New law makes South Koreans 1 year Younger

Since Wednesday 28th June, all South Koreans have become younger due to the introduction of a new age-counting law aimed to redefine how individuals calculate their age.

Under the previous system, South Koreans calculated their age differently from other countries. Individuals were considered one year old at birth, and their age increased by one on every New Year's Day. Additionally, South Koreans celebrated their "Korean Age" as a mark of cultural significance, separate from their "International Age."

Recognising the need for change in a society shaped by globalization, South Korea has taken a progressive step by adopting a new age-counting system. The implementation of this law aims to bring the country's practices in line with international standards and facilitate smoother interactions with the global community.

Under the new law, South Koreans now calculate their age based on the internationally recognized system: their age is determined by the number of years since their birthdate.

The new age-counting law aims to eliminate confusion when interacting with individuals from different cultures. Additionally, the new age-counting system promotes inclusivity and equality. It eliminates discrepancies that previously arose due to the "Korean Age" system, where individuals born towards the end of the year would experience a disadvantage when compared to their peers born earlier in the year.