When, How, Where? ... Operation 007 for Jodusun's Release

Justice Ministry Deliberates on Jodusun's Release Method
Expected Release from A Prison on 12th
Last-Minute Changes to Time and Location Possible
Likely Transported by Special Escort Vehicle... May Not Go to Residence

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Seongpil Cho and Seungyoon Song] Child sex offender Jo Doo-soon (68) is expected to be released from a prison in the Seoul metropolitan area on the 12th. However, plans regarding when, how, and where he will go on that day are being carried out under strict security. The Ministry of Justice is reviewing several options for the 'Jo Doo-soon release' method, which resembles a '007 operation.'

According to a summary of our investigation on the 9th, the Ministry of Justice is discussing various possibilities internally, including releasing Jo Doo-soon from a correctional facility other than Prison A, where he is currently incarcerated. Jo Doo-soon has been transferred to several places during his imprisonment, including the Northern Gyeongbuk First Prison and Pohang Prison. He was transferred to the prison where he is currently held in early last month. However, since Jo Doo-soon did not request to be transferred to that prison, there remains a possibility that the Ministry of Justice may transfer him to a third location by its authority before his release.

The Ministry of Justice is also reported to have settled on transporting Jo Doo-soon in a special escort vehicle. This is a precautionary measure to prevent any possible incidents following a series of online threats of private retaliation. Some have criticized this as a de facto privilege. However, special escort is based on regulations for transporting inmates and others, so there is no legal issue.

Another option under consideration is escorting Jo Doo-soon to a location different from the address where his wife recently completed her change of residence registration. One method being discussed is moving him first to the relevant probation office and then completing the registration of personal information within ten days. This is based on Article 144 of the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Execution of Sentences and Treatment of Prisoners, which states, "When releasing an inmate, protection may be requested from the Korea Rehabilitation Welfare Corporation if deemed necessary."

Meanwhile, responsibility for managing Jo Doo-soon after his return home will be transferred to the local government where he resides. If he ultimately returns to his original address, it will be Ansan City, Gyeonggi Province. Ansan City recently installed a security post near his expected residence. One or two days before his release, additional security posts will be set up within 100 meters of the residence. Police officers and security guards will be stationed there.

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