Filing a Sex Crime Complaint in Korea

Check the statute of limitations first

For sexual violence crimes suffered as a minor, the limitation period runs from the day the victim reaches adulthood. For some crimes such as rape where there is scientific evidence (DNA, etc.), the period is extended by 10 years, and for rape, indecent assault (officially “indecent act by compulsion”) and similar crimes against persons under 13 or persons with physical or mental disabilities, there is no limitation period at all (Article 21). Even if it happened long ago, check before giving up.

Organizing materials before filing

Messages and call history with the offender (do not delete them; save them separately using the chat export function)
Records of confiding in family or friends right after the incident. They show that your account has been the same from the beginning
Medical records, medical certificates and counseling records
For illegal recordings or manipulated images, screen captures showing the posting address and date

What changes when you retain an attorney

Victims of sexual violence crimes can retain an attorney (Article 27 of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (the “Sexual Violence Punishment Act”, 성폭력처벌법)). This attorney can do the following.

Sit in and state opinions when investigative agencies interview the victim
Attend and state opinions at the pre-detention hearing of the suspect, evidence preservation proceedings and trial
Inspect and copy case documents and evidence
Act as a comprehensive representative for all procedural acts the victim can perform in the criminal process

If the victim has not retained an attorney, the prosecutor can appoint a state-appointed attorney, and must do so if the victim is under 19.

If the victim is under 19

The interview is video-recorded, and the recording can be used as evidence at trial (Article 30). It is not recorded if the victim or their legal representative objects. It is also possible to request a statement assistant to help the victim express themselves (Article 36).

Frequently Asked Questions

If I file a complaint, won't the offender learn my home address?

Public officials involved in the investigation, prosecution and trial must not disclose or leak the victim's address, name or other personal details (Article 24 of the Sexual Violence Punishment Act). There are also ways to keep personal details out of documents, so consult an attorney before filing.

It happened quite a while ago. Can I still file a complaint?

The statute of limitations differs depending on the charge and your age at the time. If it happened when you were a minor, the period starts from when you reached adulthood. Tell us when it happened and what happened, and we will check the limitation period first.

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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

Filing a sex crime complaint: the process from start to finish