Korea's Supreme Court seeks damages against pro-Yoon courthouse rioters

The Korean Supreme Court has initiated a civil lawsuit demanding 1.2 billion won ($795,000) in damages from individuals involved in a courthouse riot linked to former President Yoon Suk Yeol, representing a rare instance of the judiciary pursuing legal action against private citizens. The National Court Administration (NCA), a Supreme Court division entrusted with managing the judiciary's administrative tasks, announced on Wednesday that it had filed a damages lawsuit against five people convicted of their roles in the Seoul Western District Court riot, seeking 1.18 billion won in restitution for property damage, plus interest for delayed payment.

The Republic of Korea is designated as the plaintiff in the lawsuit. According to the NCA, "The riot constitutes a collective act of violence and destruction against a courthouse, where the country's judicial functions are carried out. It was a serious illegal act that severely undermined the court's function and authority, and it is necessary to hold those who participated in the riot strictly accountable."