The family of a man in his 20s who was brutally murdered at a sports center lost a damages lawsuit against the state, claiming that the police's initial response was inadequate.
On the 11th, the 12th Civil Division of the Seoul Western District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Jin-young) ruled against the plaintiffs, including Mr. Ko Gwang-nam and other family members, in the lawsuit seeking approximately 750 million won in damages from the state.
The court stated, "Considering the circumstances recorded at the time, there is insufficient evidence to recognize that the police officers were negligent or violated the Police Duties Execution Act in relation to the deceased's death in this case," and "All claims by the plaintiffs are dismissed."
Mr. Ko said in front of the courthouse, "All the circumstances are recorded on CCTV, and if this is not police dereliction of duty, then what is? There is evidence, so I believe the ruling is definitely wrong," adding, "I think the mistake must be corrected. We will appeal."
Mr. Han (42) was sentenced to 25 years in prison last April after his conviction was finalized for repeatedly assaulting the victim dozens of times at the sports center he operated in December 2021 and killing him by inserting a plastic rod into his body.
On the day of the incident, Mr. Han reported to the police three times, but the family claimed that the police only checked for a pulse-level life response upon arrival and then withdrew without taking appropriate protective measures, alleging negligence. They filed a lawsuit against the state last October.
The family also filed a lawsuit against Mr. Han and received a compensation ruling of over 800 million won last September.
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