Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 6-K

 

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH 2024

Commission File Number: 333-04906

 

 

SK Telecom Co., Ltd.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

 

65, Euljiro, Jung-gu

Seoul 04539, Korea

(Address of principal executive office)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F ☒    Form 40-F ☐

 

 

 


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

SK TELECOM CO., LTD.
(Registrant)
By:  

/s/ Hee Jun Chung

(Signature)
Name:   Hee Jun Chung
Title:   Vice President

Date: March 7, 2024


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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

(With the Independent Auditor’s Report Thereon)


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Independent Auditor’s Report

(English Translation of a Report Originally Issued in Korean)

The Shareholders and Board of Directors

SK Telecom Co., Ltd.

Opinion

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of SK Telecom Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Group”) which comprise the consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of material accounting policies.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Group as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2023 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the Republic of Korea (“KIFRS”).

We also have audited the Group’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on the criteria established in Conceptual Framework for Designing and Operating Internal Control over Financial Reporting in accordance with the Korean Standards on Auditing (“KSA”) issued by the Operating Committee of internal control over financial reporting, and our report dated March 6, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

We conducted our audits in accordance with KSA. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the consolidated financial statements in the Republic of Korea, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Key Audit Matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit addressed the matter is provided in that context.

 

1.

Cut-off of revenue from wireless services.

As described in notes 3 (21) and 4 (2) to the consolidated financial statements, the Group’s revenue from the wireless services is recognized based on data from a complex array of information technology systems which process a significant volume of transactions with its customers. Furthermore, the transactions involve a variety of contractual terms from new subscriptions to deactivations or churn, and changes of rate plans during the period. Therefore, we have identified timing of revenue recognition related to the Group’s wireless services as a key audit matter. Related revenue from the wireless services amounted to W10,328,980 million in 2023.

 

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The primary procedures we performed to address this key audit matter included:

 

   

Inspecting major contracts with subscribers to assess whether the Group’s revenue recognition policies based on the terms and conditions as set out in the contracts, are consistent with reference to the requirements of KIFRS 1115;

 

   

Testing internal controls relating to the timing of revenue recognition for the wireless services; and

 

   

Evaluating the appropriateness of the timing of revenue recognition by recalculating the prorated revenue based on the subscribed rate plan and comparing it with the billing information.

 

2.

Impairment assessment of goodwill for the fixed-line telecommunication services cash generating unit

As described in notes 3 (10) and 16 to the consolidated financial statements, the Group assesses impairment of goodwill allocated to a cash generating unit (“CGU”), at least, annually or when there is an indication of possible impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the CGU to its recoverable amount based on value-in-use (”VIU”). The amount of goodwill allocated to the fixed-line telecommunication services CGU is W764,082 million as of December 31, 2023.

In carrying out the goodwill impairment assessment, the Group compared the carrying amount of the fixed-line telecommunication services CGU and its value in use (“VIU”) based on discounted cash flow forecasts. We have identified the goodwill impairment assessment for the fixed-line telecommunication services CGU as a key audit matter due to the inherent uncertainties and significant judgement involved in management’s estimates around the major assumptions such as estimates of future operating revenue, perpetual growth rate and discount rate, all of which have a significant impact on the determination of the VIU.

The primary audit procedures we have performed for this key audit matter include:

 

   

Assessing the competence and objectivity of the external specialist utilized by management;

 

   

Evaluating the appropriateness of the valuation method and assumptions applied by management by involving our internal specialist;

 

   

Performing a sensitivity analysis for both the discount rate and the perpetual growth rate applied to the discounted cash flow forecasts to assess the impact of changes in these key assumptions on the conclusion reached by management in its impairment assessment;

 

   

Evaluating the reasonableness of management’s future cash flow forecasts by comparison with financial budgets approved by management; and

 

   

Performing a retroactive assessment of the prior periods’ cash flow forecasts by comparison with the actual results.

Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Consolidated Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with KIFRS, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Group’s financial reporting process.

 

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Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with KSA will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with KSA, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:

 

   

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

 

   

Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances.

 

   

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.

 

   

Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern.

 

   

Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

 

   

Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.

 

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From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication.

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is Yoo, Jung Ho.

 

LOGO

March 6, 2024

 

This report is effective as of March 6, 2024, the independent auditor’s report date. Accordingly, certain material subsequent events or circumstances may have occurred during the period from the date of independent auditor’s report date to the time this report is used. Such events and circumstances could significantly affect the accompanying consolidated financial statements and may result in modifications to this report.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements, including all footnote disclosures, have been prepared by, and are the responsibility of, the Group.

Ryu, Young-Sang

Chief Executive Officer

SK TELECOM CO., LTD.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

(In millions of won)   

Note

   December 31,
2023
     December 31,
2022
 

Assets

        

Current Assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   5,35,36    W 1,454,978        1,882,291  

Short-term financial instruments

   5,35,36      294,934        237,230  

Accounts receivable - trade, net

   6,35,36,37      1,978,532        1,970,611  

Short-term loans, net

   6,35,36,37      78,129        78,590  

Accounts receivable - other, net

   6,35,36,37,38      344,350        479,781  

Contract assets

   8,36      89,934        83,058  

Prepaid expenses

   7      1,953,769        1,974,315  

Prepaid income taxes

   32      161        415  

Derivative financial assets

   22,35,36,39      8,974        168,527  

Inventories, net

   9      179,809        166,355  

Non-current assets held for sale

   41      10,515        6,377  

Advanced payments and others

   6,35,36      191,517        171,646  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        6,585,602        7,219,196  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-Current Assets:

        

Long-term financial instruments

   5,35,36      375        375  

Long-term investment securities

   10,35,36      1,679,384        1,410,736  

Investments in associates and

joint ventures

   12      1,915,012        1,889,289  

Investment property, net

   14      34,812        25,137  

Property and equipment, net

   13,15,37,38      13,006,196        13,322,492  

Goodwill

   11,16      2,075,009        2,075,009  

Intangible assets, net

   17      2,861,137        3,324,910  

Long-term contract assets

   8,36      39,837        49,163  

Long-term loans, net

   6,35,36,37      30,455        26,973  

Long-term accounts receivable - other, net

   6,35,36,37,38      312,531        373,951  

Long-term prepaid expenses

   7      1,086,107        1,073,422  

Guarantee deposits, net

   6,35,36,37      156,863        167,441  

Long-term derivative financial assets

   22,35,36,39      139,560        152,633  

Deferred tax assets

   32      11,609        6,860  

Defined benefit assets

   21      170,737        175,748  

Other non-current assets

   6,35,36      14,001        14,927  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        23,533,625        24,089,066  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

      W 30,119,227        31,308,262  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

(Continued)

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, Continued

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

(In millions of won)    Note      December 31,
2023
    December 31,
2022
 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

       

Current Liabilities:

       

Accounts payable - trade

     35,36,37      W 139,876       89,255  

Accounts payable - other

     35,36,37        1,913,006       2,427,906  

Withholdings

     35,36,37        802,506       803,555  

Contract liabilities

     8        155,576       172,348  

Accrued expenses

     26,35,36        1,439,786       1,505,549  

Income tax payable

     32        142,496       112,358  

Provisions

     20,40        38,255       39,683  

Short-term borrowings

     18,35,36,39        —        142,998  

Current portion of long-term debt, net

     18,35,36,39        1,621,844       1,967,586  

Current portion of long-term payables - other

     19,35,36,39        367,770       398,874  

Lease liabilities

     35,36,37,39        372,826       386,429  

Liabilities held for sale

        39       —   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        6,993,980       8,046,541  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-Current Liabilities:

       

Debentures, excluding current portion, net

     18,35,36,39        7,106,299       6,524,095  

Long-term borrowings, excluding current portion, net

     18,35,36,39        315,578       668,125  

Long-term payables – other

     19,35,36,39        892,683       1,239,467  

Long-term lease liabilities

     35,36,37,39        1,238,607       1,395,628  

Long-term contract liabilities

     8        56,917       61,574  

Defined benefit liabilities

     21        —        61  

Long-term derivative financial liabilities

     22,35,36,39        305,088       302,593  

Long-term provisions

     20        83,169       79,415  

Deferred tax liabilities

     32        832,236       763,766  

Other non-current liabilities

     35,36,37        66,271       71,801  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        10,896,848       11,106,525  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

        17,890,828       19,153,066  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity:

       

Share capital

     1,23        30,493       30,493  

Capital surplus and others

     11,23,24,25,26        (11,828,644     (11,567,117

Retained earnings

     27        22,799,981       22,463,711  

Reserves

     28        387,216       391,233  

Equity attributable to owners of the Parent Company

        11,389,046       11,318,320  

Non-controlling interests

        839,353       836,876  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Shareholder’s Equity

        12,228,399       12,155,196  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity

      W 30,119,227       31,308,262  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Consolidated Statements of Income

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

(In millions of won, except for earnings per share)    Note      2023     2022  

Operating revenue:

     4,37       

Revenue

      W 17,608,511       17,304,973  

Operating expenses:

     37       

Labor

        2,488,245       2,449,813  

Commission

     7        5,549,899       5,518,786  

Depreciation and amortization

     4        3,614,766       3,621,325  

Network interconnection

        678,459       715,285  

Leased lines

        275,477       268,426  

Advertising

        235,769       252,402  

Rent

        142,356       143,747  

Cost of goods sold

     9        1,266,357       1,268,124  

Others

     29        1,603,979       1,454,995  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
            15,855,307     15,692,903  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit

     4        1,753,204       1,612,070  

Finance income

     4,31        248,376       179,838  

Finance costs

     4,31        (527,401     (456,327

Gain (loss) relating to investments in associates and joint ventures, net

     4,12        10,928       (81,707

Other non-operating income

     4,30        50,366       55,898  

Other non-operating expenses

     4,30        (47,294     (73,620
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit before income tax

     4        1,488,179       1,236,152  

Income tax expense

     32        342,242       288,321  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit for the year

      W 1,145,937       947,831  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Attributable to:

       

Owners of the Parent Company

      W 1,093,611       912,400  

Non-controlling interests

        52,326       35,431  

Earnings per share

     33       

Basic earnings per share (in won)

      W 4,954       4,118  

Diluted earnings per share (in won)

        4,950       4,116  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

(In millions of won)    Note      2023     2022  

Profit for the year

      W 1,145,937       947,831  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

       

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss, net of taxes:

       

Remeasurement of defined benefit liabilities (assets)

     21        1,853       70,885  

Valuation loss on financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

     28,31        (18,842     (491,853

Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss, net of taxes:

       

Net change in other comprehensive income of investments in associates and joint ventures

     12,28        9,225       119,707  

Net change in unrealized fair value of derivatives

     22,28,31        (17,460     (21,366

Foreign currency translation differences for foreign operations

     28        1,257       16,401  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss for the year, net of taxes

        (23,967     (306,226
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

      W 1,121,970       641,605  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income attributable to:

       

Owners of the Parent Company

      W 1,072,785       601,193  

Non-controlling interests

        49,185       40,412  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

.

 

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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

(In millions of won)  
            Attributable to owners of the Parent Company     Non-
controlling
interests
    Total
equity
 
     Note      Share capital      Capital surplus
(deficit) and
others
    Retained
earnings
    Reserves     Sub-total  

Balance as of January 1, 2022

      W 30,493        (11,623,726     22,437,341       735,238       11,579,346       755,792       12,335,138  

Total comprehensive income (loss):

                  

Profit for the year

        —         —        912,400       —        912,400       35,431       947,831  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

     12,21,22,28,31        —         —        32,798       (344,005     (311,207     4,981       (306,226
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        —         —        945,198       (344,005     601,193       40,412       641,605  
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with owners:

                  

Annual dividends

     34        —         —        (361,186     —        (361,186     —        (361,186

Interim dividends

     34        —         —        (542,876     —        (542,876     —        (542,876

Share option

     26        —         72,261       —        —        72,261       —        72,261  

Interest on hybrid bonds

     25        —         —        (14,766     —        (14,766     —        (14,766

Transactions of treasury shares

     24        —         (2,683     —        —        (2,683     —        (2,683

Changes in ownership in subsidiaries, etc.

     11        —         (12,969     —        —        (12,969     40,672       27,703  
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        —         56,609       (918,828     —        (862,219     40,672       (821,547
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2022

      W 30,493        (11,567,117     22,463,711       391,233       11,318,320       836,876       12,155,196  
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of January 1, 2023

      W 30,493        (11,567,117     22,463,711       391,233       11,318,320       836,876       12,155,196  

Total comprehensive income (loss):

                  

Profit for the year

        —         —        1,093,611       —        1,093,611       52,326       1,145,937  

Other comprehensive loss:

     12,21,22,28,31        —         —        (16,809     (4,017     (20,826     (3,141     (23,967
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        —         —        1,076,802       (4,017     1,072,785       49,185       1,121,970  
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions with owners:

                  

Annual dividends

     34        —         —        (180,967     —        (180,967     (50,557     (231,524

Interim dividends

     34        —         —        (542,282     —        (542,282     —        (542,282

Share option

     26        —         7,157       —        —        7,157       10,463       17,620  

Interest on hybrid bonds

     25        —         —        (17,283     —        (17,283     —        (17,283

Repayments of hybrid bonds

     25        —         (400,000     —        —        (400,000     —        (400,000

Issuance of hybrid bonds

     25        —         398,509       —        —        398,509       —        398,509  

Transactions of treasury shares

     24        —         (265,120     —        —        (265,120     —        (265,120

Changes in ownership in subsidiaries, etc.

     11        —         (2,073     —        —        (2,073     (6,614     (8,687
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        —         (261,527     (740,532     —        (1,002,059     (46,708     (1,048,767
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2023

      W 30,493        (11,828,644     22,799,981       387,216       11,389,046       839,353       12,228,399  
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

(In millions of won)   

Note

      2023           2022     

Cash flows from operating activities:

       

Cash generated from operating activities:

       

Profit for the year

      W 1,145,937       947,831  

Adjustments for income and expenses

   39      4,546,338       4,719,438  

Changes in assets and liabilities related to operating activities

   39      (274,163     118,106  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        5,418,112       5,785,375  

Interest received

        60,134       52,163  

Dividends received

        50,899       16,388  

Interest paid

        (341,488     (259,719

Income tax paid

        (240,452     (434,890
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

        4,947,205       5,159,317  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

       

Cash inflows from investing activities:

       

Decrease in short-term financial instruments, net

        —        264,693  

Decrease in short-term investment securities, net

        —        5,010  

Collection of short-term loans

        136,242       123,700  

Decrease in long-term financial instruments

        —        330,032  

Proceeds from disposals of long-term investment securities

        100,817       104,190  

Proceeds from disposals of investments in associates and joint ventures

        4,950       342,645  

Proceeds from disposals of assets held for sale

        1,353       20,136  

Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment

        12,900       15,792  

Proceeds from disposals of intangible assets

        4,428       10,993  

Collection of long-term loans

        1,547       1,134  

Decrease in deposits

        5,922       10,056  

Proceeds from settlement of derivatives

        1,452       1,542  

Government grants received

        2,967       —   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        272,578       1,229,923  

Cash outflows for investing activities:

       

Increase in short-term financial instruments, net

        (51,421     —   

Increase in short-term loans

        (130,041     (127,263

Increase in long-term loans

        (11,602     (11,724

Increase in long-term financial instruments

        —        (330,032

Acquisitions of long-term investment securities

        (324,997     (436,753

Acquisitions of investments in associates and joint ventures

        (17,656     (11,065

Acquisitions of property and equipment

        (2,973,882     (2,908,287

Acquisitions of intangible assets

        (106,761     (138,136

Increase in deposits

        (6,848     (12,146

Cash decrease due to changes in consolidation scope

        (2,275     —   

Cash outflow for business combinations, net

        —        (62,312
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        (3,625,483     (4,037,718
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

      W (3,352,905     (2,807,795
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Continued)

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Continued

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

(In millions of won)    Note      2023     2022  

Cash flows from financing activities:

       

Cash inflows from financing activities:

       

Proceeds from short-term borrowings, net

      W —        130,000  

Proceeds from issuance of debentures

        1,785,108       1,200,122  

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

        49,950       440,000  

Proceeds from issuance of hybrid bonds

        398,509       —   

Cash inflows from settlement of derivatives

        183,090       768  

Transactions with non-controlling shareholders

        160       31,151  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        2,416,817       1,802,041  

Cash outflows for financing activities:

       

Repayments of short-term borrowings, net

        (142,998     —   

Repayments of long-term payables – other

        (400,245     (400,245

Repayments of debentures

        (1,869,190     (1,390,000

Repayments of long-term borrowings

        (125,000     (41,471

Repayments of hybrid bonds

        (400,000     —   

Payments of dividends

        (773,806     (904,020

Payments of interest on hybrid bonds

        (17,283     (14,766

Repayments of lease liabilities

        (402,465     (401,054

Acquisition of treasury shares

        (285,487     —   

Transactions with non-controlling shareholders

        (21,333     (367
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        (4,437,807     (3,151,923
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     39        (2,020,990     (1,349,882
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

        (426,690     1,001,640  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

        1,882,291       872,731  

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

        (623     7,920  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

      W 1,454,978       1,882,291  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

1.

Reporting Entity

 

  (1)

General

SK Telecom Co., Ltd. (the “Parent Company”) was incorporated on March 29, 1984, under the laws of the Republic of Korea (“Korea”) to provide cellular telephone communication services in Korea. The head office of the Parent Company is located at 65, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea.

The Parent Company’s common shares are listed on the Stock Market of Korea Exchange, and its depositary receipts (DRs) are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Meanwhile, the Board of Directors of the Parent Company resolved to cancel the listing of the Parent Company’s DRs on the London Stock Exchange on June 22, 2023, and the DRs were delisted from the London Stock Exchange as of July 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the Parent Company’s total issued shares are held by the following shareholders:

 

     Number of
shares
     Percentage of
total shares
issued (%)
 

SK Inc.

     65,668,397        30.01  

National Pension Service

     16,330,409        7.46  

Institutional investors and other shareholders

     126,854,437        57.97  

Kakao Investment Co., Ltd.

     3,846,487        1.76  

Treasury shares

     6,133,414        2.80  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     218,833,144        100.00  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

These consolidated financial statements comprise the Parent Company and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Group”). SK Inc. is the ultimate controlling entity of the Parent Company.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

1.

Reporting Entity, Continued

 

  (2)

List of consolidated subsidiaries

The list of consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:

 

                    Ownership (%)(*1)  

Subsidiary

  

Location

  

Primary business

   Dec. 31,
2023
    Dec. 31,
2022
 

Subsidiaries

owned by the

Parent Company

   SK Telink Co., Ltd.    Korea   

International telecommunication and Mobile Virtual Network Operator Service

     100.0       100.0  
   SK Communications Co., Ltd.    Korea   

Internet website services

     100.0       100.0  
   SK Broadband Co., Ltd.    Korea   

Fixed-line telecommunication services

     74.4       74.4  
   PS&Marketing Corporation    Korea   

Communications device retail business

     100.0       100.0  
   SERVICE ACE Co., Ltd.    Korea   

Call center management service

     100.0       100.0  
   SERVICE TOP Co., Ltd.    Korea   

Call center management service

     100.0       100.0  
   SK O&S Co., Ltd.    Korea   

Base station maintenance service

     100.0       100.0  
  

SK Telecom China Holdings Co.,

Ltd.

   China   

Investment (Holdings company)

     100.0       100.0  
  

SK Global Healthcare Business Group Ltd.

   Hong Kong   

Investment

     100.0       100.0  
   YTK Investment Ltd.    Cayman Islands   

Investment

     100.0       100.0  
   Atlas Investment    Cayman Islands   

Investment

     100.0       100.0  
   SK Telecom Americas, Inc.    USA   

Information gathering and consulting

     100.0       100.0  
   Quantum Innovation Fund I    Korea   

Investment

     59.9       59.9  
   SK Telecom Japan Inc.(*2)    Japan   

Information gathering and consulting

     33.0       100.0  
   Happy Hanool Co., Ltd.    Korea   

Service

     100.0       100.0  
   SK stoa Co., Ltd.    Korea   

Other telecommunication retail business

     100.0       100.0  
   SAPEON Inc.    USA   

Manufacturing non-memory and other

electronic integrated circuits

     62.5       62.5  

Subsidiaries owned by

SK Broadband Co.,

Ltd.

   Home & Service Co., Ltd.    Korea   

Operation of information and

communication facility

     100.0       100.0  
   Media S Co., Ltd.    Korea   

Production and supply services of

broadcasting programs

     100.0       100.0  

Subsidiary owned by

PS&Marketing Corporation

   SK m&service Co., Ltd.    Korea   

Database and internet website service

     100.0       100.0  

Subsidiary owned by

SK Telecom Americas, Inc.

   Global AI Platform Corporation(*2)    USA   

Software development and supply business

     100.0       —   

Subsidiary owned by

Global AI Platform

Corporation

  

Global AI Platform Corporation

Korea(*2)

   Korea   

Software development and supply business

     100.0       —   

Subsidiary owned by

Quantum Innovation Fund I

  

PanAsia Semiconductor

Materials LLC.

   Korea   

Investment

     66.4       66.4  

Subsidiary owned by

SK Telecom Japan Inc.

   SK Planet Japan, K. K.(*2)    Japan   

Digital contents sourcing service

     79.8       79.8  

Subsidiary owned by

SAPEON Inc.

   SAPEON Korea Inc.    Korea   

Manufacturing non-memory and other

electronic integrated circuits

     100.0       100.0  

Others(*3)

  

SK Telecom Innovation Fund,

L.P.

   USA   

Investment

     100.0       100.0  
   SK Telecom China Fund I L.P.    Cayman Islands   

Investment

     100.0       100.0  

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

1.

Reporting Entity, Continued

 

  (2)

List of subsidiaries, Continued

The list of consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 is as follows, Continued:

 

(*1)

The ownership interest represents direct ownership interest in subsidiaries either by the Parent Company or subsidiaries of the Parent Company.

(*2)

Details of changes in the consolidation scope for year ended December 31, 2023 are presented in note 1-(4).

(*3)

Others are owned by Atlas Investment and another subsidiary of the Parent Company.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

1.

Reporting Entity, Continued

 

  (3)

Condensed financial information of subsidiaries

1) Condensed financial information of significant consolidated subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023 is as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     As of December 31, 2023      2023  

Subsidiary

   Total assets      Total
liabilities
     Total
equity
     Revenue      Profit
(loss)
 

SK Telink Co., Ltd.

   W 213,920        65,049        148,871        309,091        17,761  

SK Broadband Co., Ltd.

     6,442,611        3,323,156        3,119,455        4,281,932        213,905  

PS&Marketing Corporation

     451,549        224,042        227,507        1,353,321        4,681  

SERVICE ACE Co., Ltd.

     83,395        54,888        28,507        197,598        2,822  

SERVICE TOP Co., Ltd.

     71,196        47,641        23,555        178,423        1,738  

SK O&S Co., Ltd.

     140,942        98,346        42,596        345,617        2,614  

Home & Service Co., Ltd.

     165,667        112,025        53,642        490,094        1,297  

SK stoa Co., Ltd.

     94,041        37,253        56,788        301,496        (1,427

SK m&service Co., Ltd.

     153,660        88,195        65,465        247,479        1,253  

2) Condensed financial information of significant consolidated subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     As of December 31, 2022      2022  

Subsidiary

   Total assets      Total
liabilities
     Total
equity
     Revenue      Profit
(loss)
 

SK Telink Co., Ltd.

   W 196,281        60,927        135,354        302,595        15,008  

SK Broadband Co., Ltd.

     6,245,484        3,134,949        3,110,535        4,162,093        212,816  

PS&Marketing Corporation

     403,030        177,739        225,291        1,376,400        3,856  

SERVICE ACE Co., Ltd.

     97,597        59,189        38,408        194,798        2,429  

SERVICE TOP Co., Ltd.

     81,590        53,589        28,001        179,365        1,613  

SK O&S Co., Ltd.

     121,755        70,280        51,475        331,715        2,059  

Home & Service Co., Ltd.

     158,248        102,184        56,064        413,259        (1,217

SK stoa Co., Ltd.

     103,910        44,696        59,214        329,304        9,977  

SK m&service Co., Ltd.(*)

     160,704        95,263        65,441        211,081        4,157  

 

(*)

The financial information is the condensed financial information after the entity was included in the scope of consolidation.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

1.

Reporting Entity, Continued

 

  (4)

Changes in subsidiaries

1) The list of subsidiaries that were newly included in consolidation scope for the year ended December 31, 2023 is as follows:

 

Subsidiary

  

Reason

Global AI Platform Corporation Korea    Established by the SK Telecom Americas, Inc
Global AI Platform Corporation    Established by the SK Telecom Americas, Inc

2) The list of subsidiaries that were excluded from consolidation scope for the year ended December 31, 2023 is as follows:

 

Subsidiary

  

Reason

SK Telecom Japan Inc.    Loss of control
SK Planet Japan, K. K.    Loss of control

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

1.

Reporting Entity, Continued

 

  (5)

The financial information of significant non-controlling interests of the Group as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     SK Broadband Co., Ltd.(*)  

Ownership of non-controlling interests (%)

     25.4  
     As of December 31, 2023  

Current assets

   W 1,388,965  

Non-current assets

     5,214,315  

Current liabilities

     (1,388,317

Non-current liabilities

     (1,988,989

Net assets

     3,225,974  

Carrying amount of non-controlling interests

     819,592  
     2023  

Revenue

   W 4,274,747  

Profit for the year

     202,890  

Total comprehensive income

     183,499  

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

     51,448  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   W 1,110,847  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,064,434

Net cash used in financing activities

     (60,254

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     9  

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (13,832

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests for the year ended December 31, 2023

   W 50,557  

 

(*)

The above condensed financial information is the consolidated financial information of the subsidiary and reflects fair value adjustments as a result of the business combination.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

1.

