Expelled Wife After 13 Years of Domestic Violence: 'Couldn't Even Register Marriage Due to Fortune-Telling'

The Hidden Crisis of Domestic Violence in South Korea's Common-Law Marriages

Did you know that in South Korea, domestic violence cases involving common-law marriages often go unreported and unprotected? A shocking case recently emerged on YTN Radio's legal consultation show, highlighting the complex intersection of traditional beliefs, legal loopholes, and domestic abuse that affects thousands of Korean women.

On June 16, 2025, a heartbreaking story was shared on 'Attorney Jo In-seop's Counseling Center' about Mrs. A, a 37-year-old woman who endured 13 years of domestic violence in a common-law marriage. Her story represents a growing concern in Korean society where traditional practices clash with modern legal protections.

Mrs. A explained that her husband's grandmother, who strongly believed in fortune-telling and traditional compatibility readings (sajupalja), prevented the couple from officially registering their marriage due to 'incompatible fortune readings'. Despite this, they lived as a married couple for 13 years, had two children together, and maintained relationships with both families. However, the lack of legal marriage registration would later complicate her ability to seek help when the violence escalated.

The Escalating Pattern of Abuse and a Child's Brave Call for Help

For over a decade, Mrs. A endured what she described as constant verbal abuse, humiliation, and physical violence that made her fear for her life. The situation reached a breaking point when her 12-year-old daughter witnessed her father kicking and choking her mother after returning home drunk. In an act of courage that many adult victims struggle to take, the young girl called the police.

Following the police intervention, Mrs. A's husband declared he 'couldn't live with her anymore, even if punished,' and expelled her from their home with only a few clothes. The situation worsened when he threatened the children, telling them they would 'also be beaten if they contacted their mother,' effectively cutting off Mrs. A from her children.

This case reflects broader patterns in Korean domestic violence statistics. According to recent data from the Korea Women's Hotline, at least 97 women were killed by intimate partners in 2024, with cases occurring every 1.6 days. The organization noted that rejection by the victim was the most common motive, cited in 23.3% of cases, followed by claims of accidental violence in fits of rage at 22.8%.

Understanding Common-Law Marriage Rights in South Korea's Legal System

Many people assume that without official marriage registration, victims have no legal recourse. However, Attorney Ryu Hyun-ju from Shinsegae Law Firm, who addressed Mrs. A's case, clarified that common-law marriages (de facto marriages) receive significant legal protection under Korean law.

According to Korean legal precedent, a de facto marriage is recognized when couples demonstrate intent to live as married partners and actually cohabitate as such. The relationship doesn't require a specific duration, and courts typically recognize three situations: when couples publicly announce their relationship as marriage-like, when they hold formal wedding ceremonies, or when they live together as a married couple.

This legal framework provides crucial protections. In Mrs. A's case, despite lacking marriage registration, she can claim property division, alimony, and child support similar to legally married couples. The 13-year relationship, two children, and family recognition clearly establish the de facto marriage status. However, one significant limitation exists: common-law spouses cannot claim inheritance rights after death, though they can pursue property division and damages while both parties are alive.

Legal Remedies and Protection Orders Available to Victims

Attorney Ryu outlined several legal options available to Mrs. A, demonstrating that common-law marriage victims aren't left without recourse. First, she can file for property division and alimony claims equivalent to those in legal divorces. Given the 13-year relationship and two children, courts would likely award substantial compensation.

More immediately, Mrs. A can apply for a 'Domestic Violence Victim Protection Order' or 'Temporary Protection Order' through family court. These orders can remove the abusive husband from the home and allow her to return with her children. Protection orders can include residence expulsion, 100-meter proximity restrictions, communication bans, and limitations on parental rights exercise.

The protection order system was strengthened in recent years, allowing victims to directly petition courts without going through prosecutors. Orders can last up to one year and be extended in two-month increments for up to three years. Violating these orders carries penalties of up to two years imprisonment or 20 million won in fines.

Police powers have also expanded significantly. Officers responding to domestic violence calls now have enhanced authority to enter residences, meet with victims directly, and issue emergency temporary measures including removing abusers from homes and implementing 100-meter restraining orders.

The Broader Context of Domestic Violence in Modern Korea

Mrs. A's case occurs within a troubling broader context of domestic violence in South Korea. Recent government surveys reveal that 35.8% of Korean women have experienced violence at least once in their lives, representing a 0.9 percentage point increase from 2021. The problem is particularly acute during relationship dissolution, with 50.8% of those who experienced divorce, separation, or cohabitation termination reporting domestic violence—over three times higher than the 14.3% rate among currently married couples.

Korean society's traditional view of domestic violence as a 'private family matter' continues to hinder reporting, with 50% of adults stating they wouldn't call police for marital violence incidents. This cultural barrier is compounded by what experts describe as lenient court sentences that contribute to a social climate minimizing domestic abuse.

The government has responded with increased funding and expanded services. The 2025 budget includes enhanced support for domestic violence victims, with shelter facilities increased to 353 locations. Emergency housing support for stalking victims expanded nationwide, and specialized counseling for complex violence cases received additional funding. New AI-based systems for detecting online sexual exploitation and integrated support teams covering stalking, dating violence, and sexual assault were implemented across 11 metropolitan areas.

Community Response and the Path Forward for Victims

Online communities have rallied around cases like Mrs. A's, with many sharing similar experiences and offering support. Naver community forums and blogs frequently feature stories from domestic violence survivors, providing both emotional support and practical advice for navigating Korea's legal system.

Legal experts emphasize that victims shouldn't hesitate to seek help due to marriage registration status. As demonstrated in Mrs. A's case, common-law relationships receive substantial legal protection, and specialized domestic violence counseling centers operate nationwide through the 1366 hotline system.

The case also highlights the need for continued legal reform. Current discussions include removing domestic violence from the category of crimes requiring victim consent for prosecution, which would prevent abusers from pressuring victims to withdraw charges. Additionally, there's growing recognition that dating violence and post-breakup stalking should receive protection equivalent to domestic violence between married couples.

Mrs. A's story, while heartbreaking, demonstrates both the challenges faced by domestic violence victims in Korea and the legal remedies available to them. Her 12-year-old daughter's brave call to police may have saved not only her mother's life but also provided the evidence needed to pursue legal protection and compensation. For other victims in similar situations, the message is clear: help is available, regardless of marriage registration status, and the legal system increasingly recognizes the need to protect all victims of intimate partner violence.

Resources and Support Systems for Domestic Violence Victims

For those facing similar situations, South Korea offers multiple support channels. The national 1366 hotline provides 24-hour counseling and crisis intervention services. Local family counseling centers in every district offer specialized domestic violence programs, including victim recovery support and perpetrator rehabilitation.

The legal system has evolved to provide more immediate protection. Emergency temporary measures can now be implemented by police on-site, providing immediate safety while formal court orders are processed. Victims can also access free legal consultation services through women's rights organizations and specialized domestic violence law firms.

Recent legislative changes have strengthened support systems significantly. The 2025 family law reforms extended parental leave, doubled paternity leave, and enhanced workplace protections for families affected by violence. Child custody procedures now require courts to hear from children regardless of age, and the threshold for detaining delinquent parents for child support violations was reduced from three months to 30 days.

Financial support has also expanded. Self-reliance support funds for minor sexual violence victims increased to 10 million won, with monthly allowances of 500,000 won for up to five years. Housing support for domestic violence victims now covers 353 facilities nationwide, with self-reliance funds available even after facility departure. These comprehensive support systems reflect Korea's growing recognition that domestic violence is not a private family matter but a serious crime requiring robust societal response.