● Updated law: Single-parent Family Support Act

What it does: Expands state financial support options for single parents aged 24 or younger

Took effect: March 4

Single parents aged 24 or younger are now eligible to receive state financial support to pursue more than one diploma upon returning to education.

Previously, young single parents could only receive support for one type of diploma or school equivalency examinations or similar programs.

They are now eligible to receive support while taking elementary, middle and high school courses.

The State support program to bring sustainable and stable employment for single-parent families will be expanded as well.

The program will be overhauled to help single parents find career opportunities aligned with their aspirations, aptitudes and capabilities.

● Updated law: Crime Victim Protection Act

What it does: Enables crime victims to receive compensation in installments

Took effect: March 21

Crime victims, who are deemed incapable of managing their relief funds due to age, disability or illness will be able to receive the compensation in installments.

Previously, the relief funds were distributed in a single, lump-sum payment.

The Council for Relief of Criminal Injury, committees under district prosecutors’ offices across the country, will determine whether the victim is eligible to receive the funds in installments.

If a crime victim with serious injuries dies before receiving the funds, the authorities will ensure that the compensation is passed down to the bereaved family.

The authorities’ rights to investigate the perpetrators’ assets will be bolstered when the victims are entitled to compensation from the perpetrator for damages. The Council for Relief of Criminal Injury will be able to exercise its right to claim compensation from the perpetrator and request data on the perpetrator's land, buildings, cars, financial assets and more from related authorities.

-- In collaboration with the Ministry of Government Legislation, The Korea Herald publishes a monthly article on laws that have recently been updated in South Korea. The ministry’s Easy Law service (https://www.easylaw.go.kr/CSM/Main.laf) provides accessible summaries of Korean laws grouped by category in English and 11 other languages: Arabic, Bengali, Cambodian, Simplified Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese, Mongolian, Nepali, Thai, Uzbek and Vietnamese -- Ed.