SK Hynix and became its largest shareholder. Our business and financial condition may be adversely affected if we fail to manage our investment in SK Hynix successfully. Since the memory semiconductor industry in which SK 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, SK Hynix and its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, incurred net losses of Won 332.6 billion and Won 4,744.7 billion in 2009 and 2008, 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. For example, SK Hynix and its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, incurred net losses of Won 158.8 billion and Won 56.0 billion in 2012 and 2011, respectively, primarily due to increased supply and weak demand for semiconductor products. Accordingly, SK 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 SK Hynix’s net losses will be reflected in our income statement as share of losses related to investments in associates, any significant loss of SK Hynix could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Due to the existing high penetration rate of wireless telecommunications 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 MSIP and the historical population data published by the Ministry of Security and Public Administration,the Interior, the penetration rate for the Korean wireless telecommunications service industry as of December 31, 20132016 was approximately 106.9%111.3%, which is relatively high compared to many industrialized countries. Therefore, we expect that the penetration rate for wireless telecommunications service in Korea will not grow significantly.remain relatively stable. As a result of the already high penetration rate in Korea for wireless telecommunications services coupled with our leading

market share, we expect our subscriber growth rate to decrease. Slowed growth in the penetration rate 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 was reduced to 2 x 15 MHz of spectrum beginning in July 2011 from the previous 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 were initially 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. In August 2013, the MSIP auctioned the right to use 15 MHz and 35 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum and 80 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.6 GHz spectrum. We acquired the right to use the 35 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum at a price of Won 1.08 trillion. In connection with this acquisition, we returned the right to use the previously acquired 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum, and the remaining installments of license fees for the 20 MHz spectrum totaling Won 614.5 billion were waived. Of the license fee for the bandwidth newly acquired in 2013, we paid Won 115.2 billion in 2013 and the remainder is payable in annual installments through the end of the license period in 2021. KT acquired the right to use the 15 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8GHz spectrum for Won 900.0 billion and LG U+ acquired the right to use the 40 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.6 GHz spectrum for Won 479.0 billion.network. We currently use 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum for our 2GCDMA services, 6040 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum for our 3GWCDMA services, and20 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.1 GHz spectrum, 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 800 MHz spectrum, and 35 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum and 60 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.6 GHz spectrum for our LTE services, as well as 2730 MHz of spectrum in the 2.3 GHz band for our WiBrowireless broadband Internet (“WiBro”) 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 the completion of our HSDPA-capable WCDMA network and LTE network,tri-bandLTE-A technology, which enables more efficient usage of our bandwidth than was possible on our basic CDMALTE 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 telecommunications services. Growth of our wireless telecommunications business will depend in part upon our ability to effectively manage 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 telecommunications business. Furthermore, we

We may choose to participate in frequency bandwidth auctions held by the MSIP in 2017, if any, in order to acquire bandwidths that are complementary to our existing network. We may be required to pay a substantial amount to acquire bandwidth capacity in order to meet increasing bandwidth demand and we may not be successful in acquiring the necessary bandwidth to meet such 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.

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 with respect to SK Telecom’s debt instruments include,

but are not limited to, a maximum netdebt-to-EBITDA ratio of 2.75 and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 4.00, each as determined on a separate financial statement basis. The debt arrangements also contain 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 2,879.12,490.5 billion for capital expenditures in 2013.2016. We expect to spend lessa similar amount for capital expenditures in 20142017 compared to 20132016 for a range of projects, including investments to improve and expand our LTE network andLTE-A services, investments to maintainimprove and expand our WCDMA network-based products andWi-Fi network, investments to develop our platform services investments in our wireless Internet-related and convergence businessesbusiness portfolio and funding formid- to long-term research and development projects, as well as other initiatives, primarily related to the development of our new businesses such as our B2B solutions and healthcaregrowth businesses, as well as initiatives related to our ongoing businesses in the ordinary course. If we acquire new bandwidths in any frequency bandwidth auctions held by the MSIP in 2017, we may be required to spend additional amounts on capital expenditures in connection with building out our networks on such new bandwidths.

