"This Is How It Is"... Even Jo Doo-sun Was Surprised from Release to Going Home (Comprehensive Report 3)

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

Arrives Calmly at Ansan Probation Office
Silent in Front of Reporters After Filing Report

Angry Citizens Shout and Curse Even in Front of His House

[Asia Economy Reporters Seongpil Jo, Seungyoon Song, Juni Park] Child sex offender Jo Doo-soon (68) was released on the 12th. After boarding a government vehicle at Seoul Southern Correctional Institution, he waited for about 40 minutes in front of the main gate before leaving the prison around 6:46 PM. Prior to his release, Jo Doo-soon was fitted with an electronic device (electronic anklet) by correctional authorities. The probation officer checked for any communication malfunctions and recorded the device's attachment status. Jo reportedly said on the vehicle heading to Ansan, "I didn't expect so many people to gather today, nor did I expect the atmosphere to be like this."

Child sex offender Jo Doo-soon, who was released after serving his sentence, is getting off the official vehicle after arriving at the Ansan Probation Office on the morning of the 12th. Photo by Seongpil Jo gatozz@

"Execute Jo Doo-soon" Chase Ensues on Release Day

On the day of Jo Doo-soon's release, dozens of conservative group members and others had gathered in front of Seoul Southern Correctional Institution since the previous day. They held placards with slogans such as "Castrate Jo Doo-soon" and "Jo Doo-soon to Hell," staging protests to block his release. Numerous YouTubers and VJs were 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 overnight to witness this historic moment in person," adding, "I felt helpless that a heinous criminal was being 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 COVID-19 social distancing guidelines 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 police instructions, saying, "We're wearing masks properly, so why is this necessary?"

As the Ministry of Justice's announced expected release time of 6 PM approached, 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 it. Some citizens threw eggs at the vehicle, shouting "Execute Jo Doo-soon." A few even took taxis on the spot to follow the vehicle.

Child sex offender Jo Doo-soon, who was released after serving his sentence, stood with his hands clasped behind his back in front of the press after leaving the Ansan Probation Office on the morning of the 12th. Photo by Jo Seong-pil gatozz@

Jo Doo-soon, Who Said "I Will Live Reflectively," Bowed His Head with Hands Behind His Back

Jo Doo-soon left the prison and moved to the Ansan Probation Office, which has jurisdiction over his residence. He arrived there around 7:45 AM. Despite probation officers' attempts to prevent him from getting out of the vehicle toward the waiting press, he exited facing the reporters. He did not respond to any questions such as "Do you feel any remorse?" His expression was hidden by a mask, but his gait was calm.

At the probation office, he underwent legally mandated procedures including submitting a commencement report, receiving compliance instructions, and system registration. These procedures took about an hour. During the administrative process, Jo reportedly said, "I didn't expect the citizens' anger to be this intense," and "I will live with a repentant heart from now on." He also expressed a desire to apologize to the victims, but probation officers discouraged this to prevent secondary harm.

After completing the administrative procedures, Jo Doo-soon exited the probation office with his hands behind his back. Standing before the press, he bowed his head silently before boarding the government vehicle again. The probation officers explained that the use of the government vehicle during his release was "not for Jo Doo-soon's personal benefit but for public safety."

Dozens of citizens, including conservative group members, also gathered around the probation office. Most condemned Jo Doo-soon's release with slogans such as "Execute Jo Doo-soon" and "Jo Doo-soon, commit suicide." One citizen, shirtless, claimed, "I can do 1,000 push-ups like Jo Doo-soon," and said, "I will kill him." The police deployed 120 officers from four riot squads around the probation office to prepare for any incidents. Fortunately, no physical clashes occurred.

Child sex offender Jo Doo-soon, who was released after serving his sentence, is entering his home in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province on the morning of the 12th. Photo by Seung-yoon Song kaav@

Angry Citizens Demand "Drag Him Out Immediately" as Jo Doo-soon Returns Home

In front of his home, angry citizens shouted insults and attempted to approach Jo Doo-soon, but no violent incidents occurred. Even before Jo arrived at his home around 8:50 AM, the area was crowded with reporters, YouTubers, and citizens. Citizens displayed banners reading "Jo Doo-soon's Release, Citizens' Anxiety" and shouted slogans such as "Police, do not protect Jo Doo-soon" and "Reveal Jo Doo-soon's face." Some citizens tried to enter the residence but were stopped by police.

When the government vehicle carrying Jo Doo-soon entered the alley in front of his house, citizens watching shouted harsh insults like "Die" and "You bastard." Sporadic clashes occurred between police controlling the scene and citizens.

Wearing a khaki long padded jacket and a hat pulled down, Jo Doo-soon got out of the vehicle, bowed his head, and immediately entered his home. Some citizens attempted to enter the police line set up around the residence's entrance. Rough scuffles broke out as police tried to stop them, but Jo was not assaulted. Even after Jo entered his home, some citizens remained outside, and police continue to control the area.

Jo Doo-soon's probation officer plans to install a home monitoring device at his residence. Jo must wear the electronic anklet for the next seven years and will be under 24-hour one-on-one close supervision by a dedicated probation officer. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison after being convicted of kidnapping and sexually assaulting an elementary school student in front of a church in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, in December 2008, causing serious injuries. He was released on this day after serving his full sentence.