Imprisonment or Fines for Refusing On-Site Investigations in Domestic Violence Cases...Penalties for Obstruction Strengthened

Amendment to the Domestic Violence Prevention Act Passes Plenary Session on March 12
Karaoke Establishments Now Open to Youth Entry

From now on, anyone who refuses or avoids on-site investigations of domestic violence cases will be subject to up to one year of imprisonment or a fine of up to 10 million won.

Scene from the March extraordinary plenary session held at the National Assembly on the 12th. March 12, 2026 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced on March 12 that the National Assembly plenary session passed an amendment to the "Act on the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Protection of Victims, etc." to enhance the effectiveness of responses to domestic violence.

This amendment strengthens penalties for obstructing on-site investigations by judicial police officers and others at the scene of domestic violence cases.

Previously, those who refused or avoided on-site investigations without just cause were subject to an administrative fine of up to 5 million won. The amendment raises the penalty to imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won.

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family stated, "We expect this will improve the effectiveness of on-site investigations and serve as an opportunity to further reinforce public awareness that domestic violence is a crime."

During the plenary session held on this day, amendments to the Youth Protection Act and the Childcare Support Act were also passed. The amendment to the Youth Protection Act aims to ease the management burden on small business owners while strengthening the effectiveness of youth protection systems.

It changes karaoke establishments from youth entry and employment prohibited businesses to youth employment prohibited businesses, and removes internet computer game facilities (PC bangs) from the category of youth employment prohibited businesses.

Additionally, the amendment clarifies the law by specifying methods for verifying age and identity when selling harmful substances to minors.

The amendment to the Childcare Support Act establishes a legal basis to allow childcare service providers to directly handle tasks such as the recruitment of childcare workers.

Minister of Gender Equality and Family Won Minkyoung stated, "This legislative amendment is significant because it strengthens the response system for domestic violence, rationalizes the youth protection system, and establishes a stable foundation for the operation of childcare services."

She added, "We will work closely with relevant agencies to ensure the purpose of the amendment leads to practical changes on the ground and to implement the system without delay."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.