Parents all over the world angry at Saemangeum Scout Jamboree failure, possibility of developing into mass lawsuit = Korean coverage

Parents around the world who sent their children to the 2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree Tournament are known to be angry at the poor camp environment and food, and the Korean government may be involved in a large number of lawsuits. concerns are growing.

The participation fee for the tournament is about 6 million won per person, and the opportunity to participate is only once in a lifetime, so there is a possibility that a class action claiming refunds or compensation will occur. ing. Such concerns are compounded by the fact that the number of participants in the United States, which is also known as the “country of litigation,” has reached 1,500, even for small disputes.

However, legal experts predict that even though it will be difficult for the Korean government to absolve itself of its moral responsibility, it is unlikely that an unreasonable lawsuit will actually take place. It is said that not only does it take a considerable amount of money and time to file a lawsuit overseas, but the procedures are complicated and there is no "real benefit" from the standpoint of the guardian.

Since this issue occurred in South Korea, we will have to file a lawsuit in a Korean court. The lawsuit could target individual civil servants responsible for running the jamboree, such as the jamboree organizing committee and the minister of gender and family affairs. No matter who the specific lawsuit is, it is effectively the Korean government.

However, experts explain that it is inefficient to appoint a lawyer who will go to trial in South Korea to get a refund of the participation fee of about 6 million won. Sunsil University law professor Chung Sam-hyun said, "The amount of lawsuits themselves looks big, but if you calculate it based on the amount paid to each guardian, it's just a small claims court. But a foreign litigation would not be a good way to go," he said.

It is unclear whether the foreign parents will be able to meet the requirements as litigants in this case, and the fact that the South Korean government has not committed any blatant illegal act is also a concern as to whether to file a lawsuit. Another expert pointed out, "Incompetent work is wrong, but whether legal liability arises is another matter."

For this reason, it is speculated that the relevant agencies are more likely to demand refunds through diplomatic means than parents filing lawsuits and fighting in court.

"Since the Scout Jamboree was given six years to prepare, it would be difficult for the South Korean government to deny responsibility for its operation," said Choi Jun-sung, professor emeritus at Sungkyunkwan University Law School. "It seems that the scout federations of each country will lodge a protest with the official for the waste of their budget."

However, experts added that asking for a 'full refund' could be considered. It is true that the tournament was held and progressed, and it must be taken into consideration that alternative programs such as cultural experiences were provided in place of the canceled schedule. There is also a prospect that there will be discussions on how to calculate an appropriate refund amount.