Reporting Entity, Continued

 

  (5)

The financial information of significant non-controlling interests of the Group as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows, Continued:

 

(In millions of won)       
     SK Broadband Co., Ltd.(*)  

Ownership of non-controlling interests (%)

     25.3  
     As of December 31, 2022  

Current assets

   W 1,348,305  

Non-current assets

     5,076,410  

Current liabilities

     (1,707,805

Non-current liabilities

     (1,488,834

Net assets

     3,228,076  

Carrying amount of non-controlling interests

     816,676  
     2022  

Revenue

   W 4,156,326  

Profit for the year

     217,303  

Total comprehensive income

     237,860  

Profit attributable to non-controlling interests

     51,528  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   W 1,184,794  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (807,965

Net cash used in financing activities

     (415,908

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (584

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (39,663

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests for the year ended December 31, 2022

   W —   

 

(*)

The above condensed financial information is the consolidated financial information of the subsidiary and reflects fair value adjustments as a result of the business combination.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

2.

Basis of Preparation

These consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the Republic of Korea (“KIFRS”), as prescribed in the Act on External Audits of Stock Companies of Korea. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been translated into English from Korean financial statements. In the event of any differences in interpreting the financial statements or the independent auditor’s report thereon, Korean version, which is used for regulatory reporting purposes, shall prevail.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements comprise the Group and the Group’s investments in associates and joint ventures.

The consolidated financial statements were authorized for issuance by the Board of Directors on February 2, 2024, which will be submitted for final approval at the shareholder’s meeting to be held on March 26, 2024.

 

  (1)

Basis of measurement

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the following material items in the consolidated statement of financial position:

 

   

derivative financial instruments measured at fair value;

 

   

financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”);

 

   

financial instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”);

 

   

liabilities measured at fair value for cash-settled share-based payment arrangement; and

 

   

liabilities (assets) for defined benefit plans recognized at the total present value of defined benefit obligations less the fair value of plan assets.

 

  (2)

Functional and presentation currency

Financial statements of Group entities within the Group are prepared in functional currency of each group entity, which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which each entity operates. Consolidated financial statements of the Group are presented in Korean won, which is the Parent Company’s functional and presentation currency.

 

  (3)

Use of estimates and judgments

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with KIFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period prospectively.

1) Critical judgments

Information about critical judgments in applying accounting policies that have the most significant effects on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements is included in notes for the following areas: consolidation (whether the Group has de facto control over an investee), and determination of stand-alone selling prices.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

2.

Basis of Preparation, Continued

 

  (3)

Use of estimates and judgments, Continued

 

2) Assumptions and estimation uncertainties

Information about assumptions and estimation uncertainties that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment within the next financial year are included in the following notes: loss allowance (notes 6 and 36), estimated useful lives of costs to obtain a contract (notes 8), property and equipment and intangible assets (notes 3 (7), (8), 13 and 17), impairment of goodwill (notes 3 (10) and 16), recognition of provision (notes 3 (15) and 20), measurement of defined benefit liabilities (assets) (notes 3 (14) and 21), transaction of derivative instruments (notes 3 (6) and 22) and recognition of deferred tax assets (liabilities) (notes 3 (23) and 32).

3) Fair value measurement

A number of the Group’s accounting policies and disclosures require the measurement of fair values, for both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. The Group has an established policies and processes with respect to the measurement of fair values including Level 3 fair values, and the measurement of fair values is reviewed and is directly reported to the finance executives.

The Group regularly reviews significant unobservable inputs and valuation adjustments. If third party information, such as broker quotes or pricing services, is used to measure fair values, then the Group assesses the evidence obtained from the third parties to support the conclusion that such valuations meet the requirements of KIFRS, including the level in the fair value hierarchy in which such valuations should be classified.

When measuring the fair value of an asset or a liability, the Group uses market observable data as far as possible. Fair values are categorized into different levels in a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used in the valuation techniques as follows.

 

   

Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

   

Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and

 

   

Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

If the inputs used to measure the fair value of an asset or a liability fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, then the fair value measurement is categorized in its entirety in the same level of the fair value hierarchy as the lowest level input that is significant to the entire measurement. The Group recognizes transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy at the end of the reporting period during which the change has occurred.

Information about assumptions used for fair value measurements are included in note 22 and note 36.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies

The material accounting policies applied by the Group in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements in accordance with KIFRS are included below. Except for certain standards and amendments which are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023, the material accounting policies applied by the Group in these consolidated financial statements are the same as those applied by the Group in its consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022. The Group has not early adopted any standards, interpretations or amendments that have been issued but are not yet effective.

The new and amended standards and interpretations that are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023 are as follows. These amended standards had no material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

 

   

Disclosure of Accounting Polices (Amendments to KIFRS 1001)

 

   

Disclosures of Profit or Loss on Financial Liabilities with Conditions for Adjusting an Exercise Price (Amendments to KIFRS 1001)

 

   

Definition of Accounting Estimates (Amendments to KIFRS 1008)

 

   

Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities Arising from a Single Transaction (Amendments to KIFRS 1012)

 

   

KIFRS 1117 Insurance Contracts and its amendments

 

   

International tax reform—Pillar Two model rules (Amendments to KIFRS 1012)

The Pillar Two model rules is scheduled to take effect for the Group’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2024. As the Group falls within the scope of the enacted Pillar Two model rules, it has assessed the potential exposure to Pillar Two income tax. The assessment of potential exposure to Pillar Two income tax is based on the most recent tax returns of the Group’s ultimate controlling entity group, country-by-country reporting, and financial statements. The Group expects that the exposure to Pillar Two income tax will be immaterial.

 

  (1)

Operating segments

An operating segment is a component of the Group that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Group’s other components. The Group’s operating segments have been determined to be each business unit, for which the Group generates separately identifiable financial information that is regularly reported to the chief operating decision maker for the purpose of resource allocation and assessment of segment performance. The Group has three reportable segments as described in note 4. Segment results that are reported to the chief operating decision maker include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (2)

Basis of consolidation

1) Business combination

A business combination is accounted for by applying the acquisition method, unless it is a combination involving entities or businesses under common control.

In determining whether a particular set of activities and assets is a business, the Group assesses whether the set of assets and activities acquired includes, at a minimum, an input and substantive process and whether the acquired set has the ability to produce outputs.

The Group has an option to apply a ‘concentration test’ that permits a simplified assessment of whether an acquired set of activities and assets is not a business. The optional concentration test is met if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets.

Consideration transferred is generally measured at fair value, identical to the measurement of identifiable net assets acquired at fair value. The difference between the acquired company’s fair value and the consideration transferred is accounted for goodwill. Any goodwill that arises is tested annually for impairment. Any gain on a bargain purchase is recognized in profit or loss immediately. Acquisition-related costs are expensed in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received, except if related to the costs to issue debt or equity securities recognized based on KIFRS 1032 and KIFRS 1109.

Consideration transferred does not include the amount settled in relation to the pre-existing relationship. Such amounts are generally recognized through profit or loss.

Contingent consideration is measured at fair value at the acquisition date. Contingent consideration classified as equity is not remeasured and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity. If contingent consideration is not classified as equity, the Group subsequently recognizes changes in fair value of contingent consideration through profit or loss.

2) Non-controlling interests

Non-controlling interests are measured at their proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets at the date of acquisition.

Changes in a Controlling Company’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in the Controlling Company losing control of the subsidiary are accounted for as equity transactions.

3) Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls an investee when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. Consolidation of an investee begins from the date the Group obtains control of the investee and cease when the Group loses control of the investee.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (2)

Basis of consolidation Continued

 

4) Loss of control

If the Group loses control of a subsidiary, the Group derecognizes the assets and liabilities of the former subsidiary from the consolidated statement of financial position and recognizes gain or loss associated with the loss of control attributable to the former controlling interest. Any investment retained in the former subsidiary is recognized at its fair value when control is lost.

5) Interest in investees accounted for using the equity method

Interest in investees accounted for using the equity method composed of interest in associates and joint ventures.

An associate is an entity in which the Group has significant influence, but not control, over the entity’s financial and operating policies. A joint venture is a joint arrangement whereby the Group that has joint control of the arrangement has rights to the net assets of the arrangement.

The investment in an associate and a joint venture is initially recognized at cost including transaction costs and the carrying amount is increased or decreased to recognize the Group’s share of the profit or loss and changes in equity of the associate or the joint venture after the date of acquisition.

6) Intra-group transactions

Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealized income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. The Group’s share of unrealized gain incurred from transactions with investees accounted for using the equity method are eliminated and unrealized loss are eliminated using the same basis if there are no evidence of asset impairments.

7) Business combinations under common control

SK Inc. is the ultimate controlling entity of the Group. The assets and liabilities acquired under business combination under common control are recognized at the carrying amounts in the ultimate controlling shareholder’s consolidated financial statements. The difference between consideration and carrying amount of net assets acquired is added to or subtracted from capital surplus and others.

 

  (3)

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances, call deposits and investment securities with maturities of three months or less from the acquisition date that are easily convertible to cash and subject to an insignificant risk of changes in their fair value.

 

  (4)

Inventories

Inventories are initially recognized at the acquisition cost and subsequently measured using the weighted average method. During the period, a perpetual inventory system is used to track inventory quantities, which is adjusted based on the physical inventory counts performed at the period end. When the net realizable value of inventories is less than cost, the carrying amount is reduced to the net realizable value, and any difference is charged to current period as operating expenses.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (5)

Non-derivative financial assets

1) Recognition and initial measurement

Accounts receivable – trade and debt investments issued are initially recognized when they are originated. All other financial assets and financial liabilities are initially recognized when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

A financial asset (unless an accounts receivable – trade without a significant financing component) or financial liability is initially measured at fair value plus, for an item not at FVTPL, transaction costs that are directly attributable to its acquisition or issue. An accounts receivable – trade without a significant financing component is initially measured at the transaction price.

2) Classification and subsequent measurement

On initial recognition, a financial asset is classified as measured at:

 

   

FVTPL

 

   

FVOCI – equity investment

 

   

FVOCI – debt investment

 

   

Financial assets at amortized cost

A financial asset is classified based on the business model in which a financial asset is managed and its contractual cash flow characteristics.

Financial assets are not reclassified subsequent to their initial recognition unless the Group changes its business model for managing financial assets, in which case all affected financial assets are reclassified on the first day of the first reporting period following the change in the business model.

A financial asset is measured at amortized cost if it meets both of the following conditions and is not designated as at FVTPL:

 

   

it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows; and

 

   

its contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding on specified dates.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (5)

Non-derivative financial assets, Continued

2) Classification and subsequent measurement, Continued

 

A debt investment is measured at FVOCI if it meets both of the following conditions and is not designated as at FVTPL:

 

   

it is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets; and

 

   

its contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding on specified dates.

On initial recognition of an equity investment that is not held for trading, the Group may irrevocably elect to present subsequent changes in the investment’s fair value in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). This election is made on an investment-by-investment basis.

All financial assets not classified as measured at amortized cost or FVOCI as described above are measured at FVTPL. This includes all derivative financial assets. On initial recognition, the Group may irrevocably designate a financial asset that otherwise meets the requirements to be measured at amortized cost or at FVOCI as at FVTPL if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch that would otherwise arise.

The following accounting policies are applied to the subsequent measurement of financial assets.

 

     

  

Financial assets at FVTPL

   These assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Net gains and losses, including any interest or dividend income, are recognized in profit or loss.
  

Financial assets at amortized cost

   These assets are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The amortized cost is reduced by impairment losses. Interest income, foreign exchange gains and losses and impairment are recognized in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on derecognition is recognized in profit or loss.
  

Debt investments at FVOCI

   These assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Interest income calculated using the effective interest method, foreign exchange gains and losses and impairment are recognized in profit or loss. Other net gains and losses are recognized in OCI. On derecognition, gains and losses accumulated in OCI are reclassified to profit or loss.
  

Equity investments at FVOCI

   These assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Dividends are recognized as income in profit or loss unless the dividend clearly represents a recovery of the cost of the investment. Other net gains and losses are recognized in OCI and are never reclassified to profit or loss.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (5)

Non-derivative financial assets, Continued

 

3) Impairment

The Group estimates the expected credit losses (“ECL”) for the debt instruments measured at amortized cost and FVOCI based on the Group’s historical experience and informed credit assessment that includes forward-looking information. The impairment approach is decided based on the assessment of whether the credit risk of a financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition. However, the Group applies a practical expedient and recognizes impairment losses equal to lifetime ECLs for accounts receivable – trade and lease receivables from the initial recognition.

ECL is a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses. Credit losses are measured as the present value of all cash shortfalls (i.e., the difference between the cash flows due to the entity in accordance with the contract and the cash flows that the Group expects to receive).

At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether financial assets measured at amortized cost and debt investments at FVOCI are credit-impaired. A financial asset is ‘credit-impaired’ when one or more events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset have occurred.

Loss allowance on financial assets measured at amortized cost is deducted from the carrying amount of the respective assets, while loss allowance on debt instruments at FVOCI is recognized in OCI, instead of reducing the carrying amount of the transferred assets.

4) Derecognition

Financial assets

The Group derecognizes a financial asset when:

 

   

the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire; or

 

   

it transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash flows in a transaction in which either:

 

   

substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred; or

 

   

the Group neither transfers nor retains substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership and it does not retain control of the financial asset.

The Group enters into transactions whereby it transfers assets recognized in its consolidated statement of financial position, but retains either all or substantially all of the risks and rewards of the transferred assets. In these cases, the transferred assets are not derecognized.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (5)

Non-derivative financial assets, Continued

4) Derecognition, Continued

 

Interest rate benchmark reform

When the basis for determining the contractual cash flows of a financial asset or financial liability measured at amortized cost changed as a result of interest rate benchmark reform, the Group updated the effective interest rate of the financial asset or financial liability to reflect the change that is required by the reform. A change in the basis for determining the contractual cash flows is required by interest rate benchmark reform if the following conditions are met:

 

   

the change is necessary as a direct consequence of the reform; and

 

   

the new basis for determining the contractual cash flows is economically equivalent to the previous basis – i.e., the basis immediately before the change.

When changes were made to a financial asset or financial liability in addition to changes to the basis for determining the contractual cash flows required by interest rate benchmark reform, the Group first updated the effective rate of the financial asset or financial liability to reflect the change that is required by interest rate benchmark reform. After that, the Group applied the policies on accounting for modifications to the additional changes.

5) Offsetting

Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is presented in the statement of financial position when the Group currently has a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts and intends either to settle on a net basis or to settle the liability and realize the asset simultaneously.

A financial asset and a financial liability are offset only when the right to set off the amount is not contingent on future event and legally enforceable even on the event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy.

 

  (6)

Derivative financial instruments, including hedge accounting

Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivatives are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period, and changes therein are accounted for as described below.

1) Hedge accounting

The Group holds forward exchange contracts, interest rate swaps, currency swaps and other derivative contracts to manage interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk. The Group designates derivatives as hedging instruments to hedge the variability in cash flow associated with highly probable forecasted transactions or firm commitments (a cash flow hedge).

On initial designation of the hedge, the Group formally documents the relationship between the hedging instrument(s) and hedged item(s), including the risk management objectives and strategy in undertaking the hedge transaction, together with the methods that will be used to assess the effectiveness of the hedging relationship.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (6)

Derivative financial instruments, including hedge accounting, Continued

1) Hedge accounting, Continued

 

Hedges directly affected by interest rate benchmark reform

When uncertainty arises about the interest rate benchmark designated as a hedged risk and the timing or the amount of the interest rate benchmark-based cash flows of the hedged item or of the hedging instrument as a result of IBOR reform, for the purpose of evaluating whether there is an economic relationship between the hedged items and the hedging instruments, the Group assumes that the interest rate benchmark on which the hedged items and the hedging instruments are based is not altered as a result of interest rate benchmark reform.

For a cash flow hedge of a forecast transaction, the Group assumes that the benchmark interest rate will not be altered as a result of interest rate benchmark reform for the purpose of assessing whether the forecast transaction is highly probable and determining whether a previously designated forecast transaction in a discontinued cash flow hedge is still expected to occur.

The Group will cease applying the specific policy for assessing the economic relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument

 

   

to a hedged item or hedging instrument when the uncertainty arising from interest rate benchmark reform is no longer present with respect to the timing and the amount of the interest rate benchmark-based cash flows of the respective item or instrument; or

 

   

when the hedging relationship is discontinued.

When the basis for determining the contractual cash flows of the hedged item or hedging instrument changes as a result of IBOR reform and therefore there is no longer uncertainty arising about the cash flows of the hedged item or the hedging instrument, the Group amends the hedge documentation of that hedging relationship to reflect the change(s) required by IBOR reform.

The Group amends the formal hedge documentation by the end of the reporting period during which a change required by IBOR reform is made to the hedged risk, hedged item or hedging instrument. These amendments in the formal hedge documentation do not constitute the discontinuation of the hedging relationship or the designation of a new hedging relationship.

If changes are made in addition to those changes required by interest rate benchmark reform to the financial asset or financial liability designated in a hedging relationship or to the designation of the hedging relationship, the Group determines whether those additional changes result in the discontinuation of hedging accounting. If the additional changes do not result in the discontinuation of hedging accounting, the Group amend the formal designation of the hedging relationship.

When the interest rate benchmark on which the hedged future cash flows had been based is changed as required by IBOR reform, for the purpose of determining whether the hedged future cash flows are expected to occur, the Group deems that the hedging reserve recognized in OCI for that hedging relationship is based on the alternative benchmark rate on which the hedged future cash flows will be based.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (6)

Derivative financial instruments, including hedge accounting, Continued

1) Hedge accounting, Continued

 

Cash flow hedge

When a derivative is designated to hedge the variability in cash flows attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognized asset or liability or a highly probable forecasted transaction that could affect profit or loss, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax, and presented in the hedging reserve in equity. Any ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized immediately in profit or loss. If the hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, expires or is sold, terminated, exercised, or the designation is revoked, then hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. The cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument that has been recognized in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss in the periods during which the forecasted transaction occurs. If the forecasted transaction is no longer expected to occur, then the balance in other comprehensive income is recognized immediately in profit or loss.

2) Other derivative financial instruments

Other derivative financial instrument not designated as a hedging instrument are measured at fair value, and the changes in fair value of the derivative financial instrument is recognized immediately in profit or loss.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (7)

Property and equipment

Property and equipment are initially measured at cost. The cost of property and equipment includes expenditures arising directly from the construction or acquisition of the asset, any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management and the initial estimate of the costs of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located.

Property and equipment, subsequently, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

Subsequent costs are recognized in the carrying amount of property and equipment at cost or, if appropriate, as a separate item if it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be reliably measured. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. The costs of the day-to-day servicing are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

Property and equipment, except for land, are depreciated on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives that appropriately reflect the pattern in which the asset’s future economic benefits are expected to be consumed. A component that is significant compared to the total cost of property and equipment is depreciated over its separate useful life.

Gains and losses on disposal of an item of property and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds from disposal with the carrying amount of property and equipment and are recognized as other non-operating income (loss).

The estimated useful lives of the Group’s property and equipment are as follows:

 

     Useful lives (years)
Buildings and structures    15 ~ 40
Machinery    3 ~ 15, 30
Other property and equipment    3 ~10

The Group reviews estimated residual values, expected useful lives, and depreciation methods annually at the end of each reporting date and adjusts, if appropriate. The change is accounted for as a change in an accounting estimate.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (8)

Intangible assets

Intangible assets are measured initially at cost and, subsequently, are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses.

Intangible assets, except for goodwill, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets from the date that they are available for use. The residual value of intangible assets is zero. However, club memberships and brand are expected to be available for use as there are no foreseeable limits to the periods. These intangible assets are determined as having indefinite useful lives and, therefore, not amortized.

The estimated useful lives of the Group’s intangible assets are as follows:

 

     Useful lives (years)

Frequency usage rights

   5 ~ 10

Land usage rights

   5

Industrial rights

   5, 10

Development costs

   5

Facility usage rights

   10, 20

Customer relations

   3 ~ 15

Other

   3 ~ 20

Amortization periods and the amortization methods for intangible assets with finite useful lives are reviewed at the end of each reporting period. The useful lives of intangible assets that are not being amortized are reviewed at the end of each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support indefinite useful life assessments for those assets. Changes, if appropriate, are accounted for as changes in accounting estimates.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (8)

Intangible assets, Continued

 

Expenditures on research activities are recognized in profit or loss as incurred. Development expenditures are capitalized only if development costs can be reliably measured, the product or process is technically and commercially feasible, future economic benefits are probable, and the Group intends to and has sufficient resources to complete development and to use or sell the asset. Other development expenditures are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

Subsequent expenditures are capitalized only when they increase the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset to which it relates. All other expenditures, including expenditures on internally generated goodwill and brands, are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

 

  (9)

Investment property

Investment properties are properties held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation. Investment properties are measured initially at cost, including transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, investment properties are reported at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

Subsequent expenditures are recognized in carrying amount of an asset or as a separate asset if it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the assets will flow into the Group and the cost of an asset can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of those parts that are replaced is derecognized. The costs associated with routine maintenance and repairs are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

Investment property, except for land, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of 30 years. In addition, right-of-use asset classified as investment property is depreciated using the straight-line basis from the commencement date to the end of the lease term.

The depreciation method, estimated useful lives and residual values are reviewed at the end of each reporting date and adjusted, if appropriate. The change is accounted for as a change in an accounting estimate.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (10)

Impairment of non-financial assets

The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-financial assets other than contract assets recognized for revenue arising from contracts with a customer, assets recognized for the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer, employee benefits, inventories, deferred tax assets, and non-current assets held for sale are reviewed at the end of the reporting period to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. Goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives or that are not yet available for use, irrespective of whether there is any indication of impairment, are tested for impairment annually by comparing their recoverable amounts to their carrying amounts.

The Group estimates the recoverable amount of an individual asset, and if it is impossible to measure the individual recoverable amount of an asset, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of cash-generating unit (“CGU”). A CGU is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. The value in use is estimated by applying a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset or CGU for which estimated future cash flows have not been adjusted, to the estimated future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or CGU.

An impairment loss is recognized in profit or loss to the extent the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its recoverable amount.

Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to each CGU that is expected to benefit from the synergy arising from the business acquired. Any impairment identified at the CGU level will first reduce the carrying amount of goodwill and then be used to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the CGU on a pro rata basis. Except for impairment losses in respect of goodwill which are never reversed, an impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized.

 

  (11)

Leases

A contract is or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.

1) Group as a lessee

At commencement or on modification of a contract that contains a lease component, the Group allocates the consideration in the contract to each lease component on the basis of its relative stand-alone prices. However, the Group has elected not to separate non-lease components and account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.

The Group recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset or the site on which it is located, less any lease incentives received.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (11)

Leases, Continued

1) Group as a lessee, Continued

 

The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line basis from the commencement date to the end of the lease term, unless the lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset to the Group by the end of the lease term or the cost of the right-of-use asset reflects that the Group will exercise a purchase option. In that case the right-of-use asset will be depreciated over the useful life of the underlying asset, which is determined on the same basis as those of property and equipment. In addition, the right-of-use asset is periodically reduced by impairment losses, if any, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability.

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Group’s incremental borrowing rate. Generally, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate.

The Group determines its incremental borrowing rate by obtaining interest rates from various external financing sources and makes certain adjustments to reflect the terms of the lease and type of the asset leased.

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise the following:

 

   

fixed payments, including in-substance fixed payments;

 

   

variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate as at the commencement date;

 

   

amounts expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee; and

 

   

the exercise price under a purchase option that the Group is reasonably certain to exercise, lease payments in an optional renewal period if the Group is reasonably certain to exercise an extension option, and penalties for early termination of a lease unless the Group is reasonably certain not to terminate early.

The lease liability is measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, if there is a change in the Group’s estimate of the amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, if the Group changes its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension of termination option of if there is a revised in-substance fixed lease payment.

When the lease liability is remeasured in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset, or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero.

The Group presents right-of-use assets that do not meet the definition of investment property in ‘property and equipment’ in the statement of financial position.

The Group has elected not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases of low-value assets and short-term leases. The Group recognizes the lease payments on short-term leases and leases of low value assets as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (11)

Leases, Continued

 

2) Group as a lessor

At inception or on modification of a contract that contains a lease component, the Group allocates the consideration in the contract to each lease component on the basis of their relative stand-alone prices.

When the Group acts as a lessor, it determines at lease inception whether each lease is a finance lease or an operating lease.

To classify each lease, the Group makes an overall assessment of whether the lease transfers substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the underlying asset. If this is the case, then the lease is a finance lease; if not, then it is an operating lease. As part of this assessment, the Group considers certain indicators such as whether the lease is for the major part of the economic life of the asset.

When the Group is an intermediate lessor, is accounts for its interests in the head lease and the sub-lease separately. It assesses the lease classification of a sub-lease with reference to the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease, not with reference to the underlying asset. If a head lease is a short-term lease to which the Group applies the exemption described above, then it classifies the sub-lease as an operating lease.

If an arrangement contains lease and non-lease components, then the Group applies KIFRS 1115 to allocate the consideration in the contract.

