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[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Kim Hyung-min and Jung Dong-hoon] There is a growing call for the government to file a lawsuit seeking compensation against Shincheonji Church of Jesus (Shincheonji), which has been identified as the main culprit behind the nationwide spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The demand is to hold them accountable for the massive public funds spent.

According to government authorities on the 28th, government expenditures since the COVID-19 outbreak this year have already reached astronomical levels. It is estimated that the amount the government has spent or will soon spend is about 9 trillion won. This includes 3.4 trillion won in contingency funds secured by the government and 5.2 trillion won reportedly available for use by 243 local governments nationwide.

In response, civic groups such as the 'Patriotic Citizens' Movement Coalition' submitted a petition to the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission on the 26th, urging the government to seek compensation from Shincheonji. Posts demanding lawsuits for compensation against Shincheonji are also increasing daily on the Blue House's public petition board.

Legal circles analyze that Shincheonji’s criminal liability must be clearly established for the state to file a compensation lawsuit regarding the COVID-19 spread.

A lawyer in Seocho-dong pointed out, "The key is to prove whether the Shincheonji sect had intentional or negligent actions that worsened the COVID-19 situation," and a legal insider predicted, "From the government's perspective, they can emphasize that Shincheonji submitted the list late or provided incorrect lists, which led to further spread of COVID-19."

Shincheonji’s criminal liability is likely to become clearer through upcoming prosecution investigations. The investigation has already begun in earnest after the National Shincheonji Victims' Solidarity filed a complaint against Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee with the Supreme Prosecutors' Office on the 27th. The Suwon District Prosecutors' Office is handling the case and is expected to conduct raids on Shincheonji churches and investigate related individuals. If decisive evidence influencing the spread of COVID-19 is found during the prosecution’s investigation, it could soon lead to the government filing a lawsuit.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

If the current situation continues, government expenditures are bound to increase uncontrollably. This is why there is an analysis that the government cannot remain passive.

Currently, based on the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, the government bears the full cost of COVID-19 related infection tests, quarantine, and treatment. For diagnostic tests, the cost per suspected patient is about 160,000 won. If a doctor recommends the test, the government covers the entire cost. As of the morning of this day, the total testing cost is known to be about 7.2 billion won. The number of tests is likely to increase sharply while verifying the entire list of Shincheonji believers.

Support for living expenses is also growing in scale. Those under self-quarantine who receive quarantine notices are provided 1.23 million won based on a four-person household. It is known that tens of thousands of people nationwide are currently under self-quarantine. There is also a regulation to compensate employers up to 130,000 won per day per individual for paid leave, which the government must bear.

If the government proceeds with a compensation lawsuit, the Ministry of Justice will handle legal representation. Article 2 of the Act on Litigation Involving the State stipulates that "the Minister of Justice represents the state in lawsuits where the state is a party or participant." However, a Ministry of Justice official said, "There is no internal discussion yet. Even if there is, it is not at the stage of review."

State compensation lawsuits often end with the state losing or withdrawing the case midway. However, there have been cases of victory. On the 17th of last month, the 22nd Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Lee Dong-yeon) ruled that the family of the late Yoo Byung-eun, former chairman of the Sewol Group, must bear 70% of the costs incurred by the state during the Sewol ferry disaster recovery process.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.