Korean lawmakers look to scrap a controversial law, which will force the government to start a directory assistance service of cell phone numbers early next year. Rep. You Seung-hee of the ruling Uri Party yesterday said she will propose to other lawmakers a revision of the law next week. "The regulation is problematic because cell phone numbers are very personal. Few mobile handset subscribers would want to disclose their numbers," You said. She added since many legislators agree with her idea, the revision will be easily passed in the plenary session of the Assembly, slated for September. The regulation that urges the listing of mobile telephone numbers was suggested in 2003 by Lee Sang-hee, former lawmaker of the then-governing Millennium Democratic Party. Under the law, the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC) is required to provide directory assistance services in three forms of directory books, a Web search site and voice services starting Feb. 2006. In fear of opposition from privacyconscious people, the MIC said it will introduce the opt-in formula, which means wireless numbers will be revealed only after gaining explicit permission in advance. In comparison, the opt-out format is applied for fixed-line number directory assistance services that people's landline numbers will be open as long as they ask not to do so. However, the opt-in formula still angers people. "If most people don't want to disclose their mobile numbers, the law will be just a waste of money because the government must ask people whether or not they want to reveal their numbers," Yoo said. The costs to inquire mobile customers' willingness are expected to reach 12 billion won ($11.6 million) considering the inquiry should be returned. Rep. Kim Hee-jung of the main opposition Grand National Party sides with You. "If the directory assistance services include only the willing, there is no need to make the services mandatory," Kim said. The progressive Democratic Labor Party also contends the law should be shelved because criminals can capitalize on cell phone numbers acquired through the system.