The [Korean] Supreme Court said yesterday that starting next year the Ministry of Court Administration will provide interpretation and translation services to foreigners accused in criminal cases.
The ministry will manage the pool of interpreters and translators for courts nationwide and arrange appropriate services for foreign defendants, the court said.
Courts will also tape-record all trials that require interpreters. A foreign defendant is also allowed to raise an objection over interpretation and to request another interpreter for clearer communication.

According to the Supreme Court, 1,291 foreigners were tried in lower courts around the country last year, up from 588 in 2002.

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