Same-Sex Life Partnership in South Korea
A Seoul court denied same-sex de facto marriage yet recognized the couple’s life partnership as a legally protected interest, awarding KRW 10 million.
-
-
A Contribution Share Award Does Not Reduce Legitime in South Korea
Under South Korean law, a contribution share fixed by co-heir agreement or family court ruling cannot be deducted when calculating legitime. The Seoul High Court confirmed in June 2026 that this rule survives the amended Korean Civil Act.
-
Forced Heirship and Caregiving Gifts in South Korea
The Supreme Court of Korea held on June 11, 2026 that the amended Civil Act proviso to Article 1008 applies even when the succession opened before April 25, 2024, so long as the forced heirship case was pending in court on that date. Here is what changed.
-
Debtor Death After Bankruptcy in South Korea
The Supreme Court of Korea held in 2024Geu834 that heirs are not deemed to have made a qualified acceptance when a debtor dies after a bankruptcy declaration. Learn the three-month deadline and the inherited estate bankruptcy option.
-
Forced Heirship and Trust Assets in South Korea
Trust assets count toward forced heirship (yuryubun) claims in South Korea. Key Supreme Court rulings and the 2026 shift to monetary awards, explained.
-
Inheritance Tax Under Qualified Acceptance in South Korea
Does a qualified acceptance of inheritance in South Korea make you pay acquisition, property, and capital gains tax from your own assets? Learn how Korean courts cap an heir’s liability at the inherited estate when the tax is a “cost of inheritance” under Civil Act Article 998-2, with key Supreme Court rulings.
-
Dividing Private Company Shares in a Divorce in South Korea
South Korea now favors a buyout when dividing unlisted company shares on divorce (Supreme Court 2024Meu16033) — covering the method, share valuation, and division ratio.
-
Forced Heirship in South Korea: When Are Secured Guarantee Debts Excluded from the Calculation Base?
South Korean Supreme Court confirmed that physical guarantor debts cannot reduce the forced heirship base unless the principal debtor is insolvent. Analysis of 2024Da308079 and 2017Da230338.
-
Co-Inherited Shares in South Korea: What If Other Heirs Refuse to Update the Shareholder Register?
When co-heirs refuse share registration in South Korea, how can you protect your shareholder rights? Analysis of the Supreme Court’s 2025Da211120 ruling on confirming co-ownership status.
-
Can You Strip an Abusive Parent’s Inheritance Rights in South Korea? Goo Hara Law Explained
South Korea’s Goo Hara Law allows courts to forfeit a parent’s inheritance rights for abandonment or abuse. Learn the requirements, procedures, and the February 2026 Civil Act amendments.