Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "No Decision Yet on Japan Forced Labor Solution... Accelerating Diplomatic Efforts"

Japanese Media "Korea Requests Donations to Foundation from Japanese Companies" Report
Foreign Ministry "Not Discussing Specific Measures"

Cho Hyun-dong, First Vice Foreign Minister, Returns Home After Korea-US-Japan Deputy Foreign Ministers' Meeting
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that "nothing has been decided yet" regarding the resolution of the compensation issue for 'forced labor under Japanese colonial rule.' This is interpreted as a rebuttal to Japanese media reports claiming that "the Korean government has explored a plan to collect funds from Japanese companies under the pretext of donations equivalent to compensation payments."

At a regular briefing on the 27th, Senior Spokesperson Lim said, "Although the Korea-Japan Deputy Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held in Tokyo on the 25th, both countries did not discuss any specific single plan during the talks," adding, "I would like to say that Korea-Japan relations are improving, and accordingly, diplomatic efforts by both countries to find a solution to the forced labor issue are accelerating."

Earlier, Japan's Asahi Shimbun reported that the Korean government plans to compensate victims through the Foundation for Victims of Forced Mobilization under Japanese Colonial Rule and then demand funds from Japanese companies to the foundation. A Foreign Ministry official dismissed this, saying, "Reports by some Japanese media, including Asahi, are groundless."

The official also responded to the question, "Does Japan's sincere response, which the Korean government has been consistently demanding, mean that Japanese companies will donate to the foundation?" by saying, "The call for a response means that Japan will consult on the victims' opinions, including apologies, who should apologize, and the level of apology."

He added, "You can understand that we are continuing to exchange opinions on various options."

After returning from his visit to Japan, First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun-dong met with reporters at Gimpo Airport and said, "Both sides' diplomatic authorities are currently making their best efforts, but it is not a situation where I can say how much progress has been made or not," adding, "We are continuing our efforts, so if there is progress, I think there will be an opportunity to explain it to the media."