Japan-South Korea rift deepens over wartime ‘Comfort Women’ compensation rulings

During World War II, tens of thousands of women mostly Korean were forced into Japanese military brothels, a system now widely referred to as “comfort women.” Despite Japan’s expressions of regret and a 2015 bilateral agreement meant to resolve the issue, South Korean courts have since ruled that survivors deserve further compensation. This has challenged Tokyo’s claim that the matter was legally settled decades ago and continues to fuel diplomatic friction, even as both countries attempt to work more closely with the United States amid regional threats like North Korea.

On Monday, Japan defended its stance on wartime sexual slavery, rejecting UN criticism and describing South Korean court rulings ordering compensation as “violations of international law.” In its response to UN human rights rapporteurs, Seoul urged Tokyo to “squarely face up to our painful history,” accusing Japan of denying justice to the dwindling number of survivors.

The UN had earlier pressed Japan to address concerns that its investigations and reparations were inadequate, pointing out that Tokyo ignored at least three South Korean court rulings between 2021 and 2025. Japan, however, insists that all claims were resolved under a 1965 treaty normalising ties and a 2015 bilateral deal. It further argues that the rulings breach the principle of state immunity, while South Korean courts maintain that crimes against humanity cannot be shielded by such protections.

Survivors and activists continue to demand justice, with some urging the dispute be taken to the International Court of Justice. At the time of the 2015 deal, 46 of the 239 registered victims in South Korea were still alive; today, only six remain.

Despite the tensions, recent diplomatic efforts signal attempts at rapprochement. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in August before travelling to Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump — highlighting how regional security concerns are pushing the two neighbours to cooperate, even as historical wounds remain unresolved.