Did the S. Korean government really allow mobile phone accounts without ID?
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Synopsis
The South Korean government has refuted claims that new mobile phone accounts can be opened without ID verification, emphasizing strengthened measures against identity fraud. Amid online disruptions due to a state data center fire, officials reassured the public about the integrity of the ID verification process in mobile activations.
Key Takeaways
- The South Korean government has denied rumors about ID-less mobile activations.
- A fire at a data center caused temporary disruptions in ID verification.
- More than 150,000 phones were purportedly registered without ID checks.
- Officials reaffirmed the integrity of the ID verification process.
- Only residents can open regular mobile accounts in South Korea.
Seoul, Oct 19 (NationPress) The South Korean government and the telecommunications sector have dismissed allegations that certain Chinese individuals managed to open new mobile phone accounts without completing proper identity (ID) verification, amidst ongoing nationwide online disruptions caused by a fire at a state data center, according to industry sources on Sunday.
Recently, various social media claims have suggested that ID verification is no longer a requirement for activating new mobile phone lines, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
In a separate statement, Rep. Park Jeong-hun contended that over 150,000 mobile phones were registered without ID checks between Sept. 27 and Sept. 30, coinciding with the initiation of South Korea's temporary visa-free entry program on Sept. 29.
Park highlighted that the state-operated online ID verification system was inoperative for four days following a fire on Sept. 26 at the National Information Resources Service (NIRS) located in Daejeon.
Nonetheless, government and telecom officials rebuffed these claims, asserting that the system was reinstated on Sept. 29 and mobile carriers effectively filtered out any unauthorized identity usage.
"We will take stringent measures against individuals who utilized fake IDs," stated an official from a local telecom company, emphasizing that the majority of new mobile activations followed appropriate verification protocols.
While some activations initially underwent simplified checks, most were subsequently confirmed as legitimate, he noted.
According to an AFP report, a government representative assured that there was "no issue" in the process, adding that alternative methods for ID verification were accessible.
Under South Korea's real-name verification system, only foreigners holding a resident registration card are permitted to open standard mobile accounts, while short-term visitors and tourists with visa exemptions can only purchase prepaid SIM cards.
In related news, Yonhap news agency reported that approximately 1,700 global business leaders, including Nvidia Corp. CEO Jensen Huang, will convene in South Korea for a significant business forum scheduled to occur alongside the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
Point of View
It's crucial to present the facts surrounding this situation. The South Korean government has shown commitment to maintaining robust ID verification processes, reinforcing public trust. While rumors can create uncertainty, the steps taken by officials indicate a proactive approach to safeguard against identity fraud in telecommunications.
NationPress
19/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mobile phone accounts be opened without ID in South Korea?
No, the South Korean government has denied claims that mobile phone accounts can be opened without proper ID verification.
What caused the recent online disruptions in South Korea?
The disruptions were due to a fire at a state data center, which affected the ID verification system.
How many mobile phones were reportedly registered without ID checks?
Over 150,000 mobile phones were allegedly registered without ID checks during a specific period, according to Rep. Park Jeong-hun.
What measures are being taken against identity fraud?
The government and telecom officials have assured strict actions against individuals using fake IDs.
Who can open standard mobile accounts in South Korea?
Only foreigners with a resident registration card can open regular mobile accounts, while tourists can only use prepaid SIM cards.
