Practicing law across borders requires more than familiarity with statutes in multiple jurisdictions. It also requires ongoing professional responsibility, current licensing, and the ability to understand how legal issues develop across different systems. I am pleased to share that I have completed my annual renewal with the State Bar of California and continue to maintain my status as a...
Many people assume that a physical altercation in a vehicle or taxi is just an “assault” case that can be resolved simply by apologizing and reaching a settlement. However, under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, assaulting a driver in Korea is a severe crime that carries much heavier penalties and permanent consequences for your visa status. What the Law...
At Kang & Shin, our commitment to justice extends beyond the courtroom and into the heart of our community. We are honored to announce that our attorney, Shin, Hyun Don, has been awarded a Commendation from the Mayor of Seoul, for his dedicated service to the citizens of South Korea. Recognized for Public Service as a "Seoul Village Lawyer" The Mayor of Seoul presented this...
![[Success] Marijuana Import: Suspension of Prosecution at Incheon](https://kangshinlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/marijuana-import-suspension-of-prosecution-incheon-e1772197173438-883x675.jpg)
For many foreigners traveling to South Korea, carrying marijuana for personal use might feel like a minor lifestyle choice. However, under Korean law, a marijuana import is classified as “drug importation,” a crime that carries some of the heaviest penalties in the legal system. As an English speaking Korean lawyer providing legal aid to foreigners, I have seen how quickly an international...
If you are involved in a criminal investigation in South Korea, it is not enough to know what happened. You also need to know whether the case can be prosecuted procedurally. In Korean criminal procedure, certain offenses require specific conditions for prosecution (소추조건). If those conditions are missing, or if they are later removed, your case may end without a conviction, even if the...
![[Successful Case Result] Securing a Suspension of Prosecution for Driver Assault in Korea](https://kangshinlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Successful-Case-suspension-of-prosecution-driver-assault-korea-1-e1774101389624-907x675.png)
This case study details how Kang & Shin secured a Suspension of Prosecution (기소유예) for a respected foreign professional facing severe criminal charges under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (Assaulting a Driver). Despite a complex situation involving language barriers and physical altercation, our strategic defense protected the client from a conviction that...
