Teenagers who indiscriminately assaulted victim until facial bones collapsed... "Abolish the Juvenile Act" 청 청원

On the 19th, over 10 adolescents aged 15-18 collectively assaulted one high school student
Petitioner: "Stronger punishment needed over rehabilitation"

In Wonju, Gangwon Province, more than ten teenagers collectively assaulted a high school student, prompting a petition demanding severe punishment. Photo by Cheongwadae National Petition Board

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] A national petition demanding the abolition of the juvenile offender system to ensure severe punishment for the perpetrators has emerged in connection with an incident in Wonju, Gangwon Province, where about 10 teenage youths collectively assaulted a high school student.

On the 25th, a petition titled "Strong Punishment and Disclosure of Personal Information for the Wonju Youth Group Assault Case, and Abolition of the Juvenile Offender System" was posted on the Blue House National Petition Board.

The petitioner, Mr. A, stated, "(The victim) was collectively assaulted, resulting in facial bones collapsing and even dental injuries. Bloodstains were clearly visible not only on the floor but also on the walls and handrails at the scene," and added, "We urge severe punishment for the perpetrators along with disclosure of their personal information."

Mr. A argued, "The Juvenile Act must be abolished," and said, "They are no longer immature children. Juvenile crimes continue to occur, but I don't understand why the National Assembly has not amended the law. These perpetrators must never be allowed back into society. Strong punishment is necessary rather than rehabilitation. Either abolish the (Juvenile) Act or lower the age to 9 years old."

Under current law, the age criterion for juvenile offenders is between 10 and under 14 years old. Those in this category are not held criminally responsible even if they commit acts punishable by law.

According to the Wonju Police Station, on the 19th, about 10 youths aged 15 to 18 collectively assaulted a high school student on the stairs of a commercial building in Wonju, Gangwon Province. CCTV footage from the scene showed the perpetrators dragging the unconscious victim by the legs while laughing or stomping on the victim’s knees with their feet.

Police investigations revealed that the perpetrators were strangers to each other who had only exchanged messages via social networking services (SNS), and after a dispute, they met and committed the assault.

Currently, the police have booked five perpetrators on charges of joint assault and are investigating the case.