The South Korean Gender Equality and Family Ministry has officially launched a public forum to address the contentious issue of the age at which minors can be held criminally responsible. The forum aims to transcend the recurring discussions focused solely on increasing penalties for juvenile offenders, instead advocating for a more holistic approach that encompasses the rights and developmental characteristics of children and adolescents, as well as the protection of crime victims. The first meeting took place at the Seoul Government Complex, where plans for the forum's composition and operations were discussed.

Among those participating in the forum are government officials and private sector representatives, with a total of 17 members. During the initial meeting, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, Won Min-kyeong, emphasized the need to carefully balance the prevention of juvenile crime with the protection of minors. Debate has erupted around the idea of lowering the age at which an individual is considered a criminal minor from 14 to 13 years old, with President Lee Jae-myung suggesting that public opinions be gathered to reach a conclusion within two months.

The participants in the forum include a diverse range of experts from legal, psychological, and violence prevention backgrounds, indicating a broader societal interest in ensuring juvenile justice is fair and effective. The appointment of Na Jung-hee, a former Supreme Court justice known for her advocacy for women's and children's rights, as the private committee chair further underscores the forum's commitment to addressing the complex needs of vulnerable youth in South Korea's legal system.