According to data submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to a parliamentary committee on Thursday, 10 cases were reported in 2022, followed by 13 in 2023, 10 in 2024, 13 in 2025 and three in the first seven months of this year.
These cases ranged from traffic violations and theft to allegations of assault and sexual violence, with some involving their family members. But the figures cover only cases reported to authorities and later shared with the ministry, meaning that the actual number of incidents could be higher.
Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations adopted in 1961, foreign diplomats generally have immunity from criminal, civil and administrative prosecution in the country where they serve while carrying out their diplomatic duties.
Police may investigate with a diplomat's consent, but South Korean authorities cannot prosecute them unless their home country waives diplomatic immunity.
AJP Takeaways
- Some 49 foreign diplomats assigned to South Korea were involved in reported criminal or other incidents between 2022 and July 2026, with cases ranging from traffic violations and theft to allegations of assault and sexual violence.
- Diplomatic immunity has prevented South Korean authorities from prosecuting the diplomats unless their home countries agree to waive their immunity under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
- The actual number of incidents could be higher, as the figures include only cases reported to authorities and subsequently shared with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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