Kim Geun-sik's Imminent Release, Han Dong-hoon Visits Policy Site "Must Not Let Our Guard Down"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] On the 11th, six days before the release of minor sex offender Kim Geun-sik (54), Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon visited the Central Location Tracking Control Center and the Seoul Probation Center in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, to inspect the management status of electronic monitoring subjects.

Before the visit, Minister Han told the press, "I came to check the crime prevention system. We will prepare well." He wrote in the guestbook, "Let's do our best to protect the people from crime," and "Protecting the people from crime damage is the duty of all of us."

He then checked the observation status of electronic monitoring subjects and met with the rapid investigation team members to hear about difficulties such as manpower shortages. He also personally examined the currently used location tracking electronic device (electronic anklet) and inquired about the development status of a new electronic anklet to be attached to high-risk offenders like Kim Geun-sik, who have a high risk of reoffending.

In particular, Minister Han said, "With Kim Geun-sik's release approaching, public anxiety and concerns are high," and urged, "Do not let your guard down and do your best in managing and supervising electronic monitoring subjects."

Kim Geun-sik was imprisoned for 15 years for repeatedly sexually assaulting 11 minors in the metropolitan area in 2006. He is scheduled to be released on the 17th. His residence after release has not yet been decided. In response, the Ministry of Justice announced measures including assigning a dedicated probation officer to monitor Kim Geun-sik 24 hours a day.

The Ministry of Justice is preparing a high-risk electronic anklet with metal inner layers increased from 7 to 15 layers. Regarding this, Moon Hee-gap, head of the Central Location Tracking Control Center, said, "We will complete development within this year. Distribution will be possible next year."

Additionally, a revision bill to the Treatment and Custody Act has been announced for legislation, which requires child sex offenders with pedophilic tendencies to receive treatment and custody at separate facilities such as the National Forensic Hospital even after completing their sentences and being released.

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