South Korean teens report cyber gambling, some fell victim to illegal loans

South Korean police have received 806 voluntary reports from teenagers and their guardians concerning cyber gambling in the two months since the initiative began. The number of reports increased by approximately 74.1% in the second month, with 512 cases reported compared to 294 in the first. Of the total, 455 were high school students and 351 were middle school students, with the vast majority being male. Many of these young individuals turned to desperate measures to fund their gambling habits. One 18-year-old student from Hwaseong borrowed 5 million won from illegal loan sharks at an annual interest rate of 200%, ten times the legal limit, and subsequently faced threats and illegal collection practices. Another 14-year-old in Busan gambled a total of 26 million won, including 2 million won borrowed from 41 classmates. A 13-year-old in Daegu admitted to starting gambling in elementary school to earn pocket money. In another case, a 14-year-old in Mungyeong used his father's phone to withdraw 30 million won from a bank app over several instances. Police are continuing to accept reports until August 31st through the 117 School Violence Report Center. Those under 19 with cyber gambling experience or their guardians can report, and a review committee will consider leniency based on their remorse, potentially leading to warnings or summary offenses.

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We will continue to accept voluntary reports at the 117 School Violence Report Center until August 31.