Firearm possession rules to get stricter

By Lee Kyung-min

Firearm possession will be only allowed to those whose mental health is proven in a medical checkup, police said Sunday.

The new rule was designed to prevent gunshot incidents following several such cases involving unstable people. It will take effect as early as in the latter half of this year.

So far, people have had to submit doctors’ medical certificates to the police if they want to own firearms or to renew their permission.

“But the previous regulation had loophole, because those with mental problems did not have to submit such certificates if they have never received treatment,” an official from the National Police Agency said.

“The new rule is an attempt to prevent the possibility of such people owning guns,” he said.

Also, hunters will be allowed to go hunting only when a group of at least three people goes together. Police will also keep track of the total amount of live ammunition, and unused shells will be returned to the police stations for safekeeping along with shotguns.

Hunters will also be required to wear yellow-colored vests, on which “hunting” is written, at all times to make it easy to know they have guns.