Who must register?
Article 42 of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (the “Sexual Violence Punishment Act”, 성폭력처벌법) treats rape, indecent assault (officially “indecent act by compulsion”), filming using cameras, indecent acts in crowded places and similar offenses as "registrable sexual crimes," and provides that a person becomes subject to personal information registration once a conviction or summary order for such a crime becomes final. In other words, registration applies even if the case ends with a fine or a summary order.
Registration periods
The period depends on the sentence the court imposes (Article 45(1)).
- A fine: 10 years
- Imprisonment with or without labor of 3 years or less: 15 years
- Imprisonment with or without labor of more than 3 years but not more than 10 years: 20 years
- Death penalty, life imprisonment, or imprisonment with or without labor of more than 10 years: 30 years
A suspended sentence imposes imprisonment but only defers its execution, so if the imprisonment is 3 years or less, the period is 15 years. Registered persons must submit information such as their address and occupation and report any changes, and the police check this information regularly.
Scope of employment restrictions
When imposing a sentence for a sex crime, the court must also issue an order prohibiting employment at institutions related to children and juveniles and similar places. The maximum period is 10 years, and the case may end without such an order if the risk of reoffending is remarkably low or there are other special circumstances (Article 56 of the Youth Sex Protection Act). The scope is broad enough to include schools, private academies, sports facilities, hospitals and even apartment security work, so depending on your occupation, your livelihood can be shaken.
To show that the likelihood of reoffending is low, you need expert opinions, records of treatment and education received, and materials showing your living environment. These materials must be prepared before sentencing.
Why the decision stage is where the outcome is decided
If the prosecutor ends the case without indictment, such as through a suspended indictment or a no-suspicion decision, there is no conviction, so neither registration nor employment restrictions arise. This is why, even when the facts are admitted, we aim for a non-indictment decision at the investigation stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I receive a suspended sentence (officially “suspension of execution of sentence”), am I exempt from registration?
I received a fine but was told I must register. Is that correct?
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Read more →Written on the basis of Korean statutes in force (National Law Information Center, Ministry of Government Legislation) and court precedents as of October 20, 2026. Results may differ with amendments to the law or the facts of each case. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Written and reviewed by Attorney Dongwoo Shin — Ph.D. in Law; certified criminal law specialist and certified divorce law specialist registered with the Korean Bar Association. He handles each case personally from consultation to judgment. About the attorney →
Last updated October 20, 2026
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