National Youth Assembly of Korea

The National Youth Assembly of Korea (대한민국청소년의회) is a non-profit, non-governmental youth organization in South Korea that operates a mock parliament for teenagers. It was launched in 2003 by a coalition of five organizations—UNICEF Korea Committee, Korea Democracy Foundation, National Social Studies Teachers' Group, Citizens' Coalition for Justice Education, and Heungsadan Education Movement Headquarters—and was registered as a non-profit corporation in 2010. The Assembly aims to give a voice to youth under 19 who lack voting rights, encourage their participation in democratic processes, and promote policies reflecting youth opinions. It conducts elections for youth members, holds regular and extraordinary sessions, and engages in legislative petitioning. Over the years, it has submitted six legislative petitions to the National Assembly, achieving one direct legal amendment and indirect influence on others. The organization has faced controversies regarding election fairness, forced performance assessments, and internal governance. As of 2018, the 10th Assembly had about 200 youth members. The Assembly continues to operate as an independent entity, with its own secretariat composed of former members.

The National Youth Assembly of Korea was established in 2003 as a coalition initiative by five organizations: UNICEF Korea Committee, Korea Democracy Foundation, National Social Studies Teachers' Group, Citizens' Coalition for Justice Education, and Heungsadan Education Movement Headquarters. The first Assembly was launched on May 31, 2003, with 99 members elected. Initially, the Assembly operated under the influence of these host organizations, but by the 4th Assembly (2009), it declared independence from them due to excessive interference. In February 2010, during the 12th extraordinary session, the members formed their own secretariat, and later that year, the organization was registered as a non-profit corporation. The Assembly has held regular and extraordinary sessions, with the 10th Assembly (2018) comprising about 200 youth members. It has engaged in legislative petitioning since 2004, submitting six petitions, one of which led to a direct amendment of the Civil Act in 2011. The Assembly has also faced controversies over election fairness, forced performance assessments, and internal governance issues, including a disputed expulsion of 17 members during the 4th Assembly. Despite these challenges, it continues to operate as an independent youth parliament.

• 2018

  10th Assembly active with about 200 youth members.

• 2011

  Civil Act amendment directly reflecting a petition passed on March 7.

• 2010

  Registered as a non-profit corporation; members formed own secretariat.

• 2009

  4th Assembly declared independence from host organizations.

• 2007

  Two petitions for amendment of the Framework Act on Education submitted; indirectly reflected in law.

• 2004

  First legislative petition submitted to the National Assembly.

• 2003

  National Youth Assembly of Korea launched on May 31 with 99 elected members.

A non-profit, independent youth parliament that empowers teenagers to engage in democratic decision-making and policy advocacy.

• Youth Parliament Sessions

  Regular and extraordinary sessions simulating legislative processes.

• Legislative Petitions

  Petitions to the National Assembly for law amendments.

• National Youth Opinion Presentation Contest

  Event for youth to present their opinions on social issues.

1. 1대한민국청소년의회 공식 홈페이지youthassembly.or.kr
2. 2National Youth Assembly of Korea - Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3대한민국의 청소년의회 - 위키백과ko.wikipedia.org