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The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and Samsung Electronics (Samsung Pay) sign an MOU to open up mobile IDs to the private sector.

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Pilot service for two types of mobile IDs on Samsung Pay from next year, expanding to private apps.

In the future, mobile identification cards (Mobile IDs) will not only replace ID cards but also enable secure and convenient access to new public-private convergence services.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS, Minister Lee Sang-min) announced that it will introduce new convergence services for two types of mobile IDs (mobile driver's license and national veteran card) using Samsung Electronics' smartphone security features from early next year. 

Mobile IDs are a key task under the Digital Platform Government Implementation Plan (announced on April 14). The objective is not only to expand the types of mobile IDs but also to create new values in people’s daily lives in collaboration with the private sector. 

MOIS, together with Samsung Electronics, is building a common foundation to ensure convenient and secure use of mobile IDs across various private apps through a hardware-based robust security solution that only global smartphone manufacturers can develop. Currently, mobile ID card data is provided through a general app rather than the hardware security area, making it challenging to utilize the data across apps. 

The mobile ID card data will be securely stored in a secure storage space (TrustZone) within the application processor (AP) chipset embedded in Samsung Electronics smartphones. This ensures that external intrusions, malicious programs, and other malicious threats will be blocked at the source when issuing and using mobile IDs, providing a secure and convenient base for use in various private apps.

First, the ministry will launch a nationwide pilot service for two types of mobile IDs, mobile driver's licenses and national veteran cards, through Samsung Pay early next year. 

It will expand the service in stages to various private apps that citizens use daily. This will allow citizens to obtain and use mobile IDs directly from their favorite private apps without installing the government’s ID app. Combined with business creativity and innovation, open ID cards are expected to create new business models in online and offline services that require identity verification. 

On October 6, Minister Lee Sang-min signs a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Samsung Electronics to open mobile IDs to the private sector. Through this MOU, cooperation will be promoted to establish a common base for mobile IDs using the security features of Samsung Electronics smartphones and to open up and activate the use of various private apps. Minister Lee Sang-min said, “We will quickly promote the opening of mobile IDs to the private sector, allowing the public to experience a convenient daily life with a digital platform government.” 

Following the signing ceremony, Minister Lee observes the semiconductor production process at Samsung Electronics' Pyeongtaek Campus, the world’s largest, and visits a disaster prevention center to hear about the safety management, including fire response. 

Minister Lee emphasized, "The safety of semiconductor industry workplaces affects not only the national economy but also the global economy," urging rigorous safety management of workplaces and prompt response to emergencies to protect the people.