GS25, CU, and 7-Eleven will pioneer the technology’s retail implementation. GS25 and CU will introduce the service at select stores in March, while 7-Eleven plans to roll out FacePay during the first half of 2025, starting in Seoul before expanding nationwide.
The system reportedly delivers 99.99 percent accuracy with one-second authentication times. To prevent fraud, FacePay includes “Liveness” technology that detects fake images or videos, along with a 24-hour transaction detection system monitoring suspicious activities.
Customers must register their facial data and payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account) through the Toss app before using the service. At checkout, they complete purchases by scanning their face at a dedicated terminal.
The system prioritizes security and privacy protections. Viva Republica encrypts all facial data and stores it on a separate server, restricting access to authorized personnel only. This strategy complements recent South Korean biometric authentication advances, such as the distributed authentication systems being developed by other organizations in the country.
GS Retail, GS25’s parent company, says FacePay will speed up transactions and enhance customer convenience. The company will add features through its Our Neighborhood GS app, including reservations and discount notifications.
Viva Republica is developing options for small businesses to offer facial payments using existing devices with external cameras, which could lower implementation costs.
This convenience store implementation marks a key milestone in expanding facial recognition payments across South Korea’s retail sector, with future plans targeting movie theaters and cafes.
Sources: Pulse, The Korea Herald, Maeil Business News Korea, Chosun Biz
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February 12, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team