The Group applies derecognition and impairment requirements in KIFRS 1109 to the net investment in the lease. The Group further regularly reviews estimated unguaranteed residual values used in calculating the gross investment in the lease.

The Group recognizes lease payments received under operating leases as income on a straight-line basis over the lease term as part of ‘other revenue’.

 

  (12)

Non-current assets held for sale

Non-current assets, or disposal groups comprising assets and liabilities, that are expected to be recovered primarily through sales rather than through continuing use, are classified as held for sale. In order to be classified as held for sale, the assets (or disposal groups) must be available for immediate sale in their present condition and their sale must be highly probable. The assets or disposal groups that are classified as non-current assets held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amounts and fair value less cost to sell. The Group recognizes an impairment loss for any initial or subsequent write-down of assets (or disposal groups) to fair value less costs to sell and a gain for any subsequent increase in fair value less costs to sell up to the cumulative impairment loss previously recognized.

A non-current asset that is classified as held for sale or part of a disposal group classified as held for sale is not depreciated (or amortized).

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (13)

Non-derivative financial liabilities

The Group classifies non-derivative financial liabilities into financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss or other financial liabilities in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement. The Group recognizes financial liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the financial liabilities.

1) Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss include financial liabilities held for trading or designated as such upon initial recognition. Subsequent to initial recognition, these liabilities are measured at fair value. The amount of change in fair value of financial liability that is attributable to changes in the credit risk of that liability shall be presented in other comprehensive income, and the remaining amount of change in the fair value of the liability shall be presented in profit or loss. Upon initial recognition, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the issue of the financial liability are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

2) Other financial liabilities

Non-derivative financial liabilities other than financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are classified as other financial liabilities. At the date of initial recognition, other financial liabilities are measured at fair value minus transaction costs that are directly attributable to the issue of the financial liabilities. Subsequent to initial recognition, other financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost and the interest expenses are recognized using the effective interest method.

3) Derecognition of financial liability

The Group extinguishes a financial liability only when the contractual obligation is fulfilled, canceled or expires. The Group recognizes new financial liabilities at fair value based on new contracts and eliminates existing liabilities when the contractual terms of the financial liabilities change and the cash flows change substantially.

When a financial liability is derecognized, the difference between the carrying amount and the consideration paid (including any transferred non-cash assets or liabilities assumed) is recognized in profit or loss.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (14)

Employee benefits

1) Short-term employee benefits

Short-term employee benefits are employee benefits that are due to be settled within 12 months after the end of the period in which the employees render related services. When an employee has rendered a service to the Group during an accounting period, the Group recognizes the undiscounted amount of short-term employee benefits expected to be paid in exchange for that service.

2) Other long-term employee benefits

Other long-term employee benefits include employee benefits that are settled beyond 12 months after the end of the period in which the employees render related services. The Group’s net obligation in respect of long-term employee benefits is the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods. That benefit is discounted to determine its present value. Remeasurements are recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they arise.

3) Retirement benefits: defined contribution plans

When an employee has rendered a service to the Group during a period, the Group recognizes the contribution payable to a defined contribution plan in exchange for that service as a liability (accrued expense), after deducting any contribution already paid. If the contribution already paid exceeds the contribution due for service before the end of the reporting period, the Group recognizes that excess as an asset (prepaid expense) to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.

4) Retirement benefits: defined benefit plans

At the end of reporting period, defined benefit liabilities (assets) relating to defined benefit plans are recognized at present value of defined benefit obligations net of fair value of plan assets.

The calculation is performed annually by an independent actuary using the projected unit credit method. When the fair value of plan assets exceeds the present value of the defined benefit obligation, the Group recognizes an asset, to the extent of the present value of any economic benefits available in the form of refunds from the plan or reduction in the future contributions to the plan.

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability (asset), which comprise actuarial gains and losses, the return on plan assets (excluding interest) and the effect of the asset ceiling (if any, excluding interest), are recognized immediately in other comprehensive income. The Group determines net interests on net defined benefit liability (asset) by multiplying discount rate determined at the beginning of the annual reporting period and considers changes in net defined benefit liability (asset) from contributions and benefit payments. Net interest costs and other costs relating to the defined benefit plan are recognized through profit or loss.

When the plan amendment or curtailment occurs, gains or losses on amendment or curtailment in benefits for the past service provided are recognized through profit or loss. The Group recognizes a gain or loss on a settlement when the settlement of defined benefit plan occurs.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (15)

Provisions

Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

The risks and uncertainties that inevitably surround many events and circumstances are taken into account in reaching the best estimate of a provision. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined at the present value of the expected future cash flows.

If some or all of the expenditures required to settle a provision are expected to be reimbursed by another party, the reimbursement is recognized when, and only when, it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received if the entity settles the obligation. The reimbursement is treated as a separate asset.

Provisions are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and adjusted to reflect the current best estimates. If it is no longer probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, the provision is reversed.

A provision is used only for expenditures for which the provision was originally recognized.

 

  (16)

Emissions Rights

The Group accounts for greenhouse gases emission right and the relevant liability as below pursuant to the Act on Allocation and Trading of Greenhouse Gas Emission in Korea.

1) Greenhouse Gases Emission Right

Greenhouse Gases Emission Right consists of emission allowances, which are allocated from the government free of charge or purchased from the market. The cost includes any directly attributable costs incurred during the normal course of business.

The Group derecognizes an emission right asset when the emission allowance is unusable, disposed or submitted to government in which the future economic benefits are no longer expected to be probable.

2) Emissions liability

Emission liability is a present obligation of submitting emission rights to the government with regard to emission of greenhouse gas. The emission liability is measured based on the expected quantity of emission for the performing period in excess of emission allowance in possession and the unit price for such emission rights in the market at the end of the reporting period. The emissions liabilities are derecognized when they are surrendered to the government.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (17)

Transactions in foreign currencies

1) Foreign currency transactions

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the functional currency of the Group at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated to the functional currency using the exchange rate at the reporting date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are measured at fair value are retranslated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at the date that the fair value was determined.

Exchange differences arising from monetary items except for financial liabilities designated cashflow hedging instruments are recognized in profit or loss. If a gain or loss on a non-monetary item is recognized in other comprehensive income, any foreign exchange differences are also recognized in other comprehensive income. When a gain or loss on a non-monetary item is recognized in profit or loss, any foreign exchange differences are also recognized in profit or loss.

2) Foreign operations

If the presentation currency of the Group is different from a foreign operation’s functional currency, the financial statements of the foreign operation are translated into the presentation currency using the following methods:

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, whose functional currency is not the currency of a hyperinflationary economy, are translated to presentation currency at exchange rates at the reporting date. The income and expenses of foreign operations are translated to functional currency at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Foreign currency differences are recognized in other comprehensive income.

Any goodwill arising on the acquisition of a foreign operation and any fair value adjustments to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities arising on the acquisition of that foreign operation is treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign operation. Thus, they are expressed in the functional currency of the foreign operation and translated at the closing rate at the reporting date.

When a foreign operation is disposed, the relevant amount in the translation is transferred to profit or loss as part of the profit or loss on disposal. On the partial disposal of a subsidiary that includes a foreign operation, the relevant proportion of such cumulative amount is reattributed to non-controlling interest. In any other partial disposal of a foreign operation, the relevant proportion is reclassified to profit or loss.

 

  (18)

Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of ordinary shares and share options are recognized as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects.

When the Parent Company repurchases its own shares, the amount of the consideration paid is recognized as a deduction from equity and classified as treasury shares. The gains or losses from the purchase, disposal, reissue, or retirement of treasury shares are directly recognized in equity being as transaction with owners.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (19)

Hybrid bond

The Group recognizes a financial instrument issued by the Group as an equity instrument if it does not include contractual obligation to deliver financial assets including cash to the counter party.

 

  (20)

Share-based payment

For equity-settled share-based payment transaction, if the fair value of the goods or services received cannot be reliably estimated, the Group measures the value indirectly by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments granted. The related expense with a corresponding increase in capital surplus and others is recognized over the vesting period of the awards.

The amount recognized as an expense is adjusted to reflect the number of awards for which the related service and non-market performance conditions are expected to be met, such that the amount ultimately recognized is based on the number of awards that meet the related service and non-market performance conditions at the vesting date.

The fair value of the amount payable to employees in respect of share appreciation rights, which are settled in cash, is recognized as an expense with a corresponding increase in liabilities, over the period in which the employees become unconditionally entitled to payment. The liability is remeasured at each reporting date and at settlement date based on the fair value of the share appreciation rights. Any changes in the fair value of the liability are recognized in profit or loss.

 

  (21)

Revenue

1) Identification of performance obligations in contracts with customers

The Group identifies the distinct services or goods as performance obligations in contracts with customers such as (1) providing wireless and fixed-line telecommunications services, (2) sale of handsets and (3) providing other goods and services. In the case of providing both wireless telecommunications service and selling a handset together to one customer, the Group allocates considerations from the customer between the separate performance obligations for handset sale and wireless telecommunications service. The handset sale revenue is recognized when handset is delivered, and the wireless telecommunications service revenue is recognized over the period of the contract term as stated in the subscription contract.

2) Allocation of the transaction price to each performance obligation

The Group allocates the transaction price of a contract to each performance obligation identified on a relative stand-alone selling price basis. The Group uses “adjusted market assessment approach” for estimating the stand-alone selling price of a good or service.

3) Incremental costs of obtaining a contract

The Group pays commissions to its retail stores and authorized dealers in connection with acquiring service contracts. The commissions paid to these parties constituted a significant portion of the Group’s operating expenses. These commissions would not have been paid if there have been no binding contracts with subscribers and, therefore, the Group capitalizes certain costs associated with commissions paid to obtain new customer contracts and amortize them over the expected contract periods.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (21)

Revenue, Continued

 

4) Customer loyalty programs

The Group provides customer loyalty points to customers based on the usage of the service to which the Group allocates a portion of consideration received as a performance obligation distinct from wireless telecommunications services. The amount to be allocated to the loyalty program is measured according to the relative stand-alone selling price of the customer loyalty points. The amount allocated to the loyalty program is deferred as a contract liability and is recognized as revenue when loyalty points are redeemed.

5) Consideration payable to a customer

Based on the subscription contract, a customer who uses the Group’s wireless telecommunications services may receive a discount for purchasing goods or services from a designated third party. The Group pays a portion of the price discounts that the customer receives to the third party which is viewed as consideration payable to a customer. The Group accounts for the amounts payable to the third party as a reduction of the wireless telecommunications service revenue.

 

  (22)

Finance income and finance costs

Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested (including financial assets measured at fair value), dividend income, gains on disposal of financial assets at FVTPL, changes in fair value of financial instruments at FVTPL, and gains on hedging instruments that are recognized in profit or loss. Interest income is recognized as it accrues in profit or loss, using the effective interest rate method. Dividend income is recognized in profit or loss when the right to receive the dividend is established.

Finance costs comprise interest expense on borrowings and debentures, changes in fair value of financial instruments at FVTPL, and losses on hedging instruments that are recognized in profit or loss. Interest expense on borrowings and debentures is recognized as it accrues in profit or loss using the effective interest rate method.

 

  (23)

Income taxes

Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Current tax and deferred tax are recognized in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to a business combination, or items recognized directly in equity or in OCI.

The Group pays income tax in accordance with the tax-consolidation system when the Parent Company and its subsidiaries are economically unified.

1) Current tax

Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable profit or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period, and includes interests and fines related to income taxes paid or payable. The taxable profit is different from the accounting profit for the period since the taxable profit is calculated excluding the temporary differences, which will be taxable or deductible in determining taxable profit (tax loss) of future periods, and non-taxable or non-deductible items from the accounting profit.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (23)

Income taxes, Continued

 

2) Deferred tax

Deferred tax is recognized by using the asset-liability method in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The Group recognizes a deferred tax liability for all taxable temporary differences, except for the difference associated with investments in subsidiaries and associates that the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. The Group recognizes a deferred tax asset for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that the temporary difference will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary difference can be utilized.

A deferred tax asset is recognized for the carryforward of unused tax losses and unused tax credits to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the unused tax losses and unused tax credits can be utilized. Future taxable profit is dependent on the reversal of taxable temporary differences. If there are insufficient taxable temporary differences to recognize the deferred tax asset, the business plan of the Group and the reversal of existing temporary differences are considered in determining the future taxable profit.

The Group reviews the carrying amount of a deferred tax asset at the end of each reporting period and reduces the carrying amount to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow the benefit of part or all of that deferred tax asset to be utilized.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized, or the liability is settled based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the Group expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only if the Group has a legally enforceable right to offset the amount recognized and intends to settle the current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis. Income tax expense in relation to dividend payments is recognized when liabilities relating to the dividend payments are recognized.

3) Uncertainty over income tax treatments

The Group assesses the uncertainty over income tax treatments pursuant to KIFRS 1012. If the Group concludes it is not probable that the taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment, the Group reflects the effect of uncertainty for each uncertain tax treatment by using either of the following methods, depending on which method the entity expects to better predict the resolution of the uncertainty:

 

   

The most likely amount: the single most likely amount in a range of possible outcomes.

 

   

The expected value: the sum of the probability-weighted amounts in a range of possible outcomes.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3.

Material Accounting Policies, Continued

 

  (24)

Earnings per share

The Group presents basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) data for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Parent Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for own shares held. Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, adjusted for own shares held, for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares, which comprise share options granted to employees, if any.

 

  (25)

Discontinued operation

A discontinued operation is a component of the Group’s business, the operations and cash flows of which can be clearly distinguished from the rest of the Group and which:

 

   

represents a separate major line of business or geographic area of operations;

 

   

is part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or geographic area of operations; or

 

   

is a subsidiary acquired only for a purpose of resale.

When an operation is classified as a discontinued operation, the comparative statements of income and comprehensive income are re-presented as if the operation had been discontinued from the start of the comparative year.

 

  (26)

Standards issued but not yet effective

The new and amended standards and interpretations that are issued, but not yet effective for annual period beginning after January 1, 2023 are disclosed below. The following amendments are not expected to have a significant impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

 

   

Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current (Amendments to KIFRS 1001).

 

   

Disclosures of Information on Supplier Finance Arrangements (Amendments to KIFRS 1007 and KIFRS 1107)

 

   

Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback (Amendments to KIFRS 1116)

 

   

Disclosures of Crypto assets (Amendments to KIFRS 1001)

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

4.

Operating Segments

The Group’s operating segments have been identified to be each business unit, by which the Group provides different services and merchandise. The Group’s reportable segments include: cellular services, which include cellular voice service, wireless data service and wireless internet services; fixed-line telecommunication services, which include telephone services, internet services, and leased line services; and all other businesses, which include providing shopping channel and digital platform for selling products and other immaterial operations, each of which does not meet the quantitative threshold to be considered as a reportable segment and are presented collectively as others.

 

  (1)

Segment information for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)

 

     2023  
     Cellular
services
     Fixed-line
telecommunication

services
     Others     Sub-total      Adjustments     Total  

Total revenue

   W 14,664,180        5,095,704        603,493       20,363,377        (2,754,866     17,608,511  

Inter-segment revenue

     1,541,014        1,167,684        46,168       2,754,866        (2,754,866     —   

External revenue

     13,123,166        3,928,020        557,325       17,608,511        —        17,608,511  

Depreciation and amortization

     2,743,448        971,628        24,390       3,739,466        (124,700     3,614,766  

Operating profit (loss)

     1,463,934        329,072        (42,771     1,750,235        2,969       1,753,204  

Finance income and costs, net

 

    (279,025

Gain relating to investments in associates and joint ventures, net

 

    10,928  

Other non-operating income and expense, net

 

    3,072  

Profit before income tax

 

    1,488,179  

 

(In millions of won)

 

     2022  
     Cellular
services
     Fixed-line
telecommunication

services
     Others     Sub-total      Adjustments     Total  

Total revenue

   W 14,496,866        4,895,791        592,188       19,984,845        (2,679,872     17,304,973  

Inter-segment revenue

     1,554,550        1,082,802        42,520       2,679,872        (2,679,872     —   

External revenue

     12,942,316        3,812,989        549,668       17,304,973        —        17,304,973  

Depreciation and amortization

     2,738,547        981,838        22,730       3,743,115        (121,790     3,621,325  

Operating profit (loss)

     1,334,306        311,210        (2,126     1,643,390        (31,320     1,612,070  

Finance income and costs, net

 

    (276,489

Loss relating to investments in associates and joint ventures, net

 

    (81,707

Other non-operating income and expense, net

 

    (17,722

Profit before income tax

 

    1,236,152  

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

4.

Operating Segments, Continued

 

  1)

Segment information for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows, Continued:

 

The Group principally operates its businesses in Korea and the revenue amounts earned outside of Korea are immaterial. Therefore, no entity-wide geographical information is presented.

No single customer contributed 10% or more to the Group’s total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

  2)

Disaggregation of operating revenues considering the economic factors that affect the nature, amounts, timing and uncertainty of the Group’s revenue and future cash flows is as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
          2023      2022  

Goods and Services transferred at a point in time:

        

Cellular revenue

   Goods and others(*1)    W 993,919        969,025  

Fixed-line telecommunication revenue

   Goods and others      93,174        66,477  

Other revenue

   Others(*2)      459,905        464,805  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        1,546,998        1,500,307  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Goods and Services transferred over time:

        

Cellular revenue

   Wireless service(*3)      10,328,980        10,253,217  
  

Cellular interconnection

     432,660        471,163  
  

Other(*4)

     1,367,607        1,248,911  

Fixed-line telecommunication revenue

   Fixed-line service      147,669        156,662  
  

Cellular interconnection

     15,804        21,209  
  

Internet Protocol Television(*5)

     1,837,209        1,816,130  
  

International calls

     190,872        180,689  
  

Internet service and miscellaneous(*6)

     1,643,292        1,571,822  

Other revenue

  

Miscellaneous(*2)

     97,420        84,863  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        16,061,513        15,804,666  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
      W 17,608,511        17,304,973  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

4.

Operating Segments, Continued

 

  (2)

Disaggregation of operating revenues considering the economic factors that affect the nature, amounts, timing and uncertainty of the Group’s revenue and future cash flows is as follows, Continued:

 

(*1)

Cellular revenue includes revenue from sales of handsets and other electronic accessories.

(*2)

Miscellaneous other revenue includes revenue from considerations received for the data broadcasting channel use for product sales-type and sales of goods through data broadcasting.

(*3)

Wireless service includes revenue from wireless voice and data transmission services principally derived from wireless subscribers.

(*4)

Other revenue includes revenue from billing and collection services as well as other miscellaneous services.

(*5)

Internet Protocol Television (“IPTV”) service revenue includes revenue from IPTV services principally derived from usage charges to IPTV subscribers.

(*6)

Internet service includes revenue from the high speed broadband internet service principally derived from usage charges to subscribers as well as other miscellaneous services.

 

5.

Deposits with Restrictions on Use

Deposits which are restricted in use as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are summarized as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  

Cash and cash equivalents(*)

   W 58        43  

Short-term financial instruments(*)

     79,500        79,514  

Long-term financial instruments(*)

     372        375  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 79,930        79,932  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Includes the followings: i) deposits restricted in use due to the court’s order for seizure and collection of bonds; and ii) charitable trust fund established by the Group, profits from which shall be donated to charitable institutions. As of December 31, 2023, such deposits and funds cannot be withdrawn before maturity.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

 

6.

Trade and Other Receivables

 

  (1)

Details of trade and other receivables as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2023  
     Gross
amount
     Loss
allowance
     Carrying
amount
 

Current assets:

        

Accounts receivable – trade

   W 2,221,266        (242,734      1,978,532  

Short-term loans

     78,824        (695      78,129  

Accounts receivable – other(*)

     375,748        (31,398      344,350  

Accrued income

     4,295        —         4,295  

Guarantee deposits (Other current assets)

     129,357        —         129,357  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,809,490        (274,827      2,534,663  

Non-current assets:

        

Long-term loans

     71,847        (41,392      30,455  

Long-term accounts receivable – other(*)

     314,409        (1,878      312,531  

Guarantee deposits

     157,163        (300      156,863  

Long-term accounts receivable – trade (Other non-current assets)

     12,320        (3      12,317  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     555,739        (43,573      512,166  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W  3,365,229        (318,400      3,046,829  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (*)

Gross and carrying amounts of accounts receivable – other as of December 31, 2023 include W 273,945 million of financial instruments classified as fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”).

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2022  
     Gross
amount
     Loss
allowance
     Carrying
amount
 

Current assets:

        

Accounts receivable – trade

   W 2,205,530        (234,919      1,970,611  

Short-term loans

     79,298        (708      78,590  

Accounts receivable – other(*)

     522,091        (42,310      479,781  

Accrued income

     1,732        —         1,732  

Guarantee deposits (Other current assets)

     113,204        —         113,204  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,921,855        (277,937      2,643,918  

Non-current assets:

        

Long-term loans

     71,857        (44,884      26,973  

Long-term accounts receivable – other(*)

     375,829        (1,878      373,951  

Guarantee deposits

     167,741        (300      167,441  

Long-term accounts receivable – trade (Other non-current assets)

     14,165        (4      14,161  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     629,592        (47,066      582,526  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W  3,551,447        (325,003      3,226,444  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (*)

Gross and carrying amounts of accounts receivable – other as of December 31, 2022 include W 332,669 million of financial instruments classified as fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”).

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

6.

Trade and Other Receivables, Continued

 

  (2)

Changes in the loss allowance on accounts receivable – trade measured at amortized costs for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     Beginning
balance
     Impair ment      Write-offs (*)     Collection of
receivables
previously
written-off
     Business
combination
     Ending
balance
 

2023

   W 234,923        37,906        (40,236     10,144        —         242,737  

2022

   W 238,881        27,053        (42,296     11,282        3        234,923  

 

(*)

The Group writes off the trade and other receivables that are determined to be uncollectable due to reasons such as termination of operations or bankruptcy.

 

  (3)

The Group applies the practical expedient that allows the Group to estimate the loss allowance for accounts receivable – trade at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses. The expected credit losses include the forward-looking information. To make the assessment, the Group uses its historical credit loss experience over the past three years and classifies the accounts receivable – trade by their credit risk characteristics and days overdue. Details of loss allowance on accounts receivable – trade as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                         
     Less than 6
months
    6 months ~
1 year
    1 ~ 3
years
    More than 3
years
 

Telecommunications service revenue

  

Expected credit

loss rate

     1.51     69.24     88.55     99.99
  

Gross amount

   W 1,467,781       48,329       139,925       21,545  
  

Loss allowance

     22,130       33,461       123,906       21,542  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other revenue

   Expected credit loss rate      2.30     28.27     53.39     93.51
  

Gross amount

   W 516,401       4,100       11,378       24,127  
  

Loss allowance

     11,903       1,159       6,075       22,561  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As the Group is a wireless and fixed-line telecommunications service provider, the Group’s financial assets measured at amortized cost primarily consist of receivables from numerous individual customers, therefore, no significant credit concentration risk arises.

Receivables related to other revenue mainly consist of receivables from corporate customers. The Group transacts only with corporate customers with credit ratings that are considered to be low at credit risk. In addition, the Group is not exposed to significant credit concentration risk as the Group regularly assesses their credit risk by monitoring their credit rating. While the contract assets are under the impairment requirements, no significant credit risk has been identified.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

7.

Prepaid expenses

 

The Group pays commissions to its retail stores and authorized dealers, primarily for wireless telecommunication services based on their performance of attracting new customers and renewing contracts with existing customers, and recognizes costs that would not occur in case of not signing contracts with new and existing customers as prepaid expenses among the commissions. These prepaid expenses are amortized on a straight-line basis over the periods that the Group expects to maintain its customers.

 

  (1)

Details of prepaid expenses as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  

Current assets:

 

Incremental costs of obtaining contracts

   W 1,882,296        1,888,182  

Others

     71,473        86,133  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W  1,953,769        1,974,315  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current assets:

 

Incremental costs of obtaining contracts

   W 1,022,813        996,180  

Others

     63,294        77,242  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 1,086,107        1,073,422  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (2)

Incremental costs of obtaining contracts

The amortization in connection with incremental costs of obtaining contracts recognized for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                  
       2023        2022  

Amortization recognized

     W  2,505,724           2,485,593  

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

8.

Contract Assets and Liabilities

 

In case of providing both wireless telecommunication services and sales of handsets, the Group allocated the consideration based on relative stand-alone selling prices and recognized unbilled receivables from handset sales as contract assets. The Group recognized receipts in advance for prepaid telecommunications services and unearned revenue for customer loyalty programs as contract liabilities.

 

  (1)

Details of contract assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  

Contract assets:

     

Allocation of consideration between performance obligations

   W 129,771        132,221  

Contract liabilities:

     

Wireless service contracts

     19,149        18,544  

Customer loyalty programs

     7,164        7,706  

Fixed-line service contracts

     146,106        136,880  

Others

     40,074        70,792  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W  212,493        233,922  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (2)

The amount of revenue recognized for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 related to the contract liabilities carried forward from the prior periods are W141,460 million and W109,867 million, respectively. Details of revenue expected to be recognized from contract liabilities as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                            
     Less than
1 year
     1 ~ 2 years      More than
2 years
     Total  

Wireless service contracts

   W 19,149        —         —         19,149  

Customer loyalty programs

     5,717        969        478        7,164  

Fixed-line service contracts

     93,587        9,502        43,017        146,106  

Others

     37,124        2,950        —         40,074  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W  155,577        13,421        43,495        212,493  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

9.

