South Korean Police to Ban Case Inquiries Even From Unretained Lawyers

South Korean police are broadening internal restrictions on case inquiries to cover people who do not formally represent a client, including unretained lawyers and law firm employees.

The National Police Agency said the revised rules respond to a series of allegations involving leaked investigation information and attempts to halt or improperly influence cases. Police will in principle prohibit inquiries that could undermine fair case handling. The ban will cover current and former police officers, as well as outside legal personnel.

Police officers who pass a case inquiry to another public official will also be barred from doing so, and officers who make inquiries may face disciplinary action. The agency said it would actively consider whether inquiries by unretained lawyers or law firm employees violate lawyers’ ethical rules or South Korea’s anti-solicitation law.

A new reporting duty will apply to employees who receive inquiries from serving public officials. They must report the contact immediately, and failure to do so can also lead to discipline. Separately, rules against unofficial contact with people connected to cases will be written into the police code of conduct rather than left only in internal guidance.

The contact ban will cover suspects, victims and other case-related people, as well as operators of businesses linked to prostitution, gambling and illegal betting when the contact serves a purpose unrelated to official duties. The pilot program will run from September 1 until an amended code takes effect in early October. During the pilot, police will issue guidance such as verbal warnings, while employees who report inquiries may receive commendations.

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We will enable case officers to work under the law and principles, free from improper inquiries or influence from outside, and establish a fair and transparent case-handling culture.