Your rights during a police interview
If you are interviewed, remember three things: interpretation, a lawyer, and not signing what you do not understand.
Three rights
- The right to an interpreter — say clearly, "I need an interpreter." Don't waive it because you know some Korean.
- The right to a lawyer — you can request a court-appointed lawyer even without money.
- The right to remain silent — you do not have to answer what you do not want to. That in itself is not used against you.
During the interview
- Check who they are and why you are there. Ask, "in what capacity am I being interviewed?" (suspect, witness, victim)
- Request an interpreter. Do not begin without one.
- Speak slowly and only to facts. If you don't know, say so. Do not guess.
- Read and check the statement. You may ask for it to be read back through the interpreter.
- If anything is wrong, ask for corrections. Do not sign before they are made.
- Get a copy or the case number.
What you need
- ID (passport, Alien Registration Card)
- Relevant documents (contracts, messages)
- The number of someone who can be contacted
Where to go
- 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation (free legal advice)
- 1345 Immigration Contact Center
- 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (13 languages, 24 hours)
- Your country's embassy or consulate
- Your local support centre for foreign workers
Questions people ask
I know some Korean — do I need an interpreter? Yes. Legal language differs from everyday Korean. A misunderstanding is hard to undo.
They're pressing me to sign. Say, "please read it to me through the interpreter." You are under no duty to sign something you did not understand.
I have no valid status. The rights above still apply. Ask 132 and your embassy for help.
I'm the victim but I'm being interviewed. Victims are interviewed too. You can request interpretation and support.
Take care
Do not follow "just sign it so we can finish quickly". The statement is used in court exactly as written. Take the time to get it right.
Related
arrest-rights · interpreter-right-police · lawyer-right · embassy-help-arrest
Source
Korea Legal Aid Corporation www.klac.or.kr / Korean National Police Agency www.police.go.kr / As of 2026-08