The mobile resident registration card that the government started issuing at the end of last year has been found to be 'inoperable' for mobile phone activation and SIM card replacement as of the 13th. This is said to be because a system capable of verifying authenticity has not been distributed to the field.
The mobile resident registration card is a resident registration card that is entered into an individual's smartphone. It can be used in various places including government offices, banks, airports, hospitals, and convenience stores, as well as during elections. It holds the same legal validity as the existing physical resident registration card under the Resident Registration Act and other regulations.
However, mobile phone stores are in a situation where the mobile resident registration card cannot be utilized. Mr. Jo (36) said, "I was confused when I presented my mobile resident registration card to activate a new mobile phone at the store, and they said they could not verify its authenticity."
Recently, it has also been reported that SK Telecom's SIM card replacement, which is ongoing due to a hacking incident, is facing similar issues. Mr. Kim (33), a worker, stated, "I obtained the mobile resident registration card believing that its legal validity was the same, but when I went to replace my SIM card, I was asked for a physical ID and ended up empty-handed."
Such situations arise because the mobile resident registration card is a new form of identification and a system to assess its authenticity is still lacking. Previously, when activating a mobile phone, the authenticity was verified by scanning a physical ID and comparing the information with that registered with administrative agencies.
An official from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety noted, "By the end of June, related associations are set to establish a system capable of determining the authenticity of the mobile resident registration card."
However, there are projections that it may take until the end of the year for mobile phone retailers to utilize the mobile resident registration card. This is due to the potential delay in the schedule of Korea Information & Communication (KICC), which is currently setting up the related system.
Previously, KICC announced a project titled 'Advanced Development of Mobile ID Verification System' at the end of March. Evaluations of bidders are currently underway, and the project period is six months from the date the contract is signed. Even if the contract is signed in May, it has to proceed at least until November.
A KICC official stated, "Since the mobile resident registration card adds to the existing mobile ID, it is a task that requires linkage," and added, "If the system is applied gradually, it should not be delayed."