[Press Conference] "Korea-Japan Historical Issues Require Victim Consent Before Diplomatic Solutions"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] President Moon Jae-in emphasized on the 18th that while a diplomatic solution must be found to resolve historical issues between Korea and Japan, such as forced labor during the Japanese occupation and the comfort women issue, the victims must first be able to agree to it.

At a New Year's press conference held at the Blue House Chuncheon Hall that day, President Moon said regarding the forced labor compensation issue, "I do not think it is desirable for the ruling to be enforced through forced execution or for the judgment to be realized in such a manner in Korea-Japan relations," but added, "It is a priority to find a diplomatic solution between the two countries (before relations deteriorate), but the diplomatic solution must be one that the plaintiffs (victims) can agree to."

He explained that the two governments should consult on methods that the victims can agree to and resolve the issue through a process of persuading the victims as much as possible.

President Moon stated, "I acknowledge the 2015 Korea-Japan comfort women agreement," but added, "Based on that foundation, we will continue consultations between Korea and Japan to find a solution that the surviving victims can also agree to."

Regarding the Japanese government's actions to expand historical issues into other areas such as economy and security, he criticized them as unwise. He pointed out that historical issues and future-oriented development tasks between Korea and Japan should be approached separately.

President Moon emphasized, "I believe it is necessary to separate historical issues by case and find solutions individually," and added, "I think it is never wise to adopt an attitude that cooperation in other fields cannot proceed until these issues are resolved."

[Image source=Yonhap News]