Inventories

 

  (1)

Details of inventories as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  
   Acquisition
cost
     Valuation
allowance
    Carrying
amount
     Acquisition
cost
     Valuation
allowance
    Carrying
amount
 

Merchandise

   W 174,255        (7,641     166,614        156,919        (5,616     151,303  

Supplies

     13,195        —        13,195        15,052        —        15,052  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W  187,450        (7,641     179,809        171,971        (5,616     166,355  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (2)

Inventories recognized as operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are W1,264,302 million and W1,266,217 million, respectively, which are included in the cost of goods sold. In addition, valuation losses on inventories which are included in the cost of goods sold and other operating expenses amount to W2,025 million and W1,541 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Write-downs included in other operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 are W19 million.

 

10.

Long-term Investment Securities

 

  (1)

Details of long-term investment securities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)        
     Category     December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  

Equity instruments

     FVOCI (*)    W 1,398,734        1,189,597  
     FVTPL       8        44,440  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 
    1,398,742        1,234,037  

Debt instruments

     FVTPL       280,642        176,699  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 
       280,642        176,699  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     W  1,679,384        1,410,736  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

The Group designated investments in equity instruments that are not held for trading as financial assets at FVOCI, and the amounts of those equity instruments as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are W1,398,734 million and W1,189,597 million, respectively.

 

52


Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

11.

Business Combinations

 

  (1)

2023

 

  There

were no changes in the Group due to the business combinations for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

  (2)

2022

 

  1)

Acquisition of SK m&service Co., Ltd. by PS&Marketing Corporation:

PS&Marketing Corporation obtained control over SK m&service Co., Ltd. by acquiring its 3,099,112 shares (100%) for the year ended December 31, 2022. As this transaction is a business combination under common control, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recognized at the carrying amounts in the ultimate controlling entity’s consolidated financial statements, and the difference between the consideration transferred and the carrying amounts of net assets was recognized as capital surplus and others. Subsequent to the acquisition of control, SK m&service Co., Ltd. recognized W211,081 million of revenue and W4,157 million of net profit for the year ended December 31, 2022. In addition, assuming that the business combination occurred as of January 1, 2022, the Group would have been recognized W250,108 million of revenue and W4,695 million of net profit for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

  (i)

Summary of the acquiree

 

    

Information of acquiree

Corporate name

   SK m&service Co., Ltd.

Location

   16th floor, 34, Supyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea

CEO

   Park, Jeong-Min

Industry

   Database and internet website service

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

11.

Business Combinations, Continued

 

  (ii)

Considerations transferred and identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     Amounts  

I. Consideration transferred:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   W 72,859  

II. Fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

 

Cash and cash equivalents

     10,547  

Accounts receivable – trade and other, net

     76,035  

Inventories, net

     3,349  

Property and equipment, net

     27,138  

Intangible assets, net

     12,462  

Goodwill

     2,516  

Other assets

     10,394  

Accounts payable – trade and other

     (53,894

Income tax payable

     (399

Lease liabilities

     (6,503

Provisions

     (991

Defined benefit liabilities

     (2,739

Other liabilities

     (18,337
  

 

 

 
     59,578  
  

 

 

 

III. Capital surplus and others(I - II)

   W 13,281  
  

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

 

12.

Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures

 

  (1)

Investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)           December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  
     Country      Ownership
(%)
     Carrying
amount
     Ownership
(%)
     Carrying
amount
 

Investments in associates:

              

SK China Company Ltd.

     China        27.3      W 896,990        27.3      W 879,527  

Korea IT Fund(*1)

     Korea        63.3        336,404        63.3        324,860  

UniSK

     China        49.0        22,285        49.0        20,839  

SK Technology Innovation Company

     Cayman Islands        49.0        70,409        49.0        69,375  

SK MENA Investment B.V.

     Netherlands        32.1        14,872        32.1        14,296  

SK Latin America Investment S.A.

     Spain        32.1        14,607        32.1        11,961  

SK South East Asia Investment Pte. Ltd.

     Singapore        20.0        355,282        20.0        357,537  

Citadel Pacific Telecom Holdings, LLC (*2)

     USA        15.0        45,901        15.0        48,542  

SM. Culture & Contents Co., Ltd.(*3)

     Korea        22.8        41,578        23.1        59,611  

Invites Genomics Co., Ltd.(*4)

(Formerly, Invites Healthcare Co., Ltd.)

     Korea        31.1        —         31.1        —   

Nam Incheon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.

     Korea        27.3        14,344        27.3        13,575  

Home Choice Corp.(*2)

     Korea        17.8        3,215        17.8        4,456  

Konan Technology Inc.

     Korea        20.7        6,349        20.8        8,366  

CMES Inc. (*2)

     Korea        7.7        900        7.7        900  

SK telecom Japan Inc.(*5)

     Japan        33.0        1,239        —         —   

12CM JAPAN and others(*2,6,7)

     —         —         81,142        —         69,734  
        

 

 

       

 

 

 
         W  1,905,517         W  1,883,579  
        

 

 

       

 

 

 

Investments in joint ventures:

              

UTC Kakao-SK Telecom ESG Fund(*8)

     Korea        48.2        9,495        48.2        5,710  
        

 

 

       

 

 

 
           9,495           5,710  
        

 

 

       

 

 

 
         W 1,915,012         W 1,889,289  
        

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

55


Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

12.

Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, Continued

 

  (1)

Investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows, Continued:

 

(*1)

Investment in Korea IT Fund was classified as investment in associates as the Group does not have control over the investee under the contractual agreement with other shareholders.

(*2)

These investments were classified as investments in associates as the Group can exercise significant influence through its right to appoint the members of the Board of Directors even though the Group has less than 20% of equity interests.

(*3)

The Group recognized an impairment loss of W18,755 million as the recoverable amount was assessed to be less than the carrying amount for the year ended December 31, 2023.

(*4)

The Group recognized the carrying amount of investments in Invites Genomics Co., Ltd. (Formerly, Invites Healthcare Co., Ltd.) in its entirety as an impairment loss for the year ended December 31, 2022.

(*5)

The Group disposed of a portion of shares in SK telecom Japan Inc., which was a subsidiary of the Parent Company, to SK hynix Inc. and SK Square Co., Ltd. for W4,900 million in cash, from which it recognized W998 million of loss relating to investments in subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the remaining ownership interest is reclassified as investments in associates as of December 31, 2023.

(*6)

The Group additionally contributed W6,000 million of investment in KB ESG Fund of the three telecommunications companies, W28 million in F&U Credit information Co., Ltd., W215 million of investment in KDX Korea Data Exchange, W132 million of investment in SK Venture Capital, LLC, and W261 million of investment in Walden SKT Venture Fund for the year ended December 31, 2023. Also, the Group obtained significant influence by contributing W6,500 million to Telecom Daean Evaluation Jun B Corporation Co., Ltd., and W520 million to Covet Co., Ltd., for the year ended December 31, 2023.

(*7)

The Group disposed of a portion of shares in Start-up Win-Win Fund for W550 million and a portion of SK-KNET Youth Startup Investment Cooperative for W4,400 million in cash for the year ended December 31, 2023.

(*8)

The Group additionally contributed W4,000 million in cash to the investee for the year ended December 31, 2023, but there is no change in the ownership interest. The Group has joint control over the investee pursuant to the agreement with the other shareholders, thus the investment in the investee was classified as investments in joint ventures.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

12.

Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, Continued

 

  (2)

The market value of investments in listed associates as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won, except for share data)  
     December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  
   Market
price per
share

(in won)
     Number of
shares
     Market
value
     Market
price per
share
(in won)
     Number of
shares
     Market
value
 

SM.Culture & Contents Co.,Ltd.

   W 1,887        22,033,898        41,578        2,960        22,033,898        65,220  

Konan Technology Inc.

     32,600        2,359,160        76,909        28,250        1,179,580        33,323  

 

  (3)

The condensed financial information of material associates as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

                      
(In millions of won)  
     Korea IT Fund      SK China
Company Ltd.
     SK South
East Asia
Investment
Pte. Ltd.
 
     As of December 31, 2023  

Current assets

   W 128,344        1,350,607        213,522  

Non-current assets

     402,819        1,987,252        3,034,553  

Current liabilities

     —         99,083        502,728  

Non-current liabilities

     —         252,100        13,586  

 

     2023  

Revenue

   W 33,017        70,126        76,686  

Profit (loss) for the year

     16,330        87,462        (66,169

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     5,316        (56,660      2,779  

Total comprehensive income (loss)

     21,646        30,802        (63,390

 

(In millions of won)  
     Korea IT
Fund
     SK China
Company
Ltd.
     SK South
East Asia
Investment
Pte. Ltd.
 
     As of December 31, 2022  

Current assets

   W 98,132        1,223,426        146,589  

Non-current assets

     414,804        2,050,001        3,034,335  

Current liabilities

     —         76,654        488,132  

Non-current liabilities

     —         276,525        —   

 

     2022  

Revenue

   W 19,916        62,334        72,658  

Profit (loss) for the year

     7,505        (11,681      (17,504

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     (11,779      58,034        (34,220

Total comprehensive income (loss)

     (4,274      46,353        (51,724

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

12.

Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, Continued

 

  (4)

Reconciliations of financial information of material associates to carrying amounts of investments in associates in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                     
     December 31, 2023  
     Net assets      Ownership
interests
(%)
     Net assets
attributable
to the
ownership
interests
     Cost-book
value
differentials
     Carrying
amount
 

Korea IT Fund

   W  531,163        63.3        336,404        —         336,404  

SK China Company Ltd.

     2,986,676        27.3        814,503        82,487        896,990  

SK South East Asia Investment Pte. Ltd.(*)

     1,776,411        20.0        355,282        —         355,282  

 

(In millions of won)                     
     December 31, 2022  
     Net assets      Ownership
interests
(%)
     Net assets
attributable
to the
ownership
interests
     Cost-book
value
differentials
     Carrying
amount
 

Korea IT Fund

   W 512,936        63.3        324,860        —         324,860  

SK China Company Ltd.

     2,920,248        27.3        796,387        83,140        879,527  

SK South East Asia Investment Pte. Ltd.(*)

     1,787,685        20.0        357,537        —         357,537  

 

(*)

Net assets of these entities represent net assets excluding those attributable to their non-controlling interests.

 

58


Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

12.

Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, Continued

 

  (5)

Details of the changes in investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    2023  
     Beginning
balance
     Acquisition
and
disposal
    Share of
profit

(loss)
    Other
comprehensive
income
(loss)
    Other
increase

(decrease)
    Ending
balance
 

Investments in associates:

             

SK China Company Ltd.

   W 879,527        —        24,054       (6,591     —        896,990  

Korea IT Fund(*1)

     324,860        —        10,343       3,366       (2,165     336,404  

UniSK(*1)

     20,839        —        2,079       102       (735     22,285  

SK Technology Innovation Company

     69,375        —        (178     1,212       —        70,409  

SK MENA Investment B.V.

     14,296        —        335       241       —        14,872  

SK Latin America Investment S.A.

     11,961        —        1,974       672       —        14,607  

SK South East Asia Investment Pte. Ltd.

     357,537        —        (12,881     10,626       —        355,282  

Citadel Pacific Telecom Holdings, LLC (*1)

     48,542        —        2,628       637       (5,906     45,901  

SM. Culture & Contents Co., Ltd.(*2)

     59,611        (679     593       808       (18,755     41,578  

Nam Incheon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.(*1)

     13,575        —        905       —        (136     14,344  

Home Choice Corp.

     4,456        —        (1,241     —        —        3,215  

Konan Technology Inc.

     8,366        (44     (2,100     127       —        6,349  

CMES Inc.

     900        —        —        —        —        900  

SK telecom Japan Inc.(*3)

     —         —        —        —        1,239       1,239  

12CM JAPAN and others(*1,4)

     69,734        8,706       5,108       (2,264     (142     81,142  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     1,883,579        7,983       31,619       8,936       (26,600     1,905,517  

Investments in joint ventures:

             

UTC Kakao-SK Telecom ESG Fund

     5,710        4,000       (215     —        —        9,495  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     5,710        4,000       (215     —        —        9,495  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 1,889,289        11,983       31,404       8,936       (26,600     1,915,012  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

12.

Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, Continued

 

  (5)

Details of the changes in investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows, Continued:

 

(*1)

Dividends received from the associates are deducted from the carrying amount for the year ended December 31, 2023.

(*2)

The Group recognized W18,755 million of impairment loss for the year ended December 31, 2023.

(*3)

The Group disposed of a portion of shares in SK telecom Japan Inc., which was a subsidiary of the Parent Company, resulting in the reclassification of the remaining shares as an investment in associates for the year ended December 2023.

(*4)

The acquisition for the year ended December 31, 2023 includes W6,500 million of investment in Telecom Daean Evaluation Jun B Corporation Co., Ltd., W6,000 million of investment in KB ESG Fund of the three telecommunications companies, W215 million of investment in KDX Korea Data Exchange, W132 million of investment in SK Venture Capital, LLC, W261 million of investment in Walden SKT Venture Fund, W520 million of investment in Covet Co., Ltd., and W28 million of investment in F&U Credit information Co., Ltd. The disposal for the year ended December 31, 2023 includes a portion of shares in Start-up Win-Win Fund for W550 million and a portion of SK-KNET Youth Startup Investment Cooperative for W4,400 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

12.

Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, Continued

 

  (5)

Details of the changes in investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows, Continued:

 

(In millions of won)    2022  
     Beginning
balance
     Acquisition
and disposal
    Share of profit
(loss)
    Other
comprehensive
income (loss)
    Other increase
(decrease)
    Ending
balance
 

Investments in associates:

             

SK China Company Ltd.

   W 793,754        —        (19,395     105,168       —        879,527  

Korea IT Fund (*1)

     339,976        —        4,753       (7,459     (12,410     324,860  

HanaCard Co., Ltd.

     349,866        (368,389     17,749       774       —        —   

UniSK

     19,156        —        2,424       (741     —        20,839  

SK Technology Innovation Company

     86,301        —        (22,923     5,997       —        69,375  

SK MENA Investment B.V.

     15,343        —        (2,059     1,012       —        14,296  

SK Latin America Investment S.A.

     14,004        —        (2,083     40       —        11,961  

SK South East Asia Investment Pte. Ltd.

     348,782        —        (6,975     15,730       —        357,537  

Pacific Telecom Inc.

     43,789        —        2,890       1,863       —        48,542  

SM. Culture & Contents Co., Ltd.

     60,261        37       (756     69       —        59,611  

Digital Games International Pte. Ltd.

     2,208        (1,757     (562     111       —        —   

Invites Genomics Co., Ltd.(*2) (Formerly, Invites Healthcare Co., Ltd.)

     26,474        —        (11,759     (74     (14,641     —   

Nam Incheon Broadcasting Co., Ltd.(*1)

     12,525        —        1,186       —        (136     13,575  

Home Choice Corp.

     3,052        —        1,403       1       —        4,456  

Konan Technology Inc.

     3,639        5,451       (710     (14     —        8,366  

CMES Inc.(*3)

     —         —        —        —        900       900  

12CM JAPAN and others(*4)

     68,966        1,873       1,245       —        (2,350     69,734  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2,188,096        (362,785     (35,572     122,477       (28,637     1,883,579  
Investments in joint ventures:   

Finnq Co., Ltd.

     7,255        (3,840     (3,617     202       —        —   

UTC Kakao-SK Telecom ESG Fund

     2,000        4,000       (290     —        —        5,710  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     9,255        160       (3,907     202       —        5,710  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 2,197,351        (362,625     (39,479     122,679       (28,637     1,889,289  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

12.

Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, Continued

 

  (5)

Details of the changes in investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows, Continued:

 

(*1)

Dividends received from the associates are deducted from the carrying amount for the year ended December 31, 2022.

(*2)

The Group recognized W14,641 million of impairment loss for the year ended December 31, 2022.

(*3)

As the Group obtained significant influence over the investee, W900 million of financial assets at FVOCI are reclassified to investments in associates for the year ended December 31, 2022.

(*4)

The acquisition for the year ended December 31, 2022 includes W2,000 million of cash investment in Smart SKT Infinitum Game Fund, W4,000 million of cash investment in KB ESG Fund of three telecommunications companies and W12 million of cash investment in SK Venture Capital, LLC. The disposal for the year ended December 31, 2022 includes W4,850 million relating to disposal of the part of shares of Start-up Win-Win Fund and W1,080 million relating to disposal of the part of shares of Daekyo Wipoongdangdang Contents Korea Fund. In addition, dividends amounting to W1,290 million received from Start-up Win-Win Fund deducted from the carrying amount for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

12.

Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, Continued

 

  (6)

The Group discontinued the application of equity method to the following investees due to their carrying amounts being reduced to zero. The details of cumulative unrecognized equity method losses as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

((In millions of won)    Unrecognized loss      Unrecognized change in equity  
     2023      Cumulative
loss
     2023      Cumulative
loss
 

Invites Genomics Co., Ltd. (Formerly, Invites Healthcare Co., Ltd.)

   W 7,844        7,844        1,179        1,179  

Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd. and others

     —         5,780        —         (124
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 7,844        13,624        1,179        1,055  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

13.

Property and Equipment

 

  (1)

Property and equipment as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2023  
     Acquisition cost      Accumulated
depreciation
     Accumulated
impairment
loss
     Carrying
amount
 

Land

   W 1,248,200        —         —         1,248,200  

Buildings

     1,775,563        (1,001,721      (450      773,392  

Structures

     941,868        (705,388      (1,601      234,879  

Machinery

     37,688,793        (29,796,000      (2,139      7,890,654  

Other

     1,757,617        (1,271,597      (863      485,157  

Right-of-use assets

     2,549,003        (933,567      (3,485      1,611,951  

Construction in progress

     761,963        —         —         761,963  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 46,723,007        (33,708,273      (8,538      13,006,196  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2022  
     Acquisition cost      Accumulated
depreciation
     Accumulated
impairment
loss
     Carrying
amount
 

Land

   W 1,005,857        —         —         1,005,857  

Buildings

     1,736,257        (950,582      (450      785,225  

Structures

     935,276        (668,019      (1,601      265,656  

Machinery

     37,100,715        (29,185,881      (1,934      7,912,900  

Other

     1,771,890        (1,273,655      (841      497,394  

Right-of-use assets

     2,555,685        (766,350      (3,206      1,786,129  

Construction in progress

     1,069,331        —         —         1,069,331  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 46,175,011        (32,844,487      (8,032      13,322,492  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

13.

Property and Equipment, Continued

 

  (2)

Changes in property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
    2023  
    Beginning
balance
    Acquisition     Disposal     Transfer     Deprecia-
tion
    Impairment     Ending
balance
 

Land

  W 1,005,857       12       (388     242,719       —        —        1,248,200  

Buildings

    785,225       1,083       (294     41,516       (54,138     —        773,392  

Structures

    265,656       1,632       (198     6,446       (38,657     —        234,879  

Machinery

    7,912,900       553,541       (7,267     1,734,474       (2,302,789     (205     7,890,654  

Other

    497,394       554,595       (1,205     (476,097     (89,506     (24     485,157  

Right-of-use assets

    1,786,129       345,761       (86,069     (23,436     (410,032     (402     1,611,951  

Construction in progress

    1,069,331       1,554,922       (26     (1,862,264     —        —        761,963  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  W 13,322,492       3,011,546       (95,447     (336,642     (2,895,122     (631     13,006,196  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(In millions of won)  
    2022  
    Beginning
balance
    Acquisition     Disposal     Transfer     Deprecia-
tion
    Impairment     Business
combination (*)
    Ending
balance
 

Land

  W 972,800       79       (175     30,364       —        —        2,789       1,005,857  

Buildings

    794,453       1,071       (638     36,219       (54,463     —        8,583       785,225  

Structures

    291,279       2,288       (32     10,422       (38,301     —        —        265,656  

Machinery

    7,997,927       560,889       (49,586     1,696,447       (2,292,358     (419     —        7,912,900  

Other

    487,716       780,382       (938     (672,199     (105,730     (391     8,554       497,394  

Right-of-use assets

    1,559,333       720,932       (65,961     (27,579     (403,794     (3,133     6,331       1,786,129  

Construction in progress

    767,751       1,564,345       (1,709     (1,261,937     —        —        881       1,069,331  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  W 12,871,259       3,629,986       (119,039     (188,263     (2,894,646     (3,943     27,138       13,322,492  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(*)

Includes assets acquired from SK m&service Co., Ltd. by PS&Marketing Corporation, a subsidiary of the Parent Company for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

14.

Investment Property

 

  (1)

Investment property as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  
     Acquisition
cost
     Accumulated
depreciation
    Carrying
amount
     Acquisition
cost
     Accumulated
depreciation
    Carrying
amount
 

Land

   W 14,199        —        14,199        6,115        —        6,115  

Buildings

     27,462        (17,220     10,242        21,490        (14,606     6,884  

Right-of-use assets

     16,975        (6,604     10,371        17,057        (4,919     12,138  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     W58,636      (23,824)     34,812      44,662      (19,525)     25,137  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (2)

Changes in investment property for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     2023  
     Beginning
balance
     Transfer      Depreciation      Ending
balance
 

Land

   W 6,115        8,084        —         14,199  

Buildings

     6,884        5,343        (1,985      10,242  

Right-of-use assets

     12,138        473        (2,240      10,371  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 25,137        13,900        (4,225      34,812  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(In millions of won)  
     2022  
     Beginning
balance
     Transfer      Depreciation      Ending
balance
 

Land

   W 6,071        44        —         6,115  

Buildings

     7,353        564        (1,033      6,884  

Right-of-use assets

     9,610        4,124        (1,596      12,138  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 23,034        4,732        (2,629      25,137  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (3)

The Group recognized lease income of W6,202 million and W5,222 million from investment property for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

  (4)

The fair value of investment property is W70,138 million and W73,934 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

15.

Leases

 

  (1)

Group as a lessee

 

  1)

Details of the right-of-use assets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  

Right-of-use assets:

     

Land, buildings and structures

   W 1,376,721        1,546,918  

Others

     235,230        239,211  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 1,611,951        1,786,129  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

15.

Leases, Continued

 

  (1)

Group as a lessee, Continued

 

2) Details of amounts recognized in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 as a lessee are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     2023      2022  

Depreciation of right-of-use assets:

     

Land, buildings and structures

   W 346,931        346,499  

Others(*)

     63,101        57,295  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 410,032        403,794  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest expense on lease liabilities

   W 46,595        29,996  

 

(*)

Others include the amount reclassified as research and development expenses related to the lease contract for research and development facilities.

Expenses related to short-term leases and leases of low-value assets that the Group recognized are immaterial.

3) The total cash outflows due to lease payments for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 amounted to W474,410 million and W449,196 million, respectively.

 

  (2)

Group as a lessor

1) Finance lease

The Group recognized interest income of W800 million and W910 million on lease receivables for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The following table sets out a maturity analysis for lease receivables, presenting the undiscounted lease payments to be received subsequent to December 31, 2023.

 

(In millions of won)  
     Amount  

Less than 1 year

   W 11,499  

1 ~ 2 years

     3,306  

2 ~ 3 years

     1,517  

3 ~ 4 years

     693  

4 ~ 5 years

     271  
  

 

 

 

Undiscounted lease payments

   W 17,286  
  

 

 

 

Unrealized finance income

   W 360  

Net investment in the lease

      16,926  

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

15.

Leases, Continued

 

  (2)

Group as a lessor, Continued

 

2) Operating lease

The Group recognized lease income of W235,988 million and W246,279 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, of which variable lease payments received are W2,694 million and W8,622 million, respectively.

The following table sets out a maturity analysis of lease payments, presenting the undiscounted fixed payments to be received subsequent to December 31, 2023.

 

(In millions of won)  
     Amount  

Less than 1 year

   W 148,980  

1 ~ 2 years

     91,033  

2 ~ 3 years

     48,701  
  

 

 

 
   W 288,714  
  

 

 

 

 

16.

Goodwill

 

  (1)

Goodwill as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31,
2023
     December 31,
2022
 

Goodwill related to merger of Shinsegi Telecom, Inc.

   W 1,306,236        1,306,236  

Goodwill related to acquisition of SK Broadband Co., Ltd.

     764,082        764,082  

Other goodwill

     4,691        4,691  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 2,075,009        2,075,009  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

16.

Goodwill, Continued

 

  (2)

Details of the impairment testing of Goodwill as of December 31, 2023 is as follows:

Goodwill is allocated to the following CGUs for the purpose of impairment testing.

 

   

goodwill related to Shinsegi Telecom, Inc.(*1): Cellular services;

 

   

goodwill related to SK Broadband Co., Ltd.(*2): Fixed-line telecommunication services; and

 

   

other goodwill: Others.

 

(*1)

Goodwill related to merger of Shinsegi Telecom, Inc.

The recoverable amount of the CGU is based on its value in use calculated by applying the post-tax annual discount rate of 5.4% (2022: 6.7%) (pre-tax annual discount rate for 2023 and 2022: 8.4% and 9.0%) to the estimated future post-tax cash flows based on financial budgets for the next five years. An annual growth rate of 0.0% (2022: 0.0%) was applied for the cash flows expected to be incurred after five years and is not expected to exceed the long-term wireless telecommunication industry growth rate.

 

(*2)

Goodwill related to acquisition of SK Broadband Co., Ltd.

The recoverable amount of the CGU is based on its value in use calculated by applying the post-tax annual discount rate of 6.2% (2022: 6.7%) (pre-tax annual discount rate for 2023 and 2022: 7.9% and 8.5%) to the estimated future post-tax cash flows based on financial budgets for the next five years. An annual growth rate of 1.0% (2022: 1.0%) was applied for the cash flows expected to be incurred after five years and is not expected to exceed the long-term fixed-line telecommunication industry growth rate.

