SEOUL — South Korean government agencies have launched a joint inter-agency task force to crack down on online illegal activities involving adults buying alcohol and tobacco on behalf of underage youth, following alarming discoveries of illegal trade tied to exploitative demands.

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced on August 30 that it has formed a specialized "Working-Level Consultative Body for Inspecting and Monitoring Youth-Harmful Environments" in collaboration with the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), the Korean National Police Agency, and the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC). The body held its inaugural meeting on August 26 and will convene on a regular bimonthly basis.

During its first session, the consultative body reviewed the results of a joint monitoring campaign conducted from March to August. Out of 4,840 online posts analyzed during this period, tobacco (including e-cigarettes) accounted for 84.8%, while alcohol made up 13.3%.

Among these, approximately 700 accounts were identified as showing patterns of repeat offenses or professional illegal operations. Notably, investigators found 141 posts where perpetrators demanded non-monetary compensation in exchange for proxy-purchasing, such as physical contact, sexual acts, or the exchange of personal items like underwear and stockings.

In response, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family selected 56 high-risk accounts and officially requested investigations by the National Police Agency. These targeted accounts repeatedly solicited inappropriate non-monetary exchanges or proposed independent financial arrangements, such as conditional cash allowances or sponsorships.

The National Police Agency is currently investigating the flagged accounts and plans to take strict legal action under the Youth Protection Act if violations are confirmed. Under the statute, offenders can face up to two years in imprisonment or fines of up to 20 million won ($15,000 USD).

Meanwhile, the Korea Communications Commission plans to urge online platform operators to delete illegal posts and implement keyword filters to prevent recurrence. The Korea Communications Standards Commission is simultaneously accelerating the review and blocking of unlawful accounts and content.

"The environment harmful to youth has evolved into complex forms combining online and offline elements, making it difficult for a single agency to handle alone," said Yoon Se-jin, Director General for Youth Policy at the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. "We will strengthen protective measures for our youth through close inter-agency cooperation."

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