Deprivation / Revocation of Naturalization (fraud) + Loss Decision
Citizenship in South Korea
- Eligibility
- DEPRIVATION (state-initiated loss determination / 국적상실결정): the Minister of Justice MAY, after a HEARING (청문), determine the loss of ROK nationality of a MULTIPLE NATIONAL whom it is deemed obviously inappropriate to retain ROK nationality, on grounds: (1) acts contrary to ROK national interests in national security, diplomatic relations, national economy etc.; (2) acts prescribed by Presidential Decree causing substantial hindrance to maintaining social order. CRITICAL EXCLUSION: this does NOT apply to a person who acquired ROK nationality BY BIRTH (출생에 의하여 대한민국 국적을 취득한 자는 제외). Loss takes effect at the time the determination is made. This is DISTINCT from §14 voluntary renunciation and from §21 fraud-revocation.
- Timeline
- standard
- Renunciation
- Not required
Overview
DEPRIVATION (state-initiated loss determination / 국적상실결정): the Minister of Justice MAY, after a HEARING (청문), determine the loss of ROK nationality of a MULTIPLE NATIONAL whom it is deemed obviously inappropriate to retain ROK nationality, on grounds: (1) acts contrary to ROK national interests in national security, diplomatic relations, national economy etc.; (2) acts prescribed by Presidential Decree causing substantial hindrance to maintaining social order. CRITICAL EXCLUSION: this does NOT apply to a person who acquired ROK nationality BY BIRTH (출생에 의하여 대한민국 국적을 취득한 자는 제외). Loss takes effect at the time the determination is made. This is DISTINCT from §14 voluntary renunciation and from §21 fraud-revocation.
How to apply
- NATIONALITY DELIBERATION COMMITTEE (국적심의위원회, 국적법 제22조 — STATUTORY body since Act 18978, 신설 2022-09-15; previously a 시행령 creature). Established under the Minister of Justice to DELIBERATE on: (1) 우수인재 special naturalization (§7(1)3); (2) exceptional renunciation permission (§14의2); (3) loss determination (§14의4); (4) other nationality matters the Minister refers. The Minister MUST pass these through the committee BEFORE the relevant permission/decision (§22(2)), except where requirements are plainly unmet (per Decree). Committee composition/operation: §23 (chair=Vice-Minister of Justice, ≤30 members, 2-yr terms).
Legal basis
Primary statute: 국적법 제21조 + 제14조의4 (국적상실결정). Operative 1948-12-20–present. Authority: Minister of Justice (법무부장관); Korea Immigration Service (출입국·외국인정책본부).
Example scenarios
Naturalization REVOKED
Nationality Act Art.21 + Enforcement Decree Art.27: revocation for false or improper means with a confirmed conviction; a 소명 (explanation) opportunity is given.
Subject to a loss DETERMINATION (unless a by-birth national)
Nationality Act Art.14-4: state-initiated 상실결정 after 청문, EXCEPT a person who acquired nationality by birth.
Loses ROK nationality on acceptance
국적법 제21조 + 제14조의4 (국적상실결정) governs voluntary renunciation for those domiciled abroad.
Informational summary compiled from primary legal sources — not legal advice. Citizenship law changes; verify with the competent authority before acting. Last verified 2026-06-22.
Track changes to this route
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