South Korea’s jailed ex-president Yoon and wife received US$1.6 million in inmate funds
Data released by South Korean lawmakers shows that jailed former president Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife received over $1.6 million in inmate funds during their first year of detention. The funds, which significantly exceed standard inmate allowances, were reportedly facilitated by supporters and legal counsel.
Why it matters
The report raises questions about the use of inmate accounts for political fundraising and potential loopholes in the South Korean correctional system.
SEOUL: Jailed former South Korea president Yoon Suk Yeol (pic) and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, collected about 2.19 billion won (US$1.6 million) in inmate funds during their first year of detention, according to data from the Justice Ministry released on Oct 11 by representative Lee Sung-yoon of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea.
Yoon received 1.95 billion won across 45,770 deposits from July 10 through Sept 9, 2026. Kim received 240 million won across 10,415 deposits from her arrest on Aug 12, 2025 through the same date.
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