On May 17, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 25, led by Judge Kwon Gi-man, ruled in favor of some plaintiffs in a damages lawsuit filed by 236 families of victims against the state. Specifically, the court ordered the government to pay 100 million won to each victim, 50 million won to spouses, and 10 million won to parents and children, depending on family relationships.
The plaintiffs in this lawsuit are the families of 34 civilians who were killed by military and police forces during the Korean War, including those involved in the Yeosu-Suncheon Incident, the National Association of Reporters massacre, and the Cheongju-Daegu prison victim incident. The victims were executed or went missing under accusations of being 'members of the National Association of Reporters,' 'suspected individuals,' or 'collaborators with rebels,' often linked to leftist activities.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission and other bodies have determined through investigations that these individuals were victims of unlawful actions by state authorities between 2023 and 2025. Following the commission's findings, the plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in July of last year, seeking compensation for mental suffering.
The court stated, "The military and police's killing of civilians without just cause or due process is a clear illegal act that violates the constitutional rights to life and personal freedom."
It added, "The illegal actions of the state have caused immense emotional pain not only to the victims but also to their families, who have suffered from the loss of loved ones, family disintegration, economic hardship, and generational poverty. Especially during the ideological conflict and the establishment of the North-South division around the Korean War, these families have likely faced greater social and economic difficulties due to social stigma and discrimination."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.