Defector who won $37,210 from Kim Jong-un in lawsuit vows to fight on
In July 2025, Choi Min-kyeong brought an unusual suit against someone few would have tried to lodge a case against: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. It was the first time a North Korean defector filed a lawsuit against Kim, seeking damages for the torture and sexual violence she suffered in North Korea. "People around me said filing the lawsuit made no sense," Choi, 55, president of the…
Choi Min-kyeong, a 55-year-old defector and president of the Imprisonment Victims Family Association, recently won a lawsuit against North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for the torture and sexual violence she endured in North Korea. This marks the first instance of a North Korean defector bringing a lawsuit against Kim. Choi filed the lawsuit in July 2025, despite skepticism from those around her who doubted the viability of the case.
Initially, a police officer dismissed her complaint as ridiculous. However, the Seoul Central District Court ultimately ruled in her favor in August, awarding her 50 million won ($37,210) in damages. Choi expressed her happiness and pride upon hearing the ruling, emphasizing that the 50 million won was merely symbolic, calculated to cover court fees and legal costs.
She acknowledged that even a much larger sum, such as 500 billion won, would not alleviate her anger. Choi stated that the ruling established a legal basis for the arrest of Kim if he ever enters South Korea.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
