South Korea\'s cable TV system operators urged the government to ease their broadcast development fund burden, stressing local channels\' role as public infrastructure. At a seminar at the National Assembly on June 30, speakers said local channels provide closely targeted reporting, election coverage and disaster broadcasting. Researchers presented a hyperlocal media index and said cable channels in South Gyeongsang and Ulsan outperformed terrestrial and private broadcasters in local coverage. Regulators said more discussion is needed.

South Korea’s science ministry is introducing face authentication in the mobile phone sign-up process from July 6 across major carriers and budget operators, while allowing users to choose alternative verification from the start. The ministry said the opt-out reflects recommendations from privacy and human rights bodies, but it plans to monitor dealers to prevent intentional bypassing. Critics question whether the policy can curb illicit phone lines if it is optional.