From the 20th, Enhanced Punishment for Sexual Crimes Against Children and Adolescents with Disabilities

Amendment to the Act on the Protection of Children and Youth from Sexual Abuse to Take Effect on November 20

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chae-seok] From the 20th of this month, those who commit sexual crimes against children and adolescents with disabilities will face aggravated punishment.

On the 1st, the Ministry of Government Legislation announced that a total of 75 laws will be newly enforced this month, including this measure.

Up to 50% Increased Punishment for Sexual Transactions Involving Children and Adolescents with Disabilities

First, the amendment to the "Act on the Protection of Children and Adolescents from Sexual Abuse" will be enforced from the 20th.

The law now includes child and adolescent victims of prostitution as subjects of enforcement.

Those who purchase sex from children and adolescents with disabilities or induce or encourage them to sell sex will receive up to 50% increased punishment on the applicable penalties.

Not only existing sexual offenders against children and adolescents but also those who commit sexual crimes will be subject to public disclosure of personal information.

Mandatory Submission of Safe Driving Records for Children's School Buses

On the 27th, the amendment to the "Road Traffic Act" will be enforced, mandating the submission of safe driving records when operating children's school buses.

From now on, operators of children's school buses must prepare and keep records confirming seatbelt use and guardian accompaniment during boarding.

These records must be submitted quarterly to the head of the competent authority supervising the facilities operating the children's school buses. Failure to do so will result in a fine of up to 200,000 KRW.

The scope of safety education for children's school buses will be expanded from operators and drivers to include accompanying guardians. Those who have not received education will not be allowed to ride together.

Additionally, sanctions against operators who run children's school buses without guardians and drivers who fail to confirm that all children or infants have disembarked at the end of operation will be strengthened.

The existing fines, detention, or penalties of up to 200,000 KRW will be increased to fines or penalties of 300,000 KRW.

Those operating children's school buses without meeting requirements such as vehicle painting, signage, and insurance subscription will be fined up to 5 million KRW.

Up to 3 Years Imprisonment for Wastewater Treatment Operators Without Minister of Environment Approval

The Ministry of Government Legislation also announced that on the 20th, the amendment to the "Food Safety Promotion Act" will be enforced. This includes cancellation of certifications such as excellent food certification and prohibition of re-certification within one year after a confirmed sentence of a fine or higher.

On the 27th, the amendment to the "Water Environment Conservation Act" will be applied, providing support for costs related to installation and operation of wastewater measurement devices, converting wastewater treatment business to a permit system, and mandating regular inspections.

The registration requirement for wastewater treatment businesses has changed from a registration system to a permit system. Therefore, those wishing to operate must obtain approval from the Minister of Environment. Violations will be punished by imprisonment of up to 3 years or fines up to 30 million KRW.

Operators must undergo regular inspections to verify that wastewater treatment facilities meet inspection standards. If violated, the Minister of Environment may order suspension of business for up to six months.

Furthermore, when imposing fines in lieu of business suspension, the maximum fine amount, previously up to 300 million KRW, will be adjusted to less than 5% of sales revenue.

If a violation subject to business suspension occurs within two years from the date of the fine imposition, a business suspension order must be issued.

Source: Ministry of Government Legislation

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