Prime Minister Jeong Orders "Prepare All Available Measures" Ahead of Jo Doo-soon's Release

"Repeat Offender Sex Offenders, Need to Increase Probation Personnel"
"Wisdom Needed to Achieve Optimal Balance Between Quarantine and Economy"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun instructed on the 27th, "A child sex offender who shocked the entire nation 12 years ago will be released back into society in about 40 days," and said, "The Ministry of Justice, police, related government agencies, and local governments should thoroughly prepare using all available means so that victims and local residents can live in peace."

At the 54th Cabinet meeting held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day, Prime Minister Chung indirectly mentioned the release of Jo Doo-soon on December 13, urging the securing of residents' safety and minimizing anxiety.

Prime Minister Chung said, "The concerns of local residents are great," and added, "Above all, it is heartbreaking that the victim and her family still live in fear and suffering because of the offender."

He continued, "It is necessary to establish legal grounds for more thorough management of sex offenders with a significantly high risk of reoffending and to increase probation personnel," emphasizing, "I request the National Assembly's active cooperation for the prompt passage of legislation and budget."

He also asked the public to refrain from excessive attention toward the victim. Prime Minister Chung stated, "Excessive interest and contact with the victim and her family could harm the life they have struggled to overcome over the past 12 years," and added, "Please warmly support them but be considerate to avoid causing further pain due to excessive attention."

Regarding the ongoing COVID-19 situation, which has lasted for ten months, Prime Minister Chung said, "If the COVID-19 situation continues, not only will the pain of economic agents increase, but it may also damage the foundation of our economic growth," and stressed, "We must exercise wisdom to achieve the optimal balance between quarantine measures and the economy."

He further expressed, "Effective quarantine should revive the economy, and a strong economy should support the long-term battle against COVID-19, creating a virtuous cycle."

Prime Minister Chung noted, "Since last week, the cautious distribution of consumer discount coupons has resumed, and from November 1, the 'Korea Sale Festa,' featuring various discount events, will begin. This event is prepared on the largest scale ever, with participation from over 1,500 companies and all 17 cities and provinces," and urged, "Related ministries should devote full efforts to meticulous quarantine and event support so that this becomes a boon for companies, small business owners, and the local economy weakened by COVID-19."

He added, "Please consider various ways for each ministry, local governments, and public institutions to actively participate in the event," and concluded, "We would appreciate it if the public could also support our economy through wise consumption."

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