¢Ã Video conference trial, implemented to be used on a broader scale on November 18, 2021, to overcome the challenges of face-to-face trials caused by COVID-19 and to guarantee the public’s right to a trial at a proper time, is constantly on the rise even after alleviating the Covid-10 prevention measures.

¢Ã Since expanding the use of video conference trials on November 18, 2021, the number of video trials has steadily increased, reaching 14,527 as of June 30, 2023. In particular, the accumulated number of video trials was 8,276 in the first half of this year, up 3.8 fold (284%) from the 2,150 cases during the same period last year.

¢Ã Video trial is recognized as a valid instrument appropriate for testimony by minor victims of sexual assault crimes. Since adopting video trial in July 2022 and until June 30, 2023, 246 minor victims of sexual assault cases have used the video witness system.

¢Ã Video trial facilities have been installed in township offices for residents of islands such as Baengnyeong-do and Ulleung-do for their participation in trials. In effect, a resident in Baengnyeong-do participated in witness examination through video trial. In August 2023, the Korean judiciary plans to install a video trial facility in Heuksan-do.

¢Ã As we advance, the court will do its utmost to meet the expectations and support of the people for the video trial system by improving and publicizing the system and better guaranteeing people’s right to trial with more thorough and speedy trials through video trials.