FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS · LAW:US LAW FIRM
In a Korean courtroom,
you need a lawyer who knows both worlds.
Jun Seo-hyun, Managing Attorney at LAW:US, is a U.S. citizen and a Korean-licensed attorney, certified as a criminal law specialist by the Korean Bar Association. Our firm has handled criminal cases involving U.S. military personnel in Korea, including drug investigations.
Why foreign clients choose LAW:US
U.S. citizen, Korean attorney
Our managing attorney holds U.S. citizenship and a Korean law license — fluent in both legal cultures, so nothing gets lost in translation.
Certified criminal law specialist
Most cases involving foreign nationals are criminal. Your defense is led by a KBA-certified criminal law specialist.
USFK case experience
We have represented clients in cases involving U.S. Forces Korea personnel, including drug offenses under Korean jurisdiction.
Nationwide, remote-first
Consultations and retention are handled by phone, video, or KakaoTalk. Your attorney appears at police stations and courts anywhere in Korea — no extra travel fees.
Your attorney
Jun Seo-hyun Managing Attorney · U.S. Citizen
- Criminal law specialist, certified by the Korean Bar Association
- School-violence law specialist, certified by the Korean Bar Association
- State-appointed defense counsel, Supreme Court of Korea
- Experience in USFK-related drug cases and other matters involving foreign nationals
OUR LAWYER
By your side,
from start to finish — the LAW:US team
What we handle
Criminal defense
Drug offenses, DUI, sexual offense allegations, assault, fraud — from the first police summons through trial.
USFK & military-related cases
Korean criminal proceedings involving U.S. service members, civilian employees, and their families.
International divorce & family
Divorce, custody, and property division for international couples.
Labor claims
Unpaid wages and severance, unfair dismissal, workplace injury claims for foreign workers.
Civil disputes
Contracts, housing deposits, damages — civil matters where a foreign national is a party.
How it works
Reach out
Phone, KakaoTalk, email, or the form below — whichever is easiest for you.
Consultation
By phone or video. We review your situation, deadlines, and options.
Representation
Once retained, your attorney handles filings, accompanies you to questioning, and appears in court.
FAQ
Q. I've been arrested or detained in Korea. What should I do first?
A. Stay calm and do not sign statements you do not fully understand. You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel, and you may ask that your embassy be notified. Contact a lawyer before your first questioning — early statements shape the entire case.
Q. I received a police summons. Can I ignore it?
A. No — ignoring a summons can lead to an arrest warrant. The date can usually be rescheduled, and you are entitled to an interpreter. Prepare your statement with a lawyer before attending.
Q. How serious are drug charges in Korea?
A. Very serious. Korean law criminalizes use, possession, and purchase of narcotics, and even a positive urine or hair test can lead to prosecution. Early legal defense makes a real difference.
Q. Can I leave Korea while under investigation?
A. Not always. Authorities can impose an exit ban (chulguk geumji, 출국금지) on suspects. Leaving without checking your status can seriously worsen your case — a lawyer can confirm the ban and, where appropriate, challenge it.
Q. What happens if I get a DUI in Korea?
A. Driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.03% or higher is a crime. Between 0.03% and 0.08% your license is suspended; at 0.08% or higher it is revoked — on top of criminal penalties, and a conviction can affect your visa status.
Q. I'm covered by SOFA (U.S. military). Does Korea have jurisdiction over my case?
A. Often yes. The U.S.–ROK SOFA allocates jurisdiction, and Korean authorities handle many off-duty offenses, including drug cases. We have experience representing clients in USFK-related Korean criminal proceedings.
Q. My employer hasn't paid my wages or severance. What can I do?
A. You can file a complaint with the Ministry of Employment and Labor and pursue a civil claim. Wage claims expire after 3 years, and you can pursue them even after changing jobs or leaving Korea — keep your contract and pay records.
Q. How does divorce work if my spouse is Korean?
A. Korea allows divorce by mutual agreement or by court judgment. Custody, child support, and property division are decided under Korean family law, and foreign-language documents can be submitted with translations.
CONTACT
Start with a consultation
Leave your contact details and a brief description. Everything you share is kept strictly confidential.
- Tel
- 1551-1830
- lawus@lawus.co.kr
- KakaoTalk
- pf.kakao.com/_xaHHln
This page is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case; no result is guaranteed.