'The Line Where Children Played House' Park Was, Yoon Goes... Japanese Media Reveals Solitary Confinement Model

Japanese TBS Reports on President Yoon's Arrest
Introduces Detailed Miniature Model of Detention Cell
Mentions Former Presidents Involved in Legal Disputes

President Yoon Seok-yeol, accused of leading an insurrection, was detained on the 19th, becoming the first sitting president in history to be arrested. Meanwhile, Japanese media created a miniature model of the solitary cell where President Yoon will stay, which has become a hot topic on social networking services (SNS). On the same day, Japan's TBS broadcast stated, "President Yoon is the first sitting president in Korean history to be arrested, and the place where he is currently held is a solitary cell in Seoul Detention Center," revealing a model of the solitary cell with a photo of President Yoon's face attached.

The Japanese TBS broadcast introduced a miniature model of the solitary room where President Yoon Suk-yeol will stay. TBS broadcast screen

After his arrest, President Yoon, who had been staying in the detainee waiting room at Seoul Detention Center, was moved to a solitary cell in the detention block for pretrial detainees. The size of solitary cells varies slightly by room but is generally known to be about 3.3 to 9.9 square meters (1 to 3 pyeong). The cell is equipped with a folding mattress, TV, washbasin, toilet, and a single-person desk that doubles as a dining table. There is no bed; detainees must sleep on the floor covered with an electric blanket and use a blanket.

Regarding this, the TBS broadcast host said, "Although the cell is equipped with a bathroom, TV, and bedding, it is a small room," and added, "It appears that former President Park Geun-hye was also held in a similar solitary cell eight years ago," showing a photo of former President Park. The host continued, "Former President Park was arrested on charges of bribery related to the state affairs manipulation scandal, and former President Lee Myung-bak was also convicted on bribery charges. Former President Roh Moo-hyun committed suicide while under investigation for bribery charges," and evaluated, "Among the five former Korean presidents, only the Moon Jae-in administration was free from such incidents."

He also said, "Why do so many Korean presidents end up like this? One reason is that the president's position is too powerful," explaining, "The President of the Republic of Korea can appoint the Prime Minister and holds various powers ranging from veto rights over legislation to supreme command of the military. The term is five years, and the president is often called a 'monarchical president.' Because of this, it is easy for family members or aides to wield power, and scandals are likely to occur." He added, "The opposition parties aiming for regime change often target the president for criticism, and conservatives and progressives have repeatedly engaged in fierce political battles over many years."

On the same day, President Yoon reportedly underwent the incarceration procedures in the detention block at Seoul Detention Center, where a correctional officer verified his personal information such as name, resident registration number, and address, and confiscated his belongings. He also received a simple health check and a detailed physical examination. While he had been dressed in a suit in the detainee waiting room, he changed into a khaki-colored prison uniform worn by pretrial detainees. On the left chest of the uniform is the inmate number, and on the right is the location information, including the floor and room number of the cell where the inmate stays. It is also reported that he took a 'mug shot' photo holding a board with his inmate number. According to the Seoul Detention Center's 'Inmate Meal Menu,' the breakfast provided that day included dumpling soup, dried radish salad, and napa cabbage kimchi.