South Korea Considers Life Imprisonment Without Parole for Crimes Targeting Vulnerable Groups
South Korea is contemplating life sentences without parole to enhance public safety and protect vulnerable communities from crime.
Seoul, November 15 (Daily Kiran) : South Korea is taking a firm stance against crimes targeting vulnerable populations by considering life imprisonment without parole. This initiative aims to strengthen public safety and was announced by the presidential office on Sunday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the focus will be on crimes that specifically target disadvantaged groups, including relationship-related offenses and those committed without clear motives.
Recent high-profile cases of relationship violence have drawn renewed attention to this issue. Notably, a woman was murdered last month on Jeju Island after reporting stalking and dating violence to the police. She had been provided police protection, but the alleged perpetrator claimed to be her ex-boyfriend.
Lim Kwang-hyun, Chief of Staff at the presidential office, stated that the government would intensify its efforts to combat scandals, illegal drugs, unregulated private loans, digital sexual crimes, and the spread of false information. These crimes disrupt daily life and pose threats to public order.
This initiative follows President Lee Jae-myung’s directive during a cabinet meeting last week, where he emphasized the need to utilize all government resources to save lives and ensure safety.
During a briefing, Lim mentioned, “In cases where individuals exploit others’ vulnerabilities for financial gain, we will pursue offenders internationally, dismantle their criminal networks, and seize any illegal profits.”
He added that discussions are underway to establish a new patrol unit for public safety and to implement life imprisonment without parole as a legal provision.
Under current law, inmates serving life sentences can be considered for parole after serving 20 years. In 2023, the cabinet approved a bill to amend the Criminal Act, aiming to permanently separate those convicted of heinous crimes from society. This proposal would grant courts the authority to decide whether life sentences would include the possibility of parole. However, the bill did not pass in the 21st National Assembly before its term ended in May 2024.
