"Prisoners Have Barbecues"... Why Did Hope Penitentiary Demand '30 Million Won' from Kim Ho-joong?

Allegations have surfaced that singer Kim Ho-joong was asked for approximately 30 million won during his transfer process, drawing attention to Hope Penitentiary. In particular, reports that some inmates can participate in barbecue events as part of facility programs have prompted questions about whether this prison is different from ordinary correctional facilities.
According to the legal community on the 17th, the Seoul Regional Corrections Headquarters is investigating whether Mr. A, a correctional officer at Hope Penitentiary, actually demanded around 30 million won from Kim Ho-joong.
Kim Ho-joong was transferred to Hope Penitentiary, a privately operated prison, after being sentenced to two years and six months in prison last May for drunk driving and hit-and-run charges. Mr. A reportedly claimed to have facilitated Kim's admission to Hope Penitentiary and demanded 30 million won in return.
Kim Ho-joong, feeling pressured that he might face disadvantages during his incarceration if he refused, reportedly informed another correctional officer about the situation. It has not been confirmed whether any money was actually handed over.
Hope Penitentiary, located in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, is the only privately commissioned correctional facility in South Korea. It opened in December 2010 and is the sole privately operated institution among the country's 55 correctional facilities. It is also the first private prison in Asia.
The facility is known for its strong focus on rehabilitation programs, including vocational training, liberal arts education, and counseling. At certain times, barbecue events are held where inmates and correctional staff dine together.
Hope Penitentiary is operated by a Christian foundation established by a church. It was later revealed that Kim Ho-joong is a Christian, and it is explained that his transfer was suggested by those around him.
According to the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), the occupancy rate at general prisons is 105.8%, while Hope Penitentiary's rate is 98%. The space per inmate is 2.58m2 at general prisons and 3.98m2 at Hope Penitentiary, meaning there is more space and fewer inmates. Admission is only possible under specific conditions, such as vacancies due to release or parole.
However, organized crime and drug offenders are excluded from admission. Only male inmates aged between 20 and 60, with sentences of seven years or less, at least one year remaining, and no more than two convictions, are eligible for admission after passing an interview.
gaa1003@fnnews.com Ahn Ga-eul Reporter