[Seulssine] 'Boy Judgment' Focuses More on Crime Than the Youth, More on Perpetrators Than Victims

Kim Hye-soo, Kim Mu-yeol, Lee Sung-min, and Lee Jung-eun Star
A Clear Message to Juvenile Offenders
"The Court Must Clearly Teach the Consequences of Crime"
Not Just Depicting Crime but Highlighting the Way Forward

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] A boy stands trial in court. The boy chuckles as if he does not feel the weight of his crime. Because he is under 14 years old, he is aware of the Juvenile Act that exempts him from prison. Watching the boy offender who neither repents nor feels guilt calmly, Judge Shim Eun-seok (played by Kim Hye-soo) says, "This is why I hate you all. Because you can't be rehabilitated."

Some defend them, saying they are too young to pay a harsh price for their crimes. To them, 'Juvenile Justice' says, "Because you dared to commit a crime at that age," you must pay the price. You must understand the weight of your crime. Only then will you not stand in court again.

The protagonist's cry soon becomes reality. If the court goes easy on juvenile offenders, they return to court again. Crimes become more intelligent and cunning. Unfortunately, juvenile offenders 'learn' from previous rulings. Judge Shim calmly looks at the juvenile offender as if she anticipated this and says, "Go ahead, tell me." She shouts to those wielding the gavel, "We must teach how terrifying the law is. What consequences follow when you harm others."

The Netflix series 'Juvenile Justice' (directed by Hong Jong-chan), released on the 25th of last month, deals with juvenile offenders and criminal minors, a serious social issue recently. Criminal minors refer to those aged 10 or older but under 14 who commit unlawful acts. They are deemed to lack criminal responsibility and receive protective measures instead of punishment. As violent crimes by youths exploiting this have recently occurred repeatedly, voices pointing this out are growing louder.

'Juvenile Justice' is a timely project. At the same time, concerns arose. Since the work could vary depending on how the content is directed, it is true that viewers awaited the series with mixed worry and expectation.

There have been works addressing the issue of criminal minors in short episodes, but they mostly ended with messages that failed to reflect reality, such as "Sorry. Adults who couldn't protect good children are all at fault," leaving much to be desired.

'Juvenile Justice' is different. It does not blame all causes on adults' lack of effort or absence of roles. For a better world, it looks squarely at the true face of juvenile offenders and says appropriate punishment is necessary. At the same time, it calmly portrays the other side of juvenile offenders and the reality of juvenile courts.

It balances four judges with different beliefs?Shim Eun-seok (Kim Hye-soo), Cha Tae-joo (Kim Mu-yeol), Kang Won-joong (Lee Sung-min), and Na Geun-hee (Lee Jung-eun)?while clearly establishing the direction of the drama. There is no villain. Viewers simply observe crimes and criminals from various perspectives and reflect deeply.

The directing style that exposes society's bare face branches out in many ways. 'Juvenile Justice' is a work in which the director's countless worries and efforts are richly embedded like an encyclopedia. The thoughtful direction dealing with juvenile crime and the depiction of diverse beliefs within legal boundaries are impressive.

Because it is Kim Hye-soo, and only Kim Hye-soo can portray Judge Shim Eun-seok, the character leaves a lasting impression. Without her, could the protagonist have fulfilled the role and responsibility the drama needed to convey? Her consistent and righteous confrontation against societal prejudice and violence makes it impossible not to root for Eun-seok. It is also impressive that a female character leads the drama without being confined by corsets.

The direction that looks into crime is also excellent. While showing the cruel crimes of unbelievable and undesirable juvenile offenders, it avoids sensational elements that could be consumed superficially and highlights the perpetrators rather than the victims. Moreover, it does not stop at depicting juvenile crimes but reflects society's shadows and points to where we should head, making it particularly meaningful.

Unfortunately, Netflix has been criticized for its somewhat sensational approach to crime and the wrong way of consumption. Due to the nature of the online video service (OTT) platform, the direction was designed to encourage viewers to watch the next episode consecutively.

'Juvenile Justice' is different. It shows that it can sufficiently induce viewing with the message the drama carries without sensational directing. Although the longer viewing time brings awakening and contemplation that can weigh heavily on the mind, it is much more meaningful than consuming superficial and violent content.

With all my heart, I await Season 2 of 'Juvenile Justice.' I want to hear Judge Shim Eun-seok's cry once again. I hope her voice continues to resonate in the world.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.