South Korea’s “Shutdown Law” facing double lawsuits

June 30, 2012

South Korean government is under heavy fire for its “Shutdown Law” (known in Korea as the “Cinderella Law”), which bans children under the age of sixteen from playing games during a specific six-hour period at night. This law was put into place to encourage teenagers to focus on studying and schoolwork.

Now two lawsuits have been filed against it. The first is from an organisation in Korea that represents parents and children, who argue that the law is denying them their own parental right to educate their children. The second comes from those who are being financially affected, online game publishers such as NCsoft, Neowiz and Nexon, who argue that the implementation of the law is simply illegal in itself.

Arguments are still currently being heard, but Korea’s Ministry of Gender Equality and Family referred to the law previously as “the bare minimum” for protecting teenagers.

Online gaming, particularly in LAN cafes known as “PC Bangs”, is considered a real social problem in Korea, and is often blamed for the lack of productivity and work ethic in students. Korea’s education system is highly competitive, and working till 10pm on weeknights is expected of diligent students.

For some background on the “gaming addiction” situation in Korea, check out the “Are you addicted to video games?” column linked below.