[Published on October 6, 2026 edition of the "Korean Law Insights" column in the Korea Daily’s Economic Expert Section] Priority of payment is determined by statutory eligibility requirements, not inheritance shares Beneficiaries residing overseas may apply by mail or through an authorized representative When a father who was receiving an old-age pension from Korea’s National Pension dies in the United States, can his wife, who lives in the United States, continue to receive

[Published on September 1, 2026 edition of the "Korean Law Insights" column in the Korea Daily’s Economic Expert Section] Under the Foreign Nationality Non-Exercise Pledge, dual nationals are treated as Korean citizens in Korea. Special care is needed for entry, exit, and visa matters...procedures should be confirmed before staying in Korea. The number of people holding dual citizenship is rising quickly. According to data from the National Assembly Research Service, roughly

[Published on August 5, 2026 edition of the "Korean Law Insights" column in the Korea Daily’s Economic Expert Section] National Tax Service of Korea Begins Consultations for Returnees Starting in July Determining Tax Residency Status and Reviewing Obligations in Both Countries Is Essential, Depending on Your Stay Plans For Koreans who have lived in the United States for many years and are considering settling in Korea after retirement, taxes deserve attention just as early as

[Published on July 7, 2026 edition of the "Korean Law Insights" column in the Korea Daily’s Economic Expert Section] Korea moves to introduce an integrated payout service for inherited financial assets under the "Safe Inheritance" program Easily overlooked issues such as taxes need to be reviewed separately One of the first difficulties Koreans residing in the United States face when handling inheritance matters in Korea is that they simply do not know where the assets are or

[Published on June 10, 2026 edition of the "Korean Law Insights" column in the Korea Daily’s Economic Expert Section] Improved Identity Verification and Driver's License Renewal Services for Overseas Koreans Military Service Obligations Tighten as Short-Term Travel Permit Period Cut Short One of the most common difficulties faced by Koreans living in the United States when handling matters related to Korea is identity verification. In particular, without a Korean mobile phone

[Published on May 13, 2026 edition of the "Korean Law Insights" column in the Korea Daily’s Economic Expert Section] Considerations: date of birth, parents’ nationality at birth, and gender Exceptions are very limited...advance verification is essential It is easy to assume that a child born in the United States is only a U.S. citizen. However, under Korean law, the child may simultaneously be a national of the Republic of Korea. If at least one parent was a Korean national a

[Published on April 14, 2026 edition of the "Korean Law Insights" column in the Korea Daily’s Economic Expert Section] From the Return of Property Itself to Monetary Valuation and Settlement The Contributive Portion Regarding Special Benefits and the Practical Timing of Application Are Also Important Under inheritance law, the reserved portion is a system designed to guarantee a minimum share to certain heirs. However, in the past, the principle was to return the property its

[Published on March 18, 2026 edition of the "Korean Law Insights" column in the Korea Daily’s Economic Expert Section] Controversy Over Overlap with Abuse of Authority… Strengthening Judicial Account-ability Concerns Over Constitutionality Remain, Calling for Cautious Future Application A recent amendment to the Korean Criminal Act introducing the so called crime of legal distortion has passed the National Assembly and received approval from the State Council. Specifically, t

[Published on March 3, 2026 edition of the "Korean Law Insights" column in the Korea Daily’s Economic Expert Section] Passed by the National Assembly; scheduled to take effect one year after promulgation Effective management and implementation will be key to ensuring its role as a safeguard of the rule of law On January 29th, the Korean National Assembly passed an amendment to the Attorney-at-Law Act that formally codifies attorney–client privilege. While Korean attorneys hav

[Published on January 20, 2026 edition of the "Korean Law Insights" column in the Korea Daily’s Economic Expert Section] Even Koreans residing in the U.S. who own land in Korea may be affected Tax liability could apply, while dividends may be excluded For Koreans residing in the U.S., legislative developments in Korea may feel somewhat distant. However, if one already owns land in Korea or may come to own land through inheritance, gifts, or future investments, the situation b