Social Media Prank Turns Deadly, Outcome of a Murder Threat

Lawsuit against the man who posted a ‘murder threat’
Ministry of Justice demands $36,600 in damages
Additional lawsuits against other posters are planned

A man in his 20s who posted a “murder threat” online as a joke is now facing a lawsuit filed by the Ministry of Justice.

The Ministry revealed on the 19th that they had filed a lawsuit against Mr. Choi (29, under arrest and indicted), seeking damages of around 43 million won (approximately $36,600).

Last July 26th, Choi posted on an online community, “I am standing in front of Sillim Station Exit 2 with a knife. I will start killing people now,” which prompted the deployment of dozens of police officers and interfered with police activities. He was sent to court on this charge on the 31st of last month.

According to the Ministry of Justice, a total of 703 police officers, including the Cyber Investigation Team of the National Police Agency and mobile units, were deployed as a result of the murder threat posted at Sillim Station.

The Ministry pointed out that this deployment wasted taxpayers’ money, including officers’ compensation and fuel costs for mobilized vehicles. Therefore, they filed a lawsuit claiming damages amounting to 43,701,434 won (around $36,600).

Previously, the Ministry had publicly stated that they would hold those who post such threats civilly liable for causing public anxiety and wasting significant law enforcement resources.

Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon declared, “We will continue to hold those who post-murder threats criminally and civilly liable to ensure that such incidents do not occur again.”

This lawsuit appears to be the first of many, as the Ministry of Justice, the Seoul High Prosecutor’s Office, and the National Police Agency plan to file additional lawsuits against other posters.

Netizens reacted with comments like, “They should repay the waste of taxpayer money,” “He should receive harsh financial penalties,” “Good, get them all,” “As if there’s nothing else to do but make terror threats,” and “Life is not a game.”

By. Han Ji Young (Jmyuuung@tenbizt.com)