Bereaved Family of Apartment Security Guard in Gangbuk-gu Wins 100 Million Won Lawsuit Against Perpetrating Resident

An apartment security guard in Ui-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, who took his own life claiming to be 'unfairly treated,' was found inside the security office of the apartment on the 11th. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] The family of the late security guard Choi Hee-seok, who took his own life after leaving a suicide note due to abuse by apartment residents in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, won a civil lawsuit against resident Shim Mo (49), who was identified as the perpetrator.

On the 12th, Judge Noh Yeon-joo of the Civil Division 10 at the Seoul Northern District Court ruled in favor of the plaintiff in full in the 100 million KRW damages claim filed by Choi’s family against Shim.

The family had filed a lawsuit in May seeking 50 million KRW in damages for medical expenses and mental suffering caused by the assault and injury Shim inflicted on Choi during his lifetime, and 25 million KRW for the mental anguish suffered by Choi’s two daughters due to his death.

In this trial, Shim did not respond to the family’s lawsuit by failing to submit an answer, resulting in a default judgment in favor of the family.

If Shim does not appeal within two weeks after the verdict, the first-instance judgment will become final. Once the judgment is finalized, the 100 million KRW damages can be enforced by means such as provisional seizure of Shim’s assets. Previously, the court had issued provisional seizure orders on Shim’s real estate and bank claims in late May and early June.

Separately, the criminal trial against Shim is still ongoing. The prosecution has indicted Shim on seven charges, including violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (retaliatory confinement, injury, retaliatory assault), false accusation, attempted coercion, intimidation, and injury.

Shim’s next trial is scheduled for the 21st.

Security guard Choi left a voice will stating that he was assaulted, injured, and threatened by resident Shim during a conflict over parking in April, and passed away on May 10.

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