One of the most powerful means of debt collection is account seizure collection, but there will be significant changes to its execution scope starting in 2026. According to the revised legislation aimed at protecting the minimum livelihood of debtors, the amount exempt from seizure will be increased, and a new account system will be established. This post summarizes the contents of the amended Civil Execution Act, the features of the livelihood account, and points that creditors and debtors should pay attention to.

[Table of Contents]

1. Definition of account seizure collection and existing exemption from seizure

2. Amendment in 2026: Increase of exempted livelihood amount to 2.5 million won

3. Key contents of the newly established 'livelihood account' system

4. Legal firm Cheongchul's proposed account seizure collection solution

   
   

1. Definition of account seizure collection and existing exemption from seizure

After winning a monetary claim lawsuit, the most frequently used method for actual execution based on the judgment is account seizure collection. However, to guarantee the minimum survival rights of debtors, the current Civil Execution Act Article 246 Paragraph 1 Item 8 and its enforcement decree stipulate amounts that cannot be seized. According to existing regulations, the amount equivalent to 1.85 million won from the debtor's deposits is classified as a exempted amount and is restricted from execution.

2. Amendment in 2026: Increase of exempted livelihood amount to 2.5 million won

Starting from February 1, 2026, this standard will be drastically changed to enhance the protection of basic livelihood maintenance for debtors. The most crucial change is that the exempted livelihood amount will increase from the current 1.85 million won to 2.5 million won. As a result, the range of deposits that creditors can seize and collect will relatively narrow, necessitating a careful review of the amount that can actually be recovered during execution.

3. Key contents of the newly established 'livelihood account' system

Another aspect of this amendment is the introduction of the 'livelihood account' system.

• One account per person principle: Only one account can be opened per person across all financial institutions.

• Deposit limit restrictions: Deposits can only be made within the range of exempted livelihood amounts for one month.

• Absolute prohibition of seizure: Deposits in this account will be completely prohibited from being seized within the range of 2.5 million won. This serves as a safeguard for debtors to protect their minimum funds for survival, while for creditors, it becomes an important factor that requires adapting their seizure strategies.

4. Cheongchul's proposed account seizure collection solution

As the scope of exemption from seizure widens, clients wishing to recover debts must formulate more sophisticated legal strategies. Legal firm Cheongchul accurately analyzes the changing Civil Execution Act and the livelihood account system to protect clients' rights. If you wish to carry out account seizure collection or are curious about the executability under the revised regulations, it is highly recommended to consult with a professional to analyze the practical benefits before proceeding.

Legal firm Cheongchul continuously studies the ever-changing legislation to protect clients' valuable property rights and provides optimal legal services. If you need assistance regarding account seizure collection or forced execution, please feel free to contact Legal firm Cheongchul. A specialized lawyer will provide you detailed guidance tailored to your situation.