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LG Uplus

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A major South Korean telecommunications operator offering mobile, broadband, IPTV, fixed-line, media and enterprise services.

Last updated November 4, 2026

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Overview

LG Uplus Corp. is a South Korean telecommunications operator owned by LG Corporation and one of the country's three principal nationwide telecom providers. Its business spans mobile communications, broadband internet, IPTV, fixed-line connectivity, enterprise networking, data services, electronic payments and media content. The company serves consumers, households, businesses and public-sector customers primarily in South Korea. The company originated from LG's entry into South Korean wireless communications during the liberalization of the country's cellular market. After acquiring a CDMA license in June 1996, LG established LG Telecom and began commercial PCS service in October 1997. In March 1998 it introduced a commercial cdmaOne data service using PCS technology, seeking to differentiate itself from larger incumbent competitors through mobile data capabilities. LG Telecom initially concentrated on wireless communications, but its long-term strategy expanded toward bundled connectivity. It acquired or combined with LG-affiliated fixed-line and internet businesses, including LG Dacom and LG Powercom. These transactions gave the group capabilities in fixed networks, broadband, corporate communications and internet access, allowing it to compete beyond the mobile market. On July 1, 2010, LG Telecom adopted the LG Uplus name following the integration of the telecommunications subsidiaries. LG Uplus subsequently invested in successive mobile network generations. It launched LTE service in July 2011 and introduced LTE-Advanced service in July 2013 with the Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-A. The company promoted the concept of “100% LTE” devices, designed to use LTE for data, voice and messaging rather than falling back to older CDMA networks. It later became a 5G operator and continued expanding mobile and household connectivity products. Its household portfolio includes U+Home optical LAN broadband and U+TV IPTV, which offers interactive television, terrestrial programming and high-definition content. Its mobile-media activities have included U+ Mobile TV, while the Studio X+U division was established in October 2022 to develop original content and strengthen the company’s media business. The company has also distributed cloud-gaming services such as GeForce Now through its 5G offering and has participated in partnerships involving navigation and digital services. LG Uplus also maintains a substantial business-to-business operation inherited in part from LG Dacom. Enterprise services include network connectivity, data communications, information and communication technology solutions and electronic-payment-related services. B2B operations have been an important diversification area alongside consumer mobile and home services. The company has faced regulatory, technological and operational challenges typical of a major network operator. In 2006, the government cancelled LG Telecom’s 2.1 GHz W-CDMA license after the company chose not to develop the technology, instead continuing investment in CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev. A. In 2023, a series of distributed-denial-of-service attacks disrupted data services and raised concerns about cybersecurity and personal-information protection. LG Uplus acknowledged shortcomings in its security infrastructure and announced an increase in annual cybersecurity spending. LG Uplus remains an active, publicly traded South Korean telecom company. The reference material reports 18.411 million subscribers at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023 and approximately 25.1 million combined MNO and MVNO subscribers in 2023, although these figures use different subscriber definitions. Its strategic direction combines mobile and 5G connectivity with broadband, IPTV, enterprise services, digital platforms and original media content.

