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How to File a Complaint (청원) as a Detainee

Learn how detainees in Korea can file a formal complaint (청원) if they feel they were treated unfairly inside a detention facility.

 


Kababayan, if you or a loved one is detained and something feels wrong — maybe the treatment inside the facility, a denied request, or anything that seems unfair — I want you to know there's a formal way to raise that concern. It's called 청원, or a complaint.

Under the law, a detainee who disagrees with how they're being treated inside a detention facility can file a complaint with either the Minister of Justice or the head of the local immigration office. This complaint should be written down and submitted in a sealed format, although in certain situations, it can be made verbally instead.

Facilities are also required to designate staff members specifically responsible for handling grievances from detainees, so there should always be someone available to help guide a detainee through this process if needed.

I know it might feel intimidating to file a formal complaint, especially if you're worried it could make your situation worse. But this system exists precisely because detainees are entitled to fair and humane treatment, and raising a legitimate concern through proper channels is your right — not something that should be held against you.

If you're helping a family member or friend from the outside, you can also encourage them to reach out to organizations like the National Human Rights Commission, since their staff and any lawyers representing the detainee are given special access to visit and communicate without the usual restrictions we discussed in the last article.

With this, we've now covered the full picture of what happens inside detention — from the basic rights, to medical care, to communication, and now, how to raise concerns if something isn't right. In the next set of articles, we'll shift toward a topic many of you have been asking about: how to appeal a detention order, and how temporary release works.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. If you have a specific case, please consult a lawyer or the immigration office directly.


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About the Author



English Instructor in South Korea | 22 Years of Teaching Experience

Majella Pagayon is the founder of Pinoy Sarang, a community platform dedicated to helping Filipinos navigate life, work, education, and immigration in South Korea. She regularly writes practical guides, safety tips, and educational resources for Filipinos living and working abroad.

Connect with Majella:

• Facebook Page: Chungju Community - Pinoy Sarang
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I am Majella, an English Instructor with nearly 22 years of teaching experience in South Korea. Based in Chungju, I am the founder of Pinoy Sarang and Hiraya Filipina Korea. My mission is to bridge the gap between traditional teaching and the digital business world, helping others find their path to success.