Korea Communications Standards Commission

The Korea Communications Standards Commission (Korean: 방송통신심의위원회; Hanja: 放送通信審議委員會; RR: Bangsongtongsinsimui Wiwonhoe, KCSC) is a government agency of the South Korean government that regulations communications and broadcasts transmitted through cinema, radio, television, and the Internet. It formed in 2008, and replaced the Information and Communication Ethics Committee, an older government body.

Initially a board that kept its discussions private, the KCSC would publicize its three discussion committees in September 2011.

Television ratings

The rating system for South Korean television itself has been used since 2000. and initially started with the ratings, All, 7, 13, and 18. By February 2001, the majority of programs broadcasted in South Korea were required to carry a rating, initially with the exception of domestic dramas, who were later required to do so by November 2002. By 2007, the 13 rating became 12, and the 15 rating was introduced. Programs that have been qualified for exemption may also carry a rating, but this is not compulsory.

• All ages (모든 연령 시청가, Mo-deun yeon-ryeong si-cheong-ga): A program is suitable for all ages. Programs rated All may contain some mild language, but no vulgar or indecent language, and violence is generally tame. Sexual situations, drug abuse, and other content cannot be present. All-rated programs may not display an icon. Equivalent to TV-Y or TV-G.
• Ages 7 and up (7세 이상 시청가, chil-se ii-sang si-cheong-ga): A program is restricted to children aged 7 and older. Programs rated 7 may include somewhat stronger violence and language, but are generally on the same level as All, and occasional romance may be present. Equivalent to TV-Y7(-FV) or TV-PG.
• Ages 12 and up (12세 이상 시청가, sib-i-se i-sang si-cheong-ga): A program is restricted to children aged 12 and older. Programs rated 12 may include frightening elements, moderate violence (can be more prevalent if distinguishable from reality) some sexual content, small usage of strong language, and mild blood. Equivalent to soft TV-14.
• Ages 15 and up (15세 이상 시청가, sib-o-se i-sang si-cheong-ga): A program is restricted to children aged 15 and older. Programs rated 15 may include the use of alcohol, frequent sexual content, strong violence, and blood and gore. Equivalent to hard TV-14 or soft TV-MA.
• Ages 19 and up (19세 이상 시청가, sip-gu-se i-sang si-cheong-ga): A program is restricted to children aged 19 and older. Programs rated 19 may have graphic violence, frequent sexual content, indecent language, and disturbing content. Equivalent to hard TV-MA.

Programs exempt from classification include news programs, documentaries, knowledge-based game shows, educational programming, non-violent sports, and other programs recognized as exempt for classification by the KCSC. These programs will not display any rating or disclaimer.

Rating icons are shown on the upper-left or upper-right of the screen, and often come in the form of a yellow circle with black text and a white outline. The rating icons are shown for 30 seconds and appear again every 10 minutes. Programs rated 19 must show the icon for the entire duration of the program, In which case, the rating icon may be translucent. The icon is accompanied with a written disclaimers, which vary depending on the rating of the program.

• “This program is suitable for all ages” (이 프로그램은 모든 연령의 시청자가 시청할 수 있는 프로그램입니다) is shown on All-rated programs.
• “This program is prohibited for children under the age of X, so parental accompaniment is required” (이 프로그램은 X세 미만의 어린이/청소년이 시청하기에 부적절하므로 보호자의 시청지도가 필요한 프로그램입니다) is shown on programs rated 7, 12, and 15.
• “This program is prohibited for children under the age of 19” (이 프로그램은 19세 미만의 청소년이 시청하기에 부적절한 프로그램입니다) is shown on 19-rated programs.

Controversies

The KCSC had once pointed out negative remarks made toward the popular Korean variety show, Infinite Challenge. These remarks criticized Infinite Challenge for its usage of words in a dated manner, which in return, shifted the criticism to the KCSC itself.

Gallery

Ratings