Korea punishes sexual offences under the Criminal Act, the Sexual Violence Punishment Act and the Juvenile Sexual Protection Act. The penalty depends on the conduct, the place and the victim.
| Provision | Conduct | Statutory penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Sexual Violence Punishment Act Art. 13 | Obscene messages by phone, text or online | Up to 2 years' imprisonment or a fine up to KRW 20 million |
| Sexual Violence Punishment Act Art. 11 | Molestation in a crowded place | Up to 3 years' imprisonment or a fine up to KRW 30 million |
| Sexual Violence Punishment Act Art. 14 | Illegal filming / distribution | Up to 7 years' imprisonment or a fine up to KRW 50 million |
| Sexual Violence Punishment Act Art. 14-2 | Deepfake sexual material: editing, distribution | Up to 7 years' imprisonment or a fine up to KRW 50 million |
| Criminal Act Art. 298, 299 | Sexual assault (indecent act by force), incl. against an incapacitated person | Up to 10 years' imprisonment or a fine up to KRW 15 million |
| Criminal Act Art. 297, 299 | Rape, quasi-rape | At least 3 years' imprisonment |
| Juvenile Sexual Protection Act Art. 7 | Rape of a child or juvenile (under 19) | Life imprisonment or at least 5 years |
Unwanted touching is charged as an indecent act by force. Whether force or a sudden act was involved, and what the complainant said and did, are central.
Up to 10 years or a fine up to KRW 15 million
The first statement matters most. Prepare it with a lawyer before questioning.
Rape requires violence or threats; quasi-rape covers sex with a person who could not resist because of intoxication or sleep. Consent and the complainant's condition are the main issues.
At least 3 years' imprisonment; heavier with weapons, two or more offenders or injury
These charges carry a high risk of detention, so preparing for a warrant hearing from the start is important.
Filming a person's body without consent in a way that may cause sexual shame is a crime, and so is distributing such footage even if the filming itself was consented to.
Filming or distribution: up to 7 years or a fine up to KRW 50 million
Attend the forensic analysis with your lawyer and check that only files within the warrant are examined.
Editing or distributing deepfake sexual material is punished, and since 2024 possessing, buying, storing or viewing it is also a crime.
Editing / distribution: up to 7 years or a fine up to KRW 50 million; possession / viewing: up to 3 years or a fine up to KRW 30 million
If minors are depicted, the case falls under the Juvenile Sexual Protection Act as sexual exploitation material.
Sending sexual words, images or videos by phone, text, messenger or social media that cause sexual shame or disgust is a crime.
Up to 2 years or a fine up to KRW 20 million
If a fine is imposed, sex offender registration does not follow for this charge.
Touching someone on the subway, a bus or at a concert or festival is punished even if it lasted only a moment. Many cases start with an arrest on the spot.
Up to 3 years or a fine up to KRW 30 million
If you were arrested at the scene, get advice before your formal questioning.
This site provides general legal information, not advice on any specific case. Outcomes depend on the facts of each case.
SEXUAL CRIME DEFENSE · KOREA