The Ministry of Justice hosts the 55th National Correctional Officers Martial Arts Competition at the Legal Research and Training Institute in Jincheon County, North Chungcheong Province, on the 12th. /Courtesy of Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice's largest Korea Correctional Service event, the "National Prison Officer Martial Arts Competition," was held. It is the first time in seven years since it was halted due to COVID-19.

The Ministry of Justice said on the 12th that it held the "55th National Prison Officer Martial Arts Competition" at the Legal Training Institute in Jincheon County, North Chungcheong. The National Prison Officer Martial Arts Competition is the largest traditional event of the Korea Correctional Service, begun in 1949.

It is meaningful in that it builds correctional officials' physical strength and mental fortitude through martial arts training and fosters harmony and unity within the organization. The last martial arts competition was in 2019. It could not be held due to the impact of COVID-19.

According to the Ministry of Justice, 47 teams and about 370 athletes from 35 correctional institutions nationwide competed in this event. In addition to the Korea Correctional Service, martial arts officials and staff from the Immigration and Foreigners Policy Headquarters and the Crime Prevention Policy Bureau also took part.

Minister Jung Sung-ho of the Ministry of Justice, Korea Correctional Service Commissioner Lee Hong-yeon, and about 800 athletes and cheering squads from correctional institutions across the country attended the event.

Minister Jung Sung-ho applauds while attending the 55th National Correctional Officers Martial Arts Competition at the Jincheon Main Campus gymnasium of the Legal Research and Training Institute in Jincheon County, North Chungcheong Province, on the morning of the 12th. /Courtesy of Yonhap News

In his opening remarks, the Minister said, "Correctional officials are the unsung heroes who protect the public's safety and social order in the most challenging frontlines," adding, "Through the National Prison Officer Martial Arts Competition, this is a valuable occasion to bolster correctional officials' unity and pride and to strengthen their ability to respond to crises."

He went on to emphasize, "2026 must be the first year of correctional innovation. By resolving overcrowding, improving the treatment and welfare of correctional officials, and innovating correctional policies focused on treatment and rehabilitation, we will reduce recidivism and build a safer society that the public can feel."

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