The GTA 6 age rating in South Korea almost never happened. Meeting minutes obtained by Korean outlet Inven show the country’s rating board came close to refusing the game, which would have blocked its sale there. It settled on Adults Only on October 16.
Key Facts
- Board: Game Content Rating Board (GCRB), South Korea
- First vote (Sept 10): 3-3 split between Adults Only and refusal
- Final vote (Oct 16): 8-1 for Adults Only
- Sticking point: “out-of-context” genital nudity
- Everywhere else: rated for adults only, as expected
How the GTA 6 age rating nearly failed in Korea
Rockstar applied on September 1. At the first review on September 10, the six members split evenly between an Adults Only rating and an outright refusal. The board then postponed its decision twice, and researchers played the game to check the scenes in question.
Violence was not the problem, because members saw little change from GTA 5, which Korea rated Adults Only in 2013. Instead, they argued about nudity shown without a story reason. Some members said the amount went beyond what the board had allowed before.
Two things helped. Korea loosened its rules in September 2025, so genital exposure is no longer an automatic refusal. And by October 16, ten other boards had already approved the game. One member called it a “burden” if Korea alone held back.
GamesRadar also notes that the minutes suggest the leaked footage of a naked Jason is not in the final game. Sex scenes are reportedly cutscenes, not playable.
Warning
These details come from leaked board minutes reported by Inven, not from Rockstar. We will confirm what is actually in the game after launch on November 19.
Every rating so far
- North America (ESRB): M for Mature 17+, for blood and gore, intense violence, nudity, strong sexual content, drugs and alcohol, and in-game purchases.
- Europe and UK (PEGI): 18.
- Australia: R18+, for high-impact violence, sex scenes and drug use. An earlier “X18+” PlayStation ad was an error.
- South Korea: Adults Only (19+).
- Saudi Arabia and UAE: 21+.
- Japan (CERO): reported as Z (18+ only).
Regional versions may also differ. The Japanese build is smaller, as covered in our GTA 6 Japan version report. For launch times, prices and platforms, see our GTA 6 launch round-up.
FAQ
Is GTA 6 banned in South Korea?
No. It has an Adults Only rating and can be sold to adults there from November 19.
Can teenagers play GTA 6?
Every major rating board says the game is for adults: 17+ in North America and 18+ in most other regions.
Sources
- PC Gamer: South Korean rating board almost blocked GTA 6’s release
- Insider Gaming: South Korean regulators on GTA 6
- GamesRadar+: GTA 6 was almost refused classification in South Korea
- Inven Global: GTA 6 rated 18, ESRB and PEGI details
- Digital Trends: GTA 6 PEGI rating and Australian R18+
- Notebookcheck: GTA 6 PS5 age ratings, including Saudi Arabia and UAE
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