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.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 networks 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. 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, 2013,2016, we had approximately Won 1,802.81,542.8 billion in contractual payment obligations due in 2014, almost all of2017, which mostly involve repayment of debt obligations.obligations and payments related to frequency licenses. See “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources — Contractual Obligations and Commitments.”

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.

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 networknetworks from Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (“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 ,

Ericsson-LG Co., Ltd. (formerly known as LG-Ericsson Co., Ltd.) (“Ericsson-LG”). In addition, to date, we have purchased substantially all of the equipment for our WiBro network from Samsung Electronics. To date, we have purchased substantially all of the equipment for our LTE network from Samsung Electronics, Ericsson-LG and Nokia Siemens Networks B.V. 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 the maintenance and enhancement of our wireless 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.rights.

We own numerous patents and trademarks worldwide, and have applications for patents pending in many countries, including Korea, Japan, China and the United States, and in 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.(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, there was a leak of personal information of subscribers of the NATE and Cyworld websites operated by SK Communications Co., Ltd. (“SK Communications”), our consolidated subsidiary. As of December 31, 2013, 22Various lawsuits werehave been filed against SK Communications alleging that the leak was caused by its poor management of subscribers’ personal information andinformation. With respect to three of the lawsuits for which final judgments have been rendered, the relevant courts have rendered judgments in favor of SK Communications. As of December 31, 2016, twelve of the lawsuits, seeking damages of approximately Won 5.50.8 billion in aggregate. With respect to a few of the lawsuits, the relevantaggregate, were pending at various district courts, have rendered judgments for the relevant plaintiffs’ claims in part and SK Communications has appealed such judgments to the applicable high courts. With respect to one of these lawsuits, the relevant high court has rendered judgment for the relevant plaintiff’s claims in part. Other cases remain pending at various high courts and district courts inthe Supreme Court of Korea. Similarly, since April 2008, certain customers of SK Broadband, our consolidated subsidiary, 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 Fair Trade Commission of Korea (the “FTC”). In connection with its investigation, the KCC suspended SK Broadband from soliciting new subscribers for our broadband Internet access services for a period of 40 days from July 1, 2008 and, in addition, imposed an administrative fine of Won 178 million. In the second half of 2011, the Seoul Central District Court rendered judgments that accepted the plaintiffs’ claims in part, ordering a payment which amounted to an aggregate of approximately Won 5.5 billion. Both SK Broadband and the plaintiffs filed appeals at the Seoul High Court and the Seoul High Court affirmed the judgments of the Seoul Central District Court with respect to a few of these lawsuits and SK Broadband subsequently settled with all of the remaining plaintiffs and there are no outstanding claims against SK Broadband related to these lawsuits. 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 haveare not experiencedexperiencing 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 atwo-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.

We may be exposed to potential claims for unpaid wages and become subject to additional labor costs arising from the Supreme Court of Korea’s interpretation of ordinary wages.

Under the Labor Standards Act, an employee is legally entitled to “ordinary wages”, a key legal construct used to calculate many statutory benefits and entitlements in Korea. Under the guidelines previously issued by the Ministry of Employment and Labor (formerly the Ministry of Labor), ordinary wages include base salary and certain fixed monthly allowances for overtime work performed during night shifts and holidays. Prior to the Supreme Court of Korea’s decision described below, we and other companies in Korea had interpreted these guidelines as excluding from the scope of ordinary wages, fixed bonuses that are paid other than on a monthly basis, namely on a bi-monthly, quarterly or biannual basis.

