Korea might end death penalty

Korean has not executed anyone since 1997 (the year Kim Dae-jung was elected president).  Now, the government is considering officially abolishing it (Yonhap):

South Korea's Justice Ministry said Tuesday it will review whether to abolish capital punishment and introduce life imprisonment without parole as part of efforts to improve human rights conditions.

"The ministry will thoroughly analyze the matter of the death penalty," the ministry said in a long-term policy roadmap.

I am against the death penalty, so that is fine with me.  On the other hand, this part would not make me happy if I were Korean:

The ministry will also consider allowing prison inmates to cast ballots in national elections and abolishing a controversial supervision system that requires ex-convicts to report their whereabouts and activities, it said.

While I think former convicts should have the chance to eventually get their franchise back (say, 5-10 years after they get out).  Criminals are rightfully excluded from exercising a number of rights, not the least of which is their freedom.  I also shutter to think what incumbents might do to win the 'prison vote' in a close election.