Prosecutors Extend Detention of Kim Geun-sik on Minor Sexual Assault Charges by 10 Days

Prosecutor's flag fluttering in the wind [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The prosecution is reportedly set to extend the detention period of serial child sex offender Kim Geun-sik (54), who was re-arrested one day before his release.

According to the legal community on the 24th, the Anyang Branch of the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office plans to extend Kim Geun-sik's detention period once more on charges of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, and then indict him in early next month.

According to the Criminal Procedure Act, the detention period during the prosecution investigation stage is 10 days, and with court approval, it can be extended once more (up to 10 days). Kim Geun-sik's first detention period expires on the 25th.

Kim Geun-sik was detained on the 16th, one day before his scheduled release after serving his full term for forcibly molesting a minor under the age of 13 in 2006. This case began investigation after a victim, who learned of Kim Geun-sik's serial sex crimes through media reports, filed a police report in December 2020.

Kim Geun-sik is reported to be denying the allegations. During the detention review hearing held at the court on the 19th, he argued for the necessity of non-custodial investigation, stating, "I have a fixed residence after release, and my face is already known, so there is no risk of flight." He also reportedly stated that he had planned to do various jobs in Uijeongbu, where he was to stay after release, but the local community opposed it, which he claimed was unfair. The detention review request was dismissed on the same day, and Kim Geun-sik's detention was maintained.

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