Book Chronicles the Journey of the 'Busan Spinning Kick' Victim
"Provided Concrete Suggestions for Protecting Crime Victims"
It has been reported that Han Donghoon, interim leader of the People Power Party, recently wrote a recommendation for the book "I Will Fight Because I'm Not Dead," published by Kim Jinju (pseudonym), the victim of the "Busan Spinning Kick Incident," which sparked nationwide outrage. According to the Korea Times on February 26, Han wrote, "I hope this book brings comfort and strength to many crime victims in this country and to those who fight for them."
On the afternoon of June 12 last year, after the appeal trial of the "Busan Spinning Kick Incident" held at the Busan High Court in Yeonje District, Busan, the victim is shedding tears during an interview. [Image source=Yonhap News]
This recommendation was written under the title "Former Minister of Justice Han Donghoon." The connection between Kim and Han began during a parliamentary audit in October last year. At that time, Assemblyman Cho Junghoon of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee played an interview video of Kim, the victim of the "Busan Spinning Kick Incident," during a questioning session. In the video, Kim pointed out the shortcomings of the crime victim support system, stating, "For a year, I was not connected to any support center, and I had to apply for and receive crime victim relief funds myself. I can't help but think that the state is too focused only on punishing the perpetrator."
In response, Han immediately called Kim to apologize and promised to improve the system. Kim then sent a document outlining the limitations of the current system and the needs at the investigation, trial, and post-trial stages. In his recommendation, Han stated, "I have never met the author in person, nor do I know her real name, but I am aware that what she has done and will do as a crime victim for other victims is of great significance." He added, "She is someone who has identified the many shortcomings of our system in protecting crime victims and has provided concrete suggestions for improvement."
On October 11 last year, Han Donghoon, Minister of Justice, attending the Legislation and Judiciary Committee's national audit held at the National Assembly, is watching an interview screen with the victim of the 'Busan Dolryeochagi' incident conducted by Assemblyman Cho Junghoon of the Transition Times party. [Image source=Yonhap News]
In fact, based on Kim's suggestions and other input, the Ministry of Justice established a "Task Force for Improving the Crime Victim Support System." In addition, a "One-Stop Solution Center," which will provide legal, economic, psychological, employment, welfare, and financial support services for crime victims all in one place, is scheduled to open in July. Measures Kim emphasized, such as expanding victims' rights to participate in trials (including guaranteeing access to and copies of records), have also been implemented in practice. Furthermore, a "Victim Support Portal System" is set to be established in December.
The book "I Will Fight Because I'm Not Dead" published by Kim Jinju (pseudonym), the victim of the 'Busan Spinning Kick Incident'. [Image provided by Eollukso]
Kim's book chronicles her journey of enduring the trauma of the horrific incident she experienced in May 2022 for over a year on her own. The "Busan Spinning Kick Incident" involved a man in his 30s, identified as Lee, who followed Kim as she returned home in the early morning, knocked her down with a spinning kick at the entrance of her officetel building, and then sexually assaulted and attempted to murder her in a CCTV blind spot. Lee, who has 18 prior convictions, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for attempted rape and murder and is currently serving his sentence.
Kim told the Korea Times on February 25, "I will send this book first to the perpetrator in the detention center," adding, "There is no way to avoid becoming a crime victim, but I hope that by reading this book, many people will be able to respond better." She plans to continue working to improve support systems for crime victims in the future.
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