Public backlash is spreading after a plan to keep the current age threshold for “juveniles exempt from criminal punishment” at 14 was effectively finalized.
Posts about the issue have appeared in a steady stream on online communities in recent days.
Under South Korean law, the term refers to minors ages 10 to under 14 who are not criminally liable under the Criminal Act. Even if they commit a crime, they are subject to protective measures rather than criminal punishment. In recent years, debate has intensified over claims that juvenile crime has become more violent, fueling calls to lower the age. The government and related agencies reviewed options to reduce the age of criminal responsibility but have moved toward keeping the current standard.
Many commenters criticized the decision to maintain the age at 14.
One wrote, “Before worrying about labeling effects and repeat offenses, punish them properly,” adding, “Isn’t the order of concern backwards? Shouldn’t rehabilitation and worries about repeat offenses come after proper punishment is carried out?”
Others posted comments such as, “Why? Elections are getting close and they’re afraid of losing parents’ votes,” “Teen crime is getting more and more vicious. The president talked about lowering the age and the public wants it lowered, so why keep it?” “Lower it to 10 or hold a national referendum,” “Out of step with the times. Are 14-year-olds from the past the same as today’s 14-year-olds?” “Who are they to decide public opinion on their own — are they out of their minds?” “Make the parents take the punishment instead,” and “This government only scolds and nothing gets done.”
Because the debate over the system requires social consensus between tougher punishment and a rehabilitation-centered approach, controversy over the policy direction is expected to continue.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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