Poster #181 - Reforming the Young: An Analysis of South Korea’s Juvenile Justice and Prevention Programs

• In Event: ASC Poster Session II

Abstract

South Korea has adopted a rehabilitative and preventative approach to address youth crime by focusing on education, counseling, and community integration over disciplinary measures. One primary method is the Juvenile Justice System, which offers protective guidance for youths ages 12 to 20. These measures include guardian supervision, probation, community service, and placement in juvenile training centers. They aim to reform young offenders without leaving them with a criminal record. Such training centers provide academic education, vocational activities, individual counseling, and extracurricular activities. The Ministry of Justice operates eighteen Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Centers nationwide. They provide educational programs on delinquency prevention, character building, and experiential activities for at-risk youths. Rehabilitation processes also include community-based interventions, such as family counseling and mentoring. Programs like the Family Hope Project offer integrated support to families facing economic and psychological challenges and support parenting skills and family relationships. Despite these efforts, concerns have been raised about the leniency of protective dispositions, especially in serious crimes. Statistics show that only 3% of juveniles committing major offenses receive criminal punishment. These cases raise debates on whether South Korea can balance its focus on rehabilitation while also ensuring accountability for more serious crimes.

Author

• Jiwon Jeon, Northfield Mount Hermon