Gov’t Expands Disclosure of Sexual Offenders’ Employment at Child-Related Facilities

SEOUL: Information about sexual offenders employed at child-related facilities will soon be more accessible to the public, as local governments and regional education offices join the gender ministry in disclosing such details on their websites. This move aims to prevent sexual offenders from being employed at these facilities by enhancing transparency and accountability. According to Yonhap News Agency, the decision to broaden the disclosure comes after the Cabinet passed a revision on Tuesday to the enforcement decree of the Act on the Protection of Children and Youth against Sex Offenders. Sexual offenders are legally prohibited from working in child-related settings, yet some have managed to secure employment by hiding their past convictions. In response, local governments and regional education offices conduct annual inspections to identify any offenders working at these facilities. Previously, the results of these inspections were only available on the gender ministry's website. Starting next year, th e outcome of these inspections will also be accessible on the websites of the local governments and regional education offices responsible for conducting them. This policy change is designed to strengthen the role of these agencies in safeguarding children and youth against sexual crimes. A ministry official highlighted the benefits of the revised bill, stating, "With the revision of the bill, local residents will have better access to the inspection results." The official further emphasized the ministry of gender equality and family's commitment to maximizing efforts to protect children and youth from sexual offenses.