The ruling that child sex offender identification is constitutional in South Korea makes perfect sense. Child sexual offenses leave victims scarred for life, and disclosure of the offender’s identity is essential for social safety and justice. South Korean society needs stronger penalties and a change in attitudes toward these crimes.
It’s no wonder that the South Korean court ruled that disclosing the identity of sexual offenders against children and minors is constitutional. There
are many types of crimes in our society, but crimes against children who are not yet physically or mentally mature are among the most heinous. These crimes should be punished even more severely, since children are considered to be in need of protection from adults. If the same crime is committed against a child, there’s a good reason why it should be punished more severely.
In particular, sexual assault is a very serious offense on its own, but when the victim is a child, the severity of the harm is unimaginable. Unlike adults, children lack the ability to defend themselves or recognize situations, which makes sexual assault against them a very unforgivable act for the perpetrator. Because of this, child sexual assault offenders should be sanctioned more strongly by society, and publicizing their identities is a very appropriate response as a form of sanction.
There was a case where a sex offender filed a constitutional complaint against the disclosure of his identity. The fact that a sex offender has filed a constitutional challenge to the disclosure of their identifying information may indicate that they have not accurately recognized and acknowledged the extent of their wrongdoing. This may indicate that the offender does not recognize the seriousness of their criminal behavior, or that they do not understand the depth of the pain they have caused their victims. The idea that it is unreasonable for a perpetrator of child sexual assault to have his or her personal information disclosed is deeply frustrating and infuriating for victims. The fact that such an idea is even possible shows that Korean society is still too lenient toward child sexual offenses.
In other countries, people who commit sex crimes involving children are punished very heavily. Public perception is also very strict, and the law guarantees strong penalties for these crimes. It is only right that offenders who commit child sexual assault crimes abroad face one measure: disclosure of personal information. Victims of sexual violence are scarred for life. This can lead to extreme emotional distress, making it difficult for them to function in their daily lives, and in some cases, suicide. Therefore, the crime of sexual violence is not just a physical violation, but an extension of the concept of murder.
Despite the fact that the victim is suffering from the harm they have suffered, the victim’s identity is often more publicized than that of the perpetrator. This is a serious problem in our society, and it reflects the lack of protection for victims. In order for child sex offenders to receive the punishment they deserve, it is necessary to strengthen the laws surrounding child sex offenses. South Korea’s child sex offense laws are weak in both absolute and relative terms. Given that the target of the sexual offense is a child, it is important to consider the child’s development into adulthood.
If the perpetrator of the crime is released back into society before the child is old enough, the victim will have to live in fear and anxiety every day. This is not just an individual issue, but one that is directly related to the safety of society as a whole. Therefore, disclosing the identity of these criminals should not be an option, but a necessity. We must prioritize the protection of victims’ human rights over the protection of criminals’ human rights.
For all of these measures to work, we need to fundamentally change the perception of Korean society. We are so accustomed to light punishments that we tend to think that even a small increase in sentence is enough punishment. But from the victim’s point of view, it’s still not enough. We shouldn’t feel relieved that the penalty has increased from a low level, but rather that the penalty should be increased to a level that is acceptable to all, so that real action can be taken. Anyone who takes a moment to think about the seriousness of child sexual offenses can nod their heads in agreement.
In addition to stricter legal penalties, we also need to build education and social systems to prevent sexual offenses. Through education, children can learn how to protect themselves, and society needs to create a stronger safety net for them. It is important to create an environment where victims feel safe and protected, with strong sanctions to ensure that offenders never return to society. Only when these changes are made will we be able to break the cycle of child sexual offenses and create a safer society.
