Seoul authorities recently cracked down on businesses skirting the law to exploit young people, uncovering several operations designed to circumvent youth protection regulations. The Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Civil and Judicial Police Department announced on December 22nd that a special investigation, launched immediately after the 2026 College Scholastic Ability Test on November 13th and concluding November 28th, identified seven establishments violating the Youth Protection Act.
Hidden Entrances and Opaque Walls: How Businesses Tried to Sidestep the Rules
One business, labeled ‘Business A’, was found operating a youth-harmful enterprise within a secluded room, yet deceptively displayed a sign on its staircase proclaiming “Youth Entry Allowed.” During the raid, investigators discovered nine young people inside five separate rooms. The investigation revealed a pattern of businesses attempting to conceal their activities from regulators and the public.
‘Business B’ failed to meet transparency requirements for room cafes, with opaque material covering the lower 1.3 meters of its entrance door. Furthermore, the establishment charged a 10,000 won admission fee per young person while blocking external views with opaque curtains on its glass walls. These tactics aimed to create a secluded environment, raising concerns about potential exploitation.
Investigators also found ‘Business C’ had modified its setup with a tiny, 20 x 10 cm glass window, making it difficult to observe the interior when the lights were on inside. This limited visibility hindered oversight and raised suspicions about the nature of the business’s operations.
What are the penalties for violating the Youth Protection Act? Businesses operating in a closed-door manner without proper signage prohibiting youth entry or employment face imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to 20 million won, as stipulated in Article 29 of the Youth Protection Act.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government is urging citizens to report any suspected violations of youth protection laws. Reports can be submitted through the ‘Seoul Smart Inconvenience Report’ app or the ‘Seoul City Response Center for Crime Reporting Infringement on People’s Livelihood.’
Kim Hyun-joong, director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Public Safety and Judicial Police Department, stated, “We will strengthen regular monitoring and planned crackdowns on related businesses.” He added, “We will expand collaboration with related organizations to build a tight youth protection system.”
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