South Korean President Compares Gaming to Gambling, Seeks to Impose Restrictions
Recently in South Korea, there has been an increasing call to impose restrictions on gaming to protect teenagers. Following the South Korean Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, even President Lee Myung-bak has expressed disapproval towards gaming.
On February 2, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak held a "Principal Symposium Aimed at Eradicating School Violence" at the Blue House. During the symposium, Lee Myung-bak stated that as one of the solutions to reduce school violence among teenagers, measures should be prepared to prevent game addiction.
Then, on February 3 during the "Trade Promotion Strategy Meeting," he further expressed that gaming also has harmful aspects. Although gaming companies might feel a bit wronged, for the benefit of the entire society, efforts should be made to develop games that promote the healthy growth of teenagers.
At the same time, Lee Myung-bak compared gaming to the gambling industry, endorsing the concept proposed by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. The Ministry had likened gaming to industries such as drugs, gambling, tobacco, and alcohol, suggesting restrictions on these sectors and introducing anti-addiction systems.
Lee Myung-bak indicated that although opening casinos might attract many tourists, we oppose opening casinos because they can lead to family breakdowns. Therefore, if everyone feels that gaming is not good, more restrictions may emerge.
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