Koreans Learn by SMS When They're Indicted

From now on, South Koreans will probably think twice before checking their new short text messages sent to the cell phone. Since early 2006, the country's authorities established to announce people they have been indicted via text messages. This modification is necessary since over 75% of the population carries mobile phones and the old mailing service has faults and can't reach the receiver when he or she is away traveling.

There have been reported complaints about mail that wasn't properly delivered to the receiver and considering that the new system of electronically informing citizens about indictments will also save about $158,000 a year by reducing the number of legal notices it sends through the mail, this looks like a full-proof strategy.

However, people will not be surprised with these messages as the system is accessible only to those who sign up to be informed via SMS instead of regular mail.