The government estimates that the number of foreigners who have acquired Korean citizenship through a special system implemented in 2011 has reached some 200. 

The Justice Ministry revealed the figure on Tuesday. The system allows talented foreigners who could contribute to national interests to be granted citizenship while also keeping their own nationality.

The system was implemented in April 2011 and in that year, 14 foreigners acquired citizenship. The figure grew to 15 in 2012, 17 in 2013 and then jumped to 25 in 2016 with a number of athletes becoming naturalized citizens ahead of the PyeongChang Winter Games.

Last year, a record 37 foreigners acquired South Korean citizenship through the system, while nine have attained citizenship this year as of April. 

Of the roughly 200 foreigners who’ve become naturalized South Koreans overall, nearly 66 percent were talented in the field of academics followed by culture, arts and sports, advanced technology and management.