GKU chief policymaker Kim Ta-gyun said Friday Green Korea United (GKU), a leading local environmental protection group, will sue the United States Forces in Korea (USFK) for damages reportedly traced to an oil leak from its main base, the Yongsan garrison in central Seoul.
It will be the first time a compensation claim for damages to the environment is filed directly against the USFK.
In the past, claimants had to sue the Korean government as the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the Republic of Korea and the United States contained no clause on the USFK's responsibilities for environmental protection.
Kim added the lawsuits will be filed after oil leakage from tanks inside the Yongsan base is conclusively identified as the source of pollutants infiltrating into the Noksapyong subway station and surrounding areas.