The South Korean Government's Effort to Abolish the Korean Age System

Recently, the South Korean government has been making efforts to get rid of its unique “Korean age” system, and this move has caught the attention of many Koreans. The reason behind this decision?

Because the Korean age, which has been deeply ingrained in Korean culture, has placed the country in a troublesome situation. Many Koreans believe that the Korean age system has only pushed them into a difficult position, and it is time to change.

The Belief in Korean Age System

For most Koreans, the Korean age is considered the standard to understand someone's background and information. It is treated as a cultural tradition that will never disappear in their lives. However, recent data from the Ministry of Government Legislation shows that 81.6% of Koreans support discussing the removal of the Korean age system as soon as possible.

The Disadvantages of the Korean Age System

According to the Korean culture, a person's age is measured from the moment of their birth, adding one year for each New Year, regardless of one's actual age. This means that if a person was born in 2000, their Korean age would be 24 (as of 2024), even if their actual age is 22. However, official documents and legal documents use the regular age, not the Korean age.

This discrepancy has led to confusion and inconvenience, particularly for the younger generation. Many Koreans have no idea how to adjust their life routines or understand various age-related situations. For example, children who turn 8 according to the Korean age are sent to school, while those who turn 20 in the Korean age are required to join the military. These age differences can cause significant disruptions, such as turning 30, 45, 60, or 80 according to the Korean age, which can lead to a series of age discrepancies and inconveniences.

Government's Decision and Its Implications

By June 28, 2023, the Korean age system will officially be considered 'unofficial.' This means that the government will use the regular age system in all official documents and legal procedures. This decision reflects a significant shift in cultural norms and values, moving towards aligning with international standards.

Some Koreans may feel excited about this change, believing that they may appear younger or that it will have little impact on their lives. However, it is clear that the majority of Koreans have felt inflamed by the discrepant system. For many, the Korean age has been a hindrance to their freedom and individuality, and this change will bring a sense of relief and a new beginning.

In conclusion, the South Korean government's decision to abolish the Korean age system is a significant step towards standardizing age measurements. It recognizes the cultural evolution and the need for consistency in official records. For Koreans, it is a move towards a more globalized and modernized society, aligning with international standards while breaking away from traditional practices that no longer serve the needs of the present.

Korean age system: A traditional Korean age measurement that adds one year to a person's age for each New Year, regardless of an actual age. Standard age: A universally accepted age measurement that starts from the due date of a person's birth, regardless of when they were born or celebrated their first New Year. Official age: The age measured from the actual date of birth, used in official documents and legal contexts.

This change will have a significant impact on how Koreans perceive and manage their ages, and it represents a broader cultural shift towards modernization.