Over 100 South Korean women have filed a major lawsuit against the United States military, saying they were forced into prostitution while US troops were stationed in South Korea, their lawyers confirmed on September 9.
Historians and activists say that from the 1950s to the 1980s, tens of thousands of South Korean women were forced to work in government-run brothels to serve American soldiers deployed in the country.
In 2022, South Korea’s top court ruled that the government had illegally managed these facilities for the US military and ordered compensation for about 120 victims.
Last week, 117 women filed a new lawsuit directly targeting the US military, demanding an apology and seeking around 10 million won (about $7,200) each in damages.
Unlike the more widely known “comfort women” abused by Japan during World War II, these women have received less attention because of the long-standing US-South Korea alliance.
Historians say that the businesses surrounding military brothels, such as bars and restaurants, made up roughly a quarter of South Korea’s economy in the 1960s and 70s.
One plaintiff, who asked to remain anonymous and is now in her 60s, said she was 17 when she was tricked into the job, believing she would work as a bartender.
She said she was physically abused by US soldiers and forced into sexual acts nightly. Victims were given painful medical treatments for infections, sometimes leaving them unable to walk.
Women’s rights groups supporting the case said the US military violated the South Korean Constitution and deprived these women of their freedom, causing long-lasting harm.
The lawsuit names both the South Korean government and the US military. Under current law, the government must compensate victims first and can then seek repayment from the United States.
Attorney Ha Ju-hee said the case aims to hold both the South Korean authorities and the US military responsible for these illegal acts.
The US still has around 28,500 troops in South Korea to deter North Korea. A US Forces Korea spokesperson said they are aware of the reports but could not comment due to ongoing legal proceedings, emphasizing that the military does not condone actions that violate South Korean law and remains committed to discipline.
