Japanese Media: "Korea-Japan Leaders' Phone Talk Ends in Deadlock Over Forced Labor and Comfort Women"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Regarding the first phone call between President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, Japanese media on the 16th evaluated that the two leaders remained at a stalemate over the issues of forced labor during Japanese colonial rule and the Japanese military comfort women.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan's largest daily newspaper, reported that Prime Minister Kishida made his first phone call with President Moon since taking office the previous day, and that Kishida demanded appropriate responses regarding the forced labor and comfort women issues but "ended at a stalemate."

Nihon Keizai Shimbun also covered the news of the Korea-Japan leaders' phone call under the headline "Korea-Japan Leaders at a Stalemate over the Forced Labor Issue" (using the Japanese term 'Chingong' for forced labor workers during Japanese colonial rule).

According to the Blue House, President Moon told Prime Minister Kishida that "the problem lies in the difference in legal interpretation regarding the scope of application of the 1965 Korea-Japan Claims Agreement" and said "it is desirable to seek a diplomatic solution."

In response, Nihon Keizai evaluated that "this statement conflicts with the Japanese government's position that the forced labor issue was resolved by the Claims Agreement."

While the Japanese government claims that the issue of compensation for forced labor under Japanese colonial rule was concluded under the Korea-Japan Claims Agreement, South Korean courts have recognized the compensation responsibility of Japanese companies, stating that the agreement did not extinguish individuals' claims.