1082 Academies That Did Not Check Criminal Records for Sexual Crimes and Child Abuse in the Past 2 Years

Fine of 5 Million Won for Violations
Park Chandae "Regular Comprehensive Inspections Needed for City and Provincial Education Offices"

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] It has been revealed that over 1,000 academies were caught for failing to check the criminal records related to sex crimes and child abuse of employees and prospective employees over the past two years. Previously, a joint government inspection found 108 sex offenders working at schools, academies, and daycare centers.

According to the recent two-year inspection status of academies and similar institutions by city and province, submitted by Park Chandae, a member of the National Assembly's Education Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, to the Ministry of Education, a total of 1,082 academies were caught by city and provincial education offices for failing to check sex crime and child abuse criminal records from 2018 to June of this year.

By year, there were 489 cases in 2018, 448 cases in 2019, and 145 cases as of June 2020, showing a steady occurrence. By region, Seoul had the highest number with 444 cases, followed by Gyeonggi with 223 cases, and Busan with 129 cases.

Currently, heads of academies and other child and youth-related institutions are required by the "Act on the Protection of Children and Youth Against Sexual Offenses" and the "Child Welfare Act" to check the criminal records related to sex crimes and child abuse of employees or prospective employees at each facility. Failure to comply results in a fine of 5 million KRW.

Park Chan-dae, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea

Assemblyman Park Chandae stated, "Given the nature of academies where children spend a lot of time, if a person with a criminal record of sex crimes or child abuse works there, the risk of re-victimization is significant." He added, "Along with efforts by academies themselves to check criminal records, government ministries and city and provincial education offices need to improve the system by establishing strong punishment regulations and conducting regular comprehensive investigations."

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