FRAMEWORK ACT ON YOUTH
Act No. 16956, Feb. 4, 2020
Amended by Act No. 17893, Jan. 12, 2021
Act No. 18433, Aug. 17, 2021
Act No. 19253, Mar. 21, 2023
CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS
The purpose of this Act is to determine the rights and responsibilities of youth and the duties of the State and local governments for youth, and to provide for basic matters relating to the establishment and coordination of youth policies, youth support, etc.
| Article 2 (Fundamental Concept) |
| (1) | The fundamental concept of this Act is to ensure that all youths realize their dignity and values ??as human beings, enjoy the guaranteed right to a happy life, and fulfill their civic responsibilities as an ordinary citizen. |
| (2) | The following shall be taken into account in pursuing a long-term and comprehensive youth policy to realize the fundamental concept described in paragraph (1): |
| 1. | Develop skills of each youth and keep them motivated; |
| 2. | Promote youth participation in all areas including politics, economy, society, and culture; |
| 3. | Provide equal access for youths to education, employment, vocational training, etc.; |
| 4. | Provide a social and economic environment in which youths can build competencies. |
The terms used in this Act are defined as follows: <Amended on Mar. 21, 2023>
| 1. | The term "youth" means people aged between 19 and 34: Provided, That if other statutes, regulations or municipal ordinances provide a different age definition for youth, such definition may apply; |
| 2. | The term "youth development" means improving the quality of life of youths in all sectors of politics, economy, society and culture by protecting and enhancing their rights, expanding their participation in the policy-making process, promoting employment, building competencies, and improving their well-being; |
| 3. | The term "youth support" means social and economic support provided to youths for youth development; |
| 4. | The term "youth policy" means a policy implemented by the State or a local government, which has the primary goal of youth development; |
| 5. | The term "vulnerable youth" means youths who experience difficulties in the fields of employment, education, welfare, etc.; |
| 6. | The term "youth organization" means a corporation or organization established mainly for the purpose of promoting youth development, youth support, or youth participation; |
| 7. | The term "youth facilities" means facilities provided for promoting youth development, youth support, or youth participation (including institutions operated for youth support). |
| Article 4 (Responsibilities of the State and Local Governments) |
| (1) | The State and local governments shall develop and implement legal and institutional mechanisms necessary for youth development. |
| (2) | The State and local governments shall take measures to ensure youth participation or seeking the views of youths in the process of developing youth policy. |
| (3) | The State and local governments shall make institutional mechanisms to ensure fair opportunities for youths. |
| (4) | The State and local governments shall develop and implement policies to provide stable funding for the performance of duties under this Act. |
| (5) | The State and local governments shall publicize and provide information about youth development, youth support and youth policy. |
| (6) | Where the State and local governments formulate and implement youth policy, they shall endeavor to prepare separate measures to support vulnerable youth. <Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2023> |
| Article 5 (Rights and Responsibilities of Youth) |
| (1) | The fundamental rights of youths shall be respected in all areas including politics, economy, society, and culture. |
| (2) | Youths shall have the right to freely express their own views and make their own decisions. |
| (3) | Youths shall not be subject to any form of discrimination based on their race, religion, gender, age, academic background, or physical condition. |
| (4) | Youths, as legitimate members of society, shall have the right to participate in the decision-making process of the State and society. |
| (5) | Youths shall develop their abilities, build good morale, and endeavor to fulfill their responsibilities as members of the family, society and the State. |
| Article 6 (Relationship to Other Statutes) |
| (1) | Except as otherwise provided in other statutes, this Act shall apply to youth development, youth support, and youth policy: Provided, That where any youth is commissioned as a member of the committee pursuant to Article 15 (2) or (3), this Act shall prevail over other statutes with regard to the composition of the relevant committee, notwithstanding the provisions of any other statutes. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2023> |
| (2) | Any enactment or amendment of statutes relating to youth development, youth support, and youth policy shall conform to the purpose of this Act. |
| Article 7 (Youth Day and Youth Week) |
In order to promote youth development and youth support and to raise awareness of youth issues, the Youth Day shall be designated by Presidential Decree and one week from the Youth Day shall be designated as Youth Week. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2023>
[Title Amended on Mar. 21, 2023]
CHAPTER II MASTER PLAN FOR YOUTH POLICY
| Article 8 (Formulation of Master Plan for Youth Policy) |
| (1) | The Prime Minister shall, every five years, make and implement a master plan for youth policy (hereinafter referred to as “master plan”). |
| (2) | A master plan shall include the following information: |
| 1. | Basic directions for youth policy; |
| 2. | Objectives for promoting youth policy; |
| 3. | Major agenda for youth policy by field; |
| 4. | Analysis and evaluation of the previous master plan; |
| 5. | Coordination of functions related to youth policy; |
| 6. | Methods of funding the necessary expenses for the promotion of youth policy; |
| 7. | Other matters prescribed by Presidential Decree in relation to youth policy. |
