Is Saying Sorry Enough? Mobile Game Controversy Spreads to Child Sexual Abuse [Buaeri's Game Dictionary]

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] A mobile game about raising a girl as a daughter has become embroiled in controversy over child sexualization, ultimately receiving a 'Restricted to Adults' rating. Some have called for the game to be removed from the market.

Rated 'Restricted to Adults' Amid Sexual Content Controversy

According to the gaming industry on the 10th, 'Idol Princess' by I&V Games, released on the 17th of last month, is an RPG (role-playing game) about raising a girl. However, scenes sexualizing the girl character in the game sparked backlash from users.

In the game, a female child around the age of a first grader in elementary school is shown wearing revealing clothes or taking defensive postures as if resisting someone forcibly removing her clothes.

Additionally, somewhat explicit lines such as "You want to see my panties that badly?" and "I want to take a bath with dad" drew criticism from users accusing the game of promoting child sexualization.

Initially, the game was rated suitable for ages 15 and older by a self-rating classification business operator.

As the controversy grew socially, the Game Rating and Administration Committee hastily held a meeting the day before and decided on a 'reclassification by authority,' assigning the game a 'Restricted to Adults' rating. The fact that such a high-level content game initially received a 15+ rating points to systemic loopholes.

'Idol Princess' was rated 15+ by a self-rating classification business operator designated by the Game Rating and Administration Committee. A self-rating classification business operator refers to a platform operator authorized to assign game ratings independently.

Currently, there are eight self-rating classification business operators: Google, Apple, One Store, Samsung Electronics, Sony, Oculus VR Korea, Kakao Games, and Microsoft. Once designated, these operators can autonomously assign all ratings except 'Restricted to Adults' and provide services accordingly.

Lee Jae-hong, chairman of the Game Rating and Administration Committee, stated, "Hundreds of thousands of self-rated games are distributed annually, making post-management difficult with the committee's limited manpower and budget," adding, "We will strengthen rating criteria education for game developers to take the lead in protecting youth."

"An Apology Is Not Enough? The Game Should Be Removed"

In response to the controversy, I&V Games modified the game content and issued an apology. However, some argue that the game should be removed from the market due to serious ethical issues.

Lee Hyun-sook, CEO of Tactin Tomorrow and a member of the Game Rating and Administration Committee, appeared on CBS Radio and said, "It could have an even worse impact on adult users than on youth," adding, "Personally, I believe removal is the right course."

She further emphasized, "Consumers need to pay much more attention and raise issues. No matter how good a system is, there will inevitably be attempts to exploit loopholes. Monitoring must be strengthened."