[26.02.16] Parole Surge Amid Prison Overcrowding

Parole Surge Amid Prison Overcrowding… 1,428 Inmates Released in January

📍Government expands parole as prison occupancy exceeds 130%; 42% rise from last year, no special pardon expected

As prison overcrowding worsens in South Korea, the government has significantly expanded parole. A total of 1,428 inmates were released in January through regular parole, over 40% more than the same month last year. The Ministry of Justice says it will focus on low-risk offenders to ease capacity problems.

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🔹 1,428 Released in January
According to legal sources on the 14th, the Justice Ministry’s Parole Review Committee reviewed 2,018 inmates and approved 1,428 for release. 468 were rejected and 122 were deferred. Approved inmates were released at the end of January.

The figure is a 42% increase from the 1,004 released in January last year. It also exceeds the 2025 monthly average of 1,032 and nearly doubles the 2024 monthly average of 794.

🔹 Prison Occupancy Above 130%
The expansion stems from severe overcrowding. Korea’s correctional facilities reportedly operate at more than 130% capacity, raising both safety and human-rights concerns.

The Ministry of Justice prepared a “2026 parole expansion plan” last November and began implementation this year, with presidential agreement on the need to relieve overcrowding.

🔹 Target: 1,340 Monthly Releases
The ministry aims for about 1,340 parole releases per month this year. February figures are expected to be slightly lower than January.

An official said strict screening will remain for violent offenders while expanding parole for low-risk inmates to encourage rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.

🔹 Legal Requirements
Under Article 72(1) of the Criminal Act, parole may be granted after 10 years for life imprisonment or after one-third of a fixed sentence if behavior is good and genuine remorse is shown. Applications are filed by prison authorities and approved by the Justice Minister after committee review.

🔹 No Lunar New Year Amnesty Expected
A special presidential amnesty is unlikely ahead of the Lunar New Year. Unlike parole, amnesty is solely the president’s authority, and the president previously emphasized that pardon powers should not be abused.

One-line summary : Due to prison overcrowding, the government expanded parole, releasing 1,428 inmates in January.