'No Age Limit' in Eligibility
"Prevention Needed Through Coordination with Education Authorities and Local Governments"
Choi Jeong-won (19, pseudonym), a high school senior who took the 2025 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), recently became curious after seeing a post titled "Looking for someone to work enjoyably" on a job recruitment site. The post stated, "We are looking for someone to enjoyably conduct games" and "Beginners are welcome to apply."
The hourly wage was in the 20,000 won range, much higher compared to similar cafes or restaurants. Choi said, "I thought it was simply a place like a board game cafe, so I called, but the hiring manager asked if I could work as a Hold'em pub dealer." He added, "They said there would be a probation period until I learned the game rules, so I didn't go, but later I found out that youth employment is completely prohibited there. I almost unknowingly got involved in something illegal."
It has been revealed that illegal recruitment activities targeting youths who have finished the CSAT are being conducted covertly. Experts emphasize that many youths are unaware that working at Hold'em pubs is illegal and stress the need for joint preventive measures by educational authorities and local communities.
On the 20th, several job recruitment sites showed posts with titles such as "Looking for someone to make joyful memories while working" and "Passionate people welcome," recruiting for Hold'em pubs. Most posts specified qualifications as "no educational background required" and "no age or gender restrictions," promoting preferences for "active personalities," among others.
When calling the contact number listed on one post, the response was that "high school seniors can also apply." The hiring manager said, "Even if you have never played Hold'em before, you can learn the game while working," and added, "If you are okay with working late hours, please send your application."
A Hold'em pub refers to a place where, by paying a certain entrance fee, customers can enjoy Texas Hold'em games while drinking alcoholic beverages and other drinks. Previously, like board game cafes, youths could enter, but recently, as establishments have been decorated like Hold'em pubs and operated illegal gambling games, they have been designated as "youth harmful establishments." Accordingly, both youth entry and employment at Hold'em pubs are illegal.
Nevertheless, youths continue to be drawn to Hold'em pub job postings due to the high hourly wages. Kang Min-seok (19, pseudonym) said, "I saw a post recruiting people to serve customers at a Hold'em pub and applied, then received a call to come for an interview." He added, "Cafes or convenience stores usually pay minimum wage, but this place offered 15,000 won per hour, so I applied out of curiosity. I honestly stated my age, but since they still asked me to come for an interview, I naturally thought it was legal."
Experts emphasize the importance of preventive activities coordinated by educational authorities and local governments. Professor Lee Woong-hyuk of Konkuk University's Department of Police Science said, "The approximately three-month period from December to February after the CSAT is a new gap period for youths, making them prone to deviant behavior." He suggested, "It is important for educational authorities and local governments to work together to clearly educate youths that entering and working at Hold'em pubs is illegal and to raise awareness about other illegal activities as well."
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