Korea’s ‘Safe Inheritance One-Stop Service’ Gets Major Update: Relief for Families of the Missing

A New Era for Inheritance: What Changed in 2025?

Did you know? As of June 23, 2025, the Korean government has revamped the Safe Inheritance One-Stop Service, making it a lifeline for families of missing persons. Previously, families who lost loved ones to disappearance faced a race against time: they had to apply for inheritance-related asset searches within one year of the court’s ‘presumed date of death’—often years before the actual court ruling. This left many unable to access vital information about their loved one’s assets, causing immense emotional and administrative strain. Now, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety has shifted the deadline: families can apply within one year of the court’s official missing person declaration, not the earlier presumed death date. This change is a significant step toward compassion and practicality in public service.

Understanding the Safe Inheritance One-Stop Service

The Safe Inheritance One-Stop Service is a government platform that allows bereaved families to request a comprehensive search of the deceased’s assets—bank accounts, insurance, securities, real estate, taxes, pensions, and more—across 20 categories. You can apply at any local community center or online via the Government24 portal. Since its launch in 2015, nearly two million Koreans have used this service, with 79% of all death notifications in 2024 accompanied by a Safe Inheritance application. The service was designed to spare families the ordeal of visiting countless institutions just to track down financial and property records.

The Old System: Why Was It a Problem?

Imagine waiting years for a court to declare your missing family member legally dead. Under the old rules, the one-year window to apply for the Safe Inheritance Service started from the ‘presumed date of death’—usually five years after the disappearance. But legal proceedings often dragged on, and by the time the court’s decision arrived, the application period had already expired. Families were left to chase after banks, insurers, and government offices on their own, compounding their grief with bureaucratic hurdles.

How the New Rule Works: Real-World Examples

Let’s say someone went missing in 2017. The court sets the presumed death date as May 1, 2022 (five years later). If the family only receives the missing person declaration in 2025, the old law would have locked them out of the Safe Inheritance Service. Now, with the new rule, they have a full year from the court’s 2025 declaration to apply. This means more families can finally access the information they need, when they need it, to settle debts, claim assets, or simply find closure.

Community and Media Reactions: Relief, But Also Questions

Online communities like DC Inside, Nate Pann, and TheQoo have seen a wave of positive reactions. Many users expressed relief, sharing stories of friends and relatives who struggled with the old system. Some comments praised the government for finally addressing a long-standing blind spot in public policy. Others asked for even more flexibility and support, especially for cases where legal delays still cause hardship. On Naver and Tistory blogs, legal experts and ordinary citizens alike have welcomed the change, with practical guides on how to use the service and avoid common pitfalls.

What International Readers Should Know: Korean Cultural Insights

In Korea, family and inheritance are deeply intertwined with social stability and respect for elders. The pain of ambiguous loss—when a loved one is missing but not officially declared dead—can be especially acute in such a context. The Safe Inheritance Service reflects a uniquely Korean approach to balancing tradition, legal certainty, and modern administrative efficiency. For international fans of Korean society, this policy shift is a window into how the country adapts its bureaucracy to real human needs.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

If you are a family member of a missing person in Korea, you can now apply for the Safe Inheritance One-Stop Service within one year of the court’s missing person declaration. You’ll need the court’s decision document, proof of family relationship, and your ID. Applications can be made at any local community center or through the Government24 website. If you miss the deadline, you’ll have to contact each financial or government institution separately—a much more time-consuming process.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Public Services in Korea

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has promised to keep reviewing and improving public services to close loopholes and make life easier for citizens. The latest update to the Safe Inheritance One-Stop Service is just one example of Korea’s commitment to responsive, people-centered governance. As more families benefit from this change, it’s likely that other countries will look to Korea’s model for inspiration.

Fan and Fandom Culture: Why This Matters Beyond Bureaucracy

Korean online communities are famous for mobilizing quickly around social issues, and this policy change has sparked widespread sharing of personal stories and advice. For fans of Korean culture, it’s a reminder that even in the digital age, collective action and public feedback can shape government policy. The Safe Inheritance Service is now part of the broader narrative of how Korea’s citizens and officials work together to create a more compassionate society.