SEOUL: Exciting changes are underway in South Korea as new laws come into effect, causing South Koreans to become a year or two younger. The country has decided to replace its traditional age calculation method with the internationally recognized system.
Previously, South Koreans followed a unique age calculation system where individuals were considered one year old at birth, and their age increased by one every January 1st. However, from now on, the international norm of starting at zero from birth and adding one year on each birthday will be used for all official purposes.
In December, South Korea passed groundbreaking legislation to eliminate the traditional age calculation method and fully embrace the international standard. Minister of Government Legislation, Lee Wan-kyu, expressed his optimism, stating, “We anticipate a significant reduction in legal disputes, complaints, and social confusion that have arisen due to age calculation discrepancies.”
A government survey conducted in September 2022 revealed that 86% of South Koreans intended to adopt the international age calculation method in their daily lives once the new laws were implemented.
Choi Hyun-ji, a 27-year-old office worker in Seoul, shared her delight, saying, “I was about to turn 30 next year under the traditional Korean age system, but now I have gained some extra time, and I love it. It’s incredible to feel like I’m getting younger!”
PNN & Agencies