Inmate fund controversy has erupted around South Korea’s jailed former president. Yoon Suk Yeol received more than 1.2 billion won during roughly eight months of detention. The Justice Ministry released this data through Rep. Park Eun-jung of the Rebuilding Korea Party. Yoon’s inmate account logged over 27,000 deposits since his second arrest in July 2025. Consequently, this inmate fund controversy raises questions about prison funding practices and political support.
The total amount reaches approximately 794,000 US dollars at current exchange rates. This sum is about 4.6 times the annual presidential salary for 2025. The presidential salary stood at 271.77 million won for that year. Most of the money was withdrawn in more than 350 transactions. These withdrawals averaged about 1.4 per day during his detention. Former first lady Kim Keon Hee also received over 93 million won. Her account saw similar activity during the same period. This inmate fund controversy thus involves both former first couple members.
A source familiar with detention facilities spoke to local outlet Chosun Biz. The source noted that Yoon lives relatively comfortably among fellow inmates. His large inmate fund balance enables this privileged prison lifestyle. Yoon can purchase better food and amenities than most detainees. Consequently, this inmate fund controversy highlights disparities within the correctional system.
South Korean inmates may receive money from outside sources legally. They use these funds to pay for daily necessities like food. Toiletries and other personal items also come from inmate accounts. However, prisoners may keep only up to 4 million won in their account. Any amount above that threshold must follow specific rules. The excess must either be held until release from prison. Alternatively, inmates can transfer excess funds to a personal bank account. There is no cap on how often deposits and withdrawals occur. Funds can move repeatedly as long as the balance remains below the limit. This inmate fund controversy exposes potential loopholes in prison finance regulations.
Inmates may spend up to 20,000 won per day from their accounts. They use the money to buy side dishes and snacks. Drinks including four kinds of coffee are available for purchase. These include milk coffee and decaffeinated coffee options. Three kinds of tea also appear on the prison store list. Inmates may purchase plastic hair clips and hairbands as well. Skin care products like lotion, toner, and moisturizer are available. As of January, 141 products were available to male inmates. Female inmates had access to 148 different products.
The most expensive item is a sleeping bag at 46,350 won. Winter blankets cost 39,140 won each from the prison store. Summer blankets sell for 25,750 won as a mid-range option. Food items like sausages, tuna, and anchovies cost between 980 and 1,450 won. Cup noodles and bread fall into the same price category. Beverages range from 590 won for plain milk. Milk coffee costs 3,240 won as the priciest drink option. This inmate fund controversy allows Yoon to access all these items freely.
Yoon’s supporters have conducted online fundraising drives for his account. Far-right YouTuber Jeon Han-gil posted a donation appeal on social media. You can send warm inmate funds, his post read. Show your support for Yoon Suk Yeol fighting in jail. The post included a bank account number for donations. A source told local media how Yoon uses most of the money. Medical expenses and legal fees consume the largest portions. Maintenance fees for the former couple’s Seocho-gu apartment reportedly come from Kim’s account. This inmate fund controversy thus extends beyond prison walls into everyday expenses.
Previous cases offer useful comparisons for this situation. Former President Park Geun-hye used inmate funds to buy plastic hair clips. She purchased hairpins during her 2017 imprisonment as well. Cho Kuk, leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, also used inmate funds last year. He operated a coffee truck for rally participants against Yoon’s ouster. A court may issue a forfeiture order against inmate funds if convicted. Up to 1.5 million won in an inmate’s funds could face seizure. Additionally, inmate funds exceeding 500,000 won are subject to taxation. However, experts say tax authorities struggle to track individual inmate assets. This inmate fund controversy may prompt regulatory reform discussions in the National Assembly.
