Report No. 198

7.8 Republic of Korea

The Republic of Korea enacted its Witness and Victim Protection Law on 31st August, 1999 which came into force in June, 2000. The law covers not only the victim or the witness, but also extends protection to their families. If there is a possibility that a witness may be the target of retaliatory action, his name may be kept confidential and he may be given police protection.

When the witness or victim sustains financial loss as a result of the crime or the investigation, he may be granted relief money for the loss suffered. And in the event there is a need for such witness to transfer his residence or secure new employment, he may be furnished some assistance at government expense.