History

LG’s telecommunications presence developed during the opening of South Korea’s cellular market to private competition. After the government decided in 1994 to sell Korea Telecom’s cellular business to private investors, the sector became more competitive. LG entered wireless communications in 1996 by obtaining a CDMA license in June and establishing LG Telecom. The new operator launched PCS cellular service in October 1997. In March 1998, LG Telecom introduced a commercial cdmaOne data service using PCS technology. The service was intended to distinguish LG from larger established competitors and demonstrated the company’s early emphasis on mobile data. The operator later continued developing CDMA-based services. In July 2006, the government cancelled its 2.1 GHz W-CDMA license after LG Telecom decided not to develop that technology. The company instead concentrated its investment on the CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev. A network. LG Telecom gradually expanded beyond wireless service. To compete in bundled communications and to obtain fixed-network capabilities, it acquired or integrated LG Dacom, a provider of network and internet services, and LG Powercom, a major South Korean internet service provider. LG Dacom also operated fixed-line network assets, helping LG establish a stronger position in landline and enterprise communications. The combined capabilities broadened the business from mobile service to broadband, fixed connectivity, corporate networking and related digital services. The company launched U+Home optical LAN broadband in September 2005, with advertised speeds reaching 100 Mbit/s. U+TV IPTV followed in December 2007, offering interactive functions, terrestrial channels and high-definition programming. These products formed the foundation of a household-services portfolio combining internet access, television and mobile communications. On July 1, 2010, LG Telecom changed its name to LG Uplus after the integration of LG Telecom, LG Dacom and LG Powercom. The new identity represented the group’s shift toward a unified telecommunications provider. The company launched LTE service in July 2011 and worked toward nationwide coverage. In July 2013, it introduced LTE-Advanced service with the Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-A. LG Uplus described the device as a “100% LTE” smartphone because it could use LTE for data, voice and text without reverting to CDMA for those functions. From 2014, the company planned to emphasize phones supporting this approach. During the following decade, LG Uplus expanded its 5G, broadband, IPTV, mobile-media and enterprise activities. Its B2B operations, strengthened by the LG Dacom integration, included traditional communications as well as electronic-payment-related services. The operator also distributed GeForce Now through its 5G service and operated U+ Mobile TV. A dispute over content-use fees led CJ ENM-affiliated channels to stop transmitting on U+ Mobile TV in June 2021. In October 2022, LG Uplus established Studio X+U to produce original content for its media platforms. The company’s recent development has included both financial growth and heightened cybersecurity scrutiny. Reference material states that LG Uplus reached one trillion won in annual operating profit in 2022. In 2023, higher capital expenditure was reported alongside revenue growth, while the company continued increasing its 5G and broader mobile subscriber base. At the beginning of 2023, DDoS attacks interrupted services and raised concerns about information security. CEO Hwang Hyeon-sik apologized and announced a substantial increase in annual cybersecurity expenditure. LG Uplus continues to operate as a listed member of LG Group and as one of South Korea’s major integrated telecom providers.

  • 2023

    Cybersecurity response follows DDoS attacks

    [1]

    Following attacks that disrupted services, the company acknowledged security weaknesses and announced increased cybersecurity spending.

  • 2022

    Studio X+U is established

    [1]

    LG Uplus created a division focused on original content for its media businesses.

  • 2021

    CJ ENM channels leave U+ Mobile TV

    [1]

    CJ ENM-affiliated channels stopped transmission after a disagreement over service-use fees.

  • 2013

    LTE-Advanced service launches

    [1]

    The company introduced LTE-Advanced service alongside a device marketed as a 100% LTE smartphone.

  • 2011

    LTE service launches

    [1]

    LG Uplus launched LTE mobile service and began expanding its coverage.

  • 2010

    LG Uplus name adopted

    [1]

    LG Telecom adopted the LG Uplus name after the integration of LG Telecom, LG Dacom and LG Powercom.

  • 2007

    U+TV launches

    [1]

    The company introduced an IPTV service with interactive functions and high-definition programming.

  • 2005

    U+Home broadband launches

    [1]

    LG launched an optical LAN broadband service with advertised speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s.

  • 1998

    Commercial cdmaOne data service launches

    [1]

    The operator introduced a commercial mobile-data service using PCS-based cdmaOne technology.

  • 1997

    PCS service begins

    [1]

    LG Telecom launched commercial PCS cellular service in South Korea.

Products and positioning

Integrated telecommunications and digital-services provider serving South Korean consumers, households and enterprises.

  • Mobile telecommunications · 1997

    Mobile communications

    LG Uplus operates mobile communications services in South Korea across successive network generations. Its wireless business began with CDMA and PCS service, later moved through LTE and LTE-Advanced, and expanded into 5G. The portfolio includes voice, messaging, mobile data, smartphone connectivity and related digital services. The company has also offered mobile virtual network operator connectivity and reported substantial combined MNO and MVNO subscriber numbers.

  • 5G mobile service

    U+ 5G

    U+ 5G is LG Uplus’s fifth-generation mobile network and service portfolio. It provides high-speed mobile connectivity and supports consumer applications including mobile media and cloud gaming. The company has distributed GeForce Now through its 5G offering and has used 5G as a central part of its mobile-network positioning.

  • Broadband internet · 2005

    U+Home

    U+Home is an optical LAN broadband service introduced in 2005. It was designed to provide high-speed fixed internet access to households, with reference material describing advertised speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s at launch. The service forms part of LG Uplus’s broader household connectivity bundle alongside mobile communications and IPTV.

