Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice

🌏 KICJ Hosts International Conference on the Cambodia Kidnapping and Detention Case

On December 10, 2025, the Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice (KICJ) convened an international conference at Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam to discuss international cooperation in criminal matters, focusing on the Cambodia kidnapping and detention (scam center) case.

Experts from UNODC, China, the United States, and Korea shared country-level experiences and explored practical strategies to counter transnational organized crime and human trafficking across borders.

🗣️ Opening remarks by Woong-Seok Jeong, President of KICJ, highlighted the urgent need for stronger international judicial cooperation to respond to increasingly sophisticated transnational criminal networks.

The conference featured in-depth presentations and a panel discussion bringing together voices from law enforcement, academia, media, and policy, reinforcing the importance of global collaboration in criminal justice.

🔗 KICJ remains committed to strengthening international partnerships and advancing effective policy responses to transnational organized crime.

For full story: https://www.kicj.re.kr/gallery.es?mid=a20301000000&bid=0005&list_no=3171&act=view

🔔 Invitation to the KICJ International Conference on Combating Transnational Organized Crime

The Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice (KICJ) is pleased to invite diplomatic missions and partners to the KICJ International Conference on Combating Transnational Organized Crime under the theme:

👉 “International Cooperation in Criminal Matters: The Cambodia Kidnapping and Detention Case”

🌐 About KICJ
Established in 1989, KICJ is Korea’s sole national research institute dedicated to crime and criminal justice policy. Under the Office of the Prime Minister and as a member of the Korean Research Council for Economics, Humanities, and Social Sciences, KICJ has played a central role in advancing evidence-based criminal justice policies.

📌 Why this conference?
Transnational organized crime and human trafficking are evolving rapidly across borders. Recent kidnapping and unlawful detention cases linked to scam centers in Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries show that these crimes are no longer just domestic concerns—they are a shared challenge to human rights and global justice, demanding coordinated international action.

This conference will explore ways to strengthen international judicial cooperation and collaborative enforcement mechanisms, with a focus on practical and actionable strategies.

👥 Who will be there?
Experts and practitioners from Korea and abroad will discuss various forms of transnational organized crime, including:
• human trafficking
• voice phishing–related schemes
• other cross-border criminal activities connected to the Cambodia case

📅 Event Details
• Event Name: KICJ International Conference on Combating Transnational Organized Crime
• Main Theme: International Cooperation in Criminal Matters: The Cambodia Kidnapping and Detention Case
• Date & Time: December 10, 2025 (Wed), 14:00–18:00 (KST)
• Venue: Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam, 2F Champagne Hall
(130 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06124, Korea)
• Organizer: Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice (KICJ)

🎫 Format
• In-person conference
• Pre-registration required (QR code available on the program poster)

🗣 Language
• English & Korean (simultaneous interpretation provided)

📎 The detailed program agenda is attached.

✅ Registration link: https://forms.gle/fXqpBFnkHF1nAS2q6

We kindly ask you to complete the form prior to the Forum.

We look forward to your interest and participation. 🤝

KICJ held an appointment ceremony on December 2 following its recent organizational restructuring 📅. President Woong-Seok Jeong emphasized that the restructuring aims to strengthen the institute’s core research capacity and better respond to changing policy environments 💡.

New Heads and Directors were appointed across departments and divisions, along with the hiring of new Research Fellows 👥.
KICJ will continue building a research system that contributes meaningfully to criminal justice policy development 📘✨.

The Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice (KICJ) held a joint academic conference with the Korean Academy of Probation and Parole Services at the Seoul Probation Office on November 28 📅.
Under the theme “Exploring New Directions for the Electronic Monitoring System as an Alternative to Short-term Imprisonment,” participants discussed the policy need for home confinement, global EM trends, and future models that enhance effectiveness, human rights protections, technological reliability, and community acceptance 🔍📡.

KICJ will continue advancing research on electronic monitoring, home confinement, and alternative sanctions to support future criminal justice policy development 🔧📘.

KICJ and Ministry of Justice Discuss Legal Framework for Judicial AI 🤖⚖️

The Ministry of Justice’s Criminal Justice Information System Operations Unit visited the Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice (KICJ) on 28 November 2025 to explore legal reforms needed for judicial AI and criminal e-proceedings. 🔍

The discussion covered:
• Establishing a legal basis for judicial AI 📘
• Defining the scope and standards for using criminal justice information 🔐
• Ensuring consistency with related laws, including the Personal Information Protection Act and the Framework Act on AI ⚙️
• Reviewing the legal implications of Article 6(3) under the Act on Promotion of the Digitalization of the Criminal Justice Process 📑

KICJ also shared global trends in legal AI and e-litigation, along with research insights from the U.S. and Europe. 🌍

KICJ President Woong-Seok Jeong emphasized the importance of comprehensive legal and institutional reform to build an AI-driven criminal justice system, reaffirming continued cooperation with the Ministry of Justice. 🤝

Both organizations will continue working together on judicial AI legislation and improvements to KICS-based systems. 💼✨

🌏 KICJ Signs MOU with the Korean Association for Immigration Policy and Administration

On November 19, the Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice (KICJ) signed an MOU with the Korean Association for Immigration Policy and Administration at the KICJ headquarters. This partnership aims to strengthen academic research and policy development as Korea rapidly becomes an immigration and multicultural society.

The two institutions will collaborate on joint research, academic conferences, survey support, expert exchanges, and publication sharing. President Woong-Seok Jeong emphasized that this collaboration will support the development of effective immigration and multicultural policies and lead to practical, field-based policy research.

