Legal Deadlock:
Non-Recognition of Religious Family Laws
Unlike some Western countries, South Korea does not officially recognize religious-based family law. This is problematic in child custody disputes, as Korean civil law disregards Islamic principles of custody and inheritance. Furthermore, domestic violence is often under-reported due to women’s fear of discrimination by legal authorities and a lack of access to culturally sensitive support services.
Dr. Kim Swan
Professor, Hankuk University, South Korea
