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Former Sex Workers Call for Probe Into Abuses at Brothels Near U.S. Bases
A group of former sex workers held a press conference outside the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's office in central Seoul on July 8. They urged an investigation into state-sponsored human rights abuses at now-defunct brothels around American military bases.
Jul 8, 3:40 AM·1m read1 source
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A group of former sex workers from now-defunct brothels around American military bases held a press conference outside the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's office in central Seoul on July 8. Yonhap reported that the group, joined by women's rights and other civic groups, called on the commission to investigate state-sponsored human rights abuses against them.
The groups accused the government of encouraging prostitution by systematically designating areas for the brothels and allowing the establishments to operate.
They said some victims without health certificates were detained and forcibly underwent examinations and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. "(We) strongly request that the victims' dignity and honor be restored through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's investigation," the groups said. They chanted slogans calling on the South Korean and U.S.
Governments to apologize for the abuses. In 2022 the Supreme Court recognized the state's responsibility for the brothels, known as "Gijichon," and ordered compensation of between 3 million and 7 million won each to 95 former sex workers. A separate damages suit involving 117 former sex workers remains under way.
