Ministry of Justice: After expanding parole, the proportion of high-risk recidivists increases

The Ministry of Justice has been increasing parole to reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities, and as a result, the proportion of released inmates in the highrisk recidivism group has risen sharply. According to data submitted by the Ministry of Justice to the National Assembly, the average proportion of parolees in the highrisk recidivism group from 2023 to 2025 was 0.37%, but it rose to 7.26% from January to May this year. This is a level far higher than the average over the past three years. Behind the expansion of parole is the chronic overcrowding problem in correctional facilities. Last year, the average occupancy rate of correctional facilities nationwide was 125.8%, and most correctional institutions were over capacity. The Ministry of Justice said it would increase the number of parole approvals while reviewing inmates mainly based on low risk, but the proportion of released inmates with a high risk of recidivism has instead increased. The Ministry of Justice explained that it is necessary to strengthen recidivism risk assessments and postrelease probation while also reviewing ways to expand capacity in correctional facilities.