Legislative Amendment on Movie Ratings Proposed in National Assembly
"15+ Rating Should Be Subdivided Based on Parental Accompaniment"
Recently, concerns have been raised about the frequent inclusion of sexual scenes in movies rated for audiences aged 15 and older, prompting the proposal of a legislative amendment to address this issue.
On the 3rd, Kim Seung-soo, a member of the People Power Party and the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, announced the introduction of the "Amendment to the Act on the Promotion of Movies and Videos," which contains these provisions.
The core of this amendment is to divide the 15-and-over movie rating into two categories: one that allows viewing with a guardian and one that does not, even with a guardian present.
Currently, movie ratings are classified into five categories: General Audience, 12 and over, 15 and over, Restricted for Youth, and Restricted Screening. Among these, the 12 and over and 15 and over ratings allow viewing if accompanied by a guardian, even if the viewer does not meet the age requirement.
Last month, when "Oppenheimer" was released with a 15-and-over rating, parents who went to watch the film with their children criticized the rating system's loopholes due to scenes involving nudity and sexual acts.
In the United States, the rating system is subdivided into R-rated, which allows viewers under 17 to watch if accompanied by a parent, and NC-17, which prohibits viewers under 17 regardless of parental accompaniment. France also divides ratings for under 12 and under 16 based on whether viewing with a guardian is permitted.
"Oppenheimer" received an R rating in the United States. It is the first Christopher Nolan film in 20 years to receive an R rating. Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite" was also rated R upon its U.S. release due to its dialogue and some violent and sexual scenes.
Representative Kim said, "The 15-and-over rating is just one step below the Restricted for Youth rating, so it often includes sexual scenes. Dividing this rating into categories that allow or do not allow viewing with a guardian will enhance the effectiveness of the rating system."
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