South Korea to Establish National Fund for Victims of State Violence

Busan, South Korea – A landmark legal victory for survivors of abuse at Yeonghwasuk and Jaesaengwon, state-run care facilities in Busan, is paving the way for the creation of a national public interest foundation to support victims of state violence across South Korea. The initiative, fueled by a portion of the legal fees from the successful lawsuit, aims to provide comprehensive support beyond the Busan region.

Legal Victory and Compensation

On January 28, 2026, the 11th Civil Division of the Busan District Court ruled in favor of 185 plaintiffs, including Son Seok-ju, representative of the Victims and Survivors Council of Yeonghwasuk and Jaesaengwon, recognizing the state and city’s liability for compensation. The court awarded a total of 51.1 billion won in damages. The Ministry of Justice has indicated it will not appeal the ruling, solidifying the outcome.

Expanding Support Beyond Busan

Currently, support for victims of state-run facilities is largely localized. The Busan City Brothers Welfare Center Incident Victims Comprehensive Support Center, for example, only serves residents of Busan. The new public interest foundation seeks to address this gap by establishing a nationwide network of support, extending assistance to victims regardless of their location or the specific facility involved.

Lawyers Donate Success Fees

The Lawyers for a Democratic Society, primarily through its Busan branch, represented the 19 lawyers involved in the Yeonghwasuk and Jaesaengwon case. They have committed to donating approximately 1 billion won of their success fees to the foundation. Discussions regarding the donation began in December 2024, as the lawsuit progressed.

Addressing Unmet Needs

Representative Son Seok-ju emphasized the need for broader support, stating that many victims remain unsupported due to factors such as institutionalization in mental hospitals or detention centers, or their residence in remote areas or lesser-known facilities. The foundation aims to identify and assist these individuals, providing resources for legal action, mental health support, and overall well-being.

Historical Context: Yeonghwasuk and Jaesaengwon

Yeonghwasuk and Jaesaengwon operated in Busan during the 1950s and 60s, originating from Japan’s colonial-era welfare system. While presented as social welfare institutions, they functioned as detention centers, forcibly holding children without due process. Survivors have testified to enduring beatings, sexual violence, and degrading treatment.

Brothers Welfare Center Case

A similar case involving the Brothers Welfare Center in Busan concluded on January 22, 2025, with the Busan District Court, Civil Division 7, recognizing the state’s liability for damages caused by abuses at that facility. The Brothers Welfare Center operated from 1960 to 1992 and was plagued by allegations of kidnapping, forced labor, and systemic violence.

Looking Ahead

The establishment of this national public interest foundation represents a significant step towards acknowledging and addressing the long-term harm caused by state-sponsored violence in South Korea. By providing a centralized platform for support and advocacy, the foundation aims to empower survivors and prevent similar abuses from occurring in the future.