"Why Ask Suspect's Opinion on Identity Disclosure?" Police Identity Disclosure Guidelines Revised Amid Series of Heinous Crimes 'Backlash'

Last Month's Revision of Personal Information Disclosure Guidelines... Providing Suspects Opportunity to Submit Opinions and Guaranteeing Defense Rights
Citizens Express Frustration: "Victims' Rights Should Be Prioritized Over Suspects'"
Despite Opposition from Kim Byungchan and Kwon Jaechan, Disclosure Ultimately Decided
Police Human Rights Committee Recommends "Disclose Only Within the Necessary Minimum Scope to Prevent Irreparable Harm"

Suspect Kim Byung-chan, who was receiving personal protection due to stalking, was transferred to the prosecution from Namdaemun Police Station in Seoul on the 29th of last month. Kim is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend, Ms. A, with a weapon at an officetel in Jung-gu, Seoul, around 11:30 a.m. on the 19th of last month. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Recently, following the revised guidelines on the disclosure of personal information announced by the police, suspects are now given the opportunity to submit their opinions before a decision on personal information disclosure is made, which has sparked public outrage. As brutal crimes such as stalking murders continue to occur, more people are pointing out that this revision undermines the effectiveness of the personal information disclosure system.

According to the National Police Agency on the 13th of last month, the National Police Commission approved the "Partial Revision of Guidelines on Disclosure of Suspect's Personal Information, including Face" as originally proposed during its regular meeting held on the 8th of last month. This includes notifying suspects in advance about the holding of the Personal Information Disclosure Deliberation Committee and giving them the opportunity to submit their opinions. Additionally, when disclosure is decided, the disposition details must be notified in writing to ensure the suspect's right to defense.

Civilians are outraged by the fact that suspects who committed heinous crimes are being asked for their opinions on personal information disclosure. They argue that this undermines the original purpose of the disclosure system, which was created to guarantee the public's right to know and to prevent crime for the public good.

One netizen criticized in a comment, "There is no advanced country like ours that considers the human rights of criminals. From this perspective, Korea is a backward country." Another sarcastically remarked, "The police respect the suspect's opinion more than the victim's."

A related petition was also posted on the Blue House's National Petition Board. The petition titled "Opposition to the Partial Revision of Guidelines on Suspect Personal Information Disclosure," which closed on the 12th, garnered a total of 4,697 signatures.

The petitioner questioned the practice of hearing the suspect's opinion before the deliberation committee, saying, "Prioritizing the suspect's human rights over the public interest is nonsense," and asked, "Don't you think about the victims who were brutally murdered by the suspect?"

They continued, "Brutal suspects should have their personal information disclosed so that the public can see and avoid them," and urged, "Please pay more attention to the rights of the victims' families rather than the suspect's right to defense."

Kwon Jae-chan, who is accused of murdering a woman in her 50s and then killing an accomplice, is seen entering the Incheon District Court in Michuhol-gu, Incheon City on the afternoon of the 7th for a pre-arrest detention hearing (warrant review) (left), along with a released photo.

However, the suspect's opinion is not a decisive factor in whether disclosure is granted. In the case of Kwon Jae-chan, who murdered a woman in her 50s whom he had known and also killed an accomplice who helped dispose of the body, he was given the opportunity to submit his opinion before the deliberation committee under the new guidelines. Although he expressed that he did not want his face and name disclosed, the committee judged that the case met the criteria for disclosure and decided on the 9th to disclose his personal information.

The committee stated, "The crime was brutal, caused serious harm, sufficient evidence was secured, and it was deemed necessary for the public interest, fulfilling all requirements, so the decision to disclose personal information was unanimous."

Previously, Kim Byung-chan, who committed a stalking murder in Jung-gu, Seoul, was also given the chance to submit his opinion. Kim did not agree to the disclosure of his personal information, but his details were made public on the 24th of last month.

Kim is accused of stabbing and killing his ex-girlfriend A at an officetel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 19th. After breaking up with A, he persistently stalked and threatened her for five months, leading to A receiving police protection.

Meanwhile, this revision follows recommendations from the Police Human Rights Committee. According to the recommendation statement released on September 6, the Police Human Rights Committee advised "Considering that the disclosure of suspects' faces and other personal information can cause irreparable harm, disclosure should be limited to the minimum necessary scope only for crime prevention and investigative purposes directly related to police work."

The Human Rights Committee also recommended, "During the process of deliberating whether to disclose personal information, sufficient opportunities should be given to suspects to present their statements and submit explanatory materials to ensure procedural fairness, and to minimize external disclosure such as to the media to prevent secondary damage to suspects and their families."

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