The window for applying for a debtor's representative, through which victims of illegal private finance can receive legal assistance from the government, will be expanded. This is to enhance the convenience and accessibility for applicants.
On the 31st, the financial authorities announced that starting in April, they will improve the application process and system of the free debtor's representative support program to make it easier and faster for applicants to utilize. The free debtor's representative support program is a legal service that provides free lawyers from the Korea Legal Aid Corporation to victims who have suffered or are at risk of illegal debt collection from illegal finance companies or who have taken loans exceeding the legal maximum interest rate (20% per annum).
The financial authorities previously allowed applications for this program only through the Financial Supervisory Service or the Korea Legal Aid Corporation, but have expanded the channels to also include offline applications through the integrated support center for low-income finance under the Korea Financial Services Agency. From January next year, online applications will also be possible through the legal aid platform of the Ministry of Justice.
The application form has also been simplified. The content of the application form has been changed from descriptive (subjective) to multiple-choice (objective), and the terminology and content have been modified for applicants to understand easily and fill out conveniently.
Additionally, information on the progress of the application process and the estimated time required will be provided via text message after submission. Previously, only the normal receipt status was communicated.
Starting in June, a dedicated direct number for debtor's representative applications and consultations will also be operated (☎1332 → press 3 → press the newly established 6 for direct connection to debtor's representative applications and consultations).