On December 18, 2013, the Supreme Court of Korea ruled that regular bonuses (including those that are paid other than on a monthly basis) shall be deemed ordinary wages if these bonuses are paid “regularly” and “uniformly” on a “fixed basis” notwithstanding differential amounts based on seniority. Under this decision, any collective bargaining agreement or labor-management agreement which attempts to exclude such regular bonuses from ordinary wage will be deemed void for violation of the mandatory provisions of Korean law. However, the Supreme Court of Korea further ruled that an employee’s claim for underpayments under the expanded scope of ordinary wages for the past three years within the statute of limitations may be denied based on principles of good faith if (i) there is an agreement between the employer and employees that the regular bonus shall be excluded from ordinary wage in determining the total amount of wage, (ii) such claim results in further wage payments that far exceed the level of total amount of wage agreed between the employer and employees and (iii) such claim would

cause an unexpected financial burden to the employer leading to material managerial difficulty or a threat to the employer’s existence. The principles of good faith, however, do not apply to an agreement on wages entered into between the employer and employees after December 18, 2013, the date of the above decision of the Supreme Court of Korea.

We anticipate that this decision will result in additional labor costs to us in the form of additional payments under the expanded scope of ordinary wages incurred in the past three years as well as to be incurred in the future. Any such additional payments may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation.

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. UnderWhen the previousformer president ParkGeun-hye took office in February 2013, she announced that the Government the KCC periodically reviewed the tariffs charged by wireless operatorswill work toward reducing telecommunications service charges and from time to time, suggested tariff reductions. Although these suggestions were not binding, we implemented some tariff reductions in response to the KCC’s recommendations. After discussions with the KCC, in November 2009, we adopted various tariff reduction measures, including a reduction of the initial subscription fee by 27.0% 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 (“SMS”) up to 50 messages per month and the introduction of customized fixed-rate plans for smartphone users, which were implementedpromoting transparency in the second halfdecision making of 2011. The MSIP, whichtelecommunications service providers. Accordingly, the Government has taken over the KCC’s tariff regulation function as of March 23, 2013, is planningset detailed policy objectives to (1) gradually reduce and abolish initial subscription fees by 2015, (2) expand MVNO and mobile VoIP service, (3) intensify regulations on handset subsidies and (4) construct a data-based rate system.

Pursuant to the above policy objectives, the MSIP discussed with us, KT and LG U+ gradually reducing and abolishing initial subscription fees by 2015. Accordingly, we gradually reduced our initial subscription fees by 40% in August 2013 and again by an additional 50% in August 2014. Starting in November 2014, we ceased charging initial subscription fees to new subscribers. KT and LG U+ also gradually reduced the initial subscription fees that they charge and have ceased charging initial subscription fees to new subscribers as of March 31, 2015. Similarly, the Government has periodically reviewed the rates charged by wireless telecommunications service providers and has, from time to time, suggested rate reductions. Although these suggestions were not binding, we have implemented some rate reductions in response to such recommendations. The MSIP may also suggest other tariff reductions. Anyrate reductions in the future and any further tariffrate reductions we make in response to such suggestion may adversely affect our results of operations.

In furtherance of the above policy objectives, the Government also enacted the MDDIA, which became effective on October 1, 2014. The MDDIA was enacted for the purpose of establishing a transparent and fair distribution practice for mobile devices, and it limits the amount of subsidies a wireless telecommunications service provider can provide to subscribers in order to prevent excessive competition among wireless telecommunications service providers. Pursuant to the MDDIA, wireless telecommunications service providers are prohibited from (i) unfairly providing discriminatory subsidies based on criteria such as type of subscription, subscription plan and characteristics of the subscriber, (ii) providing subsidies exceeding a maximum limit established by the KCC (such limit to be determined between Won 250,000 and Won 350,000, which may be adjusted every six months, with the current limit set at Won 330,000, effective as of April 8, 2015) for the purchase of mobile phone models that were launched within the last 15 months, and (iii) entering into a separate agreement with subscribers imposing obligations to use a specific subscription plan as a condition for providing subsidies. In addition, under the MDDIA, wireless telecommunications service providers are obliged to provide certain benefits, such as discounted rates, to subscribers who subscribe to their service without receiving subsidies. The prohibition from providing mobile phone subsidies exceeding the amount set by the KCC is set to expire in September 2017 pursuant to the expiration of the three-year effective period of the relevant provision of the MDDIA. In the past, certain legislators have introduced bills that would abolish the ceiling on mobile phone subsidies, arguing that such action would be beneficial to consumers. We cannot provide assurance that an abolishment of the ceiling on mobile phone subsidies will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations as we believe such an amendment to the MDDIA may lead to an increase in our marketing expenses and affect consumer behavior and our competitors in ways we cannot fully predict. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Item 5.A. Operating Results — Overview — New Regulations Relating to Handset Subsidies.”

