1. Introduction to the text
This article discusses the controversy surrounding the media’s reporting of actor Jo Jin-woong’s juvenile criminal record, which is protected under the Juvenile Act in South Korea. The article explores the legal and ethical implications of revealing such information and the purpose of the Juvenile Act.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 소년법 | Sonyeonbeob | Juvenile Act | The Juvenile Act is designed to help juvenile offenders reintegrate into society without stigma. |
| 라고 | Rago | said | The lawyer said that the media’s actions were a clear violation of the Juvenile Act. |
| 변호사는 | Byeonhosaneun | the lawyer | The lawyer argued that the media’s actions were a clear violation of the Juvenile Act. |
| 이는 | Ineun | this | The lawyer said that this was a clear violation of journalism. |
| 소년범 | Sonyeonbeom | juvenile offender | The article discusses the media’s reporting of actor Jo Jin-woong’s juvenile criminal record. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
배우 조진웅(49·본명 조원준)의 소년범 전력을 처음 보도한 매체가 소년법 위반 혐의로 고발당했다.
The media outlet that first reported on actor Jo Jin-woong’s (49, real name Jo Won-jun) juvenile criminal record has been accused of violating the Juvenile Act.
김 변호사는 “최근 한 연에 매체가 30년 전 봉인된 판결문을 뜯어내 세상에 전시했다”면서 “이는 저널리즘의 탈을 쓴 명백한 폭거”라고 주장했다.
The lawyer said, “A media outlet recently pried open a sealed court ruling from 30 years ago and displayed it to the world,” and argued that “this is a clear violation disguised as journalism.”
이어 “사회는 미성숙한 영혼에게 ‘다시 시작할 기회’를 어렵게 결정했다. 그것이 우리가 소년법을 제정한 이유”라며 “소년법은 죄를 덮어주는 방패가 아닌, 낙인 없이 사회로 복귀하도록 돕는 사회적 합의”라고 설명했다.
The lawyer continued, “Society has made it difficult for immature souls to have a ‘second chance.’ That is why we enacted the Juvenile Act,” and explained that “the Juvenile Act is not a shield to cover up crimes, but a social consensus to help juvenile offenders reintegrate into society without stigma.”
김 변호사는 “소년법 제70조는 관계기관이 소년 사건에 대한 조회에 응하는 것을 엄격히 금지한다.
The lawyer said, “Article 70 of the Juvenile Act strictly prohibits related agencies from responding to inquiries about juvenile cases.”
4. Reading comprehension questions
- What was the media outlet accused of regarding actor Jo Jin-woong’s juvenile criminal record?
- What did the lawyer say the media outlet’s actions were, despite being disguised as journalism?
- According to the lawyer, what is the purpose of the Juvenile Act?
- What does the Juvenile Act prohibit, according to the lawyer?
- Why was the media outlet accused of violating the Juvenile Act?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The Juvenile Act in South Korea is designed to protect the privacy and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders, recognizing that they are still developing and should be given a chance to reintegrate into society without the burden of a permanent criminal record. This reflects the broader societal value placed on second chances and the rehabilitation of young offenders in South Korea.