On January 17, a Seoul appellate court upheld a lower court’s ruling that the South Korean government must pay 30 million won (approximately 23,000 USD) in compensation to Nguyen Thi Thanh, a survivor of the massacre.

Nguyen Thi Thanh, the plaintiff, was a victim of the 1968 massacre in Phong Nhi village, located in Dien An Ward, Dien Ban Town, Quang Nam Province.

About 70 people were killed during the massacre, marking one of the darkest episodes of the Vietnam War.

This verdict from the Seoul Central District Court is the first time a South Korean court has acknowledged state responsibility for compensation related to the 1968 Quang Nam massacre.

Vietnam’s response

On January 22, Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang expressed Vietnam’s appreciation for the appellate court’s decision, calling it a ruling that reflects historical truth and embodies the spirit of “putting the past behind and looking toward the future.”

She stated that Vietnam is committed to further strengthening its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with South Korea.

Vietnam also expects concrete actions to address the consequences of war, fostering stronger bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries and their peoples.

In 2020, Nguyen Thi Thanh, a survivor of the massacre, filed a lawsuit against the South Korean government, seeking compensation of 30 million won.

The Seoul court’s decision in 2023 ordered the South Korean government to compensate her with the requested amount, including accrued interest.

This latest ruling by the appellate court upholds the 2023 judgment, reinforcing accountability and opening a new chapter in historical justice.

Tran Thuong