'Yoon's Solitary Cell at Seoul Detention Center' Revealed for the First Time... Ministry of Justice Says "No Special Treatment"

Denial of Alleged Special Treatment over Use of Three Solitary Cells
Inside the Solitary Cell Revealed via Ministry of Justice TV
"Only One Cell Used, No Special Privileges"

The solitary confinement room at Seoul Detention Center where former President Yoon Suk-yeol is being held has been made public for the first time. The Ministry of Justice released related footage after allegations surfaced that Yoon was receiving special treatment by using three solitary cells, clarifying its position that "there are no exceptions."

Solitary confinement room at Seoul Detention Center disclosed by the Ministry of Justice. Screenshot from Ministry of Justice TV

On June 10, the Ministry of Justice released a video titled "The Room at Seoul Detention Center Where a Former President Is Incarcerated—First Public Disclosure" through its official YouTube channel, Ministry of Justice TV. The 2-minute and 14-second video shows the internal structure of the solitary confinement room at Seoul Detention Center, the living conditions, and the daily routine of an inmate.

The disclosed solitary confinement room, including a toilet, measures 6.76 square meters (approximately 2 pyeong). It is wide enough for an adult male to lie down straight. Inside, there is a single fan, a small shelf for storing personal belongings, and a TV. A calendar and a notice listing the rules for inmates are also posted on the wall.

The video also reenacts a scene where an inmate uses a box to create a makeshift shelf, placing a meal tray on it to eat. Due to the limited space, shoes are stored on a shelf outside the door rather than inside the room, and the overall condition of the facility appears worn out.

In the video, the Ministry of Justice explained, "Solitary confinement rooms are assigned not only for health-related reasons or inmate behavior but also based on specific classification standards. Each solitary cell is managed independently, and inmates are not permitted to move between rooms at their discretion."

The Ministry emphasized, "No matter who causes a stir in the outside world, there can be no exceptions behind these iron doors," adding, "What governs this place is not special privileges, but principles."

Previously, a YouTube broadcast alleged that former President Yoon was using three rooms at Seoul Detention Center by leaving their doors open and essentially occupying multiple spaces, and that two inmates, known as "soji" (cleaners), were exclusively assigned to assist him. There were also claims that the inmate meal plan had been improved for Yoon's benefit.

In response, the Ministry of Justice stated on May 26, "Former President Yoon is currently using only one solitary confinement room, identical to those of other general inmates, and there are no dedicated cleaners." The Ministry also said that meals are provided within the Seoul Detention Center's regular budget.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.