Imprisoned as a Spy... Documentary 'Jabaek' Protagonist Wins 2.5 Billion Won Compensation Ruling

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] A ruling has been made that the state must compensate the family of the late Kim Seunghyo, the protagonist of the documentary film 'Confession' which deals with victims of fabricated espionage cases, with 2.5 billion KRW.

Seoul Central District Court. / Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

On the afternoon of the 1st, the Seoul High Court Civil Division 12-1 (Presiding Judges Yoon Jonggu, Kwon Sunhyung, Park Hyeongjun) ruled in the appeal trial of the damages claim lawsuit filed by Kim's family against the state, stating that "the government must pay the family a total of approximately 2.51 billion KRW," partially ruling in favor of the plaintiff. Compared to the first trial, which set the compensation at approximately 1.57 billion KRW and ordered monthly payments of 2.11 million KRW for up to 14 years for medical expenses, the compensation amount has significantly increased.

Earlier, Kim, a Korean resident in Japan, entered Seoul National University in 1973 but was taken by the Central Intelligence Agency the following year on charges of espionage activities. He falsely confessed to being a spy under torture and was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment and 12 years of disqualification.

Kim, who was paroled in 1981, suffered from fear due to the aftereffects of torture and imprisonment, experiencing pain such as being unable to go out properly.

Kim's brother filed for a retrial in November 2016, and the court acquitted Kim in August 2018. It was recognized that Kim had made a false confession due to illegal arrest and investigation. Kim's side filed a damages claim lawsuit against the state in March 2019 regarding this case.

Meanwhile, Kim passed away at his home in Kyoto, Japan, in December 2020, about a month before the first trial verdict.

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