  • IPTV · 2007

    U+TV

    U+TV is LG Uplus’s IPTV service, launched in 2007. It provides television programming through a broadband connection and has included interactive features, terrestrial channels and high-definition broadcasting. U+TV is positioned as a household media service that can be combined with LG Uplus broadband and mobile offerings.

  • Mobile media

    U+ Mobile TV

    U+ Mobile TV is a mobile television and video service associated with LG Uplus. It carried live channels, including programming from CJ ENM affiliates until those channels stopped transmission in June 2021 after a fee dispute. The company later supported the platform’s original-content strategy through Studio X+U.

  • Original content · 2022

    Studio X+U

    Studio X+U is LG Uplus’s original-content division, established in October 2022. It develops and distributes entertainment programming connected with the company’s digital-media activities. Listed productions associated with the division include High Cookie, Night Has Come, Branding in Seongsu, Tarot and No Way Out: The Roulette.

  • Business telecommunications

    Enterprise telecommunications services

    LG Uplus inherited and expanded a significant business-to-business operation through the integration of LG Dacom and LG Powercom. Enterprise activities include fixed-line networks, corporate connectivity, data communications, internet-related services and electronic-payment-related operations. This business broadens the company beyond consumer mobile and household services.

Controversies

  • 2023

    DDoS attacks and cybersecurity concerns

    LG Uplus was hit by a series of distributed-denial-of-service attacks in January and February 2023. The incidents disrupted data services and led to concerns about personal-information leakage. Chief executive Hwang Hyeon-sik apologized for insufficient cybersecurity infrastructure and announced that annual cybersecurity spending would increase by 100 billion won.

    Source

  • 2022

    South Korea fines Netflix, Google and other OTT services over subscription practices

    South Korea's Fair Trade Commission decided to impose a combined 19.5 million won fine on Google, Netflix and three other OTT providers, finding that they hampered paid subscribers' attempts to end memberships through falsified information or by not allowing online cancellation. The regulator also ordered corrective action. LG Uplus was not named among the fined providers in the source.

    Source

Read more

Brand decisions

  • 2023

    Cybersecurity investment increaseStrategy

    Background

    DDoS attacks disrupted LG Uplus data services and prompted criticism of the company’s security preparedness.

    Action taken

    The chief executive apologized and announced an increase of 100 billion won in annual cybersecurity spending.

    Aftermath

    The company’s security infrastructure and personal-information protection became prominent operational priorities.

    Additional annual cybersecurity spending. 100 billion won increase (Announced February 2023)

    Source

  • 2022

    Creation of Studio X+UStrategy

    Background

    LG Uplus aimed to strengthen its digital-media and original-content capabilities.

    Action taken

    The company established Studio X+U as an original-content provider connected with U+ Mobile TV and its wider media activities.

    Aftermath

    The division became associated with a growing slate of Korean drama and entertainment productions.

    Source

  • 2021

    Resolution of U+ Mobile TV content-fee disputeOther

    Background

    LG Uplus and CJ ENM could not reach agreement on the fee for carrying CJ ENM-affiliated channels on U+ Mobile TV.

    Action taken

    The CJ ENM-affiliated channels stopped transmission on U+ Mobile TV on June 11, 2021.

    Aftermath

    The dispute reduced the service’s available channel lineup and was followed by a stronger emphasis on LG Uplus-developed original content.

    Source

  • 2013

    LTE-Advanced and 100% LTE strategyGeneration change

    Background

    LG Uplus sought to differentiate its network and devices as LTE adoption accelerated.

    Action taken

    It launched LTE-Advanced service with the Galaxy S4 LTE-A and promoted smartphones capable of using LTE for data, voice and messaging.

    Aftermath

    The strategy reinforced LG Uplus’s positioning as a network operator pursuing an LTE-centered mobile experience.

    Source

  • 2011

    LTE network launchGeneration change

    Background

    The company needed to move beyond its earlier CDMA-based mobile network as LTE became the next major wireless standard.

    Action taken

    LG Uplus launched LTE service and began a nationwide coverage expansion.

    Aftermath

    LTE became the foundation for subsequent LTE-Advanced and 5G service development.

    Source

  • 2010

    Integration of LG Dacom and LG PowercomM&A

    Background

    LG sought greater scale and a broader service portfolio for bundled telecommunications and enterprise communications.

