Japan ordered to pay damages to sex slaves

Korean lawyer Kim Kang-won speaks to the media at the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul after the judgement. PIC/AFP

A Seoul court on Friday ordered the Japanese government to pay damages to South Korean victims who were forced into sex slavery during World War II.

The Seoul Central District Court ruled that Japan should pay reparations of 100 million won ($91,20) to each of 12 plaintiffs, who filed a petition for dispute settlement in August 2013.

Out of the 12 plaintiffs joining the damages claim suit, only five are still alive.

Among the 238 South Korean women who identified themselves as former sex slaves, the number of survivors is 16.

The damages claim suit was only referred to the Seoul court in January 2016, and the first hearing was held in April 2020.

100mn
Value of damages in won