A South Korean court has ruled in favor of Korean victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery, ordering Japan to pay compensation to the victims. 

The Seoul Central District Court on Friday ordered Tokyo to pay 100 million won each to 12 plaintiffs, including the late Bae Chun-hee, who were forced into sex slavery as "comfort women" for Japanese soldiers during World War Two.

In August 2013, the 12 plaintiffs, who include victims and their surviving family members, filed a petition for dispute settlement demanding 100 million won each in compensation from Japan. 

But Japan refused to respond to the court's attempts to start the mediation process, leading the victims to request a formal trial. The case was referred to a court in January 2016.

Out of the 12 plaintiffs, only five remain alive.