The Government also plays an active role in the selection of technology to be used by telecommunications operators in Korea. For example, the MIC adopted the WCDMA and CDMA2000 technologies as the only standards available in Korea for implementing 3Gthird generation services. The MSIP 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 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. 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. We were initially 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. In August 2013, the MSIP auctioned the right to use 15 MHz and 35 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum and 80 MHz of bandwidth in the 2.6 GHz spectrum. We acquired the right to use the 35 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8 GHz spectrum at a price of Won 1.08 trillion. In connection with this acquisition, we returned the right to use the previously acquired 20 MHz of bandwidth in the 1.8GHz spectrum and the remaining installments of license fees for the 20 MHz spectrum totaling Won 614.5 billion were waived. Of the license fee for the bandwidth newly acquired in 2013, we paid Won 115.2 billion in 2013 and the remainder is payable in annual installments through the end of the license period in 2021. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Law and Regulation — Competition Regulation.Regulation — Frequency Allocation.” The reallocation of the spectrum to our existing competitors could increase competition among wireless telecommunications 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 operatorswireless telecommunications service providers designated by the KCC,MSIP, 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. To date, ninefourteen MVNOs have commenced providing wireless telecommunications services using the networks leased from 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 MSIP determines the basic framework for interconnection arrangements, including policies relating to interconnection rates in Korea. The KCC, which determined such basic framework under the previous Government, changed the basic framework for interconnection arrangements several times. We cannot assure you that we will not be adversely affected by the MSIP’s interconnection policies and future changes to such 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 MSIP, which is pursuing the integration process, required all 3G and LTE service users to change their mobile telephone number prefix to “010” by December 31, 2013 as the next step in the “010” integration process. As a result, all 3G and LTE service users’ mobile telephone numbers start with the “010” prefix as of January 1, 2014. The MSIP plans to complete the integration 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 as the prefix for premium wireless telecommunications service. The Government’s adoption of the number portability system and 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 MSIP 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 MSIP may levy a monetary penalty of up to 3.0% of the average of our annual revenue for the preceding three fiscal years. The KCC had the same authority in the previous Government and exercised such authority to suspend our business and impose fines on us. For example, in December 2012,information about the KCC imposed a suspension on each of us, KT and LG U+ from acquiring new subscribers during the first quarter of 2013, each for a period of more than 20 days, and imposed fines pursuant to its determination that we, KT and LG U+ provided handset subsidies to new subscribers which were not universally available. In March 2013, the KCC imposed additional fines on each of us, KT and LG U+ for the same reason after further investigations. In July 2013, the KCC again imposed additional fines on each of us, KT and LG U+ for the same reason. In December 2013, the KCC imposed additional fines on each of us, KT and LG U+, which amounted to a combined amount of approximately Won 106 billion, which is the largest fine ever imposed by the KCC for providing handset subsidies to subscribers. In March 2014, the MSIP imposed a suspension on each of us, KT and LG U+ from acquiring new subscribers for a period of 45 days, which is the longest suspension periodpenalties imposed on us byfor violating Governmental regulations, see “Item 8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Legal Proceedings — KCC and MSIP Proceedings.” Such penalties, which may include the Government for providing subsidies to subscribers which were not universally available. In addition, the MSIP announced that it plans to bring criminal charges with monetary fines of up to Won 150 million and up to three-years imprisonment against any carrier and responsible personnel that fails to adhere to the suspension or continues to offer illegal subsidies after the suspension is completed. The KCC also imposed an additional suspension of business on us for a period of seven days and on LG U+ for a period of 14 days and imposed a fine on each of us, KT and LG U+ for the same reason. The revocation of our cellular licenses, suspension of our business or imposition of monetary penalties by the MSIP, 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.

