Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police Uncover 17 Violations at Room Cafes and Hold'em Pubs Harmful to Minors

The Gyeonggi Provincial Government has uncovered a large number of room cafes and hold'em pubs that failed to display signs restricting entry and employment for minors, or that did not prevent minors from entering their establishments during the summer vacation period.

According to the Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police, a four-week intensive crackdown was conducted on 101 room cafes and hold'em pubs in the province from July 27 to August 21. As a result, on September 29 it was announced that 17 violations were found at 16 establishments for breaches of the Youth Protection Act.

This crackdown focused on businesses within major commercial districts that are easily accessible to students. Hold'em pubs, which offer games that can promote gambling and speculative behavior, are strictly off-limits to minors, both for entry and employment. While room cafes are not categorically prohibited to minors, if they meet certain conditions—such as a sealed structure, blocked external view, provision of mattresses, and installation of locking devices—as outlined in the "Notice on the Designation of Businesses Prohibiting Entry and Employment of Minors," these venues are classified as harmful to minors and both entry and employment are prohibited.

Gyeonggi Provincial Government

Under the Youth Protection Act, failure to display restrictions on minor entry and employment at harmful establishments, or allowing minors to enter such venues, can result in a prison sentence of up to 2 years or a fine of up to 20 million won.

The Special Judicial Police of Gyeonggi Province stated that, upon completion of investigations, the identified establishments will be referred to the prosecution.

Kwon Moonjoo, Chief of the Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police, stated, “Posting signs restricting minor entry and employment is the most basic safety measure, allowing minors to identify and avoid harmful establishments before setting foot inside. We will take a firm stance to ensure that no minor is exposed to harmful environments simply because a single sign was not posted. We also ask the public to actively report establishments suspected of permitting entry to minors.”

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