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Read article →English-speaking criminal defense for foreign nationals facing investigation, arrest, or prosecution in South Korea. Direct representation. No interpreters between you and your lawyer.
"My job begins the moment you are most afraid. I take that seriously."
Attorney Lee Sung Yul has dedicated more than seven years to criminal defense practice within the Korean justice system, earning the trust of foreign clients throughout Korea — including Seoul, Busan, Cheongju, Jeju, and other major regions across the country.
A graduate of Seoul National University and Seoul National University School of Law, fluent in English, he has personally represented individuals from a wide range of countries in cases involving every major category of criminal allegations under Korean law.
What distinguishes his practice is direct access and personal representation. Every client works exclusively with Attorney Lee — not through a paralegal, interpreter, or junior associate. From the initial consultation through the final resolution of the case, he provides consistent, one-on-one legal representation with clear communication and strategic advocacy. No matter where in Korea your case is heard, the relationship stays direct and unbroken.
Korea's DUI thresholds are lower than most Western countries. Even a single drink can trigger criminal liability. Refusal to test your alcohol level is punished in the same manner as DUI.
Possession, use, or trafficking — Korean drug law is among the strictest in Asia. Time-sensitive defense is critical.
Bar fights, workplace altercations, and disputes that escalate. Settlement strategy often determines the outcome.
Highly sensitive cases requiring immediate, discreet representation and careful evidence handling. Often involve digital crimes and strict administrative sanctions.
Participation in voice phishing schemes, cryptocurrency fraud, and other financial crimes is subject to severe criminal penalties under Korean law. Foreign nationals may face serious forgery charges for submitting false or improperly prepared visa, employment, banking, or lease-related documents.
Korea criminalizes defamation — even truthful statements can result in charges. Online posts carry real risk.
In addition to criminal penalties, such offenses may also result in visa cancellation, deportation, and future entry bans to Korea.
Representation during police questioning. Never face an interrogation in Korea without counsel present.
No third-party interpreter sitting between you and your defense. Every detail of your case — every nuance — communicated directly.
Korean criminal procedure differs significantly from Western systems. We explain not just what is happening, but why — and what it means for you.
Confidentiality protocols designed for high-profile clients, business executives, and anyone whose reputation matters as much as the verdict.
Arrests don't happen during business hours. Our emergency line is answered around the clock — by an attorney, not a service.
Initial questioning, evidence gathering, possible detention up to 48 hours. We attend interrogations with you anywhere in Korea, providing in-person support, preparation, and representation throughout the process.
The case transfers to the prosecutor, who decides whether to indict. Often the most critical leverage point.
Non-prosecution, summary order, or formal indictment. We negotiate aggressively to resolve cases here.
Korean trials are judge-led, typically across multiple hearings. Strategic preparation is everything.
Three-tier appeal system. Even after an unfavorable verdict, options remain — we evaluate every one.
Plain-language guides on Korean criminal law, written for foreign nationals living, working, or traveling in Korea.
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Read article →Remain silent until your lawyer arrives. You have the right to refuse questioning until counsel is present. Request to contact your embassy and a Korean criminal defense attorney immediately. Do not sign any document — including statements written in Korean — without translation and legal review.
Yes. Article 12 of the Korean Constitution guarantees the right against self-incrimination. You may decline to answer any question put to you by police or prosecutors. Exercising this right cannot legally be used against you, though early legal counsel helps ensure it is properly invoked.
Possibly not. Prosecutors can issue a travel ban at any point during an investigation — sometimes without notice. If you are under any form of investigation, do not assume you can travel. We can verify your status and, where appropriate, petition to lift travel restrictions.
Fees vary significantly with case complexity, stage, and required scope of work. We offer transparent fee structures discussed in the initial consultation. Initial consultations are confidential and conducted in English — there is no obligation to retain afterward.
Yes. We represent clients in jurisdictions throughout South Korea, including Busan, Cheongju, Jeju, and other major regions. For courts outside Seoul, we travel to attend hearings and coordinate locally where required.
Initial consultations are confidential and free of charge. For urgent matters, call the 24/7 emergency line. All inquiries are answered personally.