President Lee: 'Fix Institutional Gaps to Leave No Blind Spots in Crimes Against Women and Youths'

President Lee Jae-myung urged relevant ministries to thoroughly improve institutional mechanisms to ensure that not a single blind spot emerges in responding to crimes targeting women and youths during the process of separating investigative and indictment authorities.

Presiding over a meeting of senior secretaries and advisors at the Yeomgwan building of the Blue House today (the 13th), President Lee noted, "Over the past few years, reports of relationship-driven crimes such as stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence have continued to increase. Last year, reports of related damages reportedly surged by 23 percent compared to the previous year."

He added, "While digital sex crimes such as illicitly filmed content and deepfake offenses have seen a significant increase in arrests through the launch of a pan-governmental joint response team last May and the expansion of the undercover investigation system, the occurrence of such incidents itself continues to show an upward trend."

He went on to emphasize, "Because the victims of these crimes are mostly socially vulnerable groups such as women and youths, we must pay extraordinary attention to support, protection, and recovery measures for the victims."

"Given the characteristics of these crimes, prompt and decisive initial responses are necessary to prevent additional damage and swiftly restore victims' rights," President Lee instructed, adding, "I ask relevant agencies to execute all necessary measures from the reporting stage onward with a perspective of 'victim-centric' and 'victims first,' even to the point of feeling excessive."

In particular, he requested, "Please ensure that relevant ministries properly supplement institutional safeguards so that no minor blind spots occur in responding to crimes against women and youths during the process of separating investigative and indictment authorities."

This remark by President Lee is interpreted as an effort to dispel concerns raised in some quarters that the abolition of the Criminal Procedure Act—centered on abolishing prosecutors' supplementary investigation powers—could lead to inadequate related investigations and problems in rescuing victims and guaranteeing their rights.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.