 

  (3)

Details of the changes in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     2023      2022  

Beginning balance

   W 2,075,009        2,072,493  

Acquisition(*)

     —         2,516  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

   W 2,075,009        2,075,009  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

It consists of goodwill recognized as PS&Marketing Corporation’s acquisition of SK m&service Co., Ltd for the years ended December 31, 2022 (See Note 11).

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, accumulated impairment losses are W33,441 million, respectively.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

17.

Intangible Assets

 

  (1)

Intangible assets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2023  
     Acquisition
cost
     Accumulated
amortization
     Accumulated
impairment loss
     Carrying
amount
 

Frequency usage rights(*1)

   W 3,564,907        (1,958,301      —         1,606,606  

Land usage rights

     57,106        (56,519      —         587  

Industrial rights

     97,993        (34,141      (17,698      46,154  

Development costs

     14,815        (14,766      —         49  

Facility usage rights

     159,891        (145,578      —         14,313  

Customer relations

     505,063        (231,913      —         273,150  

Club memberships(*2)

     121,895        —         (24,709      97,186  

Other(*3)

     4,851,168        (4,020,886      (7,190      823,092  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 9,372,838        (6,462,104      (49,597      2,861,137  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2022  
     Acquisition
cost
     Accumulated
amortization
     Accumulated
impairment loss
     Carrying
amount
 

Frequency usage rights(*1)

   W 3,767,590        (1,499,158      (186,000      2,082,432  

Land usage rights

     59,389        (58,165      —         1,224  

Industrial rights

     94,238        (30,068      (12,378      51,792  

Development costs

     14,497        (14,213      —         284  

Facility usage rights

     157,651        (142,654      —         14,997  

Customer relations

     505,063        (204,882      —         300,181  

Club memberships(*2)

     116,401        —         (24,430      91,971  

Other(*3)

     4,627,565        (3,839,030      (6,506      782,029  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 9,342,394        (5,788,170      (229,314      3,324,910  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*1)

The Parent Company was reassigned 800 MHz, 1.8 GHz and 2.1 GHz band of frequency licenses from the Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology (“ICT”) in exchange for W227,200 million, W547,800 million and W411,700 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2021. The band of frequency was assigned to the Parent Company at the date of initial lump sum payment for the year ended December 31, 2021 and the annual payments in installment for the remaining balances are made in the next five years starting from the date of initial lump sum payment.

(*2)

Club memberships are classified as intangible assets with indefinite useful lives and are not amortized.

(*3)

Other intangible assets primarily consist of computer software and others.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

17.

Intangible Assets, Continued

 

  (2)

Changes in intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)

 

     2023  
     Beginning
balance
     Acquisition      Disposal     Transfer      Amortization     Impairment
(*1)
    Ending
balance
 

Frequency usage rights

   W 2,082,432        —         —        —         (475,826     —        1,606,606  

Land usage rights

     1,224        155        (15     40        (817     —        587  

Industrial rights

     51,792        4,563        (350     —         (4,530     (5,321     46,154  

Development costs

     284        —         —        —         (234     (1     49  

Facility usage rights

     14,997        1,884        (16     981        (3,533     —        14,313  

Customer relations

     300,181        —         —        —         (27,031     —        273,150  

Club memberships

     91,971        7,619        (2,174     65        —        (295     97,186  

Other

     782,029        91,848        (1,752     294,567        (339,478     (4,122     823,092  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 3,324,910        106,069        (4,307     295,653        (851,449     (9,739     2,861,137  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(*1)

The Group recognized the difference between recoverable amount and the carrying amount of intangible assets amounting to W9,739 million as impairment loss for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

(In millions of won)

 

     2022  
     Beginning
balance
     Acquisition      Disposal     Transfer     Amortization     Impairment
(*1)
    Business
Combination

(*2)
     Ending
balance
 

Frequency usage rights

   W 2,559,689        —         —        —        (477,257     —        —         2,082,432  

Land usage rights

     2,732        —         —        —        (1,508     —        —         1,224  

Industrial rights

     55,954        13,428        (823     (103     (4,324     (12,343     3        51,792  

Development costs

     200        —         —        —        (573     —        657        284  

Facility usage rights

     17,874        1,396        (2     252       (4,523     —        —         14,997  

Customer relations

     327,257        —         —        —        (27,076     —        —         300,181  

Club memberships

     88,494        9,926        (7,113     —        —        (725     1,389        91,971  

Other

     817,569        108,144        (380     189,075       (342,776     (16     10,413        782,029  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 3,869,769        132,894        (8,318     189,224       (858,037     (13,084     12,462        3,324,910  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*1)

The Group recognized the difference between recoverable amount and the carrying amount of intangible assets amounting to W13,084 million as impairment loss for the year ended December 31, 2022.

(*2)

Includes assets acquired from the acquisition of SK m&service Co., Ltd. by PS&Marketing Corporation, a subsidiary of the Parent Company.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

17.

Intangible Assets, Continued

 

  (3)

Research and development expenditures recognized as expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)

     
     2023      2022  

Research and development costs expensed as incurred

   W 369,507        340,864  

 

(4)

Details of frequency usage rights as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)
     Amount     

Description

   Commencement
of amortization
   Completion
of
amortization

800MHz license

   W 109,789      LTE service    Jul. 2021    Jun. 2026

1.8GHz license

     308,534      LTE service    Dec. 2021    Dec. 2026

2.6GHz license

     364,250      LTE service    Sep. 2016    Dec. 2026

2.1GHz license

     231,879      W-CDMA and LTE service    Dec. 2021    Dec. 2026

3.5GHz license

     592,154      5G service    Apr. 2019    Nov. 2028
  

 

 

          
     W1,606,606                 
  

 

 

          

 

18.

Borrowings and Debentures

 

  (1)

Short-term borrowings as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  

Lender

   Annual interest rate (%)      Maturity      December 31,
2023
     December 31,
2022
 

BNK Securities. Co., Ltd.

     —         —       W —         100,000  

KEB Hana Bank

     —         —         —         30,000  

Hana Financial Investment Co., Ltd.

     —         —         —         4,642  

DB Financial Investment Co., Ltd.

     —         —         —         2,785  

Shinhan Financial Investment Co., Ltd.

     —         —         —         5,571  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 
         W  —         142,998  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

18.

Borrowings and Debentures, Continued

 

  (2)

Long-term borrowings as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  

Lender

   Annual
interest rate (%)
    

Maturity

   December 31,
2023
     December 31,
2022
 

Korea Development Bank(*1)

     1.87      Feb. 10, 2026    W 28,125        40,625  

Credit Agricole CIB(*2)

     3M CD + 0.82      Dec. 14, 2023      —         12,500  

Mizuho bank, Ltd.

     1.35      May. 20, 2024      100,000        100,000  

DBS bank Ltd.

     1.30      May. 28, 2024      200,000        200,000  

DBS bank Ltd.

     2.65      Mar. 10, 2025      200,000        200,000  

Credit Agricole CIB

     3.30      Apr. 29, 2024      50,000        50,000  

Mizuho Bank, Ltd.

     3.29      Nov. 27, 2023      —         100,000  

Nonghyup Bank(*3)

     MOR + 1.36      Nov. 17, 2024      40,000        40,000  

Credit Agricole CIB

     4.89      Nov. 28, 2025      50,000        50,000  

Mizuho Bank, Ltd.(*2)

     3M CD + 1.05      Jul. 25, 2025      50,000        —   
        

 

 

    

 

 

 
           718,125        793,125  

Less: present value discount

           (47      (13
        

 

 

    

 

 

 
           718,078        793,112  

Less: current portions

           (402,500      (124,987
        

 

 

    

 

 

 
         W 315,578        668,125  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*1)

The long-term borrowings are to be repaid by installments on an annual basis from 2022 to 2026.

(*2)

3M CD rates are 3.83% and 3.98% as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

(*3)

6M MOR rates are 3.85% and 4.35% as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

18.

Borrowings and Debentures, Continued

 

  (3)

Debentures as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won and thousands of U.S. dollars)  
    

Purpose

  

Maturity

  

Annual interest rate
(%)

   December 31,
2023
     December 31,
2022
 

Unsecured corporate bonds

  

Operating and

refinancing fund

   2032    3.45      W90,000        90,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating fund    2023    3.03      —         230,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2033    3.22      130,000        130,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2024    3.64      150,000        150,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Refinancing fund    2024    2.82      190,000        190,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating and    2025    2.49      150,000        150,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   refinancing fund    2030    2.61      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating fund    2025    2.66      70,000        70,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2030    2.82      90,000        90,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating and    2025    2.55      100,000        100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   refinancing fund    2035    2.75      70,000        70,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating fund    2026    2.08      90,000        90,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2036    2.24      80,000        80,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2026    1.97      120,000        120,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2031    2.17      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Refinancing fund    2027    2.55      100,000        100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

  

Operating and

refinancing fund

   2032    2.65      90,000        90,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Refinancing fund    2027    2.84      100,000        100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2023    2.81      —         100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2028    3.00      200,000        200,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2038    3.02      90,000        90,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating and    2023    2.33      —         150,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   refinancing fund    2038    2.44      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating fund    2024    2.09      120,000        120,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2029    2.19      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2039    2.23      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating and    2024    1.49      60,000        60,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   refinancing fund    2029    1.50      120,000        120,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2039    1.52      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2049    1.56      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating fund    2024    1.76      70,000        70,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2029    1.79      40,000        40,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2039    1.81      60,000        60,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

  

Operating and

refinancing fund

   2023    1.64      —         170,000  

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

18.

Borrowings and Debentures, Continued

 

  (3)

Debentures as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows, Continued:

 

(In millions of won and thousands of U.S. dollars)  
    

Purpose

  

Maturity

  

Annual interest rate
(%)

   December 31,
2023
     December 31,
2022
 

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Operating fund    2025    1.75      130,000        130,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2030    1.83      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2040    1.87      70,000        70,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

   Refinancing fund    2025    1.40      140,000        140,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2030    1.59      40,000        40,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2040    1.76      110,000        110,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2024    1.17      80,000        80,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2026    1.39      80,000        80,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2031    1.80      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2041    1.89      100,000        100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2024    2.47      90,000        90,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2026    2.69      70,000        70,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2041    2.68      40,000        40,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2025    3.80      240,000        240,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2027    3.84      70,000        70,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2042    3.78      40,000        40,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2025    4.00      300,000        300,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2027    4.00      95,000        95,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2024    4.79      100,000        100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2025    4.73      110,000        110,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2027    4.74      60,000        60,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2032    4.69      40,000        40,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2026    3.65      110,000        —   

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2028    3.83      190,000        —   

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2026    3.72      80,000        —   

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2028    3.80      200,000        —   

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2030    3.96      70,000        —   

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2026    4.54      115,000        —   

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2028    4.68      100,000        —   

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2030    4.72      50,000        —   

Unsecured corporate bonds

      2033    4.72      30,000        —   

Unsecured corporate bonds(*1)

   Operating fund    2023    2.93      —         80,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*1)

   Refinancing fund    2024    2.09      160,000        160,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*1)

   Operating and    2024    1.71      100,000        100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*1)

   refinancing fund    2026    1.86      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*1)

   Refinancing fund    2023    1.48      —         100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*1)

  

Operating and

refinancing fund

   2025    1.64      100,000        100,000  

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

18.

Borrowings and Debentures, Continued

 

  (3)

Debentures as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows, Continued:

 

 

(In millions of won and thousands of U.S. dollars)  
    

Purpose

  

Maturity

  

Annual interest rate
(%)

   December 31, 2023      December 31,
2022
 

Unsecured corporate bonds(*1)

   Refinancing fund    2025    1.41      160,000        160,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*1)

      2024    1.69      100,000        100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*1)

      2025    2.58      100,000        100,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*1)

      2032    2.92      50,000        50,000  

Unsecured corporate bonds(*1)

   Operating and    2025    4.21      50,000        —   

Unsecured corporate bonds(*1)

   refinancing fund    2026    4.28      100,000        —   

Unsecured corporate bonds(*1)

      2028    4.37      90,000        —   

Unsecured corporate bonds(*1)

   Facility fund    2026    4.87      100,000        —   

Unsecured corporate bonds(*1)

      2028    5.00      60,000        —   

Unsecured global bonds

   Operating fund    2027    6.63     

515,760

(USD 400,000

 

    

506,920

(USD 400,000

 

Unsecured global bonds

      2023    3.75      —        

633,650

(USD 500,000

 

Unsecured global bonds(*1)

   Refinancing fund    2023    3.88      —        

380,190

(USD 300,000

 

Unsecured global bonds(*1)

      2028    4.88     

386,820

(USD 300,000

 

     —   

Floating rate notes(*2)

   Operating fund    2025    SOFR rate + 1.17     

386,820

(USD 300,000

 

    

380,190

(USD 300,000

 

Convertible bonds(*3)

   Operating fund    2028    —      

3,868

(USD 3,000

 

     —   

Convertible bonds(*3)

      2028    —      

3,868

(USD 3,000

 

     —   

Convertible bonds(*3)

      2028    —      

2,579

(USD 2,000

 

     —   

Convertible bonds(*3)

      2028    —      

10,444

(USD 8,100

 

     —   

Convertible bonds(*3)

      2028    —      

20,824

(USD 16,150

 

     —   

Convertible bonds(*3)

      2028    —      

9,993

(USD 7,750

 

     —   

Convertible bonds(*3)

      2028    —      

10,315

(USD 8,000

 

     —   
              

 

 

 
              8,351,291        8,385,950  

Less: discounts on bond

              (25,648      (19,256
     

 

 

 
              8,325,643        8,366,694  

Less: current portions of bonds

              (1,219,344      (1,842,599
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
            W 7,106,299        6,524,095  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

75


Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

18.

Borrowings and Debentures, Continued

 

  (3)

Debentures as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows, Continued:

 

(*1) Unsecured corporate bonds were issued by SK Broadband Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Parent Company.

(*2) Interest rates applied are SOFR rate 5.38% as of December 31, 2023 and LIBOR rate (3 month) 4.75% + 0.91% as of December 31, 2022.

(*3) Convertible bonds were issued by SAPEON Inc., a subsidiary of the Parent Company, and the conditions for issuing convertible bonds and changes are as follows:

 

  1)

As of December 31, 2023, the conditions for issuing convertible bonds are as follows:

 

(In millions of won and thousands of U.S. dollars)  
     Series  
     1     2     3     4     5  

Total amount of convertible bonds authorized

    

3,868

(USD 3,000

 

   

3,868

(USD 3,000

 

   

2,579

(USD 2,000

 

   

10,444

(USD 8,100

 

   

20,824

(USD 16,150

 

Coupon rate

    

0% (However, if not converted, 4% from January 1, 2025, to three
years from the issue date, and 8% thereafter until the maturity of the
convertible bonds)
 
 
 

Repayment of interest and principal

    
Lump-sum repayment at maturity with accrued interest added to the
issued amount
 
 

Convertible period

     Until the maturity date or the mandatory conversion date  

Type of shares to be issued upon conversion

    
Registered common stock or securities identical to subsequent
investments
 
 

Conversion ratio

     100%  

Conversion price (In U.S. dollars)

     USD 410.22 per share  

Early redemption right

    
Exercisable from January 1, 2025, in case of non-fulfillment of certain
conditions
 
 

 

(In millions of won and thousands of U.S. dollars)     
    

Series

    

6

  

7

Total amount of convertible bonds authorized

  

9,993

(USD 7,750)

  

10,315

(USD 8,000)

Coupon rate

   0%(However, if not converted, 4% from January 1, 2025, to three years from the issue date, and 8% thereafter until the maturity of the convertible bonds)

Repayment of interest and principal

   Lump-sum repayment at maturity with accrued interest added to the issued amount

Convertible period

   Until the maturity date or the mandatory conversion date

Type of shares to be issued upon conversion

   Registered common stock or securities identical to subsequent investments

Conversion ratio

   100%

Conversion price (In U.S. dollars)

   USD 410.22 per share

Early redemption right

   Exercisable from January 1, 2025, in case of non-fulfillment of certain conditions

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

18.

Borrowings and Debentures, Continued

 

  (3)

Debentures as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows, Continued:

 

(*3) Convertible bonds were issued by SAPEON Inc., a subsidiary of the Parent Company, and the conditions for issuing convertible bonds and changes are as follows, Continued

The conversion rights of the aforementioned convertible bonds are classified as equity

 

  2)

The carrying amount of changes in the liability component (present value of non-convertible bonds) of the convertible bonds for the year ended December 31, 2023 are as follows

 

(In millions of won and thousands of U.S. dollars)       
     2023  

Beginning balance

     —   

Issuance of convertible bonds

    

54,284

(USD 41,932

 

Amortization based on effective interest rate

    

4,951

(USD 4,007

 

  

 

 

 

Ending balance

    

59,235

(USD 45,939

 

  

 

 

 

The liability component of convertible bonds (present value of non-convertible bonds) is measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate.

 

19.

Long-term Payables – other

 

  (1)

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, details of long-term payables – other which consist of payables related to the acquisition of frequency usage rights are as follows (See note 17):

 

(In millions of won)  
     December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  

Long-term payables – other

   W 1,290,225        1,690,470  

Present value discount on long-term payables – other

     (29,772      (52,129

Current portion of long-term payables – other

     (367,770      (398,874
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Carrying amount as of December 31

   W 892,683        1,239,467  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (2)

The sum of portions repaid among the principal of long-term payables – other for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 amounts to W400,245 million and W400,245 million, respectively. The repayment schedule of the principal amount of long-term payables – other as of December 31, 2023 is as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     Amount  

Less than 1 year

   W 369,150  

1 ~ 3 years

     738,300  

3 ~ 5 years

     182,775  
  

 

 

 
   W 1,290,225  
  

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

20.

Provisions

 

Changes in provisions for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     2023      As of December 31, 2023  
     Beginning
balance
     Increase      Utilization     Reversal     Other     Ending
balance
     Current      Non-current  

Provision for restoration

   W 115,089        8,041        (2,397     (714     5       120,024        37,073        82,951  

Emission allowance

     2,186        2,404        (635     (2,773     —        1,182        1,182        —   

Other provisions

     1,823        —         (1,005     (108     (492     218        —         218  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 119,098        10,445        (4,037     (3,595     (487     121,424        38,255        83,169  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(In millions of won)  
     2022      As of December 31, 2022  
     Beginning
balance
     Increase      Utilization     Reversal     Other     Business
combination
     Ending
balance
     Current      Non-current  

Provision for restoration

   W 114,731        6,823        (5,679     (1,767     (10     991        115,089        36,998        78,091  

Emission allowance

     1,885        2,719        —        (2,418     —        —         2,186        2,186        —   

Other provisions

     10,379        4,071        (9,509     (3,080     (38     —         1,823        499        1,324  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 126,995        13,613        (15,188     (7,265     (48     991        119,098        39,683        79,415  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

21.

Defined Benefit Liabilities (Assets)

 

  (1)

Details of defined benefit liabilities (assets) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  

Present value of defined benefit obligations

   W 1,121,679        1,038,320  

Fair value of plan assets

     (1,292,416      (1,214,007
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Defined benefit assets(*)

     (170,737      (175,748
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Defined benefit liabilities

     —         61  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (*)

Since the Group entities neither have legally enforceable right nor intention to settle the defined benefit obligations of Group entities with defined benefit assets of other Group entities, defined benefit assets of Group entities have been separately presented from defined benefit liabilities.

 

  (2)

Principal actuarial assumptions as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

     December 31, 2023   December 31, 2022
Discount rate for defined benefit obligations    3.71% ~ 4.79%   5.09% ~ 5.71%
Expected rate of salary increase    2.00% ~ 5.27%   2.00% ~ 8.37%

Discount rate for defined benefit obligation is determined based on market yields of high-quality corporate bonds with similar maturities for estimated payment term of defined benefit obligation. Expected rate of salary increase is determined based on the Group’s historical promotion index, inflation rate and salary increase ratio.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

21.

Defined Benefit Liabilities (Assets), Continued

 

  (3)

Changes in present value of defined benefit obligations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     2023      2022  

Beginning balance

   W 1,038,320        1,035,016  

Current service cost

     132,465        134,847  

Interest cost

     54,032        32,572  

Remeasurement

     

- Demographic assumption

     810        (28,222

- Financial assumption

     (24,953      (84,532

- Adjustment based on experience

     18,814        2,369  

Business combinations(*1)

     —         29,357  

Benefit paid

     (99,396      (79,117

Others(*2)

     1,587        (3,970
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

   W 1,121,679        1,038,320  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (*1)

Includes liabilities acquired from the acquisition of SK m&service Co., Ltd. by PS&Marketing Corporation, a subsidiary of the Parent Company for the year ended December 31, 2022.

  (*2)

Others include changes in liabilities due to employee’s transfers among affiliates for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

21.

Defined Benefit Liabilities (Assets), Continued

 

  (4)

Changes in fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     2023      2022  

Beginning balance

   W 1,214,007        1,040,286  

Interest income

     62,058        32,910  

Remeasurement

     (2,140      (18,622

Contributions

     108,224        215,254  

Benefit paid

     (90,452      (83,123

Business combinations(*1)

     —         26,618  

Others(*2)

     719        684  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

   W 1,292,416        1,214,007  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (*1)

Includes liabilities acquired from the acquisition of SK m&service Co., Ltd. by PS&Marketing Corporation, a subsidiary of the Parent Company for the years ended December 31, 2022.

 

  (*2)

Others include changes in assets due to the employee’s transfers among affiliates for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

The Group’s expected contributions to the defined benefit plan for the year ended December 31, 2024, amounts to W150,608 million.

 

  (5)

Total cost of defined benefit plan, which is recognized in profit or loss for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     2023      2022  

Current service cost

   W 132,465        134,847  

Net interest income

     (8,026      (338
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 124,439        134,509  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Costs related to the defined benefit plan except for the amounts transferred to construction in progress are included in labor expenses and research and development expenses.

 

  (6)

Details of plan assets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  

Equity instruments

   W 72,619        17,716  

Debt instruments

     162,374        174,385  

Short-term financial instruments, etc.

     1,057,423        1,021,906  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 1,292,416        1,214,007  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

21.

Defined Benefit Liabilities (Assets), Continued

 

  (7)

Sensitivity analysis

As of December 31, 2023, effects on defined benefit obligations if each of significant actuarial assumptions changes within expectable and reasonable range are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     0.5% Increase      0.5% Decrease  

Discount rate

   W (37,694      40,345  

Expected salary increase rate

     40,624        (38,319

The sensitivity analysis does not consider dispersion of all cash flows that are expected from the plan but provides approximate values of sensitivity for the assumptions used.

A weighted average duration of defined benefit obligations as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are 7.27 years and 7.53 years, respectively.

 

  (8)

Defined contribution plan

The amount recognized as an expense for defined contribution plans are W20,404 million and W15,529 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

22.

Derivative Instruments

 

  (1)

Currency and interest rate swap contracts under cash flow hedge accounting as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won and thousands of U.S. dollars)

Borrowing
date

  

Hedging Instrument (Hedged item)

  

Hedged risk

  

Financial institution

  

Duration of
contract

Jul. 20, 2007   

Fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds

face value of USD 400,000)

   Foreign currency risk    Morgan Stanley and four other banks    Jul. 20, 2007 ~
Jul. 20, 2027
Mar. 4, 2020   

Floating-to-fixed cross-currency interest rate swap

(U.S. dollar-denominated bonds face value of USD 300,000)

   Foreign currency risk and Interest rate risk    Citibank   

Mar. 4, 2020 ~

Jun. 4, 2025

Jun. 28, 2023   

Fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds

face value of USD 300,000)

   Foreign currency risk   

Citi bank,

Shinhan Bank, Korea Development Bank and J.P. Morgan

  

Jun. 28, 2023 ~

Jun. 28, 2028

As of December 31, 2023, the changes in fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instrument, which are all effective in hedging, were recognized in full in other comprehensive income.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

22.

Derivative Instruments, Continued

 

  (2)

SK Broadband Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Parent Company, entered into Total Return Swap(TRS) contract amounting to W270,000 million and W64,000 million with beneficiary certificates as underlying asset with IGIS Professional Investment Type Private Real Estate Investment Trust No. 156 and Hana Professional Alternative Investment Type Private Real Estate Investment Trust No. 62, respectively. The contracts consist of the settlement of the difference resulting from the change in the value of the real estate on the maturity date of the contract and the settlement of the difference between the dividend and the standard dividend during the contract period. SK Broadband Co., Ltd. has an obligation to guarantee fixed rate of returns to the other party to each contract. SK Broadband Co., Ltd. recognized long-term derivative financial assets of W21,027 million and W20,631 million for TRS as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Long-term derivative financial assets were measured using the discounted present value methods for estimated future cash flows.

 

  (3)

In relation to the business acquisition by SK Broadband Co., Ltd. for the year ended December 31, 2020 the Parent Company has entered into a shareholders’ agreement with the shareholders of the acquirees. Pursuant to the agreement, when certain conditions are met within a period of time subsequent to the merger, the shareholders of the acquirees can exercise their drag-along rights and require the Parent Company to sell its shares in SK Broadband Co., Ltd. Should the shareholders exercise their drag-along rights, the Parent Company also can exercise its call options over the shares held by those shareholders. The Group recognized a long-term derivative financial liability of W295,876 million (W302,593 million as of December 31, 2022) for the rights prescribed in the shareholders’ agreement as of December 31, 2023.

