
The Ministry of Justice has replaced Kim Hyun Woo, the Chief of Seoul Detention Center, following revelations that former President Yoon Suk Yeol received preferential treatment during his first detention last winter.
According to the Ministry, it was confirmed that Kang Ui Goo, then First Secretary of the Presidential Office, brought a mobile phone into the detention center during a visit to Yoon. Under current law, visitors are strictly prohibited from bringing mobile devices into correctional facilities.
The Ministry reportedly found evidence suggesting that the phone was handed to Yoon during the visit. However, authorities concluded that no special treatment occurred after Yoon was re-arrested recently under the "sedition" investigation.
The Ministry explained that the decision to replace Chief Kim was made as part of a personnel overhaul aimed at addressing concerns related to Yoon’s treatment while in custody. In addition, measures have been taken to ensure that Yoon’s future visits take place in the same conditions as those for ordinary inmates.