Former President Yoon Suk Yeol (R) leaves the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul on July 9, 2025, after attending a hearing on his potential arrest over his failed attempt to impose martial law in December. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, August 5 (Korea Bizwire) — A wave of civil lawsuits has emerged in South Korea following the country’s first court ruling last month recognizing psychological damages linked to the controversial “December 3 Martial Law” plan, a move that has reignited public scrutiny over the failed emergency military order.
According to legal sources, two separate lawsuits were filed on July 29 and August 1 by 200 citizens seeking compensation from former President Yoon Suk-yeol, former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, and former martial law commander Park An-soo.
The plaintiffs are demanding 300,000 won (approximately $230) per person—100,000 won from each of the three defendants—for emotional distress and damage to democratic values caused by the attempted imposition of martial law.
The law firms representing the plaintiffs, Daeyul and Huimyeong, stated that additional lawsuits would follow in response to growing public participation. “We seek legitimate compensation for the psychological shock, fear for democracy, and social unrest that citizens endured,” the legal teams said.
Another legal action is being organized by the Civic Reform Movement Headquarters (CRMH), a group known for staging massive candlelight rallies in support of judicial reform in 2019.
South Koreans are reporting increasing signs of psychological distress in the wake of the sudden declaration of martial law on December 3. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
CRMH and attorney Lee Je-il plan to file a separate lawsuit on behalf of 1,260 plaintiffs, demanding 200,000 won each from Yoon for defamation and distress caused by labeling their rallies “illegal” in online broadcasts, as well as for his role in the martial law discussions.
Additionally, 33 citizens filed a lawsuit on August 3 against 10 former government and military officials, including former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min.
These individuals are accused of either participating in or condoning Yoon’s martial law plan and allegedly using military and police forces to attempt a blockade of the National Assembly. The plaintiffs are seeking 200,000 won per person in damages.
Attorney Kang Jin-soo of the law firm Daum, who represents the group, said they are preparing a second round of litigation by August 10. “This marks the beginning of holding key accomplices of the martial law plan legally accountable, apart from the case against Yoon himself,” Kang stated.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
