The Seoul High Court's Civil Division 3-3 has recently ruled on the appeal case concerning damages owed to Kim Ji-eun by Ahn Hee-jung, the former governor of Chungcheongnam-do, and the Chungcheongnam-do provincial government. On March 12, 2025, the court decided they must compensate Kim with 83.04 million won after she claimed damages for the sexual assaults she endured under Ahn's power.
Kim, who served as Ahn's secretary, sparked the South Korean #MeToo movement by bravely coming forward with allegations of sexual assault and harassment against Ahn. This landmark case has encouraged conversations about power dynamics and the treatment of survivors within political structures.
Initially sentenced to three years and six months by the Supreme Court for indecent assault against Kim, which occurred between July 2017 and February 2018, Ahn was released on parole after serving his sentence, returning to societal scrutiny. The appeal ruling is notable not just for its outcomes, but for the wider discussions it fosters about accountability and victim rights.
Kim filed her damages suit against Ahn and Chungcheongnam-do back in July 2020, seeking 300 million won due to the severe emotional distress and medical costs incurred from the trauma she experienced. Her injuries also included post-traumatic stress disorder linked directly to Ahn's actions and the subsequent secondary harm she suffered through public exposure and the legal process. The courts recognized the overlapping responsibilities of Ahn and the provincial government due to the circumstances of Kim's duties at the time of the assaults.
The appellate court upheld much of the first trial's findings. Initially, the lower court had awarded Kim 83.47 million won, which included 30 million won solely from Ahn, with the provincial government liable for the remaining amount. The appeal did see some reductions, as the amount for medical expenses reflected discrepancies between estimates and actual costs incurred.
During the appeals, Ahn’s legal team argued for the need for re-evaluation of medical assessments linked to Kim's claims, maintaining their position even after having been defeated at the first level of court. Kim's side countered this effort, arguing the stress of additional examinations would only exacerbate her trauma and struggles.
Kim responded to the verdict through the Korea Sexual Violence Counseling Center, stating, "I have done my best for the past 8 years to achieve a smooth resolution of the incident... I hope this ruling will lead to more changes going forward." She expressed her persistent hopes for societal reform stemming from her long struggle against the political violence faced.
During follow-up discussions with reporters, attorney Park Won-kyung represented Kim’s interests, expressing disappointment at the limited recognition of claims made during the legal proceedings. "It is regrettable... the plaintiff's claims were not accepted completely..." stated Park, indicating the limits of relief borne from the court's ruling and the challenge of securing comprehensive justice for victims like Kim.
Despite not receiving the full amount she originally sought, Kim remains committed to advocating for fellow survivors and addressing the impact of power-based sexual violence. The case’s resonance within the #MeToo movement reflects the struggles many victims face and reinforces the importance of their stories being heard.
It is evident from Kim Ji-eun's experience and the related legal battles, the fight against sexual violence, especially within power dynamics, is still very much active. She implores change, insisting her commitment to justice and solidarity with other victims remains strong: "Although the road ahead may be rough, I hope this ruling will lead to more changes going forward." Kim's resilient spirit contributes to the growing momentum for discussions about victim rights and accountability, reshaping societal views on such grave matters.