Core Viewpoint - South Korea will mandate facial recognition for new mobile number registrations to combat illegal registrations used for scams [1][2] Group 1: Policy Implementation - The new policy requires major mobile operators SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus, as well as mobile virtual network operators, to implement additional verification steps [2] - The policy aims to prevent activation of new numbers through identity theft [2] - The initiative will begin trial operations next week and will be officially implemented by March 2026 [3] Group 2: Background and Context - In August, South Korea announced a series of comprehensive measures to combat voice phishing scams, including stricter penalties for mobile operators that fail to take adequate preventive measures [2] - The Ministry of Science and ICT stated that real-time comparison of ID photos with the actual face of the cardholder will help prevent activation of phones registered under stolen or forged IDs [2] - As of November this year, reported voice phishing scam cases in South Korea reached 21,588, resulting in losses of 1.13 trillion KRW (approximately 760 million USD), marking the first time losses exceeded 1 trillion KRW [3]

Group 1 - A mobile phone number ending with "66666666" was auctioned for 2.75 million yuan, starting from an initial price of 2 million yuan, with four bidders participating and a total of 67 bids placed [1][2] - The number is registered with China Mobile and is located in Zaozhuang, Shandong, with a current plan costing 159 yuan per month, and a negative balance of 11.74 yuan as of September 15, 2025 [1][2] - The auction attracted significant attention, with thousands of viewers curious about the outcome, and the final price reflects the high demand for premium mobile numbers [1][2] Group 2 - Another mobile number ending with "8888888" was successfully auctioned for approximately 1.28 million yuan on October 19, with a starting price of 1,000 yuan and a deposit requirement of 50,000 yuan [4][5] - This number is also registered with China Mobile, located in Guangzhou, Guangdong, with a monthly fee of 38 yuan and no minimum consumption requirement after transfer [4][5] - The auction for this number saw 27 participants and over 11,500 views, indicating a strong interest in premium mobile numbers [4][5]