In a significant legislative change, South Korea has transitioned to the "international age" system, aligning itself with most of the world. As of Wednesday, over 51mn South Koreans woke up to find themselves a year or two younger under the new law. The move aims to address the confusion and disputes caused by the previous use of both the "Korean age" and the "calendar age," BBC reports.
The standardized age system is expected to reduce social complexities and unnecessary costs, according to Lee Wan-kyu, the Minister of Government Legislation. The law, which was passed by the South Korean Parliament in December, fulfills a major promise made by President Yoon Suk Yeol after assuming office in May.
In South Korea, the "international age" refers to the number of years since a person's birth, starting at zero, similar to most other countries. However, in informal settings, South Koreans traditionally use their "Korean age," which can be one or two years older than their international age. The Korean age system, rooted in Chinese tradition, considers babies to be one year old on the day they are born, with an additional year added every January 1. Additionally, there is also the "calendar age" that combines elements of the international and Korean ages.
Although the new standardization is in effect, the previous age systems will still be used in certain circumstances. For instance, the cut-off age for children to enter elementary school will continue to be based on international age, with children typically starting school in March after turning six. Laws regarding age-restricted products such as alcohol and tobacco will be determined by the year of birth, rather than the specific month. The mandatory military service and age eligibility will also be based on the year of birth.
While some residents may continue to use the traditional Korean age system in daily life and social interactions, the poll conducted by the Ministry of Government Legislation indicated that 86.2% of respondents expressed a willingness to adopt the international age system. The transition to a standardized age system marks a victory for lawmakers who have advocated for this change, seeking to streamline age-related processes and eliminate confusion caused by multiple systems.
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