South KoreaHow do I file a complaint with the Personal Information?
You can file a complaint with the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) online, by mail, or in person. No fee is required, and complaints must be filed within 3 years of the violation.
What the Law Says
The Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) authorizes the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) to receive and investigate complaints about personal information handling violations.
Under PIPA, any individual whose rights have been infringed by improper handling of their personal information may file a complaint with the PIPC. The complaint must relate to an act that violates PIPA or its enforcement decree.
There is no filing fee, and complaints may be submitted in Korean via the PIPC’s official website, by registered mail, or in person at the PIPC office. The law requires complaints to be filed within three years from the date the violation occurred or was discovered.
The PIPC must acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 7 days and complete its investigation within 60 days — extendable by up to 30 additional days if necessary.
Statutory TextAny person whose rights and interests have been infringed upon by the processing of his or her personal information may file a complaint with the Commission.
— Personal Information Protection Act, s. 71 — Filing of Complaints
Statutory TextA complaint under Article 71 shall be filed within three years from the date on which the infringement occurred or the complainant became aware thereof.
— Personal Information Protection Act, s. 72 — Statute of Limitations for Complaints
Statutory TextThe Commission shall notify the complainant of the receipt of the complaint within seven days from the date of receipt thereof.
— Enforcement Decree of the Personal Information Protection Act, s. 58 — Notification of Receipt
What to Do
Prepare your complaint in Korean, including your name, contact details, description of the violation, and supporting evidence.
Submit online via the PIPC e-Complaint System (https://privacy.go.kr) or send by registered mail to the PIPC headquarters in Seoul.
Keep a copy of your submission and note the receipt confirmation number or postal tracking.
Wait for PIPC’s acknowledgment (within 7 days) and investigation result (within 60 days, extendable by 30 days).
If dissatisfied with the outcome, you may file an administrative lawsuit within 90 days of receiving the PIPC’s decision.
Sources
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JapanNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.