Non-face-to-face identity verification methods for overseas Koreans, who have faced difficulties using online services due to the lack of a Korean mobile phone, are becoming more diverse, with the scope of services accessible through authentication significantly expanding. The non-face-to-face identity verification system for overseas Koreans is being greatly strengthened, enabling them to use various online services without a Korean mobile phone.

The Agency for Overseas Koreans (Commissioner Lee Sang-deok) and the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA, President Lee Sang-joong) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on July 30 (Korea time) at El Tower in Yangjae, Seoul, with NH NongHyup Bank, IBK Industrial Bank of Korea, and NICE Information Service to enhance cooperation in identity verification services for overseas Koreans.Through this agreement, in addition to the existing “Overseas Korean Certificate,” the “Overseas Korean I-PIN” service provided by NICE Information Service will be introduced.

NH NongHyup Bank and IBK Industrial Bank of Korea will also begin issuing certificates sequentially starting by the end of this year.Previously, in November 2024, the Agency for Overseas Koreans and KISA, in collaboration with Kookmin Bank, Shinhan Bank, Woori Bank, Hana Bank, and Viva Republica (Toss), launched the “Overseas Korean Certification Center,” enabling overseas Koreans to obtain an “Overseas Korean Certificate” without a domestic mobile phone.Now, overseas Koreans can access online services in various sectors, including e-government, finance, digital platforms (such as Naver), shopping, telecommunications, medical appointment bookings, and university remote education, without needing a Korean mobile phone in their name.

Under the MOU, each institution has been assigned specific roles. The Agency for Overseas Koreans is responsible for policy development and implementation, KISA handles the establishment of non-face-to-face identity verification methods for overseas Koreans and facilitates interoperability between the government and private sectors, while private companies provide convenient and secure identity verification services for overseas Koreans.Kim Yeon-sik, head of the Overseas Korean Service Support Center, stated, “We will continue to address the significant inconvenience faced by overseas Koreans due to the lack of a domestic mobile phone for identity verification and strive to provide digital services on par with those available to domestic citizens.”

Kim Jeong-hee, head of KISA’s Digital Safety Support Division, also noted, “We will spare no effort in providing technical support to ensure overseas Koreans face no inconvenience when using domestic online services.”