Path Opened for Pohang Earthquake Damage Lawsuit Support... Ordinance Enacted for Public Interest Litigation Cost Assistance

Ordinance to Be Promulgated on the 25th: Provisions for Litigation Cost Support to Protect and Restore Citizens' Rights
Practical Support Measures Established for Pohang-Induced Earthquake Lawsuit
Attorney Fee Assistance Now Possible

As the Supreme Court appeal regarding compensation for the Pohang earthquake approaches, a path has opened for institutional support to restore citizens' rights.

On June 25, the city will promulgate the "Pohang City Ordinance on Public Interest Litigation Cost Support," which provides for the funding of expenses required for public interest class actions.

The ordinance includes provisions on: ▲ eligibility and timing for public interest litigation cost support ▲ the composition and operation of the Public Interest Litigation Review Committee ▲ requirements for submitting litigation results ▲ and retroactive application to lawsuits that were ongoing prior to the enactment of the ordinance.

For cases involving important social interests that have not been recognized as legal rights, and where more than 50% of Pohang's population is involved, the ordinance specifies that, following review by the Public Interest Litigation Review Committee, additional attorney fees may be supported.

This ordinance is significant in that it establishes an institutional foundation for effective legal support for citizens who have suffered from earthquake damage.

In particular, with the active cooperation of the Pohang City Council, citizens will be able to receive prompt support in the ongoing Supreme Court appeal for Pohang earthquake damage compensation.

The city council had originally planned to review the ordinance at the 3rd plenary session (the 324th 1st regular session) on the 30th, but in a unified effort to restore citizens' rights, the ordinance was passed at the 2nd plenary session on the 24th.

Mayor Kangdeok Lee emphasized, "The enactment of this ordinance not only supports litigation but also establishes the city's first legal foundation for restoring citizens' rights and interests. We will spare no effort to provide active legal support so that the voices of our citizens can be more strongly heard in the courtroom."

On the 11th, Mayor Kangdeok Lee, City Council Chairman Ilman Kim, and National Assembly members Jeongjae Kim and Sanghui Lee visited the Supreme Court in Seocho-dong, Seoul, expressed regret over last month's appellate court ruling by the Daegu High Court, and submitted an appeal letter containing the earnest wishes of the citizens of Pohang. Provided by Pohang City

To respond to the Supreme Court appeal and support citizens, the city is continuously holding advisory meetings with experts in seismology, geology, law, and social sciences. The city is also making every effort through multifaceted responses, including policy consultations with relevant ministries and the establishment of cooperative systems with the local bar association.