Growing Calls for Revision of the Gipsy Act... National Police Agency and Legal Policy Research Institute Hold Forum

The discussion forum on "Amendment of the Assembly and Demonstration Act to Alleviate Public Inconvenience," jointly hosted by the National Police Agency and the Korea Institute of Criminology and Justice on the 26th at the Federation of Korean Industries Building in Yeouido, Seoul / Photo by National Police Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] As various legal interpretations arise over whether the area near the Yongsan Presidential Office qualifies as a 'prohibited assembly location,' the police have organized a forum to explore directions for amending the Assembly and Demonstration Act.

On the 26th, the National Police Agency held a forum titled 'Amendment of the Assembly and Demonstration Act to Alleviate Public Inconvenience' at the Federation of Korean Industries building in Yeouido, jointly with the Korea Institute of Criminology and Justice Policy. Divided into two subcommittees, the first presentation was delivered by Professor Heehoon Lee of Sunmoon University’s Department of Law and Police Studies on the topic of 'Measures to Protect Public Peace from Assembly Noise.'

Professor Lee suggested, "To effectively manage assembly noise, it is necessary to establish provisions that allow punishment if police-issued warnings restricting the use of loudspeakers are not followed, and to strengthen noise standards in the enforcement decree of the Assembly and Demonstration Act." He also argued, "In cases where multiple assemblies held at the same location generate noise exceeding permissible limits, regulations should be introduced to hold all assembly organizers responsible."

Professor Danbi Choi of Wonkwang University Law School, participating as a discussant, stated, "To harmonize as much as possible with the peace rights of nearby residents, students, and patients, as well as the right to learn, discussions on regulatory measures are needed for assemblies that exceed the freedom of expression." Another discussant, Professor Moonkyu Hwang of Joongbu University’s Department of Police Administration, emphasized, "Efforts by the police to seek harmony with assembly participants through dialogue and consultation, known as dialogue policing, are also necessary."

Professor Wonkyo Park of Gunsan University’s Department of Law delivered the second subcommittee presentation on 'Improvement Measures for the Appropriateness of Current Prohibited Location Provisions.' He explained, "Considering the constitutional status of the president, there is a high possibility that outdoor assemblies and demonstrations will be held near the presidential residence by individuals with major national policies and interests, which could obstruct the president’s duties or pose physical safety threats."

Attorney Wooseok Kim, attending as a discussant, said, "It is necessary to designate the area around the presidential office as a prohibited assembly location to ensure the president can perform normal duties such as public-interest judgments and decision-making for the nation and its people." In contrast, Attorney Sunhyu Kim argued, "The presidential office is constantly guarded, and there is sufficient distance to prevent threats such as object throwing or trespassing, making it difficult for the institution’s functions to be impaired or for physical safety to be threatened."

The National Police Agency plans to proceed with amendments to the Assembly and Demonstration Act based on discussions from this forum and another forum jointly hosted by ruling and opposition lawmakers on the 17th of next month. Police Commissioner General Heegeun Yoon stated, "The freedom of assembly and demonstration is a fundamental constitutional right, but the public’s right to peacefully enjoy their private lives must also be actively guaranteed," adding, "I hope this forum serves as a catalyst for establishing a more mature culture of assembly and demonstration."

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