Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Launch Public-Private Consultative Body on 'Forced Mobilization Solution Discussions' on the 4th of Next Month

Foreign Minister Park Jin is briefing on the results of the Korea-US summit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government Seoul Building, Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 23rd. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] A public-private consultative body to seek solutions for compensation related to forced labor during Japanese colonial rule is scheduled to launch on the 4th of next month.

According to support organizations on the 29th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is preparing for the launch of the public-private consultative body, plans to hold its first meeting on the 4th of next month and has requested the attendance of victim groups. Previously, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been promoting the formation of a public-private consultative body chaired by the First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, including experts and victims, to discuss solutions for the liquidation (sale) of domestic assets of Japanese companies responsible for forced labor.

The basic framework being discussed is a 'subrogation payment' plan, where the government or Korean and Japanese private sectors pay compensation on behalf of the Japanese companies and later claim reimbursement. However, the main issue is how and to what extent the Japanese side can be involved.

Another key issue is whether the perpetrator companies will participate in contributing funds to be paid to the victims.

Meanwhile, victims demand the participation of the perpetrator companies, but Japan is reportedly rejecting this, arguing that it would undermine the 1965 Korea-Japan Claims Agreement.