Ministry of Justice Withdraws Appeal in State Compensation Lawsuit Over 'Frakchi Coercion'

Court Orders Payment of 90 Million KRW to Pastors Lee Jong-myung and Park Man-gyu on 22nd Last Month
Minister Han Dong-hoon "Apologizes and Offers Condolences on Behalf of South Korea... Waives Appeal for Victim Recovery"

On the 14th, the Ministry of Justice decided to forgo an appeal regarding a recent partial court ruling in favor of plaintiffs who were forced to engage in so-called ‘frakchi’ (undercover informant) activities during the Chun Doo-hwan regime and had filed a lawsuit against the state.

Han Dong-hoon, Minister of Justice, stated, "We have decided to forgo the appeal to help restore the victims," adding, "On behalf of the Republic of Korea, I offer apologies and condolences to the victims."

These individuals were illegally detained and subjected to harsh treatment during their military service or university enrollment in 1983 as part of the so-called ‘recording operations and guidance tasks’ conducted by the Republic of Korea Army Security Command. Afterwards, they were forced to engage in frakchi activities such as monitoring fellow students and reporting on their movements.

In response, the victims filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming severe mental distress caused by being compelled to perform frakchi duties. On the 22nd of last month, the Seoul Central District Court ruled partially in favor of the plaintiffs in the damages lawsuit filed by Pastor Lee Jong-myung and Pastor Park Man-gyu, ordering the state to pay each 90 million won.

The Ministry of Justice announced that it respected the Ministry of National Defense’s opinion to forgo the appeal, acknowledged the government’s responsibility, and decided to forgo the appeal to facilitate the prompt restoration of the victims.

Minister Han said, "Going forward, if there are unjust damages to the people, we will actively correct them regardless of political factions."