| (3) | A master plan shall include separate measures for vulnerable youth. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2023> |
| (4) | The formulation and amendments of a master plan shall be finalized after deliberation by the Youth Policy Coordination Committee under Article 13. |
| (5) | Other matters necessary for the formulation, amendment, etc. of a master plan shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 9 (Formulation and Implementation of Annual Implementation Plan) |
| (1) | The heads of relevant central administrative agencies, and the Special Metropolitan City Mayor, a Metropolitan City Mayor, a Special Self-Governing City Mayor, a Do Governor, or a Special Self-Governing Province Governor (hereinafter referred to as "Mayor/Do Governor") shall formulate their annual implementation plans in accordance with the master plan (hereinafter referred to as "implementation plan") and implement such plans every year. |
| (2) | The heads of relevant central administrative agencies and the Mayor/Do Governor shall submit their implementation plans for the following year and the progress of implementation of such plans for the previous year to the Prime Minister in accordance with paragraph (1), and the Prime Minister shall examine the submitted implementation plans and request the coordination of such plans to the heads of the central administrative agencies and the Mayor/Do Governor. |
| (3) | The Prime Minister shall compile, analyze and assess the progress of the implementation submitted under paragraph (2) and notify the Youth Policy Coordination Committee established under Article 13 of its results. |
| (4) | In order to support the comprehensive analysis and assessment of the progress of the implementation under paragraph (3), the Prime Minister may designate a national or public research institute, State or local government-funded research institute, or private research institute as an institute supporting the analysis and assessment of youth policy (hereinafter referred to as "analysis and assessment support institute"). |
| (5) | If an analysis and assessment support institute fails to comply with the designation criteria or requirements, the Prime Minister may order correction or cancel its designation. |
| (6) | The Prime Minister, the heads of relevant central administrative agencies, and the Mayor/Do Governor may receive the support necessary to analyze and assess policies from analysis and assessment support institutes and have consultation with such institutes. In such cases, they may reimburse expenses connected with providing the support and advice within the budget. |
| (7) | Matters necessary for the formulation, implementation and submission of an implementation plan, and the submission, analysis, assessment, etc. of the progress of its implementation, shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 10 (Cooperation for Formulation and Implementation of Plans) |
| (1) | If it is necessary to formulate and implement a master plan, the Prime Minister may request cooperation from the heads of relevant agencies, corporations and organizations. |
| (2) | If it is necessary for formulating and implementing implementation plans, the heads of relevant central administrative agencies or the Mayor/Do Governor may request cooperation from the heads of other relevant agencies, corporations, and organizations. |
| (3) | Any person who receives a request for cooperation under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall comply with it unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. |
| Article 11 (Investigation of Actual Conditions of Youth) |
| (1) | In order to make an effective youth policy including a master plan, the Government shall investigate and publish the actual conditions of employment, housing, education, culture, etc. of youths. |
| (2) | The government may request that the heads of relevant agencies, corporations and organizations submit necessary data or state their opinions for the investigation under paragraph (1). In such cases, any person receiving such a request shall comply with it unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. |
| (3) | Necessary matters such as the targets, content and method of the investigation of the actual conditions under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 12 (Youth Policy Research Projects) |
| (1) | The Prime Minister shall carry out a research project to develop, implement and support a comprehensive and systematic youth policy (hereinafter referred to as "youth policy research"). |
| (2) | In order to efficiently carry out a research project under paragraph (1), the Prime Minister may entrust the implementation of the project to a relevant specialized institution, organization, etc. or create a research center for youth policy, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| (3) | If the Prime Minister entrusts the implementation of a research project or creation of a research center for youth policy pursuant to paragraph (2), the Prime Minister may provide all or part of the costs incurred in implementing the project and creating and operating the research center within the budget. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2023> |
CHAPTER III OVERALL MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION OF YOUTH POLICY
| Article 13 (Youth Policy Coordination Committee) |
| (1) | There shall be established a Youth Policy Coordination Committee (hereafter referred to as the "Committee" in this Article) under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister to deliberate on and coordinate major matters relating to youth policy. |
| (2) | The Committee shall deliberate on and coordinate the following matters: |
| 1. | Formulation and amendments of a master plan; |
| 2. | Formulation of an implementation plan and inspection of the progress of its implementation; |
| 3. | Coordination and cooperation regarding youth policy; |
| 4. | Analysis and assessment of youth policy and inspection of the progress of its implementation; |
