Digital system helps victims access information on cases

The Ministry of Justice announced Thursday the official launch of an electronic system that offers victims of criminal cases and authorities investigating the cases unlimited access to case information. This digitalized criminal procedure system allows efficient viewing of the case details and ensures confidentiality and operational efficiency, according to the Justice Ministry.

Through this online portal, named "Next-Generation Korea Information System of Criminal Justice Service," individuals can now access real-time updates on their ongoing cases across all investigative bodies by simply undergoing personal authentication. Previously, people had to make phone calls or struggle to find information, but now they can easily access all details by entering a case number, according to the ministry. This function also allows users to track their cases seamlessly, even if the responsible agency changes, such as when a case is transferred from the police to the prosecution.

Another notable feature of the Next-Generation KICS is the implementation of remote video investigations, the justice ministry said. This development permits witnesses to participate in investigations from their location using smartphones or PCs, eliminating the need for physical presence at investigation sites.

Furthermore, the new system is equipped with AI-driven case management support. This feature analyzes criminal facts, key terms and charges to offer information from similar cases, decisions and verdicts, thereby enhancing the speed and efficiency of case management. Additional innovations integrated into this system include the automatic transcription of spoken words during investigations into text.

This new system also includes crime victim support. Crime victims can seamlessly verify the status of their cases by simply completing identity verification, allowing them to check on their ongoing cases with investigative agencies.

The Next-Generation KICS system will be immediately implemented by the Ministry of Justice, the Prosecution Service, the National Police Agency and the Korea Coast Guard, while the courts will begin using the system by June 2025.

The development of the Next-Generation KICS started in December 2021 and was completed in September 2024, spanning 33 months, the ministry noted.

“We are committed to the stable operation of the Next-Generation KICS. Our goal is to provide the public with more accessible and convenient criminal justice services,” the Ministry of Justice said.