Yoon Seok-youl's Re-arrest Reignites Controversy Over Air Conditioning in Correctional Facilities

The re-arrest of former President Yoon Seok-youl has brought the issue of 'installing air conditioning in correctional facilities,' which had been simmering beneath the surface, back into the spotlight.

On the 10th, after being re-arrested and detained at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province, some supporters of the former president raised complaints demanding that an air conditioner be provided in his solitary cell, which has sparked allegations of preferential treatment.

Kim Hak-sung, former head of the Correctional Bureau of the Ministry of Justice, appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the 14th and stated, "If an air conditioner is installed only in the former president's room, it could lead to an enormous amount of other problems."

He added, "If air conditioning is to be installed, it must be implemented in all correctional facilities nationwide."

Currently, there are no air conditioners installed in the common areas of correctional facilities, including the Seoul Detention Center, and only ceiling fans are available. The environment is far from adequate for inmates to endure the sweltering heat.

Attempts to install air conditioning in correctional facilities have been thwarted in the past due to negative public sentiment.

Controversy Over Air Conditioning Installation and Preferential Treatment

Kim pointed out, "Many individuals who have not committed crimes do not receive the benefits of air conditioning, so there is public sentiment questioning whether it is necessary to install it for those who have committed crimes."

However, he added, expressing his personal opinion, "I think it is time to consider the installation of air conditioning in correctional facilities, as there are cases where illnesses worsen due to heat and result in death."

In response to claims made by the former president's lawyers that he is facing human rights violations in the detention center, Kim refuted, saying, "While it may not be preferential treatment compared to general inmates, I believe he is receiving a certain level of consideration as a former president."

Regarding the issues raised by Yoon's legal representatives, including the inability to purchase medication for pre-existing conditions and lack of outdoor exercise time, Kim stated, "Lawyer Kim Gye-rie’s remarks suggest a lack of understanding of correctional administration."

The Ministry of Justice indicated in a press release the day before that Yoon's outdoor exercise is being conducted normally.

Kim explained, "The Ministry of Justice has issued explanatory materials stating that, in principle, inmates can exercise whenever they wish if they request it."

On the issue of medication, Kim analyzed, "He probably thought he wouldn’t be arrested, so he didn't bring the usual medications with him when he entered the detention center, which may have caused a gap in that regard."

Generally, inmates are known to bring their own medications upon admission, and after running out, they can obtain prescriptions within the detention center.

Image source: Yoon Seok-youl / News1, reference photo for understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank, Seoul Detention Center / News1