Starting March 25, 2025, South Korea will implement stricter identity verification procedures for mobile phone activations to combat financial crimes such as voice phishing and the use of "ghost phones."

Key Changes:

Photo Verification: In addition to verifying textual information on IDs, the system will now check the authenticity of ID photos in real-time with administrative data-holding agencies.
Scope: Initially, this applies to resident registration cards and driver's licenses, with plans to expand to include foreign registration cards and other forms of identification.
Damaged IDs: Damaged IDs that hinder identity verification will not be accepted for mobile phone activation, requiring individuals to obtain a replacement.
Future Measures: Facial recognition verification is being considered for future mobile phone activation processes.

Expected Outcomes:

Prevention of fraudulent activations using forged IDs.
Reduction in financial crimes like voice phishing and ghost phone usage.
Increased protection of citizens' assets and information.

Government Stance:

Lee Do-kyu, Director of Telecommunications Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, emphasized the importance of proactively blocking criminal tools like ghost phones and pledged to continue efforts to eradicate voice phishing, including the introduction of facial recognition verification.