Article 27(3) of the Korean Constitution guarantees an individual’s right to a speedy trial. But “speedy” is a relative concept. (Try not to put yourself into a situation where you might have to sue another person.)

Here are some more numbers:

1) About 3% of small claims court cases make it to an appellate court. Out of those, about 25% make it to the Supreme Court.

2) About 12% of medium claims court cases make it to an appellate court. Out of those, about 39% make it to the Supreme Court.

3) About 42% of large claims court cases make it to an appellate court. Out of those, about 45% make it to the Supreme Court.

Additional Note: In an appellate court, about 24% are (actually) overturned. In the Supreme Court, about 8% are (actually) overturned.

You don’t need a lawyer to file a lawsuit. The strategy for pro se litigants should be to try to win in trial court. Prepare as if it’s the “court of last resort.” (Think about the % of cases actually appealed together with the % of cases actually overturned.)

Reference: 2015 사법연감. Thanks for reading!