A Brief History and Future Trends of Korea Criminal DNA Database

Departments of Forensic Medicine and Institute of Forensic Medicine, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. sdlee@snu.ac.kr

So called ‘national criminal DNA Database (Law about The Use and Protection of DNA Identification information)’has started from July 2010 in Korea after long days of dispute. The supreme prosecutor’s office has already announced that it has arrested offenders in several unsolved cases with the help of DB. The DB is just on the entrance now, and is expected to evolve. The dispute concerning ethical issues has not been ended, and new techniques would be introduced. The concerns about DB may be alleviated as DB is operated without any formerly expected problem. So we have to keep eyes open for DB and be prepared to further development. Experience of countries which are operating same system in ahead would be of great help. The number of related crime type would change, and we have to be prepared for more negotiation. Abolishment policy after DNA test for samples would have to be reconsidered. New system for the administration committee is preferable for more national advancement in the field of forensic science as a whole. Ethical issues concerning new use of DB must be settled down. As a part of forensic science and supporting tool for human right of people, not as a tool for investigative purpose only, criminal DB need more concern for more evolvement.

Key words : Korea, criminal DNA DB, ethical issues, abolishment policy, administration committee

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