| 5. | Improvements relating to youth policy systems; |
| 6. | Coordination of functions relating to youth policy between the State and local governments; |
| 7. | Other matters prescribed by Presidential Decree as necessary for formulating and implementing youth policy. |
| (3) | The Committee shall be comprised of not more than 40 members, including one Chairperson and two Vice-Chairpersons. |
| (4) | The Chairperson shall be the Prime Minister; the Vice-Chairpersons shall be determined by Presidential Decree; and the following persons shall serve as members: <Amended on Jan. 12, 2021> |
| 1. | Minister of Economy and Finance, Minister of Education, Minister of Science and ICT, Minister of Unification, Minister of Justice, Minister of Public Administration and Security, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Minister of Health and Welfare, Minister of Employment and Labor, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Minister of SMEs and Startups, Chairman of the Financial Services Commission, Minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, and other heads of central administrative agencies prescribed by Presidential Decree; |
| 3. | Persons commissioned by the Chairperson from among those who represent youth, such as those who have much expertise and experience in youth policy, or representatives of youth organizations. |
| (5) | The members specified in paragraph (4) 1 and 2 shall hold office for their respective terms of service, and the members specified in paragraph (4) 3 shall hold office for a term of two years: Provided, That if any member specified in paragraph (4) 3 is commissioned in capacity as a representative of an agency or organization, the term of his or her office shall be the period for which he or she holds such representative position. |
| (6) | Gender diversity shall be considered for the commissioning of members specified in paragraph (4) 3. |
| (7) | The Committee shall have a working committee, and the working committee may have an expert committee for each field, to efficiently operate the Committee and professionally review the deliberations of the Committee. |
| (8) | An administration bureau shall be established in the Office for Government Policy Coordination to efficiently handle the administrative affairs of the Committee. |
| (9) | Matters necessary for the composition and operation of the Committee, working committee and expert committees, as well as the composition and operation of the administration bureau, except as provided in paragraphs (1) through (8), shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 14 (Local Youth Policy Coordination Committees) |
| (1) | The Mayor/Do Governor shall establish a local youth policy coordination committee to deliberate on and coordinate major matters relating to youth policy in his or her jurisdiction. |
| (2) | A person representing the youth in the region shall be included in membership of the local youth policy coordination committee. |
| (3) | Other matters necessary for the composition and operation of the local youth policy coordination committees shall be determined by municipal ordinance. |
| Article 15 (Enhancing Youth Participation in Policy-Making Process) |
| (1) | The heads of relevant central administrative agencies and the Mayor/Do Governor shall involve youths or collect their opinions in the consultative and deliberative process for determining youth policy. |
| (2) | When forming such committee (excluding the committees specified by Presidential Decree which deal with individual cases or are related to diplomatic or security policies and thus are not suitable for requiring to appoint youths as committee members), the head of each relevant central administrative agency and each of the Mayor/Do Governor shall make sure that youths make up at least a certain percentage of the appointed committee members; and when forming a committee that mainly deals with youth policy, youths shall be appointed to make up at least 3/10 of the commissioned members. In such cases, the ratio of youths appointed by each committee to serve as committee members, the scope of committees that are required to appoint youths as committee members to make up at least 3/10 of the commissioned members, and other detailed matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2023> |
| (3) | When forming a committee pursuant to paragraph (2), the head of each relevant central administrative agency and each of the Mayor/Do Governor may appoint youths, who are qualified as under Article 15-2 in a field related to the duties of the relevant committee if it is impracticable to appoint youths qualified as commissioned members. <Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2023> |
| (4) | The heads of relevant central administrative agencies and the Mayor/Do Governor shall submit the current status of youth participation under paragraphs (1) and (3) to the Prime Minister. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2023> |
| (5) | The Prime Minister shall publish the current status of youth participation in the committees referred to in paragraph (4) and may make recommendations for improvement to the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies and the Mayor/Do Governor, if necessary. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2023> |
| (6) | The Prime Minister shall endeavor to encourage participation of youth policy experts and various groups of youths for the development, promotion, and inspection of youth policy projects. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2023> |
| Article 15-2 (Collection and Management of Information on Youth Talents) |
| (1) | The heads of relevant central administrative agencies and the Mayor/Do Governor may collect and manage information on youth talents who have the specific qualifications prescribed by Presidential Decree, in order to support youth participation in the policy-making process under Article 15. |
