Debate Battle Between Inmates and Civilians... Humanities Debate Successfully Concluded

3rd Term Yeoju Somang Correctional Institution Humanities Debate Program

The "3rd Yeoju Somang Prison Humanities Debate Program," designed to help inmates reflect on their lives and society, will come to a grand conclusion on the 24th.

Organized by the Korea Debate University Inmate Humanities Debate Volunteer Group, this program was held every Monday from 1 to 3 p.m. starting February 6th, with the final 12th session scheduled for the 24th. Debate activities involve dividing participants into affirmative and opposing teams according to a set format and time, engaging in logical arguments on given topics to persuade judges and the audience.

Started in 2019 and temporarily suspended due to COVID-19, the debate program resumed this year with about 20 inmates participating, combining lectures and debate discussions. In the final 12th session, a debate will be held between two selected inmates and two civilians. Although the inmate team faces challenging conditions in research and preparation, they are evaluated to have acquired sufficient capabilities through their previous debate activities.

The 3rd debate program covered current affairs and humanities issues such as ▲Gene editing of Homo sapiens ▲Advancements in genetic engineering and human happiness ▲Humans as consumers ▲Ecologism vs. genetic engineering ▲Early end to the Ukraine war and economic recovery of the international community ▲Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes ▲New market creation strategies, desperate measures in a saturated market vs. advanced marketing strategies ▲Allowing citizens to propose legislation ▲Equal rights under the constitution for foreigners residing in Korea ▲Constitutional specification of the concept of public land ownership.

Kim Min-young, head of the Korea Debate University Inmate Humanities Debate Volunteer Group, said, “I do not expect any major changes to occur through this program,” but added, “However, if the memories here change the lives of inmates even slightly, I believe that itself holds great significance.”