South Korean ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol and wife receive 2.19 billion won in inmate funds

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, have received approximately 2.19 billion won (roughly $1.62 million) in inmate funds during their first year of detention. Data from the Ministry of Justice, released by Democratic Party Representative Lee Sung-yoon, shows Yoon received 1.95 billion won through 45,770 deposits, while Kim received 240 million won via 10,415 deposits.

The combined total is approximately eight times the annual salary of a president. Both individuals received significantly more money than any other inmates at their respective detention centers. Under South Korean law, inmates may receive funds for daily necessities, but accounts are typically capped at 4 million won. To manage the excess, Yoon reportedly withdrew nearly 1.94 billion won through 586 transactions.

Lawmakers from the Democratic Party suggest that Yoon’s legal team and pro-Yoon YouTubers may have shared his account details to solicit donations from supporters. Yoon was previously sentenced to 30 years in prison for charges related to the abuse of power and the failed declaration of martial law in December 2024.