KICJ will continue expanding cooperation to produce meaningful policy outcomes and build a sustainable network connecting academia, policymakers, and practitioners. 🤝📘

📚 KICJ × Korea Society for Rehabilitation 2025 Fall Joint Academic Conference

On November 14, KICJ co-hosted the 2025 Fall Joint Academic Conference with the Korea Society for Rehabilitation and the office of Rep. Lee Sung-yoon (The Minjoo Party of Korea) at the National Assembly Conference Hall. 🇰🇷🏛️

Under the theme
“The Role of Correctional Welfare Policies in Preventing Recidivism in the Era of AI Transformation,”
the event explored AI-based recidivism risk assessment, digital platform crime prevention, improved correctional welfare programs, and AI-enabled integrated platforms. 🤖📊

Vice President Cheon-Hyun Lee delivered congratulatory remarks, highlighting the importance of tailored support for individuals under legal protection and reducing social stigma against formerly incarcerated persons.

Experts and scholars engaged in in-depth discussions, reviewing the policy feasibility of each proposal. A special session further emphasized AI-driven employment support, personalized services, and HR strategies for reintegration.

KICJ will continue expanding research and strengthening cooperation with partner institutions to build a safer, more inclusive society. 🤝🌍

On November 3, the Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice (KICJ) held its Launch Ceremony for the 2025 Global Youth Press Corps, officially introducing its first-ever youth press team. ✨

This initiative aims to more effectively share KICJ’s key research results and international cooperation achievements with both domestic and global audiences—from the public to international organizations, experts, and foreign policymakers. 🌐📰

Guided by the vision
“Criminal Justice Policies with the People, for the Global Community,”
the Press Corps will help amplify KICJ’s global visibility through the voices and perspectives of young communicators.

The members will:
📌 Cover KICJ’s international events, seminars, and forums
📌 Produce card news and video content on global policy issues
📌 Introduce and promote KICJ’s domestic and international cooperation achievements

KICJ will continue to strengthen the global dissemination of its policy research and expand cooperation with both the public and the international community. 🤝✨

📊 KICJ × KWDI Joint Academic Conference Held!

On November 4, 2025, the Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice (KICJ) and the Korean Women’s Development Institute (KWDI) co-hosted a joint academic conference at the KWDI International Conference Hall under the theme:
👉 “Current Status of Gender-Based Violence Statistics and Tasks for Establishing an Integrated Survey System.”

The opening remarks were delivered by
🔹 Dr. Woong-Seok Jeong, President of KICJ
🔹 Dr. Joong-Soong Kim, President of KWDI
Both leaders emphasized that gender-based violence is a serious crime and a major social issue, yet related statistics remain fragmented. They highlighted the importance of building a more integrated and reliable national survey framework.

The conference featured:
🗣️ Dr. Jisun Kim (KICJ) and Hyojeong Kim (KWDI) presenting on the current status and challenges of gender-based violence statistics.
💬 A discussion session joined by experts from UN Women, Korea Women’s Hotline, KWDI, and KICJ.

This event provided meaningful analytical insights to enhance the integration, public value, and policy usability of gender-based violence statistics, grounded in accumulated research and data expertise.

KICJ and KWDI will continue collaborating to develop impactful legislation and justice policies that truly make a difference to the public. 🤝✨

KICJ Hosts 12th International Forum on Transnational Organized Crime

The Korea Institute of Criminology and Justice (KICJ) held the 12th KICJ International Forum on October 16, 2025, at the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office (Yegrina Hall) in Seoul, under the theme “Strengthening International Cooperation in Response to Transnational Organized Crime.”

Experts and practitioners from across Asia gathered to discuss collaborative strategies to counter drug trafficking, human trafficking, and cybercrime, and to explore joint research and policy development.

KICJ President Dr. Woong-Seok Jeong emphasized that transnational crimes “require borderless cooperation,” while representatives from UNODC, UNAFEI, TIJ, and other key institutions shared best practices for strengthening regional networks.

KICJ plans to expand cooperation with UNPNI and Asian justice institutes to advance mutual legal assistance, asset recovery, and practitioner training.

KICJ Holds 14th Korea–China International Conference on Criminal Procedure Law

The Korea Institute of Criminology and Justice (KICJ) hosted the 14th Korea–China International Conference on Criminal Procedure Law on October 17, 2025, at the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office (Yegrina Hall) in Seoul.

Under the theme “Legal Aid and Judicial Justice in Criminal Proceedings,” the event brought together legal scholars and practitioners from Korea and China to discuss fair trials, human rights protection, and the development of legal aid systems.

KICJ President Dr. Woong-Seok Jeong emphasized that the legal aid system is “the last bastion of judicial justice and a fundamental responsibility of the state.”

The three-part conference covered:
🔹 Legal profession systems in both countries
🔹 Legal aid frameworks for vulnerable groups
🔹 Retrial procedures and institutional reform

KICJ will continue expanding international cooperation to promote judicial justice and human rights protection worldwide. 🌏

[The 12th KICJ International Forum] Hosted by the Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice (KICJ)

KICJ will hold the 12th KICJ International Forum in collaboration with leading institutions and international organizations across Asia.

Under the theme “Strengthening International Cooperation in Response to Transnational Organized Crime,” the Forum will explore practical strategies for international collaboration to combat transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and cybercrime, and to establish a stronger foundation for global cooperation.

Distinguished speakers from key UN Programme Network Institutes (PNIs) in Asia—including the UNODC Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, UNAFEI (Japan), College for Criminal Law Science (China), and TIJ (Thailand)—as well as representatives from partner institutions such as the China Criminal Procedure Law Association, the Office of the Attorney General of Thailand, National Legal Institute of Mongolia, and Research Institute of Criminology of the Republic of Uzbekistan will join to share their insights and discuss ways to enhance cooperation in criminal justice.

For more info: https://www.kicj.re.kr/forumDetail.es?mid=a20303000000