[2025 National Audit] Rise in Serious Juvenile Sex Crimes... Growing Concern Over Out-of-School Youth Offenses

Increase in Juvenile Offenders Charged with Rape or Molestation
Proportion of Out-of-School Youths Rises from 36.7% to 38.6%

There has been a rise in serious crimes committed by adolescents, making the need for countermeasures increasingly urgent. In particular, as crimes by out-of-school youths increase, there are growing calls for relevant policies.

According to data submitted by Assemblywoman Moon Jeongbok of the Democratic Party of Korea to the National Police Agency on October 17, the number of serious offenders, such as those committing rape or molestation, among juvenile offenders (defined as individuals aged 14 to under 19 who have committed acts in violation of criminal law) is on the rise.

The number of juvenile offenders charged with rape or molestation increased from 1,597 in 2023 to 1,741 in 2024, and the upward trend has continued, with 1,145 already apprehended by August 2025. As a result, the proportion of serious offenders among juvenile offenders has also shown an increasing trend.

Another concerning point is the growing proportion of out-of-school youths among juvenile offenders. The figures were 24,460 (36.7%) in 2023, 23,087 (37.4%) in 2024, and 16,154 (38.6%) by August 2025. While the total number of juvenile offenders decreased from 66,500 in 2023 to 61,729 in 2024, and to 41,783 by August 2025, crimes committed by out-of-school youths have shown an upward trend.

Assemblywoman Moon stated, "Although overall youth crime statistics are declining, sex crimes and offenses committed by out-of-school youths-both of which are of great social concern-cannot be overlooked," emphasizing, "There is an urgent need to establish comprehensive measures to support out-of-school youths and to prevent sex crimes against children and adolescents."