South Korea grapples with hundreds of child company heads annually

South Korean authorities have identified a troubling trend of children being listed as heads of registered businesses, with nearly 400 minors registered annually in recent years. The practice, which spans children ranging from kindergarten age to teenagers, has persisted consistently across a five-year period ending in 2025, according to available records.

The registration of minors as company heads typically occurs through parents or guardians who use their children's names for business purposes. While some cases may involve straightforward administrative arrangements with little direct involvement by the children themselves, the practice raises significant questions about regulatory safeguards and potential exploitation of minors in commercial activities.

The persistence of the issue suggests gaps in South Korea's business registration and verification systems. Authorities have not widely publicised enforcement actions or legislative responses specifically targeting the registration of children as business representatives, despite the annual volume of cases remaining relatively constant.

Businesses in South Korea are required to register with government agencies, and the practice of listing minors as representatives may be used for various purposes, from liability considerations to inheritance planning or tax arrangements. However, experts have cautioned that such registrations can obscure corporate accountability and potentially expose children to legal or financial risks.

The revelation comes as South Korea continues to strengthen protections for minors in various sectors, though oversight of business registration practices appears to lag behind other regulatory areas affecting children.