President Park Geun-hye, who took office on February 25, 2013 as the 18th President of Korea, announced that the new Government will work toward reducing telecommunications service charges and promoting transparency in the decision making of telecommunications service providers. Accordingly, the new Government has set detailed policy objectives to (1) gradually reduce and abolish initial subscription fees by 2015, (2) expand MVNO and mobile VoIP (“m-VoIP”) service, (3) intensify regulations on handset subsidies and (4) construct a data-based tariff system. Pursuant to the above policy objectives, the MSIP discussed with us, KT and LG U+ gradually reducing and abolishing initial subscription fees by 2015. As a result of the discussions, we, KT and LG U+ reduced the initial subscription fee by 40% in December 2013. On January 1, 2014, the MSIP announced its plans to further reduce initial subscription fees in the second half of 2014 so that such fees would be reduced to 50% of the current fee levels. As the new Government implements its new telecommunications policy, it will increase competition among wireless service providers and our business and our profitability may be adversely affected.

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 Government 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 have been designated by the MSIP as the “market dominant“dominant network 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 MSIP to raise our existing rates or introduce new rates. On June 24, 2016, the Government proposed a bill to the National Assembly to change the approval requirement to a simple reporting requirement, which is the requirement for our competitors. However, the bill is still under review by the relevantsub-committee and there is no assurance as to whether such bill will be passed. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Law and Regulation — Competition Regulation — Rate Regulation.” The MSIP could also require us to charge higher usage rates than our competitors for future services or to take certain actions earlier than our competitors, as when the KCC required us 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.regulations, including the application of varied interconnection rates. For instance, duringmore information about the interconnection rates applicable to us and our acquisition of Shinsegi Telecom, Inc. (“Shinsegi”), which closed in 2002, the FTC approved the acquisition on the condition that, among other things, our and Shinsegi’s combined market share in the wireless telecommunications market, based on numbers of subscribers, be less than 50.0% 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.competitors, see “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Interconnection.”

The additional regulationregulations 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 (the “IARC”), a part of the World Health Organization, 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 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 actual or perceived risk of wireless telecommunications devices could have an adverse effect on our business by reducing the number of our subscribers or the 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 our 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 onIn addition, the global financial markets continuescontinue 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 2014 and beyond remain uncertain. For example, commencing in the second half of 2011, the global financial markets have experiencedexperience 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, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Portugal and the slowdown of economic growth and financial instability in China and other major emerging market economies, as well as concerns regarding the potential economic impact of the recently commenced scale-down by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board of its “quantitative easing” stimulus program. In addition, continuing negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear programpolitical and sanctions adopted by the international community in response, as well as politicalsocial instability in various countries, including countries in the Middle East and Northern Africa including insuch as Iraq, Syria and Egypt, as well as Ukraine and Lybia, have resulted in volatility and uncertainty in the global energy markets. Furthermore, in response to China’s slowing gross domestic product growth rates that began in 2011, the Chinese government has implemented stimulus measures but the overall impact of such measures remains uncertain.Russia. In light of the high level of interdependence of the global economy, these or other developmentsany of the foregoing factors may continue to negatively impact local economic conditions in Korea and global economic conditions and financial markets, which could potentially trigger anotherhave a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and economic crisis.results of operations.

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 value of our 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:

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

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

Risks Relating to Korea

Unfavorable financial and economic developments in Korea may have an adverse effect on us.

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 of growth and uncertainty, and future growth of the economy is subject to many factors beyond our control.

