Former President Yoon Seok-yeol Requests Advance Payment for Legal Costs in Lawsuit

In a recent development, 105 citizens have filed a lawsuit against former President Yoon Seok-yeol, claiming they suffered mental distress due to the declaration of a state of emergency. In response, Yoon has requested the court to order the plaintiffs to secure the costs of the lawsuit in advance. On June 5, legal sources reported that Yoon submitted a request for a bond for legal fees through attorney Lee Geum-kyu of the law firm Doshi. Attorney Lee represents the plaintiffs, who are seeking 1 million won (approximately $850) each, totaling 105 million won (around $89,000), for damages related to the mental anguish caused by the emergency declaration. Notably, Lee also served as a representative for the National Assembly during Yoon's impeachment trial. The request for a bond allows the court to instruct the plaintiffs to provide security for legal costs, which would be required if the plaintiffs lose the case. This mechanism is typically invoked when the defendant believes the plaintiff's claims are unreasonable or the lawsuit is frivolous. If the court orders the bond and the plaintiffs fail to comply within the specified timeframe, the court may dismiss the case without further hearings. The first hearing for this case is scheduled for June 27.