Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

12-year-olds in Korea can now get their own credit cards. But are they ready?

The Korean government recently passed a law allowing minors as young as 12 to obtain credit cards with parental consent, raising concerns among parents about potential financial irresponsibility.

2026-05-26

Over 40% of adolescents at risk of phone addiction, Family Ministry finds

Around 40 percent of Korean adolescents are now at risk of smartphone addiction, according to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family's 2026 youth statistics on Thursday.

2026-05-22

Psychological autopsies to be expanded to adolescent cases as suicides rise

Korea will begin conducting psychological autopsies on adolescent suicide cases from next year, expanding a system previously used only for adults to better understand the causes of rising teenage suicides.

2026-03-20

Three teenage gold thieves arrested, charged in Incheon

Police arrested three teenagers who stole gold necklaces and bracelets worth about 10 million won ($6,900) from a jewelry store in Incheon during the Lunar New Year holiday, authorities said Tuesday.

2026-02-18

Immigrant teenagers, Korean teachers face challenges as classrooms grow more diverse

The “Wind Class” is a preparatory class designed to help teenagers who have recently arrived in Korea after spending their early years abroad transition into the Korean public education system.

2026-01-18

3 in 10 middle, high schoolers report unhappy lives

Three in 10 middle and high school students in Korea believe they are living an unhappy life, while only 17.6 percent consider themselves happy, according to new research.

2025-10-23

Child and adolescent suicide rate on the rise

The National Data Agency’s “Child and Youth Quality of Life 2025” report released shows that the suicide rate for children and adolescents was 3.9 per 100,000 people in 2023 — the highest since records began in 2000.

2025-10-01

Two teens in Daejeon referred to juvenile court for robbing person in wheelchair

Two teenagers have been referred to a juvenile court for allegedly stealing cash from a disabled person, targeting them because they believed they wouldn’t be able to pursue them in their wheelchair.

2025-09-25

Teenager arrested for allegedly stealing gold necklace to sell for gambling funds

A teenager posing as a customer at a jewelry shop in Gwangju was arrested for allegedly stealing a gold necklace, police said Wednesday. The Gwangsan Police Precinct in Gwangju said it detained the male suspect on theft charges.

2025-08-13

800 teenagers were asked for the key to happiness. Their answer may surprise you.

A recent survey reveals Korean teenagers prioritize wealth over family and friends for happiness, with concerns about future socioeconomic status varying significantly by income level and academic performance.

2025-06-25