The Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice (KICJ) successfully hosted its 10th International Open Forum on July 18, 2024. The forum centered around the theme "Aims, Methods and Future of Comparative Criminal Law."

Professor Ulrich Sieber from the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security, and Law in Germany was invited as the keynote speaker. Professor Sieber discussed the aims and methods of comparative criminal law, emphasizing its increasing importance due to globalization and the necessity of legal harmonization within closely cooperating economic areas. He also highlighted the potential benefits of utilizing information technology in comparative criminal law and the significant efforts required to develop corresponding IT systems.

The primary objective of the forum was to explore the differences in access to comparative criminal law databases between Korea and Germany, and to enhance understanding of future trends in comparative criminal law databases through the cultural and social contexts of both countries.

Following the presentations, lively discussions ensued among KICJ researchers and attendees.

On the following day, July 19, the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office hosted a Criminal Law Forum at the Prosecutors’ Office Annex in Seocho-dong, Seoul, under the theme "Fundamental Issues of 21st Century Criminal Law: Globalization, Digitalization, and Risk Society." KICJ President Tae-hoon Ha delivered a congratulatory speech, and Senior Research Fellow Dr. Minyoung Choi participated as a discussant, contributing to the insightful debates.

The 10th International Open Forum and the Criminal Law Forum facilitated by the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office provided valuable insights for advancing international academic exchange and the development of criminal justice policies in Korea.