Ministry of Justice Takes Severe Disciplinary and Personnel Actions Against 4 Employees Responsible for Kim Gilsu's Escape

The Ministry of Justice has decided to impose severe disciplinary actions on those responsible in connection with the case of Kim Gilsu (36, detained and indicted), who escaped while receiving treatment at a hospital during detention.

Kim Gilsu [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 23rd, the Ministry of Justice announced the results of the investigation and measures taken regarding Kim's escape incident. This announcement came 17 days after Kim was apprehended.

The Ministry stated, "We will demand severe disciplinary actions against four personnel responsible for inmate custody and duty supervision at the time, who neglected inmate supervision and failed to take appropriate follow-up measures. Additionally, we plan to impose disciplinary demands and personnel actions on November 27 against key executives, including the head of the detention center, holding them accountable for supervisory responsibilities." They also introduced measures to prevent recurrence of escape incidents, such as mandating the wearing of location-tracking electronic devices (electronic anklets) for inmates receiving outpatient or inpatient treatment at external hospitals and installing high-performance webcams in hospital rooms. Furthermore, the Ministry plans to secure additional designated hospital rooms used by correctional institutions to enhance escape prevention facilities.

The Ministry of Justice stated, "We will make every effort to prevent similar incidents through strict inmate management."

Kim was serving time at Seoul Detention Center on charges of special robbery when he complained of pain after swallowing a plastic spoon and was transferred to a hospital. On the 4th, while receiving treatment at the hospital, he escaped by taking advantage of a moment when his restraints were temporarily removed under the pretext of using the restroom. Kim was apprehended on the 6th, the third day after his escape, but controversy arose as it was revealed that correctional officers delayed reporting Kim’s escape by about an hour during the process.