The Ministry of Justice has filed a criminal complaint against an employee at Somang Correctional Institution for allegedly demanding money from singer Kim Ho Joong.
On November 21, the ministry stated that it had “received a report from Somang Correctional Institution in late September indicating that employee A had demanded 40 million KRW (approx. 27,126 USD) from Kim Ho Joong.”
Following the report, the Seoul Regional Corrections Headquarters’ Special Judicial Police Unit launched an investigation under ministry directive and confirmed evidence that A had demanded money and made threats.
Based on the findings, the Ministry of Justice referred A to investigative authorities on charges of demanding bribes, attempted extortion, and violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. The ministry also ordered heavy disciplinary action against the prison warden.
“The ministry will strengthen oversight to prevent similar cases from occurring and will continue to provide ethics and integrity training for staff,” it added.
Kim Ho Joong was admitted to Somang Correctional Institution in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province this past August. Established in 2010 by a Christian foundation, Somang is the nation’s only privately operated correctional facility.
Correctional officers there are civilian employees rather than public officials, and the facility is known for having better conditions than standard state-run institutions, leading to relatively high inmate satisfaction.
A reportedly told Kim Ho Joong, “I worked to help you get into a private correctional facility, so give me 40 million KRW (approx. 27,126 USD).” Kim refused the demand and later disclosed the incident during a meeting with another staff member. Investigators determined that no money actually exchanged hands.
Kim Ho Joong was indicted and detained for allegedly hitting an oncoming taxi and fleeing the scene in Seoul’s Gangnam District last May. He was also accused of having his manager turn himself in on his behalf.
In November last year, the court sentenced him to two years and six months in prison. Despite submitting 130 letters of remorse, the same sentence was upheld on appeal.
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