Lee Nak-yeon: "Less than 100 Days Until Jo Doo-soon's Release... Both Parties Must Alleviate Public Anxiety"

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 11th and delivering an opening remark. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on the 11th regarding the release of child sex offender Jo Doo-soon scheduled for December, "The ruling and opposition parties must discuss measures to prevent recidivism by child sex offenders to alleviate the public's anxiety and fear."

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Lee said, "Less than 100 days remain until Jo Doo-soon's release, and it is said that he has declared his intention to return to the place where he lived before imprisonment."

Lee continued, "I understand that the place where he lived is less than 1 km away from the victim's residence, and the fear and anxiety that the victim and their family must endure are immense."

He added, "Not only the victim and their family but also all parents raising children must be deeply concerned and anxious," and said, "Although the Jo Doo-soon Act was enacted after the incident, it does not apply to him due to the principle of non-retroactivity in criminal law."

Lee emphasized, "Our party's lawmaker Kim Young-ho proposed a strong bill," and urged, "The party should gather public opinion and appropriately handle the bill."

Earlier, on the 21st of last month, Representative Kim proposed the "Special Act on Life Imprisonment Sentences for Sexual Crimes Against Minors Under 13 Years Old." The bill aims to impose life imprisonment without parole on sex offenders against children and adolescents to permanently isolate them from society.

Additionally, Lee expressed concern over some conservative groups' planned rallies in Gwanghwamun on National Foundation Day and Hangul Day, stating, "Following the Liberation Day rallies, COVID-19 is resurging, and the public is effectively enduring a 9 p.m. curfew and strict social distancing," and urged, "The government should devise and implement the strongest possible preemptive and follow-up measures allowed by law."

Regarding the 4th supplementary budget, he mentioned the case of British author J.K. Rowling, who wrote Harry Potter while struggling on welfare, saying, "A world-renowned bestseller and star author was born thanks to a social safety net of 120,000 won per week," and added, "I want to process the supplementary budget as quickly as possible to offer even a small comfort to those in urgent need."

He concluded, "Although the government and ruling party have done their best, it will still be insufficient for those pushed to the edge of life. Nevertheless, I earnestly ask you not to lose hope and to stay strong."

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