Gyeonggi Medical Association Wins Partial Victory in Damages Lawsuit Over Excessive Police Force

The Gyeonggi Medical Association filed a damages lawsuit, claiming excessive police force during a rally opposing the expansion of medical school admissions, and the court has ruled that the state must pay compensation to Lee Dongwook, President of the Gyeonggi Medical Association.

On November 11, Judge Yoon Sohee of the Seoul Western District Court’s 8th Civil Division ruled partially in favor of the plaintiffs in the damages lawsuit filed by the Gyeonggi Medical Association and President Lee against the Republic of Korea, former Yongsan Police Chief Ho Ukjin, and other police officials, ordering the state to pay 3 million won in compensation to President Lee.

However, the court dismissed the damages claims against former Chief Ho and other police officials, stating that “the claims are unclear and cannot be adjudicated.”

Previously, the Gyeonggi Medical Association and President Lee filed a damages lawsuit seeking 100 million won, alleging that police assaulted residents, medical students, and other participants during rallies opposing the expansion of medical school admissions held from August last year to January this year.

Meanwhile, the Seodaemun Police Station in Seoul decided not to refer the case filed by the Gyeonggi Medical Association against former Chief Ho and others for alleged violations of the Assembly and Demonstration Act, concluding there was “no suspicion of a crime.”