Outrage Over Yoo Ah-in’s Prison Meals: Public Reaction

Recently, the topic of “Yoo Ah-in and Kim Ho-joong’s Prison Meals” sparked considerable controversy on South Korean social media platforms. Yoo Ah-in is currently incarcerated at Seoul Detention Center, where he is serving a one-year sentence for drug offenses. On the other hand, trot singer Kim Ho-joong is in solitary confinement while awaiting trial.

According to Newsis, comprehensive details emerged about the meals that these two prominent inmates will receive during the Chuseok holiday. Breakfast will include bread, jam, soup, boiled eggs, and soy milk. For lunch, traditional Korean dishes such as potato soup, stir-fried squid, corn salad, and kimchi will be served. Dinner will consist of soybean paste soup, gondre vegetable rice with sauce, seaweed, and kimchi. The Seoul Detention Center confirmed that special meals will be provided during this significant holiday, although the complete menu has not been disclosed. In the previous year, inmates were treated to traditional Gangjeong rice cakes.

This revelation quickly ignited outrage among K-netizens, with many questioning the rationale behind the seemingly generous treatment of these criminals. Critics voiced their concerns about the quality of the food and the allowance for television viewing, arguing that such resources should instead benefit more deserving causes, like aiding impoverished children.

On social media, K-netizens expressed their discontent, commenting things like: “Eating well, aren’t they?”, “Make them work for their food; why are prison meals so good?”, “Why are criminals treated so well? That money should nourish starving children”, “Let them go hungry to repent for their crimes”, and “Why not focus on the victims instead?”

On September 3rd, Yoo Ah-in was sentenced for violating the Narcotics Control Act and for attempting to destroy evidence. The acclaimed “Best Actor” received a one-year prison term, a fine of 2 million won (approximately $1,500), and was taken into custody immediately following the verdict. Additionally, he is required to undergo 80 hours of drug rehabilitation education and pay an extra fine of 1.54 million won (roughly $1,160).

Trot singer Kim Ho-joong is currently being held at the Seoul Detention Center while he awaits trial, facing a potential three-year prison term related to drunk driving, causing an accident, fleeing the scene, coercing another person to take the blame, and attempting to destroy evidence. Kim Ho-joong is in solitary confinement in a modest 5.05 square meter room that includes a toilet, sink, bedding, and a TV, which he is permitted to watch from 5 PM to 9 PM. Furthermore, he is reportedly receiving special meals distinct from the standard prison menu.

Source: K14

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