The Victims Won: South Korea court orders Japan to pay reparations to Japanese military sexual slavery victims

On January 8, 2021, the Seoul Central District Court in South Korea made a landmark decision ordering Japan to pay reparations to the victims of the Japanese military sexual slavery system before and during World War II. The Court, stating that the victims suffered a crime against humanity, ordered the Japanese government to pay 100 million won (approximately US$91,000) each to the surviving victim and family members of those who are deceased. In August 2013, twelve women filed for court mediation seeking 100 million won each for damages incurred from the Japanese government. Japan refused to accept the mediation and relevant documents known as a public notification. Then the case proceeded to a formal trial.
​
For more information on this landmark case as well as others, click here. 
​
Statements:
South Korean NGOs (English)
MINBYUN-Lawyers for a Democratic Society (Korean)