Notes on Juvenile Justice and Korean Juvenile Law

Overview of "Juvenile Justice"

New K-series on Netflix, titled Juvenile Justice, is gaining popularity worldwide.
It depicts juvenile crime and Judge Shim Eun-suk, who has a disdain for juvenile offenders.
The series is inspired by real-life events and addresses a highly relatable and controversial issue in Korean society.

There have been many controversies related to juvenile offenses, leading to public concern.
Juvenile offenders are broadly classified into three categories:
- Under 10 years old: Cannot be punished for crimes.
- Ages 10 to 14: Not subject to criminal punishment, only protective measures (juvenile detention, probation).
- Ages 14 to 19: Subject to both protective and criminal dispositions, but sentences for violent crimes are capped at 20 years.
This framework is a source of ongoing debate in Korean society.

Many citizens express concerns about the leniency of juvenile laws:
- Criticism of Age Limits: Some believe the age limits for juvenile crime are too low, enabling criminal behavior without adequate consequences.
- Inhumane Cases: Notable examples like the Incheon Elementary School student murder highlight frustrations:
  - The 16-year-old offender kidnapped and murdered a second grader, received only 20 years due to juvenile law.
- Repeat Offenders: A recent case involved a 13-year-old who committed robbery multiple times but faced minimal consequences.

There is a feeling of disappointment regarding the current punitive measures for juveniles:
- Calls for Law Change: Many believe the law should be revised to lower the age of criminal culpability.
- Concerns about Future Societal Impact: There is worry that young offenders may continue criminal behavior once released.
- Parental Responsibility: Some advocate for increased parental accountability in managing juvenile behavior.

The series has sparked renewed dialogue regarding juvenile laws, particularly the need to address outdated standards from 1953.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (2019) recommended maintaining the age of 14, cautioning against hasty amendments.
Experts recommend focusing on recovery systems for victims and the importance of reflection from offenders, rather than solely punitive measures.