Nikhat Parveen, Delhi

In South Korea, age calculation is complex, involving multiple systems that can lead to confusion. The country employs three different age-counting systems: the traditional Korean age system, the legal International Age system, and the Calendar Age system used for specific purposes. Each system has its way of determining a person’s age, resulting in different age values for individuals. Let’s delve into the details of these systems and their implications. 

The Korean Age System

Under the traditional Korean age system, a person’s age is calculated based on the year they were born, rather than their actual birth date. It is customary for Koreans to consider themselves one year older by consuming Tteokguk (rice-cake soup) on New Year’s Day. In this system, everyone in South Korea is deemed to be one year old at birth, and their age increases by one on each New Year’s Day, irrespective of their actual birthday. For instance, a baby born on December 31 becomes 1 year old at birth and turns 2 years old on the following New Year’s Day. 

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The International Age System

Contrary to the Korean age system, the international age system is used for legal and official purposes in South Korea. This system calculates a person’s age based on their actual birth date, aligning with the approach employed in most other countries. It is the legally recognized age for activities such as voting or obtaining a driver’s license. Thus, a person’s age under the international age system is determined by the number of years that have passed since their birth date. 

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The Calendar Age System

In addition to the Korean age and the international age, there exists another way of counting age known as the calendar age system. This system calculates a person’s age by subtracting their birth year from the current year. The calendar age is specifically utilised in certain contexts, such as the Military Service Act, which determines military duty service, draft lists, and physical examinations.

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Illustrative Example

To better comprehend the differences between these age systems, let’s consider the case of Son Heung-min, a prominent South Korean soccer player. According to the international age system, as of January 1, 2023, Son, born on July 8, 1992, would be 30 years old. However, under the Korean age system, he would be considered 32 years old, and under the calendar age system, he would be 31 years old. 

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South Korea’s age-counting systems add complexity to determining an individual’s age. While the Korean age system is rooted in cultural and social practices, the international age system is the legal standard for official purposes. Additionally, the calendar age system is utilized in specific contexts such as military service. Understanding the distinctions among these systems is crucial for navigating various aspects of life in South Korea. 

Navigating Age Discrepancies: Challenges and Implications in South Korea 

Age discrepancies in South Korea have led to confusion and disputes, particularly when it comes to accessing administrative services such as social welfare and medical treatment. This confusion results in unnecessary social and economic costs for individuals and the authorities involved. One of the major causes of this confusion is the existence of multiple age-counting systems in the country. 

The ambiguity surrounding age distinctions becomes apparent in various situations. For instance, the instructions on the label of the AstraZeneca (AZ) COVID-19 vaccine in South Korea state that it is “not recommended for those under the age of 30.” However, this raised questions among the public regarding whether this age restriction refers to the “Korean age” or the “international age” system. Similarly, when guidance on the target age for gene amplification testing (PCR) for COVID-19 indicated “over 60 years old,” many individuals sought clarification from the authorities regarding the precise age standard being referred to. 

The lack of adherence to an international standard for age calculation poses additional challenges when translating documents to or from Korean. Translations require meticulous checking and adjustment of ages to ensure accuracy and consistency across different languages. 

These age-related issues not only create confusion and hinder the efficient provision of administrative services but also contribute to unnecessary social and economic costs. Individuals may be denied or granted access to certain benefits or treatments based on different interpretations of their age, leading to unequal treatment and potential frustration among citizens.

Addressing these concerns requires efforts to streamline and harmonise age-counting systems in South Korea. Establishing a clear and consistent standard that aligns with international practices would significantly reduce confusion and facilitate the accurate provision of administrative services. Moreover, improving communication and providing clear guidelines regarding age requirements in various contexts would help alleviate the burden on both individuals and the authorities responsible for administering services. 

By resolving these age-related complexities, South Korea can enhance efficiency, reduce unnecessary costs, and ensure equitable treatment for its citizens across different administrative domains. 

Unification of Age-Counting Systems: Addressing Specific Statutes and Related Systems in South Korea 

As part of the ongoing efforts to unify age-counting systems in South Korea, attention is being directed toward specific statutes and related systems that still rely on different age calculations. One notable example is the provision in the Juvenile Protection Act, which defines a “juvenile” as a person under the age of 19. However, the act includes a clause stating that individuals who will turn 19 after January 1 of the relevant year should be excluded from this definition. 

Similarly, article 2 of the Military Service Act (MSA) specifies age requirements for military service. It clarifies that when the act refers to ages such as “from xx years of age” or “to xx years of age,” it pertains to the period between January 1 of the year when the individual reaches that age and December 31 of the same year. 

To achieve full unification of the age-counting system in South Korea, it is essential to address these individual statutes and related systems that still employ different age calculations. The South Korean government has acknowledged the need for revision and has committed to examining these statutes carefully. 

On December 8, 2022, the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea passed bills to modify the General Act on Public Administration (GAPA) and the Civil Act, resulting in South Koreans being considered younger in certain situations starting from June 28, 2023. The amendments were officially published in the official gazette on December 27, 2022, under Act No. 19098 for the Civil Act and No. 19148 for GAPA. To allow for a smooth transition, the amended acts include a half-year grace period before they come into full effect after being promulgated (Amendment Act Supp. Provisions). 

_{Picture Credits: The New York Times, (Lee Wan-kyu, South Korea’s minister of government legislation, is overseeing the official age change. Jung Yeon-Je/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images)}

By conducting thorough evaluations and considering the necessity of revising these specific laws, the government aims to ensure consistency and coherence across the age-counting system. This process will contribute to the overall unification efforts and provide a comprehensive and standardised approach to age calculation in the country. 

Unifying the age-counting system in South Korea holds significant importance, as it reduces confusion and eliminates the need for different interpretations of age-related regulations. A streamlined system would facilitate administrative processes, such as determining eligibility for various benefits and services, and minimise unnecessary costs associated with age disputes. 

As the government focuses on reviewing and revising individual statutes and related systems, it strives to establish a unified age-counting framework that aligns with international practices and promotes clarity and efficiency in administrative procedures.

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