Ruling Party and Government Promote Isolation Measures After Release of 'Second Jo Doo-sun'

After Serving Sentence, Violent Criminal Is Re-Isolated in Protective Facility for Resocialization
"Potential Unconstitutionality, Will Review Solutions for Anti-Human Rights Issues"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] The ruling party and the government announced on the 26th that they will push for legislation allowing violent criminals who have completed their sentences and been released to be isolated in protective facilities for a certain period. This measure comes in response to growing calls for stricter management of violent offenders following the release of the minor sex offender Jo Doo-soon. Alongside this, the ruling party and government also plan to introduce a system of ‘mandatory compliance lawsuits’ that would enable administrative agencies to order the enforcement of dispositions.

The Democratic Party and the Ministry of Justice held a ‘Ruling Party-Government Consultation on the Introduction of a Human Rights-Friendly Security Disposition System and Mandatory Compliance Lawsuits’ at the National Assembly on the morning of the same day to discuss these measures.

Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering opening remarks at the 'Party-Government Meeting on the Introduction of a Human Rights-Friendly Security Disposition System and Mandatory Compliance Litigation' held at the National Assembly on the 26th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

After the consultation, Han Jeong-ae, the Democratic Party’s Policy Committee Chair, told reporters, “We will prepare legislation to isolate individuals who have committed specific crimes from society,” adding, “If experts determine that there is a high risk of recidivism for those who have committed specific crimes such as child sexual offenses, they will be isolated for a certain period to undergo rehabilitation.” Han also said, “We will prevent any potential constitutional issues or human rights violations during this process, and once the bill is prepared, it will be closely reviewed by the Judiciary Committee.”

However, the legislation discussed will not be applied retroactively to Jo Doo-soon. Han stated, “Jo Doo-soon is about to be released soon, but since the law will not be applied retroactively, lawmakers have separately proposed several bills,” emphasizing, “We will actively process bills related to improving the management system that have been submitted to the Legislation and Judiciary Committee.”

The ‘human rights-friendly security disposition system’ discussed by the ruling party and government on this day is similar in intent to the protective custody system under the Social Protection Act, which was abolished in 2005 amid controversies over double punishment and human rights violations, as it involves isolating violent criminals in protective facilities for a certain period again. However, following Jo Doo-soon’s release, there is growing demand for alternative legislation that excludes content violating the constitution or human rights.

Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, said in his opening remarks, “There is great public anxiety about the possibility of recidivism by violent criminals ahead of Jo Doo-soon’s release,” adding, “Many people agree with the claim that such individuals should be isolated from society even after release. More than 110,000 citizens have responded in favor of the so-called ‘Jo Doo-soon Isolation Act.’” Kim emphasized, “Protecting citizens from danger is the reason for the state’s existence,” and “We must proactively consider a new security disposition system that rehabilitates certain offenders in separate facilities after release to prevent recidivism.”

Yoon Ho-jung, a Democratic Party member and chair of the National Assembly’s Judiciary Committee, also stated, “In the case of alternative legislation for protective custody, sufficient discussion and thorough review are necessary during the promotion process, as the protective custody system was abolished in 2005 due to controversies over double punishment and human rights violations,” adding, “We must consider how to effectively prevent the recurrence of violent crimes and resolve the issues pointed out in past operations while differentiating the system.”

Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is attending the 'Pro-Human Rights Security Measures and Mandatory Compliance Litigation Introduction Party-Government Consultation' held at the National Assembly on the 26th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Choo Mi-ae, Minister of Justice, also attended the ruling party-government consultation and explained, “The proposed bill is completely different from the security dispositions that were abolished in the past. It targets murderers, child sex offenders, and those sentenced to more than five years in prison who have a high risk of recidivism,” adding, “Those like Jo Doo-soon who have already completed their sentences are excluded from the scope of the bill due to constitutional controversy.” Minister Choo further stated, “This system aims to protect the public and promote the smooth reintegration of offenders through restorative justice,” and requested, “We ask for special attention so that the system can be implemented promptly to alleviate residents’ anxiety and ensure a safe society.”