More than 1,400 inmates were released on regular parole from correctional facilities last month, marking a surge of over 40% compared to the same period last year.
According to legal circles on the 14th, the Ministry of Justice's Parole Review Committee deliberated on 2,018 inmates—including general, long-term, and deferred cases—in January and determined 1,428 eligible for parole. A total of 468 were deemed ineligible, while 122 cases were deferred. Those approved were released at the end of last month.
This represents 424 more parolees than in January last year (1,004), an increase of 42.2%. The figure also exceeds last year's monthly average of 1,032 by 38.4% and is nearly double the 2024 monthly average of 794.
The Ministry's decision to significantly expand parole from the start of the year stems from severe overcrowding in correctional facilities. The current occupancy rate at domestic correctional facilities exceeds 130%.
Both prison officers and inmates suffer from the overcrowding. It is common for seven to eight inmates to share six-person cells measuring less than 16.5 square meters. Solitary cells under 6.6 square meters are so cramped that inmates must lie diagonally to fit. The lack of minimal personal space leads to frequent conflicts among inmates, with the consequences falling directly on prison officers.
In response, the Ministry announced its "2026 Parole Expansion Plan" last November, pledging to actively increase parole starting this year. President Lee Jae-myung is reported to have endorsed the plan. However, concerns have been raised that rapid parole expansion to ease overcrowding could increase recidivism risks and strain social safety nets.
The Ministry's target for this year is approximately 1,340 parolees per month on average. Having already exceeded that target in January, the number is expected to decrease somewhat from February.
Article 72, Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Act stipulates that inmates serving imprisonment may be granted parole through administrative action after serving 10 years for life sentences or one-third of the term for fixed sentences, provided they demonstrate good conduct and clear signs of rehabilitation. Parole is granted by the Minister of Justice following deliberation by the Parole Review Committee, upon application from correctional facility wardens.