Ministry of Justice Investigates Somang Prison Staff for Demanding Money from Kim Hojung

The Ministry of Justice has launched an investigation into a staff member at a private prison who allegedly demanded money from singer Kim Hojung, who is currently serving a sentence for drunk driving and hit-and-run charges.

Singer Kim Hojung, accused of drunk hit-and-run, is being transferred from Gangnam Police Station in Seoul to the prosecution on May 31 last year. Photo by Yonhap News

According to the legal community on the 16th, the Ministry of Justice is investigating after discovering in September that an employee, identified as A, at Somang Prison demanded 30 million won from inmate Kim.

It is reported that A told Kim, "I selected you so that you could be admitted to Somang Prison, so give me 30 million won in return." However, it has been confirmed that no actual money was exchanged.

Somang Prison is the only private prison in South Korea, where civilian employees perform correctional officer duties.

Meanwhile, after Kim's prison sentence of two years and six months was finalized in May, he was transferred from Seoul Detention Center to Somang Prison in August.