To keep young offenders from straying, Korea turns to families - The Korea Times

Students at Jeonju Juvenile Detention Center attend classes in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, Feb.12. Korea Times file

A heartfelt letter to a mother, a shared family meal and even the practical task of repairing a parent’s car are becoming central pillars of Korea's effort to curb juvenile recidivism.

Seeking to disrupt the cycle of repeat offenses, the Ministry of Justice said it is expanding specialized rehabilitation programs nationwide, betting that strengthening domestic ties before young offenders return home is the key to lasting reform.

The initiative moves beyond traditional classroom discipline to focus heavily on repairing fractured family structures. By rebuilding stable, supportive networks, the ministry said it aims to ease the transition of young offenders back into their communities and foster healthy, long-term reintegration.

The program's flagship experiences are tailored to break down emotional barriers.