Released in 'D-5' Jodusun is in the Seoul Metropolitan Area

Jodusun to be Released on the 12th
Transferred to A Prison in the Seoul Metropolitan Area
Currently Undergoing Special Psychological Treatment Program
Possibility of Private Retaliation Considered

The photo is unrelated to the article / Photo by Pixabay

[Asia Economy Reporters Seongpil Jo and Seungyun Song] Jo Doo-soon (68), a child sex offender scheduled for release on the 12th, was recently transferred in secret to a prison located in the Seoul metropolitan area, it was confirmed on the 7th. Jo Doo-soon is expected to be released from this prison, not the one where he served his sentence. The Ministry of Justice appears to have secretly changed Jo Doo-soon's release prison out of concern for retaliatory attacks timed with his release.

According to Prison A on the same day, Jo Doo-soon, who was serving his sentence at Gyeongbuk Northern No.1 Prison (formerly Cheongsong Prison), was recently transferred to this prison located in the metropolitan area and is currently incarcerated there. It is unknown when exactly he was moved. Jo Doo-soon is currently undergoing a special psychological treatment program at Prison A. He will be released on the 12th after attaching an electronic ankle bracelet.

Under current law, approval from the Ministry of Justice is required for the transfer of inmates during their sentence. The Ministry of Justice is keeping all details about Jo Doo-soon's transfer confidential. It is also unknown whether the transfer was requested by Jo Doo-soon or decided independently by the Ministry. In the past, Jo Doo-soon was moved several times by the Ministry’s authority between Gyeongbuk Northern No.1 Prison and Pohang Prison, among others.

Legal circles view the sudden transfer of Jo Doo-soon as a measure to prevent private retaliation. The intention is to avoid disturbances such as assault threats when many people, including reporters, gather on the day of his release. In fact, some YouTubers and netizens have already announced plans to retaliate once Jo Doo-soon is released. The Ministry of Justice may change the prison again even before the 12th if his release location becomes known.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, institutions including the Ministry of Justice, police, the relevant probation office, and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family are deliberating on management measures for Jo Doo-soon on the day of his release and afterward. On the day of release, plans such as using a special escort vehicle for transportation are reportedly being discussed for safety reasons. After release, Jo Doo-soon must visit the relevant probation office within 10 days to complete a written report. It is uncertain whether he will visit the office immediately on the day of release or go to his residence first.

Jo Doo-soon will be required to wear an electronic ankle bracelet for seven years after release. He will also be under 24-hour one-on-one close surveillance by a designated probation officer. Jo Doo-soon must report his movement routes and living plans weekly to the probation officer. The probation officer conducts unannounced daily visits to check compliance with the living plan. The local police station operates a response team to monitor him closely 24 hours a day in preparation for any situation.

Jo Doo-soon is expected to stay at a location different from his previous residence after release. His wife reportedly left their original apartment in Ansan City and submitted a move-in notification to another local community center. Accordingly, the police and Ansan City have partially revised their security measures for after his release. On October 16, the prosecution requested the Suwon District Court Ansan Branch to add special compliance conditions related to Jo Doo-soon's release, including a ban on drinking above a certain blood alcohol concentration (0.03%), prohibition of approaching victims and child protection facilities, and restrictions on going out during late-night hours. The court will decide within this week whether to accept these conditions as Jo Doo-soon is released.

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