592 cases of physical attacks on guards recorded

Lawmaker Kim Ki-pyo calls for stronger protections

Seoul Southern Detention Center. This photo is not directly related to the article's content. [Ministry of Justice]
Seoul Southern Detention Center. This photo is not directly related to the article's content. [Ministry of Justice]

Inmates at correctional facilities filed more than 3,000 complaints and criminal accusations against prison guards over the past five years, yet only one guard was indicted, data showed. Calls are growing for stronger legal support and protection systems for guards burdened by such filings.

According to data submitted to the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee by the Ministry of Justice, inmates filed 3,024 complaints and criminal accusations against guards from 2022 through June this year, naming 6,161 individuals. The data was obtained by Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kim Ki-pyo, a committee member.

By year, the figures were 716 cases in 2022, 677 in 2023, 622 in 2024, 763 in 2025, and 246 through June this year.

Of the 6,161 individuals named, 4,177 — or 67.8 percent — had their cases dismissed outright, while 1,226, or 19.9 percent, were cleared of suspicion. Together, dismissals and clearances accounted for 87.7 percent of all named individuals.

Only one guard was indicted. Fourteen were found to have committed no offense, 36 had their cases dropped on grounds of no right to prosecute, 359 remain under investigation, and 348 fell into other categories.

Meanwhile, inmates carried out 592 acts of violence, intimidation or threats against guards over the same five-year period — 109 in 2022, 190 in 2023, 152 in 2024, 104 in 2025, and 37 through June this year.

In March, an inmate caused a disturbance in the early morning hours by shouting obscenities and singing through a window, then punched a guard who responded to the scene, leaving the officer with a forehead abrasion.

In April, another inmate bit two guards and struck a third in the groin with his knee.

Kim said inmates' rights and legitimate avenues for redress must be fully guaranteed, but that guards also deserve protection from assault, threats and excessive legal disputes. "The Ministry of Justice must strengthen its legal support and protection systems so that guards are not deterred from carrying out their duties by repeated complaints and accusations," he said.


yuni@heraldcorp.com