South Korea's criminal responsibility debate intensifies as Seoul weighs lowering juvenile crime age from 14 to 13. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family launched public consultation Wednesday, citing rising offenses among children under 14, including theft, violence, and sexual assault. Legal scholars and policymakers stressed evidence-based analysis over reactive policymaking. Current law shields under-14 offenders from criminal punishment, instead applying protective measures through the juvenile justice system. Experts warned that a one-year age reduction may not effectively address root causes. Officials prioritize rehabilitation and social reintegration over punitive approaches. The government will continue deliberations through expert reviews and a 100-member citizen panel, with another forum scheduled for next month to build public consensus on this contentious policy shift.
