The automatic external defibrillator (AED) is a promising method for achieving rapid defibrillation, and AED training and use should be available in every community. The demonstrated safety and effectiveness of the AED make it ideally suited for the delivery of early defibrillation by trained laypersons, and the placement of AEDs in selected locations for immediate use by trained laypersons may enable critical intervention that can significantly increase survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The American Heart Association recommends the installation of AEDs in public locations such as airports, thus allowing laypersons to conduct defibrillation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the occasion of adverse cardiopulmonary events. In Korea, the Ministry of Health and Welfare officially prohibits the installation of AEDs in public locations on the grounds that cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation were understood as medical practices that could be conducted only by licensed medical practitioners. Since June 2008, the Act on emergency medical service is reformed for Public Access Defibrillation(PAD) in Korea. The purpose of this article is to discuss the necessity for AEDs and the appropriate process for implementation of PAD program in Korea, by examining the current pre-AED status of Korea and the relevant legal aspects. To remove impediments and encourage the development of lay rescuer AED programs, legislation and regulations related emergency medical services should be considered important area and potential sources of controversy and the rationale for revised legislative components are noted with discussion.