Jeon Hyunhee: "Yoon Eating Well in Detention... Using Air Conditioning All Day Under the Pretext of Meetings"

"Claims of Preferential Treatment at Seoul Detention Center"
Extended Use of Official Investigation Room by Yoon
No Disciplinary Action Taken Despite Violations, Raising Suspicions of Favoritism

Allegations have been raised that former President Yoon Seokyoul, who is currently detained at Seoul Detention Center, is receiving preferential treatment compared to ordinary inmates. Representative Jeon Hyunhee of the Democratic Party of Korea claimed that Yoon has been allowed to use a spacious, air-conditioned visitation room for extended periods and has been granted exceptions to visitation restrictions, including on weekends and at night.

Claim: "Granted privileges such as weekend and nighttime visits"

Former President Yoon Seokyoul is coming out after the warrant hearing at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 9th of last month. Photo by Joint Press Corps

In an interview with KBC Gwangju Broadcasting's "Yeouido Guest Seat" on the 13th, Representative Jeon said, "It has been confirmed that he is eating without any particular issues and has no notable health problems." She continued, "Normally, attorney visits are allowed from 9 a.m. until the end of working hours at 6 p.m., but there are records showing that he met with his attorney until 9:30 p.m., right before bedtime, beyond regular hours." She added, "Visitation is prohibited on weekends, but there are even records of visits taking place on weekends."

Jeon also pointed out that the visitation room used by former President Yoon was not the cramped attorney meeting room used by ordinary inmates, but rather a large and comfortable "official investigation room" typically reserved for prosecutors or investigators on duty. She stated, "This space is rarely accessed by outsiders and is being used almost like Yoon's 'personal office,'" adding, "It has been confirmed that such privileges are being provided by the detention center."

Jeon further claimed that when the special prosecutor attempted to execute an arrest warrant, former President Yoon resisted by removing his prison uniform and remaining in his underwear. Despite this, the detention center did not convene a disciplinary committee or impose any sanctions. She argued that this constitutes a violation of detention center regulations, yet no action was taken.

"Suspicion of promotion reward for Seoul Detention Center chief"

Jeon also raised suspicions regarding the chief of Seoul Detention Center. She pointed out that the current chief was promoted from chief of Suwon Detention Center to Seoul Detention Center during Yoon's presidency, stating, "There are suspicions that this is essentially a reward for the promotion he received during Yoon's term."

Previously, former President Yoon did not comply with the special prosecutor's summons, leading to forced detention being pursued. However, the first attempt failed because Yoon was not wearing his prison uniform, making the use of force difficult. During the second attempt, the Correctional Rapid Response Team (CRPT) was deployed, but the process was halted when Yoon fell, raising concerns about possible injury.