[Report] "The Car Is Coming, Let's Follow" Do You Know the Dangerous 'Minsik Law Game'?

Some Elementary Students Secretly Follow Cars in School Zones Playing 'Minsik Law Game'
"Mocking Minsik Law" vs "Overinterpretation" Citizens Divided
Safety Concerns Arise... Minsik's Parents Say "If There Are Legal Issues, We'll Amend..."

On the 6th, vehicles were parked in a line along the road next to the school zone in front of an elementary school in Gyeonggi-do. / Photo by Juhyung Lim, intern reporter skepped@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy reporters Seunggon Han and intern Juhyung Lim] The so-called 'Minsik Law,' which strengthens penalties for traffic accidents occurring in school zones (children protection zones), is reportedly being used as a game among some elementary school students, raising concerns about safety accidents.

This game, called the 'Minsik Law game,' involves students secretly following vehicles entering school zones to scare the drivers. Elementary students are aware that penalties have been increased due to the Minsik Law and use this to tease drivers. It is a form of mocking drivers under the Minsik Law.

The problem is that this behavior could lead to actual traffic accidents. A traffic accident specialist lawyer pointed out that the so-called 'Minsik Law game' could result in safety accidents, and drivers are voicing their difficulties.

Earlier, on the 2nd, a video titled "Minsik Law game, it seems to be really trending" was uploaded on the YouTube channel 'Han Moon-cheol TV,' operated by traffic accident specialist lawyer Moon-cheol Han, sparking controversy over the 'Minsik Law game.'

The video was recorded by a car's black box passing through a school zone, and in the footage, a child can be seen running as if chasing the vehicle from behind.

A child chasing behind a vehicle near a school zone in Seoul. / Photo by Han Moon-cheol, YouTube 'Han Moon-cheol TV' capture

The lawyer said, "These days, the 'Minsik Law game' is reportedly popular among elementary school students. If the car brakes, the child following behind could collide or fall and get hurt. This is a children protection zone, yet accidents where children get injured are happening," he pointed out.

In particular, some claims have emerged that among certain elementary students, this game is considered a "way to earn pocket money," causing drivers to express anxiety.

On Naver's 'Knowledge iN,' a post was found saying, "I saw on YouTube recently that if you follow a car and touch it in the 'Minsik Law game,' the driver gives you money," and "I don't have enough pocket money, so how much can I get if I touch a car once?" This sparked public outrage.

On YouTube and other internet communities, related eyewitness accounts and videos such as "I was targeted by the Minsik Law game" and "Children chase cars" can be easily found.

One netizen expressed frustration, saying, "Because traffic accidents in school zones overwhelmingly disadvantage drivers, such things happen. For whom was this law made?"

However, some argue that this is an overinterpretation and that it cannot be generalized as a game among all elementary students.

On the 6th, Asia Economy reporters met with elementary students who were largely unaware of the 'Minsik Law game.' Especially among lower grades (1st to 3rd grade), many did not even know about the Minsik Law itself. Guardians such as parents also responded that they had never heard of it.

Mrs. A, a housewife with children in 4th and 5th grades, said, "This is the first time I have heard the term 'Minsik Law game.' I don't know where such things actually happen, but at least not around here," she emphasized.

Mr. B, a man in his 30s with an elementary school-aged nephew, after watching videos related to the 'Minsik Law game,' said, "I don't know if it's true, but it seems exaggerated. Maybe the kids were just curious and chased the car because it was moving slowly," raising doubts.

On the afternoon of the 6th, two passenger cars were driving slowly in a designated school zone in front of an elementary school in Gyeonggi-do. / Photo by Juhyung Lim, intern reporter skepped@asiae.co.kr

As controversy grows over the 'Minsik Law game,' opinions are divided. Mr. C (31), an office worker, said, "The Minsik Law was made to protect children, but if it causes difficulties for drivers and makes children more dangerous, what is the point?" expressing dissatisfaction.

Another office worker, Mr. B (29), said, "Even if there are some unreasonable aspects, student safety should be prioritized. However, caution is needed for children who run in front of cars or chase vehicles," he emphasized.

There were also calls for urgent traffic safety education. Mr. C, a man in his 30s, said, "If such incidents continue and accidents occur, both drivers and children will suffer great harm. Traffic safety education for children should be strengthened by teachers and parents," he pointed out.

Meanwhile, amid ongoing conflicts surrounding the Minsik Law and the emergence of the 'Minsik Law game,' the late Kim Minsik's parents, who helped initiate the law's amendment, stated in an interview with a media outlet in April that they would be open to revising parts of the law if improvements are needed.

At that time, Kim Minsik's father, Kim Taeyang, said, "The National Assembly proposed and amended the law. We are grateful that the law passed, and during the process, some revisions and improvements were made. If there are problems with the Minsik Law, it is okay to revise it. I do not see it negatively if parts are revised and supplemented to make it a perfect law," he said.