South Korean Prisoners Barred from Watching World Cup Matches

Inmates across South Korea's detention centers and prisons will miss out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as correctional authorities have opted not to schedule broadcasts of the matches. This decision means that prisoners will be unable to view either live or recorded games, despite the global popularity of the tournament.

The Ministry of Justice's Correctional Bureau confirmed that the opening group stage match, held on November 12, was not broadcast. Currently, the only available television service within these facilities is 'Borami Broadcasting.' This in-house channel features educational programs for inmates, live terrestrial news, and re-runs of popular entertainment shows and dramas.

Officials stated that while there are no current plans for recorded broadcasts of South Korean matches, they would consider scheduling them if national interest or the team's progress, such as reaching the round of 16, significantly increases. For now, all correctional facilities, including the Seoul Detention Center where former President Yoon Suk-yeol is held, are adhering to the existing broadcasting regulations.

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There are no plans for recorded broadcasts of the South Korean matches at this time, and we will consider it comprehensively if national interest or issue sensitivity increases due to advancing to the round of 16.