Why Is There Nowhere for Teens to Go After 10 PM in Study Group K-Drama? Exploring Korea's Public Space Culture

In the K-drama Study Group, there's a significant moment when a character, having run away from home, finds that after 10 PM, there’s nowhere to go. This reflects a cultural aspect of Korea, where many public places have restrictions for minors after late hours.

In Korea, after 10 PM, certain places like PC bangs (internet cafes), saunas, and karaoke rooms typically do not allow minors to enter. This is not so much a restriction but rather a part of the culture and the way society handles public spaces late at night. These venues, which are often frequented by adults, limit entry for minors to ensure they are in appropriate environments and to maintain a safe atmosphere.

The portrayal of this in Study Group highlights the reality that, for teenagers, there can be limited places to spend time after 10 PM. Many public spaces that are popular among young people during the day close their doors to minors at night, creating a situation where they are left with fewer options. This is just a part of everyday life for many teens in Korea, reflecting how public space usage is structured around the time of day and age group.

In this context, the character’s search for a place to stay after 10 PM is a natural reflection of the everyday challenges teens face in navigating the culture of public spaces in Korea, where access is influenced by time and age.