South Korean facial ID company seizes chance in non-touch world

Suprema CEO aims to capitalize on changing trends in bio authentication industry

Kim Han-chul, CEO of South Korea's Suprema, says companies and governments are increasingly eschewing touch-based employee identification methods for facial recognition due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo courtesy of Suprema)

KIM JAEWON, Nikkei staff writer

September 10, 2021 15:01 JST

SEONGNAM, South Korea -- The coronavirus pandemic is reshaping the $36.6 billion global biometric authentication industry and one South Korean company is seeking to capitalize on the world's new aversion to touch.

CEO Kim Han-chul of Suprema said the Kosdaq-listed business is seeing a rise in demand for facial recognition technology from clients wary of possible coronavirus contagion from physical contact with machinery or devices.