A new public petition in South Korea has proposed a law dubbed the “Kim Soo-hyun Prevention Act”, aiming to raise the age of statutory rape from 16 to 19 and impose stricter penalties on adults involved with minors. The petition has already reached over 50,000 signatures and is headed to the National Assembly.
The proposal follows public uproar over rumors involving actor Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron. Though Kim has denied all allegations and announced legal action for defamation, his name has now become part of a proposed legislative effort. This move has sparked intense online debate—not just about the law itself, but about whether it’s appropriate to tie a living celebrity’s name to it.
🇰🇷 Korean Reactions: Justice or Symbolism?
Many Korean netizens expressed mixed feelings. While some applauded the effort to strengthen laws protecting minors, others criticized the way the petition used Kim Soo-hyun’s name—especially since no criminal charges have been filed against him.
Top Korean Comments (Source : Nate)
“Soo-hyun must be thrilled—he got a law named after him. Too bad the crime came first.” (👍 867 / 👎 93)
“Star victim… as usual.” (👍 755 / 👎 252)
“Since we’re naming laws like this, can we get one banning criminal candidates from running for president?” (👍 66 / 👎 10)
“Adults should never touch teenagers. If it’s real love, wait until they’re legal.” (👍 66 / 👎 10)
“Bring back the adultery law too.” (👍 61 / 👎 7)
“I signed up for the National Assembly just to support this. That’s how pissed off I am.” (👍 58 / 👎 12)
“Punish grooming sex crimes against minors—no exceptions.” (👍 54 / 👎 17)
“Parliament better pass this Kim Soo-hyun Prevention Act.” (👍 42 / 👎 15)
🌍 Global Reactions: Overreach and Defamation Concerns
International netizens were far more critical of naming the law after Kim Soo-hyun. Many questioned the ethics of associating an uncharged celebrity with such a serious crime, regardless of public sentiment.
Top Global Comments (Source : allkpop)
“This is a great initiative. But naming it after him is harassment of a public figure.” (👍 38 / 👎 3)
“No proof of grooming exists. Changing the law is fine, but dragging his name through this is cruel and unfair.” (👍 25 / 👎 19)
“Kim Sae-ron’s death is heartbreaking. I hope this law brings more compassion and understanding.” (👍 21 / 👎 2)
“Parents need to teach daughters self-worth—not to chase ‘rich men.’ They’re not business objects.” (👍 10)
“Laws are usually named after victims. Naming it after the alleged abuser is just strange.” (👍 9)
“This only makes Kim’s defamation case stronger.” (👍 8)
“He hasn’t even been charged. Naming a bill after him is literal defamation.” (👍 7)
Cultural Divide: Naming, Blaming, and Symbolism
While both Korean and international audiences support stronger protections for minors, they clash on the symbolism of the bill’s name.
In Korea, naming laws after public figures can act as a tool of social messaging—even when no conviction exists. To many, it’s a symbolic stand against grooming and power imbalance, and a way to make public outrage heard.
International audiences, however, emphasize presumption of innocence and legal process. For them, attaching a real person’s name to a law without legal findings is irresponsible at best, defamatory at worst.
This clash reflects a broader cultural difference in how justice, shame, and public figures are handled. One side seeks emotional closure, the other demands procedural fairness. The gap between them shows no sign of closing anytime soon.