First North Korean Defector Files Lawsuit Against Kim Jong-un in South Korea

On July 11, 2025, Choi Min-kyung (최민경), a 53-year-old North Korean defector and head of the North Korean Abductee Family Association, will file a civil and criminal lawsuit against Kim Jong-un, the Supreme Leader of North Korea. This marks the first time a North Korean defector has taken legal action against Kim in a South Korean court.

Choi, who hails from Kyongwon County in North Hamgyong Province, enjoyed a privileged childhood due to her father's position as a Workers' Party official. However, after the death of Kim Il-sung in 1994, food rations ceased, leading her to decide to defect. Between December 1997 and July 2008, she attempted to escape North Korea four times but was caught by Chinese authorities and forcibly repatriated. Upon her return, she was detained for several months, during which she suffered sexual violence, physical abuse, and torture. Choi finally arrived in South Korea in October 2012 and has since been active in North Korean human rights advocacy, preparing her lawsuit against Kim with the help of the North Korean Human Rights Information Center.

Choi is accusing Kim Jong-un of violating the International Criminal Law, which stipulates that individuals who systematically attack civilians can face life imprisonment or a minimum of five years in prison. Additionally, she is seeking 50 million won in damages for emotional distress. Choi stated, "The North Korean regime systematically inflicts horrific torture on repatriated defectors, and the physical and psychological suffering lasts a lifetime. I am currently receiving psychiatric treatment for PTSD."

She acknowledged that proving Kim's culpability and holding him legally accountable will be challenging. However, she emphasized the ongoing suffering of many defectors in detention facilities and her commitment to seeking justice. Choi expressed hope that her lawsuit would raise awareness about North Korean human rights issues.