Common Misconceptions about Korean Law on Rape

Below are some I encounter fairly on a regular basis. (Oh, the chart above is not a misconception. I just made it for ease of understanding.)…

‘Intent to Grope’ as Determined by the Supreme Court of Korea

The Supreme Court of Korea recently reversed and remanded an appellate court decision which had acquitted a man of groping. In the Court’s view, he was guilty.…

Recent Defamation Cases 4

In Korea, the Supreme Court recently affirmed an appellate court decision which had found a woman not guilty of defamation. She had impersonated her ex boyfriend’s…

Recent Divorce Cases 1

In Korea, not just any married person can ask (the court) for a divorce unilaterally. His/her spouse has to be (mainly) at fault for having ruined…

Criminal Defenses under Korean Law: An Overview

In Korea, it is always the prosecution who bears the burden of proof. The prosecution has to not only prove each and every element of a…

Recent Defamation Cases 3

Recently here in South Korea, a professional baseball player and his former girlfriend were both found guilty of defamation by the Suwon District Court. (Defamation is…

Definition of ‘Prostitution’ in South Korea

Recently here in South Korea, the Supreme Court reversed and remanded an appellate court decision which had found an actress guilty of prostitution. The trial and…

Gambling under Korean Law

[Example Situation] Mr. Kim (age 50, Suwonite) invites five of his neighbors come and play poker. Money/betting is involved, but only KRW 500 – 3000 (USD…

Self-Defense Law Update 2: The Braindead Burglar Case

[Example Situation] Changsoo (age 19, male) currently resides alone on the 2nd floor of a small apartment in Wonju, South Korea. One night, he’s out drinking…

Example of Unlawful Arrest in South Korea

[Example Situation] Mr. Kim (age 45) and his girlfriend live together. He is sometimes abusive towards her. One night, the police receive a call from his…

The Jury System in Korea: The Sangju Pesticide-Cider Case

[Example Situation] Mrs. Park (age 82) lives in Sangju, a rural city in South Korea. She often likes to play go-stop, a Korean card game, with her…

Self-Defense Law Update: The Gongneung-dong Murder Case

[Example Situation] It’s 5:00 a.m., and Ms. Park (age 33) is sound asleep at home where she lives with her fiancé, Mr. Yang (age 36). Mr.…

Criminal Insult in South Korea

[Example Situation] Denise and Patty attend the same church here in Korea. Denise recently heard (from someone) that Patty has been badmouthing her behind her back.…

Recent Defamation Cases 2

[Example Situation] Samuel and Sally have been dating for some time (here in Korea). But right now, Samuel wants to break up with Sally because he…

Drivers vs. Cyclists: Driver’s Liability under Korean Law

[Example Situation] A Seoul public transit bus is fast approaching a crosswalk. Even though the traffic light is red (for the bus), the bus driver knows…

Korean Law Regarding Sexual Groping: An Overview

I. Understanding the Key Terms In Korea, you may have heard of the term “indecent act” (추행). It basically refers to the crime of “(sexual) groping”…

Cyclists vs. Pedestrians: Cyclist’s Liability under Korean Law

[Example Situation] On the weekend, Lisa likes to ride her bicycle near the Han River. There is a bicycle path there, and she feels relatively safe.…

Taking Sexually Explicit Photos of Another Person (in Korea)

[Example Situation] In Seoul, a man goes about secretly taking pictures of women’s legs. He does so using his smartphone, only in public places. He targets…

Recent Defamation Cases 1

[Example Situation] In 2012, Mr. Kim (40s, Seoulite) undergoes surgery at a plastic surgery clinic to get rid of his double eyelids. The procedure involves making…

South Korea: How Cyber Defamation Can Land You in Jail

On the day of the Sewol Ferry Disaster last year, a 30-year-old man (here in Korea) decided to fabricate a series of text message exchanges. The exchanges…

Adultery No Longer a Crime (in Korea)!

Today, the law criminalizing adultery (i.e., Article 241 of the Criminal Act) was found “unconstitutional” by the Constitutional Court of Korea. As a result of this…

‘Indecent Act’ as Defined by the Supreme Court of Korea

[Example Situation] Vivian (age 54) is an employee at a laundry factory in Gangwon Province. Mr. Seo (age 61) is Vivian’s supervisor. One evening after work, Vivian is told to deliver some items…

Yes, You Can End Up in Jail for Defamation (in Korea)

[Example Situation] Mr. Yoon (age 70) is furious that his (ex) son-in-law, Daniel (Job: Dentist in Seoul), has recently divorced his only daughter. Mr. Yoon is fully intent on…

Test Your Knowledge of DUI Law (in Korea)

In Korea, the legal threshold for “drunk driving” is a BAC of 0.05 or above. This is normally attained after 2-3 shots of soju or 2-3 bottles of beer.…

Types of Parking Violations (in Korea)

Above is what a (motor vehicle) parking ticket/citation looks like in Korea. Interestingly, Korean parking tickets kindly outline the 12 possible stop/parking violations subject to an administrative fine…

Divorce Law in Korea

[Example Situation] Mr. and Mrs. Yoon have been married for over 10 years. They have a daughter in elementary school. One fateful day, Mrs. Yoon stumbles…

Is it Legal to Secretly Record a Conversation (in Korea)?

In Korea, it is legal to secretly record a conversation if you yourself are a party to it. Otherwise, it’s illegal (and a crime). The pertaining…

What to do after a Car Accident (in Korea)

[Example Situation] Jason has bought a new car, and he is driving it for the first time in Korea. Today, he is exploring the immediate neighborhood. While exiting an alley,…

[STORY] Seo Ji-won

Seo Ji-won was a beloved Korean singer (male/solo artist) from the mid 90s. Seo’s first album came out in October 1994. Above was his debut song “Another…

Your Guide to Self-Defense (in Korea)

[Example Situation] John lives alone on the 3rd floor of a small one-room (Korean) villa / apartment. Today is a weekday, but he’s called in sick. Before having…