Former Correctional Bureau Chief: "If Air Conditioner Is Installed in Yoon's Cell, All Prisons Nationwide Should Get One"

Demands for Air Conditioner Installation Continue Among Some Supporters
Difficulties in Installing Air Conditioner Only in Solitary Cell

With former President Yoon Sukyeol having been detained on July 10, a controversy has arisen over the installation of air conditioners in correctional facilities, as some of his supporters are reportedly inundating Seoul Detention Center with protest calls and civil complaints demanding improved detention conditions, such as the installation of an air conditioner and provision of medical support in his solitary cell. Amid this, some critics argue that installing an air conditioner only in the former president's solitary cell would be unreasonable and constitute preferential treatment.

Former President Yoon Sukyeol is heading to Seoul Detention Center after completing the second pre-arrest suspect interrogation (warrant review) held on the 9th at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Joint Press Corps

On July 14, Kim Hakseong, former head of the Correctional Bureau at the Ministry of Justice, said in an interview with MBC Radio's 'Kim Jongbae's Focus' that "if an air conditioner is installed only in former President Yoon's cell, it could create a significant new problem," adding, "If air conditioners are to be installed, they should be installed in all prisons nationwide." He further explained, "There are many people who have not committed crimes who cannot benefit from air conditioning, so there is a prevailing public sentiment questioning whether it is necessary to provide such amenities even to those who have committed crimes."

This comes as some supporters have been filing protest complaints with Seoul Detention Center since former President Yoon was re-detained on July 10 and placed in a solitary cell at Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province, demanding that an air conditioner be provided in his cell. Critics argue that installing an air conditioner only in the former president's cell would be a form of preferential treatment. Regarding the reason for operating fans for 50 minutes and turning them off for 10 minutes, Kim explained, "During the peak of summer, there is nothing to rely on other than fans, but if fans are run for too long, they can overheat and pose a safety risk." Kim also responded to claims from former President Yoon's side that he suffered due to being unable to obtain diabetes and eye disease medication, stating, "It is extremely rare for us to be unable to obtain medication, resulting in problems with treatment."

He further explained, "When an inmate first enters, if they bring their medication along with a prescription, they are allowed to take that medication as is. Once the medication runs out, the medical department within the detention center issues a prescription, and the center purchases and provides the medication." However, Kim added, emphasizing that this was his personal opinion, "Since there have been cases where illnesses have worsened and resulted in death due to the heat, I think it is time to proactively consider installing air conditioners in detention facilities."

The Special Prosecutor for Internal Insurrection announced on the 11th at 2 p.m. that former President Yoon Seokyeol will be summoned for questioning, and hinted at the possibility of compulsory detention if former President Yoon does not comply with the summons. The photo shows the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, where the Special Prosecutor's office for internal insurrection has been set up. July 11, 2025. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Currently, there are no air conditioners in the living quarters for inmates at Seoul Detention Center and other correctional facilities; only ceiling fans are installed. As the environment makes it difficult for inmates to endure heat waves, there have been repeated attempts and discussions to install air conditioners, but these efforts have consistently failed due to negative public sentiment. Instead, air conditioners are operated in attorney meeting rooms. Meanwhile, it has been reported that some wealthy inmates are exploiting the unrestricted attorney visitation system to avoid the harsh conditions of the detention environment.