The government's announcement to introduce facial recognition procedures for mobile phone non-face-to-face and online activation starting December 23, 2025, is causing significant social repercussions. 

Only two days remain until implementation. Although the government explains it will stabilize the system over an approximately 90-day period until next March, concerns about on-site confusion and systemic risks are instead intensifying. 

Identity Verification Through Facial Recognition Now

Some are concerned, stating, “This is not a simple matter of telecommunications administration. It is a critical issue that questions the extent to which the state can access citizens' physical information and where the boundaries of liberal democracy should be drawn.”

The government's justification for pushing ahead with facial recognition lies in preventing identity theft, fraudulent activations, and so-called "burner phone" crimes. 

Facial recognition, unlike passwords or authentication numbers, is not changeable information. Once leaked, it cannot be changed for life. While resident registration numbers or account numbers can be changed, a face cannot. Despite this, the government is attempting to incorporate the most sensitive biometric information into the system without public consensus.

Possibility of Misidentification Due to Shooting Angle, Aging, or Appearance Changes Remains

Technical stability is also a point of contention. Numerous studies have already pointed out that facial recognition has a possibility of misidentification depending on lighting, shooting angle, aging, and changes in appearance. 

Despite this, the policy is rapidly progressing towards implementation without sufficient verification or societal discussion. The government explains that it will verify identity through telecommunication carriers and the PASS app, and that the information will be immediately discarded after authentication. 

However, for 'verification' to occur, reference data is necessary, and the entity responsible for storing and managing that reference data, along with access rights and retention periods, must be clearly defined. Public opinion suggests it is difficult for citizens to feel at ease with the information currently disclosed. 

Toss and Kakao Pay Also Partnering with Chinese Capital

A covert yet most fatal form of sovereignty infringement is already occurring through the payment system. 

The fact that Chinese capital is deeply involved in South Korea's payment infrastructure is no longer an abstract concern. 

It has been reported that 38% of Toss Pay's shares are held by Chinese capital, and there was shocking news that Kakao Pay linked user information, numbering approximately 40 million, with China's Alipay. 

Financial and payment information are the most sensitive data, revealing individuals' consumption patterns, daily movements, and even social relationships. They are, in effect, a map that records an individual's entire life. 

In this situation, if facial information and payment/financial data are leaked or hacked together, individuals could be reduced to "digital hostages" managed and tracked by foreign powers, beyond mere personal information breaches. 

Risk of Becoming Hostages in a Digital Surveillance Society

The accumulated data can be absorbed into state power's big data systems and used as a tool to analyze individuals, manipulate public opinion, and instigate social unrest in emergencies. 

The problem is that this process unfolds quietly under the guise of convenience. In the meantime, our informational sovereignty is shaken entirely, and citizens are being pushed into a state of being hostages in a digital surveillance society without even realizing it. 

The risks are doubled when facial recognition technology is combined with this. The moment facial information and payment/financial data are leaked or hacked together, individuals could be reduced to "digital hostages" managed and tracked by foreign powers, beyond mere personal information breaches. 

A Society Where Faces Become Identity Cards

Technology can be neutral, but a nation that neglects it can never be blameless. If we do not take this issue as a warning now, we will end up paying for our freedom in exchange for convenience. 

The reason this policy is meeting particularly strong backlash is the existence of precedents for its misuse. China introduced facial recognition for mobile phone activation in 2019 and effectively made it mandatory across the board since 2020. It is not an exception even in offline stores, not just online. 

Facial recognition has been integrated beyond smartphone activation into payment, transportation, administration, and public security systems. Individuals' faces have become their IDs and cards, and tracking systems linked with CCTV have become commonplace. 

This is the so-called 'Sky Net' system. Technology combined with unchecked power can always be converted into a tool for surveillance and control. 

The South Korean government says it is different from China. However, the starting point and logic of the system are surprisingly similar. China also initially cited crime prevention and strengthening real-name registration as its justifications. Policies always begin with limited introduction and then gradually expand. 

December 23, 2025, is not just a system implementation date. It is a turning point that divides how far liberal democracy is allowed and where it must stop. If we do not apply the brakes now, we may end up paying a much greater price later. 

Editorial Department, Hankyoreh