1. Overview of the Satisfaction Survey on the Court's Witness Support Service

1) Survey Details

Survey Participants: Witnesses who received special or general support services at courts of all levels.

Survey Period: June 16, 2025, to September 30, 2025

Responses: 459 participants (228 special witnesses, 231 general witnesses)

2) Purpose of the Survey

To assess satisfaction among witnesses who received support services and to enhance judicial service quality by identifying areas for improvement.

2. Results of the Witness Support Service Satisfaction Survey

Since June 19, 2013, courts have provided Witness Support Services to protect and assist victim–witnesses in sexual violence cases. These services have since expanded to support child victims of abuse, witnesses in violent crimes, and stalking cases where  retaliation is a concern (special witnesses), as well as all other witnesses in criminal proceedings (general witnesses).

Currently, 117 Witness Support Officers serve 18 district courts and 42 branch courts nationwide. Special Witness Support Services are available at all court locations. General Witness Support Services are currently available at 25 courts with dedicated offices. Both services will be expanded gradually.

The 2025 satisfaction survey, which gathered responses from 459 witnesses, found that 94.3% were satisfied with the overall service and 97.2% believed the service would benefit other witnesses. Participants expressed particular satisfaction with the counseling and guidance provided by Witness Support Officers and with the facilities of the Witness Support Offices themselves.

The primary drivers of high satisfaction were clear and detailed guidance from Witness Support Officers, a secure and reassuring environment that promoted calm and stability, and measures to prevent contact with defendants, all of which reduced witnesses' anxiety. Notably, the 2025 survey recorded a significant increase in "Very Satisfied" and "Very Helpful" responses compared to 2024, reflecting a meaningful improvement in the perceived quality of services.

To sustain this progress, the Supreme Court will establish 13 specialized witness support positions across 12 courts beginning January 1, 2026. Starting in the first half of 2026, Witness Support Officers will also have access to training and education through external professional agencies, enabling more attentive and tailored responses to the diverse needs and psychological states of witnesses.

Looking ahead, the Court will refine training curricula for Witness Support Officers and court staff to ensure clear and supportive guidance, improve Witness Support Office environments to provide safe and stable spaces, and promote services through online platforms and institutional guidance so that more people can access the support available to them.