Kim Youngho Calls for Government Action on 'Youth-Exclusive Smartphone' ... Choi Kyojin Promises to Advance Related Discussions

Interpellation Session at the National Assembly

Kim Youngho, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, on September 14 requested that the Ministry of Education take the initiative in developing a "youth-exclusive smartphone" for which the ministry would be responsible for its safety. Minister of Education Choi Kyojin pledged that the ministry would actively respond by consulting with local education offices and designating a dedicated department to oversee the matter.

On this day at the National Assembly, Assemblyman Kim raised the issue of smartphone use among adolescents during a plenary interpellation session. He expressed concerns that the age at which children acquire smartphones is decreasing, explaining that a considerable number of upper elementary school students now own smartphones. He also cited survey results indicating that the vast majority of parents would be willing to use alternative devices if such products were developed.

Regarding the introduction of a youth-exclusive smartphone, Assemblyman Kim stated, "The educational community—including students, parents, and teachers—needs to form a social consensus that increases convenience features while minimizing symptoms of digital addiction." He added, "If the Ministry of Education takes responsibility for the safety of this new device, Korea’s educational community will become the first in the world to give birth to a youth-exclusive smartphone."

Kim Youngho, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is being interviewed by The Asia Business Daily at the National Assembly. July 2, 2026 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

In response, Minister Choi said, "If we develop a dedicated phone that alleviates parents' concerns, I believe it would represent significant progress in addressing smartphone overdependence and issues related to a safe digital environment, and I agree with this direction." He continued, "Broad social discourse is essential, and discussions should also involve the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and developers. If our students are to use such a device, it will be essential to undergo a simultaneous consensus-building process with the 16 provincial and metropolitan education offices and the broader educational community." He added, "If necessary, we will consider designating a dedicated department within the Ministry of Education to proactively address this process."

Additionally, Assemblyman Kim proposed the creation of an internal task force within the Democratic Party regarding this matter. He stated, "The members of the Education Committee and my fellow lawmakers will take responsible and decisive action to resolve this issue."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.