Assemblyman Seodongyong Proposes Amendment to the 'Electronic Device Attachment Act'

Mandatory Imposition of Entry Prohibition for Juvenile Sex Offenders in Specific Areas Such as Children's Protection Zones

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] Seo Dong-yong, a member of the National Assembly's Education Committee (Democratic Party, Suncheon-Gwangyang-Gokseong-Gurye District), proposed a partial amendment to the "Electronic Device Attachment Act" on the 2nd, which mandates compliance with entry bans to specific areas such as children's protection zones for sex offenders against minors.

This is a follow-up legislative measure after the recent national audit.

Under current law, only two mandatory restrictions are imposed on sex offenders against minors wearing electronic anklets: 'prohibition of going out during specific hours' and 'prohibition of entry to specific persons such as victims.' However, entry bans to specific areas such as children's protection zones are not mandated.

As a result, sex offenders against minors who are not subject to entry bans have been found to freely access schools, kindergartens, playgrounds, and other locations.

According to data disclosed by Seo Dong-yong during the recent national audit, among electronic anklet wearers, there were about 7,000 cases annually of violations despite mandatory entry bans to specific areas such as children's protection zones, totaling over 30,000 cases in five years.

Furthermore, among 524 sex offenders against minors wearing electronic anklets, only 160 were subject to entry bans, meaning 364 individuals were freely accessing children's protection zones and similar areas.

The amendment considers the high rate of recidivism among sex offenders against minors and revises the law to mandate compliance with entry bans to specific areas such as children's protection zones for those ordered to wear electronic anklets.

Seo Dong-yong stated, "Given that 70% of sex offenders against minors freely access children's protection zones, this amendment can help prevent the risk of reoffending," adding, "We will strive to create a safe environment for children, free from the risk of crime."

Eleven lawmakers, including Kwon In-sook, Kim Yong-min, Kim Jeong-ho, Kim Cheol-min, Do Jong-hwan, Park Jae-ho, Seo Dong-yong, Shin Jeong-hoon, Ahn Min-seok, Lee Dong-joo, and Choi Hye-young, co-sponsored this amendment.

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr

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