Yes, South Korea permits two-party consent recording under strict conditions. The Act on the Protection of Communications Privacy (APCP) requires all parties to consent before recording private communications, with violations punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment or fines up to ₩50 million. Recent 2026 amendments by the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) tightened enforcement, mandating explicit verbal or written acknowledgment in commercial and public contexts.
Key Regulations for Two-Party Consent Recording in South Korea
- Act on the Protection of Communications Privacy (APCP): Mandates consent from all parties in private communications; recordings without consent are illegal, even in one-party jurisdictions.
- Korea Communications Commission (KCC) 2026 Guidelines: Requires businesses to display clear notices and obtain written consent for call center recordings, with penalties for non-compliance.
- Criminal Code Article 316: Prohibits interception of private conversations via electronic means; exceptions apply only to law enforcement with warrants.