How to Request the Complaint (Go-so-jang) First. (2026 Investigating Police Guide)[English Speaking Lawyer. LIBRO]
Introduction: The Terrifying Phone Call (2026 Investigating Police Guide)
You are at work or school when an unknown number calls. It is the police.
“We have received a complaint against you. Please come to [X] Police Station this Thursday at 2 PM for questioning.”
You ask, “What is this about?”
The officer replies vaguely: “It’s about a fraud/assault complaint. Come in and we will tell you.”
⚠️ STOP. Do NOT rush.
In Korea, the police investigator’s goal is to investigate facts, which often involves securing a confession. If you walk into that interrogation room without knowing the specific accusations, you are at a severe disadvantage.
You have a legal right to request the Complaint (Go-so-jang) before the investigation. This guide explains exactly how to get it using the Information Disclosure Request system.
1. The “Hold” Strategy: What to Say on the Phone
When the police summon you, do not refuse to go, but ask for a reschedule to prepare your defense.
The Script:
You: “Officer, I want to exercise my right to defense. I will submit an Information Disclosure Request (Jeong-bo-gong-gae-cheong-gu) to read the complaint first. Could we reschedule the interview to a date after I have reviewed the documents?”
Why this works:
- It is your constitutional right (Right to Know / Right to Defense).
- It typically buys you 1~2 weeks of time.
- It signals to the police that you are preparing legally, not evading investigation.
2. Step-by-Step: How to Request the Complaint Online
You do not need to visit the station to get the papers. You can do it from your computer.
- Website: Open.go.kr (Official Government Portal)
- Prerequisites: Alien Registration Card (ARC), Digital Certificate, or Mobile Phone Identity Verification.
The “Clicking” Guide
- Login: Go to
open.go.krand log in. - Menu: Click “Request Disclosure” (청구신청).
- Target Institution: Search for the specific Police Station that called you (e.g., “Gangnam Police Station”).
- Title: Write: “Request to View Complaint (고소장 열람 청구)”.
- Content (Copy this Korean text):“피고소인 [Your Name]에 대한 고소장 중 혐의내용 및 범죄사실 부분에 대한 정보공개를 청구합니다. 방어권 행사를 위해 필요합니다.”(Translation: I request disclosure of the charges and criminal facts in the complaint filed against [Name]. This is necessary for my defense.)
- Method: Select “Electronic File” (전자파일) to receive it as a PDF online.
- Submit: Click Apply.
[Table 1] Timeline of the Request
| Day | Action | Status |
| Day 1 | You submit the request on Open.go.kr. | “Received” (접수) |
| Day 10 (+) | Police review the request (Legally 10 days, extendable to 20). | “Processing” (처리중) |
| Result | You receive a text/email decision. | “Partial Disclosure” (부분공개) |
| Download | Pay a small fee (approx. 500 KRW) and download the PDF. | Complete. |
Note: The police will redact (black out) the accuser’s personal contact info and sensitive evidence. This is “Partial Disclosure”. Your goal is to see the “Summary of Crime” (Bum-joe Sa-sil) to understand what you are accused of.
3. Strategy: You Have the PDF. Now What?
Now you have the “Exam Paper” before the “Test.”
Analyze with a Lawyer
Do not try to interpret the Korean legal terms alone. Send the PDF to a criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Fact Check: Is the date/time correct?
- Evidence Check: Does the accuser mention CCTV or witnesses?
- Legal Elements: Does the story actually constitute a crime under Korean law?
The Rehearsal (Mock Interrogation)
Your lawyer will simulate the police interview based on the complaint.
- Complaint says: “He hit me.”
- You prepare: “I pushed him to create distance because he grabbed my collar (Self-defense).”
- Result: You enter the police station with a clear, consistent story.
4. Post-Investigation: Checking the Results (KICS)
After the investigation, the police will decide whether to send your case to the Prosecutor (Song-chi) or close it (Bul-song-chi).
You can check this yourself on the KICS (Korea Information System of Criminal Justice Service).
- Website: www.kics.go.kr
- Menu: “Case Inquiry” (사건조회) -> “Police Case” (경찰사건).
[This document illustrates a successful case of an Information Disclosure Request filed through the official government portal to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in 2025. The requester specifically sought access to a Suspect Interrogation Protocol (피의자신문조서), which is the formal record of statements made during a police investigation. As indicated by the final status “Notice Completed” (통지완료), the police have granted the request and issued the document to the applicant. This procedure serves as a vital legal mechanism in South Korea, allowing individuals to officially obtain their investigation records to ensure a transparent legal process and to prepare an effective legal defense for upcoming proceedings.]
[Table 2] Understanding the Results
| Korean Term | English Meaning | What it Means for You |
| 불송치 (Bul-song-chi) | Non-Transfer | Case Closed by Police. Police found you innocent. No criminal record. |
| 송치 (Song-chi) | Transferred | Police think you are guilty. Case moved to Prosecutor. |
| 불기소 (Bul-gi-so) | Non-Indictment | Prosecutor decided not to take you to court (charges dropped/suspended). |
| 구약식 (Gu-yak-sik) | Summary Order | Prosecutor fines you without a trial. (Criminal Record created). |
| 구공판 (Gu-gong-pan) | Indictment | You must go to a formal Criminal Court Trial. |
FAQ: Dealing with the Police
Q1: Can I request an interpreter?
A: Yes. You have the right to a translator. However, police translators are neutral. It is highly recommended to bring a lawyer who speaks your language to ensure the translation captures your nuance perfectly.
Q2: What if the police reject my Information Disclosure Request?
A: Rejection of the entire complaint is rare, but possible in sensitive cases (e.g., sexual crimes, risk of retaliation). If rejected, your lawyer can file an objection or attend the investigation to identify the charges on the spot.
Q3: Can I check the result without a Digital Certificate?
A: It is difficult online for foreigners. However, if you appointed a lawyer, your lawyer can check the real-time status on the KICS “Attorney Portal” and notify you immediately.
Lawyer’s Insight ⚖️
“The biggest mistake foreigners make is thinking, ‘I am innocent, so I will just go and explain.’
Innocence does not prove itself. If you go unprepared, you might say something due to nervousness or poor translation that the police interpret as an admission.
The ‘Information Disclosure Request’ is your shield. Try not to enter a police station until you know exactly what is written on that paper.”
Received a Police Summons?
Do not panic. Ask for time.
Contact LIBRO Global Client Services immediately. We will handle the Information Disclosure Request, analyze the charges, and sit beside you during the investigation to protect your rights.
Attorney Paul
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