Depiction of Electronic Monitoring Bracelet Subject Subjugation and Citizen Protection
On the 10th, at the Netflix film 'Mudosil Mugwan' production briefing held at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University Entrance in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, actor Kim Woo-bin (from the right), director Kim Joo-hwan, and Kim Sung-kyun are posing. [Image source=Yonhap News]
President Yoon Suk-yeol watched the Netflix movie "Mudosilmu-gwan" during the recent Chuseok holiday and recommended it as a must-watch film for the younger generation, it was reported on the 22nd.
A spokesperson from the Presidential Office said in a phone interview with Asia Economy on the same day, "President Yoon took time out of his busy Chuseok schedule to watch this movie," adding, "He conveyed that it is a film that reminds the MZ generation of public consciousness and dedication to the public good, and that it would be good for young people to watch it together."
The movie vividly shows how Mudosilmu-gwan sacrifice and strive to protect citizens by monitoring high-risk serious criminals wearing electronic anklets 24 hours a day, who trouble the public.
The Presidential Office official said, "People who have a high probability of reoffending after committing serious crimes such as sexual violence or murder are monitored 24 hours a day with electronic anklets. Mudosilmu-gwan play an important role by quickly dispatching in pairs with probation officers to subdue electronic anklet wearers and protect citizens," adding, "It is also meaningful that Kim Woo-bin, who overcame cancer after being given a six-month terminal diagnosis due to nasopharyngeal cancer, stars in the film," explaining the background of the recommendation.
In particular, President Yoon reportedly told his aides, "I hope many young people watch this kind of movie that depicts the pursuit of public interest and dedication." In his message commemorating Youth Day the day before, President Yoon also emphasized, "Young people, who view society with a fairer and more just perspective than anyone else, are the most important partners in national governance."
Probation officers are divided into general probation and electronic monitoring officers. Among them, probation officers in charge of electronic monitoring work together with Mudosilmu-gwan on tasks related to electronic anklet wearers.
A Presidential Office official said, "Mudosilmu-gwan is a profession not well known to the public," adding, "The Yoon Suk-yeol administration is making efforts to improve the treatment of probation officers and Mudosilmu-gwan."
According to the Ministry of Justice, as of July last year, the number of electronic anklet wearers was 4,182. The total number of probation officers at 14 institutions nationwide (including branch offices) is 1,861, of which 381 are dedicated electronic monitoring probation officers, and 165 are Mudosilmu-gwan.
Those required to wear electronic anklets are generally criminals with a high likelihood of reoffending, such as sexual offenders, juvenile kidnappers, murderers, and robbers. The recidivism rate (reincarceration within three years) of electronic anklet wearers averaged 12.5% from 2008 to 2023.
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