"Victims' Lives Ruined, but Jodusun Is Returning" Citizens' 'Anger'

Victim's Father: "Child Broke into Tears After 12 Years," Decides to Move
Jo Doo-soon Recently Said in Meeting, "I Will Return to Ansan After Release"
Government: "Various Measures Are Being Established to Prevent Recidivism"

The face of Jo Doo-soon revealed by SBS's "Unanswered Questions." Photo by SBS "Unanswered Questions"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] Jo Doo-soon (68), who was sentenced to a heavy prison term for brutally sexually assaulting a minor and causing serious injuries, has expressed his intention to live in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, where the crime took place and where he resides, after his release. Following this, it has been reported that the victim and their family have decided to leave Ansan, sparking controversy.

Previously, in December 2008, Jo Doo-soon was tried for kidnapping and sexually assaulting an elementary school student in front of a church in Danwon-gu, Ansan, causing permanent disability. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and is currently serving his sentence. Scheduled for release on December 13, he reportedly told probation counselors at the Ansan Probation Office during a meeting in July, "I will return to Ansan, where I originally lived, and live without causing trouble" after his release.

Upon learning this, the victim's family stated that the victim is feeling anxious and that they plan to leave Ansan to avoid Jo Doo-soon.

The victim's father said in an interview on JTBC's 'Newsroom' broadcast on the 11th, "Our child burst into tears for the first time in 12 years upon hearing that Jo Doo-soon is returning to Ansan," adding, "This is the first time since the incident."

He continued, "If he were truly remorseful and sane, he would never dare to come near the victim," and appealed, "It was very painful for the family to watch the victim struggle daily to overcome the pain and nightmares."

The victim's father conveyed that they have decided to move, saying, "As parents who could not protect our child, we have nothing to say. We are sorry."

Ansandanwon Police Station. / Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, citizens have expressed anger. Some pointed out that it is unfair for the victim's family to have to relocate to avoid the criminal.

A 20-something office worker, Mr. A, said, "I felt hollow after watching the victim's family interview. The victim's life has been completely ruined, yet the criminal can return to his hometown and live as he wishes after release. I cannot accept this," expressing his anger.

Another office worker, Mr. B (29), said, "I think the biggest problem is that the victim still does not feel safe after the incident," and argued, "Strong measures are needed to protect sexual crime victims."

A housewife in her 50s, Ms. C, said, "If my daughter had experienced such a thing, I would have had no choice but to make the same decision as the victim's family," and pointed out, "If Jo Doo-soon had any shame, he would never even think about returning to the place where he committed the crime."

Since 2017, petitions opposing Jo Doo-soon's release have been frequently posted on the Blue House's public petition board, gathering over 610,000 signatures in total.

On the 13th, about two months before the release of Jo Doo-soon, an elementary school student kidnapper and sexual assault offender, officials are installing security closed-circuit television (CCTV) in an alleyway in Ansan City, Gyeonggi Province. / Photo by Yonhap News

Yoon Hwa-seop, mayor of Ansan, proposed the so-called 'Jo Doo-soon Isolation Act' in September, posting a petition urging that Jo Doo-soon be isolated and detained in a separate facility even after his release. However, the petition ended with 119,137 signatures, about half of the 200,000 required for an official Blue House response.

As public anxiety grows over Jo Doo-soon's upcoming release, the government stated, "We are checking his psychological state and preparing various measures to prevent recidivism."

On the 12th, Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae said at the plenary session of the Budget and Accounts Special Committee, "We are well aware that the public is anxious about Jo Doo-soon's release," adding, "Institutionally, we are attaching one-on-one electronic monitoring, restricting alcohol consumption and outings, and coordinating with local governments to operate sex education and specialized alcohol treatment programs."

Regarding calls to introduce a life sentence system to permanently isolate heinous child sex offenders from society, she expressed difficulty.

Instead, Minister Choo explained, "We are preparing legislation to prevent serious crime recidivism and to rehabilitate offenders," describing it as "restorative justice," which involves treating those judged to have a high risk of reoffending due to alcohol or drug addiction and helping them reintegrate into society."

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