'1 Billion Compensation for Comfort Women Victims' Ruling Confirmed... Japanese Foreign Minister Strongly Opposes as "Violation of International Law"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin] The court ruling ordering the Japanese government to pay 100 million won each in damages to 12 comfort women victims, including the late grandmother Bae Chun-hee, was finalized on the 23rd as the Japanese government did not appeal within the appeal period.

Motegi Toshimitsu (茂木敏充), Japanese Foreign Minister, who had stated the day before, the deadline for the appeal period, that they would not appeal the first trial ruling, urged the Korean government to take appropriate measures in a statement released immediately after the ruling was finalized, saying, "This ruling clearly violates international law."

According to the court, the Japanese government did not file an appeal by 0:00 on the day of the appeal deadline, confirming the first trial ruling as is.

Under the Civil Procedure Act, a party dissatisfied with the first trial ruling can appeal within two weeks from the date of delivery of the judgment, and two weeks have passed since the first trial ruling was announced on the 8th.

The Seoul Central District Court Civil Division 34 (Presiding Judge Kim Jeong-gon) ruled on the 8th in the damage compensation lawsuit filed by 12 comfort women victims against the Japanese government, stating, "The plaintiffs suffered unimaginable extreme pain due to the Japanese government's inhumane acts," and "The defendant Japanese government shall pay 100 million won per person to the plaintiffs," ruling in favor of the plaintiffs.

Until now, the Japanese government did not respond during the lawsuit process, citing the principle of 'state immunity' (sovereign immunity) under international law, which states that a sovereign state does not stand trial in another country's court.

Accordingly, the court deemed the complaint served through 'public notice service,' held a hearing to examine the case, and judged that the Korean court has jurisdiction to try the case as it involves state-level inhumane criminal acts.

Although the ruling was finalized due to the expiration of the appeal period, it is uncertain whether the victims will actually receive compensation from the Japanese government.

If the Japanese government does not voluntarily pay the compensation, the victims' side must find Japanese government assets subject to seizure and proceed with compulsory disposition through the court.

Meanwhile, according to NHK, Motegi Toshimitsu, Japanese Foreign Minister, in a statement released after the ruling was finalized, said the ruling clearly violates international law and urged the Korean government to take appropriate measures.

Foreign Minister Motegi said, "The ruling clearly violates international law and the agreements between Japan and Korea, which is very regrettable and absolutely unacceptable," and "We strongly urge Korea as a state to immediately take appropriate measures to rectify the violation of international law."