"Chase Ensues on Release Route with Calls to Execute Jo Doo-sun (Comprehensive)"

After Riding Jodusun's Official Vehicle, He Escapes Prison
Angry Citizens Throw Eggs and Chase the Official Vehicle

[Asia Economy reporters Seongpil Jo and Juni Park] Child sex offender Jo Doo-soon (68) was released on the 12th. After boarding a government vehicle at Seoul Southern Prison, he waited for about 40 minutes in front of the main gate before leaving the prison at around 6:46 PM.

Jo Doo-soon left the prison and moved to the Ansan Probation Office, which has jurisdiction over his residence. At the probation office, procedures stipulated by law such as submission of the commencement report and other documents, notification of compliance requirements, and system registration are carried out.

Prior to his release, Jo Doo-soon was fitted with an electronic device (electronic anklet) by the correctional institution. The probation officer checked for any communication issues and took photos of the device's attachment status.

On the day of Jo Doo-soon's release, dozens of members of conservative groups and others had gathered in front of Seoul Southern Prison since the previous day. They held placards with phrases such as "Castrate Jo Doo-soon" and "Jo Doo-soon to Hell," protesting to prevent his release. Numerous YouTubers and VJs were also seen live streaming the release scenes online from various spots.

Yoon Ji-hyun (25), who had been waiting in front of the prison gate since 10 PM the previous night, said, "I stayed up all night to witness this historic moment in person," adding, "I felt helpless seeing a heinous criminal released into society without any safeguards."

The police installed fences along about 500 meters of the road at the prison entrance and deployed 150 officers from three riot squads to prepare for any possible incidents. At the scene, confrontations occurred between protesters trying to get close to the prison and police officers blocking them.

On that day, the police conveyed social distancing rules for COVID-19 prevention to the protesters. However, dozens of citizens gathered to witness the release were packed closely together, with most not maintaining the recommended 2-meter distance. Some citizens resisted the police instructions, saying, "We're wearing masks properly, so why is this necessary?"

As the expected release time announced by the Ministry of Justice approached 6 PM, more reporters and citizens gathered, filling the area in front of the prison to capacity. When the government vehicle carrying Jo Doo-soon exited the prison gate, dozens of conservative group members and citizens who had been waiting chased after the vehicle. Some citizens threw eggs at the vehicle, shouting "Death penalty for Jo Doo-soon." A few even took taxis on the spot to follow the vehicle.

Jo Doo-soon travels by government vehicle accompanied by a probation officer from the Ansan Probation Office until he arrives at his home. After returning home, the probation officer installs a home supervision device at his address. Jo Doo-soon will wear the electronic anklet for the next seven years and will be under 24-hour one-on-one close surveillance by a dedicated probation officer.

Meanwhile, the court is expected to impose special compliance conditions on Jo Doo-soon as early as that day, including prohibitions on drinking above a certain amount and restrictions on going out during late-night hours. The police have set up a security post with 24-hour operation at a location visible from the entrance of Jo Doo-soon and his wife’s residence. Additionally, 15 security CCTV cameras have been newly installed near the residential area.

To alleviate the concerns of nearby residents, Ansan City plans to increase nighttime lighting brightness at 30 locations around Jo Doo-soon’s residence and deploy 12 newly hired martial arts officers and other personnel as 24-hour patrol teams.