- MSIT and the National Fire Agency jointly launch a real-time 119 sign language interpretation service

- Minister Yoo Sang-im visits the Sign Language Interpretation Center to inspect the system and commend staff for their efforts

The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Yoo Sang-im, hereinafter “MSIT”) and the National Fire Agency (Commissioner Heo Seok-gon) announced the official launch of a sign language interpretation system for the 119 emergency call service on Thursday, April 17. The initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance digital services for the public, particularly for those with hearing and speech impairments.

To mark the launch, Minister Yoo visited the Sign Language Interpretation, where he reviewed the operation of the new system and offered his appreciation to the interpreters and staff involved.

The Sign Language Interpretation Center, which can be accessed by dialing 107, is a telecommunications relay agency that provides real-time interpretation services using sign language or text, enabling people with hearing or speech impairments to communicate via phone. The center has been operated by the National Information Society Agency (NIA) since 2005.

Until now, individuals with hearing or speech impairments who needed to contact 119 were required to first call the Sign Language Interpretation Center. After explaining their situation in sign language, an interpreter would then place a separate call to 119 on their behalf. However, because the emergency services were contacted by the center rather than directly by the individual, they could not retrieve the caller’s location information, making timely dispatch difficult in urgent situations.

To address this issue, MSIT and the National Fire Agency have established a direct link between the Sign Language Interpretation Center and the 119 emergency control room. The new system enables three-way video calls among the caller, a 119 operator, and a sign language interpreter. This allows hearing and speech-impaired individuals to contact 119 directly via video call. When a report is received, the 119 operator can connect with the Sign Language Interpretation Center (107), and the interpreter joins the video call to facilitate communication. Importantly, this setup allows emergency services to access the precise location of the caller’s device, improving the speed and accuracy of response in critical situations.

During his visit, Minister Yoo observed a demonstration of the new sign language interpretation system and expressed appreciation for the dedication of the center’s interpreters and staff.

He remarked, “Thanks to the commitment of our sign language interpreters, people with hearing and speech impairments are able to use communication services more comfortably.” He added, “We will continue to expand our support to ensure that all citizens can benefit from digital technology without discrimination or exclusion.”

Commissioner Heo of the National Fire Agency also stressed the importance of accessibility, stating, “There must be no barriers to safety services for the hearing and speech-impaired. Building on this collaboration, we will continue to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and system integration to reduce public inconvenience and ensure equal access to safety services for everyone.”

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT. 

Please refer to the attached PDF.