The Supreme Court's Court Administration Office has filed a civil lawsuit seeking approximately 1.1 billion won ($8.5 million) in damages from participants in the 'West Seoul Court Riot' that occurred last year in January.
On August 26, the Court Administration Office announced that it has filed a lawsuit in the Seoul Central District Court against five individuals who were convicted in connection with the riot, seeking 1.17589 billion won in property damage and delayed compensation. The plaintiff in the lawsuit is the Republic of Korea, with the Court Administration Office as the relevant authority.
The West Seoul Court Riot took place on January 19, 2026, when supporters of former President Yoon Suk Yeol stormed the courthouse after a warrant for his arrest was issued, causing damage to the building and assaulting police officers who attempted to intervene.
The Court Administration Office stated, "The courthouse suffered severe damage, including broken windows, doors, exterior walls, and office equipment, and the officials experienced significant psychological trauma." It emphasized that the riot resulted in substantial harm.
It further noted, "This incident represents a collective act of violence and destruction against a courthouse where national judicial functions are carried out, severely undermining the court's role and authority as the last bastion of protecting citizens' fundamental rights and the rule of law."
The office stressed the necessity of holding those involved in this incident legally accountable for directly threatening the constitutional order and the independence of the judiciary.
The lawsuit was filed after legal review by the Judicial Support Center, which assists with state litigation related to court matters.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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