| Nationality |
Cambodian |
| Case Overview |
This was a case where a foreign national, whose driver's license was revoked due to drunk driving and who received a deportation order, filed an administrative appeal. |
| Special Circumstances |
The client had difficulty communicating in Korean, but with Majung's professional interpretation support, smooth communication was ensured throughout the entire process. |
| Case Handler |
Yong-Jun Kim |
| Outcome |
Revocation of Deportation Order |
1. Client situation and Facts
The client in this case is a Cambodian man who entered South Korea on an E-9 visa and had been living a diligent life, working faithfully in the manufacturing sector. After marrying a spouse of the same nationality in Korea and having a child, he built a family and continued to live each day responsibly for the sake of his loved ones.
However, one day, he was caught in a DUI checkpoint near his home, which triggered a serious issue. His blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.105%, resulting in the revocation of his driver’s license. Based on this, the immigration authorities issued a deportation order. This decision meant forced separation from his family, and the client was overwhelmed with extreme anxiety and shock.
Due to a single mistake, everything he had built in Korea was suddenly at risk of falling apart. Desperate not to leave his family behind, he sought trustworthy legal support to protect the life he had established in Korea. That’s when he turned to Law Firm Majung, known for its extensive experience in handling cases involving foreign nationals.
2. Case Issues and Resolution Process
While this case may have appeared to be a straightforward deportation order following a DUI offense, its true essence lay in the serious threat of separating a family and dismantling the foundation of a life built in Korea.
Law Firm Majung developed a response strategy centered on the following key arguments:
1) Highlighting the severe impact of deportation on the client and their family
The client had settled in Korea, living with their spouse and raising their child. Majung pointed out that issuing a deportation order in this context would result in the forced separation of a family whose entire life was rooted in Korea. We emphasized that this action would not only affect the individual but could also severely disrupt the lives of the entire family — a disproportionate and harsh consequence.
2) Demonstrating the client’s contribution to Korean society
The client had worked for an extended period in a difficult environment and held a managerial role at the worksite. As a key employee in a manufacturing business that struggles to hire local workers, his employer submitted an official petition underscoring the client’s importance to operations. Colleagues also provided consistent statements about his diligence and sense of responsibility. Majung systematically compiled these documents to prove that the client was not just a laborer but an essential part of the business.
3) Emphasizing the lack of criminal history and the fact that this was a first offense
Apart from this DUI offense, the client had no criminal record and had never violated the law or caused harm to society during his stay in Korea. Majung argued that labeling him as a “threat to public safety” and issuing a deportation order based on a single incident was an excessive and disproportionate response.
Through this approach, Law Firm Majung identified the core legal issues and developed a precise legal framework with appropriate supporting evidence. Since this case could not be fairly assessed by facts alone, our strategic legal support—tailored to reflect the real-life implications—was crucial in shifting the case toward resolution.
Throughout the process, the client faced difficulty communicating in Korean, but with Majung’s professional interpretation support, smooth and effective communication was maintained from start to finish.
3. Case Outcome
As Majung’s logical arguments and supporting evidence were accepted, the deportation order against the client was ultimately revoked.
As a result, the client was able to retain legal residency status in South Korea and continue living a stable daily life with their family.
4. Significance of the Judgement
When a foreign national becomes involved in a criminal case such as drunk driving, the consequences can extend far beyond a simple administrative penalty — potentially having a serious impact on their immigration status. In many cases, offenses that exceed a certain threshold may result in deportation orders or forced removal by immigration authorities, making it crucial to implement a strategic legal response from the very beginning.
In this particular case, Law Firm Majung's structured approach — from organizing the facts and formulating arguments to preparing supporting evidence — played a key role in achieving a meaningful outcome: the cancellation of the deportation order.
In situations where a foreign national faces criminal penalties, addressing only the criminal proceedings is not enough. A comprehensive strategy that also considers immigration implications is essential. For this reason, the involvement of an experienced and specialized legal representative from the early stages is critical.
Law Firm Majung brings together legal experts with backgrounds in immigration enforcement and certified criminal law specialists recognized by the Korean Bar Association. Drawing on extensive practical experience, we provide tailored legal support that aligns with the unique nature of each case.
