
Legal Q&A
Q
Views6,561
Hello. I have become involved in an assault case. While drinking with a friend, emotions ran high, and I just pulled his hand. However, he reported it to the police, saying it had turned red and swollen; Does this also count as assault? Is assault not, literally, a crime that is established when one commits an assault? Am I mistaken?
Assault
Answer
Published:
Author : DongIl PARK
Assault means ‘any unlawful exercise of physical force against the body’, and it does not necessarily have to result in injury (actual bodily harm).
In other words, the act itself of exerting physical force on another person to make contact with or affect the body constitutes assault. For example, the act of forcefully pulling someone's hand can also be recognized as assault.
If the hand actually turned red and swollen to that degree, it can be regarded that physical force was exerted on the body, so there is a strong possibility that assault applies.
In addition, assault includes not only beating but every exercise of physical force, such as forcibly pushing or pulling, and depending on the case, blowing cigarette smoke or forcibly kissing someone can also constitute assault.
According to Article 260 of the Criminal Act, assault may be punished by imprisonment for up to two years, or a fine of up to 5 million won, detention, or a minor fine.
Therefore, if you are involved in a related case, it is important to promptly consult a criminal attorney and prepare a response strategy.
For details, please confirm through a consultation with a criminal attorney.

Daeryun's own AI·IT-driven litigation strategy
240+ key members
1,200+ client requests per month
* 2026년 1월 변호사협회 경유증표 발급 기준
In compliance with Article 4(1) of the Korean Bar Association Advertising Rules
Every consultation is reviewed by a specialist attorney first,
so consultations are conducted by appointment.
Phone
1800-7905
Available 24/7, 365 days a year


Online Consultation
Legal services
for our clients.

Chat
Get a quick consultation via chat.
Related Members
More
DongIl PARK
T. 070-5221-3616
Attorney Qualified as a Foreign Legal Consultant in Singapore · International Litigation/School Violence/Evidence Investigation Law Attorney

SangKwan Nam
T. 070-5221-0865
Experience as Chief Prosecutor [Economic Crime] at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office · Attorney Specializing in Corporate Legal Affairs/Drunk-driving Traffic Accidents
Key Case Results
MoreRelated Practice Areas
MoreAll fields At a glance
1/0