President Lee Jae-myung raised issues in succession with the effectiveness of the traffic fine system and the age standard for juvenile offenders not subject to criminal law, ordering the Ministry of Justice to review improvements to the system.

President Lee Jae-myung asks a question to Minister Jung Sung-ho during a briefing by the Ministry of Justice (Supreme Prosecutors' Office) and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family at the Government Complex Seoul annex on the 19th. /Courtesy of Yonhap News

On the 19th, at a Ministry of Justice work briefing held at Government Complex Seoul, President Lee asked Minister Jung Sung-ho, "If traffic fines are 50,000–100,000 won, they are effective as a sanction for ordinary people, but for those with certain financial means, isn't it the case that they keep violating because it doesn't matter even if they get ten tickets?" He added, "Has there been any internal review on the idea of differentiating fines according to financial means?"

Minister Jung replied, "We have not reviewed that part," adding, "We will look into it."

President Lee reiterated, "It is not fair that the sanction effect exists for some and not for others. There is a need to examine this." Minister Jung said, "We will do so."

President Lee then raised the issue of the age standard for juvenile offenders not subject to criminal law. Lee said, "These days there are even videos saying, 'I can do whatever I want because I do not fall under the juvenile offender category,'" and asked, "There is a claim to lower the age for juvenile offenders not subject to criminal law; has there been any internal review?"

Minister Jung explained, "There has been no discussion," adding, "In the National Assembly, a bill has been introduced to lower the age for juvenile offenders not subject to criminal law from under 14 to under 12, and the pros and cons are sharply divided."

In response, President Lee asked again, saying, "Isn't the position of the Ministry of Justice, as the responsible ministry, important?"

Minister Jung answered, "There is no finalized position," adding, "We will actively review the issue of lowering the age for juvenile offenders not subject to criminal law."

President Lee instructed, "Review it and discuss it at a Cabinet meeting," adding, "Create it as an agenda item and submit materials."

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