In recent years, adverse conditions and volatility in the worldwide financial markets, fluctuations in oil and commodity prices and the general weakness of the U.S. and global economy have contributed to the uncertainty of global economic prospects in general and have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, the Korean economy. The value of the Won relative to major foreign currencies in general and the U.S. dollar in particular has also fluctuated widely. See “Item 3.A. Selected Financial Data — Exchange Rates.” A depreciation of the Won increases the cost of imported goods and services and the Won revenue needed by Korean companies to service foreign currency denominated debt. An appreciation of the Won, on the other hand, causes export products of Korean companies to be less competitive by raising their prices in terms of the relevant foreign currency and reduces the Won value of such export sales. Furthermore, as a result of adverse global and Korean economic conditions, there has been continuingsignificant volatility in the stock prices of Korean companies. Thecompanies in recent years. Future declines in the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (“KOSPI”) declined from 1,897.1 on December 31, 2007 to 938.8 on October 24, 2008. While(known as the KOSPI has recovered since 2008, closing at 1,971.7 on April 25, 2014, there is no guarantee that the stock prices of Korean companies will not decline again in the future. Future declines in the KOSPI“KOSPI”) and large amounts of sales of Korean securities by foreign investors and subsequent repatriation of the proceeds of such sales may continue to adversely affect the value of the Won, the foreign currency reserves held by financial institutions in Korea and the ability of Korean companies to raise capital. Any future deterioration of the Korean or global economy could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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

Political and societal unrest surrounding the impeachment of President ParkGeun-hye could adversely affect the Korean economy and our business.

In November 2016, the Korean prosecutor’s office indicted a confidant of President ParkGeun-hye who had allegedly used her ties with the President to extort donations from Korean business groups for twonon-profit foundations over which she is purported to have substantial influence, as well as a number of current and former presidential aides, on charges of, among others, abuse of power, coercion and leaking classified documents. On November 30, 2016, a special independent prosecutor was appointed to conduct an investigation of the extent of the President’s involvement, and mass weekend rallies have been held in Seoul and other cities both to protest against, and to express support for, President Park.

On December 9, 2016, the National Assembly voted in favor of impeaching President Park for a number of alleged constitutional and criminal violations, including violation of the Constitution and abuse of power by allowing her confidant to exert influence on state affairs and allowing senior presidential aides to aid in her extortion from companies. President Park was suspended from power immediately, with the prime minister simultaneously taking over the role of acting President. On March 10, 2017, the Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the parliamentary vote to impeach President Park, triggering her immediate dismissal. A special election to elect a new President is scheduled to be held on May 9, 2017. In connection with its investigation of former President Park, the special independent prosecutor also conducted related investigations of several large Korean business groups and members of their senior management for bribery, embezzlement and other possible misconduct, which the Korean prosecutor’s office has continued following the end of the special independent prosecutor’s term. There is no assurance that such events will not have a material adverse effect on the Korean economy and on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Escalations in tensions with North Korea could have an adverse effect on us and the market value of our 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 future events. In particular, since the death of KimJong-il in 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 KimJong-il’s third son, Kim Jong-un, has assumed power as his father’s designated successor, the long-term outcome of such leadership transition remains uncertain.

In addition, there have been heightened security concerns in recent years stemming from North Korea’s nuclear weapon and long-range missile programs as well as its hostile military and other actions against Korea. Some of the significant incidents in recent years include the following:

nuclear test, claiming that the test involved its first hydrogen bomb, which claim has not been independently verified. In response to such test (as well as North Korea’s long-range rocket launch in February 2016), the United Nations Security Council unanimously passed a resolution in March 2016 condemning North Korea’s actions and significantly expanding the scope of the sanctions applicable to North Korea, while the United States and the European Union also imposed additional sanctions on North Korea. In September 2016, North Korea conducted a fifth nuclear test, claiming to have successfully detonated a nuclear warhead that could be mounted on ballistic rockets, which claim has not been independently verified.

North Korea’s economy also faces severe challenges. For 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,challenges, which led to severe inflation and food shortages. Such developments may further aggravate social and political tensionspressures within North Korea.

There can be no assurance that the level of tension onaffecting the Korean peninsula will not escalate in the future. Any further increase in 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 our business, results of operations and financial condition and the market value of our common shares 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 (1) false or inaccurate statements provided in the registration statements, prospectuses, business reports, audit reports, semi-annual or quarterly reports and material fact reports and omission of material information in such documents, (2) insider trading, (3) market manipulation and (4) 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 our common shares, we may experience a change of control.

