The telco’s newly formed AI unit undergoes early restructuring as it aims to unify operations and streamline roles across 1,000-person team
Big Changes at AI CIC — Before It Even Settles
Just weeks after launching its AI CIC (Company-in-Company) unit, SK Telecom has begun offering a voluntary retirement program to employees across the division. The move is part of a broader plan to unify and streamline its sprawling AI operations.
- The program is not a layoff, according to SK Telecom, but a “supportive measure” to help employees navigate role changes or office relocations.
- The AI CIC unit currently has around 1,000 employees, and the company hasn’t set a target number for how many will accept the offer.
What the Voluntary Retirement Program Means
The program applies to staff of all levels, from junior team members to executives.
- Employees can choose to retire with severance packages tailored to their tenure and position.
- Those who stay may be reassigned or relocated to regional offices depending on evolving business needs.
According to a company spokesperson, the program comes in response to organizational overlap that emerged as various AI teams were folded into the centralized AI CIC.
AI CIC’s Strategic Role in SK Telecom’s Future
SK Telecom launched the AI CIC in late September as a centralized hub for all of its artificial intelligence activities. The new unit oversees:
- Development of the personal AI assistant, A. (pronounced A-dot)
- AI data center operations and infrastructure
- Enterprise AI services
- Global partnerships, including a joint venture with OpenAI
The reorganization aims to eliminate duplicate roles, boost operational efficiency, and align resources with growth objectives.
Aiming High with AI
Despite the early restructuring, SK Telecom is bullish on its AI future. The company has set an ambitious goal of generating ₩5 trillion ($3.5 billion) in annual AI revenue by 2030.
To reach that target, the company is investing heavily in:
- B2C and B2B AI services
- AI infrastructure, including a recent offering of Nvidia Blackwell GPUs-as-a-service
- The “Stargate Korea” initiative, a partnership with OpenAI to develop AI data centers in southwestern Korea
These moves reflect a larger push by SK Telecom to transform from a traditional telecom provider into a technology and AI-driven enterprise.
Industry Implications
The early retirement offer may indicate how difficult it is to consolidate legacy teams under fast-moving, AI-driven goals.
- Other companies pursuing similar shifts may face internal friction as AI operations require new skillsets, centralized leadership, and agile restructuring.
- Offering voluntary exits early may help reduce long-term disruption as SK Telecom builds a more focused, AI-aligned workforce.
