In apparent legal first, N.Korean firm files for damages from S.Korean firm -Yonhap

In the suit, filed in the Seoul Central District Court in 2019, the North Korean firm is seeking 5.3 billion won ($4.77 million) for an alleged unpaid bill related to a supply contract, the agency reported, citing legal sources. The bill relates to the supply of about 2,600 tonnes of zinc, which the South Korean firm said it had paid for, Yonhap reported.

In what appears to be a legal first, a North Korean company has filed a lawsuit claiming damages against a South Korean counterpart, Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday. In the suit, filed in the Seoul Central District Court in 2019, the North Korean firm is seeking 5.3 billion won ($4.77 million) for an alleged unpaid bill related to a supply contract, the agency reported, citing legal sources.

The bill relates to the supply of about 2,600 tonnes of zinc, which the South Korean firm said it had paid for, Yonhap reported. The agency did not name either firm. Local broadcaster Channel A said South Korea's unification ministry was aware of the dispute and was collating details.

The first ruling in the case is expected in April, the lawyer representing the North Korean firm told Yonhap. ($1 = 1,110.1300 won)