Pedophiles subject to hormonal treatment starting Sunday

SEOUL, July 22 (Yonhap) -- Pedophiles at risk of repeating their crimes can be forced to undergo hormonal treatment starting Sunday, the Justice Ministry said, enforcing a relevant bill that passed through parliament last year. The bill allows hormonal treatment, or "chemical castration", for convicted pedophiles over 19 years of age who prey on minors under the age of 16. It was approved following a series of shocking attacks on young children who were kidnapped in broad daylight and raped. South Korea is the first country in Asia to introduce this type of treatment, although Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Poland and the U.S. state of California have used it for years. Under the new law, courts can order convicted pedophiles to undergo treatment only with the diagnosis of a doctor. However, those who are fined or receive suspended sentences for their crimes cannot be forced to receive treatment. "This was an inevitable measure that had to be taken to protect children," said a ministry official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "(The hormonal treatment) will contribute to creating a social environment in which children and teenagers can live free from the threat of sexual violence."