"Jodusun Incident Feels Like Yesterday" Angry Ansan Citizens [Han Seunggon's Reporting Notebook]

'Child Sex Offender', '17-time Convict' Jo Doo-sun "I Reflect. I Want to Live in Ansan"
Meticulous Evidence Destruction Immediately After Crime... Denies Crime in Court
"Reflection is Nonsense", "Unthinkable" Ansan Residents Outraged

On the afternoon of the 14th, I visited Ansan Station. The news of Jo Doo-soon's release caused confusion and anger among the citizens of Ansan. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Seunggon Han] [Editor's Note] We bring you behind-the-scenes stories from our reporting that were not included in the articles. We faithfully convey the vivid stories we heard and noted down on site to our readers.

Child sex offender Jo Doo-soon (68) has expressed his desire to live in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, where he committed his crime and resided, once he is released this December.

During a meeting with probation counselors at the Ansan Probation Office last July, he stated, "I am remorseful. After release, I will return to Ansan where I originally lived and live without causing trouble," showing his intention to come back to Ansan.

As this news spread, online public opinion surged. There were petitions on the Blue House website demanding to block Jo Doo-soon's release altogether, and numerous posts threatening to wait at the prison gate on the day of his release to harm him.

Citizens met in Ansan on the 14th showed similar reactions. (Related article | "Don't even mention Jo Doo-soon" Ansan citizens' anger over the 'Jo Doo-soon case' remains [Report])

However, the 'Jo Doo-soon case' became widely known only after a terrestrial current affairs broadcast on September 22, 2009. Although the incident occurred on December 11, 2008, it was only after the broadcast revealed the victim's severe suffering that society was engulfed in outrage.

Therefore, when covering the reactions of Ansan citizens, it was necessary to hear from residents who experienced the Jo Doo-soon case firsthand near the crime scene in December 2008.

We believed that the feelings of citizens who have lived in Ansan from the time of the incident until now would provide the most honest response to Jo Doo-soon's statement that he "wants to return to Ansan."

After inquiries from Ansan Station to nearby markets, taxi drivers, underground merchants, and passing office workers, we finally found a resident who was near the scene when the incident occurred and still lives in Ansan.

Although the incident happened over ten years ago, Mr. Kim's memory was vivid as if explaining something that happened yesterday. He said, "At that time, residents were deeply shocked by the incident, and they are once again angry at the thought of Jo Doo-soon coming to Ansan."

On the afternoon of the 14th, residents of Ansan are spending their leisure time shopping at the multicultural street market near Ansan Station. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

During the interview, he suddenly stood up and pointed with his finger, saying, "That is where it happened," accurately indicating the location. Mr. Kim said that people who have lived in Ansan for over a decade like him unanimously say, "We oppose Jo Doo-soon coming to Ansan."

He urged, "Go to the place I pointed to (the crime scene) and listen to more residents' stories." He wanted to raise awareness of how strongly citizens oppose Jo Doo-soon's return to Ansan.

However, in accordance with the 'Detailed Guidelines for Reporting Sexual Violence Crimes,' we did not conduct detailed reporting near OO-dong. This was due to concerns about causing shock and disappointment to the victim through media exposure, and the possibility of re-triggering trauma that only the victim could understand.

The victim's father also expressed through various channels that he no longer wished to be exposed to the media.

Nonetheless, the reactions of residents met at a distance from the crime scene were, as Mr. Kim expected, full of anger. From complaints directed at the government such as "Why on earth is Jo Doo-soon being released?" to citizens who disliked even mentioning 'Jo Doo-soon' in conversation.

Additionally, some residents felt uneasy about elementary school students learning about the incident, while adults were trying to move on from the memories of that day. There was also outrage directed at the judge who acknowledged that the crime was committed under the influence of alcohol. Since the incident on December 11, 2008, residents' anger remains as if the event happened yesterday.

On the afternoon of March 16, 2010, Jo Doo-soon, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison, is seen on the CCTV screen at the security department of Cheongsong Prison in Gyeongbuk.

It is understandable because although Jo Doo-soon's crime was known to be committed impulsively under the influence of alcohol, the process of the crime and the destruction of evidence were very meticulous.

In fact, only three fingerprints of Jo Doo-soon were found at the crime scene. The forensic team spent six hours inspecting the site and discovered fingerprints on the door frame: the left thumb, left index finger, and right thumb. Based on the victim's testimony and collected evidence, the police located Jo Doo-soon's residence and arrested him three days after the incident.

Upon arrest, Jo Doo-soon was a 17-time repeat offender with convictions for sexual violence and assault resulting in death. He was intoxicated at the time of the crime and claimed to have no memory of it. Even when caught by the police, he was asleep under the influence of alcohol.

However, he was known to be unrestrained when denying or making excuses for his crime. He remembered the victim saying his hair was black, and when white hairs appeared from his dyed black hair, he claimed the victim's testimony was unreliable.

He also said he only saw the victim at the crime scene and did not commit any crime, making statements that sparked public outrage. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison but appealed and filed a final appeal claiming the sentence was harsh; all were dismissed.

No one can simply believe Jo Doo-soon's claims of remorse, repentance, and apology to the victim.

CCTV in an alley of a residential area in Ansan OO-dong. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

Meanwhile, as Jo Doo-soon's release approaches, the Ministry of Justice, police, lawmakers, and local governments are discussing measures for after his release.

On the 18th, a 'Meeting on Measures to Prevent Jo Doo-soon's Recidivism' was held at Ansan City Hall. According to information disclosed after the closed-door meeting, the Ministry of Justice stated that they will take realistic measures after his release, including one-on-one probation supervision and 24-hour location tracking.

They also said that if he violates post-release conditions, he will be immediately detained and investigated. The police will form and operate a special response task force and strengthen patrols during school commuting hours.

At the meeting, Ko Ki-young, Deputy Minister of Justice, said, "The Ministry of Justice is preparing measures regarding Jo Doo-soon's release," and added, "If Ansan residents and the public provide opinions on ways to ensure their safety, we will actively reflect them."

Nevertheless, the anxiety among Ansan residents remains. A resident who declined to disclose their age or address asked the reporter:

"They say Jo Doo-soon is coming out, but isn't this making the victim suffer twice? The government says they will manage him, but who will handle the fear and anger I already feel?"