The 2030 Youth Advisory Groups from the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs visited Anyang Prison to hear firsthand about the working conditions of correctional officers.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the joint visit took place on August 31, where members experienced the daily tasks of correctional officers and listened to their challenges. This visit marked the first collaborative field schedule between the two ministries aimed at diagnosing issues in correctional administration from a youth perspective and seeking effective policy alternatives.
During the visit, the members toured key facilities within the prison, including housing units, the kitchen, and the rehabilitation program area known as 'House of Hope.' They also engaged in hands-on experiences with security procedures and inmate management, gaining deeper insights into the working conditions faced by correctional officers.
Following the tour, a meeting was held where young correctional officers from various ranks shared their experiences. Participants expressed concerns about fatigue from continuous shifts and night work, as well as administrative difficulties stemming from overcrowded conditions, urging for practical measures to improve their treatment.
The Ministry of Justice has been working on reforms to enhance the dignity of correctional officers, having discussed measures to expand their recognition with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs in March.
Nam Chang-hyung, a youth advisor at the Ministry of Justice, stated, "Having witnessed the difficulties on-site, we will thoroughly examine the issues from a youth perspective to ensure that improvements in the treatment of correctional officers translate into actual policy changes." The youth advisory groups from both ministries plan to continue their collaboration to establish field-centered systems.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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