The fair value of SK Broadband Co., Ltd.’s common stock was estimated using 5-year projected cash flows discounted at 6.2% per annum. The fair value of the derivative financial liability was determined by using the Binomial Model based on various assumptions including the price of common stock and its price fluctuations. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement and inter-relationship between significant unobservable inputs and fair value measurement are as follows:

 

Significant unobservable inputs

  

Correlations between inputs

and fair value measurements

Fair value of SK Broadband Co., Ltd.’s common stock    The estimated fair value of derivative financial liabilities would decrease (increase) if the fair value of common stock would increase (decrease)
Volatility of stock price    The estimated fair value of derivative financial liabilities would decrease (increase) if the volatility of stock price increase (decrease)

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

22.

Derivative Instruments, Continued

 

  (4)

The Parent Company has entered into the agreement with Newberry Global Limited, whereby the Group has been granted subscription right and contingent subscription right to acquire Newberry series-C redeemable convertible preferred stock for the year ended December 31, 2020. The Parent Company recognized derivative financial assets of W13,136 million and W8,083 million as of December 31, 2022, respectively, for subscription right and contingent subscription right. There is no balance for derivative financial assets as of December 31, 2023, as the exercise period expired without the exercise of subscription rights and contingent subscription rights for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

  (5)

The Parent Company has entered into the agreement with HAEGIN Co., Ltd., whereby the Parent Company has been granted contingent subscription right to acquire HAEGIN Co., Ltd.’s common stock for the year ended December 31, 2022. The Parent Company is able to exercise the right in accordance with the agreement when certain conditions are met and recognized long-term derivative financial assets of W2,323 million for the contingent subscription right as of December 31, 2023. The fair value of HAEGIN Co., Ltd.’s common stock was estimated using 5-year projected cash flows discounted at 13.0% per annum. Meanwhile, if the fair value of HAEGIN Co., Ltd.’s common stock, significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement, increases (decreases), the estimated fair value of derivative financial asset would increase (decrease). If the volatility of stock price, significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement, increases (decreases), the estimated fair value of derivative financial asset would increase (decrease).

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

22.

Derivative Instruments, Continued

 

  (6)

The fair value of derivative financial instruments to which the Group applies cash flow hedging is recorded in the consolidated financial statements as long-term derivative financial assets and long-term derivative financial liabilities. As of December 31, 2023, details of fair values of the derivative assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

(In millions of won and thousands of U.S. dollars)  

Hedging instrument (Hedged item)

   Cash flow
hedge
     Fair
value
 

Non-current assets:

     

Fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds face value of USD 400,000)

   W 80,426        80,426  

Floating-to-fixed cross currency interest rate swap (U.S. dollar denominated bonds face value of USD 300,000)

     35,784        35,784  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 116,210         116,210  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities:

     

Fixed-to-fixed cross currency swap (U.S dollar denominated bonds face value of USD 300,000)

   W (9,212      (9,212
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W (9,212      (9,212
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2023, the changes in fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instrument, which are all effective in hedging, were recognized in full in other comprehensive income.

 

  (7)

The fair value of derivatives held for trading is recorded in the consolidated financial statements as derivative financial assets, long-term derivative financial assets and long-term derivative financial liabilities. As of December 31, 2023, details of fair values of the derivative assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     Held for
trading
     Fair value  

Current assets:

     

Contract for difference settlement

   W 8,974        8,974  

Non-current assets:

     

Contingent subscription right

     2,323        2,323  

Contract for difference settlement

     21,027        21,027  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 32,324        32,324  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities:

     

Drag-along and call option rights

   W (295,876      (295,876
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W (295,876      (295,876
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

23.

Share Capital and Capital Surplus and Others

 

(1)

Details of share capital as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won, except for share data)  
     December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  

Number of authorized shares

   W 670,000,000        670,000,000  

Par value (in won)

     100        100  

Number of issued shares

     218,833,144        218,833,144  

Share capital:

     

Common share(*1)

   W 30,493        30,493  

 

  (*1)

In 2002 and 2003, The Parent Company retired treasury shares with reduction of its retained earnings before appropriation. As a result, the Group’s issued shares have decreased without change in share capital.

 

  (2)

There were no changes in share capital of the Parent Company for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

  (3)

Details of shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In shares)    December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  
     Issued
shares
     Treasury
shares
     Outstanding
shares
     Issued
shares
     Treasury
shares
     Outstanding
shares
 

Shares outstanding

     218,833,144        6,133,414        212,699,730        218,833,144        801,091        218,032,053  

 

  (4)

Details of capital surplus and others as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  

Paid-in surplus

   W 1,771,000        1,771,000  

Treasury shares (Note 24)

     (301,981      (36,702

Hybrid bonds (Note 25)

     398,509        398,759  

Share option (Note 26)

     9,818        2,061  

Others(*)

     (13,705,990      (13,702,235
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W (11,828,644      (11,567,117
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (*)

Others primarily consist of the excess of the consideration paid by the Group over the carrying amount of net assets acquired from entities under common control.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

24.

Treasury Shares

 

  (1)

Treasury shares as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won, except for the number of shares)              
     December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  

Number of shares

     6,133,414        801,091  

Acquisition cost

   W 301,981        36,702  

 

  (2)

Changes in treasury shares for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In shares)              
     2023      2022  

Treasury shares as of January 1

     801,091        1,250,992  

Acquisition(*1)

     5,773,410        —   

Disposal(*2)

     (441,087      (449,901
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Treasury shares as of December 31

     6,133,414        801,091  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (*1)

The Parent Company acquired 5,773,410 of its treasury shares for W285,487 million in an effort to increase shareholder value by stabilizing its stock price for the years ended December 31, 2023.

 

  (*2)

The Parent Company distributed 441,087 treasury shares (acquisition cost: W20,208 million) as bonus payment to the employees, resulting in gain on disposal of treasury shares of W212 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Also, the Parent Company distributed 449,901 treasury shares (acquisition cost: W20,612 million) as bonus payment to the employees, resulting in gain on disposal of treasury shares of W4,813 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

25.

Hybrid Bonds

 

Hybrid bonds classified as equity as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)        
    

Type

   Issuance date      Maturity(*1)      Annual
interest
rate(%)(*2)
     December 31,
2023
    December 31,
2022
 

Series 3 hybrid bonds

  

Unsecured subordinated

bearer bond

     June 5, 2023        June 5, 2083        4.95      W 400,000       —   

Series 2-1 hybrid bonds

  

Unsecured subordinated

bearer bond

     June 7, 2018        June 7, 2078        3.70        —        300,000  

Series 2-2 hybrid bonds

  

Unsecured subordinated

bearer bond

     June 7, 2018        June 7, 2078        3.65        —        100,000  

Issuance costs

                 (1,491     (1,241
              

 

 

   

 

 

 
               W 398,509       398,759  
              

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Parent Company redeemed previously issued hybrid bonds and issued new ones for the year ended December 31, 2023. As there is no contractual obligation to deliver financial assets to the holders of hybrid bonds, the Parent Company classified the hybrid bonds as equity.

These are subordinated bonds that rank before common shares in the event of a liquidation or reorganization of the Parent Company.

 

  (*1)

The Parent Company has a right to extend the maturity without any notice or announcement.

 

  (*2)

Annual interest rate is determined as yield rate of 5-year national bond plus premium. According to the step-up clause, additional premium of 0.25% and 0.75%, respectively, after 10 years and 25 years from the issuance date are applied.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

26.

Share based payment Arrangement

 

  26.1

Share-based payment arrangement of the Parent Company

 

  (1)

The terms and conditions related to the grants of the share-based payment arrangement are as follows:

 

  1)

Share-based payment arrangement with cash alternatives

 

    Series  
    1-3   3     4     5     6  
                             

Grant date

  March 24, 2017    

February 22,

2019


 

   

March 26,

2019


 

   

March 26,

2020


 

   

March 25,

2021


 

Types of shares to be issued

  Registered common shares of the Parent Company  

Grant method

  Reissue of treasury shares, Cash settlement  

Number of shares (in share)

  67,320     8,907       5,266       376,313       87,794  

Exercise price (in won)

  57,562     53,052       50,862       38,452       50,276  

Exercise period

  Mar. 25, 2021
~ Mar. 24,
2024
   

Feb. 23, 2021
~ Feb. 22,
2024
 
 
 
   

Mar. 27, 2021
~ Mar. 26,
2024
 
 
 
   

Mar. 27, 2023
~ Mar. 26,
2027
 
 
 
   

Mar. 26, 2023
~ Mar. 25,
2026
 
 
 

Vesting conditions

  4 years’ service
from the grant
date
   

2 years’ service
from the grant
date
 
 
 
   

2 years’ service
from the grant
date
 
 
 
   

3 years’ service
from the grant
date
 
 
 
   

2 years’ service
from the grant
date
 
 
 

 

     Series  
     7-1      7-2  

Grant date

     March 25, 2022  

Types of shares to be issued

    
Registered common shares of the
Parent Company
 
 

Grant method

    

Reissue of treasury shares,

Cash settlement

 

 

Number of shares (in share)

     295,275        109,704  

Exercise price (in won)

     56,860        56,860  

Exercise period

    

Mar. 26, 2025
~ Mar. 25,
2029
 
 
 
    

Mar. 26, 2024
~ Mar. 25,
2027
 
 
 

Vesting conditions

    

2 years’ service
from the grant
date
 
 
 
    

2 years’ service
from the grant
date
 
 
 

 

(*)

The remaining parts of 1-2st and 2nd share options were fully forfeited, and the 8th share option was canceled for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

26.

Share based payment Arrangement, Continued

 

  26.1

Share-based payment arrangement of the Parent Company, Continued:

 

  (1)

The terms and conditions related to the grants of the share-based payment arrangement are as follows, Continued:

 

  2)

Cash-settled share-based payment arrangement

 

     Granted in 2021    Granted in 2022
     Share appreciation rights of
SK Telecom Co., Ltd.(*)
   Share appreciation rights of
SK Square Co., Ltd.(*)
   Share appreciation rights of
SK Telecom Co., Ltd.

Grant date

   January 1, 2021    January 1, 2022

Grant method

   Cash settlement

Number of shares

(in share)

   183,246    118,456    338,525

Exercise price

(in won)

   50,276    56,860

Exercise period

   Jan. 1, 2023 ~ Mar. 28, 2024    Jan. 1, 2024 ~ Mar. 25, 2025

Vesting conditions

   2 years’ service from the grant date    2 years’ service from the grant date

 

(*)

Parts of the grant that have not met the vesting conditions have been forfeited for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

  3)

Equity-settled share-based payment arrangement

The Parent Company newly established Performance Share Units (“PSU”) for executives of the Parent Company and major subsidiaries as part of the compensation based on the growth of corporate value for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the details are as follows:

 

    

PSU of SK Telecom Co., Ltd.

Grant date

   March 28, 2023

Types of shares to be issued

   Registered common shares of the Parent Company

Grant method

   Reissue of treasury shares

Number of shares(*)

   Fluctuates according to the share price on the expiration date and the cumulative increase rate of KOSPI200

Reference share price (in won)

   47,280

Reference index (KOSPI200)

   315

Maturity (exercise date)

   The day in which the annual general meeting of shareholders is held after 3 years from the grant date

Vesting conditions

   Full service in the year in which the grant date is included

 

(*)

The initial amount granted is a total of W10,813 million, and the amount calculated according to the adjustment rate based on the share price on the expiration date and the cumulative increase rate of KOSPI200 will be paid in shares.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

26.

Share based payment Arrangement, Continued

 

  26.1

Share-based payment arrangement of the Parent Company, Continued:

 

  (2)

Share compensation expense for share-based payment arrangements with cash alternatives recognized for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the remaining share compensation expense to be recognized in subsequent periods are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     Share
compensation
expense
 

As of December 31, 2022

   W 155,579  

For the year ended December 31, 2023

     2,171  

In subsequent periods

     504  
  

 

 

 
     W158,254  
  

 

 

 

The liabilities recognized by the Parent Company in relation to the share-based payment arrangement with cash alternatives are W5,530 million and W4,221 million, respectively, which are included in accrued expenses as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the carrying amount of liabilities recognized by the Parent Company in relation to the cash-settled share-based payment arrangement are W 1,133 million and W 906 million, respectively.

Share compensation expenses recognized for equity-settled share-based payment arrangements are W6,267 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

26. Share based payment Arrangement, Continued

 

  26. 1

Share-based payment arrangement of the Parent Company, Continued:

 

  (3)

The Parent Company used binomial option pricing model in the measurement of the fair value of the share options at the remeasurement date and the inputs used in the model are as follows:

 

  1)

Share-based payment arrangement with cash alternatives

(i) SK Telecom Co., Ltd.

 

(In won)    Series  
     1-3     3     4     5     6     7-1     7-2  

Risk-free interest rate

     3.52     3.49     3.52     3.14     3.18     3.15     3.14

Estimated option’s life

     7 years       5 years       5 years       7 years       5 years       7 years       5 years  

Share price on the remeasurement date

     50,100       50,100       50,100       50,100       50,100       50,100       50,100  

Expected volatility

     16.80     16.80     16.80     16.80     16.80     16.80     16.80

Expected dividends yield

     6.60     6.60     6.60     6.60     6.60     6.60     6.60

Exercise price

     57,562       53,052       50,862       38,452       50,276       56,860       56,860  

Per-share fair value of the option

     63       310       1,157       11,648       3,400       2,466       1,974  

(ii) SK Square Co., Ltd.

 

(In won)    Series  
     1-3     3     4     5     6  

Risk-free interest rate

     2.07     1.91     1.78     1.52     1.55

Estimated option’s life

     7 years       5 years       5 years       7 years       5 years  

Share price (Closing price on the preceding day)

     52,500       51,800       50,600       34,900       49,800  

Expected volatility

     13.38     8.30     7.70     8.10     25.70

Expected dividends yield

     3.80     3.80     3.90     5.70     4.00

Exercise price

     57,562       53,052       50,862       38,452       50,276  

Per-share fair value of the option

     3,096       1,720       1,622       192       8,142  

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

26.

 Share based payment Arrangement, Continued

 

  26. 1

Share-based payment arrangement of the Parent Company, Continued:

 

  (3)

The Parent Company used binomial option pricing model in the measurement of the fair value of the share options at the remeasurement date and the inputs used in the model are as follows, Continued:

 

  2)

Cash-settled share-based payment arrangement

 

(In won)    Granted in 2021     Granted in 2022  
     Share appreciation rights
of SK Telecom Co., Ltd.
    Share appreciation rights
of SK Square Co., Ltd.
    Share appreciation rights
of SK Telecom Co., Ltd.
 

Risk-free interest rate

     3.52     3.52     3.37

Estimated option’s life

     3.25 years       3.25 years       3.25 years  

Share price on the remeasurement date

     50,100       52,600       50,100  

Expected volatility

     16.80     30.90     16.80

Expected dividends yield

     6.60     0.00     6.60

Exercise price

     50,276       50,276       56,860  

Per-share fair value of the option

     1,387       4,706       949  

 

  3)

Equity-settled share-based payment arrangement

 

(In won)       
     PSU of SK Telecom Co., Ltd.  

Risk-free interest rate

     3.26

Estimated option’s life

     3 years  

Share price on the expected grant date

     48,500  

Expected volatility

     18.67

Expected dividends yield

     4.90

Per-share fair value of the option

     27,525  

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

26.

Share based payment Arrangement, Continued

 

26.2 Share-based payment arrangement by SAPEON Inc., a subsidiary of the Parent Company

 

  (1)

The terms and conditions related to the grants of the share-based payment arrangement are as follows:

 

     Series  
     1-1    1-2    2  

Grant date

   February 28, 2023      November 13, 2023  

Types of shares to be issued

   Registered common shares of SAPEON Inc.  

Grant method

   Issuance of shares  

Number of shares (in share)

   14,500    35,100      6,450  

Exercise price (in U.S. dollars)

      100.0   

Exercise period(*)

   Jan. 4, 2024
~
Jan. 4, 2032
   Apr. 1, 2024
~
Apr. 1, 2032
    

Feb. 1, 2025

~

Feb. 1, 2033

 

 

 

Vesting conditions

   2 years’ service from the commencement date, 50%

3 years’ service from the commencement date, 25%

4 years’ service from the commencement date, 25%

   

   

   

 

(*)

The exercise periods vary as vesting periods for each share-based payment arrangement are different. The exercise period was disclosed based on the vesting period with the highest number of grants.

 

  (2)

Share compensation expense for share-based payment arrangements for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the remaining share compensation expense to be recognized in subsequent periods are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     Share compensation expense  

As of December 31, 2022

   W —   

For the year ended December 31, 2023

     2,555  

In subsequent periods

     1,312  
  

 

 

 
   W 3,867  
  

 

 

 

 

  (3)

SAPEON Inc., a subsidiary of the Parent Company, used binomial option pricing model in the measurement of the fair value of the share options at grant date and the inputs used in the model are as follows:

 

(In U.S. dollars)                   
     1-1     1-2     2  

Risk-free interest rate

     4.18     4.16     4.67

Estimated option’s life

     5.18 years       5.42 years       5.55 years  

Underlying share price

     107.8       107.8       118.1  

Expected volatility

     43.50     43.00     43.00

Expected dividends yield

     0.00     0.00     0.00

Exercise price

     100.0       100.0       100.0  

Per-share fair value of the option

     50.7       51.4       61.4  

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

27.

Retained Earnings

 

  (1)

Retained earnings as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  

Appropriated:

     

Legal reserve

   W 22,320        22,320  

Reserve for business expansion

     9,831,138        9,631,138  

Reserve for technology development

     4,565,300        4,365,300  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     14,396,438        13,996,438  

Unappropriated

     8,381,223        8,444,953  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 22,799,981        22,463,711  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (2)

Legal reserve

The Korean Commercial Act requires the Parent Company to appropriate as a legal reserve at least 10% of cash dividends paid for each accounting period until the reserve equals 50% of outstanding share capital. The legal reserve may not be utilized for cash dividends, but may only be used to offset a future deficit, if any, or may be transferred to share capital.

 

28.

Reserves

 

  (1)

Details of reserves, net of taxes, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  

Valuation gain on FVOCI

   W 176,208        173,281  

Other comprehensive income of investments in associates and joint ventures

     182,702        173,477  

Valuation gain (loss) on derivatives

     (1,488      14,463  

Foreign currency translation differences for foreign operations

     29,794        30,012  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 387,216        391,233  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

28.

Reserves, Continued

 

  (2)

Changes in reserves for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     Valuation gain
on financial assets
at FVOCI
    Other
comprehensive
income of
investments in
associates and

joint ventures
     Valuation gain
(loss) on
derivatives
    Foreign
currency
translation
differences
for foreign
operations
    Total  

Balance as of January 1, 2022

   W 633,240       53,770        33,918       14,310       735,238  

Changes, net of taxes

     (459,959     119,707        (19,455     15,702       (344,005

Balance as of December 31, 2022

   W 173,281       173,477        14,463       30,012       391,233  

Changes, net of taxes

     2,927       9,225        (15,951     (218     (4,017
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2023

   W 176,208       182,702        (1,488     29,794       387,216  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (3)

Changes in valuation gain on financial assets at FVOCI for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     2023      2022  

Balance as of January 1

   W 173,281        633,240  

Amount recognized as other comprehensive income for the year, net of taxes

     (18,883      (490,959

Amount reclassified to retained earnings, net of taxes

     21,810        31,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31

   W 176,208        173,281  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (4)

Changes in valuation gain (loss) on derivatives for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     2023      2022  

Balance as of January 1

   W 14,463        33,918  

Amount recognized as other comprehensive income for the year, net of taxes

     (18,725      (25,630

Amount reclassified to profit, net of taxes

     2,774        6,175  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31

   W (1,488      14,463  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

29.

Other Operating Expenses

Details of other operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     2023      2022  

Communication

   W 32,238        31,881  

Utilities

     511,240        401,025  

Taxes and dues

     29,009        49,445  

Repair

     431,964        435,572  

Research and development

     369,507        340,864  

Training

     39,286        39,632  

Bad debt for accounts receivable – trade

     37,906        27,053  

Travel

     22,499        15,684  

Supplies and other

     130,330        113,839  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 1,603,979        1,454,995  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

30.

Other Non-Operating Income and Expenses

Details of other non-operating income and expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     2023      2022  

Other non-operating income:

     

Gain on disposal of property and equipment and intangible assets

   W 21,898        15,985  

Others

     28,468        39,913  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 50,366        55,898  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other non-operating expenses:

     

Loss on impairment of property and equipment and intangible assets

   W 10,369        17,027  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment and intangible assets

     9,369        20,465  

Donations

     14,766        13,125  

Bad debt for accounts receivable – other

     5,256        3,011  

Others

     7,534        19,992  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 47,294        73,620  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

31.

Finance Income and Costs

 

  (1)

Details of finance income and costs for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     2023      2022  

Finance income:

     

Interest income

   W 70,055        58,472  

Gain on sale of accounts receivable – other

     —         1,043  

Dividends

     43,014        2,552  

Gain on foreign currency transactions

     19,065        21,283  

Gain on foreign currency translations

     1,199        2,095  

Gain relating to financial instruments at FVTPL

     115,043        94,393  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W  248,376        179,838  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(In millions of won)       
     2023      2022  

Finance costs:

     

Interest expense

   W 389,813        328,307  

Loss on sale of accounts receivable – other

     65,027        61,841  

Loss on foreign currency transactions

     21,693        19,485  

Loss on foreign currency translations

     1,227        3,814  

Loss relating to financial instruments at FVTPL

     49,641        41,597  

Loss on disposal of investment assets

     —         1,283  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 527,401        456,327  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (2)

Details of interest income included in finance income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     2023      2022  

Interest income on cash equivalents and financial instruments

   W 44,921        27,991  

Interest income on loans and others

     25,134        30,481  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 70,055        58,472  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (3)

Details of interest expenses included in finance costs for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     2023      2022  

Interest expense on borrowings

   W 29,917        25,736  

Interest expense on debentures

     247,105        217,475  

Others

     112,791        85,096  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 389,813        328,307  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

31.

Finance Income and Costs, Continued

 

  (4)

Finance income and costs by category of financial instruments for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows. Bad debt expense (reversal of loss allowance) for accounts receivable – trade, loans and receivables are presented and explained separately in notes 6 and 36.

 

  1)

Finance income and costs

 

(In millions of won)       
     2023  
     Finance
income
     Finance
costs
 

Financial assets:

     

Financial assets at FVTPL

   W 127,001        114,668  

Financial assets at FVOCI

     39,681        —   

Financial assets at amortized cost

     69,373        22,795  

Derivatives designated as hedging instrument

     2,480        —   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     238,535        137,463  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities:

     

Financial liabilities at FVTPL

     6,717        —   

Financial liabilities at amortized cost

     3,124        389,938  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     9,841        389,938  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 248,376        527,401  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(In millions of won)       
     2022  
     Finance
income
     Finance
costs
 

Financial assets:

     

Financial assets at FVTPL

   W 104,068        103,292  

Financial assets at FVOCI

     1,495        1,283  

Financial assets at amortized cost

     45,008        23,094  

Derivatives designated as hedging instrument

     —         146  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     150,571        127,815  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities:

     

Financial liabilities at FVTPL

     18,432        —   

Financial liabilities at amortized cost

     10,835        328,512  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     29,267        328,512  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 179,838        456,327  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

31.

Finance Income and Costs, Continued

 

  (4)

Finance income and costs by category of financial instruments for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows. Bad debt expense (reversal of loss allowance) for accounts receivable – trade, loans and receivables are presented and explained separately in notes 6 and 36, Continued.

 

  2)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

(In millions of won)              
     2023      2022  

Financial assets:

     

Financial assets at FVOCI

   W (18,842      (491,853

Derivatives designated as hedging instrument

     (11,520      (21,548
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (30,362      (513,401
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities:

     

Derivatives designated as hedging instrument

     (5,940      182  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W (36,302      (513,219
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (5)

Details of impairment losses for financial assets for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2023      2022  

Accounts receivable – trade

   W 37,906        27,053  

Other receivables

     5,256        3,011  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 43,162        30,064  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

32.

Income Tax Expense

 

  (1)

Income tax expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 consist of the following:

 

                           
(In millions of won)              
     2023      2022  

Current tax expense:

     

Current year

   W 273,936        274,902  

Current tax of prior years

     (11,590      73,477  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     262,346        348,379  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax expense:

     

Changes in net deferred tax assets

     79,896        (60,058
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax expense:

   W 342,242        288,321  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (2)

The difference between income taxes computed using the statutory corporate income tax rates and the recorded income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is attributable to the following:

 

                           
(In millions of won)              
     2023      2022  

Profit before income tax

   W 1,488,179        1,236,152  

Income taxes at statutory income tax rate

     382,517        329,580  

Non-taxable income

     (3,091      (14,969

Non-deductible expenses

     15,725        24,679  

Tax credit and tax reduction

     (64,829      (10,300

Changes in unrecognized deferred taxes

     14,354        21,057  

Changes in tax rate

     3,444        (42,307

Income tax refund and others

     (5,878      (19,419
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax expense

   W 342,242        288,321  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

32.

