Family & missing persons
Lost contact with family, a runaway child or teenager, or a missing person. We explain what can be done alongside a police report. For adults, we first confirm what the person's own wishes and Korean law allow.
Seoul Gangnam Branch · Korean Public Detectives Association
Need facts established in Korea?
Need facts established in Korea?
Start by telling us.
A family matter, a financial loss, a counterparty you are not sure about. Send us the situation first. We will tell you what can lawfully be done in Korea, and how, before you commit to anything.
- Association branchLed by the association's Vice President
- Forensic techniquesField findings checked against records
- Accounting & tax reviewCPA review of the financial issues
- Written scope firstScope, timing and fees agreed in writing
Start with an inquiry
If something is troubling you,
send it to us first.
It is hard to know from outside whether a matter belongs with an investigator, the police or a lawyer. Describe the situation and we will review it and tell you where it should go.
An inquiry is not a contract
We listen and explain what is possible. You decide whether to proceed after you have heard the explanation.
We say so when we cannot take a matter
We do not accept work that would require unlawful methods. We explain why, and whether another route exists.
Your inquiry is used for consultation only
The information you provide is used only for consultation and deleted without delay when the consultation ends.
What we handle
Matters people bring to us.
Your situation does not need to fit a category. Tell us what happened in your own words.
Fraud & investment losses
We organize how the money moved and when. Contracts, transfer records and messages you already hold are reviewed together with a certified public accountant to clarify the loss and the key issues.
Counterparty checks before a deal
Before you sign or invest, we confirm that a Korean counterparty exists and actually operates, based on public registries, disclosures and on-site verification of the business premises.
Assets & fund flows
Stolen, lost or concealed assets, and fund flows connected to money you are owed. We tell you first what can be established from public records and the material you hold.
Personal & relationship concerns
When a spouse or someone close is the source of concern, we help you decide on facts rather than suspicion. We separate what can lawfully be confirmed from what cannot, and coordinate with your lawyer where litigation is involved.
Company matters
Suspected embezzlement, removal of company data or improper dealings with suppliers. Detailed analysis of books, bank records and electronic records is handled by THE PROFIT Financial & Digital Forensics Center.
Corporate investigations & forensics ↗Cross-border matters
For overseas law firms, companies and investigators who need facts established in Korea. As a full member of an Asian professional investigators' federation (아시아공인탐정연맹), we first review what local law allows.
Bug & hidden-camera sweeps In preparation
Inspection of offices and homes for eavesdropping or hidden-camera devices is a service in preparation. Leave an inquiry and we will tell you when and how it will be offered.
Why THE PROFIT
Field investigation,
with forensics and accounting added.
What is confirmed in the field is checked against books, bank records and electronic records. Gaps that one method alone would miss become visible.
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Seoul Gangnam Branch of the association
THE PROFIT operates as the Seoul Gangnam Branch of the Korean Public Detectives Association (한국공인탐정협회). Chairman & CEO Joong-yong Jeong serves as the association's Vice President and Head of the Seoul Gangnam Branch.
The association is a private-sector professional body. Korea has no state licensing system for private investigators. -
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Forensic techniques for firmer findings
Mr. Jeong is an Associate Member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and brings more than 15 years of accounting-firm experience and forensic technology to investigative work.
ACFE associate membership and the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential are distinct. -
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Accounting and tax issues, reviewed directly
Most matters involve money. Loss calculation, fund flows, and the asset and tax issues around a case are reviewed by a certified public accountant.
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Named specialists
Our Research Director and advisors include former police and National Intelligence Service professionals, a digital-forensics PhD and administrative agents, involved according to the nature of each matter.
Appointment and credentials, on record.
The association appointment, membership certificate and investigation-related credentials of Joong-yong Jeong, Head of the Seoul Gangnam Branch. Select an image to enlarge it.
Investigation-related qualifications in Korea are private-sector qualifications, not state licences. Photographs, dates of birth, certificate numbers and issue dates have been obscured to protect personal information and the security of our work.
How we work
From inquiry to report,
in a clear order.
Inquiry
Tell us the situation and what you need to establish, by phone, email or the form below.
Feasibility review
We separate what can lawfully be confirmed in Korea from what cannot.
Written agreement
Scope, timetable and fees are agreed in writing before work begins.
Fact-finding
Public records, on-site verification and analysis of the material you hold.
Report
Confirmed findings are reported separately from matters that could not be confirmed.
What we do not do
We stay inside
the limits of Korean law.
A private investigator in Korea is not a law-enforcement agency and has no investigative authority. Methods are limited by, among others, the Personal Information Protection Act, the Location Information Act, the Protection of Communications Secrets Act and the Attorney-at-Law Act.
This protects you as well. A client who commissions an unlawful investigation may also face liability. That is why we confirm the lawful scope at the inquiry stage.
