Some Reflections on the Guardianship of Minors

This article explores the legal system of guardianship of minors in South Korea. And it provides some thoughts on the future development and directions of the Korean Civil Code (Korean CC) in this area. Although the Korean CC use the terminology “親權”[parental authority], it is now understood as a collection of rights, duties, powers, responsibilities which by law a parent of a child has in relation to the child and his property. This concept of parent authority encompasses several aspects, including care and protection, determination of the child’s residence, the child’s education, legal representation, administration of property. And child welfare or the best interests of the child constitutes principle of parental authority (§912 Korean CC). If there is no person of parental authority over a minor or if a person of parental authority is unable to exercise the right of representation with respect to the juristic acts or the right of management of property of a minor, a guardian must be appointed for the child. In such cases, guardianship replaces parental authority. Although a guardian is a creature of statute, and has only those powers that are prescribed by statute, the powers and responsibilities of the guardian are the same as a parent, except in some instances. Thus, child welfare or the best interests of the child should be highest guiding principle for the exercise of powers and responsibilities by the guardian; at the same time, it also constitute the legal basis for court decisions and legislations. The full application of the concept of the child’s best interests requires the development of a right-based approach, engaging all actors, to secure the holistic physical, psychological, moral and spiritual integrity of the child and promote his or her human dignity. However, in light of the fundamental and interpretative legal principle, the legal system of guardianship of minors in the Korean CC does not seem to work effectively in some respects. First, the Korean CC does not have the requirement of a guardian for minors. Second, although there may be two types of guardians, guardian of the person and guardian of the property, the Korean CC does not allow a different guardian to be appointed for each position. Thirdly, it does not allow public body or association to be appointed as guardian for minors. In light of these, the current legal system of guardianship of minors should be revised to ensure the application of and respect for the best interests of the child.