[2023 National Audit] Han Dong-hoon: "'Korean-style Jessica Law' is not perfect... Must propose the best even if criticized"

Han Dong-hoon, Minister of Justice, stated on the 26th that he does not consider the proposed "Korean-style Jessica Law," which requires high-risk sex offenders to reside in state-designated facilities after release, to be "perfect," but added that "it is the best plan developed after nearly a year of research."

Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the same day, during the comprehensive audit by the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, Minister Han responded to Park Yong-jin, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, who criticized the bill by saying, "It is problematic to think that controversies can be ignored and the system can just be established."

Minister Han said, "Of course, we have considered the controversies," and added, "The choice was between leaving things as they are or establishing countermeasures, and we decided to take countermeasures, which I believe the public also wants."

Regarding concerns that local residents would strongly oppose the establishment of designated residential facilities, he said, "That is naturally an inevitable consequence, and we are deeply considering it," but insisted, "If we prioritize deciding where to install these facilities at this stage, it will be impossible to proceed with discussions."

Minister Han emphasized, "Initially, we considered deportation methods like the U.S. Jessica Law, but as a democratic country, we believe that disparities in public safety based on region or wealth should not be allowed, so we changed our approach," adding, "Designating residences to increase state responsibility and better manage offenders is a reasonable approach."

Lawmaker Park predicted that the Korean-style Jessica Law would cause significant controversy during the National Assembly's deliberations and remarked, "I hope the minister will not just throw this bill out there and then withdraw to run in the general election."

In response, Minister Han said, "While the general election is important to many, it is not everything in life for all citizens, including myself," and added, "If the general election is upcoming, does that mean I should not submit important bills that are ready? I must do it."

He continued, "(The Korean-style Jessica Law) is not something that would gain popularity; rather, it is an issue that many people may strongly oppose," and said, "Anyone responsible for administration must propose the best plan even if it means receiving criticism or facing backlash."

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