ROK to chemically castrate pedophile for 1st time

SEOUL - A convicted pedophile will be offered chemical castration for the first time in South Korea, local media reported Tuesday.

The Justice Ministry's committee for treatment and custody deliberation ordered Monday the offender to undergo drug treatment designed to diminish sexual urges.

The 45-year-old, only identified by his surname Park, was convicted of sexual offenses against children under the age of 13 four times.

The offender will also receive behavioral and psychological therapy in addition to the treatment that will be given to him for the next three years.  This marks the first time that South Korea implements chemical castration after a law allowing the use of such punishment against convicted pedophiles took effect in July last year.

The law gives judges the power to sentence sex offenders, who prey on minors under 16, to chemical castration for up to 15 years.