Exclusive: Yoon wears handcuffs, ankle monitor during hospital visits

Seoul prison officials say security measures are standard procedure as Justice Ministry replaces jail chief amid scrutiny

Former President Yoon Suk-yeol was required to wear handcuffs and an electronic ankle monitor during two hospital visits this month, authorities said on Aug. 14, amid heightened scrutiny over whether he was receiving special treatment in detention.

Yoon, who has been held in solitary confinement at Seoul Detention Center since July 10 after a court approved a special prosecutor’s arrest warrant in an alleged insurrection case, underwent medical examinations at Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Aug. 13 and 14. Correctional authorities said the restraints were standard security protocol for all detainees leaving prison for medical care.

Former President Yoon Suk-yeol leaves the Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office in Seocho District on July 5, 2025, after a second in-person questioning by the special prosecutor investigating alleged insurrection./News1

On the same day, the Justice Ministry announced a leadership change at Seoul Detention Center. Kim Hyun-woo, the outgoing warden, will transfer to Anyang Prison, while Kim Do-hyung of Suwon Detention Center has been appointed as his replacement. Legal observers noted the move appeared aimed at defusing criticism from opposition parties that Yoon had been treated preferentially.

Yoon’s detention has included separate exercise and bathing times, as well as private legal consultation rooms, measures taken in recognition of his status as a former president. Following political pressure, the Justice Ministry said it would end private consultation rooms but maintain separate exercise and bathing routines for security reasons.

“The ministry is committed to strict law enforcement and impartial management to prevent any appearance of preferential treatment,” a Justice Ministry statement said.