[The Second Take] Protected Children as Subjects Who Deserve Respect and Rights

Legal Procedures Prioritize Efficiency Over Emotions for Unaccompanied Children
A Call for Laws and Social Awareness Centered on Emotional Well-Being

Thirteen-year-old Suyeon (Kim Bomin) is an outcast. She has lost her only guardian, her grandmother. She must start a new life at a child welfare facility. Suyeon refuses to accept her situation. She decides to find a trustworthy guardian for herself.

Movie still cut from "Suyeon's Melody"

The film "Suyeon's Melody" depicts the reality faced by children left alone in the world. The current Child Welfare Act and Special Adoption Act provide a basic framework. When a child has no legal guardian or custodian, the head of the local government is required to take protective measures, which may include admission to a child welfare facility, foster care, or adoption procedures.

Although this system may appear sufficient on the surface, the reality is different. Administrative efficiency and legal safety are prioritized, so the thoughts and concerns of the child are often not fully reflected. This limitation is even more apparent for children who have difficulty expressing themselves. While there are procedures to listen to their opinions, in most cases, these are merely formalities.

Suyeon is no exception. Without any time to process the shock and separation anxiety caused by her grandmother's death, she is forced into a facility. Even when she asks for help, the responses from those around her are limited to consolation or pity. Genuine care rarely reaches her.

Any change in environment is a major source of stress for a child. If such changes occur without psychological preparation, they can have a serious impact on mental health. Attachment disorders, depression, and anxiety disorders are likely to persist even into adulthood.

Movie still cut from "Suyeon's Melody"

Another child in the film, seven-year-old Seonyul (Choi Irang), symbolizes this risk. She has been adopted by a couple, but whenever she is at home, she becomes quiet. This is her own survival strategy to avoid being abandoned. The pressure to be a "good and obedient child" weighs heavily on her.

Nevertheless, the couple remains indifferent. They neglect the child and use her solely for raising donations on YouTube. Feeling intimidated, Seonyul only sleeps under the bed or inside the closet. Even after the couple leaves without a word, this habit does not disappear. In fact, she speaks even less, fearing that Suyeon might leave her as well.

According to data released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2019, 69.8% of children in care facilities and group homes have experienced abuse or a lack of affection. Among them, 30% do not receive psychological support or treatment.

For healthy development, a shift to a child-centered protection system is necessary. Beyond merely following legal procedures, the emotional stability and healthy development of the child must be prioritized. Sufficient counseling and preparation should take place even before admission to a welfare facility or adoption, to help heal the child's emotional wounds.

Movie still cut from "Suyeon's Melody"

The starting point is a system that genuinely reflects the child's opinion. Rather than perfunctory listening, children must be given enough time and professional support to understand their situation and express what they truly want.

Of course, amending laws alone has its limits. Above all, a change in society's perception must come first. Children in need of protection should not be seen as mere recipients of help, but as subjects with rights who deserve respect. Only then will the law truly become a warm safety net for children.