Case Overview:

The Seoul Central District Court ordered a man in his 20s, identified as Mr. Choi, to pay ₩43.7 million (≈ USD 31,000) to the South Korean government.

This marks the first civil ruling holding a murder-threat poster liable for government expenses incurred during an emergency response.


Incident Background:

On July 21, 2023, a real stabbing attack occurred near Sillim Station, shocking the nation.

Just a few days later, on July 26, Choi got into an online argument with female users on a community website.

In anger, he posted:

> “I’ll kill 20 women at Sillim Station on Wednesday.”


Government’s Action:

The Ministry of Justice filed a civil lawsuit claiming public funds were wasted responding to the false murder threat.

The government argued that 703 police officers — including cybercrime units and riot squads — were mobilized, costing about ₩43 million in taxpayer money.


Court’s Ruling:

Presiding Judge Jo Jung-min of the Civil Division 93 found Choi liable for damages.

The ruling stated that his false threat caused a massive mobilization of state resources, constituting public harm and misuse of funds.

Choi must compensate the government ₩43.7 million for the wasted manpower and emergency deployment.


Criminal Proceedings:

Separately, in a criminal trial, Choi was convicted of threats and obstruction of public duty by deception.

He received a 1-year prison sentence, suspended for 2 years (probation).


Significance:

This decision sets a legal precedent allowing the government to recover costs from individuals who cause public panic or waste resources through online threats.

It underscores the seriousness of “murder notice” posts and the courts’ stance that digital threats have real-world consequences.

Article: https://www.lawtimes.co.kr/Case-curation/211619