- GPS trackers, phone or account hacking, wiretapping
- Unlawful access to communication, financial or personal records
- Covert entry into homes or business premises
- Repeated approach or surveillance that causes fear
- Debt collection, threats or pressure
- Guaranteed outcomes
People
We name the people
behind the work.
Trust begins with knowing who is responsible. These are the professionals who work with THE PROFIT.
Head of Branch · Chairman & CEO
Joong-yong Jeong 정중용
Vice President, 한국공인탐정협회 · Head of the Seoul Gangnam Branch
Forensic techniques · engagement lead
- ACFE Associate Member
- More than 15 years with an accounting firm (태성회계법인), specializing in forensic technology
- Full member of an Asian professional investigators' federation (아시아공인탐정연맹)
- More than 30 years of business-management experience
- President of the Seoul Nonhyeon Lions Club
In-house Research Director
Seong-nam Lee 이성남
Research Director · Former National Intelligence Service professional
Communications & premises security · counter-eavesdropping research
- Background in communications-network operations and security
- Former head of a security research institute
- Experience developing counter-eavesdropping and detection equipment
- Author of 「도청의 이해와 대응」 (Parkyoungsa, 2025)
Specialist advisors
Advisors are involved according to the issues in each matter. Not every advisor participates in every matter.
Advisor
Sang-hyun Lee 이상현
PhD · Former police officer
Digital forensics & technology-leak analysis
- 21st President, Korean National Police University Alumni Association
- Former head of security-investigation units at the Seoul and Gyeonggi Nambu provincial police agencies
- PhD in engineering (hacking forensics), Hoseo University
Advisor
Gi-jong Baek 백기종
Institute director · Broadcaster · Former police officer
Fact-finding & case analysis
- Director of a private-investigation research institute
- Former head of a violent-crime investigation team, Suseo Police Station
- Investigative education and broadcast commentary
Advisor
Jin-yong Kwon 권진용
PhD · Administrative agent · Former police officer
Field inquiries & administrative practice
- Chair, PIA Professors Council, Dongguk University Graduate School of Law
- Senior police leadership experience
- Teaching experience at the Police Training Institute (경찰교육원)
Advisor
Byeong-hwa Jeon 전병화
Administrative agent · Former police officer
Administrative practice & industrial security
- Former police officer
- Teaching experience at police training institutions
- Faculty listing with 대한행정사회
We do not publish the faces of field investigators. This protects the security of the work and of our clients. We disclose names, roles, credentials and experience instead, and you can meet us in person at a consultation.
Seoul · Incheon
Two offices,
visits by appointment.
Seoul head office · Seoul Gangnam Branch
167 Songpa-daero, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Connected to Exit 3, Munjeong Station (Line 8) +82 10 9919 5554
Opposite Seoul Eastern District Court
Joong-yong Jeong (정중용), Chairman & CEO
A-1403, Munjeong Station Terra Tower167 Songpa-daero, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Connected to Exit 3, Munjeong Station (Line 8) +82 10 9919 5554
Office +82 2 518 8488
INCHEON
Incheon and Geomdan
are served by our Incheon branch. KR Law Tower, Geomdan New Town
are served by our Incheon branch. KR Law Tower, Geomdan New Town
Incheon branch
6 Ieum 4-ro, Geomdan-gu, Incheon
For matters in the Incheon area, contact the branch directly. +82 10 2069 7270
KR Law Tower, Geomdan, Incheon
Min-hyeong Kang (강민형), Head of Incheon Branch
Room 709, KR Law Tower6 Ieum 4-ro, Geomdan-gu, Incheon
For matters in the Incheon area, contact the branch directly. +82 10 2069 7270
Incheon branch direct line
FAQ
Before you engage us.
Is private investigation legal in Korea?
Yes. Since the amended Credit Information Use and Protection Act took effect on 5 August 2020, businesses may operate under the title "탐정" (detective). Investigators have no law-enforcement authority, and methods must stay within Korean law on personal information, location data, communications secrecy and the practice of law.
Can you work with our lawyers or investigators overseas?
Yes. We define the brief with the instructing firm: the facts to establish, relevant locations, timetable, and reporting language. Where proceedings are pending or planned, the scope is agreed with counsel.
How are fees set?
Fees depend on the facts to be established, the time required, the location and the people involved. Scope, timetable and fees are agreed in writing before work begins.
Can findings be used in court?
We report facts and records that were lawfully confirmed. Whether they are admitted as evidence is decided by the court or the investigating authority.
Inquiry
Tell us what you need to establish.
It does not need to be organized. We will review your inquiry and reply.
By telephone
Seoul head office+82 10 9919 5554 Incheon branch+82 10 2069 7270Helpful to include
- The situation and the facts you need to establish
- Relevant locations and timetable
- Types of records you hold
- Whether a police report or proceedings are under way
Please agree a transfer method with us before sending sensitive original records.