In South Korea, a class action lawsuit is allowed only in stock-related cases, but calls have risen for its expansion, especially in the wake of the BMW fires. (image: Yeongju Fire Station)
SEOUL, Sept. 17 (Korea Bizwire) — Justice Minister Park Sang-ki said Monday the government will try to expand the class action lawsuit system so as to enable consumers to file such suits not only in stock-related cases, but also in other areas.
Park made the remark during a meeting with victims of high-profile consumer cases, such as a series of fires involving BMW cars and deaths caused by humidifier sterilizers. The meeting was set up to discuss expanding the class action suit system.
A class action lawsuit refers to a system where not only those participating in a suit, but also other consumers can receive damages without filing separate suits. In South Korea, the system is allowed only in stock-related cases, but calls have risen for its expansion, especially in the wake of the BMW fires.
“We’re going to introduce the class action lawsuit system in areas where group damage can occur in a repetitive manner, while improving the criteria for such suits and procedures in a reasonable way,” Park said during the meeting.
Park also said the government will put together detailed measures to expand the system.
(Yonhap)
