The Ministry of Justice announced Tuesday that 2,110 out of some 3,000 fine defaulters, who applied for community service, have been allowed to substitute public activities for paying their fines.
This is the first time a court has ordered community service for lawbreakers who couldn't afford to pay fines under a revised law that took effect last September. Only those who have fines of less than 3 million won ($2,600) can be subject to the changed law.
Among the 2,110 people, 600 of them who had been detained for not paying fines were also included. They will help farmers in harvesting and work at day care centers and laundry facilities to improve living conditions for people in the low-income bracket.
Over 50 officials will supervise the program along with civil volunteers. The ministry plans to expand the program in the future.