The Telecommunications Business Act currently sets a 49.0% limit on the aggregate foreign ownership of our issued shares. Under the Telecommunications Business Act, as amended, a Korean entity, such as SK Holdings Co., Ltd. (“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 15.0% or more of the issued voting stock of the Korean entity. As of

December 31, 2013,2016, SK Holdings owned 20,363,452 shares of our common stock, or approximately 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, 2013,2016, which we believe was 48.02%40.8%) would exceed the 49.0% ceiling on foreign shareholding. As of December 31, 2013, a2016, the two largest foreign investment fund and its related parties collectivelyshareholders of SK Holdings each held a 1.1%3.50% stake in SK Holdings. We could breach the foreign ownership limitations if the number of common shares or ADSs owned by other foreign persons significantly increases.therein.

If our aggregate foreign shareholding limit is exceeded, the MSIP 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 ownshareholder which owns in the aggregate 15.0% or more of SK Holdings. Furthermore, if SK Holdings is considered a foreign shareholder, it may not exercisewill be prohibited from exercising its voting rights with respect to the shares held in excess of the 49.0% ceiling, which may result in a change in control of us. In addition, the MSIP may refuse to grantwill be prohibited from granting us licenses or permits necessary for entering into new telecommunications businesses until our aggregate foreign shareholding is reduced to below 49.0%. For a description of further actions that the MSIP could take, see “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Law and Regulation — Foreign Ownership and Investment Restrictions and Requirements.”

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

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

As of December 31, 2013,2016, SK Holdings owned 25.22% of our total issued common shares 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 shares. We cannot assure you that future sales of our common shares, or the availability of our common shares for future sale, will not adversely affect the prevailing market value of our common shares or ADSs 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 our common shares 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 our common shares. 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 our common shares represented by ADSs, which was 13,485,7369,106,281 shares as of March 31, 2014,2017, 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 3.0% of our common shares. See “Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of IncorporationAssociation — 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 common shares 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:

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 SEC and listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), we are, and in the future will be, subject to certain corporate governance standards as mandated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”). However, foreign private issuers, including us, are exempt from certain corporate governance requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or under the rules of the NYSE. There

may also be less publicly available information about Korean companies, such as us, than is regularly made available by public ornon-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.

There are special risks involved with investing in securities of Korean companies, including the possibility of restrictions being imposed by the Government in emergency circumstances.

As we are a Korean company and operate in a business and cultural environment that is different from that of other countries, there are risks associated with investing in our securities that are not typical for investments in securities of companies in other jurisdictions.

Under the Korean Foreign Exchange Transactions Law, if the Government deems that certain emergency circumstances, including sudden fluctuations in interest rates or exchange rates, extreme difficulty in stabilizing the balance of payments or substantial disturbance in the Korean financial and capital markets, are likely to occur, it may impose any necessary restriction such as requiring Korean or foreign investors to obtain prior approval from the Minister of Strategy and Finance for the acquisition of Korean securities or for the repatriation of interest, dividends or sales proceeds arising from Korean securities or from disposition of such securities or other transactions involving foreign exchange.

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 also 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.industries, and are well-positioned to become Korea’s leading platform service provider through our next-generation growth businesses in IoT solutions, media ande-commerce and other innovative products offered through our platform services.

We provideIn June 2015, SK Broadband, in which we held a 50.6% interest, became our wireless telecommunications services principallywholly-owned subsidiary pursuant to a share exchange transaction (the “Share Exchange”) through backbone networks using CDMA, WCDMA and LTE technologies. Collectively, these networks can access approximately 99.0%which we acquired all 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 Wireless 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, 2013, we had approximately 27.4 million wireless subscribers throughout Korea, including the number of MVNO subscribers leasing our networks, of which 25.7 million owned Internet-enabled handsets capable of accessing our wireless Internet services. As of December 31, 2013, our share of the Korean wireless market was approximately 50.0%, based on number of subscribers, according to the KCC. MVNOs leasing our networks had a total of 1.1 million subscribers, representing a market share of approximately 2.0%.

