South Korea's foreign ministry says a court has partially rejected the government's request to deposit compensation for plaintiffs involved in wartime labor suits against Japanese firms.

On Monday, the foreign ministry said it had begun the process by which a government-affiliated foundation would deposit compensation with the court for four plaintiffs who have refused to receive payouts.

The foreign ministry on Tuesday revealed that the court had rejected the government's request with regard to one plaintiff.

The ministry said the court's rejection is unacceptable as the procedure was decided after thorough legal consideration.

It says it will make arrangements to lodge an objection as soon as possible.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs say the court decision should be respected. They argue that depositing compensation with the court will undermine the plaintiffs' rights, and are urging the government to cancel the process.

The beginning of the process signifies Seoul's determination to address the issue, which has long been a source of tension with Japan. But South Korean media say the court decision could stall progress.

In 2018, South Korea's Supreme Court ordered two Japanese companies to pay compensation to individuals who say they or their relatives were forced to work for the firms during World War Two.

The Japanese government says any right to claims was settled completely and finally by a bilateral agreement in 1965, when Japan and South Korea normalized ties.

In March, the South Korean government announced that a foundation affiliated with it would pay damages in place of the Japanese businesses.

Eleven of the 15 plaintiffs accepted the proposal, and received payment from the foundation.