Underrepresentation of Child Advocates in South Korea’s Legal System: Duru-Samsung Initiative addresses the Gap
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The Stark Reality: Few Lawyers Championing children’s Rights
In South Korea, a nation with over 36,000 registered lawyers, a mere handful—approximately 10—are dedicated to advocating for the rights of children and adolescents. This stark underrepresentation leaves countless vulnerable young people without adequate legal recourse when facing abuse, exploitation, or neglect. The ‘On Village LAW’ project, a collaborative effort between the public interest law institution duru and Samsung Life Insurance, is striving to address this critical gap.
‘on Village LAW’: A Lifeline for Vulnerable Youth
The ‘On Village LAW’ project, initiated in 2022, aims to bolster the number of lawyers equipped to handle cases involving children and youth. Recognizing that children frequently enough lack the resources and knowledge to navigate the legal system,Duru conceived this program to provide crucial support. The project is supported by Samsung Life Insurance and the Social Welfare Community Fund.
Kang Jung-jung, a key figure in the initiative, emphasized the project’s success in expanding the pool of lawyers dedicated to child advocacy, increasing the number from approximately 10 to 60.
A case in Point: Protecting Victims of Exploitation
The impact of dedicated legal representation is powerfully illustrated by the case of Yeonji Yang (pseudonym), a teenager who fell victim to sexual assault after being lured by a deceptive part-time job offer. Attorney Bae, affiliated with the ‘On Village LAW’ project, stepped in to provide crucial legal assistance.
Attorney Bae filed complaints, navigated a initially unenthusiastic inquiry, and ultimately secured the suspect’s indictment. Moreover, Bae spearheaded efforts to remove illicit photographs of the victim from online platforms, ensuring a measure of privacy and preventing further harm.This case underscores the vital role of legal advocates in safeguarding children from exploitation and abuse.
It is difficult to protect children alone. It is only possible for investigative agencies and courts to recover.
Three Years of Impact: Numbers and Narratives
The ‘2025 On Village Squadron’ event, held recently in Seoul, showcased the project’s achievements over the past three years. A total of 64 lawyers have participated in ‘On Village LAW’, providing legal support to 814 children and adolescents. These efforts span a range of critical issues, including birth registration, child abuse, and sexual violence.
The event also saw the release of the ‘On Village Journal,’ a comprehensive collection of case studies detailing the challenges and triumphs of advocating for children’s rights. The journal features contributions from lawyers such as Bae Soo-jin,Song Ji-eun,Lee Ho-ho,Choi Ji-hye,and Hwang-Dung,offering valuable insights into this critical area of law.
The case collection shows the reality of infringement of children and youth rights, the struggle of lawyers, and the structural limitations. I hope this record can courage to the law and human rights activists of the field.
Kim Jin -seok, chairman of the Advisory Deliberation Committee
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Network of Child Advocates
Samsung Life Insurance remains committed to supporting initiatives that protect and empower children. Hong Won-hak, president of Samsung Life Insurance, emphasized the company’s dedication to creating a safe environment for children to thrive, notably in light of increasing economic pressures on families.
As parents are busy due to the economic recession, children are left alone. We will continue to strengthen our children to grow in a safe environment.
Hong won -hak, president of Samsung Life Insurance
Duru is actively seeking to expand its network of dedicated lawyers. Applications for the next cohort of ‘Lawyer’ are open until May 19, with the selected individuals set to contribute to the project from June 2025 to May 2026. This ongoing effort aims to establish a sustainable ecosystem for children’s rights, including the implementation of a dedicated lawyer system.
The underrepresentation of lawyers specializing in child and adolescent rights remains a significant challenge in South Korea. The ‘On Village LAW’ project, through its collaborative approach and commitment to expanding the pool of dedicated legal professionals, offers a beacon of hope for vulnerable young people seeking justice and protection.