| (2) | Article 19-3 (2) through (6) of the State Public Officials Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the collection, management, etc. of information on youth talents. In such cases, the "Minister of Personnel Management" shall be construed as "heads of relevant central administrative agencies and the Mayor/Do Governor", and "candidates for public office" as "youth talents". |
| (3) | Matters necessary for the scope of information to be collected and procedures for collecting information under paragraphs (1) and (2) and the use, protection, etc. of the collected information shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Aug. 17, 2021]
| Article 16 (Designation of Youth Policy Officer) |
| (1) | The heads of relevant central administrative agencies and the Mayor/Do Governor shall designate youth policy officers from among public officials under their jurisdiction to efficiently develop and implement their own youth policy, and may appoint professional personnel on youth policy if necessary. |
| (2) | Matters necessary for the designation of a youth policy officer under paragraph (1) and his or her duties shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
CHAPTER IV POLICY MEASURES FOR ENHANCING RIGHTS AND INTERESTS OF YOUTH
| Article 17 (Promotion of Youth Employment and Improvement of Job Quality) |
| (1) | The State and local governments shall develop measures to promote youth employment and improve the quality of jobs for youths. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2023> |
| (2) | The State and local governments shall prepare measures to enable vulnerable youths to support themselves and enter the labor market. <Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2023> |
| Article 18 (Entrepreneurial Support for Youth) |
The State and local governments shall develop measures to promote youths' entrepreneurship and improve the entrepreneurial environment.
| Article 19 (Support for Youth Competency Development) |
The State and local governments shall create an educational environment that encourages youth to develop competencies, talents and skills and shall adopt measures to improve their creativity and professionalism.
| Article 20 (Housing Support for Youth) |
The State and local governments shall develop measures to afford stable housing to youths and improve their housing conditions.
| Article 21 (Promotion of Youth Welfare) |
The State and local governments shall develop measures to promote the welfare of youths, such as improving their physical and mental health and enhancing their quality of life.
| Article 22 (Financial Support for Youth) |
| (1) | The State and local governments shall develop measures to provide support to help youths achieve economic independence and a stable financial life. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2023> |
| (2) | The State and local governments shall prepare measures to improve the debt conditions and to facilitate the financial accessibility of vulnerable youth. <Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2023> |
| Article 23 (Support for Youth Cultural Activities) |
The State and local governments shall develop measures to support diverse and creative cultural activities of youths.
| Article 24 (Support for International Youth Cooperation) |
The State and local governments shall develop measures to ensure that youths enjoy opportunities for global peace movement initiatives and international cooperation activities.
CHAPTER II CREATION OF FOUNDATION FOR PROMOTION OF YOUTH POLICY
| Article 24-2 (Installation and Operation of Youth Facilities) |
| (1) | The State and local governments may install and operate youth facilities to provide support for youth development, if necessary. |
| (2) | The State and local governments may entrust the installation and operation of youth facilities to corporations or organizations which involve in activities for or make a contribution to youth development (hereinafter referred to as "youth organizations, etc."). |
| (3) | Where the State and local governments entrust the installation and operation of youth facilities pursuant to paragraph (2), they may fully or partially subsidize the costs incurred therein within the budget. |
| (4) | Except as provided in paragraphs (1) through (3), matters necessary for installation, operation, entrustment, etc. of youth facilities shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2023]
| Article 24-3 (Support for Local Governments) |
| (1) | The State may subsidize a budget necessary for projects implemented by local governments in connection with youth development and youth support. |
| (2) | The State and local governments may provide youth organizations, etc. with administrative and financial support necessary for youth support activities. |
| (3) | Matters necessary for the provision of support under paragraph (2), such as scope, procedures, and management, shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2023]
| Article 24-4 (Designation of Youth Support Centers) |
| (1) | The Prime Minister may designate youth organizations, etc. or youth facilities that meet the standards prescribed by Presidential Decree in terms of dedicated human resources, organizations, etc., as regional youth support centers (hereinafter referred to as "regional centers") to conduct the following business affairs: |
| 1. | Guidance on and publicity for youth policy; |
| 2. | Interconnection and establishment of cooperation systems with regional youth organizations, youth facilities, etc.; |
| 3. | Surveys on regional youth development or youth support; |
| 4. | Projects for youth support entrusted by the State or a local government; |
| 5. | Other projects required for youth development or youth support. |
| (2) | The Prime Minister may designate an institute or organization specialized in youth policy, which meets the standards prescribed by Presidential Decree in terms of dedicated human resources, organizations, etc., as the central youth support center (hereinafter referred to as "central center") to exercise general supervision over the business affairs under the subparagraphs of paragraph (1) and coordinate and manage projects of regional centers. |
