'Coin Controversy' Kim Nam-guk Objects to Forced Mediation for Apology and Recurrence Prevention

"Cause of Lawsuit Claim Unclear... Concern Over Recognizing All as Fault"

Independent lawmaker Kim Nam-guk has filed an objection to the court's compulsory mediation ordering him to express regret over a civil lawsuit related to cryptocurrency investments worth hundreds of millions of won.

According to the legal community on the 28th, Kim submitted an 'Objection to the Decision in Lieu of Mediation (Compulsory Mediation)' to the Seoul Southern District Court's 3rd Mediation Division the day before. With Kim's submission of the objection, the case is more likely to proceed to a formal trial.

In the objection, Kim stated, "The lawsuit contains broadly vague claims that are either unverified or untrue, and expressing regret could be misunderstood as admitting all the allegations as true."

However, Kim added, "As I have repeatedly stated, I feel sorry for trading virtual assets during the standing committee sessions and have already taken political responsibility. If the expression of regret is limited to this matter, I am willing to accept mediation for the prompt and fair resolution of the case."

Earlier, in May, Kim Mo, secretary-general of the civic group Committee for the Protection of Ordinary Citizens' Livelihoods, and others filed a damages lawsuit claiming 10 million won in compensation, alleging that "Lawmaker Kim neglected his parliamentary duties and focused on cryptocurrency investments, causing mental distress."

The court referred the case to mediation in September and held a mediation session on the 13th of this month but failed to reach an agreement. It then issued a compulsory mediation decision ordering Kim to "express regret for the actions that caused the issue and make efforts to prevent recurrence."