Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has drawn scrutiny after receiving over 650 million won in prison deposits. Authorities detained Yoon at the Seoul Detention Center for his failed martial law attempt in December 2024. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice reported that Yoon received 657.26 million won through 12,794 separate transactions between July 10 and October 26. Consequently, he averaged more than 100 funds per day, making him the largest recipient of prison funds at the facility.
Prison deposits allow inmates to buy toiletries, personal items, and other necessities. However, critics say that Yoon’s massive deposit volume indicates he or others might be misusing the system. South Korean law allows inmates to actively use only up to 4 million won from prison deposits. Any excess funds must be transferred to a personal bank account or returned upon release. Yoon has withdrawn roughly 651 million won in 180 transactions so far.
Experts highlight vulnerabilities in the prison deposits system. While the usable amount is limited, authorities do not cap total deposits or transaction frequency. Additionally, the National Tax Service rarely enforces taxation rules due to restricted access to prison records. Lawmakers are reviewing amendments to the Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax Act, which would allow the National Tax Service to access detailed prison deposit records. Therefore, Rep. Park Eun-jung emphasized the urgent need to prevent misuse and preserve the system’s original purpose.
Yoon is not the only high-profile inmate receiving large sums in prison deposits. For example, former first lady Kim Keon Hee withdrew 18.56 million won. Furthermore, opposition lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong and Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja also received significant amounts, sparking wider public concern.
Critics insist that prison deposits have strayed from supporting inmate convenience. Consequently, observers recommend setting deposit limits, improving monitoring, and enforcing stricter transparency measures. Authorities now face increasing pressure to reform prison deposits. Officials must ensure that the system functions properly, prevents abuse, and restores public trust.