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, increasingBroadband that we did not otherwise own in exchange for 1,692,824 of our equity stake to 50.6%. Through SK Broadband, we currently provide broadband Internet access servicetreasury shares and other Internet-related services, including video-on-demand and Internet protocol TV (“IP TV”) services, as well as fixed-line telephone services. As of December 31, 2013, we had approximately 4.6 million broadband Internet access subscribers and 4.8 million fixed-line telephone subscribers (including subscribers to VoIP services of SK Broadband and SK Telink).

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.cash.

In February 2012, we acquired a 21.05%21.1% equity stake in SK Hynix, one of the world’s largest memory-chip makers by revenue, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately Won 3.4 trillion, and became its largest shareholder.

On March 31, 2014,2017, we had a market capitalization of approximately Won 17.420.3 trillion (US$16.318.2 billion, as translated at the noon buying rate of March 31, 2014)2017) or approximately 1.47%1.5% of the total market capitalization on the KRX KOSPI Market, making us the 12thfourteenth largest company listed on the KRX KOSPI Market based on market capitalization on that date. Our ADSs, each representingone-ninth of one share of our common stock, have traded on the NYSE 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 SKT-Tower, 65,Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul 100-999,04539, Korea and our telephone number is+82-2-6100-2114.

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 telecommunications services under Government licenses to provide wireless telecommunications services.

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 operatorsproviders merged. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview — Competition.”

There are currently three providers of wireless voice telecommunications servicesmobile network operators in Korea: our company, KT (into which KTF merged) and LG U+ (formerly, LG Telecom). According to the KCC, asAs of December 31, 2013,2016, the market share of the Korean wireless telecommunications market, in terms of number of subscribers, of KT and LG U+ was approximately 30.1%30.6% and 19.9%20.3%, respectively (compared to our market share of 50.0%

49.1%)., each including MVNO subscribers leasing the respective networks. As of December 31, 2016, MVNOs had a combined market share of 4.5%.

A one-way mobile number portability (“MNP”) system was first implemented in the beginning11.3%, of January 2004 whenwhich MVNOs leasing our subscribers were allowed to transfer to KTFnetworks represented 10.7%, MVNOs leasing KT’s networks represented 17.2% 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 2013, 2012 and 2010, approximately 4.2 million, 4.5 million and 4.0 million, respectively, of our subscribers migrated to our competitors. Approximately 1.3 million, 1.7 million and 1.4 million ofMVNOs leasing LG U+’s subscribers in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and approximately 2.2 million, 2.7 million and 2.5 million of KT’s subscribers in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, migrated to our service.networks represented 4.0%.

In January 2005, the Government granted each of us and KT a license to offer WiBro service.

Telecommunications industry growth in Korea has been among the most rapid in the world, with fixed-line penetration increasing frombeing under five lines per 100 population in 1978 and increasing to 34.547.9 lines per 100 population as of December 31, 2013,2006 before decreasing to 31.6 lines per 100 population as of December 31, 2016, and wireless penetration increasing from 7.0 subscribers per 100 population in 1996 to 106.9116.6 subscribers per 100 population as of December 31, 2013.2016. The table below sets forth certain subscription and penetration information regarding the Korean telecommunications industry as of the dates indicated:

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 106.9% as of December 31, 2013 and the number of wireless subscribers has increased from approximately 3.2 million in 1996 to approximately 54.7 million as of December 31, 2013.

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. All1999 and the implementation of the Korean wireless operators have developed extensive wireless Internet service portals.

LTE technology providing for fast data transmission speeds and large data transmission capacity. As of December 31, 2013,2016, approximately 50.955.1 million Korean wireless subscribers owned Internet-enabled handsets capable of accessing wireless Internet services.services, including 46.4 million subscribers that own smartphones that have direct access to the Internet using mobile Internet technology. The table below sets forth certain penetration information regarding the number of Internet-enabled handsets, smartphones and wireless subscribers in Korea as of the dates indicated: