"Protecting Criminals' Human Rights?" Controversy Erupts... Jeonju Prison Considers Closing Inmate 'Mental and Physical Healing Room'

On the 28th, a Mind and Body Healing Room Equipped with Karaoke and Game Consoles Was Unveiled
Initiated Earlier This Year to Promote Inmate Mental and Physical Stability

'Mind and Body Healing Room' (karaoke and game machines) installed at Jeonju Correctional Institution in Jeonbuk. / Photo by Jeonju Correctional Institution

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] Jeonju Prison in Jeonbuk is reportedly considering closing the so-called 'Mind and Body Healing Room' (including karaoke and game machines) installed to relieve stress and provide stability for inmates. This comes amid controversy that the facility is an excessive accommodation for criminals.

According to 'Yonhap News' on the 30th, a Jeonju Prison official stated that due to strong public criticism of the Mind and Body Healing Room, they are reviewing whether to close it, taking public sentiment into account.

The media reported that the prison plans to go through discussions with related departments and the Correctional Council that supported the facility. However, no specific schedule has been decided yet.

The controversy over the facility arose on the 28th. On that day, the prison announced that the Mind and Body Healing Room was built to help stabilize inmates' mental and physical health.

According to the prison, the Mind and Body Healing Room, which is a connected container building, is equipped with karaoke and two game machines such as whack-a-mole. There are also three karaoke rooms equipped with lighting and sound equipment.

The prison, with the help of the Correctional Council, has been preparing to install the facility since early this year, reportedly spending about 50 million won on opening costs. The karaoke operates by accepting inmate applications and allows use for up to one hour, with priority given to death row inmates and those suffering severe stress from suicide or self-harm.

Jeonbuk Jeonju Prison announced on the 28th that it had established a "Mind and Body Healing Room" (karaoke and gaming devices) for the purpose of relieving inmate stress, among other reasons. Meanwhile, a petition urging the closure of this facility has been posted on the Blue House's public petition platform. / Photo by Yonhap News

However, once this news became known, some citizens criticized it as providing excessive benefits to those incarcerated for punishment purposes.

On the 29th, a petition urging the closure of the Jeonju Prison Mind and Body Healing Room was posted on the Blue House National Petition Board.

The petitioner emphasized, "Criminals are people who harm others or violate laws, and prisons should be harsh and severe places so that, regardless of the severity of the crime, they never want to return."

They continued, "The money used to install the Mind and Body Healing Room should be actively used to help victims of crime or support neighbors in need," and criticized, "Can you confidently say that human rights should be protected even for those who harmed your own children, siblings, or family members?"

They also argued, "Whether the crime was planned or impulsive, the choice was theirs, so they deserve to be persecuted and oppressed."

Meanwhile, Jeonju Prison issued an explanatory statement in response to the backlash, clarifying, "The Mind and Body Healing Room is equipped with 'karaoke machines,'" and explained, "The related equipment will be used in a limited manner through counseling for long-term inmates or those with mental instability."