Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "No Discussion Yet on 'Specific Solution' for Forced Labor Issue Between Korea and Japan"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] On the 17th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its position that "it is not yet the case that Japan and South Korea are conducting consultations focusing solely on a specific solution" regarding the issue of compensation for forced labor.

At a meeting with reporters on the same day, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official responded to a question about a senior presidential office official's statement the previous day that "I have received reports that the solutions between the working-level officials of both countries are narrowing down to one or two options." The official emphasized, "Rather than consultations between South Korea and Japan being conducted on one or two options, we are continuously striving to find a reasonable solution that aligns with our mutual interests." Furthermore, regarding domestic opinion gathering, the official said, "We are exploring various methods, including public hearings and smaller-scale opinion collection processes," and added, "There will also be a process to gather public opinion and, if necessary, jointly announce the opinions of the Japanese side and our government."

To prevent the forced liquidation of assets of Japanese companies accused of forced labor, the compensation ruling must be implemented by methods such as having the accused companies' debts paid to the victims on their behalf. Since the option of having pure private sectors, including Korean and Japanese companies, raise funds and pay the victims using the Foundation for the Support of Victims of Forced Mobilization established in 2014 was previously mentioned in the public-private council, it is widely expected that this is also being actively discussed between the governments. However, the key issue is whether Japan can take "sincere responsive" measures, such as apologies from the accused Japanese companies and participation in raising funds. On the previous day, Cho Hyun-dong, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, appeared on TV Chosun News and said, "I believe that a reasonable solution can only be reached if there are reciprocal measures from both sides."