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Gov't seeks public debate on lowering juvenile criminal age amid rising youth crime

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By Jung Da-hyun
  • Published KST
  • Updated KST
Gender Equality and Family Minister Won Min-kyung speaks during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, Tuesday. Joint Press Corps

Gender Equality and Family Minister Won Min-kyung speaks during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, Tuesday. Joint Press Corps

The government will convene a public deliberation panel to seek broad consensus on whether to reduce the minimum age at which juveniles can be held criminally liable, currently set at 14.

According to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family on Monday, the government is considering a two-track approach to discuss lowering the age threshold for juvenile offenders to be exempt from criminal punishment.

The plan includes forming an offline public deliberation committee with four other government bodies — the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Welfare and the National Police Agency — as well as experts, while simultaneously collecting public opinion through an online platform.

Following the direction of President Lee Jae Myung to gather public consensus within two months, related ministries plan to hold a kickoff meeting as early as this month.

Under the Criminal Act, individuals under the age of 14 are not subject to criminal punishment. Instead, they are classified as juveniles exempt from criminal responsibility and are placed under protective measures in accordance with the Juvenile Act, rather than facing criminal penalties.

However, as nearly 70 years have passed since the Criminal Act was enacted in 1953, calls have grown to lower the age threshold from 14 to 13.

Advocates cite a perceived rise in juvenile crime and its severity as grounds for revisiting the current age standard.

A gender ministry official said the government aims to create a public forum that reflects citizens’ views rather than concluding discussions solely among experts or relevant ministries.

To avoid superficial polling, the government will provide explanatory videos and materials on the juvenile offender system and proposed age adjustment, aiming to facilitate more informed public deliberation.