This is a partial quote from a Hankyoreh article.
https://v.daum.net/v/20250630153704798
https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/economy/it/1266030.html
The government is phasing in facial recognition systems to prevent identity theft mobile phone activations used in voice phishing and burner phone crimes. However, considering users' choice regarding the provision of biometric information, the government will also operate alternative authentication methods such as mobile ID cards and resident registration certificates.
The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 30th that starting July 6, it will apply multi-factor identity verification procedures when activating new mobile phone numbers and transferring numbers at in-person and non-face-to-face activation channels of the three mobile carriers and MVNO operators. Previously, the ministry had reviewed a plan to mandate facial recognition when activating mobile phones through a pilot program in December of last year. However, after the Personal Information Protection Commission and the National Human Rights Commission recommended establishing alternative authentication methods, citing unclear legal grounds for allowing facial information as a means of identity verification and insufficient guarantees of the information subject's right to choose, the system was revised and supplemented.
Going forward, users wishing to activate a mobile phone can choose one of three options for identity verification: facial recognition, mobile ID card, or a resident registration certificate issued on the day of activation. If facial recognition is selected, the person's identity is confirmed by comparing a photo from an ID card with facial video recorded in real-time. If there is a significant difference between the ID photo and the current appearance, or if facial recognition fails due to recording environment conditions, the user can verify their identity using a mobile ID card or resident registration certificate.
However, as the identity verification procedure is strengthened, confusion on-site is expected to be unavoidable for the time being. This is because the mobile ID card provided by the Ministry of Interior and Safety can only be used after pre-installing an application and obtaining it, and resident registration certificates are only accepted if they are documents issued on the day of activation.
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Official press release link.
"Prevent identity theft and reduce burner phones used for crime!"
https://www.korea.kr/briefing/pressReleaseView.do?newsId=156768774
https://www.msit.go.kr/bbs/view.do?sCode=user&mId=307&mPid=208&bbsSeqNo=94&nttSeqNo=3187497
