Names like “Alexandria” or the uniquely hybrid “Areumdaunjisu” can now be written into Korean officialdom exactly as they appear in the foreign registry. (Image supported by ChatGPT)
SEOUL, June 24 (Korea Bizwire) — In a quiet but meaningful shift reflecting South Korea’s evolving social fabric, the Supreme Court announced Tuesday that a Korean national and their foreign spouse can now register their child’s birth using names of any length—ending a long-standing restriction that effectively barred lengthy names from appearing in official records.
The move, which took effect last Friday with the revision of family registration regulations, marks a step toward greater inclusivity for multicultural families in a country historically shaped by uniform naming conventions and strict registry laws.
Until now, the system favored brevity: Korean names traditionally consist of three characters—one for the surname, and two for the given name. Longer names, particularly those inherited from a foreign parent, were often trimmed or adapted to fit the framework. Under previous rules, only children registered under the foreign father’s surname and national registry could exceed the five-character limit.
But the new rule levels the field. Children born to a Korean father and a foreign mother may now have their names registered as they appear in the mother’s home country—regardless of length or which surname they take. Names like “Alexandria” or the uniquely hybrid “Areumdaunjisu” can now be written into Korean officialdom exactly as they appear in the foreign registry.
The Supreme Court also clarified that families who have already registered names under the older system can file supplemental documents to have their child’s name updated to match the original foreign version.
The decision may seem procedural, but for many families navigating life between cultures, it represents something far greater: recognition. In a society where the name you carry can signify belonging—or difference—this policy shift acknowledges the growing diversity of Korean households, and opens the door for identity to be honored, character by character.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
