Court Orders Man to Pay Damages for Hoax Bomb Threat Against Seoul Department Store
Quick Look
A Seoul court has ordered a man in his 20s to pay 12.56 million won (US$9,136) in damages for making a hoax bomb threat online targeting Shinsegae Department Store in August 2025, marking the first time a court has recognized full compensation for public security costs wasted due to an online threat.
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Why It Matters
The man posted a hoax bomb threat on YouTube in August 2025, claiming he would bomb Shinsegae Department Store, prompting a significant police response.
SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- A court has ordered a man in his 20s to pay 12.56 million won (US$9,136) in damages for wasting police resources last year by making a hoax bomb threat online targeting a Seoul department store, police said Wednesday.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA), the Seoul Central District Court ordered the man on Friday to cover the full cost incurred by the Seoul police, including personnel expenses, overtime allowances, fuel costs and meal expenses.
This marks the first time a court has recognized a claim for full compensation of public security costs wasted due to an online threat, according to the police.
The man posted the threat on YouTube in August 2025, claiming he would bomb Shinsegae Department Store. In response, the SMPA deployed 277 personnel to step up patrols around the department store area. Police tracked down the suspect and arrested him in Hadong, a city located some 290 kilometers southeast of Seoul.
"We will strictly punish those who threaten public safety and hold them accountable to the end for any damage caused by their actions," an SMPA official said.
What to Watch
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Authorities may pursue additional legal action against the suspect beyond financial damages
Possible ยท Within weeks
Open Questions
- What was the man's motive for making the hoax threat?
- Will the man serve any jail time in addition to paying damages?
- Are there plans to amend laws to deter similar online threats?
