Yoon Seok-yeol's Favoritism Controversy Leads to Replacement of Seoul Detention Center Chief
As the favoritism controversy surrounding former President Yoon Seok-yeol has intensified, the chief of the Seoul Detention Center has been abruptly replaced.
On the 14th, the Ministry of Justice announced the transfer of Kim Hyun-woo, the head of the facility where former President Yoon is being held, to the Anyang Correctional Center and appointed Kim Do-hyung as the new chief.
This personnel action seems to be a response to several issues raised regarding the treatment of former President Yoon during his detention.
The Ministry of Justice explained, "This decision was made based on the judgment that personnel renewal is necessary. We believe it will help revitalize the stagnant organizational atmosphere and enable a greater focus on our core duties."
Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho stated on Facebook, "I have transferred the head of the Seoul Detention Center to ensure strict management of inmates." He also addressed those questioning the delay, saying, "Many have asked why it took so long, but it was essential to conduct a thorough investigation and take measures according to law and principle."
Suspension of Exclusive Meeting Room Usage and Favoritism Debate
Alongside this personnel change, the Ministry of Justice announced that the provision of an exclusive lawyer meeting room for former President Yoon would also be suspended from that day.
Minister Jeong indicated that this measure would similarly apply to Kim Geon-hee, who is currently detained at the Southern Detention Center.
He explained, "In the past, we have tolerated the use of exclusive meeting rooms for former presidents as a matter of courtesy. However, this has been abused, leading to the rejection of all legal processes during investigations and trials, while using lawyers' meetings as a pretext for extended use of the meeting room as a personal lounge." He emphasized the need to rectify this improper behavior.
Previously, the Democratic Party's Special Committee for Comprehensive Response to the 3 Major Special Prosecutions raised suspicions of favoritism concerning former President Yoon's conditions in detention.
The committee stated, "During Yoon Seok-yeol's entire detention period, the total meeting time with lawyers was 395 hours and 18 minutes, with a total of 348 individuals meeting him," and criticized the actions rejecting the execution of the arrest warrant against Kim Geon-hee while confirming that "he has been enjoying a comfortable life in detention, along with various privileges."
Minister Jeong emphasized, "For a suspect who has thrown away the dignity of a former president and has mocked the national judicial order using all forms of legal tricks, the Ministry of Justice will take corresponding measures." This action is interpreted as demonstrating the Ministry's commitment to ensuring fairness in inmate management and strict law enforcement within detention centers.
Image source: On the morning of August 1, 2025, a transport vehicle is leaving the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province, as the Special Investigation Team investigating various allegations against Kim Geon-hee (Special Prosecutor Min Jung-ki) begins to execute the arrest warrant for former President Yoon Seok-yeol. News1 reported on August 11, 2025, that Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho announced the special pardon list for the August 15 Liberation Day at the Government Seoul Palace in Jongno-gu, Seoul. News1.
