Key facts
- South Korea's Ministry of Justice announced a plan to install air conditioning in prisons.
- The plan costs 1.2 billion won (US$779,162).
- The air conditioning will be installed in corridors, not inmate cells.
- The ministry cited the need to protect vulnerable inmates and correctional officers from extreme heat.
South Korea's Ministry of Justice is facing criticism over a 1.2 billion won (US$779,162) plan to install air conditioning in prisons. The ministry sought to address public backlash by clarifying that the equipment will be used to cool prison corridors, not the inmates' cells. Officials framed the installation as a necessary measure to safeguard vulnerable inmates and correctional officers from the dangers of extreme heat. However, online critics have condemned the project, viewing it as an inappropriate use of taxpayer money to provide comfort to criminals.