Criminal Defense services are essential for foreigners and expats who face criminal investigations or prosecution in South Korea. For those seeking experienced and reliable legal representation, the legal experts at Pureum Law Office — led by certified Expert Criminal and Defense Attorney Simon D. Lee — provide professional criminal defense services tailored to non-Korean nationals.
Pureum Law Office, established in 2014, is a law office based in Seoul and Pyeongtaek, specializing in criminal defense matters involving foreign clients in the Republic of Korea. As a trusted criminal defense lawyer in Korea, our firm represents clients throughout every stage of the criminal procedure, including police investigations, prosecutor proceedings, detention reviews, bail applications, and criminal trials. Our English-speaking lawyers understand the legal, procedural, and cultural challenges foreigners face, and work to ensure that our clients’ rights are fully protected.
In recognition of its expertise and proven track record, Pureum Law Office was awarded “Criminal Law Firm of the Year 2025 – South Korea” by Global Law Experts Annual Awards, an international legal awards organization that recognizes leading law firms worldwide.
English-Speaking Defense for Criminal Charges in Korea
Foreign nationals accused of crimes in Korea often face additional risks, including visa cancellation, detention, or deportation. As an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Korea, Pureum Law Office has represented foreigners, expats, international students, and business professionals in a wide range of criminal cases.
Our firm has extensive experience handling allegations such as:
- Rape and sexual offenses
- Illegal drug use or importation
- DUI and traffic offenses
- Credit card fraud and financial crimes
- Failure to repay debt
- Criminal disputes arising in divorce matters
Early involvement of a qualified criminal defense lawyer in Korea is often critical to reducing legal exposure and preventing devastating immigration consequences.
Protecting Your Visa Status After a Criminal Charge
Criminal cases involving foreign nationals in Korea are almost always closely connected with Korean immigration law. Even if a case results in a dismissal, acquittal, or non-indictment, once the Immigration Office becomes aware that a criminal investigation or trial has taken place, the foreign national is generally required to report the outcome of the case to immigration authorities.
In particular, if a foreigner receives a criminal disposition of a fine or higher, the case may directly affect the individual’s current visa status. Unless there are strong humanitarian or exceptional circumstances, such cases may result in an order to depart Korea, deportation, or an entry ban.
As an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Korea, Pureum Law Office provides comprehensive legal support that extends beyond the criminal proceedings themselves. PLO assists clients not only during police investigations, prosecution, and trial, but also in subsequent immigration review and screening processes, working to minimize immigration consequences and to achieve the best possible outcome for the client.
Criminal Defense Representation Nationwide
Although our main office is located in Seoul, Pureum Law Office provides criminal defense representation throughout South Korea. If you are in Seoul or the greater Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA), our office is easily accessible by public transportation, and clients facing urgent criminal matters can consult directly with a criminal defense lawyer in Korea at our Seoul office.
In addition, Pureum Law Office recently opened a branch office in Pyeongtaek, expanding our criminal defense services to better serve clients in Gyeonggi Province and surrounding regions, including areas with a significant foreign and international community.
In appropriate cases, we also assist clients remotely by phone, email, or videoconference, including individuals who are currently outside Korea but are subject to investigation, travel restrictions, or pending criminal proceedings.
Why Choose Pureum Law Office
- Continuous immigration-related legal services provided following the criminal case
- Led by a certified Expert Criminal and Defense Attorney
- Extensive experience representing foreigners in Korea
- English-speaking legal team with clear communication
- Proven track record in police, prosecution, and court proceedings
- Internationally recognized criminal defense law firm
For more information on the Korean legal process, read our latest articles on Korean Criminal Law.
Request a Legal Consultation with a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Korea
If you would like to receive legal consultation from an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Korea, please visit the link below and answer the listed questions or contact us so our criminal defense team can review your case and advise you on the appropriate next steps.
For more helpful information surrounding criminal defense and other common issues for foreigners, check out Pureum’s blog and social media channels.
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Pureum Law Office put this article together to walk you through how SOFA criminal cases are handled, what rights victims have, and how Korean authorities coordinate with U.S. military authorities in these sensitive situations.
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When foreigners face criminal investigations or court proceedings in South Korea, it can feel overwhelming. Pureum Law Office in Seoul is here to help you understand the criminal trial process and provide legal help to those needing it.
