The state intelligence agency will not appeal a court ruling that holds the government liable for the former Lee Myung-bak administration's blacklisting of figures in the arts and culture industry.

In a press release, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) said it had decided not to appeal the Seoul High Court's October 17 decision in a show of respect and had taken appropriate steps with the justice ministry to withdraw the appeal on Friday, the deadline to do so.

The state agency apologized to those who had suffered physical and psychological damage from the blacklist, as well as to the general public, and vowed to reflect on its past misuse and abuse of authority entrusted by the people.

The NIS said it had abolished a domestic intelligence department in 2017 and, three years later, banned the formation of organizations that could spark concern about political intervention as part of preventive efforts.

On October 17, the Seoul High Court ruled that the blacklisting of figures in the arts and culture industry who were critical of the then-Lee government was unlawful and held the state liable for damages.