[Bbang Gubneun Tajagi] Friendly Neighbors and Dependable Lovers... The Paradox of Sexual Offenders

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] "Even if a prison sentence is handed down, please dismiss the order to attach an electronic monitoring device." A man in his 50s who repeatedly committed sexual harassment during his probation period last year pleaded this in court. He feared wearing the location-tracking electronic device, known as an electronic anklet, after release more than being imprisoned.

The electronic anklet was introduced in 2008 to track and monitor sex offenders and other high-risk repeat offenders 24 hours a day. If forcibly removed, the control center reports it, prompting police and probation officers to respond. Before its introduction, the average recidivism rate for all sex offenders over five years was 14.1%, but by 2020, the recidivism rate had dropped to 1.3%.

However, the new book I Am the Person Who Attaches Electronic Anklets emphasizes that "South Korea is not safe." According to the Prosecutor's Office, 30,105 sex crimes occurred in 2020, and sex crimes increased by 32.9% over the past decade. Author An Byeongheon states, "Sex offenders cannot be judged by their appearance or impression." In fact, many are not under government supervision or are likely first-time offenders. Even neighbors who appear kind and trustworthy, or partners and family members who are relied upon, can be perpetrators of sex crimes. Grooming sex crimes that approach victims by exploiting intimacy, illegal filming regardless of location, and workplace sexual harassment vary widely. Cases involving luring victims using pets are also ongoing.

The author introduces crimes and prevention methods based on his experience and research as a correctional officer. Having appeared on the recent tvN variety show You Quiz on the Block, the author met and attached electronic anklets to over 300 sex offenders over 10 years. The book contains crime patterns and prevention solutions categorized by age, situation, and location.

The author advises that if exposed to workplace sexual harassment, one should not hesitate to expose it. It is important to meticulously record the date and place, the perpetrator’s actions, how one responded at the time, and feelings to prepare for legal procedures. Those living alone in one-room apartments should check not only the front door locks but also how sturdy the window security bars are. It is also good to keep emergency call devices and self-defense tools handy. On public transportation, staying in crowded areas makes it easier to find witnesses to sex crimes.

The book also includes information on safety services provided by the government. The "Women’s Safe Return Home Service" operated by Seoul City and local governments provides two verified safe scouts who accompany women safely from a designated location to their homes. The "Women and Children Safe Keeper House" is a joint initiative between the National Police Agency and convenience stores to assist with emergency evacuation, reporting, and safe return home services when in danger. If receiving packages directly is frightening, using the "Women’s Safe Parcel Locker" service operated by Seoul City is another option. Services such as "Sex Offender Notification e" that inform residents of offenders living nearby, the Sexual Violence Counseling Center’s "Women’s Emergency Hotline 1366," the "Sunflower Center," and the "Digital Sex Crime Victim Support Center" are also very helpful.

Sex crimes in South Korea are structurally unequal and a routine social problem. The author points out, "One reason sex crimes are rampant in South Korea is bystanders who remain silent despite knowing about the crimes." Some people are indifferent, thinking it is none of their business even when aware of a colleague’s victimization, and some even laugh. This is why perpetrators can still act arrogantly within organizations. Women who courageously expose their victimization are making a better world, but those indifferent to such women’s movements are all bystanders.

As the author reveals, it is regrettable that most of the sex crime prevention methods explained in the book focus on "how not to become a victim" rather than stopping perpetrators. Nevertheless, the author urges:

"(Unannounced) crimes must be prevented in advance. (Omitted) You must immediately put theory into practice to prevent crime."

I Am the Person Who Attaches Electronic Anklets | Written by An Byeongheon | Slow Media | 272 pages | 16,000 KRW

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