[2023 National Audit] Han Dong-hoon "Korean-style Jessica Law Introduction Plan, Legislative Notice This Month"

Han Dong-hoon, Minister of Justice, stated on the morning of the 11th during the Ministry of Justice's national audit briefing at the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, "To alleviate public anxiety caused by the release of high-risk sex offenders, we have been promoting the introduction of the 'Jessica Act,' which restricts their residence," adding, "We will announce the legislation to the public and explain it within this month."

Participants including Han Dong-hoon, Minister of Justice, are taking an oath at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee's national audit held at the National Assembly on the 11th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

The Jessica Act is a law that prohibits high-risk sex offenders, who have a high risk of reoffending, from living within 500 meters of educational facilities for minors such as elementary, middle, and high schools, daycare centers, and kindergartens upon their release. The Ministry of Justice announced in its New Year's work report last January that it would draft a 'Korean-style' version of the Jessica Act tailored to South Korea's circumstances and submit it to the National Assembly.

However, considering freedom of residence and other factors, the target will be limited to those who have repeatedly committed crimes or have committed sex crimes against children under the age of 13.

The Ministry of Justice initially planned to submit an amendment to the Electronic Monitoring Act containing this provision to the National Assembly in May but has proceeded with the legislative process later than planned. According to Minister Han's announcement, the bill is expected to be publicly announced within this month, undergo review by the Ministry of Government Legislation, and then be submitted to the National Assembly.

In his opening remarks at the national audit on the same day, Minister Han said, "Since my appointment as minister in May last year, I have been doing my best to realize the vision of 'rule of law based on justice and common sense,'" adding, "Through today's national audit, I will deeply reflect on the valuable comments from the committee members and faithfully incorporate them into our work to make this an opportunity for further development."

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