| (3) | The Prime Minister may fully or partially subsidize the costs incurred in the operation of regional centers and the central center within the budget. |
| (4) | The Prime Minister may revoke the designation of a regional center or the central center in any of the following cases: Provided, That such designation shall be revoked in cases falling under subparagraph 1: |
| 1. | Where it has obtained the designation by fraud or other improper means; |
| 2. | Where it does not conduct its business affairs for at least one year without good cause; |
| 3. | Where it comes to fail to meet the standards for designation prescribed in paragraphs (1) and (2). |
| (5) | Where the Prime Minister intends to revoke the designation of a regional center or the central center pursuant to paragraph (4), he or she shall hold a hearing. |
| (6) | Matters necessary for the procedures for designation of a regional center or the central center and revocation of such designation, and the operation, etc. thereof shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2023]
| Article 24-5 (Establishment and Operation of Youth Policy Integrated Information System) |
| (1) | The Prime Minister may establish and operate a youth policy integrated information system (hereinafter referred to as "integrated information system") for the efficient processing of information related to youth policy, information sharing, interlinking services between agencies, etc. |
| (2) | The Prime Minister may request the heads of relevant central administrative agencies and the Mayor/Do Governor to provide data or information necessary for the establishment and operation of the integrated information system, and may hold and use such data or information within the scope of purposes for which such data or information is provided. In such cases, a person requested to provide data or information shall comply with the request unless there is good cause. |
| (3) | The Prime Minister may designate a public institution under the Act on the Management of Public Institutions, the central center, or any other specialized institution or organization, as a dedicated operating entity to operate the integrated information system. |
| (4) | The Prime Minister may contribute expenses necessary for establishment and operation of the integrated information system to the dedicated entity designated pursuant to paragraph (3). |
| (5) | Other matters necessary for the establishment and operation of the integrated information system and the designation, etc. of a dedicated operating entity shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2023]
| Article 24-6 (Youth-Friendly Cities) |
| (1) | The State and local governments shall endeavor to develop an area in which youth policy is managed to facilitate the participation of youth in regional policies and development process, and to ensure the realization of youth development, the strengthening of their capabilities, the improvement of quality of their lives, etc. (hereafter in this Article referred to as "youth-friendly city"). |
| (2) | The Prime Minister may designate a Special Self-Governing City, a Special Self-Governing Province, or a Si/Gun/autonomous Gu as a youth-friendly city and may support it. |
| (3) | Matters necessary for standards and procedures for the designation of youth-friendly cities, details of support, etc. shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2023]
CHAPTER Ⅵ SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS
| Article 25 (Delegation and Entrustment of Authority) |
| (1) | The Prime Minister may delegate part of his or her authority under this Act to the heads of relevant central administrative agencies or the Mayor/Do Governor, or may entrust part of his or her business affairs to a specialized institution or organization or a public institution relating to youth policy, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2023> |
| (2) | The heads of relevant central administrative agencies and the Mayor/Do Governor may entrust part of their business affairs under this Act to a specialized institution or organization or a public institution relating to youth policy, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2023> |
| (1) | The State and local governments may reward any person who has made outstanding contributions to youth development or any youth who stands as a role model for others. |
| (2) | Necessary matters relating to the standard, methods, procedures, etc. for providing rewards under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree or municipal ordinance. |
| Article 27 (Reports to the National Assembly) |
| (1) | When the Government confirms a master plan, an implementation plan for the relevant year, or assessment of the progress of its implementation, the Government shall submit it to the National Assembly without delay. |
| (2) | The Government shall make an annual report on the formulation and implementation of major youth policies and the outcome of investigations on youth situation every year and submit it to the National Assembly prior to the opening of its regular session. |
| Article 28 (Legal Fiction as Public Officials for Purposes of Penalty Provisions) |
| 1. | A member who is not a public official among the members of the Youth Policy Coordination Committee, a working committee, and an expert committee established under Article 13; |
| 2. | A member who is not a public official among the members of a local youth policy coordination committee established under Article 14; |
| 3. | An executive officer or employee of a specialized institution or organization or a public institution relating to youth policy that conduct the business affairs entrusted under Article 25. |
ADDENDUM <Act No. 16956, Feb. 4, 2020>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 17893, Jan 12, 2021>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 through 23 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 18433, Aug. 17, 2021>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 19253, Mar. 21, 2023>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.