New phone sign-ups face tougher ID checks

South Koreans buying a new mobile phone with a new subscription or switching carriers will now face tougher identity checks, as authorities move to curb fraudulent activations linked to identity theft and financial crimes.

Major mobile carriers and mobile virtual network operators began implementing the new requirements Monday.

Customers opening a new line or transferring their number must verify their identity using one of three methods: facial recognition, a mobile ID issued by the Ministry of ...