A 3.7 billion won damages lawsuit that Seoul Metro filed against the state, seeking to be reimbursed for the expense of free subway rides for persons of national merit, has begun.
The Civil Division 36 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Kwon Tae-gwan) held the first hearing on Apr. 15 for the lawsuit filed by Seoul Metro against the state seeking the payment of subsidies and other relief.
The corporation says it provides free subway rides to persons of merit under the Act on the Honorable Treatment of and Support for Persons of Distinguished Service to the State, and that the government should rightfully pay subsidies. It therefore filed a damages suit for 3.7 billion won, the loss incurred from free rides by persons of national merit on the Seoul subway in 2024.
At the hearing, the corporation said, "If the state, whether the entity is a public corporation or a private company, compels another party to carry out the state's duty on its behalf and does not provide fair compensation, both public corporations and private companies will face very serious difficulties," adding, "The state should establish the relevant laws and regulations to ensure fair compensation is made."
It went on, "The current laws and regulations state that support is possible within the budget," and said, "If the law is interpreted to mean that even while forcing the work, the budget need not be supported at all, that is unconstitutional."
However, the court said, "It is not that we do not understand the purpose of the lawsuit, but we question whether this matter can be contested in a civil action." It added that the key issue in this case will be whether the civil claims of unjust enrichment or tort, as pleaded, are established.
The court set June 10 as the date for the second hearing.