Petition to Amend South Korea's Statutory Rape Law Surges Past 30,000 Signatures

A petition titled the 'Kim Soo-hyun Prevention Act' is gaining traction in South Korea, calling for amendments to statutory rape laws to extend protections for minors from the current age range of 13 to 16 up to 19. This legislative push follows allegations against actor Kim Soo-hyun regarding his alleged grooming and relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, who was underage at the time. The petition has quickly gathered over 30,000 signatures, reflecting public outrage over the legal loopholes that allow potential offenders to evade prosecution. Advocates argue that the current laws fail to protect older minors from grooming and manipulation, thereby endangering vulnerable youths. The petition seeks not only to raise the age threshold but also to impose harsher penalties for sexual offenses against minors. As of now, if the petition reaches 50,000 signatures, it will be reviewed by the National Assembly for potential legislative action.