    Action taken

    LG Telecom integrated with the LG-affiliated fixed-line and internet businesses and adopted the LG Uplus name.

    Aftermath

    The combination expanded LG Uplus into fixed-line, broadband, enterprise networking and related digital services.

    Source

  • 2006

    Continued CDMA investment instead of W-CDMA developmentStrategy

    Background

    LG Telecom chose not to develop the 2.1 GHz W-CDMA technology for which it had held a license.

    Action taken

    The government cancelled the license, while LG Telecom continued investing in its CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev. A network.

    Aftermath

    The decision kept the operator focused on its existing CDMA technology path until its later transition to LTE.

    Source

Recent events

  • Reported

    KT waives contract termination penalties after data breach, over 30,000 users switch carriers[4]

    KT Corp began waiving contract termination penalties following a major data breach, leading more than 30,000 customers to cancel subscriptions and switch to competitors between Wednesday and Friday. Of the 31,634 users who moved, 18,720 switched to SK Telecom and about 7,200 to LG Uplus.

    Weekdays and relative dates follow the original report; their exact calendar dates have not been verified.

  • Reported

    South Korea fines Netflix, Google and other OTT services over subscription practices[3]

    South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission decided to impose a combined 19.5 million won fine on Google, Netflix and three other OTT providers, finding that they hampered paid subscribers’ attempts to end memberships through falsified information or by not allowing online cancellation. The regulator also ordered corrective action.

  • Reported

    LG Uplus and KDDI agree to cooperate on 5G and 6G technology[5]

    LG Uplus and KDDI signed a memorandum of understanding to explore new business applications for 5G technology, share network technology and solutions, and jointly develop 6G technology while aiming to establish international standards.

  • Reported

    LG Uplus opens its first unmanned store in Seoul[6]

    LG Uplus opened its first unmanned store in downtown Seoul, where customers can sign up for mobile services and purchase devices.

  • Reported

    LG Uplus appoints three outside directors[7]

    LG Uplus appointed Yoon Sung-soo, Je Hyun-joo, and Kim Jong-woo as outside directors at its shareholders' meeting.

  • Reported

    Hwang Hyeon-sik elected LG Uplus CEO[7]

    LG Uplus elected Hwang Hyeon-sik as CEO at a board meeting following the company's general shareholders' meeting on Friday.

    Weekdays and relative dates follow the original report; their exact calendar dates have not been verified.

  • Reported

    LG U+ announces planned U+ Real Glass launch[8]

    LG U+ announced that it plans to launch U+ Real Glass, an AR glasses product developed in collaboration with Nreal and Qualcomm, on August 21.

  • Reported

    LG Uplus wins GLOMO award for 5G-VR services[9]

    LG Uplus won the award for best mobile innovation for media and entertainment for its 5G-VR services at the 2020 Global Mobile Awards.

  • Reported

    LG Uplus announces plans to launch Nreal AR glasses in South Korea[10]

    LG Uplus announced a plan to launch augmented reality glasses with Nreal in South Korea in early 2020; the source reports the plan, not a completed launch.

  • Reported

    LG Uplus and Nreal sign an exclusive partnership[10]

    LG Uplus said it signed an exclusive deal with Nreal to launch augmented reality glasses in South Korea.

Read more(13)

Sources13 sources

  1. 1LG Uplusen.wikipedia.org
  2. 2LG Uplus official websitelguplus.com
  3. 3South Korea fines Netflix, Google and other OTT services over subscription practicesbusiness-standard.com
  4. 4KT数据泄露后免除合约终止违约金，超3万用户转网newkerala.com
  5. 5LG Uplus与KDDI签署5G及6G技术合作备忘录koreaherald.com
  6. 6LG Uplus在首尔开设首家无人商店koreatimes.co.kr
  7. 7LG Uplus任命三名外部董事koreatimes.co.kr
  8. 8LG U+宣布计划推出U+ Real Glassnews.cnyes.com
  9. 9LG Uplus凭借5G VR服务获得GLOMO奖china.org.cn
  10. 10LG Uplus宣布计划在韩国推出Nreal增强现实眼镜en.yna.co.kr
  11. 11KB国民银行推出Liiv M平价手机服务koreatimes.co.kr
  12. 12NVIDIA公布GeForce NOW扩展计划的电信合作伙伴androidheadlines.com
  13. 13LG U+发布两项新5G服务tech.sina.com.cn

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