[2022 National Audit] 'Kim Geun-sik Concerns' Raised at Gyeonggi-do National Audit as Well

by Lee YeongKyu

Published 14 Oct.2022 12:46(KST)

The National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee's audit of Gyeonggi Province held at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office on the 14th

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon stated that he will "keep an eye on" the residence of child sex offender Kim Geun-sik, who is scheduled to be released on the 17th, in the Gyeonggi area.

On the 14th, during the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee's audit of Gyeonggi Province held at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government's new building in Gwanggyo, Suwon, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Min-chul (Uijeongbu-eul) asked about measures regarding Kim Geun-sik, a child sex offender, who is set to be released on the 17th and whose residence is in Gyeonggi Province, with one of the likely locations being Uijeongbu in northern Gyeonggi.

Lawmaker Kim particularly pointed out, "There is a rehabilitation facility, the Korea Rehabilitation Welfare Corporation, here where Kim Geun-sik is expected to live," adding, "The problem is that within less than 150 meters from this place, there are two kindergartens, two elementary schools, and a middle school. It is problematic to set a residence in an area where many children live."

In response, Governor Kim said, "There is a dedicated department for sexual violence, etc., at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government," and added, "I will keep an eye on it."

Earlier, some media reported that the Ministry of Justice is considering a branch of the Korea Rehabilitation Welfare Corporation, a rehabilitation facility in the Gyeonggi area, as Kim Geun-sik's residence. Subsequently, posts specifying the address of this facility appeared on online cafes.

Kim Geun-sik was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually assaulting 11 minors in the Seoul metropolitan area from May to September 2006.