South Korea’s Ministry of Justice has chosen not to appeal a district court ruling ordering the state to pay 15 million won in damages to the victim of the infamous 2022 Busan spinning kick assault. Officials announced the decision during an online briefing on October 5, stating they accepted national responsibility and waived the right to challenge the verdict.
Court Rules State Liable for Investigation Shortcomings
The Seoul Central District Court issued the ruling last February in a lawsuit filed by the victim, identified as Ms. Kim, against the state. The bench determined that inadequate investigative measures inflicted severe mental distress on the victim. Specifically, the court criticized the failure to thoroughly clarify the perpetrator’s history of sexual violence due to procedural oversights.
“The victim endured significant psychological trauma from these unfortunate investigative lapses,” the court noted, emphasizing the need for compensation.
Details of the 2022 Busan Spinning Kick Incident
The case stems from an early morning attack in May 2022 in Busan, where a man in his 30s launched a powerful spinning kick at an intoxicated woman, nearly killing her. Surveillance footage captured the assault, showing the attacker dragging the victim to a CCTV blind spot to attempt sexual violence.
Investigators assessed the attack as having strong intent to murder. The perpetrator received a 12-year prison sentence for attempted murder. Subsequent DNA analysis from the victim’s clothing confirmed suspicions of prior serial offenses, leading to an additional 20-year sentence upheld in Daegu in September 2023. He remains incarcerated pending further proceedings.
