Attended the highest-level 'Advanced Course'... but risk of reoffending remains
Ministry of Justice "Plans to assign dedicated probation officers for 24-hour supervision"
Serial sex offender Kim Geun-sik, who assaulted minors, will be released on the 17th. Photo by Incheon Police Agency
[Asia Economy Culture Young Intern Reporter] Kim Geun-sik (54), who serially sexually assaulted 11 minors, is scheduled to be released on the 17th. Despite receiving psychological treatment while incarcerated, it has been revealed that he still poses a high risk of reoffending.
According to a JTBC report on the 5th, Kim was classified as a high-risk group in a recidivism risk assessment during his imprisonment and received psychological treatment.
Kim Geun-sik completed a total of 300 hours in an advanced course, the highest level in its class. Nevertheless, the results showed that the risk of reoffending remained, leading him to complete additional courses.
However, it is known that Kim did not receive medication treatment related to sexual impulses. This is because his sentence was finalized before the relevant law was enacted, and he is not required to undergo such treatment if he does not wish to.
Kim sexually assaulted 11 female children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 in Incheon and the Gyeonggi area from May 24 to August 10, 2006, and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Except for one victim (17 years old), all were under the age of 13.
At that time, Kim had been released after serving 5 years and 6 months for a minor sexual assault committed in 2000, but committed another child sex crime just 16 days after his release.
The Ministry of Justice told JTBC, "We cannot confirm specific treatment details regarding Kim," but added, "We are making efforts to reduce the risk of reoffending until his release."
Meanwhile, the police announced plans to manage him at the same level as Cho Doo-soon, an elementary school student kidnapper and rapist who was previously released. Kim will wear an electronic monitoring device (electronic ankle bracelet) for 10 years after release and receive dedicated management from the Ministry of Justice.
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) will be increased around his residence, and security posts will be installed. The area within a 1 km radius of his residence will be designated as a "Women’s Safety Zone," and patrols by mobile police units and police task forces will be significantly strengthened.
Additionally, Kim is prohibited from leaving his home during school commuting hours. Following a recent court decision, his outdoor restriction hours have been extended by 3 hours, from the previous 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. to 9 a.m., based on the judgment that it is necessary to prevent crimes targeting children and adolescents on their way to school.
Restrictions on his residence and mandatory reporting when traveling have also been added. If Kim does not have a stable residence, he must live at a location designated by his probation officer. When visiting or traveling to areas outside the city, county, or district where he resides, he must report to and obtain permission from his supervising probation officer.
The Ministry of Justice will assign a dedicated probation officer to supervise Kim, conducting 24-hour intensive monitoring and management from the time of his release. If necessary, customized compliance measures will be added to prevent recidivism, including psychological treatment for improving criminal tendencies and support for social adaptation.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family plans to disclose Kim’s personal information, including photos and actual residence, on the internet site "Sex Offender Alert e" on the day of his release.
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