Citizens to collectively sue President Yoon for damages over martial law attempt

By KTimes

Citizens are filing a class action lawsuit against President Yoon Suk Yeol, seeking damages for the emotional distress caused by the Dec. 3 illegal martial law declaration.

The group, calling themselves the Preparatory Committee for Damages Lawsuit Against Yoon Suk Yeol for Acts of Treason, announced on Tuesday their plan to seek compensation of 100,000 won ($75) per citizen from President Yoon.

The lawsuit was proposed by attorneys Lee Geum-kyu, who represented the National Assembly during the impeachment trial of former President Park Geun-hye, and Kim Jung-ho, who handled civil and criminal cases related to the memoir of late President Chun Doo-hwan.

The group plans to recruit 105 plaintiffs, symbolizing the 105 People Power Party lawmakers who collectively abstained from the impeachment vote against Yoon.

Attorney fees will be waived, and any awarded damages, after deducting legal costs, will be donated to public interest organizations.

The group emphasized that Yoon’s declaration of martial law caused fear and anxiety among citizens, making it a valid basis for compensation.

“President Yoon has abandoned his duty to protect the lives of citizens, freedom and dignity, instead he instilled fear, discomfort and a loss of self-esteem,” the group said. “This lawsuit seeks an initial compensation of 100,000 won per citizen for emotional distress caused by his unconstitutional actions.”

The group also urged for a nationwide movement to hold Yoon accountable in all courts.

“This must ensure not only constitutional and criminal responsibility but also civil liability," the group said. "Those who aim guns at citizens must face complete ruin, ensuring no one dares to commit such anti-constitutional acts in the future.”

The opposition, including the Democratic Party of Korea, has also joined the initiative. Democratic Party Supreme Council member Kim Min-seok proposed a nationwide lawsuit against Yoon and others.

Kim said in a social media post, “If all 51 million citizens claim just 10,000 won each, the total compensation will reach 510 billion won. Citizens deserve reparations for their wounds.”

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.