Income Tax Expense, Continued

 

  (3)

Deferred taxes directly charged to (credited from) equity for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

                           
(In millions of won)              
     2023      2022  

Valuation gain on financial assets measured at fair value

   W 12,977        167,249  

Share of other comprehensive gain (loss) of investment in associates and joint ventures

     292        (2,972

Valuation gain on derivatives

     5,631        7,649  

Remeasurement of defined benefit liabilities (assets)

     (2,672      (20,867

Loss on disposal of treasury shares and others

     (53      (28,108
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 16,175        122,951  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (4)

Details of the changes in deferred tax assets (liabilities) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     2023  
     Beginning     Deferred tax
expense
(income)
    Directly charged
to (credited
from) equity
    Ending  

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) related to temporary differences:

        

Loss allowance

   W 75,042       73       —        75,115  

Accrued interest income

     (7,903     1,064       —        (6,839

Financial assets measured at fair value

     (10,171     (5,332     12,977       (2,526

Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

     16,846       5,792       292       22,930  

Property and equipment and intangible assets

     (352,605     (66,808     —        (419,413

Provisions

     1,629       (310     —        1,319  

Retirement benefit obligation

     30,619       (15,517     (2,672     12,430  

Valuation gain on derivatives

     12,768       1,271       5,631       19,670  

Gain (loss) on foreign currency translation

     20,633       34       —        20,667  

Incremental costs to acquire a contract

     (722,900     4,689       —        (718,211

Contract assets and liabilities

     4,279       13,286       —        17,565  

Right-of-use assets

     (431,397     41,534       —        (389,863

Lease liabilities

     428,648       (40,557     —        388,091  

Others

     85,716       (81,397     (53     4,266  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (848,796     (142,178     16,175       (974,799
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets related to unused tax loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards:

        

Tax loss carryforwards

     2,007       5,143       —        7,150  

Tax credit

     89,883       57,139       —        147,022  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     91,890       62,282       —        154,172  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W (756,906     (79,896     16,175       (820,627
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

32.

Income Tax Expense, Continued

 

  (4)

Details of the changes in deferred tax assets (liabilities) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows, Continued:

 

(In millions of won)             
     2022  
     Beginning     Deferred tax
expense
(income)
    Directly charged
to (credited
from) equity
    Business
combinations
    Ending  

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) related to temporary differences:

          

Loss allowance

     W77,357       (2,315     —        —        75,042  

Accrued interest income

     (166     (5,057     —        (2,680     (7,903

Financial assets measured at fair value

     (157,828     (19,592     167,249       —        (10,171

Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

     (31,817     51,635       (2,972     —        16,846  

Property and equipment and intangible assets

     (305,967     (46,895     —        257       (352,605

Provisions

     4,198       (2,569     —        —        1,629  

Retirement benefit obligation

     52,332       (875     (20,867     29       30,619  

Valuation gain on derivatives

     6,336       (1,217     7,649       —        12,768  

Gain (loss) on foreign currency translation

     21,378       (745     —        —        20,633  

Incremental costs to acquire a contract

     (749,871     26,971       —        —        (722,900

Contract assets and liabilities

     (2,201     6,480       —        —        4,279  

Right-of-use assets

     (389,502     (41,895     —        —        (431,397

Lease liabilities

     381,537       47,111       —        —        428,648  

Others

     68,481       41,691       (28,108     3,652       85,716  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (1,025,733     52,728       122,951       1,258       (848,796
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets related to unused tax loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards:

          

Tax loss carryforwards

     —        2,007       —        —        2,007  

Tax credit

     84,560       5,323       —        —        89,883  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     84,560       7,330       —        —        91,890  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     W(941,173     60,058       122,951       1,258       (756,906
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

32.

Income Tax Expense, Continued

 

  (5)

Details of temporary differences, unused tax loss carryforwards and unused tax credits carryforwards which are not recognized as deferred tax assets (liabilities), in the consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  

Loss allowance

     W77,837        85,969  

Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

     (480,667      (434,253

Other temporary differences

     64,004        61,817  

Unused tax loss carryforwards

     174,589        229,410  

The amount of unused tax loss carryforwards which are not recognized as deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2023 are expiring within the following periods:

 

(In millions of won)       
     Unused tax loss carryforwards  

Less than 1 year

   W 19,087  

1 ~ 2 years

     14,345  

2 ~ 3 years

     12,956  

More than 3 years

     128,201  
  

 

 

 
   W 174,589  
  

 

 

 

 

33.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per share is calculated to profit of the Parent Company per common share and dilutive potential common share, and details are as follows:

 

  (1)

Basic earnings per share

1) Basic earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are calculated as follows:

 

(In millions of won, except for share data and basic earnings per share)              
     2023      2022  

Basic earnings per share attributable to owners of the Parent Company:

     

Profit attributable to owners of the Parent Company

   W 1,093,611        912,400  

Interest on hybrid bonds

     (17,283      (14,766
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Profit attributable to owners of the Parent Company on common shares

     1,076,328        897,634  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

     217,264,615        217,994,490  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share (in won)

   W 4,954        4,118  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

33.

Earnings per Share, Continued

 

  (1)

Basic earnings per share, Continued

 

  2)

The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are calculated as follows:

 

(In shares)    2023  
     Number of common shares     Weighted average
number of common
shares
 

Issued shares as of January 1, 2023

     218,833,144       218,833,144  

Treasury shares as of January 1, 2023

     (801,091     (801,091

Acquisition of treasury shares

     (5,773,410     (1,154,633

Disposal of treasury shares

     441,087       387,195  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     212,699,730       217,264,615  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(In shares)    2022  
     Number of common shares     Weighted average
number of common
shares
 

Issued shares as of January 1, 2022

     218,833,144       218,833,144  

Treasury shares as of January 1, 2022

     (1,250,992     (1,250,992

Disposal of treasury shares

     449,901       412,338  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     218,032,053       217,994,490  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (2)

Diluted earnings per share

 

  1)

Diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are calculated as follows:

 

(In millions of won, except for share data and diluted earnings per share)    2023      2022  

Profit attributable to owners of the Parent Company on common shares

   W 1,076,328        897,634  

Adjusted weighted average number of common shares outstanding

     217,452,721        218,108,742  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share (in won)

   W 4,950        4,116  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  2)

The adjusted weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are calculated as follows:

 

(In shares)    2023      2022  

Outstanding shares as of January 1

     218,032,053        217,582,152  

Effect of treasury shares

     (767,438      412,338  

Effect of share option

     188,106        114,252  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted weighted average number of common shares outstanding

     217,452,721        218,108,742  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

34.

Dividends

 

  (1)

Details of dividends declared

Details of dividend declared in Parent company for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won, except for face value and share data)  

Year

  

Dividend type

   Number of shares
outstanding
     Face value
(in won)
     Dividend
ratio
     Dividends  
2023    Cash dividends (Interim)      218,466,141        100        830    W 181,327  
   Cash dividends (Interim)      218,473,140        100        830      181,333  
   Cash dividends (Interim)      216,412,898        100        830      179,623  
   Cash dividends (Year-end)      212,699,730        100        1,050      223,335  
              

 

 

 
               W 765,618  
              

 

 

 
2022    Cash dividends (Interim)      218,002,830        100        830    W 180,942  
   Cash dividends (Interim)      218,032,053        100        830      180,967  
   Cash dividends (Interim)      218,032,053        100        830      180,967  
   Cash dividends (Year-end)      218,032,053        100        830      180,967  
              

 

 

 
               W 723,843  
              

 

 

 

 

  (2)

Dividends yield ratio

Dividends yield ratios for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

(In won)

Year

  

Dividend type

   Dividend per
share
     Closing price
at year-end
     Dividend yield
ratio
 
2023    Cash dividends      3,540        50,100        7.07
2022    Cash dividends      3,320        47,400        7.00

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

35.

Categories of Financial Instruments

 

  (1)

Financial assets by category as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     December 31, 2023  
     Financial
assets at
FVTPL
     Equity
instruments
at FVOCI
     Financial
assets at
amortized cost
     Derivatives
hedging
instrument
     Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   W 313,340        —         1,141,638        —         1,454,978  

Financial instruments

     62,364        —         232,945        —         295,309  

Long-term investment securities(*)

     280,650        1,398,734        —         —         1,679,384  

Accounts receivable – trade

     —         —         1,990,849        —         1,990,849  

Loans and other receivables

     273,945        —         781,157        —         1,055,102  

Derivative financial assets

     32,324        —         —         116,210        148,534  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 962,623        1,398,734        4,146,589        116,210        6,624,156  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(*)   The Group designated W1,398,734 million of equity instruments that are not held for trading as financial assets at FVOCI.

    

(In millions of won)  
     December 31, 2022  
     Financial
assets at
FVTPL
     Equity
instruments
at FVOCI
     Financial
assets at
amortized cost
     Derivatives
hedging
instrument
     Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

   W 245,982        —         1,636,309        —         1,882,291  

Financial instruments

     148,365        —         89,240        —         237,605  

Long-term investment securities(*)

     221,139        1,189,597        —         —         1,410,736  

Accounts receivable – trade

     —         —         1,984,772        —         1,984,772  

Loans and other receivables

     332,669        —         909,003        —         1,241,672  

Derivative financial assets

     54,009        —         —         267,151        321,160  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 1,002,164        1,189,597        4,619,324        267,151        7,078,236  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

The Group designated W1,189,597 million of equity instruments that are not held for trading as financial assets at FVOCI.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

35.

Categories of Financial Instruments, Continued

 

  (2)

Financial liabilities by category as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2023  
     Financial
liabilities at
FVTPL
     Financial
liabilities at
amortized cost
     Derivatives
hedging
instrument
     Total  

Accounts payable – trade

   W —         139,876        —         139,876  

Derivative financial liabilities

     295,876        —         9,212        305,088  

Borrowings

     —         718,078        —         718,078  

Debentures

     —         8,325,643        —         8,325,643  

Lease liabilities(*)

     —         1,611,433        —         1,611,433  

Accounts payable – other and others

     —         4,539,838        —         4,539,838  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     W295,876      15,334,868      9,212      15,639,956  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2022  
     Financial
liabilities at
FVTPL
     Financial
liabilities at
amortized cost
     Total  

Accounts payable – trade

   W —         89,255        89,255  

Derivative financial liabilities

     302,593        —         302,593  

Borrowings

     —         936,110        936,110  

Debentures

     —         8,366,694        8,366,694  

Lease liabilities(*)

     —         1,782,057        1,782,057  

Accounts payable – other and others

     —         5,505,465        5,505,465  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 302,593        16,679,581        16,982,174  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

Lease liabilities are not applicable on category of financial liabilities, but are classified as financial liabilities measured at amortized cost, considering the nature of measuring liabilities.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

36.

Financial Risk Management

 

  (1)

Financial risk management

The Group is exposed to market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. Market risk is the risk related to the changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and price fluctuations. The Group implements a risk management system to monitor and manage these specific risks.

The Group’s financial assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, financial instruments, long-term investment securities, accounts receivable – trade and other, etc. Financial liabilities consist of accounts payable – trade and other, borrowings, debentures, lease liabilities and others.

1) Market risk

(i) Currency risk

The Group has currency risk due to revenue and expenses from its global operations. Major foreign currencies where the currency risk occur are USD, EUR and others. The Group determines the currency risk management policy after considering the nature of business and the presence of methods that mitigate the currency risk for each Group entities. The Group manages currency risk arising from business transactions by using currency forwards, etc. Currency risk occurs on forecasted transactions and recognized assets and liabilities which are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of each group entity.

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won, thousands of foreign currencies)  
     Assets      Liabilities  
     Foreign
currencies
     Won
equivalent
     Foreign
currencies
     Won
equivalent
 

USD

     74,608      W 96,200        1,025,369      W 1,322,111  

EUR

     5,391        7,691        132        188  

Others

        336           —   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 
      W 104,227         W 1,322,299  
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

In addition, the Group has entered into cross currency swaps to hedge against currency risk related to foreign currency debentures. (See note 22)

As of December 31, 2023, a hypothetical change in exchange rates by 10% would have increased (decreased) the Group’s profit before income tax and equity as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                
     Profit before income tax      Equity  
     If increased by 10%      If decreased by 10%      If increased by 10%      If decreased by 10%  

USD

   W 5,521        (5,521    W 5,521        (5,521

EUR

     750        (750      750        (750

Others

     34        (34      34        (34
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 6,305        (6,305    W 6,305        (6,305
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

36.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

  (1)

Financial risk management, Continued

1) Market risk, Continued

 

  (ii)

Interest rate risk

 

The interest rate risk of the Group arises from borrowings, debentures and long-term payables – other. Since the Group’s interest-bearing assets are mostly fixed interest bearing assets, the Group’s revenue and operating cash flows from the interest-bearing assets are not influenced by the changes in market interest rates.

The Group performs various analysis to reduce interest rate risk and to optimize its financing. To minimize risks arising from changes in interest rates, the Group takes various measures such as refinancing, renewal, alternative financing and hedging.

As of December 31, 2023, floating-rate borrowings and debentures amount to W90,000 million and W386,820 million, respectively, and the Group has entered into interest rate swaps to hedge interest rate risk related to the floating-rate debentures. Therefore, profit before income tax for the year ended December 31, 2023 would not have been affected by the changes in interest rates of floating-rate debentures.

If the interest rate increases (decreases) 1%p with all other variables held constant, profit before income tax and equity for the year ended December 31, 2023 would change by W900 million in relation to the floating-rate borrowings which have not entered into interest rate swaps.

As of December 31, 2023, the floating-rate long-term payables – other are W1,290,225 million. If the interest rate increases (decreases) 1%p with all other variables held constant, profit before income tax and equity for the year ended December 31, 2023 would change by W12,902 million in relation to the floating-rate long-term payables – other that are exposed to interest rate risk.

Interest rate benchmark reform and associated risks

In case of Korean CD rate, the alternative interest rate benchmark has selected as Korea Overnight Financing Repo Rate(“KOFR”) and as part of interest rate benchmark reform, the interest rate has been disclosed through Korea Securities Depository since November 26, 2021. KOFR is calculated using the overnight RP rate as collateral for government bonds and monetary stabilization bonds. However, unlike LIBOR, calculation of CD rate will not be suspended, thereby making it unclear when and how the transition to KOFR will take place.

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

36.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

  (1)

Financial risk management, Continued

1) Market risk, Continued

 

Non-derivative financial liabilities

The Parent Company’s non-derivative financial liabilities subject to interest rate benchmark reform as of December 31, 2022 were floating-rate bonds indexed to USD LIBOR. The Group completed discussion with the counterparty about including the fallback clauses as of December 31, 2023.

Derivatives

Most of the Group’s derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedge are governed by contracts based on the International Swaps and Derivatives Association(“ISDA”)’s master agreements. As part of interest rate benchmark reform, ISDA has included a new fallback clause regarding which alternative benchmark interest rate to be applied when the calculation of major IBOR is suspended in the master agreement. The master agreement is applied to derivative contracts executed after January 25, 2021, and the transaction parties are required to adhere to ISDA protocol to include the same fallback clause into derivative contracts executed before January 25, 2021. The Group has adhered to ISDA protocol for transition to the alternative benchmark interest rate and the fallback clause will be included when counterparties adhere to the protocol to include. The Group’s counterparties have adhered to ISDA protocol and agreed to include the fallback clause.

 

  (iii)

Price fluctuations risk

As of December 31, 2023, the Group holds equity instruments in an active trading market, exposing it to price fluctuation risk. Assuming all other variables remain constant, the impact on the Group’s profit before income tax and equity resulting from a 10% fluctuation in the per-share stock price of the equity securities for the year ended December 31, 2023 is as follows.

 

(In millions of won)  
Profit before income tax     Equity  
If increased by 10%     If decreased by 10%     If increased by 10%     If decreased by 10%  
W —        —      W 85,006       (85,006

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

36.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

  (1)

Financial risk management, Continued

 

  2)

Credit risk

The maximum credit exposure as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31,
2023
     December 31,
2022
 

Cash and cash equivalents

   W 1,454,773        1,882,093  

Financial instruments

     295,309        237,605  

Investment securities

     —         900  

Accounts receivable – trade

     1,990,849        1,984,772  

Contract assets

     129,771        132,221  

Loans and other receivables

     1,055,102        1,241,672  

Derivative financial assets

     148,534        321,160  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 5,074,338        5,800,423  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. To manage credit risk, the Group evaluates the credit worthiness of each customer or counterparty by considering the party’s financial information, its own trading records and other factors. Based on such information, the Group establishes credit limits for each customer or counterparty.

 

  (i)

Accounts receivable – trade and contract assets

The Group establishes a loss allowance in respect of accounts receivable – trade and contract assets. The main components of this allowance are a specific loss component that relates to individually significant exposures and a collective loss component established for groups of similar assets in respect of losses that are expected to occur. The collective loss allowance is determined based on historical data of collection statistics for similar financial assets. Details of changes in loss allowance for the year ended December 31, 2023 are included in note 6.

 

  (ii)

Debt investments

The credit risk arises from debt investments included in W295,309 million of financial instruments, and W1,055,102 million of loans and other receivables. To limit the exposure to this risk, the Group transacts only with financial institutions with credit ratings that are considered to be low credit risk.

Most of the Group’s debt investments are considered to have a low risk of default and the borrower has a strong capacity to meet its contractual cash flow obligations in the near term. Thus, the Group measured the loss allowance for the debt investments at an amount equal to 12-month expected credit losses.

Meanwhile, the Group monitors changes in credit risk at each reporting date. The Group recognized the loss allowance at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses when the credit risk on the debt investments is assumed to have increased significantly if it is more than 30 days past due.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

36.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

  (1)

Financial risk management, Continued

2) Credit risk, Continued

(ii) Debt investments, Continued

 

The Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to each financial asset’s carrying amount. The gross carrying amounts of each financial asset except for the accounts receivable – trade and derivative financial assets as of December 31, 2023 are as follows.

 

(In millions of won)  
     Financial assets at FVTPL      Financial assets at amortized cost  
    

 

     12-month
ECL
    Lifetime ECL –
not credit
impaired
    Lifetime ECL –
credit impaired
 

Gross amount

   W 336,309        1,009,175       8,914       71,677  

Loss allowance

     —         (3,314     (3,095     (69,255
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Carrying amount

   W 336,309        1,005,861       5,819       2,422  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in the loss allowance for the debt investments for the year ended December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     12-month ECL      Lifetime ECL –
not credit impaired
     Lifetime ECL –
credit impaired
     Total  

December 31, 2022

   W 3,081        3,314        83,685        90,080  

Remeasurement of loss allowance, net

     1,105        3,049        1,102        5,256  

Transfer to lifetime ECL – not credit impaired

     (868      868        —         —   

Transfer to lifetime ECL – credit impaired

     —         (4,136      4,136        —   

Amounts written off

     (4      —         (26,583      (26,587

Recovery of amounts written off

     —         —         6,915        6,915  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2023

   W 3,314        3,095        69,255        75,664  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(iii) Cash and cash equivalents

The Group deposits W1,454,773 million of cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023 (W1,882,093 million as of December 31, 2022) at banks and financial institutions with credit ratings above the certain level. Impairment on cash and cash equivalents has been measured on a 12-month expected loss basis and reflects the short maturities of the exposures. The Group considered that its cash and cash equivalents have low credit risk based on the credit ratings of the counterparties assigned by external credit rating agencies.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

36.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

  (1)

Financial risk management, Continued

 

3) Liquidity risk

The Group’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure that it will always maintain sufficient cash and cash equivalents balances and have enough liquidity through various committed credit lines. The Group maintains enough liquidity within credit lines through active operating activities.

Contractual maturities of financial liabilities as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     Carrying
amount
     Contractual
cash flows
     Less than 1
year
     1 - 5 years       More than 
5 years
 

Accounts payable – trade

   W 139,876        139,876        139,876        —         —   

Borrowings(*)

     718,078        739,791        417,056        322,735        —   

Debentures(*)

     8,325,643        9,532,468        1,493,063        5,800,210        2,239,195  

Lease liabilities

     1,611,433        1,899,929        386,202        1,026,475        487,252  

Accounts payable – other and others(*)

     4,539,838        4,614,608        3,642,356        972,202        50  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 15,334,868        16,926,672        6,078,553        8,121,622        2,726,497  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*)

The contractual cash flow is amount that includes interest payables.

The Group does not expect that the cash flows included in the maturity analysis could occur significantly earlier or in significantly different amounts.

As of December 31, 2023, periods in which cash flows from cash flow hedge derivatives are expected to occur are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     Carrying
amount
    Contractual
cash flows
    Less than 1
year
     1 - 5
years
 

Assets

   W 116,210       123,260       30,928        92,332  

Liabilities

     (9,212     (10,610     2,970        (13,580
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     106,998       112,650       33,898        78,752  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

36.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

  (2)

Capital management

The Group manages its capital to ensure that it will be able to continue as a going concern while maximizing the return to shareholders through the optimization of its debt and equity structure. The overall strategy of the Group is the same as that of the Group as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Group monitors its debt-equity ratio as a capital management indicator. This ratio is calculated as total liabilities divided by total equity from the consolidated financial statements.

Debt-equity ratio as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)             
     December 31,
2023
    December 31,
2022
 

Total liabilities

   W 17,890,828       19,153,066  

Total equity

     12,228,399       12,155,196  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Debt-equity ratios

     146.31     157.57
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (3)

Fair value

 

  1)

Fair value and carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities including fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2023  
     Carrying
amount
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Financial assets that are measured at fair value:

              

FVTPL

   W 962,623        —         649,649        312,974        962,623  

Derivative hedging instruments

     116,210        —         116,210        —         116,210  

FVOCI

     1,398,734        1,135,832        —         262,902        1,398,734  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 2,477,567        1,135,832        765,859        575,876        2,477,567  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities that are measured at fair value:

              

FVTPL

     295,876        —         —         295,876        295,876  

Derivative hedging instruments

     9,212        —         9,212        —         9,212  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 305,088        —         9,212        295,876        305,088  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities that are not measured at fair value:

              

Borrowings

   W 718,078        —         695,320        —         695,320  

Debentures

     8,325,643        —         8,052,193        —         8,052,193  

Long-term payables – other

     1,260,453        —         1,294,977        —         1,294,977  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 10,304,174        —         10,042,490        —         10,042,490  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

36.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

  (3)

Fair value, Continued

 

  2)

Fair value and carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities including fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     December 31, 2022  
     Carrying
amount
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Financial assets that are measured at fair value:

              

FVTPL

   W 1,002,164        44,431        727,014        230,719        1,002,164  

Derivative hedging instruments

     267,151        —         267,151        —         267,151  

FVOCI

     1,189,597        993,765        —         195,832        1,189,597  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W  2,458,912        1,038,196        994,165        426,551        2,458,912  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities that are measured at fair value:

              

FVTPL

   W 302,593        —         —         302,593        302,593  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial liabilities that are not measured at fair value:

              

Borrowings

   W 936,110        —         911,597        —         911,597  

Debentures

     8,366,694        —         7,813,420        —         7,813,420  

Long-term payables – other

     1,638,341        —         1,614,934        —         1,614,934  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W  10,941,145        —         10,339,951        —         10,339,951  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The above information does not include fair values of financial assets and liabilities of which fair values have not been measured as carrying amounts are reasonable approximation of fair values.

Fair value of the financial instruments that are traded in an active market (financial assets at FVOCI and financial assets at FVTPL) is measured based on the bid price at the end of the reporting date.

The Group uses various valuation methods for determination of fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market. Derivative financial contracts and long-term liabilities are measured using the discounted present value methods. Other financial assets are determined using the methods such as discounted cash flow and market approach. Inputs used in such valuation methods include swap rate, interest rate, and risk premium, and the Group performs valuation using the inputs which are consistent with natures of assets and liabilities measured.

Interest rates used by the Group for the fair value measurement as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

     Interest rate  

Derivative instruments

     2.18% ~ 6.25%  

Borrowings and debentures

     3.84% ~ 18.12%  

Long-term payables – other

     3.72% ~ 3.85%  

 

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Table of Contents

SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

36.

Financial Risk Management, Continued

 

  (3)

Fair value, Continued

 

  3)

There have been no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The changes of financial instruments classified as Level 3 for the year ended December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     Balance as of
January 1, 2023
     Gain (loss) for
the year
    OCI      Acquisition      Disposal     Balance as of
December 31, 2023
 

Financial assets

 

FVTPL

     W 230,719        (41,556     1,602        157,356        (35,147     312,974  

FVOCI

     195,832        —        14,448        52,622        —        262,902  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   W 426,551        (41,556     16,050        209,978        (35,147     575,876  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial liabilities

 

FVTPL

   W  (302,593)        6,717       —         —         —        (295,876

 

  (4)

Enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement

Carrying amounts of financial instruments recognized to which offset agreements are applicable as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2023  
     Gross financial
instruments recognized
     Amount offset      Net financial instruments
presented on the consolidated
statements of financial
position
 

Financial assets:

        

Accounts receivable – trade and others

   W 194,374        (183,520      10,854  

Financial liabilities:

        

Accounts payable – other and others

   W 190,630        (183,520      7,110  

 

(In millions of won)    December 31, 2022  
     Gross financial
instruments recognized
     Amount offset      Net financial instruments
presented on the consolidated
statements of financial
position
 

Financial assets:

        

Accounts receivable – trade and others

   W 245,835        (236,921      8,914  

Financial liabilities:

        

Accounts payable – other and others

   W 244,509        (236,921      7,588  

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

37.

Transactions with Related Parties

 

  (1)

List of related parties

 

Relationship

  

Company

Ultimate controlling entity

   SK Inc.

Joint venture

   UTC Kakao-SK Telecom ESG Fund

Associates

   SK China Company Ltd. and 44 others

Others

   The Ultimate controlling entity’s subsidiaries and associates and others

As of December 31, 2023, the Group belongs to SK Group, a conglomerate as defined in the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act of the Republic of Korea. All of the other entities included in SK Group are considered related parties of the Group.

