"Please Amend the Min-sik Law" Blue House Petition Surpasses 250,000 Signatures

Since the Min-sik Law, which began on the 25th, has been enforced, there is a growing demand from the public for its revision. On the Blue House National Petition Board, a petition titled "Request to Revise the Min-sik Law" has surpassed 250,000 signatures, prompting the Blue House to respond. (Photo by Blue House National Petition Board)

[Asia Economy, Intern Reporter Min Junyoung] As of March 30, a Blue House national petition calling for the revision of the so-called "Min-sik Law," which strengthens penalties for traffic accidents involving children in school zones, has surpassed 250,000 signatures.

The petition, titled "Request for Amendment of the Min-sik Law," was posted on March 23 and, as of 11:30 a.m. on this day, had received 250,412 signatures, awaiting a response from the Blue House.

The petitioner stated, "First, I offer my condolences to the late Kim Min-sik and submit this petition. I believe that measures to prevent accidents involving children in school zones are necessary and appropriate."

However, the petitioner explained the background of the petition by stating, "I strongly oppose the amendment to the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes for the following reasons and urge its prompt revision."

The petitioner expressed concern, saying, "If a child dies in a school zone, the driver can be sentenced to a minimum of three years in prison up to life imprisonment. The amendment to the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes violates the principle of proportionality in sentencing. The sentence is the same as that for drunk driving resulting in death under the Yoon Changho Law."

The petitioner further pointed out, "It is both unrealistic and unreasonable to require drivers to always prevent and be responsible for all sudden actions by children."

Additionally, the petitioner argued, "Even if a driver maintains a speed below the 30 km/h limit in a school zone, any accident would place full responsibility on the driver. According to 2018 data from the Korea Insurance Development Institute, only 0.5% of cases recognized driver fault as less than 20%."

Finally, the petitioner criticized, "This bill, fueled by statements from parents that do not match the actual facts, is one of the worst laws, as it turns all drivers into potential criminals for this offense."

Meanwhile, the "Min-sik Law" was proposed after the death of nine-year-old Kim Min-sik, who was struck while crossing a crosswalk in a school zone in Asan, Chungcheongnam-do, last September, which led to increased demands for enhanced school zone safety.

The speed limit in school zones will be lowered to 30 km/h or less. To prevent accidents caused by blind spots, enforcement against illegally parked or stopped vehicles will be strengthened. In addition, fines and penalties for illegal parking or stopping in school zones are expected to increase from the current 80,000 won to 120,000 won.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.