South Korean government moves to add life without parole for severe offenses

At a pan-government meeting chaired by President Lee Jae Myung, officials outlined a new criminal-justice initiative that would make life imprisonment without parole available for the gravest crimes. spokesperson Kang Yu-jung confirmed the plan, noting its purpose is to protect victims' human rights by ensuring perpetrators cannot re-enter society. The justice ministry will draft legislation to also prohibit weapon possession for those convicted of murder or robbery and to require electronic monitoring devices.

Meanwhile, the Korean National Police Agency proposed establishing facilities for domestic-violence offenders so victims need not abandon their homes. The proposals are slated for active pursuit in the coming months.