Korea’s criminal justice system is undergoing one of the most significant procedural shifts in its modern history. With the introduction of the criminal electronic filing system in Korea on October 10, 2025, Korea has taken a significant step toward a fully digital, multi-agency criminal adjudication process, which is welcomed by most Korean defense attorneys.
During the first month alone, the system recorded 1,124 electronic filings. For attorneys handling criminal matters, including IPG Legal’s criminal defense and complex litigation teams, this reform fundamentally changes how investigations, filings, and trials will proceed in the years ahead, leading to the more efficient utilization of lawyers and less wasted time. For articles on Korean Criminal Law, please see: IPG Legal’s Criminal Defense & Law Archive.
Korea’s E-File Systems
The rollout of criminal e-litigation marks the culmination of 15 years of digital reforms initiated by the Korean Supreme Court, beginning with the introduction of patent e-filing in 2010, followed by the expansion of e-litigation to Korean Civil & Commercial Law, Administrative Law, and Bankruptcy & Rehabilitation. Criminal procedure remained the last paper-centric system, primarily due to the complexity of coordinating with separate agencies—courts, prosecutors, police, and specialized investigative bodies—as well as resistance from some.
Korea’s digitalization of its criminal justice system is long overdue, according to many lawyers in Korea. With multiple agencies generating, reviewing, and exchanging documents, a unified electronic system has the potential to sharply increase efficiency while reducing errors and disputes over records. IPG Legal welcomes this change.
Practical Benefits for Korean Defense Lawyers
1. Elimination of “Truck Prosecutions”
Korea’s traditional practice of physically transporting thousands of pages of investigative records, commonly called “truck prosecutions,” created inefficiencies and risks. Electronic submissions reduce logistical burdens, prevent loss or damage of records, and foster more efficient judicial review.
2. Enhanced Defense Access to Case Materials
Korean defense attorneys historically faced enormous document burdens, including the manual copying of indictment records at the prosecutor’s office. Notwithstanding the fairness issue, the process led to increased costs for clients. Korean e-litigation enables attorneys in Korea to download and review records without needing to visit the prosecutor’s office and contend with clerks over access to a copy machine.
3. Faster and More Efficient Hearings
The new e-file system provides near-instant access to evidence lists, allows for the pre-submission of evidentiary opinions, and automates the service of court documents, thereby likely reducing hearing durations and minimizing the number of adjournments.
The first month of Korea’s criminal electronic litigation system marks a transformative moment for the Korean criminal justice system. With more than 1,000 cases already filed, the foundation has been set for a more efficient, transparent, and modern procedural system.
Few Asian jurisdictions have successfully integrated police, prosecutors, and courts into a unified digital system. Korea’s model has the potential to set a regional benchmark if implementation is completed effectively.
IPG Legal Law Firm’s Criminal Defense Team
At IPG Legal, we have defended multinational executives, expatriates, and Korean nationals in complex criminal cases in Korea and abroad. If you or your company is under investigation or requires guidance on compliance, contact us. Early, strategic legal advice can often mean the difference between an indictment and an early resolution.
by Sean Hayes
Sean Hayes is the first non-Korean attorney to have worked for the Korean court system (Constitutional Court of Korea) and one of the first non-Koreans to be a regular member of a Korean law faculty. Sean is ranked, for Korea, as one of only a few non-Korean lawyers as a Top Attorney by AsiaLaw. Sean is regularly quoted by leading international media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, France 24, and Bloomberg.
IPG Legal is consistently ranked a Top Dispute Resolution Law Firm for our litigation, arbitration, and mediation services, and IPG Legal is consistently rated a top-tier law firm in corporate law, litigation, arbitration, franchise law, distribution law, estate law, family law, employment & labor law, and criminal defense.
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