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

The Korean Supreme Court initiated a civil lawsuit on Wednesday, seeking damages totaling 1.2 billion won (approximately $795,000) from individuals involved in a courthouse riot that took place last year. This marks an uncommon occurrence of the judiciary pursuing legal action against private citizens. The National Court Administration (NCA), a Supreme Court department responsible for managing the judiciary's administrative functions, announced the filing of the lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court.

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