[Digital Today reporter Jin-ho Lee (이진호)] Users whose outgoing mobile calls are suspended for unpaid telecom bills will be able to use the 109 suicide prevention counselling line. The system will also be improved so users can connect directly to 109 from a mobile phone lock screen.

The Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission said on Tuesday they will improve the system by designating 109 as an emergency telecommunications number so it can be used regardless of mobile network status.

The 109 line is a suicide prevention counselling hotline that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year under a law on suicide prevention and fostering a culture that respects life. The recipient pays for the call, so callers do not pay. But because it was not designated as an emergency telecommunications number like 112 and 119, it was difficult to use when outgoing calls were restricted.

Emergency telecommunications numbers are designated by the Ministry of Science and ICT under the Telecommunications Business Act to maintain social order and protect lives. Once designated, telecom operators must allow users whose outgoing calls are suspended due to overdue payments to connect to those numbers.

The change was pursued after an opinion was submitted to the presidential office's social media saying it was difficult to use 109 when outgoing mobile calls were suspended due to financial circumstances. The ministry began work on the system after judging that 109 meets the requirement for designation as an emergency telecommunications number, which is "protecting public safety". Considering that amending the relevant notice typically takes about 3 months, it plans to hold prior consultations with telecom operators, develop systems first and apply the change from Oct. 1, before the notice is revised.

The government will also speed up the notice revision process. It plans to shorten the administrative notice period to 10 days from 20 days to quickly proceed with related procedures. Device makers will also add 109 to mobile phone emergency call lists. Users will then be able to connect directly to 109 from the lock screen even when the phone is locked.

Nam Seok (남석), director general for telecommunications policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, said, "109 is a number the public turns to at the most desperate moments, and it meets the requirements for an emergency telecommunications number." He said, "Through swift system improvements and active cooperation with the telecommunications industry and others, we will quickly build a telecommunications safety net so that anyone can use 109 at any time."

Lee Sun-young (이선영), director general for mental health policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, said, "With the designation as an emergency telecommunications number, the suicide prevention counselling line 109 has been able to spread recognition that it is an emergency number for suicide prevention and strengthen its function as a safety net."