'50 Billion Won' Tobacco Lawsuit Loss... Kim Yong-ik "Shocking, Considering Appeal"

Kim Yong-ik, President of the National Health Insurance Service, is answering questions from the press on the 20th in front of the Seoul Central District Court West Building in Seocho-gu, Seoul. On the same day, the National Health Insurance Service lost a smoking lawsuit against tobacco companies including KT&G, Korea Philip Morris, and British American Tobacco (BAT) Korea. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) expressed that the first trial loss in the 50 billion won damages claim lawsuit against domestic and international tobacco companies for losses caused by smoking is a "very shocking and regrettable ruling."

NHIS Chairman Kim Yong-ik said to reporters immediately after the ruling on the 20th, "We have tried to obtain legal recognition of the clear damages caused by tobacco, but we have confirmed once again that it is not easy," expressing his thoughts.

The Seoul Central District Court Civil Division 22 (Presiding Judge Hong Ki-chan) ruled on the 20th that the NHIS's damages claim lawsuit against KT&G, Philip Morris Korea, and BAT Korea was dismissed.

Regarding the background of the loss, Chairman Kim analyzed, "I think there is a lack of social atmosphere in Korea to acknowledge the damages caused by tobacco."

The NHIS is immediately considering an appeal. Chairman Kim said, "We are reviewing the direction of appealing," and added, "Along with improving social awareness, we will continue to make efforts, including the appeal issue, to have this matter legally recognized as damages."

Seo Hong-gwan, Chairman of the Korea Anti-Smoking Movement Council, also evaluated the ruling as "disappointing" on the same day.

Chairman Seo said, "Tobacco companies cause 62,000 deaths annually in our country but have never compensated even a single won," and added, "We expected the judiciary to hold tobacco companies accountable for taking citizens' lives and causing suffering, but it is disappointing."

He further stated, "In foreign countries, governments represent tobacco victims to demand compensation and have already won many cases," and said, "Our judiciary needs a change in perspective."

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