Court Rules Government Must Compensate Women Wrongfully Detained for Prostitution Concerns
In a landmark ruling, the Seoul Central District Court has determined that the South Korean government is liable to compensate women who were forcibly detained under the guise of preventing prostitution. On May 15, 2025, the court's Civil Division 21, presided over by Judge Kim Ji-hye, partially ruled in favor of 12 women, ordering the state to pay between 4 million to 240 million won per individual, totaling approximately 880 million won in damages.
This case stems from the enforcement of the Prostitution Prevention Act during the 1960s to 1980s, which classified certain women as 'protected persons' and allowed for their detention in facilities such as the Dongbu Women's Technical Institute. Established shortly after the May 16 military coup in 1961, the law defined prostitution as a form of 'degradation' and identified women at 'significant risk' of engaging in such acts as those needing protection.
Despite lacking legal grounds for the forced detentions, the government established numerous women's detention centers across the country, employing police and health officials to conduct widespread crackdowns.
In January of last year, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission classified these actions as human rights violations that infringed upon the constitutional rights to dignity, value, and the pursuit of happiness, recommending apologies and measures for restoring the victims' honor.
Investigations revealed that many of these facilities isolated women from the outside world, making it nearly impossible for them to leave. Conditions included high walls, barbed wire, controlled access, and constant surveillance, leading to a state of confinement. Reports of frequent violence and abuse within these centers, along with inadequate provisions for basic needs and medical care, were also documented.
In April of last year, the 12 women filed a lawsuit against the government seeking 1.6 billion won in damages, and the court's recent decision has validated part of their claims.
