SEOUL – An incident involving two middle school students apprehended by police for allegedly smoking marijuana in a Seoul playground has underscored a deeply troubling and trending issue: the alarming rise in drug use among South Korea’s youth. The event, which occurred in April, has ignited renewed public concern and highlighted the complex challenges authorities face in combating adolescent substance abuse in a nation historically known for its strict drug laws.
Caught in the Act: A Playground Disturbance
The two middle school students were discovered by patrolling officers around 9:10 p.m. on April 25th, exhibiting erratic behavior at a playground near an apartment complex in Seoul. Witnesses reported the students were shouting phrases like “Someone is chasing me” and “My friend did drugs,” leading to their detention. A subsequent search of the area uncovered a discarded vape pen containing liquid cannabis, according to police reports. Authorities confirmed both individuals were over the age of 14, meaning they are subject to criminal proceedings rather than juvenile offender protections. The incident sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents expressing disbelief that such an event could occur in the heart of the capital.
A Growing National Concern
This isolated incident is emblematic of a wider news trend gripping South Korea. Recent reports and surveys indicate a significant increase in drug offenses involving minors. A 2024 survey, which polled 1,800 adolescents aged 14 to 24, revealed that approximately 1.3% reported using illegal drugs, a figure experts believe is likely a conservative estimate due to the clandestine nature of drug crimes. Nationally, the number of juvenile drug offenders (aged 18 and under) has seen a dramatic surge, quadrupling since 2018 and showing a nearly fivefold increase in Seoul alone between 2022 and 2023. The demographic of drug offenders is also shifting younger, with those in their 20s and 30s now comprising a larger proportion than older age groups.
The Digital Highway to Drugs
A critical factor fueling this crisis is the pervasive influence of social media and online platforms. Encrypted messaging applications like Telegram have become virtual marketplaces for illegal substances, facilitating non-face-to-face transactions through methods such as the “throwing” tactic, where drugs are hidden in public locations for pickup. This digital accessibility, combined with the internet savviness of young Koreans, has drastically lowered the barriers to obtaining drugs, including cannabis and even more potent substances. Experts point out that sophisticated methods by criminals often evade detection, making enforcement an uphill battle.
Peer Pressure and Pop Culture’s Role
Beyond digital access, peer pressure remains a primary driver for adolescent drug initiation. Studies suggest that approximately 70-75% of young users cite encouragement from friends or acquaintances as their reason for first use, with curiosity and stress management also playing significant roles. The influence of popular culture, including celebrity drug scandals that frequently make headlines, is also a concern. The media’s extensive coverage of high-profile cases involving actors and musicians has, according to some legal experts, led to a romanticized view of drug use among impressionable youth, potentially normalizing such behavior. The pervasive reach of K-Pop music and its associated global youth culture also contributes to shaping attitudes, though its direct link to drug use is complex and multifaceted.
Legal Frameworks and Educational Gaps
South Korea maintains some of the world’s strictest drug laws, with severe penalties for possession, trafficking, and even use, including abroad for its citizens. The government has pledged harsher crackdowns and is exploring increased capital punishment for offenders who supply drugs to minors. However, despite these stringent measures, the rising trend suggests enforcement alone is insufficient. There is a growing consensus that South Korea’s drug prevention education in schools is often too basic, relying on a “just say no” approach rather than providing comprehensive information about the substances, their risks, and how to navigate online dangers. Calls are increasing for a more robust curriculum that addresses digital literacy and equips adolescents with critical thinking skills to resist peer pressure.
A Call for a Comprehensive Response
The incident involving the two middle schoolers serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a multi-pronged strategy. This includes continued law enforcement efforts, enhanced digital safety education, more effective school-based prevention programs, greater parental involvement, and accessible rehabilitation services. Without a concerted effort that addresses the evolving methods of drug distribution and the psychological and social factors influencing youth, South Korea risks seeing this worrying trend escalate further, impacting the health and safety of its younger generation.
