More than 12,000 South Korean citizens have filed a lawsuit against former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, over his decision to impose martial law last December, Yonhap News Agency reported.
The case was submitted on Monday to the Seoul Central District Court by lawyer Kim Kyeong-ho from the law firm Hoin. It represents 12,225 people, each demanding 100,000 won (about 72 US dollars) in damages from Yoon and his wife. The number of plaintiffs may grow, as more citizens can still join the case until a final ruling is made.
Mass Lawsuit Aimed at Yoon Suk Yeol and Former First Lady
The plaintiffs argue that Yoon’s martial law declaration broke the constitution, violated their basic rights, and damaged their dignity as citizens of a democracy. They also accuse Yoon of acting deliberately and committing crimes that harmed the public’s freedom.
His wife, Kim Keon Hee, is also named in the case. The plaintiffs say she helped or supported the decision and should share responsibility for the damage.
“The plaintiffs want the court to show that if public officials commit crimes for personal or financial gain, their profits can be taken away,” the lawyer told reporters, according to Yonhap.
This lawsuit comes after a ruling last month where the same court ordered Yoon to pay 100,000 won each to 104 citizens in a similar case. Yoon has appealed that decision and asked the court to block enforcement, which was conditionally allowed.
Martial Law Fallout Fuels Public Anger
The growing number of lawsuits shows rising public anger over Yoon’s martial law move, which critics see as a serious attack on democracy, Yonhap reported.
Meanwhile, Yoon and Kim are the first presidential couple in South Korean history to be arrested at the same time over criminal allegations.
Yoon’s downfall came after he tried to take emergency powers on December 3, during what began as a normal political standoff with liberals. He accused them of being “anti-state” forces who were abusing their majority in parliament to block his policies. Some opponents believe Yoon’s sudden move was partly influenced by growing scandals involving his wife, which hurt his popularity and gave his rivals more political ammunition.
Also Read: Ex-South Korean First Lady Kim Keon Hee to Face Questioning After Corruption Arrest