 

  (2)

Compensation for the key management

The Parent Company considers registered directors who have substantial role and responsibility in planning, operations, and relevant controls of the business as key management. The compensation given to such key management for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2023      2022  

Salaries

   W 4,139        3,487  

Defined benefits plan expenses

     1,005        761  

Share option

     2,542        1,598  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 7,686        5,846  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Compensation for the key management includes salaries, non-monetary salaries, and defined benefits made in relation to the pension plan and compensation expenses related to share options granted.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

37.

Transactions with Related Parties, Continued

 

  (3)

Transactions with related parties for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)    2023  

Scope

  

Company

   Operating
revenue and
others
     Operating
expense and
others (*1)
     Acquisition of
property and
equipment
and others
 

Ultimate Controlling Entity

   SK Inc.(*2)    W 21,438        633,265        120,926  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Associates

   F&U Credit information Co., Ltd.      3,876        49,398        552  
   SK USA, Inc.      —         5,384        —   
   Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.      12,972        —         —   
   Others(*3)      8,806        15,962        865  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        25,654        70,744        1,417  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Others

  

SK Innovation Co., Ltd.

     33,571        18,977        —   
  

SK Energy Co., Ltd.

     4,113        540        —   
  

SK Geo Centric Co., Ltd.

     835        2        —   
  

SK Networks Co., Ltd.(*4)

     5,876        970,662        1  
  

SK Networks Service Co., Ltd.

     5,471        72,274        8,393  
  

SK Ecoplant Co., Ltd.

     2,547        —         —   
  

SK hynix Inc.

     58,725        178        —   
  

SK Shieldus Co., Ltd.

     59,974        147,333        26,021  
  

Content Wavve Corp.

     14,524        87,263        176  
  

Eleven Street Co., Ltd.

     72,683        34,053        —   
  

SK Planet Co., Ltd.

     18,308        88,250        16,338  
  

SK RENT A CAR Co., Ltd.

     14,023        20,231        —   
  

SK Magic Co., Ltd.

     1,632        1,142        —   
  

Tmap Mobility Co., Ltd.

     24,862        10,003        —   
  

Onestore Co., Ltd.

     16,265        166        —   
  

Dreamus Company

     6,202        77,452        284  
  

UNA Engineering Inc.

(Formerly, UbiNS Co., Ltd.)

     172        50,263        52,733  
  

Happy Narae Co., Ltd.

     1,472        35,461        92,375  
  

Others

     52,039        21,884        13,292  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        393,294        1,636,134        209,613  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
      W  440,386        2,340,143        331,956  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*1)

Operating expenses and others include lease payments by the Group.

(*2)

Operating expenses and others include W218,019 million of dividends paid by the Parent Company.

(*3)

Operating revenue and others include W8,806 million of dividends received which was deducted from the investment in associates.

(*4)

Operating expenses and others include costs for handset purchases amounting to W915,339 million.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

37.

Transactions with Related Parties, Continued

 

  (3)

Transactions with related parties for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows, Continued:

 

(In millions of won)         2022  

Scope

  

Company

   Operating
revenue and
others
     Operating
expense and
others (*1)
     Acquisition of
property and
equipment
and others
 

Ultimate Controlling Entity

   SK Inc.(*2)    W 22,162        662,247        114,895  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Associates

   F&U Credit information Co., Ltd.      3,490        49,227        265  
   HanaCard Co., Ltd. (*3)      8,932        1,820        22  
   Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.      20,290        —         —   
   Others(*4)      13,795        5,608        80  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        46,507        56,655        367  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Others

  

SK Innovation Co., Ltd.

     27,524        19,598        —   
  

SK Energy Co., Ltd.

     4,585        710        —   
  

SK Geo Centric Co., Ltd.

     925        1        —   
  

SK Networks Co., Ltd.(*5)

     4,312        904,320        288  
  

SK Networks Service Co., Ltd.

     6,110        71,432        7,891  
  

SK Ecoplant Co., Ltd.

     3,330        112        —   
  

SK hynix Inc.

     60,933        75        —   
  

SK Shieldus Co., Ltd.

     39,455        147,731        35,854  
  

Content Wavve Corp.

     6,797        108,760        229  
  

Eleven Street Co., Ltd.

     71,972        31,589        —   
   SK Planet Co., Ltd.      19,753        95,261        17,481  
   SK RENT A CAR Co., Ltd.      14,992        15,891        —   
   SK Magic Co., Ltd.      2,204        1,071        —   
   Tmap Mobility Co., Ltd.      22,011        4,973        892  
   Onestore Co., Ltd.      17,181        24        —   
   Dreamus Company      7,235        85,193        649  
  

UNA Engineering Inc.

(Formerly, UbiNS Co., Ltd.)

     283        46,222        53,897  
   Happy Narae Co., Ltd.      1,637        24,727        143,188  
   Others      40,058        29,610        20,555  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        351,297        1,587,300        280,924  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
      W  419,966        2,306,202        396,186  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*1)

Operating expenses and others include lease payments by the Group.

(*2)

Operating expenses and others include W272,524 million of dividends paid by the Parent Company.

(*3)

HanaCard Co., Ltd. was excluded from the related parties due to the disposal of the Group’s shares in the entity for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the transactions above occurred before the disposal.

(*4)

Operating revenue and others include W13,700 million of dividends deducted from the investment in associates as a result of receipt by the Group.

(*5)

Operating expenses and others include costs for handset purchases amounting to W844,157 million.

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

37.

Transactions with Related Parties, Continued

 

  (4)

Account balances with related parties as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)         December 31, 2023  
          Receivables      Payables  

Scope

  

Company

   Loans      Accounts receivable –
trade, etc.
     Accounts payable –
other, etc.
 

Ultimate Controlling Entity

   SK Inc.    W —         1,535        106,546  

Associates

   F&U Credit information Co., Ltd.      —         325        4,417  
   Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.(*1)      22,147        4,701        —   
   Others      —         3,910        3,476  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        22,147        8,936        7,893  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Others

   SK Innovation Co., Ltd.      —         8,697        28,646  
   SK Networks Co., Ltd.      —         120        156,316  
   Mintit Co., Ltd.      —         17,036        —   
   SK hynix Inc.      —         8,022        2,251  
   Happy Narae Co., Ltd.      —         101        5,686  
   SK Shieldus Co., Ltd.      —         12,723        14,784  
   Content Wavve Corp.      —         1,476        2  
   Incross Co., Ltd.      —         2,239        943  
   Eleven Street Co., Ltd.      —         6,138        6,103  
   SK Planet Co., Ltd.      —         9,981        18,833  
   SK RENT A CAR Co., Ltd.      —         866        33,365  
  

UNA Engineering Inc.

(Formerly, UbiNS Co., Ltd.)

     —         1        10,764  
   Others(*2)      —         15,082        30,184  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        —         82,482        307,877  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
      W  22,147          92,953        422,316  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*1)

As of December 31, 2023, the Parent Company recognized loss allowance for the entire balance of loans to Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.

(*2)

During the year ended December 31, 2022, SK Telecom Innovation Fund, L.P., a subsidiary of the Parent Company, entered into a convertible loan agreement for USD 13,000,000 with id Quantique SA, classified as an other related party. SK Telecom Innovation Fund, L.P. acquired shares of id Quantique SA amounting to USD 26,731,250, including common shares converted from the entire balance of loan for the year ended December 31, 2023

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

37.

Transactions with Related Parties, Continued

 

  (4)

Account balances with related parties as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows, Continued:

 

(In millions of won)         December 31, 2022  
          Receivables      Payables  

Scope

  

Company

   Loans      Accounts receivable –
trade, etc.
     Accounts payable –
other, etc.
 

Ultimate Controlling Entity

   SK Inc.    W —         2,383        103,141  

Associates

   F&U Credit information Co., Ltd.      —         64        5,682  
   SK USA, Inc.      —         —         1,519  
   Wave City Development Co., Ltd.(*1)      —         901        —   
   Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.(*2)      22,147        3,199        —   
   Others      —         —         65  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        22,147        4,164        7,266  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Others

   SK Innovation Co., Ltd.      —         9,726        33,091  
   SK Networks Co., Ltd.      —         488        113,943  
   Mintit Co., Ltd.      —         35,058        3  
   SK hynix Inc.      —         15,494        311  
   Happy Narae Co., Ltd.      —         31        31,979  
   SK Shieldus Co., Ltd.      —         14,035        17,447  
   Content Wavve Corp.      —         349        19,244  
   Incross Co., Ltd.      —         3,774        16,152  
   Eleven Street Co., Ltd.      —         6,797        13,026  
   SK Planet Co., Ltd.      —         8,190        43,238  
   SK RENT A CAR Co., Ltd.      —         1,291        22,895  
  

UNA Engineering Inc.

(Formerly, UbiNS Co., Ltd.)

     —         —         21,179  
   Others(*3)      16,475        13,996        41,890  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        16,475        109,229        374,398  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
      W  38,622          115,776        484,805  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(*1)

As of December 31, 2022, the Parent Company recognized loss allowance amounting to W379 million for accounts receivable – trade.

(*2)

As of December 31, 2022, the Parent Company recognized loss allowance for the entire balance of loans to Daehan Kanggun BcN Co., Ltd.

(*3)

During the year ended December 31, 2022, SK Telecom Innovation Fund, L.P., a subsidiary of the Parent Company, entered into a convertible loan agreement for USD 13,000,000 with id Quantique SA, classified as other related party.

 

  (5)

The Group has granted SK REIT Co., Ltd. The right of first offer regarding the disposal of real estate owned by the Group. Whereby, the negotiation period is within 3 to 5 years from June 30, 2021, date of agreement, and the Group has been granted the right by SK REIT Co., Ltd. to lease the real estate in preference to a third party if SK REIT Co., Ltd. purchases the real estate from the Group.

 

  (6)

The details of additional investments and disposal of associates and joint ventures for the year ended December 31, 2023 are as presented in note 12.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

38.

Commitments and Contingencies

(1) Collateral assets and commitments

SK Broadband Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Parent Company, has pledged its properties as collateral for leases on buildings in the amount of W1,228 million as of December 31, 2023.

(2) Legal claims and litigations

As of December 31, 2023, the Group is involved in various legal claims and litigation. Provision recognized in relation to these claims and litigation is immaterial. In connection with those legal claims and litigation for which no provision was recognized, management does not believe the Group has a present obligation, nor is it expected any of these claims or litigation will have a material impact on the Group’s financial position or operating results in the event an outflow of resources is ultimately necessary.

(3) Accounts receivable from sale of handsets

The sales agents of the Parent Company sell handsets to the Parent Company’s subscribers on an installment basis. The Parent Company entered into comprehensive agreements to purchase accounts receivable from handset sales with retail stores and authorized dealers and to transfer the accounts receivable from handset sales to special purpose companies which were established with the purpose of liquidating receivables, respectively.

The accounts receivable from sale of handsets amounting to W291,747 million and W357,467 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which the Parent Company purchased according to the relevant comprehensive agreement are recognized as accounts receivable – other and long-term accounts receivable – other.

(4) Obligation relating to spin-off

The Parent Company carried out the spin-off of its business of managing investments in semiconductor, New Information and Communication Technologies(“ICT”) and other businesses and making new investments on November 1, 2021. The Parent Company has obligation to jointly and severally reimburse the Parent Company’s liabilities incurred prior to the spin-off with SK Square Co., Ltd., the spin-off company, in accordance with Article 530-9 (1) of Korean Commercial Act.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

38.

Commitments and Contingencies, Continued

 

(5) Commitment of the acquisition and disposal of shares

The Board of Directors of the Parent Company resolved the acquisition and disposal of certain shares in order to strengthen the strategic alliance with Hana Financial Group Inc.(“HFG”) at the Board of Directors’ meeting held on July 22, 2022. In accordance with the resolution, as of July 27, 2022, the Parent Company disposed of its entire common shares of HanaCard Co., Ltd. (39,902,323 shares) and entire common shares of Finnq Co., Ltd. (6,370,000 shares) to HFG for W330,032 million and W5,733 million, respectively. Through the agreement with HFG, the Parent Company is obligated to acquire HFG’s common shares from July 27, 2022 to January 31, 2024, after depositing W330,032 million in a specific money trust, and the Parent Company completed the acquisition of the shares for the year ended December 31, 2022. As a part of the aforementioned transaction, as of July 27, 2022, the Parent Company disposed of its entire common shares of SK Square Co., Ltd. (767,011 shares) to HanaCard Co., Ltd. for W31,563 million, and HanaCard Co., Ltd. is obligated to acquire the Parent Company’s common shares from July 27, 2022 to January 31, 2024, after depositing W68,437 million in a specific money trust, and completed the acquisition of the shares for the year ended December 31, 2022. The Parent Company, HFG, and HanaCard Co., Ltd. may not dispose of shares they have acquired under the aforementioned transaction until March 31, 2025.

(6) The acquisition cost of property and equipment and intangible assets to be incurred in subsequent periods under arrangements is W44,202 million as of December 31, 2023.

(7) According to the covenant for bond issuance and borrowings, the Group is required to maintain specific financial ratios, such as the debt ratio, at certain levels. The funds obtained must be used for specified purposes only, and regular reporting to lenders is mandated. Additionally, the contracts include clauses that restrict both provision of additional collateral of assets held by the Group and disposal of certain assets.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

39.

Statements of Cash Flows

 

  (1)

Adjustments for income and expenses from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2023      2022  

Interest income

   W (70,055      (58,472

Dividends

     (43,014      (2,552

Gain on foreign currency translations

     (1,199      (2,095

Gain on sale of accounts receivable – other

     —         (1,043

Gain (loss) relating to investments in associates and joint ventures, net

     (10,928      81,707  

Gain on disposal of property and equipment and intangible assets

     (21,898      (15,985

Gain relating to financial instruments at FVTPL

     (115,043      (94,393

Interest expense

     389,813        328,307  

Loss on foreign currency translations

     1,227        3,814  

Loss on sale of accounts receivable – other

     65,027        61,841  

Income tax expense

     342,242        288,321  

Expense related to defined benefit plan

     124,439        134,509  

Share option

     18,889        84,463  

Bonus paid by treasury shares

     20,420        25,425  

Depreciation and amortization

     3,750,796        3,755,312  

Bad debt for accounts receivables – trade

     37,906        27,053  

Impairment loss on property and equipment and intangible assets

     10,369        17,027  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment and intangible assets

     9,369        20,465  

Bad debt for accounts receivable – other

     5,256        3,011  

Loss relating to financial instruments at FVTPL

     49,641        41,597  

Loss on disposal of investment assets

     —         1,283  

Other income (expenses)

     (16,919      19,843  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 4,546,338        4,719,438  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

39.

Statements of Cash Flows, Continued

 

  (2)

Changes in assets and liabilities from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)              
     2023      2022  

Accounts receivable – trade

   W (46,531      (60,546

Accounts receivable – other

     79,223        54,988  

Advanced payments

     3,986        (25,377

Prepaid expenses

     (2,262      11,989  

Inventories

     (17,549      39,633  

Long-term accounts receivable – other

       66,036        (74,729

Contract assets

     3,877        (13,400

Guarantee deposits

     (2,117      6,245  

Accounts payable – trade

     50,442        (101,465

Accounts payable – other

     (188,318      369,693  

Withholdings

     (3,714      4,964  

Contract liabilities

     (19,620      18,910  

Deposits received

     (1,744      99  

Accrued expenses

     (73,734      116,039  

Provisions

     (566      (20

Long-term provisions

     (1,061      (13,792

Plan assets

     (17,772      (132,131

Retirement benefits payment

     (99,396      (79,117

Others

     (3,343      (3,877
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W (274,163      118,106  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (3)

Significant non-cash transactions for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)       
     2023      2022  

Decrease in accounts payable – other relating to the acquisition of property and equipment and intangible assets

   W (305,823        (39,977

Increase of right-of-use assets

      345,761        720,932  

Transfer from property and equipment to investment property

     13,900        4,732  

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

39.

Statements of Cash Flows, Continued

 

  (4)

Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)  
     2023  
     January 1, 2023     Cash flows     Non-cash transactions         
  Exchange
rate
changes(*)
     Fair
value
changes
    Other
changes
     December 31,
2023
 

Total liabilities from financing activities:

 

Short-term borrowings

   W 142,998       (142,998     —         —        —         —   

Long-term borrowings

     793,113       (75,050     —         —        15        718,078  

Debentures

     8,366,693       (84,082     36,701        —        6,331        8,325,643  

Lease liabilities

     1,782,057       (402,465     —         —        231,841        1,611,433  

Long-term payables – other

     1,638,341       (400,245     —         —        22,357        1,260,453  

Derivative financial liabilities

     —        —        —         (9,212     —         (9,212

Derivative financial assets

     (267,151     183,090       —         (32,149     —         (116,210
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 12,456,051       (921,750     36,701        (41,361     260,544        11,790,185  

Other cash flows from financing activities:

 

Payments of cash dividends

     W (773,806          

Payments of interest on hybrid bonds

       (17,283          

Acquisition of treasury shares

       (285,487          

Proceeds of hybrid bonds

       398,509            

Repayments of hybrid bonds

       (400,000          

Cash inflow from transactions with the non-controlling shareholders

       160            

Cash outflow from transactions with the non-controlling shareholders

       (21,333          
    

 

 

           
       (1,099,240          
    

 

 

           
     W (2,020,990          
    

 

 

           

 

(*)

The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates for financial liabilities at amortized cost.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

39.

Statements of Cash Flows, Continued

 

  (4)

Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows, Continued:

 

(In millions of won)  
     2022  
     January 1, 2022     Cash flows     Non-cash transactions         
  Exchange
rate
changes(*)
     Fair
value
changes
    Business
combinations
     Other
changes
     December 31,
2022
 

Total liabilities from financing activities:

 

Short-term borrowings

   W 12,998       130,000       —         —        —         —         142,998  

Long-term borrowings

     394,187       398,529       —         —        —         397        793,113  

Debentures

     8,426,683       (189,878     122,350        —        —         7,538        8,366,693  

Lease liabilities

     1,534,281       (401,054     —         —        6,503        642,327        1,782,057  

Long-term payables – other

     2,009,833       (400,245     —         —        —         28,753        1,638,341  

Derivative financial liabilities

     111       —        —         (111     —         —         —   

Derivative financial assets

     (182,661     768       —         (85,258     —         —         (267,151
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   W 12,195,432       (461,880     122,350        (85,369     6,503        679,015        12,456,051  

Other cash flows from financing activities:

 

Payments of cash dividends

     W (904,020)               

Payments of interest on hybrid bonds

       (14,766             

Cash inflow from transactions with the non-controlling shareholders

       31,151               

Cash outflow from transactions with the non-controlling shareholders

       (367             
    

 

 

              
       (888,002             
    

 

 

              
     W (1,349,882)               
    

 

 

              

 

(*)

The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates for financial liabilities at amortized cost.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

40.

Emissions Liabilities

 

  (1)

The quantity of emissions rights allocated free of charge for each implementation year as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

(In tCO2-eQ)  
     Quantities
allocated
in 2021
     Quantities
allocated
in 2022
     Quantities
allocated

in 2023
     Quantities
allocated

in 2024
     Quantities
allocated

in 2025
     Total  

Emissions rights allocated free of charge(*)

        1,385,433           1,602,751          1,443,977          1,300,465          1,300,465          7,033,091   

 

  (*)

The changes in quantity due to additional allocation, cancellation of allocation and others are considered.

 

  (2)

Changes in emissions rights quantities the Group held are as follows:

 

(In tCO2-eQ)  
     Quantities
allocated in
2021
     Quantities
allocated in
2022
     Quantities
allocated in
2023
     Total  

Beginning

     —         —         306,575        306,575  

Allocation at no cost

     1,385,433        1,602,751        1,443,977        4,432,161  

Purchase

     —         213,609        —         213,609  

Surrender or shall be surrendered

     (1,421,570      (1,515,595      (1,657,664      (4,594,829

Borrowed

     36,137        5,810        —         41,947  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending

     —         306,575        92,888        399,463  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (3)

As of December 31, 2023, the estimated annual greenhouse gas emissions quantities of the Group are 1,657,664 tCO2-eQ.

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

41.

Non-current Assets Held for Sale

Non-current assets held for sale as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

 

(In millions of won)                   
          December 31, 2023      December 31, 2022  

Investments in associates

  

Daekyo Wipoongdangdang Contents Korea Fund

   W 746        1,062  

Long-term

Investment securities

   Digital Content Korea Fund      3,395        3,645  
  

InterVest Fund

     —         107  
  

Central Fusion Content Fund

     884        1,563  
  

P&I Cultural Innovation Fund

     1,892        —   

Inventories

        505        —   

Prepaid Expenses

        1,489        —   

Property and Equipment

        1,604        —   
       

 

 

    

 

 

 
      W 10,515        6,377  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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SK TELECOM CO., LTD. and its Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

42.

Subsequent Events

 

  (1)

On January 25, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Parent Company approved the disposal of treasury shares and details of the transaction are as follows:

 

    

Information of disposal

Number of treasury shares

   498,135 Common shares

Price of the treasury shares (in won)

   Per share W49,600

Aggregate disposal value

   W24,707 million

Disposal date

   January 29, 2024

Purpose of disposal

   Allotment of shares as bonus payment

Method of disposal

   Over-the-counter

 

  (2)

The Board of Directors of the Parent Company approved the acquisition and retirement of treasury shares of the Parent Company at the Board of Directors’ meeting held on July 26, 2023. The Parent Company acquired a total of 6,090,410 shares during the period from July 27, 2023 to January 26, 2024 through a trust agreement and 4,043,091 shares were retired on February 5, 2024.

 

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Audit opinion on internal control over financial reporting

The accompanying independent auditor’s report on internal control over financial reporting is attached as a result of auditing the internal control over financial reporting of SK Telecom Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) and the consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended December 31, 2023 in accordance with the Article 8 of the Act on External Audit of Stock Companies.

Attachments:

 

  1.

Independent auditor’s report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

  2.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

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Independent auditor’s report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

(Based on a report originally issued in Korean)

SK Telecom Co., Ltd.:

The Shareholders and Board of Directors

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting (“ICFR”) of SK Telecom Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) based on the Conceptual Framework for Designing and Operating ICFR (“ICFR Design and Operation Framework”) established by the Operating Committee of ICFR in Korea (the “ICFR Committee”) as of December 31, 2023.

In our opinion, the Group’s ICFR has been effectively designed and operated, in all material respects, as of December 31, 2023, in accordance with the ICFR Design and Operation Framework.

We also have audited, in accordance with Korean Standards on Auditing (“KSA”), the consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31, 2023, the consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of material accounting policies, of the Group, and our report dated March 6, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion on ICFR

We conducted our audit in accordance with KSA. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of ICFR section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of ICFR in the Republic of Korea, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for ICFR

Management is responsible for designing, operating, and maintaining effective ICFR, and for its assessing the effectiveness of ICFR, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Group’s ICFR.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of ICFR

Our responsibility is to express an opinion of the Group’s ICFR based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with KSA. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective ICFR was maintained in all material respects.

An audit of the ICFR involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence as to whether a material weakness exists. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks that a material weakness exists. An audit also includes testing and evaluating the design and operation of ICFR based on obtaining an understanding of ICFR and the assessed risk.

 

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Table of Contents

ICFR definition and Inherent Limitations

A company’s ICFR is implemented by those charged with governance, management, and other employees and is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the Republic of Korea (“KIFRS”). A company’s ICFR includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with KIFRS, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, ICFR may not prevent or detect misstatements of the financial statements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that ICFR may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is Yoo, Jung Ho.

 

LOGO

March 6, 2024

 

This report is effective as of March 6, 2024, the independent auditor’s report date. Accordingly, certain material subsequent events or circumstances may have occurred during the period from the auditor’s report date to the time this report is used. Such events and circumstances could significantly affect the Group’s ICFR and may result in modifications to this report.

 

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Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

English translation of a Report Originally Issued in Korean

To Shareholders, the Board of Directors and Audit Committee of

SK Telecom Co., Ltd.

We, as the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Internal Control over Financial Reporting (“ICFR”) Officer of SK Telecom Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Group”), assessed the status of the design and operation of the Group’s ICFR for the year ending December 31, 2023.

The Group’s management including the CEO and ICFR Officer is responsible for designing and operating ICFR. We, as the CEO and ICFR Officer (collectively, “We”, “Our” or “Us”), evaluated whether the ICFR has been appropriately designed and is effectively operating to prevent and detect error or fraud which may cause material misstatement of the financial statements to ensure preparation and disclosure of reliable financial information.

We used the ‘Conceptual Framework for Designing and Operating Internal Control over Financial Reporting’ established by the Operating Committee of Internal Control over Financial Reporting in Korea (the “ICFR Committee”)’ as the criteria for design and operation of the Group’s ICFR. We also conducted an evaluation of ICFR based on the ‘Management Guideline for Evaluating and Reporting Effectiveness of Internal Control over Financial Reporting’ established by the ICFR Committee.

Based on our assessment of ICFR operation, we concluded that the Group’s ICFR has been appropriately designed and is operating effectively in all material respects as of December 31, 2023, in accordance with the ‘Conceptual Framework for Designing and Operating Internal Control over Financial Reporting’.

We certify that this report does not contain any untrue statement of a fact, or omit to state a fact necessary to be presented herein. We also certify that this report does not contain or present any statements which might cause material misunderstandings of the readers, and we have reviewed and verified this report with sufficient care.

February 20, 2024

 

/s/ Kim, Yang Seob
Internal Control over Financial Reporting Officer
/s/ Ryu, Young Sang
Chief Executive Officer

 

134


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