[Editorial] 1,069 Laws, 17,300 Penal Provisions... Regulatory Reform Starts Here

As Dong-A Ilbo, we highlight a critical issue plaguing South Korea: an overwhelming number of laws carrying criminal penalties. The sheer volume – 1,069 laws with 17,300 penal provisions – is staggering, far exceeding that of comparable nations like Germany. This "penal excess," as Justice Minister Chung Sung-ho aptly described it, makes it difficult even for legal experts to discern what constitutes a crime. President Lee Jae-myung's strong condemnation of this system, warning of excessive prosecutorial power and the risk of a "prosecutor-state," resonates deeply with our concerns. The current penal framework, largely unchanged since 1953, is ill-suited to modern economic realities. Vague provisions like breach of trust and abuse of power are frequently applied, leading to individuals being criminalized for minor infractions such as late 신고 for business name changes or missing reservist training. This "punishment-first" mentality stifles business activity and innovation. We at Dong-A Ilbo believe that reforming this archaic system is not just a matter of legal tidiness but a crucial step towards protecting individual freedoms and fostering a more dynamic economy. The focus must shift from excessive criminal penalties to more appropriate economic sanctions, such as increased fines and surcharges, as President Lee has urged. Regulatory reform, starting with the rationalization of these penal provisions, is essential for unlocking Korea's potential.

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There are penal provisions in 1,069 laws, and the number of offenses subject to punishment reaches about 17,300.