[Edaily Reporter Yun Junghoon ]SKTelecom(017670)achieved remarkable earnings improvement in the second quarter of this year, driven by a return to profitability in its core telecommunications business and the rapid growth of its AI data center (AIDC) business. In particular, the company is accelerating its efforts to secure a leading position in the AIDC market, including the launch of “SK Hyper,” a dedicated AI data center subsidiary.

SKT announced on the 5th that, on a consolidated basis, KTCorporation recorded revenue of 4.3591 trillion won, operating profit of 566 billion won, and net income of 466 billion won for the second quarter of this year.

Revenue increased by 0.5% year-over-year, driven by strong growth in the data center business. Operating profit rose 5.3% from the previous quarter and surged 67.3% year-over-year, driven by efficiency-focused management aimed at improving profitability. The base effect resulting from one-time expenses incurred last year also contributed to the rebound in earnings. On a standalone basis, revenue totaled 3.117 trillion won, and operating profit stood at 427.7 billion won.

AIDC Revenue Soars 92.5% Year-Over-Year… Securing Market Leadership with ‘SK Hyper’

The key driver of these results is undoubtedly the AIDC business. As demand for high-performance computing infrastructure has exploded due to the spread of generative AI, SKT’s AI DC business is also on a steep upward trajectory. Second-quarter AI DC revenue reached 136.2 billion won, a 92.5% increase year-over-year, driven by expanded operations.

To secure a firm lead in the AIDC market, SKT has launched a dedicated organization with strong execution capabilities. Last month, the company significantly boosted its momentum by establishing “SK Hyper,” a subsidiary dedicated to AIDC business development. SK Hyper plans to proactively secure key resources such as land and power, attract global big tech clients, and phase in the construction of AI data centers with a total capacity of 5 GW (gigawatts) by 2029.

Core telecommunications business also successfully solidifies its foundation… Dividend of 830 won per share

Its core telecommunications business is also continuing its steady recovery. Based on a quality growth strategy centered on “Customer Lifetime Value (LTV),” the company carried out efficient marketing activities and achieved net growth in handset (mobile phone) subscribers. In July, it significantly improved customer service accessibility by overhauling its rate structure, including the launch of integrated 5G and LTE rate plans.

The shareholder return policy also remains robust. SKT has decided to pay a cash dividend of 830 won per share in the second quarter, following the first quarter.

Park Jong-seok, CFO of SKT, stated, “In the first half of the year, we strengthened our fundamentals based on stable earnings from our telecommunications business, while laying the groundwork for the rapid expansion of our AI data center business.” He added, “We will do our utmost to ensure that SKT plays a leading role in helping South Korea emerge as Asia’s AI infrastructure hub.”