Implementation of a General Certificate for the Protection of Personal Information

The Supreme Court announced that as the amended Act on the Registration, etc. of Family Relationships has been implemented since November 30, 2016, a general certificate which displays only necessary information such as present status and relationships will be basically used. In order to demand a detailed certificate which includes comprehensive status and relationships such as past divorce records, a party who demands the records should explain the reasons. Accordingly, a person does not have to submit a certificate which includes sensitive personal information such as past divorce records, etc. except where necessary.

In addition, from November 30, 2016, when a person reports a birth, the person cannot append a written guarantee of the neighborhood which guarantees a person’s birth. A person should append a birth certificate drafted by a doctor or a midwife and a written document which shows medical treatment such as vaccinations to a report of birth. In a case where such documents cannot be submitted, a confirmation procedure of a family court is required.  

The Supreme Court has started an Apostille service for a certificate of family relations via internet from November 30, 2016. With the connection of internet of the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Apostilles can be issued via internet without a visit. For the issuance of an Apostille for a certificate of family relations, please visit to the website http://efamily.scourt.go.kr Overseas Korean nationals or students abroad can also easily have an Apostille issued via internet in foreign countries. 

The Supreme Court announced that the Court will continuously make an effort for the protection of personal information and the people’s convenient use of a certificate of family relations.